Organization
A Presbyterian church is administered by what is know as a "session." The session of a particular church consists of the pastor, associate pastors, and elders in active service.
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the sessions of individual congregations make up a presbytery. The presbytery consists of all the churches (represented by elders) and ministers of the Word and Sacrament within a certain district. A synod consists of at least three presbyteries within a specific geographic region and is composed of commissioners elected by the presbyteries. The General Assembly consists of equal numbers of elder and minister commissioners from each presbytery.
To learn more about our pastor, elders, deacons, and ministry team leaders, please see our staff page.
CHURCH OFFICERS
We believe that men and women are equal before the Lord and He freely calls both to serve Him in leadership posts. We make no distinction so both men and women are considered for all church offices. All church officers are ordained by the laying on of hands and prayer for their office prior to installation.
Pastor
Presbyterian pastors are seminary trained. They have a degree in some field of study. Then, they go to seminary for a three year course in Bible and church leadership which leads to a Master of Divinity (M Div) degree. Our pastor is Ken Winter.
Elders
Once a person is elected and ordained as an elder, the person is always an elder. Usually the first time an elder is ordained, it is to become a “Ruling Elder.” These are those who serve on the Session. They join experienced elders also serving in this capacity. The term of office is 3 years. The person may renew for 3 more years but after that a break of at least one year is required.
Our elders have particular areas of ministry they oversee. Our current elders are:
- Administration: Lynn Hartford
- Christian Education: Ken Shearer
- Fellowship: Bob Ferber
- Mission: Craig George
- Outreach: Ron Markham
- Worship: Silva Stearn
Deacons are elected and ordained and become members of the Board of Deacons. They contact and tend to the needs of people who are not in a Life Group for some reason. It may be because of being homebound or their hours of work. The term of offices is 3 years with the opportunity of renewing for 3 more years after which a break of at least one year must be taken.
Our current deacons are:
- Sue Eberle
- Bill Garcia
- Chris Hansell
- Ginger Kane
- Frances MacLeod
- Harriet Schlichting
- Karl Simon
- Dottie Stevenson
- Jenny Theobald
MINISTRY TEAMS
The work of the church is done through committees that we call ministry teams. The ministry teams serve under the direction of the elders. On all but the personnel ministry team, membership is not required. Usually people who are on a team prior to membership do plan to join.
Administration
Elder: Lynn Hartford
Building and Grounds
Leader: Jay Hansell
Mission: To maintain and improve church buildings and grounds to enhance worship and facilitate growth.
Financial Management
Leader: Kurt Simon
Mission: To manage the church finances in a way that supports the church's mission.
Personnel
Leader: Mary Schug
Mission: To evaluate and fill staffing needs and administer human resources, both paid and volunteer, so that the needs of the church are met and people have the opportunity to serve.
Website
Leader: Penni L. Smith
Mission: To provide a timely, friendly, inviting, professional website that attracts people to our church, facilitates growth in Christ, promotes activities, and serves as a one-stop resource for our people.
Stewardship of Resources
Leader: Open
Mission: To plan and conduct annual stewardship campaign and to encourage giving of time, talent, and resources to support church missions.
Christian Education
Elder: Ken Sherer
Children's Education
Leader: Theresa Voss
Description: Oversees Sunday School and anything else for children 0-Grade 5
Youth
Leader: Kyle Jacques
Description: Manages Sunday School and anything else for Grades 6-12
Extreme Team
Leader: Judy Gough
Description: Directs activities outside of Sunday School for any certain group
Adult Education
Leader: Max Stevenson
Description:
Vacation Bible School
Leader: Patty Markham
Description: Coordinates all aspects of APC's annual Vacation Bible School ministry.
Bible Study Groups
Leader: Individual Leaders
Description:
Library
Leader: Bev Anderson
Description: Does organizing, shelving, and recommending ways the library can be promoted.
Children's Special Events
Leader: Open
Description:
Fellowship
Elder: Bob Ferber
Congregational Life
Leader: Eileen Ferber
Description: Responsible for Sunday morning fellowship and congregational social events.
Special Events
Leader: Betty Simon
Description: Organizes concerts, the Christmas Fair, and other such events.
Women’s Ministries
Leader: Linda Thompson
Description: Plans events throughout the year including the fall and spring luncheons, and administers the Secret Sister program.
Keenagers
Leader: Peggy Ward
Description: Plans the year, finds people to volunteer to organize and produce each month’s program, and helps that team succeed.
Life Groups
Leader: Open
Description: Leads and coordinates small groups
Mission
Elder: Craig George
Local Mission
Leader: Bev Anderson
Description: Coordinates ministry outside the church to any project within the Presbytery of Sacramento but chiefly within Placer County.
Worldwide Mission
Leader: Bev Anderson
Description: Coordinates ministry outside the borders of the Presbytery of Sacramento and around the world. This includes mission trips such as the one to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
Outreach
Elder: Ron Markham
Membership
Leader: Lynden Laird
Description: Appoints greeters and welcomers and organizes the APC 101 class.
Communications
Leader: Karen Luttinger
Description: Handles publicity such as submissions to the Auburn Journal, advertisements, and the telephone directory.
Strategic Contact
Leader: Ron Markham
Description: Reaches out to people within our community to encourage them to consider coming to Auburn Presbyterian Church.
Seeker Ministry
Leader: Preston Saunders
Description:
Outreach Seminars
Leader: Open
Description:
Worship
Elder: Silva Stearn
Prayer & Healing
Leader: Bessie Eichorn
Description: Encourages prayer within the church, including the weekly prayer meeting.
Worship Leaders
Leader: Silva Stearn
Description: Consists of those people who have received training and have been designated as being ready for this ministry.
Choral and Praise
Leader: Preston Saunders
Description: The Music Director works with the choir and praise band to orchestrate the worship service.
Video
Leader: Bill Jackson
Description: Trains and schedules those doing the video.
Audio
Leader: Rob Roberts
Description: Trains and schedules those doing the audio portion.
Ushers
Leader: Max Kane
Description: Recruits, trains, and coordinates those who are ushers.
Deco Arts & Drama
Leader: Julie Edwards
Description: Banners and other decorations in the sanctuary.