DEACONS

 

JANUARY 2012

"Jesus does not call you to be successful, but to be faithful." Mother Teresa may or may not have said these exact words, but she certainly lived the spirit of these words in her life. She was not focused with her income, her home, her clothing, her retirement account, her car or her smart phone..... She was troubled with how to use her God given gifts to serve and follow her calling. True, that very few of us have the same clear calling that Mother Teresa felt. Very few of us can easily discern God's specific plan for our lives.

 

Most of us feel more like Thomas Merton:

 

“MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so..... But I believe that the desire to please you - does, in fact, please you."

 

For most of us, we are doing the best we can, hoping that we are living a life that is pleasing to God, making our best effort to be ethical and moral, balancing our family, our work, our finances and our happiness. Could it be that it is that effort - and it is that desire - that we have been FAITHFUL. It is that Faithfulness that pleases God. Our success is not measured by deeds and actions - and, perhaps, ultimately not measured by how "perfectly" we live out our calling.... perhaps God is pleased by our desire and effort to live within His word, grace and guidance.

 

Henri Nouwen, Christian author and speaker, had an opportunity to speak in person with Mother Teresa. He poured out his troubles - hoping she would have the perfect solution to his pain and doubt. After he finished listing all of his many problems and trying to convince her how "complicated" his life was, Mother Teresa gave him a simple solution..... "Spend one hour a day adoring the Lord, and never do anything you know that is wrong, and you will be fine !"

 

If you do not have it all figured out.... If you are distracted from your faith... If you have got doubts and questions.... Jesus welcomes you and your confusion....

 

Let us challenge ourselves in 2012.....

 

"Spend one hour a day in adoration of our Lord, and never doing anything we know is wrong."

 

And we will be fine.......

 

YOUR DEACONS ARE:

Kim Armitage                          

Scott Taylor                            

Rob Shaw                               

Vida Holmes                           

Gus Beehr                               

Emily Woodward                    

Nancy Thorne                         

Buddy Bowden                       

Jim Lehan                                

Kevin Riley, Chair                  

Tim Huth                                 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Deacon?

The term deacon applies to both men and women. The Diaconate at the Federated Church of Norfolk shall consist of twelve (12) elected deacons plus a Deacon-at-Large who is an officer of the Church. The twelve (12) elected deacons will be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected at the annual meeting. All nominees shall be members of the Federated Church of Norfolk. Four (4) deacons will be elected each year for a three (3) year term.

What are the duties of a Deacon?

The Diaconate shall be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the church. To accomplish their duties the Diaconate selects from their membership a Chairman (or Co-chairmen), a Deacon’s Treasurer, and a Deacon’s Clerk.

 

What is the Deacon’s Fund? The Deacons Fund is a special collection taken each month before Communion. It is used to help those in our community with special and sometimes unexpected needs of many kinds Thank you for your continued generosity and support of this fund.

 

What are the Duties of the Deacon Chair and Co Chair?

The officers of the Church are accountable to the Executive committee. The Chairman of the Diaconate shall:

1.      1. Direct all activities of the Diaconate.

2.      2. Assist the Pastor in the service of Baptism.

3.      3. Assist the Pastor in the admission of new members.

4.      4. Represent the Diaconate at Executive committee.

 

What are the Duties of the Deacon-at-Large?

1.      1. Be available as a liaison between the Pastor and the Diaconate, and between the Pastor and the Executive committee.

2.      2. Be available to the Pastor for special projects and assignments.

3.      3. Act as a non voting ex-officio member of the Executive Committee

4.      4. Act as a voting member of the Diaconate.

5.      5. Our current Deacon-at-Large is Philip Lukens.

What are the duties of the Diaconate?

  1. Be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Church.
  2. Prepare the communion table and assist the Pastor in administering the elements of the communion service. Communion shall be served the first Sunday of each month, unless otherwise directed by the Church or the Executive committee.
  3. Be responsible for collecting the special offering taken at each regular communion service. Funds collected will make up the Communion Fund which will be used to care for people with emergency needs as determined by the Chairman of Deacons, the Pastor, and the Deacon's Treasurer.
  4. Lead the worship service if the Pastor is not available. Secure interim and supply Pastors as needed.
  5. Develop programs for the growth of the Church.
  6. Appoint a head usher yearly.
  7. Establish and maintain permanent subcommittees for the following: music, alter guild, missions, visiting and Church delegates.

What are Deacons for Life?

Those who have served the church as a Deacon for many years may be recommended by the Executive Committee and honored by the congregation at annual meeting by being designated as Deacons for Life. As such they may attend all Deacons Meetings if they choose to do so. Our congregation currently has two Deacons for Life: Ruth Kantzer and Jeanne Groff. Their names are listed on a plaque in the sanctuary along with the names of those who have received this honor in the past.