ABOUT US
- About Us
- Pastor Statement
- Being a Presbyterian
- Exploring Membership
- Mission, Vision & Core Value Statements
- Leadership
- Membership
- Baptism
- Pastors & Staff
First Presbyterian is an intentional community of faith whose members and friends are committed to being a beacon of hope and light downtown Boise. Our commitment is to be a vital part of the community and to be a faithful presence in the heart of Boise.
First Presbyterian Church is an active community of faith with a simple purpose. We are committed to building faith-filled relationships with God, one another and the world.
For more than 130 years First Presbyterian Church has been in the heart of Boise, as a congregation in the Presbyterian tradition.
The earliest Christians, those who chose to follow the Jesus Way, gathered every week to sing, pray, eat, share stories and support one another. They also went about their daily lives as those called to be a reconciling presence in the world. Two thousand years later we continue the same practices.
We worship every week; and - every day of the week - this faith community is active in Boise in a variety of ways. We are engaged in mission that changes the lives of others. We are in hospitals, nursing homes and elsewhere, supporting folks with prayer and caring conversation. We are engaged in study throughout the week with regular opportunities to read scripture together, eat together and sing and pray together. Members practice their vocations and engage in avocations that contribute to a healthier community.
Our hope is that the material on this website will provide a number of paths for you to learn more about this community and its ministries, as well as to discover ways in which you may connect with any activity that will enrich your life and faith journey. Look around and linger for a while. If you have questions or suggestions, please share them with us. We look for new opportunities to grow in our relationships with God and one another and the world.
Grace and peace,
The Rev. Zane Buxton
Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Boise
BEING A PRESBYTERIAN
Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. From there, the Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles. Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev. John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
- Affirms its conviction that neither the Church as the body of Christ, nor Christians as individuals, can be neutral or indifferent toward evil in the world;
- Affirms its responsibility to speak on social and moral issues for the encouragement and instruction of the Church and its members, seeking earnestly both to know the mind of Christ and to speak always in humility and love;
- Reminds the churches that their duty is not only to encourage and train their members in daily obedience to God's will, but corporately to reveal God's grace in places of suffering and need, to resist the forces that tyrannize, and to support the forces that restore the dignity of all men as the children of God, for only so is the gospel most fully proclaimed.
More information about being Presbyterian at Boise First can be found under the Exploring Membership tab on this page.
The Exploring Membership class is an opportunity for folks to understand more about Boise First, and being Presbyterian in this particular Presbyterian church. For those who choose, it is a path to membership. However, membership is not a requirement of the class. The class is often made up of people who want to join the congregation in a formal way, active members, and people who have no interest in formal membership, but want to learn more about how to participate in the church in a more active role.
Classes are three weeks in length and meet on Sundays. The classes are an integral part of our purpose at Boise First; to build faith filled relationships with God, one another and the world. Classes are offered several times during the year. Any who are interested in attending can contact the church office info@first-presbyterian.org for the date and time of the next series.
MISSION STATMENT (adopted July 18, 2011)We are:
- A welcoming faith community committed to worshipping God serving our neighbors and the world through Christ's tranforming love.
We desire to:
- Be an inviting and inclusive fellowship of adults, youth and children where worship is a joyful and spiritual expression of spoken word and music
- Inspire personal commitment and faith development
- Be aware of and sensitive to the spiritual and physical needs of our congregation; encouraging, caring for and supporting each other in all of life
- Exhibit strong involvement in and support for local and global missions
- Capitalize on our church's downtown, urban setting with a visable outreach program to the community
We are committed to:
- Celebrating God's Grace and mercy in our lives through commitment to shared worship, study and spiritual growth
- Being inviting to all, while respecting the uniqueness of each individual
- Compassionately caring for each other
- Encouraging spiritual growth based on an understanding of the reformed faith of the Presbyterian Church, the Bible and its relevance and importance to issues of the day
- Making a difference through the vital ministries that enrich the community and reach out to those in need
- Generously sharing our gifts and talents
- Engaging in mission that addresses the needs of the world
- Faithfully serving as stewards of the earth
- Organization
- Elders
- Deacons
Organization
Congregational Boards - In Presbyterian churches the authority for decisions are clearly laid out in Part ll of the constitution of the church, the Book of Order. Within this order congregations are granted the privilege and responsibility of calling women and men to service and electing them as elders, deacons or trustees. There are three boards of the church - the Session, the Deacons and the Trustees of the civil corporation a parallel structure required by Idaho law. In addition there are committees of the congregation that are elected by the congregation.
