2015 ANNUAL REPORT FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH GREENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

2 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 246 South Main Street Greensburg, Pennsylvania ANNUAL REPORT SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 ORDER OF BUSINESS Devotions Minutes Treasurer s Report Financial Secretary s Report Trust and Building & Repair Fund Reports Pastors Reports Music Director s Report President s Report Report of the Committees of Council First Lutheran Preschool Report of the Audit Committee Approve the 2016 Budget Election of Trustees Report of Nominating Committee and Election Old Business New Business Adjournment Benediction Note: Members having questions regarding this report are encouraged to submit them in advance to the church office so that the appropriate persons or committees will be prepared with responses at the meeting. All other questions that arise in the course of our time together that cannot be answered at the meeting will receive a response as soon as possible. ~ 2 ~

3 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 25, 2015 Council President Rebecca Brunetta called the meeting to order at 1:10 PM. Pastor Jerry led the opening devotions by explaining the significance of the Lutheran Emblem and the meaning of its individual parts. Minutes from the 2014 annual meeting were presented on pages 3 & 4 of the annual report. A motion was made by Jean Miller and seconded by Joe Bartlow to approve the minutes. Motion passed. Minutes from 4 additional congregational meetings held in 2014 on March 2, March 23, November 2, and November 16, 2014 were presented. A motion was made by Jean Miller and seconded by Joe Bartlow to approve the minutes from these meetings. Motion passed. The Treasurer s Report was presented. A question was asked about the difference between unbudgeted and miscellaneous income. An explanation was offered by Treasurer Patti Sias. All were satisfied. A motion was made by Bob Errett and seconded by Theresa Grove to approve the Treasurer s Report. The Financial Secretary s report was presented. A motion was made by Bob Errett and seconded by Theresa Grove to approve the Financial Secretary s Report. Motion passed. The Trust and Building and Repair Fund reports were presented on pages11-14 of the 2014 Annual Report. Don Long thanked Patti Sias, Joanie Knobloch and Patricia Pluck for their dedicated service. Don expressed the satisfaction that the Trustees find from the Outreach Ministry opportunities that First Evangelical Lutheran Church can provide to organizations in our community, as well as the world, due to the abundance received from past benefactors. Pastor Marleen presented her written report, along with a thank you to all for a good year. She made a little joke about giving up work for Lent. The baby is due in February. Pastor Jerry presented his written report. He added several points: Discussed the life cycle of an organization and asked if we are willing to take some calculated, reasonable risks, in order to move back into a creative organization that can act. Because our budget is still partially funded by the Trust Fund, we cannot make more donations to organizations in our community and world that make a difference. If we can support our operations, that will make the Trust Funds available for other ministry. We need to reach out to people who are years in age. Invite them to be a part of our ministry together. Bring the story of the Good News to them and let them know that you care. If you have a will please think of the church in your estate distributions. He spoke for a minute or two on the importance of Who we are. ~ 3 ~

4 Pastor Jerry left us with the thought of being Thankful for last year and Hopeful for next year. Director of Music, Marvin Huls, presented his report. He had nothing to add. However, Rebecca Brunetta hailed Marvin for his cheerful and creative service to the congregation. Reports from the following council activation teams were presented: Christian Education, Evangelism, Fellowship, Personnel, Property, Social Ministry, IT, Worship and Music, Youth Ministry and Pre-school. Bob Errett chimed in that he needed people who are interested in learning how to run the sound system, edit and burn the CDs for the shut-ins, and edit and export the sermons onto the Website and Facebook account. Barb stated that she was happy with the response to the School Bus Drive for the Pre-school. The Audit Team will be meeting to finalize their Audit next week. The results will be reported to the Finance Activation Team and then reported to Council. Dan Lucas is the chairperson of the Audit Team. The 2015 budget was reviewed by Congregational Council and recommended for approval. A motion was made by Ron Lambie and seconded by Marvin Huls to approve the budget for Motion passed. The congregational Council nominated Don Long, Malcolm Sias and Dave Cobb to serve as Trustees for the 2015 year, in accordance with the Trust Agreement. The motion was made by Wendy Piper and seconded by Dorothy Albright to elect these persons as Trustees. Motion passed. The Nominating Committee (people who select new members of Council) consists of 5 members (2 members of Council and 3 members from the congregation). The Congregational Council has recommended that Gwen Irwin and Kipp Boggs (Council representatives) and Shirley Huls, Dan Lucas and Liz Rowe (Congregation members). Serve as the 2015 Nominating Activation Team. Motion was made by Charles Kaylor and seconded by Rocco Marusko that these people be elected to the Nominating Activation Team. Motion passed. New Business: A motion was made and passed in Church Council to alter the method of distribution of annual reports for Due to cost (over $500.00), the Annual Report will be posted on the church website at felchurch.org, several copies will be available in the church, and, if you request, the church will send you a copy. No old business was transacted. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Marvin Huls and seconded by Barry Attenberger. Motion passed. Respectfully Submitted, Bob Errett, Church Council Secretary ~ 4 ~

