Chapter 1 Organization of the Church—The Session
- The Session
The Moderator and sixteen or more Elders will serve on the Session and should meet regularly on the third Tuesday of each month and at specially called meetings, as required.
Members of this body will be elected by the congregation and will fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with the "Book of Order".
Following is a description of "how" these responsibilities will be fulfilled with an organizational description for accomplishing the task.
At the beginning of each year the Session shall call a Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing Trustees to execute all duties pertaining to the church’s Incorporated status. Three offices must be filled by Session members: President, Treasurer and Secretary. Other members may be selected from the Congregation.
- Procedural Instructions for Officer Nominating Committee
- Nominating Committee Membership
- The Nominating Committee shall be composed of two elders, serving on different commissions, six representatives from the other commissions (one from each of the other six commissions not represented by the two elders) , one representative of Presbyterian Women; and three members of the congregation-at-large (one of whom may be a youth).
- Commissions who do not provide a representative will lose their voice and vote for that year.
- Representatives from the Presbyterian Women and the congregation-at-large may not be serving actively as officers of the church.
- Term of Membership
At-large members on the committee shall serve for one year terms. It is recommended that members from the session be designated so that they represent their respective groups for two years, with staggered terms of service so that continuity be established. No member may serve for more than two consecutive years.
- Election of the Committee
- The two members from the Session shall be active Elders designated by and from the Session.
- The one from the Presbyterian Women shall be designated by and from the Presbyterian Women.
- The three members-at large shall be elected annually from the congregation.
- Ordinarily, the person making the nomination should secure the consent of the nominee as to his or her willingness to serve.
- Chairperson
A holdover Session member (second-year member) of the committee shall serve as chairperson in the interest of continuity and being prepared for the coming year. In the event that a holder Session member cannot serve in that capacity, the committee shall elect a chairperson from the other second-year members.
- Function
- The Nominating Committee is an instrument of the congregation. It receives its calling and direction from the congregation. While it will solicit suggestions for candidates from church officers, it shall not be instructed by any group or individual other than the congregation.
- The committee shall prepare annually a slate of nominees for church officers.
- The committee shall present, as necessary, any nominations needed to maintain a full complement of church officers.
- The committee shall present only one nominee for any office to be filled, having previously secured the nominee's consent to nomination.
- The slate shall be presented for election at a duly called congregational meeting no later than October 1st.
- The slate shall be published in the church bulletin one week before and on the day of the election of officers.
- Selection Process to be followed
- Seek suggestions from the congregation for persons to be considered for nomination.
- Carefully examine the church roll for persons that should be considered for nomination.
- All committee meetings shall be closed and all discussions and deliberations of the committee shall be held in strict confidence between the members. The minister(s) may attend as provided in Section 7.
- Prayerfully and openly discuss potential nominees for the various officers based upon the duties, responsibilities, requirements for the office.
- Consistent with the duties and obligations of the office to be filled, the committee should seek the widest possible representation of its slate of candidates for office.
- Potential candidates should be considered on the basis of the duties, obligations and qualifications for officers as specified in the Book of Church Order.
- Upon completing a term of Office as Elder, individuals shall be ineligible for re-election to the board for a period of one year.
- Prior to contacting individuals to seek consent for nomination, the committee will present the names to the Session for its information and advice.
- Responsibilities of the Minister(s) to the Nominating Committee
- Not being a member of the congregation, the minister(s) is an ex-officio member of the committee without voting rights. The minister(s) shall serve as an advisor and consultant to the committee, providing pertinent Information as necessary to assist the committee in considering potential candidates for church office.
- At the first meeting of the committee each year, the minister(s) shall review with the committee the duties, obligations and qualification for church office.
- Nominating Committee Membership
- Elder Responsibilities
- Attendance of Elders at Session Meetings
To efficiently conduct the ministry of the church, all officers are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings. It is part of the ordination of officers and their pledge to fulfill the duties of office. In cases where circumstances preclude attendance, the individual should notify the appropriate authority of the circumstances and an excused absence will be recorded.
