Called to Serve
The central calling of deacons, as described in the Presbyterian Book of Order, is

"to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any that may be in distress."

Deacons are called to serve. They

• take communion to shut-ins
  
• phone Bethany members and participants
  
• pray for needs
  
• visit people in hospitals
  
• hold parish gatherings
  
• serve communion and pray at worship
  
• help newcomers find a place for connection within the congregation
  
• serve in many ways with the church

At Bethany, some of our deacons are assigned to neighborhoods by ZIP codes, other deacons connect with newcomers, seniors or Wednesday Night Dinner attendees.

Contact a deacon if you or someone you know has a practical need, such as

• meals
  
• visitation
  
• prayer
  
• illness
  
• death in the family
  
• birth of a child

Anyone can participate in the following ministries coordinated by deacons:

Meals
Hot meals, prepared and delivered, are much appreciated by people in the Bethany community with a new baby or in a crisis of any kind. Periodically the deacons organize a "bake-off" at church to prepare a stock of frozen meals to supplement the freshly prepared hot dishes.

Memorial services
The congregation provides home-baked cookies and help in the kitchen and in serving at memorial service receptions.

60+ Ministry
Deacons host several lunches each year for those aged 60+, providing opportunities to get to know and care for each other. Volunteers prepare and serve the food.

Deacons stay in touch with our seniors through regular phone calls. These friends enjoy talking with people who are genuinely interested in their lives. Meeting new people is especially nice.

Welcome Ministry
Bethany has on average a dozen first time visitors every Sunday. Our welcome table is hosted by friendly volunteers who greet and share information about the church. Volunteers phone newcomers and offer a helping hand in making connection at Bethany. We also host newcomer tables at church events.

For more information on volunteering in these ministries, contact Linda Cutshall at (206) 284-2222 Ext. 13.