Deacons’ Newsletter | Q2-2026
Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate
Author: Midway Diaconate
Welcome to the second edition of Sharing with the Saints in 2026. During the second quarter, the Lord provided many opportunities for the Diaconate and members of the congregation to care for those in need, maintain the church property, strengthen campus safety, and prepare for the months ahead.
Much of this service happens quietly and behind the scenes. We hope these updates will encourage you and remind you that even ordinary acts of service can be used by the Lord for the good of His Church.
Devotional
Author: Charles Hagan
Topic: Grace at Work in a Family
I was raised in a home that, from the outside, appeared unmistakably Christian. My parents took me to church nearly every Sunday. The pews were often full, and our family participated in the rhythms of church life. As a child, I assumed that meant everything was as it should be.
Yet, like every family, ours was marked by the effects of sin. My parents loved us and desired to hold their family together, but they were also sinners who were still learning how to extend grace to one another. Throughout much of my childhood, they argued frequently and sometimes harshly. I remember sitting at the top of the stairs, hearing words that children were never intended to carry. Those moments left me uncertain about the unity and security I hoped existed between my father and mother.
Looking back now, I can see more than I could as a child. I experienced the pain and confusion of their conflict, but I can also recognize that my parents were struggling to preserve their marriage with the understanding and maturity they possessed at the time. They were shaped, as we all are, by the families, wounds, fears, and examples they had inherited. They needed the same grace, wisdom, repentance, and sanctification that every Christian family needs.
In the eighth grade, my best friend asked me whether I was saved. I responded, “Saved from what?” Although I had spent much of my life inside a church building, I did not yet understand the good news of Jesus Christ. I did not understand clearly that I was a sinner in need of a Savior, or that Christ calls us to repent, believe, take up our cross, and follow Him.
The Lord was gracious to me. Through my friend Michael and his father, George, I heard the gospel explained in a way I could understand. God used their faithful witness to show me that Christianity was not merely attending church or appearing respectable. It was trusting in Christ alone for salvation and receiving a new life shaped by His grace.
As I have grown older, I have also become more aware of the grace God has shown to my parents. Their story did not end with the struggles I witnessed as a child. They have now been married for more than forty-five years. For many years, their love for the Lord has been evident, and worship has become the high point of their week. I am thankful for the witness they now provide to their children and grandchildren.
Their marriage reminds me that God’s grace does not merely forgive us; it changes us. Sanctification is often slow, sometimes painful, and rarely as neat as we would like. Yet the Lord remains faithful. He matures His people, restores what sin has damaged, and brings fruit where there was once struggle.
As a father of three children, I am reminded that the way I treat my wife is itself a witness. Our children learn something about love, covenant, forgiveness, and faithfulness by watching us. My wife and I will not always agree, and we will not always respond perfectly. We, too, are sinners who need grace. But by God’s help, we desire to disagree with respect, repent when we have sinned, forgive freely, and demonstrate that Christian marriage is sustained not by human perfection but by the steadfast love of God.
The clearest picture of that love is found in Jesus Christ. God the Father gave His Son so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Christ laid down His life for sinners. There is no greater love than this.
May that self-sacrificing love increasingly shape our marriages, our families, and our life together as a church. May we deny ourselves for the good of others. May we love one another with brotherly affection and seek to outdo one another in showing honor.
The Diaconate of Midway Presbyterian Church asks you to pray for the peace and purity of our church. May the Lord grant us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And may He continue His gracious work in us, our families, and the generations that follow.
Much of this service happens quietly and behind the scenes. We hope these updates will encourage you and remind you that even ordinary acts of service can be used by the Lord for the good of His Church.
Devotional
Author: Charles Hagan
Topic: Grace at Work in a Family
I was raised in a home that, from the outside, appeared unmistakably Christian. My parents took me to church nearly every Sunday. The pews were often full, and our family participated in the rhythms of church life. As a child, I assumed that meant everything was as it should be.
Yet, like every family, ours was marked by the effects of sin. My parents loved us and desired to hold their family together, but they were also sinners who were still learning how to extend grace to one another. Throughout much of my childhood, they argued frequently and sometimes harshly. I remember sitting at the top of the stairs, hearing words that children were never intended to carry. Those moments left me uncertain about the unity and security I hoped existed between my father and mother.
