The Session is the governing body of the church. This group of Elders connects and oversees all the various programs and ministries in the life of our church. The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Tupelo consists of our pastor, Clerk of the Session, and 18 Elders who are elected by the congregation for three-year terms. The Session is charged with managing the programs, ministries, and life of our Church.
View our current list of Elders here.
According to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, responsibilities of the Session are as follows:
- Provide for worship, including preaching, music, and communion.
- Provide for growth of our members through personal and pastoral care, educational programs, fellowship, and opportunities for service.
- Receive members into the church.
- Provide for administration of the church and management of church property.
- Delegate and supervise the work of the committees.
- Maintain relationships with higher governing bodies of the church.
- Provide stewardship of money, time, and talents given by the members.
- Lead the congregation in ministries of personal and social healing and reconciliation in the community.
- Lead the congregation in participation in the mission of the whole Church in the world.
- Lead the congregation continually to discover what God is doing in the world, and to plan for change, renewal, and reformation under the Word of God.
Our Session delegates much of its work to seven committees, each of which is chaired by a member of the Session and includes members from the congregation-at-large. First Presbyterian’s committees are as follows:
- Administrative / Stewardship
- Christian Education
- Congregational Care
- Fellowship
- Outreach/Missions
- Property & Grounds
- Worship
Joining a committee is a great way to contribute to the church and our own spiritual growth while enjoying yourself and getting to know others in our congregation. All members of the church are welcome to participate in the work of these committees and are urged to use their time and talents to enrich themselves, our church, and our community.
The Administrative Committee’s general responsibilities are listed below. More detailed responsibilities are found in the First Presbyterian Church’s Policy Manual.
- As the chief administrative arm of the Session, this committee shall be responsible for annually reviewing the business management of the overall operation of the church in all areas of its life and for making recommendations to the Session where changes should be made to strengthen and increase the effectiveness of the operational life of the church.
- Assume any additional responsibilities assigned to the committee by the Session.
The Fellowship Committee promotes and coordinates special times of congregational fellowship throughout the year.
Some of these events include:
- Working with Christian Education committee on the Rally Day Brunch
- Providing meals for Tupelo High School’s football and soccer teams
- Fall Festival
- Thanksgiving Luncheon
- UKirk Meals (Fall and Spring) at University of Mississippi
- Assist Presbyterian Women with the Lenten Luncheon
- Easter Brunch
- Church Picnic in May
- Special events as needed
The Administrative Committee’s general responsibilities are listed below. More detailed responsibilities are found in the First Presbyterian Church’s Policy Manual.
- As the chief administrative arm of the Session, this committee shall be responsible for annually reviewing the business management of the overall operation of the church in all areas of its life and for making recommendations to the Session where changes should be made to strengthen and increase the effectiveness of the operational life of the church.
- Assume any additional responsibilities assigned to the committee by the Session.
The Outreach/Missions Committee works to carry out our Church’s theology of witness through service to others in our community and in the broader world. The committee initiates and oversees a variety of programs and activities for service and outreach, both local and distant.
Some of the committee’s programs, activities, and responsibilities include:
Guatemala and Cuba Water and Medical Missions: We install Living Water for the World water purification systems and conduct medical clinics. Leadership is specific for installation, education, and medical.
Fundraisers through the year
Monthly Salvation Army Dinners
Disaster Relief Assistance as needed.
Youth Mission Trip
Operation Christmas Child Ministry
Habitat for Humanity, an annual community work project for youth and adults
FPC supports the following local organizations: Saints Brew Ministry, Helping Hands Food Pantry, St. Luke’s Food Pantry. Participants are any church members wanting to serve, including FPC youth, and committee members.
Two Cents a Meal Collection: Children collect a monthly separate offering which is sent to our Presbytery and to the three food programs above.
Benevolence Support: Committee reviews and makes a recommendation for allocation of the benevolence fund in our budget to various programs including Antoine Tannehill Free Clinic, Shepherds Center, CASA, Alpha House, SAFE, Faith Haven, Boys and Girls Club, C.A.T.C.H. Kids, and others mentioned above.
The Congregational Care Committee touches all aspects of church life, from fellowship to mission to cares and concerns. We are responsible for programs and activities that are designed to welcome and assimilate new members and to encourage all members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to actively participate in the life of the church.
The Christian Education Committee oversees and supports educational opportunities for our congregation and community, providing diverse, nurturing and spiritually challenging opportunities for all ages. Programs include but are not limited to Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, Adult Bible study, and Youth activities.
The Worship Committee makes provision for Sunday worship services and for special services throughout the year, preparing the sacraments, ensuring that our music program is complete, scheduling elders to serve communion, and maintaining sanctuary continuity. The committee also oversees weddings and funerals.