Deaconess

 

Head: Rhonette Clarke

Asst: Debbie Stewart

 

Members:

Deloris Harris-Ferguson

Derlene Harrison

Wendy Clark

Rose Moriah

Judith Rodney

Deloris Miller

Odette Hutchinson

Alseen Bell

Venice Burrell

Kenisha Clarke

Joyce Abrahams

Aileen James

Hyacinth Williams

Lucy (Pinky) James

Jean Channer

Linda Bennett

Jean Sinclair

Belzetta Clarke

Marlene Samuels

Ingrid Dunbar

Honorary: Beryl Fisher

Honorary: Jean Davis

Honorary: Eunice Myton

 

Along with the deacons, deaconesses fulfill multiple roles at our church. They lead out in preparations for baptism and communion services. Ordained deacons and deaconesses officiate at the quarterly communion service. Deacons and deaconesses also participate in offering collection for various services. They also embark on a program of visiting sick and aged members.

 

Deaconesses were included in the official staff of the early Christian churches. “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church [deaconess] in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also” (Rom. 16:1, 2). Deaconesses should be chosen for their consecration and other qualifications that fit them for the duties of the office. The Ministerial Association, in connection with the departments, promotes the training and equipping of deaconesses. However, the pastor, in conjunction with the elder(s), has the primary responsibility for training the deaconesses. (See Notes, #3, p. 179.)