Deacons’ Newsletter | Q4-2023
Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate
Author: Midway Diaconate
Our church has been blessed with immense mercy from God, enriching us in countless ways. In this Month of Thanksgiving, we're deeply thankful for His overflowing grace. This edition kicks off with a devotional from our Co-Editor, Charles Hagan, and features service reports highlighting the impactful work across different diaconal ministries.
Devotional
Text: Proverbs 23:17-18
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off.
Someone told me recently that the part of your brain that triggers thankfulness & gratitude is the same part of the brain that triggers envy & jealousy. It is suggested that these emotions cannot coexist simultaneously; thus the brain function is either immersed in a state of sin or gratitude. As we approach Thanksgiving and embark on the Advent season, we may find ourselves gathered around the dinner table, prompted to express our thankfulness and gratitude, all the while observing the pervasive pursuit of material wealth and worldly success. In this era, escaping the reminders of worldly prosperity and society's interpretation of success seems nearly impossible. We often find ourselves comparing our lives to those of professional athletes, cultural celebrities, contemplating what could have been and thinking "why not me?!" This comparison may extend to our interactions with co-workers, managers, friends, and neighbors—leading us to question why we haven't received certain gifts, breaks, opportunities or promotions. This constant state of being plugged in too often leads to our thankfulness being unplugged. While we ponder the apparent success of worldly and unbelieving individuals, we may unknowingly deprive the Lord of the thanks He rightfully deserves (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
It is essential to redirect our focus and recognize the blessings within our visible Church at Midway. Throughout the year, we've witnessed remarkable events, such as the return of the Reformation Worship Conference with influential speakers and meaningful fellowship with fellow saints from across the nation and the globe. We welcome numerous visitors weekly, and our Mercy committee has shared the Gospel and provided assistance to many in need throughout our community. We've celebrated recoveries from illnesses, welcomed new members, witnessed substantial improvements to our buildings and grounds, observed the flourishing of our youth programs, and maintained support for approximately 27 missionaries worldwide. Above all, we express gratitude for the dedicated teaching elders who faithfully preach the Word, fostering peace & fellowship among our community of believers. We are thankful for continued and improved health, spiritual nourishment, and our place in West Cobb and beyond.
In conclusion, we are reminded Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Psalm 37 adds The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance (18-19). In gratitude, let us reflect on the greatness of our God—the One who led Israel out of captivity, parted the Red Sea, and intervened on behalf of His people. Our God has rescued us from the domain of darkness, ushering us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:28-29).
Devotional
Text: Proverbs 23:17-18
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off.
Someone told me recently that the part of your brain that triggers thankfulness & gratitude is the same part of the brain that triggers envy & jealousy. It is suggested that these emotions cannot coexist simultaneously; thus the brain function is either immersed in a state of sin or gratitude. As we approach Thanksgiving and embark on the Advent season, we may find ourselves gathered around the dinner table, prompted to express our thankfulness and gratitude, all the while observing the pervasive pursuit of material wealth and worldly success. In this era, escaping the reminders of worldly prosperity and society's interpretation of success seems nearly impossible. We often find ourselves comparing our lives to those of professional athletes, cultural celebrities, contemplating what could have been and thinking "why not me?!" This comparison may extend to our interactions with co-workers, managers, friends, and neighbors—leading us to question why we haven't received certain gifts, breaks, opportunities or promotions. This constant state of being plugged in too often leads to our thankfulness being unplugged. While we ponder the apparent success of worldly and unbelieving individuals, we may unknowingly deprive the Lord of the thanks He rightfully deserves (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
It is essential to redirect our focus and recognize the blessings within our visible Church at Midway. Throughout the year, we've witnessed remarkable events, such as the return of the Reformation Worship Conference with influential speakers and meaningful fellowship with fellow saints from across the nation and the globe. We welcome numerous visitors weekly, and our Mercy committee has shared the Gospel and provided assistance to many in need throughout our community. We've celebrated recoveries from illnesses, welcomed new members, witnessed substantial improvements to our buildings and grounds, observed the flourishing of our youth programs, and maintained support for approximately 27 missionaries worldwide. Above all, we express gratitude for the dedicated teaching elders who faithfully preach the Word, fostering peace & fellowship among our community of believers. We are thankful for continued and improved health, spiritual nourishment, and our place in West Cobb and beyond.
In conclusion, we are reminded Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Psalm 37 adds The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance (18-19). In gratitude, let us reflect on the greatness of our God—the One who led Israel out of captivity, parted the Red Sea, and intervened on behalf of His people. Our God has rescued us from the domain of darkness, ushering us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:28-29).
