The governing body of First Pres is our Session (from the Latin sessio, “a sitting”). It is responsible for guiding and directing all aspects of our ministry and operations. This is in keeping with the concept embedded in the word “Presbyterian,” which come from the Latin presbuteros, meaning “an elder.” In Old Testament times, the community elders who were were selected to lead the people sat in judgment — often near the gates of the city. By the way, the term “elder” does not imply that our elders are elderly. They span a wide range of ages.
Our Session is made up of 24 elders, elected by the congregation for three-year terms. Each elder is a member of specific “class” that specifies the year that he or she will complete the three-year term. Our Pastor is Moderator of the Session; our Associate Pastor is Vice Moderator. Minutes are recorded by a Clerk of Session (also an elder, but not necessarily one serving currently on the Session, who has many duties regarding the records of the church, and who also serves as secretary of meetings of the congregation.
Our Session is unicameral (single chambered). This means that First Pres doesn’t have a separate Board of Deacons responsible for “ministering to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.” These things are done by the Session.
To facilitate the work of the Session, members serve in six different Commissions — each responsible for a major area of leadership:
- Administration
- Care
- Christian Education
- Fellowship
- Outreach
- Worship
Session and Commission Minutes
You can download the Minutes of recent Session and Commission meetings by visiting the Church Documents page (below the “Information” Tab on the menu, above).
