St. John s Episcopal Church

Transcription

1 St. John s Episcopal Church ANNUAL MEETING January 31, 2016 The Rev. Janet Oller, Rector The Rev. William Wieland, Priest Associate Meegan Reidy, Rector s Warden Kitty Haffner, People s Warden Kim Roberts, Clerk of Vestry John Culley, Treasurer Cindy Smith, Pledge Secretary & Assistant Treasurer Jerilyn Yerkes, Organist/Choirmaster VESTRY Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Meegan Reidy Ellen Ball Kitty Haffner Kim Roberts Mark Kussmaul Carole Meyer Cindy Turner Harry Siamas Peter Swanson

2 Page2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Annual Meeting Agenda Minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting....4 Rector s Report..5 Parochial Report Highlights...6 Ministry & Worship Leader Opportunities Altar Guild Report...8 Choir Report Columbarium Report..8 Education: Adult Forum....9 Education: Children s Christian Education 10 Gratitude Team Report.. 10 Outreach Report Parish Life Report..12 Pastoral Care...12 Planned Giving 12 Pledge Secretary Report...13 Property Report Shepherding Report St. Martha and St. Andrew s Guild Report Financial Information provided in separate document

3 Page Annual Parish Meeting Agenda St. John s Episcopal Church January 31, 2016 Call to order with prayer Election of Clerk 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes (Motion/Accept or Amend) Outgoing Vestry Celebration and Thanks Election of Vestry and Convention Delegates Review of 2015 Ministry Team and Other Reports 2015 Year-End Financials (Information Only; Provided Separately) 2016 Budget (Information Only; Provided Separately) Planned Giving: Introduction to Parish (Planned Giving Committee) Other Business Adjourn (The new Vestry will meet in the Library immediately following dismissal)

4 Page4 Minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting The Reverend Jan Oller opened the Annual Parish Meeting with a prayer. At least 20 members had signed in as present, so there was a quorum. Jane Gallagher was elected as clerk of the Annual Parish Meeting, The minutes from the 2014 meeting were approved. The outgoing Vestry members Larry Bennett, Betty Culley, and Debbie Swanson were recognized and thanked for their service. Asked by Rev. Jan what their defining moment was during their Vestry term, Betty Culley expressed her appreciation for Rev. Jan s leadership, Larry Bennett was grateful for the strength the Vestry showed by working together, and Debbie Swanson reiterated what Larry and Betty expressed by saying, Ditto. The outgoing Vestry members were then thanked by applause from the parish members. The nominations for Vestry, Convention Delegates, and Convention Alternates were read and elected. The new leadership is as follows: Vestry- Kitty Haffner Carole Meyer Peter Swanson Convention Delegates- Sam Vaught Helen Hudson Convention Alternates- Jim Suren Elaine Pickering Reports from the 2014 Ministry Team were reviewed. Committee Chairmen were given the opportunity to review their reports or to make comments, and parishioners were asked for questions: Outreach- Wayne Olander noted that more was spent on Outreach in 2014, and asked what had made the difference. Rev. Jan explained that St. Johns had received a grant from Christ Church Cathedral. Other difference in 2014, as noted by Rev. Jan and Jane Gallagher, were extra fund raising events, special gifts from parishioners, and participation in the Christ Church Cathedral Strawberry Fest. Parish Life- Susan Albrecht announced a planning meeting for 2015 which will be held on Feb. 8 th. She will no longer be chairman of the committee, and invited people who are interested in helping to plan the Parish Life activities to attend the meeting. New members are needed, in addition to the need for a new chairman. Children s Christian Education-Kim Roberts announced that she is temporarily taking over Abby Twarek s role since Abby is leaving soon for China. She thanked Abby for her service, and asked for additional teachers in Children s Christian Ed. She reminded people that they must complete Safeguarding God s Children, an educational program to help teachers recognize and prevent child abuse. Property- Wayne Olander asked what some of the upcoming property projects will be. Rev. Jan explained that the red front doors and threshold will need to be replaced. The sound system will be upgraded and the camera system will be completed so that the overflow from special services can be directed to Whitlock Hall and viewed on the big screen. Rev. Jan explained that a good goal is to have a $30,000 reserve fund ready, so that any money needed to repair damages from a catastrophic event would be available. The reserve is now at $17,000. Rev. Jan thanked the property committee for their many donations of time and skills which save the church money. She also pointed out that Jim Suren finds people from other organizations which will trade skills, which helps both groups save resources.

