The
First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City is a congregation of about 400
members. First Presbyterian Church operates
presently under the able and very enthusiastic leadership of
Associate Pastor Andrew (Andy) Gifford. Pastor Andy received
the call from First Presbyterian in July 2006 and has been responsible
for a rejuvenation in the youth programs since that time. In January,
2007,with the resignation of Rev. Tom Schacher, Pastor Andy was asked
to assume the role of Acting Head of Staff
until such time as a new Pastor/Head of Staff is called. Pastor Andy's
enthusiastic leadership has been warmly received. Dr. Gordon Edwards of
Stillwater's First Presbyterian Church currently serves as Moderator of
our Session until a new Pastor/Head of Staff is called.
First
Presbyterian entered into a contract with the Reverend Dr. Hardie
Higgins who is to serve the congregation in a pastoral arrangement,
preaching, teaching, and visitations with the congregation until such
time as a new Pastor/Head of Staff is selected. Rev. Dr. Higgins,
a retired Methodist minister, brings a wonderfully fresh perspective
into the lives of the church members. We are delighted that he and his
wife Young Hee, who sings in our choir, are part of our church lives.
First
Presbyterian has formed a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) that has
been charged with the responsibility of conducting a search for a new
Pastor/Head of Staff. The PNC consists of 8 members representing a
cross-section of the congregation and a representative from Cimarron
Presbytery's Committee on Ministry.
Our
Church Information Form (CIF) has been approved and is now posted on the
PCUSA CLC web site and we have begun the process of contacting
potential candidates for the
vacant Pastor/Head of Staff position. Click here to view our CIF.
Lay
leadership roles in our church are filled by Session, a board of
Deacons, and a Board of Trustees. The fifteen-member Session
is responsible for the mission and government of the church.
Working under the Session, the Deacons are charged with ministering to
those in need, and the Trustees with the management and care of church
buildings and property.
We
are grateful for the dedication of our other church staff:
Music
Director.............Ann Salmons
Piano
Accompanist......Nancy
Kruckeberg
Secretary........................Kristin Webb
Financial
Secretary.......Beverly Cockriel
Custodians....................John & Cathy Coffman
Paul Frohlich
