The Church of the Redeemer 2014 Annual Report Annual Meeting January 25, 2015

Transcription

1 Annual Meeting January 25, 2015 The Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri 7110 Highway 9 NW Kansas City, MO redeemerkc.org

2 Notes: 2

3 3 Senior Warden Report As I reflect back on 2014 I am reminded of the old responsive; God is good every day/every day God is good was a year of good works and rich rewards for Redeemer. It seemed nearly every day something powerful was happening in our midst and it was good. As we came into 2014 we had a number of goals we hoped to advance. These included reducing the church s debt burden, expand our outreach capabilities, provide more opportunities for parish involvement, grow our congregation and increase Christ s presence in the communities where we live and worship. How did we do? As you remember, we kicked off our Capital Campaign in late 2013 with the ambitious goal to retire our more than $400,000 debt by the end of By now you know that through blessed generosity and God s Grace we have paid of the entire debt burden in less than 18 months. We enter 2015 debt free for the first time in many, many years. In fact, if we are able to collect all of the remaining capital pledges we will build a capital fund for the first time. This capital fund would then allow us to afford the major maintenance that the church and its property requires. (Can you say New Parking Lot?). Our Outreach Committee continues to expand our touch and bringing God s message and love to our community. With the savings from the annual debt burden, we should be in position to expand our outreach in greater and faster ways. We are welcoming new members with an enthusiastic vigor. We have added 35 new name tags this year but sadly removed some as well. Our inquirers classes are full and the Newcomers Committee has many ideas for 2015 and funding! As we turn our attention to 2015, we refer back to the priorities from Ripe for the Harvest. We can check an important box as done, which now enables us to focus outward and enhance our dreams to be an outreach and mission driven church. The Vestry has been discerning what this really means and how we might begin. We will be talking a lot about this in To be truly mission driven is more than the occasional outreach project. To be mission driven is a sustained effort at bringing Christ s love to those in need in our community; the lonely, the poor, the sick, the uneducated, the hungry. A helpful website to view is Mission Centered Episcopalian s Networking for Ministry will be an exciting year for. What makes it most exciting for me is recognizing that it isn t our will that drives us but rather it is God s will that navigates us to do his work. Where do we go next? Not sure. But I do know that it will be good because I know that God is good every day. Walter George Junior Warden As Junior Warden for the past three years it has been a blessing to have worked with such a large group of willing and able parishioners as found here at Church of the Redeemer, in so many different activities. I trust our community will continue to ably support our new, as yet unnamed, Junior Warden; one who, I know, will have much better organizational abilities than myself! We have been fortunate this past year as no major systems in the building have needed expensive repair. Something to be prepared for though, in the future, again noting the age of our HVAC units. Our humble undersized ice-maker did present some operational challenges over the summer, unfortunately. Difficulties addressed, eventually, under warranty at no expense to us. Conversion of our phone/internet system to ATT U-verse was a more challenging transition than expected, due to AT&T s lack of understanding, and perhaps concern, for our fire alarm dialing system requirements. This problem was finally beaten into submission by the good folks at Electronic Contracting, who had originally installed the system and monitor its operation. The Soil Mates, now ably lead by Jeannie Carlile, continue to maintain our plants and flowers, inside and out, in good order. We may need to invest in some powered loppers for pruning the Knock-Out roses this

