ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Transcription

1 ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Ardmore, Pennsylvania ANNUAL REPORT 2015 February 21, 2016

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. I. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 II. TO THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT 3 III. AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, February 21, IV. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MODERATOR 5 V. DIRECTOR OF MUSIC REPORT 6 VI. DIRECTOR OF WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL REPORT 7 VII. DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT 11 VIII. PARISH ASSOCIATE, GRAHAM ROBINSON S REPORT 13 IX. NARRATIVE REPORTS (by Committees/Boards) A. CLERK OF SESSION REPORT 14 Annual Statistical Report 15 B. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION & CORPORATION January 4, C. BOARD OF DEACONS 18 D. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE 20 E. FELLOWSHIP & OUTREACH COMMITTEE 23 F. MISSION AWARENESS COMMITTEE 24 Mission Awareness Committee Disbursements 25 G. (Y)ARD FARMERS COMMITTEE 26 X. STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE COMMITTEE A. Report to the Congregation for B. Operating Financial Summary & Notes and Budget for C. ARDPRES 30 2

4 TO THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT 2015 Julia Elizabeth McConnell Park Wallace James McLean Jarvis Anne Armstrong Whitaker June Lamprechter Reid Ruth Elizabeth Jenkins John Andrew Shrader 3

5 AGENDA FOR CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, February 21, 2016 After Worship I. CONVENING OF THE MEETINGS AND OPENING PRAYER James Hodsden, Moderator II. III. THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING A. Appointment of Clerk Don Poorman, Clerk of Session B. Approval of Minutes from 2015 Congregation and Corporation Meetings C. Receiving the 2015 Annual Reports D. Financial Report for 2015 and Presentation of the Budget for 2016 Matt Taylor, Stewardship & Finance Committee E. Approval of the Pastor s Salary Don Poorman, Clerk of Session F. Approval of the 2016 Nominating Committee Harry Hannigan, Moderator of Nominating Committee CLOSING PRAYER AND BENEDICTION The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Ephesians 4:

6 Moderator s Report for 2015 At the beginning of 2015, I declared to the congregation that the Ardmore Presbyterian Church was at a crossroads. We are at a critical stage in our history. Changes in staffing, programming, and membership over the last few years were forcing many of us to reevaluate God s calling in this time and place. We entered the year with serious concerns. Our position of Director of Children and Youth Ministries was vacant. We no longer had an Associate Pastor position. We had an incredibly capable Interim Director for the preschool, but we longed for a more permanent solution. In some ways, the immediate crisis was alleviated by the hard work of existing staff and volunteers. Your Senior Pastor continued the work of the children and youth ministries in the interim with a lot of help. Sondra Dillon helped to make sure the Sunday School program had teachers in place. Anne Foote made sure that Wednesday PLUS continued to have strong programming. Lisa Wolverton was key to the success of the Youth Fellowship. We still had the Snow Retreat with Viola Terwiesch s help. We still had Vacation Bible School with Lisa Wolverton as Director. We had a great week with a Dr. Seuss themed curriculum. The session of APC made three decisions late in 2014 which will continue to have a far reaching impact on the congregation. First, the church decided to develop a strategic plan for the preschool. That effort was led by Kami Pulsifer, Beth Nierenberg, Elizabeth Rickenbach, and Laurel Yurchak. Together with Michelle Butera, they committed the preschool to expand offerings, strengthen curriculum, provide better communication, and develop a closer relationship with the church. At the end of that process, we hired Michelle Butera who was the Interim Director as our Permanent Director. Already, Michelle is making a big impact. There is great excitement among the parents, and for the first time, the preschool community participated in Advent Family Night in The second decision was to hire Walter Haenn as Business Manager. Until last year, many of the decisions regarding finances, the building, contractors, etc. were handled by the pastor, the church administrator and volunteers. In an effort to provide more consistent leadership and oversight, those duties are now under Walter. In 2015, we saw improvements in facilities including a new phone system and WiFi throughout the building. We also began to improve transparency and communication related to our finances. The third decision was to bring in Ministry Architects to help the congregation in reorganizing our Youth and Children s Ministry. At a meeting in January, 60% of our worshipping community came to share their concerns and dreams about ministries with our children. The results were amazing. Thanks to Gary Garletts and the music program, we have a strong ministry. However, the congregation wanted more for our children and youth. In Ministry Architect s report, they recommended a consistent vision and goals for the program and a full time Director of Children and Youth. Peggy Shaver and Sondra Dillon led an effort to make the Ministry Architects report become a reality. We accomplished one of the major goals with the hiring of Gerry Gaugler as our Director of Children and Youth in October Already, Gerry has worked hard to establish relationships and reenergize Youth Fellowship by moving it to Sunday nights. We are beginning to see fruit from our efforts in 2014 and However, we aren t done. There is much more to accomplish. I believe very firmly that our congregation has a calling from God. He is not done with us. All our ministries should be reevaluated in light of our greater mission to love God, to love one another, and to take that love to the greater world. I am incredibly grateful to the congregation and my staff. They make this ministry fun. I am also thankful for my wife and son who keep me grounded. SOLI DEO GLORIA, James Hodsden 5

