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Elders

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) describes the office of elder in the following way: Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.  It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Those duties that all Christians are bound to perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities.

At First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, the elders meet together on the second Tuesday each month, plus called meetings.  Then they discuss and make decisions about their oversight of our worship, Christian education, outreach to visitors and new members, community building within the congregation, and the church's finances.  The meetings are opportunities for the Session to consider our relationship with and responsibility to the wider church. At this meeting, elders also hear reports and act on recommendations from the Boards of Deacons and Trustees.

 Class of 2009  Class of 2010  Class of 2011
 Julie Bills  Ed Arquitt  Sandy Cohlmia
 D. E. Bourne  Helen Brake  Steve  Fairbanks
 Larry Caldwell  Tracy Carter  John Gelder
 Rick Dearinger  Gary Holland  Bill Henley
 Brenda Johnson  Denise Rex  Paula Kendrick
 Ken McKinley  Carol Schoenhals  Riley Kern
 Rick Rohlfing  Ginny Smith  Tim Krehbiel
 Kelly McGaw- Youth (1-year)  Leva Swim  Tim Schlais
   
 

 Deacons

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) describes the office of deacon in the following way: "The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ.  Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.  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 might be in distress.  They shall assume all duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session."

At First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, the deacons meet together one night each month.  This is when they organize and make decisions about their responsibilities for the compassionate care of the congregation and for coordinating the benevolent ministries of the church.  They are concerned for our church community and the wider community of Stillwater.  To be ordained as a deacon is an opportunity to participate in a multi-dimensional experience of service.  One deacon recently remarked that she appreciated the opportunity to grow spiritually by doing things that were new to her and uncomfortable at first.  Being a deacon is a commitment of Christian faithfulness that requires personal time, cooperative leadership with other deacons and elders, and a commitment to express the love of Jesus Christ.

 Class of 2009  Class of 2010  Class of 2011
  Penny Britton  Quinn Baldwin
 Mary Dillingham   Laurie Clemens  Greg Campbell
 Lawrence Gibbs   Gerrit Cuperus  Judy Holland
 Aaron Hensley   Susie Glasscock  
 Brenda Phillips   Margy Knox  Emily Kern
 Debbie Richardson   Lisa McGaw  Jim Webster
 Kevin Shelton   Betsy Showalter  Jason White
 Ashley Nipp - Youth (1-year)   Phyllis Taylor  Missy Wilkinson
     

Trustees

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) describes the office of trustee in the following way:  Members of the church are elected to be trustees of the legal corporation of the church.  They have the powers to receive, hold, encumber, manage and transfer property, real or personal, for the church; to accept and execute deeds of title to such property; to hold and defend title to such property; to manage any permanent special funds for the furtherance of the purposes of the church, all subject to the authority of the session and under the provisions of the Constitution of the PC(USA) and in matters of buying, selling and mortgaging property, subject to approval of the congregation.

At First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, trustees are generally elected for 3-year terms in a rotational system and meet monthly.  At their meetings, they discuss and make decisions concerning the maintenance of our property, including the church building (also the Pre-School) and the church grounds.  The Trustees are also responsible for dealing with insurance and all legal matters as they arise.  Additionally, they are responsible for informing the session and occasionally the congregation of their work and decisions. Trustees oversee the collections, deposits and audits.

 Class of 2009  Class of 2010  Class of 2011
 Kent Olson  Maxine Mulvey  Barbara Stoecker
 Allen Reding  Laura Thomas  Tony Wilkinson

Nominating Committee

Elected to the 2008 Nominating Committee:

 Andrea Arquitt

 Rusty Rex 
 Cathy Grove  Mary Woods
 Larry Perkins  

Plus, a representative each of the Elders, Deacons,
and Trustees are selected in January to become members of this committee.



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