4 Spring! Now if the horticulturists could only breed them thornless! In the domain of mowing, I want to thank especially Larry Terrell and Adolfo Mendoza. Two stalwarts indeed. There is plenty of load here to share. Also, special thanks to Brad Hayes for his hard work in overseeding and fertilizing a major portion of our property. Thanks to the ECW for funding a new floor for the nursery, replacing the old carpet with easy to clean resilient vinyl plank flooring. Once again I express my thanks and gratitude to those many of you who have given time and talent to help maintain our facility in structure and beauty. Respectfully submitted: Tom Stevens Junior Warden stevens226@sbcglobal.net Adult Formation 2014 we continued meeting most Wednesday evenings for Adult Formation. As in prior years we had a mix of multi-week sessions and a few single week sessions. Some sessions were taught; others were leader-led group discussions. We began with Book of Common Prayer by Deacon David, then The World of Jesus by John Crossan led by John Forrest, next was a new instructor Glenn Young who presented a class on the medieval mystics and Bill Stancil on the Sermon on the Mount. After a summer break we continued with Bill again leading us in consideration of When bad things happen to good people, next was Fr. Joe leading discussion using Embracing the Prophets by Walter Brueggemann. Deacon David started his series on the Healing Ministry of Jesus and John Forrest finished the year presenting The Bible Challenge. In addition to the series, individual weeks we had Stations of the Cross, Eucharist and Jen Snider gave us some instruction of planning for end of life We probably average about 18 people on Wednesdays and begin with a potluck at 6PM and finish by 7:30. Altar Guild The Saint Monica s Guild at Redeemer is responsible for the care of all items used at the Altar and throughout the church during the many services, held at the church. Presently there are thirteen members, men and women, working in teams on a rotating schedule. The teams change about every four months, so that everyone gets to work with others in the guild. Home baked bread for Eucharist is made by two members at this time on a two month rotating schedule. This year bread was also made for the Diocesan Convention in November. The bread recipe was also shared with other churches as when requested. Two members pick up the flowers, when requested for the Sunday Services, Easter and Christmas. The guild has several people who have helped when needed a special thank you. There were 4 funerals, 2 weddings and more then 120 other services this year, along with decorating for Christmas and Easter, and two major clean up days keeping all members busy throughout the year. We all have this as a special ministry to the church. New members are always welcome and appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Janet Stevens 4

5 Cursillo Cursillo provides the opportunity for Christians to renew and deepen their commitment to Christ, to help others do the same, and to bring others to Christ. The Church of Redeemer has a very active Cursillo movement. We have approximately fifty active Cursillistas (those who have attended a Three Day Weekend) at Redeemer. Redeemer Cursillistas have formed Reunion Groups that meet regularly throughout the year. I m pleased to say that we have outstanding participation from Redeemer Cursillistas in all aspects of the Cursillo movement. Our next Ultreya at Redeemer will be held on February 13, We will begin with a potluck at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome!! Our next Three Day Weekend will be held September 10 13, 2015 at the Heartland Retreat Center located in Parkville, Missouri. Plans are well underway for the Sept 3- Day Weekend and we are thrilled to say that the Weekend will once again be well represented by Redeemer. If you are interested in participating in the September 10-13, 2015 Three Day Weekend, or just want more information concerning Cursillo, you may contact Jeannie Carlile or any other Cursillista at Redeemer. Respectfully Submitted, Jeannie Carlile Dinner Groups Approximately 40 Redeemerites enjoyed fellowship and fun in the year 2014 by participating in the Dinner groups. We meet in each other s homes in groups of eight to ten for an informal meal and casual gathering. New groups will form again in July Give me a call at if you wish to participate. Respectfully submitted, Patti Clark ECW- Episcopal Church Women 2014 has been a busy year for the Episcopal Church Women of Redeemer. Officers for 2014 were Sheri Edwards and Tracy Kolterman as co-presidents, Mary Henja vice-president and Sandi Tarro secretary. The first planning meeting and brunch was held Feb. 1st. Ladies signed up for Planning Committees for the year with discussion of changes in a few events. The Valentine's Day dance was the first big social event for the year with a great turn out and fun time had by all. The annual Daughters' Luncheon usually held on Mother's Day weekend was transformed into a Garage Sale/Derby for the Northland Infant Clothing Center. Ladies met early at church and then shopped local garage sales for the best deal on kids clothes with prizes being handed out for cutest outfit etc. Later we enjoyed brunch at church while sorting clothes with the NICC being the winner in the end. Other activities during the year included a few potlucks, United Thank Offering, and Fall Festival in September. A big thank you to the funeral committee this year, who were sadly kept busy but provide an important ministry and support when families need it most. The biggest change was the long time White Elephant Holiday Brunch turning into the ECW Holiday Tea with over 100 ladies joining the festivities in November. A silent auction, tasty food, beautifully decorated tables, music, ginger bread house decorating and fellowship was enjoyed by all. ECW also offered mini-grants to be used for needed purchases, improvements or scholarships within Redeemer. Some projects that you will soon be seeing include a new floor in the nursery, new Redeemer Song Books, and the purchase of additional Books of Common Prayer for the pews. Officers for 2015 are Sheri Edwards and Tracy Kolterman co-presidents; Jennifer Loftis vice-president, and Sandi Tarro treasurer. A big Thank You to all the women that headed committees, brought food, and shared their time and talents you are very much appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Sheri Edwards 5

