Boards/Committees
Board of Deacons
Life is good, it is very
good. First Church has been blessed by the many people of this
congregation that serve this church. The Board of Deacons has been
honored to serve and be a part of the "Open Your Hand to the Poor and
Needy Neighbor in your Land." We recruited 4 new deacons this year
(versus the normal 3 replacements): Sue Dufford, Pat Weibust, Brian
Nofziger, and Doug Black, whom all worked greatly as team players.
This year we initiated a change to the
beginning of the service by having the Chancel Choir process down the
side aisles during the first hymn, out into the Narthex and up the
center aisle to their pews, for the majority of services. This has
resulted in less congestion in the Narthex prior to the start of the
service. In addition, a check off card was developed to identify the
number of microphones required, when to move the piano during the
service or other special requests such as puppet troupe set up or
projector slide presentations, etc.
In order to prevent the spread of the
H1N1 influenza virus, Purell hand sanitizer and gloves were placed in
the Narthex. The return of filming and recording the services for Cox
Cable was initiated by James Jackson, and a new media storage box was
installed under one of the balcony pews. Also, to improve the quality of
reception a new lectern microphone was installed this year. Current,
former Deacons and head ushers were trained in the use of a new AED
defibrillator for the saving of lives. The placement of the device is
currently in process.
In support of David Taylor’s
sabbatical absence from mid January to mid-May, four guest speakers: the
Reverend Gorden Bates, Reverend Robert Henderson, Reverend Ed Ayala, and
Gloria McAdam from Food share were recruited to fill in. In addition,
the former pastor Reverend Dr. Carl Schultz was scheduled, but a brief
illness prevented him from serving at this time. Carl will be back for
the fall 2010 preaching schedule.
The Deacons have decided to go green
this year; Diana Ruddick is creating an electronic Deacons Manual
including all the roles and responsibilities.
We have continued our mission as one
of service – to our church and our congregation; to perform our
responsibilities that contribute to the worship life through:
1. Monthly dialogue and discussion
with our Senior Pastor regarding the worship service;
2. Weekly preparation of the
sanctuary, and the recruitment and coordination of the Head Ushers,
Ushers and Greeters for the regular church worship services at 9 and
10:30, at 10 during the Special Season of Celebration, and at the 9:30
summer service;
3. Monthly preparation and service
of Communion at the 9 and 10:30 worship services, and through the
summer at 9:30;
4. Leading a worship service each
month for the residents at Salmon Brook;
5. Participation in the services of
Baptism and New Members joining our church;
6. Supporting the Church School
programs by providing instruction to the children on Communion prior
to the Family Communion Sunday;
7. Participation in the special
worship services and events, such as Advent and Christmas Eve
Services, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, the Meal of the Upper Room and
the Office of Tenebrae on Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving
Pilgrim Service, World Communion Sunday, and the World Day of Prayer;
8. Serving as members of church
committees, including Diversity, Memorial, and Media committees and as
the Chair and Vice Chair of the Church Growth and Membership
committee.
The growth and vibrancy of our diverse
congregation is truly a gift, but one that also provides us with new
challenges as we seek to address all the needs of this congregation in
our worship services. The Deacons will continue to address the
coordination of all the elements that encompass the talents of our
congregation while providing a seamless and meaningful service, within
the constraints of time and physical logistics of the Meetinghouse. We
are grateful for the contributions made to the united effort, but most
notably the Pastoral staff, the Choir, and the Director of Music
Ministries.
Going forward, next year’s tasks in
process include the request to review the closing words following the
Old and New Testament scripture readings, the inclusion of recruiting
ethnically diverse Deaconate’s, the consideration of two new additional
youth deacon Positions.
It is amazing how fast four years of
service as a Deacon has come to a close. I am going to miss being the
Deacon of the day, serving communion, especially by Intinction,
preaching at Salmon Brook, serving Tenebrae, reading at the meal of the
upper room, etc. It truly has been a privilege and honor to serve as a
Deacon. Being a Deacon has opened by eyes to serving as a disciple of
Christ. I am looking forward to Christian Service, but will always be a
Deacon ready to serve. This is only the beginning.
I have been blessed this year to serve
with Jim Loomis, Kathy Ciolkosz, Nancy Higgins (Vice-Chair), Jon Brown,
Celia Gillard, David Kenison, Diana Ruddick, Sue Dufford, Pat Weibust,
Brian Nofziger, and Doug Black. May God bless them as they continue to
serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary R. Williams
Chair
BOARD OF DEACONS
2011 Nancy Higgins Chair
2011 Diana Ruddick
2011
2012 Jon Brown
2012 Celia Gillard
2012 Dave Kenison Vice Chair
2013 Doug Black
2013 Susan Dufford
2013 Brian Nofziger
2013 Pat Weibust
2014 Charlene Dann
2014
2014
