2005 - 2006 Annual Reports

DIACONATE ANNUAL REPORT

This year has flown by fast.  2006 found the Diaconate hosting and assisting with many of the activities that we have all come to enjoy.  From the Ice Cream Social at Vacation Church School, the All Church Picnic at Odione Point, to preparing the sanctuary for regular and special worship services that happen in our church life.  We have also assisted in welcoming New Members thru the Membership Committee, establishing a church budget thru our representatives on the Church Council, and maintaining regular communication with our Pastors as to their needs and the needs of our church family.

In the early spring of 2005 the Diaconate opened discussion on the topic of Blessing Ceremonies.  We were truly guided by all the conversation and sharing that went on between the members of our church family and the Diaconate Board.  In October the decision of the Board of Diaconate to participate in the ministry of Blessing Ceremonies came to our congregation for a vote.  It was a meeting filled with many opinions and emotions.  The vote of our congregation supported the position of the Diaconate on this very timely and controversial issue.

In November we came together to celebrate Pastor Alice’s ministry among us.  It is a true gift and blessing to have Alice walking with us on this journey of faith.  Pastor Alice celebrated 10 years as our Pastor on August 15th 2005 and 25 years of ordained ministry on August 10th 2005.

The Diaconate continues to discuss the option of a second service and would invite input from the congregation as to the needs and wants of our church family. 

We have at this time completed written guidelines for Lay Reading and procedures for serving Communion, which will go into the procedure manual that is being put together by our Church Council.

As our year ends we would like to extend a very heartfelt thanks to Jane
Mallinson as she steps down from the Board of Diaconate.  Jane has been our
flower person for several years and we will miss her attention to that detail. 
We have three seats to fill this year and would be happy to talk with anyone that
feels called to serve our church ministry in this way.

Your servants in Christ;
Diane Breeden, Chairperson; Bill Burke, Co-Chairperson,
Heidi Webster, Jane Mallinson, Sue Kachuck, Ken Gould,
Lee DeBell, Diana Sweeney, Katherine Cummings, Pat Plouff, Marcie Zingo,