St. Andrew's with Castle Gate United Reformed Church

The Elders

Elders are members of the church who have been chosen by the other church members to take a special role in the care of members and to oversee the church's worship and work. Elders are elected by the Church Meeting and are "ordained" for life at a special communion service. We have about 45 serving Elders at our church.

The Elders meet on the first Wednesday of every month in the Upper Hall at church and also, briefly, before each service of Holy Communion. The minister chairs the meeting which discusses all aspects of church life except that, usually, routine matters to do with the church buildings and finance are dealt with by the Managers.

All our Elders have a "district" of five or six families. The Elders visit the members' families at home to get to know them, to offer support and friendship and discuss church affairs with them. At the Elders' meetings Elders take it in turns to share news with the other Elders about the people in their district. They also share concerns about members who have been ill. The Elders consider requests for people to be baptised or married in the church.

Also at their meetings Elders think about and discuss things to do with worship and the church services, the way our church serves the community and witnesses to the community, the spiritual life of the church and the activities that are arranged by the church, and our relationships with other churches in Nottingham and the URC.

The Elders and the Minister are supported in their work by the Pastoral Committee which is concerned to have an overview of all aspects of the pastoral care of our members. This includes the welcoming of new members of the congregation and church and the linking of members with Elders.



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