Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church Annual Report for the year st Annual Meeting January 30, N. Arcade Street - Saint Paul, Minnesota

2 Senior Pastor s Report Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him; Spirit of love, come, give us the mind of Jesus, teach us the wisdom of God. ~lyrics by Marty Haugen These words based on 1 Corinthians 2:9 by popular hymn writer Marty Haugen often come into my head. Set to a beautiful melody, the particular phrase what God has ready for those who love him give me the greatest hope for our congregation. Those who love him have received the mind of Jesus to do many works of love, compassion, and justice through Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in And details about this work appear on the pages of this report that follow. Those who love him have provided opportunities for all ages to learn the language of faith through Bible studies, the Tree House for children, retreats, day camp, confirmation, and Vacation Bible School. Those who love him have worshipped together on Sunday mornings, and Wednesday evenings during Lent and Advent, to give thanks and praise to God for all he has given- - more than enough to do all kinds of good things. (2 Corinthians 9:8, CEV) Those who love him have given back to God out of God s generosity with them to accomplish the work of the church, both at Gustavus Adolphus (GA), but also through local, regional and international mission partners, including Loaves & Fishes, Merrick Community Services, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, East Side Learning Center, Farnsworth Aerospace Magnet School, ELCA Disaster Response for Haiti, the Saint Paul Area Synod, Humble Walk Lutheran Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and others. Those who love him have offered time and talents to bring GA into the homes of those who are unable by age or other reason to participate in our mission at church. They were given fellowship, friendship, and spiritual care through your gifts. Those who love him have surrounded our mission and ministry with hospitality, dedication and behind-the-scenes labor to welcome others, take good care of our resources, both human and inanimate, and to tend to the financial caretaking of all God has given us. This included the fall stewardship and 3-year mortgage fund campaign -- More Than Enough conducted without a paid consultant at great savings to the congregation. Those who love him have created a legacy of more than 122 years of ministry on the East Side of Saint Paul and the east metro area of the Twin Cities. In gratitude for those who kept faith alive during world wars, the Great Depression, and the more recent loss of

3 thousands of living-wage jobs in the 1980s, as well as other crises and challenges, we thank God. Their gifts of faithfulness inspire us to follow their example to worship God faithfully, to be life-long learners of the Bible, and to serve others through their time, talents and treasures. We also give thanks for those who have remembered Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in their estate planning, and the legacy they live for the future. Those who love him have offered their time and energy to serve as leaders of God s church. This year, the pastors and the council reassessed the best use of their gifts and redefined areas of responsibility. Currently, we do not have an active Evangelism committee, and are working to encourage all committees to see that this responsibility falls to all of us. In 2011, the Council hopes to set aside some time to review all of our bylaws in relation to the new constitution passed in I am particularly grateful to the work of our Church Council, and the time and work that they do on behalf of the congregation this year. I have now completed five years of service to Christ in the call to be your senior pastor. I continue to be encouraged in my call to serve at GA, and am humbled and inspired by how you have shared your life of faith with me. The Church Council has graciously offered me a sabbatical to be taken in 2011, which I plan to do for twelve weeks this summer. A pastoral sabbatical may be understood as a set-aside time, somewhat like the practice of farmers when they set aside certain farm fields so that the earth can be renewed. Future harvests are more plentiful when a field has been allowed a time of renewal. This extended period of time will provide me with an opportunity for renewal, rest, study, spiritual growth, travel, and skill development. I am grateful for this opportunity. Sincerely, Rev. Bonnie Wilcox Senior Pastor 2

4 STATISTICS PASTORAL ACTS Sacrament of Baptism Giselle Pamela Bell Bjorn Gene Larsen William Thomas Bidon Isabel Reily McKay Olivia Taylor Bertsch Darla Lynn Himmer Isaac John Edward Weisner John Gorden Weisner III Khepra Krystine Hainey Mikaylah Mae Paul Dominic James Sirota Vincent Nickolas Tamburo Michael Thomas Moline III Charlotte May Krispin Nathan Paige Blume Eli Marshall Turner Emelia Gene Kaiser Anders Michael Kaiser Weddings Charles Colby Heineman & Theresa Omolola Bello Keith Alan Kantola & Adrienne Leigh Gunter Travis Randy Goepfert & Ashley Lauren Pruchnicki Bryan Michael Massich & Stephanie Ann Malark Joseph Raymond Tart & Deena Marie Bartz Joseph Anthony Abellera & Kelsey Marie Zenk Funerals (Includes former and non-members) Mark Allen Evenson Hazel M. Kluge Gloria (Ekstrom) Froelich Raymond Desler Wallace Stanley Moen Elizabeth A. Hedensted Arthur W. Strom Norman W. Dreyer Harold Peter Klas Norma Lee June Palm Margaret V. Rose Thomas Rolfs Nolan Mary Elizabeth Johnson Marguerite Ronquist Mae V. Holter Keith Uphoff Kenneth Swedberg Thomas V. Woodford Joyce J. Nass Dr. Alfred A Hanner Helen L. Cox Eleanore Ann Nielsen Chester Robert Schoenrock Delores Anna Kron 3