7 APC Annual Report (2015) Director of Music Highlights of APC s Music Ministry during 2015 included: Spiritual Enrichment Retreat with violist David Wallace First ever two-church Children s and Youth Musical (see Youth Choir) Wednesday Lenten Vespers and Holy Week Services Easter Youth Service and Easter Festival Service with QuintEssentially Brass Biennial Adult Choral Festival with Overbrook Presbyterian and St. Paul s Lutheran Churches Vacation Bible School music led by Alex Kozak, Elizabeth Luff, and Hannah Albrecht First use of responses and hymns reprinted from the new (2013) Presbyterian Hymnal Reformation Sunday with piper Charlie Rután and annual three-choir anthem Annual Advent Family Night Program (first time including APC Preschool) First installment (Part I) of Handel s complete Messiah First combined Youth Choir-Young Adult Choir anthem (Christmas Eve) Christmas Eve Family Service and Lessons and Carols Service (3 rd year at earlier times) Chancel Choir (adults) provided ongoing, faithful leadership at weekly worship services (September-June). On April 26, they sang Haydn s Creation (Parts I and II) with Overbrook s and St. Paul s Choirs and orchestra. On December 20, they sang Part I of Handel s Messiah with string quartet, as part of the complete oratorio scheduled during There were no membership changes. I am very grateful for the work of section leaders Christine DeVault, Courtney Capriotti, Jim Longacre and Jeff DeVault. Handbell Choir (adults) played periodically, including Sunday worship services and Advent Family Night. They supported the Messiah project by playing two Messiah excerpts arranged for handbells. Youth Choir (grades 6-12) sang periodically in worship. Special activities included biennial children s and youth musical, Malice in the Palace [the longest ever, and first combined with Trinity Presbyterian (Arlington, VA), in lieu of the annual youth choir exchange]; annual three-choir anthem; Advent Family Night; and first ever anthem combined with Young Adult Choir. There were no membership changes. Youth Ringers (grades 6-12) is in its fourth year of activity. They rehearse for a several-week segment, then play in worship. During 2015, they played they played three times, including Advent Family Night. Children s Choir (grades 2-5) sang periodically in worship. Singers who memorized all eight hymns-of-themonth played mini-golf in May. Special events included biennial children s and youth musical (see Youth Choir); annual three-choir anthem; and Advent Family Night. In the spring, fifth-grader Annika Naveen graduated. Fall enrollment swelled to near 20 singers: Camryn McDonald, Ellie McGrory, Gage Morse, Tyler Pfister, Addison Pollard, and Elle Pulsifer rose from Cherubs; and Francesca Capriotti, Mia Falco, and Vivian Morse joined. Special thanks to Elaine Giese and Connie Hoelscher for their tireless assistance. Cherub Choir (grades pre-k-1) sang occasionally in worship, and at Advent Family Night. Carol Shih marks her sixth year of directing, assisted by Emily Aman, Twila Garletts, Anna Poorman, and Holly Vicki. Women s Chorus, Men s Chorus, and Young Adult Choir participated semi-annually in worship. On Christmas Eve, Young Adult and Youth Choirs combined for a memorable anthem, The Word Was God. Wednesday Vespers continued during Lent. Assisting were singers John Banionis, Courtney Capriotti, Alex Kozak, Carol Shih, and Jess Yothers; and instrumentalists Catie Castelli, Elizabeth Mendoza, and Yen Shih. Facilities and Instruments: In the fall, I began updating the current Chancel Choir anthem database, and created a new Solo/Quartet database. Sincere thanks to John Abrams and Gren Foote for their help. Respectfully submitted, Gary P. Garletts 6

8 Ardmore Presbyterian Weekday Preschool (APWPS) Annual Report 2015 The weekday Preschool is in its 67 th year and continues its emphasis on Christian love woven into a traditional preschool curriculum. Unique to our program are the creation story, the boyhood of Jesus, and life in biblical times with additional emphasis on Christian holy days and Christian values. Social, emotional, physical growth and cognitive development are fostered in a loving environment allowing for individual differences. Children s positive self image is encouraged as they learn by experiencing, questioning, examining, and exploring in play and structured activities. STAFF Director Michelle Butera, Administrator Pearlie Diesinger Preschool Staff all of whom are creative, loving, dedicated, energetic and loving teachers. They are extremely qualified and devoted to our school. Transitional 5 day class Denise Peters 11 students (one for only a half year) 4 year old, 5 day Suzanne Scovill 10 students Aide for the 5 day classes Laura Rossio (3 days) 3 year olds 3 days Carolyn Mager and Rachel Hickey 9 students 3 year olds 3 days Leigh Lignowski and Shannon Smith 12 students 2 year old 2 days Danka Rauer and Laura Rossio and Leigh Lignowski 16 students Enrollment to date 58 students. Total enrollment if full would be 60 students. *Note: I have combined the two year old class with the Mother s Day Out class because the numbers at the end of August were low (approximately 8 children). Two weeks later we were able to double the enrollment. I am marketing this program as a two day two year old class with three teachers. This is working very well for both the school and families. 7

