C H U R C H notes

A publication of

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

170 Fai rv iew Avenue • Coventry , RI • USA

december 2017

volume 12 - No. 12

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We are

Christians who Worship

in the Anglican Tradition.

Our Mission is to

Obey, Follow

and Bear Witness

to

Jesus Christ.

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

Evangelical Anglican

Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

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December Services

Sunday, December 24

4th Sunday of Advent - 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 24

Christmas Eve - 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Monday, December 25

Christmas Day - 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 31

1st Sunday After Christmas Day - 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 31

Ring In The New Year - Dinner & Service 5:00 p.m.

There will be NO Christian Education

or Sunday Brunch on December 24 & 31.

Please join us for Coffee Hour following the 9:00 a.m. Services.

Sunday, January 7

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

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December Services

Sunday, December 24

4th Sunday of Advent - 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 24

Christmas Eve - 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Monday, December 25

Christmas Day - 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 31

1st Sunday After Christmas Day - 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 31

Ring In The New Year - Dinner & Service 5:00 p.m.

There will be NO Christian Education

or Sunday Brunch on December 24 & 31.

Please join us for Coffee Hour following the 9:00 a.m. Services.

Sunday, January 7

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT NEVER BREAK

Did you ever receive a Christmas gift that did not last long? Last Christmas all of our children and grandchildren were at our home. Our son-in-law Joey gave a unique gift to our grandson Levi. It was a remote control operated, helium filled fish that flew around our house. It was a great gift! But within a couple of days it was broken. It could no longer be steered because part of the turning mechanism had broken off. As you can imagine Levi was quite disappointed. I have been thinking this year about Christmas Gifts that never break. We are focusing on this theme in our Adult Sunday School classes through December 17, and we are highlighting some of these most precious gifts in our Advent Worship services each Sunday as we light the Advent Wreath. I was stirred when reading an Advent Study about this written by James W. Moore. He points out the lesson we all must learn that material things cannot provide lasting happiness to anyone, but when we treasure most the gifts that endure, and pass those treasures on to others, then we can truly know lasting satisfaction. The greatest gift of all is God’s glorious gift of His Son to be our Savior. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is a gift that never breaks. God has given to us His Son for our eternal Salvation. What a gift! Many attendant gifts come to us through the great gift of God’s Son, including four that we are highlighting on the four Sundays of Advent. They include the Gift of Hope, which is confident expectation in our Lord who has fulfilled and will yet fulfill every promise. A second gift that never breaks is the Gift of Love, for God’s gift of His Son is motivated by His great love for us; and His love endures forever. A third enduring gift of God that is ours through Christ Jesus is the Gift of Joy, for Christ is the source and author of joy, as the angel announced to the shepherds on the night of His birth! And a fourth gift of God that will never break is the Gift of Peace, for Christ is the Prince of Peace who gives to all who trust Him enduring peace that can never break, no matter the circumstances of our life. I pray for all of you an Advent Season filled with the blessings of receiving from God, and passing on to others these precious Christmas gifts that never break!

In Christ’s great love,

Pastor Steve

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ARGENTINA MINISTRY REPORT

by Pastor Steve

Helen and I thank you for your prayers for us and all who

gathered with us in Argentina in November for meetings

sponsored by the World Evangelical Congregational Fellowship

(WECF). I have served on the leadership team of this

international fellowship since 2004, soon after I was elected

Conference Minister of the Conservative Congregational

Christian Conference (CCCC), which is the United States

fellowship of ministers and churches within the WECF.

In February 2016 when WECF held a triennial meeting in the

USA, the Iglesia Evangelica Congregacional (Evangelical

Congregational Churches) of Argentina officially joined us, and

subsequently invited WECF to come to Argentina for a ministry

conference and to introduce WECF to the pastors and churches.

WECF leaders from USA, United Kingdom, and Australia were

speakers at the meetings held on the campus of their seminary.

Pastors came from churches throughout Argentina, Brazil, and

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Paraguay. The Lord

encouraged us by the

power of His Word

and the testimonies of

His people. I was

especially encouraged

by the presence of

many young leaders

with a passionate love

for the Lord Jesus

Christ, and a determination to serve Him with all of their hearts

and souls and minds.

