Responsibilities of Session

Each Session is charged with maintaining the mission and government of a particular Presbyterian church. In keeping with this purpose, it has the power to receive members into the communion of the church; to grant letters of transfer when a member moves and joins a new church; to instruct, examine, ordain, and install incoming Elders who have been elected by the congregation; and to provide for the worship of the people of God, including the preaching of the Word and sharing of the Sacraments of baptism and Communion, and the music program, in keeping with the principles in the Directory for Worship in the Book of Order.

The Session is also charged to provide for the spiritual growth of its members and for their equipment for ministry through personal and pastoral care, educational programs, and sharing in fellowship and mutual support. The work of the Board of Deacons is supervised by the Session.

The Session is also responsible for:

• Promoting a program of education designed to acquaint members of the congregation with the many activities of the church, the need of financial support, and the importance of giving to support God’s work and for one’s own personal and spiritual growth in discharging responsibility as a worthy steward.
  
• Approving the church budget which reflects the various causes and functions of the church supported by offerings of the congregation and to see that offerings are distributed for the causes and functions for which they were contributed.
  
• Providing for the administration of the program of the church, including employment of non-ordained staff and to provide for the management of all the property of the church. Through the treasurer and financial secretary, the Session is responsible for the receipt and disbursement of funds.

The members of our Session also serve as Trustees of this church. Trustees have the power and authority with consent of the congregation and approval of the Presbytery of New Brunswick to buy, sell, or mortgage the property of the church.

Other specific responsibilities are listed in the Book of Order.

The various responsibilities of our Session are carried out through its structure of commissions: Buildings and Grounds, Christian Education, Communications, Fellowship, Finance, Membership, Mission and Outreach, Personnel, Stewardship, Worship and Music. Members of the congregation are vital partners in our church’s commissions.

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