Deacons’ Newsletter | Q4-2024

Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate
Welcome to the Final edition of Sharing with the Saints in 2024. In this newsletter, we reflect on the last three months of impactful stewardship and dedicated service to our congregation. As always, we hope these updates encourage you and reaffirm God’s blessings upon our church.

Devotional
Text: Acts 13:16-41

And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten you." (vs 32-33)

In this lengthy passage of Paul's encouraging words to the people in the Pisidian Synagogue, we see a Biblically sound case for Jesus, the Messiah, promised of old. Note three things we will highlight in our examination of Paul's witness to the Jews:

  • Paul does not deliver the "good news" by human logic or craftiness of tongue but by using the Scriptures
  • Paul has a sound grasp of the Scriptures
  • All of what Paul says is in order to point to Christ, and the forgiveness of sins

One thing that particularly strikes me as odd when talking about theological matters with other Christians is how often worldly logic is employed to define what certain scriptures mean or to cope with varying doctrines. When we speak and bear witness about the Lord, we do not need to invent clever phrases or nuanced thoughts. We have God's Holy, inerrant, and infallible Word, from Genesis to Revelation, to support our Faith and the Truth of His promises. Paul gives us a great example here in his exhortation to the Synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia with a brief summary of God's Covenant with Israel and how all of God's work with Israel was leading to this moment of the death and resurrection of Christ, and "to reject Jesus would be to repeat the rebellion."1 There is no stooping to one's level with worldly discourse or watered-down language here but a plain deliverance of the Word of God, boldly proclaimed. Let this teach us how to give witness to the world.

Tagging onto the first point, we see a sound grasp of the Word of God in Paul's Sabbath speech. Paul, even before his conversion, is well versed in the Hebrew texts, but after his conversion and once he regains his sight, more clearly sees the Scriptures for what they are: "Good news, that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus." Additionally,  the Holy Spirit is most surely working through this untimely Apostle; "do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you" (Matthew 10:10b-20). As Carl Robbins recently preached in our evening service during the joint Northwest Georgia Presbytery Worship service (October 27th), we cannot draw upon what we have not heard, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26). Let this teach and remind us of the importance of consistent public, private, and family worship.

Lastly, the climax of Paul's address in the Synagogue —"that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses" (vs 38b-39). This audience knew the Scriptures given to their forefathers but did not understand them: "Look you, scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you."  (vs 41). Paul, ending his exhortation rightly ties all this to Christ: The chosen race of Israel, the exodus, the wandering, the land inheritance, the Judges, King David, the prophets—all this is pointing to the long-expected Messiah. The Prophet whose sandals John was unworthy to untie, our Great High Priest, the King of Kings. He is the cornerstone who the builders rejected and has thus become a stumbling block to the Jews, folly to the Gentiles. Let us strive to seek Christ, point to him in our witness, and sing praise to him, now and forevermore.

1 Tabletalk Magazine, Wednesday, June 5th 2024
Mercy Ministry Update (Sammy Mitchell)
As we reflect on 2024, the Mercy Ministry received 70 assistance requests throughout the year. Of these, we were able to assist 44 cases, which represents 63% of the total. Unfortunately, 26 requests (37%) were either ineligible for support or required additional resources beyond what we could provide.

In addition to financial assistance, our service program continued to make a meaningful impact by helping members of our congregation with small tasks around their homes, particularly widows and those in need. This year, we completed a variety of projects, including yard work, minor repairs, and furniture moves for several families.

A Testament to God's Faithfulness
Most of our mercy cases involve families in very difficult circumstances. This December, we were presented with a particularly challenging situation.

A woman, whose husband had recently abandoned her and their three children, faced the heartbreaking reality of being evicted just before or after Christmas. Midway’s Mercy Ministry stepped in to help, but her need exceeded what we normally provide. Moreover, her landlord did not accept partial payments, adding to the urgency of the situation.

In God’s providence, we reached out to the diaconate at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, and they graciously donated the additional funds needed to cover the rent. Together, we were able to keep this family from being evicted for at least another month.

What a blessing it is when brothers and sisters from different churches can come together to meet the needs of others! In the past, we have also worked with Powder Springs Baptist Church and Johnson Ferry Baptist Church to provide support for those in crisis. Praise the Lord for the body of Christ and His provision through His people!
How Can You Help?
The Mercy 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 our Mercy Projects team and be notified of upcoming opportunities, please email mercyprojects@midwaypca.org. Additionally, 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!

Through God’s grace and the faithful giving of His people, we can continue to minister to those in need, reflecting Christ’s love in both word and deed. Thank you for your prayers and support, and may God be glorified in all we do!
Building and Grounds Committee Update (Joe Hash)
The Buildings & Grounds Committee, together with the entire Diaconate, diligently oversees the maintenance of our church facilities to ensure everything remains in excellent condition. Your input is invaluable, and we warmly invite you to reach out to a deacon if you spot anything that requires attention. Here are a few of our recent accomplishments:

  • We installed the new motor for the exhaust fan men's restroom & completed the repairs to the girls' restroom toilet.
  • We completed repairs to the boys' locker room stall.
  • We ensured that paper products for school and church were ordered and restocked for the rest of the year.
  • We replaced some light bulbs in the middle school & gymnasium, and we repaired a door in the school hallway.
  • We asked Wilson to come out to finish service work and get the boiler up and running.
  • We repaired the lock going out to the playground via a locksmith that we hired as well as repaired the doors by the cafeteria.
  • Special thanks to Andrew Wagner, Hogan Gowder, Jack Pursley, and  Clark & Ezra Remington for helping with Kayleigh Morrison’s move. (See 1st image below).
  • We appreciate the church members (Angel & Bob Tango, Kim Washington, Carolyn, Becky Lewis, Katie Keel, Jennifer Siewert, Patti Brandenburg, Donna Carter, and Ken Dewhurst) who were able to contribute their time and talents to some very much needed grounds beautification projects. What an energetic group showed up to help! We are very blessed! (See 2nd image below).
Deacon Election Update
We are grateful to God for His continued provision and guidance during the recent Deacon elections. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the parting Deacons, Matt Buehler, Bradley Fish, and Richard Hill, for their faithful service to the church. Your dedication, leadership, and countless hours of service have been a tremendous blessing to our congregation. We pray that God will continue to use you mightily in our church and bless you and your families abundantly.

We also extend a warm welcome to our incoming Deacons, Tom Biondolillo, Larry Eller, and Cliff Miller. We are excited to see how the Lord will work through you as you join the Diaconate in serving His church.

Please note that committee assignments will be updated before the end of January. We ask for your prayers as the Deacons transition into their new roles and continue the work of faithfully caring for the needs of the church and its members.

To God be the glory for raising faithful servants in His church!
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.
We are grateful to God for you! Happy New Year!

In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
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