Teresa Pietsch & Katrina Perez, Administrative Assistants. Tammy Zybura, Coordinator of Youth Ministries

Transcription

1 Trinity Episcopal Church Annual Report 2014

2 TRINITY CONTACTS The Rev. Mark E. Asman, Rector The Rev. Carren Sheldon, Associate Rector The Rev. Helen Mountford, Deacon Teresa Pietsch & Katrina Perez, Administrative Assistants Judith Torres, Coordinator of Shared Ministries Cami Segna, Business Manager Elizabeth Hess, Coordinator of Children s Ministries Tammy Zybura, Coordinator of Youth Ministries Thomas Joyce, Minister of Keyboard Music Grey Brothers, Minister of Choral & Congregational Music Miguel Toscano, Sexton Jan Fadden, Parish Nurse masman@trinitysb.org csheldon@trinitysb.org hmountford@trinitysb.org office@trinitysb.org jtorres@trinitysb.org csegna@trinitysb.org ehess@trinitysb.org tzybura@trinitysb.org tjoyce@trinitysb.org gbrothers@trinitysb.org mtoscano@trinitysb.org janesh41@gmail.com 1

3 Contents LETTER FROM THE RECTOR... 5 MINUTES OF 2013 ANNUAL MEETING... 7 REPORT FROM THE ASSOCIATE RECTOR... 8 REPORT FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN... 9 COORDINATOR FOR SHARED MINISTRIES ADMINISTRATION AND INCLUSION Building Committee Communications Committee Hand and Heart Ministry Investment Subcommittee Office Staff Planned Giving Welcome and Inclusion Ministry HOSPITALITY COUNCIL Abundance Table Coffee Hour Dinner with Friends Helping Hands Kitchen Guild Newcomer s Hospitality Pastoral Care Prayer Shawl Ministry Special Events Team Trinity Backstage Coffee House CHILDREN AND YOUTH COUNCIL Council Report Church School Report WORSHIP COUNCIL Acolytes Altar Guild Communion Bread Guild Early Service 8:00 a.m

4 Healing Touch Ministry Lay Eucharistic Ministers MINISTER OF CHORAL AND CONGREGATIONAL MUSIC MINISTER OF KEYBOARD MUSIC Prayer Ministers Readers and Intercessors Ushers Wedding Guild ADULT FORMATION COUNCIL Base Community Book Study Circles of Trust: Geography of Grace Contemplative Prayer Group Education for Ministry Interfaith Dialogue Group Lenten Series: Saving Jesus Redux Labyrinth Guild LGBTQ Trinity Library Guild Meeting Church Again Science and Religion Study Group Wisdom Group Women s Circle Women s Retreat JUSTICE AND OUTREACH COUNCIL I. Summary of activities and events supported in 2014: II. Updates from Justice and Outreach Council Projects Alternative Christmas Market Casa Esperanza/Community Kitchen Children of Joy, Inc CLUE Faulding Hotel Freedom Warming Center Harding School Helpers

5 Middle East Trinity St. Michael s Campus Ministry Sustainable Trinity Team Trinity AIDS Walk Transition House III. Justice and Outreach Council Steering Committee IV. Justice Fund V. Conclusion: BUDGET REVIEW FOR FISCAL YEAR INCOME AND EXPENSES BALANCE SHEET CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BUDGET NARRATIVE FOR FISCAL YEAR BUDGET

6 LETTER FROM THE RECTOR Dear Friends, January 25, 2015 Two years ago I wrote to you about my plans for retirement and that date is now set for May 1, In that letter and at that Annual Meeting I shared with you that I wanted to focus these last few years on laying as strong a foundation as possible in order to help ensure the future health and vitality of Trinity. What are some of the success we have achieved in these last two years? One of the core strengths of Trinity has been a strong, faithful and committed staff. Over the last 18 months we have had transitions in more than half of our staff. In the order of their arrival, Teresa and Katrina in the office, Carren as the Associate Rector, Judith as Coordinator for Shared Ministry, Tom as Minister of Keyboard Music and Tammy as Youth Ministry Coordinator. In each and every person we are blessed with both the same and different strengths, faithfulness and commitment as their predecessors. While there have been the inevitable adjustments as each person has settled and is continuing to settle into their responsibilities, we are now fully staffed. Once again we have a strong and stable staff as we begin to prepare for my transition. What a blessing! One of the takeaways for me has been that while some of us were tempted to wonder if we would be successful in finding their replacements, we have been consistently blessed with strong candidates to consider. Their transitions, as mine, reminds us all that we are called for a time to serve and the same God who has called us will be a part of the search and call for those who will replace us. Our part as people of faith is to be alert to God who is always present in our midst, especially during transitions, as we seek to call each new person to life and ministry with us. As we look to 2015, the vestry has made the important decision to begin transition and search for the next Rector of Trinity parish now. We are all grateful for this important and strategic decision to begin this process while I am in place. Because of the length of the process, there will still be a healthy chunk of time between my retirement and the arrival of the new Rector sometime between late 2016 and early I am grateful that our polity as an Episcopal Church vests the responsibility of the oversight of transition in the vestry with the partnership and support of our diocese. I pledge to you two things. I will not interfere in this important and challenging time of transition and I hope you all will join me in pledging all of our prayers for the vestry during this important time. The second area of focus for these last two years has been in the area of stewardship. Two years ago the vestry and I pledged that we would focus on closing our operating budget gap and bring a balance budget to the Annual Meeting in As a result of successive and successful Preparing the Way every member canvases we have achieved this goal. This year our stewardship volunteers visited with over 150 households sharing and listening to what God is doing in our lives in and through Trinity resulting in strengthened bonds as a community. I am so pleased that as a result of the hard and faithful work of our Stewardship Committee and vestry we present to you an operating budget that is not only balanced but has a modest budgeted surplus. While we will need to continue our commitment to a vigorous life of stewardship, our 2015 operating budget is another positive sign of our health and strength. What a blessing! Finally, as I look to our remaining time together, I am blessed by the strength, commitment and faithfulness of our laity as exemplified by our new and ongoing vestry as well as our new Parish Council. Shared Ministry is 5

