Annual Report to the Congregation

Transcription

1 2016 Annual Report to the Congregation Northbrook Presbyterian Church

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Heading Page Agenda 2 Session and Staff Listings 3 Clerk of Session 4 Moderator 5 Coordinator of Congregational Care 6 Director of Music 7 Board of Deacons 8 Adult Education Committee 9 Building and Grounds Committee 9 Children s Ministry Committee 10 Congregational Life Committee 11 Mission Connection Committee 12 Nominating Committee 13 Personnel Committee 13 Presbyterian Youth Connection Team (P.Y.C.T.) 14 Preschool 15 Worship & Music Committee 15 Finance Committee Annual Report 1 January 26, 2017

3 AGENDA ANNUAL MEETING NORTHBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH JANUARY 29, Opening Songs...Angel Gippert 2. The Call to Order...Rev. Marjorie Wilhelmi 3. Establish Quorum...Clerk Tricia LaSota 4. Opening Prayer...Rev. Wilhelmi 5. Moderator s Report...Rev. Wilhelmi 6. Finance Report...Matt Broadwell 7. Personnel Report and Approval of the Terms of Call for Pastor Bill Jordan 8. Recognition of those who have joined the Church Eternal and Triumphant...Rev. Wilhelmi 9. Motion to Adjourn 10. Closing Prayer...Rev. Wilhelmi 2016 Annual Report 2 January 26, 2017

4 NORTHBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH W. FOURTEEN MILE ROAD BEVERLY HILLS, MICHIGAN TELEPHONE (248) FAX (248) WEBSITE: SESSION Rev. Marjorie Wilhelmi Moderator Tricia LaSota Clerk of Session Ruling Elder Class of 2016 Ruling Elder Class of 2017 Ruling Elder Class of 2018 Amy Annett Michael Bauhof Matt Broadwell Don Hemberg Grant Burnham Tricia LaSota Bill Jordan Dorothy Warren Penny Willey DEACONS Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Nancy Best Sallie Dorer LeeAnne Hemberg Nancy Schaefer Joyce Hamburg Diane Joppie Patty Van Loo Lucille McLeod Bill Travis STAFF Rev. Marjorie Wilhelmi, Pastor Angel Gippert, Director of Music Dan Gross, Contemporary Music Director Sherrill Heinrichs, Coordinator of Congregational Care Ken Stetson, Youth Director Becky Bachand, Administrative Secretary Kathy Brooks, Financial Secretary Kerry Callaghan, Preschool Director Lynn Stephenson, Custodian Larry Brown, Custodian 2016 Annual Report 3 January 26, 2017

5 2016 Annual Report 4 January 26, 2017

6 MODERATOR For me, the spirit of 2016 was one of openness and inquiry. Your session led the way with a year-long study of discernment, a spiritual practice of listening for God s leading and will in the decisions that we make as a church. Our session meetings have become, as the Quakers would say, meetings for worship with a concern for business, and I believe I speak for everyone on session when I say our work together has been a time of deep spiritual growth. As a session, we ve been led to consider many new possibilities for the way we serve our community and act out our love for our neighbors. One of those ways has been to make our facility available to many different groups. The building is full and busy almost every day of the week as our reputation for hospitality has grown. We are particularly blessed to have opened our doors to another worshiping community who needed a temporary home: the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Birmingham. They worship in the Library on Sunday mornings and in the Sanctuary on Wednesday evenings, but you may well find yourself studying together in the Pastor s study on a Wednesday morning or sharing a cup of coffee in Fellowship Hall. I look forward to ways our relationship will continue to deepen and flourish. The following pages spell out for you in detail the faithful ways in which you minister as the body of Christ in worship, study and service. Read through the reports to catch a glimpse of the extensive effort, imagination, intelligence and love that goes into making Northbrook a place that strives in all it does to live the love of Jesus Christ. I hope you will read between the lines to experience the deep commitment and care that makes church work. More than that, I hope these reports will encourage you, if you haven t before, to find a way to participate, get involved, make connections, deepen relationships and explore your faith. When it gets right down to it, that s what the church is here for to invite people into an authentic exploration of our faith in Christ, investigate our deepest spiritual intuitions and yearnings, experience the transformative power of prayer which then leads us to actively engage with the world in ways that cooperate with and promote God s justice, mercy, compassion and reconciliation. I sense that 2017 will be a year of going deeper into faith, as together we seek to grow and mature in Christ s love. The reports on these pages prove that you are the lifeblood and heartbeat of Northbrook. My deepest gratitude to you for your faithful presence in worship, study and service throughout this year and for your generous contributions of time, talent and treasure that continue to bless the community around us in Jesus name. I thank God for each of you, who continue to teach me how to see Jesus more clearly, follow him more nearly, and love him more dearly, day by day by day. I look forward in hopeful anticipation to this new year and the promise and possibility it holds open to us all. And now, I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21) Yours in Christ, Marjorie 2016 Annual Report 5 January 26, 2017