5 Page5 Financial and Budget Report. Rev. Jan thanked the Finance team of John Culley, Treasurer, Ed Fain Finance Chairman, and Cindy Smith, Pledge Secretary and Assistant Secretary. The thanked them for their service and for agreeing to continue their offices in John Culley presented the 2014 Year-end financial report and the 2015 Budget for approval. He shared that the church finances are solvent, and the year 2014 ended with a positive balance of about $25,000. He stated that one way our budget has been sustained is that we do not have a church secretary. Rev. Jan has taken on that responsibility with some volunteer help, which saves funds. He encouraged people to continue their giving and completing their pledges so the trend will continue. A budget hearing was held in January so that interested parishioners could have input, if they wished. Rev. Jan reported that the initial budget amount for Outreach was $3000, but the Outreach committee requested the amount be raised to $4250, which the Vestry graciously voted to do. The budget was approved in January at the Vestry meeting, and presented at the Annual Meeting for approval. Both the finance report and the budget were accepted. Mark Kussmaul thanked Rev. Jan for all of her leadership and hard work, after which followed a standing ovation. Rev. Jan reminded the new Vestry that a short meeting would follow in the library. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 P.M. Rector s Report Thank you for all you have been and all you have done during 2015! You are the church, even as we celebrate our historic buildings as conducive to worship and fellowship. My most hearty thanks and prayers for each of you. We have been blessed to have a stable and mostly quiet year (no major water leaks or disputes!). This is the third year in a row that we end with a surplus. This emotional and financial stability allow us to dream and discern how St. John s may continue to do God s work in Crawfordsville and the wider community. John Culley, our Treasurer, and Cindy Smith, our Assistant Treasurer and Pledge Secretary, have helped us in so many ways, not the least of which is creating and maintaining books of account and financial reports that exceed the expectations of the Diocese and our Auditor. It is such a relief to not have to worry about this side of our life together, thanks be to God! (And please continue this good work!) Our Outreach programs continue to expand and refine. We had a wonderful Mardi Gras on Shrove Tuesday with terrific music and food. We followed that with an ecumenical Lenten Soup Supper & Program, studying the parables found in the Gospel of Mark. For 2016, we are expanding our Lenten ecumenical reach to include First Christian and Wabash Avenue Presbyterians Churches in who sits at the table and enters into discussion as we continue our relationship and partnership with Christ Lutheran Church. We are blessed with having wonderful faith partners as we learn and grow in the love and service of Our Lord. This Christmas will likely be remembered as the Stable Service with a chicken chorus! Thanks to John Binder and Dan Booher for letting us share their barn and for the animals which bring smiles as they, too, participate in welcoming the Christ Child. And, the candlelight service on Christmas Eve night is always so pretty and meaningful as we sing the familiar hymns and worship in a beautifully decorated Nave. Baptisms remind us that we are marked as Christ s own forever. Whether adult or child, each Baptism reminds us of our own and of our commitment to love one another and to respect the dignity and worth of all of creation. This year was also a year of grieving and loss as members of the parish died. Our Burial Service reminds us that we return to God when our time on earth is finished so we, who remain on earth, can rest assured that we will not be parted forever from those who have gone to glory before us. Our services also remind us that it is Christian to grieve and we should not be afraid or embarrassed to mourn. Our call as Christians is to support one another through those tough times.

6 Page6 Last year you a few people requested we investigate alternative worship services. A Task Force was formed consisting of Joyce Bell, Robyn Grayson and Jim Suren. After several meetings, the consensus was that our current worship structure of two services on Sunday morning plus our involvement with worship at Wabash College and a variety of ecumenical services is serving us well at this time. There would be significant challenges on a variety of fronts if we added a worship service on either Saturday or Sunday evening (discussions with other churches who had tried those times slots found that existing members shifted services rather than the services attracting new members). Details were reported in the April 2015 Newsletter. We have added more opportunities for our children to present worship and song to us on a more regular basis. They presented their annual Advent Pageant as well as several other experiences. It has brightened our worship and our connection with our children. Thank you to the children and to the adults who helped make this happen. We work to post something on our Facebook page each week as a reminder to all that we are here on South Green Street with a vibrant ministry and are a welcoming place. Please continue to take pictures of St. John s events and send them to Rev. Jan or Cindy Turner so we can get the good news about St. John s out. There are so many other things that could be said about the multiplicity of ways in which we witness to God and to the Gospel here in Crawfordsville. Please share them with others in the Parish and with your friends and neighbors. In the words of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, our Lord has one word for us and it is GO so I urge you, too: Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28: 19). With gratitude and thankfulness for your presence and your commitment to St. John s, Rev. Jan Oller Reported for 2015 (numbers tie to line items in the Parochial Report): #6 Sunday average attendance = 69 (up from 2014) #7 Easter Sunday attendance = 93 (down from 2014) #8 Total Sunday Eucharist services = 96 (reflects Sundays with one service and M. P. rather than H.E.) #9 Total weekday Eucharist services = 64 (Lay Eucharistic Visitors plus at St. John s) #11 Daily Offices held on Sunday = 2 (Morning Prayer) #13 Marriages conducted in 2015 = 0 #14 Burials conducted in 2015 = 4 #15 Baptisms 16 years and older =1 #16 Baptisms under 16 years of age = 2 #20 Total church school students enrolled = 8 (Average of regular attendees) Ministry Opportunities The following ministry groups are one way people may serve. They meet as needed. Altar Guild: Sets the Altar for worship services and otherwise beautifies the Sanctuary/Nave. Assists the priest as requested and keeps the Eucharistic Vessels and paraments in good order. Education: Plans religious formation (education) for adults, youth, and children.

7 Page7 Finance: Helps prepare a budget, interacts with the Gratitude Team and Treasurer, and performs bookkeeping tasks. Gratitude Team: Works with the Finance Team and Vestry to encourage the giving of time, talents, and resources by parishioners so that the needs of the church and the world are met. Outreach: Organizes and carries out giving to the community, Diocese, and the world. Helps decide areas where needs occur and publicizes appeals. Parish Life: Organizes and offers opportunities for parish-wide gatherings or outings outside of St. John s building and grounds. Pastoral Care: Works to provide for the needs of parishioners in times of sickness, family loss, etc. Includes planning support, calling parishioners for donations of food, time, or transportation, and communicating needs for prayer support. Planned Giving: Encourages parishioners and friends of St. John s to remember St. John s in their estate plan or in other ways by making financial gifts in addition to pledge and plate. Property: Maintain the physical plant of the church, including upkeep, inspections, security, cleaning, and outside maintenance. Shepherds & Flocks: Each shepherd has a flock of parishioners. Shepherds maintain contact with their flock, and sends cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. St. Martha s Guild: Plans coffee hour and special meals that occur at St. John s. Worship & Liturgy: Works with the priest to plan worship services. Types of services may include traditional, healing and/or Taizé services. Members train acolytes, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, and Crucifers. Worship Leader Opportunities Acolytes: Light the candles at worship service, and aid in getting the altar ready for Eucharist. Altar Guild: Teams take turns preparing the Altar for communion each Sunday and for special services. Training is given so that members know what is expected of them. Choir: Choirmaster and organist Jerilyn Yerkes leads the choir. Practices are on Thursday at 7:00 pm during the school year. Crucifer: Carries the Cross for services and assists the priest in setting the table for Eucharist. Greeters: Welcome people as they enter the church on Sundays. Present the Communion Elements (bread and wine) to the priest, and collect the offering. Following the service, they inspect and pick up items from the pews and lock the doors. Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Participate in church services, helping to serve the Eucharist. Lay Eucharistic Visitors: Take the Eucharist to those who can t attend services. Lectors: Read the scripture and prayers during Sunday services. Offering Tally/Counters: A team of two people count and record the offering following the Sunday services.

