History and Background
The beginning of the office of deacon is described in the book of Acts (6:2¬4). The twelve apostles
asked the body of disciples to pick out seven men "of good repute, full of the Spirit and of
wisdom" to serve tables. The twelve did not want to give up preaching the word of God in order
to serve tables. From the initial assignment of serving tables, the role of deacon has grown to
designate people responsible for the servant function in the church. Most typically these are people
selected by the church to help the pastors in meeting members' needs. Deacons call on sick and shut-in
members, counsel, collect food and clothing for the needy.
In the past, deacons were older men well respected in the church for their uprightness and faithfulness. Women of equal stature were usually deacon¬esses whose responsibilities were related to the preparation of the communion elements and care of the communion ware. In addition. the Evangelical Church established an order of Deaconesses who dedicated themselves to lifelong service within hospitals of the church.
Common Practices
In some denominations deacons are clergy. In the United Church of Christ deacons are laypeople elected
to the office of deacon in their local church. Some churches elect people to a term on the board of
deacons. Others elect a governing board and then appoint some members to be deacons, others to be
elders or trustees. In some churches deacons are set apart by the congregation and hold the title for
life. Thus deacons have varied roles in the United Church of Christ.
Our Church
At the Kirkland Congregational Church, the Deacons Committee is made up of both men and women. Michael
Gaskill has chaired this committee since 2001 when he co-chaired with Linda Thompson. In the past year,
Michael has been joined by 5 new members: Ben von Ullrich, Barbara Lynch, April Johnson, and Nancy and
Fred Lanphear. The Reverend Dr. Walter John Boris sits in with the Deacons in their monthly meeting on
the 3rd Monday of each month.
The Deacon’s primary job in our church is to keep a finger on the spiritual pulse of the congregation. In addition to preparation and cleanup for Sunday worship services, and providing communion the first Sunday of each month and on other special occasions during Christmas, Deacons sponsor numerous events throughout the year. These events include the Pet Blessing in the Fall, Holiday Carols Sing-along in the winter, Spaghetti Feed in late winter, and a Spring Tea in May as well as other, stewardship or recognition motivated, events.
Members, and visitors, of Kirkland Congregational Church are invited to join our group of dedicated
individuals that are demonstrating service to our church through their commitments and actions. Feel
free to sit in on our meetings, enjoy our sponsored events, join in our efforts, share a concern or
opinion, or enlighten us with your observations of another person’s achievements.
All are welcome!