5 CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MINUTES April 26, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: 9:45 PM by Council President, Rebecca Brunetta PRESENT: Rebecca Brunetta, Kip Boggs, Bob Errett, Bobbie Laciak, Wendy Piper, Gwen Irwin Lynn Hochrein, Babs Pascarella Excused: Tom Gockel, Pastor Jerry, Pastor Marleen, Joe Bartlow Absent: Elinor Giovannini, Dean Cichetti NEW BUSINESS: This meeting was called for the purpose of discussing church property insurance coverage. The insurance information was explained by David Mickley. Two companies gave us quotes: Guide One and Church Mutual. It was recommended by the Finance Activation Team that we choose portions of coverage from each of the two companies. A motion was made by Kip Boggs that we accept a Hybrid Bid as follows: Hybrid Option: Guide One for Worker s Compensation Insurance; Church Mutual for Broad form and Umbrella insurance Total cost = $10, per year. The motion was seconded by Wendy Piper. The motion passed. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Bob Errett to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Lynn Hochrein at 10:05 AM. Motion approved. Respectfully submitted, Bob Errett, Council Secretary ~ 5 ~

6 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING November 8, 2015 A meeting was called to order by Church Council President, Rebecca Brunetta, at the end of the 8:15 AM worship service. The purpose of this meeting was to receive nominations for Council seats that will become vacant at the end of There are 7 openings: 4 3-year terms and one 1- year term. The Nominating Activation Team placed the following names into nomination: Brandie Saraceni, Drew Erdman, Sue Ross, Merle Baker, and Suzy Flory. Nominations from the floor were opened and none were received. President Rebecca Brunetta then recessed the meeting until the beginning of the 10:45 AM service. At the beginning of the 10:45 AM service, the Congregational Meeting was reconvened. President Rebecca Brunetta read the names of the nominees and opened the floor to nominations. None were received. A motion was made by Bob Errett to close the nominations. It was seconded by Charles Kaylor. Motion was approved. A motion was made by Charles Kaylor to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Bob Errett. Motion approved. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING November 22, 2015 A meeting was called to order by Council President, Rebecca Brunetta, at the end of the 8:15 AM worship service. The purpose of the meeting was to elect the nominees for Council seats that will become vacant at the end of The seven openings include four 3-year terms and one 1- year term. The nominations approved by Church Council were Brandie Saraceni, Drew Erdman, Sue Ross, Merle Baker, and Suzy Flory. A motion was made by Mark Barnhart to elect the nominees to Church Council. It was seconded by David von Schlichten. Motion approved. The meeting was recessed until the 10:45 service. At the beginning of the 10:45 AM worship service, the Congregational Meeting was reconvened. President Rebecca Brunetta read the names of the nominees and asked for a motion to elect the nominees to Church Council. A motion to elect the nominees to Church Council was made by Dan Lucas and seconded by Shirley Huls. Motion was approved. A motion was made by Bob Errett to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Charles Kaylor. Motion approved. ~ 6 ~

7 STATEMENT OF CURRENT FUND CASH RECEIPTS, DISBURSEMENTS, CASH BALANCE 12 MONTHS- ENDING DECEMBER 31, BUDGET OVER/(UNDER) INCOME ACTUAL ACTUAL TOTAL BUDGET Offerings $213, $205, $206, ($218.28) Special Offerings $31, $29, $20, $9, Miscellaneous $4, $4, $4, ($750.49) Unbudgeted Income $5, $6, $1.00 $6, Preschool Income $21, $22, $21, $ SUBTOTAL RECEIPTS $277, $268, $252, $16, Rental Income $65, $66, $65, $ Trust Fund Account Transfer $76, $102, $102, $0.00 B & R Investment Account Transfer $135, $126, $126, $0.00 Special Preschool Scholarship $1, $1, $0.00 TOTAL INCOME $556, $564, $546, $16, EXPENSES Benevolences $80, $80, $80, $0.00 SPECIAL BENEVOLENCES ELCA Synod Special Benevolences $11, $10, $10, $46.00 Local Benevolence/Community Service $22, $15, $5, $10, Global Mission $ $93.00 $1, ($907.00) (subtotal) $34, $25, $16, $9, WORSHIP Altar/Bulletins/Flowers $7, $7, $7, ($318.85) Choir Music/Guest Musicians $3, $4, $4, ($9.93) Devotional Material $ $ $ ($64.70) (subtotal) $11, $11, $12, ($393.48) LEARNING VCS/Weekday/Adult $1, $1, $1, ($16.95) Confirmation/New Member $ $95.87 $ ($654.13) Youth Ministry/Camperships/Van $3, $4, $7, ($3,410.99) Library $ $ $ ($34.46) Sunday Church School $2, $2, $3, ($10.95) (subtotal) $8, $9, $13, ($4,127.48) ~ 7 ~

8 STATEMENT OF CURRENT FUND CASH RECEIPTS, DISBURSEMENTS, CASH BALANCE 12 MONTHS- ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2014 WITNESS Evangelism $1, $1, $1, ($123.61) Stewardship Material $98.00 $ $ ($50.00) (subtotal) $1, $1, $2, ($173.61) SERVICE Social Ministry Expenses $1, $3, $4, ($40.00) Preschool $30, $31, $33, ($1,837.58) (subtotal) $31, $35, $37, ($1,877.58) SUPPORT Salaries $162, $163, $160, $3, Staff Benefits/FICA $65, $73, $64, $9, Utilities $20, $20, $22, ($1,886.99) Expected Allowances $14, $14, $15, ($1,103.28) Office Supplies $5, $5, $5, ($2.98) Offering Envelopes $ $ $ ($55.33) Communication/Mailings $8, $9, $9, ($10.99) Maintenance $13, $15, $15, $90.76 Fellowship $1, $1, $2, ($781.39) Miscellaneous/Contingency $0.00 $0.00 $ ($500.00) Unbudgeted Expense $6, $6, $1.00 $6, (subtotal) $299, $311, $296, $15, BUILDING AND REPAIR Insurance $11, $10, $12, ($2,129.00) Housing $41, $37, $41, ($4,132.18) Building Repair/Improvements $40, $27, $28, ($2.07) Furniture/Equipment/Computer $4, $6, $7, ($619.03) (subtotal) $97, $82, $89, ($6,882.28) TOTAL EXPENSE $564, $557, $546, $10, Special Expenses Preschool Scholarship $1, $1, TOTAL EXPENSE $565, $558, $546, $10, Excess of Cash Receipts over Disbursements ($9,501.14) $5, Cash Balance January 1 $9, $ Cash Balance December 31 $ $6, ~ 8 ~

