First Congregational Church of Stoughton
United Church of Christ

The Diaconate Board

• The Diaconate shall consist of 14 Active/Associate members and will have the following responsibilities:
• Assist the Minister in cultivating the Spiritual Life of the church and contribute to the formation of a covenant community under the leadership of Jesus Christ, the Sole Head of the Church.
• Regularly schedule events and activities to enhance Spiritual renewal and formation.
• Provide for the Communion Table and assist the Minister in serving the Lord's Supper. Money received in the special communion offerings shall go towards the needy persons fund.
• Assist the Minister with the Sacrament of Baptism and the worship service for the reception of new members. One member of the Diaconate shall attend one new member orientation session.
• Make arrangements for child care when Church School is not in session and for special services and events.
• Maintain contact with new members of the church in a deliberate effort to quickly integrate these persons into the fife of the church.
• Determine the overall use and appearance of the sanctuary, prepare the outside chapel for use during the summer months and/or prepare other places for worship. This includes providing flowers for the altar (and their subsequent delivery) and posting hymn numbers prior to worship.
• Administer the membership rolls, arrange for the timely collection of all pertinent membership data, ensure the information is accurate and work with the Church Secretary to ensure its proper recording in the Skills & Talents database. An accurate fist of the names, addresses and phone numbers of the Active membership shall be published twice a year. A determination will be made annually as to which names shall be moved to the Inactive list and the member notified.
• Prepare a yearly budget request and submit it to the Board of Trustees by August 1st of each year.
• Appoint the Church Clerk and Assistant Clerk
• When the Minister is away or otherwise unable to lead worship, the Diaconate shall arrange for the supply of the pulpit with the assistance of the Minister. The Diaconate shall make arrangements for the reception of visiting dignitaries, assist the guest Minister in leading worship and, in the event of an emergency, conduct the service of worship.
• In conjunction with the Minister, the Diaconate shall establish a program of visitation. This program shall provide ongoing care to the sick and shut-in, the elderly, lonely, bereaved and indifferent;
• Attend to the needs of the poor and victims of unfortunate circumstances. Additionally, they will establish policies and procedures for distributing money from the Needy Persons Fund.
• Working together, the Diaconate and the Minister shall set a policy for weddings, baptisms, funerals and Communion.
• Laity Sunday shall be held at least once a year to be organized and led by the Diaconate.
• The Diaconate shall assist the Minister in the leadership, design and evaluation of all services of worship.

  ---

Music & Worship Sub-Committee

This sub-committee shall  have at least six people which includes two members of the Diaconate. Their duties include, but are not limited to:

• Responsibility for all music for worship services and special programs and occasions.
• Share, with the Minister, responsibility for making announcements, offering prayers during worship, creating the liturgy and designing the bulletin.
• Consult regularly with the Organist and Choir Director regarding all phases of church music, including the recruiting and training of all church choirs and the oversight of all performing groups within the church.
• Determine the needs of the musical program of the church, such as instruments, music, equipment, copyright clearances and robes and for preparing an annual budget request to cover those needs. Budget requests are to be submitted to the Board of Trustees by August 1st of each year,
• Be responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, repair and proper storage of all instruments, equipment and supplies in the music program and the upkeep of the music room.
• Upon the resignation or replacement of the Organist, Choir Director or Section Leader(s) it shall be responsible for locating, interviewing and hiring a replacement.

  ---

Outreach Committee

This committee will report to the Diaconate and consist of at least 5 Active/Associate members, one of whom is a Deacon.

• Develop plans for church growth, evangelism and new member orientation with the Minister; recruit, organize and train: Greeters, Ushers and Coffee Hour hosts;
• Select delegates to the Pilgrim Association, Massachusetts Conference and other organizations, as needed, and regularly report the activities of these organizations to the membership. All Active and Associate Members are eligible to be delegates.
• Be responsible for all publicity, both written and electronic, and assist the Church Secretary with the publication and distribution of the church newsletter.
• Organize fellowship, social activities and some fund raising activities.
• Maintain contact with the social organizations of the church.

Home | Pastor's Message  | Church Life  | Staff  | Calendar |  Youth Group  | LINK |  Directions  | Other Links