IMPORTANT UPDATE: Food Pantry Has Moved to Temporary Location. Click here for more information.
The Deacons are ordained Christian servants available for a variety of caring support throughout the community. Their mission is to minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress, both within and outside the community of faith. If you are in need of Deacon services or would be interested in assisting with this ministry, you may email the church office or call (732) 223-4627.
Following are some of the Deacon ministries:
- Caring for church-family shut-ins by visits, mailing out church bulletins, and sending notes and cards as way of communicating the church’s concern for them and to reassure them that they are not forgotten.
- Recording an inspirational message each day that is available by phoning 732-223-Lord. They also record worship services to share with shut-ins.
- Sponsoring two blood drives each year.
- Respond to the special needs of the church family by preparing and hosting receptions during periods of bereavement, providing meals to families in crisis, arranging needed transportation for shopping or medical appointments.
- Preparation of elements for Communion services, cleaning after Communion, and the meticulous maintenance of all communion ware.
- Delivery of flowers to members, friends or relatives of the church family as expressions of love and concern for the sick and the bereaved and also to convey congratulations, thanks, etc. Rosebuds are delivered to families of newborns and poinsettias and lilies are delivered at Christmas and Easter, respectively.
- Provide greeters for all church services throughout the year.
- Maintain a ministerium-sponsored Food Pantry at our facility in order to provide non-perishable food, items for personal care, and vouchers for perishable food to those in need in our town and neighboring communities. Food and monetary contributions to offset food purchases are provided by church members and several other churches in the area. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Food Baskets, as well as Easter Baskets for children are distributed on those holidays.
- Supervising the many activities of the Junior Deacons (a group of young people who have been confirmed and are beginning a life of church service). Junior Deacons are very mission-oriented and actively participate in the Crop Walk for Hunger, Operation Shoe Box, an annual summer mission trip; and along with the deacons, bring cheer to our shut-ins by visiting their homes and singing Christmas carols. They help in the Soup Kitchen in Asbury Park several times a year, serve at Friendship Suppers, visit residents at the Geraldine Thompson Care Center, and take a big part in the annual Sunday School Carnival by performing a skit, face painting, and running various games for the children.
If the work of a deacon (and junior deacon) sounds like a lot of work, it is……..but those who answer Christ’s call to be His servant always receive much more than they give.
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
Food Pantry Update
Since construction will soon begin on our BY FAITH WE BUILD PROJECT, it has been necessary to move our Manasquan Food Pantry to a temporary location, and the First Baptist Church has kindly offered space in their facility. Regular pantry volunteers as well as Boy Scout Troop #59 and other volunteers from the church worked together to achieve this multi-task mission. All the food had to be packed up, metal shelves had to be taken apart and moved to the new location, and finally the food had to be transported from our church basement to the Baptist Church and placed on shelves. This was a massive production made easy by the willingness of so many to lend their time and energy for support. A great big “thank you” to all who helped. Our thanks to all who helped.
The Food Pantry has had an increased number of local requests for food; and, therefore, continued support is still needed. Please place any items you wish to donate in the Food Pantry Basket at our church, and we will see to it that they are delivered to the new location. Here is a suggested list of needed items:
- Pasta, pasta sauce, pancake mix, pancake syrup, cereal, canned fruit
- Canned vegetables, rice, soup, macaroni & cheese, canned meat
- Condiments, salad dressing, regular and decaffeinated coffee
If you are interested in volunteering for the Food Pantry, please contact the church office or call (732) 223-4627.
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