Report by Deacon Jones for 2007 This is my report on the 3 areas of outreach ministry in which I am involved. In early 2007 the decision was made to close the Rio Vista Community Assistance Center due to the cost of operation. I continued to work with Carol Hermsmeyer, the Program Manager, during this process and the Center closed as of December 31st, 2007. The above was the bad news. The good news is that Rio Vista Ministry Inc now occupies the old RVCAC offices and will provide substantially the same services as did RVCAC, together with emergency food. RVM received the same federal and county grants as did RVCAC, and since the office will be run by volunteers, a much larger proportion of the available funds will go to client needs. I am actively involved with RVM as its Treasurer. RVM will continue to grow in 2008 and is already looking for larger space I order to bring in more services from Fairfield for clients. I also worked with Christmas 94571 in its 2nd year of operation. The downturn in the housing market and its impact on the economy was especially noticeable in the number of families and individuals signing up for this program. On December 22, 2007 some 300 families were provided with food baskets and almost 1,100 individuals received gifts, either from adopting families or directly from Christmas 94571. The support of the Rio Vista community was remarkable. St. Brigid’s provides a strong foundation of support with its prayerful response to these local organizations. Yours In Christ, Deacon Derek January 17, 2008 Note: Deacon Derek served St. Brigid’s mightily in the ministries described above.   He also served liturgically as deacon of the Eucharist numerous times, and preached on significant occasions.   smr