7 another core strength of Trinity and in every direction I look I see faithful and committed parishioners engaged in life and ministry. From our worship, to our Church School, to our youth, to our Adult Formation programs, to Hospitality, to our Justice and Outreach ministries in all areas of our life together, we are all blessed by the generous gift of your time and talent in service to God, this parish and the larger world around us. This Annual Report is a testimony to a vital, healthy, engaged and alive community of women, children and men. While we are far from perfect, we don t aspire to perfection. We aspire to be faithful. What a blessing! Faithfully in Christ, The Rev. Mark E. Asman, Rector 6

8 MINUTES OF 2013 ANNUAL MEETING Trinity Episcopal Church 147 th Annual Meeting January 26, 2014 Opening prayer offered by The Rev. Mark Asman Appointment of the Clerk (The Rev. Mark Asman) Melinda Carey was nominated M/S/C Approval of the minutes of the Annual Meeting 1/27/13 M/S/C Financial report: Mark Asman reviewed the budget history of the parish. In 2013 a budget with a deficit of $69,886 was adopted. Mark thanked the parish for their support and generosity which closed the budget gap to a deficit of $23,933 by the end of The final phase of the Capital Campaign will include the upgrade of the church sound system, an irrigation system will be installed on the church grounds and the priest s sacristy will be completed. Mark thanked the Building Committee for their faithful work throughout the building upgrades. He also thanked the Associate Priest Search Committee. The Rev. Carren Sheldon will be at Trinity for the leadership February 7 and will be with the parish along with The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool on Feb. 9, Bill Ferguson (Treasurer) gave an overview of the operating budget for He thanked Cami Segna for the preparation of the 2014 budget and narrative found in the Annual Report. Bill thanked the Investment Committee and Mission Wealth for their oversight of the various funds. Mark Asman spoke about the success of the 2014 Stewardship Campaign. There were 80 visitors who visited 120 households. The vestry voted to allocate 4% of the pledge income to the Justice Fund. It is anticipated that by the end of the year the actual will be closer to 10% through the other efforts that raise funds for the Justice Fund. As part of the 2014 a COLA raise for the staff was included. This was seen as part of the larger view of justice for the staff who serve Trinity so faithfully. After a discussion on the budget the 2014 budget was presented for adoption. M/S/C Acknowledge the outgoing Vestry: Mark Asman thanked Vicki Finlayson, Nathan Gibson, Dodie Little and Don Zimmerman for their service on the vestry. New vestry: The slate of vestry nominees Michael Neal Arnold, Aaron Panchal, Anne Porter and Terry Walker was presented for adoption. M/S/C Mark announced that Anne Porter will be the Senior Warden. Commissioning of the Vestry, After thanking the Hospitality Committee for the Annual Meeting brunch, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Carey, Clerk of the Annual Meeting 7

9 REPORT FROM THE ASSOCIATE RECTOR 2015 has been the most stimulating and engaging year of my professional life. I have been amazed by the work of the people of Trinity, all of my skills and talents have been called upon, along with some new ones! I have prayed and presided, I have preached, organized, and supported sound and electrical projects, I have sung out loud in public. I have asked forgiveness. Supporting Parish Councils has been a great introduction into the life of the parish! We are dreaming big, and doing big work together. With Mark Benson as Chair, the Adult Formation Council has developed learning opportunities to fit the interests of Trinity s congregation, and as Dennis Wylie takes the helm, they are hard at work on a Lenten Program for 2015 which is designed to address the issue of Economic Justice, which the parish has chosen as a ministry focus. Retiring Hospitality Council Chairs Elaine Christ and Marcella Simmons have shown me how enormously complicated events can be presented with ease and elegance, and the incoming Chairs, Jill Kennedy and Julia Laraway are embarking upon their great adventure with grace and good cheer! Outgoing Chair Mary Gibson inspires me with her love and lifelong devotion for the work of the Children and Youth Council, and I pray that I will be able to keep up with the incoming Chairs Susan Krutzsch and Vanessa Woods who incite energy everywhere they go. With the help of volunteers, and staff colleagues who are always skillful and effective in their work, we have found the right person to serve as Trinity s Youth Ministries Coordinator. Tammy Zybura has the heart and the experience to lead Trinity youth in new activities, for fun and mission. Her transition has been smooth, thanks the kind and brilliant Trinity youth and their parents, and also because of the tireless support of Youth Mentors, including Interim Youth Coordinator Jamie Sprague. Trinity s stellar children s program, including the catechists who make possible Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, many intergenerational social events, and leadership training opportunities, all rely on Elizabeth Hess, a gifted and gracious Children s Youth Coordinator. Given all that she does, you might think Elizabeth is a full time employee, but this is her second job she s also an English professor. While I have had years of congregational leadership, I am new to ordained ministry and so it is a great blessing and privilege for me to serve with Mark Asman, as a mentor of the highest caliber. We have presided in worship together, we have led meetings together, we have planned events, taught classes, and fulfilled our priestly vows to participate in the councils of the church together. We have also shared in pastoral care, shepherding the faithful (and the skeptical) through their thin places of life. We have said goodbye to Georgia Noble and hello to Judith Torres as our wonderful Coordinators of Shared Ministry. It is an honor to be entrusted to serve Trinity during Mark s absences, to serve alongside him during these last years of his call at Trinity, and to be supporting him and the parish as we enter the exciting ministry transition process. The Rev. Carren Sheldon, Associate Rector 8

