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2010 Administrative Assistant’s Report

This summer I had the pleasure of attending the PAUMCS Institute (the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries) as a member of the 2010 Certification Class.  The five day program at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, helped me to learn more about the United Methodist Church, so that I can be more effective at church administration.  There was a speaker from UM Giving who told us real stories of how our Connectional Giving affects people all over the world.  It was a very moving experience. That’s what The United Methodist Church does…it connects people through the love of Jesus Christ and the debt He paid for us. It’s simply amazing how all members of the church body are in ministry together.
A big part of being a certified secretary is continued education.  I am planning to take a course in Excel basics this winter.  I am also hoping in April to attend the Annual Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the graduates of the 2010 Certification Class will be recognized.  I enjoy the fellowship with other United Methodist church secretaries. 
Some of the things I will be learning at the April Conference are Cyber Safety, Church Office Safety, Communication within the United Methodist Church, Sexual Ethics and Breaking the Silence (domestic violence).  The 2010 Mission Project is the Holston United Methodist Home for Children. The home provides hope and healing for children and families struggling with life's challenges.  For the 2011 mission project we have been asked to consider bringing a contribution of school supplies which include, but are not limited to: copy paper ~ markers ~ colored pencils ~ glue ~ stickers ~ arts and crafts supplies ~ men’s softballs ~ women’s softballs ~ gift cards to purchase whatever is needed.
Please be sure to check out the church’s web site (www.saintpaulsvt.org/). Harold has been working on it.  You’ll see that most of it has been updated.  We are always looking for help with web update and calendar entry.  If you’d like to help with this ministry please give us a call.  Also, I hope you are pleased with the new screen in the sanctuary.  Please be sure to thank Harold.  He has been working very hard to make it easier to see and read.  We thank you for your patience as we have addressed this problem.
It’s been a very busy year!  Many of those who regularly use the building really enjoy being here.  They tell me they love the space, especially Fellowship Hall and the kitchen!  Kudos to Al and the kitchen committee for the terrific job they do keeping it neat, clean and organized.
Next week, for at least the third year in a row, an outside group will be throwing their annual Christmas party in Fellowship Hall.  They keep coming back because it’s a perfect match for their needs.  They come in and decorate and are so happy to be able to use the building.  I really love it when the building is alive like that!  We are building new relationships all the time.  And that’s why we’re here!  To shine God’s light so brightly that folks are drawn back again and again.
Now, what would we do without our volunteers?  I want to thank all of you who generously give of your time and talents.  It would be hard to remember and list everyone but I would like to recognize a few.  First there’s Concetta, who helps out in the office every week, sometimes even twice a week. She comes in, always with a smile, and just a few simple words, “what can I do to help?’  She has a wonderful can do attitude.  She is a treasure to me.  Thank you very much, Concetta. 
Many thanks also go out to Gordon and his team of newsletter folders.  I can always depend on them.  They always show up on time and usually before I do!  I wonder how many years you have been doing this. 
I owe a huge thank you to Nancy Wells and Elaine Underwood for taking over as newsletter editors.  I’m sure you’ll agree they have been doing a wonderful job, and the newsletter is getting out on time!  Thank you both so much.
Then there’s Harold. Thank you for everything you have taught me, especially how to trust in God.  I love being around people of faith.  Harold, you have the patience of Job and I appreciate all you do and have done.  You are such a blessing! 
I continue to attend two weekly Bible studies here at St. Paul’s.  I really enjoy studying with fellow Christians and I am always delighted and sometimes amazed when I learn something new.  It’s a special time we set aside for God, who patiently waits to hear from us.  The Bible tells us everything we need to know.  God has so many wonderful plans for you.  Don’t you want to know what they are?  The other day I found myself acting like Martha; all wrapped up in the busyness of the day, and all I wanted to do was act like Mary and spend time with God.  Please don’t wait too long to know Him better. 
Well, it’s been a year of change; never an easy thing.  Pastor Marge has been wonderful as we make the transition from one pastor to another and from one conference to another.  I hope you are taking some time to get to know her.  I know she has been working very hard trying to get to know all of you.  It’s been a difficult year with the loss of so many family and friends, and then there’s Pastor Herm’s illness.  We are praying for all of you and for Herm.  God bless.
Respectfully submitted,

Debbie LeBlanc
Administrative Assistant/Financial Secretary