Church Committees

The Session shall organize itself into committees, task forces and teams, in order to responsibly carry out its tasks of oversight, management and mission.  As much as possible, committees shall meet monthly to accomplish their respective tasks.  Committees shall report to each meeting of the Session with questions, recommendations, and requests for referral to other committees.

(italics are changes approved Apr. 20, 2009)

Administration and Finance return to committee assignments

The Administration and Finance committee shall have general oversight of the church office and shall monitor the financial matters of the church. It shall, through the treasurer, provide timely reports on the financial status of the church for regularly scheduled meetings of the session and shall offer appropriate summaries of that report to the congregation. The committee shall prepare a proposed budget of income and expenses for the upcoming year, to be available to the session prior to its December meeting. The committee shall coordinate the church’s stewardship ministry, which includes but is not limited to the annual financial campaign, with the intention of obtaining “giving intentions” from church members and friends. The committee shall act as personnel committee with regard to the treasurer.

Building and Grounds return to committee assignments

The Buildings and Grounds committee shall have oversight of the care and maintenance of the church properties.  This includes the right to enter into contracts for service on behalf of the Session which are within the financial limitations set by the Session in its annual budget.  The committee shall make timely recommendations to the Session for major building repairs/renovations which will exceed the annual budget for such purposes.  The White Memorial Cemetery Board shall report to the Session through the Building and Grounds Committee.

Worship and Music return to committee assignments

The Worship and Music committee shall have oversight of all regularly scheduled worship services, obtaining pulpit supplies (Ministers or others), as needed. The committee shall submit a calendar of worship services, including special services such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Christmas Eve, Homecoming and any other worship service that may be considered a congregational worship opportunity. The committee shall act as a personnel committee with regard to the positions of Pianist (organist), Choir Director, and other instrumentalists.

Christian Education and Youth return to committee assignments

The Christian Education committee shall design educational opportunities for the entire age range of those who participate in the life of White Memorial Presbyterian Church.  Specific curriculum and resource recommendations shall be made to the Session for its advice and consent.  The Youth Committee, a free-standing sub-committee, shall report to the Session through the Christian Education Committee with recommendations and requests related to youth.  The Christian Education Committee shall act as a personnel committee with regard to the positions of Sunday School leaders and Youth Ministry leaders, both volunteer and employed.

Growth and Congregational Life return to committee assignments

The Growth and Congregational Life committee shall have oversight of the outreach of WMPC to newcomers and prospective members. “Exploring White Memorial” classes shall be provided for prospective members with the assistance and guidance of the Moderator of Session. It shall also provide for the assimilation of new members into the life of WMPC. The Growth and Congregational Life committee shall plan and implement at least six congregation-wide events for Food, Fun and Fellowship each year. Portions of this may be delegated to other groups and committees within the life of WMPC.

Mission return to committee assignments

The mission committee shall direct all mission activities of the church. It shall have oversight of the special offerings (Senior Center, Pennies for Hunger, Christmas Joy, One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, and Peacemaking), publicizing the purpose of and setting calendar schedules for the reception of these gifts. The committee, through the pastor, shall have oversight of the distribution of financial assistance to members of the congregation and persons in the community via the Crisis Fund. The committee supervises any “hands-on” or financial mission work to worldwide and local ministries, and interprets all mission sponsored by the church to its members, emphasizing the relationship of mission to Christian stewardship.

 Personnel return to committee assignments

The Session shall meet as a Personnel committee to consider all matters related to pastoral leadership.  (This responsibility presumes that the Pastor Nominating Committee has presented a ministry candidate, to whom an official Call has been issued by New Hope Presbytery)  Ordinarily the committee will meet twice, annually: June, to conduct a performance review, and November, to conduct a salary review.