Deacon Service Areas

Ministry through Service

Each Deacon on our board of 27 serves as a coordinator for one of the service areas that supports the overall care of our congregation. The Coordinators see that members receive the care they need in the specific area by maintaining a list of other church members and deacons who are willing to help and by coordinating a group effort to provide support and connections.

The Deacon Service Areas include: Transportation, Hospital Visits, Hospice and Grief Support, Meals in Need, New Members / Attendance / Worship CDs, Communion/Worship, Greeters, Flowers, Support and Prayer, Communication, Young Adults, Kitchen and Administrative Chairs.

Administrative Chairpersons

These deacons provide the spiritual and organizational leadership for the Board of Deacons. They are responsible for organizing, training, sustaining the ministry of the Board. They serve as the deacons to the Board of Deacons and their families. They plan and facilitate deacon meetings and retreats, serve as a representative to Session, and coordinate activities with the pastor. All Service Area Coordinators ‘report to’ or ‘go to’ them for support and guidance. They manage the Deacon’s budget, write required reports, and help all deacons complete their assigned duties.

Communications

The responsibilities of these deacons include taking minutes during the meetings, coordinating all publicity coming from and to deacons, and arranging a short monthly “Deacon Corner” article for the Notes newsletter.

Communion/Worship

These deacons work with the Worship Commission to determine Communion service needs. Deacons serve communion every other month. The coordinators will provide training for preparing, serving and clean-up for the communion services.

Flowers

Weekly delivery of sanctuary flowers as well as Christmas and Easter flowers to members of the congregation is the responsibility of these deacons.

Greeters

Recruiting and scheduling the warm, friendly people who will welcome members and visitors with a smile is the responsibility of this coordinator. Greeters are recruited for two Sunday services plus additional activities.

Hospice/Grief Support

These coordinators work closely with members and their families who are receiving hospice care. A grief support service may be arranged. The Deacon will act as the liaison between Presbyterian Church of the Way and the Growing Through Loss Grief Support Group.

Hospital/Shut-In Visitor

On request these coordinators visit all members hospitalized or confined to their homes and contact the member’s deacon concerning additional support.

Kitchen

All deacon activities that use the kitchen are organized by these coordinators. The deacons typically prepare, serve and clean up four to five Wednesday evening meals per year.

Meals in Need

Coordinating meals for members needing help is the responsibility of these deacons. Volunteers provide meals.

New Members/Attendance/Worship Audio CDs

These deacons enter the members and visitors present at the worship services into our attendance database each Sunday and arrange welcome letters and personal contacts. These coordinating deacons will assist the pastor in planning and carrying out new members classes.

Another responsibility is to assist the Sound Engineer with the distribution of worship service recordings to individuals unable to attend church. If a CD player is needed, one is provided.

Prayer and Support

Prayer is at the center of all we do as deacons and these deacons are the coordinators of the Prayer Chain, Christ Care Ministry and prayer vigils. These deacons also send cards from the Board of Directors to all who are in need of prayer.

Transportation

With the help of many willing PCOTW members, transportation will be provided for anyone in the congregation to church services and activities, to appointments, to visit family members in the hospital or care centers, or to run errands.

Young Adults

This deacon serves as the organizer for young adults ages 18-23. Arrangements are made for them to meet or connect with each other, especially during Christmas and the summer. This deacon ensures that the young adults have information relating to church activities relevant to them.