The Session:  The Ministry of Discernment and Governance

As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office.  

Class of 2026                               Class of 2027                Class of 2028

Charlene Gooch Steve Ehlers Nancy Beenken

Laureen Jellema Betsy Gross, Clerk Sarah Kress

Jackie Wendt Donna Lee Olson Nancy Nickerson

Deacons: The Ministry of Compassion and Service

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. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.

    Class of 2026                      Class of 2027                       Class of 2028

Tammy Buffington Renee Davey Cathy Buren

Ann Hanes Denna Hill Mary Markwalter

Alice Zinnel Paula Warren Rhonda Pyle