WORDS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR         Rev. Duane L. Sich

Thanks be to God! And thanks be to the many other faithful followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ who serve Him so diligently through the ministry of Friends of the Carpenter. Every day I am humbled and also excited to see and experience what God is doing through the gifts of grace that are given to this ministry.

Two Thousand and Eight will see the 10 th anniversary of Friends of the Carpenter … WOW! There were many who had doubts and few who were confident that this ministry would make it. No matter … it’s what God wanted and willed that has granted this ministry to be where it is today and what it will be in the future. Again, Thanks Be To God! But also, thanks be to all who have supported this ministry through gifts of time, treasure and trust into what God has done and is doing!

My special thanks to the staff who work so intently and as a team. Their commitment and times of extraordinary commitment are a testimony to their personal faith and tireless ministry. Ministry so often exemplifies the metaphor of the Body of Christ – all the parts working in partnership, each part performing its special God given talent. Such is true of the staff team of Friends of the Carpenter. Jan has been with the ministry from the beginning (1998). Her job title, Program Manager, clearly depicts her excellent work and may very well be the force that God has used to keep the ministry going and “on track.” Dan celebrated his 5 th anniversary with Friends of the Carpenter. As Shop Foreman, he remembers when FOC didn’t have a shop at all but bounced around from borrowed spaces. His efforts have developed the wonderful workspace our woodworkers now love. Barb’s resignation as the Volunteer Coordinator (after 8 years) has caused a significant transition. It’s as if the ministry has had a “heart transplant.” Her love of the Lord, diligence with the volunteers and outreach to the participants was a ministry of miracles. She will be missed; we wish her the very best as she moves into new areas of ministry. As a result, we are delighted to welcome Tom Iberle onto the staff team. Tom brings a wealth of personal faith, experience in homeless ministries and great enthusiasm to the team. Welcome Tom! Judy Enders, our Financial Secretary is “a jewel!” Her attention to detail and ability to dispense limited resources to cover all the financial commitments is like Jesus feeding the multitudes. Bill Jennings, our Yard Host is a miracle in our midst. His gift of hospitality, not only to those who stay on the yard, but preparing the Center and graciousness to all who enter is a model of Benedictine proportion. I have saved my comments about Julie until last, but she is FIRST in my life. As Activity Coordinator, she has monitored the “glue” of the ministry. It is in the inter-mixing of volunteers and participants during the myriad of activities and events that the miracles of friendships form. We are “fit together” and through transformation, we are formed into the Body of Christ. (Just a personal side note, but oh so significant: Julie and I will celebrate our 40 th wedding anniversary this January. For her love and the love God has given me and our family through our marriage, I will be forever grateful!)

Additionally, I give my heartfelt thanks for the Board of Directors. Their leadership has provided the foundation and safety net for the success of the first 10 years. As we stand on this anniversary threshold, again it will be their faith and faithfulness that will lead the ministry to follow where God Wills it to go. God Bless the Board, ... God Bless us All!

Love & Peace,

Duane