Training Materials

Elders – Deacons – Jr. Deacons

Barry Christian Church 1500 NW Barry Road

Kansas City, MO 64152816-436-0462

www.barrychristianchurch.com

Table of Contents

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Early History/About the Disciples.........................................................................................03

Our identity statement – What does it mean..........................................................................04

Seasons of the Church............................................................................................................05

What is Communion?............................................................................................................06

What is Tithing?.....................................................................................................................07

Guidelines for Elder Prayers..................................................................................................08

A Pattern for Prayer...............................................................................................................09

Guidelines for Elders: Serving at the Communion Table.....................................................10

Guidelines for Deacons: Serving Communion .....................................................................11

Communion Preparation: 8:30 a.m. Service.........................................................................13

Communion Clean-Up: After 11:00 a.m. Service................................................................14

Guidelines for Visiting the Sick.............................................................................................15

Leadership at Barry Christian Church...................................................................................16

Summary of Responsibility/Mission Statement.....................................................................17

Objectives:

Get better acquainted with other Elders, Deacons, Jr. Deacons, and the church leadership.

Learn the history of the Disciples of Christ denomination and Barry Christian Church.

Better understand the significance of communion and tithing.

Learn more about the Seasons of the Church.

Understand the essentials in preparation/cleanup of communion and the overall procedures for serving.

Early History

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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) grew out of two movements seeking Christian unity that sprang up almost simultaneously in western Pennsylvania and Kentucky - movements that were backlashes against the rigid denominationalism of the early 1800s.

Thomas and Alexander Campbell, a Scottish Presbyterian father and son in Pennsylvania, rebelled against the dogmatic sectarianism that kept members of different denominations - and even factions within the same denomination - from partaking of the Lord's Supper together.

Barton W. Stone in Kentucky, also a Presbyterian, objected to the use of creeds as tests of "fellowship" within the church, which were a cause of disunity, especially at the Lord’s Table.

"Christians," the name adopted by Stone's movement, represented what he felt to be a shedding of denominational labels in favor of a scriptural and inclusive term. Campbell had similar reasons for settling on "Disciples of Christ" but he felt the term "Disciples" less presumptuous than "Christians."

About the Disciples

The aims and practices of the two groups were similar, and the Campbell and Stone movements united in 1832 after about a quarter of a century of separate development.

The founders of the Christian Church hoped to restore Christian unity by returning to New Testament faith and practices. But the church found that even this led to division. One group which opposed practices not specifically authorized by the New Testament, such as instrumental music in the church and organized missionary activity, gradually pulled away. That group finally was listed separately in the 1906 federal religious census as the "Churches of Christ."

Another group remained with the Disciples but began a separation in 1926 over what it felt were too liberal policies on the mission field in the practice of baptism. More than 40 years later (1967-69) some 3,000 of those congregations formally withdrew at the time of Disciples restructure. They refer to themselves as the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ.

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Our identity statement

We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

What does that mean?

We practice unity and inclusion at the Lord’s Table for the sake of mission and for the sake of the world as the one family of God. Most congregations do this by celebrating communion every Sunday. That’s why we use a chalice as our logo.

We practice believer baptism – that a person makes the choice to follow God’s call rather than the choice being made for them as an infant. Baptism is the basis of membership in the Church and also a mark that every person is called to serve God – the idea of the “priesthood of all believers.”

We honor our heritage as a movement for Christian unity by cooperating and partnering with other faith communities to work for bringing about wholeness – healing and justice – in the world. This is what it means to be “ecumenical.”

We are called to study and read scripture for ourselves. Rather than having tests of faith and creedal statements, we critically and thoughtfully study scripture, taking into account the history and background – the context- in which it was written.

We also honor the heritage of Christian unity by staying together in covenant as a witness to the world that even when we disagree we can still make room, welcoming all to the table as Christ has welcomed us. Our spiritual ancestors were fond of saying, “unity, not uniformity.”

We move to answer God’s call for justice particularly in the areas of care for the earth, the challenges for women and children, poverty and hunger and immigration. We seek to do this work in cooperation with other people of faith. Some say we “get dirty for Jesus” as a way of conveying the hands-on mission orientation of many of our faith communities.

These traits were summed up by former General Minister and President Dick Hamm when he identified the marks of a faithful church as true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice

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Seasons of the Church

Advent: The church year begins with Advent, which means coming. The season of Advent always included the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day. The culmination of Advent is the celebration of the incarnation on Christmas.

