ANNUAL REPORT. What s Inside. Gathering to Proclaim Hope. Connecting with Others to Experience Hope. Bringing Hope by Advancing God s Mission

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 What s Inside Gathering to Proclaim Hope Connecting with Others to Experience Hope Bringing Hope by Advancing God s Mission Sharing Our Resources to Bring Hope to Others

2 Annual Report Letter from Phil Dear Downtown Church Family, 2017 was an extraordinary year of ministry for our church family. On behalf of the Servant Leadership Council and staff team, we are excited to share with you this annual report. Our vision is to bring hope to Old Town and beyond through the truth of a timeless faith. In the pages that follow you will read how God worked through our ministries and mission partnerships to make this vision a reality in We have organized this report into four practices of discipleship that mark the Christian journey. They are Gathering for worship and bible study Connecting with others for deeper relationships Advancing the mission of God in Old Town and beyond Sharing the blessings of God to bring hope to others I am convinced that God has his hand on our ministry and He is at work renewing our sense of commitment to ministry and to restore our sense of purpose and vitality as a congregation. We have deep and historic roots in the city of Alexandria, and our city has undergone enormous change over the last decade. While our ministry methods have changed and will continue to, the message of the gospel has not. Christ is our hope and He is the hope we bring to our neighbors near and far. My dream is that years from now when future generations read the story of Downtown Church that they will see that this season of ministry was the beginning of something special in the life of our congregation. I thank you for your partnership in the gospel and for your friendship. I hope you will be blessed and inspired as you review this summary of our ministry together. Bringing Hope, 2

3 GATHERING TO PROCLAIM HOPE Historically, the Church of Jesus has pursued a vital rhythm of gathering together for worship, fellowship, and Bible study, and scattering for mission in the world. A healthy, vital church thrives when this rhythm guides the dance of congregational mission. This section will focus on our gatherings in Gathering for Worship We gather together each Sunday to hear and proclaim the hope of Jesus found in God s Word. Attendance was approximately 141 adults and children per week. The diversity of Downtown is one way that we proclaim the hope of Christ to the world. In a culture that seems incredibly divided, the Church offers the hope that we can be united by our faith in Christ and our desire to advance his work in the world. Here at Downtown, God has woven together a beautiful tapestry of generational, socio-economic, ethnic, political, and theological diversity. For example, last year 1 baby was born to our congregation and a few of our members were born during the Coolidge Administration. We have members and friends for whom the US is not their native land, we have those who have lived in Virginia their entire lives, and we have those who come from many of the other US states. We also proclaimed the hope of the gospel by webcasting our worship service. Last year, there were 2,738 views on our YouTube channel and an average of 54 people joined us each week online. Special Worship Services This past year we also gathered for several special worship services: Maundy Thursday service with Washington Street United Methodist Church Good Friday service Joint Sunday AM worship service with Washington Street United Methodist Church with Guest Preacher Greg Boyd Service of Thanksgiving and Prayer Two Christmas Eve services Highlights approximately 141 adults and children per week 2,738 views on Youtube 3

4 Gathering for Bible Study St. Peter writes, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18) On Sunday morning people of all ages gather for Bible study with a desire to grow to be more like Jesus. In these gatherings, we grow closer to God and encourage one another on the journey of faith. APPROXIMATELY 46 ADULTS GATHERED IN 4 DIFFERENT BIBLE STUDY CLASSES EACH WEEK. 12 PRESCHOOLERS GATHERED EACH WEEK. 16 KINDERGARTEN- 12TH GRADE STUDENTS GATHERED EACH WEEK. Bringing Hope to Children Our ministry to children introduces approximately 35 kids to who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are every week through Bible study and kid-centered worship. As a result, they develop a love for God, themselves, and others, and are challenged to live it out during the week. Our volunteers invested over 500 volunteer hours in our ministry to children in During the school year, close to 60 kids and their families are engaged in enrichment activities during the week through our partnerships with those that use our facility. During the summer, several camps are offered to families in our community. In 2017, there were close to 270 total participants in the summer camps hosted at Downtown. Preschoolers explore Bible stories through games, imaginary play, and sensory activities. The Living Bible Museum was a culmination of a 7-week independent study project about influential Bible people. 4

