Deacons’ Newsletter | Q2-2025
Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate
Author: Midway Diaconate
Welcome to the second edition of "Sharing with the Saints" in 2025. As we look back on the second quarter of the year, it is our joy to share the meaningful ways our church has been served and has grown through faithful stewardship. May these updates uplift your spirit and remind you of God’s unwavering grace in our community.
Devotional
Text(s): Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Before we recap the 2nd quarter events and updates at Midway Presbyterian Church, we want to look back at a particular sermon given by Dr. Hall on May 18th, “Salt and Light—Not Honey and Shade,” where we dove into Matthew 5:13-16 during Dr. Hall’s series over the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon being referenced in this devotional can be found here.
In a brief review of this sharp application of the believer’s role IN the world, we want to focus particularly on the duty of salt as prescribed by our Lord. Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Dr. Hall examines in his sermon what that means. Before we review this, though, we are reminded that in Jesus’ call for us to be salt & light, we must understand that the world is in a bad state. A dish needing no amendments is a good dish; salt is not then needed. A room needing no light must be already well lit. Jesus is telling his disciples that the world is not already perfect and holy, but that it is in need of these distinctive amendments: salt & light.
In regard to salt, we see two functions of salt: preserving and seasoning. As a preserving agent, we are “to arrest decay and combat deterioration.” Salt is commonly used as a way to preserve the meat of a dead body for food; therefore, in a sense, bringing life to something without life. In light of this view of the Christian in the world, Dr. Hall puts it in this context: “You are the new soul and new principle of life in a decaying world.”
As a seasoning, salt enhances taste. It makes the bland flavorful. For Christians, “amidst a society of decay, we are to have a characteristic flavoring ministry.” Salt does not sit on top of the food but is mixed INTO the food in order to have its intended effect. We will not accomplish the Great Commission if we isolate ourselves from the world; thus, we are to go out into the world “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:20a). Furthermore, as salt blends into the world, it also causes pain in wounds. We know and are prepped all throughout Scripture that the message we proclaim will be rejected and cause a stinging pain to those who are perishing. Dr. Hall reminds us that “we are not the honey of the world,” and that “the unadulterated message of God is a biting thing.”
Lastly, if salt does function as intended, if it is not absorbed by its surroundings, it is useless, “thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” The saltiness cannot be restored. The Christian must retain his Christlikeness. If not, we are warned that instead of preserving and enhancing the world, we might as well be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Let this message stir us up to draw near to Christ and be a bold and powerful witness of His in a dark and bland world, so desperately in need of the salt of God’s Word.
Devotional
Text(s): Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Before we recap the 2nd quarter events and updates at Midway Presbyterian Church, we want to look back at a particular sermon given by Dr. Hall on May 18th, “Salt and Light—Not Honey and Shade,” where we dove into Matthew 5:13-16 during Dr. Hall’s series over the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon being referenced in this devotional can be found here.
In a brief review of this sharp application of the believer’s role IN the world, we want to focus particularly on the duty of salt as prescribed by our Lord. Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Dr. Hall examines in his sermon what that means. Before we review this, though, we are reminded that in Jesus’ call for us to be salt & light, we must understand that the world is in a bad state. A dish needing no amendments is a good dish; salt is not then needed. A room needing no light must be already well lit. Jesus is telling his disciples that the world is not already perfect and holy, but that it is in need of these distinctive amendments: salt & light.
In regard to salt, we see two functions of salt: preserving and seasoning. As a preserving agent, we are “to arrest decay and combat deterioration.” Salt is commonly used as a way to preserve the meat of a dead body for food; therefore, in a sense, bringing life to something without life. In light of this view of the Christian in the world, Dr. Hall puts it in this context: “You are the new soul and new principle of life in a decaying world.”