10 REPORT FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN 2014 has been a great year, and there s so much more to be done! I thank God, as the Book of Common Prayer says, for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. This past year stood out to me as a year of preparation for Transition. In addition to carrying on and strengthening our many Shared Ministries, our worship, and our amazing Christian formation, we began to prepare for Transition - - the process of coming together as a parish, saying good bye to Mark, and finding and welcoming our new Rector. Some of this preparation included: Stewardship. Our dedicated and creative Stewardship Committee planned and led us in a successful Stewardship campaign in which so many volunteered to be Visitors, visiting parishioners to talk about Trinity and pledging. Bishop Mary Glasspool brought her passion and gifts to our Visitor Training morning! Due largely to the dedication and generosity of so many, we have achieved pledges allowing us to put forward a balanced budget for the first time in years! Our financial health is very important as we begin Transition. New Staff. Several new staff members were hired and welcomed. All have embraced their new positions with amazing spirit. Each, along with our continuing staff, has kept us going without missing a beat and with new energy - - another very important step in preparing for Transition. Setting Time to Begin Transition. Steps were taken by the Vestry in 2014 to learn about and actually start our Transition process. Our winter Leadership Retreat included Bishop Glasspool who spoke and led us in discernment around change. In September, the Rev. Canon Joanna Sartorius, the Canon for Formation and Deployment for our Diocese visited us and gave us a lot of information on Transition and offers of support at every step from our Diocese. After a lot of discussion and prayer, the Vestry in November set April, 2015 as the time to begin our Transition process. A Vestry committee was appointed and is working now on planning for our entire parish to come together to create our Parish Portfolio, the very important first step in our Transition process. Preparing the Vestry. The Transition process is run by the Vestry working closely with our Diocese. The role of retiring clergy is restricted and almost all major Transition decisions are made in executive session without staff or clergy present. Operating without Mark s amazing leadership is new for everyone. During 2014, the Vestry took its first steps in this direction. We have made much progress in listening and working together. A strong and independent Vestry which can efficiently work together is important to prepare for the major Transition decisions and tasks ahead. Where has God been in all of this? Everywhere - - all the time in every task and constantly on the face and in the heart of each of our clergy, staff, leaders, and parishioners. My personal experience as Senior Warden during this time of preparation for Transition is a true learning experience very humbling and life- changing. I am deeply thankful for the prayers, understanding, and loving support I have received from each of you! With Deep Gratitude for Our Trinity Community, Anne Porter, Senior Warden 9

11 COORDINATOR FOR SHARED MINISTRIES Bishop Diane Bruce visited Trinity on Sunday, December 14 th, and shared in her sermon how astounded she is by all the programs represented on the Welcome Table that are led by lay members of our parish. She also talked about how awesome the model of Shared Ministry is in our church and described us as a Parish that has a fire in our belly for God as demonstrated by all the programs our parishioners have created and participate in. That has been my experience as well in the six months I ve been the Coordinator of Shared Ministries. It is an extraordinary model supported by extraordinary people of this extraordinary parish. December marks the final year of a three year term for our new Parish Council Chairs: Administration & Inclusion, Kathy Meyer; Hospitality, Elaine Christ & Marcella Simmons; Justice and Outreach, Mary Ellen Wylie; Worship, Lynn Carlisle; Adult Formation, Mark Benson; and Children and Youth Council (CYC), Mary Gibson. Each of the Council Chairs has done an outstanding job in their councils as evidenced by reading their reports. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and devoted service to Trinity. This year has brought a lot of change and transition. Trinity s beloved Georgia Noble announced her retirement from this position effective July, Fortunately she is still very involved in many ministries at Trinity and continues to mentor me as I find my way in this new role. Some highlights from shared ministry this year include: Administration & Inclusion - members of the Communications Committee coordinated by Rev. Carren Sheldon are updating the website; the Welcome Team currently has 30 volunteers serving as greeters and has an active steering committee; the Administrative Assistants are now in their second year here and work enormously hard each day; and the capital campaign is in its final year and completing improvements to the building. Justice & Outreach is thriving and active in providing hot meals for the Warming Center, supporting programs for the LGBTQ community, middle east peace projects, the Food Bank, programs for the homeless population and at risk Latino youth, Sarah House, and CLUE as well as many, many other projects detailed in their report. Children & Youth has welcomed Rev. Carren Sheldon as their staff liaison. Jamie Sprague served as the Interim Youth Ministry Coordinator up until Tammy Zyburra was hired to fill this position in August, Marissa Brenninkmeyer was welcomed as the new Nursery Coordinator after Amy Duda and her family moved to Chicago. An ongoing effort to include children and youth as full participants in our parish is exemplified by their participation in a vast array of programs and service projects in the parish. Hospitality Council provided hospitality for several Newcomer Receptions at the Rectory, created many memorable special events, organized food offerings for coffee hours, provided stewardship of the kitchen, the Coffee House for Trinity Backstage concerts, prayer shawls for people in need, Helping Hand to provide short- term care for parishioners in need, food for the Abundance Table, pastoral care, and is in its fourth year of Dinner with Friends. Adult Formation supports and provides the Base Community Bible study group, other book study groups, the Contemplative and Centering Prayer groups, the Wisdom Circle, the Science & Religion Study group, Education for Ministry, Group Spiritual Direction, the Geography of Grace, Labyrinth, Library Guild, Women s Circle, Women s & Men s Retreats, Meeting Church Again, the LGBTQ In reach and Outreach Groups. They have also provided a Lenten and Advent series. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with members of the Parish Council and to work in such a vibrant spiritual community and I look forward to seeing where God leads us in Submitted by Judith E. Torres, Coordinator of Shared Ministry 10