9 ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF Music Michelle Bridge comes weekly to sing and teach 3 day and 5 day children. She is the guiding force behind our presentations by the children at Thanksgiving and Spring/Easter programs. She also prepares the students for Family Advent Night. Jim Moore, our custodian, has musical talents which he shares with APWPS both for the Thanksgiving Program as well as at our Book It Pizza Party to celebrate reading in our school. Creative Movement Classes Elizabeth Luff works with 2, 3 and 5 day children periodically throughout the year. Art Classes Suzanne Scovill teaches creative art activities to 5 day children after school hours on Fridays until 1:30 p.m. for two 8 week sessions. One in the fall and one in the winter. Science Class Denise Peters teaches one 6 week session after school on Tuesdays until 1:30 p.m. This was offered in the fall. Little Bakers Workshop A baking enrichment class offered for 6 weeks prior to the Christmas Break. It was very successful. Led by Danka Rauer and Leigh Lignowski. These teachers brought their cooking talents and their special family recipes to share with the children. Soccer Shots A soccer program offered from an outside vendor for 8 weeks both in the fall and spring. Librarian Connie Hoelscher generously continues to catalogue, organize and shelve books. This year she has also been gracious enough to go through all the books and weed out the ones that are in disrepair. Outside support for special needs children 2 aides and 2 children. Please note: Elizabeth and Connie are APC members and volunteer their time for the betterment of our Preschool. We are so grateful for their time and talents. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Community Helpers: James Hodsden, Pastor; Gary Garletts, Music Director; Fireman, Merion Fire Company; Nurse, Beth Nierenberg; Dentist, Horowitz Dondici Chermol s office; Police Officer, Lower Merion Police Department; and Veteranarian, Dr. Suzanne Donohue. Field Trips: Sugartown Strawberry Pumpkin Farm for 3 and 5 day children, Lower Merion Conservancy s Rolling Hill Park in Gladwyne for 3 and 5 day students. 8

10 Special Programs: World Day of Prayer, Book It Reading and Pizza Program, Whale Watch Programs (3 and 5 day children), Stars on the Move Planetarium (5 day children). Special Events: Pumpkin Patch on our Playground for 2 day children and parents; Halloween Parades; All School Gingerbread Bake; Thanksgiving Program; Christmas Nativity Play (5 day); Parents and Children Christmas Carol Sing, Spring/Easter Program, Classroom closing activities/picnics. Planting and harvesting tomatoes/peppers in the James Young Garden. Book Fair: Us Borne Books and More. This event will run every other year and will be offered before and after the Thanksgiving Program in Fellowship Hall. We raised over $ in books and materials for the preschool. Mini Camp: Following the close of school for three weeks. Denise Peters and Suzanne Scovill, Danka Rauer and Michelle Bridge create a fun filled three weeks for the children. Mission Outreach: Canned and dry goods at Thanksgiving for the APC Food Cupboard. Christmas gifts for needy families through the Rosemont Children s Village (The Village), coordinated by Kara Jolley and Jacqueline Bharuka. Parent Support: Parent Teacher Conferences with written narrative of child s progress; Parents Nights November 9 th and 10 th ; School Photographs (new photographer) October 5 th and 6 th ; January 13 th vision screening; February 10 th Speech and hearing screening; Parent Handbook; Pictorial calendar; Eddie Kaier Scholarship. Parents Group Activities: A group of enthusiastic parents who plan and provide programs, activities and fund raisers to benefit the children, parents and preschool Chairs: Kami Pulsifer and Beth Mascio Events include but are not limited to: Greeting the parents and children at student orientation; Bulb Planting; Meet the Teachers; Back to School Night Refreshments; Planning Family Fun Day (our only fundraiser as of 2014); All School Appreciation Picnic; Refreshments for town hall meetings Chairs: Jennifer Telesca, Alesha Brophy, and Karen Tolbert Labels for Education: Run by parent Karen Tolbert. The Preschool receives points towards the purchase of educational materials. 9

11 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Delaware County Early Childhood Education Association (DCECA) Conference in February. Members of DCECA Summit Professional Education: Alternative and Innovative Interventions for Autism. Carolyn Mager will summarize and share her experience at a staff meeting. This will give all of our staff additional tools to help with the autistic children we have in our school as well as future autistic students. The first full year as director the following changes have been successfully implemented: 1. Improved and updated Website which includes the Google calendar. 2. Monthly newsletter is entirely electronic. Saving approximately 2500 piece of paper per year. 3. New marketing methods including follow up for each visitor and monthly newsletter sent to all prospective families. This is working well. 4. Family Advent Night featured the preschool. Approximately 84 people in total from the preschool attended. Very successful. 5. Additional Enrichment classes, including The Little Baker workshop. 6. Three weeks of camp will be offered at the end of the school year to match up with the LMSD Calendar. As Interim Director, I am blessed to be part of such an important Ministry at APC. I am even more blessed to be working with such an amazing group of women. These devoted teachers share their amazing gifts with our children every day. Their dedication and enthusiasm to develop our preschoolers spiritually, academically and socially while maintaining our nurturing culture fills my heart with pride. Respectfully Submitted, Michelle W. Butera, Director 10

12 Children and Youth Ministry 2015 Annual Report Calendar of Events January: 4 th Church Wide meetings children s parents and youth focus groups 5 th Children and Youth Ministries Report 7 th, 14 th, 21 st and 28 th Wednesday PLUS/Youth Group 9 th Family Movie Night 31 st 1 st SER February: 4 th, 11 th, 25 th Wednesday PLUS/Youth Group 15 th 16 th Winter Retreat March: 4 th, 11 th, 18 th, 25 th Wednesday PLUS/Youth Group 9 th 18 th Holderness at APC 25 th Children and Youth Planning Meeting April: 8 th, 15 th, 22 nd, 29 th Wednesday PLUS/Youth Group 4 th Easter Egg Hunt 12 th Biennial Youth Musical May: 6 th Wednesday PLUS/Youth Group 12 th & 13 th Children and Youth Task Force 15 th 16 th Confirmation Class Retreat June: 10 th Search Committee 17 th Children and Youth Director Search Committee and VBS meeting 22 nd 26 th VBS July: 7 th Henderson September: 9 th Sunday School Teacher Training 13 th Homecoming 16 th, 23 rd, 30 th Wednesday PLUS/Youth Group 11

13 October: 18th we had a Youth event at Get Air in King of Prussia. We had 15 youth attend the event. 25th we hosted a Family movie night at the Parish House for the younger children. We showed the movie, Home. We had 12 kids attend. November: Youth group moved to Sunday nights on November 1 st. We have been averaging almost 10 youth each week since the change and even better we have enough high schooler s attending to have a separate group for them for at least part of the night. I hosted 2 town hall meetings, 11/18 for the adults and 11/22 for the youth. My goal was to talk about their hopes and dreams for the children and youth programing at APC. There was a smaller than expected turn out at the 11/18 meeting but a good discussion ensued. I decided to cancel youth group on 11/29 due to the holiday weekend to give youth time to spend with their families. December: Advent Family Night was on December 6 th and we included the preschool for the first time in APC history. It was a resounding success. We had approximately 139 register and about 120 attend. The event was changed a bit to accommodate the increased numbers. This event has the potential to grow is an excellent opportunity to outreach some of the preschool families who do not have an affiliation with the church other than the preschool. It is also a great way to showcase our music program and our children s programing. Wednesday PLUS Christmas party is on 12/9 then they will break until January 6 th. Youth Group Christmas Party is on 12/13 at the Pfister s House. I plan to continue meeting with this group through the holiday season as I don t want to lose momentum by breaking for 3 weeks. The format of the groups might be a bit different but I want to continue to offer opportunities for them to connect to each other and the church. I am planning an informal movie excursion to go see Star Wars at Reel Cinema in Narberth on 12/18. Show times are yet to be announced. Respectively Submitted, Gerry Gaugler Director of Children and Youth Ministries 12

14 Parish Associate, Graham S. Robinson s Annual Report 2015 Thank you again for providing a supportive, Christian home for the Pre Med Hospice Program. The Pre Med Hospice Program of Ardmore Presbyterian Church grew in a number of ways in We expanded our learning cohorts from Eastern University, Haverford College, Bryn Mawr College, Swarthmore College, and Princeton University to include students at the following schools: Villanova University, Ursinus, and the University of Pittsburgh. Applications grew from 79 in 2014 to 175 in We added three more exceptional chaplains to provide spiritual care and guidance for the undergraduate students. And we partnered with three additional Hospice providers. While the scope of the program has increased, this student ministry of compassion and the support of these students remain at the center of our mission. Ardmore Presbyterian continues to offer an encouraging environment for these students to learn and grow. I am also grateful for my work with the Grief Care and Support Group that meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Blue Room. The group studied the books Don t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart, The Wounded Healer and Experiencing Grief in I continue to be amazed at the depth of conversation and the collective wisdom. Our meeting continues as an open community for anyone who has suffered loss or is interested in caring for those who grieve. And of course I enjoy the opportunity to participate in worship and the collegiality of APC s staff. Working in your midst is a joy and a privilege. Gratefully Yours in Christ, Pastor Graham S. Robinson 13

15 Session Clerk s Annual Report for 2015 The work and worship of Ardmore Presbyterian Church continued in 2015, as the Session continued to focus on the goals of growing in faith, building community, and witnessing in word and deed. The year included changes in the church staff. Michelle Butera, a highly experienced Preschool teacher, was hired by the Session to serve as Interim Director and later as Permanent Director of the Preschool. After over a year of intensive examination of the Christian education program, the Session hired Gerry Gaugler as Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Walter Haenn was hired as Business and Building Manager, and later assumed the role of Financial Secretary after illness made it impossible for Don Tokash to continue his service. Senior Pastor James Hodsden completed his seventh year of service. Music Director Gary Garletts completed sixteen years of service. During 2015, the church gained ten new members, including six confirmands, and lost four to death. There were two infant baptisms. The membership count as of December 31, 2015 was 361. The Session met seventeen times during the year, including ten regular meetings and seven special meetings. Bruce Kozak and Mary Van Leeuwen completed six years of service as elders and, being ineligible for re election, rotated off the Session. Laura Goetsch and Walter Haenn resigned from the Session. The Session welcomes new and returning elders John DiNome, Jill Fowler, Cathy Stewart, Keith Telesca, and Jeff Vicki to the board for Under amended and restated Bylaws adopted by the congregation in 2012, the Session reduced its numbers from fifteen ruling elders in 2012 to twelve in A full reading of this year s reports will show that the hands on work of this congregation is done through the standing committees of the Session. I encourage all members especially newer members to read this Annual Report with a view to discovering ways that your time and talent can be applied to this church s ministry and mission. Robert J. Hoelscher, Clerk of Session THE SESSION 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 John DiNome Walter Haenn Carol Fritz Laura Goetsch Harry Hannigan Gary Lovett Bruce Kozak Bob Hoelscher Peggy Shaver Mary Van Leeuwen Susan Michaelson Bill Toal 14

16 MEMORANDUM TO: The Session FROM: Robert J. Hoelscher DATE: February 2, 2016 RE: Annual Statistical Report The Session is requested to approve the Annual Statistical Report for 2015, which is as follows: THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARDMORE, PA SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT FOR Active Members as of December 31, GAINS for 2015 a. Profession of Faith, Reaffirmation, Restoration (17 years and under) 6 b. Profession of Faith, Reaffirmation, Restoration (18 and over) 2 c. Certificate 2 d. All Other Gains 0 e. TOTAL GAINS Subtotal LOSSES for 2015 a. Certificate 2 b. Death 4 c. All Other Losses 5 d. TOTAL LOSSES TOTAL ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP December 31, Female Members Inactive Members 0 8. Baptized Members Affiliate Members Total Adherents Age Distribution of Active Members: 15

