Deacon: "The Office of Deacon as set forth in scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service, after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office." The Book of Order, G-6.0401 The Board of Deacons ministers to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress, in accordance with the scriptural duties of the office. The office is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus. The Board of Deacons does its work primarily through the following committees: Congregational Care Hospitality Outreach   PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION A. THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DEACONS: The Board shall have the following committees: The Congregational Care Committee The Hospitality Committee The Outreach Committee B. THE MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES: There should be a rotation system on each committee of the Board of Deacons Each committee should consist of three classes (e.g. '95, '96, '97) with an equal number of persons in each class. All persons should ordinarily serve on only one permanent committee of the Board of Deacons. Deacon's Input: Each deacon should receive a copy of the Deacon's Manual, and after reading it carefully should indicate the order of preference for service on the Board of Deacons committees. A master list or preference of deacons should be prepared. Selection of Committee Chairs: Each year the Moderator of the Board of Deacons will nominate (to the Deaconate) a deacon to be the chairperson of each committee of the Deaconate, having first secured from the individual an indication of her/his willingness to serve in that capacity. The chairpersons subsequently are elected by the Deaconate giving full consideration to those persons nominated by the Moderator. A committee chairperson should serve as chair of a committee for a term of one year and is eligible for two additional terms if elected. Deacon Assignments: The chairpersons of committees should then meet with the Moderator of the Board and the staff resource person for the Deaconate to review the master list of preferences of all deacons and to prepare a list of deacon committee assignments for recommendation to the Board of Deacons. Committee assignments for Congregation-at-large members: The chairs of committees and the staff resource person for the Deaconate will meet, as described in #5 above (the same meeting), to select potential congregation-at-large members for the Deaconate committees. Chairpersons should bring to this meeting lists of persons to be considered for membership in classes on their committees. After consideration by the total group, agreement will be reached as to who will be approached to serve on the various committees. The moderator of the Deacons will then meet with the Coordinating Council to compare lists with those for Session committees. When all lists are agreed upon, the chairs of committees will recruit members from their approved lists to fill congregation-at-large vacancies on their committee. When chairs have secured a full complement of the required members of the committee, they will place the names in nomination for election by the Board of Deacons. C. MINISTRY AND GIFTS: "The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office." (Book of Order: G-6.0401) D. ACCOUNTABILITY: The Board of Deacons shall be accountable to the Session, following the policy set forth by the Session. E. DUTIES: "It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. They shall assume other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session." (G-6.0402) Deacons should be assigned occasional duties of calling upon church members. The Board does its work primarily through committees. The chairperson of each committee convenes the committee which meets monthly or as the need arises. The Moderator is an ex officio member, without vote, on all committees. The recommendations of each committee should come to the entire board for action. If the committee makes clear and precise recommendations, the board meeting will be expedited. The work of the deacon must be guided by the Scriptures and under girded by prayer. The Board of Deacons budget should be prepared by the Moderator and the chairpersons of all the committees of the Deaconate working together. This budget should be included in the church budget and considered by the Coordinating Council in the annual budget hearing. THE BOARD OF DEACONS COMMITTEES I. Congregation Care A. ROLE AND MISSION: The Congregational Care Committee of the MPC Board of Deacons serves and leads the church family in Christ-centered acts of compassion. B. ACCOUNTABILITY: The committee shall report to and be accountable to the Board of Deacons, following the policy set by the Board. C. MEMBERSHIP: The committee should consist of eleven (11) members in three classes; five should be deacons and six should be congregation-at large members. D. The Ministries We Lead: Give Rides: We maintain a list of drivers to services at MPC. Prepare Meals: We maintain a list of meal providers and of meal arrangers (one per month.) Meal arrangers act upon calls from CCC, by placing calls to meal providers. Deliver Flowers: We arrange the distribution of carnations at Valentine's Day and potted flowers at Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas. Send Cards: We send cards to those on the visitation list (birthdays, holidays) as well as to those in our concern. Attend to Prayers: We provide a prayer journal and then arrange to have the prayers printed in the weekly bulletin and on the T.V. monitor. Make Calls: We place calls to those in need.  