Deacons’ Newsletter | Q1-2024
Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate
Author: Midway Diaconate
Welcome to the 1st edition of "Sharing with the Saints" in 2024. In this newsletter, we reflect on the last 3 months of impactful stewardship of our resources and diligent service to our congregation. Through these updates, we aim to provide you with encouragement and confidence in God's blessings to our church.
Devotional
Text: Psalm 146: 3-7
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. 4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day, his plans perish. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; 7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
As we inch deeper into 2024, we get deeper into the noise and chaos of a Federal election. For many, this can cause fear, uncertainty, and even unrest. Soon, if not already, ads will air depicting the other candidate as frivolous, careless, misguided, dishonest, and evil. When speaking with like-minded friends politically, the conversation might sound something like this: “If he wins, that’s the end of the country” or “If we don’t win this, we’ll be left with no choice...”
While the issues at stake are certainly important, and we should absolutely be involved with the democratic process about to unfold, let us ask ourselves, what is our hope? Something that has been a constant prayer in our household comes from the 1st Q&A of the Heidelberg Catechism: “What is your only comfort in life and death?” I’ll let you search the answer on your own terms if you don’t already know it, for the answer is worth searching for and praying on, however, we’ve shared the ending here: “Because I belong to him, Christ by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.” Our trust is not in princes—Praise be to God! We have a salvation that is from the Creator, not the created. We have a God who WILL execute justice and feed the hungry. Our life on this earth is limited with nothing guaranteed, but our life to come is guaranteed, an eternal life assured by Jesus, the guarantor of a better covenant!
We certainly should pray for our elected and non-elected officials, however hard it may be at times (1 Timothy 1:1-3). It is good that we have rulers who do not infringe upon our worship & fellowship, and we ought to give praise to God for this. However, as I listened to Vijay Raju and Jonathan & Rebekah who are serving the Great Commission in India and Lebanon respectively, I was reminded that MOST of the world does not get to enjoy the peace and comfort we get to in gathering together on the Sabbath and publicly worshiping our Risen Savior. Rather, we are reminded by Peter “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you… But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed…Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:12-13 &19). Therefore, let us draw our strength and hope, politically and spiritually, not from mortal men, not from political promises or worldly designs, but from the hope of our Great High Priest. “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:1,5). Let us rest assured, regardless of political outcomes that our help is the God of Jacob…who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever.
Devotional
Text: Psalm 146: 3-7
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. 4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day, his plans perish. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; 7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
As we inch deeper into 2024, we get deeper into the noise and chaos of a Federal election. For many, this can cause fear, uncertainty, and even unrest. Soon, if not already, ads will air depicting the other candidate as frivolous, careless, misguided, dishonest, and evil. When speaking with like-minded friends politically, the conversation might sound something like this: “If he wins, that’s the end of the country” or “If we don’t win this, we’ll be left with no choice...”
While the issues at stake are certainly important, and we should absolutely be involved with the democratic process about to unfold, let us ask ourselves, what is our hope? Something that has been a constant prayer in our household comes from the 1st Q&A of the Heidelberg Catechism: “What is your only comfort in life and death?” I’ll let you search the answer on your own terms if you don’t already know it, for the answer is worth searching for and praying on, however, we’ve shared the ending here: “Because I belong to him, Christ by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.” Our trust is not in princes—Praise be to God! We have a salvation that is from the Creator, not the created. We have a God who WILL execute justice and feed the hungry. Our life on this earth is limited with nothing guaranteed, but our life to come is guaranteed, an eternal life assured by Jesus, the guarantor of a better covenant!
We certainly should pray for our elected and non-elected officials, however hard it may be at times (1 Timothy 1:1-3). It is good that we have rulers who do not infringe upon our worship & fellowship, and we ought to give praise to God for this. However, as I listened to Vijay Raju and Jonathan & Rebekah who are serving the Great Commission in India and Lebanon respectively, I was reminded that MOST of the world does not get to enjoy the peace and comfort we get to in gathering together on the Sabbath and publicly worshiping our Risen Savior. Rather, we are reminded by Peter “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you… But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed…Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:12-13 &19). Therefore, let us draw our strength and hope, politically and spiritually, not from mortal men, not from political promises or worldly designs, but from the hope of our Great High Priest. “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:1,5). Let us rest assured, regardless of political outcomes that our help is the God of Jacob…who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever.