17 25 and under Over Average Attendance at Sunday Worship Christian Education Enrollment by Age Group: Birth 3 20 Age Kindergarten 3 1 st Grade. 3 2 nd Grade. 3 3 rd Grade. 6 4 th Grade. 5 5 th Grade th Grade. 3 7 th Grade. 3 8 th Grade th Grade th Grade th Grade th Grade. 3 Young Adults. 2 Over Teachers & Officers. 29 TOTAL Christian Education Enrollment Baptisms: Children: 3 Adult: Active Officers: Elders Men: 8 Women: 4 Total: 12 Deacons Men: 2 Women: 9 Total: Are the trustees members of the Session? Yes 17. Additional Information: Marriages: Member 1, Non-Member 1. Bob Hoelscher 16

18 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARDMORE, PA Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Congregation Sunday, January 4, 2015 A Special Meeting of the Congregation The First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore, Pennsylvania was held on Sunday, January 4, 2015 in the Sanctuary during the worship service, following due notice. The Moderator, The Reverend James M Hodsden, having determined that a quorum was present, constituted the meeting with prayer at 10:41 a.m. It was moved, seconded and passed that Robert J. Hoelscher be appointed Clerk of the meeting. Rev. Hodsden nominated Mary Schreiber to serve as a Deacon in the Class of There being no nominations from the floor, by motion duly made, seconded, and passed, Mary Schreiber was elected. There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was moved, seconded and passed that the meeting adjourn. The Moderator closed the meeting with prayer at 10:42 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Attest: Robert J. Hoelscher Clerk of Session James M. Hodsden Moderator 17

19 Ardmore Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons Annual Report 2015 Our Mission as Deacons: It is our duty as deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in need both within and beyond the community of faith. Members of the APC Board of Deacons for 2015 were: Kate Brooks, Connie Hoelscher, Elizabeth Luff, Anna Poorman, Joanne Poorman, Ruth Rowe, Mary Schreiber, Kossi Sedzro, Alicia Templeton, Anne Warner, John Abrams, with APC Staff support from the Reverend James Hodsden. The Ardmore Presbyterian Church (APC) Board of Deacon ministries, with their leader in parentheses, include: APC Food Pantry (Anne); Hospitality (Ruth); Emergency Meals (Mary); Visitation to home bound members (Joanne); contact and communication with members through These Days mailings and our church Hugs List (Joanne); oversight of the Eddie Kaier Pre Kindergarten Fund (All); Welcoming (All) visiting choirs or Mission partners; Community Outreach (All); Snacks for College Kids (Kate); ensuring fully stocked First Aid Kits (John) are present in all areas of the Church and transportation assistance (John). Kate Brooks leads and has led for quite some time the Snacks for College Students program which this year took the place of the previous Cookies for College Students initiative. In addition to Kate, deacons Connie Hoelscher, Anne Warner and Joanne Poorman played an important role in the Program. The Program was expanded in 2015 to include the Reverend Graham Robinson s Hospice Care students and now reaches over 30 college students twice a year. Deacon Alicia Templeton continued to attend and contribute to the Finance Committee. Additionally the deacons also regularly attend meetings of the various APC Committees to ensure that we have a good understanding of their work and how we can help. During the year the deacons were delighted to continue a collaboration with the Food Bank at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clifton Heights with a tithe from our Food Pantry fund. Trinity has seen a marked increase in the use of their food assistance program during the year and their Pastor the Reverend Sara Hodsden and members are very thankful for the assistance provided by APC and its deacons. The Church plans to continue this collaboration with Trinity in the future. Other highpoints of 2015 for the deacons included the Emergency Meals Program led by deacon Mary Schreiber; weekly fellowship through Lemonade on the Lawn, our after Worship Fellowship time led once again by deacon Ruth Rowe; community outreach in the form of participation in the Matthew 25:35 Heavenly Harvest Program, a Presbytery funded collaborative among Ardmore, Overbrook, and Calvin Presbyterian churches held every Thursday; preparing and serving a meal, in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee, welcoming our new Director of Children and Youth Ministries Gerry Gaugler and his wife Lisa; and being part of Ardmore s National Night Out where information on APC and its programs 18

20 was distributed. The National Night Out program, led by deacon Kate Brooks, was expanded this year to include APC s presence inside the main Suburban Square parking lot across from the church. Here on a very warm summer night the attendees were given free water and engaged in conversation by deacons Kate Brooks, Mary Schreiber, Anna Poorman and Kossi Sedzro with assistance from Molly Rowe and the Reverend James Hodsden. Over 100 bottles of water were distributed while the attendees learned of our Church and its ministries. What a fantastic night spent in the community! 2015 also found the deacons participating consistently in church wide programs such as Sunday Prayer Group meetings, the Spiritual Enrichment Retreat, Shine Up Saturdays, the CROP Walk, Vacation Bible School and ending the year, with the help of Gary Garletts and deacon Anna Poorman, by singing Christmas Carols at Rosemont Presbyterian Village and the Quadrangle. Deacons Connie Hoelscher, Anna Poorman, Elizabeth Luff, and John Abrams also contributed in Lord s Day Worship by helping serve Communion, participating as Liturgists, leading a Children s Moment and honoring, in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee, our graduating high school seniors. There was also a deacon presence at the fall Service Day at West Kensington Ministry in Philadelphia. Deacon ministries greatly benefited from the involvement of numerous members of the Congregation who shared in the work during the year. The participation of APC members is crucial to the successful completion of deacon programs and makes those individuals, the deacon ministries, as well as the Church, vibrant and stronger. Matthew 25:40 summarizes this sentiment, And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Serving the congregation and community was always foremost in the minds of your APC deacons and without hesitation they donated their time, talent, and treasury throughout the entire year. We look forward to serving you and the community in the future! 19