6 Eucharistic Visitors Eucharistic visits continue on a regular basis to nursing homes and hospitals. Our visits are appreciated by our members not able to attend church. Nina Sinclair Greeters and Ushers 2014 was a VERY GOOD YEAR to usher at Redeemer. The numbers are up at Sunday Services and fellowship as more people join us. We get to meet all the new visitors on their first visit and make them feel welcome A thank you to the youths who have been a good help and is always appreciated. If you would like to join our team let me know. Sam Greenshields Health Ministry The Health Ministry Team continues to maintain the Automatic External Defibrillator and report as needed to the county. Louise Thurlow has been faithful at this task since we obtained it many years ago. The Vestry provided the money needed to purchase new batteries and pads as prescribed by the manufacturer. We had our annual Heart Healthy Breakfast in February. Many people enjoyed the meal and the informational brochures available. We continue to accompany individuals to physician s appointments when requested and to visit ill or shut in church members when asked. Many people don t know they can ask for our help at any time. Medical equipment, donated by church members and stored in our basement, has been borrowed. Our Heart Healthy Breakfast this coming year will be February 15 and an informational gathering with a speaker from the Alzheimer s Association will take place on January 17 It is always a joy to serve Redeemer and our team is thankful that we are able to do that. Respectfully submitted, Mary Eick Hospitality Committee Hospitality food and beverages allow visitors and new members to meet the church family. It also allows our church family to keep connected. In 2014 we had 34 individuals, couples or families provide hospitality for church members after all 104 services. Thank you to the church community for providing funds for coffee, paper goods and sundries to this effort. Due to the increase in the number of people that are enjoying the hospitality, we have gone to biodegradable paper coffee cups. In an effort to recycle all that we can, we ask church members to recycle our cups and gently used plates. For 2015 we have 30 individuals, couples or families including new members who have stepped forward to offer the hospitality after services. Please take a moment to thank them. We thank everyone on the committees last year and this year. Music Department The Music Department at Redeemer consists of the Adult Choir, Children s Sunday School Choir, Worship Praise Band, Organist and Director of Music. The Adult Choir under the direction of Jacki Hunt provides music for worship September through Pentecost Sunday. The goal of the choir is to provide music to augment the Sunday liturgy and inspire by using God s word through music. The Children s Sunday School Choir is directed by Cathy Cowger and 6

7 assisted by Amy Baker. The goal of the choir is to enrich the lives of our children by learning age appropriate songs that they can carry in their hearts for a lifetime. The Praise Band continues to evolve and has added a percussionist, Stephen Kretsinger. The band consists of acoustic and electric guitar player, Greg Hejna, electric bass player, Mike Cowger, flute and keyboard player, Deana Wagoner, woodwinds and percussionist, Ron Mundt, percussionist Stephen Kretsinger and keyboard/director, Jacki Hunt. The goal of the praise band is to add inspirational accompaniments to the worship music throughout the year and special music on occasion. The senior organist, Jacki Hunt continues to provide leadership at the 10:30 am worship service by providing preludes, postludes and hymn accompaniments to lead congregational singing. She also directs all special music for the summer season and at special church services. The director of music, Margaret Henrion provides music leadership at the 8:00 service. It has been a wonderful year to be thankful for, praising God for all of the talented musicians who have shared themselves without hesitation and with great dedication with our church. Praise be to God. Newcomers Committee The Redeemer Newcomer s Committee works to reach out to individuals and families who have recently attended Redeemer. We do this by contacting the guests as soon as we can after they have attended. We simply want them to know the family at Redeemer desires them to find their attendance meaningful. In addition, the committee schedules events for the newcomers every few months. These events are breakfasts at the church as well as ice cream socials. During these events we try to help the newcomers become aware of the ministries and opportunities for service in the family at Redeemer. We also work to include the newcomers in the various church wide activities with personal invitations to them. We do this by phone calls, personal contact, s, and cards. We typically meet every other month between services in the old vestry room. Committee members are Paul Smith, Karen Behen, Kasi Stevens, Jennifer Loftis, Larry Loftis, Barb Finke, Clarence Matthews, Deacon Sherrill Russell, Evelyn Hanauer, Christine Baker, Jana Watkins, and Carol Shifflett. Nursery Jennifer Vick is the person in the nursery on Sunday morning during the 10:30a.m. service. She has worked there for several years now. I want to send a special thank you to the members of the ECW for approving a grant to the nursery. The money was used to replace the old carpet and to recover the nursery floor with washable, resilient vinyl blank flooring. Come take a look!! Respectfully submitted, Janet Stevens Outreach The Vision of Redeemer s Outreach is to be disciples of God s love through reaching out to those in need in our community. Our Mission is to provide motivation, prayer support, resources, and ongoing encouragement to parishioners as they express the love of God as servants of Christ among people in need. The Outreach team is trying to publicize acts of kindness, to encourage church members to get involved in outreach ministries. Redeemer is a supporter of the Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center food pantry. The first Sunday of each month we provide green canvas tote bags to collect food for SPEAC. Yellow envelopes are provided in the pews to support our monthly outreaches. This year we collected donations for the following ministries: Rector s Discretionary Fund; Northland Assistance Center; Episcopal Relief & Development; SPEAC; Northland Infant Clothing Center; Vacation Bible School; Project Elder Cool; Swope Health Northland; Collaboration Works; City Union Mission; Theater at Vis; Ark 7

