Deacons
Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God
Serving Others
Soup Kitchen
The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell provides meals for the soup kitchen at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Orange, NJ on Thursdays and the last Saturday of each month. We invite all to participate by preparing a meal or two. Sign up forms and recipes are provided at www.firstprescaldwell.org/soup-kitchen.
Drop off will be in The First Presbyterian Church parking lot located on Westville Avenue in Caldwell on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00pm and Saturday mornings from 8:00-8:30am. If you would like to learn more about the soup kitchen, or you would like to volunteer to serve in person, please contact Joyce McGrath at (201) 738-6531 or Laura Schalles at (973) 476-8616.
Sandwich Night
Sandwich Night is a fun & fast-paced event that takes place once a month in Fellowship Hall. Each month is hosted by a different community organization but all are invited to come and help make sandwiches and package lunches to benefit our mission partner – St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark, NJ. Each month, we prepare 400-450 bagged lunches.
Transportation Ministry
The Deacons are involved in coordinating transportation to and from church for church members who are unable to drive themselves. If you’re interested in volunteering as a driver on an upcoming Sunday, please contact the main office.
Card Writing Ministry
As part of a long-standing card-writing ministry, a number of church members join to reach out each month to show our homebound members that they are being remembered. Over the years, we have had many positive responses from these individuals or their family members indicating that these personal notes have been truly appreciated.
Basically, a volunteer is assigned one month of the year, with a partner. Each sends a greeting card with a personal message to their half of the list. The list is updated monthly, and cards can be sent at any time during the month. Volunteers choose their own, or there are “thinking of you” type cards available in the church office.
If you would like to know more about this quiet but effective ministry, please call the main office.
Blood Drives
The Deacons host a blood drive twice a year, as there is always a need for blood to meet surgical and emergency needs. People in good health and who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. Blood donors must be at least 16 years old.
Coat & Sweater Drives
The Deacons sponsor two seasonal clothing drives per year to benefit our mission partner – St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark, NJ. During a two-week period, a drop off bin is accessible 24/7 outside by the church circular driveway.
Cookie Walk
The Deacons host a Cookie Walk every year on the second Saturday in December from 9:00-12:00pm. Extraordinary cookies and baked goods are available for sale. There is a hospitality table and Holiday music to enjoy all day! All proceeds benefit those in our community who are in need during emergency situations throughout the year.
Turkey Drive
The Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year. Frozen turkeys and hams, along with canned goods and non-perishables are collected and donated to the NJ Foodbank. They use all donations to assist NJ families who would otherwise have no means to provide a holiday meal.
Annual Golf Outing
What could be better than a day of terrific golf, friendly competition, great food and beverages, and wonderful prizes? The Annual Board of Deacons Golf Outing takes place every May at the Farmstead Golf and Country Club in Lafayette, NJ. The friendly 4 player/best ball team format guarantees everyone an enjoyable day regardless of skill level. The afternoon on the course is followed by a buffet dinner and cash bar. The day promises fellowship as well as the opportunity to network while directly supporting our mission partners and outreach projects at First Pres.
Neighbor Brigade
The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell participates in Neighbor Brigade, an organization where neighbors help neighbors. People going through a temporary crisis (illness, cancer, surgery, death in the family, house fire) that is not financial, contact Neighbor Brigade for assistance. Volunteers with Neighbor Brigade help out with activities like preparing and/or delivering a meal, walking a dog, yard work, providing rides, and running light errands for people who are unable to do these activities themselves. Each chapter contributes to the national chapter to pay for insurance, background checks of volunteers, access to the organization’s computer system, and training.
Sign up to volunteer by clicking on Below link!
2018 Board of Deacons
Ministry Leaders
Moderator: Lisa Edwards
Vice-Moderator/Treasurer: Sally Cooperson
Secretary: Barb Bruchac
| Bruchac, Barbara |
| Colavita, Jill |
| Cornman, Stephen |
| Fergusson, Laurie |
| Johnson, Brian |
| Maguire, Julianne |
| Maher, Mimi |
| Masson, Ron |
| Pryor, Luke |
| Suda, Gabriella (teen) |
| Tannler, Susan |
| Akersten, Teresa |
| Cooperson, Sally |
| Edwards, Lisa |
| Fleming, Catherine |
| Joy, Diane |
| Legg, Carolyn |
| McGinley, Donna |
| Nicol, Ellen |
| Stein, Lisa |
| Asche, Darcy |
| Casagrand, Eleanor |
| Chiappetta, Bonnie |
| Endres, Christien |
| Hemesath, Tim |
| Heun, Kaitlyn |
| Nathans, Sandra |