FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SAUGATUCK ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIFTH YEAR

Transcription

1 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SAUGATUCK ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIFTH YEAR Annual Report 2015 For the Congregational Meeting of January 17, 2016

2 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of SAUGATUCK 296 Hoffman St., PO Box 633, Saugatuck, MI Pastor: Rev. Sarah Gladstone Sarah s Cell: Office: Sarah s rev.sarahgladstone@gmail.com Office office@1stcongregational.net Website: Loving God, One Another and Our Communities for over 150 years Congregational Annual Report January 17, 2016 Table of Contents 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes Page Membership Records Page Minister s Report Page Moderator s Report Page Diaconate Board Report Page Sunday School Report Page Trustee Board Report Page Balance Sheet Year Comparison as of Dec 31st Page Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual Jan-Dec Page 9-10 Proposed 2016 Budget Page Nominations Slate Page 12 FCC of Saugatuck s 2016 Theme Come to the Table Page 13

3 MINUTES OF THE 154 th ANNUAL MEETING of the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of Saugatuck, MI Sunday, January 18, 2015 Moderator Brad Rudich called the meeting to order at 11:30 am. Approval of the Agenda for this meeting: Peggy Boyce/Cindy Raue/approved Clerk, Connie Rusiecki, led the congregation in remembering those who have died in 2014: Jeannette E. Bekken, David Kurt Mueller, Judy Brake, Robert Kobernik, Mary Ann Slayer, Jean Powers, Gwen Crawford, Shirley Porter and Dale Winter. The Clerk determined that a quorum was present. Approval of the Minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting: Kirke White/Patricia Gentry/approved Approval of the Reports from the Pastor, Moderator, Deacons, Trustees, and Clerk: Cathy Brockington/Janna Rudich/approved as amended (correction made to Clerk s Report, adding Jean Powers to the list of those who died in 2014) The Proposed 2015 Budget was presented by Jeff Baker, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Jane Mayer asked if we can use funds from the Endowment Fund to meet expenses. This was answered by Jeff Baker that we regularly make transfers from the Endowment Fund to the General Fund for that purpose. We have been blessed that we have only had to use the interest, so the principle has not been affected. Cathy Brockington/Janna Rudich/approved For the Prudential Board, who acted as the Nominating Committee, the Moderator moved the name of those who have agreed to serve on the Boards beginning in Several nominations were accepted from the floor to fill vacant positions. The complete slate includes: Trustees David Edwards at large Trustee (term Jan through Jan. 2018) Kirke White Benevolence (term Jan through Jan. 2016) Deacons Linda Escott Christian Ed Deacon (term Jan through Jan. 2018) Kathy Plapp - Congregational Care (term Jan through Jan. 2018) Diana Hoppe - Fellowship Deacon (term Jan through Jan. 2017) Treasurer Phyllis Yff volunteered to serve another term. This will be made official at the February Prudential Board Meeting. Delegates to NACCC, MACCC and WMACCC Peggy Boyce The motion to accept all of the above names in nomination was approved. Old Business None New Business Barry Johnson explained the Boy Scout Charter with our church. Previously, the Pastor has filled the position of Executive Director. Barry suggested that we have church members fill this position, as pastors tend to come and go. A motion was made to have Barry Johnson fill the Executive Director position formerly filled by Rob Brink. Jane Mayer/Cindy Raue/approved The Business of the Church being concluded, the Pastor Bruce offered a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 12:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Connie Rusiecki, Clerk Page 1

