First Presbyterian Church - Decatur, IL
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Church Government

Our church government is democratic in nature. It shares power and responsibility. The system of governing bodies supports mutual relationships and expresses the unity of the church. Decisions are reached in governing bodies by vote, following opportunity for discussion, and a majority governs.

Church Officers and Committees

Session - Elders, together with the ministers, exercise leadership, government and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of the church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world. -  The Book of Order G-6.0302, G6.0304

 

Clerk of Session - Linda Castleman
Assistant - Jerry Redford
Treasurer - Kirk Schmidt
 

Class of 2008 Class of 2009 Class of 2010
Linda Castleman Judy Batson Dan Austin
Barbara Keagle Nancy Force Gayle Brucknes
Ray Landon Jody Hantel David Falk
Jim Lycan Eric Mason Mac Moore
Michael Morthland Linda May Phyllis McPheron
Jim Rauff Charlie Platt Jerry Redford
Richard Sublett Kirk Schmidt Jackie Sharp
Mary Turner Dwain VanZant John Winick

Deacons minister to the people of the church. The primary goal of Deacons is to enable our congregation of faith to become a more caring, encouraging, and nurturing community of God's people. Our congregation is divided into "Tribes of Caring" with deacons serving as the tribe leaders concerned with meeting the spiritual needs, providing support, promoting fellowship, and encouraging spiritual growth of their members. -  First Presbyterian Church Deacon Handbook

Class of 2008 Class of 2009 Class of 2010
Brenda Aymer Julia Bright Dianne DeVore
Carol Dixon Marty Grohne Lucy Lundt
Lori Jensen Mitch Hull Craig Mandernach
Yvonne Lewis Stacey Babcock Nina Page
Paul Rosenberger Elysa Montgomery Mary Ann Platt
Patricia Watts Harriet Sadowski Joanne Sly
Earline Wisher Donna Washburn Karen Yepsen

Session Committees effect a broader participation on the part of the congregation in the conduct of the program of the church and strengthen the program of our church by enlisting the talents and responsibility of a larger number of our members. -  First Presbyterian Church Manual for Session Committees

Committee Responsibilities Chairperson
Administration Formulate, supervise, and execute personnel and administrative policies Jerry Redford
Facilities Formulate, exercise, and execute policies and practices for maintenance/improvement Jim Lycan
Mission Formulate, exercise, and execute policies and practices regarding human needs issues Judy Batson
Education Church school and fellowship programs, development/execution of Adult Ed courses Adult - Paul and Verlyn   Rosenberger
Children - Jody Hantel
Youth - Brenda Aymer
Evangelism Formulate, supervise, and execute policies and practices pertaining to membership Gayle Bruckner
Peacemaking Guide congregation in programs in community ministries, global issues, and world peace Jim Rauff
Worship Formulate, supervise, and execute policies and practices in matters of music and worship Mary Turner
Stewardship Formulate, supervise, and execute stewardship policies and practices  
Nominating    
Presbytery
Commissioners
  Mary Turner
Jerry Redford

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