Boards

The church is a very special organization. You will find that it is like other groups that you have known, but also unlike them. It is unlike them primarily in the way it is governed. Who does run this place?

As our Book of Order tells us (G-1.0100), the leader of this congregation is Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church universal. He calls the Church into being, giving it all that is necessary for its mission in the world, for its building up, and for its service to God. Christ is present with the Church in both Spirit and Word. It belongs to Christ alone to rule, to teach, to call, and to use the Church as he wills, exercising his authority by the ministry of women and men for the establishment and extension of his Kingdom.

Working with our pastor, the Reverend Mark W. Hanna, are over fifty officers, church staff, soloists, committee and board members. The Deacons are our front line in serving the needy and the weak, and the Trustees oversee our physical plant and advise session on fiscal matters. Phillip Collister, the Director of Music, oversees the entire music program of the church. Chris Palmer, our Church Administrator, tends to the business of the church. Our Sexton, Diane Brown keeps the church clean and in good repair.

But we have yet to mention the unique feature of Presbyterian governance: the office of elder. In Old and New Testament times, elders were set apart among the people of God to share their gifts in governing and ministry. In our Book of Order, clergy are termed “teaching elders” while members of session are called “ruling elders.” On all Presbyterian governing boards, ruling elders either outnumber clergy (as on sessions) or their numbers equal that of clergy (as in presbytery, in Synod meetings, and at General Assembly).

At Roland Park each spring, elders are chosen by the congregation to serve a three year term. They are persons of faith, dedication and good judgment. You may see them assisting in worship or making a report, because they all have particular responsibilities. Together with the pastors, they strengthen and nurture the life of our congregation.

With the exception of the Session, it is not necessary to officially join the church to serve on a board or committee. If you are interested in joining a group, please contact the office to be put in touch with the appropriate Chair or Moderator.

Session

The Session is the ruling body of the Church. All of the administrative boards and organizations are technically under the oversight of the Session. Session members, ordained as Elders, serve for one or two consecutive three year terms. Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of each month (except July), and are open to all church members. Only Session members are allowed to vote. Elders are also responsible for serving communion.

Deacons

The Board of Deacons is the working arm of the church, seeing to the basic humanitarian needs of the congregation and friends of the church. That translates to providing transportation to and from worship, providing hospitality via coffee hour after worship (including cookies!), delivering flowers after worship. Special delivery duties occur around Christmas - poinsettias, cookie tins and small Christmas gifts to "special" folks - and Easter - Easter lilies. Our fund raising events are special Presbyterian bingo and a pancake breakfast. Deacons serve for one or two three year terms. Meetings are usually held once a month and are open to all church members (only Deacons are allowed to vote).

Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining the church facility and approving requests for renting meeting rooms. The Trustees also take turns leading the collection counting team.