4 Baptisms None 2015 FCC Membership Records Births May 4, 2015 Milon James Brockington, Parents: Samuel & Natalie Brockington, Born in Centreville, Virginia October 8, 2015 Simon Joseph Brockington & Marceline Beatrice Brockington, Parents: Andrew & Joanne Brockington, Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota Deaths February 1, 2015 Terry Thomas, Private Service, Cremation done February 3, 2015 Carol DenUyl, 79 years old, member of FCC of Saugatuck Memorial Service Feb 6, Dykstra Funeral Home March 6, 2015 Phyllis Hedglin, Age 72, member of FCC of Saugatuck April 23, 2015 Anna Diepenhorst, Age 100, member of FCC of Saugatuck Memorial Service April 27, FCC of Saugatuck, Officiate Interim Rev. Bruce VanDer Kolk Internment at Riverside Cemetery, Saugatuck, MI July 11, 2015 Murlyn Vollink, Age 80, member of FCC of Saugatuck Celebration of Life FCC of Saugatuck, Officiate Interim Rev. Bruce VanDer Kolk August 10, 2015 Joseph Brockington, Age 65, member of FCC of Saugatuck Memorial Service Aug 17, FCC of Saugatuck, Officiate Mr. Robert Brink September 13, 2015 Rev. Robert Hanna, Age 91, former Minister of FCC of Saugatuck Private Pilgrim Cemetery, Holland, MI November 6, 2015 Jennifer A. Goulooze, Age 51, member of FCC of Saugatuck Memorial Service Nov 12, First Congregational Church of Owosso, MI Maple River Cemetery in Owosso, MI Weddings May 9, 2015 Andrea Christine Lawrence to Joseph McCoy Mydosh, both of Winston Salem, NC FCC of Saugatuck, Officiate Pastor Rick Dake of Clarkston United Methodist Church June 6, Nora Locker to Richard Keller, both of Allegan, MI FCC of Saugatuck, Officiate Rev. Dave Vizithum June 13, 2015 Mary Fechtig of Chicago, IL to Elizabeth Estes of Saugatuck, MI FCC of Saugatuck, Officiate Pastor Sal Fapienza of Douglas UCC New Members August 16, Kristyn Boyce by Confession of Faith August 16, 2015 Jim Scott by Confession of Faith December 13, 2015 Rev. Sarah Gladstone by Membership Service Transfers March 3, 2015 Doris Bowers by request over phone, moved to Florida permanently June 17, 2015 Phil Bohlander by request over phone, transferred to St. Frances De Sales Catholic Church, Holland, MI Membership total as of December 31, , down 6 from last year s count. Submitted by Kathleen Slawson, Office Manager Page 2

5 Dearest Church Family, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, MI 2015 Annual Report- Pastor s Report Presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting on January 17 th, 2016 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28 In preparation for writing this annual letter to the congregation, I reviewed the 2014 Annual Report. In doing so I couldn t help but notice a theme- I was reading words like: tumultuous, considerable change, transitions, upheaval... I think similar words can be used to describe 2015 as well. Would you agree? Although I have only been with you a short while (just since November 1 st, 2015), I have to say, I am impressed with this congregation s faithful persistence. During this season of change you all have somehow managed to keep radiating joy as you walk beside each other through it all. Yes, we seem to have our fair share of concerns and areas where we could stand some improvement, but what family doesn t! Together you all thirst for good growth- thirst, I think, for the Holy Spirit! That is what fellowship is all about- celebrating the Body of Christ while seeking out our God! From the bottom of this pastor s heart, I thank you all for your optimism and for living as faithful examples of solid Christian fellowship! I encourage you, during 2016, to remain unified, joyful and thirsty for God s presence. As Romans 8:28 says,...and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him... Your times of struggle are not for nothing, rather when we are faithful; God redeems them for the good of us all. Now, let us look ahead, I know we are all eager to do so! 2016 is already shaping up to be a year of growth for our congregation! Together with our educators and our Deacons, I am dedicated to enhancing our efforts in Christian Education. Our Sunday School Director, Diana Theilgaard- Hoppe, continues to create a robust biblical experience for our children. Our Donut Club leader, Kathy Plapp, has built a wonderful relational ministry with our youth. But this upcoming year holds opportunities to grow and further develop both of these programs as well as create new programs! Adult Christian Education will be launching this Lenten season as we kick off our mid-week Soup and Bread program. And Youth Confirmation Class is ready to go beginning in late February. And hopefully, later in 2016, we will be offering some quality Congregational polity education. I would encourage you all to be active and engaged in our church s educational programs. Our Sunday worship experience will be undergoing a slow, but purposeful, evolution this year. While maintaining our service s classic framework, I (and our leadership) am hoping to bring definition and clarity to some of the elements. Some of our goals include: introducing a stronger/ more unified opening to our worship, regaining the meaning behind what it is to pass the peace, continuing to offer a varity of musical styles (thank you Kristyn Boyce and our other musicians for being so awesome!!), and introducing the importance of worship outside of just Sunday (such as on Ash Wednesday, the Longest Night, and perhaps even Thanksgiving Eve). Our congregation has a great need to regain a ministry of invitation. Church growth is truly dependent on the individual s desire to invite people into their Christian experience. We need to all be focused on creating a worshiping community that is infused with things that make us eager to invite people in. As your pastor, I m still trying to figure out what this means for FCC Saugatuck, but I encourage you to be thinking about this as well. Ask yourself, What does it mean to be invitational here in Saugatuck? What does it mean to invite people into my relationship with Christ here in my home and in my family? 2016 will likely hold a few theological hurtles for us as well. It is important holy work for us all to be in prayer and in careful consideration as we wonder at God s grace and the nature of Christ s inclusively and exclusivity. I hope that this holy work is embraced and respected by our congregation. It is good and right for us to seek God s truth and enlightenment- even if it leads us to disagreement. Don t be scared off by big questions! Stick around, plug in, join in the prayer and in the study of God s Holy Word. Again, I thank you for your great faith and quality fellowship. Although I have been with you just a short time, I am truly grateful and optimistic about our future! I would like to especially thank our Moderator Jon Van Raalte, the members of the previous Pastoral Search Committee, and our Office Manager Kathleen Slawson as you all have been immensely welcoming and gracious as I continue to get settled in and connected within our community. Thank you all! All Together in Christ! Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Sarah Gladstone Page 3