Session - The responsibilities of the Session are laid out in the Book of Order. Each Session organizes itself into Committees and Commissions. The Pastor serves as Moderator of the Session.
Commissions - Commissions consider and take action on matters falling in their charter from the Session. There are five commissions: Mission, Operations, Personnel, Facilities and Lindsay Building Renovation. Each has the authority to act without consulting Session, if acting within the parameters previously established by precedent.
Committees - Committees study issues relevant to their charge and make recommendations to the board for decisions. The Session has four committees: Mission Study, Christian Education, Worship & Footsteps.
Deacons - The responsibilities of the Deacons are laid out in the Book of Order. More information about the responsibilities associated with being a Deacon, refer to the Deacon tab located at the top of this page. For more information about becoming a Deacon, contact the church office info@first-presbyterian.org.
Trustees - The Trustees are the legal representatives of the church and serve as the board of the civil corporation. The trustees are always concurrent members of the Session elected by the members of the congregation during a meeting of the corporation.
Congregational Committees - Every congregation has a nominating committee elected by the congregation. In addition we have an Ed Lowe Committee to handle the disbursement of mission dollars which are attached to an estate. We also have a Support and Endowment Committee whose function is to provide oversight for the endowment of the church. Congregations also elect, when necessary, search committees.
The Session of this congregation numbers 12 women and men who have accepted the call of the Holy Spirit as expressed through the voice of the congregation to serve a 3 year term sharing in the ministry and leadership of the congregation. Each year a new class of 4 people is elected to a 3 year term. Session members may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms in order to insure that no particular personality comes to dominate the congregation or its witness. Our tradition relies upon broad support and involvement across the generations and differing personalities of the people who worship together each week. We hope you will feel free to visit with any member of the Session and help us welcome you.
Session Membership -2012
Moderator: the Rev. Zane K. Buxton
Associate Pastor: Joanna Dunn
Clerk of Session: Penelope Gaffney
Treasurer: Scott Muir
Class of 2012 - Louise Ackley, Penelope Gaffney, Don Deters, Bob Paris
Class of 2013 - Bonnie Lind, John Hicks, Eric Boles, Susan Hayman
Class of 2014 - George Coburn, Joe Galey, Terri Muse, Michael Reardon
Commission/Committee Membership - 2011
Corporate Trustees - John Hicks (Pres.), George Coburn, Lisa Szentes, Bonnie Lind
Mission Commission - George Coburn (Convener), Joe Galey, John Hicks, Eric Boles, Joanne Coburn, Louise Nagel
Operations Commission - Terri Muse (Convener), Bob Paris, Lisa Szentes, Eric Boles, George Coburn
Facilities Commission - John Hicks (Convener), Joe Galey, Don Deters
Personnel Commission - Bonnie Lind (Convener), Terri Muse, Eric Boles
Mission Study Committee - Lisa Szentes (Convener), Bonnie Lind, Bob Paris, Emily Boles, Peggy Bohls
Christian Education Committee - Bob Paris (Convener), Susan Hayman, Jill Muir, Karen Kolb, Jennifer Rhees, Pat Dautel, Brian Anderson, Paul Shubin
Worship Committee - Bonnie Lind (Convener), Susan Hayman, Judy Austin, Darrel Bozett, Nancy Adrianm Alan Wylie, Rhoby Swartley
Footsteps Committee - George Coburn (Convener), Bob Paris
Support & Endowment Committee - Bob Paris (Convener), Jim Fordham (Sec), Dick Thomas (Treas), Susan Hayman, Marian Hylen, Art Royce
FPC Nominating Committee - Lisa Szentes (Convener), Bonnie Lind, Michael Lundquist (Deacon Rep), Teresa Browne (Deacon Rep), Rhoby Swartley, Margie Fisher, Steve Severn, Mike Larson, Marilyn Fordham
Ed Low Endowment Fund Committee - Ron Jennings
Presbytery Commissioners for 2011 - Penelope Gaffney, Joe Galey, Terri Muse, John Hicks (Alternate)
The deacons of the congregation lead us in ministries of compassion and caring in a wide variety of programs. Our deacons insure that the Sacrament of Communion is available on the first Sunday of every month and provide home delivery of Holy Communion every month to those who are no longer able to worship with us on Sunday mornings.