In cases of two consecutive unexcused absences or four consecutive excused absences, notification will be made by the Clerk of the Session to the Moderator. The Council will ensure that a contact is made to better understand the situation and, perhaps, recommend remedial action. Continued absence will necessitate voluntary resignation by the individual or formal action in accordance with the "Rules of Discipline". - Attendance of Elders at Commission/Committee Meetings
Regular participation in commission/committee activities is essential to the operation of the church and its mission. Its officers are assigned to commission/committees for leadership in accordance with their wishes where possible but in no case should it be necessary to serve on a commission/committee against the will of the officer. It should be understood that all active officers must be willing to serve on a commission/committee as a condition of accepting ordination. If during the course of the year, reassignment is desired this should be made known to the Moderator of the Session as appropriate and reassignment will be accomplished as quickly as possible. It is the responsibility of the commission/committee chairman to maintain a regular schedule and to ensure that the members are properly notified of meetings. Where circumstances make it impossible for the committee chairman to attend, he or she will arrange for leadership by another member. Members will notify their chairman when they find it im possible to attend meetings. The commission/committee chairman will make a personal contact in cases of two consecutive unexcused absences or four consecutive excused absences. Replacement will be considered, as appropriate.
- Conduct Unbecoming an Officer of the Church
Cases of serious misconduct of an officer of the church may be brought to the attention of the Session. It may appoint a committee of one or more to counsel with the offending member in an effort to seek resolution of the problem or to request their resignation, if necessary. If further action is required, it must be in accordance with the Book of Order - Rules of Discipline.
- Attendance of Elders at Session Meetings
- Commissions
Eight commissions will be responsible for the work of the church, as directed and approved by the Session. They are: Building and Grounds, Christian Education, Finance, Long Range Planning, Mission, Personnel, Stewardship and Participation, and Worship. Adoption of the "Manual of Operation," which details the work to be accomplished and the approved budget needed to accomplish the tasks, empowers the Commissions to implement their areas of responsibility without further approval of the Session. It is the responsibility of the Commissions to faithfully follow the approved charge of the Session, regularly report their status and recommend approval of changes and/or additional funds.
New areas of endeavor and items, which exceed approved budget, need to be recommended to the Session for approval prior to commitment.
Each Commission will include a Chairperson, a designated Vice-Chairperson and Committee Chairpersons in accordance with the "Manual of Operation" and as appointed by the Session. Other members will be recruited by the Chairpersons as required to satisfy the needs of the Commission and its committees. Each Commission should distribute the work to be accomplished by its committees in accord with the Manual of Operation. In some exceptional cases, there may be a situation where the work can best be accomplished by the commission as a total unit. In every case, it is the responsibility of the commission chairperson to see that all work assigned is accomplished. It also should be noted that the commission chairpersons have the full authority of the Session in operating their commissions and committees. The goal is to place authority in the hands of those charged with carrying out the Session's approved tasks.
Selection of Commission Chairpersons
Staffing, relative to number and make up of Elders and members-at-large, is prescribed by each commission's and committee's job description. Selection of commission and committee chairpersons is the responsibility of the Executive Council and should begin as soon as possible after new officers are elected. Filling each committee will be the responsibility of the committee chairperson with the assistance of the Executive Council if necessary.
Executive Council
The Executive Council will be comprised of the Minister who will act as Moderator, the Associate Minister, all Commission Chairpersons, and the Clerk of the Session. This council should meet as necessary. This council offers an opportunity for planning and for communications between the commissions.
- General Commission Responsibilities
- The commission chairperson including the vice-chair, other officers and committee chairs will meet regularly during the year as required.
- The commission will be responsible for submitting budget recommendations as requested.
- Any and all upcoming events should be placed on the master calendar of the church in the church office well in advance, and all dates should be cleared so as not to conflict with other activities.
- Each commission will regularly report to the session on its activities and plans. Recommendations, if they are not already provided for in this manual of procedure, are to be brought to the Session for approval.
- Each commission is responsible for promoting its emphasis and activities to the congregation at large through all possible means.
- The commission will begin and end each meeting with prayer, a moment of worship or a devotional.
- Buildings and Grounds Commission
- To oversee all concerns regarding the use and the maintenance of the church buildings and property.