12 ADMINISTRATION AND INCLUSION Building Committee The Building Committee is a part of the Looking beyond Ourselves Capital and Endowment Campaign and reports to the Vestry. Going into our fourth and final year of projects, we have completed with vestry approval the Church sound system installation, the electrical service upgrades throughout all building areas, and the renovation of the Sacristy. We are continuing our design efforts for upgrading the lighting in the Parish and Guild halls with project completion to be in early We began the design and estimating work on the landscaping and grounds upgrades, but due to the drought, have temporarily suspended the project until our water issues are resolved. Once these projects are completed, all resources from the Looking beyond Ourselves Capital Campaign will be exhausted and the building committee as it is designed now will be dissolved. Once again due to the efforts of the below committee volunteers, it has been a very satisfying experience to be involved in caring for our wonderful building. The members of our building committee include Jeffrey Krutzsch; chairperson, Michael Neal Arnold, Dodie Little, Jim Micallef, Patsy Stadelman Price, and Marcy Simmons, with supervisory authority from Mark Asman and professional assistance from Suzette Naylor, Thompson Naylor Architects and Det Hardy, Armstrong and Associates, Contractor. Submitted by Jeffrey Krutzsch Communications Committee This group met on October 18 its first 21st Century Workday. Participants brought laptops to the library for a morning of work on the website. We uploaded photographs, added links and consolidated information. Some of our members were unable to participate due to illness and/or other obligations, we hope for a more robust team at our next meeting, in January, so that we can draft a regular maintenance plan. Present at our last meeting: Carren Sheldon, Kevin Hess, Gretchen Henry. Unable to attend were: Aaron Panchal, Lynn Carlisle, Kathy Meyer, and Bruce Rick. Submitted by Carren Sheldon, Associate Rector Hand and Heart Ministry Hands & Heart Ministry operates every Sunday after church. The purpose is to provide assistance to our infirm members who may need extra support getting into and out of the church safely with dignity intact. Currently we have consistently six to seven members who appreciate the welcoming help and enjoy the fellowship after church while waiting for their rides. The ministry has been organized and orchestrated by Glenn and Norma Stuck. We have a parish wheel chair and this year we added five comfortable folding chairs. We are grateful to those who so graciously participate in the ministry. Steve, Madeline and Louise Kritz, Julia, Ruth and Johanna Laraway, Doug and Laurie Goodner Family, Julie Hayes- Nadler and McKensey, Stephanie, Bob, Zoe and Evan Perez, Bob and Nina Ward, Betty, Pete, Grace and Katharine Wenzel 11

13 Investment Subcommittee Members: George Breytspraak, Al Christ, Dick Ellison, Bill Ferguson, Mary Genis, Anne Porter, Fawzia Talbert, Dodie Little (convenor) The Investment Subcommittee is an advisory committee to the vestry, overseeing the performance and asset allocation of parish funds held in reserve, as well as our endowment funds. The Subcommittee works closely with Mission Wealth Management (our investment advisor) and its representative Matt Adams. Our investments are held in three accounts at Schwab entitled Trinity Reserves ; Brackenbury Fund ; and Looking Beyond Ourselves, an account opened in December 2014 to receive planned gifts. During 2014, our asset allocation model remained at the level established in 2013: 50% equities and 50% fixed income securities. Despite the vicissitudes of the investment markets, the combined value of the Brackenbury and Reserves accounts showed little change from 2013 balances, after the annual $32,500 payout from the Brackenbury Fund for clergy housing related expenses. In the coming year, the Subcommittee will continue its oversight of our allocation of assets and review our holdings to assure their compliance with the social responsibility provisions of our Investment Policy. Submitted by Dodie Little Office Staff We are in the second year of our job share as administrative assistants. Much of our time is spent producing Parish Notes, service bulletins, assorted mailings, weekly deposits and the online Trinity Notes. Completing the various bulletins during Christmas and Easter is one of our biggest challenges. This year involved producing an all- new Parish directory. Between May and October there was scheduling of over 200 portrait sessions, the updating of our church database to accurately reflect our new and current members, and the production of the complex output to prepare for publishing. Thank you to the volunteers who pored over the substantial data looking for corrections! Please see the office if you have not received your new Directory. We also began coordinating Trinity s participation in the winter warming centers. We coordinate the many volunteers who cook and serve for up to 4 consecutive nights. Thanks to everyone who made a casserole, contributed to the pantry, or cooked and served for the shelters. There s still time to be involved this winter, just sign up at the Welcome Table. Our day- to- day interactions with the many parishioners involved in Trinity life has given us a chance to meet many of the people involved in this work, and we are regularly awed and amazed as we get to know each person a little bit better. The reception desk part of the job is often challenging as we meet tourists, seekers, questioners, the faithful, the homeless, the hungry, the lost, and the mentally ill and confused, sometimes all on the same day! It s a temptation to think of these interactions as interruptions- and a challenge to remember that the interruptions are where faith and action come together as reality. We truly appreciate everyone s kindness and help in the office; the support of our office manager, Cami Segna, and our regular office volunteers: Betty Ferry, Nina Zimmer, Jessie Breytspraak, Jane Ellison, Mary Campbell, Andrea Fritzen, Kristi Wallace, MK and Jim Micallef and Diana Thomas. We also thank other volunteers available on an as needed basis who help out with special projects. Submitted by: Teresa Pietsch & Katrina Perez, Administrative Assistants 12