Advent is considered a penitential (relating to penance) season. It is a time during which the church looks critically at itself in preparation for the coming of Christ anew at Christmas. The preparation for Christ always includes repentance. Advent themes are not quite as solemn as those of Lent and are marked by a focus on hope and expectation.

Christmas: The season of Christmas stretches for twelve days from Christmas Day to the day of Epiphany, January 6th. Many early Christians celebrated the birth and baptism of Jesus on Epiphany. It was not until the 4th century in Rome that December 25th was appropriated as the day of the Incarnation. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

Epiphany: The word epiphany means appearance or manifestation and is associated with the manifestation of God. The season of Epiphany varies in length according to the date of Easter. Epiphany begins on January 6th and stretches through the eve of Ash Wednesday. This season has come to be associated with the manifestation of God to the Gentiles. The prophecy of Simeon that Christ would be a light to the Gentiles was culminated in the arrival of the Magi to worship the baby. Epiphany also includes an emphasis on the baptism of Jesus and has traditionally been an appropriate time for baptism in the church.

Lent: Lent is a season of forty-six days that stretches from Ash Wednesday to the eve of Easter. The Sundays during this period commemorates the first Easter and are not considered a part of the “40” days Lenten season of fasting and penitence. The last week, beginning with Palm Sunday is called the Holy Week and observes events of the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. This is the most solemn week of the church year and is a time for reflection, repentance, and prayer in preparation for Easter. In the early church, converts were prepared in the faith during the season of Lent and were baptized into the new life at Easter.

Easter: Easter is the oldest and most significant festival of the Christian church year. The season begins with prayers on Easter eve and ends fifty days later on the eve of Pentecost. The themes of Easter are the resurrection, the new life in Christ, and rebirth and baptism.

Pentecost: The word “Pentecost” is the Greek word for fifty. The Day of Pentecost is the fiftieth day after Easter Day. The Day of Pentecost is a celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2. Christians consider Pentecost the founding day of the church. The season of Pentecost is a long stretching from the Day of Pentecost until the eve of the first Sunday of Advent. The emphasis of this season is on Christians responding to God’s grace. Themes include stories of the early church, the Holy Spirit and the Trinity.

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What is Communion?

Unlike Baptism, which is a one-time event, Communion is a practice that is meant to be observed over and over throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship when we corporately come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us.

Why Do Christians Observe Communion?

We observe Communion because the Lord told us to. We are to obey His commands:And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24 (NIV)

In observing Communion we are remembering Christ and all that He has done for us in his life, death and resurrection:And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24 (NIV)

When observing Communion we take time to examine ourselves:A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV)

In observing Communion we are proclaiming His death until He comes. It is, then, a statement of faith:For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV )

When we observe Communion we show our participation in the body of Christ. His life becomes our life and we become members of each other:Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NIV)

Three main Christian views regarding the bread and the wine during the practice of Communion:

The bread and the wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.

The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, but Christ's presence by faith is made spiritually real in and through them.

The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, used as symbols, representing Christ's body and blood, in remembrance of his enduring sacrifice.

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What is Tithing?

Tithing is a way to bring God into our work and our relationship with money. To tithe means to give a certain percentage of our income to God. Of course, we can’t give directly to God, so in practice, we tithe to that which inspires us to draw closer to God. Tithe means “one-tenth,” so traditionally we give 10%, but in fact we can give any percentage we choose.

The Old Testament provides ample support for the practice of tithing, although tithing was not widely practiced in the Christian church until almost the seventh century. Before tithing became an integral part of Christian faith, however, Christians still gave generously of their incomes to support the Church and its teachers. For those without money, such donations might take the form of manufactured goods, farmed foods, and various services to support the Church.

Tithing is mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Among other more well-known commandments that Moses received on Mount Sinai are detailed instructions about tithing. In the New Testament, Jesus simply assumed that tithing was something everyone did.

The purpose of tithes and offerings is to support the ministry vision and the ongoing work of the church. It’s a partnership, and a way to make work a divine service.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Tithing as a Spiritual Practice“If you tithe a portion of your income to God, you will find that, far from depriving yourself, you

will be blessed by the Source of all abundance, God. The more you live for Him, the more you will find Him taking care of you — even in the smallest details of your life.”

—Swami Kriyananda

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Guidelines for Elder Prayers

1. Posture and body movements should reveal that the Elder is performing a sacred duty and standing in a holy place.

2. Prayers should be heard. Speak loudly.

3. The prayer should guide the thoughts of the congregation.

4. Prayers should be brief. A few simple sentences with ideas basic to the observance of the Lord’s Supper (or the Offering) are appropriate and appreciated.