8 8 Family Ministries; Salvation Army; Uplift & coat & blanket drive. This year we were able to donate a total of $6, to support our monthly outreaches. The outreach committee is very thankful for your continued support. We pray that in 2015 that Redeemer is able to reach out to more people in need. We need your help. To become involved in outreach, please contact any outreach team member. God s Blessings, Susan George CARE Teams CHRISTIANS ASSISTING REDEEMER EVERYDAY this is what the CARE teams stand for. We have about 40 volunteers who are eager to help Redeemer parishioners in need, either by providing meals for the sick, newborns, or family emergencies, or with transportation for rides to church, doctor appointments and errands. The CARE teams have provided over 75 meals to help out our Redeemer family this year. The outreach committee has purchased a freezer to assist in this ministry. If you like to cook, or can help with transportation, and are interested in helping in this ministry, please contact Susan George. Northland Infant Clothing Center We track the number of families that visit and the number of kids served, each time we are open. In 2014 we had 87 family visits representing 173 children. Some families came two or three times this past year, and some only once. The majority had one or two children, but some had as many as 5 (blended families). We spent $1032 this past year on diapers and wipes and a few winter coats. We received $1637 from your outreach cash donations and from ECW fundraisers. We also received many boxes of used clothing, and of new diapers in addition to the cash funds donated. Thank you Redeemer for all of your donations. We have a bin marked "diapers" in the coat rack area where you may drop your clothing or diaper donations. May is our designated outreach collection month. Anyone parent or guardian who feels they need some help, may use our center. We just ask for an ID and some enrollment information. We added two new volunteers this past year. Now we have a total of six. We could use more volunteers. Here are some of the jobs you might be attracted to: 1. work in the center when we are open (two days/month). The second Monday 10-1pm and the 4th Wednesday eve 6-8pm. You can help clients find items, check them in and out. Also sort donations, hang clothing, put away diapers. You don't have to work EVERY TIME WE ARE OPEN. Maybe just one hour one day a month?? 2. wash donated clothing, since some donations are worth saving but too dirty to hang. 3. shop for diapers, wipes and winter coats. You will be reimbursed, once you are approved and learn how to avoid sales taxes, get registered, etc. 4. Do PR for the center: Includes putting out the signs no sooner than six days before our next open day, and taking down the signs the day after. Post info on our Outreach board in Coffelt Hall. 5. Carry donated items over to the house of prayer, and help sort and or store the items. I do thank the outreach committee for their PR work this past year. The signs and contacts did increase the client base. Now we need more volunteers to do the work. Lastly, the next two months are when we buy kids winter coats when they go on sale. Please let me know if you see them discounted somewhere for 60-75% off. Call me ASAP at or jdspicher@aol.com. Once they are marked down they sell out quickly. Thank you all for your time and donations. Vicki Asbury

