2013 ANNUAL REPORT. Hosanna Lutheran Church th St. NW Rochester, MN (507)

Transcription

1 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, ANNUAL REPORT Hosanna Lutheran Church th St. NW Rochester, MN (507) As a Christian family of faith, we re gathered to grow and sent to serve STAFF Senior Pastor Rev. Bill Meiers Intern Pastor Lisa Kipp (through April 28, 2013) Director of Music Ministry Nancy Wales Administrative Secretary Barb Anderson Custodian Charlie Bohlke 2013 COUNCIL Executive Committee President Noel Sederstrom President Elect Keith Johnson Secretary Lisa Nordman Senior Pastor Rev. Bill Meiers Council Advisors Financial Secretary Paul Anderson Treasurer Alice Kub Council Advocates Discipleship Karla Weis Fellowship Rachel Gray Outreach Barb Anderson Support Chris Johnson Worship Dave Wall

2 2 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Agenda page 3 Minutes from 2013 Annual Meeting page 4 Staff Reports Senior Pastor page 6 Statistical Overview of 2013 page 7 Director of Music Ministry page 8 Youth Team page 10 Church at Large Reports Southeastern Minnesota Synod Ministry Report 2013 page 11 Council and Ministry Team Reports - As a Christian Family of Faith Council President page 12 Discipleship Advocate - Gathered to Grow page 13 Book Discussion page 13 Sunday School Team page 14 Hannah Bible Study page 16 Little Lambs page 16 Lutheran College Scholarship page 16 Luther Seminary Student Report page 16 Men s Breakfast Bible Study page 17 Pastor s Bible Study page 17 Vacation Bible School page 17 Women s Morning Bible Study page 18 Women s Thursday Evening Bible Study page 18 Fellowship Advocate - Gathered to Grow Sent to Serve page 19 Empty Nest Sitter Service page 19 Lefse Making page 19 Lenten Soup Suppers page 20 Memorial Garden Team page 20 Sandlot Volleyball page 21 Stephen Ministry page 21 Outreach Advocate -...Sent to Serve page 22 Adopt-A-Highway page 23 Community Garden Plot page 23 Crop Walk page 23 Interfaith Hospitality Network page 23 Hosanna s Pantry page 24 Hunger Mission Trip page 25 Mayo Blood Drive page 25 Missionary Support page 26 Prayer Shawls page 26 Pastor s Discretionary Fund page 26 Quilters page 27 Sharing and Caring Food Pantry page 27 Susan s Suppers page 27 Red Cross Shelter Team page 28 Youth Sent to Serve page 29 Support Advocate - Gathered to Grow... page 30 Offering Counters page 31 Technology Team page 31 Website Team page 32

3 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, Worship Advocate - Gathered to Grow... page 33 Altar Guild page 34 Communion Bread page 34 Decorations Team page 34 Stewardship Team page 34 Worship Planning Team page 35 Standing Committee Reports Business and Finance Committee page 36 Properties Committee page 36 Personnel Committee page 37 Memorials and Trust Committee page 38 Financial Reports Audit Committee page 39 Statement of Accounts 2013 page 39 Financial Secretary page 40 General Fund Income and Expense 2013 page 41 Budget by Ministry Purpose page 42 Proposed Budget 2014 page 43 Ballot Election of 2014 Leaders page ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA A. Devotions Pastor Bill Meiers B. Approval of Minutes from the 2013 Annual Meeting C. Review of Written Reports Senior Pastor Rev. Bill Meiers Director of Music Ministry Nancy Wales Youth Ministry Team Barb Schepp Council President Noel Sederstrom Discipleship Advocate Karla Weis Fellowship Advocate Rachel Gray Outreach Advocate Barb Anderson Support Advocate Chris Johnson Worship Advocate David Wall D. Standing Committee Reports Audit Committee Trever Sand Business and Finance Committee Paul Anderson Memorials and Trust Committee Chris Johnson Personnel Committee Kelly Gangelhoff Properties Committee Ron Fess E. Financial Reports Financial Secretary Report Paul Anderson General Fund Income/Expense Report 2013 Treasurer Alice Kub F. New Business 1. Adoption of 2014 General Fund Budget 2. Other New Business 3. Election of 2014 Leaders G. Passing of Gavel to President Keith Johnson H. Adjournment I. Close with the Lord s Prayer

