So What Exactly is a Deacon

When I was growing up, my parents disagreed about Christianity. My mother was a believer and had grown up in the church, but my father did not have this opportunity. As a result, my siblings and I were left to make our own decisions about our faith. My older sister converted to Catholicism when she spent a year abroad during her Junior year in college and lived with a Catholic family during that time. My brother believes in a “Higher Power” and finds 

Ellen Taylor

solace in ways I don’t understand, which gives him peace. I, however, have always been a believer in Christ. When I was in Junior High, I started going to a Presbyterian Church in Eugene, Oregon where I grew up. I went with a group of friends since my parents couldn't reconcile their differences about their beliefs. This adventure of five teenage girls following Jesus Christ launched my lifelong affiliation with organized religion. I went to several different churches over the years, including Episcopalian and Lutheran Churches, before finding my home again at First Presbyterian. During this time, I heard something about Deacons but never really understood what they were, what they did, and how one could become one. ​

I was still pretty much in the dark about this until I got a call from our previous Pastor, Craig Sumey, in 2021 asking if I would serve on the Deacon Board. I was very excited, although unsure about my role, so I did some research. I found a great article from The Presbyterian Leader that states, “For those who want to follow in the ministry of Jesus Christ, there is no better office to assume than that of Deacon in the Presbyterian Church”. As the Book of Order notes, “The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgement should be selected for this office.” It is a ministry of caring, love, compassion, prayer, and community service.

The specific duties of the Deacons at First Pres are to focus on the congregation primarily, especially those members who are having difficulties.  These may be health-related, suffering a loss, experiencing loneliness, having mobility problems, or struggling with loss of independence. In an effort to address these issues, the Deacons have several subcommittees that they serve on. 

Friends at Home 
 As the name implies, these generally are members who are no longer able to attend church due to age or physical disabilities. They are each assigned a Deacon who will send cards, visit by phone or in person, bring them treats, and let them know we are thinking about them and praying for them. They may be offered transportation to and from church on Sunday.  The Deacons have a contract with a local taxi service that will transport our needy members. 

Office Uplift 
All Deacons are expected to volunteer for this service one month a year. It includes preparing a surprise for the office staff, which might include lunch, goodies, gifts or anything creative that they might enjoy. This is to show appreciation for all they do. 

Sonshine
Each month one Deacon is assigned the job of sending cards to members who are undergoing difficult times or are requesting prayer. We get the names primarily from the iPray List, which is in the weekly newsletter. This is perhaps one of my favorite assignments. It is very gratifying to be approached by one of the Sonshine recipients during coffee hour after the service and to be thanked by them for our cards and good wishes. Making a difference in the lives of our congregants is one of our main goals.

Communion
One Deacon is designated as the leader for the year. The leader will train new Deacons on the procedure of setting up the elements and cleaning up after the service. This is once a month for the 9:00 service and every Sunday for the 10:30 service. The leader will maintain the schedule and remind the scheduled Deacons the day before the service of their commitment. Supplies will be ordered and maintained as well by the leader. 

Christmas Families Dinner and Chili Cook Off
In December, the Deacons plan and prepare for this church-wide event. This involves a lot of time and effort. Food is purchased and prepared by the Deacons, and gifts are purchased for the children of families that have been referred by Family Promise and The Neighborhood Closet. These needy families are also given a sizable gift card to use at Fred Meyer’s for food, clothing, or whatever they need. Each child in the congregation is offered an age-appropriate gift as well.  The gym is decorated festively. Ornament and Cookie Decorating stations are available for all the children. A photo booth is available for the kids to take a picture with Santa Claus!

Kick Off Potlucks
The Summer and Fall Kick-Off potlucks are also planned and prepared by the Deacons. They set up the gym, provide decorations, and purchase the food and drinks. We have a BBQ set up and offer hamburgers and hot dogs to all who attend! The potluck is also a place where members of the congregation can bring their favorite dishes to share. This year, for the first time, the Elders have been included in the planning and helping with the event. The Deacons are grateful for their assistance and advice. Our next event is coming up soon. Hope to see you on June 1st after the 9:00 service as we celebrate the coming of summer, our relationships with each other, and our faith! 

So all of these events, duties, and supplies are paid for by the Deacons, who rely entirely on donations from the congregation to fund these committees. There are donation envelopes in the pews that are marked Deacon Fund, and we encourage you to use these as you are able. To make these envelopes stand out a bit more, we are placing circular colored stickers on the envelopes. You may also make donations on the First Pres Website. Thank you all for your help in maintaining our ministry. We are here to serve all who are in need. Please let us know if you would like a call or a visit from one of us or if you know someone who might benefit from our attention. 
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“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen”  (1 Peter 4:11).

In His Name, Ellen