Boards and Committees
Our church has a wide range of committees on which members can serve. Please read below to learn how you can get involved. Don't miss the note from our nominating committee at the bottom of the page.
Session
24 members (called Elders), the Moderator, and Clerk of Session
The Session governs the spiritual and programmatic life of the congregation, guiding all its affairs and activities. Responsible to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Session leads the congregation through its committees: Christian Education, Financial Stewardship, Membership, Memorials and Gifts, Nominating, Outreach, Parish Life, Personnel, Property, and Worship and Music. Each Elder Serves on a committee as well as on Session. Elders are also trustees of the corporation and are responsible for the fiscal and property aspects of the Church.
Session Committees - There are 10 session committees, described below.
Christian Education Committee
Plans and implements the education programs for SPC members of all ages. It consists of two subcommittees: (1) adult education and (2) children and youths education. It is the liaison to Session for the Peacemaking Committee and the Youth Committee and is responsible for the library.
Financial Stewardship Committee
Responsible for all aspects of the annual giving campaign. Through this campaign, the Financial Stewardship Committee musters the financial resources the church needs to carry out its mission.
Membership Committee
Seeks out new church members and reaches out to inactive members. It is actively engaged in supporting our Inquirers' classes and integrating new members in the life of the church. It sponsors Nametag Sunday and Bring a Friend to Church Sunday. The committee also recruits greeters for Sunday morning worship.
Memorials and Gifts Committee
Receives, supervises, and directs the use of memorial and gift funds given to its care and maintains contact with the families. It pays attention to the special needs of the church that would enhance our facilities and mission. The committee oversees the Book of Remembrance, the Book of Saints, the church archives, and the administration of the Memorial Garden and the Labyrinth.
Nominating Committee
Secures the nominees for the Session, Deacons, and Session committees. When vacancies occur, the committee seeks replacements.
Outreach Committee
Recommends the mission budget for the church. The Outreach Committee decides on mission funding allocation for organizations that reach out to people in need locally, nationally and globally. The committee does site visits where appropriate and arranges volunteer opportunities for the congregation. Awareness activities include an annual Mission Fair and a monthly "Minute for Mission" in worship. The Alternative Christmas Shop, the Hunger Task Force, the World Mission Task Force, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, and the Chester Co-op Link are arms of the Outreach Committee.
Parish Life Committee
Facilitates fellowship at SPC by organizing social events such as Sunday morning coffee, an annual welcome-back picnic, the Advent supper, a Christmas reception, the annual meeting potluck supper, Maundy Thursday potluck dinner, festive Easter coffee, summer punch, and periodic special events. It is the liason to Session for Fall Fair, Spring Fling, and the Marthas.
Personnel Committee
Works with Session to oversee our relations with and employer responsibilities to the church staff. Committee members meet annually with each staff member. The Committee recommends benefit and employment policy decisions to Session. It is also responsible for recruiting all non-clergy staff and for making recommendations to Session for hiring and compensation for all employees.
Property Committee
Responsible for the physical facilities of the church. It monitors the condition of the buildings and oversees capital improvements. Property is the liaison to Session for the Health and Safety Committee and for the Space Utilization Task Force.
Worship and Music Committee
Facilitates the corporate, family, and individual worship of our church by preparing communion, scheduling acolytes and other volunteers, and maintaining the materials used in worship services. It also reviews forms of worship and offers suggestions to the pastors and music director. It is the liaison to Session for the Music Committee and is responsible for the ushers.
Board of Deacons
21 members and Pastoral Advisor
Deacons are traditionally charged with "deeds of love and mercy." They minister in the name of the congregation to individuals who are sick, bereaved, shut-in, returning from a hospital stay, or in need of special short-term help. They are in charge of the Sunday flowers, delivering tapes of the Worship Service, and of providing van service. Rev. Lisa Day, the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Older Adult Ministry, is the pastoral advisor to this 21-member Board of Deacons.
A note from the nominating committee...
The Nominating Committee solicits suggestions each fall for people to serve on the boards and committees. You may suggest yourself, your spouse, or any church member you think qualified and interested in serving. The Nominating Committee is always eager to involve new members and younger members in leadership activities.
Once elected, members usually serve 3-year terms. One-third of each board and committee retires at the annual meeting in January when new people are elected and take office. Most committees meet monthly on Tuesday nights, September through June. The Nominating Committee itself meets weekly on Mondays throughout the fall.
For details on the work required of each committee, please visit the
Committee Job Descriptions section of the SPC Member Website (
login required).
To nominate a church member (including yourself!) please contact anyone on the nominating committee or call or email the church office. A current list of members on the nominating committee is available on the SPC Member Website (login required).