4 4 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES January 20, 2013 The Annual Meeting for Hosanna Lutheran Church was called to order by President Leon Plantz at 12:22 pm on January 20, There were 63 members in attendance and that was a quorum for the meeting. Devotions: Opening liturgy was led by Pastor Meiers. The 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes were reviewed and the following corrections were made: The section labeled Election of 2011 Leaders was changed to Election of the 2012 Leaders. Under that a correction was made to the name Bill Weiss to Bill Weis. Karl Dirksen moved to approve the minutes of the 2012 annual meeting. Tom Rasmussen seconded it and the motion carried. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS Reports were given by the staff and advocates. Senior Pastor, Bill Meiers, thanked Lisa Kipp for her faithful service to Hosanna. He appreciated everything she has done and God s blessings to her. Interim Pastor, Lisa Kipp, thanked everyone for the letting her be a part of Hosanna. Director of Music Ministry, Nancy Wales, thanked the congregation for all their prayers and support during her surgery and recovery. She acknowledged all those that are involved in music at Hosanna. During the year John Albright resigned as organist. Christina Wood picked up many of the services. She explained that the organists are paid per service so the number of accompanists does not matter and it is the same budged amount. When Nancy is the organist it is not considered part of her job so would get paid as an organist. Youth Ministry took time for everyone to read the report. Barb Schepp made sure everyone understood that there is not a youth director position in the budget. This will be a year of discernment and looking at our staffing needs for a church of our size. A lot of churches our size do not have a paid youth director. There is currently a very strong youth program with active parents. There is still a focus on the youth and she urged members to come and help with activities even if you don t have a high school student. There is currently peer ministry training happening at Hosanna which is a high school version of the Stephen Ministry program. Council President, Leon Plantz, thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart. He appreciated the opportunity to serve Hosanna and it is a wonderful place to be. Discipleship Advocate, Jane Johnson, thanked everyone on her team and members of those groups. Fellowship Advocate, Rachel Gray, thanked her team leaders for all their work which made her job a lot easier. Outreach Advocate, Barb Anderson, gave additions to her report. PossAbilities has been coming in to help with the folding of bulletins and newsletters since July. There is a team creating a new web site for Hosanna. It is very exciting but a lot of work needs to be done and they re hoping to have things up by Lent. Hosanna is officially a Channel One Agency and can get food at reduced costs. She thanked the congregation since they create all the outreach that is done at Hosanna. Thank you to the Johnson family. Jane Johnson leads the Red Cross Shelter team and received an award for her work. Kristina Johnson started the Youth Sent to Serve and has done an amazing job. So much of what is done in outreach is outside the church budget. Support Advocate, Karl Dirksen, thanked everyone. Worship Advocate, Barb Schepp, thanked everyone who helped and she learned a lot while serving. She thanked Stephanie Neshem and Roxanne Darnell for being on the worship team and it would be great to have more members. She thanked Nancy Wales for all her work and said she is a great treasure for Hosanna. She appreciated the opportunity to serve as worship advocate.

5 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, COMMITTEE REPORTS Audit Committee: There were no questions on this report. Business and Finance: Noel Sederstrom thanked this group for all their work. Memorials and Trust Committee: Karl Dirksen wanted to highlight the Hosanna Endowment for memorials. We have a fund that earns interest. The principal is not spent and the interest earnings are spent as indicated by the Hosanna bylaws. This is a great way to honor Hosanna and a loved one. Pastor Meiers indicated that is can expand our ministry and can be included in long range estate planning. Designated Gifts: Leon Plantz talked about changing this report to show an opening balance, receipts coming in and out, and then ending balance to see how much money actually flows through these accounts. Pastor Meiers served over 100 families out of the pastor s discretionary fund. This is very direct help to those that need it. He thanked the congregation for all their support. Personnel Committee: Leon Plantz said that this will be a year of discernment for Hosanna. Properties Committee: Tom Rasmussen said they are responsible for maintaining the church property in satisfactory conditions and to communicate the building issues. The church is 30 years old and the newer education area is 20 years old and there are more maintenance issues as the building gets older. Financial Secretary and Treasurer s reports were reviewed. Karl Dirksen said the non-budgetary gifts is a picture of what is done and accomplished and are not in the budget. This is another 10% over what our annual budget is. Paul Anderson explained the increases in the accounts. Non-budgetary gifts increased as a result of substantial memorials as well as the funds raised for Kristen Wall s mission trip. The youth activities deposit of $9,300 is now being recorded and then going into the youth account. Karla Weis made a motion to approve this report. Dave Walle seconded it and it passed. The General Fund Income and Expense Report for 2012 was reviewed. Leon Plantz said that the expenses were tightened up and the more money came in to finish off the year on a positive note. Karl Dirksen talked about the budget by ministry purpose. This format was encouraged by our synod to give a reasonable estimated to where the money received is going. The $400,000 income is divided up in the following areas: worship 45%, discipleship 11%, outreach 10%, fellowship 2%, support 33%. Pastor Meiers pointed out that we give 10% of our budget to outreach plus another 10% that is not listed. ELECTION OF 2013 LEADERS Noel Sederstrom was a part of the nominating committee and thanked the other members: Ray Ashworth, Rick Grant and Stephanie Stevens. Pam Fullem, Bruce Hansel and Keith Johnson were added to the Nominating Committee. Barb Anderson made a motion to elect the leaders for Connie Ness seconded it and it passed. NEW BUSINESS Terry Rasmussen made a motion to accept the church budget as submitted. Keith Johnson seconded it and it passed. Pastor Meiers indicated that this year a new bishop would be elected for the Southeastern Minnesota ELCA synod. Let him know if you have a name to bring forward as any ELCA pastor in good standing can be nominated. There will be voting members sent to the February 10th Zumbro River Conference meeting and then in for the Synod Assembly the first weekend in June. Noel Sederstrom thanked Leon Plantz for serving as council president. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Marlys Ohnstad and seconded by Nancy Wales. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Meeting adjourned at 1:27 pm. Lisa Nordman Congregational Secretary

