Deacons Ministries

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond
their ability. ” II Corinthians 8:2-3 (NIV)

Reflecting on this past year, we were truly blessed by the Lord in performing service. As you can see, we were two Deacons short of a full board and one of our members suffered a debilitating illness which depleted our staff even more. However, the Lord provided the strength we needed to persevere with the remaining Deacons jumping in to fulfill the Board’s commitments.

Financially, we were blessed even more by the generosity of the congregation. A financial recap is given later in this report. This allowed us to bring these resources to those in our church family that had been hit with unexpected financial strains.

Below are some of the activities sponsored by the Deacons:

1. Coffee Hour coverage was faithfully served every Sunday, as were the duties of Head Usher.

2. Two Deacons provided help at every communion service.

3. Our annual Easter Brunch was a resounding success and the format of holding it after the service was appreciated by all.

4. The senior citizen lunch was wonderful and was attended by almost 20 people.

5. The “Karaoke Night” theme for our annual fund raiser was a huge success and was attended by almost 100 people, including our young people. A great time was had by all and the effort raised $983 for the Deacons’ Fund. A special thanks to Deacon Jerry Raiani who worked diligently in preparing the program format and acted as master of ceremonies and director to insure all had a good time.

6. Deacon Mark Gomes provided the leg work and effort to prepare and deliver food baskets to those who needed it most during the Thanksgiving holiday. The poinsettia delivery to our shut-ins was a welcome Christmas effort as usual.

7. As part of the SPC-sponsored “Christmas for Others” campaign, the Deacons participated in a gift card purchase program which raised $1400 for needy families. Nineteen canned hams were purchased and included in Christmas food baskets of collected canned goods and non-perishables. A local Cub Scout pack donated 30 bags of groceries and Suffern’s PBA DARE organization contributed 80 toys for distribution to families in need. Mark Gomes assisted in the distribution of these goods which helped 17 households and at least 30 children.

8.      Deacons’ Fund Financial Reconciliation (figures are approx. and rounded):

a. Opening balance from January 1, 2006                                  $ 6,100.00
b. Deposits to Deacons’ Fund from congregation                       $ 4,000.00
c. Deposit from November fund raiser                                        $     983.00
d. Total Available                                                                         $11,083.00

e. Disbursements:
    Rent Assistance to various persons               $ 3,000.00
   Various assistance to help individuals             $ 1,813.00
   Young Life for youth activities                           $ 1,100.00
   Food assistance to various families                  $    400.00
   Celebration of a church member’s life              $    385.00
   Designated gifting                                              $ 1,650.00
   Upper Room devotional subscription                $    160.00
   Coffee supplies and equipment                         $    380.00
   Office help                                                          $    425.00
   Flowers                                                               $      73.00
   Karaoke Night dinner expenses                        $    273.00
Total                                                                    $ 9,660.00

f. Available money (for start in 2007)                                     $ 1,323.00

Summary

I am honored to have been a part of this lovely group of dedicated people who truly love the Lord – the Suffern Presbyterian Church Deacons. We have tried to show Jesus Christ to those who visit our church, those who are suffering and in need, and to our church family, the community and the world. We look forward to serving Him in 2007 and ask for your prayers and guidance as we start the New Year.

Blessings to all,

Pete De Kramer, Moderator

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain”. Psalm 127:1

It is good to remember the work accomplished during the past year, as we can clearly see how the Lord helped us. He provided for many people’s needs and we rejoiced in His steadfast love to us.

Some of the activities sponsored by the deacons are as follows:

Ÿ Our annual Easter Brunch was a success. This was the first time to serve the scrumptious breakfast after the service. It was enjoyed unanimously and certainly looking forward for the next one.

Ÿ Deacons wanted to honor one of our former colleague Myron Green who was stationed at Kuwait and visited briefly on the month of April. A beautiful picture book containing mementos from Eastern Brunch and Coffee Hour along with encouraging messages from the Church Family was presented to Myron. We wanted him to know that a small group in Suffern was praying for his protection and safe return home.

Ÿ As is customary, the deacons hosted a lunch to honor our beloved Seniors in July. Nineteen of them delighted us with their presence. We had a lovely time of fellowship and thank them for their faith, courage and love.

Ÿ Our annual Fundraising event was postponed until 2006 due to several circumstances out of our control. However, the deacons are scheduling a summer event for the enjoyment and benefit of our Church and community.

Ÿ Thanksgiving baskets were prepared and delivered to deserving families, gifts were delivered to Walter Hoving home, donations for Christmas for Others were sent to families in need, shut ins received beautiful poinsettias on the Holidays, Coffee Hour was served faithfully every Sunday, ….

I want to mention the undeniable fact that the deacons from Suffern Presbyterian are people that really love God. I was honored to work with selfless, giving and hard working brothers and sisters in Christ: Ray Wang, Victor Aning, Barbara Foreman, Paule Dastine, Marc Gomes, George Cox, Jerry Raiani, Marty Simmons and for a short time Dick Peebles. Thanks for giving yourselves to reflect Christ with your actions. Ultimately, that is our goal: that Jesus Christ be shown to every one who visits our church, to the suffering and in need, to our church family, to the world!

Thanks from the bottom of my heart and pray for another successful year filled with God’s blessings to all!

In His Service,

Anabelle Ruiz