- To direct the activities of the custodian by (but not limited to) a schedule of activities both weekly and long-range. To coordinate with the Christian Education and Worship Commissions any special requirements they may have for the custodian - e.g. table and chair arrangement for special functions, etc.
- To maintain an inventory of all the church's furnishings and equipment. This will help in replacement and/or repair decisions and also in the calculation of the insurance needs.
- To coordinate, in conjunction with the Church Kitchen Committee, kitchen needs, equipment repair, purchase requirements (to be included in the annual budget) and any special "set-up" needed to made by the custodian (i.e. dinner arrangements, etc.)
- To be empowered to authorize use of the church building and facilities (NOT the sanctuary) for public organizations, such as but not limited to, Red Cross, Scouts, AARP, AA, etc. Coordinate with Office Manager to be sure facilities are available. In some cases, monetary sums should be considered to cover custodial, kitchen costs, etc. This will be administered in accord with "Policies and Practices for Use of Church Building and Property."
- Christian Education Commission
- The commission is responsible for instructing and guiding believers and their children in Christian Faith and Life. The role of the Christian Education Commission is to assess the educational needs and interests of the congregation, develop and promote ministries to meet those needs.
- Oversee programs attending to the use of various curriculum and resources of the educational groups within the church and recruit and resource teachers and small group leaders for all ages.
- Provide for programs for the Children, Youth and Adults of the church in conjunction with the Children’s Ministry Coordinator, the Director of Youth Ministry, and the Associate Minister.
- It is suggested that the Commission recruit the following people:
- To see that Sunday school classrooms are open and available.
- To see that attendance registers and offering envelopes are placed in each room, gathered up and recorded.
- To keep accurate records for the church and the Presbytery.
- Assure provision of nursery care for infants to toddlers during the worship service on Sunday morning.
- Recruit weekly leadership required for the nursery and notify the church office of the nursery schedule.
- Arrange for appropriate snacks and drinks to be provided.
- Arrange for clean sheets and other supplies (baby wipes, clean toys, diapers, etc.) necessary for the nursery.
- Directs the LOGOS Program and acts as an ambassador and resource person for LOGOS within and outside the church.
- Participates with a pastor in coordinating the calling process and other concerns of the program.
- Assures records of attendance and participation and conducts evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.
- Calls and leads the LOGOS Program staff meetings.
- Organizes the planning for and conducting of parents’ meetings.
- Prays regularly for all leaders and young people in the program.
Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary
Nursery Chair
Logos Chair (and Assistant Chair)
Special Events Coordinator
To provide decorations and refreshments for Rally Day, Confirmation Sunday and Senior Sunday
- Finance Commission
- To maintain oversight over the financial matters of the church by responsible management and recording of income, expenditures, debt, and investments.
- To report to the Session at each regular meeting the church's financial status: including a year-to-date report of the operating budget. Each commission will be provided a monthly report of its operating budget for its use as a management tool. It is each commissioner's responsibility to seek Session approval, through the Financial Management Committee before exceeding his or her budgeted expenditures.
- To oversee the work of the treasurer and to keep an up-to-date job description for that position.
- To maintain (in consultation with the treasurer) procedures for the counting, safeguarding and expenditure of funds.
- To coordinate the development of a budget for the next year. The recommended procedure includes:
- By July 15- submit requests to all commissions for budget needs, by line item, to be returned, along with any pertinent information, to the Financial Management Committee by September 1st.
- After a review of all requests, develop a preliminary budget for submission to the Session at its September meeting.
- After review and modification by the Session, the preliminary budget can be used by the stewardship committee during the stewardship drive.
- Revise the budget after a good estimate of income can be made and present it to the Session at its November meeting.
- Present a budget, approved by the Session, to the congregation for approval at a meeting early in December.
- Implement the approved budget on January 1st.
- Long Range Planning Commission
- Responsible for both short and long range planning. This includes the physical utilization of the facilities of the church as well as the demographics of the congregation, the area forecasts and future direction of the ministries of the church. A planning document, or “Mission Plan,” will be developed and maintained for annual approval by the Session.
