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The South Church is primarily a community church with a denominational link to the American Baptist Churches USA.
We have within our congregation Catholics, Episcopalians, Jews, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and those from many other denominations, plus many folks who have not previously had a denominational affiliation.
The South Church is a proud affiliate of the Center for Progressive Christianity, which approaches Christianity in a way that is inclusive, innovative and informed. We provide an understanding of Christian practice and teaching that leads to a greater concern for the way people treat each other, an acceptance of all people and a respect for other religious traditions. (Learn more about The Center for Progressive Christianity at www.tcpc.org.)
At The South Church we do not ask you to stop being who you are. Instead, we ask you to come and worship and serve from this place at this time in your life.
This is an outline of the basic lay leadership structure of The South Church. All of the officers, and board and committee members, serve for three-year terms. The members of the boards and committees start their terms on a staggered basis so that there are always experienced members and new members in each group.
Every January, the congregation votes to accept the recommendations of the Church Council for new officers and board members, at the annual All-church Meeting.
Moderator
The Moderator is the key lay leader of the church and works closely with the pastoral leader. He or she leads the Church Council and has signing authority for all church business.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for paying all the church's bills. He or she also oversees pledge reports and "givers of record." The Treasurer reports to the Church council and to the Board of Trustees.
Comptroller
The comptroller is responsible for the working order of the church budget. He or she oversees all money received by the church. The Comptroller reports to the Church council and to the Board of Trustees.
Clerk
The Clerk is responsible for transcribing and distributing Church Council meeting minutes. He or she also is responsible for maintaining all birth, death, marriage, and membership records. The Clerk reports to the Church Council.
Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons is responsible for the spiritual direction of the Church. Its members coordinate volunteers for altar flowers, serving communion, reading scripture, ushering, and caring for congregants, including coordination of visitation to homebound members. They also are responsible for maintaining the contract with the Minister of Music/Organist/Choir Director. The Board of Deacons reports to the Church Council.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for negotiating contracts for the maintenance of all church grounds., building, and the parsonage. Its members also negotiate and maintain leases with those who share space at The South Church. The board of Trustees helps with the budgeting process and the annual stewardship campaign. The Board of Trustees reports to the Church Council.
Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education is responsible for the development of Sunday School programs, Vacation Bible School, the Junior/Senior High Youth Group, and various family activities. The Board of Christian Education reports to the Church Council.
Board of Christian Service
the Board of Christian Service is responsible for allocating budgeted and unbudgeted giving to various organizations and causes, including but not limited to, christmas presents for the children of One Hope United and sponsorship of refugee families, and the PADS program. Its members also coordinate the fellowship hour every Sunday, and are responsible for organizing and promoting the annual All-Church Picnic in September. The Board of Christian Service reports to the Church Council.
Pastoral Relations Committee
The Pastoral Relations Committee supports and provides guidance to the minister as needed, as well as providing a feedback and support mechanism for the pastor and the congregation. The committee reports to the Board of Deacons.
The Church Council
All church officers and boards report to the Church Council, which is led by the Moderator. The Church Council is responsible for generating and presenting the church budget to the congregation. The Church Council reports to the congregation.