5 VBS Vacation Bible School is an integral part of our ministry to children in our church and community. In 2017, 31 adults and youth served in VBS. An estimated 700 hours were invested in sharing the gospel with 71 kids. Most of the children who attended (75%) were not members of Downtown. Additionally, for 54% of attendees, this was their first time attending VBS at our church. Bringing Hope to Youth The Youth finished out 2017 with a Christmas Party that brought everyone together for a fun time of Advent celebration. There are approximately 8-10 students between 6th and 12th grade who have spent the past year in Bible study on Sunday mornings and in other activities such as game nights, serving at Casa Chirilagua and in Old Town, and a Youth Weekend highlighted by a paintball trip last February. 75% 54% OF CHILDREN AT VBS WERE NOT MEMBERS OF DOWNTOWN WERE FIRST TIME VBS ATTENDEES Bringing Hope to Seniors Seniors are involved in virtually every area of mission and ministry at Downtown, adding to the richness of our church family. Yet, we maintain a Senior s Ministry to ensure intentional discipleship to those in a unique stage of life. Bible study, monthly excursions, and fellowship characterize Downtown s Senior Ministry. The Open-Door Sunday Bible Study Class is one such example. Weekly, individuals gather for focused biblical study. Additionally, a table group meets monthly at the Goodwin House, a faith-based continuing care community for older adults. Both residents and Downtown members join for lunch, Bible study, and discussion led by Pastor Phil or Rev. Brian. Dedicated volunteers also plan monthly trips to local points of attraction and fellowships that promote learning, sharing, and community building. Semi-Seminary In collaboration with Hill City Church, we hosted two Semi-Seminary events in People from both churches and the community gathered in the Fellowship Hall for these day-long seminars that provided space to dig into a specific topic and hear from guest presenters who specialized in fields related to the topic. The first one in January was titled Faith, Science, & the Mission of God. The second one in June centered on the topic Becoming the Gospel in Community: Incarnational and Intentional Living. 5

6 CONNECTING WITH OTHERS TO EXPERIENCE HOPE In order to thrive and grow spiritually, we need to invest deeply in the lives of others. As we read the story of the early Christian community, we find that there are 59 One Anothers that describe how followers of Jesus should relate to one another. Here in the DC area where most of us live away from extended family, the Christian community plays a powerful role in helping us to connect with others, to develop deep friendships, and to find support in our desire to be more like Jesus. In 2017, we made meaningful connections through: Table Groups In 2017, we had 5 Table Groups that met in homes throughout Alexandria involving approximately 50 adults. In Table Groups, people gather to share a meal, to pray for one another, and to explore God s Word together. LOVE ONE ANOTHER, ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER, HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES, INSTRUCT ONE ANOTHER, GREET ONE ANOTHER, OFFER HOSPITALITY TO ONE ANOTHER, SERVE ONE ANOTHER, FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER, SPUR ONE ANOTHER ALONG, BE PATIENT WITH ONE ANOTHER. 6

7 Congregational Gatherings Families grow closer when they have opportunities to spend time together simply to connect, have fun, and share life. Last year, we had the following opportunities to connect: 10:30 Fellowship Time (each Sunday) Lunch from around the world at which we enjoyed dishes from everyone s home Easter Breakfast Church Picnic Nationals Game A Day at the Farm 2nd Sunday Sidewalk Café Key Life Events The journey of life winds us through moments of great joy and moments of intense sorrow. In 2017, our pastoral team and deacons provided care and counseling for those who were experiencing health challenges, relationship struggles, and grief from the death of loved ones. In October, our church family came together to support the family of Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, the son of Hank and Karen Black, who was killed in the line of duty. REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE, WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP. ROMANS 12:15 7

8 BRINGING HOPE BY ADVANCING GOD S MISSION The Church gathers for worship, fellowship, and Bible study. The Church scatters into the world to advance the mission of God. At the core of who we are as a church is the reality that we are a sent people. God has a mission to redeem, restore, and renew this world and God has birthed, nurtured, and empowered the church for that purpose. One significant shift in our practice of missions as a church that we are leaning into is the idea that the mission of God runs through everything we do as the people of God. Rather than Missions being one of many programs of the Church (see figure 1), the mission of God is the heartbeat of everything we do (see figure 2). Participating in God s mission in the world is not just for vocational missionaries who are sent to faraway lands. We are all called to embrace a lifestyle of mission wherever we go. ETC. YOUTH SMALL GROUPS CHILDREN ARTS MISSION ETC. YOUTH SMALL GROUPS CHILDREN ARTS MISSIONS MISSION Figure 1 Figure 2 This past year, we believe God called us to work together to bring hope to Old Town and beyond through the following ways. We recognize that as we engaged in these initiatives together, God not only worked through us, but in us to deepen our worship, discipleship, and fellowship. 8

