The handbook for clerks of session is written for clerks by clerks as a guide to the. Together these documents stand to be significant and instructive to both the individual and corporate life and faith of presbyterians. This manual will address the role of the session in presbyterian polity, the role of the clerk, session meetings and minutes, congregational meetings and minutes, rolls and registers, the bookof order required manuals and policies, and the relationship of the session to the presbytery. Organize minutes with this professional quality minutes of session book. Before leaving pcusa in 2006, i was an elder in a congregation near dallas. Whereas book of order administration of mission states, each council shall develop a manual of administrative operations that will specify the form and guide the work of. I have put together an extended definition of our categories of membership for you to use, and i hope it will prove helpful. Flo lilly the ministry of deacon as set forth in scripture is 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. Free book of order download book of order 20172019. This video series reflects the 202015 pcusa book of order.
Whether its the budget or sunday school or praying for guidance on a new. Click here to download the handbook for clerks of session. The constitution of the presbyterian church is composed of two books. It seems that the difference can show up in how sessions and clerks relate. The stated clerk s office has received quite a few questions regarding membership as our clerks work through this season of statistical reporting. The handbook for clerks of session is written for clerks as a guide to the responsibilities of the clerk of session. Retention requirements for financial and administrative records vary from state to state. Our general retention schedule for congregations follows below. The session is responsible to guide and govern, and lead the congregation in fulfilling its responsibilities for the service of all people, for the upbuilding of the whole church, and for the glory of god.
The book of order mandates that each governing body of the pcusa have a moderator and a clerk1. The presbyterian historical society provides advice to congregations on records management but does not hold congregation records of temporary value. Although it says little about clerks, you will want to become familiar with it, either in print form or online at the denominational web site, the book of order has four sections. Handbook for clerks of session 2018 edition this handbook is dedicated to all the clerks of session in the presbytery of genesee valley with gratitude to former stated clerk val fowler, creator of this handbook. The stated clerk will send more information as soon as dates are confirmed updated 032119. Clc user guide for clerk of session presbyterian church.
He covers how to take good minutes, what records to keep, how to support and assist the pastor and proper order. However, the role takes on a special significance well beyond its stated duties. Made of maroon imitation leather with gold foil imprint on front, spine, and back. Serving as clerk of session presbytery of charlotte. Handbook for clerks of session the presbytery of elizabeth. Clerk of session approval form presbyterian church u. I will also list other resources you might find helpful. Fact checking your clerk of session the presbyterian lay.
Includes 200 plain, unnumbered looseleaf acid free sheets with blue speckled edging. You have joined a unique and important group of people in the presbyterian church u. The book of order is the second part of the constitution of the presbyterian church u. Pcusa how it works 2008 pcusa structure and governing bodies the governing bodies of the presbyterian church u. The clerk and pastor work on the docket for the session meeting togetherbut book of order wise, the clerk is the primary person responsible for this. Nor does it say that the ruling elder must not be an active ruling elder on the session. Jay bender leads a training time for presbyterian clerk of session folks in north carolina. As clerk, you will record a good deal of history of your church as you write. Every clerk, at one time or another, has sat in session meetings and wrestled with the same things that all ruling elders wrestle with. Handbook for clerks of session 2018 edition this handbook is dedicated to all the clerks of session in the presbytery of genesee valley with gratitude to former stated clerk val. Manual for clerks of session and a reference for moderators.
Brochures and cards bulletin inserts forms and applications liturgy and worship aids manuals and policies video, audio and multimedia publications and periodicals posters and fliers reports and study guides prayer cards. The text of twelve confessional documents comprise this volume. Jan 15, 2016 when the clerk is not a member of the session, it is often necessary to remind sessions that the clerk has been where they are. Clerks of session resources presbytery of charlotte. I have been conducting workshops regarding significant changes in the form of government that congregations need to be aware of and address in order to avoid conflicts in the future. Principlesoforderforcongregations withoutamanualofoperations. A part of the reformed tradition, it is the largest presbyterian denomination in the us, and known for its relatively progressive stance on doctrine. Manual for clerks of session national capital presbytery. The presbyterian church usa, abbreviated pcusa, is a mainline protestant christian denomination in the united states. The person who takes minutes for the session and maintains all of the churchs ledgers of membership, births, baptisms, deaths, and elders is known as the clerk of session. Participate in the annual clerk of day coordinated by the presbyterys stated session clerk. Serve as secretary for meetings of the congregation, seeing that the minutes are received by session and are inscribed in the permanent session minute book. Book of order 20192021 book of order 20192021 the first part of the churchs constitution is contained in the book of confessions.
The book of order mandates that each governing body of the pcusa have a moderator and a clerk. Records of congregations presbyterian historical society. You have joined a unique and important group of people within the presbyterian church u. All references in parentheses are to paragraphs in the book of order, the constitution of the church. All books are in clear copy here, and all files are secure so dont worry about it. Necrology report for the year 2019 due january 31, 2020 terms of call reporting 2020 minimum terms of call information 2020 annual report of terms of call form book of order 20192020 book of order. The clerk of session plays a vital role within the presbyterian church usa. Clerks of presbyteries, synods, and the general assembly are called stated clerks. Part 2 of the constitution is the book of order with four sections describing the way we order our life together. Pcusa book of order is the basis of this 2014 training. Those serving sessions are called clerks of session. The majority of my fellow session members did not grow up presbyterian, and had probably never cracked open the westminster confession or the book of order, so they had little knowledge of presbyterian doctrine or government. Send an email to kari mcfarland, olypres stated clerk with any questions including login information. There may be times that members of the congregation voice concerns to the session and that correspondence will come to you, which in turn you would share with the pastor as how best to proceed.
The clerk must be an elder but does not need to be an active member of the session. Resources for clerks of session book of confessions free download. It doesnt say that the ruling elder must be an active ruling elder on the session. The book of order is published by the office of the general. Part 1 of the constitution is the book of confessions, consisting of 12 documents whose origins span 1,800 years of church history. Jan 31, 2020 2020 clerk of session contact information. The session is responsible to guide and govern, and lead the congregation in fulfilling its responsibilities for the service of all people, for the upbuilding of the whole. The first thing to know is that the book of order is your handbook. The clerk of session maintains the history of the faithfulness of the church through careful. This site is like a library, you could find million book here by using search box in the header. This volume contains the foundations of presbyterian polity, the form of government, the directory for worship, and the rules of discipline.
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