When I preached my message was translated into Spanish by

Marco, this devoted Christian brother, as this was the language of

most attendees. After this he kept calling me “Papa” and “Man of

God”. Portuguese translation was also offered, for attendees from

Brazil and Paraguay. Following the WECF meetings we visited

several churches.

This picture was

taken at one of

the churches we

visited on a

Saturday

morning.

Children were

singing beautiful

songs of worship,

choreographing

their praises to the

Lord. God is

moving across Latin America with much growth and enthusiasm

evident in the churches. Church, we are blessed to be part of our

Lord’s worldwide family!

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A Christmas Story

Besides the main characters in the Christmas story, there are a number of minor characters who interacted with the miraculous events of Jesus' birth in interesting ways.

In this article, we'll explore a little-known man named Simeon who witnessed Jesus being presented at the temple in Jerusalem. Simeon's place in the New Testament is relatively small. His introduction comes in Luke 2, after the miraculous events typically depicted in nativity scenes: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25-26)

We're not given a lot of specific information about Simeon, but there is plenty to learn between the lines. For example, Simeon was waiting for "the consolation of Israel." This phrase referred to the Messiah -- a prophesied savior the Jews believed would restore the power and glory of Israel. In verse 26, we learn that God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he witnessed this promised savior.

In addition, we're told that "the Holy Spirit was on" Simeon. This was a major honor. Throughout the Old Testament, a relatively small number of people were blessed with a special interaction with the Holy Spirit in order to accomplish important tasks in God's plan. Simeon's connection to the Holy Spirit at that time meant something big was about to happen.

What these verses teach us is that Simeon represented the culmination of hundreds of years of faithful Jews who had endured much suffering while waiting for God to send His promised Messiah. Like John the Baptist, Simeon served as a bridge between God's Old Covenant with the people of Israel and the New Covenant He wanted to establish through Jesus.

What makes Simeon's story so interesting is that he represented the faithful members of God's chosen people, yet he witnessed a Savior who would reach out beyond the Jews and embrace all people. Simeon himself recognized this shift in God's plan:

“Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a

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light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’” (Luke 2:27-32)

Simeon pronounced a blessing over the young Jesus, recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of God's people.

Yet Simeon's words would have surprised the Israelites who heard it, because he talked of God's plan to include "all nations" in that salvation. He even went so far as to say that the Messiah was "a light for revelation to the Gentiles."

This would have surprised the Israelites who heard it, but it shouldn't have. Indeed, it was God's plan all along for the Jewish nation (God's chosen people) to produce a Messiah who would bring salvation to all the world. That was the covenant God made with Abraham, the founding father of the Jewish people. Simeon was exceedingly blessed to be an eyewitness to the fulfillment of that promise.

The sad news is that the Jewish people of Simeon's day had a mistaken understanding of who the Messiah was supposed to be and what the Messiah was supposed to do. They believed the Messiah would restore the old glory of the Israelite nation. They thought he would lead a revolution against the Roman Empire and restore the Israelites to the time of David and Solomon -- a time when Israel was most wealthy and powerful.

It was this mistaken understanding of the Messiah that led many of God's chosen people to reject the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This was a reality that Simeon foresaw, as well, and he concluded his words in the Scriptures by cautioning Mary (Jesus' mother) about the trials to come:

“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” (Luke 2:33-35)

In many ways, the story of Christmas is the ending of a story God had started with Abraham and the founding of the Jewish people. This story involved a promise to provide salvation for all the people of the earth -- Jews and Gentiles alike. In that way, Simeon's part in the Christmas story is a reminder of God's faithfulness to past promises and an announcement of a wonderful hope for the future.

Author - Sam O'Neal

May the true meaning of Christmas fill our hearts and minds. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Deacon Bill

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Gratitude for the Opportunity to Serve

On November 19, 2018, after prayerful consideration, we presented our declaration to the Lord of what we intend to commit to Him in the coming year! God will work out His plan through each one of us. We are all needed in the life of His Church! Thank you, Lord Jesus for the various gifts you have given us, for your Glory. It’s exciting to know that each of us has a part in Your plan.

