Session of the ChurchThe Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is governed by councils, which “exist to help congregations and the church as a whole be more faithful participants in the mission of Christ.” The councils of the church are the session, the presbytery, the synod and the General Assembly. The session is the council for the congregation and is composed of ruling elders, elected by the congregation to active service, as well as all installed pastors and associate pastors.
Councils serve as an expression of the unity of the church and “all councils of the church are united by the nature of the church and share with one another responsibilities, rights and powers as provided by the Constitution.” Along these lines, each council remains subject to the review of the next higher council. Our polity envisions a system of unity, mutuality and accountability where councils communicate and work together to make important decisions impacting the faith and mission of the whole church. Our polity presupposes a fellowship of love and trust where important constitutional matters are not decided unilaterally, but where lower councils collaborate with higher counsels to prayerfully discern the mind of Christ and work through decisions that will impact the mission of the church. Through dialogue and working together on important and often difficult decisions, sessions, presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly can help the whole church understand more fully what it means for us to be a community of faith, hope, love and witness |
Nominating Elders |
The Book of Order specifies that the membership of the Nominating Committee should represent the diversity of the congregation and that the majority of the membership of the committee should not come from the ruling bodies. The committee briefly holds it first meeting following a Mid-March worship service. At this meeting the committee discusses the procedures outlined in The Handbook for CPC Nominating Committee. All discussions held by the committee are considered confidential. It is only in an atmosphere of trust that the committee can work effectively. This confidentially extends to who is being considered, how they meet the criteria for office and whether or not they accepted.
A “Suggestion for Elder Form” is placed in the bulletin on the first and second Sunday in April. The forms must be returned two weeks following their inclusion in the second bulletin. The form have spaces for three names to be suggested. The congregation may suggest anyone whom they feel would be a good candidate without the consent of the person. Each suggestion should be an active member of CPC (not an affiliate member) and not the spouse of a current Session Member. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for nomination. The committee than meets to reviews the forms. The slate of candidates is established through the congregation’s suggestions for elder and the Nominating Committees and Pastor’s recommendations. Current Session Members should not assume that he or she should automatically serve another term. However, all candidates, including serving Session members eligible, are considered for nomination using the same nominating procedure. Those selected by the committee are individually notified by a member of the committee and asked if they are willing to serve. The Pastor normally calls for a meeting of the Congregation for the purpose of electing elders during the beginning of the first and second Sunday Services in May. The election is normally held following the third Sunday Service in May. New elders are trained during August and during a Session Retreat in September. The term of office begins after their ordination in October. The term of office is normally for three years with a second term or total of six consecutive years being the maximum. |
Stewardship |
Countryside Presbyterian Church firmly believes that giving is not something that is based on the needs of the church, but rather a question of “What is God calling me to do?”
The church’s focus is on tithing and percentage giving, not as a legalism, but as an appropriate faith commitment for which God’s grace empowers us. Stewardship is based on the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual benefit rather than on the basis of the need of the church to receive to balance our budget. The Stewardship Committee sends a letter to all members in early October that includes an “Estimate of Giving” card. The cards may be returned either in the offering plate or by mail. The card’s emphasis is on the word “estimate.” Circumstances may change that will affect our ability to contribute. Prior to the beginning of the New Year, each member’s weekly offering envelopes are placed in the Narthex. During the year, “Stewardship Messages” will occasionally be included in the Countryside Courier. The intent is to remind us that stewardship is not a one time a year issue for us, but rather a subject that we need to pray about throughout the year. |