Deacon Ministry
It’s Giving Tree Time to Help Our Neighbors
Once again this holiday season, FPC Stillwater is launching our Giving Tree opportunity to provide gift cards to some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors and let them know we care.
In December, the gift cards will be distributed through our partners at Payne County Youth Services (who serve distressed youth), the Mission of Hope (the homeless), Wings of Hope (victims of domestic violence), the Saville Center (abused children), and DHS Adult Protective Services (neglected or mistreated adults). A total of 150 gift cards have been requested from these agencies.
Here is how you can help:
1. From the Giving Tree display in the Narthex, please take envelopes that identify the agency and retailer where the gift card is requested. The tree will be up beginning Sunday, November 9th.
2. Purchase the gift cards – each for $35 – and, if you’d like, write a short note to the unknown recipient to wish them well, in your own words, this holiday season. A blank note card and envelope are provided.
3. Return the original request card, gift card, and your note – all attached – to a deacon at the Giving Tree station on Sunday mornings, Nov. 9, 16, 23, and 30, or to the church office during regular business hours.
Or, if it is more convenient, please make out a check or an online donation to the church for any amount and note that it is for the “Giving Tree,” and our deacons and staff will complete the gift card purchase process on your behalf. As simple as that.
Any questions? Please get in touch with Dale Ingram at dale.ingram@sbcglobal.net or 405-612-3365.
“The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.” (Book of Order, G-2.0201)
The Deacons of the church are ordained to their office to minister to the sick, brokenhearted, lonely and hurting people in the church and in the community. We hope you will join us in our ministry. Read below for information on some of the current Deacon ministries/supported projects. Please note: this is not an exhaustive list of the work of the Deacons here at FPC. If you would like to learn more or become involved in ongoing Deacon projects, please reach out to the Church Office at (405) 372-5580 and we will put you in touch with the Deacon Co-Moderators.
Growing Family Ministry
New parents at FPC and at Presbyterian Preschool receive Growing Family Baskets for the birth or adoption of a baby/young child. Baskets contain flannel receiving blankets and burp clothes sewn and embroidered by our Second Mile Sewers, knit or crochet baby blankets, a stuffed toy and book from our Fair Trade Store, and, depending on the need, some clothes. Each family also receives a year-long Splash! newsletter subscription which is mailed monthly and provides bite-size ways to incorporate prayer and seeing God into the life of new parents and child alike.
If you would like to provide items for the Growing Family Baskets, please contact Deacons Holly Chermack (hchermack@gmx.com) or Debby Schoenecke (debbyschoenecke49@gmail.com)
Our Daily Bread Volunteer Days
The Deacons organize an all-church volunteer Saturday at Our Daily Bread Food & Resource Center on a quarterly basis. We help sort food deliveries, stock shelves, assist with grocery shopping, and help provide a warm welcome to all. All ages are invited to come volunteer, including children 5 and older accompanied by an adult. Our last workday was in July, so the next one should be taking place in October.
Keep an eye on our First Things email and bulletin announcements for the next volunteer day or give ODB a call and go on your own! They are always glad to have extra hands to sort, shelve, and assist with shopping. For more information on ODB, please visit their website: https://www.ourdailybreadstillwater.org
Pioneer Pantry
Stillwater Public Schools’ Pioneer Pantry aims to help students grades K-12 get the items they need, from hygiene or household products to a haircut or a coat. Items are provided directly to students, as well as to families, when a need is identified. Students can go to the health room or nurse’s office at each school site to acquire items, or teachers can make requests on behalf of students. Students can get products confidentially; there are no “rules” on how much somebody can take. Some students grab a stick of deodorant, and some fill up an entire bag with products they need.
Twice a year, in January and in August, the Deacons collect donated items and monetary funds for Pioneer Pantry and deliver everything to Stillwater High School. Over the last several years this supported ministry has reached many students within SPS.
Little Free Pantry
First Presbyterian Church’s Little Free Pantry is located in the alley between the main building and the Fellowship Hall. Our Deacons oversee and encourage others to help keep our Little Free Pantry stocked with food and our Little Red Pantry stocked with menstrual products. Modeled after the Little Free Library program, Little Free Pantries provide access to shelf-stable food items for those who are food insecure. Church members and community members both help stock the shelves and replenish items as needed.
Stop by the church to learn more and to pick up a suggested shopping list.