9 STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS, DISBURSEMENTS, AND CASH BALANCE OTHER FUNDS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 WOMEN OF THE ELCA BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $ Receipts 2015 $ TOTAL $1, Disbursements 2015 $ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $ PASTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $ Receipts 2015 $ TOTAL $ Disbursements 2015 $ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $11.77 MEMORIAL FUND BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $10, Receipts 2015 $ TOTAL $11, Disbursements 2015 $ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $10, LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $ Receipts 2015 $0.00 TOTAL $ Disbursements 2015 $0.00 BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $ GREENSBURG LUTHERAN MINISTERS BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $ Receipts 2015 $0.00 TOTAL $ Disbursements 2015 $0.00 BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $ Mission Trip BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $6, Receipts 2015 $0.00 TOTAL $6, Disbursements 2015 $0.00 BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $6, FLY BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $1, Receipts 2015 $20.00 TOTAL $1, Disbursements 2015 $ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $1, Interest Income/Check Cost BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2015 $33.38 Receipts 2015 $21.49 TOTAL $54.87 Disbursements 2015 $0.00 BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 $54.87 Total Other Funds $20, ~ 9 ~

10 CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS 2015 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 01/01/15 TO 12/31/15 The following is a report of the giving patterns of the members of FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The offerings take into account all recorded contributions to the church, including all special funds. ENVELOPES % WEEKLY RANGE YEARLY RANGE of giving of giving % No Contributions No Contributions 38 6% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % Over Over (629) 2015 (638) TOTAL ENVELOPE CONTRIBUTIONS $226, $213, AVERAGE WEEKLY PER ENV AVERAGE MONTHLY PER ENV AVERAGE YEARLY PER ENV ENVELOPES THAT GAVE IN 2014 (240) 2015 (229) AVERAGE WEEKLY AVERAGE MONTHLY AVERAGE YEARLY PERCENT THAT GAVE 38.2% 35.9% Respectfully submitted, Patricia Pluck, Financial Secretary ~ 10 ~

11 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH TRUST FUND ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 Cash Balance - January 1, 2015 $276, Receipts: Dividend Income $56, Interest Income 26, Capital Gain Distributions 9, Sales of Investments 4,170, Gifts and Bequests 1, ,264, $4,541, Disbursements: Purchase of Investments $3,874, Management Fees 40, Income Distribution: Outreach Disbursements (Note 2&3) $47, General Budget Transfer 102, , ,063, Cash Balance - December 31, 2015 $477, Investments - at Market Value - December 31, 2015 (Note 1) 3,552, Balance - Trust Fund at Market Value - December 31, 2015 $4,030, Note 1 - The Cost of Cash and Investments in the Trust Fund at December 31, 2015 is $4,210, The Market Value at December 31, 2015 was $4,030, Note 2 - In accordance with the amended Trust Agreement dated March 22, 2005, the Trustees have agreed to an amount of $149, to be expended from the Trust Fund in This amount represents 3.6% of the average market value of the Trust account for the calendar years ending December 31, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and ~ 11 ~

12 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH TRUST FUND ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 Note 3 - Detail of 2015 Outreach Disbursements Matching Gifts $8, SWPA Synod ELCA Mission Partners 2, Glade Run 5, Gettysburg Seminary 2, Lutheran Sr. Life Rosecrest Assisted Living and Alzheimer s Care Facility 2, ELCA Disaster Relief 5, ELCA Always Being Made New 5, Lutheran Chautauqua Association 1, Lutheran World Relief Quilt and Kit Shipping Fund 1, Blackburn Center 1, American Red Cross of Chestnut Ridge 1, YMCA of Greater Greensburg 1, Majesty Care Clinic 1, Westmoreland Community Action Get in Westmoreland 1, Young People in Recovery 1, Personal Hygiene Products for Needy Families 1, Sage s Army 1, Disabled American Veterans at the H J Heinz III Progressive Care Center in Aspinwall 2, Westmoreland County Food Bank 2, Halfway House for Torrance State Hospital Latrobe 1, Westmoreland Co. Medical Society William S Keck MD Student Loan Fund 1, Westmoreland County Special Olympics 1, Total 2015 Outreach Disbursements $47, ~ 12 ~

13 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH BUILDING AND REPAIR INVESTMENT ACCOUNT ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 Cash Balance, January 1, 2015 $55, Receipts: Dividend Income $18, Interest Income 4, Capital Gain Distributions 1, Proceeds from Sale of Investments 826, , $906, Disbursements: Distribution of Income to FLC $126, Purchase of Investments 648, Management Fees 4, Loan Payments 102, Interest Expense (Note 2) 1, , Cash Balance, December 31, 2015 $22, Investments at Market Value, December 31, , Balance, Investment Account, at Market Value, December 31, 2015 (Note 1) $834, Note 1: The Cost of Cash and Investments in the Building and Repair Investment Account at December 31, 2015 was $857, The Market Value at December 31, 2015 was $834, Note 2: The amount of Interest Expense represents the interest paid on the loan relative to the Troutman Project as approved by a vote of the congregation on August 23, The loan was paid in full in ~ 13 ~

