The Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Melody Drive Northglenn, Colorado 80234

Transcription

1 The Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Melody Drive Northglenn, Colorado Annual Report The mission of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church as a Christian community is to grow in faith through worship, fellowship, and service as we share the love of Jesus Christ with all people. Revised and Adopted by Session January 2015 Presented at Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 25, :00 a.m. 1

2 The Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Ministers All the members of the Congregation Session Faith and Fellowship Ministries Christian Education Worship and Music Congregational Life Outreach Ministries Mission Congregational Care Communications Operations Ministries Facilities Finance and Stewardship Personnel Other Standing Committees Nomination Financial Records Review 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pastor 4 Clerk of Session 5 Faith and Fellowship Ministries 7 Christian Education Worship and Music Congregational Life Outreach Ministries 10 Mission Congregational Care Communications Operations Ministries 13 Facilities Finance and Stewardship Personnel Good Shepherd Food Bank 15 3

4 PASTOR January 14, 2015 Mary Oliver has this great line, This is the first, the wildest and wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness. It has been an incredible first 10 months being attentive to God s call on our souls together here at Good Shepherd. We have been attentive to the needs of our community as the Food Bank continues to provide food for our hungry neighbors. We have been attentive to our youth, supporting and encouraging them as they have gone on mission trips. We have been attentive to our local and global mission partners, raising funds and awareness for causes near to our hearts. As a congregation, and specifically as a session, we have been attentive to some of the institutional systems that needed some change. We have reorganized session, used a narrative budget to project expenses and encourage pledging. We have rewritten job descriptions for staff members. We have updated our website. And so much more! Moving into the next year, there are still many areas of our life together that need our attention. My prayer is that our souls, and our entire lives, will continue to be open to the movement of the Spirit, drawing attention to the things that need some time and care. I recently heard Parker Palmer share this quote from Victoria Safford, Our mission is to plant ourselves at the gates of hope--not the prudent gates of Optimism, which are somewhat narrower; nor the stalwart, boring gates of Common Sense; nor the strident gates of Self-Righteousness, which creak on shrill and angry hinges; nor the cheerful, flimsy garden gate of "Everything Is Gonna Be All Right." But a different, sometimes lonely place, of truth-telling about your own soul first of all and its condition, the place of resistance and defiance, from which you see the world both as it is and as it could be, as it will be; the place from which you glimpse not only struggle but joy in the struggle. And we stand there, beckoning and calling, telling people what we're seeing, asking them what they see. 1 I look forward to many more months of standing together on holy ground, hopeful for the future, asking what we see, and how we remain faithful as a congregation responding to the things we see around us. Grace and Peace, Bill 1 hope# 4

5 CLERK OF SESSION This year the session of Good Shepherd held 10 regular session meetings and 2 special called meetings. Good Shepherd also had an annual congregation meeting, a congregational meeting with a meeting of the corporation and 3 special called meetings during the year. Active Elders as of 12/31/2014 (10 elders): Class of 2014: Judy Ezzell Congregational Life Mary Kennedy - Christian Education Noel Matthews Finance Class of 2015: Diana Bennett Congregational Care Marsha Morton Worship & Music Pat McCune Facilities Class of 2016: Mary McCarron Mission Teddie McConnell Communications Sara Tyburczy Worship & Music Jerry Wetsel Congregational Care Elders whose terms ended in 2014: Angela Caudill Christian Education Henry Heckart Facilities Linda Jaramillo Congregational Life (Fellowship) Clerk of Session: Mary Archuleta Financial Secretary - Noel Matthews Treasurer - Jerry Zarret Presbytery Commissioners (2) - Noel and Joyce Matthews Active membership as of December 31, 2013: 158 Gains: 5 Reaffirmation of Faith - Becki McConnell Reactivated Membership Cindy Carlson Letters of Transfer Gene and Maxine Killion - First Presbyterian Church, Lake Placid, Florida Julie Klahn - First Avenue Presbyterian Church, Denver Losses: 18 Deaths Wanda Brown died 01/11/2014 Jean Bottorf died 02/03/2014 Harley Magee died 06/11/2014 Gene Killion died 11/22/2014 5

