FHPC Bylaws – Article IV.A: Governing Bodies
The governing body shall be the Session consisting of fifteen (15) Elders, who are also the Directors of the Corporation. The fifteen (15) Elders who are Covenant Partners shall be elected by the Congregation to serve a term of three (3) years.
Session Updates
(10/19/2021) Session voted to amend the above stated Bylaw Article IV.A: Governing Bodies to read: The governing body shall be the Session consisting of no more than fifteen (15) Elders, who are also the Directors of the Corporation. Elders who are Covenant Partners shall be elected by the Congregation to serve a term of three (3) years. This change must be voted on by the Membership at our Annual Congregational Meeting in February, 2022. 
 
(9/21/2021) Session voted to modify the organizational structure of Session as stated HERE and depicted below.
Session
Currently, the Session is comprised of eight (8) ministries. Session is led by the Moderator, Clerk of Session and eight (8) Elders. Session meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month with additional meetings held as needed.
 
The charge of each ministry is outlined below. Any questions or comments for Elders of a particular ministry should be directed to that individual’s email by clicking their name, or by clicking HERE.
 
Guests are welcome to attend Session Meetings. Guests who wish to present a topic for discussion with Session should request to be added to the Agenda no later than the Thursday prior to the meeting by calling the office at 480-837-1763.
Session Mailbox
Have a suggestion, question or just want to give a shout out to something great at FHPC? We have a mailbox for that! A suggestion box is located in the Narthex near the water cooler.
 
Or, click HERE to submit your message online. Elders will review each comment and address your input with the submitter. 
 
Moderator
Clerk of Session
Shall preside over Session and serve ex-officio and not as as voting member of this governing body. 
 
Shall record the transactions of the council, keep its membership and attendance, preserve its records, and furnish information when required by another council of the church.
Administrative Ministry                                                                              Elder:  Vacant 
To provide administrative oversight to:
 
Buildings & Grounds Committee: To give oversight to maintaining and preserving the buildings and property. To coordinate outside vendors and service providers. To recommend to the Session policies regarding building use and function. To be responsible for supervising & directing the sexton.
 
Nominating Committee: To nominate to a Congregational Meeting persons from the membership (Covenant Partners) of the Church to fill vacancies on the Session and Board of Deacons. The committee consists of two (2) Elders, one of which will be the Chair, one (1) from the Board of Deacons, one (1) from each: Women’s Ministry, Men’s Fellowship, and Celebration Singers. The term is one (1) year. The Pastor serves as Ex Officio, as advisor without a vote.
Committee Chair: Vacant
 
 
Personnel Committee:  To relate to the professional and support staff of FHPC. To prepare position descriptions, conduct interviews and assume responsibility for any personnel matters regarding the staff. To administer Performance Evaluations (at least annually). To provide confidential counsel on personnel matters/conflicts. Committee Chair: Vacant
 
Contact the Administrative Ministry Elder by clicking HERE.
Christian Formation Ministry                                   Elder: Vacant (Interim Terri Schmidt)
To oversee the total formational and educational programs of FHPC. To structure meaningful involvement for the entire congregation in educational experiences that deepen faith and commitment. To evaluate formation programs based on priority-determined criteria and goals. To oversee operations of the Nursery.
 
Contact the Christian Formation Ministry Elder by clicking HERE.
Communications Ministry                                                        Elder John Scaggs (2022)
                                                                                                  Elder Kathy Cole (2023)
Internally. The team produces products for the church – The Weekly email and the In Touch monthly newsletter – to promote activities and ways for people to connect as well as list upcoming events.

Externally. We write and distribute press releases to the FH Times (newspaper and online website) and FH Chamber of Commerce and also plan for FHPC involvement in community events.
 
We also manage and update content for the church’s website and Facebook page, in addition to producing the live stream of weekly worship services and special events such as funerals.
 
Contact the Communications Ministry Elders by clicking HERE.
Finance Ministry                                                                    Elder:  Maria Berry (2022)
Provide interpretation of the monthly financial reports to the Session. To coordinate the preparation of the church budget and its presentation for Session approval. To provide investment management. To provide relationship management with financial institutions. To be responsible for supervising & directing the work of the Treasurer.
 
Contact the Finance Ministry Elder by clicking HERE.
Hospitality Ministry                                                   Elder:  Vacant (Interim Maria Berry)
To create diverse and flexible opportunities to develop, nurture, and sustain community life; with specific responsibilities to: Volunteerism and Personal Gift development, Fellowship and social events, New Member welcoming.
 
Hilltop Hospitality Committee meets on the second Friday of each month in the Fellowship Center.
 
Contact the Hospitality Ministry Elder by clicking HERE.
Mission Ministry                                                                   Elder:  Terri Schmidt (2023)
To stimulate missional awareness & commitment within our congregation. To develop and manage opportunities for both personal & financial involvement in mission efforts at local, national, & international levels.
 
The Mission Committee meets on the second Monday of each month in the Fireside Room.
 
Contact the Mission Ministry Elder by clicking HERE.
Stewardship Ministry                                                                                 Elder:  Vacant
To interpret Christian stewardship to adults, youth, and children to foster a more complete awareness of Biblical stewardship throughout the entire membership. To conduct the yearly pledge campaign in support of annual budgeting efforts.
 
Contact the Stewardship Elder by clicking HERE.
 
 Worship & Music Ministry                                                         Elder:  Ilene Berg (2024)
To meet with the pastor and the music director to guide and direct the worship life of FHPC. To concern itself with adult, youth, children, and intergenerational experiences of worship. To provide pulpit supply (as necessary). To manage serving Sacraments (including Homebound). To oversee staffing and training of worship support (liturgists, greeters/ushers, and sacrament preparation.)
 
Contact the Worship & Ministry Elder by clicking HERE.