What is a deacon? |
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The ministry of deacon
as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion and service. At Hilltop the
deacon ministry works to care for the congregation as well as the community
at large.
The Board of Deacons is
comprised of 18 members as well as our Pastor Scot, who is
our pastoral facilitator.
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What do deacons do for
Hilltop?
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Care Group Ministry:
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Care
for the members of our congregation is the primary purpose and
privilege of the Deacons. Each of the Hilltop Deacons has a specific
Care Group comprised of various members of the congregation. Efforts
are made to reach out to care group members often to inform them of
events going on at church as well as to assess any specific needs
for outreach.
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Lunch
with Friends:
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We
continue to offer our Lunch with Friends Ministry. This effort began
several years ago and offers community members a homemade meal and
opportunity for fellowship among friends. The diners are entertained
by the joyful voices of the children at the Hilltop Church Nursery
School, and occasionally by the Brookside Belles. Paula Raimondo
leads this efforts and even raffles off one of her gorgeous handmade
quilts to those to attend the lunch. We are so very grateful to
those who cook and serve. The lunches are held on the second
Wednesday of each month excluding Lent and August.
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Providing
Meals:
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The
Deacons coordinate providing meals for Hilltop members in times of
need. This can be especially helpful for those struggling with
illness, or loss. We are delighted to offer these acts of kindness
so please don’t hesitate to reach out if this is something you
would like.
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Sunshine
Bags:
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Deacons
also enjoy preparing sunshine baskets for church members facing
difficulty circumstances. Cards are also sent to church members when
we learn of particular struggles or hardships. Plants, baked goods,
and other goodies are often included in the baskets as a way to
bring a little joy to those in need.
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College
Student Care:
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There
are a number of Deacons who provide outreach and ongoing contact to
our members who have moved on to college. We recognize our seniors
in the spring with handmade scarves in their college colors and make
efforts to stay in touch with gift cards and notes throughout the
school year.
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Prayer
Shawl Ministry:
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Have
you ever felt overwhelmed with a trying situation? We have a group
of Deacons that are talented knitters. They knit baby blankets for
baptisms, as well as prayer shawls for those who need a bit of
warmth and comfort. The ministry is also beginning to consider a new
endeavor, Knitted Knockers, to help support breast cancer survivors.
Keep an eye out for more information about this and how you might
get involved.
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Love
Lines and Other Support for Family Intervention Services (FIS):
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Deacons
coordinate Hilltop’s support for Family Intervention Services
throughout the year. FIS is a local charitable organization that
strives to strengthen and support families in New Jersey with
critical needs. Hilltops ongoing support has ranged from gift
certificates to complete Thanksgiving meals. The Love Lines program
also provides Christmas gifts for children in need. We are proud to
have supported this wonderful organization for 40 years.
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Pancake
Supper and Deacon’s Picnic: |
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The
Deacons host two annual gatherings for the congregation that provide
fellowship and fun. The Pancake Supper is held on Shrove Tuesday.
Funds raised are donated to a local community organization
The
Deacon’s Picnic is held each spring typically on the first Sunday
in June. It’s a lovely opportunity to gather in the spring and
enjoy a BBQ style picnic complete with food, fun and games for the
kids.
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Estate
and Treasure Sale:
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On
the second Sat in June, Hilltop Deacons participate in Mendham’s
Town-wide Garage Sale which is hosted by the Ralston Women’s Auxiliary. Members donate items, and work at the sale. If you are
interested in donating gently used items or would like to help out
with this endeavor, please feel free to contact any of the Hilltop
Deacons.
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Funeral
and Memorial Receptions:
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Deacons
provide assistance needed for receptions following services at
Hilltop. The Deacons and other Hilltop volunteers provide everything
needed except for the food. We provide set up, service, and then
clean up the space after the event. We hope to assist and attend to
the needs of the family during a difficult time.
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