In partnership with Caring Ministries, First Pres Deacons are the hands and feet of Christ as they serve individuals in our congregation and community. Deacon Ministry includes prayer, care for the sick, elderly, or bereaved, serving communion in worship, hosting memorial service receptions, and organizing service projects within the church. Deacons are key to the success of our Parish Ministry (What’s a parish?), working with each other and members of their parish to build relationships and meet practical needs in their neighborhood.
Deacons are ordained leaders of the church and are elected by the congregation to serve three-year terms. Like all ordained First Pres leaders, they affirm the tenets of the Reformed faith, are active members of First Pres, and support the church financially. The time commitment for service is generally 7-9 hours per month including meetings.
In their own words:
“As a Deacon, I have been blessed in the past few years to visit people in my parish who may be sick, or just to stop by and say hi and bring a gift; to pray with those who need prayer; to bring a meal when someone is ill, having surgery, or going through a hard time. My parish and others as well have been having get-togethers in our neighborhoods and at church to get to know each other and build our community.” Sue Yajko
“It is a privilege to be a Deacon because I am able to serve our church community in many different ways. I can come alongside members when they are dealing with illness, bereavement, loss of a job, or need support during difficult times.…The best thing about being a Deacon is that you develop a closer relationship with other members as you serve together and pray together for the church and for each other. I never really felt I was truly part of First Pres Berkeley until I became a Deacon.” Beverly Estes, MD
We’d love to talk to you about becoming a Deacon! Visit the Deacon Table after Sunday worship on the first Sundays of the month or email caring@fpcberkeley.org.