Deacons

Deacons are members of the church elected by the congregation to serve on the Board of Deacons for terms of one to three years. Deacons reflect the church membership from high school students to long term members. The mission of the deacons is to “reach out to those in need” and deacons serve in two ways.

 

Deacons serve within the church by providing coffee and treats at coffee hour, sending cards to members, greeting at the church entrances, visiting those unable to attend church, delivering flowers to brighten a day and serving communion.

 

The other focus for deacons is the community. Deacons collect the change in the monthly “loose change offering” along with donations from the green deacon envelopes that are found in the back of every sanctuary pew. These funds are used to provide for the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter in the community. Deacons fund specific requests presented by community organizations. Organizations currently receiving funds include: Orchards Family Services, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners, Baldwin Center, Fort Street Presbyterian Open Door, Lighthouse, HAVEN, Coalition on Temporary Shelter, and others. The deacons work closely with organizations requesting funds and have a formal grant approval process and application. Some deacon money goes toward a pastoral assistance account to help members of our own congregation and nearby community who may need help paying for basic needs in a crisis situation. In addition, the food pantry, located by the church’s Eagle entrance, is always open for food donations that deacons distribute to a different agency each month. Deacons appreciate the generous support of their efforts by the congregation.