5 2010 Report from Council President It is hard to believe that 2010 has already come and gone. It was an exciting year filled with many blessings for our Congregation. At the end of a year, we often take time to focus on the things we have failed to accomplish throughout the past year. We start the New Year making resolutions to address the things we have failed to complete. Rarely do we take the time to reflect on the things we were able to accomplish. In preparation for writing this letter, I took a few minutes to stop and think about what this Congregation accomplished in It is an amazing list, in fact, too long to share in this letter. However, I do think it is worth taking a few moments to highlight just a few. In 2010 GA continued to commit people and monetary support to the following efforts: Loaves and Fishes, Merrick Community Services Food Shelf, Tutors at the Eastside Leaning Center, Humble Walk Lutheran Church, Holiday Lights in Phalen Park, Brush with Kindness, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter Work Project on the East Side, Kernels for Kiponzelo, Walk to Water Fundraiser and the New Orleans Mission Trip Within our Congregation we have many things to celebrate. Our ability to share our building with Lutheran Healthcare Bangladesh, Starfish Ministries and the EbenEzer Pentecostal Church, the gift of air conditioning in Luther Hall and the Fireside room and the ability to make a significant principal payment on our mortgage reducing the future financial burden of our loan. The endless, unsung volunteers needed to make so many events work like the Baobab Blast VBS, the Youth Ministry Garage Sale, the GA Craft sale, and the State Fair Park & Ride event. Although it is always easiest to focus on the challenges we face as a Congregation; we should not lose sight of the love, energy, compassion, community and accomplishments we have attained in God has truly blessed GA with more than enough! I would like to thank Pastor Bonnie, Pastor Hans and the entire staff of GA. This place would not work without all of your hard work. Thank you to Wes Johnson, Rick Howard, Diane Giovanazzi, Karen Landkamer, Merritt Linzie, DW Surine and Kristen Lynch. Your support and friendship have made this year successful and enjoyable. Lastly I would also like to thank the Congregation for its support of Church Council in It has been a privilege to serve as Council President. In Christ, Denise Oslund 2010 Council President 4

6 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE The Mission and Ministry of the Christian Education Committee is to provide opportunities for all ages to grow in Christ and to learn more about God and the Bible. This past year the Christian Education Committee is most proud of many accomplishments. Children from the Tree House under the direction of Mrs. Camille Farinella, presented a Musical about Joseph called So Long Joe at both worships services on Sunday, April 18th. Fleece Blankets with embroidered personal milestone dates were made by the committee and presented to 12 GA High School Graduates on Sunday, May 16 th during worship. Twenty-four children ages 5 11 participated in a Day Camp run by Camp Onomia Staff June at GA church. Sixty children attended Baobab Blast Vacation Bible School at GA in August. We had 40 volunteers who helped us with various activities during the week. Family Game Nights were held on Friday evenings with games and snacks for all ages Our Family Bingo Night was a big success. Our Parent s Night Out events held this fall and the Parents Day out on Dec. 11 th have been huge successes, childcare is provided by adults and GA youth. Proceeds go to youth camperships and youth ministry activities. A SPLASH party for young children and parents was held on Sat., April 30 th. Each child was presented with a personalized My Church book. Family Faith Nights with activities and speakers for all age groups. In 2011, some of our aspirations include: Further Develop and Implement programs for Our Road Map for Faith Formation with our partnership with Adult Education Committee and Youth Committee Continue with more FAMILY FAITH NIGHTS Coordination of children s messages to be presented during Worship services and/or Children s Activity ideas during worship. Get children to attend Children s Retreat, Summer Camp or families to go to Family Camp at Camp Onomia. Put a plan in place to make this an intergeneration event to paint murals on walls upstairs at the Tree House. Identify GA high school youth to attend T.I.M. (Teens In Mission) training We continue to seek ways to reach out to parents. We will focus on ways to build relationships among these parents, provide support and resources to help them share faith with their children at home. Our hope it to help families learn how to use the Bible at home as a family. 5

