Care Ministry at Thompson Church
Part of being a community that cares deeply for each other involves stepping up when someone experiences a trial in her or his life. From big moments of challenge, like the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, to the more ordinary life challenges, our Care Ministry team is here to provide love and support to members, friends, and their families.
If you are interested in learning more about our Care Ministry, or if you have a situation in your life where we can walk alongside you, use the button below to contact a member of our team. It would be an honor to talk with you.
deacons
“Deacons may also be given special assignments in the congregation, such as caring for members in need, handling educational tasks, cultivating liberality in giving, collecting and disbursing monies to specific persons or causes, or overseeing the buildings and property of the congregation. Deacons shall assume other duties as may be delegated to them by the Session, including assisting in the Lord’s Supper.”
What is a Deacon?
The ministry of Deacon, as set forth in Scripture, is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, and the oppressed. Deacons also minister to anyone who is burdened by unjust policies or structures, as well as to those who are experiencing any type of distress.
Persons chosen for this ministry should exhibit spiritual character, honesty, agape [selfless] love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment.
Compassionate Care
“...therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Deacons have the privilege of providing temporary care to members of our church and the community who experience the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, the struggles of aging or illness, or other life changes or celebrations.
Meals
Meals are prepared and provided on an individual, as-needed basis for those facing struggles or life changes.
Calls
Deacons maintain contact with members of the congregation who may no longer be able to attend church regularly or who need contact from the church.
Flowers
Following the services on Sundays, the Deacons will often deliver the flowers from the Sanctuary to those who are celebrating milestones or facing life’s struggles.
Letters and Cards
Deacons send cards and letters of encouragement and support to those in need.
Home-bound Communion
On Communion Sundays, Deacons can serve Communion in the homes of church or community members, using the elements blessed by the Pastor during the church service. Taking Communion to individuals that are unable to attend church helps provide a connection to the church and fills a spiritual need.
Senior Luncheons
Every spring and fall the Deacons host a luncheon for the seniors of our congregation and the community, including residents of New Hope Manor. Food, entertainment, and fellowship are provided for those who gather.
Blood Drive
Every year the Deacons organize and host a blood drive through the American Red Cross to help support the needs of the local community.
Funeral Luncheons
To help provide care to those who have lost a loved one, the Deacons, along with members of the congregation, will plan, prepare, and serve a buffet-style luncheon in our Fellowship Hall for those who gather to celebrate the life of their loved one.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Compassion International
As a group, the Deacons financially sponsor a child through Compassion International.
Communion Set-up
On Communion Sundays the Deacons prepare Communion trays to be used during the service.
UsheRS and Greeters
Perhaps the most visible role of our Deacons is to usher and to greet with genuine warmth those who gather for services at our church.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
