For I was hungry…Through the generosity of West Side, Deacons are able to provide both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for many who would not otherwise have a meal to celebrate on these days. Deacons enable members in the congregation to deliver meals to those coming home from the hospital who need a little extra TLC the first few days.

A stranger…naked and you clothed me…Each of the names placed on our “Angel Tree” at Christmas received gifts and clothing. Food baskets/gifts went to ESL folks, refugee families, and families in our community who have no way to provide a Christmas dinner for their children. Deacons carefully and confidentially screen and help many in need of rent, utilities, or out of a desperate situation.

Sick and you looked after me…Deacons delight in being Jesus' hands and feet in daily and weekly visits to those in the hospital or nursing homes. Deacons also are able to help and enable members to deliver Easter Lilies and poinsettias to shut-ins.

In prison and you visited me… Along with befriending the children of prisoners, and visiting prisoner themselves, Deacons also act as liaisons to numerous charitable organizations that provide care to those in need. Because of the generosity of West Side congregation, Deacons can provide financial support as well as becoming actively involved in these organizations. These organizations include Columbia Basin Domestic Violence Services, Contact Help Line, The Salvation Army, Love INC. Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, Tri-City Food Bank, Tri-Cities Pregnancy Center, The Union Gospel Mission, and World Mission.

Deacons also prepare communion, provide rosebuds to honor new babies, provide meals and receptions for funerals of members and friends of WS.

Deacons are elected by the congregation for a three-year term. Each year 6 new deacons are elected and 6 are rotated off, so there are always 18 current deacons. We meet the first Wednesday of each month.