5. The prayers must, of necessity, be limited to the ideas which are appropriate to the Communion Service. The prayer should not be a “pastoral prayer.” The minister will remember the sick, the sorrowing and the troubled in the prayer that has been designated for that purpose. The prayer should not include mention of matters that are not essential to the Lord’s Supper or the Offering.

*Copied from “Guidelines for Content of Communion Prayers”

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A Pattern for Prayers (by Keith Watkins, a noted Disciple teacher and leader)

A simple pattern for prayers can be used by all who pray at Christ’s table. Because the pattern is compact and focused, it encourages the development of prayers that are a good length for use in the communion service. Using this pattern also helps to keep the focus sharp and well directed.

Call God by name: Prayers in public worship can be thought of as open letters, or perhaps open post cards, to God. They are sent to God but in a way that encourages the congregation to read and affirm the text. Prayers therefore begin by speaking to God by name: Dear God….Eternal God….God of love….Holy One.

Honor God by stating one of God’s characteristics or actions: This part of the prayer bases everything in God and is the foundation for the rest of what we say and do at the table: You have given us life and promise to support us as long as we live…you have given us this beautiful world as our home and entrusted us with its care……in Jesus Christ you came to live among us and reconcile us to yourself……

Speak the main point of the prayer which is to remember Jesus Christ: Thank you for the new life you give us through Jesus Christ who meets us at this table……With this loaf and cup we remember our Savior Jesus Christ….We praise you for bringing us into a new community of love through Jesus Christ who asks that we remember him with the loaf and cup….

State the result that is hoped for: This part of the prayer may include a phrase like this: By your Word and Holy Spirit bless these elements and congregation that we may receive Christ’s own life given for us. Then follows the result: Forgive us and strengthen us….Help us be Christ’s body in the world…..

Conclude in the name of Jesus: The classic form of Christian prayer begins by naming God and concludes “in the name of Jesus Christ.” The final word is “Amen,”

A sample prayer might be:

“Eternal God, in Jesus Christ you came to live among us and reconcile us to yourself. We praise you for bringing us into a new community of love through Jesus Christ who asks that we remember him with the loaf and cup…. By your Word and Holy Spirit bless these elements and congregation that we may receive Christ’s own life given for us. Forgive us and strengthen us….Help us be Christ’s body in the world… In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.”

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Guidelines for Elders: Serving at the Communion Table

Note** It is very important that you notify a serving elder if you are to be absent. Find a substitute by looking at the serving schedule (phone # located on schedule.) Ask your substitute to sign in by your name in the back.

1. Be at the rear of the sanctuary at least ten (10) minutes before the beginning of the service. Confirm the bread, juice (chalice), and offering plates are prepared and in their proper place.

2. Check to see if the scheduled Deacons are present. If not, recruit substitutes from the congregation.

3. Remain near the rear of the sanctuary prior to worship service to assist greeters and to act as ushers, especially to late comers. Ensure the acolyte is there. If not, recruit an available youth. Assist acolyte with the lighting of the candlelighter/extinguisher.

4. Before the Service, the Elders will follow the acolyte down the aisle and place bread and chalice on the table.

5. The Elders will lead the Deacons up the center aisle toward the chancel during the second verse of the communion hymn. The Elders will proceed up the stairs to the communion table on the chancel and remove the covers from the trays.

6. Following the words of institution the Elder next to the pulpit will give the communion prayer. The Minister will hand first set of trays to the Elders. The trays will then be passed to the Deacons (hand to outside Deacon 1 st) and the Elders will be seated as the Deacons serve the congregation.

7. After the congregation has been served, the Deacons will serve each other. The trays are passed to the Elders who will return the communion trays to the table. The Elder on the organ side will hand the last set of trays to the minister who will in turn serve each of them. Last set of trays will be put on table and the covers with crosses facing forward are replaced.

8. The Elder next to the pulpit will take the four offering plates from the shelf in the pulpit, keep two and give two to the other elder. The Elder next to the organ will give the offering prayer. The Elders will then pass the offering trays to four (4) Deacons and again be seated while the Deacons pass the trays.

9. The Elders will stand at the beginning of the doxology. Deacons come forward when singing starts, not the music. After the offering trays are received from the Deacons, one designated Deacon will bring communion to Children’s church and the nursery attendant while the others return to their seats. Elders will take the offering plates down the back stairs to the office and the offering put in the safe. Empty plates must be returned to the pulpit to be ready for the next service. Elders and Deacons may return to be seated with their families.