7 COORDINATOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE Another year has come and gone, and it is time to reflect on the year 2016 as we continue our journey as the faithful people of God. This year, our session members read the book, Pursuing God s Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups by Ruth Haley Barton. This book provided session members with a process to follow that helped them make decisions as spiritual leaders as they discerned the answer to this most important question: What is God s will for us as a church? This process required a personal commitment to transformation and renewal as the Elders engaged in discussions in an open, caring, compassionate and honest way. God certainly has something to say in terms of what direction session members take and what decisions they make. When session was approached by the Church of Christ, Scientists to rent Northbrook for their services, this new spiritual openness was central in the decision-making. I feel privileged to have facilitated the meeting of the session as they used this process to come to the decision to welcome the members of the Church of Christ, Scientists. It was a moving opportunity to see God s spirit actively at work during this process. Our lives are full of joy and celebration as well as sadness and struggle. Our Deacons are committed to walking alongside us throughout our lives, in every season, caring about us and for us in compassionate and loving ways. Each of our Deacons is a person of strong faith, dedicated discipleship and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They have been called to serve, and they do that joyfully. Thank you to Nancy Best, Sallie Dorer, Lee Anne Hemberg, Joyce Hamburg, Diane Joppie, Lou McCleod, Nancy Schaefer, Bill Travis and Patty Van Loo for serving as our Deacons. In December, we ordained and installed new officers which meant we had to say goodbye to three of our Deacons who have served faithfully: Patty Van Loo our Secretary (3 year term), Nancy Schaefer (1 year term) and Nancy Best, our Moderator (1 year term). As the staff person for the Deacons, I am so very grateful to them for their time and dedication as they served this congregation. A special thanks to Nancy Best for encouraging us to update our Operations Manual for the Board of Deacons. What a great help it is as we try to keep all our responsibilities in order. The Deacons began last year providing Care Bags to members in the hospital or nursing homes. These include everything and anything you might need to make you comfortable during your stay. A selection of prayers to bring hope and spirit-filled help is also included. Thank you to the Knit Wits for the mini-prayer shawls that are attached to each care bag. Following the death of a church member, the Deacon who is assigned to care for that family sends out the first in a series of four grief booklets that are mailed every three months to provide comfort, information and support to the family. I can speak from personal experience that these little books provide that and so much more, a constant reminder that our congregation loves and is thinking of us. Hospital, nursing home and shut-in visitations make my work at the church so very special. Thank you for sharing with me the stories of your lives, your joys and concerns and your deep and abiding faith in our Lord. Thank you to Judy Owen (chair) and the members of the Congregational Life Committee for the delicious coffee hours, meals and memorial receptions that you create. This is a fun committee to staff as there is always much laughter, sharing of stories and creative juices flowing!!! Judy s investment of time (Maybe we need a bed for her here at the church.), talent (What a cook!) and leadership (She sees that things get done.) are wonderful gifts to the entire congregation Annual Report 6 January 26, 2017

