Deacons’ Newsletter | Q4-2025
Sharing with the Saints (Rom. 12:13)
Author: Midway Diaconate
Author: Midway Diaconate
Welcome to the fourth edition of Sharing with the Saints in 2025. As we reflect on the final quarter of last year, we are grateful for the many ways the Lord has cared for His people through the faithful service of this congregation. May these updates encourage your hearts and remind you of God’s steady provision and grace among us.
Devotional
Author: Charles Hagan
Text: Psalm 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
As we kick off yet another new year, we might find ourselves wrapped in the midst of a busy holiday season; worn out from travel, overfilled from Christmas dinners and parties, excited by what we hope this new year will bring (or maybe stressed by it), and many other distractions to busy our minds. Many of you are perhaps embarking on a New Year’s Resolution such as eating healthier in 2026, cold-turkey quits of social media, or working toward a promotion at work, or even reading the entire Bible in a year. In these hurried and busy seasons of life, many items can occupy our mind all at once, while, regrettably, the spiritual matters are left seemingly booted from the memory drive.
Perhaps one of the best refreshers for spiritual growth & improvement lies in the first Psalm. In Psalm 1, we find a simple yet rich recipe for prosperous and steadfast living. The psalmist points to the blessed man as someone who avoids “the counsel of the wicked” but rather finds delight “in the law of the Lord” and as someone who meditates on God’s law day and night (vs 2). That could be seen as an awfully strange concept to a non-Christian, or perhaps even a Christian, given this modern era’s view of the law. The common view, it seems, is that God’s law is mean, capricious, and stale. While the law as a judge is more than we can bear, we see that the law is a revelation of God to what is acceptable and pleasing to Him. If God, in His holiness, banished Adam & Eve from the garden because of sin, then God’s law is our compass back to fellowship with Him, (and by grace through the Lord Jesus Christ!). Psalm 19 tells us “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (vs 7) and that His rules and law is more desirable than gold (vs 10). Matthew Henry puts this in applicable thoughts, writing, “We may judge our spiritual state by asking, ‘What is the law of God to us? What account do we make of it?
What place has it in us?’” Dr. Hall pointedly asked in a recent sermon last Fall, “Where does our mind go when it slips into neutral?” All the above questions indeed are helpful in a self-critique of our spiritual state. As concerned as we are in all matters of life with work, relationships, fitness, finances, stress, are we over-occupied in these areas to the point where we are meditating on anything and everything BUT God’s law?
Let us strive for a recalibration of our compass this New Year and to not neglect the things Scripture points us to in matters of importance and value. Let us meditate on God’s law that we may strive in glorifying and enjoying Him forever. For if there is no middle ground between obedience and sin, then we, as a rescued and redeemed people, ought to pursue God’s law by faith with thanksgiving that we are already called children of God, heirs of the promise, understanding that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works.
Devotional
Author: Charles Hagan
Text: Psalm 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
As we kick off yet another new year, we might find ourselves wrapped in the midst of a busy holiday season; worn out from travel, overfilled from Christmas dinners and parties, excited by what we hope this new year will bring (or maybe stressed by it), and many other distractions to busy our minds. Many of you are perhaps embarking on a New Year’s Resolution such as eating healthier in 2026, cold-turkey quits of social media, or working toward a promotion at work, or even reading the entire Bible in a year. In these hurried and busy seasons of life, many items can occupy our mind all at once, while, regrettably, the spiritual matters are left seemingly booted from the memory drive.
Perhaps one of the best refreshers for spiritual growth & improvement lies in the first Psalm. In Psalm 1, we find a simple yet rich recipe for prosperous and steadfast living. The psalmist points to the blessed man as someone who avoids “the counsel of the wicked” but rather finds delight “in the law of the Lord” and as someone who meditates on God’s law day and night (vs 2). That could be seen as an awfully strange concept to a non-Christian, or perhaps even a Christian, given this modern era’s view of the law. The common view, it seems, is that God’s law is mean, capricious, and stale. While the law as a judge is more than we can bear, we see that the law is a revelation of God to what is acceptable and pleasing to Him. If God, in His holiness, banished Adam & Eve from the garden because of sin, then God’s law is our compass back to fellowship with Him, (and by grace through the Lord Jesus Christ!). Psalm 19 tells us “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (vs 7) and that His rules and law is more desirable than gold (vs 10). Matthew Henry puts this in applicable thoughts, writing, “We may judge our spiritual state by asking, ‘What is the law of God to us? What account do we make of it?