14 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MILLION DOLLAR LEGACY ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 Cash Balance - January 1, 2015 $ Receipts: Interest $.07 Dividends Capital Gain Distributions 3, Sale of Investments , $4, Disbursements: Management Fees $ Purchase of Investments 3, , Cash Balance - December 31, 2015 $ Investments at Market Value - December 31, , Balance - Million Dollar Legacy - December 31, 2015 (Note 1) $69, Note 1 - The Cost of Cash and Investments in the Million Dollar Legacy Fund at December 31, 2015 is $70, ~ 14 ~

15 Annual Report of Pastor Jerry Nuernberger, 2015 During the past year, I have been leading our church council in an adventure of trying to think in a new way. Rather than thinking about First Lutheran Church as an institution, I have been encouraging the council to think of First Lutheran Church as a God gathered group where the Gospel dynamically happens. Why the change in thinking? Several motivating factors. First, when one reads the New Testament it is clear that Jesus intent was to change people s lives with the grace of God, therefore as the body of Christ in our day it seems that we should likewise pursue Jesus primary intent. Second, as we are called to be agents of God s grace in our day, we see that we live in a day where technology and heightened individual selfawareness are the driving forces of the people around us. Third, although there is a need for the order and gathered energy that institutions can provide, when the primary focus in on the institution it is easy to get bogged down in organizational details rather than what we have been called to do. Although every generation faces the challenge of how to be the body of Christ in their day, I believe that the challenge we face in our day is a uniquely difficult challenge because we are living on the cusp of change like the world has never seen. Scholars tell us that before the baby boomer generation, people could expect culture change to take at least 250 years. Due to numerous factors, we find that in today s world significant cultural change happens every six years! If these scholars are right, you can see that developing the church as an institution served the Gospel well for over 2000 years where practices needed to be able to span centuries. Likewise, you can also see why institutions that are helpful when things are not changing very fast can become cumbersome and have problems being agile in a fast changing world. Christianity was never meant to have an individual focus. We are, as the Bible says, the body of Christ, and individually members of it. God s grace and mercy was always meant to bring us together, not separate us into lone rangers of faith. So, with that in mind, I invite you to join this journey of thinking in a new way. Being a congregation is at the crux of the Christian faith. The question is, What would our congregation look like if we focused more on being a God gathered group where the Gospel dynamically happens, as opposed to an institution that we are building that stands beside all the other institutions of the world? That is something to contemplate as we, First Lutheran, step out of 2015 and into God s grace and peace, (ggap) Pastor Jerry Nuernberger ~ 15 ~

16 MUSIC MINISTRY The Music Ministry at First Lutheran provides musical leadership for our worship life together as a community of faith. We gather in worship to praise God in grateful thanksgiving as a response to what we have received. In addition to Sunday worship, musical leadership is provided for Lent, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, weddings, funerals and other worship events as needed. Sincere thanks to singers, ringers, lectors, acolytes, ushers, altar guild, worship assistants, greeters, communion assistants, and office staff for their continued cooperation and participation in our worship life. Thanks also to those who assist in a variety of other ways, including church decorating, food preparation, setup and cleanup. Thanks to the Worship and Music Activation Team and the entire staff for their support of the music program. As a departure from the norm, I invite you to read part of a column by Sharon Randall, Columnist for McClatchy-Tribune News Service: HOME CHURCH IS EVERLASTING, EVEN AMONG STRANGERS When I visit my family in my hometown, time is always at a premium. Sunday in the South has long been the day when families go to church and gather for Sunday dinner. It still is, more or less, even if nobody cooks. We still eat, but we go to Cracker Barrel or order pizza. Wonder what my grandmother would say about that? She might think it s the best idea to come along since store-bought snuff. Anyhow, I had things to do after church, family to visit, pizza to eat, so I was thrilled to get a seat in the back pew. Growing up here a lifetime ago, I called this beautiful old building and its congregation my church home See that pew near the front? That s where I sat most Sundays teasing my brother to make him laugh and causing our mother to nearly lose her religion. The baptismal font? That s where my sins were washed away when I was 12. I quit teasing my brother after that. Well, more or less. The organ played the hymns I learned word for word, every note, every verse. The pulpit held a pastor who preached sermons that taught me things I needed to know, some of which I still recall. The stained-glass windows cast long fingers of holy light that reached into our souls and lifted our prayers up to heaven. That s how it was when I was growing up, a good place to be on Sunday or any time, a safe harbor for sinners, young and old alike. It still is. I visit once a year or so whenever I m in town. The only difference is now I m a guest. They welcome me warmly; say they re glad I am here. I smile just as warmly and say, thanks, I m glad, too. But they don t know me from Adam s house cat and I don t recognize a soul. People look different. Things change. I could tell you dozens of people I loved in this church. I could Continued on next page

