Session Elders
Bill Tempelmeyer | Clerk of Session
The word presbyterian comes from the Greek word for elder. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has a representational form of government. At the local level, each church elects elders who serve on a body called the session. There are two officers of session: the moderator who is an ordained pastor, and the clerk, who keeps all the records. At First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette, there are 18 elders, six of whom are elected each year for a three-year term. There is one elder who is under 25 years of age, who is elected for one year.
They provide oversight of membership rolls and records, provision for worship and sacraments, education, pastoral care, stewardship, mission, fellowship, budget, property management and participate in the governance of the church through higher governing bodies of the PC(USA). Session authorizes baptisms, reception of new members, transfers of membership and membership deletions, the serving of Communion and internal policies.
Each elder serves as chair or a member of one of these 11 ministry groups:
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How to Serve
We Presbyterians choose, through nominations and elections, those who will guide the local congregation. A nominating committee presents a slate of officers, and the congregation elects elders, deacons and a new nominating committee at the annual meeting held in the spring. It’s an exciting time as we search for a variety of individuals with gifts and talents to share.
The Nominating Committee seeks a balance of men and women, newer members and longer-term members, younger members and older members. All members are eligible — the only requirement is a willing heart, growing in faith. Please prayerfully consider those whom you feel God has gifted to serve as a church officer (including yourself) and offer up their names to the Nominating Committee.
The Committee accepts nominations from the congregation, speaks to and prayerfully considers each person put forward, and presents a slate of nominees to the congregation at the annual meeting. Members serve for one year. Please prayerfully consider members for these positions, and refer them when nominating forms are made available.