On Being a Deacon:

Being a Deacon is a wonderful call to service. Deacons are the "servants" or "caregivers" of the congregation. Basically Deacons are the hands and heart of the Church, the Body of Christ here on earth. Serving as a Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor is a privilege, and a blessing, and an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Things you should know about the workings of the First Presbyterian Church Deacons:

• Fifty-four Deacons are nominated, ordained and installed by the church members, then trained by staff and current Deacons. Deacons then work under the guidance and supervision of the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life, Melissa Anne Rogers with the supportive fellowship of the other serving Deacons.
• The Deacons serve for three years with eighteen completing terms and eighteen new deacons elected each year.
• Deacon meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month (except July and August) from 7-9:00PM.
• Each Deacon is assigned the responsibility to serve and communicate with a group of members known as a Chapel of approximately 18-25 individuals and families who live in a particular neighborhood or region of Ann Arbor and outlining areas. New church members may be added to a Deacon's Chapel for special welcoming care.
• The Deacons at First Presbyterian are charged with ministries of care, witness and service by participating in the following activities that provide one on one contact, prayer, and fellowship:

Activity and Time Commitments for Deacons:

1. Training - Elders will meet with deacons in the fall prior to beginning their term of service for 8 one hour sessions, held on Sunday mornings, for training. Read the training Syllabus
2. Organize and host an annual Quad (a group of four Chapels organized together) potluck bunch following the 11:00 church service on Sunday.
3. Present the gift of flowers to church members to express sympathy, joy, and love.
4. Serve communion, host special gatherings during church holidays at various area retirement communities.
5. Assume leadership positions in the administration of the biannual Red Cross Blood Drives to be held at First Pres.
6. Provide support and Christian love by communicating with Chapel members regularly to build community, share church information, ascertain needs, and lend support and assistance.
7. Deacons are strongly encouraged to participate in and support the various ministries and fellowship groups within the church.  The Wednesday 2:42 is one such ministry.