7 We hope as a committee that we have inspired all the members of our congregation to learn more about Jesus through Rotational Sunday School for the young to Confirmation for the Teens to Bible classes for the adults. We as a committee hope that the Family Faith Nights inspired those that attended. It is our hope and prayer that our efforts have been uplifting to the congregation as a whole. Sincerely, Debbie Johnson (Chair), Jill Culver-Ramos, Diane Giovanazzi, Janet Haiden, Lori Howard, Nancy Jones, Nola Relay, Sherrie Nordquist, and Pastor Hans Dahl FINANCIAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE Members of the Finance Committee: Dave Duncan, Maggie Kidnie, Neil Jones, Merritt Linzie-GA Council Liaison. Helen McEvoy-Freese-Business Office, Pastoral member: Bonnie Wilcox. This fall our members were given the opportunity to be part of the Mission and Ministry plan for 2011 and the Freedom Fund. The congregation s response has been hopeful commitments to the General Fund have exceeded last year s numbers; however, we have fewer 3-year commitments to support the Freedom Fund to pay our building mortgage. THANKS and praise God for the gifts that have been pledged and also this year for memorials and gifts to provide additional funds for GA s Mission and Ministry!! At the time of this report prior to finalizing 2010, the total income that was received other than transfers (this amount also was not spent) was less than the budget plan and at the same time with careful spending the amount of planned expenditures was also less than the budget plan. So while we didn t bring in as much money as we hoped, we also didn t spend as much as we expected! While in 2010 there was still a deficit we are grateful to the members for their stewardship to GA. The audit of the 2009 financial year was completed prior to the end of the year with the only note being the same as the previous year regarding how the property is valued on the Balance Sheet at insured value. How wonderful a year this has been at GA and we look forward to more years of mission and ministry here on the Eastside. With the leadership of the Church Council and Pastors Bonnie and Hans, GA has continued to grow together as a congregation and community. Together, we are inspired not only to be better Christians, but also to be better stewards of our time, talents and financial gifts towards Mission and Ministry at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. 6

8 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church will continue to grow in 2011 with the use of our time, talents and financial gifts that have been given to us from God as we are continued to be lead in Mission and Ministry. It has been a privilege to use the talents that God has given me here at GA as we work together in Mission and Ministry. Dave Grefe, Chair ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE As the chair of the Endowment committee I am happy to report for 2010 our committee had a successful year. We gave away most of the funds this year. We had a little over $23, given out to 12 different subjects. Every thing from the traditional scholarships where we had a record number of 12 students to something as unique as animals for the Sunday School Christmas program. We expect to be challenged this year since our returns on our investments will diminish due to falling interest rates. It will take some more thought on where to spend our resources. Our goal remains the same and this is, Out Reach. The congregation should know that the Endowment Committee is there in many small ways that affect all of us. From transportation for Senior moments to hiring musicians for special services that Jerry Brakke leads so well. All the members of our committee, Larry Kahler, Ted Madison, Dave Grefe and Matt Hogan have done a great job and we look forward to Thanks, Dan Shogren 7

9 2010 Endowment Fund Report 2010 Available Funds $30, Interest earned in 2009 and/or monies carried over Projects Funded in 2010 Special music $6, College scholarships 4, Global Missions 2, Youth mission trips 2, Phalen Lights in the Park 1, VBS/Sunday School Program 1, Church website 1, Matching funds- New Orleans Trip 1, Haiti Relief 1, Senior Moments- transportation Jesus Delivers- winter boots program Total disbursed in 2010 $23, funds carried to 2011 $7, income to be disbursed in 2011 $22, Endowment Fund Value as of December 31, 2010 $618, PERSONNEL COMMITTEE The Personnel Committee exists as an ad hoc committee to proactively ensure the fair and equitable treatment of paid staff at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. Members are Deb Hogen, Chair, Bill Lynch, Wes Johnson, Maggie Kidnie, Verilyn Peterson and Pastor Bonnie Wilcox, representing church staff. We serve at the request of the Council. The committee meets about every other month, or as needed. Some of the things we did in 2010 include: We continue to make revisions to the Personnel Manual. Once the committee is satisfied with the manual it will again be presented to Council. Updates to the manual continue to be done as needed and as changes are made to our personnel policies. 8