- Maintains current "Mission Plan" by coordinating with other commissions for updates and revisions. Generally input should be solicited in September to enable revised plan to be published by year end in time for start up of new committees. Mission Plan should include an ongoing financial plan, which projects the future (5 year) financial needs of the church and seeks ways to meet the demand of those needs.
- Act as liaison between the Session and Capital Campaign Committee.
- Mission Commission
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This commission seeks to express the conviction that we are a part of the Body of Christ and proclaim the gospel by word and deed to the world at large and the world locally. Our task is to involve the whole congregation in this challenge; motivating and nurturing all of our people in understanding and involvement in missions. It is suggested that the commission do its work through three committees: International Missions, Local and National Missions, and Evangelism.
- Study the programs for missions sponsored by the General Assembly and recommend programs that we wish to support. Seek ways to involve our congregation and encourage their support.
- Actively participate in the opportunities of Presbytery for selecting missions that we wish to support. Recommend and promote these programs for the congregation.
- Find new ways to educate and interest our congregation in missions by continuing research of material and resources available to us. Select appropriate materials and make available in a "Missions Resource Center" located in a prominent place in our church.
- Promote and support prayer for Missions.
- Provide the Session a timely recommendation for special offerings to be requested for the coming year.
- Strive to be informed of the needs of the community and to recommend support of those in need.
- Participate with other churches to serve the needs of the community.
- Promote congregational support by working with the International Committee to establish and furnish local missions materials for a "Missions Resource Center".
- Maintain and coordinate continuing support of local programs for the needy, i.e. Zion Kitchen and Shelter, Eagles Wings, Meals on Wheels, etc.
- Provide opportunities for giving to special funds for missions.
- Seek and promote opportunities for sharing the Gospel.
- Actively participate in the opportunities of the Presbytery for evangelism (e.g. ECU Campus Ministry).
- Find news ways to educate and interest our congregation in evangelism.
- Promote and support prayer for evangelism.
The International Committee
Local and National Mission Committee
Evangelism Committee
- Personnel Commission
- To review and recommend revisions in personnel policy guidelines covering benefits, working practices, etc. This includes maintaining current knowledge of medical insurance and making recommendations to the Finance Committee for revision as appropriate.
- To coordinate with appropriate committees to assist in maintaining current and comprehensive job descriptions and training.
- To coordinate annual job performance reviews and feed back in connection with salary recommendations and at other times as required.
- To develop salary recommendations and provide to the Finance Committee in order to meet their budget schedule. This will be accomplished with careful consultation with others, as appropriate.
- Assist, as required, when personnel problems arise. Assist other committees in evaluation of workload, hiring, firing, etc.
- Stewardship and Participation Commission
- Planning and executing the annual canvass; a continuing year-round program, which will result in a genuine spiritual and financial commitment by the congregation.
- Review membership roll regularly, contacting inactive members, and making relevant recommendations to the session regarding membership status of respective individuals.
- Solicit time and talent sheets from the congregation on a regular basis.
- Initiate and continue an Endowment campaign through the Planned Giving Committee, which will also handle Memorial gifts, including, maintaining a record of all memorials given to the church and acknowledge the receipt of all gifts promptly.
- Creatively follow-up with new members helping them to become integrated into the full life of the church.
- Worship Commission
- The commission is responsible, in cooperation with the minister and the director of music, for the orderly coordination of all services. This includes worship services and other services such as weddings and funerals. It is also responsible for all supplies, furnishings, etc. needed for these services.
- Oversee the music ministry of the church.
- Direct arrangement of the appointments of the Sanctuary. i.e. furniture, banners, decorations, etc.
- Recommend policy for the utilization of the sanctuary and its furnishings for all events.
- Establish the schedule at the beginning of the year for all communion services to be held during the year and recommend to the Session for approval. Place on church calendar when approved. Ensure that advance notification is given in church bulletin, newsletter, etc.
- Responsible for flowers in the sanctuary, in cooperation with the Flower Committee.
- Co-chairpersons should be recruited to lead this effort. They should attend this commission's meetings, as well as the coordinating councils meetings, and will be a member of both.