17 show you the exact pews where they sat. They re all gone now, moved on from this world to the next. On this Sunday, I found myself missing them a lot. I felt ill at ease, a guest in a place where I once felt entirely at home. We rose for one of my favorite hymns, O for the Thousand Tongues to Sing. I sang extra loud, no need for a hymnal, taking comfort in the music. That s when I saw the plaques on the stained-glass windows. I d been fascinated by them as a child. They said the windows were placed in memory of people who worshiped in that church almost 100 years ago. I grinned. If those folks came back today after so long away, would they feel like guests or make themselves at home? Things change. Faces age. People die. Babies are born. We are here for just a while. But the church is an everlasting family of faith. Here, gone or visiting, we aren t guests. WE ALL BELONG. Marvin Huls Director of Music p.s. See you in church! You ALL belong!!! REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT 2015 was another year of continued ministry at First Lutheran. Our Outreach Ministry is second to none with our weekly Food From the Heart luncheons, monthly Food Bank distribution and our daily Christian-based preschool program reaching into the hearts of the young. The ministry of this congregation also extended to both world and local issues including the purchase of pigs for countries and homes to help with hunger, providing canned and dried goods for food bank distribution during our Harvest Home Sunday, our Christmas angels and Christmas glove/scarf/hat tree and the over 231 backpacks that will be sent to countries and their children who are in need of school supplies. The Stewardship and Evangelism of this congregation is to be commended. The re-decorating of the Fellowship Hall was completed and the new cross and church lettering have been installed on the Main Street side of the education building. We said farewell to Pastor Marleen and wished her well on her new adventure with a new parish and continue to grow with the welcoming of new members into the congregation. Exciting things continue to evolve in our ministry but only through the Grace of God and the strength that he provides us daily will we be glorifying his name. With Blessings, Rebecca Brunetta ~ 17 ~

18 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ACTIVATION TEAM The Christian Education Committee continues to plan, develop and support all of the educational programs at First Lutheran Church. The new church school year began with Rally Day held in our First Lutheran Park between church services. The Sunday Church school preschool through sixth grade continues with the curriculum materials called Whirl Curriculum. Seventh and Eighth grade classes have been combined into our confirmation class this year. These students are being led by Pastor Jerry during the Sunday School hour. Our adults continue to gather on Sunday mornings and have learned more about their faith through various classes led by different instructions. All of our dedicated teachers deserve a very special thank you for their time, effort and gift of teach. Other ministries of the Christian Education committee include a monthly Perfect Attendance Ribbon, the Cradle Roll, Vacation Bible School, our church library, adult Bible Study and First Communion Instruction. Our youth earn attendance awards every month in which they have perfect attendance and at the end of the year they receive prizes for their efforts. The Cradle Roll, under the direction of Jenny Ott, continues to reach out to the families of newborn infants from baptism until they enter our SCS program in preschool. Camp Sequanota led our Vacation Bible School in July with camp theme. It was a fun-filled week with the help of the staff members from Camp Sequanota and a wonderful group of volunteers coordinated by Pastor Marleen. We would like to give a very special thank you to those who helped to house and feed the staff members. Our librarian Bonnie Rich continues to grow our church library. We invite the congregation to stop up and check out a book or DVD to enjoy. The committee is grateful to all of our teachers, students, parents and family members who make our education programs successful. Thank you to those who are teaching this year whether it is short-term or the whole year; your time and commitment is appreciated. Special thanks to parents and students without your commitment Sunday Church School could not happen. Thank you to our committee members. Respectfully Submitted, The Christian Education Committee 2015 Members: Pastor Marleen, Pastor Jerry, Teresa Graziotto, Dianna Marusko, Bonnie Rich, Merry Sanner, Megan Daniko, Erika Thomas, Kelly Vuick, Sue Boggs and Lynn Hochrein ~ 18 ~

19 EVANGELISM ACTIVATION TEAM A new member reception was held on April 19, 2015 to welcome 13 individuals. With coordinators Marsha Danilko and Amy Erdman the committee continues to have greeters at the doors following both worship services. Thank you to both for their dedication to this service. The CD ministry is an important ministry to our shut ins. Thanks to the IT Activation Team for creating the CD s and the church office for coordinating the delivery of the CD s. A continental breakfast continues to be enjoyed by many of our members. A special thanks to all volunteers who offer their help so that the breakfast may continue. Hot chocolate, hot dogs and sauerkraut were served at the annual Christmas parade. I heard many Thank You's for the refreshments on a rather chilly day. Special thanks to all who helped. Magnets were purchased and distributed on Easter Sunday. I want to thank those who serve on the Evangelism Activation Team and all the others who help us carry out our responsibilities. We would welcome anyone with a desire to join the team. Respectfully submitted, Sue Boggs, Chairperson Committee members: Amy Schultz, Sue Boggs, Amy Erdman, Charlie Kaylor and Pastor Jerry. ~ 19 ~

