Congregational Organization
All congregations must establish an organizational structure that allows them to deal with the many aspects and responsibilities of congregational life; this church is no exception. This page outlines the various administrative groups of the church, and a brief look at their areas of responsibility.
Official Board
This group is responsible for overseeing all aspects of congregational life and, through the various groups that form the Official Board, bring about the necessary decisions and actions required to fulfil the mission of the congregation. In addition to these decision-making and co-ordination duties, the Official Board is responsible for appointing a Personnel Committee that is to provide liaison between the Staff members and the Session.
The Board consists of all members of the Session, Stewards and Trustees, the Presbytery Delegates, and representatives from the UCW (United Church Women) and the Youth Groups. The executive for this group are all elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting; the three positions are President of the Congregation (Chairperson of the Official Board), the Vice-Chairperson and the Secretary.
OFFICIAL BOARD
President
of Congregation and Official Board
Secretary
of Congregation and Official Board
Session
(15 to 20 members)
Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
Clerk of Session
Elected Session Members
Pastors
UCW Representative
Youth Group Representative
Prebytery Representatives
The Session
The Session is responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. They meet regularly for worship and Bible study, fellowship, and to seek together to discern what God would have this church to do. Session makes itself aware of the needs of the community, and of the United Church's efforts in the broader community, and identifies to the congregation particular missions which the members of Session believe God would have the congregation undertake. Their regular meeting time is the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm.
There are two standing committees that report to Session with particular areas of responsibility;
Worship Committee
Responsible for all aspects of worship, within and without the Sanctuary, in accordance with the United Church Manual. It establishes and administers policies covering aspects of the Service of Worship, such as Communion, Baptism, and Marriage, as well as the Order of Service, Sermon Topics, and so on. The United Church Manual is used as the basis and guideline in these matters. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.
Congregational Education Committee
This committee's mandate is to ensure that the children and adults of this congregation have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs, such as church schools, mid-week programmes, adult education (excluding membership classes) and Vacation Bible School. Meetings are scheduled as required.
Other groups, such as the Personnel Committee, UCW and Youth Groups and Presbytery Representatives will also liaison with the Session from time to time as needed.
In addition to the formal groups noted above, the Session oversees the operation of various "cell groups" that consist of members of the congregation that are gathered around specific tasks or interests.
Stewards
The Stewards supervise the uses of the church property, including the cemetery. They regularly meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. Their include the following:
- Arrange rentals for the use of the property, maintain the property, and supervise the Office Manager in maintaining appropriate records for these purposes.
- Receive and disburse monies. The Treasurer will pay salaries and associated expenses, and monies will be spent in accordance with a budget of authorized expenses put forward annually by the Official Board and approved by the congregation at the annual meeting.
- Oversee the operation of the cemeteries (the Erskine Cemetery, located on the east and west sides of Fairport Road on the north side of the intersection at Finch Avenue, and the historic Fairport United Church burying ground located on the west side of Liverpool Road in South Pickering), supporting the day-to-day work of the Administrator, and taking all policy decisions.
- Regularly educate the congregation as to the financial health of the church, and soliciting donations in a way so that the congregation has every opportunity to see the financial health of the church.
Trustees
The Trustees hold the title and deed to all church property In Trust for the United Church of Canada, and conduct their affairs in accord with the United Church Manual. Meetings are scheduled as required.
DFUC Handbook
There is a draft version of the DFUC Handbook available for review, prior to being presented to the Board for approval. Please go here to read the Introductory Letter and download or view the Handbook.
