Who We Are

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The Reformed Church in America

The Peapack Reformed Church is a member congregation of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), the oldest active Protestant denomination in the United States, known originally as the Dutch Reformed Church. The terms “Reformed” and “Protestant” come from 16th century Europe, when reforms were being pressed upon the then dominant Roman Catholic Church. Under the leadership of such men as Martin Luther and John Calvin, these protesters, or “Protestants”, organized into various denominations just as boundaries of European nations began to be drawn.

For more information about the RCA, please visit the denomination’s website: www.rca.org

History and Governance

Peapack Reformed Church was organized as a congregation on October 31, 1848, a daughter of the Bedminster Reformed Church. The present sanctuary dates back to 1874, replacing the original sanctuary that was destroyed by fire. A major addition was built in 1915 (now the Fellowship Hall) and an education/office wing in 1985. A major restoration of the sanctuary was completed in 1998 as part of the church’s 150th anniversary celebration.

The administration of a Reformed church organized along Presbyterian lines, that is, it is not a hierarchy. The governing body, the Consistory, is made up of the pastor, who serves as president, and elders and deacons elected by the congregation. The three offices share authority and responsibilities equally.

Peapack Reformed is a member of the Class of Delaware-Raritan, the regional body of RCA churches in the western New Jersey/Bucks County, Pennsylvania area, and of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantics.

Meet Our Team

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PASTOR MARK POYNER

Pastor Mark is grateful and excited to serve as Pastor of Peapack Reformed Church. Before entering ministry, he enjoyed a 22-year career in business management, developing leadership, organizational, and communication skills that continue to shape his ministry. Responding to God’s call in 2015, Mark earned his Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 2020 and was ordained in the Reformed Church of America. His preaching is rooted in Scripture, grounded in grace, and connected to everyday life. Mark brings a pastoral heart for unity, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to nurturing a vibrant, welcoming church. He and his wife, Beverly, have three children and five grandchildren.

Pastor

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LARRY J. CAREY

Larry serves as Director of Music at Peapack Reformed Church. He has been involved in church music for several decades and has served churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Kansas. Larry is a graduate of McPherson College in Kansas and completed graduate studies at Ithaca College in New York. His long experience in church music brings both skill and dedication to the worship life of the congregation. In addition to making music, Larry enjoys working in his flower garden. He is the father of three sons, Stephen, Marcus, and Michael.

Director of Music

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ROBERT RANIERO

Robert is the Manager of Buildings and Grounds at Peapack Reformed Church. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, NJ, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation and was accepted into Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. After completing his four-year enlistment, Robert worked as a Construction Supervisor at Elizabethtown Water Company for 35 years. In 2011, he joined the Lyons VA, assisting homeless veterans as they transitioned into permanent housing, and retired from the VA in December 2022. Robert has served on Consistory as an Elder and on the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He is glad to be of service to Peapack Reformed Church.

Manager of Buildings and Grounds

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ALYSSA VELTRE

Alyssa supports Peapack Reformed Church’s outreach, helping share the life of the church. With a background in writing, web design, creative operations, and journalism and editorial work, she enjoys finding ways to make church news, events, and ministries easier for members and visitors to find and understand. Alyssa has always been drawn to creative work. She is a violinist, an ultramarathoner, and an artist with focus on graphite and devotional scenes.

Ministry Communications

Meet Our Elders & Deacons

KRISTINA LASHER

Elder

KARIN PETERSON