The deacons deliver flowers every week to the ill and those who are hospitalized or grieving.
In addition the deacons provide for us in receptions for families experiencing the loss that death brings to all of us.
If you are aware of those who would welcome a visit from our deacons please let us know by responding to us via our ministry support staff: Duncan@first-presbyterian.org
Our deacons, like our elders, serve rotating 3 year terms. Currently we're privileged to be served by:
Moderator: Teresa Browne
Vice Moderator:
Secretary:
Treasurer: John Harenberg
Communion: Barb Anderson/Caroline McDaniel
Funeral Receptions: Teresa Browne/Kay Pickrell
Flowers: Emily Boles
Class of 2012 - Barb Anderson, Teresa Browne, Ruth Galey, Claudette Hodkinson, Floyd Hodkinson, Patti Deters, Caroline McDaniel
Class of 2013 - Todd Lundquist, Sue Paris, Laura Wolstenholme, Margie Fischer
Class of 2014 - Emily Boles, John Harenberg, Cydney Shubin, Rhoby Swartley, Betty Ferguson, Ken Smith, Jennifer Yewer
Approach to Membership
At First Presbyterian Church, Boise, we believe that we all are part of the one body of Christ, God's Church. If you are worshipping with us for the first or second or the hundredth time you are welcomed as a member of this faith community. We are brought together through our common relationship with God, all of us blessed with gifts from God. All are invited and encouraged to share those gifts in the ministries and mission of the church. We are each unique with a singular responsibility to share what God has given us individually as we join together as a congregation to further God's mission in the world.
We have found that we are most faithful when there is a balance between giving and receiving, between serving and being served. As we travel along this faith journey together folks are invited to participate in a Boise First and You Class (for more information, refer to the "Boise First & You" tab located on this page) that is offered a number of times throughout the year. This class looks at our desire to build faith-filled relationships with God one another and the world and ways we can further that shared purpose through worship, fellowship and mission. Often our time together results in folks expressing a desire to stand before the congregation and express their desire to be received into formal membership in this congregation of God's church.
If you would like to know more about the Exploring Membership class, contact the church office - info@first-presbyterian.org.
Sacrament of Baptism
In "A Brief Statement of Faith" from The Book of Confessions [Part of The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)] we confess our trust that "The same Sprit who inspired the apostles and the prophets rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church." John Calvin, a 16th century theologian of the Reformation, wrote, "We are not our own but the Lord's." Both of these statements become real for us as we celebrate the holy Sacrament of Baptism in the life of the congregation. Sacraments are part of the worship of the Church. We trust that they represent what God is doing in our lives. Baptism symbolizes the gift of God's unending grace as adults are baptized and welcomed into the Church or as the children of Church members are baptized as a sign that they are claimed and sealed as God's own forever. Our response to our baptisms is to live in gratitude to God, in repentance, faithfulness and discipleship.
To inquire about baptism please contact the church office - info@first-presbyterian.org .