8 My job description also includes oversight of the membership records, working with Marjorie to plan Leadership Retreats and special worship services. This year a Blue Christmas service was added to the calendar. There are so many people who are sad, lonely, grieving, confused and in need of support at Christmas. This service provided a quiet time of warmth and hope for all who attended. Thank you to the Owens and Betsy Savage for helping to set up the labyrinth for people to walk following the service. It is a privilege for me to work alongside the other members of our staff: Marjorie, Becky, Kathy, Ken, Angel, Larry and Lynn. They are dedicated and work so hard to see that everything is just right not only for members of the congregation but for the community groups that we also serve. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:12 Those beautiful words of Jesus Christ express the purpose and passion shown by the members of our congregation. I believe that the love which Christ speaks to is an active love which cares for those who find themselves in need in our church and in our community. This past year I have seen your love lived out in so many ways: sharing a kind word or a gentle touch, participating in a one-on-one conversation, preparing a meal, picking someone up from a doctor's appointment, planning and putting into place fun activities, shopping for groceries, sending a card of encouragement, just being present. These make a big difference in the lives of those who receive and those who give. I am deeply grateful to serve and be a part of our family of faith here at Northbrook. This church is a very special place, filled with God s love and grace. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for the many acts of kindness, your concern for my well-being and the wonderful stories you shared about my Thom and your dear ones during this journey of grief. Blessings, Sherrill Heinrichs, Coordinator of Congregational Care DIRECTOR OF MUSIC This past year has been another year of growth for the music program in a variety of ways: in numbers, repertoire, capability and, perhaps most significantly, in cohesion. A few more members of the church volunteered to join the music department that resulted in an enlarged and energized group of music participants and interest. What many people may not realize is that much of the wonder of music happens between the notes. In other words, what is not written on the page is often most critical to bringing an anthem alive and making it truly speak. This can most easily be understood when you hear a choir sing an anthem very well but the music somehow leaves you cold, feeling little. In the past year, our choir has worked hard at connecting with and communicating the spirit of the music we are making through diverse styles and genres, and I am deeply pleased with what they have been able to offer as a result. Thank you: Thank you to Marjorie and the congregation for their continued support of the music program and all its musicians. Thank you to all the choir members young and old! Thank you to the Praise Band members for their dedication and expertise: Dan Gross and Pete Zajicek Special thanks to the musicians who helped make the Easter and Christmas Eve services joyous celebrations: Carl Gippert, Rob Olson, Jeff Pethoud, Corinne Shoen, Mike Shoen, Ben Shoen, Ethan Shoen, Zach Shoen, Ken Stetson, John Thomas and Dakota Tuomi 2016 Annual Report 7 January 26, 2017

9 Thank you to Bruce and Linda Hermes for the COUNTLESS hours that they spent organizing, counting and filing music in the choir library. Thank you to everyone involved with and in the music program, not only to the members of the choirs and instrumentalists who continue to contribute their time and talents to the church, but also to their families who are supportive of these musicians. Attending countless hours of rehearsals, Sunday services, special services and concerts requires a lot of commitment and dedication. A program like this could not flourish without all the help and support that is given by all its members. We were fortunate this summer to have a new grand piano donated to our music program. It is currently being used in the choir room for rehearsals. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful musicians in our midst! Everyone is welcome to be a part of the music program. Please contact me with thoughts, ideas or suggestions! Respectfully submitted, Angel Gippert, Director of Music BOARD OF DEACONS Deacons were very busy during 2016 as the caring for each other ministry of the church. Some of our regular activities included: Sending birthday and anniversary cards to congregation members. Sending greeting cards of support or in celebration to congregation members. Visiting members who are homebound, ill or hospitalized. Providing emergency meals to congregation members. Welcoming visitors each Sunday with a special bag stocked with Northbrook information and goodies. Preparing and serving communion. Sending Journey Through Grief booklets to the family of a member who has died. The booklets provide grief support through one year following the death. Celebrating the 90 th birthday of congregation members with a special coffee hour. Praying for all members of the congregation and for those who request special prayers. Additionally, we began two new initiatives this year: Deacon Introductory Letter this letter was written together by the deacons and then sent to each congregation member by their assigned deacon to introduce themselves and provide contact information. The letters were sent by or U.S. Mail and were well received. We plan for this letter to be an annual tradition so look for your 2017 letter very soon!! Care Bags -a clear tote bag stocked with essentials needed by those who are hospitalized or in a follow-up medical care facility. The essentials include various toiletries that are no longer offered to patients, written prayers and a mini prayer shawl lovingly made by our knitting group. Many bags have been provided to members, and they have expressed how these bags have made them feel especially cared for. We also completed a full revision of the Deacon Operations Manual during A huge thank you is appropriate for each member of the Board of Deacons who has heard God's call and responded with love and a caring heart - Sallie Dorer, Joyce Hamburg, Lee Anne Hemberg, Diane Joppie, Lucille McLeod, Nancy Schaefer, Bill Travis and Patty Van Loo. These deacons are exceptionally dedicated and most generous with their time Annual Report 8 January 26, 2017

