Session Organizational Chart 

The Session is an elected and ordained board of thirty active elders, charged to serve the church. They are responsible for the mission and government of First Presbyterian Church. The Session entrusts to the Board of Deacons the care of the First Church family and to the Board of Trustees the care of the First Church property and management of funds. All are subject to the authority of the Session and under the provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

The members of the Session, Trustees, Deacons and Foundation are nominated by the Nominating Committee and approved by the congregation at an annual congregational meeting. Board members generally serve a three year term. Each board had committees through which they do their work. Many of these committees are open for members from the congregation at-large. 

Our Deacons are the servants of the church. The word "deacon" means "to serve" or, "to wait upon". They may greet you at the door, pray with you, visit you at home or in the hospital, answer the phone on Sunday mornings, or tidy the church after services. The deacons have a responsibility to see to the spiritual and physical needs of our church and community family.

Deacons serve a three year term but once a Deacon, always a Deacon. They meet the second Tuesday evening of the month from September to May and do not meet during the summer.

OUR DEACONS • Ruth Strasman, Moderator 

 
The Hospitality Commission
“Love the Lord your God with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” Evangelism is showing our hospitality by reaching out to everyone in love and fellowship to welcome them into our family and tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is our privilege and our responsibility. Chair: Georgette Fitzpatrick

♦ New Members
♦ Visitor Follow-up
♦ First Impressions Team 
♦ Special Events
♦ Receptions & Banquets
 

The Worship Commission
Here at First Church we energetically promote and teach the language of faith through worship so that all of God’s people, young and old, are vitally involved in singing, praying, proclaiming and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Chair: Marion Baurley-Fleres

♦ Worship Services
♦ Arts, Media & Worship
♦ Spiritual Growth and Development
♦ Spire Series
♦ Sanctuary Guild

The Mission Commission
Christ has called us to care for “the least of these” and to be Christ’s presence in the world. We work hard to communicate this need and encourage each other to follow Christ’s calling in mission work. There are vast needs here in south Florida we support “hands-on” as well as financially. Beyond our local community and nation there is a world in need of God’s love and care. We work to be the hands of caring, the voices of love and the hearts of compassion. Co-Chair: Victoria DeSantis-Boswell Co-Chair: Jean Koehler  For amplification, see Local & Global Missions

♦ Global and National Missions
♦ Local Missions
♦ Mission Trips

The Stewardship Commission
In recognition of and gratitude for the abundance of grace and treasure God has given to us here at First Church, we endeavor to constantly grow in faithful and responsible use of these gifts. We believe God has entrusted us to manage and share our time, our talents and our financial resources with the local and global community in the name of Jesus Christ.

♦ Budget & Finance
♦ Building & Grounds
♦ Communications
♦ Time & Talent
♦ T.H.E.Y.

Communications Committee
The Communications Committee provides support and guidance toward the communicational needs at FPC. Our areas of focus include contact management, weekly emails, press and public relations, collaboration on newsletters, bulletins, and websites, and assistance with photography, advertising, event flyers, posters, banners, and print collateral. Chair: Debi Davis

T.H.E.Y. (The Help Everyone Yearns For)
THEY make a difference around the church! Join us the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 – 12:00 for this “hands-on” volunteer opportunity. Many projects will be worked on, and any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

The Congregational Care and Nurture Commission
As a congregation we exist for many reasons, but our needs and goals are the same as those of the earliest Christians. We have a deep need to share; our faith, our needs, our hopes and dreams. We have a deep need to associate and participate; to belong to the group of people who strive to follow Christ, to work alongside others for the benefit of all. Deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ, we have a need to love each other, pray for each other and serve each other. "Your care for others is the measure of your greatness." -- Luke 9:48 Chair: Ruth Strasman

♦ Membership
♦ Deacons
♦ Stephen Ministry
♦ The Tag Team
♦ Grief Support

Deacons Ministry

The Deacons minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to anyone who may be in distress. The Deacon’s Ministry includes hospital visitation, homebound visitation, office duty, pew duty, fellowship hour, St. Laurence Chapel, and transportation. For amplification see Deacon Directory

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is a program where lay persons are equipped to provide an effective one-to-one caring ministry to persons who are experiencing problems or difficulties in their lives. At First Presbyterian Church, we have Stephen Ministers available to care for you (or someone you know) in a manner of Christian concern and love. All interaction between you and your Stephen Minister is strictly confidential. The Stephen Ministry Experience "Be a Light In Darkness" describes our mission of walking side by side a person in need during a difficult time of crisis in their life.  Ministers who can talk to you about the 50 hours of training you will receive with in all areas of life changing events in The Stephen Ministry Experience.  Make the commitment today to serve in this incredible life changing opportunity. For amplification, see Stephen Ministry Chair: Marge Waugh

The Tag Team

Being part of the Tag Team is about joyful hospitality offered to all who gather at First Presbyterian Church. Each Sunday the tag board buzzes as the Spirit draws us together to share in worship. If hospitality is one of your gifts and you enjoy sharing even just a brief moment with your Brothers and Sisters, the Tag Team is a great way to start your Sunday morning. The team needs warm and welcoming SMILES.

The Education Commission
We are responsible for providing creative and relevant programming for all ages. Our goal is to help everyone grow spiritually through educational and fun activities. Chair: Rachel Merritt

♦ Adult Ministry

♦ Youth Ministry

♦ Children’s Ministry

♦ Early Childhood Ministry

Adult Ministries
Christian Education encourages people of all ages to involve their hearts, souls and minds, and to develop their spiritual lives. There are education programs for all ages at the First Church, nursery through adult. Programs are offered on Sunday mornings, throughout the week and month. For amplification, see Adult Ministries

Children, Youth & Family Ministries
Our hope is that every child would know God, accept His great gift of salvation, and know and apply His Word so well that their attitudes and actions would increasingly reflect God's character. We want each child to experience biblical community, where his/her shepherd models an authentic relationship with Jesus. We want each child to experience the power of prayer. We value the importance of relevant Bible teaching. We strive to teach the Bible creatively. We encourage the children to engage in authentic worship. Overall, we want the kids to feel truly loved, and safe. For amplification, see Children & Family Ministries or Youth Ministries

Music Ministries
Since the founding of the Pink Church congregation over 50 years ago, music has been an integral part of its life, ministry and worship. God has richly blessed us with many gifts. Director of Music Mark Jones, Choir Director Rachel Merritt, and Interim Choir Director Elaine McNamara and Rachel Merritt, help us to use our musical gifts to reach people in ways nothing else can. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. - Isaiah 55.12 For amplification, see Music Ministries

♦ Chancel Choir (Adults)
♦ Chancel Handbell Choir
♦ Cherub Choir
♦ Children’s Choir

Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women is a world-wide organization whose membership is open to all women of the Church.  The purpose of Presbyterian Women is to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the Church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA). When you became a member of the Presbyterian Church you automatically became a member of Presbyterian Women. We not only share Bible study with Presbyterian Women across the world, but unite in mission work. The money collected through offerings, lunches and projects goes directly to our community and world missions. We welcome you to become an active member of our Association. The Esther, Lydia, Mary, and WE Group Circles invite you to share our study and fellowship. It's a wonderful way to make new friends, learn more about the Bible, and to join together at our Luncheon Gatherings which meet four times a year. For amplification, see Presbyterian Women Contact: Pat Dawson

The Transformation Team
This process is about seeking and understanding God's purpose for us. While we attempt to understand and honor our past, we explore both old and new ways to facilitate our journey of faith individually and as a congregation. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Cyle Morpeth
Volunteer Coordinator