Church Policies Page 3 of 3
I'd like to be married in the church. What is the policy?
Couples in which at least one person is a professing Christian, who understand marriage to be a lifelong
faith commitment and who are being married by our pastor may be married in the church. Normally, at least
one member of the couple will be actively involved in the life of our congregation, and the couple will
participate in premarital counseling with the pastor. The first step is to contact the pastor for conversation. All
weddings are subject to approval by the church Session (governing board).
I am a member of an outside group that would like to meet in the church. Is this allowed?
We are eager to make our facilities available to non-profit and service-oriented groups. You may contact the
church office for more information and to inquire about scheduling. It is helpful if your group includes a CSPC
member who acts as a liaison with the church. All building use requests by outside groups must be
approved by the Session.
The Presbyterian Church USA Government and Organization
What is the Presbyterian Church (USA)?
Each particular church is a local expression of the church universal. It consists of those who profess faith in
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, gathered for the service of God, and subject to a particular form of church
government.
How does the local church fit into the Presbyterian (USA) denomination?
Each church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is governed by a Constitution that has two parts, The Book of
Confessions and The Book of Order. A congregation is the local unit for the nurture of God’s people,
corporate worship, service to the community, the upbuilding of the whole church—all to the glory of God.
Members of each local church voluntarily put themselves under the leadership of Christ through the officers
whom they elect.
Are all Presbyterian churches the same?
All congregations within the Presbyterian (USA) share a common body of beliefs and style of government.
Within the guidelines of our constitution, individual congregations have considerable freedom in putting their
faith into practice. Presbyterian congregations may differ considerably in style of worship, local mission
efforts, and opportunities for fellowship. Each local church seeks to increase its circle of faith and to reach out
to the larger community. Taken collectively, however, all local churches constitute the Presbyterian Church, U.
S.A.
How is CSPC governed and who are the church officers?
The Session is the governing body made up of a minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor) and twelve (12)
Elders chosen by the congregation to exercise leadership in the church. Under the authority and guidance of
our constitution, the Session makes most of the decisions governing the life of the congregation. In all
matters, the Session seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ. Elders undertake a wide
range of responsibilities for the upbuilding and leadership of Christ’s church.
What is a deacon?
A deacon is chosen by the congregation and ordained to care first of all for the needs of the congregation and
to others in distress beyond the local church, in the community, the nation, and the world. The Board of
Deacons represents the compassionate ministry of Christ, reaching out especially to the bereaved, the sick,
and the troubled. CSPC has nine (9) Deacons that are under the supervision and authority of the
Session.
How are church officers selected, and when is this done?
Elders and Deacons are selected by a Nominating Committee elected by the congregation and consisting of
seven members representative of the congregation - two elders, one deacon, and four members at large.
Officer’s terms are for three years beginning on June 1st and ending on May 30th. The Nominating
Committee meets early in the year prior to the expiration of the term and as needed throughout the year to fill
positions. Committee chairpersons are also nominated through the Nominating Committee.
How does the nomination process work?
The Nominating Committee solicits suggestions from the congregation and also accepts self-nominations. It
submits its report to the Session, which then schedules a Congregational Meeting. The congregation votes
on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee as reported by the Session.
Ways to Serve During Worship
What is an acolyte?
An acolyte is the child (typically between 5 and 11 years of age) who lights the worship candles just prior to
the service. An acolyte should be tall enough to see the candles to be lit, as well as responsible enough to
handle an open flame, and able to understand the symbolic meaning of the candle’s presence. Lighting of
the candles represents God's presence and our preparation to worship Him. Children are trained to be
acolytes by a member of the Worship Committee. Please sign the sheet across from the church office or
contact the Worship Committee Chairperson if your child is interested in being an acolyte.
How do I become a Greeter? What is involved?
Any member can be a greeter during either Worship Service. Generally speaking, the greeters welcome
worshippers, help guests feel at home, hand out worship materials, and record attendance figures. Anyone
who feels called to serve as a greeter may contact the church office and we’ll put them in touch with the
organizer/coordinator of the program. Specific training is available to help clarify greeter duties.
Who can be Liturgist and what is involved?
Any member can be a liturgist. Liturgists are needed for both Worship services. Depending on the order of
worship on a particular Sunday, the liturgist is responsible for the welcome and announcements, Call to
Worship, Confession of Sin, Assurance of Pardon, Affirmation of Faith, and Prayer of Thanksgiving. Duties
vary somewhat with church seasons. Depending on the season, either the liturgist or the pastor may be
responsible for creating the prayers and readings to be used in the service. The Scripture Reading is also
the responsibility of the liturgist at the 8:30 am Service.
CSPC has many prayer books and other materials that the liturgist can use to prepare the Liturgy. You can
commit to a month or just one or two Sundays. Please let the church secretary, Kathy Vicory, or the pastor
know that you would like to serve and they will provide you with the liturgy guidelines and any needed training.
Can I provide flowers during the year?
If you would like to provide the flowers for Worship service you can sign the sheet on the bulletin board near
the office or email the church office. If you would like to offer the flowers in honor of a loved one or a special
occasion please let the church secretary know so that the information can be included in the bulletin.
Other Ways to Serve
I would like to be more involved with church activities, how could I do so?
CSPC is a product of the contributions of its members. The church relies on the effort of its members for all
of its functions. There are several ongoing committees on which you can serve. Our committees and their
responsibilities can be found through the Committees page.
Our Stewardship Committee can help you to determine how your talents can best be utilized at CSPC. Our
Stewardship Committee page has a time and talent survey that you can complete to identify how you would
like to help. Once completed you can email the survey to the Stewardship Committee and a committee
member will contact you.
I'd like to be married in the church. What is the policy?
