Church Officers
The Session
The Session is the governing body of the church. First Church, like all Presbyterian churches, is a representative democracy. The word “Presbyterian” actually comes from the Greek word presbuteros which means “elder.”
We are governed by elders who are democratically chosen from and by the entire congregation. Governance and authority over church matters resides with these elected elders.
Elders make up the church’s governing body which is called the Session. Our Session oversees the day-to-day-work of the church and supervises the Deacons, who are elected to conduct the temporal and charitable ministry of the church, and the Trustees, who are elected to manage financial, legal and property affairs of the church.
The Session is composed of 24 ruling elders. Elders serve a three-year term.
Senior Pastor and Moderator: Jon M. Walton
Associate Pastor: Sarah Segal McCaslin
Minister of Christian Education: Barbara E. Davis
Clerk of Session: Betty C. Jones
| Class of 2012 | Class of 2013 | Class of 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Craig F. Arcella | Jonathan Bruner | Tom Cathcart |
| Tracey Francis | Amy E. Frisch | Mark Fontaine |
| John C. Harpole | Anne L. Gray | Roger Leaf |
| Marjorie E. Henning | Boyd Johnson | Carla Mercado |
| Cynthia McCaffrey | R. Ben Maddox | Lauren McGill |
| Brian M. McCarty | Richard Marmet | Kyun Park |
| Heather S. Mee | Nadya Robinson | Jeffrey Simpson |
| Kevin Gregory Umeh | Michael J. Scott | Larry Tallamy |
The Board of Deacons
The role of the Deacons is one of “sympathy, service and witness” to the love of God as shown in the life of Jesus Christ.
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), the office of Deacon is designed “to minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.” (Book of Order, G-6.0402). The origin of “deacon” is the Greek diakonos, “servant.”
At First Church we have an elected Board of Deacons who minister with compassion to anyone in need, whether they are members of the church, visitors, neighbors or other members of the community. Deacons meet on a monthly basis to determine how best to meet those needs. They receive care and prayer requests from those who themselves, or whose loved ones, are ill, or have other special needs, and can refer people for pastoral care.
Deacons also offer practical, loving help. They telephone or visit people in need, particularly those who are homebound. It might be simply to check on how someone is doing and see if there is any help that they may need. They can provide news of activities at First Church, deliver reprinted copies of recent sermons, or simply provide a listening ear and a friendly smile. Or it may be to answer a specific need, such as to write a letter, place a phone call, run shopping or other errands, feed or walk a pet, rearrange furniture, or assist with a change of accommodation. Deacons also receive requests for emergency short-term financial support that are considered on a case-by-case basis.
They can also arrange transportation to and from First Church. During and after church services, deacons are identifiable by the red carnations that they wear. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about First Church and, if necessary, direct you to other officers and staff who can also assist. They greet people following services and answer any questions. Deacons also provide hospitality at fellowship gatherings of the congregation after services, being alert to welcome those who may be new to the church and in need of a friend who can introduce them to other members of the congregation.
Our deacons are involved in a wide range of activities at First Church including ushering, church school and adult education programs, preparing and serving communion, assisting at baptisms, and acting as members of various committees of the church. They also arrange outreach activities within the community, such as volunteering at various care organizations and visiting their residents.
Two Deacons for the Month are appointed by the Board of Deacons to act as specific points of contact for those in need. Any deacon, however, can assist.
Requests for Deacons should be directed to the Deacon of the Month telephone number, the Board e-mail (boardofdeacons@fpcnyc.org) or if urgent, to the Pastoral staff.
Co-Moderators: Neville Carmical and Ryan Tirre
Secretary: Elissa Hunter
Treasurer: William Elkins
| Class of 2012 | Class of 2013 | Class of 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Neville W. Carmical | Primerose Desroches | Elissa Hunter |
| Rita Johnson | Will Elkins | Margo Lundell |
| Jason J. Reade | Rebecca Key Johnson | Oddrun Marrone |
| Rose Russell Roberts | Stephen Jordan | Suzanne Riccobono |
| Ryan C. Tirre | Kara S. Van Norden | David Richardson |
| Bonnie Ford Woit | Elizabeth White-Pultz | Lisa Wolfe |
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees holds and manages properties and as authorized, conducts business for the church. Trustees serve a three-year term.
President: Martha Ferry
Vice President: Kyongsoo Noh
Secretary: Michael Delaney
Treasurer: Roger Leaf
Business Administrator: Susan Tedesco
Counsel: Reade H. Ryan, Jr.
| Class of 2012 | Class of 2013 | Class of 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Martha M. Ferry | Thomas B. Brown | Mark Dehnert |
| Albert H. Garner | Michael J. Delaney | Jennifer Freeman |
| Donna Halverstadt | Margaret L. McClure | Jeffrey Metzler |
| Richard Korchak | Kyongsoo Noh | Barbara Sherman |
How Church Officers Are Selected: The Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee prepares slates of new officers to present to our Annual Meeting in January of each year. We solicit suggestions for elders, deacons, and trustees from our members for the three boards of our church.
All officers serve three-year terms and should expect to meet at least once a month (often more frequently). Nominating Committee members serve one-year terms.
| 2011 Nominating Committee: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Marjorie Henning, Chair | Martha Ferry | Rod Thompson |
| Amy Elkins | Tracey Francis | Elizabeth White-Pultz |
| David Fellows | Joan Ryan | Jon Walton |
Some factors to consider when suggesting yourself or others to serve as church officers:
Church involvement: regular attendance at worship, active participation in church activities, offices held and leadership rendered, evidence of commitment to the church and its mission, understanding of and commitment to Presbyterian polity.
Christian life: evidence of grace and compassion in common life, evidence of maturity and effectiveness of ministry in the world.
Personal qualifications: cooperativeness, willingness to listen, readiness to learn, ability to follow through on assignments, organizational ability, creativity, openess to new ideas, maturity of judgment, freedom to express ideas and thoughts.
Other factors: occupational background and life experience, service in other organizations, interest in particular causes, offices held and quality of performance in them, education and training in the duties and reponsibilities of that office.
Nominations for officers should be placed in the suggestion box in the Mellin-Macnab Church House lobby. You may also speak to a member of the Nominating Committee or contact the current chairperson.