6 6 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 Staff Reports SENIOR PASTOR Rev. Bill Meiers May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 St Paul wrote these words of encouragement to the newly founded Christian Church in Rome. He announced his intention to come and visit their ministry through this letter. In preparations for his visit, he explained his understanding of the gospel. Where there is faith in Jesus Christ, there is hope. Reflecting on the ministry of Hosanna Lutheran Church in the year 2013, I find these words of St. Paul to be an appropriate expression of our ministry together. We live in the hope rooted in Jesus death and resurrection. In turn, we share Christ s hope through our worship and outreach. Just one example of our ministry is the Pastor s Discretionary fund. Loose change, budgeted funds and individual gifts provided over $4,500 to help pay for food, gas cards and other urgent needs to 181 families. To those individuals and families, Hosanna provided for their tangible needs and incarnated the hope of the gospel in their lives. This is only one example of the numerous ways in which our congregation is reaching out to our community and the world, bringing the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hosanna has been a teaching congregation for the past two years as we were the designated internship site for Lisa Kipp through Luther Seminary. Lisa completed her intern pastor training in April, but Hosanna continues to be involved in theological education. Carol Strand began her seminary training in September, For ten hours a week she is involved in Hosanna s mission and ministry in a leadership role in fulfillment of her contextual education as a seminary student was a year of discernment for our congregation s leadership team. The church council examined our ministry and staffing needs with input from members, ministry teams, current staff, other congregations and our Southeastern Minnesota Synod staff. The result of their study will be the addition of a half-time Director of Faith Formation who will work with Hosanna s youth and education ministries. The Personnel Committee will present a final job description to the church council and fill the new staff position before the school year begins 2014 will also be the year for our congregation to address our mortgage and building needs. The church council will meet on January 25 to consider a capital campaign for the purpose of paying down our mortgage, replacing our campanile (bell tower) that was removed in 2010 and making other repairs as identified by the Properties Committee. As I reflect on our ministry together in 2013, it has been a year of faithful service to our members, our community and the broader mission of the church in the world. Your continued expressions of support are sincerely appreciated. To the church council, ministry teams, other staff members and all who seek to bring the hope of Jesus to the world through Hosanna s ministry, I say thank you. Thanks for your dedication to the mission of this congregation. Yours in Christ, Pastor Bill Meiers

7 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, Members Added Ella Adams Jeff Adams Jill Adams Kaleb Adams Andrew Flaming Ilah Flaming Mary Beth Flaming Keith Klocek Trisha (Norland) Klocek Adam Lien Alex Lien Jeff Lien Rudi Lien Susan Lien Joe Livingston Tina Livingston Cynthia McLaren Jay McLaren Amy Medes Dean Medes Devin Medes Emily Medes Morgan Radke Nolan Radke Hadley Stenke Jesse Stenke Melissa Stenke STATISTICAL OVERVIEW OF 2013 Members Transferred/Dropped per Request Dave Amundson Norma Amundson Blake Andersen Chase Andersen Andrew Bockhold Allison Brewer Dylan Brewer Jeremy Brewer Maya Brewer Paula Brewer Ella Diskerud Erik Diskerud Madysen Diskerud Shaina Diskerud Cherie Drexler Christina Drexler Bob Ellis Jenna Ellis Megan Ellis Samantha Ellis Shelby Ellis Alex Hansen Cole Hansen Matthew Hansen Tera Hansen Larry Iverson Fern Lindberg Jack Pendleton Lois Pendleton Andy Phillips Carrie Phillips Tom Phillips Steven Pool Lowell Salo Pat Salo Aunneco Smith Joseph Smith Welso Smith Diane Wilson Weddings Lisa Bakken/Kelly King Baptisms Elizabeth Bauer Ilah Flaming Ava Gangelhoff Grayson Hinck Sophia Hinck Liv Halvorsen Isaac Senst Confirmations Elizabeth Bauer Matthew Dravis Troy Finnegan Andrew Gangelhoff Peter Hansel William Jestus Danielle Koster Jared Larsen Rudi Lien David Will Deaths Charlotte Sprague Average Worship Attendance Full Year School Year Summer Membership Baptized Confirmed January 2, Added by: Baptism 7 Confirmation 10 Transferred In Removed by: Death 1 1 Transfers out Other reasons December 31,

8 8 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY Nancy Wales Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalm 100:1-2 Music Leadership and Music Groups Praising the Lord using all types of music is a great joy. Proclaiming God s word by means of vocal and instrumental music is rewarding. Every year I am so impressed with the leaders and members of Hosanna s music ministry teams. Each of them is important to Hosanna s music ministry. I am appreciative of Hosanna s 2013 music ministry leaders for their dedication and leadership. These music leaders are: Service Accompanists: Cynthia McLaren, Carol Strand, Christina Wood Substitutes: Kerstin Suby, Nancy Wales, Karla Weis King's Ringers and Praise! Handbell Director: Carol Strand Exodus Director: Scott Strand Senior Choir Director: Nancy Wales; Accompanists: Cynthia McLaren, Christina Wood Grace Worship Team Leaders: Scott Strand, Carol Strand Hosanna s Musical Directors: Roxanne Darnell, Nancy Wales Accompanist: Karla Weis; Flutist: Julie Wall Sunday School Music Team: Jill Adams, Bridget Carter, Nancy Wales Accompanists: Cynthia McLaren, Julie Wall, Karla Weis Children s Christmas Program Leaders: Jill Adams, Bridget Carter, Jana Chadwick, Amy Johnson Bonnie Moe, Mandi Mora, Amy Swanson, Nancy Wales Vacation Bible School Music Leaders: Diane Click, Nancy Wales Lent/Advent Wednesday Evening Instrumentalists: Scott Strand, Julie Wall, Dave Walle Guitar Service Accompanists: Hayden Ashworth, Tony Mora, Scott Strand Palm Sunday and Easter Brass: Andrew Gangelhoff, Ethan Kub, Marissa Wales, Dave Wall Hosanna s Music Ministry also relies on the dedication of the members of the music teams. Every one of them is appreciated for the unique talents that they bring to enhance our music ministry. Together we accomplish much more than could ever be achieved by a single individual. Christina Wood was our full-time organist for the first half of the year. However, she made the decision to return to half-time following the birth of her son. She took a leave of absence from mid-july to mid- September. Cynthia McLaren was hired in August to be the other half-time organist and to be the Senior Choir accompanist. Christina s and Cynthia s abilities, experience and musicianship are a blessing to our worship experience. In the fall only a couple of students attended Praise! handbell practice so this group was temporarily combined with the King s Ringers. We hope that more students will show an interest in the future. Children and Youth Music Sunday School classes continue to use the Spark curriculum. During Sunday School the preschool- Kindergarten students and the students in grades 1-6 each have a 15 minute music session. A Choristers Guild children s choir festival, Sing to the Lord, was held on November 16 sponsored by the Rochester Chapter of Choristers Guild. Six students from Hosanna and I attended. I led a session on music in worship with the Confirmation students who attended Good Earth Village camp. We discussed why music is used in worship and how it relates to the texts. The outline of our liturgical worship services, the meaning of each section and the Bible verses on which the liturgy is based were also presented.

