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Board of
Deacons
Who
We Are
Each
of us is on a spiritual journey, trying to grow in our love and
understanding of God and responding to that love in a way that will
help to bring God's kingdom into being here on earth. Worship, one of
the Deacon's primary responsibilities, provides us with the opportunity
to praise God through music and word; to listen through scripture,
meditation, music and silence; and to respond to God's call through the
offering of our gifts and ourselves. Parish life, another major
responsibility, encompasses the spiritual life and pastoral concerns of
our church community. It also provides opportunities for us to be aware
of God's presence through giving or receiving or just being present.
What
We Do
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In
conjunction with the Senior Minister the Deacons support the Worship
Service. The Deacons encourage and organize several forms of lay
participation, including: Ushers, Lay
Readers and Acolytes. Furthermore, the Deacons themselves share a
number of tasks associated with performing the service. Examples
include setting up and helping to serve Communion and removing flowers
from the altar after the service. Finally, it is a duty of this board
to obtain worship supplies - everything from candles to palm leaves.
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Parish Life
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In
conjunction with the Associate Minister,
the Deacons support the Parish Life
Program. This program reaches out to members of the congregation in
times of need. One specific role played by the Deacons in this regard
is to take turns delivering flowers to shut-ins and anyone otherwise
unable to attend Worship.
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Music
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The
Deacons work closely with the Director of Music to provide not only Worship
music but also special music programs such as concerts and
musicals. Lay participation, in the form of both adult and children's
choirs, is encouraged. The music program also includes the services of
a number of professional section leaders.
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Arts
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The
Board of Deacons sponsors the Arts Committee. Its role includes art shows
as well as organizing group trips to museums.
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Special Services
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The
Deacons provide guidance and assistance with special worship services
like Weddings, Baptisms, Ordinations,
Funerals and Memorial Services.
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In-care
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In-care
is the process in the United Church of Christ in which a candidate for
the ministry affiliates with a local church as an in-care candidate.
The local church, through the Deacons, support the person in his/her
preparation and later confirms that all Potomac Association and UCC
requirements have been met and ultimately recommends (or not) the
individual for examination for ordination.
Like
to volunteer to be a Lay Reader, Usher, or Acolyte? Use sign up sheets
in the back of the Social Hall, or, perhaps you just have a message for the Deacons.
Last updated Wednesday, February 20, 2008
1
Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-7766
Email the church office: churchinfo@westmorelanducc.org
www.westmorelanducc.org
An
Open and Affirming Congregation
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