Who We Are

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 Staff

Rev. Mark Poyner

Pastor
Pastor Mark is grateful and excited to serve as the newly installed Pastor of Peapack Reformed Church. Before entering ministry, Mark enjoyed a successful 22-year career in business management, where he developed strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills that now enrich 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 in America (RCA). He most recently served as Pastor of Community Reformed Church in Whiting, NJ, where he led the congregation through seasons of revitalization and outreach, developing ministries that fed both body and spirit — including a Food Pantry and Hot Meal Pickup Program that served more than 100 people each week.
Pastor Mark’s preaching reflects the heart of the Reformed faith — rooted in Scripture, grounded in grace, and guided by the confessions of the church, including the Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, and Belhar Confession. His messages seek to connect biblical truth with everyday life, inspiring believers to live faithfully, love deeply, and serve generously.
At Peapack Reformed Church, Pastor Mark embraces the congregation’s vision of being Called, Empowered, and Committed — called by Christ’s love, empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve, and committed to building God’s Kingdom within the community and beyond. He brings a pastoral heart for unity, a passion for teaching, and a steady commitment to nurturing a vibrant, welcoming church where all can experience the transforming grace of God. Mark is blessed with a wonderful wife Beverly, 3 children (John, Christopher, Elisabeth) and 5 beautiful grandchildren ages 4 months to 8 years.
Krista Larsen

Executive Director
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
Krista has been on the Peapack Reformed staff since 2009. With a diverse work background in design and unique creative skillset she brings new and fresh ideas to the table in the blink of an eye that have brought the workplace even closer to its fullest potential. In addition, Krista brings empathy, compassion and enthusiasm to her job daily.
As graduate of Berkeley, Krista is also a professional interior designer with a home-based business. In her down time, you can find Krista drawing, reading, baking, and creating.
Larry J Carey

Music Director
Larry has been involved in church music for several decades and has served churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Kansas. He has a graduate of McPherson College in Kansas and completed graduate studies at Ithaca College in New York. In addition to music making, Larry enjoys working in his flower garden. He is the father of three sons, Stephen, Marcus and Michael.
Robert Raniero

Building Manager
Manager of Buildings and Grounds here at our beloved Peapack Reformed Church. Robert graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth NJ, Class of 1973, soon after enlisted in the US Navy. Upon completion of his basic training, was accepted at Submarine school in New London, Connecticut. Returning home after fulfilling a four-year enlistment.
Robert worked as a Construction Supervisor at Elizabethtown Water Company for 35 years of service. In 2011, he took a position at the Lyons, VA, assisting homeless Veterans as they transitioned back into permanent housing, retiring from the VA in December of 2022. Robert has served on Consistory as an Elder and on the Buildings and Grounds committee. It is his pleasure to be of service to you and Peapack Reformed Church.
P-G Food Pantry

Volunteer Food Pantry Directors
Sandy Butturff
Lilly Vaccaro
Joan & Peter Weller
The keystone of the Peapack Reformed Church is community and we are passionate about providing love and support to our neighbors in need. The Peapack-Gladstone Food Pantry is a hub where community members can come to get food, personal hygiene items, and additional basic necessities, free of charge. Donation supported and volunteer-run, the P-G Food Pantry is here to help. Please Email: pgfoodpantry@gmail.com to arrange donations of perishable items (i.e. Eggs & Milk) to volunteer, or for any other information.