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Guidelines for Deacons: Serving Communion

Note** It is very important that you notify a serving elder if you are to be absent. Find a substitute by looking at the serving schedule (phone # located on schedule.) Ask your substitute to sign in by your name in the back.

The Procedure is as follows:

1. Go down the aisle in twos – elders in front.

2. Elders go up the steps and stand by the table.

3. Elders uncover communion as soon as they arrive at the table.

4. Minister breaks the bread and offers words of institution.

5. Elder next to the pulpit offers the prayer of communion. The most important thing is to ask God to bless the emblems.

6. Minister will hand the first set of trays to the elders.

7. The trays will then be passed to the deacons. 1st tray to outside Deacon.

8. Elders go to their chairs as deacons serve the congregation.

9. After serving, deacons line up to return to front.

10. Deacons will serve each other.

11. Elders take trays from the two deacons who are standing on the outside of the line, starting with outside Deacons.

12. Elder on the organ side will hand the last set of trays to the minister who will serve each of them while other elder places the trays on the table.

13. Minister hands trays to the elder on the organ side who will then serve the minister.

14. Trays will be placed on the table and the covers replaced.

15. The elder on the pulpit side takes the offering trays from the shelf in pulpit and gives two trays to the other elder who will say the prayer to bless the offering.

16. Elders give trays to deacons. Elders return to chairs.

17. After collecting the offering, two deacons start up aisle holding two trays each when the doxology singing begins. The other two Deacons remain at the rear of the sanctuary.

18. Deacons hand trays to the Elders at end of the doxology.

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19. One designated Deacon will bring communion to Children’s church and the nursery attendant while the others will return to their seats. The communion tray is returned to Children’s church for the second service. The Deacon will then bring the acolyte to the sanctuary for the Benediction. The communion tray is finally returned to the preparation room for clean-up after the second service.

20. Empty plates are to be stored in the cabinet in the prep room and returned to the pulpit the following Sunday.

21. Elders will take offering money down the back stairs to the office where offerings will be placed in the safe.

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Communion Preparation before 8:30 a.m. Service

1. Remove communion and bread trays from metal storage cabinet on south wall of preparation room.

2. Place a clean doily in each communion tray. Fill bread trays with wafers that are stored in Tupperware container in refrigerator door. Approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons in each tray (enough for both services).

3. Fill communion cups with juice each approximately 2/3 full. Use the filler-bottles kept on the counter by the sink. Be sure the cap on the bottle is on tight to prevent spillage. Fill 4 complete trays for a regular service, 6 for expected larger attendance.

4. Place covers on communion and bread trays with crosses facing forward. Place them on the communion table in sanctuary leaving enough room on the table either in front or behind the trays to place the covers during the communion service. Put communion and bread for the organist on the small silver tray provided on the organ.

5. Prepare the loaf bread the minister uses to break during service. It is kept in freezer in kitchen downstairs. The bread is kept in a marked plastic container in the freezer. Get two loaves (one for each service). It will have to be thawed by placing in the microwave (set for about 60 seconds). Put the loaves in the plate (paten) provided and cover with cloth. Place paten along with the empty chalice on the table at rear of Sanctuary.

6. Prepare communion for the children's church using smaller aluminum trays. Use 5 or 6 cups for the communion tray and just a few pieces of bread on the bread tray. Take to the children's church room (downstairs in the educational building).

7. Make sure offering trays are placed under the pulpit.

8. After early service. remove used cups from communion trays, empty into sink, spray, rinse and throw away. Replace the cups in the trays and fill with juice. Return trays to communion table. Thoroughly rinse the filler bottles to prevent stains and bacteria/mold growth.

9. Again make sure offering trays are under the pulpit.

**Extra supplies are kept in the metal storage cabinet. Contact the Worship Committee Chairperson or the serving Elder for any shortage of supplies.

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Communion Clean-Up: After the 11:00 a.m. Service

1. Empty unused bread into trash. Leave doilies in the trays unless badly soiled.

2. Empty the communion cups into the sink, spray rinse the cups and put in trash. Clean out sink/counters so prep area remains clean.

3. Wipe out the trays with damp towel and refill the trays with cups.

4. Replace trays into the metal cabinet with covers on them.

5. Check to see that there are at least two full jars of juice in the refrigerator (plus any partial jars).

6. On the last Sunday of the month (or at least once each month), wash all trays with warm, soapy water. Rinse and polish with dry cloth. Refill with cups. Also clean and wipe out refrigerator with warm soapy water.

