Many members of our church choose to dedicate a little--or a lot--of their time and talents by serving on various committees, which address the many areas of need to keep our ministries running smoothly and efficiently. Plus, serving with old and new friends is fun! Please take a minute to read the committee descriptions below and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach-out to the contact person listed.
Session Committees
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee is responsible for programming in the areas of children’s ministries, youth ministries, and adult education. Our educational programs include Bible-based education, community service mission experiences, and lectures/discussions, which explore how Christian faith impacts daily living. Contact: Jung Lawrence (lawrencefam1@gmail.com).
Worship
The Worship Committee assists the minister in providing for meaningful worship of God and assists in carrying out the vision of the church through worship. The Committee is dedicated to serving the congregation and community through preaching, music, communion preparation and service, ushering, flower sharing, and greeting. For more information or to get involved, contact: Jon Davies (jonathanrdavies@gmail.com).
Nominating
This committee consists of four active members elected by the congregation at least one of whom is a Ruling Elder currently serving on the Session. The committee meets to nominate four elders and four deacons to serve three year terms. Contact: Cyndy Mamalian (cyndy@mamalian.com)
Generosity
Started in 2017, the committee helps to plan, initiate and execute the annual Generosity or Stewardship Campaign while helping members think about how we may pledge time, treasure and talent to Christ’s ministry at PPC. Contact: Gregg Johnson (greggejohnson@msn.com )
Endowment
The Endowment Committee is responsible for the development, promotion, and interpretation of the benefits of the Endowment Fund to the congregation. The Committee is composed of six ordained Elders and members serving a three-year term. Contact: Chris Dowd (dvdowd@aol.com )
Mission
We continue our focus on families and children, and engage in ministries seeking to address hunger, homelessness and healing. Our selected ministries are intergenerational, hands-on, sustainable, have a personal identification for PPC, and address the root issues of poverty or homelessness. In addition, the committee oversees the projects that the church supports through financial gifts through the mission budget. Contact: Tracy Talbot (talbottracy3@gmail.com)
Property
The goals of the Property Committee are to ensure that the Church’s physical plant is working optimally, to perform routine maintenance as required, and to identify and select reputable vendors as needed. Vendor selection is achieved through a competitive bid process that ensures we receive the greatest value at the best possible cost. Property is also responsible for maintaining the church grounds. A primary responsibility involves coordination with trades people such as electricians, plumbers, locksmiths, HVAC professionals, etc. as needed. Other activities include: changing light bulbs, maintaining phone and Internet systems, de-cluttering/cleaning out closets and obtaining multiple estimates for significant repairs/renovations such as painting and maintenance. Contact: Steve Dorman (stevenwdorman@gmail.com)
Personnel
The Personnel Committee working with the Head of Staff is responsible for helping to oversee the smooth working of the church staff. They make sure the Personnel Policies and Guidelines manual is up to date and implemented properly. They oversee the annual staff review process and assist the Head of Staff with hiring when needed. Contact: John Sohl (jsohl3@gmail.com)
Finance
The Finance Committee compiles an annual budget for supporting the mission and vision of the Church which is based on Committee input and balanced against anticipated resources available. It submits the budget to the Session for review and adoption. The committee meets monthly to review the financial statements submitted by the Treasurer, review financial activities of the church, perform assessments and provide fiscal advice to the Session. The Committee examines fiscal policies and makes recommendations for amendment when necessary to the Session. The Committee also oversees and works closely with the Generosity Committee on the annual Stewardship campaign. Contact: Leslie Kerr (lpkerr3@gmail.com)
Deacon Committees
Congregational Care
Congregational Care (an outreach of the Deacons) is the caregiver group providing short-term assistance to those who face challenges in everyday life, in times of need or change, during any of life’s hardships or joys. During illness, hospitalization, divorce, death, birth, or adoption, the Congregational Care Committee can help in many ways which may include: transportation, meals, visits, or hospitality and refreshments after memorial services. We stay connected with our care receivers with cards, e-mails, and phone calls, striving always to be helpful without being intrusive. Extended or at-home Communion is offered quarterly. Contact: Bob Stow (bobstow1@mac.com).
Fellowship
The Fellowship Committee (an outreach of the Deacons) is committed to serving the congregation by providing hospitality throughout the year to our church family, the wider community and visitors and friends. A dedicated group of volunteers serve the Lord through preparing meals and planning social activities for the adults, families and friends of PPC. With fellowship and fun, the committee plans, decorates and cooks in preparation to serve meals and plan events together. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner or an outing, we invite you to join the committee to share God’s love through fellowship with others. Contact: Brad McAuliffe (bradleem@gmail.com).
Other Committees
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a program through which members of PPC are trained and organized to work alongside Pastor Emily to provide Christian care giving to members of our congregation. This multiplies the amount of caring ministry PPC can provide by giving the congregation a team of caregivers, who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis or experiencing other stresses in life. The Stephen Ministry program continues to support and supplement the pastoral care of the congregation. Stephen Ministers provide confidential one-on-one Christian care giving. We are truly grateful for the unselfish and loving care provided by the many Stephen Ministers in our congregation. Stephen Ministry Leadership Team: Karen Karch (specialKBK1@aol.com), Bob Stow (bobstow1@mac.com), Sherry Johnson (sijohnson03@aol.com)
Memorial Garden
The Potomac Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden is a quiet, intimate space that combines a seasonally changing natural garden with the permanence of a perpetual care columbarium—an important ministry for PPC members. Entrance is made from the church Fellowship Hall and the Gary Road driveway. The memorial garden continues to be a place of beauty, tranquility and peace for all who visit, while providing comfort for the family and friends of those interred or memorialized on the commemorative plaque. Contact: Mary Margaret Smith (mmjs44@gmail.com )
