Chapter Six The Workin g of the Church A* The Volunteer Proverb: You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. The Lot 16 United Church is a Christian presence in the community because of the many volunteers who assume the positions of church government and committee work. With a small congregation, many church members find themselves filling several volunteer roles. The top level of the local church government is the ses¬ sion which assumes responsibility for the spiritual interests of the congregation. Session is comprised of the minister and the elders. The five Lot 16 elders are elected, for a three-year term, from among church members who hold full member¬ ship. Elections are held yearly to stagger appointments pro¬ viding consistency of experience. The Lot 16 Session, the North Bedeque Session, and the Freetown Session constitute the Bedeque Charge Session and meet quar¬ terly as a combined session. Prior to the annual meeting of United Church, a nominating committee seeks out congregation members will¬ ing to assume positions on the other boards and committees. The Board of Stewards is comprised often members appoint¬ ed for a three year term; appointments are staggered for con¬ sistency of experience. It is the duty of the stewards to secure the necessary contributions for the financial operating of the church. They also oversee the disbursing of monies. Their first obligation is to the salary and pension fund of the min¬ ister. The stewards select their own chairperson, hold then- own meetings, and present an audited statement of receipts and expenditures to the annual meeting. The Board of Trustees is entrusted to hold and adminis- 157 The Working op The Church