We are beginning the process of nominating church officers for the coming year, and we welcome your suggestions of those members whom you see as particularly gifted for serving as elders or deacons. We ask that you submit names as soon as possible, and no later than Sunday, August 30. Nominating forms will be available at the church and online here.

The members of the 2015 Officer Nominating Committee are Tom Faucette, Parker Sword, Andrew Beck, Jackie Burt, and John Connor.

Session of Elders

The governing body of First Presbyterian Church is the Session, nominated and elected by the congregation. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of this church as well as of the church at large, including ecumenical relationships.

The Book of Order offers the following guidance on this office: "Congregations should elect [as elders] persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they 'lord it over' the congregation (Matt. 20:25), 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 of First Presbyterian Church is composed of fifteen elders who serve on a three-year rotation. Annette Tudor is the current Clerk of Session; Gordon Turnbull serves as Moderator. The following members now serve as elders of First Presbyterian Church:

Class of 2015

Tom Carter

Tom Faucette

Blaine Hunigan

Parker Sword

Annette Tudor

Class of 2016

Kevin Buck

Tom Daniel

Dottie Havlik

Brian Miller

Paul Warhurst

Class of 2017

Ann Abel

Beth Flannagan

Ernie Pennington

Con Sauls

John Vann

Deacons

The Diaconate, or Board of Deacons, is another body of officers ministering in the church. It is the first duty of deacons to minister 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.

The Book of Order offers the following guidance on this office: "The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.

The Board of Deacons of First Presbyterian Church is composed of fifteen members who serve on a three-year rotation:

Class of 2015

Sujean Bradley

Sue Faucette

Will Hankins

J.B. Madison

Pete Stigers

Class of 2016

Andrew Beck

Jon McClain

Chad McCracken

Lensey Richardson

Donna Sikorski

Class of 2017

Nathan Heacock

Jim Mayden

Mark Mervis

Robin North

Byron Schiesz