21 Christain Education Committee Annual Report 2015 Mission Statement Our Mission: By the grace of God the Christian Education committee strives to equip members of Ardmore Presbyterian Church as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ by providing excellent educational opportunities for all. Affirming the central role of Scriptures, we encourage the strengthening of our faith, our growing together as a community of believers, and our bearing witness to the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. Committee members throughout the year: Cathie Calkins, Pat Corl, Dan Del Duca, Anne Foote, Bruce Kozak, Anna Poorman, Kathy Toal. Staff: Gerry Gaugler and James Hodsden. Over the past year, the Committee has contributed to the following: The Spiritual Enrichment Retreat, created in 2008 by a bequest from a church member was held for the seventh time, January 31 February 1. This year s theme, Recovering Our Creative Calling, brought us to an expanded awareness of God s grace in our lives. Guest presenter, Andy Crouch led the sessions. His book on this theme won Christianity Today s 2009 Book Award for Christianity and Culture. David Wallace returned to lead the music program. This year we changed the format a bit, eliminating the Friday night session in favor of a Saturday morning start. Feedback from attendees asked for more discussion time so we are working to make that change for A bonus feature this year was an Art Show coordinated by Anne Foote and featuring member created art. Blueprint for Children and Youth Ministries, 2015 brought a major initiative in Children and Youth Education at APC. Early in the year we retained Ministry Architects, a consulting group to help us in building a sustainable program for our children and youth. Their representative, Stephanie Caro met with many groups of stakeholders throughout our congregation. The focus groups were well attended and as a result of this work MA presented us with a plan for strengthening our C&Y programs. Part one of that plan included recruiting a full time Director of Children and Youth Education. The newly appointed Renovation Team, headed by Sondra Dillon and Peggy Shaver, recommended Gerry Gaugler, who was approved by this committee and the session. Gerry came on board in the fall. The Renovation Team continues to take the lead on implementing the Ministry Architect recommendations. Continuing programs include: o Sunday School and Sunday Surprise (summers) o Wednesday PLUS o Children s Choir, led by Gary Garletts o Cherub Choir, led by Carol Shih A welcome luncheon for the new Director of Children and Youth Education, Gerry Gaugler, was hosted by the Deacons and CEC on October 18. Many thanks to all who contributed to this event. Weekday Preschool. The CEC and session approved the permanent appointment of Michelle Butera as Preschool Director. The Preschool continues to offer 2, 3 and 5 day programs in addition to extension activities (lunch bunch) from 12:00 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Michelle and staff are working on implementing the Preschool Strategic Plan 20

22 which will work on lengthening the school day, establishing a school board and improving communications and marketing. Vacation Bible School. Seuss on the Loose! June Lisa Wolverton did a great job, having volunteered to run this year s program. We were under budget and collected greater than $1,000 for West Kensington Ministry through our mission offering. This is much more than in the past 3 years. We had over 60 kids participating. This is an increase over the past 2 years, but down historically. Safety and Security continue to be high on our priority list. Background checks for teachers and volunteers continue. This year the state legislature strengthened the Title 23 requirements for the reporting of child abuse. These new regulations bring stricter requirements for reporting of suspected child abuse as well as education requirements for many mandated reporters under the law. In response, a draft child abuse policy was developed and approved by the CEC and session for implementation at APC. A Copy of the Child Protection Policy is available on the APC website. Middle High and Senior High youth fellowship continues to meet, albeit on a new night, Sunday from 6:00 7:30 p.m. C&Y Director, Gerry Gaugler, implemented this change with the knowledge that it would present a better opportunity for attendance. This year s confirmation class had five graduates who presented their Faith Impact Statements and became members of the congregation in September. They include, R.K. Cobb, Lexi Fowler, Niels Terwiesch, Madeline Steinnagel Taylor and Anna Wolverton. Also, the annual ski trip to Camp Kirkwood and Camelback Ski Area was held once again on President s Day weekend. Ten young people from the church as well as three guests attended. Advent Family Night is an important part of the Christmas celebration. This year, as in the past, it was organized by Anne Foote. The December 6 event was very well attended as always with wonderful music, crafts and fellowship. Adult New Member Class. Pastor James or an elder meets with potential new members to talk about their faith and potential involvement in the church. We also invite these prospects to a dinner with church leaders to learn more about us and the church. Connected to these efforts is a class that we offer every fall, How to Spell Presbyterian. Adult Small Groups continue to strengthen our faith. Continuing programs were: o Sunday Morning Adult Small Group: 9:00 10:00 a.m. (MCR) o Sunday Evening Topical Studies in the Library o Wednesday Women s Small Group: 12:00 1:30 p.m. (Library) o Wednesday Men s Small Group: 12:00 1:00 p.m. (MCR) o Men s Monthly Saturday Morning Breakfast, Study and Fellowship: 8:00 9:00 a.m. (MCR) Adult Education topics in the fall included: o In the Beginning: What s Genesis Good For, led by Ray VanLeeuwen. This class examined the book of Genesis within the context Ancient Near East history as well as its relevance to our lives today. o Christians and Muslims: Where We Agree, Where We Disagree, a comparison of mainstream Islam and Christianity led by Sturge Poorman on Sunday evenings. o How to Spell Presbyterian, led by Pastor James, this class is intended for new members as well as interested members of the congregation. 21

