SCPC Diaconal Ministries

The Diaconate of Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church is organized for the express purpose of meeting the mercy and care needs of members and non-members in a manner that exemplifies and glorifies our Lord, Jesus Christ.  In the discharge of their responsibilities the deacons function under the supervision and authority of the Session (BCO 9-2). The oversight areas are derived from and find structure in the purpose statement of our church:

SCPC is an outreaching community built on Jesus Christ and His word.

• Committed to God,
• Caring for one another, and
• Communicating God's love to the world.

Care providers for our Mercy Ministries are volunteers from the body who act to assist in meeting needs through deeds.  The care providers are organized and directed by the SCPC Diaconate.  Needs are communicated to the Diaconate directly by the needy party, or by church family, friends, and/or church staff.  The Diaconate is responsible for organizing church resources and volunteer groups as deemed appropriate to satisfy/fulfill the identified need.

Oversight areas for the Care Ministry are reviewed annually by the Diaconate to ensure that the congregation’s needs in each oversight area are being met.  As appropriate, oversight areas, support efforts and resources are re-directed to meet the changing needs of the congregation.

Diaconate oversight areas to which resources will be directed, meeting specific care giving needs, are:

VISITATION/SHUT-INS. Typically, visitation is made in the event of illness, hospitalization, or bereavement.  A network of visitor volunteers is available to extend the Church’s loving concern to those unable to come to him or her.  In addition, this ministry is organized to maintain a regular line of communication to members living within the confinement of a house, apartment, or retirement home.  The spiritual unity of the Body of Christ is revealed both in volunteers keeping in contact with shut-ins, and in involving shut-ins in other care giving areas and church ministries.

MEALS. This is one of the most visible ministries of the Diaconate and the Women's Ministry.  It involves the preparation and delivery of meals to families in difficult circumstances.  It may involve one or two meals during a short illness or injury recovery period or extend to weeks of care required as a result of an extended illness, hospitalization, etc.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE. This area of care consists of organized volunteers to meet baby-sitting, transportation, and other physical needs.  This oversight area also coordinates moving assistance, and specialized services such as house maintenance/cleaning/yard work.  While these needs can involve a large number of people with special talents, they normally occur on an infrequent basis.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. This care ministry is organized to meet infrequent needs from natural calamity such as weather, or fire.  Service volunteers can assist in providing temporary shelter, food, and clothing as may be necessary in recovering from a general emergency.

FINANCIAL GUIDANCE. This ministry is for the express purpose of providing financial counseling and aid.  Volunteer members and care providers are Deacons, with full assurance of confidentiality to those who are helped and/or counseled.  Funds provided by the congregation are compassionately re-distributed on an “as needed” basis, as a free will gift from God.

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE. Due to various economic circumstances, members of the congregation may become under-employed, or even more unsettling, be forced out of work altogether.  With the assistance of a large number of care providers, the purpose of this care ministry is to provide meaningful support to those who need assistance in preparing a resume, identifying employment opportunities, and developing interview techniques.

ATRIA. The Atria at Cypresswood is an assisted living facility located 6611 Cypresswood Drive in Spring.  Deacons of  Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church assist in coordinating and conducting worship services for the residents who are unable to attend regular services elsewhere.

DISASTER RESPONSE MINISTRY. In response to God’s call to minister in the area of disaster response, the Diaconate of Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church is committed to sharing the love of Christ by assisting the victims of disasters, providing for immediate needs and taking steps to rebuild lives.  In carrying out this ministry, the Diaconate will financially support the “Mission to North America” Disaster Response Ministry and will designate a (Diaconate) contact person or persons responsible for organizing a disaster response team to evaluate needs precipitated by a disaster and mobilizing personnel and material resources required for disaster response.

BLOOD DRIVES. Serious injuries and illnesses happen.  Often, treatment involves the transfusion of blood, which can be quite expensive.  The deacons schedule blood drives and assist The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s blood collection team upon their arrival at the church in setting up the site.  In addition, the diaconate oversees the administration of the Blood Donor Coverage Plans offered by the Blood Center.

USHERING. Ushering is an important Diaconate oversight area.  Ushering is not only a part of the worship service, but when properly conducted enhances the worship experience.  The deacons in charge of these oversight areas develop and/or maintain schedules of people to usher at regular and special worship services, such as occur on Good Friday, at Easter and during the Christmas holiday season or other special events such as funerals, hosting of Presbytery, etc. 

OFFERING OVERSIGHT. The Diaconate is responsible for organizing a schedule for the correct weekly counting of offering and for maintaining a system of accountability.  The schedule for counting of offering is set to include a deacon and a congregation member who will work together each week.