Deacon's Corner

 As we sort of just laze our way into August, it's pretty evident that we are getting used to, and enjoying, having summer. There are no major August projects or activities in the wings for the Deacons, save for our annual Deacons' picnic in the middle of the month. We'll still be checking on our seniors, monitoring the congregation for situations that might require attention, and providing meals and other comforts as needed. None of that has a season, it's what we do!

          The end of July did bring some updated and informative activity regarding the Open Door Mission and its volunteer program. On Sunday the 21^st Judith McKinnon, the new director of the facility's volunteer program, addressed our congregation during the “Minute for Local Missions” segment of worship.

          In her overview address Mrs. McKinnon informed us that the Open Door is much more than merely a “serving line” at their soup kitchen and is rife with volunteer opportunities in other areas. Some of these include: reception desk coverage, stocking and/or manning their food pantry, sorting and distributing clothing to itinerant and resident patrons and preparing rooms for patrons needing a place to sleep.

          We had announced in this space a couple of months ago that Open Door had instituted an online Volunteer Hub where potential volunteers could choose specific days and times and sign up to man various departments. Like most things digital the system had some major glitches that are currently being addressed in hopes of getting it back on-line and functional.

          Following worship Mrs. McKinnon met with congregants in McLean Hall to answer questions and pass out literature with more information on Open Door's overall operation and the opportunities it presents. If you missed her presentation and are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Kelsey Tuttle at 518-926-9724 or email her at greenek322@gmail.com.

          Also, near the end of July, I was fortunate to join an awesome volunteer force of team leaders, planners, kitchen staff, decorators, game leaders, craft teachers, technical people, registration attendants and other positions for our annual Vacation Bible School. Though participating in this awesome event is not a Deacon function, experiencing the energy fueled response, enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of the children who participated gave me a renewed optimism for the future of our Christian children.

          President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”  As Christian adults we should be aware that, like it or not, the children within our congregation will quietly watch and model our behaviors. Regardless of whether or not they are our children, within the church community (particularly a small-town community) they are “all our children” and as such we owe them the examples that will help them in the spiritual journey of their future.

          As we interact with the young people who feel so comfortably at home within the confines of our church, keep in mind this quote from Evangelist Michael Youssef who notes: “When children see us clinging to the promises of God, they will grow up trusting in His goodness. If we fail as adults in praying for and praying with the next generation, then they will become spiritually unsure.”

Respectfully, Tom Genovese for the Deacons