Looking back now, I can see more than I could as a child. I experienced the pain and confusion of their conflict, but I can also recognize that my parents were struggling to preserve their marriage with the understanding and maturity they possessed at the time. They were shaped, as we all are, by the families, wounds, fears, and examples they had inherited. They needed the same grace, wisdom, repentance, and sanctification that every Christian family needs.
In the eighth grade, my best friend asked me whether I was saved. I responded, “Saved from what?” Although I had spent much of my life inside a church building, I did not yet understand the good news of Jesus Christ. I did not understand clearly that I was a sinner in need of a Savior, or that Christ calls us to repent, believe, take up our cross, and follow Him.
The Lord was gracious to me. Through my friend Michael and his father, George, I heard the gospel explained in a way I could understand. God used their faithful witness to show me that Christianity was not merely attending church or appearing respectable. It was trusting in Christ alone for salvation and receiving a new life shaped by His grace.
As I have grown older, I have also become more aware of the grace God has shown to my parents. Their story did not end with the struggles I witnessed as a child. They have now been married for more than forty-five years. For many years, their love for the Lord has been evident, and worship has become the high point of their week. I am thankful for the witness they now provide to their children and grandchildren.
Their marriage reminds me that God’s grace does not merely forgive us; it changes us. Sanctification is often slow, sometimes painful, and rarely as neat as we would like. Yet the Lord remains faithful. He matures His people, restores what sin has damaged, and brings fruit where there was once struggle.
As a father of three children, I am reminded that the way I treat my wife is itself a witness. Our children learn something about love, covenant, forgiveness, and faithfulness by watching us. My wife and I will not always agree, and we will not always respond perfectly. We, too, are sinners who need grace. But by God’s help, we desire to disagree with respect, repent when we have sinned, forgive freely, and demonstrate that Christian marriage is sustained not by human perfection but by the steadfast love of God.
The clearest picture of that love is found in Jesus Christ. God the Father gave His Son so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Christ laid down His life for sinners. There is no greater love than this.
May that self-sacrificing love increasingly shape our marriages, our families, and our life together as a church. May we deny ourselves for the good of others. May we love one another with brotherly affection and seek to outdo one another in showing honor.
The Diaconate of Midway Presbyterian Church asks you to pray for the peace and purity of our church. May the Lord grant us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And may He continue His gracious work in us, our families, and the generations that follow.
Mercy Ministry (Sammy Mitchell)
The Lord continued to bring opportunities before the Mercy Committee to serve individuals and families with compassion, prayer, and careful discernment.
During the second quarter, the committee received 13 requests for assistance:
Across the quarter, the committee assisted in six cases, declined five requests, and recorded two no-shows. Each request involved more than a financial decision. Committee members sought to listen carefully, understand the circumstances, offer counsel where appropriate, and steward the resources entrusted to the church wisely. The Diaconate also continued to use Kroger gift cards to help meet practical needs and made plans to replenish the available supply.
The Lord continued to bring opportunities before the Mercy Committee to serve individuals and families with compassion, prayer, and careful discernment.
During the second quarter, the committee received 13 requests for assistance:
- April: Four requests were received. Three individuals or families were assisted, and one applicant did not attend the scheduled appointment.
- May: Four requests were received. Three requests were declined, and one applicant did not attend the scheduled appointment.
- June: Five requests were received. Three individuals or families were assisted, and two requests were declined.
Across the quarter, the committee assisted in six cases, declined five requests, and recorded two no-shows. Each request involved more than a financial decision. Committee members sought to listen carefully, understand the circumstances, offer counsel where appropriate, and steward the resources entrusted to the church wisely. The Diaconate also continued to use Kroger gift cards to help meet practical needs and made plans to replenish the available supply.
How Can You Help?
Please pray for wisdom, compassion, and discernment for those who meet with individuals seeking assistance. We also invite you to prayerfully consider supporting the Deacon Mercy Fund. Donations can be made through the OnRealm Giving app or by specifying “Deacon Mercy Fund” on your giving envelope.
Please pray for wisdom, compassion, and discernment for those who meet with individuals seeking assistance. We also invite you to prayerfully consider supporting the Deacon Mercy Fund. Donations can be made through the OnRealm Giving app or by specifying “Deacon Mercy Fund” on your giving envelope.