As a seasoning, salt enhances taste. It makes the bland flavorful. For Christians, “amidst a society of decay, we are to have a characteristic flavoring ministry.” Salt does not sit on top of the food but is mixed INTO the food in order to have its intended effect. We will not accomplish the Great Commission if we isolate ourselves from the world; thus, we are to go out into the world “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:20a). Furthermore, as salt blends into the world, it also causes pain in wounds. We know and are prepped all throughout Scripture that the message we proclaim will be rejected and cause a stinging pain to those who are perishing. Dr. Hall reminds us that “we are not the honey of the world,” and that “the unadulterated message of God is a biting thing.”
Lastly, if salt does function as intended, if it is not absorbed by its surroundings, it is useless, “thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” The saltiness cannot be restored. The Christian must retain his Christlikeness. If not, we are warned that instead of preserving and enhancing the world, we might as well be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Let this message stir us up to draw near to Christ and be a bold and powerful witness of His in a dark and bland world, so desperately in need of the salt of God’s Word.
Mercy Ministry Update (Sammy Mitchell)
In the second quarter of 2025, Mercy Ministries received 18 assistance requests. Of these, we were able to support 6 cases (33%), while 12 requests (67%) were unassisted due to factors such as prior recent support, location outside our coverage area, lack of response, or limited available funding.
Although not every need could be met, Mercy Ministries continues to serve our congregation and community prayerfully. We remain committed to offering both practical help and the encouragement of Christ’s love wherever possible.
In the second quarter of 2025, Mercy Ministries received 18 assistance requests. Of these, we were able to support 6 cases (33%), while 12 requests (67%) were unassisted due to factors such as prior recent support, location outside our coverage area, lack of response, or limited available funding.
- April brought 8 requests. We assisted 3, while 5 were unassisted—each either outside our service area or already helped in recent months.
- May also saw 8 requests. We provided support for 3 cases. Of the remaining 5, two could not be assisted, one individual did not respond after showing initial interest, and two are still pending resolution.
- June was quieter, with 2 requests. Unfortunately, we were unable to assist either due to a lack of available funding at the time.
Although not every need could be met, Mercy Ministries continues to serve our congregation and community prayerfully. We remain committed to offering both practical help and the encouragement of Christ’s love wherever possible.
How Can You Help?
You can ensure that even more needs are met in 2025 by donating to the Deacon Mercy Fund. Donations can be made via the Onrealm Giving app or by specifying "Deacon Mercy Fund" on your giving envelope. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of those in need within our church and community. Thank you for your continued support!
You can ensure that even more needs are met in 2025 by donating to the Deacon Mercy Fund. Donations can be made via the Onrealm Giving app or by specifying "Deacon Mercy Fund" on your giving envelope. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of those in need within our church and community. Thank you for your continued support!
Service Projects Update – (Diaconate & Congregant Partnership)
Service Projects are supported by helping hands from across our church family, not just the Diaconate. Whether you’re handy with tools, strong enough to move furniture, or simply willing to lend your time, we’d love to have you involved. To join Service Projects and be notified of upcoming opportunities, please email serviceprojects@midwaypca.org.This quarter, our deacons and volunteers were blessed with several opportunities to serve members of our church family and community:
We are grateful for all who served with cheerful hearts and willing hands to meet these needs!
Service Projects are supported by helping hands from across our church family, not just the Diaconate. Whether you’re handy with tools, strong enough to move furniture, or simply willing to lend your time, we’d love to have you involved. To join Service Projects and be notified of upcoming opportunities, please email serviceprojects@midwaypca.org.This quarter, our deacons and volunteers were blessed with several opportunities to serve members of our church family and community:
- Landscaping at Midway (May 24): Angel Tango, Kim Washington, Ed Buehler, Justin Giannace, Wiley Pritchett, Tom & Tommy Biondolillo, and Matt Buehler worked together to weed, prune, and plan future work on partially dead dogwoods and azaleas near Midway Road.
- Assisting the Elder Family (May 24): Sammy Mitchell, Kyle Lipstreu, Evanda Remington & Son, and Tom & Tommy Biondolillo helped clean a roof and gutters, clear downspouts, and remove ivy at the home of Beth Elder’s brother and sister-in-law as Beth provides full-time care during her sister-in-law’s battle with cancer.
