DEACONS CORNER - March 2026

During the period of time between AD 85 and 90, the disciple John wrote his first letter (1^st John) from Ephesus. His purpose was to guide Christians back to the tenet of Christ's command to love God and each other.  Over a decade earlier, in AD 70, Jerusalem had been destroyed scattering Christians in every direction of the Roman Empire. In fact, by the time John penned his letter Christianity had already endured over a generation filled with persecution and waning commitment.

In Chapter 4, John cuts right to the heart of the matter by reemphasizing that, “...God IS love.” (verse 8). He punctuated that truth in verse 9 by reminding the church that God sent his only son into this world so, “...that we might live through Him”. It is, however, Verse 11 that drives his point home and the one that I wanted to build on: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another”.

That is a practice AND a concept that the faithful of APC embrace and live. It is what drives us Deacons in our efforts to offer love, compassion and assistance to brothers and sisters in Christ.

 As a perfect example, our February 8^th bake sale to benefit the Open Door Mission's Code Blue operation was ambushed by bad winter weather. Yet, despite the low attendance and a less than usual array of goodies, your response, between sales and donations raised $516 bringing the combined total from December and January bake sales to $1,065.

While on the subject of the Open Door we want to reiterate that, unlike in the early volunteer days at the Mission, their new online system is much more convenient AND offers many more options of tasks.

For example, there are needs for help in the following areas: Kitchen, Food Pantry, Clothing Pantry, Reception Desk, Shelter, Truck and various projects around the facility. They require a one-time, one hour orientation class when you first start which you may sign for up on-line. Next class is March 14, 10 a.m. Call 518-792-5900 for more information or contact one of the Deacons or the Church office for additional assistance.

We want to make everyone aware of the Deacons' freezer in the area opposite the office. There are various food items, meals, soups and such that we utilize to bring to congregants who could use a meal during a crisis. Although we use the items for that function, this freezer is also available to ALL members of the church should they find themselves with a sudden need. You may help yourself to whatever fulfills your specific need. Again, if you're not sure how to access this please contact one of us or the office.

And, by the way, in addition to food items we also have a selection of mugs, cards and devotional books available at the same location. Feel free to inspect the area and familiarize yourself with the options.

As you know the Deacons mail out cards to caregivers caring for a relative or friend, new babies, Friends at Home, college students and members of the military. Please be sure that we have current mailing information for any member of your family or social circle who would enjoy receiving our correspondence. And, as always, if you know someone or are aware of someone who is in need of assistance, please let us know.

And finally, looking ahead to next month the annual CROP Walk is scheduled for April 26^th, so mark your calendars now if you are planning to participate.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

Tom Genovese for the Deacons