Deacons

 

 

The “Diakonia” (deacons) of the church is one of the oldest offices and traditions in the New Testament. It was established when the disciples began to see that the ministry was an overwhelming task without further developing leaders in this new community. Therefore the disciples said to the church, “Pick out from among you seven individuals of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint these duties.” The duties given to them were caring for the widows, the poor, the sick and others who needed special care. Our deacons at First Presbyterian Church have carried on this tradition of caring established in the first church. To honor this responsibility we have organized ourselves to fulfill the following duties:

 

     Development of a budget to support the ministries of the church.

     Development of a “Shepherding Program” so that every member of the church

          has a deacon who cares for them.

     Assist the Worship Committee on preparing and serving the Lord’s Supper.

     Development of benevolent program which supplies money, certificates and food

          to those who need assistance.

     Visit the sick in hospitals and surrounding care facilities.

     Send cards and letters to individuals who have had a loss or significant event happen

          in their life.

     Provide food cards to members of our community who need assistance.

     Development of “Special Needs” program to visit and care for those who are housebound

          or in care facilities.

     Provide financial assistance to those who have found themselves in hard times.

     Provide transportation to medical facilities or other places in which members need to go

          for assistance.

     Provide meals to those who have returned from the hospital or have just lost a significant

          other in their life.

     Provide memorial receptions and personal care for those planning funerals for their loved one.