Ministries

Weirsdale Presbyterian Church offers many ministries for people of all ages and walks of life who are looking to strengthen their relationship with Christ. We offer ministries in Community of Gratitude (a food pantry), Tuesday Time Out (senior lunch and fellowship), Bible studies, small group activities and music. We also sponsor a Boy Scout Troop as well as host a Senior Services Center.

 

  • SESSION OF ELDERS: The Session is charged with maintaining the mission and government of Weirsdale Presbyterian Church. It is empowered to receive members into the communion of the church; to grant letters of transfer when a member moves and joins a new church; to instruct, examine, ordain, and install incoming Elders and Deacons who have been elected by the congregation; and to provide for the worship of the people of God, including the preaching of the Word and sharing of the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion, and the music program, in keeping with the principles in the Directory for Worship in the Book of Order.

    The Session is also charged to provide for the spiritual growth of its members and for their equipment for ministry through personal and pastoral care, educational programs, and sharing in fellowship and mutual support. The work of the Board of Deacons is supervised by the Session.

    The Session is also responsible for:

    • Promoting a program of education designed to acquaint members of the congregation with the many activities of the church, the need of financial support, and the importance of giving to support God’s work and for one’s own personal and spiritual growth in discharging responsibility as a worthy steward.
    • Approving the church budget which reflects the various causes and functions of the church supported by offerings of the congregation and to see that offerings are distributed for the causes and functions for which they were contributed.
    • Providing for the administration of the program of the church, including employment of non-ordained staff and to provide for the management of all the property of the church. Through the treasurer and assistant secretary, the Session is responsible for the receipt and disbursement of funds.
    • The various responsibilities of our Session are carried out through its structure of committees: Buildings and Grounds, Christian Education, Fellowship, Membership, Missions, Personnel, Stewardship and Finance, and Worship. The members of our church are an integral part of its committees and their ministry and mission.
  • BOARD OF DEACONS: Deaconship is a ministry of caring; ministry of love; ministry of compassion and above all, a ministry of service. It is often referred to as the “caring arm of the church” for its concern is for the physical and well-being of those who need to experience the love of Christ in concrete ways.

    The following is a list of responsibilities of the Deacons of Weirsdale Presbyterian Church. Establish and maintain the Prayer Chain; visit and send cards to people confined in homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes; assist church members dealing with personal challenges; provide and serve food for bereavement services; collect clothing and household items for Love INC and Hospice; distribute altar and seasonal flowers to shut-ins; sponsor needy families at Christmas; assist with communion and serve as ushers monthly; as needed, arrange transportation to and from church for members.

    Deacons meet the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM in Douglas Hall and are expected to share in prayers, devotions and concerns of those in need. Officers of Moderator, Vice Moderator, Secretary and Communication, etc. are also designated on a yearly basis. Deacons are expected to demonstrate leadership through their caring for others and willingness to become involved in sharing God’s love. Fulfilling the role of Deacon in the church is a rewarding experience that often brings one in closer relationship with other deacons as well as the individuals being served.

  • TTO: Tuesday Time Out is an opportunity for Seniors to get out and make some new friends, reconnect with old friends, have some fun and share a meal. Join us in Douglas Hall for the fun and good food. A $3.00 donation is asked to help cover the cost of the food. Everyone is welcome!
  • Community of Gratitude: Community of Gratitude serves the four towns of Weirsdale, East Lake Weir, Ocklawaha and areas of the forest giving food to the needy of Marion County. Weirsdale supports this group as one of our missions.
  • Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School: Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School is another of our missions. We give school supplies and back packs at the beginning of each school year, give contributions at Thanksgiving and Christmas, help tutor and volunteer services and so much more. We help fund the Mommy and Me Program and Stanton-Weirsdale Day—two very special events by the school.
  • Love Inc: One of the missions supported by Weirsdale Presbyterian Church (WPC) is Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) of the Heart of Florida. This is a unique ministry whose goal is to mobilize local churches to help in transforming lives of those in their community who are needy and need help in getting back on their feet. Churches are encouraged to pool their resources and share all aspects of ministry. The Clearing House receives referrals and utilizes volunteers to evaluate and determine needs and to identify possible solutions. Needs are met through client participation in gap programs developed by partner churches. At present there are 33 partner churches, including WPC. The following is a partial list of some of the current ministries:

    House of Esther—Shopping Pantry
    Hands of Hope—Clothing & Food Pantry
    Gas Can Ministry- Vouchers for gas for job interviews, doctor appointments, etc.
    Haggai House—Life Skills, Computer Skills, baby items, hygiene products, food
    Loving Loud Baby Ministry—diapers, baby clothes, etc.
    Medical Equipment for home care
    Upper Room Clothing ministry
    End of Sentence Prison Ministry Cooking Classes
    Tuesday Time Out – Each week WPC offers an opportunity for socialization and a good meal to all in the community.

    Many of our church members volunteer regularly in seasonal programs, special events and public relations opportunities. In December the WPC together with other churches participate in Sanctuary Tours which provides opportunities for members of the community to learn about individual churches’ ministries and view beautifully decorated sanctuaries. All ministries are done in the Name of Christ and seek to demonstrate God’s love through service to others.

  • Boy Scouts of America Troop 113: Troop 113 was started in late 1941 and chartered January 31, 1942, with Weirsdale Presbyterian Church as its sponsor. Over the years, about nine men have served as Scoutmaster and sixty-two young Scouts have attained the Eagle Scout Award. Numerous boys have completed the requirements for the God and Country Award. Boys have attended many National Jamborees, several International Jamborees and the International Jamborette in Scotland. Expeditions have been made numerous times to Bases all across the country. We have canoed, rafted and hiked the region and have a long term camp each summer at North Florida Council’s Camp Shands at Melrose.

    The Troop has celebrated 72 years of service to this community. We have done many Service Projects for the Church, Kiwanis, Public Library, the Marion County Parks Department, Munroe Hospital, numerous local cemeteries, food banks, the Marion County Public Schools for other local churches and other things in the Lake Weir area.

    Troop 113 has had over a thousand young men enjoy the various activities that this group has participated in. Good citizenship, leadership training, self reliance and strong moral values have been emphasized in this training program for life.

    The troop meets on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 PM and camps or has some other activity at least once a month.