On April 22, 2012, Mission OPC had the joy and privilege of ordaining and installing two new deacons: Jon Fitzpatrick and Harold McCabe.
The office of deacon is described in this excerpt from the Book of Church Order:
"The Scriptures designate the office of deacon as distinct and perpetual in the church. Deacons are called to show forth the compassion of Christ in a manifold ministry of mercy toward the saints and strangers on behalf of the church. To this end they exercise, in the fellowship of the church, a recognized stewardship of care and of gifts for those in need or distress. This service is distinct from that of rule in the church.
"Those chosen to this office should be of great faith, exemplary lives, honest repute, brotherly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment.
"The board shall oversee the ministry of mercy in the church and shall collect and disburse funds for the relief of the needy. Other forms of service for the church may also be committed to the deacons."
One of the many important functions of the deacon board is to take on jobs which will free up the session to do what they do. Many hands make light work, as they say.
We rejoice in the Lord's goodness to the church through these two faithful men of God and pray His richest blessing on them and their families as they serve the church in this way.