14 Planned Giving The Committee met once and anticipates meeting a second time prior to the end of the year. Letters were sent to members of The Trinity Legacy Circle expressing gratitude for their existing commitment and requesting any updates in their plans. A second letter was sent to other members of the parish making them aware of the planned giving committee. Provided an update on total gifts toward the goal and explained how planned gifts help meet the important needs of maintaining the building. And also made them aware of The Trinity Legacy Circle. The Committee also endorsed support for the Befriending the Unknown: Courage in Community which was held at Trinity on February 1, The Committee is: - Participating in the Ministry Fair to be held February 15, Working with Mark Asman on the recognition for The Trinity Legacy Circle dynamic plaque in Planning for a Five Wishes workshop to be held in Spring Making preliminary plans for a Mission Wealth presentation in Coordinating an Annual Letter to be sent to the parish about Planned Giving and The Trinity Legacy Circle Committee Members : Chair: Gary Greinke, Irene Marsi, Mark Asman, Kaye Cantu, Claude Garciacelay, Iva Schatz. Submitted by Gary Greinke Welcome and Inclusion Ministry has some 30 volunteers serving as greeters and on the Welcome Table. Six new members have joined the group in the past few months and we would be happy to talk to and train anyone interested in joining us at any time. On average members serve once every six weeks some have served for many years, others rotate on and off as needs be. Those relatively new to the church may find it a wonderful way to share their own first experiences of a Trinity welcome and to meet other people. We all remember our own first visits to churches and our aim is to provide newcomers and visitors a warm introduction to Trinity and welcoming greeting to all. A steering committee (including Joyce Raimer, Iva Schatz and Terry Walker) meets quarterly and is always open to suggestions as to how we may improve the greeting and welcoming process. Among other things we look at such practical matters as enrollment, wheelchair training, provision of chairs for those who need them, organization and materials for the welcome table as well as working with the ushers and Hands and Hearts ministry. Full meetings of the whole group are held bi- annually to share experiences, information and ways to improve. And we would always welcome any suggestions from any one at any time. Much thanks and gratitude is due to Kathy Meyer, the outgoing chair of the Administration and Inclusion Council and to Georgia Noble as such an influence during her time responsible for the Welcome Team and to Judith Torres for becoming co- chair. Geoff Hornby, Co Chair Welcome Team HOSPITALITY COUNCIL The Hospitality Council has had another busy year, with many dedicated ministry leaders and volunteers who make it all happen. We especially thank our sexton Miguel Toscano, for his always cheerful assistance and Carren Sheldon, Judith Torres and Georgia Noble for their support and guidance throughout As we end our tenure, it has been our privilege to lead the Hospitality Council as co- chairwomen, and we have enjoyed getting to know the parish and ourselves better as stewards of Trinity s radical hospitality. Elaine Christ and Marcella Simmons 13