10 In the fall we evaluated salaries of staff and made salary recommendations to be included in the proposed annual budget. We checked comparable salaries within the synod and within the market to ensure that our staff is being fairly compensated. We continue to look at staffing levels and compensation issues. We want to ensure that staff members know what is expected of them and have the opportunity for conversations about roles and expectations. Respectfully submitted, Deb Hogen Personnel Committee Chair PROPERTY COMMITTEE The committee for 2010 had the following members: Pastor Bonnie Wilcox, Kevin Berglund, Steve Bordsen, Dave Duncan, Loren Holmstrom, Rick Howard, Diana Longrie, Bruce Pelava, Bill Spiel, Dan Stelter The committee worked with staff and other committees to provide information and any contacts that are needed to maintain all of the facilities and equipment in our charge. The support of the congregation through the giving of time and talent, and through gifts of money are the reasons this committee is able to do the work needed to maintain our facility. This is MORE THAN ENOUGH at work in our congregation. There were a number of projects and upgrades completed this past year. Some are listed below. The kitchen area required that the old floor tile be removed and replaced with new tile. The dish washer and the garbage disposal were replaced. With the funding provided by a members estate, Air conditioning was installed in Luther Hall and the fireside room. (As a note: it is very good to hear your comments as to the increased comfort this has given this past summer.) The parking lot was seal coated and the lines repainted. Interior painting was done through volunteer workers. All of the carpets were cleaned throughout the building by Nelson our evening custodian. Future projects that we would like to do when funding is available include; Provide cooling in the Chapel. Provide a better lighting system in the Sanctuary. Install an updated sound system in the Sanctuary. Install a more efficient heating system. 9

11 Install an electronic sign on Arcade Street. Replace the office telephone system. All of the above projects require funding. Please remember our needs in your annual giving. We encourage anyone who would like to be involved with the committee to please talk to a member of the committee. We can always use good people helping with tasks. A person s knowledge in a certain trade or an area of expertise is always welcome. Our custodians work hard to keep the facilities in good repair to keep us safe and comfortable. Thanks to: Rick Arons, Kevin Berglund and Nelson Tracey. We work to provide a comfortable environment for the membership. Steve Bordsen is involved with keeping our boiler working properly. Dave Duncan helps in many areas of the property committee. Dan Stelter is our electrical go to guy. Rick Howard is always there for whatever task may come up. The Friday work crew is a group of men and women who are mostly behind the scenes, represented by Dave Duncan and Bill Spiel. They give their time and talents to cut grass and keep the grounds presentable. They work with staff and each other in setting up displays, hanging banners, preparing for events. These people make many things happen that we all take for granted. It has been our pleasure and honor to serve the congregation as a committee. We Serve In The Name Of the Lord. Bruce E. Pelava, Property Committee Chairperson SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE Social Ministry in 2010: then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:2-4) I love these verses and the ones that follow in this passage from Philippians. It lays out the groundwork for how we as brothers and sisters in Christ should have the same mentality as Jesus did. Jesus walked, talked, and dined with the kind of people society had deemed untouchable. He broke down barriers and brought people together under the same love and spirit. As I reflect on what Jesus did during his life, I know that my faith calls me to greater action too. That is at the heart of how we live our lives! Social Ministry strives to provide opportunities for G. A. members to serve their community. We believe that acts of service are a natural way to live out the faith that we all have been given. We don t see it as an obligation or duty, but rather something 10

12 done through God s love with compassion and joy. When we serve, we use our unique gifts to fulfill a need, and we often feel spiritually filled afterward. However, we also want to support local missions who are working for lasting change and to inspire further action by our members. Social Ministry has a lot to celebrate and be thankful for in 2010! We give thanks for our former chair, Cassandra Hainey, who stepped down this summer when she and her family moved to northeastern Minnesota. Her enthusiasm and leadership really set the stage for what our committee was able to accomplish. I agreed to step into her big shoes (figuratively speaking!) this August, and with the help of Pastor Hans Dahl, Wes Johnson, Shawn Larson, and Brian Relay we look forward to I feel really blessed to work with a group of people who share the same passions as I do. In July, 11 youth and adults and I traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to help rebuild homes from Hurricane Katrina. We worked with the St. Bernard Project on 3 different homes throughout the week. Recently, two of those homeowners were able to move back into their homes! We feel blessed that we were able to install, mud, and sand lots of drywall in order to bring those families one step closer to their home. Thank you to Nick Crayne, Joe Howard, Rose Madison, Tiffany Goepfert, Nancy Jones, Jackie Jones, Angela Hamrick, Lindsay Estes, Jessica Stelter, Hans Dahl, and Brian Relay for their hardworking spirits. Thank you also to all of those in the congregation who helped with our jambalaya dinner, Bite for a Build, and Cub Foods fundraisers and for your prayerful support of this mission. In October, we had a unique opportunity to work with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project through Habitat for Humanity. The work project came to build and renovate 26 homes in Twin Cities neighborhoods hit hard during the housing crisis. Through A Brush with Kindness, GA members Vicki and Alyssa Olson were able to have volunteers work on several home projects in the span of just a couple days. Several of our other members were part of a hospitality breakfast one morning for the large work crews at the State Fairgrounds. We feel blessed to have helped our community regain a sense of hope as we worked for Habitat s large-scale mission. Affordable housing is still a reality and should be a priority. A huge thank you to Rick Howard who helped promote, organize, and recruit for this project, and to all of the volunteers who were connected with Habitat that week. In looking ahead to 2011, here are a few of our big projects: March a group of adults will be traveling to New Orleans to once again work with the St. Bernard Project. We look forward to working with more homeowners and volunteers to continue the rebuilding efforts. We look to increase the number of volunteers at the East Side Learning Center. We will continue our involvement with Feed My Starving Children and Loaves and Fishes. 11