9 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, The middle school and high school youth lead the entire Sunday worship service twice a year, once for an Advent service and another time in the spring. There are many talented young people in our congregation and we continue to search for opportunities for them to use their musical gifts as they will become our future worship leaders. Musical Once we have presented one of the stories about Jesus or other Biblical accounts I always gain a deeper understanding of the story and God s love for us. I think this is true for the entire cast. Worship The fall and winter/spring Sunday worship services were at 8:00 and 10:30 am. The Lenten theme was Abundant Life: Hunger for Food and Water, Safety and Health, Peace and Justice, Community, Acceptance, and God. The times for the Sunday worship services in the summer were 8:30 and 10:00 am. Summer Wednesday evening services were discontinued due to having only one pastor on staff, to reserve other resources and due to low attendance. In the fall the theme was Always Being Made New as a Christian Family of Faith. The Advent theme was Christ s Family of Faith Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John; Joseph; and Mary. All of the staff fully felt the impact in the fall of having 1 ½ fewer full-time program staff due to eliminating the Director of Youth Ministry and Faith Formation position and the completion of Lisa Kipp s internship. Those positions would have provided 60 more hours of ministry each week. The remaining staff stepped up and took on more responsibilities. For 2013 the expenses of Hosanna s music ministry program were funded from the following sources: General Budget Funds for Music $2, Designated Gifts: Worship-Vocal Music $304.05* Designated Gifts: Worship-Instrumental Music $44.99* Total expenses: $2, *Three new guitar stools, a tall step-stool, photo pages, and a Latin percussion instrument were purchased using funds in Designated Gifts Vocal and Instrumental Music. $ was transferred from General Funds to Designated Gifts to the Handbell Maintenance fund. Music and Worship Ministry Events: February 24 March 17 April 21 April 28 June 2 October 27 November 16 December 8 December 15 December 15 December 22 Nancy Wales, Youth Variety Show several music groups participated Table for Five Thousand Hosanna s 22 nd musical, was presented at both Sunday worship services and at Samaritan Bethany in the afternoon Youth Led Service Recognition of Intern Lisa Kipp The Senior Choir and children sang Blessing of the High School Graduates Graduates and families sang Affirmation of Baptism Service Confirmands sang and led worship services Children s Choir Festival, Sing to the Lord! Shine! worship services led by Exodus, King s Ringers, and Grace Worship Team The Wonder of Christmas students in Grades 7-12 led the 8:00 am worship service by reading, singing, playing instruments, and acting out a drama Messiah children ages 3 Grade 6 presented the Christmas program at the 10:30am worship service O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Choral Advent service led by Senior Choir; service structured around the O Antiphons on which the hymn is based. Director of Music

10 10 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM Barb Schepp 2013 has been a year of transition for the Hosanna youth team. We have worked as a team in 2013 to provide the Hosanna middle school and high school youth opportunities to grow in their faith through service, education and fun events. Hosanna is blessed to have strong and committed adults who have enhanced our youth s faith by leading, mentoring, chaperoning, teaching and organizing activities for the youth. Hosanna s youth team: Dan Wildfeuer, Terri Ashworth, Laurie Maidl, Mike Woltman and Barb Schepp. Peer Ministry In January 2013, seven high school youth began their education in Peer Ministry. This education continued for 3 months and the 7 youth were commissioned as Peer Ministers in April The adult leaders for Peer ministry are Stephanie Stevens, Terri Ashworth and Barb Schepp. Youth Assist with Worship Youth assisted as acolytes, ushers, and lectors throughout the year. Youth-Led Worship Services on April 22 (Grades 7 12) The high school youth assisted with a Lenten worship service. Youth-Led Advent Service, The Wonder of Christmas, on December 15 (Grades 6 12) 2013 Sonshine Festival Youth trip July Seven Hosanna youth and 3 chaperones attended the Sonshine Festival in Willmar, MN. They enjoyed 6 days of service, fellowship and music. The group made a stop in Chanhassen, MN to participate in a fill for Feed My Starving Children. They also attended the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. After that, they made their way to Willmar, MN to attend the Sonshine festival. It was a first time for all of the youth and adults involved. The youth came back renewed and refreshed from the wonderful Christian music and fellowship. The youth who attended were Eric Schepp, Kia Schepp, Ethan Kub, Andrew Neshem, Kristina Johnson, Lauren Rupprecht and Alicia Wildfeuer. Thanks to the chaperones, Jane & Keith Johnson, Dave Neshem. Youth Assist at Hosanna, in the Community, and in the World! In addition to the monthly confirmation service projects (Grades 7 9), and the Youth Sent to Serve projects, middle school and high school youth helped out in the following ways: Cinnamon Rolls were prepared and sold one Sunday per month from September to May; proceeds were donated to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. A total of $860 was raised! Sunday School Carnival Volunteers Six youth assisted with games. Vacation Bible School Volunteers (students entering Grades 7 12) 15 youth assisted! Food for Kidz Several youth and their families assisted. Bell Ringing for Salvation Army Ronald McDonald House Dinner 2nd Annual Dinner/Talent Show Other Youth and Family Events Many other youth activities took place this year including the following: High School Youth Group and Dinner High School Youth Group with Pizza and Movie; Youth and Family Snow Tubing at Ironwood Springs; Youth Softball Hosanna paired with Our Savior s Lutheran; Youth and Family Outdoor Movie Night at Hosanna; Youth Fall Kick-Off (Grades 6 12); Fast Food Progressive Dinner (Grades 7 12); and a White Elephant Christmas Party. In 2014 Hosanna s youth will continue to be a strong and vital part of Hosanna. The Hosanna parents and adults who volunteer their time--to ensure that our youth have the faith foundation that they need to face today s issues and to prepare them for their journeys outside the walls of Hosanna--are greatly appreciated and continue to be needed as we go into Hosanna s youth will continue their mission to serve not only the people of Hosanna, but also the people outside of Hosanna. Respectfully submitted: Barb Schepp, Chair, Youth Ministry Team

