The Session meets monthly, and consists of the pastors and active ruling elders. Elders are elected to Session for three-year terms, though the office of elder is ordained and perpetual. The Session exercises leadership, government and discipline of the congregation. It supervises the management of financial, legal and property affairs of the local church, as well as the Board of Deacons. Elders have responsibility for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large. At First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, the Session has twenty-four members, and is organized into twelve general management committees.
Business AffairsPurpose: Business Affairs advises and guides business and financial functions of the church, promoting good stewardship of church resources, in support of the vision and mission of our church. Charged with developing a budget for the Session that is in keeping with the goals of the church. Business Affairs oversees all financial records, maintains and reports pertinent financial data and ensures sound internal control procedures. Membership includes the Corporate Officers of the church.Endowments SubcommitteePurpose: To further the continuance of our witness for years to come through the promotion of good stewardship in wills, bequests and various financial instruments.
Buildings and GroundsPurpose: Purchases, maintains and services all property and equipment that pertains to facilities, assuring readiness for all planned usage. Administers parking, security and safety. Plans and manages capital improvement projects other than major building programs.
PersonnelPurpose: The Personnel Committee oversees all employment matters relating to employees of the church, including job descriptions, performance reviews, and compensation. It reviews and recommends the church staffing (pastoral, program, and support) to the Session, based upon the assessment of needs. It regularly reviews church personnel policies, and recommends the adoption of new policies and revisions of existing policies as appropriate.The Personnel Committee annually assists the Pastor in the performance review of all employees and evaluates the Head of Staff. It coordinates with the Presbytery on personnel-related matters, when necessary. It reviews staff duties, and annually recommends compensation, based upon performance review.
StewardshipPurpose: Charged with teaching Christian stewardship of time, talents and money on a year-round basis. Interprets the ministries of the church into the accomplishments and needs of the church. Plans, develops, and implements the annual stewardship drive.
Faith FormationPurpose: Covers spiritual education and child care for children from birth to Kindergarten. Includes Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, etc. Oversees spiritual education of children in 1st through 5th grade. Includes Sunday School, Youth Club, Vacation Bible School, and special programs. Directs the spiritual education of youth in Junior High and Senior High. Includes Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Fellowships, Bible Studies, Retreats and Mission Trips. In charge of the spiritual education of adults. Includes Sunday morning classes, leadership training, special education events, men’s groups, women’s groups, etc. Oversees the church library, purchases and processes suitable materials and educates the congregation in the contents and benefits of the library. Seeks to minister to families through family Faith formation/discipleship and fellowship activities. Includes intergenerational classes, special events, etc. The committee also oversees the ministry of Church and Community, providing nurture and education on issues that effect our community and our faith. The committee offers opportunities that engage the congregation in our faith’s call to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God” - Micah 6: 8
WorshipPurpose: Liturgical Arts: To integrate the visual arts to enhance worship and the life of the church; Music: Concerned with all activities pertaining to music in worship and in the general life of the church; Sanctuary Guild: Responsible for all venues of worship, baptisms, communion servicing, liturgical dressing of church for worship (including seasonal decorations.)
Congregational Care and EvangelismPurpose: Welcomes visitors to First Church, sets up programs to bring the good news of Christ to all, educates the congregation on ministries of outreach and evangelism, enlists the membership at large to do evangelism and outreach as a way of life. Contracts newcomers and prospective members. Enrolls prospective members in the new member class. Brings those who are attracted to our church into full active membership. Conducts membership classes. Helps new members to discover their gifts and to find appropriate places of growth and service. Coordinates family camps and retreats. Follows up on those who are inactive in accord with The Book of Order and recommends to Session proper action, contacts new churches when members move. Assists in providing names of potential officers and committee members to the Nominating Committee and committee moderators.
Long Range PlanningPurpose: To project needs of congregation and suggest means to meet those needs, especially in usage of facilities. Oversees and updates the Session manuals. Supervises the development and implementation of ministry plans.
MissionPurpose: Interprets mission budget and activities to the congregation. Promotes mission involvement through participation, etc. Selects mission causes to support and amount to be received by each.
SPRUCePurpose: SPRUCe looks to the future to plan for our physical space and building so that our ministries of education, worship and missions can be effectively accommodated.
Nominating Committee of the CongregationPurpose: The purpose of the CNC is to nominate members of the congregation to serve as Deacons and Elders and at-large members of the CNC. The CNC annually nominates eight members of the congregation to serve as Elders and 15 members of the congregation to serve as Deacons for three year terms and two Senior High members to serve as Youth Deacons and five members to serve as at-large members of the CNC for one-year terms. The CNC also makes nominations throughout the year to fill vacancies in the Board of Deacons and on the Session.