8 Page8 Altar Guild Report A very sincere thanks goes to the members of Altar Guild for their service in Those members are C. J. Charles, Betty Culley, Sheila Evans, Cyndy Fields, Jane Gallagher, Terry Lawrence, Carole Meyer, Meegan Reidy, Jo Tusssey and Jerilyn Yerkes. Every week during the year, St. John s Altar Guild members, in teams of two, met faithfully on a Friday or Saturday to prepare for St. John s 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship services. Also, during the team s assigned week, they may have readied the sanctuary for a special church ceremony. Tasks for Altar Guild members include polishing the silver and brass communion vessels and offering plates, laundering and ironing the communion linens, and replenishing candles with liquid wax. Special thanks to Meegan Reidy for baking the communion bread loaves, Susie Hildebrand for furnishing the gluten-free wafers, and Carole Meyer for laundering the Fair Linen that covers the altar. A wonderful camaraderie exists among Altar Guild members to serve St. John s and help each other complete their duties. Parishioners chose specific Sundays to donate two flower arrangements for Sunday services on the Altar Flower Chart that is posted outside of Whitlock Hall. Each week, the designated parishioners were contacted to remind them of their upcoming Sunday donation and to request that they respond with their dedication for the church bulletin. New members of Altar Guild are welcome. -Respectfully submitted by Betty Culley, Altar Guild Chairperson Choir Report St. Johns continues to be blessed with people that volunteer their time each week to sing in the choir. Although we lost several members to a well-deserved retirement (Don and Ruth Black, Jim Schlosser, and Carole Meyer), we have enjoyed welcoming Will and Beth Turner. I am grateful to: Sheila Evans, Ed and Sue Fain, Jane Gallagher, Beth Turner, Debbie Swanson, Dan Booher, Kim Roberts, Meegan Reidy, Char Lingen, Will Turner, and Sam Smith for their continued weekly musical contributions, Christmas Eve, and any other special services. Choir practice is held on Thursdays, during the academic year, in the choir room from 7:00-8:00 p.m. We welcome and encourage anyone that would like to join us! -Submitted by Jerilyn Yerkes, Organist/Choirmaster Columbarium Report During 2015, eleven niches were purchased and there were three interments. With only two of the current forty-eight niches remaining for purchase, the Vestry authorized the purchase of a 16 niche unit expansion to be installed in the present niche location. The new unit will be installed and blessed in January, 2016, making 18 niches available for purchase at $500 each. The Columbarium Customary posted on the St. John s web site provides detailed information about our columbarium as well as a niche purchase form. The Funeral Customary and the End of Life and Funeral Arrangements customaries are also

9 Page9 available on the St. John s web site. Both of these documents include information about burial choices, including cremation and columbarium choices. Anyone wishing to have more information about the St. John s columbarium as an interment option should review the customaries on the web site or to contact Rev. Jan or any member of the Committee. Respectfully submitted by the Committee, Sheila Evans, Tom Sheets, Randy Pickering and Sam Hildebrand Education: Adult Forum It has been another busy and productive year in the adult education program. We returned to a more traditional blocked module schedule in spring We began the semester with Holy Currencies. Then, Rev. Jan led us in a discussion of the creeds for three weeks in February, after which we had more Lives of Great Christians during Lent, and we viewed and discussed the PBS documentary Walking the Bible. We then ended the semester with Kelly O Dell Stanley coming in May to talk about her new book Praying Upside Down. In the fall, Rev. Jan led us on a three-week discussion of marriage, and then Sam Vaught shared with us some of his experiences worshiping in Europe last spring. During most of October we viewed DVD lectures from Bill Cook s Greatest Churches series, and then Bill talked to us in November about Christianity in Asia. We ended the year with Mark Kussmaul talking about his work in prison ministry, a couple weeks on the gospel of Luke, and a visit from Josh Thomas of the Daily Office. We will have four basic modules in spring We will begin by learning about our new presiding bishop through a YouTube video and then discussing several sermons from his book Crazy Christians. During Lent we will view the PBS series Enough, and then we will have three weeks on Our Common Home the Earth, followed by five weeks viewing and discussing Kathleen Norris s Embracing a Life of Meaning. Thank you to the adult education committee: Helen Hudson, Jim Suren, Mark Kussmaul, Jill Lamberton, Jeremy Hartnett, and Rev. Jan. They have made this year run very smoothly, and I could not have done it without them. Finally, thank you to all the members of the parish who have helped us by giving us suggestions and feedback, and by taking the lead for a week or two or more. The program is much better because of all of you! -Submitted by Will Turner, Adult Education Education: Children s Christian Education The Children's Christian Education Committee continues to provide Sunday School classes each Sunday morning from 9:15-10:15a. during the school year. Classes include Bible stories, lessons, activities, crafts, and snack.

