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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