DEFINITION OF RULING ELDER FROM THE BOOK OF ORDER (G-2.0301)
“As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect 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. Ruling elders, together with ministers of word and sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.”
“As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect 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. Ruling elders, together with ministers of word and sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.”
Ruling Elders:
Class of 2024:
Steve Hammond
Jamie Hunter
Jan Weakley
Steve Hammond
Jamie Hunter
Jan Weakley
Class of 2025:
John Gebert
Marne Larson
Steve Ulvestad
John Gebert
Marne Larson
Steve Ulvestad
Class of 2026:
Kari Nupen
Randy Fehlhaber
Susan Lynn
Kari Nupen
Randy Fehlhaber
Susan Lynn
2025 Session Committees
(Session meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 6pm in Calvin Lounge)
Mission Committee
The Mission Committee interprets, promotes, and supports local, national and international social and mission causes of our church, Presbytery, Synod and General assembly. The Mission Committee administers mission resources, educates and informs the congregation concerning mission and social justice matters, advises Session regarding mission needs, and encourages, enables and empowers participation in mission and social justice projects.
Chairs: Kari Nupen, John Gebert
Christian Formation and Discipleship Committee
The Christian Formation and Discipleship Committee (CFD) aims to encourage and facilitate our congregation’s transformation into the image of Christ through education in and study of the Word. We do this relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be liberated to testify in word and deed to the Mission and Reign of God in the world.
Chairs: Marne Larson, David Baer-Peckham
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee works to guide our time on Sunday mornings. The committee seeks to be creative in making our worship God honoring and people engaging.
Chairs: Susan Lynn, Judy Campbell
Facilities Committee
The Facilities Committee cares for our campus. The committee seeks volunteers with experience to help with minor fixes, work parties, and guidance on priorities with some of our bigger concerns.
Chairs: Steve Ulvestad, Randy Fehlhaber
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee gathers to review our budget and make recommendations to session on how to use our finances with good stewardship.
Chairs: Terry Walker, David Baer-Peckham
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is selected at our annual congregational meeting. This committee prayerfully plans for the next group of elders and deacons to serve in our church.
Chairs: John Gebert, Judy Campbell
The Mission Committee interprets, promotes, and supports local, national and international social and mission causes of our church, Presbytery, Synod and General assembly. The Mission Committee administers mission resources, educates and informs the congregation concerning mission and social justice matters, advises Session regarding mission needs, and encourages, enables and empowers participation in mission and social justice projects.
Chairs: Kari Nupen, John Gebert
Christian Formation and Discipleship Committee
The Christian Formation and Discipleship Committee (CFD) aims to encourage and facilitate our congregation’s transformation into the image of Christ through education in and study of the Word. We do this relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be liberated to testify in word and deed to the Mission and Reign of God in the world.
Chairs: Marne Larson, David Baer-Peckham
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee works to guide our time on Sunday mornings. The committee seeks to be creative in making our worship God honoring and people engaging.
Chairs: Susan Lynn, Judy Campbell
Facilities Committee
The Facilities Committee cares for our campus. The committee seeks volunteers with experience to help with minor fixes, work parties, and guidance on priorities with some of our bigger concerns.
Chairs: Steve Ulvestad, Randy Fehlhaber
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee gathers to review our budget and make recommendations to session on how to use our finances with good stewardship.
Chairs: Terry Walker, David Baer-Peckham
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is selected at our annual congregational meeting. This committee prayerfully plans for the next group of elders and deacons to serve in our church.
Chairs: John Gebert, Judy Campbell