Church Leadership
Our Presbyterian heritage is one of shared leadership by both pastor and members, joining together in faith and love. Together, with the Elders and Deacons, our pastor and staff, along with members and volunteers keep us moving forward. Our worship and music programs, children and youth activities, busy food pantry, and active fellowship gatherings are just some of the ways we tap into the talents of our members. Young and old, new and veteran find joy in doing God's work in our church. We welcome everyone to "roll up your sleeves" and become part of this church family.
Elders
The Session
The Presbyterian (USA) Book of Order states:
"As there were in Old Testament times, Elders were 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 it's fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture it's faith and life. Ruling elders together with ministers of the word and sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline, and have responsibility for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships."
--Definition of Ruling Elder (G-2-0301).
Our Session is the governing body of our church. It is comprised of "elders" elected by the congregation in three classes of five, for a term of three years and the installed members of the pastoral staff. The Session is responsible for all aspects of the mission and government of our church. It's many and wide-ranging responsibilities, include all church organizations. The work of the Session is conducted through its committees which include the areas of: Buildings and Grounds, Christian Education and Youth, Stewardship and Finance, Personnel and Administration, Outreach, Church Cemetery, Communications, Congregational Life, Missions, Service and Grants, Vision Team, and Worship.
Deacons
As a congregation, the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury cares for one another. We celebrate with one another in times of joy and support each other in times of sorrow. The Deacons serve those in need with meals, company and support. In a special way, the Deacons are entrusted with congregational care. Please let the church office know if you or someone you love desires a visit from a deacon or a pastor, or needs a meal provided, a card sent, a welcome gift, or home communion.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order states:
The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office."
The Board of Deacons plays a very active role in the life of the church. Deacons serve Home Communion to the homebound, usher in worship the 5th Sunday of the month, deliver flowers to the sick or homebound, send caring cards and provide meals, rides and comfort to those in need. The Deacons also sponsor the Strawberry Festival in June and prepare and distribute Thanksgiving food baskets.
Anyone who would like a Deacon to call or visit should contact the church office at office@cranburypres.org.
Deacon's Benevolence Fund
Benevolence: "A disposition to do good. An act of kindness." Did you know that the Board of Deacons has a Benevolence Fund? Do you know what it is for? Do you know where the monies come from and where they go?
The purpose of the Deacons Benevolence Fund is to help those in need. It may be a person from the community or within our church family. There are monies available to help with immediate needs such as rent, utilities, food, medical etc. A person only needs to contact the church office with their particular need. A small committee of Deacons review the request before monies is dispersed. All requests are kept confidential.
The Deacons raise money for this fund through the Strawberry Festival, holiday flowers, and other various fundraisers. By attending the Strawberry Festival, ordering flowers during Easter and Christmas and supporting any of the deacons' other fundraisers, you are helping to do good and are performing an act of kindness to others.
Please help to support the various fundraisers held by the Deacons or consider making a donation to the Deacons Benevolence Fund. Should you know someone or find yourself in need of the Deacons Benevolence Fund, please contact the church office.
Our Presbytery and Synod Affiliations
Beyond our local congregation, we are connected to the larger Presbyterian church family. We are a member of the Presbytery of the Coastlands, a regional body made up of other local Presbyterian congregations. The Presbytery connects us with nearby Presbyterians to support the work of the church, to offer accountability and to promote collaboration in ministry. We fall under the umbrella of the Synod of the Northeast, which extends from New Jersey to Maine. The Synod not only oversees church governance, but supports congregations, promotes innovation in ministry, and provides networks for building relationships around shared interests and passions. All of this is under our national denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA).