Annual Report ~ 2004

Transcription

1 A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church Annual Report ~ 2004 The Reverend John L. Petry, III, Pastor 8200 McClure Circle Charlotte, NC (Office) (Fax) amfgail@bellsouth.net Web: Our Mission A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church is a fellowship of believers serving God s call by joyfully proclaiming the Good News of Christ through discipleship, celebrating the Word and Sacrament, reaching out in love, and valuing the diversity of all people. Our Vision A Mighty Fortress enthusiastically celebrates the warmth, intimacy, and uniqueness of our small, enriching, and influential church fellowship and ministry.

2 The 2004 Annual Report is dedicated to Barbara Kutz. Thank you Barbara for your twenty-two years of faithful service to A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21 A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CONGREGATION Staff, Council Members, Board Stewards... 3 Congregational Directory... 4 Shepherding Groups Budget for Worship Volunteers Organization of Boards Pastor s Report Council President s Report Treasurer s Report Learning Board Outreach Board Elder Care Team Emergency Winter Shelter Layette Ministry Parish Life Board Property Board Resource Board Worship Board Lutheran Men Lutheran Women Youth The Gathering Group... 35

3 2005 CHURCH DIRECTORY The People of A Mighty Fortress... Ministers The Rev. Dr. John F. Merck... Pastor Emeritus The Reverend John L. Petry, III... Pastor Ron Dimmer... Council President Glenn Lucas... Council Vice-President Edna Chirico-Huber... Council Secretary Ellen Moretz... Director of Music Penny Damron... Organist Amy Johnson... Treasurer Mike Bryant... Financial Secretary David Link... Lutheran Men s President Diana Graham... Women of the ELCA President Erika Mattucci... The Gathering Group President Gail Reynolds... Church Secretary CONGREGATION COUNCIL Term Expires 2005 Jr. Bryant Susan Cole Greg Damron Brian Wardwell Term Expires 2006 Kirby Bryn Ron Dimmer Heather Link Glenn Lucas Term Expires 2007 Edna Chirico-Huber Linda Price Joey Redding Bob Stroup BOARD STEWARDS Learning: Outreach: John Johnson Parish Life: Mark Hilsmier Property: Glenn Lucas Resource: Greg Damron Worship: Linda Price COORDINATORS Acolyte Coordinator: Gloria Helms Altar Guild: Gloria Helms Offering Teller Coordinator: Mike Bryant Sr. Youth Advisor Coordinators: Brian and Becky Wardwell Chad and Regina Hyatt Peter and Stephanie Moeller Usher and Greeter Coordinator: Kirby Bryn

4 THE SHEPHERDING PLAN Each Council member has been assigned families with whom contact is to be made during the year for the purpose of: Hearing concerns, questions, and suggestions about our congregation. Creating more effective communication between members and council. Providing an organized and yet personal contact for each family. Showing care and concern in times of illness, crisis, etc. Serving as a quick communications network to spread word of some crisis, emergency or need within the congregational family. In order to accomplish these goals, it is suggested that each council person: Make an initial visit with each of their families. Encourage members to come to them with questions, suggestions, illnesses, hospitalization or anything concerning our congregation. Contact each family at least every two months to remind the family of your willingness to be a channel of communication. Look for your families each Sunday at the service. Remember your families and our whole congregation in prayer. Contact the church office when you re out of town and when you return SHEPHERDS AND MEMBERS Kirby Bryn Brigman Family Cole Family Frampton Family Richmond, Aaron Rockett, Jean Saunders, Terry Stroup, Bob & Carol Taylor, Lucille Jr. Bryant Jr. Bryant Family Trey Caldwell Family Lever, James & Karla Lucas, Glenn & Diane Moeller Family Sonnenstein, Diane Greg Damron Belongia Family Caldwell, J.B. & Sue Graham Family Hall Family Hoffman, Jerry Hoffman, Zoe Whitley Family Linda Price Eric Hoffman Family Hinson, Betty Holman Family Jenkins Family Johnson, John & Sharon Joseph Family Mick, Chuck & Betty Sigmon Family Edna Chirico-Huber Bierschbach Family Freeman, Miles & Carol Howell Family Moore Family Morrow Family Nisley Family Price, Terry & Linda Redding, Joey Joey Redding Bozeman Family Frye, Philip Greene Family Hyatt, Chad & Regina Mattucci, Erika Sherrill, Betty Webb, Michael & Donna Glenn Lucas Bryn Family Caldwell, Dean & Miriam McCraw, Dot & Brad McGee, Jim & Barbara Merck, Pastor John & Nancy Moretz, Ellen Sigmon, George & Betty Tucker, Dennis & Deva Brian Wardwell Dimmer, Ron & JoAnn Elting, Phillip Johnson, Amy Link, David & Heather Millhauser Family Rozzelle Family Strouse, Thomas & Dawn Wardwell Family Susan Cole Boyd, Howard & Buddy Brothers Family Damron Family Hensley, Virginia Hibbard, Colleen Perkins Family Rushing, Hazel & Jean Bob Stroup Hollar, Joe & Annette Jon Hollar Family Kutz, Barbara Malmberg Family Pasour, Julene Redding, Joe Phillips Family Heather Link Campbell, Dan Chirico-Huber Family Driscoll, Keith & LuAnn Hedrick Family Helms, Ken & Gloria Hilsmier, Mark McGee, Billie & Laura Sosta Family Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

