CHURCH LEADERSHIP
GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In our churches we have “teaching elders” who are pastors and “ruling elders” who are called from the congregation.
The word elder stems from the Greek word presbuteros in the New Testament. Each year, faithful members of the congregation are called forth to do the work of ruling elder. Ruling elders make decisions regarding the future of the congregation and oversee the ministry of the pastors and lay people.
In the New Testament, those who were teaching about Jesus saw that there was great need among the people in addition to learning about the way of Jesus. In order to share the work, people were appointed as deacons to serve those who were sick, poor or in need. The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos which means servant. We appoint people in our congregations as deacons to do this important work.
Current Elders and Deacons:
The Session
The Session is the government board of a Presbyterian Church.
The Session consists of elders, elected by the congregation for three-year terms, and the pastor.
Class of 2025
Stew Beltz
Greg Jones
Chris Sterman* (Clerk)
Betsy Zimmermann
Class of 2026
Mary Rodgers
Trina Schwing
Lil Swanson
Susie Van Buren
Class of 2027
Robin Nagele
Christy Pietsch
Rick Oettinger
John Weidemann
Moderator: Rev. Brian Russo
Committee and Team Liaisons
Christian Education: Betsy Zimmermann and Greg Jones
Growth & Outreach: Susie Van Buren
Hospitality: Mary Rodgers
Membership: Lil Swanson
Mental Health Task Force: Jen Eyre
Mission: Christy Pietsch
Nominating: Trina Schwing
Personnel: Stew Beltz
Property: John Weidemann
Stewardship & Administration: Rick Oettinger
Worship: Robin Nagele
Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons is responsible for ministries of care and compassion.
Deacons are elected by the congregation for three-year terms.
Student Deacons are elected by the congregation for one-year terms.
Class of 2025
Allison Conners
Eleanor Conners
Chris Hoyler
Donna Payne
Class of 2026
Tim Biskup
Sandy DiGiulio
Kate Fay
Ann Foley* (Moderator)
Donna Miller
Class of 2027
Dave Alexander
Char Gray-Sorensen
Christie Hayes
Karin Pearsall
We ask that you continue to keep them and their important leadership in your prayers.