6 Birda Sinai died 12/26/2014 Vera Waldron died 12/31/2014 Letters of Transfer Bud and Betty Mason to First Presbyterian of Martinsburg, WV Requested removal from active roll, moved out of state or transferred to inactive roll Cindy Carlson Ted and Chaney Cooper Daroline Edwards Amalie Harvell Nicole Sands Pat Turner John & Sara Watson Jacklyn Watson Active membership as of December 31, 2014: 140 Affiliate members of Good Shepherd as of December 31, 2014: 2 Nominating Committee (1 year term): Mary McCarron committee chair Sara Tyburczy, session representative Bill Keck, congregational representative Barb Mitchell, congregational representative Joan Moore, congregational representative Financial Records Review Committee: Marsha Morton committee chair Mary Archuleta, Class of 2014 Betty Feusner, Class of 2015 Joan Moore, Class of 2016 Corporation Officers: Noel Matthews President (President elected by Session) Diana Bennett Vice President (Events Coordinator) Mary Archuleta Secretary (Clerk of Session) Jerry Zarret Treasurer (Church Treasurer) Phil Jaramillo Director (elected by the Congregation) Respectfully submitted. Mary Archuleta, Clerk of Session 6

7 FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Christian Education Work Group is involved in many aspects of church life. We make decisions involving children, youth, adults, families, and the educational life of the church. The CE group approves and orders the curricula used in Sunday school for children. We make sure there are teachers for every class. Right now we need a preschool teacher. We conduct background checks on any person working with children or youth. In 2014 we also organized special events for children and their families. These events included: Organizing and running Day Camp in partnership with Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in June. This year we had about 44 volunteers plus those groups who prepared lunches for the volunteers. Making and distributing Valentines for residents of Sunny Acres. Offering Junior Church during worship except on communion Sundays and other special Sundays. This has been organized by Mary Ann Hood for many years. Having an Easter egg hunt during the Sunday school hour on Easter Sunday. Processing with palms on Palm Sunday. Presenting short programs on Mother s Day and Father s Day. These were organized by Sara Tyburczy. Recognizing teachers and other volunteers and honoring the children moving to a new class in the fall. This is done the last day of Sunday school in May. Kicking off the new Sunday school year in September during the Mission Barbeque. Selling calendars for the Christian Education program in November and December. Presenting a Christmas program in December thanks to the efforts of many teachers and other volunteers. Providing a warming tree to collect mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for children at Growing Home. This was organized by Angela Caudill. The Work Group approves the studies provided in our adult Sunday school classes. At present we have 2 classes every Sunday, and you are welcome to attend. Our youth group met regularly during They went on a mission trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, in June. Eight youth and 3 adults had a wonderful week working with the families in St. Paul. The Christian Education Work Group supported the group s fund raising efforts with a Soup for Loot luncheon in March and the selling of shares during April and May. Youth group began meeting weekly in September. Leaders of the youth group are Rev. Davis, Carissa Mendez, and Paulene Thompson. 7

8 Some of the family activities we had this year are: Young family afternoon in March with board games and pizza, organized by Ruth Vazquez. Our Barn Party in October at Becky Carlisle s ranch. The Christian Education Work Group also supervises the Library Committee, which has worked hard this year cleaning and organizing our library. It is now well organized and easier to use. The library committee meets every month right after the Sometimes Circle meeting. Mary Ann Hood is the chairperson of this committee. In 2015 you will have a new Christian Education Elder and new challenges to meet. Many thanks to the members of the Christian Education Work Group this year: Mary Archuleta, Carissa Mendez, Diana Bennett, Mary Ann Hood, Ruth Vazquez, Angela Caudill, and Betty Feusner. I have enjoyed working with you and others these past six years. Respectfully Submitted, Mary Kennedy, Christian Education Elder WORSHIP AND MUSIC The Worship and Music Working Group is responsible for providing for the corporate worship of Almighty God in word and music on Sunday mornings as well as other times during the week, if needed. In 2014: Our congregation welcomed Pastor Bill Davis as our new pastor. Choirs of GSPC and Boulder Adventist Church shared Easter Cantata. Good Shepherd Players Theatre Troup enhanced worship through skits. Pastor Bill preached summer series, Gospel According to Dr. Seuss. Pastor Bill following the narrative lectionary beginning in September. Summer music signups/lineups were successful. Dave Blount repaired pews in front of sanctuary and replaced pulpit pew. We have made significant progress in obtaining and sharing information (about and for our congregation) onto the projector screen before church. Significant progress has been made in the remodeling of the sound booth, which is part of the Projector Project. The electric piano (Clavinova) was used on Sundays when Becky was absent. Becky recorded service music and hymns a few weeks before. Rev. Bill facilitated Youth Sunday. Kirkin of the Tartan Service Blessing of the Animals Service All Saint s Day Children s Christmas Program. Christmas Cantata (combined choirs with Boulder Adventist Church) Procured another hands free microphone. 8

