A constant theme of the listening process was the need for more effective communication within the Presbytery. A measure of mistrust exists that can only be dispelled by useful, frequent interactions among the people of the Presbytery. Cluster meetings, that is, meetings of congregational representatives and Presbytery representatives, will break down the barriers of suspicion and self-interest.

Two thousand years ago Jesus was a master communicator. He painted verbal pictures through his use of parables. He drew or wrote in the sand. He read from a scroll. Today, he would use PowerPoint, the Internet, and the latest communications techniques. The many facets of communication are essential for future Lehigh Presbytery structural and/or leadership models.

The Committee recognizes that the equipment inventory of congregations varies and recommends that the Presbytery assist congregations with the acquisition of computer equipment, both hardware and software, and training.

But communication is more than keeping in touch. Effective communication brings about change; effective communication aids in transformation.

The Committee recognizes the need for the development of a skills assessment tool that would contribute to a "skills bank" of the Presbytery. To attend to its new duties and opportunities, Presbytery Council will need diverse membership including people with special skills and experiences. As programs grow within the Presbytery and the congregations, the Presbytery will need to know the talents available for volunteer and, sometimes, compensated work. The Committee recommends that the Nominating Committee include among its assignments the development of a skills bank that would be available in the development of a slate of committee members and leaders and for others seeking assistance with projects.

The Committee recognizes that this proposal has implications for the budget of the Presbytery. Finding the funds to pay for the additional full time position is one of the primary challenges that will need to be addressed as this proposal is implemented. The Trustees, along with others interested in exploring the Presbytery's alternatives for funding, have created a committee that will offer its report prior to the creation of a search committee for the Stated Clerk/Administrative Associate position.

The Committee also recognizes that some of the committees that will be disbanded have funds that have been collected for the particular work of that committee. These are funds that are not part of the Presbytery's budget. The Committee recommends that these special committee funds be made available to projects consistent with their original purpose, e.g., peacemaking funds should be used for peacemaking projects.

The listening process revealed significant dissatisfaction with Presbytery meetings as they are, Clearly, Presbytery meetings provide important opportunities for gathering as a community for worship, spiritual renewal, and Christian fellowship. But, the Committee encourages Presbytery Council to explore a range of ideas that arose from the comments of the congregations and Commissioners.

The times that the meetings take place are a concern, both for those who must drive home at night and those for whom a weekday meeting during working hours is difficult. The Committee heard that there is a need to develop ways of uniting Commissioners at Presbytery meetings and a need to provide a clearer definition of the purpose and accomplishments of meetings. The Commissioners need more training about their role at the meetings. The format of Presbytery meetings could be revised to allow and encourage open dialogue as a substitute for the reading of reports. More interesting presentations, including PowerPoint and other audio-visuals, would improve Presbytery meetings. Community building workshops and key speakers would enhance meeting time. Finally, information about decisions to be made at Presbytery meetings should always be distributed in advance of the meeting.

The Committee also heard comments about the size of the Presbytery ranging from, "it's too small" to "it's too big." The Committee does not feel that a change in the size of the Presbytery by secession of some churches or merger with neighboring presbyteries is in the best interest of Lehigh Presbytery at this time.

The Committee affirms the value of a camping ministry, but urges the Council to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the current program and site. Many possibilities for an effective camping ministry emerged in the Committee's discussions; all of them should be explored thoroughly. The ideas include regional partnerships or collaborations with other presbyteries, the expansion of camping to include a vibrant adult program, and enhancement of the current site through a vigorous capital campaign.

The adoption of this proposal will necessitate revisions to the Bylaws of the Presbytery. The Committee recommends that the Bylaws be set aside for a period of two years following adoption of the proposal to allow the Presbytery, the Council, the staff, and all the people of the Presbytery to work through transition issues. At the end of two years, the Committee recommends that a Bylaws Committee be appointed to make necessary revisions to the Bylaws.