We read in the New Testament in Acts 6 about the early church calling forward from among its growing numbers a particular group of people to oversee the logistics of certain ministries of compassion and caring. Because of the serving - or service - oriented nature of their ministries, these people have been called in the church "deacons," a term derived from the Greek word meaning servant or to serve.

As it was then, the church today still seeks out people for these ministries who are filled with the Holy Spirit and who are full of wisdom and faith to serve and care for the congregation. As the apostles did in the early church, so today, our elders lay their hands on these servants, pray for them, and commission them for the important ministries to which God has called them and for which the church had chosen them. Like elders, they, too, serve the local church for 3-year terms.

Tom Collette Tom became a member of FPCSM in 1981. He immediately became active by joining Men's Bible Study and going on three mission trips. He enjoys traveling and has visited every state in the U.S. and 95 different countries. As a Christian, Tom believes it is his duty to serve our community. Since 1978 he has served on the San Mateo Housing Appeals Board, San Mateo Library Board and now on Sam Trans Citizens Advisory Committee. He has previously served as a Deacon. He believes the position of Deacon is a way of serving our Lord, and he would like to give back what God has given him to share with his fellow Christians.

Yamileth Clore A native of Nicaragua, has been attending First Presbyterian Church San Mateo since 1995 and has been a member since 2004. She and her husband, Brad, also a member, have three children, Enrique, Brandon and Alycia. She has been active in providing kitchen and food help for Kingdom Club, NexT Worship Cafe, Women's Grace Gateway and The Marriage Course. Her gifts are helping, compassion and mercy. She likes to be of assistance and support to those in need. Yamileth currently works at Mills-Peninsula Hospital in San Mateo.

Steve Evans Steve, his wife JoAnn and three daughters joined FPCSM in 1994. He has been an elder for one term. He has also served one term as a Deacon and served as the Deacon's co-moderator. He has been a Bible study facilitator for a number of years as well as helping out in facilities for many years.

Victoria Garcia Victoria has been a member of FPCSM since 2005. She came to know the Lord after being witnessed to by Lennie Reese. She's served as Deacon from 2006 to 2008. The saying goes once a Deacon, always a Deacon! She's continued to serve. She's a full-time member of the choir and really enjoys playing the tambourine too.

John Gardelius John joined our church in 1988. His wife Alison and daughter Shelby are also members. John has had a great joy being a member of the Chancel Choir since 1991. He has served a team as Deacon, and was moderator one year. He has also been an Elder. He has served on the Children's and Worship teams as well as being on the Nominating Committee. It's an honor to serve God as a Deacon for John.

Greg Johnson Greg served as deacon at FPCSM from 2005-2007 and has been a member of the Chancel Choir for four years. He has also been employed at FPCSM as part-time security and weekend custodian (Sexton) for the past six years. His favorite Bible Verse is from Matthew 6:19-20: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Sharon Tastor Sharon has been a member of FPCSM since 1983 and has served in various areas of ministry, including Worship and Music Nominating Committee and the Chancel Choir. She has previously served as Deacon and also as a Deacon moderator. Sharon believes prayer is the foundation of the life of the church and has been a long-standing member of the Monday Night Prayer group, Sunday Prayer Teams and also been a part of the Church Prayer Life Team. She sees her gifts of ministry as service, hospitality and prayer.

Kathy Terry Kathy has been a regular attendee at FPCSM for 17 years and a member for 7 years. She and her husband, Dave, are blessed with two sons, Nick and Joel, who have been involved with the children's ministry, youth group, mission trips, and NexT Worship Cafe. During her years here at FPCSM, she has helped out with Kingdom Club dinners and middle school and youth group activities. Kathy is a marriage and family therapist and works in private practice.

Jay Thompson Jay started attending services at FPCSM in the mid-80's and became a member in 1991. Along the way, Jay has been involved in singles group, drama ministry, Brookside nursing home ministry, and has had the privilege of playing guitar (and occasionally banjo) as a member of several worship bands since the late 90"s, including the Sunday contemporary service, Friday Night worship, and currently the blended Sunday service. He has also served on the Nominating Committee in the past, and was delighted to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee in 2007 that eventually nominated Pastor Shannon. Jay is humbled to have been asked to be a Deacon and looks forward to serving the church and the wider community in that capacity.

Tom Tucker Tom joined FPCSM with his wife Prudy and daughters Jennifer and Darcy in 1994. He served as Prudy's Sunday School Aid for six years, on the Worship Committee for four years, and on the Mission Committee for six years. He has participated on our Search Committees for a keyboard specialist and also for church officers. He led a mission to the Mixe Indians in Mexico and helped build a small place for visiting medical missionaries. He has served as Deacon for two terms and once as an Elder. He has been involved in worship on facilities projects, member outreaches, barbequing at church picnics and the Interfaith Hospitality Network. While a Deacon, Tom learned to appreciate the position as he was serving and facilitating the care and bonding of our church today.

Liz Yeager Liz and her husband, Jim, are both members here at FPCSM. They have four children, Abe, Drew, Ben and Lucy. Shortly after moving to San Mateo, Liz became involved in Little Sprouts and Community Bible Study, which both meet here. After many positive experiences with members of First Pres, she and Jim came to visit on Easter 2007 and they've been here ever since. Liz is excited to be part of the body of Christ with those who worship at FPCSM. A good way to get to know Liz would be to drop in on her crazy days with her baby girl Lucy and her boys as they build forts, throw rocks, make trips to and from preschool and have end-of-the-day dance parties.