9 Prayer Chain Do you ever find yourself thinking, I really wish I had someone to talk to, to listen to me or pray for my needs? Well, Redeemer can fulfill that desire for you. We have a group of about 25 who will respond to that need immediately following your request. Sometimes this group is a part of many such prayer chains from different churches across the country. That in itself can be comforting. All it requires on your part is to pick up the telephone and call Patti Clark at , Mary Eick at or Lynda Pelfrey at Within a short period of time, you will have many petitions being said on your behalf. Respectfully submitted, Patti Clark Quilters Another year has gone, and although our goals of finishing the vision of those who have gone before remain the same; our regular members have varied from week to week. Pauline Creek is not coming to quilting anymore due to her age and disabilities. Velma Loncar had not Participated for over a year and died Oct Ellie Forbes had a fall and broke her pelvic bone. She Could not drive or walk without a walker for sometime. Gwen Pettis has been taking car of her husband, Robert and seems to be occupied with doctor s appointments and trips to the hospital. Throughout the year we have accomplished a few things as follows: Worked on stoles for the Diocesan Convention Made $108 from the sale of baby quilts, church notes, etc. at the Arts and Crafts Fair Donated a large framed print of Redeemer for ECW Tea raffle Finished several quilts for the Baldwin family Donated $100 for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Currently working on a quilt for Sharon Mayrath It is hope that Ellie and Gwen will be able to return to join the others and finisth the work we have been given to do. Soil Mates The Soil Mates are a group of guys and gals at Redeemer who love gardening! Linda Cookson founded the group several years ago for the purpose of making the gardens at Redeemer so beautiful that everyone who drove by the church would want to join because they could see that it was well taken care of and loved by many. True to our purpose, this group of happy gardeners lovingly plants, weeds, sprays, waters, spreads lots of mulch, fertilizes and does whatever else it takes to make our church gardens beautiful. Everyone who enjoys gardening is welcome and encouraged to join our group. We get together to work when the weather is right and the gardens call! Please contact Jeannie Carlile or Brad Hayes should you be interested in joining our group or just helping occasionally. Our motto is: Many hands make light work! Stephen Ministry We are in a holding pattern but continue to be a source of support for those who are hurting or just need someone to talk to. This is a vital ministry offering a safe place to talk on a regular basis to a Stephen Minister, who has taken an oath to keep all discussions in strict confidence. We continue to have care receivers who need someone to listen to them and be a support for them through difficult times. That is what Stephen Ministers is all about; a support for those who need a constant, caring listener willing to spend one hour a week with them. Please let us know I this is a ministry you would like to be involved in. 9

10 10 If you know of someone, or are interested yourself in becoming a source of comfort to those who are hurting, please see Mary Franko or Sherrill Russell on how you can become involved with this special ministry. Sherrill Russell and Mary Franko Sunday School During 2014, several changes were implemented and/or initiated in hopes of maintaining a pool of excited and invigorated teachers and ensuring our program grows and remains vibrant over the coming years. The teaching format for the elementary grades has changed. Our full time teachers prepare a lesson and teach two Sundays a month (except in those months there are five Sundays). A "flex" teacher (substitute) then takes over the class one Sunday per month (I currently have seven volunteers that teach approximately every other month). I then teach a combined lesson on the last Sunday of the month which includes all ages through 5 th grade (This has been a tradition at Redeemer over the years and allows the older children to spend time mentoring the younger kids). This new rotation allows involvement from many volunteers and puts less pressure on the full time teachers. The full time teachers have "open" Sundays to worship, recharge and refill in church. We have tripled the number of volunteers for children s Christian formation instead of depending on a few to keep the program running. The classes are divided as follows: Pre-K (ages 3-5) Lisa Thurlow Lisa is a sweet and patient teacher with the younger children. She currently has 13 students enrolled in the Pre-K class and averages 3-4 students each week. Lisa is a full time student and participates in numerous activities at school and at Redeemer. Lisa has taken her first teaching opportunity very seriously and is always prepared and excited about her lessons with our youngest group. K-2 nd grade Bethe Greenshields Bethe brings her wonderful experience to the K-2 nd grade Sunday School group. She has 6 children enrolled in her class and averages 5-6 students per week. This group of children are excited each week for a new experience and Bethe ensures the lessons presented provide the best opportunity for growth in our young children. Amelia Hanis is in the classroom weekly to assist Bethe. 3 rd and 4 th Grade Nathan Baker Nathan brings a new, fresh energy to this lively group of 3 rd and 4 th graders. Nathan has 6 students enrolled in his class this year, averaging 3-4 each week. The kids really enjoy the instruction and activities Nathan provides each Sunday. Nathan is a teacher, by profession. His commitment to children continues by helping them grow in their Christian formation on Sundays. Middle School (4 th -8 th grade) Jennifer Leocardi Jennifer continues to lead a very excited and involved Middle School class. Jennifer has 8 students currently enrolled in her class and averages 5-6 students a week. Jennifer loses students each week to ushering and acolyte duties, but they make sure to check in before tending to their other responsibilities. Jennifer uses a lectionary based curriculum in which the students read and study the Old and New Testament lessons for the week as well as the Gospel. Jennifer and I continue to believe it very important that the Middle School students return to church for the sermon and Eucharist. This class has absolutely thrived under Jennifer s leadership. The Middle School class meets at 10:15 am. Pre K through 3 rd Grade continues to use a program from Group Publishing called FaithWeaver. It provides the teachers with clear, concise lessons and materials are provided for the children s activities. The curriculum is all inclusive and makes preparation easier for the teachers. Each lesson has several craft ideas, lesson games, songs, etc. which the teachers can choose to use or omit for that day. New curricula are being explored, but any change must be supported by the teachers and give the children a sure opportunity for continued growth in their classrooms. The most recent endeavor of the Sunday School program was a successful Epiphany Pageant on January 11 th. Thanks to all the parents, teachers and volunteers that helped make the pageant a success. A special thanks to Sheri Edwards for recruiting readers and distributing scripts. Also, a big

