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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.
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