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First United Church Organizational Structure
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The Bible does not lay out step by step how a church is to be ordered. The Bible does tell us that order is necessary however. The Epistle of II Timothy lays out qualifications for leaders of which the Bible names three offices. Elder, Deacon, and Teaching Elder. Paul speaks of worship in general terms of being that act of believrs gathered together to offer Prayers, Hymns/Psalms, confession, Reading of Scripture, Preaching ,the celebration of the Lord's Table (Communion), and Baptism. Worship is the act of gloryfying God. True worship must have essential elements such as Preaching , Reading the Word of God (including Gospel), Prayers and Psalms, and Celebration of the Lord's Supper (Baptism as well). Here at First Church we are organized with these essentials in mind.
Our form of Government may be considered Presbyterial Meaning: Elder/Overseer). The History of First Church notes this form of Government in its Evangelical and Reformed heritage. Although we are not as democratic as Congregational government, we are not ruled by Episcopal forms of government (Bishops) either. We may be considered between Congregational and Presbyterian in that the congregation has a say in what will finally be done at First Church. In reality we may be seen as representational. Presently our congregation is in the process of Reviewing the Functional and organizational aspects of First Church. We pray for God's leading in this time of change and renewal. Our intentions are to please God and glorify Him through a proper and Biblical form of government.
CONSISTORY: The heart of First United's governing body is the Consistory. This board is what decides matters of business and concerns of the church as a whole. Various ministries are represented through Consistory such as:
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Board of Christian Education : Plans Sunday School lessons, and events related to the education of the church as a whole.
Spiritual Council: Is the body which is called to serve as Elders in assisting the Pastor at Communion, visiting the sick, oversight of Doctrine, oversight of new member candidates, and general well-being of the congregation. Elders or (Ruling Elders) also have matters of Discipline and review of members in terms of their being active or inactive. Elders are trained and prepared to carry out their duties and are installed into their office at a Regular Sunday service of Worship. Elders training consists of Retreats, Monthly study, Bible study, practical on-hands learning such as leading a Bible class or Elder's training class, and formal readings in the book, 'Elders and Leaders' by Gene A. Getz. Ruling Elders are nominated from the congregation.
Deacons: Deacons carry out the ministry of care and compassion. They also deal with monies and care of the Physical operations of the Church in terms of disbursements of monies for needy and those in distress. Deacons are also trained in their role.
Altar Comittee: Altar comittee has charge of the physical appearance of the Church. The seasonal decorations and liturgical colors. They see to it that the front of the Church is presentable and attractive as well as apporpriate for various occasions of worship. Flowers and other special decorations is in the care of Altar Comittee.
Task Force: Task force carries out activities which focus on fund raising. Dinners such as Turkey Dinner, Hungarian Dinner, Bazzars, and various other activities which promote fund raising are involed here. They also sponsor a Candle Lite Bowling night and Dinner Dance. (see events)
Memorials: Deals with the distributions of monies aimed at specific memorials such as the purchase of Bible's and other needs of the church as requested and or otherwise given to the discreation of memorials.
Buildings and Grounds: Manages the Physical building including the Church Building and Parsonage. Repairs and improvements are among the many responsibilities B&G carry out.
Music: Decides the music for choir and various special worship services such as Mundy Thurday, Good Friday and Easter. This board also decides the regular music for Sunday services in terms of the Anthem, Introit, Choral Benediction, and much more.
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First Church may therefore be understood as being served by: Teaching Elder (Pastor), Ruling Elders, and Deacons. Representation is through various ministries as they sit on Consistory. Congregational involvement is through representation of boards as well as Called Congregational Meetings and an Annual meeting held each year in January.
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SERRVICES
Communion: Communion is Served every First Sunday of the Month, unless otherwise noted.
Communion is open to all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and desire to celebrate with the Body of Christ. Those who do not confess Christ are invited to remain in the service during the celebration of the Lord's Supper. It is not suggested that those who have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior take part in the Lord's Supper. It is suggested that all who do confess Christ Jesus , nevertheless, check their conscience before partaking and thus preparing themselves through prayer and confession.
Baptisms : Baptisms are a Public celebration of the Covenant of God with his people and their Children. Baptism is never done in private but is to be held at a regular service of Worship on a Sunday morning. This act is the act of the whole body of Christ as it receives into the Covenant Community those presented for Baptism. For Children: Parent(s) should be confessing Christian(s) active in a church (if not living in the area)or the local church baptising. If Adult: they too should be trained and aware of their responsibilities before being Baptised. Baptism in Reformed Protestant Tradition does not save a person, it is a means of grace whereby the one baptized is brought up in the Church and trained in faith by Parents and those in office within the Church. All Baptised members and non-members are under the care of the Church and have all rights granted them of the pastoral care of the local church. The mode of baptism is commonly by sprinkling, but full emmersion of adult members is also acceptable if requested.
New Members: Those wishing to join the Local church must report to the Pastor their intention to join. After attending a membership class they will be brought up before the Spiritual Council for approval. The Pastor will meet with them again to talk over their intention to join and the responsibilities to the Church upon becoming a member. All those wishing to Join the Visible Church as Communing Members must be ready to be taken into membership at a regular service of Worship on a Sunday morning and take their vows before the Community of Christ.
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Weddings: Those wishing to become married should consult with the Pastor. It is to be the reponsibility of the Pastor to guide the couple into an understanding of Christian Marriage. The Marriage of Christians is a form or type of the marriage of Christ (the groom) to his Church the Bride. Marriage is a responsibility and is blessed by God as noted when Jesus blessed the wedding at cana. Marriage, in keeping with Biblical beliefs, is between one man and one woman. It is advised that couples consider seriously the place of regular worship and membership in a Church as they enter into matrimony. Marriage between Christians is a form of honoring Christ and His Church.
Use of Church for weddings: If the Couple getting married wishes the service to be in the church, they should consult with the Pastor and discuss fees. There is no fee for members. A fee is also required for the Fellowship Hall for receptions and for custodial services. The Pastor will notify couples of these fees.