Thank you to all who came forward to contribute to the Stewardship Testimonies this year, both written offerings and oral presentations. When we share our life experiences with others about our journey in Christ, it is helpful to the person sharing and it can also be helpful to others who may be struggling. It reassures us that our struggles are not unique. Our trials in life are opportunities to grow closer to God, to seek his counsel; opportunities to experience his mercy and grace, and an opportunity for us to show mercy and grace to others.

“Let us give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (Thessalonians 5:18). So with a thankful heart, let us serve the Lord together: Each day, and throughout each day!

Deb Adams

Stewardship Minister

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Care Groups to Relaunch in January

God blessed all who participated in Care Groups this Fall. Many have testified of how encouraging it has been to meet with and build personal relationships with a small group of Christian brothers and sisters. Eight groups have met at various times and in various homes, enjoying food, fellowship, conversation, Bible study and prayer. The groups began meeting in September, agreeing with one another to meet regularly until December. Current Care Group commitments will conclude the week of December 10.

Plans are now underway for restarting Care Groups beginning the second week of January and taking us through the last week of May. Care Group members will be asked to covenant with their group to meet at least every other week, and to make it a personal priority to attend. Confidentiality is pledged with one another so group members can build trust and feel safe to share personal matters. The shared goal is to care for one another and to grow together and in relationship with Jesus Christ. Many leaders and members of current groups have expressed interest in continuing to meet in the groups they now attend. Others may choose to attend another group because of meeting times or other reasons. If you wish to continue in your current group please notify your Care Group leader.

A list of the Care Groups who will relaunch or begin in January will soon be available showing the times and locations and the number of open spaces for new members to join. For more information about leading or joining a Care Group please contact the church office or Pastor Steve.

Please Save the Date...

Sunday - January 21, 2018 1:00 p.m.

Church of The Apostles Annual Meeting of the Corporation

In the Church Sanctuary following Brunch

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Sunday School

Through December 17 Sunday School meets for all ages Sunday mornings, starting at 9:15 for children and youth, and 9:30 for adults. There will be no Sunday School classes December 24 and 31. During the Sundays of Advent Adult Sunday School studied Christmas Gifts That Never Break, which includes the themes we are highlighting with our advent candles each week – the gifts of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, which are all God’s gifts to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

From January 7 through February 4 the Adult Class will feature a 5 week series based on Mark Batterson’s study on “Primal Christianity” which takes us back to the basic faith of our spiritual ancestors and what it means to be great at living the greatest commandment. Though we can complicate Christianity, Jesus simplified it. Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In this class we will be viewing brief videos from Right Now Media, followed by group discussion of important biblical principles. Come join us as we grow in Christ together!

Prayer written by Ambassador Class

Students Aiden Felice and

Harrison McMahon

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Right Now Media This week you should have received an email inviting you to join “Right Now Media” which is a membership website with over 18,000 Christian Videos. Below is a copy of the flyer that will be included in this Sunday’s bulletin. Please take a moment to open your email invitation, click the get started button in the email, create your profile and explore! Please call Kerri McMahon in the church office if you have any questions.

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We now have a FACEBOOK Page. Facebook will be a great

communication tool for our Church Family and others in the

community to see what is happening at Church of The Apostles.

We will share announcements, reminders, useful and inspirational

posts and share photos and reports after events.

1. Go to: www.facebook.com/churchoftheapostlescoventryri

2. Like our page

3. Share with friends and family

We appreciate any suggestions, input or content you would like to

share. Your prayers are needed to help our administrative team

use this communications tool effectively for the Glory of God.

Please contact Kerri McMahon in the church office at

kerri@apostlesri.org with any Facebook questions.

