A group of 15 ruling Elders, called the Session, is elected by the congregation to exercise oversight of congregational affairs for 3 year terms with 2 youth members serving one year terms. The Session governs according to the Book of Order established by the Presbyterian Church (USA), with the pastor as Moderator of the Session. In good Presbyterian fashion, the DPC Session handles a great deal of its business by means of committees. We find that smaller groups, comprised of those who have particular interest and competence in dealing with a subject are most effective in accomplishing needed tasks. These Committees and Teams plus a Board of Deacons help the DPC Session do its work:
- Christian Education
- Fellowship
- Finance
- Mission
- Personnel
- Property
- Worship
- Good Shepherd School
Each committee consists of at least one Elder appointed annually by the Session plus others from the congregation. The term of service for committee members is for one year (January-December), but members may be asked to continue in service at the request of committee chairs. The Elder(s) assigned to a committee shall serve as (co-)chairpersons for purposes of communicating with the Session - within the committee itself, responsibilities will be assigned on the basis of interest and ability. Each committee has the option of distributing its work load to subcommittees of its own design. Each committee also has the responsibility for making budget recommendations for their own work and work related to their areas of responsibility. There is no set schedule for meetings of the standing committees. Some, by the nature of the tasks which are confronting them at one particular moment will meet with considerable frequency. However, it is expected that the committees normally would meet at least quarterly, making regular reports on their activities to the Session.
The current Session members, listed by their expiring term, are:
| Class of 2020 | Class of 2021 | Class of 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Harris | Jason Gamble | Collis Boyd |
| Ben Stark | Lisa Mattimore | Ford Heath |
| Joe White | Gary Simmons | Bradley Robinson |
| Donna Coleman-Barr | Sue Sizoo | Sherri Stilwell |
| Jocelyn Pryor | Greg Williams | Kathi Wonus |
| Claire G. (youth) | ||
| Chris N. (youth) |
The Operating Manual for the committees and teams are listed below:
Christian Education Committee
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 |
Fellowship Team
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 |
Finance Committee
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 | |
| Purchasing and Expense Procedure | Session Approved: July 17, 2018 |
Mission Committee
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 |
Personnel Committee
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: April 21, 2015 |
Personnel Policies and Procedures
These policies and procedures cover all staff, unless specific exceptions are made in the employment agreement or ordained call of specific employees.
| 1. Preamble | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 2. At-Will Statement | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 3. Employment Procedure | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 5. Work Week | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6. Benefits | ||
| 6-1. General Benefits | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-2. Social Security | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-3. Workers' Compensation Insurance | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-4. Personal Days | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-5. Holidays | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-6. Vacation | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-7. Parental Leave | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-8. Bereavement | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-9. Good Shepherd School Employee Tuition Discount | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-10. Jury Duty | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-11. Study Leaves and Continuing Education | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 6-12. Leaves of Absence without Pay | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 7. Additional Benefits for Non-GSS Employees | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8. Employment Conditions and Provisions | ||
| 8-1. Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco-Free Workplace | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-2. Harassment and Sexual Misconduct | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-3. The Use of Weapons Is Prohibited | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-4. Dress Code | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-5. Telephone and Electronic Communication Use | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-6. Staff Reviews | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-7. Grievance Procedure | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-8. Disciplinary Procedure | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-9. Termination Procedure | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| 8-10. Separation Notes | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| Addendum 1: Pay Policy for Inclement Weather | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| Addendum 2: Personnel Committee Approval Process | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| Addendum 3: Terms of Employment | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 | |
| Addendum 4: Ordained and Commissioned Staff | Session Approved: November 21, 2017 |
Property Committee
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 | |
| Church Bus Usage | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 | |
| Church Bus Usage Request Form | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 | |
| Property Use Policy | Session Approved: March 20, 2018 | |
| Property Use Request/Rental Agreement | Session Approved: March 20, 2018 |
Worship Committee
| Responsibilities | Session Approved: February 20, 2018 | |
| Wedding Policy | Session Approved: November 15, 2016 | |
| Funeral/Memorial Service Guidelines | Session Approved: March 21, 2017 |