6 2015 Moderator s Report We are beginning the year 2016, in the year of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But first, I ask you to look back ten years to the year What has changed in your life during the last decade? Family? Friends? Work? Health? If you just take ten minutes to reflect, I have no doubt the changes are countless. Even the most important people and things in our lives are different. What was planned, and what just happened? We definitely didn t want them all. It isn t going to stop. Such is our world. If you pause to examine your faith over the last ten years, how has it changed? Has it changed? I hope we have all taken a few steps toward our God. I hope our personal relationships with Jesus have grown. That is positive change. With all the turmoil, struggle and confusion in our lives and our world, isn t it amazing to know that God never changes? We may fail Him, but He never fails us. He is our shelter in the storm of life as long as we ask to come in from the rain. So what do we expect from our church? Not the church of the world, but this simple place we come to on Sunday morning called First Congregational? Do we expect it to stay the same? I know that I look for things to count on familiarity feels like security. We all long for safe. Can we find a place in our lives that makes us happy and comfortable? Can we find a place to be accepted and loved? Don t we want that to be here at our church? I believe we can have that, even in the midst of change. We have to find that comfort within each other. As we look back at 2015, our church was not always that comfortable. We lost friends and family. We argued over strong beliefs and drew lines in the sand. Some of us have stayed and some have not. I believe this church is a home for the sometimes dysfunctional family we call our congregation. I am thankful for the people willing to move forward together and feel blessed to be included. The challenge at hand is to allow the church to evolve and still be comfortable in the process, or better yet, excited about the possibilities. If we can do that, then we can walk together down the path of faith. We have a new spiritual leader to help guide us. I have found Pastor Sarah to be kind, thoughtful, intelligent and strong in Christ. I believe God has placed her here to strengthen the ministry of His church. I am excited for the call she has felt to be here. I also believe she is the first piece of the next chapter here in Saugatuck will usher in new Christian education programs, new outreach, and new opportunities to invite our friends and neighbors to visit or participate. Let s continue to grow in our knowledge and let s do our best to be disciples and lead others to know Christ. Let s embrace change and take a chance on the rewards. I hope we can sit comfortably in the pew with Jesus on Sunday morning and feel the exhilaration of climbing a mountain with him during the rest of the week. The next ten years of our lives has already started. Let s make this old church a vibrant place of hope and warmth. Let s be intentional on where we are going and mindful of what we will see when we look back ten years from now. I know we all have our own ideas, worries, and fears. But we are only here for a short time. I believe it is time to hold hands and charge forward in faith. God has our back. Humbly submitted, Jon Van Raalte, Moderator Page 4

