Members of the Board of Deacons are the spiritual leaders of the church and, along with the pastor, are responsible for all matters pertaining to worship, observance of the sacraments, religious ceremonies, evangelism, membership recruitment, congregational events, retreats, condolences, and care of the sick and needy.
That being said, the Diaconate basically fills the position once taken on single handedly by the old-fashioned parish preacher. In real-life terms, they visit the sick and home-bound, oversee worship services, coordinate the special seasonal services and events, prepare for the Communion table, keep tabs on the spiritual life of the congregation under their care, and serve as the recruiters and spiritual “welcome wagon” for potential new members. They oversee lay leadership: scripture readers, ushers, acolytes, music and worship committee, Stephen Ministry team, offertory servers, communion servers, and greeters.
They are certainly more than the hard-working worship service facilitators their job descriptions enumerate. When you are sick or grieving and receive a comforting card or visit, you know that the Diaconate is reaching out to you. When your life has become more than you can handle and a Stephen Minister calls on you, you know that your prayers went straight to God’s ears. Whether you attend our regular worship services, or share in a Lenten Soup Supper, a Church Retreat, a Sunrise Easter Service, an Earth Day celebration, a Boat-In Service or a Blessing of the Animals, you know that your spiritual needs are being filled by the pastor and Diaconate team working together to bring order, creativity, spirituality and joy to your worship experience.