11 thanks to Amy Baker for organizing and labeling costumes, making pageant day much less stressful and chaotic. Thanks to Jacki Hunt for providing our music and helping rehearsal move smoothly. Another big thank you to Amelia Hannis and Lisa Thurlow who helped to fit costumes and corral the kids. Most of all, thanks to the children who provided us with a special representation of the Epiphany. The Sunday School program was also awarded a mini-grant from the ECW at the end of This money will allow the program to purchase a television and rolling storage cart to use for instructional use as well as for social events for the children. Safeguarding God s Children is an important training program designed to ensure that church members that volunteer with our children/youth are prepared to provide proper supervision in all circumstances and to recognize dangerous situation which can place our kids in vulnerable situations. I completed this training many years ago and am in the process of setting up the online training for our volunteers. This training will also be vital for our youth volunteers and any other leaders in the church that provide supervision/instruction to our kids. A special thanks to the substitute teachers that have helped to make the program such a success this year: Julie Williams, Megan Cowger, Christine Baker, Anthony Garcia, Nichole Vaughn, Christie Kretsinger and Suellen Hannis Continued goals for the program include: Continue to grow the Christian Formation program and have outreach opportunities for the children. Recognize attained goals of the children and celebrate with the parish. Not only graduation but confirmation, projects and other milestones attained. Recruit additional teachers, substitutes and volunteers so that the program will remain vibrant, fresh and strong in the years to come Implement the Safeguarding God s Children training program and ensure all teachers, assistants and volunteers are certified through the program Ensure there is appropriate signage throughout the church so that parents/new families can easily find the Sunday School classes Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the children of Redeemer. If anyone is interested in volunteer opportunities within the Christian Formation program, please contact me at amygarcia.redeemerkc@gmail.com or Prayers for the program are always welcome! Respectfully submitted, Amy Garcia, Sunday School Coordinator Vacation Bible School Son Treasure Island Vacation Bible School was held the week of July 28 - August 1, We had 81 different children attend over the course of the week. We had over 50 volunteers, youth and adult, during the week. Sharon Grosse, Janet Stevens, Kelsey Boyum, Diane Boyum, and I spent countless hours painting the backdrops and other décor. I had a great group help with set-up, including, J.D. Spicher, Tom Stevens, Janet Stevens, Diane Boyum, Kelsey Boyum, Douglas Boyum, Sharon Grosse, and David Grosse. This is an area where more help could definitely be used. It takes a lot of time to get all the decorations up. Taking them down does not take any time compared to what it takes to put it up. A big thanks goes to Paula Grayson as well for organizing the kitchen and supervising the service of dinner each evening. We also had various groups helping with preparation of meals and that is greatly appreciated. I am thankful for the youth volunteers who step up each year and volunteer their time each evening to make sure the children have a great time. I am always so proud of them. I also am blessed to have so many teenagers who are not members of our church but have attended Redeemer's VBS for years, who come and volunteer. I am always afraid to try and name everyone who volunteers their time during the week of VBS since we have so many volunteers and I do not want to miss anyone, plus the list would take up an entire page. 11

