In 1997, the Board of Deacons continued many of the traditions and rituals of the Church and began several new ones as well. Among the traditional activities of the Deacons are the services of Holy Communion held during the year, as well as certain special events. This year the Diaconate organized the Maundy Thursday White Supper, The Welcome Supper in September and the Advent-Christmas Workshop in December. New this year, the Deacons planned the Heritage Sunday and Year-End Picnic in June.

In addition to those duties, the Deacons fulfilled other functions related to the Church seasons: delivering lilies at Easter and poinsettias at Christmas; organizing Church decorations and planning the summer schedule of worship. The Deacons also provided guidance and support for the important Christian Education Committee.

The Deacons were pleased to welcome eight new members into the congregation in 1997: Anne Borreggine, Daphne Kimler, David Kimler, Carolyn Dobak, Marilyn Radice, Leland Lutz, Tracy Paul and Jeff Paul. We also had the joy of five baptisms this year: Christopher Scott Harris, Tracy C. Paul, Chelsea Rose Paul, Chloe Pamela Paul and Caleigh Shayne Paul.

A key activity for the Deacons this year was the planning with the Trustees and Dr. Plummer of two Visioning meetings for the congregation to consider crucial questions about what the Church of Universal Fellowship will look like in the future. What will be its mission? What will be our faith? What values, truths and aspirations will we affirm? What vision do we have to ensure the future of the church?

Based on these questions and the responses of those present at the discussions, three areas were targeted: Spirituality/Worship, Outreach, and the Church Community. A summary of each area representing general principles and suggested ideas/activities was generated. This significant work will continue to guide us as we move into the next century.

A look back at our objectives for the year indicate that the Deacons did accomplish a great deal: improved communication with the congregation and the Church boards; a heightened appreciation of our church heritage; re-definition of the mission and role of the Church. Thanks are due two Deacons leaving the Board, Grover MacLaughlin and Stephen Shaler, for their excellent service to the Church and to those continuing, Mary Lou Colbath, Deborah Armstrong, Alma Homola, Kathryn Hamilton, Anders Netland and Mary Zink for faithful service.

Throughout the year, the Board of Deacons has been sustained by the positive spirit of the congregation and by the deep committment of our Church members. Without the generous help of so many in our spiritual family we would not be able to function successfully. To all who have contributed in so many ways - by ushering, baking, cooking, serving tables, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and many more - the Deacons formally and gratefully express their thanks and gratitude. The Board also thanks Rachel Lapointe for her years of faithful service.

And finally, the Board of Deacons wishes to thank Dr. Plummer for his inspirational leadership and outstanding committment to the Church of Universal Fellowship these last few years. Roger's imprint may be seen on every aspect of the Church, yet perhaps his greatest legacy was how he gently, but persistently, pushed the Church to consider and plan for the future. The Church has been extraordinarily blessed with Mrs.Dorothy Plummer's vitality, straight-forward thinking and devotion, as well. The Plummers will be missed, but we look forward to worshipping, working and playing with them in new capacities!

Edward N. Brazee, Chair, Board of Deacons