The ministry of Elder is one of spiritual oversight, and may also be exercised in pastoral visitation, teaching, encouraging members of the Congregation to share in mission, and assisting the Minister in leadership of worship and administration of the sacraments and other areas in the life of the Congregation. In addition the role of ‘Pastoral Carer’ has been created in order for other members of the congregation to assist the Elders in their spiritual oversight. These carers are selected by the Pastoral Care Group and approved by Church Council.
Elders are elected each year in November for a period of 2 – 5 years by majority vote by the congregation. Elders are also able to be on the Church Council and are elected onto the council by the congregation for a period of 2 – 5 years at the same time. The Elders comprise the Pastoral Care Group within the broader Care Team under the Church Council.
Elders serving for 2012 are:
Bruce Ballantyne Jeannie Ballantyne Karen Boyd
Terry Edwinsmith Tony Everett Janice Harris
Val Jenkins Lyn Orchard Bev Preston
Margaret Reddicliffe Barrie Rollason Esma Ross
Julie Stirling Marion Thomas Glenda Whittred
Pastoral Carers for 2012 are:
Bev Adams Mavis Algate Lorna Cook
Bau Earle Jenna Edwinsmith Hazel Geddes
Estelle Gibson Ruth Grieve Noel Logan
Michelle McDonald Margaret Naylor Ray Reddicliffe
Margaret Shield Gillian Simpson Barbara Smith
Gwenda Spencer