Deacons are DOERS.

Deacon Congregational Outreach Program

There is no asset more important to New Hope Presbyterian Church than its members.   Knowing that they are safe, in good spirits and receiving personal care is a high priority established by Church Session and the pastors.  With nearly 1200 members it is unrealistic to expect our pastors to maintain current contact with the entire congregation. 

To assist with this priority the deacons have undertaken the mission to contact all those members who might live alone, have a health issue, carry a heavy burden or  are seasonal residents.

Any call recipient who does not wish to be contacted may certainly be removed  from  the list.    All deacons are assigned a separate list of members to contact on a regular basis.  Deacons are encouraged to develop a trusting confidential relationship but not be intrusive.  This is a deacon core activity.

Any member can be included on the caring call list.  They may be recommended by a pastor, staff, another member or by the individual’s own request.  Contact is usually made by phone, e-mail or card preceded by a prayer to our heavenly father.  All needs or requests are promptly addressed.

Deacons also participate as  teams in care giving activities which provide the following services to members of our congregation.  Each team leader serves as the contact person to call for more information.  Pastor Howard Biddulph may also be reached at the church office: 274.1230.

Homebound Visitation.

Purpose: Coordinate contacts with homebound members and serve in ways appropriate to their needs: visits, phone calls, cards. Communion. Contact Deacons Jan Madden - 481.2641 or Barbara Schwenk - 948.6653.

Correspondence/Communication. 

Purpose:  Show caring to the sick or hospitalized by sending cards. Show caring by sending birthday cards to children or the elderly. Contact Deacon Jill Ritterbush - 489.0949.

Meals to Bless. 

Purpose:  Coordinate the preparation and delivery of meals for 1-3 days , depending upon the circumstances, to a church member family in a time of need. (i.e., new baby, death in the family, illness/hospitalization).
Contact Deacon Janet Norman - 939.9920.

Funeral/Memorial Reception.

Purpose:  Meals to Bless team will also coordinate a small reception with limited refreshments for family members wishing to remain at the church after a funeral or memorial service. Contact Deacon Janet Norman – 939.9920.

Funeral/Memorial Needs. 

Purpose:  Coordinate other Deacons who are available to assist members or friends of the church in time of the death of a family member. Contact Deacon Bebe Besosa - 482.8218.

Homebound Communion. 

Purpose: Provide Communion to the homebound member to be administered by a Deacon, Elder or the Pastor. Contact Deacon M.J. Thurmon - 849.3737.

One Congregation and a Truck. 

Purpose:  Assist the widows, widowers or single persons who might need assistance with light items when moving to a different location, within a reasonable number of miles. Contact Deacon Ron Morgan - 995.1307

Deacons send representatives to other groups within the church ministry, such as; the Stephen Ministers, Wrapped in Love and What’s Next? programs.

Deacons also prepare the Communion elements and may perform other duties pertaining to stewardship development, property maintenance, disbursement of funds according to an approved budget, and other related matters as assigned by the Church Session.