Building and Grounds Committee Update (Joe Hash)
The care of a church campus often involves hundreds of small tasks that most people never see. Throughout the quarter, the Buildings and Grounds team addressed repairs, preventive maintenance, cleaning, inspections, event preparation, and several larger concerns related to the church’s aging infrastructure.
Preparing and Caring for the Campus
Before Easter, the team completed pressure washing and cleaning around the property. They also prepared the building for Dr. Hall’s retirement celebration and supported the setup and takedown required for Mother’s Day, graduation activities, and other church and school events.
Additional work included:
The team also continued developing a central list of maintenance contacts, recurring responsibilities, supply locations, and instructions for common church events. This work will make it easier for others to assist and will help preserve important institutional knowledge during future transitions.
The care of a church campus often involves hundreds of small tasks that most people never see. Throughout the quarter, the Buildings and Grounds team addressed repairs, preventive maintenance, cleaning, inspections, event preparation, and several larger concerns related to the church’s aging infrastructure.
Preparing and Caring for the Campus
Before Easter, the team completed pressure washing and cleaning around the property. They also prepared the building for Dr. Hall’s retirement celebration and supported the setup and takedown required for Mother’s Day, graduation activities, and other church and school events.
Additional work included:
- Cleaning and polishing restroom and entryway floors.
- Cleaning mats and entrance areas.
- Replacing more than 70 light bulbs.
- Repairing the main oven.
- Fixing a parking-lot pothole.
- Repairing multiple toilets and restroom fixtures.
- Cleaning Fellowship Hall gutters to prevent additional water damage.
- Repairing air conditioning in the pastors’ offices.
- Removing a damaged water fountain.
- Reorganizing closets and storage areas.
- Filling gaps in the 2009 sanctuary tile grout.
- Repairing bathrooms near the choir and elementary school areas.
- Creating a protective box for the youth room projector equipment.
- Addressing a minor gym leak.
- Updating vacuuming and cleaning equipment.
The team also continued developing a central list of maintenance contacts, recurring responsibilities, supply locations, and instructions for common church events. This work will make it easier for others to assist and will help preserve important institutional knowledge during future transitions.
Risk Management Committee Update (Charles Hagan)
The Risk Management Committee continued working to provide a safe and welcoming environment for worship, education, and fellowship.
Several members of the Safety Team completed AED and first-aid certification during the quarter. An AED was also made available near the nursery, and replacement components were ordered as existing equipment approached expiration.
Midway’s insurance renewal and workers’ compensation audit also received attention during the quarter. Insurance costs are expected to increase over the coming years, and those changes will need to be incorporated into future budget planning.
Help Us Keep Midway Safe
Our Safety Team serves during Sunday worship by monitoring entrances, nursery areas, vehicles, and general activity around the campus. We are grateful for the volunteers who serve faithfully in this role and welcome additional members who can help strengthen the rotation.
Please notify a deacon or usher immediately when you notice a safety concern. To learn more about serving with the Safety Team, contact Charles Hagan at achagan88@outlook.com. For door-access concerns, email access@midwaypca.org. These contact instructions have been published in prior newsletters.
The Risk Management Committee continued working to provide a safe and welcoming environment for worship, education, and fellowship.
Several members of the Safety Team completed AED and first-aid certification during the quarter. An AED was also made available near the nursery, and replacement components were ordered as existing equipment approached expiration.
Midway’s insurance renewal and workers’ compensation audit also received attention during the quarter. Insurance costs are expected to increase over the coming years, and those changes will need to be incorporated into future budget planning.
Help Us Keep Midway Safe
Our Safety Team serves during Sunday worship by monitoring entrances, nursery areas, vehicles, and general activity around the campus. We are grateful for the volunteers who serve faithfully in this role and welcome additional members who can help strengthen the rotation.
Please notify a deacon or usher immediately when you notice a safety concern. To learn more about serving with the Safety Team, contact Charles Hagan at achagan88@outlook.com. For door-access concerns, email access@midwaypca.org. These contact instructions have been published in prior newsletters.
Facility Use Committee (Sammy Mitchell)
Midway’s facilities are regularly used for worship, education, fellowship, celebrations, and other gatherings in the life of the congregation.
