Board of Deaconesses
Good wishes of grace and peace from the Salem Deaconess Board
We hope that in these pages, we have posted information of benefit that will make you come back to visit us again. Each month we post "Words of Encouragement" or simply "Thoughts that Might Interest U2." This month we are posting a thought on "Greetings." If you know someone that can benefit from this tidbit, please share it. Our pages also include: The Deaconess Board Membership, The Deaconess Ministry, and A Prayer for You.
Thoughts that Might Interest U2 Submitted by Deaconess Betty Cannon
Greeting one another is very important. It is particularly appropriate (and important) for Christians to "greet one another."
Have you ever found yourself passing on a "Hello, how are you?", "It's so good to see you", "I'm glad you came" or I've missed you" that did not carry the good wishes of grace and peace that it should?
I have, but I took a lesson from Paul, the Apostle. Paul's concern was that the New Testament Christians would greet one another with pure motives. He felt that greetings should be a true expression of concern and love. And today when Christians greet one another, it must reflect the same dynamic. You never know how much your sincere Hello and sentiments really mean to the other person.
Let the words of your mouth joyfully say "Hello" , while your heart mirrors the words of Paul in Romans 16:24 --- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Be Blessed!
Deaconess Outreach Ministry
Prayer Partner Ministry | "Seven days without prayer, makes one weak." |
Deaconess Fellowship Breakfast | Save the Date for this year's Deaconess Annual Fellowship Breakfast: October 7, 2007. The Breakfast is held the first Saturday in October for a morning of prayer, meditation and fellowship with Deaconesses from neighboring Churches. The Chairperson for Breakfast this year is Deaconess Helen Boler. You may contact Deaconess Boler through the Church Office for more information: 215 887 7664. |
Nursing Homes | The Deaconess Board works with the Lay Evangelism Team to bring the "Worship Experience" to the residents of local Nursing Homes. Please contact Deaconess Ernestine Redd through the Church Office (215 884 7664) for a list of the Nursing facilities we serve and how you may join us. |
Hospital & Home Visitations | Visitation is one of the most critical ministries of the Deaconess Board. We work side by side with our brother Deacons to ensure that members who are shut-in are visited, and encouraged. |
Women's Annual Retreat - October 12 - 14, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill Cost: $315 (doubles) | The Deaconess Board co-sponsors the bi-annual Women's Retreat with the American Baptist Women's Ministry. The 2007 Women's Retreat Chairpersons are Deaconess Betty Cannon and American Baptist Woman, Sister Mary Jefferson. Save the Date! |
Deaconess Emeritus Ministry | "Deaconess Emeritus" is an honorary designation for Salem Deaconesses who have distinguished themselves in service to the Lord and find themselves no longer able to serve in an active capacity due to ill health or advanced age. We hold these sisters in high esteem. This ministry remembers them on special days, keeps them informed of Deaconess services and ministries, and ensures that they are invited to serve and participate with us, as they desire. |
Thanksgiving Support Ministry | This ministry is a favorite of the Deacons and Deaconesses. On Harvest Sunday, we serve as "reapers" collecting the food and financial donations from the congregation that we use to make up food, fruit, and flower baskets for members of the congregations and families in the community. |
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The Board of Deaconesses' Membership
Deaconess Board Members | Betty Cannon,Chair |
| Karen Harvey,Vice Chair |
| Wanda Roberts,Vice Chair |
The Deaconess Ministry, as Servants and Co-Laborers with the Deacons
The Deaconess Board serves under the Department of Worship, assisting the Deacons in the care of the congregation and support of the Pastor.
The congregation can look to us to: be prayer partners; good listeners; available to share in sorrows and trials; encourage and comfort; visit with you when you are sick and shut-in, and to cheer you on in your successes. The Ministry of the Deacons and Deaconesses also includes the oversight of the Communion and the Baptism Services.
Specifically, our role as Servants is to:
- Be a Witness that others will see Christ in us.
- Serve communion to the sick & shut-in with the Deacons.
- Assist the Pastor and the Deacons in Baptism.
- Visit members in their homes, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Prisons, and in other places as needed.
- Minister to those who are mourning and have special needs.
- Support / sponsor spiritually replenishing activities (Women's Retreat, Deaconess Breakfast, Deaconess Fellowships with other Churches)
- Be involved in Community Outreach (Annual Thanksgiving, Support local Women's Organizations)
- Be avid students of God's Word.
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Deaconess Board
Prayer for You
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon you
and grant you great peace.
May He grant you His grace and blessing
all the days of your life
so that your every prayer intention
is heard before you ask
and accomplished before you speak.
May God grant you abundant faith,
persevering hope, and abiding charity
all the days of your life
so that in this life and the next
you may live in the presence
of the most Holy Trinity,
which is love and mercy itself.
Amen.
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