Ordination has existed since the earliest forms of the church as a way of distinguishing those who have particular unique callings from God to serve Christ in the church.In most denominations, only clergy–trained and authorized ministers of the Word and sacrament–are ordained. One of the most important hallmarks of a Presbyterian (USA) church, however, is the ordination of non-clergy to offices of church service. The PCUSA ordains clergy (teaching elders), elders (ruling elders) and deacons. Clergy and ruling elders serve coequally on the governing council of the church, called the Session. Deacons are called to ministries of care, service, and compassion. Trustees are not ordained, but manage many of the key business functions of the church.
Here is the list of St. Stephen officers, with their various responsibilities.
St. Stephen Session
Committee Assignments 2017
Rev. Dr. Fritz Ritsch, Moderator
Peggy Wadley, Clerk of Session
Budget, Finance & Stewardship
Lars Berg (’18),chair; Roland Vogel (’17), Stewardship chair
Christian Education
Peggy Kennedy (’17),chair; Robin Owhonda (’18)
Communications
Nancy Ricker (’17), chair
Congregational Nominating Committee
Mark Thielman (’18), chair; Emily Endres (’19)
Fellowship
Karla Campbell (’17) and Babs Sloan (’19), co-chairs
Membership
John Walters (’18), chair
Mission
Cynthia Walker (’18),chair; Vicki Johnson (’19)
Personnel
Marshall Ray (’18)chair; Nancy Ricker (’17)
Property
Paul Nyul (’19)chair; Jack Hunnicutt (’19)
Worship
Mitch Murphy (’17), chair; Roger Davis (’19)
Board of Deacons 2017
Laurie Sandefur (’17) – Moderator
Kate Colquitt (’18)
Wanda Gill (’17)
Molly Hale (’17)
Jane Hawkins (’18)
Ted Kretchmar (’19)
Bill Larmour (’17)
Tom Leavens (’18)
Mike Tyson (’18)
Brian Wheeler (’19)
Board of Trustees 2017
Jerry Moody (’18), Chair and President of the Corporation
Gretchen Denny (’19)
Jim Hille (’17)
Greg Hinckley (’18)
Carolyn Kirkland (’17)
Adelaide Leavens (’17)
Elizabeth Murphy (’18)
Roger Rice (’19)
Bob Watson (’19)