- A flower calendar should be purchased from the Christian Book Store each year and posted to encourage members to sign up to provide flowers each Sunday.(Flowers are not used on communion Sundays and it should be so noted on calendar.) This committee will ensure that flowers are provided each Sunday as required.
- The Flower Committee will be asked to provide flowers for some special occasions. i.e. socials, receptions, evening services, etc. This committee is responsible for budgeting and ordering all supplies needed for this effort. Special occasions such as Christmas and Easter should be handled in accordance with attached procedures.
Chapter 2 Organization of the church – The Deacons
- Ushering (3)
- Serve as head ushers
- Recruit and train other head ushers
- Recruit, train, and organize other ushers
- Welcome (3)
- Focus on making visitors feel welcome
- Recruit, train, and organize greeters
- Organize follow up of visitors to congregation
- Communion prep (1)
- Recruit, train, and organize communion teams
- Purchase all supplies—elements, candles, etc.
- Visitation (3)
- Focus on inclusion of shut-ins, help in meeting their needs
- Recruit, train, and organize home-bound visitation
- Meals (3)
- Recruit and organize meal delivery
- Recruit and organize Meals-On-Wheels
- Organize two congregational meals a year
- Inclusion (2)
- Connect with college students with newsletter and exam kits
- Provide and publicize transportation for those who need it.
- Card Ministry
- Prayer Chain
- The new chairman should meet with the previous chairman as soon as possible after being appointed. This meeting shall cover the role of the chairman, past revisions to the ushering program, any changes that are needed for the current year, and goals for the upcoming year.
- Develop the "HEAD USHER LIST" for the upcoming year.
- Develop a new "ROSTER OF USHERS" for the upcoming year, using the previous years list (with deletions as required), current "time and talent" information, and personal contacts.
- Recruit a list of individuals who are willing to usher at church funerals or special services. Provide this list to the office so that they may be used as required. Note the last sentence on page concerning Funeral Services states: As is traditional in the church, one or two elders will greet worshippers at the door.
- When the new lists are complete, assign head ushers and ushers for a three month period using the appropriate forms. Deliver the completed form to the church office for distribution and for use in the bulletin and newsletter.
- Close cooperation and coordination is required between this committee and the Worship Commission. The chairman or a member of this committee should attend Worship Commission meetings as needed for coordination. The Worship Commission should advise, in a timely manner, this committee of special services or requirements for the upcoming month.
- It is the responsibility of this committee to conduct a training session for all head ushers prior to their service. Each usher shall be provided a copy of the current "Duties of Head Ushers." The training session will include a tour of the church grounds and buildings noting the location of locks, light switches, thermostats, etc. This will aid them in fulfilling their responsibility to secure the church after services.
- Prior to their service, it should be determined by the head usher that assigned ushers are familiar with their duties. (This can be quickly determined when they arrive for service.) Ideally, a formal training session should be held every several years.
The Purpose of the Deacons
It is the duty of deacons, first of all, 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. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper. Book of Order G-6.0402.
The deacons are those who serve the congregation in mechanics of worship (all ushering, greeting, communion set-up) and who take special interest in the full inclusion and participation of all in the life of the congregation. The difference between the elders and deacons is not one of importance but of function. The session is the deliberative body, while the deacons are those who are commissioned to serve and do the work. And, therefore, should not be burdened with deliberation or administration.
The Structure of the Deaconate
The deacons … may be individually commissioned by the session to particular tasks consistent with the responsibility of their office. The session shall ordinarily conduct an annual review of their service, at which time their commission may be renewed, altered, or terminated. Book of Order G-6.0403
The deacons will not be organized into a “board” as traditionally understood, but will be elected to fulfill very specific duties and responsibilities, as provided by the Book of Order. They will be nominated by the nominating committee and elected by the congregation. They will be individually commissioned by the session to particular tasks consistent with the responsibility of their office. Originally there will be 15, however, the number can be modified by the session in accordance with the needs of their assigned duties.
The Responsibility of the Deacons
The areas of responsibility divide into two logical groups: Worship and Congregational Care. Each of the two groups will elect a chair. These two individuals will serve as Co-chairs of the deaconate. The deaconate will meet at least quarterly for fellowship, training, and sharing information. The groups or sub-groups will meet more often as needed to organize and complete their work.
