Governance and Organization

Session

The session is the governing body of the congregation. It is composed of active Ruling Elders and the Pastor (who serves as the moderator). Ruling Elders are women and men chosen and elected by the congregation who show wisdom and maturity of faith and have demonstrated skills in leadership and compassion. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation, but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. The session (not the pastor alone) is responsible for governing the congregation and guiding its witness to the sovereign activity of God in the world so that the congregation is and becomes a community of faith, hope, love, and witness. The session has particular responsibility and power to:

a. provide that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard.

b. provide that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received.

c. nurture the covenant community of disciples of Christ.

The Session follows the Constitution of the PC(USA) (the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions) and the Standing Rules of the congregation.

Ruling Elders are elected to three-year terms, which can be renewed once. After six years of service, an Elder must take a year off from serving on the Session.

Want to contact one of the Ministries of the Session? Fill out the form below and your info will get passed along to the right person.

Ministries of the Session

At St. James, the life and activities of the church are divided up into seven ministries (i.e. committees, but that’s a dull word we avoid). Each ministry has a responsibility for a particular area of church life. See the church org chart here.

 

Worship Ministry

Oversees the worship service, music, special worship events, and concerts.

Current Chair: Team-Led

 

Mission, Outreach, and Witness Ministry (MOW)

Oversees mission projects, philanthropic activities, and relationships with mission partners.

Current Chair: Elder Daryl Macer

 

Christian Education Ministry

Oversees educational opportunities for all ages, as well as all children and youth activities.

Current Chair: Elder Deandra Schmidt

                    

Finance Ministry

Oversees all church finances, including budgeting and investments, as well as stewardship campaigns.

Current Chair: Team-Led

Treasurer: Darilyn Stratton

 

People and Nominating Ministry

Oversees all HR issues and nominations for church offices.

Current Chair: Elder Terry Smolich

 

Trustees

Oversees all physical church facilities and grounds.

Current Chair: Elder Liz Domine

Clerk of Session

Elder Nancy Schultz