15 Abundance Table Coffee Hour is wonderfully enhanced by the Abundance Table, filled with offerings from parishioner s gardens. Baskets of avocados, tangerines, tomatoes, squash, peaches, apricots, flowers, herbs and succulent cuttings were just some of the symbols the our abundance that we share from June through September. This year we hope to work more closely with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara's BACK YARD BOUNTY program and Food From the Heart. Volunteers can enjoy the great outdoors harvesting tangerines, avocados, etc while making a significant contribution to feeding the hungry in our community. Thank you all for your continued support. Please contact Terre ( ) or terre.sanitate@gmail.com with any question you have regarding this wonderful ministry Coffee Hour 8:00 a.m. Service The 8:00am coffee hour person is responsible for preparing two pots of regular coffee, one pot of decaf, one pot of hot water, and setting out a small platter of cookies (found in the snack cabinet). Coffee cups, napkins, cream, hot water, tea bags and the condiment basket are all placed on the blue kitchen cart. The Sexton takes the items on the cart to the serving table by 8:45am. If coffee is served inside, place two or three brown/white oiled table cloths on the serving table in the parish hall. These are found in the cupboard with the linens. Inside or out, a large yellow compostable bin needs to be placed by the table where the coffee will be served. MK Micallef 10 am service In 2014 we continued our all- parish coffee hour hosting with our alphabetical sign ups, which has allowed everyone an opportunity to host our wonderful Coffee Hour once per year. We have enjoyed many creative treats for Coffee Hour this year. For the months January- April, Parishioners from G- O host; May- August, last names from P- Z host, and from September- December it s A- F. Everyone is invited to pick one Sunday during the year and bring 3 dozen treats plated and ready to share. It s fun and easy! Bring your A Game to coffee hour. Sign up on the big sheet with the Coffee Hour logo at the Resource Table. - Marcella Simmons Dinner with Friends Dinner with Friends, now in its fourth year, are groups of parishioners who get together once every 5-6 weeks for a planned potluck meal in homes or other communal locations. These meals have included breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. These fellowship groups provide an informal setting for members to become better acquainted, sharing their background and experience. Everyone may be included, even if they are unable to host a meal. Children and newcomers are welcome, and transportation is available for those who need it. New groups will begin in early 2015, watch for the sign- up sheet! Elaine Christ Helping Hands The purpose of Helping Hands is to provide short- term care for parishioners who need a little extra help due to illness or life circumstances. The volunteers do things such as cook a meal, run an errand, or provide transportation. Helpers are put into a resource pool and called upon as needed. While we don t work on a daily basis, we are always available when needed. 14

16 In 2014 we were able to provide meals to parishioners who were homebound after surgery and accidents. Thanks to the generosity of a number of our volunteers, we were able to deliver nourishing, tasty meals which conformed to the needs of each recipient. We were also able to provide transportation when called. Volunteers are always welcome to join us. It is a very satisfying way to give of time and talent. Please contact Mac McNeel or yogimac@cox.net. Kitchen Guild The Kitchen Guild leads in the stewardship of the kitchen by: monitoring the use and maintenance of the kitchen; by advising those using the kitchen of the simplest and most efficient way to adhere to Kitchen Policies and Procedures; by offering training and orientation to parishioners and outside groups; by the thoughtful purchase of supplies and new equipment. On a rotational weekly basis, Kitchen Guild members assess the general condition of the kitchen as well as specific items such as: properly labeled foods stored in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry; the proper use of containers for recycling and compostable; and helping the sexton with the tiding up of the kitchen after the 10:00 am service. The Kitchen Guild is an important ministry for Trinity. You are invited to consider learning more about this growing and contemporary ministry. The time commitment can be light to moderate, depending on one s interest and availability. Contact MK Micallef directly (jbmk@verizon.net for more information. Newcomer s Hospitality This event is usually held at the rectory once per quarter. Set- up is done 40 minutes ahead of start time. The selection of appetizers and beverages is up to those doing the shopping. A menu might include cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, fresh cut veggies and one or two dips. Cookies or something sweet is appreciated. Wine, red and white, plus juice and bottled water should be provided. The ministers need to bring cups, napkins and serving dishes. The amount of food and beverage will depend on the signups, which can be obtained from Judith Torres. Experience has shown not to shop too early, as the event is subject to cancellation. The dining room table is used and the hospitality person/s should bring a tablecloth and candles. A nice touch. After the newcomers have left, it is the responsibility of the ministers to clear the table and straighten up as needed. Excess food and beverages are usually left at the rectory. For reimbursement, attach shopping receipts to a Trinity reimbursement form and submit to Cami.- MK Micallef Pastoral Care The Pastoral Care Committee works to assure that all members of our faith community are enfolded with its care. Since its reorganization in May of 2000, its dedicated visitors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers have brought fellowship and the Eucharist in over a thousand visits. This is the church without walls. The committee convenes a meeting of all Visitors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers as needed throughout the year. At these meetings, Visitors share their experience of this ministry. These stories continue to inspire and to speak the truth of Christian service: That in giving we receive.these meetings also afford the opportunity to bring in speakers to address topics of concern for the Pastoral Care Ministry.Visitors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers serving in this ministry are: Michael Neal Arnold, James Beldon, Diana Buzarek, Anne Roediger, Dodie Little, 15

