Board of Deacons

Serving as a Deacon at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church is a privilege.  

The position of Deacon requires nomination and election by the congregation.   Deacons are ordained by the ministry via an official ceremony conducted by the Pastor.   The number of Deacons is mainly determined by the size of the congregation and decided by the Session.  There are currently 15 Deacons at Cottonwood, each serving a 3-year consecutive term.

The Board of Deacons is responsible for providing care oversight of the church’s members, coordinating with the staff and other volunteers within the congregation.   Each Deacon currently has approx. 17 family units, which is known as his/her “Care List.”   

Specific Deacon commitments include:
1.        Proactive phone calls or visits at least once per quarter
2.        Sending cards and letters at least 3 times a year:   Christmas, Easter, and annual             introduction/re-confirming letter
3.        Providing supportive caring and assistance during an illness or death, i.e. Meals,             transportation, house sitting, etc.
4.        Coordinating church and community resources and/or references for assistance, i.e.             Visitation, transportation, meals, utilities, etc.
5.        Sharing a wonderfully prepared new booklet entitled “Your Cottonwood Faith Community             in Times of Grief.” Contained within is a page on which to write favorite scripture             passages, hymns, highlights of a life, favorite music, etc. that can be maintained by
            Cottonwood church; then referenced when the time is appropriate.    

Other duties as a Deacon include:
1.        Participating in monthly meetings
2.        Serving Communion during Sunday morning worship and to members at home; also known             as “extended communion”
3.        Serving as “Deacon on Duty” on Sunday morning
4.        Coordinating Sunday morning worship greeters

NOTE:   The Deacons derive money required to provide their services from Cottonwood’s generous congregation as separate “pass-through” donations.