DEACONS

 

Welcoming...  Serving...  Seeking Christ Together!

As the flowers and the trees and the world "springs" into action - so are we at FCON....  New members being welcomed into the church - the hungry being served at the soup kitchen - and our confirmation class and mentors growing together towards the light of Jesus....  What a magnificent time of year outside and inside our church walls.  The Board of Deacons is sad to say goodbye to faithful and joy-filled members Jeanne Groff, Sarah Holt, Jack Perkuhn and Gay Zervos.  It has been a pleasure and a gift to have these generous souls as Deacons.  We are excited to welcome new board members Kim Armitage, Gus Beehr, Nancy Sullivan and Emily Woodward.  We are very excited about the growing spirituality and continued focus of the board on finding new ways to Welcome, to Serve and to Seek Christ TOGETHER.

 

Your contributions to the Deacon's fund have been used to support several families in the past month.  Please know that these funds are available to our members and community in need of a helping hand.  There are no words that can describe the appreciation of those we are able to assist - I wish I could find a way to share how grateful these families are for your generosity.  As always, please reach out to Pastor Scott, or any of the deacons if you are aware of anyone that is need of support from our congregation.  We stand ready with prayers, visitation, financial support and friendship for all.

 

Blessing and peace to our community and the Federated Family

 

YOUR DEACONS ARE:

            Laura Carr                             2011

            Jim Lehan                              2011

            Kevin Riley, Chair                 2011

            Kim Armitage                        2012

            Scott Taylor                          2012

            Rob Shaw                              2012

            Vida Holmes                          2012

            Gus Beehr                              2013

            Nancy Sullivan                       2013

            Emily Woodward                   2013

            Buddy Bowden                      2013

 

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. This month we made disbursements to the Norfolk Food Pantry and also to Norfolk Together. Thank you for your continued generosity and support f 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.      Direct all activities of the Diaconate.

2.      Assist the Pastor in the service of Baptism.

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

4.      Represent the Diaconate at Executive committee.

 

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

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

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

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

4.      Act as a voting member of the Diaconate.

 

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: John Evans and Ruth Kantzer. Their names are listed on a plaque in the sanctuary along with the names of those who have received this honor in the past.