11 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, MINISTRY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD, ELCA God s Work. Our Hands As a new bishop I join you in giving thanks to God for all that we have accomplished in our shared ministry here in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. Giving $225,000+ to the ELCA World Hunger Program $62,000 to our companion synod in Tanzania; $10,000 to Colombia $80,000 for the support of ELCA missionaries around the world $27,000 for theological education at Luther Seminary $40,000 for ministry with students at Lutheran Campus Ministry Sabbatical gifts totaling $16,500 for pastors and their congregations A $30,000 seminary scholarship for a synod candidate, and $10,250 towards debt retirement for new pastors in our synod, all from the synod endowment fund $13,500 for deaf and blind students through Christ Through Hands Ministry in Faribault $95,000 for the ELCA Malaria Campaign, a total of $185+ toward our goal of $200,000 by 2015 $950,000 for the ministries of the church-wide ELCA Supporting 25 candidates across 6 of our seminaries, including 4 new students Over 170 congregational leaders with a toolkit of workshops at Council as Leaders 190 rostered & lay leaders with the annual theological conference 51 congregations in the midst of pastoral change 6 South Sudanese ministries in our synod Nearly 100 congregational communicators in their congregational settings 120+ congregations in children, youth and family ministry 30 congregations participate in Safeguarding God s Children training 1 Young Adult in Global Mission serving in South Africa 1 pastor from our synod teaching 80 evangelists in Tanzania 8 youth and 4 adults to Central Diocese for a Youth Servant Leader International Experience 51 synod congregations partnering with congregations in Tanzania and Colombia 4 newly ordained pastors and 1 synodically authorized lay minister 573 voting members to the annual synod assembly Peace and Joy in Christ, Bishop Steve Delzer

12 12 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 Council and Ministry Team Reports As a Christian family of faith COUNCIL REPORT Noel Sederstrom, President To friends and fellow members of Hosanna Lutheran Church grace and peace to you as we review our ELCA ministry here in northwest Rochester, looking back at the past 12 months and reflecting on the new challenges and opportunities before us. We are making a joyful noise at Hosanna! Our congregation is alive with meaningful, reverent worship experiences and vibrant ministry groups that reach out into our community. After Lisa Kipp s internship with us ended, Pastor Bill found time for Dave Walle and Rev. Nirmala Reinschmidt to preach, and Carol Strand emerged as a candidate for Luther Seminary. The Holy Spirit has been moving among us! This was a year in which we in leadership were determined to cut back on our traditional spending and reliance on paid staff in order to reset our church financials and establish a stable level of operations. This has been done. Two years ago the congregation approved a deficit budget; 18 months ago, we were conserving cash, stalling payments while using up church reserve funds. Instead of this precarious situation, Hosanna now has built up reserve funds for future ministry and a general reserve of more than $60,000 from which to operate in future years. While doing this in 2013, we were able to pay all our bills early, our ELCA benevolence and community outreach contributions were made in a timely manner and Hosanna Treasurer Alice Kub began smiling about basic church operations. This fall, we enrolled Pastor Bill in a new Gold+ health care plan that will keep his benefits at current levels. The Council has approved a 3% increase in compensation for our now-smaller church staff after their excellent hard work maintaining our programs during the past year. Through 2013, the Council and Hosanna s committees and ministry groups kept a keen eye on whether another staff person needed to be added, and if so, what role this person should have. At mid-year, we began to focus on the sense that our greatest need might be to add a part-time Director of Faith Formation who might coordinate programs for our children and youth, and inspire and empower the dedicated parent groups working most closely with three age groups of our youngsters. The 2014 budget presented to you reflects this consensus decision shaped by months of discussion and consideration. As part of our ongoing Council work, we have created a monthly calendar tool to help keep us on track. Barb Anderson led a vigorous effort to create a new Hosanna website, which lives on as a daily resource for us all. We also identified seven elements of long-range planning for next year s Council to consider: a new Capital Appeal that would help reduce our mortgage, build a campanile/bell tower, repave the parking lot, upgrade to a commercial kitchen, beautify the sanctuary, re-carpet the Education wing, and convert the elevator shaft space to storage rooms. Support Advocate Chris Johnson has worked hard on these concepts, and also helped us to focus on a reality that will unfold in about 10 years the new visibility for Hosanna as people drive up the new road stretching north from 55 th Street NW. We will want to take advantage of this. Peace, Noel Sederstrom It has been very gratifying to watch Hosanna s people respond to the needs in the greater Rochester community. Existing ministries such as the Memorial Garden, the Community Garden Plot, Pastor s Discretionary Fund, and Susan s Suppers have flourished and done tremendous good. And Hosanna s Pantry was launched this fall by a determined band of people eager to stand up against hunger in Rochester. It has been a joy working with you all this past year. Thank you for your encouragement and help.