7 Diaconate Board 2015 Annual Report Sunday, January 17, 2016 As 2015 comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the work of the Deacons, both within the church as well as within the community. This has been a year of change: the Chair position changed occupancy in the fall; we said goodbye to an Interim minister; and hello to a new minister. All through the ups and downs, the Deacons persevered with God s work. Worship Diana Hoppe, our Sunday School Director, led much of the Kid s Talk sessions during our transition between ministers. Duet with Kristyn Boyce (organ) and Dave Edwards (piano). Variety of music including our Choir and Praise Band; a visiting Praise Band; a clarinet solo by Sue Edgecomb Dickens. Vicinage and Installation Ceremony of Pastor Sarah Gladstone. Finding Readers to share the Word of God on a weekly basis. Filling the pulpit with guest ministers as well as guest pianists as needed. Sunday School children presented short programs for, among other times, Easter and Christmas. Outreach Participating in a Healthy Snacks program at Douglas Elementary School. Food collection, cake mixes and Christmas tree gifts for Christian Neighbors. Water giveaways at art fairs and side walk sales. CROP Walk. Fellowship Purchase of kitchen supplies. Continued work with the Allegan County Health Department regarding kitchen updates. St. Patrick s Day dinner and entertainment. Annual picnic. Ice Cream Social with Barbershop group. Potluck for Pastor Bruce as he completed his position of Interim minister. Donation of two new stoves from the estate of Joe Brockington. Potluck for the installation of Pastor Sarah. Christian Education Kristyn Boyce led the PF group through the end of the school year. Donut Club created a banner for the Sanctuary. (Dedication to follow in 2016.) Sunday School children learned about disciples and took a field trip to Wick s Park to do a measurement activity to learn the size of Noah s Ark, among other activities. Pastor Bruce VanDer Kolk led a two session Adult Christian Education class, Living a Life of Destiny. Christian Education group met to discuss Adult Christian Education needs; and starting of Confirmation Class. An Adult Christian Education opportunity is slated for Lent, Confirmation class is slated to begin around February, Congregational Care Blood pressure clinics held monthly. Shepherd Lists updated. Groove classes held weekly for approximately six months of the calendar. As the report above illustrates, we have a group of Deacons that, no matter the ups or downs life throws our way, they continue to forge ahead with enthusiasm, sharing their talents for the work of our Lord. As Cathy Brockington so aptly stated in last year s report, We are all truly blessed with the gifts and talents that these folks share as they serve as Deacons. Faithfully Submitted, Linda Escott Diaconate Chair Page 5

8 Sunday School Report 2015 Our Students supported the following groups with their offerings: January-March---- St Jude's Children's Hospital April-May Support for the Douglas Pre-School Program June - August Allegan County Teen Suicide Prevention Program September County Homeless Program October - May Heifer Program Attendances: Throughout the year attendance has fluctuated from week to week. We are always happy for the students God brings to us. Cooperation: We are blessed to have such talented students. Everyone is eager to participate. Students are always willing to volunteer for things. Helpers/Teachers: Our teachers are equally as talented as our youth. Each of them are very helpful in class and encourage the students in everything they are doing. Overall program: We are providing a curriculum which teaches basic knowledge of key bible stories. We reinforce the knowledge with varied activities. We spend one month on a bible story and set questions the students should be able to answer about the stories at the end of the month. Kathy Plapp in the Donut Club uses everyday current events in her classroom and links them to what the bible says. Summer Sunday School used the VBS program by "Go Fish Guys". Back Stage with the Bible. The students like the change of pace for the class sessions. It is a blessing to be able to serve the children and the congregation. Diana Theilgaard-Hoppe Sunday School Director Page 6

9 2015 Trustee Report Dave Edwards, Chairman Kirke White, Missions Steve Borgman, Publicity Maintenance Report: This year we made some upgrades to the interior of the building by painting the downstairs hallway, ceiling and walls from the Gathering Room to the Kitchen wall. In addition, the upstairs hallway, from the Chapel to the Sanctuary, including the Reception Room, was painted. New shelves and furniture were installed as well. A new furnace was installed and thermostats upgraded. Two new stoves, for the kitchen, were purchased and donated by the late Co-Chair of the Trustees, Joe Brockington s Estate. The handicapped parking lot and Northside of the building were power washed, eliminating all the black mold and green moss buildup. The sprinkling system suffered a leak, causing some flooding in the basement, to be addressed and repaired this coming Spring. Missions supported in the year 2015 include: Jan/Feb Bread of Life Mission/$85.00 March/April Indian Trails Mission/$ May ReMember/$ June International Aid on behalf of Nepal Earthquake/$ July Sylvia s Place/$ Aug Forgotten Mans Mission/$ Sept CROP Walk/$17.00 Oct/Nov Christian Neighbors/$150.00, 181 Cake Mixes & 30 Christmas Heart Gifts Dec Love Fund/$1, Publicity Report: Publicity was implemented at a relatively minimal expense with advertising in both local newspapers. Hosting the Lakeshore Community Choir Concerts has helped raise our profile and awareness in the community at no expense to us. Thank you to Jack Nyland in keeping up with lawn mowing throughout the year, at such a minimal cost to the church. A special thank you to Kathleen Slawson, our Office Manager. Her dedication in managing all our affairs is indispensable. We appreciate her leadership in helping us make the best decisions possible. The Trustee Board is looking forward to projects in the upcoming year. We are a vibrant, pro-active board, willing to hear your ideas and suggestions, and are motivated to help you realize your goals for this church. Thanks again to all my fellow board members. I appreciate the time and dedication of all who come forward in service to the church. Submitted on behalf of the Board of Trustees, David Edwards - Chairman Page 7

