Deacons

The Office of Deacon, as set forth in Scripture, is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. As provided in the Book of Order, a Board of Deacons was first formed at St. Mark in May 2000 and has grown to thirteen members. In addition, the "Deacon of the Month" distributes flowers after each Sunday's worship services.

Deacon Moderator,

Ken Carlson Class of 2013

Children's Christian Education,

Jennifer Agarwal Class of 2013

Communion for Older Adults ,

Diane Rhodes Coopted

Fellowship,

Cindy Bagwell, Class of 2013

Fellowship,

Jauhnea Barkley Class of 2012

Fellowship,

Millie Norwich Class of 2011

Fellowship,

Cathy Merritt Class of 2013

Helping Hands,

Mary Griffes Class of 2012

Hospital & Older Adult Visitation,

Jean Carlson Class of 2013

Hospital & Older Adult Visitation,

Charles Scott Class of 2011

Hospital & Older Adult Visitation,

Ninon Truax Class of 2012

Prayer Chain ,

Joan Godsey Coopted

Spheres of Care,

Dottie Dunham Class of 2013

Spheres of Care,

Linda Roberts Class of 2012

Fellowship - The duties of the fellowship committee are related to those activities of the church requiring food and/or refreshments.  Responsible for the monthly family dinners and stocking the church pantry, the committee responds to requests by other ministries  and individuals with varying levels of assistance.  If a church reception has been requested following a funeral or memorial service, this committee makes the appropriate arrangements. 

Helping Hands - The purpose of this minstry is to provide assistance to members of the church who have a need.  This could involve taking meals to someone just out of the hospital, giving a ride to a doctor's office, learning the ropes as a visitor or new member or just having conversation with someone.

Hospital Visitation - This team stands ready to visit those in the church family who are confined to a hospital.  The visits, which include the offer of prayer are brief, at the discretion of the committee member, and may be made prior to surgery or following surgery or at any time during the hospitalization. 

Older Adult Ministry - The mission of the older adult ministry is to maintain a physical and spiritual connection between St. Mark Presbyterian Church and the older adult members of the congreation who are no longer able to attend church services on a regular basis.

Prayer Chain - The purose of the prayer chain is to communicate requests for prayer, thereby initiating prayers by the volunteers who compose the group.  Prayers can be requested by anyone for conditions that are stressful (i.e. illness, accident, surgery, death, emotional crisis, etc.)  Prayers are continued until the need has passed.  Confidentiality of prayer may be requested and at that time no mention is made in the church bulletin or in the announcements.

The role of the Deacon has been a changing one throughout church history and varies between denominations and churches. The Deacons of St Mark are initiating a new program that will broaden the scope of the Deacon as a caregiver.  A new approach is needed to manage the comprehensive care of each member no matter their condition. People should not have to get sick to learn that the church cares for them. Spheres of Care as a ministry of the deacons, will provide prayer and contact with each member of our church.  Deacons will be asked to make contact at least twice a year.  This can be by phone, email, face to face, Facebook, etc... but one in which requires a response from a member of the family (so, not just a card or letter).  More contact is always welcome.  Deacons will be paired with another deacon who will be their "backup" deacon and can take over while they're on vacation, etc...if a special need arises.