Bethel Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons

Our Mission- to embrace all with Christ's love.
Our Vision- to serve Christ joyfully.

The office of deacon, as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. 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 also assume other duties delegated to them by the session.

SPECIAL FUNDS AND PROJECTS:

ADOPT-A-FAMILY

Each fall members of the Board of Deacons select six or seven needy families for whom we provide Christmas gifts and food for the holiday meal.  Members of the congregation are invited to purchase Christmas gifts from lists of suggested items, which are distributed during the Advent Family Night Potluck.  The gifts and food are delivered to the families by members of the church before Christmas. 

AGAPE FUND

The Agape Fund was started at the direction of Session in 1982 to provide financial assistance to church members who find themselves in a short-term crisis situation.  The fund is extremely confidential and money is given as a gift.  Contacts for the fund can be made through the church office. 

DEACONS’ FUND

The Deacons' Fund provides for emergency material needs of non-church members.  It is funded by loose offerings collected on designated Communion Sundays.  The fund is available to the Chairperson of the Deacons and/or the Pastor to meet emergency needs at their discretion up to $75.  Expenditures in excess of $75 require majority approval of the Board of Deacons. Requests of an emergency nature exceeding $75 can be approved by the Pastor and two Deacons.

DEACONS PUT WORDS INTO ACTION:

• Coordinate the Highbanks Worship Service.
• Collect school items in our 'Back-to-School.
• Coordinate the Advent Family Potluck.
• Sponsored the Assist-A-Family project.
• Assist with the West Second Avenue Church's Santa Shop.
• Collect items for our Baby Layette project (CHAP).
• Assist with the Bible Club meals at West Second Avenue Church.
• Sponsor a special benevolence offering for Pastor Magnus' ministry.
• Distribute $2,172.08 from the Agape Fund.
• We distribute $2000+ from the Deacons Fund.
• Support up to 12 individuals through our "Shepherds Program.
• Maintain hospital visitation teams.
• Provide a meal after the funeral services of a loved one.
• Provide communion elements.
• Coordinate the "Heralds' program.
• Maintained Bethel's Prayer Chain
• Collect and delivered food donations to (NNEMAP).
• Provide the special flowers for Easter and Christmas.
• Collect used clothing and small household items for local agencies.
• Collected mittens, socks, and hats for children.