10 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck Balance Sheet Previous Year Comparison Cash Basis As of December 31, 2015 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Dec 31, 15 Dec 31, 14 $ Change Checking 1, , Savings CE / PF Funds 2, , Community Relations Community Sponsored Bus Trips Love Fund 1, , Memorial Fund 4, , Music Fund Parish Nurse Funds Savings - Other Total Savings 9, , Women's Friendship Circle 4, , Total Checking/Savings 15, , Accounts Receivable Accts Receivable - Student Loan 4, , , Total Accounts Receivable 4, , , Total Current Assets 19, , , Fixed Assets Building Improvements 69, , Total Fixed Assets 69, , Other Assets RJ-Endowment Restricted 300, , RJ - Endowment Unrestricted 67, , , RJ - Money Market 18, , , Total Other Assets 385, , , TOTAL ASSETS 475, , , LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Payroll Tax Liabilities 1, Total Other Current Liabilities 1, Total Current Liabilities 1, Total Liabilities 1, Equity Opening Balance Equity 357, , Retained Earnings 182, , , Net Income -66, , , Total Equity 473, , , TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 475, , , Page 8

11 Profit & Loss Budget vs Actual Jan through Dec 2015 Jan - Dec 15 Budget $ Over Budget Ordinary Income/Expense Income Church Usage 2, , Contributions 81, , , Money Market Transfers 35, , Parking Lot 3, , Total Income 122, , , Expense Church Maintenance & Operations Delegate Travel NACCC, MCCCC Advertising 1, , Building Improvement 2, , Custodian 5, , Dues / Assoc. Fees 1, , Elevator , Information Technology Insurance Premiums 4, , Maintenance 6, , , Office Manager 13, , Postage/Box Rent Refuse Pick-up Supplies 1, , Utilities Electric 3, , Heating 6, , , Telephone 1, , Water / Sewer Total Utilities 12, , , Total Church Maintenance & Operations 51, , , Diaconate CE Director 9, , , Christian Ed Supplies Fellowship E.M.M./Community Events Youth Programs Total Fellowship Publications Supplies Worship Coordination Guest Pastors Instrument Maintenance Organist 7, , Special Music Substitutes Total Worship Coordination 7, , Total Diaconate 19, , Pastor Expenses Cell Phone Health / Dental Insurance , , Pastor Benefits 30, , , Retirement , , Salary 21, , , Travel & Publications , , Pastor Expenses - Other 1, Total Pastor Expenses 53, , , Payroll Taxes (Employer) 3, , Total Expense 127, , , Net Ordinary Income -4, , Page 9

12 Other Income/Expense Other Income Designated Funds Activity Building Improvement CE / PF Funds Love Fund Memorial Fund 2, Parish Nurse Funds Women's Friendship Circle Total Designated Funds Activity 3, Investment Income Dividends 14, Fees -4, Gain/Loss -36, Transferred Funds -39, Total Investment Income -65, Special Collection Activity Collections 2, Disbursements -2, Total Special Collection Activity Total Other Income -62, Net Other Income -62, Net Income -66, , Page 10

