Anson Johnson
Board of Deacons Chair What is the role of the Board of Deacons you ask? The genesis of the role of deacon is quite interesting. In Acts 6:2, the 12 disciples wanted to focus on the preaching of the Word and needed men to step forward to “serve tables.” According to the church Bylaws, “The Board of Deacons, working in concert with the appropriate members of the Pastoral Staff, shall oversee the business ministries and certain administrative and mercy ministries of the Church.” The deacons assist the elders in preparing the budget, care for many of the needs of our congregation in practical ways, administer communion, account for tithes and offerings, assist the elders in various projects and much more. Here are a few examples of ministry undertaken by the board during this fiscal year: DISCOVER The deacons discovered new ways of serving this year including assisting our STARS in
transportation, lighting up their homes for Christmas and continuing to assist them in shoveling the driveway and walks when it snows. The unemployed and underemployed were contacted to see what practical needs could be addressed this year. This coincided with selection of a new financial counseling lead, Nancy Singer, who will help us start up a new financial counseling ministry at College Church. We also saw an incredible provision of the Lord this year in congregational giving. For the first time in at least 20 years we remained ahead of budget for much of the year, and at one point in late 2019, our giving was 10% above budget. Why the surprising level of provision, Lord? When COVID-19 hit, some light was shed on this question. Thanks be to God. GROW The deacons, assisted by the deaconesses, are responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper. It has been helpful to grow our number of volunteers as the woman of College Church have joined the men in serving the elements. It takes more than 70 volunteers each Sunday to serve communion. Gluten-free wafers were added as an option in the elements, and new sanitation measures were put in place, including having servers use hand sanitizer before the passing of the bread and cup.
“The genesis of the role of deacon is quite interesting. In Acts 6:2, the 12 disciples wanted to focus on the preaching of the Word and needed men to step forward to ‘serve tables.’”
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