ALL-MEMBER CONTACT:
Each Deacon is
assigned a geographical district in or around the city of Columbus and is
responsible for contacting the church members in that district throughout
the year. Our goal is to keep the members updated on church events and to
provide care and concern in times of need, and cheer in times of joy.
WORSHIP
GREETERS, HOSPITALITY, FLOWER DELIVERY:
Deacons are
present at every worship service to greet worshipers as they arrive, and
it is the Deacons who arrange and serve coffee, lemonade and other
refreshments after worship. Every Sunday we visit members who are
hospitalized, shut in, or grieving and take them some of the flowers used
in the sanctuary during the worship service. The Deacons also provide
‘valet parking’ as needed during inclement weather.
CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS:
The Board of Deacons seeks to provide times of
fellowship for the congregation. In October, we host Brunch following
World Communion. In November the Board of Deacons helps in staging the
Advent wreath-making event. In December we provide the Christmas Wassail
and every Deacon brings home-made cookies for all to enjoy after both
Christmas Eve services. In March the Deacons work with the Kitchen
Committee to provide the Mardi Gras Celebration and in the late spring we
host a Pentecost Picnic.
DUO MEALS AND DUO
TRANSPORTATION:
Through our Do Unto Others (DUO) meals and
transportation program, the Deacons reach out to members in times of
need. If you need a ride regularly (such as to church on Sundays) or
occasionally (such as to an appointment) let us know and we will help.
Likewise, if you find yourself overwhelmed and need a warm meal (and a
warm hug) delivered to your home, get word to a Deacon.
DEACON’S FUND: The Deacon’s Fund
grows through the loose offering received at 11:00 am worship each time
the congregation celebrates the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The Fund
provides confidential financial assistance to church members in need.
ANGEL TREE: Working
with the Christian Education Council, the Board of Deacons reaches out to
the families of incarcerated parents by providing gifts to their children
through the Angel Tree program, a ministry through Prison Fellowship.
Deacons provide funds, shop for gifts and deliver them to the grateful
families. Just prior to Christmas 2007, 105 children and youth from
forty-four families received gifts as part of this program which sustains
relationships between parents and their children.
COLLEGE CONNECTION:
College
Connection is a mail ministry of food and support for our service members
and college
students who are away
from home. Twice each year the Deacons mail “goodie boxes” of cookies,
snacks, and fun and inspirational items to keep in touch and to show our
care and concern for these young people during their midterm and final
exams.
H.O.P.E.:
The Deacons have reinvigorated and renamed the former “Care Team”. HOPE
stands for ‘Hold On! Possibilities Exist’ and it is a group of Deacons who
give tangible, physical help to members in need. Deacons run errands,
write letters, provide light housekeeping, rake leaves, and the like, on a
regular or occasional basis. We also conduct a ‘Not So Extreme Home
Makeover’ where a group of Deacons, along with youth, assists with small
painting and home repair projects.
PRAYER SHAWL
MINISTRY: This nationwide ministry message of caring is
simple, universal and enduring. This group knits and crochets prayer
shawls with blessings for those who receive them. The shawls are given to
people in need of special comfort and support because of illness, loss, or
another of life challenges, as well as to those who are celebrating
special joys. Shawls have also been made for Ronald McDonald house and for
CHOICES. The creation and presentation of a prayer shawl through
this special ministry, enriches the giver as well as the recipient.
GOD’S TREASURES:
In November the God’s Treasures class of developmentally disabled adults
makes their ‘wish lists’ for Christmas. The Deacons put these lists on the
Angel Tree and members of the congregation select them and provide the
requested Christmas gifts. Deacons participate in the annual Christmas
lunch for the Treasures, their drivers, teachers and special friends. At
the end of the church school year, the Deacons provide a picnic for the
class.
