Every year we call members of our community to be ordained into leadership, either as Elders or Deacons. Elders and Deacons are elected by the congregation and may serve three consecutive two-year terms. Both groups meet once a month to discuss business that is important to the mission and vision of the Open Door.
Elders
The Presbyterian church calls laypeople to serve as Ruling Elders alongside the Teaching Elder(s), or Pastors. The Clerk of Session can be contacted in the event that an item should be brought before Session. Each Elder serves as a representative or leader of a team within the church, leading others in discussion and participation in a variety of roles and responsibilities.
Click here to view the session minutes from our session meetings.
Carley Alexander, Children & Youth Ministries
Mary Auxier, Personnel
Kevin Bell, Spiritual Formation
Lauren Burdette, Nominating Committee
Alysabeth Mahood, Missions
Katie Robb Sewall, Clerk of Session
Ben Shelly, Finance & Treasurer
Yvonne Van Haitsma, Worship Design
Clerk of Record (not active on Session): Renee Prymus
Deacons
Deacons serve as “caregivers” in the Presbyterian Church. At the Open Door, the Deacons assist in providing prayer and assistance to our community--this takes a wide variety of shapes, including organizing meals for families and individuals during time of need.
As your deacons, we are here to offer a listening ear and walk alongside you in times of need. While we are not trained counselors or spiritual directors, we are committed to supporting you with care and confidentiality. When helpful, we can also connect you with trusted resources within our congregation or the wider community. If you would like to ask the Prayer Team and/or the congregation to offer prayers on your behalf, please use the prayer request form on our website.
Nick Burdette
Ben Collier
Heather Jennings
Allyson Rys
Karl Thomas
Brian Yoder