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Christmas Gift Alternative

This year consider donating money in the name of a friend or loved one to “His Hands for Myanmar Child Sponsorship

Program”. Any amount is acceptable. Donations will help provide the children with medical, housing and school expenses. Child Christmas ornaments and gift acknowledgement cards are available on the cross in the Narthex if you would like to give this as a gift. Please make checks out to Church of The Apostles with “His Hands for Myanmar” on the memo line. For more information visit www.hishandssupportministries.org/myanmar or see Pastor Steve. CoTA will continue collecting new socks and new or gently used gloves and hats for Project Hand Up. There is a marked basket by the cross in the Narthex. Thank you! Volunteers are needed to help once a month cook and serve

dinner at the West Warwick Senior Center. If you are interested please sign up on the Narthex table. The next meal will be served on Sunday, January 7th. For more information please see Deacon Kathy Kettle or Deacon Deb Adams.

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The Joy of Christmas

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.'"

(Luke 2:10-11)

Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to

grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be a part of every

Christian’s life. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Joy is “a feeling

of great pleasure and happiness.” It’s the emotion we feel when

life is good, when the sun is shining, when our team is winning,

and when we are healthy and happy. In Philippians 3:1 and 4:4,

Paul commands us to rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord

means that these truths about Jesus, who he is, what he has done,

and what he will do, personally and profoundly affect us.

Rejoicing in the Lord means knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord

and Savior. It means he gives us deeper and purer, more lasting

pleasure and gladness than anything this world has to offer. As

Paul says in Philippians 3:8, “I count everything as loss because

of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Rejoicing in the Lord means that there is a new song in our

hearts, the song of the redeemed, that the noise and sufferings of

life cannot drown out.

Spirit of Rejoicing

The Christmas season affords an opportunity to rid the heart of

sadness and gloom. Hope brightens all that it touches. The

Bethlehem manger is much more than a historical milestone; it is

an unfolding promise to all who believe. Jesus is the Gift who

keeps on giving. The Christian can rejoice in things eternal, even

when present circumstances are difficult.

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Spirit of Generosity

Remember that the gift is always a token of the heart. Most gifts

are soon broken, used and forgotten, but a loving, giving heart

endures the tests of time. Unless we reinvest Christmas with its

glorious message and meaning, the holidays will pass like a

pagan festival. Unless we truly celebrate Christ, the greatest story

ever told will be lost amid the bells, bows and decorations. Make

your holiday a holy day. Set free whatever grudges or ill will you

would hold on to. Sing the carols at the top of your voice. Wrap

every present in love. You are the reason Jesus came. No one has

more cause to celebrate than you do.

Spirit of Reconnection

Christmas should draw us together to tell the world’s greatest

story once again, and share true fellowship. Joy in the season is

found in reconnecting with those we love, and even with those we

have lost touch with along the way. Unless we engage our hearts

in a true celebration of Christmas joy, we are easily caught up in a

pointless and mindless holiday.

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come."

Health & Wellness Ministry

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Do you have plans for this New Year’s Eve? Why not join your church family here at CoTA,

and friends from other local churches to “Ring In The New Year” with food, worship, music and fellowship!

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Fall YARD cleanup 2017

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Thank You...

Dear Church Family, Thanks you all so much for your prayers, get well cards and phone calls. Everything went well with my knee replacement surgery and I am recuperating nicely. I will see you in Church very soon. I am so blessed to be part of this loving church family. In His Love, Beth (Sexton) My Dear Brothers and Sisters at Church of The Apostles, Thank you very much for all of your love and prayers that are filling me with God’s peace and healing. Thank you for the beautiful cards with the colors of God’s rainbow. Love, Sandy (Restall)

Family Dinner & Movie Night

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2nd Family and Movie Night. We enjoyed delicious pizza, salad, fruit and desserts. Thank you to everyone who brought desserts and for your free will offerings. A special

thank you to Pastor Steve for choosing such an entertaining, inspirational and heartwarming movie “Christmas for a Dollar”. The movie is available to borrow if you were unable to attend. We also are so grateful to John Adams for his technical expertise in setting up the projector, screen and audio so we could enjoy our temporary movie theatre in our Sanctuary.

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Church Calendar...

