Elders, Deacons and Team Leaders
ELDERS
RULING ELDERS: THE MINISTRY OF DISCERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE 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 teaching elders, 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. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders, and they are eligible for any office.2 See current ruling elders of FUPCDC on page 15 of bulletin.
1 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Part II, Book of Order: 2013/2015, 2013. Published by The Office of the General Assembly, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202, p. 26. 2
ibid., p. 60
Class of 2025
Amy Bean
Ginger Galaini
Jon Guest
Class of 2026
Cathy Albrecht
Pat Manalio
Rick Mitchell
Class of 2027
Bob Chamberlin
Debbie Cornelius
Jim Ford
Moderator - Rev. Adam Bowling
Clerk of Session - Sara Porter
DEACONS
The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.1
Class of 2025
Debbie Cornelius
Gaylene Guest
Claire Hoagland
Mary Jones
Mike Slayter
Class of 2026
Grace Asafu-Adjaye
Sandy Chamberlin
Connie Cox
Debbie Folly
Ellen Nuernberger
Class of 2027
Uche Akobundo
Gail Cobb
Pam Cox
Wilbur Snyder
Ministry Team Leaders - Claire Hoagland & Mike Slayter
MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS
Pat Manalio (Interim) - Administration
Claire Hoagland and Mike Slayter - Congregational Care
Sam Parris (Interim) - Evangelism and Outreach
Marti Hall - Fellowship
Curt Hoagland - Growing in Faith
Heather Albert - Mission
William Galaini - Property
Dennis Dingle - Stewardship and Finance
Martin Andrews - Worship
Moderator - Rev. Adam Bowling