MAY 2013

Acts 6: 3

“Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task (the daily distribution of food to the widows)…”

G-2.02  Deacons: The Ministry of Compassion and Service

The ministry of deacons as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.  Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.

In May, our deacons are once again hosting Golden Opportunities Days. Our service project this year supports the theme, “In the Garden.”  Everyone is invited to a work day.  Some will work inside sprucing up the sanctuary and education rooms.  Some will work outside (weather permitting) sprucing up the garden.  Please come and do whatever you are able.

What struck me as I researched this article was the connection between the formation of deacons and our current deacon board.  From the very beginning deacons were charged with distributing food.  Their original task was to make sure the widows in the early Christian community received food.  Our deacons continue that tradition through their work with the food pantry.  Three years ago a Blessing of the Food Pantry was included in the Golden Opportunities Days worship service.  Since then we intentionally bless the workers, recipients and donations on a monthly basis during worship.  This act has spilled over to other congregations as they seek to include support of the hungry in their communities of faith.

The connection to meals continues in our celebration the first week of May.  On Wednesday, May 8 we gather for communion, the most important meal of all for Christians.  After we have been fed at Christ’s table we will go out to lunch.  What a wonderful way to celebrate our life together.  We will eat together again that Friday when we break from our work at the church to enjoy our sack lunches.  (The deacons will provide dessert and beverages.)  The week long celebration BEGINS with a potluck meal following worship on Sunday.

Our deacons are about much more than simply food.  They visit the sick and shut-ins regularly.  The deacons keep us all connected through the Prayer Chain, Guardian Angels and Prayer Lists.  It is the deacon board that organizes the Celebrations of Life when one of our members dies.  They do so much more.  Many things that we are never know about.

This month, please join me in thanking our current deacons for all they do in the service of the Lord.  Our current deacons are Pat Erlewine, Gloria Wiles, James Hart, Sandy Erickson, Ed Lloyd, Pam Hobart and Dot Pitts.

                                                                                                                                                          Many blessings,

                                                                                                                                                          Pastor Terry