Deacons’ Newsletter | Q3-2025

Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate

Welcome to the third edition of "Sharing with the Saints" in 2025. As we reflect on the third quarter of the year, we take joy in sharing 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

Title: How Do We Face The Monster Without Turning Into One?
Author: Cilas Menenez

The death of Charlie Kirk reminds us of a hard truth: when we face hatred and evil, the danger is that we begin to mirror it. The monster outside can awaken the monster inside.

But Scripture shows us a better way.

1. It Is Right to Hate Evil: God Himself is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11). The Psalms teach us not to suppress righteous anger but to bring it to God. The imprecatory psalms cry, “Break the arm of the wicked” (Psalm 10:15) — not because we are vengeful, but because God alone is just. Our anger finds its proper outlet in prayer (even for righteous penalties to be applied by God's appointed means - see point 3), not personal vengeance.
2. God’s Moral Law Protects Us: We stand firm only when we live under His objective, pre-ordained moral law. This law is holy and keeps us from taking matters into our own hands. It channels our cries for justice into the hands of the Righteous Judge.
3. God Ordained the State for Justice: Romans 13 teaches that civil authorities are “God’s servants for your good.” They are meant to restrain evil and uphold order. Christians must pray for rulers, obey just laws, and call leaders to govern with righteousness.
4. Our Christian Posture: Prayer, Participation, Perspective
   • Pray imprecatory psalms against wickedness, but also prayers of intercession for repentance and mercy.
   • Participate faithfully as citizens, working for truth and justice with integrity.
   •  Keep perspective: this world is not our home. Our true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).
5. Our Eternal Hope: The world’s hatred is real, but temporary. Those who have died in Christ reign with Him now (Rev. 20:6). One day, Jesus will return to judge in righteousness, and His people will see His face in glory.

So how do we face the monster? By hating evil without becoming evil, by bringing our anger to God in prayer, by trusting His justice, and by anchoring our hope in Christ’s coming Kingdom.

A Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, we grieve the sinfulness of this world. We are angry at injustice, and we bring that anger to You. Keep us from vengeance, yet stir us to cry out for justice. Teach us to long for Your return, when You will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Keep us holy as we wait, for Jesus' sake and in His name we pray, amen.”

Mercy Ministry Update (Sammy Mitchell)
During the third quarter of 2025, Mercy Ministries received thirteen (13) requests for assistance, and we were able to meet four (4) of those needs. Though not every situation could be supported, we remain thankful that the Lord continues to bring people across our path, giving us opportunities to care, pray, and walk alongside them as we are able.

• July: Was our busiest month, with seven requests. We were able to help one gentleman with grocery support through Kroger gift cards. The remaining requests, however, could not be assisted due to the transition into a new budget year and funds not yet available for distribution.
• August: Two needs were brought forward, and one was supported.
• September: We had four (4) requests, but were only able to help in two cases.

These numbers only tell a small part of the story. Every request represents someone bearing real burdens and seeking help, and behind every "yes" and every "not yet" are prayers for wisdom, discernment, and provision. We continue to ask the Lord to make us faithful stewards and to grow our capacity to serve those whom He brings to us.

How Can You Help?    
If the Lord leads you, we invite you to prayerfully consider supporting the Deacon Mercy Fund. Your giving directly enables us to respond when needs arise, especially in months when requests come quickly or before funds are fully available. 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)
We give thanks for the many hands that labored in love throughout this quarter. The Lord continues to bless our congregation with members who are quick to serve, willing to work, and joyful in meeting tangible needs among our church family. Below are several opportunities where service and fellowship came together beautifully this summer and early fall.

Paul Peng’s Family Move — July 26
Volunteers gathered to welcome Visiting Pastor Paul Peng and his family from China as they settled into Citizens Square Villas for their sabbatical. Furniture for the home was generously provided by Phil Schrock, whose basement collections became a blessing to the Pengs as they began their season with us.

Volunteers: Brian Washington & Sons, Phil Schrock, Kyle Lipstreu, Carter Kinnick, and Charles Hagan.

Logan Pritchett Move — September 27
Volunteers came together to assist Logan Pritchett during a household move — a simple act of service, but a meaningful way to care for a brother in Christ.

Volunteers: Kaleigh Morrison, Jack Pursley, Wiley Pritchett, and Evanda Remington & Sons.

Church Work Day — September 20
Ahead of the Reformation & Worship Conference, our congregation joined together for a Church Work Day to prepare the grounds. Dead shrubs were removed, weeds cleared, and fresh wood chips laid throughout several garden areas. It was a day marked by good work, warm fellowship, and shared joy in caring for the place where we gather to worship.

Volunteers: Scott Keesee, Evanda Remington & Sons, Carter Kinnick, Tom & Tommy Biondolillo, and The Washington Family.

? See images below for highlights from these projects.

We are grateful for every hand that lifted, trimmed, swept, hauled, and encouraged. These acts of quiet service are a living testimony of Christ’s love at work in His people.

Building and Grounds Committee Update (Joe Hash)

This quarter brought significant progress in caring for and improving our church campus. We are especially grateful for the diligent work of Kyle Lipstreu, along with several others, whose hands and attention keep our facilities safe, functional, and welcoming for worship and ministry.

July

• Pavilion improvements: top rail replaced, picnic tables stained, four ceiling fans replaced
• Drainage trenches dug in parking areas; fire ants treated
• Restroom repairs and electrical fixes completed
• New dumpster installed; light bulbs replaced across campus
• Pressure-washed the front walkway from 87 sanctuary to nursery + curb from graveyard to pavilion

August

• Steeple fully repaired (See images below)
• Choir room roof section replaced
• Stucco pressure washing completed on the ’09 and ’87 buildings
• School prepared for teachers; classrooms reset; kitchen drainage work continued
• A/C leak repaired; campus fire alarm scan completed

September

• Roof leak addressed; ceiling tiles replaced
• Sanctuary bulbs replaced; light panel reprogrammed.
• Trees and bushes trimmed; pest control scheduled
• Drainage improvements for the elementary playground
• School and classroom maintenance continued
• Boom rental secured at 50% savings, special thanks to Kyle Lipstreu
• Began digital blueprint of campus layout for future planning

We are thankful for the many unseen hours invested in preserving and improving the buildings we worship and gather in. Please join us in expressing gratitude to those who work quietly and faithfully to steward our facilities well.

Risk Management Committee Update (Charles Hagan)
Each Lord’s Day, two trained volunteers serve during both worship services to oversee campus safety, watching entrances, nursery areas, vehicles, and general activity. If you see something concerning, please notify a deacon or usher immediately. See email addresses in the table below and use our Instant Church Directory to look up phone numbers.

We are also seeking additional volunteers to lighten the rotation frequency. If you are willing to serve, contact Charles Hagan — achagan88@outlook.com.

For door-access issues, email access@midwaypca.org.

Conclusion
As your deacons, it is our joy to serve you in Christ. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership in mercy, stewardship, and care for one another. May the Lord continue to strengthen His church, that we may shine with holiness, charity, and hope until He returns.

For needs, assistance, or ways to serve, we welcome you to speak with any deacon or committee lead.

In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors