Germonds Presbyterian Church
Board of Deacons

 

The Board of Deacons of Germonds Presbyterian Church consists of 15 members. Each Deacon heads a flock (along with a sitting Elder) with whom they maintain regular contact (by phone, note, email, etc.) in order to keep apprised of situations in which members of the congregation might need special support from the Minister, Session or Deacons. The Deacon, along with the Elder, also communicates information about special activities within the church to members of their flock.

 

In addition to this shepherding function, Deacons fulfill one of the following functions: 

Moderator
Responsible to oversee shepherding, generate agenda, and run monthly meetings. Fills in for other Deacons as needed with flocks or Deacon assignments. 

Vice-Moderator
Fills in for Moderator as needed.

Treasurer
Issues all checks, reimbursements and makes all deposits for the Deacon account. Maintains checkbook and reports on disbursements, deposits and balance at each monthly meeting.

Secretary
Prepares minutes for each Deacon meeting and submits them to Moderator for distribution to Deacons.

Celebrations Committee
Develops celebrations events calendar, recruits event coordinators, maintains notebook summarizing events including description, attendance, expenses, etc. Reports on completed and upcoming events at monthly meetings.

Venture Liaison
Serves as liaison with Venture management, house directors and house staff providing information about Germonds activities as well as relaying any concerns Deacons may have about Venture members. Coordinates Venture Cake distribution through preparation of an annual cake recipient/ Deacon list. The Venture cake program is of great significance to the recipients and is an excellent way for Deacons to have contact with our Venture members outside of the worship setting. Each Deacon has Venture members in her/his flock. Each year on the Venture member’s birthday we deliver cakes (and cards and balloons if you want). Baking of cakes and delivery is coordinated with members of the congregation who have signed up on their time and talent pledge sheets to provide and/or deliver a Venture cake. Those delivering cakes should contact the specific facility where the Venture member resides to make arrangements for delivery.

Cards & Concerns
Writes and sends all cards on behalf of the Board of Deacons (births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, illnesses, etc.) Reports on cards sent at monthly meetings. Maintains a supply of appropriate cards and postage. (Submits receipts for reimbursement at monthly meeting.)

Share-A-Meal Coordinator
Schedules all share-a-meals which are provided to individuals who have been put on the prayer chain and contacted by their Deacon. The Moderator will contact the appropriate Deacon of the flock concerned, to make her or him aware of the need. If the Deacon is not available, the Elder will be contacted.  The Deacon or Elder should contact the individual(s) in need and find out if and when we should bring a meal and how many it should serve. The Deacon or Elder should then contact the share-a-meal coordinator who will arrange for the meal to be prepared and delivered. Maintains a list of those receiving this service.

Transportation Coordinator
Coordinates transportation for members or friends of the congregation having difficulty traveling to and from worship, Church functions, or other needs as they arise. Individuals pledging to provide transportation on their time and talent sheets are contacted by the transportation coordinator to provide this function. Maintains a list of those receiving this service.

Flower Distribution Coordinator
Serves as liaison with the Music and Worship committee member who is in charge of coordinating flowers for the Sanctuary. Flowers are distributed to homebound as desired by donors. Maintains a list of individuals receiving flowers.

College Students Coordinator
Coordinates Deacon efforts to minister to the college students. This includes maintaining an up-to-date college student list in conjunction with the Church Secretary, occasional notes through the mail, care packages at Christmas, during finals, and other times as directed. Coordinates with the Youth Group leaders to carry out this function. Expenses are reimbursable from the Deacon account at monthly meetings.

Herald Reporter
Submits Deacon information to the Church Secretary for upcoming issues of monthly The Herald in a timely and comprehensive manner. Articles may be written by the Herald Reporter or submitted to her/him by other Deacons.

Bereavement/Gathering Committee Coordinator
Coordinate post funeral activities in the Christian Education building (kitchen and Jensen Hall). Make sure building is open. Provide beverages and snacks as appropriate. Coordinate with Church Secretary to have Sexton available for cleanup. 

Rotating Assignments: Devotions/Session Liaison/Home Communion
Each of the fifteen Deacons is assigned a month in which s/he will serve in each of these capacities.