12 I am so blessed to be able to coordinate the VBS program. I am looking forward to another successful VBS this year. SonSpark Labs Vacation Bible School will be held the week ofjuly 27-31, 2015, where we will be Discovering God's Plan 4U = Jesus! Respectfully submitted, Evelyn Hanauer Women s Bible Study Each Tuesday morning, approximately 24 women gather together in fellowship and prayer, and to study God s word. This year we began with The Book of Acts, and are ending this year with N.T. Wright s book on Hebrews For Everyone. We welcome women of all ages to join us! Respectfully submitted, Susan George Youth Group The year 2014 has been a very good year at Redeemer and also for our youth. Our youth are some of the most incredible individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know and work with. Working with our youth for the past two years has truly been a blessing and an experience that will now and forever hold a special place in my heart. Our youth have shown that giving, caring, loving and a passion for Christ is still very much so alive. They have and continue to show that the future burns bright for our Episcopal Church. Our youth are our future and they are dealing with emotions and situations that sometimes seem unreal to me. They, however, always come through most situations with a life changing outlook. We accomplish this outlook through discussions and reflection at each of our meetings. The youth at Redeemer are not your typical kids. So Redeemer family, I ask you to stop and talk to our youth whenever you get a chance. They will amaze you with what they do on a weekly basis (school, work, sports, scouts, jobs, Sunday School teachers, acolytes, volunteer work, sing in choir) and, I have with no doubt, fan the flam of passion that you share with God. The major youth group events and projects for 2014 include: Biweekly meetings at the House of Prayer Participation in the Epiphany Pageant Attending the Bishop s Ball in December Working and cleaing up yard around House of Prayer Youth Sunday when readings, special music, and a message were all provided by the youth Took part in Happenings, and Jr. high retreat Summer included Camp WEMO at Wakonda, Missionpalooza at St. Paul s and Vacation Bible School which brings out every youth kid to volunteer. Redeemer s softball team included some of the High School kids and summer ended with our annual back to school pool party. Participated in the new Network events Ended the year with a Christmas Party I cannot begin to express the gratitude that I have for sharing your kids with me. It has truly been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I look forward to the upcoming year! Yours in Christ, Joe Pierjok 12

13 Treasurer's Report Attached to this report is a consolidated Balance Sheet and Income statement for the Church of the Redeemer for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the 2015 budget. A full set of financials are on display in the Narthex went pretty much as expected. The budget for 2014 was basically a break even budget and that was pretty much the result for The majority of the more interesting items once again happened in our restricted fund area. The Capital Campaign account raised $73,593 in pledge money which all was applied to the note and the Church also kicked in $41,909 for a total of $115,503 total principle payments!!!! The note balance as of December 31, 2014 was 86,362!!! The Church also received a bereavement in the amount of $29,465 from Bonnie J. Lowery which is under the control of the Vestry. Redeemer also spent $34,173 on other ministries the Church supports. As for 2015, the finance committee presented to the Vestry the budget you see below which was unanimously passed. At the time of this writing we have 90 pledges, totaling $281,720 which is an increase of $7,909. While the total number of pledges remains the same as last year, we did have 10 new pledges this year. The loss of the 9 pledges from last year is attributed to death, job circumstances, and health reasons. We are slowly interrogating back into the budget some non-restricted fund ministries. I d like to thank all the volunteers on the finance committee and to Kasi Stevens. Without their support and help, I could not do my job. Respectfully Submitted by, Ed Muzar Church of the Redeemer Consolidated Financial Statements For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet As of 12/31/14 Assets Cash 82,878 Investments 29,576 Property & Equipment 1,693,897 Net Loan Fees 595 Total Assets 1,806,946 Liabilities and Equity Accrued Expenses 3,015 N/P Vision Bank 86,362 Retained Earnings - Temp Restrictive 40,117 Retained Earnings 1,553,776 Net Income - Temp Restrictive 105,057 Net Income - Unrestrictive 18,619 Total Liabilities and Equity 1,806,946 13

14 Income Statement Church of the Redeemer Consolidated Financial Statements For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 YTD YTD Increase Actual Budget (Decrease) Unrestricted Income 303, ,643 (5,519) Administration Expense 150, ,792 (4,097) Salaries 133, ,080 (1,270) Total Unrestrictive Expense 284, ,872 (5,367) Unrestrictive Profit / (Loss) 18,619 18,771 (152) % % % % % Capital Campaign 73,593 Temp Restrictive Income 65,637 Total Temp Restrictive Expenses 34,172 Temp Restrictive Income / (Loss) 105,058 Total Net Income / (Loss) 123,677 14