10 We are extremely thankful to staff member Sherrill Heinrichs, who provided her loving guidance and direction during the year. We are truly blessed by Sherrill as she consistently demonstrates much compassion for all congregation members. Prayerfully submitted, Nancy Best, Moderator ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE The committee offered several enrichment programs this year. After a slow start to the year, we hosted the Sunday Coffee Hour in April. May brought a tour and workshop at Pewabic Pottery in Detroit. August included two events, the first, touring the Cranbrook Art Museum, attending 3 separate exhibitions. Later in August, we welcomed Dr. Jonathan Bruner, a mobility medicine physician who educated us about our spines and body cores and how to strengthen them. Our last program for the year was in mid October when we visited St. John Armenian Church. We toured the extraordinary church, the Manoogian Museum and enjoyed a luncheon prepared especially for us. Thank you to the congregation for supporting our programs. Scheduling is always a struggle, trying to find the right day, time, best weather conditions and working around vacation and sports conflicts. We encourage new ideas for programs from the congregation. Other programs under the Adult Education Committee include Pastor Marjorie's Bible studies, Knit Wits and Men's Connection. In the fall, Dan Gross spoke about financial preparation for college. Kathy Brooks and Becky Bachand have been an enormous help and support to me, and I thank them very much for making my job easier and enjoyable. The Adult Education Committee consists of 6 members. Current members include Co Abbat, Mary Hendrien, Linda Hermes, Liz Hurbis, Paulette Lein and Seglinda Kelle-Pritchard. Pastor Marjorie Wilhelmi is the staff liaison. This year, we welcomed Paulette Lein to our committee. Sadly, we said goodbye to our beloved and faithful member, Dorathy Ketai. Our small committee has had a significant amount of serious health issues and a change of the chairmanship this year. Because of this some of our projects had to be canceled or delayed. We are looking forward to a more healthful year and have some wonderful adventures in the planning stage. Thank you to my committee, each and every one of you. I am so grateful to work with you. Your input is always very helpful and wise. I look forward to our future together. Respectfully submitted, Liz Hurbis, Chair BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE Thank you for the opportunity to serve this community of believers as we continue to reach out to the greater Detroit area. Building & Grounds committee members will tell you there is never a dull moment keeping our 48 year old building and grounds running. This past year was no exception. First, I want to thank Lynn and Larry, our two custodians, and Pierce, our Sunday setup guy. A special thanks to our committee members who help to keep the bricks and mortar together on our church home. The committee crew includes Michael Campion, Jim Hothem, Brian Long, Dave Vander Weide and Jeff Wilhelmi Annual Report 9 January 26, 2017

