Submit Nominations for the Deacon and Elder Classes of 2028
The 2025 Nominating Committee is seeking your input in its discernment process. The congregation is invited to nominate members of University Presbyterian Church for the office of Elder and Deacon. The committee will consider prayerfully all candidates submitted by the congregation as they prepare a slate for the next three year term (2026-2028). Read about the gifts desired for each office below and click the link to submit nominations.
Your 2025 Nominating Committee is: Nancy Oates (chair), John Blythe, Mark Bozymski, Greg Crawford, Heather Hutchins, Caroline Jones, Steve Kennedy, Vicki Lotz, Elizabeth Moshier, Chuck Osborne, and staff liaison Jarrett McLaughlin.
FAQs
Who may be suggested as a candidate?
All members are eligible for nomination.
Who may recommend a candidate?
Any member of UPC may recommend candidates.
Do I need permission from the candidate before I submit his or her name?
No, the Nominating Committee will verify candidates’ willingness to serve before they are nominated. (You need prior permission only if you choose to make a nomination from the floor during a congregational meeting.)
May I submit my own name?
Yes.
Elders
G-2.0301 Ruling Elder Defined Ruling elders are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, 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.
Essential Functions of Elders
- Prepare for, participate in (monthly meetings), and interpret within the community the work of the Session:
- governing the congregation and guiding its witness to the sovereign activity of God in the world
- providing that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard,
- providing that the Sacraments may be rightly administered,
- nurturing the covenant community of disciples of Christ (G-3.0201)
- Including the responsibilities of: receiving and dismissing members, establishing annual budget, examining and ordaining officers, encouraging stewardship, managing the physical property, providing for pastoral care, education and outreach, directing Deacons and all organizations of the congregation, employing the non-ordained staff, and serving in judicial matters in accordance with the Rules of Discipline.
- Lead (often chair) a Session Committee, providing a monthly report to the clerk.
- Attend no fewer than one Presbytery meeting per term.
- Attend leadership training once per year.
- Live as a steward of time, talent, and treasure. 100% of Session is expected to pledge.
- Nurture personal spiritual life. Pray for congregation and fellow leadership.
Core Competencies of Elders
- Spiritual Discernment –considers decisions theologically
- Leadership – organizes others to move toward a common purpose
- Imagination – ability not only to maintain what is, but dream what could be, open to risk
- Communication – capacity to both speak and listen
Deacons
G-2.0201 Deacon Defined 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, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.
Essential Functions
- Participate in monthly meetings (not December and less frequent in summer)
- Serve as Neighborhood Shepherd: Build authentic relationships with each family unit in your geographic area, send Christmas and Easter cards, provide special care when there is a specific need (meal trains, in person visits, transportation), offer/create in-person hospitality once per year, keep clear records/notes, meet in-person with Deacon who will be taking on your neighborhood to transition well (when it’s your turn to rotate off).
- Care Team Participant: Serve on one of three Teams: Senior Ministry, End of Life Ministry, or Care Ministry.
- Participate as able: home communion and memorial service hospitality.
- Foster a culture of care at UPC.
- Live as a steward of time, talent, and treasure. 100% of Diaconate is expected to pledge.
- Nurture personal spiritual life. Pray for congregation and fellow leadership.
Core Competencies of Deacons
- Compassion – weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice
- Non-Anxious Presence – resist instinct to “fix”/sit in the presence of God and others
- Organization – can marshal resources, maintain records, manage time
- Communication – ability to speak and listen