We are typically notified of a need through the ministers.  Those with long-term concerns remain on the list.  Monthly updates are written and sent to all deacons. Participate in Visits: All deacons participate in visits.  CCC maintains a visitation list (which includes those who receive only cards and/or flowers.)  CCC assigns deacons to the members and monitors the visits by passing an activity chart at meetings.  Some on the list require more frequent contact ("Neighbor Care".) Sponsor Care Seminars/Support Groups: CCC hosts activities such as grief recovery groups.  Tasks may include publicity, arranging refreshments and acing as a liaison to the church. FOR GRIEF RELATED TO DEATH, DIVORCE, AND OTHER LOSSES: Memorial Presbyterian Church offers a no-fee, 8 week grief recovery group twice a year.  These groups welcome members  and friends of the church and community with grief of all types an in all stages of grief. These groups are gently facilitated by Nan Spence, a licensed counselor with a degree in theology, who has herself experienced loss.  Our groups are respectful of each person's unique faith orientation and crate an uplifting and safe context for healing.  The Summer Grief Recovery Group meets Thursday evenings in June and July.  The Holiday Grief Recovery Group meets Tuesday evenings from mid-November through the first week in January. CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF COMFORT AND HOPE: Memorial Presbyterian Church also offers a special Christmas worship opportunity for people who find the holiday season difficult.  This time of music, prayer, reading and meditation for the Christmas season is deliberately quiet and hopeful in tone.  A reception follows in the church parlor.  All are welcome.  The Service of Comfort and Hope is typically one or two Sundays before Christmas at 7:00 p.m. FOR MORE INFORMATION or to register for a group, please call the church office at 989-835-6749 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Encourage the church family in acts of compassion: This is our "evangelistic" ministry.  We share the goods news of caring for one another, by visiting other small worship groups-encouraging them to follow the example of caring groups, such as the Chancel Choir or our own committee. Assist with personal errands: This is not an active ministry at this time.  The intent is to provide assistance in reading mail to the blind, taking one to the grocery store, assisting in the reordering of mail-order medications. Provide Social Activities: This is not an active ministry at this time.  The intent is to provide events and/or activities for those who are in need of fellowship. Prepare an annual budget to manage the expense of this committee. II. THE HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE A. ROLE AND MISSION: The role and mission of the Committee is to provide refreshment to congregation and visitors in order to encourage fellowship following Sunday service and to help bereaved families following funeral services. B. ACCOUNTABILITY: The committee shall report to and be accountable to the Board of Deacons, following the policy set by the Board. C. MEMBERSHIP: The committee should consist of nine (9) members in three classes; six should be deacons and three should be congregation-at large members. D. DUTIES: To be responsible for encouraging fellowship by providing and serving coffee and other drinks during Sunday fellowship time. To coordinate this service with other groups providing additional refreshment in conjunction with Sunday fellowship. To provide refreshment for whole church receptions excepting those sponsored by other committees. To be responsible for a funeral meal or other suitable refreshment for the bereaved family, following established guidelines. To send bereavement cards. To prepare an annual budget and to manage the expenses of the committee. III. THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE A. ROLE AND MISSION: The role and mission of the Committee is to direct, and to publicize to the congregation, the outreach ministry of Memorial Presbyterian Church exclusive of the Larger Church Mission Pledge. B. ACCOUNTABILITY: The committee shall report to and be accountable to the Board of Deacons, following the policy set by the Board. C. MEMBERSHIP: The committee should consist of twelve (12) members in three classes; eight should be deacons and four should be congregation-at-large members. D. DUTIES: To study and establish priorities for the Deacons Outreach Ministry (international, national, and local outreach). This should include "line items" included in the church budget as well as a discretionary giving category. To be good stewards and to distribute funds appropriately. To be responsible for the community personal assistance program of the church. To be responsible for all outreach programs directly administered by the people at MPC. To keep the congregation informed about the Deacon's Outreach Ministry program by communications such as Grapevine articles, bulletin boards, minutes for mission, etc. To be responsible for Operation Fun by supplying two Outreach members for the Operation Fun Committee. One will serve as chair of that committee. To serve as the liaison committee through which HELP, and the Carpenters Hands shall report to the Session. The chairperson of each group shall meet with the committee yearly. To prepare an annual budget and to manage the expenses of the committee.