11 2016 Project Highlights New Membrane Roof with 20 year warranty, additional insulation to reduce our heating bill Storm Sewer Drainage repair at center entrance Landscaping that included removal of three dying trees, major shrub removal at the Manse & Parish House and trimming of all major ornamental trees Parking lot lights repaired HVAC repairs Manse repairs include: replace hot water heater, siding and gutter repairs, carpet clearing, proper grading & drainage around southwest corner. Cleaning of the women s and men s bathroom floors and walls. Sanctuary projector lights changed Updating office lighting with energy saving LED bulbs Updating parking lot lighting with energy saving LED bulbs Refinement and proper documentation of our insurance policies Driver training for the new church van Creating a working relationship with ALERT DRIVING SCHOOL, INC Gardens and grounds kept tidy with Spring & Fall Clean-up Days Thank you to the North family and their financial donation that is earmarked for maintaining the building and grounds. As always, I m thankful to those who have gone before me to make my job easier. Respectfully submitted, Michael Bauhof, Chair CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COMMITTEE Our focus was to serve the children of our congregation, while hopefully offering programs that our children would like to invite friends to as well. We decided to focus on 4 yearly events that we can make annual occurrences and hopefully expand. We also realized that the mid and senior high youth were attending these events, either as helpers or participants. We saw that they enjoyed the programs, had fun with the children, and felt good about their service to the church. We would like to expand our working more directly alongside these youth, and work directly with Ken Stetson to ensure that we are understanding the needs of all of our youth together. 4 Yearly Events: Palm Sunday Brunch: On March 20 directly following service, we served a fun brunch to the whole congregation while the children were able to participate in an egg hunt with their families. Great fun was had by all. We received much positive feedback about the event from all ages. Movie Night: On July 22, we watched Kung Fu Panda 3 outside on the playground. We rented an inflatable movie screen, had games beforehand and enjoyed snacks during the movie. This event was enjoyed by all youth (prek-12 th grade) of the church and their families as well as families from the preschool. Sunday Funday: On September 18, we held our 2 nd annual Sunday Funday. The event had many games, inflatables, snacks, lunch, live music by Dan Gross and Steve Taylor and even Dan Dan the Choo Choo Man! We thank all of the church and community members who made this event possible! We 2016 Annual Report 10 January 26, 2017

12 also included a fundraising portion to benefit a charity in our community. This year, we raised funds to benefit Ryan Rocks Outdoor Adventures (RROA), a nonprofit that provides children with a Pediatric Cancer diagnosis and their immediate families an awesome outdoor adventure. RROA looks to provide these children with a memory that will last a lifetime. The congregation was again so generous in their donation of items for the raffles as well as with their raffle purchases and direct donations to RROA. The Millers were very touched by the kindness of their church family. ADVENTure: On December 10 th, we held an advent program. We offered this as a chance for parents to holiday shop or spend parent time together while their children attended for a nominal $10 fee. Twenty children attended with the vast majority being Northbrook preschool students. We definitely met our goal of offering a service to parents, providing an advent craft and story time to the children, and attracting parents and children to the church while offering exposure to our church s programs. We made some equipment purchases this year for the nursery including a TV, a BluRay player and a mounting kit for safety so that they little ones do not pull the TV cart over on top of themselves. These items can also be used by other children s programs such as LOGOS, KIDS Connection and even the Mid and Senior Highs. We continue to be pleased with Growing in Grace and Gratitude, our curriculum program for KIDS Connection. A big thanks goes out to my fellow teachers, Kristen Millerand Margaret Babb, for teaching the children on Sunday mornings. In addition, I want to extend thanks and appreciation for all the members of the committee including Terri Hurbis, Kristen Miller, Lori Sandercock, Margaret Babb and Karen VanderWeide. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Sowle, Chair CONGREGATIONAL LIFE COMMITTEE Members of the Congregational Life Committee (CLC) are tasked with helping to make Northbrook a welcoming congregation. To that end, we organized weekly coffee hours September through June, offered bimonthly soup suppers for seniors and organized 13 memorial luncheons. We have also continued to extend a welcome to outside groups who wish to rent our facilities. This year, the First Church of Christ, Scientist have rented a portion of our church Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings on a long-term basis. In addition, we have continued renting our building to the Detroit Area Modern Quilt Guild, Kensington s Bible study, Ambrosia Catering, the I AM spiritual formation group and Mend on the Move. Two subcommittees come under the umbrella of CLC. The Northbrook Garage Sale Committee sponsored a successful sale this year while providing fellowship and fun for a large number of members. Presbyterian Women of Northbrook once again sponsored book club, Women s Fun Group, our Favorite Things Party and a trip to a Detroit Tiger game. Fun events brought to you by CLC have included a chicken pot pie luncheon at the annual meeting, the mission trip talent show fundraiser, pie day and cupcake day during coffee hour, graduate recognition Sunday, Mother s Day and Father s Day celebrations, support for 90 th birthdays, decking the halls and Cookies and Carols. None of this could have taken place without the dedication and love of our committee members who include Kim Bowden-Adair, Roberta Campion, Doug Joppie, Sue Koss, Connie McGuineas, Judie and Bruce Murdock, Phil Owen, Mary Beth Parks, Barbara Stetson and staff person Sherrill Heinrichs. In addition, Michael 2016 Annual Report 11 January 26, 2017

