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Deacons

"The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry."                - Book of Order 

Shirley McLaren

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Class of 2025

Favorite Bible Verse:

Matt. 25:31-46

[The Sheep and The Goats]

 

“…For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave ME drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”

Shirley grew up in a Presbyterian Church in Missouri and, except for brief times as a Lutheran, and later as a member of the Church of God, she has been a member of several Presbyterian Churches. Shirley joined Faith Church in 1998. She taught English at Harrisburg High for 24 years before retiring in 1993. Since that time, she has been active in the PA Association of School Retirees. She has four adult children and nine grandchildren. She has enjoyed hiking, camping, and traveling to other parts of our wonderful world.

Peggy Manning

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Class of 2026

Favorite Bible Verse:

Galatians 5: 22-23

 

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”


Bub and I joined Progress Immanuel Presbyterian Church in 1979. While there I chaired and served on many committees as an Elder and also served as a Deacon.  I have sung in a church choir since I was 13 years old beginning in the Middletown Presbyterian Church where I grew up.  Since the merger I serve on the Nurture, Music and Worship and Concert on Colonial Committees.  I recently accepted the position of Deacon. I worked as a School Nurse for 22 years and am still working part time as a member of the CARES team for UPMC.  I love to read, plant flowers, walk and swim.  I volunteer at Hanna's Pantry.

Karen Miller

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Class of 2026

Favorite Bible Verse:

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Billie Hawk

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Class of 2026


Favorite Bible Verse:

Philippians 4:13

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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Billie and her husband, the late Bill Hawk, joined Progress Church in 1964 one year before the Progress-Immanuel merger in February of 1965. As an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader, she has served on many committees over the years, fondling remembering over fifty years in church choirs, youth trips to Assateague Island, and cooking for many church events and funerals as part of the Women’s Association and Congregational Life Committees. She has taught special education in public schools, worked for the former Northwood and Progress-Immanuel Nursery Schools, worked at a nursing home, and together with her husband owned a business. She has two children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She enjoys gardening, reading, and continued community work, for women and children through the Soroptimists, and to her native Susquehanna Township through HANNA’s Pantry. 

 

Mickey Hoffman

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Class of 2024

Favorite Bible Verse:

Psalm 24

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“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…”

Mickey was a member of Progress Immanuel Church. She is a deacon and serves on the Congregational Life Committee. She is active as a volunteer for Hanna’s Pantry, Downtown Daily Bread, Meals on Wheels, and Wednesday Faithful. She enjoys the beach and the mountains, walking and reading, and spending time with her son and daughter-in-law.

 

Susan Skelly

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Class of 2024

Favorite Bible Verse:

Colossians 3:12

 

“As Holy people, whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.”

Susan was a lifelong member of Progress Immanuel Church and active in many church ministries. Preretirement she was an elementary school teacher in the Halifax Area School District. Postretirement she has worked as a Docent at Fort Hunter through Dauphin County Parks and Recreation. A long-term volunteer, she has worked in the pediatric ward of the Hershey Med Center and with hospice providing bereavement follow up care. She also served Downtown Daily Bread for many years and is currently involved in Hanna’s Pantry.  Susan leads a self-described quiet life and shares her home with two pampered dogs. She enjoys visiting National Parks, working with Wreaths Across America, playing her small street organ at various festivals, and collecting antique music boxes. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Music Box Society International, and Carousel Organ Association of America. 
 

Sally Humbert

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Class of 2024

Favorite Bible Verse:

John 15:5

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Sally and her husband Gordon joined Faith Immanuel Church in 2019. She is a deacon and is involved with the Congregational Life Committee and Mission Committee. She has been married to Gordon for over 51 years, and her most important job was raising their two wonderful children. She moved on to office work and retired from the office of the Lower Paxton Police Department in 2013. She enjoys reading and camping with Gordon during the warmer months.

 

Gordon Humbert 

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Class of 2025

Favorite Bible verse:

Luke 6:31

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“Do to others as you would have them do to you."

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Gordon and his wife Sally joined Faith Immanuel in 2019. He previously was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran, Big Cove Tannery, PA; St John’s UCC, Hollidaysburg, PA; and St Thomas’s UCC, Harrisburg, PA. Gordon retired in 2010 as a public safety radio communications technician for MOTORLA and TRANSCORE. He is a US Navy veteran having served 8 years from Dec 1963 to Dec 1971. Gordon and Sally have been married 52 years after having met while he was stationed at NAS Brunswick, ME. They have two grown children and one precious granddaughter. Gordon participates in choir and helps with church committee projects and is a church handyman when needed.

Linda Beck

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Class of 2025

Favorite Bible Verse:

John 3:16 

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"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life."

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Linda grew up at Progress Immanuel Presbyterian Church. She left for a short time and found her way to Faith Immanuel. Linda is a retired chairside dental assistant. Linda is the oldest of 5 children and lives with her youngest sister Michelle, also a member of Faith Immanuel.

Linda enjoys attending Bible studies, reading, the Outer Banks and going on road trips with her sister.

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