Members who would like to reserve a church space should:
Please contact Sammy if you have questions about the form or the reservation process. Requests should ordinarily be submitted at least two weeks before the requested event date.
Midway’s facilities are regularly used for worship, education, fellowship, celebrations, and other gatherings in the life of the congregation.
Members who would like to reserve a church space should:
- Review the church calendar at midwaypca.org/events to check availability.
- Click here to download and complete the Facility Use Request Form.
- Email the completed form to Sammy Mitchell at sammy.mitchell@gmail.com.
Please contact Sammy if you have questions about the form or the reservation process. Requests should ordinarily be submitted at least two weeks before the requested event date.
Worship Service Committee (Brady Pritchett)
We are thankful for the men who serve as ushers and help our worship services proceed in a welcoming and orderly manner. Men of the congregation who are interested in serving as ushers are encouraged to contact Brady Pritchett at bpchett@gmail.com.
We are thankful for the men who serve as ushers and help our worship services proceed in a welcoming and orderly manner. Men of the congregation who are interested in serving as ushers are encouraged to contact Brady Pritchett at bpchett@gmail.com.
MCCS School Committee (David Jackson)
The Diaconate received several updates concerning Midway Covenant Christian School during the quarter. The school continued planning for the coming academic year, and we welcome Beth Johnson in her new role as Dean of Students.
The Diaconate remains thankful for the shared ministry of the church and school and for those who work to maintain strong coordination between them.
The Diaconate received several updates concerning Midway Covenant Christian School during the quarter. The school continued planning for the coming academic year, and we welcome Beth Johnson in her new role as Dean of Students.
The Diaconate remains thankful for the shared ministry of the church and school and for those who work to maintain strong coordination between them.
Please Pray
- Please continue praying for wisdom and unity during Midway’s pastoral transition
- For those requesting mercy assistance and the deacons who meet with them
- For wisdom as the church plans for building repairs and future financial needs
- And for additional volunteers willing to serve through mercy ministry, ushering, safety, maintenance, and other practical areas of need.
Conclusion
Charles's devotional reminds us that the Christian life is not the story of perfect people, but of a perfect Savior who patiently transforms imperfect sinners by His grace. The Lord delights to redeem what is broken, strengthen what is weak, and faithfully complete the work He has begun in His people.
As you read this quarter's updates, we hope you see that same grace at work throughout the life of Midway. Whether caring for families in need, maintaining our facilities, welcoming worshippers, strengthening the safety of our campus, or serving in countless unseen ways, these ministries reflect Christ's ongoing work in and through His Church.
We are grateful for every volunteer, every faithful giver, every quiet act of service, and every prayer offered on behalf of this congregation. Together, these ordinary acts become extraordinary demonstrations of God's faithfulness as He builds up His people.
If you need assistance, have a practical need, or would like to serve alongside the Diaconate, we encourage you to reach out to a deacon or one of our committee chairs. May the Lord continue to grow us in grace, deepen our love for one another, and make Midway a congregation that bears faithful witness to Jesus Christ for generations to come.
Charles's devotional reminds us that the Christian life is not the story of perfect people, but of a perfect Savior who patiently transforms imperfect sinners by His grace. The Lord delights to redeem what is broken, strengthen what is weak, and faithfully complete the work He has begun in His people.
As you read this quarter's updates, we hope you see that same grace at work throughout the life of Midway. Whether caring for families in need, maintaining our facilities, welcoming worshippers, strengthening the safety of our campus, or serving in countless unseen ways, these ministries reflect Christ's ongoing work in and through His Church.
We are grateful for every volunteer, every faithful giver, every quiet act of service, and every prayer offered on behalf of this congregation. Together, these ordinary acts become extraordinary demonstrations of God's faithfulness as He builds up His people.
If you need assistance, have a practical need, or would like to serve alongside the Diaconate, we encourage you to reach out to a deacon or one of our committee chairs. May the Lord continue to grow us in grace, deepen our love for one another, and make Midway a congregation that bears faithful witness to Jesus Christ for generations to come.
In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Posted in Diaconate
Posted in Mercy Ministry, Risk Management, Service Projects, Worship Service, Facility Use, Building and Grounds
Posted in Mercy Ministry, Risk Management, Service Projects, Worship Service, Facility Use, Building and Grounds
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