The Rev. Zane K. Buxton
Interim Pastor - zane@first-presbyterian.org
The Rev. Zane K. Buxton came to Boise to serve as Interim Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, in November of 2010, after serving as the Synod Executive for the Synod of the Rocky Mountains for nine years (with offices in Denver).
He has been a minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 39 years, serving in pastoral ministry in Rushmore, MN, Shorewood, WI, Des Moines, IA, and Chicago, IL for a total of twenty-two years. Following that, he served in the Office of the General Assembly for nearly eight years as Manager of Judicial Process, before moving to Denver.
Zane, like other ministers of the Presbyterian Church, has served on numerous committees, as commissioner to synod a number of times, and was happy to have the opportunity to serve as commissioner to General Assembly in both 1989 and 1991 (from the Presbytery of Chicago).
Reading and books have always been of interest to Zane. His interests in books range from Biblical studies and theology (obvious), through history, politics, science, to fiction, especially mysteries. Walking, biking, and canoeing (or kayaking) provide opportunities to enjoy the world outdoors. Woodworking and home improvements offer a creative outlet. Travel and art appreciation and collection are other interests. The mountains provide stimulus to reflection and prayer on a daily basis.
The Rev. Joanna Dunn
Minister of Christian Formation - joannad@first-presbyterian.org
The Rev. Joanna Dunn earned her Master's of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond and her Master of Arts in Christian Education from The Presbyterian School of Christian Education in 1997. She has engaged in ministry throughout her life beginning in high school.
She was called to First Presbyterian Church in Boise in 2004 after serving a large church in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. She is the Minister of Christian Formation, guiding and leading the congregation and community in ministry opportunities that nurture the young and the young at heart.
She is active in the Presbytery, Synod and National Church serving as a commissioner, member of special task forces, youth ministry advocate and other capacities. She volunteers in the Boise community including through her children's schools, St Luke's Women's Celebration and St. Al's Children's Classic.
Mike Sanders
Facilities Manger - mike@first-presbyterian.org
Mike studied at Pepperdine University, University of Heidelberg, Pacific Lutheran University and the Claremont Graduate School. He served a number of years in ministry. A self-taught "handy-man", he finds it a privilege to serve this great faith community.
Spence Stout
Assistant Facilities Manager
Duncan Filson
Office Manager - duncan@first-presbyterian.org
Duncan Filson, Office Manager, began working at First Presbyterian Church in April of 2008. He has a Bachelors degree in elementary education which he used to help found Boise's first charter school, "Anser", in 1999. He continued on as a multi-age classroom teacher for another two years before starting his own business. He believes his varied job history (including time spent as a mime, a garbage collector and 10 years in various facets of film production) has, almost, adequately prepared him for his current position in the church office.
Duncan lives within walking distance of the church, with his wife and two boys. He is also fortunate to have his mother living in Boise. The rest of his kin live scattered throughout the mid-west. His time away from work is spent running around with his family, enjoying the outdoors, making music and building instruments. He has played guitar for 35 years and is currently learning to play the mandolin and ukulele. In addition to teaching guitar, he recently completed the construction his first mandolin and now has his sites set on a guitar. He is currently part of a band (Limehouse) that focuses primarily on gypsy-swing, style music.
Kathy Bilderback
Bookkeeping - kathy@first-presbyterian.org
Kathy began as part time bookkeeper in August 2007. While she enjoys attending to the detailed financial aspects of the church, she finds it a privilege to build relationships and be part of the team here at the church. She attempts to share the skills she has acquired over the years from administrative office work, financial analysis with non-profits and volunteering heavily in the church.
Outside of this job, she services a few local small businesses with bookkeeping skills, sharing parenting with her wonderfully patient husband while raising two teenage sons with bright red hair and fiery personalities. She also serves on the pastoral care team at a Mennonite church. She holds a masters degree in Church Ministry and is an ordained minister in the Mennonite church.
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