23 Adult Summer Class. This past summer we continued to explore the theme presented by Andy Crouch at the January SER. Where Faith and Culture Meet was attended by between 7 10 members each Sunday during the summer. The libraries are a great resource for all our members. We maintain a children s library and the William Faulds Memorial Library which houses the main library for adults. The materials also provide great resource for the Sunday school and preschool teachers. Connie Hoelscher continued in her role as a very able coordinator for the libraries FUTURE PLANNING Spiritual Enrichment Retreat. The 2016 S.E.R. was scheduled for January 23 rd and 24 th. Due to snow, it was cancelled and rescheduled for April 23 rd and 24 th. Our subject this year is God s Story, Our Story with Master Biblical Storyteller, Dennis Dewey. Session topics will include, Why Jesus Never Wrote a Book, and If It Was Good Enough for Jesus. Gary Garletts will be our music leader with Gerry Gaugler coordinating the children s program. The S.E.R. will continue with a 2 day format this year, eliminating Friday night but adding the third lesson to Sunday a.m. as well as a second luncheon and additional one hour discussion opportunity. Respectfully submitted, Bruce Kozak, Moderator 22

24 Fellowship & Outreach Annual Report 2015 The mission of the Fellowship & Outreach Committee is to offer hospitality, friendship and connection among members of the Church and members of the community. We accomplish this by providing opportunities for hospitality and fellowship originated by the F&O Committee to reflect our mission. We also try to offer support for other committees events as we are able. Key areas of focus for the Fellowship & Outreach Committee include: Encourage all to get to know one another so that we can be supportive of each other as we seek to grow in Christ. Consider ways in which we can participate in the community and reach out to those seeking a church home. Help visitors, prospective members and new members to feel at home at APC and become familiar with the programs and service opportunities offered by the Church. Engage interested visitors, prospective members and current member in the life of the Church. During 2015, we offered a number of opportunities for fellowship to the congregation including our regular annual events: Souper Bowl Luncheon Traditional Easter Breakfast Receptions following Funeral/Memorial Services at Family Request Homecoming Picnic Advent Family Night Tasks completed by the committee include: Revision/printing of the pew Fellowship Pads New Photo Directory (on line) Update the Welcome Brochure to include new programs Purchase of a new freezer for Fellowship Hall kitchen Purchase of plastic fencing to be utilized across the front of the church property to limit access to Montgomery Avenue during outdoor church events Anyone with a heart for hospitality is invited to join our committee. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Library. Respectfully submitted, Jody Brumbach Committee members include Jody Brumbach, Tyler Flynn, Holly Frank, Carol Fritz, Walter Haenn, Connie Hoelscher, Sally Moore, Peggy Shaver, Anne Toal and Barbara Wood. 23

25 Mission Awareness Committee Annual Report 2015 The Mission Awareness Committee, subject to the oversight of Session, acts on behalf of the Ardmore Presbyterian Church congregation to disburse benevolence funds to our mission partners, develop and grow awareness of the ministries which we support, and enable and promote opportunities for members to participate in various mission related activities. The Committee continued its oversight of funds designated in the benevolence portion of the church budget ($68,000) for distribution to our mission partners, which was again neutral as to change from the prior year. This is remarkable in the face of financial challenges we have experienced, and the Committee thanks the Session on behalf of all APC members (and supported ministries) for its steadfast, faithful and prayerful consideration in this regard. APC participated in three denomination wide offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing ($4,306.00) which supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; the Peacemaking Offering ($285.00); and the Christmas Joy Offering ($4,750.00) which provides for retired pastors living on fixed incomes as well as students at racial/ethnic colleges and universities sponsored by PCUSA. Christmas was again a focal point of several activities in which the Committee was involved. The Mitten Tree was again decorated with hand made and store bought mittens, gloves, hats and scarves that were donated to the Maternity Care Coalition for distribution to children and families in need. Toys and related gifts were collected for Chester Eastside, a ministry led by its Director The Rev. Bernice Warren. The Committee again coordinated an Alternative Gift Fair on Advent Family Night and several Sundays after worship. Fair trade items were available for purchase as well as Christmas cards providing a donation to support Heifer International and items from The Welcome Church, a church without walls for people experiencing homelessness. Several luncheons were presented after Worship by the Committee to spotlight ministries which APC supports and to enable interested folks to learn more about the work they do. These included representatives from Welcoming the Stranger, Medical Benevolence Foundation and West Kensington Ministry. We certainly look to do more related events in 2016, and beyond, and look forward to your attendance at these informative sessions! The Committee looks forward to 2016 as we continue the work to increase and improve APC s awareness of the various ministries we support, to foster deeper involvement with them and to optimize the impact our financial support provides. You will continue to have the opportunity to learn more about the ministries APC supports and to be personally involved through service opportunities. Picking up on past successful efforts, APC will again be sending a team to be with our friends in Puerto Rico this summer for a time of prayer, service and fellowship. The traveling team is very excited about this opportunity to learn and serve, and thanks you in advance for your prayers and financial support to be offered! Your Mission Committee is always looking for ways to grow and optimize our efforts to do God s work. There is plenty to do at all levels, from being a liaison to a supported ministry, helping to plan and execute Mission fellowship activities, to serving on the Committee and charting its future course see any Committee member for details! God bless you and thank you for your continued support! Mission Awareness Committee: Anne Conroy, Lynn Hepp, Gary Lovett (Chair), Rev. Sturge Poorman, Kossi Sedzro, Bill Toal 24

