Deacons’ Ministry

According to the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church USA, the office of Deacon is defined as follows:

“The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office. It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress.”

There are nine deacons that serve on our current Board of Deacons and each fulfills the above definition in many ways. We meet on the second Monday of each month, except for July and August, and have a variety of responsibilities.

At the beginning of a Deacon’s tenure, each receives a list of church families that they care for throughout their term. If a need arises within one of their families, the Deacon can offer individual assistance and/or bring it to the Board and minister’s attention so that support can be given on a larger scale.

Throughout the year our Deacons send cards of love, support, and caring to church members for a variety of reasons. Our Home Needs committee provides meals and loving support to church members who may need a helping hand due to unforeseen events occurring within the family. Our Special Events committee coordinates yearly activities such as our Fall Care Packages that are sent to college students and those serving in the military; assisting with Youth Recognition/ Graduation Sunday; preparing gift bags for youth going on mission trips; and coordinating receptions as requested after memorial services held at our church.

Deacons, along with elders, are responsible for ushering at Sunday morning worship services and greeting and welcoming visitors. A welcome packet and note are sent to all visitors by the moderator of the deacons. Junior Deacons/Acolytes, who assist each Sunday, are also scheduled by the Board of Deacons. Deacons also assist in serving Communion.

Deacons are also responsible for coordinating the Sunday morning coffee hour which provides a time of fellowship and sharing for all following the worship service.

Outreach beyond our walls may include providing one or two families in our community with gifts and food at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Monetary donations are also made at Christmastime to local organizations for their outreach programs. This year the recipients were Cameron Community Ministry and the SWEM Food Cupboard.

Our shut-ins are visited throughout the year, and at Christmas and Easter, plants are delivered along with our visit.

Serving on the Board of Deacons is a way of reaching out, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to those in need.