17 Don Zimmerman and Fawzia Talbert. Bringing the Eucharist to our ill or homebound parishioners provides both spiritual comfort and the recognition that, while they are unable to be in church, the church is nevertheless active and present in their lives. - Don Zimmerman and Fawzia Talbert Prayer Shawl Ministry The prayer shawl ministry started in 2005 with an idea from Anne Howard. Betty Bickel was our leader for many years showing us how to serve in this quiet way. We are indebted to her for bringing knitters and crocheters together to create these simple shawls that bring comfort to those in need. While the shawls go to members of the congregation, a family member or friend in a time of need, we usually don t knit a shawl with one person in mind. They are truly a gift from the heart. This year fewer shawls have been made and we are in a building mode again to bring more knitters and crocheters into the ministry. This small group takes ordinary yarn and creates an extraordinary gift that has been treasured by the recipient. The prayer shawl ministry does not have any set funding, but donations are certainly accepted, either in kind or of money. I will look for sales to use our money wisely.. If you would like to donate yarn please contact me. While we have been using a specific yarn, any yarn that is machine washable and soft and snuggly would be wonderful. If you would like to share your talent joining others who provide shawls, please contact me. Materials can be provided and instruction is available. Norma Stuck normaestuck@gmail.com Special Events Team The Hospitality Ministry has been rewarded with an enthusiastic team of volunteers who have helped to create meaningful celebrations of our life together as a parish. Major regular events include the Annual Meeting Brunch in January, the Maundy Thursday supper, Leadership Retreats in February and June, the Meeting Church Again series, and the Harvest Dinner in November. This year we welcomed Carren and Judith as new staff to our parish, and we honored Georgia s retirement with memorable receptions. Those who have given their time and talent include: Christine Green, Carol Bason, Hadley Simmons, MK Micallef, Al Christ, Betty Wenzel, Nanette McIntyre, Sharon Beasley, Linda Simon, Ann Bradbury, Norma Stuck, Sheryl Robinson, Terre Sanitate, Molly Kellogg, Melinda Carey, and Jill Kennedy. Thank you, as well, to all those who volunteered to set up, prepare food, serve and clean up. The call for help with events is made through sign up sheets on the Plaza and we eagerly await seeing them fill up. Everyone is welcome to experience the reward of fellowship while preparing for Trinity s all- parish events. Elaine Christ and Marcella Simmons Trinity Backstage Coffee House Established in 2003 by Kate Wallace and Douglas Clegg, Trinity Backstage Concert Series has historically presented monthly acoustic concert series in the Guild Hall at Trinity. Beginning in 2014, TB began presenting only quarterly concerts in March, June, September and the annual Holiday Show in December. The Saturday evening performances feature singer/songwriters in the folk and acoustic genre. The series has gained a solid local following, as well as a national reputation, as one of the best listening rooms on the West Coast, with performers coming from as far away as Boston and Florida. 16

18 The goal of Trinity Backstage has always been to introduce the community to the best national singer/songwriters they have never heard of, for a reasonable donation. Therefore, ticket prices are $10 per person for all shows to ensure that any member of the community can afford to hear great live music, as well as support the artists by purchasing a CD. Proceeds from concert admission are split with the performer, whose share is 2/3 of the door, with a $200 guarantee. Desserts, which are created and donated by volunteers (bless them!), are sold before each show and during intermission, also at fair prices, as well as the fair trade coffee (donated by Trinity). 100% of these proceeds go to Trinity. Recordings and other souvenirs of the performers' are sold at a separate table, with no proceeds taken by Trinity. In the past, around $4000 has been raised annually from Trinity Backstage this figure is estimated at about $2,500 in 2014 with the reduced shows. Douglas and Kate donate their time to book the performers, do all the publicity and public relations, supply the sound system and lights, and help set up and run the shows. Most of the on- site tasks of the operation are done by a coordinated team of 8-12 volunteers. We are eternally grateful for the invaluable help of our dedicated TB volunteers. We also thank Trinity Church for continuing to provide such a beautiful concert venue. Douglas Clegg and KateWallace CHILDREN AND YOUTH COUNCIL Council Report Standing on the Foundation of the Baptismal Covenant, the Children & Youth Council of Trinity Episcopal Church serves to empower our children and youth: To claim their place right now as full members of the church community; To grow in knowledge of our Christian tradition; and To deepen their faith and moral development. The Children & Youth Council, made up of parishioners, some with children and some without, continued to meet regularly to oversee and support all things related to the children and youth of our parish family. We are always trying to make sure that the children and youth are welcome, and included as full participants in our parish by planning events and intergenerational activities to make this happen. The Children & Youth Council had a busy and productive 2014: We started the year by welcoming Carren Sheldon, our Associate Rector, to Trinity. She came to us with love and experience related to children. We are grateful for her insight and ideas as we strive to empower our children & youth. We are so thankful for the ministry of Jamie Sprague who was our Interim Youth Ministry Coordinator since Babz Farnum left the position. Her love and guidance kept the Youth Group going strong. We are grateful for Jamie s continued service as a Youth Mentor and CYC member. After a long search for the best person, we called Tammy Zybura as our new Youth Coordinator. Tammy brings new excitement and ideas as she gets to know our wonderful youth and the youth get to know her. We said goodbye to our Nursery Coordinator, Amy Duda. We are thankful for her time as she lovingly watched over our youngest parishioners in the nursery. We are happy Marisa Brenninkmeyer (a new member of Trinity) has volunteered to serve as our new liaison supporting infants, toddlers, families, and staff. 17

