No images? Click here Vol. 10: No. 13 Promising Developments in Ukraine Since designating December "Ukraine Awareness Month", we have two encouraging developments to share:
Heero Video You've probably heard about the "Heero Video" already, at least we hope you have, but in case you haven't, we'd like to take a minute to encourage you to watch it. There's nothing for you to do other than sit back for 16 minutes and take it in. Watch as Heero talks about the thousands of people coming into contact with the church community as war causes them to relocate, find help, and search for answers to life's most important questions. This is OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord's world and ministry right now in Ukraine. Learn more about it by watching, like thousands of others already have. Are You Listening? by Trish Duggan, Producer of The Reformed Deacon It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since the Committee on Diaconal Ministries started producing a podcast for deacons called, The Reformed Deacon. I really hope you’ve come to look forward to its release each first of the month. I have the privilege of being the podcast’s producer, (as well as an OPC deacon’s wife) and it’s amazing for me to hear the breadth of wisdom within our denomination. We’ve got some incredible guys serving as the hands and feet of Christ, and I hope that is well represented in the podcast. by Allison Hill, Administrative Assistant for theOPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries It’s been said, “People won’t share their struggles with those who can’t remember their name.” In other words, if you want to serve someone, getting to know them is the best way to do so most effectively. Deacons Tim Lee and Jonah Lay are very sensitive to this fact and make every effort to work it out in their ministry as deacons of Sovereign Grace OPC in Redlands, California. When asked how they, as a diaconate, determine how to minister to families and individuals in their church, Tim’s simple answer was, “We understand the needs of the congregation by spending time touching base with members and visitors before or after worship each Lord’s Day." Deacon Check-In Our normal practice at this time of the year is to ask for new participants for the next "Deacon Check-In". But before we do that, we'd like to get an idea of who is interested in this program. In case you don't know about the Deacon Check-In, it is designed to offer an OPC deacon to be paired with another OPC deacon for a time of one-on-one encouragement and prayer. Do you check the OPC Disaster Response current opportunities? As a deacon, sharing this information with your church is a wonderful way for you to encourage your congregation to be the hands and feet of Christ. One of the disaster response's open opportunities is to help the community in Neon, Kentucky. Although the effort has paused for winter, Lord willing, it will resume in March of 2023. Scheduling has already begun and it's not too early to contact Jane to reserve your church group's spot or ask questions: kentuckyvolunteers@opc.org. Find out more at OPCDisasterResponse.org. Check the site often for updates. If you know of any deacons who are not receiving the Mercy Minute, send them this link Editor: David P. Nakhla
Trish Duggan, Communications Coordinator, CDM Allison Hill, Administrative Assistant, CDM The Mercy Minute, a quarterly newsletter of the Committee on Diaconal Ministries, is intended to keep OPC deacons informed and encouraged in their labors. It may include opportunities for networking or training, describe the work that a local diaconate or presbytery diaconal committee is engaged in, or bring attention to a need in the OPC. |