Session

It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort­­ and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They assist in worship and cultivate their ability to teach the Bible.  Those duties which all Christians perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities.

The Session is the governing body of SHPC.  The role of the Session is to lead the church to accomplish its purpose of transforming lives into the image of Jesus Christ and witness to God’s love in the world.  Toward this end, their 2011 goals are:

(1)    Strengthen and nurture the faith of the congregation.

(2)    Encourage and facilitate congregational involvement in all aspects of church life.

(3)    Encourage and facilitate congregational involvement in mission outside the church.

The session is responsible for the mission and government of the particular church.  It therefore has the responsibility and power

a.      to provide opportunities for members to witness in word and deed to the saving grace of Jesus Christ;

b.      to receive members into the church;

c.      to lead the congregation in the mission of the whole Church in the world;

d.      to provide for the worship of the people of God;

e.      to provide for the growth of its members through personal and pastoral care, educational programs, sharing in fellowship and mutual support, and opportunities for service in the world;

f.       to develop and supervise the educational program of the church;

g.      to lead the congregation in ministries of healing and reconciliation in the communities in which the church lives;

h.      to challenge the people of God with the privilege of responsible Christian stewardship of money and time and talents;

i.       to establish the annual budget, providing full information to the congregation of its decisions in such matters;

j.       to plan for change, renewal, and reformation under the Word of God;

k.      to engage in a process for education and mutual growth of the members of the session;

l.       to instruct, examine, ordain, install, and welcome into common ministry elders and deacons;

m.    to supervise the work of the deacons, trustees and all other organizations within the congregation;

n.      to provide for the administration of the church;

o.     to provide for the management of the property of the church;

p.      to maintain regular and continuing relationship to the higher governing bodies of the church;

q.      to establish and maintain ecumenical relationships;

r.       to serve in judicial matters in accordance with the Rules of Discipline;

s.      to keep an accurate roll of the membership of the church.