A report will be made quarterly to the session regarding the work of the deaconate and about their needs regarding money or regarding the number of deacons to be elected.
The first year the deacons will be elected to the following six areas of responsibility, however, as stated earlier, this organization is always open to change.
Areas of Responsibility (numer of deacons)
USHERING COMMITTEE
The appendix to this manual includes specific instruction for the ‘worship teams.’
Chapter 3 Church Policies
- A healthy, promising relationship between the couple;
- A good relationship between those who are to be married and the minister;
- A complete plan of the wedding service.
- The funeral service at First Presbyterian Church must be scheduled with the minister to assure a time when the building and the minister will be available.
- There can be alternative methods for the conducting of services at the time of death. These could include a private graveside service for family members as soon after death as possible and/or a public service of worship (memorial service) conducted at the church later.
- The privilege and responsibility of selecting the pallbearers belongs to the family of the person who has died, and they are encouraged to make such selections and to arrange with the funeral director to contact those selected. First Presbyterian Church is always ready to try to provide pallbearers, if the family or the funeral director will contact the church to see if such arrangements can be made. As is traditional in the church, one or two elders will greet worshippers at the door as they arrive for the service.
- A funeral service at the church is a time for worship, which strengthens faith and which declares hope in the resurrection. A "viewing" of the body is not compatible with the purpose for which this service is held, and so the casket will remain closed while in the sanctuary.
- No more than two floral arrangements may be placed in the sanctuary prior to a funeral. These arrangements shall be placed on the flower stands (tables) located on either side of the chancel area. Families are encouraged to recommend appropriate institutions or charities for memorial gifts. The Memorial Committee of First Presbyterian Church is available to consult with the family regarding the use to be made of memorials given to the church.
- The casket is not to replace the communion table or Baptismal font.
- When a service is to be held at First Presbyterian Church, the minister, or other officiating minister, will make arrangements for music, being glad to comply with any special requests of the family for special music. The church will arrange for the organist.
- If the family requests an additional minister to participate in the service, this request should be made known to the minister of First Presbyterian Church so that he may extend the invitation and work out details for the service.
- Services by fraternal orders should be limited to the graveside and be coordinated with the minister prior to the service.
- A casket spray (provided by the family or friends) or a funeral pall (provided by the church) may be used to cover the casket while in the sanctuary. The pall is not permitted to leave the church, however.
- For members of this congregation, no fee is charged for the minister or organist.
- 10% of the annual proceeds are to be used for local mission needs.
- The remaining proceeds may be used, if required, for capital expenditures and major maintenance of the church as approved by the Session. Funds are not to be used to meet normal operating budget needs. It is expected that funds will accumulate over the years to enable us to meet truly major needs. Principle from this fund will not be used in any case.
- 10% of the annual proceeds are to be used for local mission needs.
- The remaining proceeds may be used, if required, for capital expenditures and major maintenance of the church as approved by the Session. Funds are not to be used to meet normal operating budget needs. It is expected that funds will accumulate over the years to enable us to meet truly major needs. Principle from this fund will not be used in any case.
- church functions;
- church members; and
- non-members.
Wedding Policies
Who May Be Married
The Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church is dedicated to the worship of God. In seeking to celebrate a service of marriage in the church, the couple is acknowledging the importance of God's blessings in their lives.
It is expected that those desiring to be married in First Presbyterian Church are active members of the congregation or have a family connection which is active in the life of our church. The couple will be asked to provide the name(s) of the active family member(s) when scheduling the wedding.
Those who seek to be married in First Presbyterian Church are expected to profess their faith in Jesus Christ -- as that is the primary reason for seeking to have a wedding service held in the church.
Who Will Perfom the Wedding
All weddings at First Presbyterian Church will be conducted by one of our ministers. Other ministers may assist when invited by our minister(s) and approved by the church session;following a written request. A minimum of thirty days notice is requested so an invitation can be sent from our minister(s).
