Dear Friends,

In anticipation of Jim Wallis coming to speak at First Pres, I’ve been reading his new book, Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus. I am struck by how relevant it is to the ministry of the deacons. One of Wallis’s main points is that American Christians today have become disconnected from Jesus. To be like the church in Acts, we need to stay close to Jesus and act boldly. We need to reconnect with Jesus and then stand and act in the name of Jesus. We must serve with Jesus’ values, action and inspiration. That is what we do as deacons. We serve as the hands and feet of Christ with the heart of Jesus. In this month’s newsletter, Deacon Liz Ball writes vividly about what this ministry looks like and how we do this good work. In all of it, we do it in the name of Jesus. We as deacons also grow in faith and encourage each other. Is there anything better than doing the work that Jesus would do? We hope you will consider serving as a deacon!

In the name of Jesus,
 

Delianne Koops
Caring Pastor, Temporary Supply
 

The Heart of the Deacons
A Transformative Opportunity to Serve
By Liz Ball

At First Pres, we’re called to bring our whole selves to acting out the love of Christ. That calling takes all forms, from preaching on Sunday mornings to chasing toddlers in the nursery to washing dishes at Street Meal. One way to answer the call is through the First Pres deacons, a group committed to being the hands and feet of Christ, caring for all kinds of people as Jesus did.

The heart of deaconship is love—for the First Pres community, for the Berkeley community, and beyond. Deacons serve communion, in services and in people’s homes; greet new Cal students and their families with snacks, friendly faces, and much-appreciated parking spots; and celebrate with the over-80 community at the annual Young At Heart luncheon. Deacons welcome people in need on Sundays and tame the Street Meal clothes closet so guests can find what they need. Deacons serve at memorial services, bringing warmth, comfort, and cookies to grieving families who may or may not be familiar with First Pres. “As deacons, we have the opportunity to deal with and care for real day-to-day problems,” said current deacon Vivian Ho. “It gives us the chance to express and practice Christian love and encouragement to lean on and trust God our Savior.”

 
“I often refer to the calling of deacons as ‘the work of Christ in community,’” said Pastor Delianne Koops, who oversees the deacon ministry. “It’s being the hands of Christ and the feet of Christ and sharing the hope that Christ brings to people who are in need.”

Deacons are drawn into service in all kinds of ways, and approach it with varied passions and interests. “What gives me the biggest thrill about being a deacon is always when I am on call to help others,” said current deacon Rick Miller, sharing his heart for welcoming new people and people in particular need on Sunday mornings. Others never miss Cal Move-In, make memorial services a special priority, or serve in-home communion long after their three-year terms are up—and all deacons have the opportunity to visit and form relationships with people in the First Pres community who may want or need a little extra love and care. Deacon service can be rewarding, and even fun—which is why many deacons come back for more when their terms are up. “A life-long deacon told me this,” said Delianne: “‘If you want to do God’s work in real life and not just talk about it in committee—then be a deacon. It’s the best!’”

Interested in serving as a deacon? You can be nominated, or nominate yourself, through the Nominating Committee beginning November. For more information about deacon service, contact Delianne Koops at deliannek@fpcberkeley.org—or flag down anyone with a deacon name tag.