Soft cloths are in basement kitchen cabinet on north wall. Paper towels (stored in the kitchen) are replenished into cabinets under the sink.

**Extra supplies are kept in the metal storage cabinet. Contact the Worship Committee Chairperson or the serving Elder for any shortage of supplies.

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Guidelines for Visiting the Sick: “A Few Do’s and Don’ts “

Do’s:

1. Introduce yourself to the patient each time you visit.2. Move slowly around patients without touching the bed.3. Listen closely to everything the patient says.4. Allow the patient to choose and change the subjects of conversation.5. Try to accept the patient and his/her feelings genuinely.6. Speak slowly and distinctly to the patient.7. Be more concerned about how the patient feels about being sick than about the nature of

the illness itself.8. Discuss the patient’s ailment when he/she brings it up, but only then.9. Respond sincerely to a patient who has opened his/her heart to you.10. Keep visits brief, but frequent.

Don’ts:

1. Carry gossip or verbal condition reports from patient to patient.2. Ask a patient the nature of his illness or any other medical question.3. Gather a lot of statistical information about the patient’s age, home, family, etc.4. Talk about yourself, your interests, or problems.5. Tell the patient how he ought to feel.6. Tell the patient you or someone you know had the same illness and there was “nothing to

it.”7. Engage in controversial conversations regarding hospitals, doctors, nurses. 8. Reprimand or scold patients, either directly or by implication.9. Give premature or superficial reassurance.10. Assume that a patient is happy about going home.

(Spelman Memorial Hospital, Smithville, Missouri)

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Leadership at Barry Christian Church

Senior Minister: Rev. Robert George Clerk: LaVaughn Weaver

Visitation Minister: Rev. Tom Blakely Historian: Allan Hurst

Children’s Church Director: Barbara George Worship Chairman: Debbie Herrick

Youth Minister: Orlando Gallardo Education Chairman: Shon Adamson

Chairman of the Board: Ruth Ann Solomon Membership/Hospitality: Carroll O’Neal

Vice-Chairman: John Littrell Property Chairman: Tom Bosworth

Board Secretary: Lynn Fleming Administrative Secretary: Gail Roller

Board Treasurer: Freddie Nichols

Elders:

Norma Covault, Bob Knopf, John Littrell, Kim Pukay, Ruth Ann Solomon, Gwen Stafne, Arleta White, Ron Wolfe, Michelle Bosworth, Tom Bosworth, Anna Eacret, Wanda Eacret, David Henry, Freddie Nichols, Carroll O’Neal, Doris O’Neal, Betty Rega, David Tarver, Lana Whitton

Deacons:

John Adams, Mike Berry, Megan Colombo, Dave Dyer, Rita Dyer, Sue Effie, Rita Knopf, Louise Mindrup, Joyce Osborn, Joe Weekley, Theresa Wolfe, Lynn Bratney, Jessica Eacret, Robin Eacret, Tiffany Eacret, Sonya George, Dale Herrick, Debbie Herrick, Melissa King, Melody Lair, Maggie Long, Roger Long, Barbara Mayberry, Leah Pease, Bob Pease, Anita Rogers, David Rogers, Patty Tarver, Marcy Wiswell

Jr. Deacons:

Evelyn Shelby, Abby Weekley, Allie Weekley, D.J. Eacret, Michelle Eacret, Conor Henry, James Hooten, Alyssa Sawyer, Andrew Sawyer

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Summary of Responsibility:

Be committed to the elected and scheduled dates for attendance to serve.

Be a personal reflection of reverence and devotion. Show respect for the position through appropriate behavior and personal presentation.

Be an active steward of the church through participation in its works (worship, committees, administration of sacraments, Christian education, and financial stewardship) and in its ministry.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to be a beacon of God’s love in our world by fully honoring God in all that we do, humbly serving others however we are able and passionately seeking to grow and share our faith in Jesus Christ, together.

All Christians should strive for spiritual growth. Some of the ways to grow are through Bible study, prayer, worship, and serving the Lord. When people volunteer to serve, they experience life changing, congregational transforming revitalization. All who answer the call to serve are encouraged to pay attention to how God is moving in the experience.

Where do you see God as you serve? How are you being challenged by what you are seeing, by the relationships you are building? How are you growing as a Disciple of Jesus? How is God shaping your heart for serving with others?

Thank you for answering God’s call to serve!

Notes:

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