Eliot Church - Our Leaders

The Pastor

Our pastor is the Rev. Dr. Edward C. (Ted) Zaragoza. Ted came to Eliot from after serving ten years as a seminary professor. He is enthusiastic about the energy and diversity he finds in Lowell and is committed to Eliot's outreach to the community.

The DIRECTOR OF BRAZILIAN MINISTRIES

Gerson Roca is the Director of Brazilian Ministries. He leads worship in Portuguese every Sunday evening at 7:00PM. Gerson also leads a prayer group during the week. Gerson is a nurse by training and occupation and is very involved in health issues in the Brazilian community. His passion for all cultures fuels his love for Eliot Church. Gerson holds deep respect for his colleague, Pastor Ted Zaragoza.

The Rev. Thysan Sam

Ordained at Eliot Church on April 15, 2005, Rev. Thysan Sam is the second Cambodian to be ordained to the ministry in the PC USA. He is a leader in the National Presbyterian Cambodian Council, the National Asian Presbyterian Council, and the Steering Committee of Southeast Asian Ministries. been ordained!

Click here to read the text of the article from the Lowell Sun about Rev. Sam's ordination.

Elders and Deacons

Elders and Deacons are appointed by the Nominating Committee and elected by the congregation. They are ordained. Active Elders and Deacons serve a three-year term.

The office of Deacon is set forth in Scripture as one of sympathy, witness, and service, after the example of Jesus Christ.
Deacons minister to those in need – to the sick, to shut-ins, and to those are in distress, both within Eliot and the community at large. Nine members sit in the office of Deacon, each serving a three-year term.

Elders share in the ministry and governing of Eliot. They assist in serving communion and work with the Pastor to encourage the congregation in the worship and service of God.
Elders exercise leadership and discipline and are responsible for the needs of the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. Fifteen Elders sit actively in Session, each serving a three-year term. Each Elder generally serves on a committee.