26 The First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore Mission Disbursements and Special Offering Receipts A D Presbytery Mission $ 5, St. Luke s Hospital, Nablus, West Bank $ 5, Camp Kirkwood $ 4, Eldernet of Lower Merion $ 1, Kuwadzana Presbyterian Church Hunger Relief Fund $ 3, Caring Hands Ministry Arun & Shobha Massey/India $ 10, Medical Benevolence Foundation $ 6, Phila Presbytery Retired Pastors Fund $ 1, Presby's Inspired Life Broomall Presbyterian Village $ 2, The Village aka Presbyterian Children's Village $ 4, Siloam Eye Hospital Korea $ 1, SNEHA Dr. Reeta Rao India $ 3, Theological Education Fund $ 1, Welcoming the Stranger $ 6, Wycliffe Bible Translators (Denise Hoover) $ 2, Build it Bus $ 2, The Welcome Church Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel $ 3, West Kensington Ministry $ 5, The Word at Work Belize Ministry $ 5, Souper Bowl of Caring $ One Great Hour of Sharing $ 4, Peacemaking Offering $ Christmas Joy Offering 2015 $ 4, $ 81,

27 The A.P.C. (Y)ARDFARMERS: A Church Garden Ministry The Mission of the (Y)Ardfarmers is to honor God through the cultivation of His natural resources; to reveal the beauty and bounty of God s creation to our surrounding community; to provide a place for fellowship and service for members and friends of Ardmore Presbyterian Church; and to show the love of God by freely sharing the food from our garden with those in need. The (Y)Ardfarmers will pursue their Mission by maintenance of a vegetable and herb garden, most of whose harvest will go to local churches or agencies serving people in need. Report from the 2015 Gardening Season The vegetable garden of two fenced, 6 x 25 beds, and several separate herb beds, was established in the spring of 2011, and is named the James K. Young Garden, after the late A.P.C. member who inspired its construction. This year thus represents the fifth season for the A.P.C. vegetable garden, and the third for the (slightly smaller) garden at Calvin Presbyterian Church in West Philadelphia, which was built with A.P.C. garden account funds in Due to an unusually cold and wet spring, harvest yields were somewhat smaller than in previous years, but still very ample. (See reverse side of this sheet for the 2015 harvest totals). Gail Lovett, with the support of her husband Gary, took over the garden for This was a year of discovery for Gail with the garden. All energy went to the garden with no attention paid to the rest of the project numbers such as meals served, grants received and monies raised. Overbrook Presbyterian seems to cover all of that. Our volunteers were hard working, reliable and great company. Schaunel and her sons Adam and Mark formed the Wednesday evening group that planted, weeded and harvested the garden. On Weekend evenings, a friend of Gail s from the community would help with the weeding. There were a number of long term garden maintenance projects that were needed and completed. The rain barrels tops were cut open and removed, with the barrels power washed to clean out the heavy algae formation. Screening was secured over the barrels as the mosquito population had been a problem. Barricade fencing was built to cover the barrels to block access to the water by children. This coming year the barrels will need to be re plumbed as they have slow leaks. We invested in the purchase of composted manure and hummus as the garden needs a great deal of soil enrichment over the next few years. To that end Gail built a larger compost center using found pallets in the hopes of being able to create future soil improvement at no cost. Eight volunteers of various ages worked from April through August to plant, weed, water, harvest the vegetables and herbs and donate to the compost bins. We had to purchase seeds and plants and were able to use some seeds from the previous year. Mary Van Leeuwen raised the many, many seedlings for the 2015 season. Baker no longer seems to support non profit gardens. We did not have a plant sale this year. This year we invited people to plant their own beds and share the harvest. Only one person, Barry Jeffries, planted tomatoes, peppers and beets. He said to harvest all for Calvin, which we did and it is included in the count. We will not try this again. 26

28 Partnering with A.P.C. s Board of Deacons, all of the gardens harvest went to our sister church in West Philadelphia, Calvin Presbyterian Church. Along with Calvin and Overbrook Presbyterian Churches, A.P.C. is part of a Presbytery supported mission called the Matthew 25:25 Project, which provides lunch, used clothing, and food staples once a week to residents of the Carroll Park neighborhood around Calvin Church. We will be exploring varying the produce planted to optimize its usage at Calvin. Members and friends of APC can join the (Y)Ardfarmers by contacting the APC Mission Committee chair. You are welcome to participate at whatever level you wish, whether actively through your labor, by donating materials for the garden, or financially. (The APC garden has its own church account, but does not draw from the church general fund: simply indicate on your check or envelope that the donation is for the Church Vegetable Garden). Below is the 2015 Harvest totals for Ardmore Presbyterian Church Vegetable & Herbs Amount 15 Green Peppers peppers Hot Peppers 12 Cucumber 4 Eggplants 15 Tomatoes 115 lbs. String Beans 8 gal. 12 Radishes bunches Lettuce Mixed 20 gal. 15 Carrots bunches 15 Green Onions bunches Zucchini 4 zucchini Sage 8 qt. Tarragon 3 pt. Chives 7 qtrs. Rosemary 5 pts. Basil 10 qts. Mint 11 gal. Dill 3 pints Thyme 2 qts. Parsley 5 gal. Oregano 3 qt. Respectfully Submitted, Gail Lovett 27