Deacon Dan Laird

Outreach ministry is putting faith into action by intentionally reaching out beyond The Trees to help and serve others in practical ways. The Beloved Community at The Trees Outreach plays a vital role in demonstrating our core values of loving our neighbors and showing compassion. This year, our 5th Sundays Outreach program made significant contributions to The LGBTQ+ Center of Durham, Pauli Murray Center, and St. Joseph’s Breakfast Ministry of Durham.  The 5th Sunday Outreach program helps...

Serving as a deacon at The Beloved Community is one of the most grounding and meaningful parts of my life. It’s a role that constantly reminds me that service is not just something we do—it’s something we become. Every week, I get to witness quiet miracles: people showing up for one another, offering kindness when it’s least expected, healing, and finding hope in places where hope once felt thin. As a deacon, I feel both humbled and energized. Humbled, because I’m entrusted with walking...

My reflection on how and why I serve at The Beloved Community at The Trees. After moving back to Durham two years ago, I felt lost. “Now...