A whole new world, would define for me all that our church and I have experienced this past year. We have learned to say goodbye and Godspeed to some special people who God has called to serve in other Christian places. Saying goodbye to Mark Swarner as he headed up to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church was no easy task, neither was saying farewell to Ray Martinez. God’s love and mercy continues to work as so many faithful members of our church volunteered to take on special tasks and more responsibility to help our church continue to move forward. With Mark’s departure, I was given the opportunity to work with our Contemporary Worship team as a bridge to our overall ministry. I have also been helping with communication and learning a great deal from our communications commission through Elders Don Kiel and David Buck. I am honored to continue to serve through Adult Education, Congregational Life, Membership, Deacons, Stephen Ministry and Pastoral Care. Without the help of our staff and specifically people like Paula Borisoff, Diane Amatangelo, Sharon Purdy, Interim Business Administrator Les Armstrong and our custodial staff, ministry would be impossible. I continue to thrive on working with our Senior Pastor Jack Baca and enjoy the camaraderie of ministry under his leadership.

Stephen Ministry leaders Paula Siedlaczek and Holly and Tony Wilson have provided great direction and teaching to our Stephen Ministers. Last year we were able to have many guest speakers encourage and instruct our Stephen Ministers to help provide Christian care to those who are experiencing difficult times. Deacon Larry Wood has provided wonderful and often humorous leadership to our Deacons as moderator. The Deacons’ effective ministry has grown through the recognition of their spiritual gifts and their commitment to the body of Christ. These godly men and women continue in caring, visiting and sharing their faith with our many members and are instrumental in encouraging spiritual growth to our members. They continue to provide cookies for Valentine’s Day to our shut-ins and those who need an extra touch of love. Their outreach activities continue to our military moms, the Presbyterian Crisis Center, and homeless in our area. When the fires hit our community in October, our Stephen Ministers and Deacons came to the forefront to help with those effected most by the fires. Beyond the outpouring of gifts and monies from our congregation, the Stephen Ministers and Deacons provided support groups, phone calls, prayer support and other resources. The leadership of elders Mike Kendall and Vicki Perry continue to bring vision and leadership enhancement to the ministries in their respective areas in Adult Ministry and Congregational Life. Our Women’s Bible study this past year began a series through Beth Moore Studies called “Believing God”. They continued this fall with “Living Beyond Yourself”. They also had a very successful women’s retreat last spring. The 2007-2008 leadership team includes, Lynn Lilyquist, Marsha Wenskay, Jennifer See, Marcel Omohundro and Tori Shrader. Last Spring they had another successful Women’s Retreat and recently celebrated their fourth year of Knitwits. Michael Dyer, Bob Vernon, and Larry Wood have brought much depth and commitment to the different Bible studies for our men. The ALPHA course began a new fall session under the continuing leadership of Doris and Mike Kendall. These studies along with fellowship through Rancho Days, family opportunities such as Jane Nelson, Christmas Crafts, Dead Sea Scrolls and Table for Eight add to the overall ministry to our adults. I also continue to teach weekly at La Costa Glen Retirement Community and we have added a bus for extra transportation for the members and friends there.

I continue to serve our Presbytery through the Committee on Ministry. Worship and pastoral care remain a primary call to the ministry here at The Village Church. I visit those who are homebound or hospitalized and have served communion to homebound members and friends this past year with the assistance of the Elders and Deacons.

In Christ’s Service,
Rev. Janet K.F. Farley