10 Page10 Jerilyn Yerkes provides music time each week and also works with the children on our choral and play presentations. In 2015, the children led an inter-generational Stations of the Cross service during the Sunday School hour. The kids also presented an interactive play Here I Am, based on the story of Samuel and Eli at the 10:30 service. During Advent, the children presented a play entitled Waiting For The Christmas Guest. In 2016, we hope to include a few ecumenical activities with children from nearby churches. The nursery supervision also falls under the Children s Christian Ed Committee. Mary Gardner continues to take care of our youngest parishioners. Jackson Albrecht is assisting. A huge thank you to our team who consisted of Suzie Siamas, Debbie Swanson, Betty Culley, and Kitty Haffner Kim Green and Jerilyn Yerkes. Children s Christian Education teachers and caregivers are required to be certified as completing Safeguarding God s Children. -Submitted by Kim Roberts Gratitude Team Report The Gratitude Team would like to thank the St. John s community for responding favorably to our correspondence with you throughout the year. Those ruminations were and are intended to remind us all that life is most honestly seen as abundance rather than scarcity. Do check out The Abundance of Enough, a brief article by Tania Carrieri which Rev. Jan posted on the St. John s Facebook page earlier this month (January 11). What a reminder. We on GT thank you for your nice comments about the St. John s Spirit columns: thank you Ruth Black, Jane Gallaher, and Marc Hudson for writing them this year. God the Giver was the theme of this year s campaign. We appreciate you reflecting on the bulletin inserts and using your Today I Am Thankful For sticky notes. Special thanks go out to our Gratitude Moment Musician Presenters from last fall: Jerilyn Yerkes, Alan White, and Beth Turner each inspired us with invigorating comments on how they live their thankfulness through musical talent and practice. As Lynette Ziuchkovski s Search Your Heart logo shows, our shared life is rich indeed. We also want to let you know that we do keep in touch with some of our young adults who grew up at St. John s: we send them the St. John s Pledge Drive insert with the narrative and photos of our shared year. Several of them participated, and even more of them wrote back fondly. And, just in case you have forgotten to send in your annual pledge, this serves as your reminder! If you wish to share some extra abundance with St. John s, it s always the time for that. In Appreciation, Helen Hudson, chair, Gratitude Team Outreach Report The Outreach Committee planned and led several traditional projects and initiated some new projects throughout Included among the new ventures for the year were the following:

11 Page11 The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper was changed to Mardi Gras Night under the leadership of Chris Short. We were entertained by a Dixieland Band, and the food prep, under the direction of Jim and Kathy Gary, included red beans and rice and jambalaya. Proceeds benefitted Nourish. A grant was written and St. John s matched the grant so that the church could sponsor a small special needs class at Willson School in the Nourish backpack program, which helps food insecure children have food in their homes over the weekend. Volunteers pack the bags on Wed. afternoons and deliver them to Willson. As has been the tradition at St. John s, the following projects were conducted this year, supporting several agencies in Montgomery County and beyond: Bishop s Discretionary Fund Family Crisis Center ingathering and money donation CASA Dancing with the Stars table sponsorship (Came from advertising budget, but was an outreach to the community.) Strawberry Festival Booth. Everyone playing won a prize of a bottle of water. There was good fellowship and the $221 profit helped with our Nourish funds. Summer lunch was served for three days to 75 children who were food insecure. St. John s co-sponsored two Food Finders events, one in Wingate and one in December at the fairgrounds. There was an ingathering of pet foods and supplies for the Animal Welfare League which coincided with the Stroll for Strays. Funds were raised for CROP and a team joined the walk. St. John s provided a Blessing of the Animals at the Animal Welfare League. Items were collected for the Volunteers for Mental Health Christmas Drive. St. John s participated in the Reindear Program providing gifts for 50 children. A team of volunteers delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors on Thursdays of alternating months. Several people at St. John s attended the Toxic Charities workshop sponsored by the Montgomery County Community Foundation, and an ecumenical discussion was conducted at St. John s. St. John s supported FISH with monetary and food donations. Bud Arnold sits on the Board and represents St. John s in the FISH Finance distributions. St. John s made a financial donation to the Mont. County Free Clinic. Abby Twarek is volunteering as a care provider in a children s home in China. St. Johns helped support Abby this year. As in the past, members of St. John s are actively involved in their own personal ministries, either by sitting on Boards, volunteering their time, or through personal financial support. Looking ahead, the Outreach Committee requested additional money in the Outreach budget to use as seed money for possible new projects. We have included the following in our plans for the New Year, and would welcome any suggestions and new ideas. Food finders- One time, preferably the summer distribution at Wingate. (July?) Donation to Mont. Co. Free Clinic to help with inoculations for children FISH Monetary donation plus ingathering for wagons. We get a monthly list of needs. (Ongoing) Nourish- a donation of money, people can volunteer individually by contacting Nourish. (Fall) Reindear- Tentative, depending on reorganization, but some form of participation. (November) Summer Lunch- Three days with Tri Kappa Associates (July) Mardi Gras- Ecumenical gathering on Shrove Tuesday with other metro churches. Chris Short and Rev. Jan will begin planning in January. (February)

