Role of Deacons in First Presbyterian Church
Deacons are nominated and elected to serve a term of three years. The primary role of a Deacon is to nurture, encourage and support a parish of 25-35 households within the First Presbyterian Church community. Deacons attend monthly meetings, working together to ensure the church is caring for all of our members.
Specific activities might include the following:
- Sending notes or cards to mark occasions
- Hospital visitation
- Phone calls or visits, especially at times of need
- Being a point person to coordinate help such as transport or meals in times of need
- Being available for an occasional chat
Other activities that the deacons carry out:
- Sunday morning hospitality (social time and refreshments)
- Delivering flowers and sending care letters from the congregation
- Praying with and for each other
Lastly, a Deacon is responsible for attending to their own individual spiritual well-being by attending worship as regularly as possible.
Our Congregational Deacons
Below is a complete list of our Congregational Deacons, as of December 2021.
Class of 2022
- Evelyn Garner
- Wendy King
- Louise McCallum
- Carol Parfitt
- Deb Weurding
- JoAnn Yochim
Class of 2023
- Jan Carpenter
- Hillary Cloetingh
- Paul Minert
- Suzanne Weeldreyer
- Diane White
- Jim Young
Class of 2024
- Aedín Clements
- Karen Nellums
- Jo Russell
- John Fiore
- Nancy Johnson
- Rick Taylor
Deacons Defined:
by the Book of Order 2019-2021, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part I
G-2.02 Deacons: The Ministry of Compassion and Service
G-2.0201 Deacon Defined
The ministry of deacon 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 and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.
G-2.0202 Under Authority of the Session
Deacons may be individually commissioned or organized as a board of Deacons. In either case, their ministry is under the supervision and authority of the session. Deacons may also be given special assignments in the congregation, such as caring for members in need, handling educational tasks, cultivating liberality in giving, collecting and disbursing monies to specific persons or causes, or overseeing the buildings and property of the congregation. Deacons shall assume other duties as may be delegated to them by the session, including assisting with the Lord’s Supper. (W-3.0414)