5 A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church 2004 ANNUAL REPORTS Pastor Petry Council President, Chad Hyatt Treasurer, Amy Johnson Learning, Libby Holman Outreach, John Johnson Elder Care Team, Diana Graham Emergency Winter Shelter, Regina Hyatt Layette Ministry, Carol Howell Parish Life, Mark Hilsmier Property, Terry Saunders Lutheran Men, Ron Dimmer Women of the ELCA, Diana Graham Youth, Brian and Becky Wardwell The Gathering Group, Erika Mattucci Lord Jesus, let your power move Within my heart, and help me love That I may serve you more each day, And trust in you to guide my way. Amen from Exclamations of Thanks!

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7 YOUTH GROUP A new board was developed in 2004 to coordinate and implement activities for our youth. It gave us some direction and ideas. Hopefully 2005 will bring new excitement to the Youth. Becky and I are going to transition out of the Youth during the coming year. The reason is that as of this fall Merideth will be old enough to join the Youth Group and we don't want to be the leader of our own children. Luckily Rick and Helen Phillips have expressed an interest in working with the Youth. As the year goes on hopefully they'll be taking over more and more. Becky and I thank you for the support and prayers over the years. We have and will continue to love all the kids and look forward to helping out when needed. I know Rick and Helen will receive the same support and love from the congregation and the Youth that we received. Yours in Christ, Brian & Becky Wardwell I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 NIV THE GATHERING GROUP The Gathering Group continued to enjoy their monthly fellowships, provided a helping hand where it was needed, and always looked forward to the Pastor s Bible Study. Our projects included: Donations to the Handicap Ramp and the Retaining Wall Cook s Memorial Presbyterian Church s Luncheon during Lent Anniversary Luncheon The Gathering Group meets twice a month, the second and fourth Mondays at 11:30 for fun, fellowship, and to meet new friends. Everyone at AMF is invited to join us and bring a friend. Total attendance for the year was 119. The group did not meet during the months of July and August, enjoying special times with their families and friends. Respectfully submitted, (with the help of Gail Reynolds) Erika Mattucci President: Erika Mattucci Vice-President: Hazel Rushing Secretary: Betty Sherrill Treasurer: Jean Rockett

8 PARISH LIFE Our activities this year included: March 28 th ~ Shepherds of Song Concert at church with a light dinner following. May 23 rd ~ Barbara s Retirement Luncheon sponsored with the Women s Group. July 30 th ~ Knights Game with dinner at the stadium and a Christian Concert with Point of Grace. November 27 th ~ Hanging of the Greens concluding with a pizza party. Respectfully submitted, Mark Hilsmier PROPERTY BOARD In some very obvious ways 2004 was a very active and productive year for the Property Board. After much deliberation and planning, the appearance of the church campus was enhanced by the construction of the double retaining wall. This also provided extra strength for the area on that side of the church building as well as giving us two way traffic to the lower parking lot. In conjunction with that effort, water lines were laid to provide water for the lower area and additional landscaping was done to complete this project. During the year other projects were completed which were needed in order to be responsible stewards of church property: a workday was used to provide pine mulch for the shrubbery and trees and the bank adjacent to the Fellowship building was cleared poison ivy and all! While these were all planned activities, the Property Board was faced with an unexpected development and cost which was replacing one of the original heating and air conditioning units. The Property Board thanks all of those who contributed in various ways to these projects either by their labor, financial contributions, or participation in fund raising particularly for the retaining wall project. As 2005 begins, there will again be an agenda of planned activities and projects. If you are planning your calendar for 2005, here are some of the projects we will be undertaking or considering: removing the diseased and dying oak tree beside the Fellowship Building, creating a children s playground area, posting of signage: guest parking, room locations, directions, etc., a spring work day for fertilizing and mulching, and possible additional landscaping. Respectfully submitted, Terry Saunders Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Helen Keller RESOURCE BOARD Report was not available at the time of this printing.

