Thank You, Leaders
But as we welcome them in, it also means that a whole group of other Deacons and Elders are stepping down from these boards – and I want to take a brief moment to celebrate them.
Phyllis Bednar basically grew up in this church, singing in the choir, serving as a Deacon many times, but that didn’t keep me from being unable to come up with her name three years ago when she came to the Session meeting for the examination. The best part is, she’ll never let me live it down – but she does it with a sense of humor. Her sharp wit is a gift!
Judy Camus returned to the area with her husband Tim, after a lifetime away… just as Covid came. She jumped right in to the Pop Up Food Pantry and when she joined the Deacons, stepped in to head the Fall Luncheon these past two years, ensuring it as a highlight for so many. And what a great joy it is to see Judy taking up the offering on Sunday morning!
George Cox, a lifelong Roman Catholic, decided to join his wife Sharon at Canonsburg, as he realized his hands and his heart were here, so why not his membership too? Those hands have been in just about every part of this campus – repairing, re-finishing and renewing our joy in the process! He still gives me the chills on Christmas Eve, as he kneels at the manger…
Ashley Dodd grew up two blocks from the church and has been a building block of our Family Ministries for many years. In addition to the Kids for Camp ministry, which has recently stepped in to lead the Fair Booth, she’s led the Angel Tree Christmas gifting to our local shut-ins, bringing comfort and joy during the holidays!
Faith Homrock has sung and served her whole life here and was asked to serve as a Deacon while still in High School – following our tradition of getting young voices around the table. She agreed, even though it meant she’d be serving during her transition from high school to college. Her smile and servant’s heart is appreciated whether at VBS, leading worship, or visiting!
Doug Kearns returned to worship and service at Canonsburg UP after serving as a Commissioned Ruling Elder in several area churches. His smile and sense of humor is especially evident at dinners and Fellowship Hour and his willingness to clean up and even take out the trash afterwards is a trait that cannot be overlooked or undervalued!
Jake Lawrence, despite having three active young boys and a busy work schedule, agreed to serve an un-expired one-year term on the Deacons, and brought his can-do attitude to the Board! He follows a long line of Lawrences who’ve served Canonsburg UP Church, and I look forward to seeing what his boys do next, and all Jake will do to support them and us in the future.
Cheryl Smith came over from Venice Church with her husband Tom several years ago and has slowly but surely become a vital part of Canonsburg UP. She helps prepare Communion each month, serves on the Worship & Music Team and after some prodding, threw her hat into the ring to become our Financial Administrator after Karen Jingleski’s retirement. What would we do without her? Well… she’s agreed to be nominated to serve the unexpired term for 2 more years, so we won’t have to find out anytime soon!
Bea Affleck joined the Session not long after re-joining the church when she returned after her retirement and relocation from the nation’s capital. She’s served with Mission and Stewardship, Gather to Grow and most importantly, the Personnel Committee, where her experience and cheerleading were a gift that will keep on giving to this congregation and community for many years to come.
Drew Caliguiri stretched himself to serve on a team that he hadn’t initially expected – Worship and Music. But over the three years, he made sure it came full circle with his vocation as an elementary school teacher by stepping in to help lead the Cherub Choir as well as teaching and acting during our annual VBS program. I can’t thank him enough for the latter, while I was on sabbatical and look forward to his next turn in our ensemble casting!
Tim Camus joined his wife Judy in returning to Canonsburg, and serving alongside her at the Pop Up Pantry during the pandemic. We had little idea the impact he would eventually have, given his particular set of skills. He’s been instrumental with the Personnel Committee and the Safety & Security Task Force, and will continue with the upcoming Future of the Church Task Force as well.
Kathy Emery agreed to extend her service by one year to complete an unexpired term after a full three years and it couldn’t have come at a better time! Her continued work on Personnel helped us with some significant transitions and her expertise and experience provided tremendous help through the completion of the DeZomba estate gift. She’s also been serving on the 250th Celebration Team and will continue this, as we continue celebrating this year.
All of these servant leaders have been a tremendous gift to our church and broader community and I hope you will show your appreciation for them as you see them in the coming weeks and months. Even though they won’t be sitting around the same tables of leadership as they were (they step away to make room for others, like you!), they’re still here, serving and leading by example. And what an example it has been.
Thank you… for Welcoming Us All to Grow in Jesus!
Pastor Don