Organizational Structure
In the Presbyterian Church the Session is the governing body of the local church. The moderator of the FPC Session is our pastor, Dr. David Sherrod. The Clerk of Session is Betty Byrd. Her primary responsibilities are to maintain, update and preserve membership rolls, minutes from Session and Congregation meetings, and to facilitate the transferring of membership letters and certificates.
Our 21 member Session has responsibility to oversee and review the programs of the Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Men, Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy Scouts, the Diaconate and each of the councils of the church. Below is a brief summary of the ministries carried out by the Diaconate and by councils of FPC.
The Board of Deacons (Diaconate), which is elected by the Congregation and functions under the jurisdiction of the Session, is delegated with the management and coordination of programs directly related to Congregational Care and Community Services. Such programs include the Shepherd Program, the Prayer List and Chain, Helping Hands, Food Baskets, Health Care Kits, and the Shoe Project for Underprivileged Children. Deacons also participate as Sunday Worship Service greeters.
Christian Education Council oversees and coordinates the Christian Education activities and programs in conjunction with the Director of Christian Education and the Superintendant of Sunday School. This includes not only church school, Vacation Bible School and confirmation classes but also the youth fellowship activities, the Advent workshop and the library.
Communication and Assimilation Council is responsible for publicizing within and outside the church the events and activities through the website, the news letter, facebook, the onsite sign, and public advertising media. Additionally, the Council identifies and contacts visitors and potential new members and ensures full member connection to the church.
Facilities Management Council responsibilities include building and grounds maintenance and repairs and physical property insurance, inventory, accountability, use, and upkeep. Additionally, the Council makes Elder at the Door assignments.
Fellowship Council plans and coordinates the Christian fellowship activities for all ages to include entertainment, dinners, Christmas caroling, athletics, and retreats.
Personnel Council is responsible for the hiring, dismissal, performance evaluation, grievance resolution, and payment review of all Church employees.
Planning, Review and Evaluation Council addresses a variety of matters related to church operations including the review and evaluation of ministries, coordination of the Annual Meeting, overseeing the annual financial assessment, monitoring membership accounting and Elder Emeritus eligibility, monitoring the timelines and programs of the councils and the Diaconate, maintaining a comprehensive operations manual, and coordinating the care and display of Church artifacts. Additionally, the Council with the Minister coordinates the Vision Quest Planning Program.
Stewardship and Finance Council is responsible for the planning, budgeting and management of the financial operations which include the general operating fund, indebtedness and employee payments, and investments. The Council also conducts the Annual Stewardship Campaign seeking the financial and time and talent volunteer support needed for the effective functioning of the Church.
Support and Endowment Council manages the funds given as gifts to the Church as memorials to be disbursed as designated gifts or as worthy cause grants.
Weekday School Council oversees the operations and the finances of the ongoing five day pre-kindergarten, the two day and three day younger children programs and the Mother’ Morning Out service. The curricula feature classroom, music and Bible lesson instruction and organized play and activities.
Witness Council oversees and coordinates the world and local mission work of the Church through financial contributions, evangelism and outreach. Witness programs include mission trips, Operation Christmas Child, Easter Baskets for foster children, remembrances to military service members, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, public school mentoring, and the DVD ministry for shut-ins.
Worship Council oversees and in close conjunction with the Minister provides for the worship oriented activities of the church congregation to include weekly, Advent , Lenten, and enrichment series worship services, Holy Communion, funeral arrangements, and with the Director of Music the conduct of the music program and the maintenance of the musical equipment.