The session
The Session, which consists of the pastor and elders in active service, is the governing body of our church. Session has charge over many things – including but not limited to providing opportunities for evangelism, receiving new members, leading the congregation in the participation in the mission of the whole Church; providing for the worship of the people of God, providing for the growth of church members and their equipment for ministry through personal and pastoral care, developing and supervising the education programs of the church, leading in ministry of personal and social healing, challenging the people of God with the privilege of Christian stewardship, establishing the budget – just to name a few! (to learn more about Session responsibilities – look at the Book of Order, available online at oga.pcusa.org.)
The Presbyterian Church believes that one of the responsibilities of membership is the election of officers who are ordained to fulfill particular functions. This doesn't mean that those not holding office aren't vital to our congregation's being! Folks serving as elders, deacons or the minister are no more and no less special than anyone not serving. They differ from others in function, or the responsibilities they carry out during a defined time.
The New Testament tells us of two offices: those of presbyters (ministers of Word and Sacrament and elders) and deacons.
The Book of Order (which makes up part of the PC(USA) constitution) tells us this:
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament Church provided persons with particular gifts to share in governing and ministry. Elders are chosen by the people. Together with the Minister of Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government and discipline. They serve faithfully as members of the session. It is the duty of elders to strength and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people. They should keep the pastor and session informed of persons or structures that need special attention…..
How this works at the First Presbyterian Church at Dayton:
In our church, we organize our life together through committees – each entrusted with a specific area of ministry. While membership on particular committees is open to all – it is the elders that are called to provide leadership and to report back to the central governing body (Session). Elders are assigned to various committees according to their God given gifts. Each of our committees meet on a monthly basis, with the exception of Long Range Planning which meets as needed. Session meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through June.
2011-2012 (currently)
Moderator: Rev. Wendi L. Werner
Clerk: Elder Carolyn Bryant
CLASS OF 2012
Ruth Cerequas: Worship Committee, chair
Bonnie Knigge: Personal & Worship Committee
Barbara Trent: Worship Committee
June Wood: Long Range Planning Committee, chair and Fellowship Committee
CLASS OF 2013
Howard Jones: Stewardship Committee, chair
Ron VanDyke: Personnel Committee, chair
Keith Watlington: Buildings & Grounds and Personel Committees
Marlene Wolf: Stewardship Committee
CLASS OF 2014
Dick Hart: Fellowship Committee, chair
Bruce Scurato: Buildings & Grounds Committee, chair
Ginny Trent: Christian Education Committee, co-chair
Beth Vittor: Christian Education Committee, co-chair
The Presbyterian Church believes that one of the responsibilities of membership is the election of officers who are ordained to fulfill particular functions. This doesn't mean that those not holding office aren't vital to our congregation's being! Folks serving as elders, deacons or the minister are no more and no less special than anyone not serving. They differ from others in function, or the responsibilities they carry out during a defined time.
The New Testament tells us of two offices: those of presbyters (ministers of Word and Sacrament and elders) and deacons.
The Book of Order (which makes up part of the PC(USA) constitution) tells us this:
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament Church provided persons with particular gifts to share in governing and ministry. Elders are chosen by the people. Together with the Minister of Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government and discipline. They serve faithfully as members of the session. It is the duty of elders to strength and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people. They should keep the pastor and session informed of persons or structures that need special attention…..
How this works at the First Presbyterian Church at Dayton:
In our church, we organize our life together through committees – each entrusted with a specific area of ministry. While membership on particular committees is open to all – it is the elders that are called to provide leadership and to report back to the central governing body (Session). Elders are assigned to various committees according to their God given gifts. Each of our committees meet on a monthly basis, with the exception of Long Range Planning which meets as needed. Session meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through June.
2011-2012 (currently)
Moderator: Rev. Wendi L. Werner
Clerk: Elder Carolyn Bryant
CLASS OF 2012
Ruth Cerequas: Worship Committee, chair
Bonnie Knigge: Personal & Worship Committee
Barbara Trent: Worship Committee
June Wood: Long Range Planning Committee, chair and Fellowship Committee
CLASS OF 2013
Howard Jones: Stewardship Committee, chair
Ron VanDyke: Personnel Committee, chair
Keith Watlington: Buildings & Grounds and Personel Committees
Marlene Wolf: Stewardship Committee
CLASS OF 2014
Dick Hart: Fellowship Committee, chair
Bruce Scurato: Buildings & Grounds Committee, chair
Ginny Trent: Christian Education Committee, co-chair
Beth Vittor: Christian Education Committee, co-chair