13 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, DISCIPESHIP ADVOCATE Karla Weis gathered to grow It has been a learning experience for me as I complete my first year as Discipleship Advocate. It has opened my eyes to the gifts our amazing staff and leaders have, and what all they do behind the scenes. I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow council members and team leaders and will miss the outgoing members and team leader contributions they have provided to Hosanna's church family. The following are the current teams and their leaders: Adult Bible Study/Adult Forums: Pastor Meiers Advent Devotional: Staff Book Discussion Group: Beth Wiegand Carnival Team: Mandi Mora Hannah Bible Study: Lisa Nordman Library: Rachel Gray Lutheran College Scholarship: Jim Hansen Men's Bible Study Breakfast: Paul Anderson Sunday School Team: Amy Johnson and Jolene Olson Women's Morning Bible Study: Joanne Larsen Women s Thursday Evening Bible Study: Barb Anderson Vacation Bible School: Mandi Mora Youth Team: Barb Schepp Youth Rummage Sale: Barb Schepp and Karla Weis Youth Softball: Barb Schepp Amy Johnson and Jolene Olson completed their leadership of the Sunday School Team at the end of December. Thank you both for your enthusiasm in serving as leaders for the Sunday School Team. However, there are so many names not listed here that also contribute to these teams. Thank you to all of you that volunteer, teach, provide art and music. You all contribute to making these teams successful in sharing God's love with those at Hosanna and in the community. Karla Weis BOOK DISCUSSION This informal group met on the third Saturday of the month at 9:00 am at Hosanna from January May and September November. Attendance generally was four to seven people. Members came together to discuss each book that was chosen for the month using the Read-Think-Talk about a book approach. This group read a variety of genre and stretched each of us to read something that we wouldn t have chosen to read otherwise. The book discussion is open for anyone to attend; men, women, and young adults are encouraged to come for lively discussion and treats. Reading the entire book is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Books read and discussed from January May in 2013 were: The Chaperone, 1,000 White Women: the Journals of May Dodd, Hemingway's Boat: Everything He Lost and Loved, The House at Tyneford, Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White. From September November, the books read were: Take this Bread, Pope Joan, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. A reading list was also suggested in the newsletter for over the summer months. Beth Wiegand

14 14 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEAM Curriculum: January through May finished out the first year of using the Spark curriculum for children ages 3 through grade 6. Rally Sunday, September 8, marked the beginning of the second year using the Spark Curriculum. Feedback from teachers and students continues to be positive. Sunday School is held for one hour: 9:15 10:15 a.m. Because there is a smaller enrollment of children for these ages, classes are combined in the following ways: One class of children age 3, with 5 children and 3 teachers who rotate teaching dates. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children are combined into one class with 10 students and three teachers who rotate teaching dates. Grades 1 and 2 combined as one class with 9 children and two teachers. Grades 3 and 4 are together as one class with 10 students and two teachers. Grades 5 and 6 are combined into one class with 8 students and one teacher. Prior to November 17, the children, ages 3 through Kindergarten would have lesson instruction in their classroom from 9:15 10:00 a.m., and music instruction in the sanctuary from 10:00 10:15 a.m. Starting November 17, music was held in the quad room. Prior to November 17, students in Grades 1 6 would meet in the sanctuary for music instruction from 9:15 9:30 a.m. They then met their teachers in their individual classrooms for lesson instruction from 9:30 10:15 a.m. Starting November 17, music was held in the quad room. Sunday School Celebration/Lunch/Carnival The last day of Sunday School was celebrated on May 19 with a family celebration, lunch and carnival throughout the day. Immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service, families enjoyed lunch which included pizza, vegetables, fruit and drinks provided by the Sunday School Team. A carnival followed lunch from 12:30 1:30 p.m. Approximately ten games were available for children to play. Children earned tickets as they played the games and could then redeem the tickets for prizes. Bingo followed the carnival from 1:30 2:30 p.m. Third Grade My Bible Lisa Kipp presented Bibles to four 3rd graders on January 13 during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. The children participated in two My Bible workshops led by Lisa Kipp. First Communion Four 5th graders participated in their First Communion on November 17. As part of their communion instruction, Sarah Welter helped the students formed chalices out of clay to use during the service for their communion. Migrant Head Start Migrant Head Start used the quad room and classrooms 4 and 9 until November 13. We successfully shared these spaces. Now the quad room is being utilized for music, while rooms 4 and 9 are used as classrooms for the Grades 1 and 2 class and the Grades 5 and 6 class. Sponsorship of children from India We continue sponsoring one child, Baby. Fire Drill In October, the Sunday School Ministry Team developed a fire drill procedure. A practice fire drill was conducted on November 3. All went according to plan. Christmas Program This year, the Sunday School students ages 3 grade 6 performed The Messiah at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 15. Approximately 37 students participated.