Premarital Couseling
Persons who request to be married at First Presbyterian Church must make arrangements, with the Office Administrator, to schedule premarital counseling sessions. Such sessions are a requirement before being married. Normally, three sessions will be scheduled with the minister. The last of these sessions is to be no later than thirty days before the date of the service.
The sessions are aimed at establishing:
For more information about fees, rehearsals, music, etc., or to schedule a wedding please contact the Office Administrator.
Funeral Services
Although funeral services may be held in funeral homes, the best place for conducting a funeral service upon the death of a church member is in the sanctuary of the church to which he or she belonged. At such times of loss, all may be reminded by even the place of service, of what our hope and assurance are in Jesus Christ.
Therefore all members of the First Presbyterian Church are encouraged to use the church building for funeral services, and its sanctuary is offered for the funeral services of Christians whose membership in the church is in some other locality as well.
The following policies and practices governing funeral services have been established:
* This and other matters concerning death are found in the booklet "When Death Comes", available in the church office.
Policy for Handling Designated Funds
Certain funds are available for use of the church and must be handled as requested by the donor or as directed by the congregation. It is the responsibility of the Finance Commission to manage these funds and report on the status at regular intervals. To obtain money from these funds a commission must present a written proposal to the Session describing the need in detail. The Session will grant the request if it meets the criteria of the fund restrictions and funds are available. Current funds available and criteria for use:
Peterson Memorial Fund
November 1993---$217,640 received from Roy A. (Pete) Peterson property sale and was invested with the proceeds of the fund to be managed as directed by the congregation as follows:
McClure Memorial Fund
December, 1993---$55,000 was gained from the sale of the McClure property as follows: $45,000 in cash and a 15 year note for $10,000 at 8% interest. This money was invested with the proceeds of the fund to be managed as directed by the congregation as follows:
Miscellaneous Policies
Copy Machine Policy
Church members are asked to abide by the following policy: Use of the copy machine for non-church-related business is allowed. A fee of 15 cents per copy will be charged.
Policy on Alcohol Use
The Session advocates Christian discretion and moderation of church members in all behavior at both church-sponsored and other events. The Session actively discourages those under 21 from using alcohol at all, in accordance with the law. The use of alcoholic beverages on church premises is forbidden. Any use of alcohol and illegal substances is prohibited on Youth-related activities.
Policy on Fundraising
Because we believe that the Lord ordained that giving should be an act of worship and thus a means of grace, the Session of the First Presbyterian Church does not generally endorse fund-raising activities to supplement monies used for church purposes, activities, buildings, special purchases, or to supplement the regular operating budget. In the event that a group in the church believes that fund-raising is necessary, approval must be obtained from the Session prior to the fund-raising event. Youth groups are excepted from this policy.
Policies For the Use of the Building and Property
Priority for use of church building will be:
Policy on Use of the Sanctuary
There will be no use of the sanctuary for any function other than worship services, church functions, weddings and funerals.
Policy on the Use of the Educational Building
The members of First Presbyterian Church wish to make their facilities available to non-profit organizations. It is, however, imperative that certain regulations are followed.
Non-profit, non-First Presbyterian Church-related organizations, which wish to use our facilities on occasions when a profit may be made, admission charged, tickets sold, etc., will pay a fee of $50 per day or night of use. Events must be scheduled through the church office and the group must sign the Agreement Form.
Non-profit, non-First Presbyterian Church-related community service groups not charging a fee may use the facilities free of charge, after properly scheduling the event and signing the Agreement Form. A key must be signed out and picked up on the day of the meeting. This must be during office hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). A deposit of $10.00 is assessed for the key. The deposit will be refunded when the key is returned the following morning.
Church-related groups must sign out a key during office hours. The key is to be returned following the meetings. These meetings also must be scheduled through the church office.
Individuals (members or non-members) using church facilities for non-profit, non-church related meeting, recitals, or activities may schedule such through the church office as facilities are available and will sign the "Agreement Form". A fee of $25.00 will be charged in addition to the refundable $10.00 key deposit described above.
Policy on the Use of Equipment
No church property may be used by non-church groups. No equipment may be borrowed for use outside of the facility other than for church sponsored events.