Diaconate
Looks at Reorganizing
Diaconate comes from the Greek “diakonos” meaning servant. At meetings during the past few months those of us on the Diaconate Board have discussed how we can best fulfill our mission. Up to now we have been involved mainly in worship support services and have not given enough attention to other facets of our mission, “---lay calling including visitation to new people, those who are ill, shut-in or bereaved.” These are the activities that nurture our membership. This situation is reflected and validated in the results of the listening process which determined our needs as perceived by our members. Number two on the list (below) is the need for a coordinator for lay calling and pastoral assistance. Number three is the need to reach out to newcomers and visitors.
The Diaconate Board has proposed a restructuring which has the blessing of Council. We will divide our activities into three functions:
1. Hospitality to visitors and newcomers
2. Nurturing membership (lay visiting)
3. Worship support (ushers, greeters, readers, coffee, communion, memorial services and so on).
When considering what boards and committees upon which you wish to serve next year please assess your interests and skills in each of these areas. The Diaconate Board needs one or two leaders for each of these functions; leaders who will recruit a panel of volunteers and coordinate their services. These leaders will constitute the Diaconate Board and will meet periodically; it should not have to be monthly.
Please stop by the committee tables set up after worship outside the church on January 8 & 15 and we will be happy to answer any questions.