13 Campion, Joyce Hamburg, Connie Jordan, Lois Kurta, Iva Voight and Donna Young stepped in often to help with memorials. Sincere thanks to each one. Respectfully submitted, Judy Owen, Chair MISSION CONNECTION COMMITTEE For 2016, Northbrook s mission life was full of opportunities for the congregation to attempt to Live the Love of Jesus Christ while serving others. A variety of activities and events enabled us to make a positive difference in the world, whether in the greater Metro Detroit area, in other areas of the country or in places far around the world. Here is our mission year in review: On-Going Activities: Food Preparation and support duties for Fort Street s Soup Kitchen and other provided services on 5 th Thursdays; regular donations and deliveries to the Fort Street Clothing Closet We continued our support of the Sundberg Family as they served as PCUSA Missionary Co-workers in Nicaragua. We sent holiday and celebration cards from the congregation to the family. Justin, Renée, Autumn, Jack, Cassie, and Ethan have expressed how much it means to them to get our cards and notes; we were even able to witness the children s joy in a video showing them opening our Halloween cards. Northbrook continues to remain involved with The Grow Ileho Project in Kenya. Our support has enabled the community to renovate their pig pen by adding concrete walls and to continue their raising of multiple cows and pigs. Our ongoing Empty Bowls Collection of loose change helps us provide additional contributions to groups we regularly support through our budget and/or donations to organizations that have a critical need, but aren t supported through our budget. Activities throughout 2016: February: A group of volunteers lent support to the residents of the Flint area affected by the water crisis by working at the Southeast Michigan Foodbank. February/March/April: Bag Preparation for Annual Mail Carriers Gleaners Food Bank Drive March: One World Sunday celebration featuring residents and the Executive Director of Freedom House as well as an international potluck with family heritage dishes April: Congregational hosting of S.O.S. (South Oakland Shelter) guests for a week. Also, a large group of volunteers participated in Rebuilding Together s Annual National Rebuilding Day by working on a home in Southfield June-Sept.: As Garden Gatherers, members contributed fresh produce for donation to The Baldwin Center June: We had a special summer treat in June when the Sundberg family visited Northbrook as part of their summer travels while back in the States. It was a joy to finally meet and connect with them in person, and everyone who was able to hear Reneé preach on June 19 received a sermon bonus! While the Garage Sale is an event supported by many committees and congregational members, it partially serves a mission purpose. Also, 10% of the net receipts, as a church tithing, are given to mission efforts. This year s amount was given to S.O.S. for the purpose of purchasing some new mattresses for their rotating shelter program. June/July: Collection of general household supplies and cooking staples for Freedom House July: Christmas in July new clothing/gifts collection for The Baldwin Center for their 2016 December Holiday Store. We also had a tour of Oakland Family Services tour and dinner at Donna and Walt Young s home Annual Report 12 January 26, 2017

