The Board of Deacons
The purpose of the Board of Deacons is to monitor and enrich the involvement of all members of the congregation in the life of our Church. In addition, it ministers to the sick, the friendless, and in general to all members of the congregation who require special consideration for whatever reasons.
This Board has twenty-one members who are elected by the congregation and ordained for a three-year term. Each year seven Deacons are elected so that one third of the Board is replaced each year. After serving a three-year term, a full year must elapse before being eligible to serve again. For a complete list of Deacons, click here. The Board of Deacons meets monthly. Meetings are open to all congregation members.
Deacons are called to care for and comfort the needy and the sick. But they are also asked to do many tasks which assist the church in doing compassionate work in the world.
The Board of Deacons meet every second Tuesday of the month, visiting church members in their homes and then returning to the church for their meeting. They do special work to bring care to others such as providing a an afternoon tea to the residents of the Village of East Harbor and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.
There are a number of ministries which they perform regularly.
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The GOOD SHEPHERD program keeps the Deacons (Good Shepherds) in touch with about 16 families each. They contact them by phone, cards, notes or face-to-face to share a cheerful greeting with them.
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In the NURTURING MINISTRY several Deacons contact people by telephone who have not attended services in the past months just to check on them, making sure that they are not sick or in need of help.
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The Deacons who help out in the PARKING LOT MINISTRY direct traffic between services, and greet people as they offer a helping hand to those needing assistance getting to the church building.
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The Senior Citizens residents of the Village of East Harbor are picked up each Sunday morning by a team of VAN DRIVERS.
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We have three different COFFEE TIMES on Sunday mornings which are coordinated by the Deacons plus a FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON every second Tuesday of the month.
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As a worshipper enters the sanctuary, they are greeted by USHERS who make sure that they can find a seat and receive a worship bulletin.
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In the COMMUNITY KITCHEN MINISTRY twice a month about 100 lunches are prepared and served at the Salvation Army.
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Food items which are collected from the congregation are taken by the FOOD PANTRY Deacon to Grace Episcopal Church where food is distributed to the needy.
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FOOD BASKETS for Easter and Thanksgiving are provided for those in need.
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A critical local mission, FEED THE HUNGRY provides a hot meal for those in need. Once a month we prepare, serve, and clean up the Sunday noon dinner at a neighboring church.
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Through the CARD MINISTRY, greeting cards are sent to members of the church family unable to attend worship and persons on the Prayer List; the cards express that the Deacons are thinking and praying for them.
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Each week at least two church goers are assigned to be GREETERS at the entrance to the sanctuary. They welcome regular worshippers and newcomers alike with a handshake and a smile.
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Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month. The elements of bread and cup are prepared by the COMMUNION GUILD.
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HELPING HANDS is a program to aid church members with such things as yard work, storm window hanging/storage, cleaning gutters and other small tasks.
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YOUTH INVOLVEMENT does just that; they work at integrating youth into the life and work of the church.
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DEACON’S NOTEWORTY NEWS
Respectfully submitted by Patricia "Patty" Lange
We...“are endowed by our Creator...”
In this cycle of our U.S. Presidential election and inauguration, we have the opportunity to reflect on our remarkable consensus. As citizens, we embrace underlying principles and intent set forth by the Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. It is well documented that our Presidents have sought God’s guidance through prayer. As a Happy Birthday “shout out” to Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, here is an excerpt from his 2nd Inaugural Address delivered in 1865, near the end of the Civil War:
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
Note: First Presbyterian Church of Mount Clemens, founded in 1835, was already 30 yrs. old when Lincoln made this speech.
During the holidays, Deacon Norb Leach manned the Salvation Army “Red Kettle” after services. His energetic ringing attracted $870.75 in donations. Kudos to Norb. Our FPC generosity was acknowledged in a “Thank You” letter from Major Lori Wright, Commanding Officer, Mount Clemens Salvation Army. She thanked us for our “compassion and very generous support.” Eighty-five cents of every dollar we donate is used locally to provide “a warm meal, safe bed and listening ear.” Also, the FPC team served 80 lunches at the Salvation Army in December.
We, the Deacons, give our “Thanks” to all who so generously support our work with The Food Pantry. Your donations of monetary gifts and food items are much appreciated. At the Epiphany Concert held January 6th, Deacons collected canned goods for Father Bob’s Food Pantry. This month we are asking for donations of : 1) fruits and vegetables in all sizes of cans or cups (The multipacks of individual portion cups are very convenient),
2) “Hamburger Helper,” 3) peanut butter and 4) tuna fish. Cereal is the perennial item, always needed. Please add these to your shopping list. The collection basket is in the Narthex by the front door. Thank You for caring and sharing.
Ring! Ring! Our Helping Hands fellow Deacon Jeff Anderson is joined by new Deacon Jeff Rowlands. Remember, they are available for kindly help with all types of householder tasks. So, don’t be shy. Give Jeff a call at 586-463- 0028 and ask your question or make your request. They are popular fellows now so don’t be surprised if there is a waiting list.
“Good Morning and Welcome to our Church” Deacon Karen Haithcock is ready to schedule you a date as a Sunday morning “greeter” at our “Visitor Information” podium. Be an FPC Ambassador at the 10:30 a.m. traditional service and share your JOY especially with our guests. You can reach Karen at 586-726-6332.
“Feed the Hungry” New Deacon Judi Armstrong will assume team leadership while Pastor Bill will continue to organize the teams that cook the meals. FPC serves every 3rd Sunday of the month. This is a wonderful service activity for families and individuals. Give a call if interested.
Calling all “Cookie Shelf Elves!” February is the month of hearts...all shapes and sizes. Take some flour, sugar, butter, a dash of salt, add a lot of LOVE with someone special and in no time you’ll have a plate of hearts to share with your FPC family. Remember, if February is your birthday month, celebrate with a cookie donation. The Cookie Cupboard is downstairs by the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.
SavetheDate: Sunday,March3rd,afterthe10:30a.m.TraditionalServiceistheSeniorHighLuncheonTalent Show. Join us for fun and food as Senior Highs entertain us with their talents and the Deacons assist in serving up a tasty meal.
FPC Checklist: When you are getting ready for church, ask yourself ... “Am I a Greeter/Usher this morning?” “Do I have my envelope?”
“Am I donating some NUT-FREE cookies (maybe hearts)?”
“Am I taking a bag of food or writing a check for the Food Pantry?
“Do I need Helping Hands help?”
“Am I serving at Feed the Hungry?” Okay, you’re ready to go. See you there!