9 In 2015 we hope to... Have a Maundy Thursday pot luck followed by a brief worship service with communion. Develop a skit series for Lent and at other times throughout the year, which the Good Shepherd Players will share. More congregational songs during liturgy. Review format of our bulletin to see if we might make it more visitor friendly. Have our summer sermon series on The Sabbath. Members of the Worship and Music Working Group include: Pastor Bill Davis, Choir Director/Organist/Music Coordinator Becky Carlisle, Chairpersons Sara Tyburczy and Marsha Morton, Audio/Visual leader David Blount, Head Usher Diana Rau. Additional members include Joyce Matthews, Harley Brown and Barb Mitchell. Respectfully Submitted, Sara Tyburczy and Marsha Morton, Elders CONGREGATIONAL LIFE See Congregational Care/Koinonia Report 9

10 OUTREACH MINISTRIES MISSION In 2014 we Supported 3 church-wide offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing in the spring ($1, collected); Peacemaking in October ( $ collected); Christmas Joy in December ( $ collected). In April, sponsored sale of 95 Pinwheels to support Ralston House, a local child advocacy center. Raised $ Also donated our portion of Peacemaking offering ($196.00) to Ralston House. In June, sponsored a rider for the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership in the annual Elephant Rock Bike Ride. Raised $ In September, hosted annual Good Shepherd Mission Barbecue. Net proceeds of $1, were donated in equal portions to Highlands Camp and Zimbabwe Mission Partnership. In October, several members of congregation participated in annual West Adams County CROP Walk. Amount raised by all walkers was $9, Good Shepherd s food bank will receive over $ of this. In November, Diana Bennett organized the annual Operation Christmas Child outreach. 97 shoeboxes were filled with gifts by church members and donated to children around the world. Hosted dinner and overnight supervision at Growing Home (network of 12 local churches that alternately house homeless families, one week at a time) 4 times during the year. In addition, we gathered gifts for one Growing Home family for Christmas. 2 CENTS-A-MEAL offering was collected the first Sunday of each month by the children. A total of $ was received. This was divided equally between GSPC food bank and the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Finally, Good Shepherd was represented at all ZMP Board meetings during the year. Good Shepherd s food bank has a separate 2014 report. In 2015 we plan to continue participation in the above 3 church-wide special offerings. We also plan to again host the annual GSPC Mission Barbecue. We will continue to support Northglenn United Methodist by hosting Growing Home one evening/night each time they have their weekly rotation. If asked, we will again sell Pinwheels for Ralston House. We also intend to continue our participation in the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership, including sponsoring one or more riders in the Elephant Rock Bike Ride in June. We hope to sponsor one or more Habitat for Humanity work days for Good Shepherd members. We are discussing the possibility of establishing a connection with a Presbyterian Mission Co-Worker. Members of Mission Working Group: Dan Duncan (first half of 2014), Mary Ann Gines, Bill and Linda Keck, Mary McCarron, Jan Myers, Barbara Swanson. Respectfully submitted, Mary McCarron, Mission Elder 10

11 CONGREGATIONAL CARE/KOINONIA In 2014 we We sent cards to church members for birthdays, get well, thinking of you. We provided meals for families. We went to visit members that could no longer come to church. We delivered and served communion with the Pastor to members that could not come to church. We arranged funeral receptions. We provided coffee hour and treats after church. We set up and cleaned up after potlucks. We arranged a luncheon after the Kirkin of the Tartan service. The Hometouch newsletter was sent out every month to members and friends that do not attend church. We visit Sunny Acres periodically. In 2015 we hope to We hope to continue our Fellowship Hour after church. We would love to continue potlucks once a quarter after church service. We will continue to visit members unable to attend church. We will continue to mail out the Hometouch newsletter once a month. Members and friends will receive cards for birthdays etc. Members of our group include: Judith Ezzell, Gwen Thompson, Diana Bennett, Jerry Wetsel, Betty & Kyle Feusner, and Louise & Dick Schwartz Respectfully Submitted, Diana Bennett, Elder COMMUNICATIONS In 2014 we Created signage for the church to make it more comfortable for visitors Developed and implemented a new website with a more modern feel and ease of use Maintained the sign in front of the church Made photographs to document the events and life of the church Incorporated the photographs into the projections during worship 11

12 In 2015 we hope to Continue to develop the website to include new and inviting elements to attract visitors Look for new ways to make our church s interior even more inviting and evocative of the love and caring of Christ Help consider new options for the renovation of the sanctuary to make it safer and enable worship Our working group includes Bill Davis, Pastor; Teddie McConnell, Elder; Mike Diehl, sign changer and David Blount, sound and video coordinator. Respectfully Submitted, Teddie McConnell, Elder 12

