The Role of HPC Deacons
The PCUSA Book of Order defines the role of a Deacon as one who shares, “in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.” The 11 members of the current Board of Deacons take this charge seriously, but what did this look like in Hopewell in 2021? How may you see the results of the Deacons in action?
One of the Deacons’ most critical callings is to establish relationships within our church family. Each church member and friend of the Congregation is assigned to a Member Care Team. This team consists of one Deacon and one Elder. Consider it your personal safety net and liaison to your church family. We regularly reach out to our in-care members and intentionally show our concern, love and support. The Deacons maintain the church’s prayer list and we welcome the opportunity to share your prayers of celebration or intercession. Please reach out to your Member Care Team if you have a prayer concern. If you don’t know who your assigned Deacon and Elder are, please call Lucy in the Church Office.
Not only do the Deacons nurture individual relationships, but we provide outreach to specific groups within the Congregation. We compile and ship care packages to our college students who are away from home. We maintain a SPLASH program where a monthly spiritual guide is sent to new parents. We provide meals to new parents, members with an illness, bereaved families and anyone experiencing an unexpected hardship. Our hospitality extends to providing comfort to the grieving by hosting receptions following funerals/memorial services. We also facilitate rides for people who can’t get to essential appointments.
Our care does not extend only to those who attend worship. As the pandemic has shown us, the church has no walls! We regularly call and visit members to strengthen those relationships established by our Member Care Teams. If someone is unable to come to church to receive Communion, the Deacons, accompanied by Pastor Melissa, may visit a member in their home or hospital and share Communion. If you would like a home visit or would like to receive Communion at home, please reach out to any Deacon, Pastor Melissa or Lucy in the Church Office.
We all experience unexpected obstacles. Whether they be medical, financial or spiritual, please reach out to the Deacons for support. Pastor Melissa recently used the term in her sermon “womb to tomb” and that is the totality of care provided by HPC and administered by the Deacons. There is no membership requirement to receive Deacon support. All support is offered to whomever needs it by the redeeming love of Jesus Christ! The Deacons in Hopewell are hard at work spreading that love.