Layperson of the Year

Each year we recognize someone in our church family who goes above and beyond the normal church attendance. A person (or couple) who is always willing to go that extra mile for the cause of Christ and good of the church is selected Layperson of the Year. With the majority vote of the congregation under the auspices of the Church Council, the recipient is granted this award with a lunch fellowship on the month of June.

Past recipients: Betty Hickey (1992); Doris Porter (1993); Jim Hickey (1994); Ken Meader (1995); Phyllis Knight (1996); David Williams and Andrew Nowak (1997); Charles Henry (1998); Yvel Sylvain (1999); Sharon Strum (2000); Lisa Jacobson (2001); Charles Huddy (2002); Marilyn Glover (2003); Jose Lantin, Jr. (2004); Frank and Irene Hofmann (2005), Noreen Jacobson (2006) , Mark and Dottye Foxon (2007). , Steven Lacey (2008) , Claire Stevens (2009), Paul Patrie (2010)

Layperson of the Year 2011 - Launa Cooper

Launa Cooper has been selected as our Layperson of the Year by the Church Council, based on the number of nominations she received and the many reasons cited.

Launa is a native of Jamaica and has been a member of our church for seven years.  She and her sisters, Dorothy and Lucille were baptized here in 2006.  Launa currently serves on the Diaconate and Social Committee.  One of her duties on the Diaconate is to enlist volunteers to serve as Greeters and Social Hour Hosts.    In addition, she is "on call" to serve as a substitute whenever needed.  Launa is often one of the first person visitors meet in Church.  Launa lives in Waltham but loves our church so much that she faithfully commutes to Malden for our activities.

A few excerpts from the nominations highlight the reason Launa is this year's honoree:

Launa never says "No" to anyone.  She is there when you need her.

My nomination is for a person who is tireless in her efforts to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  The travel time to come to this church is tiresome, but it does not affect her attendance at all.  She is active in all church activities, e.g. Bible study, Diaconate meetings, Worship Greeter, etc. My nomination goes to Launa Cooper.

Launa is always cheerful in carrying out whatever duty she is asked to perform - as Greeter, Coffee Hour Host, Visitor to the shut-ins, Volunteer at Feeding Ministry and Clean up parties, etc.

Every time I turn around, Launa is here, whether it is greeting, serving food, or helping out at Feeding Ministry.  She has been to almost every Work day.  Unbeknown to others, she visits the shut-ins often bringing a little something. She has been serving on the Diaconate for a number of years and is always a willing helper.

Launa Cooper was a spiritual sister to me from the moment I first met her.  She encourages me through her knowledge and devotion and spiritual leadership.  Launa is always there, an avid participant.  Her love for God and Christ is inspirational.

We will honor Launa during the 11:00 a.m. worship service on June 5 and the catered luncheon that follows immediately after the service. Launa Congratulations!

Pastor Martha Dominy
Senior Pastor