14 October: Pantry food collection (260 lbs.) for Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford as Northbrook s participation with Bread for the World Sunday December: 10 th Annual Alternative Gift Market ($4400+ in sales/donations on first market day) and additional mini-markets were held throughout the year. Annual Angel Tree to share with families of Oakland Family Services, those served by Fort Street Presbyterian Church s Clothing Closet and the future residents of A Place of Refuge in Southfield (after renovations are completed) Northbrook Presbyterian Church is a generous congregation. Northbrook helps to live the Love of Jesus Christ by supporting nearly 50 non-profit organizations including groups represented through the Alternative Gift Market, organizations we give to through budgeted mission funds and organizations we serve with special collections, donations and/or hands-on work,. If one considers the Presbyterian entities at the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels that serve many more, then we realize our support spreads to even more corners of the world. Financial generosity is necessary to the work we do, but it also takes many hours of hands-on mission ministry to serve as we are called by Christ. In addition to those who make donations, many dozens of Northbrook members have contributed their time to the initiatives listed above. Many thanks goes out to the Northbrook family for your continued support and partnership. Thank you to committee members: Bryan Adair, Sue Boese, Grant Burnham, Tricia LaSota, Seglinda Kelle- Pritchard, Carl von Ende, Donna Young and Marjorie Wilhelmi (staff liaison). In shared faith, Winnie Davies-Hancock, Chair NOMINATING COMMITTEE The 2016 Nominating Committee consisted of Paulette Lein, Sue Koss, Frank LaSota, Lee Ann Hemberg, Amy Annett, and Nancy Best. We met, along with staff members Marjorie Wilhelmi and Sherrill Heinrichs, to nominate members to the office of Elder and Deacon and to serve on the Nominating Committee. The following nominees were presented and elected at Northbrook s Congregational Meeting on November 6, 2016: Elder Class of 2019: Amy Annett, Bill Jordan, Sue Koss Deacon Class of 2019: Allison Broadwell, Linda Hermes, Brian Long Nominating Class of 2018: Grant Burnham and Terri Hurbis Thank you to the members of the Nominating Committee for their service. Respectfully submitted, Paulette Lein, Chair PERSONNEL COMMITTEE The only staffing changes that we made this year were in the custodial area. We welcomed back Larry Brown to share weekday custodial duties with Lynn Stephenson. Larry had been subbing for Lynn and was looking for additional work at the same time that Lynn wanted to work fewer hours so this has been a great solution for both of them. We also added Sue Jacques to clean the preschool rooms each afternoon. Pierce Broadwell 2016 Annual Report 13 January 26, 2017

15 continues as our Sunday custodian. Other than this, the Personnel Committee mainly addressed the standard staff review process and other administrative tasks. We continue to be blessed by a dedicated and hard working staff at Northbrook led by our Pastor, Marjorie Wilhelmi, Sherrill Heinrichs Coordinator of Congregational Care, Becky Bachand Administrative Secretary, Kathy Brooks - Financial Secretary Angel Gippert Director of Music, Dan Gross Director of Contemporary Music along with Pete Zajicek; Ken Stetson Youth Director, Kerry Callaghan Pre-School Director, and Lynn Stephenson, Larry Brown, Pierce Broadwell and Sue Jacques - and our custodial staff. They all work hard to ensure continuity in our programs, our worship and the overall operations within the church. I want to thank the very caring and dedicated members of the Personnel Committee: Kathy Bauhof, Frank LaSota, Paulette Lein and Marjorie Wilhelmi. Respectfully submitted, Bill Jordan, Chair PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH CONNECTION TEAM (P.Y.C.T.) What a great year 2016 was for the Northbrook youth! We continued to connect and foster life-changing ministry and support, fostering a strong and committed community of youth, adult advisors and parents. In 2016, our programming included retreats, LOGOS, Sunday youth group, 1Friday, mission activities, Mission Trip, Summer Camp and lock-ins. PYCT took a new approach this year fostering more inclusiveness with the youth by enlisting their input in the planning process for activities and programs. This was facilitated by our Youth Director Ken Stetson, and youth advisors Karen Vander Weide, Joyce Vander Weide and Dave Tengler. The winter retreat included a group of 24 youth and adults that traveled to SpringHill for a weekend of contemporary worship and winter fun. For the fall retreat, a group of 20 youth and adults traveled to Camp Mahn-Go for some much appreciated time away with God and one another. We continue to look forward to these awesome weekends for discussion, worship, group building and fun. Over this past summer, we again continued two of our strongest and most life-changing ministries in our Senior High Mission Trip and Northbrook Summer Camp. For Mission Trip, 19 high school students and adult advisors spent a week in Princeton, Illinois performing home repairs, painting and building porches and wheelchair ramps for those in need. This experience continues to change lives not only for the residents we help, but also the amazing youth and adults that come on the trip. Northbrook Summer Camp enjoyed its 33rd summer of faith, fun and community for children and adults of all ages. This past summer was spent at Loon Lake Lutheran Retreat Center in Hale, MI, the site of our summer camp for many years. We also began the transition process to a new camp site for 2017 at Camp Timbers in West Branch, MI. We look forward to continuing this long-standing tradition and the new possibilities Camp Timbers brings. Thank you to everyone who contributes to our youth programs with their time, financial donations and support. Without the members at Northbrook, we would not be able to continue our impactful youth programs for the surrounding community. We expect 2017 to be another great year, and we can t wait for the new stories and adventures that await! God Bless, Kenny Stetson, Youth Director 2016 Annual Report 14 January 26, 2017

