ELPC’s Session
The Session is our church’s governing body.
Our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) heritage provides for a complex but efficient process for governing. Central to the organizational structure of the PC(USA) is the concept of governing bodies of which there are four types: sessions of particular churches (11,097); presbyteries (173); synods (16); and the General Assembly (1).
ELPC’s Session consists of the pastor, associate pastors, and elders in active service. This group discusses and decides on all business matters of the church, and it has responsibility for the budget, mission giving, and property of the church.
The Session meets regularly to review committee reports, receive new members into the church, to make provisions for congregational worship and the sharing of the sacraments (communion and baptism), and to provide for the educational and spiritual growth of its members.
The Session is comprised of 20 elders, divided into three classes, each serving three year terms. The Greek word “presbuteros” means “elder,” and it is from this church office that our Presbyterian denomination takes its name. For more information on what it means to be an Elder, read PC(USA)’s page.
For more information about ELPC’s Session, contact Mark Roth, clerk of the Session.
Session Committees at ELPC
The ELPC Session works closely with several standing committees that coordinate and oversee ministry areas for our church. Many of these committees include ministry teams and task forces. Congregation members are encouraged to seek out opportunities to serve on any of these, or to be a regular or occasional volunteer for committee events. Click here to access the guidebook for committees, boards, and chairpersons.
Following is a list of standing committees and chairs/co-chairs.
Children & Family Committee
Chair: Trish Buben
Staff Contact: Sara Hackett (she/her)
Finance & Stewardship Committee
Co- Chairs: Barbara Griffin (she/her) & Bryan Lawrence (he/him)
Staff Contact: Jim Tinnemeyer
Membership & Outreach Committee
Co-Chairs: Jan Irvin, Nick Genger-Boeldt (he/they)
Staff Contact: Rev. Sarah Robbins (she/they)
Mission Board
Chair of Board: Michele Bossers (she/her)
Staff Contact: Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz (he/him)
Facing Systemic Racism Committee Co- Chairs: Hollen Barmer (she/her) & Lenore Williams (she/her)
Justice Committee Chair: Carol Chonoska (she/her)
Neighbors Committee Chair: Cathleen Malmstrom
Peace Committee Chair: Russ Walker
Human Resources Committee
Interim Co-Chairs: Co-Chairs: Bill Buchanan & Carol Chonoska (she/her)
Staff Contacts: Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz (he/him) and Jim Tinnemeyer
Property Committee
Co-Chairs: Eric Logan and Matt Stufft (he/him)
Staff Contacts: Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz (he/him) and Jim Tinnemeyer
Spiritual Life Committee
Chair: Tim Englehardt (he/him)
Staff Contact: Rev. BJ Woodworth (he/him)
Worship, Music, and the Arts Committee
Chair: Carol Mullen (she/her)
Staff Contact: Dr. Edward Alan Moore (he/him)
Youth Committee
Co- Chairs: Mario Seneca (he/him) & Jason Van Ness
Staff Contact: Sara Hackett (she/her)
Young Adults Committee
Chair: Rebecca Reiner
Staff Contact: Rev. BJ Woodworth (he/him)
Session Meeting Packets
Elders may download the current Session packet by clicking here.