20 FELLOWSHIP ACTIVATION TEAM The Fellowship Committee started the year 2015 with the annual Congregational Dinner. Meat and rolls were provided by the church with covered dishes provided by our congregation. A great meal again this year. The annual Shrovetide pancake brunch on February 15 was well attended. Committee members were filling plates, mixing batter and grilling pancakes. Everyone working together, laughing and having fun along the way; that is how Fellowship gets the job done and the shared load of work is always lighter. On May 24 a Confirmation Breakfast was held after the 8:15 service. The menu was selected by the confirmands and included scrambled eggs, sausage, home fried potatoes, and pastries. It was a celebration enjoyed by family and friends. Rally Recreation Day for the start of the Sunday School year was held on Sept. 3, This year we celebrated indoors due to the weather. Sunday School students met their teachers and chipped the ice on the duck pond! The menu included pulled pork sandwiches and side dishes. A luncheon for Pastor Marleen in honor of her faithful years of service at First was held on September 20. The congregation had the opportunity to extend well wishes to Pastor Marleen and her family. We enjoyed a light lunch of chicken salad on croissants, chips, and cake. On Sat. Oct. 31 the Fellowship Committee hosted the County Honors Choir performing at Seton Hill. Approximately 160 hungry teenagers were served pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, and cake. They were a wonderful group of young adults that were so kind and thankful for lunch. Proceeds from this lunch went to our Food From the Heart weekly luncheon program. A subcommittee of the Fellowship Committee is our Lutheran Ladies who prepare and serve the Funeral Luncheons throughout the year. These women are often called at the last minute. They come and always do a wonderful job of serving and comforting others at a sad time. Thank you for doing God s work among us. Thank you to all committee members who faithfully come when they can, helping to plan events, order food and do the grocery shopping, and cleaning up, including: Margie Albright, Beverly Attenberger, Teresa Grove, Gwen Irwin, Joanie Knobloch, Babs Pascarella, Charla Keffer, Joanne Cunningham, Patti and Malcolm Sias, and Rick and Molly Maga. Also, a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who pitches in for the various events during the year. If you baked a cake, cleaned a table or dried a dish, THANK YOU ALL. Come and join the Fellowship Committee, there is always room for one, two, or three more. Working together is fun and is a great way to meet your fellow church members. Respectfully submitted, Barbara J. Pascarella ~ 20 ~

21 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACTIVATION TEAM The IT Activation Team was busy in Upgrades were made to the capabilities of the sound and recording equipment to enhance the quality of the recordings on CDs and the files uploaded to the website and Facebook accounts. The Audio-Visual team added several members. Current membership includes: Dwight Miller, Drew Erdman, Dennis Acita, Liz Rowe, Al Danilko, Tim Irwin, Spencer Irwin, Scott Hahn, Lexi Hahn and Bob Errett. All of these members are trained to turn on the sound system and record the services. Drew Erdman, Tim Irwin, Spencer Irwin and Bob Errett are trained to edit the services, burn CDs for the homebound tape ministry and isolate and upload the sermons onto the website and Facebook account. Drew Erdman and Tim Irwin are trained to train others in all of the operations listed above. Rick Druschel, Pastor Marleen and Bailey DeTesta were also instrumental in continuing the AV Ministry in The use of social media for enhancing church communications moved forward in Our intern, Michelle Stang, completely overhauled and rebuilt the website. She continues to update parts of the site that are in need of repair. Updates are being completed by Patricia Pluck, who received training from Michelle Stang. The first set of four sets of records has been digitized onto CDs and a thumb-drive. The second set is in the process of being digitized. Beginning in January a group of people will index these records for use in research. We thank Dean Cichetti for his help in facilitating the digitization of the church s records. The IT Activation Team continues to develop and enhance relationships with Shepherd s Staff, Exelos, and Premier Sound Systems, in order to bring the congregation better sound, uninterrupted access to staff and better, more usable records. In addition to those listed above, the following people have been involved in the decisionmaking process for the IT Activation Team: Anthony and Emily Greece, Jorge and Emily Gandara, Kassie Schaar, Daniel Schaar, Doug Sedlack, Steven Flory, Tim Irwin, Spencer Irwin, Scott Hahn, Lexi Hahn, Elinor Giovannini, Dean Cichetti, Rebecca Brunetta, and Bob Errett, as well as Pastoral Guidance from Pastors Marleen and Jerry. We look forward to continued growth of our team and training more people to use the Church s IT equipment in the future. Sincerely, Robert W. Errett, MBA Council Liaison, and current chairperson, of the IT Activation Team ~ 21 ~

22 PERSONNEL ACTIVATION TEAM The objectives of the Personnel Team are to handle parish personnel concerns, make appropriate recommendations to Church Council regarding hiring/dismissals, and to provide a forum where job satisfaction and performance can be evaluated and enhanced. Our specific goals for 2015 were to accomplish these objectives by: 1. Performing staff interviews 2. Reviewing and modifying as necessary personnel policies and job descriptions 3. Coordinating performance appraisals for the entire staff, including the associate pastor 4. Providing compensation recommendations to the Budget and Finance Activation Team 5. Serving as a liaison to other teams regarding information obtained from staff interviews 6. Strengthening the relationship between this team and Church Council Meeting nine times in 2015, we were able to accomplish our goals. It was with regret that we completed Pastor Marleen s exit process. Members of the Personnel Team were: Brian Erdman, Bob Errett, Suzy Flory, Dwight Miller Ernie Ott, Rocco Marusko, Wendy Piper, and Dave Cobb. Pastor Jerry worked with our team keeping us up to date with staffing and attention to details in reference to staff concerns and needs. Thanks to the efforts of Bob Errett, we did change the evaluation process for the pastors. Six church members, representing different age groups, were chosen to complete the evaluation forms. Their responses were collated and as a group sat down with the respective pastors to discuss the results of the evaluation. This provided a more active, face to face feedback. Thank you to those who served on this team. If church members have comments or concerns regarding the parish staff, please feel free to communicate them to one of this team s members. Respectively submitted, David Cobb ~ 22 ~

