Authorised Elder Sacraments Training (and Refresher Course) (in person and online)
WHAT: training in the meaning and conduct of the sacraments of baptism and communion, and refresher session for those already authorized
REQUIREMENTS:
- each church should have two authorized Elders at any given time, with a third if there is a need for a separate Elder to serve those who are homebound
- new candidates must be put forward by their Eldership and approved at the Church Meeting;
- names are then sent by the Church Secretary to the Area Pastoral Committee and the TDO; names of already authorized Elders needing the refresher course should also be submitted by the Church Secretary to the TDO
- attendance at both classes and a pass mark on all assignments is required for newly trained Elders
- for the Refresher Course, attendance only at the in-person training is required
WHEN: the training will be offered annually with one online session on the 2nd Sunday of January from 14:30-17:30, followed by one in-person practicum in your Synod Area, on a scheduled Sunday from 14:30 to 17:30 in January or February.
HOW: The Elders of each congregation can nominate 2 Elders to be authorized and these 2 must then be ratified by Church Meeting. A third Elder may be authorised to serve communion to the homebound if needed. The Elders names should be sent to the Area/Pastoral Committee and copied to the TDO.