BOARD OF DEACONS

“The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, or exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.” From the Book of Order.

It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session.

Chancel Flowers: the Deacons are responsible for providing the chancel flowers for each Sunday morning service. The congregation is encouraged to dedicate the flowers in memory of loved ones, for birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations. Each dedication costs $60.00. Bertha Dockett is the chairperson for the Flower Ministry

Easter Lilies: the Deacons solicit Easter Lily dedications from the congregation for Easter Sunday and dedications are made by the Deacons to the elderly and sick and shut-in.

Chancel and Narthex Plants: Peace Lilies adorn the chancel steps and the Narthex as a gift from Virginia Stanley in memory of her mother.

Deacons’ Sunday: Food for the Southwest Ecumenical Emergency Assistance Center (SWEEAC) is collected on the Sunday before Thanksgiving from the entire congregation . The food items are sorted by category, packaged in bags, and transported from the church to SWEEAC .

Kroger Food Certificates: Under the auspices of Deacon Rose Dawson the Deacons have received food certificates from the Kroger Company. Deacon Helen Wilson is responsible for the distribution.

SWEEAC Meat Day: On the first Sunday in June all types of meat are collected from the congregation and given to SWEEAC to feed the poor and hungry in Southwest Atlanta, Deacons Carrye Ferguson and Beatrice Williams chair the SWEEAC Meat Day Committee

SWEEAC Advisory Board: Gwen Garrison and Verlis Jones of the Board of Deacons and Sylvia Ellis of the Chancel Choir serve on this Board and assist with its fund raising activities and the disbursement of food at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Sick and Shut-in: On a weekly basis, the Deacons Service Groups send get well cards, visit the sick and take flowers and/or other items to them.

Flower Vases: Flower vases are collected to use for distribution of the Chancel flowers to the sick and shut-in.

Christmas Fruit Baskets: In conjunction with the Presbyterian Women , fruit baskets are provided for the sick and shut-in and the elderly of our church on the Sunday before Christmas.

Meal Preparation: Deacons volunteer their services when necessary to prepare meals for members of the church who cannot cook for themselves and have no family to provide for them. The Church provides funds for funeral dinners and the deacons, under the leadership of Velma Farmer (who prepares the meal) assist with the set-up, service, and clean-up

Emergency Financial Assistance: Financial assistance in the case of an emergency is provided to church members and others in the community who make a request. Needed payments are made to the service provider of the family needing assistance. No money is given directly to the person requesting assistance. Money from the Sunday Charity Offerings and from the Deacons’ fund raising activities go to help people in these emergency situations

Maundy-Thursday: The Seder supper which is a part of the Maundy-Thursday service is prepared and served by the Deacons. Chairpersons Iris Wallace, Virginia Lewis and Anne Cox lend leadership to this ministry.

Bake Sale: Each fifth Sunday of the month Deacons, under the leadership of Deacons Virginia Stanley, Bertha Dockett, and Mary Ida Stephens, have a Bake sale which includes homemade cakes, pies, rolls, cookies , brownies, and other goodies. In December the congregation can pre-order their favorite bakes goods for the Christmas holidays.

Annual Fund Raiser: This fund-raiser is usually in the form of a bazaar with vendors, food and games.

Annual Deacons’ Trip: Each Year in December the Deacons sponsor an exciting trip to which the congregation and friends in the community are invited. Trips have included the beautiful Christmas display at Calloway Gardens, the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, and Lake Lanier. Members and friends are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Christmas Trip.