Mercy Ministry Update (Sammy Mitchell)
Our ministry is dedicated to honoring God and obeying Jesus's teachings to extend aid to those in need while fulfilling the deacon's duties outlined in the PCA Book of Church Order. It is both our honor and privilege to serve our congregation and community with the gifts bestowed upon us. In 2023, we handled a total of 44 cases, with 27 in the first three quarters and 17 in the final quarter. Notably, approximately 30% of these cases were not approved, often due to prior assistance reaching our annual limit.
Did you know?
The Mercy Projects is comprised of helping hands from all across our church, not just the Diaconate. Anyone can volunteer too help with these projects, please email mercyprojects@midwaypca.org to be added to the distribution list as various projects and needs arise. These needs can vary from moving furniture for a family in need to clearing the yard for a widow to helping beautify our church building & grounds. We enjoyed the fellowship of the young and wise alike on Saturday February 24th as the detention pond at the far end of the property was cleared of overgrowth, see the images below in the building and grounds section. Please add your name to the distribution list and see how you can be a part of serving others with your brothers & sisters in Christ. Finally, we humbly request your prayers for adequate funding and divine wisdom in our decision-making processes.
Our ministry is dedicated to honoring God and obeying Jesus's teachings to extend aid to those in need while fulfilling the deacon's duties outlined in the PCA Book of Church Order. It is both our honor and privilege to serve our congregation and community with the gifts bestowed upon us. In 2023, we handled a total of 44 cases, with 27 in the first three quarters and 17 in the final quarter. Notably, approximately 30% of these cases were not approved, often due to prior assistance reaching our annual limit.
Did you know?
The Mercy Projects is comprised of helping hands from all across our church, not just the Diaconate. Anyone can volunteer too help with these projects, please email mercyprojects@midwaypca.org to be added to the distribution list as various projects and needs arise. These needs can vary from moving furniture for a family in need to clearing the yard for a widow to helping beautify our church building & grounds. We enjoyed the fellowship of the young and wise alike on Saturday February 24th as the detention pond at the far end of the property was cleared of overgrowth, see the images below in the building and grounds section. Please add your name to the distribution list and see how you can be a part of serving others with your brothers & sisters in Christ. Finally, we humbly request your prayers for adequate funding and divine wisdom in our decision-making processes.
Building and Grounds Committee Update (Joe Hash)
The Building & Grounds Committee, along with all the Deacons, continually monitors the buildings and grounds for issues. We value your input and encourage you to reach out if you observe anything requiring attention. Please don't hesitate to contact a deacon to report any concerns. Here's a snapshot of our recent achievements:
The Building & Grounds Committee, along with all the Deacons, continually monitors the buildings and grounds for issues. We value your input and encourage you to reach out if you observe anything requiring attention. Please don't hesitate to contact a deacon to report any concerns. Here's a snapshot of our recent achievements:
- Completed various maintenance tasks at the school, including light bulb replacements, sink drain fixes, library hole patching, science cabinet repairs, and janitorial supply management.
- Undertook significant projects such as replacing the organ's sump pump, conducting boiler service, performing youth room maintenance, and addressing lighting issues in the downstairs hall and microphone repairs in the 1987 Sanctuary.
- We planned a workday to clear the retention pond area, ensuring substantial cost savings for the church. We will like to say a big thank you to the men who helped to perform this work. Check out images of their work below.
Here are some of our ongoing projects:
- Secured insurance coverage for hail damage to the 2009 Sanctuary roof and is slated for a new roof installation in early April 2024.
- Currently gathering quotes for repainting the hallway from the 1987 building to the 2009 Sanctuary.
- Continuously tending to overgrown shrubs and evaluating planting areas for necessary replanting during the spring and summer seasons.
Conclusion
As your deacons, it is our delight and joy to serve you in Christ. If you need help or would like to volunteer in some way to serve our church family, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the diaconate committee chairs listed below.
As your deacons, it is our delight and joy to serve you in Christ. If you need help or would like to volunteer in some way to serve our church family, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the diaconate committee chairs listed below.
In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
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