23 PROPERTY ACTIVATION TEAM The mission of the Property Committee is to coordinate the maintenance and improvement of the Church, Administration and Sunday School Building, Parking Garage, Park, Front Lawn and all accesses, in order to provide comfort, safety and security to the congregation and its assets. Committee members participated in the planning and coordination of each project and, in many instances, volunteered their own time and skills to complete the projects successfully. The committee accomplished the following major projects; 1. Wallpapering the walls and staining the doors and wooden trim work in the Fellowship Hall. 2. Installation of LED lights in the Preschool Room. 3. A warning light and photocell safety mechanism were added to the upper garage gate system. 4. Moving the First Lutheran sign to the Main Street side of the Administration Building. 5. Replaced burned out rafter and lantern lights in the Sanctuary, lantern lights in the Narthex, balcony lights and parking garage lights. 6. Major repair work was done to the elevator. 7. Guardian Security system was upgraded. 8. Pressure washed and sealed the upper garage floor, Park concrete surfaces and Main Street sidewalk. Numerous other minor projects were also accomplished. Members of the 2015 Property Committee included: Barry Attenberger, Merle Baker, Dean Cichetti, Jim Cunningham, Rick Druschel, Brian Erdman, Rick Graziotto, Scott Hahn, Gwen Irwin, Al Leppold, Don Long, Rocco Marusko, Roy Ott, Babs Pascarella, Malcolm Sias, Art Smith, Bob Stricklin and Pastor Nuernberger. I would like to thank each of them for their dedication, commitment and service! On behalf of the Congregation and the Property Committee, I would also like to thank our custodian, Jaison Smith, for his custodial performance and assistance when maintenance or repair contractors are working at the church during business hours. The Property Committee extends an invitation to all members of the congregation to participate in the upcoming 2016 projects. The Property Committee meets the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. Respectfully submitted, Dean Cichetti ~ 23 ~

24 SOCIAL MINISTRY ACTIVATION TEAM The Social Ministry Activating Team is involved with the following on-going projects: Food from the Heart: The weekly lunch program continues to grow. Spiritual, social, and physical needs of between people are met each week. Dedicated volunteers prepare and serve the meals each week. Food Pantry: Partnering with Westmoreland County Food Bank, we continue to serve on average 90 families in our area who qualify for food assistance. The third Thursday of each month our volunteers, including Adelphoi students, sort and distribute groceries to these families. Emergency food assistance is also possible due to the extra food made available through the stocked Food Pantry shelves and small denomination gift cards for local grocery stores. Holiday Ministries: With the congregation s support, The Angel Tree brought a joyous Christmas to 47 children. Operation Reindeer, the annual drive to provide Christmas gifts for Torrance State Hospital residents, was once again an overwhelming success. For Mother s Day and Father s Day, blankets and mosquito nets were donated to countries in Africa. Contributions in honor or memory of loved ones were given by members of the congregation. PA Cleanways: We continue to clean a section of Union Cemetery Road in May. Fair Trade: Our monthly sale of coffee, tea, chocolate, and cocoa is the fourth Sunday of each month. This benefits the poor farmers of South America, Central America, and Africa. Respectfully submitted, Sue and Dave Cobb for Social Ministry Members include: Charlie Kaylor, Kathy and Dennis Acita, Elinor Giovannini, Bobbie Laciak, Sue and Dave Cobb ~ 24 ~

25 WORSHIP AND MUSIC ACTIVATION TEAM A special thanks to members of the W&M Committee for their work this past year in overseeing the various aspects of our worship life together: music, acolytes, ushers, altar guild, lectors, etc. Thanks also to the church staff for their assistance in various aspects of worship activities that often go unnoticed but are greatly appreciated. A great deal of behind-the-scenes work takes place in order for worship to function efficiently. In addition to regular worship services, the committee deals with Christmas and Easter decorating and both short and longrange planning issues. If you have any interest in serving on the W&M Committee, please feel free to contact me. Marvin Huls Committee members: Marvin Huls, Gwen Irwin, Rebecca Brunetta, Tom Flory, Suzy Flory, Dianna Marusko. MEMBERSHIP REPORT FOR 2015 Baptisms 5 Confirmations 3 Deaths / Funerals 11/8 Reception of New Members 12 Transfer / Dismissal of Members 17 Baptized Membership 12/31/ Confirmed Membership 12/31/ Communing Membership 358 ~ 25 ~

26 FIRST LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL First Lutheran Preschool is in its ninth year of operation. For the school year, we have 15 four year olds and 8 three year olds enrolled, for a total of 23 students. The four year old class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 11:30 AM. The three year old class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 11:30 AM. We continue to work in partnership with Clelian Heights. This year we have Miss Marissa and her instructor, Miss Stephanie, volunteering on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays Miss Abby and her instructor, Miss Pam, volunteer and on Thursdays Mr. Matthew and Miss Pam volunteer. We appreciate the extra help with our preschoolers and provide a learning opportunity for students involved in the Transition to Work program at Clelian Heights. First Lutheran Preschools curriculum consists of both academic and religious components. We have a monthly unit theme, which is divided into weekly themes. For example, November s monthly unit theme was In the Woods, and the weekly themes were: To the Woods, Furry Forest Friends, Forest Friends, High and Low and More Forest Friends. Each month, we study a different Bible story. November s Bible story was Daniel & the Lions Den. Each week Pastor Jerry meets with our students in the chapel (Chapel Time) to reinforce the lesson. We also use this time to present the nonperishable items that the children bring to place in our shopping cart. This food is added to the church s Food Pantry. Twenty-three children bringing food each week amounts to thousands of dollars worth of food given to the needy families of our community. We are grateful for the kindness and generosity of our students and their families. The Preschool enhances our students learning experiences with field trips and guest speakers. This year, we visited Friendship Farm, where we toured the working farm, and each child baked their own loaf of organic bread. We practiced drumming with Walks Not Alone, a Native American from the Seneca Tribe, and our generous students and their families donated $ to Saint Joseph s Indian School in South Dakota. We also created beautiful Christmas ornaments with Mrs. Vicki Moyer, who owns the Victoria Lin Ceramic Shoppe. Mrs. Moyer kindly visits each December. First Lutheran Preschool continues to utilize the Greensburg/Hempfield Area Library, with Miss Janie conducting story hour for the three year old class once a month. During Story Hour, our three year olds enjoy a movie, a craft, a story and a song or rhyme. The library allows our four year old class to reserve the Katie Room to use once a month on Mondays. During this time, Miss Cindy and I work with the four year olds to develop library skills and to select a book of their own choosing to share with their families. I would like to thank all of the members of our congregation for supporting our Back to School Bus. As always, we continue to strive to provide the highest quality of education for our preschoolers. Please remember our students, their families, our teachers, and our Preschool Board in your prayers! God Bless you, Barbara Krunszyinsky ~ 26 ~

