What does an Elder do?
In accordance with the Book of Order, the Session has ultimate authority over the life of EPC. All other Boards and committees fall under and are subject to the authority of Session. The general requirements for elder are described in section G-2.03 and G-2.04 of the Book of Order.
The session shall be composed of at least nine (9) elders and no more than eighteen (18) elders in active service as determined by the session, divided into three (3) approximately equal classes, with each class elected to a term of three (3) years, each term beginning September 1 and ending August 31 as directed by session. A term may be shorter than three years when it is necessary to elect an elder to fill a vacancy or when Session by unanimous vote determines a special circumstance requires an Elder to be elected for a shorter term.. No elder shall be elected for a term of more than three years, nor will an elder serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. An elder having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for re‑election to the same board for a period of at least one year. The duties and responsibilities of the session and elders not in active service are as provided in the Constitution of the PC (USA).
Session shall hold monthly meeting unless otherwise agreed upon. Meeting are to be held the third Monday at 7:00 PM. Session meeting are open to all members of the congregation. If a member desires to address Session, that request must be submitted to the Clerk at least three days in advance of the meeting. Special meetings of the Session may be called by the moderator, Presbytery, or upon the request from two members of the Session. Advance notice of special Session meeting must be made to all participants three (3) days in advance.
Elder responsibilities shall be determined and voted upon annually. The Clerk shall be chosen from the elders currently serving.
What does a Deacon do?
The general requirements for deacon are described in section G-2.02 of the Book of Order.
The Board of Deacons shall be composed of at least nine (9) deacons and no more than eighteen (18) deacons in active service, divided into three (3) equal classes with each class elected to a term of three (3) years, each term beginning September 1 and ending August 31. A term may be shorter than three years when it is necessary to elect a deacon to fill a vacancy. No deacon shall be elected for a term of more than three years, nor shall a deacon serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for re‑election to the same board for a period of at least one year. The duties and responsibilities of deacons, both in and out of active service are as provided in the Constitution of the PC (USA).
The Board of Deacons shall hold stated monthly meetings at such time and place as it shall prescribe. The Board of Deacons shall elect a moderator and a secretary from among its members. The secretary shall keep a record of the board’s proceedings. The pastor will serve the Board of Deacons in an advisory capacity.
Special meetings of the Board of Deacons may be called by the moderator, or by the Session. In addition, upon the request of two members of the Board of Deacons, the moderator shall call a special meeting.
The responsibilities of the Board of Deacons shall be developed by the Board of Deacons in accordance with the Book of Order and the needs of Eastminster, approved by Session, and reviewed annually.
The records of the Board of Deacons shall be submitted annually to the Session
What does a Trustee do?
The general requirements for trustees are described in section G-4.01 of the Book of Order.
The Board of Trustees shall be composed of at least six (6) trustees and no more than nine (9) trustees. The trustees shall represent the corporate body of the church in matters of civil law and procedure as defined by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to assume such other duties as may be assigned by the Session.
The trustees shall be composed of at least six (6) trustees, divided into three (3) approximately equal classes elected to a term of three (3) years, each term beginning September 1 and ending August 31. A term may be shorter than three years when it is necessary to elect a trustee to fill a vacancy. No trustee shall be elected for a term of more than three years, nor shall a trustee serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A trustee having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for re‑election to the same board for a period of at least one year.
The trustees shall elect from their board a president and a vice president. The President shall also be elected by the corporation at its annual meeting. The Secretary of the corporation, who will be the Clerk of Session, shall be elected at the annual corporation meeting. The President of the Board of Trustee and Secretary of the Corporation shall be the designated signatories on all legal documents, acting under the authority of the Session.
The Trustees shall hold stated monthly meetings at such time and place as it shall prescribe. The pastor will serve the Board of Deacons in an advisory capacity.
Special meetings of the Trustees may be called by the President, or by the Session. In addition, upon the request of two members of the Trustees, the President shall call a special meeting.
The responsibilities of the Board of Trustees shall be developed by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the Book of Order and the needs of Eastminster, approved by Session, and reviewed annually.
The records of the Board of Trustees shall be submitted annually to the Session
The Trustees, with assistance from the Stewardship Committee and Treasurer, shall prepare an annual budget of revenues and expense and submit this budget to the Session for approval. Upon approval by the Session the budget shall be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation.
What does the Preschool Board do?
According to the Eastminster Presbyterian By-Laws, The Pre School Board has responsibility for the operation of the Eastminster Pre School, which is a separate 501(c) 3 corporation.
The Pre School Board shall be composed of at least six (6) members and no more than nine (9) members, divided into three (3) approximately equal classes elected to a term of three (3) years, each term beginning September 1 and ending August 31. A term may be shorter than three years when it is necessary to elect a trustee to fill a vacancy. No member shall be elected for a term of more than three years, nor shall a trustee serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A member having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for re‑election to the same board for a period of at least one year.
The Pre School Board shall hold stated monthly meetings at such time and place as it shall prescribe. The Pre School Board shall elect a President, Secretary, and Treasurer from among its members. The secretary shall keep a record of the board’s proceedings. The pastor will serve the Pre School Board in an advisory capacity.
Special meetings of the Pre School Board may be called by the President, or by the Session. In addition, upon the request of two members of the Pre School Board, the President shall call a special meeting.
The responsibilities of the Pre School Board shall be developed by the Pre School Board in accordance with the needs of Eastminster, approved by Session, and reviewed annually.
The records of the Pre School Board shall be submitted annually to the Session
