Dear Pali Pres,
This past Sunday I had the pleasure of joining Pastor Grace and our amazing church Deacons at their annual Deacon Retreat (held at the lovely Bel-Air Bay Club—what a treat!). It was a meaningful time of fellowship, spiritual reflection, and planning for the future of our Deacon Board here at Pali Pres.
As the old saying goes, the only constant is change. With that in mind, I’m pleased to report that our Deacons, under the great leadership of Pastor Grace and Joanna Darvish, have prayerfully discerned how the Holy Spirit is leading them to reimagine some of their ministries to better meet the changing needs of our congregation. You will hear more about the exciting changes our Deacons are planning for their ministry in 2024 and beyond on Deacon Sunday, which will be April 14. Stay tuned!
All this being said, it is so comforting to know that the role of Deacons will not change. Going back to the early church, Deacons have been known as people of love and warm sympathies. The Deacons carry out a service of witness and compassion in the example of Jesus Christ. For anyone who has ever served as a Deacon, or been served by a Deacon, you know that this is indeed a vital ministry to all who are in need, be they sick, lonely, or in emotional, spiritual, or physical distress.
It brings me great joy to know our church is ministered to by such servants of the Lord. Please join me in thanking them and praying for them!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
[From left to right]: Bruce and Vidda Brough, Joanna Darvish (Deacon Clerk), Pastor Matt, Staci Mitchel, Jan Gong, Jan Larson, Joan Kaczorowski, Brendan Kim, Linda Grant, Pastor Grace, Correne Gichuru, Lore Meline, Evelyn Moyer, Marie-Anne Helgeson