Deacons' Corner - Feb 2025

 

Thanks to the Herculean efforts of the candy, greeting card, flower and fragrance industries world-wide, much of the citizenry of our planet considers February the “Love Month”!  Oddly enough IT IS, but not for the reasons you might assume. The LOVE moniker actually has little to do with a connection to sweethearts and romantic musings but does connect directly to our Biblical and Christian teachings and beliefs.

The name February is rooted from the Latin word “februarius”, which means “to purify”. The ancient Romans used this time on their calendar as a period of purification and atonement, which aligns with the Biblical rituals of cleansing and repentance.

Because this month is a precursor to the end to the winter season, and trumpeter to the approach of spring, it represents a season of preparation and anticipation for new beginnings.          In our Christian faith February's spiritual lesson is to reflect on God's Love and commandment to love others selflessly!

We Deacons began our preparation in early January at our annual planning meeting with plans for a joint bake sale and pizza kit sale on February 9th. We will be meeting on the 8th to assemble the pizza kits (pizza shell, sauce, cheese). Baked goods can be dropped off prior to worship on the 9th in McLean Hall. Proceeds will go to benefit The Open Door Mission's “Code Blue” ministries which, as you might guess, has been quite busy with the frigid temperatures of the past few weeks!

While on the subject of the Open Door, Corinne Fitzgerald held a hands-on Volunteer Hub sign up session after worship on January 12th. She was able to assist folks who want to continue, or begin, to offer their time to this ministry. At the risk of repeating myself I'd like to offer this reminder regarding the Open Door's new online volunteer portal deemed their volunteer “Hub”.

By signing up one time on the mission's Volunteer Hub Website you will automatically be notified via email each week about openings in various aspects of the mission's operation. You can choose the individual tasks, the day and the time that works for you, sign up on line and it's a done deal! Anyone who still needs assistance setting up an “account” can contact Corinne Fitzgerald, corinne.menke@gmail.com or myself at thomvideo@aol.com. If you need information or assistance directly from Open Door contact Tammy Lampkin at b02@b.volunteerhub.com.

On the 20th of this month, we will attend a combined meeting with the Elders and the Trustees, which allows the various ministries to touch base face to face, compare notes, discuss projects, problems, plans...make preparations!

     A monthly reminder:

          PLEASE remember that the Deacons' ministry is one of love and service. If you know of anyone or may happen to yourself be in a situation (an illness, injury, surgery, grief or other event) where a meal or a pot of soup, an extra hand or a ride would ease your burden DO NOT hesitate to contact any Deacon or the church office. God Bless!

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,

I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. –1 Corinthians 13:1

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