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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 |
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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 |
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Penny Britton |
Quinn Baldwin |
| Mary Dillingham |
Laurie Clemens |
Greg Campbell |
| Lawrence Gibbs |
Gerrit Cuperus |
Judy Holland |
| Aaron Hensley |
Susie Glasscock |
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| 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 |
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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:
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Andrea Arquitt |
Rusty Rex |
| Cathy Grove |
Mary Woods |
| Larry Perkins |
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Plus, a representative each of the Elders, Deacons,
and Trustees are selected in January to become members of this committee.
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