The apostles appointed Deacons to oversee the daily food distribution to widows and orphans. Those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 3: 13)

The responsibilities of deacons have expanded over the years and are defined in different ways by denominations and even individual churches. Our Deacons provide many services for our church and community carrying out the biblical mandate to oversee those in need within our community and also reaching out to those in need outside our community. Pastoral Care and Sunday Ministries are ministries within our community and Community Outreach extends the ministry of the church to those in need outside of our community.

Stephen Ministry is a special Christian service providing one-to-one encouragement for people in need. Our Stephen Ministers are lay people who are trained to be compassionate listeners to persons experiencing special needs. We listen and we care. All names and needs are kept in confidence. Those who might benefit from Stephen Ministry Care include: those who are hospitalized; convalescing, terminally ill; lonely and shut in; grieving, depressed; adjusting to retirement, disability or job loss; dealing with separation or divorce; working through unusual stress; households experiencing birth or adoption, those in a spiritual crises, etc. Please call Jan Ritter, Stephen Ministry Coordinator, if you have any questions or would like to be part of this program.

To link to the Stephen Ministry website click here
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Stephen Ministry Featured on PBS
The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations.
View the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS Web site, where you'll also find several bonus features--including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries' founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.

A Deacon organizes and coordinates this group of members which provides meals on a short-term basis for members of our church.