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PRESBYTERIAN TERMINOLOGY
Chancel: The elevated area at the front of the sanctuary where the Communion table, lectern and pulpit are located.
General Assembly: The annual gathering of church officials which, together, make decisions for the entire Presbyterian Church.
Moderator: the official who presides and maintains order in the meetings of the General Assembly, Synod, Session and Presbytery.
Narthex: the area of the church through which people pass to enter the sanctuary.
Presbytery: the second level of church court which includes a number of congregations within a geographic area.
Synod: the third level of church court which includes several presbyteries.
ELDERS AND THE SESSION.
Elders are chosen by the people, that is, church members in annual meetings.
Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they form the Session. The Session exercises leadership, government, and has responsibilities for a particular church (like First Presbyterian, Williamsport) and the Session represents the local church body to the church at large, the Presbytery of Northumberland and to ecumenical groups like United Churches, Lycoming County.
Elders are elected for terms of three years usually, and are organized in Classes, such as the Class of 2006, 2007, 2008.
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