13 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck Proposed Budget Page 11 Description 2015 Budget 2016 Budget Inc (Dec) Income Contributions $94, $90, ($4,000.00) Money Market Transfers $34, $36, $1, Church Use $0.00 $1, $1, Parking Lot $3, $3, $ Total Income $131, $130, ($1,300.00) Expense Church Maintenance & Operations Advertising $1, $1, $ Building Improvement $2, $2, $0.00 Custodian $5, $5, $0.00 Dues / Assoc. Fees $1, $1, $0.00 Elevator $1, $1, $0.00 Information Technology $ $ $0.00 Insurance Premiums $4, $4, $ Maintenance $4, $4, $ Delegate Travel $ $ $0.00 Office Manager $13, $13, $ Postage/Box Rent $ $ $0.00 Refuse Pick-up $ $ $20.00 Supplies $2, $2, ($300.00) Electric $4, $4, $ Heating $5, $5, $ Telephone $1, $1, $ Water / Sewer $ $ ($60.00) Total Church Maintenance & Operations $48, $50, $1, Diaconate / Music Choir/Music Direction $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 CE Director $8, $8, $ Christian Ed Supplies $ $ $ Fellowship EMM/Community Events $ $ ($100.00) Youth Programs $ $ $0.00 Publications $ $ $0.00 Supplies $ $ $0.00 Worship Coordination $0.00 Guest Pastors $ $ $0.00 Instrument Maintenance $ $ ($150.00) Organist $7, $7, $0.00 Special Music $ $ ($50.00) Substitutes $ $ $0.00 Total Diaconate / Music $18, $18, $50.00 Pastor Expenses Cell Phone $ $0.00 ($800.00) Health / Dental Insurance $13, $1, ($12,600.00) Housing Allowance $16, $15, ($1,800.00) Retirement $5, $0.00 ($5,705.00) Salary $23, $37, $14, Travel & Publications $2, $2, $ Total Pastor Expenses $62, $56, ($6,150.00) Payroll Taxes (Employer) $2, $5, $3, Total Expense $131, $130, ($1,300.00)

14 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, MI Nomination Slate of Officers for 2016 ANNUAL MEETING Board Positions Available Terms are 3 year positions unless stated otherwise Only Chair must be member of 1 st Congregational Church DIACONATE BOARD Worship Deacon Brad Rudich Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2019 Christian Ed Deacon Joan Lamb Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2019 Congregational Care Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2017 (1 year term this position only) Congregational Care Joanne Schippa Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2019 Fellowship Deacon Cathy Brockington Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2017 (1 year term this position only) Outreach Deacon Cindy Raue Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2019 TRUSTEE BOARD At large Member Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 (2 year term this position only) Benevolence Jane Mayer Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2019 Building Kristyn Boyce Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 (2 year term this position only) Publicity Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2019 PRUDENTIAL BOARD 2 year terms Moderator Jon Van Raalte Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 At large Member Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 Clerk Betty White Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 Financial Secretary Janna Rudich Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 DELEGATES 2 year terms NACCC Delegate Peggy Boyce Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 State & Regional Delegate Graham Duryee Term Jan 2016 through Jan 2018 Page 12

15 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck 2016 theme Come to the Table Taste and see that the Lord is Good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. ~Psalm 34:8 The banquet table is a spiritual image of unity, joy and abundance- a holy gathering place where there is room for everyone. The banquet table is also a place where our dreams and visions, thoughts and ideas are shared among equals; a place where we come to hear the stories of those that help pave the way for our own faith walks; and, of course, a place where we come to be fed a holy meal of God s Word. The leadership of FCC- Saugatuck has adopted this image of the banquet table as our theme for the upcoming year. But this wouldn t just be a tag-line or mission statement rather this theme would essentially invite a restructuring to how we do ministry. In seeking to grow as a welcoming, unified, joy-filled churchthis means that we would begin to pair down the activities that clutter our collective time and attention in favor for efforts that are focused and invite the involvement of the whole congregation. This means: Moving community activity announcements (currently done at the opening of worship) to the fellowship time following worship, and rather than having long printed announcements in the weekly bulletin moving to a table tent on the tables in the fellowship hall. Moving from our current structure of monthly missions giving towards adopting one big mission giving effort. Moving towards incorporating more opportunities for our members and friends to study God s word by launching Adult Education programs and Youth Confirmation. Moving towards doing invitational summer outreach, perhaps having first Sunday of the month communion worship on the lawn. And as our theme is food related working towards enhancing our church s kitchen to open up new ministry opportunities. All in all, the leadership of the church is seeking ways for our congregation to wisely steward our recourse (especially our time, energy and enthusiasm) as well as continue to be the welcoming and fully engaged body of Christ that we are. We ask that our members give this theme, and its structure, prayerful consideration before the annual meeting where we gladly welcome clarifying questions and hear from each of you. All Together in Christ! The Prudential Board of the First Congregational Church Page 13