The Board of Deacons is comprised of 18 members as well as our Pastor Scot, who is our pastoral facilitator.

We continue to offer our Lunch with Friends Ministry. This effort began several years ago and offers community members a homemade meal and opportunity for fellowship among friends. The diners are entertained by the joyful voices of the children at the Hilltop Church Nursery School, and occasionally by the Brookside Belles. Paula Raimondo leads this efforts and even raffles off one of her gorgeous handmade quilts to those to attend the lunch. We are so very grateful to those who cook and serve. The lunches are held on the second Wednesday of each month excluding Lent and August.

The Deacons coordinate providing meals for Hilltop members in times of need. This can be especially helpful for those struggling with illness, or loss. We are delighted to offer these acts of kindness so please don’t hesitate to reach out if this is something you would like.

Deacons also enjoy preparing sunshine baskets for church members facing difficulty circumstances. Cards are also sent to church members when we learn of particular struggles or hardships. Plants, baked goods, and other goodies are often included in the baskets as a way to bring a little joy to those in need.

There are a number of Deacons who provide outreach and ongoing contact to our members who have moved on to college. We recognize our seniors in the spring with handmade scarves in their college colors and make efforts to stay in touch with gift cards and notes throughout the school year.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with a trying situation? We have a group of Deacons that are talented knitters. They knit baby blankets for baptisms, as well as prayer shawls for those who need a bit of warmth and comfort. The ministry is also beginning to consider a new endeavor, Knitted Knockers, to help support breast cancer survivors. Keep an eye out for more information about this and how you might get involved.

Deacons coordinate Hilltop’s support for Family Intervention Services throughout the year. FIS is a local charitable organization that strives to strengthen and support families in New Jersey with critical needs. Hilltops ongoing support has ranged from gift certificates to complete Thanksgiving meals. The Love Lines program also provides Christmas gifts for children in need. We are proud to have supported this wonderful organization for 40 years.

The Deacons host two annual gatherings for the congregation that provide fellowship and fun. The Pancake Supper is held on Shrove Tuesday. Funds raised are donated to a local community organization

The Deacon’s Picnic is held each spring typically on the first Sunday in June. It’s a lovely opportunity to gather in the spring and enjoy a BBQ style picnic complete with food, fun and games for the kids.

On the second Sat in June, Hilltop Deacons participate in Mendham’s Town-wide Garage Sale which is hosted by the Ralston Women’s Auxiliary. Members donate items, and work at the sale. If you are interested in donating gently used items or would like to help out with this endeavor, please feel free to contact any of the Hilltop Deacons.

Deacons provide assistance needed for receptions following services at Hilltop. The Deacons and other Hilltop volunteers provide everything needed except for the food. We provide set up, service, and then clean up the space after the event. We hope to assist and attend to the needs of the family during a difficult time.