12 Page12 Animal Shelter Stroll for Strays (May) Meals on Wheels (Ongoing) Respectfully submitted, Jane Gallagher, Chair Parish Life is currently operating on an as-interested basis since no one stepped up to chair this area of ministry. Parish Life focuses on events for the whole parish that are not based at St. John s. During 2015, such events included a pitch-in at Kim and John Roberts house, an outing to a baseball game and to a soccer game. The year ended with a Boxing Day/White Elephant pitch in and celebration at Wayne & Rees Olander s. If you are interested in resurrecting this ministry area as a more structured group or if you are interested in hosting a Parish Life event, please see Rev. Jan. Pastoral Care has had an active year and many of you have been active participants. We don t function as a committee but rather as a ministry in which everyone can take part. Here are some examples of what has been taking place this past year: Transportation provided to Indianapolis or Lafayette or to other medical facilities, including locally, for a variety of reasons; Errands run for those having a hard time getting out; Pet sitting or walking; Companionship and visiting for people who are ill or in long term care facilities - or just because! Cards sent to people to support them in difficult times and for special occasions; Sitting with ill people so family members can go to church, run errands or get out to exercise. Meals taken to people - sometimes one meal, sometimes meals over a period of time; If you are thinking I could do some of those things, take it to the next level and call or me and let me know what you would enjoy doing. Respectfully submitted, Adrienne Ashbaugh Planned Giving In May, 2014, the BHAG (Big, Huge, and Audacious Goals) Conversations revealed an interest in some parishioners wanting to know more about how planned giving might help St. John s have a future of mission and ministry in our community beyond the dreams any of us have. At Diocesan convention in October, several of us attended a seminar on planned giving presented by the Episcopal Church Foundation and were encouraged to learn more. As a result, a Planned Giving Committee was appointed by the Vestry to explore the possibility of establishing a formal Planned Giving Program for the Parish. Over the course of the year, the committee held 16 meetings, did internet research, engaged in numerous phone calls and corresponded with many people presently managing Planned Giving programs. We are especially grateful to the very knowledgeable persons at the Diocese of Indianapolis, at Trinity Bloomington and at the Episcopal Church Foundation in New York. The result of this work is the legal document entitled The St. John s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund Policies and Guidelines which has been adopted by the Vestry. This document is posted on our web site for our

