The Diaconate
Clark Gibson
Twenty-four men had the privilege of serving the Lord’s congregation at I.P.C and the local community
in 2017.
Deacons serve the church through the following standing and ad hoc committees. Each deacon serves on
a committee.
The Worship Assistance Committee, chaired by Jody Robinson, shepherded the ushering schedule for
2017. The entire Diaconate along with men from the congregation, with Session approval, supported this
crucial committee through ushering and security services during the weekly Worship services. Twelve
men are required for Sunday mornings to usher, collect offering, and count it. Likewise, three men are
needed for Sunday evenings. Four additional men are required on Communion Sundays for setup/cleanup
of the Communion elements, and all available ushers/deacons put away tables and benches after AM
services. In addition, deacons support ushering needs for all the special services such as the Missions
Conference, Communion Season, Lessons and Carols, and funerals. The committee also replaced the
sound board at Point Pleasant this year to improve the sound quality.
The Mercy Committee, chaired by Neal Cope, ministered resources to those in need, both in the
congregation and the local community. Through Neal’s leadership, this vital committee expressed God’s
love and care for His people during trying circumstances such as Hurricane Irma.
The Hospitality Committee, chaired by Wilbur Wiggins, encourages the officers and congregation to
warmly welcome visitors, follow up with them, and encourage visitors to become members. The
committee also works with the kitchen staff to see that meals and cleanup proceed smoothly. All of the
deacons assist at the large annual events, such as the Point Pleasant BBQ, Low Country Boil, and the
Lessons and Carols Service.
The Stewardship committee, chaired by Kenneth Crowe, works to encourage material giving within the
congregation, and to lead members in wise and generous stewardship of their time and talents.
The Maintenance Committee, chaired by Clay Nolen, is supported by many deacons. Of particular note
were Breck Van Puffelen and Clark Rookstool. Maintaining the historic buildings of I.P.C.’s downtown
campus, along with the Point Pleasant property on Talahi Island, is a continuous effort, where wood,
masonry, and steel structures in the southern coastal environment require constant attention and
significant resources. Painting, debris clean up, grounds maintenance, air-conditioning maintenance,
cleaning, etc., are never-ending tasks. The Diaconate supports the Director of Administration, Josh
Espinosa, and sexton, Josh Corbitt, with contractor selection, obtaining bids, scheduling, oversight, and in
some cases, performance of the tasks. Examples of projects the maintenance committee executed this
year were the fence at Point Pleasant, a work day on the pews and vents in the sanctuary, cleanup days at
Point Pleasant, repairs to the pumps and insulation on the chiller.
Ad Hoc Security Committee was chaired by Rob Kelly. Church security is becoming increasingly
important in today’s world. The committee reached out to other churches and law enforcement to
develop a plan for our congregation. You may have noticed the policeman on the grounds at all services
now. This is one of the changes recommended by the committee and approved by the Session. A safety
team is also being formed to improve monitoring of the grounds and nursery during the services.
In order to improve communications and continuity of Deacon officers, the terms of the new chairman
and vice chairman were extended from the current one-year term to a two-year term.
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