27 PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET OFFERINGS 2015 Budget Proposed 2016 Budget Offerings $ 206,000 $ 216,000 Special Offerings 20,250 34,850 Miscellaneous 4,800 4,800 Unbudgeted Income 1 1 Preschool Contributions 21,605 23,505 TOTAL OFFERINGS $ 252,656 $ 279,156 EXPENSES 10 Benevolences (Synod/Churchwide) $ 80,400 $ 80, Special Benevolence 21 ELCA/Synod Special Benevolence 10,500 10, Local Benevolence/Community Service 5,000 10, Global Mission 1, $ 16,500 $ 20, Worship 31 Altar/Bulletins/Flowers $ 7,500 $ 7, Choir Music/Guest Musicians 4,500 4, Devotional material $ 12,200 $ 12, Learning 41 VCS/Weekday/Adult $ 1,500 $ 2, Confirmation/New Member Youth Ministry/Camperships/Bus 7,500 4, Library Sunday Church School 3,000 2,500 $ 13,250 $ 10, Witness 51 Evangelism $ 1,850 $ 3, Stewardship Material $ 2,000 $ 4, Service 61 Social Ministry (also 21 & 22 above) $ 4,000 $ 9, Preschool 33,086 34,066 $ 37,086 $ 43,066 ~ 27 ~

28 PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET 70 Support 71 Salaries $ 160,709 $ 126,757 71a Intern 13, Staff Benefits/FICA 59,433 47, Utilities 22,000 21, Allowances/Expenses 15,569 9, Office Supplies 5,800 5,800 75a. Offering Envelopes Communication/Mailings 9,500 10, Maintenance /City Services 15,000 15, Fellowship 2,350 2, Miscellaneous Contingency a. Unbudgeted expense 1 1 $ 291,612 $ 252, Building and Repair 81 Insurance $ 12,510 $ 10, Housing 41,235 22, Building Repairs & Improvements 28,000 29, Information Technology 7,260 7,200 $ 89,005 $ 68,720 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 542,053 $ 490,918 EXCESS OF EXPENSES OVER OFFERINGS (DEFICIT) ($ 289,397) ($ 211,762) OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME NECESSARY TO FUND DEFICIT Trust Fund General Transfer $ 97,447 $ 37,643 B & R Investment Account Transfer $ 126, ,608 Rental Income $ 65,511 65,511 TOTAL OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME $ 289,397 $ 211,762 ~ 28 ~

29 PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 FISCAL YEAR 2016 COMPENSATION/EXPENSES FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OCTOBER 2015 SENIOR PASTOR Compensation Cash Salary 46,210 47,192 Housing Allowance 21,400 22,000 Utilities 0 0 TOTAL COMPENSATION 67,610 69,192 Social Security Allowance 5,601 5,732 Supplemental Benefits Pension 8,113 8,991 Disability/Retiree Support 2,343 2,398 Health Insurance 22,836 24,435 TOTAL BENEFITS 33,292 41,556 Reimbursement for Expenses Auto 4,000 4,000 Continuing Education 1,000 1,000 Professional Expenses TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT 5,800 5,800 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Compensation 18,417 18,933 Prof./Continuing Education 2,269 2,332 SECRETARIES Office Manager (1144 hrs.) /hr /hr. Assistant Secretary (1040 hrs.) /hr /hr. Estimated Annual Expense 26,212 29,352 TREASURER 5,926 6,092 CUSTODIAN Custodian (1,794 hrs.) /hr /hr. Estimated Annual Expense 23,734 25,188 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL Director/Teacher /hr /hr. Teacher Aide /hr /hr. Estimated Annual Expense 26,756 27,510 ~ 29 ~

30 PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 FISCAL YEAR 2016 COMPENSATION/EXPENSES FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OCTOBER 2015 AGREEMENTS 2016 The pastor receives four weeks of vacation including four Sundays, and two weeks of Continuing Education time (one Sunday). Vacation days do not include legal holidays or the regular day off. For the Senior Pastor, this will be viewed as six weeks total to be used between vacation and Continuing Education. The Director of Music receives 5 Sundays of vacation and one Sunday for Continuing Education. Hourly employees receive Thanksgiving and Christmas Day as paid holidays. Vacation for office secretary/manager, assistant secretary and custodian: No paid vacation time for first 12 months For the 2 nd to 5 th year inclusive one week paid vacation will be granted. For the 6 th to 10 th year inclusive two weeks paid vacation will be granted. For the 11 th to 15 th year inclusive three weeks paid vacation will be granted. For the 16 th year on, four weeks paid vacation will be granted. Notes: (1) These rates are set each year by the provider increases noted here are for budget purposes only. (2) Please note CP1 est. at 2.8%. ~ 30 ~