In our church family
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. I Peter 4:10
We serve not only those around us, but those among us.
Here at 1st Pres, 'church' becomes more like family. We support each other with prayer, love, nurture and resources, whether it's through a time of great personal crisis or a 'bump in the road.'
Stewardship is serving one another with the gifts and talents we've received, which involves a lot more than financial giving. It's serving God, the congregation, the community and beyond in whatever way you've been equipped.
All Christians seek to comfort those in need, but deacons are particularly called to the ministry of care and concern. Our Deacons co-ordinate the congregation's connections to members and friends that are sick, homebound, or in need of prayer, comfort or resources.
We are a Stephen Minister congregation, which means that we have trained volunteers that extend Christian fellowship by listening and providing emotional support while maintaining complete confidentiality to those who are facing personal crisis. Stephen Ministers are particularly helpful with illness, grief, divorce or separation, job loss, emotional crises, family challenges, loneliness, aging and relocation.
Elders
Elders, individually and jointly, strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation. They, along with volunteers from the congregation, run the committees that run the church's programs, fix the leaks, arrange the special events, make the coffee... The list goes on. At any given time, fifteen of our elders are serving a three-year term on Session, the board responsible for the day-to-day church operations.
Music
Those equipped with the love of music are encouraged to join one of our music groups. There's surely a place for you.
In addition to the support offered by fellow congregation members, Pastor Sue Ellis Melrose also makes visits to provide comfort and counsel in times of crisis. If you or a family member is gravely ill or if you have experienced a loss, please call the church office.
Member Resources Church volunteers find links to to program and committee information. (Requires member sign-in.)
