In addition to the staff, the two main groups that provide leadership to the church are the Deacons and the members of Session (Elders). They are elected by church members once a year.
Your Church at Work: The Session
Who are the Elders who serve on the Session? What do they do? How do they do it? SPC’s Session is currently composed of 11 individuals who meet monthly to discuss issues within the Church and the community and to make decisions about how the Church will function. Paul leads each meeting in partnership with Ralph Hooper, the Clerk of Session. The Session oversees a wide range of areas in the Church—finances, Church property, committee activities, etc. One project that Session is currently overseeing is the renovation of the foundation of the south wing (the nursery, Sunday School room, and offices), which has been deteriorating. This issue involves agreeing on the scope of work, weighing in on contractor bids, providing suggestions to the committee regarding managing costs and optimizing our investment while meeting the requirements set by the City of Sausalito, among others. Each month Session looks at the financial picture for the Church and discusses any gaps between our annual plan and actual income and expenses. Session also approves all formal activities hosted by the Church.
The Deacons
The Ministry of Deacon is set forth in Scripture as one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.