- Maintain a system for recording who serves so that a variety of people may take part. Try to involve newer members of the church.

Caring ( back to top )

Send cards and other expressions of care (i.e. flowers) to members who are ill, bereaved, troubled, or otherwise in need of care.

Develop effective communication with others at St. John’s regarding the needs of members and friends as described above. Be aware of what other resources exist, so that you can make a referral or contact as appropriate when care for a particular need may be extended by others more effectively.

Communications ( back to top )

Write articles for the church’s Carillon monthly newsletter. Potential subjects could include highlighting a particular on-going aspect of the Deacons’ work carried out through its committees, an agency supported through the Deacons, or a current need or special project.

Items may also be submitted for inclusion in the weekly “Fellowship and Service” insert in the weekly worship bulletin. The deadline for inclusion is Wednesday at noon.

Other communication resources include the use of bulletin boards in Martin Hall.

Effective communication will strengthen the work of the Deacons by making the congregation more aware of the mission of the Deacons and therefore improving cooperation and financial support.

Communion ( back to top )

Note the annual “Celebration of Holy Communion” calendar prepared by the Session’s Worship Committee and passed by the Session.

Organize and maintain a schedule of Deacons to serve Communion on the designated Sundays.

Purchase supplies needed for serving communion, noting whether Communion is to be served by intinction or in the pews. Follow appropriate instructions as described in “Communion Preparation Instructions.”

Arrange for set up and clean up according to instructions. Schedule other Deacons to assist.

As needed notify the church’s Administrative Assistant when plastic Communion cups or other special supplies need to be purchased.

Flowers ( back to top )

Arrange for the delivery of flowers left at church following worship services to those who are in need of the church’s care.

Delivery should be made following Sunday worship services or by Monday at the latest.

Check with the Administrative Assistant in the church office by Friday or consult the note in the bulletin board in the office to see if those people providing flowers wish to keep them.

Arrange for the distribution of flowers on special occasions, such as Christmas poinsettias and Easter spring flowers.

Hospital Visitation ( back to top )

Organize and maintain a system by which Deacons take turns visiting St. John’s members and worshipers who are hospitalized. Customarily, this is done by having Deacons sign up for a week at a time at a particular hospital.

In conjunction with the church staff liaison to the Deacons, make sure Deacons have resources available to them to assist them in visitation, such as

- scripture or prayer suggestions

- visitation cards (to leave when a visited patient is sleeping or temporarily away from their room)

Remind or follow up with assigned Deacons as needed.

Meals ( back to top )

Provide meals as needed for St. John’s members and friends following hospitalization or the birth of a baby or during periods of illness or grief.

- Call the person in need to see if a meal is desired. Determine the number of people in the household and inquire if there are any dietary restrictions.

- Arrange a date and time for delivery.

Maintain a list of Deacons and others (e.g. from volunteer list, Presbyterian Women’s Circles, etc.) who will assist in meal preparation.

Keep track of who receives meals and who prepares and delivers them.

Assist Memorials Committee as needed in getting volunteers to provide food for memorial receptions. Suggestions

Referrals regarding those in need can come from the church office, other Deacons, Pastors, and other staff.

The Chairperson of the Meals Committee should also be on the distribution list for the Hospitalization/Nursing Home/Prayer List prepared by the Administrative Assistant.

Copies of the church cookbook are available.

Memorial ( back to top )

Prepare for and host receptions as requested following memorial and funeral services. Requests for services are typically made through the Administrative Assistant and communication about plans should be coordinated through her. The Administrative Assistant can help determine or relay information concerning the type of food requested, the time of the service, approximate number of people expected, etc.

Notify the office of the number of tables needed: long serving tables, round tables for seating, etc.

Maintain a list of those who are able to assist by hosting or preparing desserts or other items.

Purchase or gather supplies as needed, such as punch cups, cocktail napkins, tray doilies, flowers for round tables, and punch supplies.

- Expenses for purchasing supplies may be reimbursed with a receipt.

Recruit ushers for the service (two for 100 guests or less, four for over 100). Notify the Administrative Assistant who they are.

Offer the family any food left over. Freeze what may be saved.

Local Mission ( back to top )

Alert Board of Deacons of local mission opportunities beyond its financial support. Encourage support of these ministries as needs and resources allow.

- For instance, coordinate Deacons to help out when St. John’s hosts Family Promise guests.

- Taking donated cell phones to the Reno Attorney’s office for reprogramming and distribution to low-income seniors has been another recent project.

Communicate with the Session’s Mission in Action Committee to address common goals and minimize overlap.

Pastoral Care ( back to top )

In conjunction with the Administrative Assistant in the church office, maintain a list of members who have particular pastoral care needs (typically those who are isolated by age, health, or other circumstances and who cannot attend worship regularly.)

Assign Deacons to be paired with those in need to establish regular contact. This can include personal visits as well as contact by phone and mail.

Help ensure contact is being made and information regarding those in need is appropriately shared with pastors and the church office (e.g. change in health status, address change, etc.) This can be accomplished through a form such as the Pastoral Care Contact Record.

Organize and prepare for the Deacons preparation of Easter and Christmas gifts for those on the pastoral care list.

- Confer with the Administrative Assistant regarding those in need in addition to those on the Pastoral care list.

- Purchase (or help gather) needed supplies and gifts for preparation of gift baskets by all the Deacons. Expenses for supplies may be reimbursed with a receipt.
( back to top )