You may have noticed a new but familiar face behind our front desk recently. Her name is Deborah Marsh. A long-time parishioner, Deborah spent 40 years in the teaching field, assisting with special education and music therapy. Prior to teaching, Deb worked in several churches in the area and back up in New York, a jack-of-all-trades, from playing the organ to bookkeeping to answering the phones. We are blessed to have her on our staff here at Saint John.
I have been at St. John’s as Parish Secretary for eight months now in this most rewarding and challenging job. It doesn’t seem possible that time has gone by so quickly. Systems are now in place that allow for a smooth operation of the office and reception area. We have made the transition to a new software program required by the Diocese. We survived the black mold crisis and continued full operation during the four-month displacement. Our new office looks and feels amazing. Well-trained office volunteers stand ready to assist you with parish business, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. We do NOT close for lunch as many parishioners come during that time to take care of their parish business. I am available any time to answer questions and help make Baptism and Funeral arrangements.
Some of the reasons you will want to get to know Deb, aside from her caring personality, are the key functions she performs for all of us parishioners. Deb is responsible for managing the Safe Environment Certification process, including keeping track of the volunteer paperwork and applications. She is the focal point for both our Baptism Program and our Bereavement Program. Saint John has recently renewed both our Baptism Program, to be welcoming and inclusive for parishioners and their families to enter into the church, and Deb has been an integral part of those changes. She is also running our office efficiently, making sure both supplies and smiles are not in short supply.
I thank God every day for the skills and abilities He has given me to effectively provide service to the parishioners of St. John’s.
If you need anything at all here at church, please contact our office via phone, email, or by simply walking in, and Deb will make sure you are taken care of.