Mercy Ministry Update (Sammy Mitchell)
Thanks to God's grace, the Mercy Committee handled 12 cases in the third quarter of 2023, bringing our total for the year to approximately 27 cases. We're continuously seeking individuals to assist with special projects. As mentioned in our note, last quarter, many of our cases are with single mothers, so it would be very helpful if we could get experienced women who can follow up with them to assist them. To sign up, reach out to sammy.mitchell@gmail.com. In addition to volunteering with us, please pray for wisdom for the committee on the right way to handle all circumstances.
Thanks to God's grace, the Mercy Committee handled 12 cases in the third quarter of 2023, bringing our total for the year to approximately 27 cases. We're continuously seeking individuals to assist with special projects. As mentioned in our note, last quarter, many of our cases are with single mothers, so it would be very helpful if we could get experienced women who can follow up with them to assist them. To sign up, reach out to sammy.mitchell@gmail.com. In addition to volunteering with us, please pray for wisdom for the committee on the right way to handle all circumstances.
Building and Grounds (B&G) Committee Update (Joe Hash)
The B&G committee is responsible for the care and maintenance of the church property. While we achieved a lot in the third quarter of 2023, here are some of the key updates:
The B&G committee is responsible for the care and maintenance of the church property. While we achieved a lot in the third quarter of 2023, here are some of the key updates:
- We completed various school repairs and requests including middle school such as:
- The Installation of 2 portable AC units in 4th-grade classrooms purchased by the school.
- The repair of the AC units in the gymnasium
- Ensured the 1908 Sanctuary was clean because the children wait there during car rider pick-up.
- We completed these church repairs:
- Repaired Air Conditioner Pulley above Pastor Hall’s office.
- Cut down and cleaned up a large tree branch on the cemetery drive and small tree debris around the exterior.
- Completed Cilas’ office repair
- Replaced ceiling tiles where damaged.
- Repaired ice machine.
- Treated multiple fire ants in the backfield and around the building.
- Cleaned carpets in the 1987 Sanctuary and men’s bible study room.
- Cleaned up the buses, pulled weeds, and cleaned windows with the Youth Ministry. Special thanks to them, please see the images below.
MCCS School Committee Update (David Jackson)
In our last newsletter, we mentioned the committee's efforts to update the school's website. This update is aimed at making sure that our values are effectively conveyed to both prospective and current parents and students. We're thrilled to announce that the new website is now live – please take a look at it by visiting www.midwayschool.org. We are grateful for the school’s staff, students, and their parents, and we are committed to praying for them. Please pray that the Lord would continue to use the school as a ministry that would not simply develop students academically, but develop them spiritually in an environment that seeks to set Christ at the center.
In our last newsletter, we mentioned the committee's efforts to update the school's website. This update is aimed at making sure that our values are effectively conveyed to both prospective and current parents and students. We're thrilled to announce that the new website is now live – please take a look at it by visiting www.midwayschool.org. We are grateful for the school’s staff, students, and their parents, and we are committed to praying for them. Please pray that the Lord would continue to use the school as a ministry that would not simply develop students academically, but develop them spiritually in an environment that seeks to set Christ at the center.
Risk Management Committee (Matt Buehler)
This summer we moved the insurance coverage of the church and school to Brotherhood Mutual, while also enhancing and adding several coverages. This netted over $10,000 of realized savings. We are also currently working on an electronic logging system to ensure better accountability on how our buses are used. We should have more details about this by the next newsletter. We have also been able to recruit more members onto the security team and conducted further training for all those serving on the security detail. We are thankful to have men willing to serve and for the ability to train for a variety of rare events. Please continue to pray for the Church’s protection and as the world outside continues to become more hostile and unpredictable.
This summer we moved the insurance coverage of the church and school to Brotherhood Mutual, while also enhancing and adding several coverages. This netted over $10,000 of realized savings. We are also currently working on an electronic logging system to ensure better accountability on how our buses are used. We should have more details about this by the next newsletter. We have also been able to recruit more members onto the security team and conducted further training for all those serving on the security detail. We are thankful to have men willing to serve and for the ability to train for a variety of rare events. Please continue to pray for the Church’s protection and as the world outside continues to become more hostile and unpredictable.
Conclusion
As your deacons, it is our delight and joy to serve you in Christ. If you need help or would like to volunteer in some way to serve our church family, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the diaconate committee chairs listed below.
As your deacons, it is our delight and joy to serve you in Christ. If you need help or would like to volunteer in some way to serve our church family, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the diaconate committee chairs listed below.
In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Posted in Diaconate
Posted in Mercy, MCCS, Building and Grounds, Diaconate Committee Chairs, Risk Management
Posted in Mercy, MCCS, Building and Grounds, Diaconate Committee Chairs, Risk Management
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