13 OPERATIONS MINISTRIES FACILITIES In 2014 we Did repairs on the sprinkler at SH, put exterior hose bib on S side of SH AC repair and boiler service both Church and SH Rebuilt pole light at top of Church stairs S side of building Weekly mowing in Summer, leaf raking in Fall Garden weeding and mainttenence, tomato plants (with water on the S side of SH maybe can have more vegetable garden next year) New window AC for Sunday School room Cleaned all carpets at SH. Had a grubby Sat. cleaning at the Church Painting in Sunday School rooms at the Church Toilet repair in Womens bathroom at Church & Mens Bathroom in SH Snow removal as needed In 2015 we hope to Put in some type of steps going up from bottom to top of Shepherd s Hall Reseal and make repairs on parking lot Insulate doors and upper window at Church Research windows at Shepherds Hall to help with energy waste Remove dead trees and replant on North side of SH Put together ideas for a fire pit and seating area on south side of Shepherd s Hall and possibly do landscaping Clean blinds in office New toilets for downstairs at SH Privacy panels in mens bathroom at the church Research expanding Narthex at church & adding bath upstairs. Research remodel of choir loft Exterior paint touchups on SH & Church Members of Facilities working Group: There is no Formal working group but these are the people who help with mtnc. Please excuse me if there has been anyone left out. These people never need to be asked to do a job. They see the need and do the work. Henry Heckart, Bob & Barb Swanson, Deb Hubner, Ruth Vazquez, David Blount, Diana Bennett Respectfully submitted, Pat McCune 13

14 FINANCE The Finance Workgroup expresses thanks to everyone who contributed to the well-being and continued success of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through their pledges and other forms of financial stewardship and support. In 2014, we strived to maintain fiscal responsibility of all funds entrusted to Good Shepherd by finishing the year in the black. The actual budgeted revenue was slightly above the actual expenses. This was partly as a result of good planning and use of funds by session members, and continued support of the congregation. We were able to return $5,000 to the saving account. Actual revenue for 2014 was $195,455 while actual expenses were $183,800, allowing us to finish the year with a fund excess of $11,655. In 2015, the proposed budget as presented was allocated to the various GSPC programs. Personnel support was included in each area. Expected income, including pledges and donations, and church facility rental income is expected to be around $175,000. This has tentatively been allocated as follows: Worship 41% Facilities 22% Communication, Care, and Fellowship 13% Mission 12% Education 12% Expected expenses are estimated to be $187,000 leaving a shortfall of $12,000. It is hoped that this will be covered through fiscal conservation by the various Session Workgroups. The Finance Workgroup is also exploring various options for on-line giving. If you would like to see a detailed line-by-line financial report for 2014 or a detailed 2015 proposed budget check with the Church Office or contact any member of the Finance Workgroup. Respectfully Submitted, Noel Matthews 14

15 GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD BANK The GSPC Food Bank volunteers have collected and distributed groceries to 6216 people this year, supplementing our clients with a three to four day supply of nutritious food to eat. A grant from the City of Thornton was applied for and received in the amount of $ The individual monetary donations made to the food bank totaled $ , and we received countless food items from food drives, grocery stores and other businesses as well as our monthly allotment of federal commodities. Because of the generous support from this congregation and the community, the food bank has been able to continue to operate, serving those in need. We gratefully thank our 40+ volunteers who faithfully (and joyfully!) make all this possible: Tuesday workers: Wednesday workers: Thursday workers: Thursday night: Friday workers: Food Bank Treasurer: Supervisors: Purchasing Agent: Inventory Manager: Drivers: Bread Pick up: Vol. Board members: Senior Boxes: Dick Schwartz, Dick & Robin Kelly Bob & Barbara Swanson, Mary Driver Marsha Morton, Fred Finke, Julie Klahn, Tom McConnell Ruth Vazquez, Barb Kenney, Lois Ekern Frances Zacek, Joan Hardy, Elva Wall, Boots Hamm Stephen Chappell, Mary Ann Gines, Barb Haring Sue Erickson, Pee Wee Holland Gwen Thompson, Connie van der Vegt, Diana Rau Mary Kennedy, Linda & Bill Keck, Dick Schwartz Rob Bennett Mary McCarron and Sue Holland Jerry Zarret Erick Hartman Jerry Zarret, Erick Hartman, Bill Keck, Steve Hammack Judy Ezzell, Nancy Miller, Bill Hollis, Dawn Diehl, Will Jackson, Bob & Barb Swanson Ruth Vazquez, Mary Ann Gines, Diana Rau Judy Ezzell 15

16 NUMBERS SERVED IN 2014 ORDERS HOUSEHOLDS INDIVIDUALS Total for Total for Total for Total for January February March April May June July August September October November December Respectfully Submitted, Linda Keck and Barbara Mitchell Co-Directors 16