Elders
Elders are elected by the congregation. It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Specific responsibilities, described in the Book of Order, have to do with encouraging and equipping the congregation through worship, service, mission, care, and education.
Elected elders serve on a board called The Session which is responsible for the mission and government of the local church. All committees, ministry teams, boards, and working groups of the congregation function under the direction of the session. The session of First Presbyterian Church consists of the pastor (Teaching Elder), who serves as moderator, and 12 elected members (Ruling Elders)
As a body and as individuals involved in the life and ministry of the church, members of the session are charged with the strengthening and nurturing of the congregation. There are administrative responsibilities, many involving financial matters, but the primary responsibilities of the members of session have more to do with service, nurture, and development of the congregation than with “micro-management” of all church activities. Effective officers are the ones who work for the empowerment of church members, discovering together our individual and corporate gifts for ministry.
The First Presbyterian Church Session
The session consists of 12 members in three annual classes of four members. The Pastor is the Moderator of the Session. The Session meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Parlor at 6:30 p.m.. The meeting will conclude by 8:30 p.m. unless the Session votes to extend the time to 9:00 p.m. Business not completed by 9:30 shall be conducted the following Thursday at 6:30 p.m. or at the next month’s meeting. All meetings of the Session are open to members of the congregation. The Book of Order gives the Session the right to meet in executive Session (such portion not being open) whenever circumstances indicate the wisdom of doing so. (G-10.0200)
Each meeting includes time for prayer, spiritual and leadership development, reports from committees, and other business of the church. The Moderator appoints elders to various committees who, invite members of the congregation to serve as committee members. Committees submit written reports of their work at the session meeting which include items for information and specify items requiring session action written in the form of a motion.
The session meets to conduct the “business of the church,” however, the Pastor will order the meeting so as to maximize the time available for discernment, development, and spiritual and theological discernment related to the life and ministry of the church.
Deacons
The office of deacon is described in the scriptures (Acts 6:3) as one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Deacons express in their demeanor and ministry a spiritual character of love, sympathy, compassion, and discernment.
The Book of Order specifies the duty of deacons is to minister to those who are in need, the sick, friendless, or ones in distress. The Deacons also assume other duties as delegated by the Session, which may include leading the people in worship through intercessory prayer, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper. (G-6.0402) As the whole church is under the jurisdiction of the Session, the Board of Deacons is subject to the direction and authority of the Session.
The Board of Deacons of First Presbyterian Church is made up of 12 members, one of whom is elected as Moderator. The Pastor and Coordinator of Programs attend the meetings of the Board of Deacons in advisory and resource capacity.
The Deacons conduct their duties through the work of committees such as Communion, Kitchen & Dining Room, Flowers & Remembrance, and Outreach. Caring ministries are also carried out through the assignment of each Deacon to a geographical district of congregants, this ministry is shared with the Elders.
The First Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons consists of 12 members in three annual classes of four members. The Deacons elect a Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Secretary, and Treasurer from among the Board. The Deacons meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Parlor at 7:00 p.m..
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