Our biblical theme this year from the Book of Deuteronomy has been lived out through Caring Ministries, Adult Education, and Lay Life and Ministry, in response to those in need of comfort and encouragement, inspiration and spiritual growth, fellowship and celebration. I have asked the Task Force in Caring Ministries and each committee within Caring Ministries to write separate reports on their goals and outreach over the past year; please see the reports that follow mine. I greatly enjoy and appreciate the gifts of each committee member as we seek to live together as bold disciples of Jesus Christ.

What dedication, challenges and joy these servants of God share! I thank each and every one, with special thanks to Margie Kreitler who spent her years at First Church building up all the Caring Ministries. The bonds created among this congregation, and beyond, are strengthened by visits, phone calls, cards, flowers, prayer shawls, celebratory meals, and healing services that our Caring and Lay Life ministers offer so graciously. Truly, they shall know we are Christians by our love.

During David Taylor’s sabbatical, it has been a special delight to preach once a month and to lead worship with Kate VanDerzee-Glidden and Chris Mereschuk. I am grateful for the members of our staff team: Susan Apito, Kathy Ciolkosz, Rebecca Fleahman and Frank Scalia. Since this church is constantly active and growing, there were unexpected challenges as well as joys during David’s sabbatical. Every staff member, as well as office volunteers, helped things go as smoothly as possible. Kudos—and thanks!

Along with Sunday morning worship, some of the experiences that have touched my heart and inspired me this past year have been: visiting with church members and friends in their homes; facilitating a Grief and Loss support group; leading Memorial services and meeting with the families; the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service; the annual Women’s Retreat by the ocean; Homecoming and Harvest Supper festivities; the Thursday Book Group discussion of Dancing with the Sacred; facilitating four sessions on the Lord’s Prayer; Healing Services and labyrinth walks; worship services with residents of local nursing facilities; and especially, the gift of heart-to-heart conversations with so many faith-filled individuals. Thanks be to God!

Rev. Ruth Martz
Associate Pastor of Discipleship Ministries