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Elders

I have broken this complex organization into three parts - 1) Matriculation, 2) the Members of the Board of Elders by year of ending service and 3) the Committees they manage (including the members and function of the committees). 

Matriculation Members Committees

The Presbyterian Book of Order defines Elders and their duties as follows:

"  Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large. They shall serve faithfully as members of the Session.

Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel.

It is the duty of Elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen 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, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed.

They should inform the pastor and Session of those persons and structures which may need special attention. They should assist in worship. They should cultivate their ability to teach the Bible.

Those duties which all Christians are bound to perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon Elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities."

In simple terms, the "Board of Elders" is more or less the governing body of  their Presbyterian Church.  They initiate, approve, staff, and manage the Committees that oversee most of the work in the church, and without these managing elements the Presbyterian Churches worldwide would be, as it were, a "shambles".  Being an Elder is a unique privilege bestowed on a church member by the existing Board of Elders and the Minister.  

Elders meet monthly or on an `as needed' basis in a body called the church "Session".  The Session is moderated by our Minister, and proceedings are recorded by the Session Clerk.  Some `key' members of the Session are not Elders - but volunteers doing a critical job (such as the Clerk and Treasurer).

Dr. Mark Salmon - Session Moderator

Averill Walters - Clerk of the Session

Roger Schroeder - Church Treasurer

Bertha Ott - Trustee