16 PRESCHOOL Northbrook Preschool currently has 17 four year olds that attend on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We have 13 of these students stay until 2:00 on these days. Of the 17 kids, we have 12 that attend on Tuesday and Thursday. We have 22, two and a half year olds and three year olds that attend on Tuesday and Thursday. Of the 22 that attend on TTH, we have 9 that are also attending on Wednesday in the Nursery. The numbers have increased this year. The popularity of allowing 2 ½ year olds to come to school and just by the parents spreading the word to their friends has increased our numbers. I have researched the costs of the other preschools in the area, and tuition will be increased for the year. We will be staying competitive with the other schools. This year, I am starting my third year as Director, and Tricia LaSota continues on as Assistant Director. We are both here five days a week. Barb Borich also continues to work 5 days a week. Nancy Murphy and Lori Sandercock came back for their second year. Due to our numbers being up, Kristen Weber has joined us 3 mornings a week. We feel confident that our program is maintaining its excellent reputation, and we feel that our numbers will remain up next year. We continue to promote our program and will be attending various preschool information nights at local libraries. We will also continue to walk in the Beverly Hills annual Memorial Parade. Our families who have their children attend our program are our biggest advocates. The success of our school is a direct result of the facilities, church support and staff. Kathy and Becky continue to be a wonderful help. We really appreciate all they do for us. We also appreciate the guidance that Marjorie has been giving us over the last few years. Larry and Lynn are always helpful with maintaining our classrooms and equipment. Sue has taken over the daily cleaning of the classrooms and has done a wonderful job. The Preschool and its staff continue to maintain our outstanding reputation in the community. We have many students and their siblings returning next year. We continue to promote our wonderful program, and we are very optimistic that our enrollment will increase next year. Sincerely, Kerry Callaghan, Preschool Director WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE 2016 has been a year of exploration! Early in the year, we invited members and formed a group to do the preparatory work necessary to apply for the Calvin Institute Vital Worship Grant, awarded to churches/institutions for worship exploration. The Calvin website provided great resources and outlined a process including Explore, Imagine & Discern, and Plan & Write before submitting, and we spent several months in wonderful discussions about what makes vital worship, where we see Northbrook and what our hopes are for the future. After many months of brainstorming and discernment, we determined that what Northbrook needed was bigger than what the Calvin grant provides. We deeply believe that our call is to bring the Gospel to people who aren t coming to worship on Sundays. This needs to be a completely alternative worship experience and countless ideas were discussed. We decided to experiment with the Worship Lab and provide alternative worship experiences. To date, we have planned and executed: Outdoor worship in the Valley on a Thursday evening in July, people brought blankets & lawn chairs to sing, converse and connect All You Can Eat in November, we packed food items for Lighthouse in Pontiac, shared a meal and discussion We will continue to plan Worship Lab experiences into 2017 and welcome anyone to join in the process of exploring alternative worship together Annual Report 15 January 26, 2017

17 While all this was going on, we are blessed to have a dedicated team providing our Sunday worship. Our choir, under the direction of Angel Gippert, sounds more amazing every week. Also, we are so lucky to have a variety of music with the help of Dan Gross, Pete Zajicek and periodically, Carl Gippert and Rob Olson. I would also like to thank our wonderful group of people who help us every week including Bill Travis for sanctuary door greeters, our ushers (organized faithfully by Barb and Bill Stetson), our deacons for Communion preparation and serving (along with the elders), our sound techs (Dave Vander Weide, Michael Bauhof and Laura Kerr), our audio-visual team (Bill Jordan, Bryan Adair, Jeff Wilhelmi and Bozenna Johnson), and the many others who have helped in so many ways to enhance our worship services throughout the year. Finally, a very deep heartfelt thanks to our pastor, Marjorie Wilhelmi, whose dedication, humor and spirit-filled heart lead us weekly to better know God. Respectfully submitted, Penny Willey, Chair 2016 Annual Report 16 January 26, 2017

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25 "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over... and our work is done. Then in your mercy... Grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Annual Report 24 January 26, 2017