Couples in which at least one person is a professing Christian, who understand marriage to be a lifelong
faith commitment and who are being married by our pastor may be married in the church. Normally, at least
one member of the couple will be actively involved in the life of our congregation, and the couple will
participate in premarital counseling with the pastor. The first step is to contact the pastor for conversation. All
weddings are subject to approval by the church Session (governing board).
I am a member of an outside group that would like to meet in the church. Is this allowed?
We are eager to make our facilities available to non-profit and service-oriented groups. You may contact the
church office for more information and to inquire about scheduling. It is helpful if your group includes a CSPC
member who acts as a liaison with the church. All building use requests by outside groups must be
approved by the Session.
The Presbyterian Church USA Government and Organization
What is the Presbyterian Church (USA)?
Each particular church is a local expression of the church universal. It consists of those who profess faith in
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, gathered for the service of God, and subject to a particular form of church
government.
How does the local church fit into the Presbyterian (USA) denomination?
Each church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is governed by a Constitution that has two parts, The Book of
Confessions and The Book of Order. A congregation is the local unit for the nurture of God’s people,
corporate worship, service to the community, the upbuilding of the whole church—all to the glory of God.
Members of each local church voluntarily put themselves under the leadership of Christ through the officers
whom they elect.
Are all Presbyterian churches the same?
All congregations within the Presbyterian (USA) share a common body of beliefs and style of government.
Within the guidelines of our constitution, individual congregations have considerable freedom in putting their
faith into practice. Presbyterian congregations may differ considerably in style of worship, local mission
efforts, and opportunities for fellowship. Each local church seeks to increase its circle of faith and to reach out
to the larger community. Taken collectively, however, all local churches constitute the Presbyterian Church, U.
S.A.
How is CSPC governed and who are the church officers?
The Session is the governing body made up of a minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor) and twelve (12)
Elders chosen by the congregation to exercise leadership in the church. Under the authority and guidance of
our constitution, the Session makes most of the decisions governing the life of the congregation. In all
matters, the Session seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ. Elders undertake a wide
range of responsibilities for the upbuilding and leadership of Christ’s church.
What is a deacon?
A deacon is chosen by the congregation and ordained to care first of all for the needs of the congregation and
to others in distress beyond the local church, in the community, the nation, and the world. The Board of
Deacons represents the compassionate ministry of Christ, reaching out especially to the bereaved, the sick,
and the troubled. CSPC has nine (9) Deacons that are under the supervision and authority of the
Session.
How are church officers selected, and when is this done?
Elders and Deacons are selected by a Nominating Committee elected by the congregation and consisting of
seven members representative of the congregation - two elders, one deacon, and four members at large.
Officer’s terms are for three years beginning on June 1st and ending on May 30th. The Nominating
Committee meets early in the year prior to the expiration of the term and as needed throughout the year to fill
positions. Committee chairpersons are also nominated through the Nominating Committee.
How does the nomination process work?
The Nominating Committee solicits suggestions from the congregation and also accepts self-nominations. It
submits its report to the Session, which then schedules a Congregational Meeting. The congregation votes
on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee as reported by the Session.
Ways to Serve During Worship
What is an acolyte?
An acolyte is the child (typically between 5 and 11 years of age) who lights the worship candles just prior to
the service. An acolyte should be tall enough to see the candles to be lit, as well as responsible enough to
handle an open flame, and able to understand the symbolic meaning of the candle’s presence. Lighting of
the candles represents God's presence and our preparation to worship Him. Children are trained to be
acolytes by a member of the Worship Committee. Please sign the sheet across from the church office or
contact the Worship Committee Chairperson if your child is interested in being an acolyte.
How do I become a Greeter? What is involved?
Any member can be a greeter during either Worship Service. Generally speaking, the greeters welcome
worshippers, help guests feel at home, hand out worship materials, and record attendance figures. Anyone
who feels called to serve as a greeter may contact the church office and we’ll put them in touch with the
organizer/coordinator of the program. Specific training is available to help clarify greeter duties.
Who can be Liturgist and what is involved?
Any member can be a liturgist. Liturgists are needed for both Worship services. Depending on the order of
worship on a particular Sunday, the liturgist is responsible for the welcome and announcements, Call to
Worship, Confession of Sin, Assurance of Pardon, Affirmation of Faith, and Prayer of Thanksgiving. Duties
vary somewhat with church seasons. Depending on the season, either the liturgist or the pastor may be
responsible for creating the prayers and readings to be used in the service. The Scripture Reading is also
the responsibility of the liturgist at the 8:30 am Service.
CSPC has many prayer books and other materials that the liturgist can use to prepare the Liturgy. You can
commit to a month or just one or two Sundays. Please let the church secretary, Kathy Vicory, or the pastor
know that you would like to serve and they will provide you with the liturgy guidelines and any needed training.
Can I provide flowers during the year?
If you would like to provide the flowers for Worship service you can sign the sheet on the bulletin board near
the office or email the church office. If you would like to offer the flowers in honor of a loved one or a special
occasion please let the church secretary know so that the information can be included in the bulletin.
Other Ways to Serve
I would like to be more involved with church activities, how could I do so?
CSPC is a product of the contributions of its members. The church relies on the effort of its members for all
of its functions. There are several ongoing committees on which you can serve. Our committees and their
responsibilities can be found through the Committees page.
Our Stewardship Committee can help you to determine how your talents can best be utilized at CSPC. Our
Stewardship Committee page has a time and talent survey that you can complete to identify how you would
like to help. Once completed you can email the survey to the Stewardship Committee and a committee
member will contact you.
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More Frequently Asked Questions
About Crescent Springs Presbyterian Church
About Crescent Springs Presbyterian Church
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