Since designating December "Ukraine Awareness Month", we have two encouraging developments to share:

• GIVING—The Refugee Ministry Subcommittee approved sending a significant gift to MTW to be used for winter preparation and to support ministry to those suffering from the war in Ukraine through the winter months. 

• DOING—We are thankful to encourage participation in a second “Crates for Ukraine” effort that is just now beginning and we would love to see as many OPC churches participate as possible. It entails buying crates, items to fill the crates and driving them to Dallas, TX or Chattanooga, TN (or a drop-off location.) There are stipends available for churches that want to participate but need help with the funds to do it. Interested in participating? Hit reply to this email, and we'll seek to answer any questions you might have. 

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.

We began the program during COVID, when interpersonal communication was limited. Since COVID regulations are all but a memory, we thought we should see who is interested in continuing the Deacon Check-In. If this is something you enjoyed, or  think it sounds right for you, please let us know you are interested. We are happy to continue this program, and believe it is a worthwhile way for deacons to connect, but don't want to add another engagement to any burdens you already have. 

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
and invite them to sign up!