13 Page13 members and their financial advisors to read for information and guidance. Also, the committee members are available to discuss its contents and implications for anyone wishing to incorporate Planned Giving in their estate planning. The Endowment Fund is established as a Permanent Unrestricted Endowment to be managed as a true endowment meaning that the principal shall not be invaded. Details of how the Fund is managed and quarterly income distributions from the Fund are made are covered in the document on line. If you wish a copy, please contact the committee. We all receive God s Grace and his endless Bounty of goodness. It is our obligation to be Stewards of God s Bounty today and to plan for sharing that bounty with our family and church when we no longer have need of it. We encourage all members of our St. John s family to be open to the possibilities of planned giving and carefully consider the information which the Committee will be making available throughout the coming year in the Newsletter, informational meetings and other communications about estate planning. Respectfully submitted, John Culley, Ed Fain, Sam Hildebrand, Rees Olander and Harry Siamas Pledge Secretary Report For 2016, we have 50 pledge units totaling $139, Of this, $3, was prepaid in 2015.We have 2 new pledges; 4 did not renew their pledge to St. John s; 14 increased their pledge, 1 decreased and 33 remained the same, and 1 is deceased. For 2015, we ended the year with 51 pledge units and received $140, of $135, pledged. Uncompleted pledges to date -$4, Note: Numbers vary from week to week so these numbers will not necessarily match the budgeted figures. It never comes out exactly because there is over-lap in December and January and some units give more than pledged. A special thank you goes to the Tally Committee that quietly goes about the business of preparing the bank deposit each week for St. John s. They include: Susan Albrecht, Nancy Bennett, Ed Fain, Jim Gary, Wayne Olander, John Roberts, Tom Twarek, and Alan White. Submitted by Cindy Smith, Pledge Secretary Property Report The anticipated major project at St. John's in 2015 was the replacement of the front doors. As all are aware, this did not happen, but is hoped to be completed in early New Doors will cost approximately $7,500 and funds for this will come from the major improvement fund. A number of minor improvements were also completed during These include replacement of 6 bulbs in Whitlock with brighter LED bulbs thanks to the generosity of a parishioner. It is planned that the other nine bulbs will be replaced in The flat roof on the north side was resealed. New 6" gutters were installed on the south side of Whitlock Hall. The air conditioning units outside Whitlock were raised so that additional material may be added to improve the grade away from the building. Disaster was averted due to a parishioner walking thru the building last winter and discovering a burst steam pipe. Thanks to all for alerts as water intruded during the epic rains of 2015, so that it could be dried up in a timely manner.

14 Page14 A special thanks to John Roberts for spearheading the purchase and installation of our new kneelers. Thank you to Vestry members for their efforts in removing debris at our entrances. This wonderful historic facility needs many eyes and hands to keep in good shape. Repairs were made to the Whitlock Hall furnace which is near its end life and we anticipate having to replace it during Other projects which have been discussed for 2016, include updating the lighting for the sanctuary, having the nave carpet 're-stretched' to remove wrinkles and continued energy conservation actions. -Submitted by Debbie Swanson, Chair Shepherding Report The purpose of the Shepherding Committee is to have another level of contact with parishioners, either to wish a happy birthday or to deliver a goodie bag to someone in the flock who might be under the weather. If you have a concern you would like to discuss, or you wish to bounce an idea off someone, your shepherd is a good resource for that, too. A special thank you to our Shepherds this year: Adrienne Ashbaugh, Frank and Carole Escamilla, Sheila and Bob Evans, Jane Gallagher, Kitty Haffner, Elaine and Randy Pickering, Helen and Marc Hudson, Meegan Reidy, Jo Tussey, and Kathy and Jim Gary. If you have not yet provided a photo of yourself/family to your Shepherd to put on the bulletin board photo directory, please or mail something to them! You could also give the photo to Kitty Haffner or Meegan Reidy when you see them at church. We would love to have everyone s photo up on the board as it is a very helpful way to put a name to a face for our newer members. -Submitted by Meegan Reidy and Kitty Haffner, Chairs St. Martha and St. Andrew s Guild Report St. Martha s Guild provided hospitality a number of times this past year, beginning with the Annual Meeting brunch in January, followed a few months later by the Easter brunch. Receptions followed the funeral of Linda Johnson in February and the funeral of Larry Baumgardner in December. St. Martha s Guild helped coordinate a celebration of Don Black s 90th birthday in May. Thank you to all who helped St. Martha s Guild so willingly, whether you helped set up for an event, made coffee, provided food for a reception or for Coffee Hour, or worked to clean up afterwards. Your team effort has made everything work smoothly, and I am grateful. -Submitted by Meegan Reidy, Chair If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided, please talk to Rev. Jan or one of the Wardens: Meegan Reidy or Kitty Haffner.