
| Reisterstown Baptist Church |
| 25 E. Chestnut Hill Lane - Reisterstown, MD 21136 |
| Deacon Newsletter |

| Dear Reisterstown Baptist Members, I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You for your support, encouragement, and prayers over the last two years as I served you as Deacon Chair. The deacon body will elect a new chairman in October as my term as deacon is ending. I prayerfully sought to allow God to work through me as a vessel to serve you as best I could. As you know some of the areas I focused on were communication and accountability. For communication I first asked that the deacons communicate with their families via card, newsletter, phone call or visit every other month to find out how you are doing spiritually and in everyday life. This was not meant to be intrusive, but rather to know how we as deacons could best come alongside of the membership if you are in need, as well as forge a solid relationship with you. This communication would also allow us to pass on or receive any information regarding the church i.e. questions, and/or concerns. Second, we held "Speakin with your Deacon gatherings." These events allowed the membership to have an informal fellowship with their assigned deacon so that we could further establish our relationship with you, as well as keeping you informed of church matters. Lastly, we held a church picnic as a way of having the membership sit back, relax and enjoy themselves and be served rather than serve. We made attempts to be more accountable by opening up the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives to all members who wished to attend. Also, we set up a database to track food and benevolence requests that came into the church and established a written benevolence fund policy so we may be good stewards with the benevolence offering which you provide. Next, we sought to be more accountable by communicating with the church body more effectively and holding fast to Acts 6:1-6, and 1st Timothy 3:8-13 which are the spiritual and moral qualifications that gives us the basis of servant leadership. I pray that you will continue to pray for Pastor, the deacons and the new chair as they seek to assist Pastor John, and guard the preservation of harmony within the church and be examples of servant leadership as Christ is. As the church moves forward to fulfill God's plan, let us be mindful of the words in Hebrews chapter 13 verse 17. It states, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." May God Bless You Chairman |