9 LEARNING BOARD The phrase Thank You is not adequate when it is time to recognize the dedication of the Sunday School teachers and leaders at A Mighty Fortress. Betty Mick, Terry Saunders and Libby Holman have all served for many years as teacher, coordinator and director of Sunday School Classes. Pastor John also has an important role in guiding the youth in the Confirmation class on Sunday Morning. We are truly grateful for their services as we all come together to learn about God s Word. The Lyerly Bible Class has completed a study of Timothy and Titus this past year. They also featured the Purpose Driven Life series in October and November. They are now in the study of Nehemiah. While Betty Mick is the class leader, she has many folks who have volunteered to substitute in her absence. We appreciate the services of Heather Link, Dennis Tucker, Hazel Rushing and Ron Dimmer. This class averaged 16 participants this past year. David and Heather Link and Mark Hilsmier led two groups through the Purpose Driven Life this fall. We appreciate their dedication and enthusiasm. About people completed the course. The Journeys in Faith (JIF) class has been facilitated by Terry Saunders as they use the series Books of the Bible for Adults. The focus is currently on the letters of St. Paul. The Bible study is lively and connected to the here and now as the week s lesson is used as a starting place for discussion. The opportunity to challenge and expand our views is always present. David Link has been leading a series of lessons on the Christian s use of money on the first Sunday of each month. Typically, the first Sunday is focused on a special topic. Average attendance is 6-7. The confirmation class has 8 students and meets on Sunday mornings with Pastor John. ELCA material, Free to Be, A Handbook to Luther s Small Catechism and Luther s Small Catechism and the Bible are being used. Jared Morrow, Abby and Sarah Bacon and Samantha Brothers are in their second year of study. First year youth include Sally Joseph, Dana Hedrick, Meredith Wardwell and Melanie Phillips. Children who are in K-5 use the material which focuses on the gospel lesson for the day. Through crafts, music, and drama they learn about God s Word. Libby Holman is the primary teacher but Cathy Phillips, Patrick Bryn, Ranee' Hedrick, Gloria Helms and Robbin Whitley have all pitched in to help. This class has between 2-8 students per Sunday. We appreciate the Children s Sermons that David Link prepares each Sunday. Children as well as adults listen and learn during the brief time that David leads us to a greater understanding of God s word. Special thanks to Chuck Mick who takes care of attendance figures and offering collection. The total collection for the past year was $ Thanks also to Ellen Moretz, Penny Damron and the choir for letting us be a part of the Christmas program. The children loved dressing up and joining in to tell the Christmas story. Thanks also to Gloria Helms who helped to coordinate the program. God has richly blessed us with talented people who share unselfishly to guide our spiritual growth. We pray that all of our parish will take advantage of these opportunities to grow in their personal faith. Respectfully submitted, Libby Holman

10 OUTREACH MINISTRY BOARD Well, we ve made another year and you have done the work of our Lord and Savior with fervor. The ministry of 2004 has been a good one. As a congregation you ve supported Emergency Winter Shelter, Layette Ministry, Room In The Inn, and the Elder Care Program. These are all in house ministries that live and die on your prayers and generous giving. If not for your continued support, there would be many people less fortunate that we left in need. I thank you, but the Lord will bless you. I d like to say thank you to some folks that work behind the scenes. Regina Hyatt, we thank her for handling EWS. Carol Howell, what can I say? She has grown the Layette ministry not only in our church but also on the Westside. Renee Brothers is the weekend coordinator at the Urban Ministry Center RITI. This is a ministry we would like to see grow. Sharon Johnson tracks new arrivals to the Westside. Gail Reynolds does the extra work of sending mailings to the new arrivals to our area. Barbara Kutz lends a helping hand as needed. Karen Bryant tracks visitors and sends out survey letters. We must be doing something right, Karen hasn t brought us a bad report from our visitors. Susan Cole reviews the monthly Thrivent Financial for Lutherans newsletter and special notifications to insure that important information gets into the AMF newsletter or bulletin. Jason Graham coordinated AMF s efforts in the CROP Walk. Betty Sosta facilitates our relationship with our ELCA missionary. And thanks to you you play a huge part in each of the above listed ministries. You also supported the Blood Drive and the Charlotte Has Heart Food Drive. You made financial contributions to support our missionary, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Love INC, Loaves and Fishes, and Urban Ministries. You gathered gifts and food items to share during the holidays with a needy family from our community. As you can see Outreach most certainly runs on your backs but it also runs in your hearts and the hearts of many leaders among you. Outreach has become the ministry of A Mighty Fortress. In the Bible are the words from Jesus that say to go forth and serve His people. This is part of the great commission from the Man himself. Thank you for all you have done and all that you do. Respectfully submitted, John J. Johnson The roots of happiness grow deepest in the soil of service. John-Roger, co-author of Life 101 ELDER CARE PROGRAM A few months ago Debbie Garrison from Love INC came to our WELCA meeting to talk to us about this ministry. We were excited to find out we had a care receiver in our area that we could open our arms out to give her needed love, care and support. We developed a Care Team in November which consists of: Chairperson: Diana Graham Co-Chair: Barbara Kutz The team members include Jr. & Karen Bryant, Shirley Belongia, Gordon & Sonja Frampton, Willie Graham, James & Karla Lever, David Link, Lucille Taylor, Betty Sosta, and Carol Stroup. We received orientation. Our care receiver is Jeanine Blanchette. In just a few months we have visited with her and taken her on errands. Thanks to the men who helped rake her yard! Also thanks to other members of the congregation that have reached out. Jeanine is so appreciative. We look forward to every Sunday that Jeanine can come to worship with us. We thank God for the blessings we can give Jeanine and are looking forward to the New Year for an everlasting relationship. Love INC Mission Statement: IN THE NAME OF CHRIST, TO LINK CHURCH VOLUNTEERS WITH PEOPLE IN NEED IN SUCH A WAY THAT BOTH WILL BE BLESSED. Respectfully submitted, Diana Graham

