Ministering to Our Congregation

The Deacons minister to our congregation in many ways:

Care Groups:
The goal of the neighborhood care groups is to make a large congregation feel connected through smaller care groups, especially in times of need. Our congregation is divided into 24 care groups. A Deacon leader oversees a care group's needs and coordinates those interested in assisting other members of their neighborhood care group. Needs may include but are not limited to meals for a family with a sick family member or during bereavement, transportation to doctor's visits or grocery shopping during illness or recovery. Through this program, Deacons also send cards to church members who have a baby, are ill, or bereaved. If a need arises for you or a member you know, call your Deacon Care Group leader or the church office.

Visitation of Shut-ins by Deacons:
Deacons visit homebound parishioners,approximately once a month to provide care and assistance. Needs may include but are not limited to transportation, companionship, delivery of church bulletin and/or recorded services and flowers.

Visitation of Shut-ins by Parishioners:
The Deacons pair-up interested parishioners with a shut-in who would like to develop a close, on-going relationship with someone in the church. This provides a level of attention and service beyond the regular Deacon visit. The frequency of visits and extent of involvement by the parishioner is determined by the shut-in's needs.

Flower Distribution:
Throughout the year, Deacons take the sanctuary flowers to the shut-ins on their regularly scheduled visits. In addition, flowers are delivered to the shut-ins and other church members who may be ill or recently bereaved at Easter and Christmas from those donated by the congregation to decorate the sanctuary.

Bereavement Coordinator:
This Deacon provides support and guidance to bereaved church members who have recently lost a significant person in their lives or experienced a traumatic event.

Audio Ministry:
The Deacons record the service each Sunday and make CD copies to deliver to the pastors, music director and shut-ins, as well as others upon request.

Youth Group Liaison:
One Deacon provides the connection and communication between the Youth Group and the Deacons, and participates in Youth Group functions.

Fall and Spring Clean-up Days:
Twice a year, the Deacons help with yard work and minor household repairs for shut-ins and other church and community members.

Church Committee Participation:
In addition to the listed projects, one Deacon serves on each of the church committees and reports back to the Board of Deacons to provide a communication link as well as to assist in our planning and ministry to our church members and community.