2020 Board of Deacons Annual Report
The role of the Deacons within the church is to share the love of Jesus by helping and supporting both members of the church and the community in times of need, and 2020 was a year in which many found themselves in need in a variety of ways.
Although circumstances in 2020 hindered some of the work the Deacons typically do, they found alternative ways to carry out their mission. During the shut-down in the spring, Deacons quickly activated the phone chain to make periodic calls to both members and friends of the congregation alike. They continued and increased the monetary donations they regularly make to many area organizations. In addition, Deacons reviewed the work they do in accordance with the principles of the Vital Congregations program. Even though some notable programs (e.g. Chapel and Chow with Racetrack Ministries, the USPS Food Collection) were canceled because of the pandemic, Deacons took on a larger role in the AHTN Shared Meal program. Similarly, they expanded their gifts of Christmas cookie tins to shut-ins, distributing Christmas Eve Bags to not only our homebound members, but other members isolated (specifically from the church) because of the pandemic. Finally, the Deacons continued to operate the Food Pantry, but relocated it to the lower level of the main church building. With the addition of a sign advertising the Food Pantry, the number of people served increased significantly in the fall.
To review, during 2020, Deacons have been helpful in the following areas within the church:
– Preparing for communion
– Hosting hospitality for the 2nd Sunday of each month (until March)
– Sending out cards to homebound church members
– Hosting the Simple Meal prior to the Ash Wednesday service
– Maintaining the Food Pantry and preparing holiday food baskets
– Supporting congregational and community needs
Along with these activities Deacons have served the community with:
– Collecting and donating school supplies to Family Services and Race Track Ministries
– Sponsoring an apartment with the Penndel Shelter
– Distributing 24 Thanksgiving Food Baskets with the Pen Ryn School
– Christmas in July toy collection
– Collecting coats, hats, scarves, and mittens for distribution
– Collecting and sharing Christmas Cookies with members and shut-ins
– Participating in preparation of the AHTN Shared Meal every other month
The Deacons thank all who support them and these ministries with the countless donations of funds and goods that make this mission possible. From all the Deacons and for the lives that are touched, we thank and bless you.
Anneke Mikulski
Moderator of 2020