“Deacons, likewise, are to be men and women worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in wine, and not pursuing dishonest gains. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. (1 Timothy 3:8-10)
The office of deacons as set forth in scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session.” (Book of Order G-6.0400 excerpts)
Contacting the Deacons
For general questions, complete the contact form here.
For prayer requests, email your request to prayerdeacon@ljpres.org or complete the form here.
Deacon Ministries:
Birthdays
The mission/objective of the birthdays ministries is to celebrate the 90th and 100th birthdays of members of La Jolla Presbyterian Church. For more information please contact Burry Vincent.
Blood Drive
The blood drive ministry is in charge of organizing and hosting five blood drives each year at La Jolla Presbyterian Church. For more information please contact Steve Eskeland Lyn Gordon, Pam Johanson, and Tim Norris.
Communion
It is the privilege and responsibility of every member of the board of deacons to share in the preparation of the Sacrament of Communion. The deacons are responsible for providing the elements. It is the role of the Pastor and the Elders to bless and serve communion. The preparation of the elements is a wonderful time for fellowship and for focusing on the meaning of the Communion with our Lord. For more information, please contact, Don & Sue Nicholas and Terry Senty
Doorstep
The Doorstep Ministry is a means of offering tangible help and sustenance to needy people who show up on the doorstep of LJPC. The deacons put together a bag of food items, typically enough for one meal and a snack which is then distributed by the LJPC office staff. For more information please contact Jeanne Beckman, Carol Lattimer Polly Grooms and Debby Picciolo.
Flowers
The flowers ministry buys vases so that the flowers from Sunday services can be divided between the deacons to take on their visitations. This is done after the 11:00 service unless the donor or Church needs to use the bouquet. This saves the deacons from buying flowers and also makes use of the beautiful arrangements from the services. For more information please contact the Deacons.
Memorial Services
The deacons of La Jolla Presbyterian Church assist families by offering a reception for the family and friends following a memorial service for a loved one. The Memorial Committee of the deacons are responsible for hosting and serving the reception based on the catering service requested by the family. For more information please contact Tanya Chen, Suzanne Hennell, Anne Holst, Joy Leinow, Debby Piciolo and Linda Saveland, Sally Winston
Sharing your burden
Visitation
The deacons offer visitation services to members of the community that are in need of it. We offer warmth, friendship and understanding to make life more meaningful. We can make known available community services where needed. We encourage those who are discouraged, lonely or hurting, to appreciate their self-worth and dignity. Caring may help them find a way to continue to make their own contributions to society. People who live alone in their own homes, in residential/care homes or in nursing homes need more warmth from a friend. They need someone who will take an interest in them. The deacons endeavor to fulfill this role. For more information or to request visitations, please contact Lucy Eskeland.