Deacon Ministries at Third Church  

The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. -- Presbyterian Book of Order

The care for members, family, and friends of Third Presbyterian Church is coordinated by the Board of Deacons, a body of 26 ordained officers elected by the congregation. Responsibilities are organized by the Board of Deacons and the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care.

Leadership Teams

Within the Board of Deacons, each Deacon participates in a Leadership Team.

• Hospitality Team
• Plans the annual Heritage Luncheon at church and gathering teas at various senior living centers
• Coordinates the special "care packages" that are sent to our college freshmen
• Arranges the special brunch in the spring for our graduating high school seniors
• With help from parishes, sponsors specified Coffee Hours following Sunday worship service
• Congregational Care Team
• Coordinates the delivery of altar flowers from the Sunday worship services each Sunday and flowers to our home-bound members before Easter and Christmas
• Organizes Memorial Receptions after Memorial Services
• Directs willing cooks to help those recovering from illnesses
• Communications Team
• Writes articles concerning Deacon activities for the Messenger
• Prepares and sends parish information to the congregation
• Maintains the Deacons' bulletin board
• Updates the Deacons' website
• Organizational Team
• Works with the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care to plan monthly Deacon meetings, special events, and the annual Deacon retreat
• Writes and distributes the minutes of monthly Deacon meetings
• Works with the Nominating Committee to recruit the next class of Deacons
• Presents the proposed annual budget to the Deacons and writes the annual report

Parish and Caring Connection Ministries

Additionally, each Deacon serves both the Parish Ministry and the Caring Connection Ministry.

• Parish Ministry
• Serves as a liaison to parishes to foster better communication within the large, Third Church community.
  
• Caring Connection Ministry
  • Takes responsibility for connecting with two or more members who are homebound, in nursing facilities, or are living with an illness
  • Offers help to these special members, including at-home communion

Contacts

The ongoing work of the Board of Deacons supports Congregational Care.

• Contact the church office at 271-6513 in case of a pastoral need or to let us know if you or a loved one is facing hospitalization or convalescence.
• Contact Martha Langford, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care.
  Martha may be reached through the Church Office at 271-6513 - extension 108.

Pictures from Deacon Events

• Deacons' Gathering Tea at Cloverwood, 2007
• April 2005 Deacons Visiting The Highlands and Cloverwood
• November 14, 2004 Picnic at Brighton Town Park
• September 2003 Deacons at Work