As there were in the Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament Church provided persons with particular gifts to share in governing and ministry. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament (Pastors), Elders exercise leadership, government, and discipline, and have responsibilities for the life of CPC as a congregation. The Elders compose the Session, along with the Pastors. We seek for persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian Gospel, both within the church and in the world.
In the Presbyterian church, the Session is responsible for all aspects of the mission and government of the local church, including the establishment of the annual budget. Elders are elected by the congregation to serve three-year terms. There are 18 elders on the Session at CPC. The (Senior) Pastor is the Moderator of the Session, and no meeting can take place without the Moderator.
The Session at CPC accomplishes ministry by way of the following committees and ministry teams:
Children's & Adult Ministry Team - develops and oversees ministries to children, including Sunday School, children in worship, adult education other than Small Groups, Logos, teacher training, MOPS, vacation Bible 'school,' summer camping opportunities, mission involvement, and social events for children.
Youth Ministry Team - develops and oversees ministries to junior and senior high youth, including J.A.M. (Jesus and Me), New Life, weeknight Bible studies, retreats, lock-ins, summer camping opportunities, retreats, social events, and mission trips.
Mother's Day Out Ministry Team -develops and oversees the growth of this vital and exciting ministry to the community. MDO provides state-licensed care weekday mornings for infants and toddlers. There is also a short afternoon session for PEP children.
PEP Committee - oversees the work of the PEP (Presbyterian Enrichment Preschool) School by working with the Director and staff, by hosting various fund raising events including the ongoing Scrip Program, and monitoring quality and fee structure concerns
Small Groups Ministry Team - develops, oversees, recruits leadership, and provides support to the many small groups that exist within the life of the congregation.
Congregational Life Committee - oversees congregational fellowship, the instruction and reception of new members, review of membership rolls, the 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' program, the In-Touch Ministry Team, social group formation, and other all-church events.
Spiritual Growth Ministry Team - carries forth a vision to bring the practice of deepened spirituality to the congregation. The Team oversees the Third Sunday Evening Worship Service, and congregational ministries of healing and prayer.
Worship Committee - coordinates among work of the various music ministry teams, and oversees all elements of the weekly Sunday morning worship services, as well as special services such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Thanksgiving Eve, and Christmas Eve.
Mission & Stewardship Committee - seeks to develop 'mission-mindedness' within the congregation by producing a mission booklet each year, by hosting missions speakers regularly, and by communicating with and interpreting the mission work of those projects we support financially; this Committee also functions as the Stewardship Team, coordinating the annual financial campaign and other all-church financial fund drives.
Personnel Committee - oversees the work of the Church staff, the PEP staff, the MDO staff, and all other employees, with a structured review and evaluation process, maintenance of employee manuals, and a continuing needs assessment of our human resources
Facilities Committee - oversees the church campus and develops an evolving master plan for future needs
All-Church Nominating Committee - meets annually to find God's men and women to serve as Deacons and Elders at CPC. Two members come from the Session, one from the Board of Deacons, and four are elected from the congregation at large.
Finance Committee - monitors the annual church budget established by the Session, and oversees the work of the Endowment Committee