- Tree Work at the Cooper's (May 31): Evanda Remington & Sons, Jake Chandler, Jack Pursley, and Kyle Lipstreu helped remove damaged trees to ensure safety for the Cooper family. See images below.
- Church Picnic (June 28): The deacons assisted with the setup and tear-down, making the day a joyful and well-organized time of fellowship. See images below.
We are grateful for all who served with cheerful hearts and willing hands to meet these needs!
Tree Work at the Cooper's
Church Picnic
Building and Grounds Committee Update (Joe Hash)
The Buildings & Grounds Committee remains committed to maintaining the safety, functionality, and beauty of our church campus. Through both major repairs and seasonal improvements, we are grateful for the faithful stewardship of those who serve in this ministry. If you notice anything on campus that needs attention, please contact a deacon so we can address it promptly.
Here are a few key updates from this past quarter:
Thank you to Dan and Kyle, and all who have contributed their time and expertise to keep our campus safe and welcoming!
The Buildings & Grounds Committee remains committed to maintaining the safety, functionality, and beauty of our church campus. Through both major repairs and seasonal improvements, we are grateful for the faithful stewardship of those who serve in this ministry. If you notice anything on campus that needs attention, please contact a deacon so we can address it promptly.
Here are a few key updates from this past quarter:
- Repairs and Maintenance:
- Completed sprinkler and backflow inspections.
- Repaired pressure washer, hose bib, bathroom stall lock, countertop edging, pavilion railing, and various plumbing issues.
- Replaced fire extinguishers and re-established proper placement in the kitchen.
- Treated fire ants and completed general grounds cleanup.
- Located and repaired a hallway leak near the sanctuary.
- HVAC and Electrical:
- Completed annual HVAC maintenance; replaced the compressor in the pastor’s office and ordered a new school unit compressor.
- Addressed lighting issues across the school side and sanctuary panel.
- Roof and Exterior:
- Coordinated with the roofing contractor regarding steeple shingles and explored using a boom lift to combine repairs with pressure washing.
- Cleared canopy areas and roof drains of debris for proper water flow.
- Additional Facility Improvements:
- Installed cutouts for nursery chair safety.
- Completed flush installation of sign rebar.
- Organized pavilion maintenance and trash removal.
- Prepared a fencing plan for the school playground for improved safety.
- Pressure-washed the picnic tables and replaced the ceiling fans before the churchwide picnic, please see image below.
Thank you to Dan and Kyle, and all who have contributed their time and expertise to keep our campus safe and welcoming!
Risk Management Committee Update (Charles Hagan)
Each Sunday, we keep two able-bodied men from our congregation on duty during both the morning and evening services to watch over the premises. Their role is to ensure the safety of our grounds, nursery, vehicles, and all who gather for worship.
If you ever notice suspicious behavior, please alert a deacon or usher immediately so we can respond appropriately. While we are grateful to live in a relatively safe community, we believe it is wise to take every precaution to protect our church family.
We are also seeking to expand our security rotation so that volunteers can serve less frequently. If you are interested in helping with this important ministry, please contact Charles Hagan (achagan88@outlook.com) for more information.
Each Sunday, we keep two able-bodied men from our congregation on duty during both the morning and evening services to watch over the premises. Their role is to ensure the safety of our grounds, nursery, vehicles, and all who gather for worship.
If you ever notice suspicious behavior, please alert a deacon or usher immediately so we can respond appropriately. While we are grateful to live in a relatively safe community, we believe it is wise to take every precaution to protect our church family.
We are also seeking to expand our security rotation so that volunteers can serve less frequently. If you are interested in helping with this important ministry, please contact Charles Hagan (achagan88@outlook.com) for more information.
Conclusion
As your deacons, it is our delight and joy to serve you in Christ. If you need help or would like to volunteer in some way to serve our church family, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the current diaconate committee chairs listed below.
As your deacons, it is our delight and joy to serve you in Christ. If you need help or would like to volunteer in some way to serve our church family, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the current diaconate committee chairs listed below.
In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
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