Congregational Care Deacon BoardAssists the Pastors and Director of Congregational Care in providing care to BPC members and their families and to minister to the surrounding community through selected events and programs. The ministries are designed to support and nurture by witnessing to Christ’s healing love through service and prayer.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Garbesi, Director Congregational Care mgarbesi@bpcusa.org.
Rev. Lora East, Associate Pastor least@bpcusa.org
SUNDAY PRAYER STATION
Every Sunday, our BPC Deacons will be available to pray with you following each worship service. A Deacon will be standing at the front of the Sanctuary on the right-hand side in a specially prepared place. Please don’t hesitate to come forward and receive the gift of prayer. Support through prayer can be a powerful experience. And, please know that we take confidentiality very seriously.
OUR MINISTRIES
ANGELS ON WHEELS MINISTRY
DEACON: KATHY HARLAN
This ministry has a team of volunteers, coordinated by the Deacon, who may be available to pick up groceries and prescriptions for those in the BPC family who are ill, shut-in, elderly or disabled. They may offer rides to church and to doctor’s appointments as needed.
CHAIN OF PRAYER MINISTRY
MARY GARBESI, Congregational Care Director
Offers a praying presence for the BPC church family and community. Prayer requests can be made through this website https://www.bpcusa.org/ and also by contacting the Church office, Director of Congregational Care or a Pastor.
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
DEACON: RUTHIE JONES
The Deacon oversees publicity about and promotion of Congregational Care and Deacon Board Ministries to the Brentwood Presbyterian Church congregation.
CORRESPONDENCE MINISTRY
DEACON: BILL ALLEN
This ministry, with its team of writers and coordinated by the Deacon provides notes of encouragement, condolence, and congratulations to members, along with birthday greetings to those 80 years and older.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
& RESPONSE MINISTRY
DEACON: MONICA CHARPIE
The Deacon is the liaison between BPC’s emergency response plan and the Deacon Board, Red Cross and congregation, planning and organizing blood drives and trainings.
FAMILIES WITH NEW BABIES & MEMORIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
DEACON: MAUREEN MARSOLAN
The Deacon provides a loving, supportive presence and maintains a contact with the family before and after the birth and remains in contact during the first year after the birth.
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Meanwhile, the Deacon for the Memorial Service Ministry attends each service and reception and helps with on-site coordination, ensuring that all necessary items are present and the worship space is properly set up for service.
FLOWER MINISTRY
DEACON: LAURA CIARAMELLA
The Deacon handles the flower needs of the Deacon Board including the yearly sing-up process recruiting sponsors who provide the weekly flower arrangements for Sunday worship services. He/she sends out reminders each month to those who have signed up.
HOME COMMUNION MINISTRY
DEACON: SONIA ROSARIO
The Deacon, in consultation with the Associate Pastor, oversees and facilitates the process of offering communion to those who are unable to attend worship.
LOVING MEALS MINISTRY
DEACON: NATHAN (NADER) KARIMI
The Ministry is composed of a team of volunteers and coordinated by the Deacon providing meals to BPC members who are ill or recuperating at home after hospitalization, are elderly/shut in, have suffered a death in the family or are celebrating the birth of a new baby.
NEW MEMBERS MINISTRY
DEACON: KEITH HILL
The Deacon is the liaison between Congregational Care Deacon Board and new members class, working with the Welcome and Connecting Ministry and following through with those who join BPC.
WORSHIP LIAISON
& AT-LARGE MINISTRY
DEACON: BRENDAN LYNCH
As worship liaison, the Deacon, in consultation with the Deacon to Communications, the Associate Pastor and the Director of Congregational Care, facilitates the publicity of the Congregational Care Deacon Board in worship services. Serving at-large, the Deacon is in a supportive role with other Deacon Board ministries as needed.