Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool. --Psalm 132:7

Committees of the Board of Deacons

These committees minister to the members and friends of the First Presbyterian Church through:

Service to Our Own
Memorial Service Committee - Ministering to those who are grieving the death of a family member by providing food and other services to assist them in their time of pain and need.

Frozen Meals - Providing frozen meals to the homebound, those who have just returned from the hospital, or members and friends who otherwise are in need of such assistance.

Flower Delivery - Delivering flowers from the worship service to those who are hospitalized or homebound.

Service to the Church
Van Ministry - Making the church van available on Sunday mornings to bring senior citizens and physically challenged persons to worship. The van delivers riders to a worship service and takes them home immediately following the service.

Health Care Ministry - Providing oversight for a committee of health care professionals within our church. The purpose is to provide information and periodic health screenings to members and friends of the church.

Medical Closet - Providing a variety of durable medical supplies such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, etc. to be loaned to members and friends who are in need of them. We also accept donations of such items for use in this ministry.

Service to the Community
Brown Bag Saturdays - On the last Saturday of each month the deacons and their merry band of volunteers prepare over 200 sack lunches for our area poor and then deliver them to specific downtown areas.
 

Perhaps more than any other ministry of our church, the Board of Deacons works behind the scenes. For this reason, we feel it is important for the congregation who elected them to be reminded of the vital role they play. If you wish to nominate a candidate for Deacon you may download the form here and return it to the church office attn: Nominating Committee.

The Board of Deacons is made up of men and women ordained for this service. The office of Deacon is one of three ordained offices in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The other two are: Elder and Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

This office is set forth in scripture. According to Acts 6:1-7, the disciples chose 7 persons to minister to those who were hungry and neglected. We also read in Timothy 3:8-13 references to the characteristics of those who are chosen for this particular ministry.

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) describes this ministry as "one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ". It further states that those chosen for this office should be persons "of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment". [G-6.0401]

The Board of Deacons in this church is made up of 24 men and women divided into three rotating classes. Deacons serve a three-year term during which they serve on a Deacon Committee, one of the Session committees, and attend regular monthly meetings of the Board of Deacons.

According to our Book of  Order, "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. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the Session." G-6.0402

Special Offerings for Use by the Deacons

The second Sunday of each month is designated as Deacons' Offering Sunday. The offering supports the ministries of the Board of Deacons. The Board does not receive money from the church budget, but relies on the generous contributions of members and friends of the church. Envelopes are provided for this purpose in the pews. Members will also find an envelope in the box of offering envelopes provided to them by the church. If no special Deacons' Offering envelope is available, you may simply indicate on the check or pew envelope that you wish this donation to go to the Board of Deacons to support their ministry. Your support is appreciated.