1401 N. Sam Houston Ave., Odessa, TX | (432) 337-3526

Deacon Board

Deacon Boa

  • Sydney Hill
  • David Kuhn
  • Martha Moore
  • Nina Rice
  • Mary Taylor
THE DEACON BOARD

The Ministry of Compassion and Service.

The Book of Order (PCUSA) (G-2.0201)

 

The ministry of DEACON as set forth in Scriptures is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing 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. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.

(W-2.0302) Deacons are called to lead the congregation in compassion, witness, and service, representing the ministry of the church in the world and the presence of the world in the church. While deacons have no particular responsibilities for the ordering of worship, the session should ensure that deacons (where present) have regular opportunities to lead in worship, and that their ministries of compassion, witness, and service are reflected in the public services of the church.

 

Deacons in the Holy Scriptures  1 Timothy 3:8-10  

 

Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; They must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as Deacons.

 

Role of the Deacons at 1st Presbyterian Church Odessa

 

The office of Deacon is an ordained, lifetime appointment which requires a lifestyle and manner consistent with that of a spiritual leader within the church as stated in the Holy Scriptures (1Timothy 3:8-10). The duties of Deacons at First Presbyterian Church include assisting with worship on Sunday mornings, as well as setting up the communion table and preparing the Holy Eucharist for Elders to serve to the congregation on communion Sundays. Deacons will maintain the church’s communion-ware, as well as ensuring that fresh bread/wafers and grape juice (also grapes) are available every Communion Sunday to be distributed to the congregation.   After communion service, Deacons will remove the communion-ware and remaining sacramental elements from the sanctuary and clean the communion-ware in preparation for the next communion Sunday. A Deacon representative or liaison normally attends monthly Session meetings here at the church. That Deacon liaison will report the results of their monthly meetings and activities and if need be, solicit Session approval for any important  items needing to be addressed regarding the mission of the church. Deacons at First Presbyterian Church are also responsible for calling, visiting and praying for active, as well as sick and shut in members of the congregation and reporting to the Session any special concerns regarding sick and shut in members. Deacons also on occasion will assist the pastor in serving communion to the sick and shut-in, as well as being available to assist as greeters or ushers during funerals and special events.

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Our Mission

We want to Build a community of followers of Jesus Christ who love and serve all.