What is a deacon?

The term “Deacon” comes from the Greek diakonas (die-cone-ee-oh) meaning servant of minister. The word
which appears 29 times in the New Testament, designated as appointed member of the local church who
assists by serving other members and meeting material needs. The New Testament indicated both men and
women were appointed deacons. In Romans 16:1 Paul is writing to the church in Cenchrea asking, to accept
and help sister Phoebe with anything she needs, because she has been a great help to many people, including Paul.
The first time the word deacon was mentioned in the New Testament is when Paul is writing a letter to the
church and his greeting in Philippians 1:1 states “To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons."
While the duties of a deacon are never explicitly defined in the New Testament it implies in Act 6 that it is the
responsibility of a deacon to serve during meal times of feasts as well as distribute to the poor and care for fellow believers with unique needs.

Here at Thomas Presbyterian Church, the deacons follow this description. In this day and age, we live up to
this description of helping people in need, bringing joy to young people with gifts of encouragement,
communion to our shut-ins and serving as a link between them and their familes. We step in and do
what we can in times of a family’s loss. However, in today’s world, we need help from you to keep promoting
our work. If you could give just a little it would help a lot moving forward and accomplishing our work though
Jesus. if you need us, we are here for you, be sure to reach out.

A message from Thomas Presbyterian Church Deacon Carol Thomas...
Why I like being a Deacon
It is a direct response to Matthew 25:40 “whatever you did for these, you did for me.”
The joy expressed when a home-bound member is served communion, remembering a graduate, offering
assistance to someone who is ill, checking in when someone isn’t attending worship. It can be a gift card for
groceries/gas when a need arises or providing a meal to families after a funeral. The current Deacon Board
is a pleasure to work with, bringing energy, genuine commitment and imagination to the role.

Please contact the church if you would like more information, would like to make a donation, or need assistance.

office@thomaspres.org