Adjusting and adapting was on full display with the Communion Committee this year! This quick-thinking committee ordered a large supply of “all in one” communion cups so we were ready to safely offer the communion elements beginning in July once we reopened for in-person services. Teaming up with the deacons, we enjoyed greeting everyone and distributing these new cups in the Narthex. As this epic fiscal year closes, we are humbled and grateful to have served and been part of the solution to the glory of God. As it is written in 1 Peter 4:10-11, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Dave Sohmer Board of Deacons Chair The role of deacon has its roots in the early church, referenced in Acts 6. The apostles needed to focus on the preaching of the Word and needed men to handle many of the administrative and logistical aspects of the church. The board of deacons is involved in many of these aspects at College Church that are often assumed or behind-the-scenes, whether in oversight or execution. In a year when the mode of worship changed multiple times due to COVID-19, College Church staff embodied flexibility, responsiveness and care. Highlighting:
• The Facilities Team had to respond quickly with a parking lot plan, tents, outdoor baptismal and outdoor sound systems. When worship returned to the Sanctuary, the team needed to set up spaced seating guides in the pews and source disinfecting solutions, equipment and labor. On top of this, the church lost a steeple and several chunks of the roof to the derecho and incurred a significant mechanical failure. • The Communion Committee, along with the deaconesses, procured contactless communion options as the worship services reopened responsibly. • The Technology Team had to find acceptable lighting and sound mixing to provide a suitable streaming experience for the members and regular attenders that had to go online during lockdown, targeted through three channels. In addition to these extraordinary changes, ongoing deacon responsibilities continued: • Working with the deaconesses to help congregants who found themselves in financial need this year, through administering Care and Share funds. The two groups also continued to work together with communion service. Further, the two groups are working with the pastoral staff to focus on greater effectiveness with visitation. • Serving congregants who needed physical help – e.g., moving or repairs. • Collecting, consolidating, reviewing and presenting a budget for the next fiscal year to the Council of Elders. • Reviewing the auditor results; and selecting an auditor for recommendation to the congregation. • Ensuring cash donation integrity. • Reviewing monthly financial status. • Reviewing capital improvement project
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