What place has it in us?’” Dr. Hall pointedly asked in a recent sermon last Fall, “Where does our mind go when it slips into neutral?” All the above questions indeed are helpful in a self-critique of our spiritual state. As concerned as we are in all matters of life with work, relationships, fitness, finances, stress, are we over-occupied in these areas to the point where we are meditating on anything and everything BUT God’s law?
Let us strive for a recalibration of our compass this New Year and to not neglect the things Scripture points us to in matters of importance and value. Let us meditate on God’s law that we may strive in glorifying and enjoying Him forever. For if there is no middle ground between obedience and sin, then we, as a rescued and redeemed people, ought to pursue God’s law by faith with thanksgiving that we are already called children of God, heirs of the promise, understanding that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works.
Mercy Ministry Update (Sammy Mitchell)
We closed the year with gratitude, reflecting on how the Lord continued to bring needs before us, and how He faithfully provided opportunities to respond with care, wisdom, and prayer. During the fourth quarter, Mercy Ministries received 14 requests for assistance, and we were able to support 9 individuals.
As always, each request was met with prayer, conversation, and discernment. Even when material help could not be provided, we sought to offer care, counsel, and a listening ear, trusting the Lord to work beyond what we could see.
Mercy Ministry — 2025 Year in Review
In 2025, Mercy Ministries received 65 requests and assisted in 28 cases. Requests that could not be supported were most often due to recent prior assistance, location outside our service area, lack of follow-through, or funding constraints at certain times of the year.
We are thankful for the Lord’s provision throughout the year — for the needs we were able to meet and for the wisdom He supplied when limits required restraint. As we look ahead, we pray for continued clarity, compassion, and generosity as we seek to serve in Christ’s name.
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!
We closed the year with gratitude, reflecting on how the Lord continued to bring needs before us, and how He faithfully provided opportunities to respond with care, wisdom, and prayer. During the fourth quarter, Mercy Ministries received 14 requests for assistance, and we were able to support 9 individuals.
- October: 4 requests, 3 assisted = One case could not be assisted after the individual did not follow through on a scheduled appointment.
- November: 2 requests, both assisted - A quiet but encouraging month where every need brought to us could be met.
- December: 8 requests, 4 assisted - Several cases could not be supported due to no-shows or circumstances that made assistance unwise at the time.
As always, each request was met with prayer, conversation, and discernment. Even when material help could not be provided, we sought to offer care, counsel, and a listening ear, trusting the Lord to work beyond what we could see.
Mercy Ministry — 2025 Year in Review
In 2025, Mercy Ministries received 65 requests and assisted in 28 cases. Requests that could not be supported were most often due to recent prior assistance, location outside our service area, lack of follow-through, or funding constraints at certain times of the year.
We are thankful for the Lord’s provision throughout the year — for the needs we were able to meet and for the wisdom He supplied when limits required restraint. As we look ahead, we pray for continued clarity, compassion, and generosity as we seek to serve in Christ’s name.
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)
The fourth quarter gave us several meaningful opportunities to serve both our church family and the broader body of Christ. Once again, we were encouraged by the willingness, flexibility, and joyful spirit of those who stepped in to help.
Peng Family Move — November 1
Volunteers gathered to help Pastor Paul Peng and Nora Peng move out of their apartment following his sabbatical with us. Furniture and household items were carefully disassembled, loaded, and delivered to multiple destinations, including Grace PCA in Dallas, Phil Schrock’s home, and Goodwill. What could have been a long and difficult day was completed quickly and smoothly — a true example of “many hands making light work.”
Volunteers: Phil Schrock, Charles Hagan, Boobi Mitchell (For her coordination), Justin Giannace, Levi Giannace, and others.
We continue to pray for Pastor Peng, Nora, and the Chinese Christian Church, thanking God for the refreshment and fellowship shared during their time with us.
Reformation & Worship Conference Support — October 16–17
Deacons and volunteers supported the Reformation & Worship Conference by serving as ushers, assisting with evening cleanup, and ensuring the building was secured each night. Their presence helped provide a welcoming, orderly environment for worship and learning.
Volunteers: Charles Hagan, Larry Eller, Justin Giannace, Carter Kinnick, Sammy Mitchell, Ed Buehler, Brady Pritchett, Wiley Pritchett, David Jackson, Jarrod Tepe, and Tom Biondolillo
We are grateful for those who quietly served behind the scenes, enabling the conference to run smoothly and hospitably.
