LEADERSHIP
Ordination of Lorna Abdullah as elder in the PCUSA. Installation of elders: Angie Belmont, Adebisi Shofu, Jacque Howard, and Peter Crooke. Installation of deacons: Colleen Balcarcel Carrera and Jehu Stryker. Our elders and deacons represent the diverse people of God: African American, Euro-American, Latine American, Liberian, Jamaican, and Nigerian,
Westminster is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
We are grateful for the gifted Presbyterian clergy leaders above and for all the many clergy and lay leaders that have enhanced and supported our ministry and mission.
PCUSA Leadership:
The Presbyterian Church's structure as described in the New Testament and maintained by the church are deacons and presbyters (teaching and ruling elders). Ordained ministries are gifts to the church to structure its life so that the ministry of the whole people of God may flourish. The existence of these ordained ministries in no way diminishes the importance of the commitment of all members to the total ministry of the church.
The government of this church is representative, and the right of God's people to elect presbyters and deacons is inalienable. Therefore, no person can be placed in any ordained ministry in a congregation or council of the church except by election of that body. Ordination to the ministry of teaching elder, ruling elder, or deacon is unique to that order of ministry.
Deacons:
The ministry of deacon is set forth in Scripture in one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Their ministry is under the supervision and authority of the session.
Current Deacons:
Colleen Balcarcel Carrera
Denise Adams
Jehu Stryker
Dorothy Maugens
Ruling Elders:
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God's Spirit and governance of God's people. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.
Current Ruling Elders:
Angie Belmont (Clerk)
Bisi Shofu
Emily “Z” Zinsitz
Jacque Howard
Peter Crooke
Lorna Abdullah
Mary Woodall (Treasurer)
Teaching Elders:
Teaching elders (also called ministers of the Word and Sacrement) shall in all things be committed to teaching the faith and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. (Eph. 4:12) They may serve in a variety of ministries, as authorized by the presbytery. Their roles include preaching, witness, service, presiding over the Lord's Supper, baptism, participation in the responsibilities of governance, and other roles. (G-2.0501, Book of Order)
Current Teaching Elders:
Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen
Rev. Joanne Rodriguez: Parish Associate
Rev. Dr. Shannon Smythe Parish Associate
Rev. Evangelist Judy Styrker: Parish Associate
Rev. Patti Daley: Nassau/Westminster LIaison
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