Deacons

Jesus calls all Christians to minister to others. In John 13:34-35, he tells his disciples

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

Though we all have the calling to this service of love, Deacons fulfill a special role in continuing Jesus’ ministry of compassion.

Each of our active Deacons tends a “flock” of members of our church family, reaching out to them in times of need and providing ongoing prayer and concern. This may include hospital visitation, coordination of meals or other assistance in times of family stress, regular greetings during worship and/or home visits, and daily prayer.

Our Deacons also make a special effort to reach out to visitors, extending a warm welcome through coordinating our Sunday morning greeters.

Our Deacons coordinate and host memorial service and funeral receptions, and meals to support families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Our Deacons also reach out to the broader community by funding a utilities assistance program, through which individuals who fall short on their bills can receive aid from the church.

Support for these programs comes from the Deacon’s Fund, to which all members and visitors may contribute using the green envelopes found in the pew pockets.

The Book of Order defines the ministry of deacons to be one of “compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.”