11 EMERGENCY WINTER SHELTER Charlotte s Rescue Mission runs an emergency shelter in downtown Charlotte in the winter months to provide food and shelter for homeless men in the area. Last winter, from Nov. 1, 2003-Mar. 31, 2004 they provided almost 23,720 nights of shelter and 28,008 meals for 2,859 different men who would otherwise have been left out on the street. The Emergency Winter Shelter ministry was very successful in Held November to March, one Sunday a month a team of A Mighty Fortress members went to the shelter to serve food prepared by other members of the church. We had a great deal of congregational support and were well staffed at each outing. In addition, we raised the number of casseroles needed to serve the guests from 26 to 30 to accommodate the increased number people utilizing the services of the Shelter. Congregation members stepped forward to not only contribute food and their time to this ministry but many members contributed cash and supplies. During our December outing, we were fortunate to have Penny and Jenny agree to play Christmas carols at the shelter. This was an uplifting experience for the men, many of whom joined in and sang while we were serving their dinner. We also collected coats and other supplies to donate. This ministry continues to be an important outreach for our congregation and I have felt very blessed to serve both our church and the guests of the shelter in this way. Respectfully submitted, Regina Hyatt LAYETTE MINISTRY WOW! What a difference a year makes!! Last year (2003) we were able to help eight women and their babies. During 2004, at AMF, we helped 31. Now all of those babies have some clothes, warm blankets, bottles and diapers. We know this is a "drop in the bucket" compared to the number of babies born in Charlotte but it's a start to help some of them. Love INC is very proud of this ministry and how it has taken off. They now have four churches participating: University United Methodist, Green Memorial Baptist (off Central Avenue), Harrison United Methodist in Pineville and A Mighty Fortress. As a special "treat" we will be placing the book You Are Special by Max Lucado in every layette, because the moms and babies are special. Without the support of everyone here at A Mighty Fortress, our portion of this ministry would not have grown like it has. THANK YOU!! You have given boxes, change, clothing items and diapers --- anything we've needed! A "behind the scenes" Thank You to Carol Stroup, Sue Caldwell, Barbara Kutz and Jennifer Howell-Bautista who wrapped boxes, prepared the layettes and helped this "directionally challenged" driver deliver the layettes. A special Thank You to Gail Reynolds who helped out in a "pinch," and then helped me untangle the streets of Charlotte. Yours in Christ, Carol Howell Layette Ministry Coordinator

12 TREASURER'S REPORT CONTINUED... Other Expenditures: Flowers... $ 1, Interest Earned/Service Chg Miscellaneous Copier... Layette Ministry Room in the Inn Emergency Shelter... Retaining Wall... 13, Honor-Laura McGee... Souper Bowl of Caring Council Retreat/Oratory Rent... Missions... Love Offering-Barbara Kutz... 1, Music Program... Adults Saving Kids (ASK) NC Synod, ELCA (200th) Signs Fax Machine Rehearsal... Convocation Robes... 2, Shrimp Love Boxes... Hurricane... Purpose Driven... Pastor... Mower... Loaves & Fishes... WELCA... Lutheridge... Parish Life... Angel Tree... Bake Sale TOTAL... $22, Balances 12/31/03 Receipts Expenditures 12/31/04 Operating $34, $193, $208, $20, Memorial , Building Fund 21, , , , Total $57, $229, $241, $46,065.65

13 NOTES Living in God s amazing grace