In the United Reformed Church, the eldership of a congregation is a significant ministry – the Elders share the responsibility, with the Minister of Word and Sacraments of spiritual oversight. It is important to remember the team element of eldership and that the Elders’ meeting is intended to be a distinctive and vital part of every congregation. The Elders collectively possess the abilities, skills and spiritual gifts of leadership. Elders, like Ministers of Word and Sacraments, are ordained for life and ordination is an outward sign of God’s call; it recognises both the spiritual nature of the call and the role that Elders play in church leadership. However, although ordination is for life it doesn’t mean that an Elder is expected to serve for the rest of their lives. It is usual for Elders to serve for set number of years and then have a sabbatical of at least a year. Elders not actively serving are known as nonserving Elders.
Rivertowns current eldership are
Sheila Kavanagh – Church Secretary & Safeguarding Officer
I’ve been part of Rivertown since my children were small!
I love meeting people and am excited to be part of a church with a real heart for our local community.
Linsey Dentith
I have been part of the Rivertown family for 30+ years.
I am responsible for our green area and am also part of a small team that produce the technology on a Sunday morning.
Glenis Griffiths
I have been part of Rivertown family for many years and have served as an elder for over 30. It is my spiritual home.
As part of the building team I am responsible for the invoicing of room hire.
My volunteering at ‘Food with Friends’’ and ‘Warm Welcome’ gives me an opportunity to engage with the community which I enjoy.
I feel these are exciting times as God leads Rivertown into the future, and I am privileged to be a part of this. I also love walking in the countryside and quizzing.
Sandra Johnston
I’ve been an Elder for 11 years.
I’m Pastoral Care co-ordinator and holder of the Rivertown prayer shawls.
I’m also one of the founders of Food with Friends and their treasurer.
Jane Evans
I tentatively agreed to start volunteering at Rivertown over two years ago.
From the moment I walked in, I knew I’d found a very special place.
In that short time I became a member and was recently ordained as a serving Elder.
What a privilege it is to serve God this way along with all the wonderful people of Rivertown.
Steve Winrow
The baby of the Eldership. I’m the odd job man and health and safety guy.
I have been an Elder for around 3 years and a Rivertown member for over 10.
As part of the communications team, I compile and publish the Rivertown Voice news letter every week as well as help with the technology on a Sunday.
My days are spent working as the caretaker at Croes Atti School in Shotton and volunteering at the local foodbank.
Marian Riccio
I am delighted to be a new Elder for Rivertown Church.
I am a retired Probation Services Officer and Counsellor. I hope to still utilise my skills in helping people who use our church.
I sometimes work at Rivertown Community Hub where people can come have free tea and toast and socialise. On occasions, I have helped to take part in the delivery of Sunday services with the other Elders.
I look forward to working with my team of Elders and promoting fresh ideas for the growth and well-being of our church.