"The office of deacons as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. 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 both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session." (Book of Order G-6.0400) Deacons are nominated by the nominating committee to a three year term and are ordained in May at the same time as new session members.

The Board of Deacons meets once a month, the 2nd Monday of each month in Koinonia Lounge at 7pm. Each deacon, other than officers, is also required to serve on a ministry of the church, and attend that ministry's regularly scheduled monthly meetings. Every deacon serves as "Deacon of the Month" three times each year during their three-year tenure as deacon (one year for youth deacons).

The deacons assist in visitation and communion to our church members in hospitals, nursing homes and shut-ins. The youth deacon keeps contact with our college students. Each deacon identifies a "special care" person who they call on throughout the year, bringing devotional booklets, small gifts and arragning home communion if requested. Communion is administered twice a year for our "special care" people and upon special request of family members. Many of our special care people have been with us for many years. We are saddened when any of our special care members pass.

The deacons are responsible for setting up and removing communion elements and assisting with funerals and weddings when needed. They place a rose on the altar for new births and present the new parents with a cradle cross.

Each year deacons are responsible for the collection of Christmas and Easter donations to cover the flowers in the sanctuary and for food baskets or other needs of families in our church and community. Working with the Outreach Ministry, food baskets and utility gift certificates are given to several area and church families. Monies collected are distributed to needy families, the Presbyterian Pantry and the Salvation Army. They also receive generous donations to cover the flower and wreath decorations for the sanctuary and offices.

Sunday flowers are also arranged for and paid for by the Deacons unless church members volunteer to provide flowers for a given Sunday, by signing up on the Flower Chart in the Family Life Center. The congregation has supplied flowers for most Sundays this year allowing our budget to be spent on the care of our congregation members and those in the community who need help.

Deacons participate in the Annual Planning Retreat with the Session and the Pastor.

Funds donated through the green envelopes in the pews on Communion Sundays cover the expenses for the above responsibilities. These donations also cover the Thanksgiving fruit baskets that are delivered to each of our Special Care people right before Thanksgiving. Each year, many baskets are distributed to those in our congregation to show they are loved and cared for.

The work of the Board of Deacons is supported solely by the offerings of the congregation given on Communion Sunday in the green envelopes. The generous support of our Congregation is appreciated and the deacons stand ready to serve in His Name.