The fourth quarter gave us several meaningful opportunities to serve both our church family and the broader body of Christ. Once again, we were encouraged by the willingness, flexibility, and joyful spirit of those who stepped in to help.
Peng Family Move — November 1
Volunteers gathered to help Pastor Paul Peng and Nora Peng move out of their apartment following his sabbatical with us. Furniture and household items were carefully disassembled, loaded, and delivered to multiple destinations, including Grace PCA in Dallas, Phil Schrock’s home, and Goodwill. What could have been a long and difficult day was completed quickly and smoothly — a true example of “many hands making light work.”
Volunteers: Phil Schrock, Charles Hagan, Boobi Mitchell (For her coordination), Justin Giannace, Levi Giannace, and others.
We continue to pray for Pastor Peng, Nora, and the Chinese Christian Church, thanking God for the refreshment and fellowship shared during their time with us.
Reformation & Worship Conference Support — October 16–17
Deacons and volunteers supported the Reformation & Worship Conference by serving as ushers, assisting with evening cleanup, and ensuring the building was secured each night. Their presence helped provide a welcoming, orderly environment for worship and learning.
Volunteers: Charles Hagan, Larry Eller, Justin Giannace, Carter Kinnick, Sammy Mitchell, Ed Buehler, Brady Pritchett, Wiley Pritchett, David Jackson, Jarrod Tepe, and Tom Biondolillo
We are grateful for those who quietly served behind the scenes, enabling the conference to run smoothly and hospitably.
Building and Grounds Committee Update (Joe Hash)
The Buildings & Grounds team continued steady, faithful care of our campus throughout the final quarter of the year. We are especially thankful for Kyle Lipstreu’s diligence and for the many who assisted during moments that required extra hands and coordination.
October
November
December
We are grateful for the many unseen hours invested in maintaining a safe, functional, and welcoming campus for worship, education, and fellowship.
The Buildings & Grounds team continued steady, faithful care of our campus throughout the final quarter of the year. We are especially thankful for Kyle Lipstreu’s diligence and for the many who assisted during moments that required extra hands and coordination.
October
- Completed HVAC planning and finalized system renderings
- Conducted a roof health check and cleared a clogged school-side gutter drain
- Reconfigured Fellowship Hall for school events and church gatherings
- Addressed an A/C overflow, including electrical rewiring, ceiling tile replacement, and cleanup
- Updated elevator and boiler room safety inspections
- Worked with insurance partners to finalize follow-up action plans
- Maintained restroom functionality and supplies
- Special thanks to Peter Ian and Evanda for help with the A/C flood repair, and to Justin and others who coordinated the churchwide cleanup.
November
- Supported Reformation & Worship Conference setup and cleanup
- Managed frequent Fellowship Hall reconfigurations
- Switched door directional locks for the middle school
- Fixed restroom and nursery-area doors; replaced bulbs and ceiling tiles
- Updated Trane HVAC coding to restore proper cooling
- Covered vulnerable outdoor piping and addressed pest issues
- Created an on-campus building render binder for future planning
- Additional thanks to Peter Ian for coordinating the inspection and clearing of the foundation and drain lines near the ’87 building.
December
- Set up for WIC Christmas decorations
- Caulking around multiple sanctuary windows
- Toilet flush valve fully replaced in one restroom; parts installed for three others
- Nursery bathroom bulbs replaced
- AED box installed in nursery (awaiting correct pads; temporarily unavailable)
- Wall repair in ’87 classroom after exterior water intrusion
- Vacuum repair, chair dolly repair, and restroom deep cleaning
We are grateful for the many unseen hours invested in maintaining a safe, functional, and welcoming campus for worship, education, and fellowship.
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 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.
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 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 and privilege to serve you in Christ. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and willingness to bear one another’s burdens. We are thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout this past year and look ahead with confidence to His continued provision.
If you are in need of assistance or would like to serve in any capacity, please do not hesitate to reach out to a deacon or committee chair. May the Lord bless and keep you as we enter a new year together.
As your deacons, it is our joy and privilege to serve you in Christ. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and willingness to bear one another’s burdens. We are thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout this past year and look ahead with confidence to His continued provision.
If you are in need of assistance or would like to serve in any capacity, please do not hesitate to reach out to a deacon or committee chair. May the Lord bless and keep you as we enter a new year together.
In Christ,
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
Deacons Charles Hagan & Dami Adeoye, Editors
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