15 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, Other important events: Family Winter Party January 27 during the education time. Approximately 10 families participated. Boy Scout Sunday February 3. Three scouts and two adult leaders participated. Ben Kriegel was honored for completing his Eagle Scout project. His project included building a wooden enclosure for Hosanna s garbage and recycling containers. Girl Scout Sunday March 10. Seven scouts and four adult leaders participated. Kristina Johnson was honored for completing her Gold Award project. Her project involved creating a new Hosanna youth-led ministry team which plans service projects for middle school and high school students. In February, five students in grades 5 and 6 and their teacher assisted as worship escorts at Samaritan Bethany. In April, a popcorn machine was purchased jointly by the Sunday School Team and the Youth team. In February, the Sunday School classes wrote letters to Kristen Wall while she was a missionary in Hungary. She replied back to each class in April. Outreach During Lent, the Sunday School children collected donations totaling $ for ELCA World Hunger. Students age 3 to grade 12 assisted in decorating 25 boxes that were used by the Youth Sent to Serve Team to distribute Thanksgiving dinners to the needy. In December, the Sunday School Ministry Team gathered donations of books, toys, health and beauty, and household items for Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester. The 2013 Sunday School Ministry Team members include: Amy Johnson (co-chair), Jolene Olson (co-chair), Mandi Mora, Julie Welter, Jana Chadwick, Joe Desannoy and Bridget Carter. Amy Johnson and Jolene Olson are stepping down from their role as co-chairs on December 31. No one has been found to replace them at this time. Jolene Olson & Amy Johnson, Co-Chairs HANNAH BIBLE STUDY The Hannah Bible Study met on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 1:00 2:30 pm except for the summer months. We are using the Women of Faith study guide series Discovering God s Will for Your Life. In February we collected an offering and sent $565 to the ELCA Good Gifts Program. For a summer activity we gathered at Elna Knutson s home in August and learned about Martin Luther. In November we assembled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. In December we helped provide and assemble treats which were delivered to Hosanna members. The annual Christmas luncheon followed and staff was invited for great food, fellowship and then special readings or shared memories. Lisa Nordman

16 16 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 LITTLE LAMBS Parents of Pre-Sunday School Children In 2013 Little Lambs sent 5 kiddos that were friends into the 3 year old Sunday School class. They are all doing excellently and have adapted well since they started friendships when they were about one. Little Lambs is now meeting weekly as parents and children are able. We changed the meetings from twice a month to weekly because many were missing in the winter and did not see friends for a month or more at a time. There are no team members just parents of the children. We didn't have any projects this year since the nursery was redone last fall. Thanks, Mandi Mora LUTHERAN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP The annual scholarship award for high school graduates attending an ELCA Lutheran College was raised to $500 over the past year. One scholarship a year was accounted for in the church budget. Revenue from one Lenten soup supper was added to the account. Activities: Awards: February Mailed letters to all graduating seniors informing them of the scholarship. March - Placed article in the Newsletter describing the scholarship on the youth page. April Placed an article in the bulletin for the last two Sundays in April with the reminder that May 1 is the scholarship application deadline. Marissa Wales to attend Luther College Carol Strand to attend Luther Seminary Jim Hansen LUTHER SEMINARY STUDENT At the time of this writing, I have finished my first semester of seminary, and with much rejoicing, I have completed Greek. I have to say that Greek is the most difficult course I have ever taken, but with much prayer and your support, I survived. This semester has been a challenge, learning how to better budget my time. There were times I felt pulled in many directions. Family, contextual learning here at Hosanna and studying have taught me, that through the Spirit, I can manage more than I ever thought possible. In addition to my academics, I have learned so many valuable lessons through Contextual Learning. This is an excellent program which gives seminarians hands-on experience in a congregation. I am so lucky to have been able to do this at my home congregation. Hosanna truly is a wonderful place, with wonderful members. I just hope you will forgive me for my blunders that I have made while I am learning to be a pastor. I am trying to be the pastor that God has called me to be, but it is a learning process. With God's help and your patience and understanding, I believe I can do this. Thank you to Pastor Meiers for his guidance and patience with me for the seemingly long list of questions that I have. Thank you for the support and strength you have given me as my family of faith. As I continue down this road, I ask you to continue to pray for me on this journey. I am forever indebted to you. Blessings to you, Carol Strand

