Thursday, August 17, 2017

08-20-17


One of the hallmarks of the Presbyterian Church is that the congregation elects its leaders.  Everyone who is a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church votes for those who serve as pastors and elders.

 

This spring members of Eastminster elected five elders to serve as part the spiritual and administrative leadership team of the church, the Session.  Over the summer they engaged in training culminating in an officer staff retreat, where they were examined and approved to serve.  This weekend five elders-elect will be introduced, ordained, and/or installed to serve.

 

The elders coming on Session include Grant Dearborn (Personnel and Administration), Mary Larson (Congregational Care), Jim Morris (Facilities), Barbara Ray (Children, Youth and Family), and Sunny Rudloff (Congregational Care).  They have already formed good rapport with the pastors, the Clerk of Session and each other and were welcomed to sit in on a session meeting last Tuesday.  The gifts and skills they bring to the leadership of Eastminster are immense!  Welcome to this important ministry!

 

Rotating off Session are Steve Adams, Gene Davis, Don Dawson, and Nancy Marshall.  They have served with heart, soul, mind and strength… and above all passion and love for God and others.  Steve is a mainstay of our Facilities Ministry.  He kept us cool, even when our air conditioning needed replacing.  He has kept us dry, even with the numerous leaks church roofs tend to attract. He has added to the safety and beauty and good functioning of our buildings and grounds, devoting countless hours to the cause.

 

Gene Davis came on board and has continued the fine work of the Personnel and Administration Committee.  Under Gene’s leadership the Personnel and Administration brought the Rev. Kristy Ray as Associate Pastor and Robert McBride as Director of Music Ministry and Organist, among other fine placements.  They sharpened our procedures and policies to increase the efficiency of operations the, safety of our facility, and the support Eastminster’s staff.

 

Don Dawson served as Outreach elder in a time this new committee was formed.  He is instrumental in the technological advances such as the upgrade of our audio-visual capabilities (and also serving as an technician), our outreach to visitors, the provision of special events, and the initiation of ministry endeavors such as Table Talk Theology and Eastminster’s designation as an Earthcare Congregation.  Don and his wife, the Rev. Darice Dawson, have also supported our youth and young adult ministry in meaningful ways.

 

Nancy Marshall served as the chair of Congregational Care Committee, a widespread ministry that provides nourishment for the body (fellowship, potlucks etc.), mind (adult discipleship, special educational events) and soul (spiritual formation and pastoral care).  Her leadership streamlined operations and produced many joyful, vital occasions for congregational health and growth.  Nancy is a leader of leaders and was able to have many strong members serve well under her care.

 

So welcome new elders and thank you Steve, Gene, Don and Nancy.  Well done good and faithful servants!  Please plan to add your welcome and thanks following the Saturday and Sunday night services as we have receptions both days in the Fellowship Hall in honor of these fine leaders.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

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