Elders

The Presbyterian pattern of church government vests governing authority primarily in elected members known as elders. The word “Presbyterian” comes from the Greek word for “elder.”

Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership and have responsibilities for the life of the congregation as well as the church at large. The body of elders elected to govern a particular congregation is called a session. Their primary charge is to seek to discover and represent the will of Christ as they govern. 

Presbyterian elders are both elected and ordained. Through ordination they are officially set apart for service. They retain their ordination beyond their term in office.

The session is the smallest, most local governing body. The other governing bodies are presbyteries, which are composed of several churches; synods, which are composed of several presbyteries; and the General Assembly, which represents the entire denomination.

Deacons

The government of the Presbyterian Church is representative, and it is the right of God’s people to elect not only elders, but also deacons. Through ordination, deacons are also officially set apart for their special function in the church.

The ministry of deacons is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.  

Deacons are organized as a board and their ministry is under the authority of the session. In addition to caring for members and neighbors in need, handling educational tasks, disbursing monies to specific persons or causes, the deacons assist with the Lord’s Supper and accompany the pastor when serving communion to the homebound.

Class of 2018
Debbie Gauthier (2nd term)
Beth Ryder (2nd term)
Kathleen Ford (1st term)

Class of 2019
Peter Blashka (1st term)
John Early (1st term)
Amy Wittman (1st term)

Class of 2020
Mary Ginnebaugh (2nd term)
Deb Shober (2nd term)
Phil Mikulsky (2nd term)

Clerk of Session
Shirley Schoffelman