19 In February we held our second Switch Sunday where the adult parishioners traded places with the child parishioners to have a different experience. The adults took part in various presentations given by our catechists from the atria. The children rotated through stations in the church led by clergy to experience our beautiful sanctuary. It was a wonderful Sunday. The CYC supported the Eucharist Retreat, attended by the 3rd and 4th graders of the atria. The Retreat focuses on meditations related to the parable of the True Vine, the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Eucharist. We started to explore the parish- wide theme of economic justice and how it relates to the children. For years our children have participated in the Alternative Christmas Market supporting the Heifer Project, Episcopal Relief Development and the younger children make a craft that is sold to support all the organizations of the market. In addition to the ACM, we helped support the Harding School Cinco de Mayo Festival with donations, volunteering and spending time and money with our neighbors. The children enjoyed the opportunity to play with and learn from the children at Harding School. We teamed up with the Trinity LGBTQ group and the choir to hold a Game Night for the whole parish. Members of the LGBTQ group spent time getting to know our youth during their lock- in and the friendly competition carried over to Game Night. It was a great evening for everyone. The parents of our parish were treated to a Kids Night in/parents Night Out in the Spring and again in the Fall. The evening is full of fun for the kids and a time of respite for the parents. Carren Sheldon organized our first CYC Ministry retreat for all atrium volunteers, catechists, parents, and mentors who minister to the children and youth of Trinity. It was an opportunity for us to spend some time reflecting on how ministry with children can feed our own spiritual growth. In November we had a joyful Sunday Choral Eucharist CYC service. The children & youth were asked to think about all the jobs that happen on Sunday morning and choose what they wanted to do. It was a wonderful sight to see all the children participating alongside the adults. The service was followed by our CYC Ministry Fair highlighting the Nursery, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the Youth Group, Baptism & Youth Confirmation and the Children & Youth Council. We continue to watch our programs for children grow as we welcome new families to our Trinity family. I have been blessed to work with Anne Porter as co- chairs of the CYC. It has been a wonderful experience working with everyone on the council as we worked towards including children and youth as faithful, happy members of Trinity Church. Vanessa Woods and Susan Krutszch will take over as the new co- chairs for the Children and Youth council. I am sure, under their direction that the CYC will continue to provide activities that empower our children and youth to be full members of this community. In closing, there are too many people to thank by name CYC members, Catechists, Youth Mentors, our Nursery Coordinator and caretakers, all parents, all children, all youth, and our very supportive Vestry, clergy, staff and parish. A special thanks to Elizabeth Hess, our Children s Ministry Coordinator, whose steadfast love, faith, and organization has inspired and made my job easier. I cannot thank her enough for the many hours she dedicates to our children above and beyond her job. I also thank Carren Sheldon, Jamie Sprague, Amy Duda, Tammy Zybura and Marisa Brennininkmeyer, for their love and dedication to children and youth. Mary Gibson, CYC Chair 18

20 Church School Report The Trinity Church School and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program continue to offer our children a sacred space and time in which to experience and nurture their relationship with God. The CGS program is split into 3 Levels by age, with Level 1 being the 3-6 year olds, Level 2 being the 6-9 year olds, and Level 3 being the 9-12 year olds. Level 1 currently has 20 kids registered, with a typical Sunday attendance being about 12 kids, which is slightly higher as compared to last year s numbers. Level 2 has 18 kids registered with normal Sunday morning attendance being 10 kids, which is a good deal lower than last year. This is because our largest class just moved up to Level 3. Level 3 has 26 kids registered, the most in Trinity Level 3 history, with average Sunday morning attendance at 15 kids; these are numbers a good deal higher as compared to last year. Our average weekly attendance for the whole church school is about 38 kids, and these numbers are in line with the previous year s numbers. To properly support this number of children, the CGS program at Trinity schedules a minimum of 5 adult volunteers in addition to 5 trained catechists every Sunday. We are always eager to welcome new adult volunteers into the atria, and offer training to anyone who might be interested. Adult volunteers in the atrium typically serve four or five Sundays per year, and choose the time of year and the age level of children that they would like to work with. Atrium volunteering is a low- impact, short- term commitment, and it s a great way to live out the promises we make to our children at their baptisms. Parents and non- parents alike are welcome. Our catechists continue to offer an extraordinary gift of time, talent, and energy to the parish. At the moment we have a rotation of 4 fully- trained Level 1 catechists (including myself), 4 fully- trained Level 2 catechists (including myself), and 3 fully- trained Level 3 catechists (including myself) working in the atria. Our total number of catechists is 9, which is fewer than last year, and these catechists total number of annual hours in the atria vary, but all are incredibly significant. All of our catechists are in the atrium at least 15 (and as many as 25!) Sundays each year. We are truly blessed to have these women actively and lovingly guiding our children in their spiritual journey. We also are richly blessed by the presence of the Rev. Carren Sheldon among us. One of the great privileges of this year in church school was welcoming Carren as a priest in our midst. Carren s love for children, rich experience in ministry with children, and her commitment to welcoming children into every aspect of parish life has already been a huge blessing to our church and our CYC, and I am so grateful to work with her. One of the gifts Carren has brought to us this year has been to look with intentionality at atrium volunteering as its own liturgical ministry. In order to begin the process of recognizing ministry with children as a means by which our own adult spirituality may be fed, the Rev. Carren Sheldon organized our first ever CYC ministry retreat, to which all atrium ministers, youth mentors, and everyone concerned with children and youth ministries at Trinity were invited. Our morning together was nourishing and peaceful, and I was delighted to see our parish family come together in this way. As a way of furthering this recognition that atrium ministry is liturgical ministry, during 2014 we moved our atrium ministry scheduling to Ministry Scheduler Pro, along with all other Sunday morning liturgical ministries. This has proven to be a very good decision. While some volunteers continue to find working with MSP to be a challenge, my own experience with the software is very positive, and I find that the auto- scheduling of volunteers has significantly reduced the number of pleas for volunteers I have needed to send. Atrium ministry volunteers have been incredibly kind in responding to requests for substitutes, and in general the system is working very well. I am very grateful for the way in which MSP brings together all the ministries of the 19