Your Nominating Committee is in the process of gathering names of persons from our church community who should be considered for involvement in church leadership and service roles. In the past, the Nominating Committee has focused on finding new Elders, Deacons and Nominating Committee members. This year we are also seeking suggestions for persons interested in a broader range of opportunities for service within the church. Many such opportunities exist, including visitation of shut-ins, singing or playing in a musical group, and general committee work, as well as specific short duration tasks for the many ongoing ministries in the church.

We need your help in identifying yourself or other individuals who would be interested in serving our church in the coming year. Please take a moment to prayerfully consider whom you feel God has gifted to serve our church. As Presbyterians, we believe that the Holy Spirit works through this process and through us. We need your input!

General qualifications for lay leadership positions include continuing church involvement, Christian living in daily life, personal maturity, and commitment to spiritual growth. In addition to the qualifications noted above, there are other gifts that vary with each of the three elected officer positions, as discussed below.

DUTIES OF AN ELDER:
The Session of Elders is charged with the spiritual welfare of the church and serves as its governing body. The Session has overall responsibility for the programs and actions of the church including duties of admission of members, provision of worship and sacraments, education, pastoral care, stewardship, property management and participation in the governance of the Church through denominational governing bodies.

Each Elder participates in the monthly Session meetings and is assigned to one of the nine Ministry Groups, either as a chair or member. The Building and Grounds Ministry Group is responsible for the maintenance of all church buildings and the surrounding grounds. The Christian Education Ministry Group includes Children’s Ministries, both Junior and Senior High Ministries and Adult Education. The Congregational Fellowship and Membership Ministry Group provides opportunities for fellowship both within and outside of the church, as well as encouraging and facilitating membership growth. The Mission Ministry Group is charged with supporting those in need outside of our congregation and coordinating the efforts of our congregation in their support. The Stewardship, Budget and Operations Ministry Group is responsible for the development and monitoring of the annual operating budget, including the stewardship drive. The Personnel Support Ministry Group is responsible for the relationships between the church and its staff. The Strategic Planning and Communications Ministry Group provides the church with support and direction in all areas of print communications, as well as planning for the future of the church. The Worship, Music and the Arts Ministry Group coordinates meaningful worship services with the pastors, music staff and lay leaders. Each of these ministry groups holds monthly meetings. The usual term of office for an Elder is 3 years.

DUTIES OF A DEACON:
The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. The duties of the Deacons, among others, are to minister to the friendless and to those who are in need or distress. The Board of Deacons considers itself to be the hands and hearts of Christ for fpcw.

The primary and most traditional role played by Deacons is that of Parish Deacon. Every member of the congregation is assigned to one of the seven parishes, each consisting of about forty families. Each parish has a team of two or three deacons, depending on the size and needs of the parish. Parish Deacons keep in touch with all of the families in their respective parishes and perform various services as needed.

The Moderator is the Deacon who organizes and coordinates the work of the entire Board. There are also six Deacon At-Large positions. The Assistant Moderator helps the Moderator of the Board of Deacons as required and attends all Session and Church Nominating Committee meetings. The Fall Gathering Deacon is responsible for the planning and execution of the largest event of the church year. The Fellowship/Flowers Deacon arranges for the preparations and serving during Fellowship Hour or Lemonade on the Lawn after the 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday. This Deacon is also responsible for the distribution of flowers donated to the church each Sunday after the services. The Memorials Deacon coordinates the reception at the church after a memorial or funeral service with the family, the church staff and the Parish Deacons. The Deacon Secretary/Treasurer attends all Board of Deacon meetings and prepares minutes for distribution to the Board. This Deacon is also responsible for the Board finances. The Worship Deacon acts as a liaison to the Worship Committee, plans Communion preparation, and recruits persons to prepare and serve Communion. The Worship Deacon also schedules the greeters for the 10:30 a.m. service and arranges for plant deliveries to shut-ins during Christmas and Easter. The Board of Deacons holds monthly meetings. The usual term of office for Deacons is 3 years.

DUTIES OF A CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBER:
These individuals will serve on the committee for a one-year term. They help to identify, select and encourage others to lead and serve in church activities, and, in particular, to nominate the elected church officers.

YOUR SUGGESTIONS:
For Elders, Deacons, Nominating Committee Members and Other Opportunities
You may email suggestions to: fpcw@fpc-wilmette.org

Please submit your suggestions of a Name, Position or Group Particular Interests or Gifts, to the nominating committee.