The SessionThe Session is the governing body of our church, responsible for all aspects of the church’s life and mission. The Session consists of twenty-four “Elders”, who are elected by the congregation for three-year terms in classes of eight. In addition, the Pastor and Associate Pastors are also members of the Session. The Session provides spiritual leadership to the congregation and oversees everything from worship to missions and Christian education. The current members of our Session are:
The DiaconateThe Diaconate, like the Session, is composed of twenty-four officers who are elected by the congregation for three-year terms in classes of eight. Members of the Diaconate are known as “Deacons”. Deacons are charged with the ministry of compassion, such as caring for the sick and shut-in and those who are in some special need. The Deacons also oversee many practical areas of the church’s life, such as the maintenance of the facilities and grounds and the church’s finances. The current members of our Diaconate are:
Committees of the SessionChristian Education – The Christian Education
Committee is responsible for a diverse number of programs, in
conjunction with the Director of Christian Education. It oversees the
entire educational program of the church, including such programs as
preschool and kindergarten; adult, youth, and children’s Sunday School
programs; Wednesday night children and youth programs; Children’s
Church; Vacation Bible School; church retreats; recreational programs;
and general supervision of the church library and other education
materials. Congregational Life & Evangelism – The
Congregational Life & Evangelism Committee is responsible for
oversight of those programs related to the general maintenance and
health of the life of the congregation. In general, the purpose of this
committee is to build up the congregation in spiritual health,
participation, and unity; as well as to assist new members in both
joining and becoming assimilated into the life of the congregation. Fellowship – The Fellowship Committee provides regular opportunities for the congregation to gather together for good fellowship and fun. Long Range Planning – The Long Range Planning
Committee continually reviews the long-term needs of the church, and
provides guidance and vision for the future of the church. Mission – This committee oversees the mission support and programs of our church, including both local and foreign outreach. Personnel – The Personnel Committee, in conjunction
with the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff, has general oversight over both
the personnel and personnel policies of the church. It also provides
both ongoing support to, and regular evaluation of, the church staff. Worship & Church Government – The Worship and
Church Government Committee has responsibility for the full scope of
public worship, in accordance with The Presbyterian Book of Order. It
oversees the work of the Director of Music and all the music programs of
the church. It also is responsible for overseeing the work of the
Officer Nominating Committee each year, as well as for the electing and
training of new officers. It guides the church’s participation in higher
church courts, as well as informing and guiding the Session on any
matters received from higher church courts. Committees of the DiaconateCare & Benevolence – The Care and Benevolence
Committee attends to the needs of the poor, sick, hurting, lonely, and
needy in the congregation; and also in the local community, as
requested. This committee seeks out those in the congregation in need of
special support, and help in whatever way is warranted and available.
The committee also examines all requests for aid from individuals in the
local community and determines what aid may be provided from the
Deacons’ Fund. Building – The Building Committee supervises the
protection, maintenance, and improvement of all Church buildings. This
includes all inside properties, such as furniture, fixtures, musical
instruments, office equipment, heating and cooling equipment, etc. Finance – The Finance Committee is responsible for
all the financial matters and dealings of the church, including such
things as the preparation of the annual budget, overseeing the
expenditure of funds, conducting the annual stewardship campaign, and
overseeing any capital campaigns. Grounds – The Grounds Committee oversees the protection, maintenance, and improvement of all outside church property. Readiness – The Readiness Committee insures the
readiness of the sanctuary for worship, and oversees all items, actions,
and/or persons required for the smooth functioning of worship services. |
