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Our Governing Bodies

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not because you must,
but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.

— 1 Peter 5:2 

 

Session

The Governing Board of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church is called the Session. The Session is made up of the Pastor, who serves as moderator, and 15 Elders chosen by the people of the congregation to exercise leadership, government, and discipline; as well as oversee all aspects of the life of the Church. Elders are elected to serve terms of three years, but are ordained for life. The Session meets on the third Tuesday of the month.

BOARD OF ELDERS       

Class of 2018 
Pete Catone, AC Chapman, Diane Gardner, Dave VanGorder, Shirley Whitlinger

Class of 2019 
Jim Christy, Rick Dietz, Karen Pollock, Shane Pryal, Erin Wharton

Class of 2020 
Diane Carlisle, Harry "Skip" Edelman, Mike Haller, Leslie Harrison, Tim Wharton

CLERK OF SESSION  
Christine Burd

MODERATOR OF SESSION  
Rev. Jeff Potter

 

Deacons

The Board of Deacons, in accordance with the guidelines of the Book of Order, is charged to minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to anyone in distress. Parkwood currently has 15 Deacons. Each deacon serves on at least one Session committee in addition to assisting with the various Deacon subcommittees. Activities of the Deacons are provided in the spirit of fellowship, and to promote Christianity in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 

Class of 2018 
Karen Baker, Chuck Ensminger, Sean Ryan Malone, Linda Torrence, Wally Rapp

Class of 2019
Nancy Duss, Christy Hagerty, Kayla Noel, Shirley Peterson, Kelly Watts

Class of 2020 
Nancy Burke, Marty Chapman,  Anne Lassinger,  Laura Pomrenke, Chris Pryal

Youth Deacons
Amanda Rapp

 

Deacons serve the congregation by:

  • Visiting the sick, shut-in and those in need.  Each deacon is a member of the visitation team that is charged with visiting and providing spiritual care to those in need. 
  • Serving the Sacrament of Holy Communion with Elders. Communion is also prepared and cleaned up by Deacons following each service. Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month at all services.
  • Delivering flowers which are donated for the Sunday services to someone recuperating from an illness.
  • Organizing the ushering teams and sending reminders to all team members at the beginning of each month.
  • Organizing and providing funeral luncheons upon request.
  • Serving as the “backup” servers for Parkwood's monthly Spaghetti Dinners.
  • Organizing and serving a cookie and punch reception at Hampton Fields during the Christmas season.

Deacons serve the community by:

  • Supporting the Mars Youth Home Team as they reach out to at risk children.
  • Collecting toiletries and giving a financial donation to a Prison Ministry at the Allegheny County Jail twice a year.
  • Providing Giant Eagle gift cards at Thanksgiving and Christmas to congregants and non-congregants who have financial problems. Also, before Christmas an “Angel” tree is set up in the Narthex. Members of the congregation are encouraged to buy a gift for an anonymous person who would not otherwise receive a gift. When necessary, Deacon funds are used to supplement to fulfill the needs.