December Saturday, Dec 16 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Saturday, Dec 16 11:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Saturday, Dec 23 11:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Sunday, Dec 24 9:00 a.m. 4th Sunday of Advent Service

Sunday, Dec 24 10:15 a.m. Greening of the Church

Sunday, Dec 24 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Monday, Dec 25 9:00 a.m. Christmas Day Service

Saturday, Dec 30 11:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Sunday, Dec 31 9:00 a.m. 1st Sunday after Christmas

Sunday, Dec 31 5:00 p.m. “Ring in the New Year”

Dinner, Service & Toast

January Tuesday, Jan 2 midnight TWP 24 hour Prayer begins

Wednesday, Jan 3 7:00 p.m. Monthly Evening Prayer

Wednesday, Jan 3 midnight 24 hour prayer concludes

Friday, Jan 5 Annual Report Deadline

Saturday, Jan 6 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Sunday, Jan 7 Church Notes Deadline

Sunday, Jan 7 The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Sunday, Jan 7 5:00 p.m. CoTA serving Sunday Dinner

at W.W. Senior Center

Saturday, Jan 13 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast

Monday, Jan 15 Church Office Closed - MLK Jr. Day

Thursday, Jan 18 7:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting

Saturday, Jan 20 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Sunday, Jan 21 1:00 p.m. Annual Meeting

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_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Requested by_______________________________ Offering_____________

Please make checks payable to Church of The Apostles.

Offerings for Flowers and Greens

The Altar Guild appreciates offerings to help offset the cost of Greening the Church. If you would like to have loved ones remembered at the Christmas services, please list their names below and return this form to the Church Office by Wednesday,

December 20. Checks should be made payable to “Church of The

Apostles.”

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Each month in Church Notes we are highlighting one or more of the ministries here at Church of The Apostles. Please see our website for a complete list of our ministries. If there is a way any of the ministries could help you or if you would like to participate in a particular ministry please contact the ministry leader.

Worship Services Ministries

The ministry of the Laity is an integral part of the worship

service. Following the example of the early Church, those called

to these ministries arise from the Congregation, at the appropriate

time, to fulfill their responsibilities.

The roles of Acolyte, Chalice Bearer, Lector and Crucifer are

filled by those who are called by God into these ministries,

showing reverence to Him through their service to the

Congregation.

The main duty of the Crucifer is to

carry the Cross during the

procession and recession of the

worship leaders, and at the reading

of the Gospel. The Acolyte is one

who serves or assists the Elders and

Deacons at the Holy Table. As a

Lector, one is called upon to read

the Word of God to the

Congregation gathered for worship.

The Chalice Bearer brings the cup,

the Blood of Christ, to those

gathered at the holy Table.

If you would like to participate in

this ministry please speak with Beth

Sexton at (401) 726-4549.

Highlight of CoTA Ministries...

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CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican

170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) 821-7609 • Superintendent’s Residence: (401) 397-5703 website: apostlesri.org • email: office@apostlesri.org • fax: (401) 826-1858

The Holy Eucharist Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Christian Education, Children & Teens Sunday 9:15 a.m. Christian Education, Adults Sunday 9:30 a.m. Evening Prayer First Wednesday of each month 7:00 p.m. Morning Prayer Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.

Church Staff

Superintendent The Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon Church Administrator Erin Mead Communications Officer Barbara Bickerstaff Communications Assistant Kerri McMahon Director of Christian Education Linda Jones Organist and Music Director Marianne Salisbury Assistant Organist Shyanne Slinko Sacristy Minister Paulette Donovan Sexton Mike Edwards Treasurer Bob Bickerstaff Clerk Barbara Allegretti

Board of Elders

The Rev. Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 The Rev. Blessing Jacobs 588-0006

The Rev. Conrad Ruppert (Elder Emeritus) The Rev. Mark Galloway (Bishop-retired)

Ecclesiastical Dignitaries

Lady Linda Greco 228-3060 Lady Sue Pillsbury 884-2947

Board of Servants

Archdeacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister 726-4549 Deacon Kathy Kettle Outreach Minister 573-0773 Deacon Deb Adams Stewardship Minister 828-7998 Deacon Doug Stomberg Buildings and Grounds Minister 397-5508

Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan

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