January 3rd is my father’s birthday! Although it seems I see him every morning
when I look into the mirror to shave, the reality is we seem to get together all too
infrequently. Mom and Dad live in Granbury, where he serves as a deacon at
the Lakeside Baptist Church. Perhaps it is because of my dad that I have such
appreciation for those who serve as Baptist deacons. On several occasions, his
pastor has introduced me to other pastors by saying, “Let me tell you how
Jerry’s dad has helped me through the years!” In my ministry, deacons have
often been my closest friends and trusted co-laborers.

You’ll notice our deacons serving the Lord’s Supper next Sunday morning.
Although that may be their most visible role, it is only one of many avenues of
service their ministry takes. They visit guests on Sundays, take the Lord’s
Supper to those unable to attend, care for our Homecare families, shepherd
blocks in our immediate neighborhood, minister to our widows and widowers—
and that’s not all!

During the Business Meeting on January 17th the Deacon Emeritus Nominating
Committee will recommend that Coach Roy Stone be designated as Deacon
Emeritus. The Deacon Nominating Committee will be recommending that we
elect the following to serve as new members of the Deacon Council: Stephen
Burks, Kris Kelly, John Ownby, Larry Page, David Tecuatl, and Carl Weaver. In
addition, these deacons (who have rotated from the Deacon Council for a period
of a least one year) are automatically eligible for recommendation to the church
for election to the Deacon Council: Frank Brown, Elmer Diggs, Jerry Durham,
Carl Elliott, Albert Fuller, Mike Madon, Jim Massey, Louis Revor, Fred Sieboldt,
and Rick Wright.

A service of ordination will be held on January 31st at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary
for those who are elected but have not been previously ordained as deacons.
Church family, thank you for electing deacons to assist in pastoral ministry.
Spiritual and emotional maturity demonstrated through active support and
consistent commitment are the key qualifications. In the words of Jesus, “For
even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life
as a ransom for many.”

I’m proud to be your pastor,

Jerry