Nominating Ruling Elders and Deacons at Orchard Park
The election of church officers is at the heart of what it means to be Presbyterian. Members serve three-year terms as Elders (governance of the congregation) and Deacons (care of the congregation).
Please use the nominating form to the right or you can use this form to submit someone the Nominating Committee should consider.
Nominating FAQ
Any member of OPPC can do so.
Who can serve as an office of OPPC?
Yes, self-recommendations are welcome and encouraged! Whether you have served before or would be a new leader, the committee welcomes your self-recommendation.
The Nominating Committee encourages you to recommend one or more person. If you are recommending someone, please consider discussing your recommendation with the candidate to determine his or her willingness and ability to serve.
The commitment varies by individual and committee, but the average time commitment is about eight hours per month.
All church officers attend monthly meetings and serve on or lead one or more committees. Adults are elected for three-year terms. Prior to ordination and installation, newly elected officers are required to attend training.
Types of church officers
Ruling Elders, who are entrusted with the spiritual government of the church, are elected by the congregation, ordained for life, and serve on the Session for a three year term. Ruling elders are so named 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.” The Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order advises congregations to “elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit.”
The Session, which is the governing body of the church, provides oversight for the wide-ranging and growing church programs. The Pastor is the moderator of the Session. The Session is responsible for providing for worship and the administration of the Sacraments (baptism and communion); receiving new members; leading the congregation in mission; providing for educational ministry, and fellowship opportunities; and stewardship.
Particular responsibilities include:
- Attend monthly Session meetings
- Attend new member meetings
- Lead or serve on one or more Session committees
- Participate in serving Communion on designated Sundays
Deacons who are entrusted with the ministry of compassion and service. Deacons are elected by the congregation, ordained for life, and serve a three year term on the Board of Deacons.
Deacons are the caregivers of the congregation, the heart of the church. “The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. . . . It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith” (Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, G-6).
At OPPC, Deacons care for members and friends of the church as well as engage in outreach mission activities and tend to a variety of day-to-day activities related to worship and congregational care.
Questions
If you have questions about the nominating process, how to nominate, or general questions please email oppc@orchardpark.org.
Nominating Form
Please give prayerful thought to any individuals you feel have demonstrated gifts for leadership and a commitment to the life and ministry of this congregation. You are welcome to put down your own name as someone the Nominating Committee should consider.
Last date to nominate is September 17, 2023.
I wish to suggest that the Nominating Committee consider the following member(s):