/fairfaxs-website/image-f878f-i65ab.png "Fairfax Presbyterian Church")
The organization of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is laid out in the Book of Order. Each church is governed by a group of elected members called elders, who together form the Session. The elders oversee the different ministries of the church; each ministry is responsible for different aspects of the functions of the church as a whole.
For a current list of names our of leadership, please see the last page of our weekly Bulletin. The following sections contain a brief description of our leadership at FPC.
To reach any member of our Leadership, please contact the office at fpcoffice@fairfaxpresby.com.
LEADERSHIP
The Book of Order states that ruling elders, together with teaching elders, 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 (The PC(USA) Book of Order).
Individuals who undertake particular ministries including ruling elder, should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world (PC(USA) Book of Order).
At Fairfax Presbyterian Church, elders are nominated by the Nominating Committee, and then elected by the congregation to terms of three years. Each elder is a member of a "ministry" or area of the church, and oversees the decisions that are made with respect to that ministry. We have fifteen elders at FPC (five elected each year), so there will always be two or three elders assigned to each ministry. Please check the last page of our bulletin for a current list of elders and ministry assignments.
christianformation@fairfaxpresby.com
This ministry oversees Christian education for all ages.
memberconnections@fairfaxpresby.com
This ministry oversees the many groups and events that connect members of FPC. MCM also oversees Breeze, our online directory and church management system.
missionoutreach@fairfaxpresby.com
MOM oversees our mission work. Click here to learn about the missions we're involved with.
propertymanagement@fairfaxpresby.com
PMM oversees our building and grounds. This committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday.
This ministry oversees the church office and staff.
S&F oversees finances, pledges, and the annual stewardship campaign.
worshipministry@fairfaxpresby.com
This ministry makes decisions about worship and the preparation of the sanctuary for services, and creative worship services.
The Session meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Members are allowed to read the meeting minutes for each meeting; please contact the office to receive the log-in information to view the minutes. For a quick summary of actions taken at the most recent Session meeting, check the "Clerk's Corner" in our weekly bulletin email!
Session Meeting Minutes (members only)
LEADERSHIP
Deacons
Being a Deacon is a wonderful call to service. Deacons are the “servants” or “caregivers” of the congregation. 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, and anyone in distress. It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need: to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may suffering both within and beyond our community of faith. Deacons are nominated and then ordained by FPC to serve for three years.
FPC Deacons pray for the joys and concerns brought up during Sunday services, visit those in the hospital, bring communion to the home-bound, deliver flowers at Christmas and Easter to those we have prayed for during the year, and visit with any who need an ear to listen. They assume other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the Session, such as reading of the Scriptures and assisting with the Lord’s Supper during worship. The Deacons are truly the “hands and feet of Christ.”
Please check the last page of our bulletin for a current list of deacons.
LEADERSHIP
Trustees manage property for the church—including accepting and executing deeds of title—and manage any permanent special funds. The trustees may not act without the approval of the congregation granted in a duly constituted meeting (Book of Order, G-7.0402). Trustees focus on many of the financial and capital issues that a church faces. Please contact the office if you have requests or questions.
LEADERSHIP
Ushering is a fun way to help the service run smoothly and meet new people, all while serving God! We have four teams of ushers; two for the first service and two for the second service. The teams alternate months of service during the Winter, Spring and Fall. During the Summer, each team will usher for four Sundays.
On Sundays, the ushers arrive early to each service and help prepare the sanctuary for worship. At the beginning of the service, they greet guests, hand out bulletins and provide assistance to guests finding seats. During the service, the ushers collect prayer cards during the designated hymn and collect the offering during the offertory. After the service, they straighten up the sanctuary, collect friendship pad pages, and return the offering to the safe. If you are interested in serving as an usher, please speak to an usher on Sunday morning or contact the church office.