9 Open Table Open Table at DBC launched in 2017 on Wednesday, January 25th. Breakfast was served in the Fellowship Hall on 49 Wednesday mornings last year. Breakfast is open to anyone and guests without homes or who are struggling financially make up a majority of those who attend. Guests enjoy bacon, eggs, sausage, yogurt, cereal, sandwiches, chicken, and many other items. Each person has the opportunity to take a bag lunch with them as they leave. Approximately 980 people have been served in 2017 and over 1,000 volunteer hours have been invested in building friendships and bringing hope to our neighborhood WEDNESDAY MORNINGS SERVED APPROXIMATELY SERVED Carpenter s Shelter The Carpenter s Shelter is a residential shelter for those without homes here in Alexandria. Teams from DBC purchase, prepare, and serve dinner on the second Saturday of each month. Last year, 12 teams invested approximately 150 volunteer hours and brought hope through a friendly smile and a warm, delicious meal. 150 volunteer hours by 12 teams The Carpenter s Shelter 9

10 MissionLisbon In 2017, we sent a team of 8 to Lisbon, Portugal for a week to work with IMB missionaries, Jonathan and Bethany Sharpe. The metro Lisbon area has over 2.8 million residents with very few active and vibrant churches. The mission of the team was to go and support the mission work of Jonatan and Bethany and to support the church planting initiatives of Vida Nova (New Life) church through prayer-walking, children s ministry, literature distribution, collegiate ministry, and English language classes. God worked in powerful ways in and through our team on this trip. In addition, one of the church planters, with whom we connected, Israel Quintani and his wife, Sara, visited DBC in September. It was a joy to hear about their work. At this time, we are prayerfully considering how God wants us to engage in this endeavor in the future. LISBON, PORTUGAL 2.8 million residents with few active and vibrant churches 10

11 Casa Chirilagua In 2017, we have continued to support the mission of Casa Chirilagua both financially and by serving on multiple occasions. We attended the grand opening of their new facility on Mount Vernon Avenue in the spring. Our Youth served Casa s Kids Club s monthly family dinner in September and supported their ministry by participating in the Casa Chirilagua 5K in November. Mission Partners In addition to the above, we also supported the work of mission partners and missionaries both here in Alexandria and around the world in We joyfully support the following mission partners: Casa Chirilagua 11

12 SHARING OUR RESOURCES TO BRING HOPE TO OTHERS Generosity is a powerful characteristic of a healthy, vibrant church. With open hands, we receive the blessings from God, and with open hands, we share those blessings with others. We share with others, because when we are generous, we are imitating God who so generously and sacrificially gives to us. Sharing Our Financial Resources: 1 Giving to Support Other Causes in 2017: Giving to the General Fund in 2017: $637,334 Giving to Support International Missions in 2017: $17,092 Bryan Black Memorial: $6,050 Hurricane Relief: $2,887 Lisbon Mission Trip: $8,504 1 A complete financial report is available upon request. Benevolence $3,871 Total Financial Resources Shared: $675,738 EACH OF YOU SHOULD GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE DECIDED IN YOUR HEART TO GIVE, NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 12

13 Sharing Our Facility We have been blessed with a beautiful and historic facility located in the heart of the city. We are blessed to be able to share our facility with other non-profits in our city. The following groups utilize our facility on a regular basis: Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Alateen Arts on the Horizon Ascendly Engineering Camp Christian Counseling Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) Old Town French Seeds of Sound Music Soliel French The Science Seed Together We Bake Missio Alliance In 2017, we also shared our facility to the broader Christian community by serving as one of the host locations for the 2017 Missio Alliance Gathering. Hundreds of Christian leaders from around the country and world gathered to be equipped, inspired, and encouraged. N.T. Wright and Greg Boyd were the featured speakers for this conference. How to Give Thank you for your faithful support of Downtown s ministries in Your generosity has been used by God to bring the hope of Jesus to people in Old Town and beyond. You may give a gift in support of Downtown s ministries at any time using the following methods: 1. Give online at 2. Mail a check to the church office. 3. Bring a check to the church office or place in the offering. 4. Include Downtown in your estate planning or donate a gift of stock. Please finance@downtownbaptist.org for instructions. Thank you for your continued support of Downtown s ministry! 13

14 BRINGING HOPE TO OLD TOWN THROUGH THE TRUTH OF A TIMELESS FAITH. Staff Team Dr. Phillip Faig Senior Pastor Rev. Brian Hoysa Pastor of Engagement & Mobilization Travis Boatright Communications & Graphic Design Steve Bounds Facilities Manager Natalie Gibson Grimes Pianist Ed Hackworth Organist Paul Magee Custodian Gannon Sims Interim Worship Leader Stacy Sloan Financial Administrator Krystal Speed Children s Director Cora Terry Interim Director of Operations SLC Kim Caraway Dr. Phillip Faig David Joseph Carl Patton Dale Seward Bergitta Smith-Cotroneo Gisle Sorli Deacons Myra Cadena Andrew Clark Bill Hooke Chris Hooke Tommy Kinnett Toni Melton-Trainor Omar Morillo Beverly Patton Debbie Roberts Debi Steinbacher Joe Trainor Laura Waayers Sylvia Winterling Contact Us 212 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA (703)