17 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, MEN S BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY The Men s Breakfast Bible Study Group met twice a month during the school year. We met on the second and fourth Friday mornings at 6:30 a.m. During the year we also held one fundraising event. The fall fundraiser was the Walter Volberding Memorial Pancake breakfast held on Sunday, October 20. This event raised $976 including a Thrivent Financial donation. A total of $1,200 was donated to Rochester Women s Shelter. The Men s Breakfast Bible Study wants to thank the congregation for supporting our fundraiser. We invite all Hosanna men to join us at our Friday meetings. We enjoy good food, wonderful fellowship, and a thoughtful Bible study. It is a great way to begin the day. Paul Anderson PASTOR S EVENING BIBLE STUDY Pastor Meiers led an adult Bible Study on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm during January through April and on Thursdays at 6:30 pm during September through November. During the January April time frame we studied the book of Daniel. During the September November time frame the Pauline Letters were studied and will continue into There were approximately 15 Hosanna members who participated in one or both of the studies. Paul Anderson VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL KINGDOM ROCK - Stand Strong for God! Kingdom Rock VBS came to Hosanna June Approximately 45 honorable misters and misses, ages 4 through those entering grade 6 attended. Each day in the kingdom, the royal guards presented skits and music in the throne room, played tournament games in the courtyard, did experiments in the dungeon, had King's Snacks in the dining hall and took the children on Bible Adventures with the King/Queen. On the final day of VBS, the lords and ladies entertained the masses with a musical performance and a summary of the week's happenings. The VBS team would like to thank the following people for their contributions to our week long program. Snack Donations: Kristin Bauer, Bridget Carter, Diane Click, Susan Desannoy, Rachel Gray, Kristina Johnson, Fred Lust, Pastor Meiers, Bonnie Moe, Mora Family, Barbara Schepp, Beth Wiegand, Karla Weis Decorations: Jana Chadwick, Amy Johnson and Family, Mora Family, Jolene Olson and Family, Nancy Wales, Welter Family Guides: Brenna Finnegan, Troy Finnegan, Andrew Gangelhoff, Claire Hansel, Grace Larsen, Amanda Parker, Emily Parker, Lauren Rupprecht, David Will At Home Prep: Kelly Gangelhoff and Tracy Will Station Leaders: David Bauer, Lizzy Bauer, Jana Chadwick, Diane Click, Cheryl Gross, Hailey Horntvedt, Jane Johnson, Keith Johnson, Kristina Johnson, Danielle Koster, Pastor Meiers, Aaron Neshem, Andrew Neshem, Marlys Ohnstad, Brandon Olson, Tina Sass, Maddy Stevens, Nancy Wales Daily offerings were used to support our sponsored child in India, Baby Kuppusamy. The total cost for running the week long program came to $1, Thank you from the VBS Team: Mandi Mora, Amy Johnson, Jolene Olson, Jana Chadwick

18 18 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, 2014 WOMEN S MORNING BIBLE STUDY The Women's Morning Bible Study met on the first Thursday of the month at 10:00am at Hosanna. The study is from Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA. This year s study is entitled "In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women. All women are welcome to attend and join in the discussion and sharing of faith. A three month optional study is available for the summer months. Participants volunteer to lead the study and furnish treats. Joanne Larsen WOMEN S THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY This women s Bible study group met monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. We used several book/bible studies during At the beginning of the year we completed the book, Don t All Religions Lead to God? by Garry Poole. Then we began the Real Women, Real Faith: Life-Changing Stories from the Bible for Women Today video series. In the winter we learned more about women of the Old Testament and in the fall we heard the stories of prominent women in the New Testament. The back of each video series states, This six-session video study unearths fresh insights about six influential women of the Bible, women who lived thousands of years ago. You ll learn how God moved in the lives of these women and how the struggles they faced long ago are not unlike the struggles you face today. Members and friends are always welcome to join at any time during the study. The study is reviewed as a group and members take turns serving coffee and treats. Barb Anderson

19 Hosanna Lutheran Church Annual Report January 19, FELLOWSHIP ADVOCATE Rachel Gray gathered to grow...sent to serve Fellowship Teams have been really busy this year! Honkers Baseball, Rochester Civic Theatre, and Lisa Kipp's Luncheon were just some of the special events we hosted this year. But these special events are not the only thing that fell under my purview as Fellowship Advocate. The following are Hosanna's Fellowship Teams with their current team leaders. Coffee Servers Barb Schepp Empty Nest Sitter Service Paul Anderson Funeral Servers Joanne Larsen Hilltoppers Ron Machacek and Linda Lust Kitchen Team Paul Anderson Lefse Making Paul Anderson, Stephanie Stevens and Karla Weis Lenten soup Suppers Paul Anderson Memorial Garden Becky Grant and Sandy Scheuneman New Member Mentors Pastor Meiers Prayer Chain Barb Anderson Scrapbooking/Card Making Kelly Gangelhoff Stephen Ministry Ron Machacek and Pastor Meiers Volleyball Jane Johnson Yuletide Dinner Dan Wildfeuer and Rachel Gray Children s Worship Bags Darci Fenske and Kristi Pesch Support of Military Personnel and Families Thank you to all of these teams and their leaders for making my job so easy the last two years. I look forward to seeing where you all go in the future! Rachel Gray EMPTY NEST SITTER SERVICE This sitter service, which began in August 2007 provided sitter services on 8 occasions during It provides monthly sitter service to member families with young children on the 2nd Friday evening during the months of January - May and September - November. Members of our congregation perform the service. The number of children attending has been from The service has been well received and enjoyable for the parents, children and sitters. Hosanna helpers included confirmation classes, Nan Peters, Mary and Karl Dirksen, Leon and Kathy Plantz, Laurie and Dan Maidl, Betsy Will, Allison, Amanda and Dale Gangelhoff, Andrew Neshem and Karla Weis. This very successful ministry team will continue to operate in Team members: Paul and Barb Anderson, Kelly Gangelhoff, Niel and Beth Wiegand LEFSE MAKING The 10th annual Hosanna Lefse Event was held on Saturday, November 23. Nearly 40 Hosanna members and guests participated. A great deal of flour and potatoes were made into tasteless flat bread (a great Norwegian treat). It was a wonderful time for snacking and fellowship. A portion of the lefse was packaged and sold the following Sunday and the proceeds totally $185 were donated to ELCA World Hunger. A special thank you to Terry Rasmussen who set up the power cords so no people or circuit breakers were tripped. Team members: Karla Weis, Steph Stevens, Paul Anderson