On  Tuesday, July 19, Session voted to accept a covenant between Stillwater United Church, Albany Presbytery, and Rev. Martha (Marti) Ruth Montovani, Ph.D., M.Div., with service to begin on Monday, August 15.

             Marti comes to us from Marion, Iowa, where she recently served as Temporary Supply Pastor at the Olivet Presbyterian Church.  She describes her leadership style as follows:

“As a spiritual mentor, I help individuals of all ages nurture their relationship with God.  As pastor, I am a warm and caring leader who compassionately leads the flock and knows them by name.  As a servant leader, I e

nthusiastically join with people as partners in ministry—encouraging, equipping and empowering disciples of Jesus Christ for growth and service so they may fulfill their unique calling.  As a coach, I encourage people to do ministry instead of being passive recipients.

I am a team builder who invites others to initiate, innovate, and take ownership of the ministry by making significant contributions.  In this way, energy is generated throughout the team and not only by a central leader.

As an administer, I incorporate a good sense of humor, energy, and teaching skill and call forth resources from others.  Open communication, mutual trust that’s based on vulnerability, consensus building, shared/collaborative decision making, relational skills and ensuring that the various voices within a church are heard are key leadership assets for me.. .”

It looks like Marti will fit right in at SUC!

 

                                           

The Session (Made Up of the Ruling Elders) Nominating Committee seeks people who are thinkers, have a vision for the future, are enablers, and are team players. Elders serve on subcommittees, yet need to have an overall view of the whole picture. TERM OF OFFICE: Three-year term; 2 consecutive terms maximum. Elders are called to exercise leadership, government and discipline for the life of the church. With primary responsibility for nurturing and overseeing the spiritual and theological life of the congregation, each Elder works on at least one sub-committee with a specialty in leading the congregation in mission and outreach; providing for music and worship; congregational life including receiving new members and new member classes, baptism and communion; staff support and offering educational programs; or stewardship and membership challenging the congregation in its stewardship of time, talent and financial resources and ensuring that membership records are updated. 

ELDERS (Elders are the Session) “Elders are chosen by the people. Together with the ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline, and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church-at-large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the Session.” The Book of Order, G-6.0303 “Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.” The Book of order, G-6.0303 “Ruling Elders, together with the Pastors, constitute the Session. The Session is responsible for the spiritual decision making of the congregation and is the final authority in decision making of the congregation. The Elders also represent the congregation at meetings of the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly when commissioned.

The Office of Trustee is one of dignity and responsibility, requiring ability and devotion. ”The Book of Order“ the Board of Trustees holds and administers, on behalf of the church, and subject to its will as expressed by the congregation or the Session: all church property, trust funds and endowments.” Nominating Committee seeks people who are doers, who have an interest in maintaining the Church properties, who have knowledge and interest in the financial aspects of the Church, and who are willing to work together to fulfill the needs of the Church. TERM OF OFFICE: Three-year term; no consecutive terms The Trustees are called to assume the responsibility for the financial and business affairs of the church and report to the Session. The responsibilities include oversight of property administration, legal and insurance, as well as management of our endowments and future funds. The Trustees have joint responsibilities with the Session for the budget and personnel of the church.

The Deacons