Our Church
Government
Session
Responsibility for the mission and
governance of the church is vested in the Session, which is
comprised of the pastor, associate pastor(s), and the elders.
Elders are elected for three-year terms and are ordained by
the congregation. The Session receives new members; provides
for the worship and sacraments of the church; oversees the
pastoral care and educational programs; challenges church
members about responsible Christian stewardship of money,
time, and talents; establishes the church’s budget; and leads
the congregation to discover what God is doing in the world
and what God wants the church to be doing.
Deacons
Members of the Board of Deacons,
also elected for three-year terms and ordained by the
congregation, minister to those individuals who are needy,
sick, lonely and in distress. The deacons also assume other
responsibilities that may be delegated by the Session, such as
leading the congregation in worship through prayers of
intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of
the people, and assisting in the Lord’s Supper.
Session
Committees
Committees, composed of volunteers
from the congregation and chaired by a member of Session,
assist the Session by performing duties associated with all of
the facets of church life and programming. These committees
are as follows:
 | Worship and Music
This committee initiates and reviews a variety of
undertakings, such as the contemporary worship service.
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| Missions
Involved with oversees mission funding and
mission interpretation. The Mission Committee sponsors
mission trips to a variety of locations in this country's
urban centers and to destinations overseas. The committee
members also keep in contact with our special
missionaries.
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| Small Group Committee
This committee fosters fellowship and facilitates our
small group ministry.
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| Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee oversees church school
curriculum, vacation bible school, the Christmas pageant,
and other activities.
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| Peacemaking
The Peacemaking Committee works to promote local and
international peace initiatives.
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| Diversity Focus
This committee provides yearly adult educational offerings
that give the congregation the opportunity to learn more
about other cultures and lifestyles.
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| Communications
The Communications Committee oversees such projects as the
church directory, the bulletins, and the monthly
newsletter. It also keeps the local media informed about
church news of interest to the community.
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| Membership
This committee assists with membership classes,
holds receptions for new members, and reviews the
membership rolls to determine active or inactive member
status.
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| Adult Education
This committee holds classes and programs designed to
enlighten and broaden our spiritual lives.
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| Youth
Acting in support of the FPC youth directors, the Youth
Committee helps in the planning of youth activities and
trips.
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| Personnel
This committee establishes job descriptions and salaries
for church staff.
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| Finance
The Finance Committee is involved with budget and
disbursement issues.
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| Stewardship
The goal of this committee is to emphasize stewardship and
giving throughout the year.
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| Buildings and Grounds
Planning for improvements and managing and maintaining
church property are the responsibilities of this
committee.
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| Planning and Evaluation
This committee is responsible for the long-range planning
and goals for the church.
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| Library
Members of the Library Committee organize and maintain one
of the finest church libraries in York. |