13 We are exploring ways to help refugee families get settled in Minnesota by working with the Minnesota Council of Churches. We are looking for 2-3 more people to join our team! If you have a passion for helping people and would be willing to help organize events and recruit for volunteers, then we d love to have you. We meet once a month at the church. Feel free to contact me: Lindsay.lowther@gmail.com We are excited to see how God is going to use us and you in 2011! Lindsay Lowther WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE Committee Members: Karen Landkamer, Verilyn Pelava, Janet Peterson, Brian Relay. Barb, Surine, Don Ulmer, Nancy Johnson, chair Staff Members: Dr. Jerry Brakke, director of music, Pastor Hans Dahl The mission of this committee is to plan and evaluate aspects of worship and to assist in implementing opportunities to praise God and learn his words in a meaningful way. This committee works to change the lives of those worshiping at Gustavus Adolphus by providing a meaningful worship experience though the Word and music, both vocal and instrumental. People have particularly mentioned the Good Friday Tennebrae service and Christmas Eve candlelight services, that the use of candles draws them to the Light, Jesus Christ, the use of instrumental music which sets the tone for worship and the pew Bibles and Sparks Bibles for children which guide them. We have had many accomplishments this year as we continue to enhance our worship experience. *Prayer cards were placed in the sanctuary pews *Four additional hearing devices were purchased for the sanctuary *The hand bells have been refurbished. *New microphones have been installed in Luther Hall *We bought two new robes to fit younger acolytes Our goals for 2011 include: *Repairing and improving the organ *Offering communion every Sunday at both services and using pouring 12

14 stations in addition to our present form of communion *Purchasing new pew-mounted candlesticks to replace the current ones which are in poor condition *Continue to purchase more Bibles and hymnals *Move the hymn racks from the balcony to the main floor of the sanctuary We would like to thank our pastors, Bonnie Wilcox and Hans Dahl for their continued leadership and Jerry Brakke for his leadership, knowledge and sharing his musical gifts with us every Sunday. As chair, I would also like to thank the wonderful members of this committee. We work well together and share many laughs. We are friends. I would also like to thank the congregation for their interest and support. Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved in the worship and music at GA - the choir members, worship leaders at the11:15 service, the acolytes, Mike and Erin Richie and the ushers, Bev Challgren, Diane Giovanazzi, and Laura Hamrick and the communion servers, Nancy Nelson and the Altar Guild and the computer people at the 11:15 service, Diana Weggel and the Fine Arts Committee and the Decorating group and all the others I may have forgotten. If you have an interest in the music and worship of this congregation, we always welcome new members to the committee, We meet once a month on the third Tuesday at 6:45. Nancy Johnson, Chair Worship & Music FINE ARTS (Subcommittee of Worship & Music) Current Members: Norinne Hobbs, Barb Holmstrom, Doreen Johnson, Maggie Kahler, Nancy Nelson, Audry Nordwall and Diana Weggel. The Fine Arts Committee was formed to provide guidance for selection of furnishings, art, display of seasonal decoration, and planning the gardens, as well as upkeep. This subcommittee was also charged with suggesting ways that the church building and grounds may be improved and maintained to meet high standards of aesthetic quality. More and more we also find a need to play a role in conservation such as with the restoration, done in memory of Gloria Froelich, of stained glass from an earlier Gustavus Adolphus church building that can now be seen in the Fireside Room. Our work often requires a lot of research. An example of this would be our selection process of white paraments to replace the cherished hand-woven paraments designed many years ago especially for our sanctuary. We were enthusiastic about a particular 13

15 set of paraments. But one more step, Maggie Kahler asked the vendor to lend us the sample set and we discovered that the image was too subtle for the lighting and size of our sanctuary. That step prevented procurement of paraments with an image that didn t carry far enough back into the seating area Maggie also played an important role in another task. The gold plating had been etched from the inside of the communion chalices exposing mystery metal. When brought to our attention, Maggie quickly researched the cost of repair and replating vs. replacement because of concerns for the health of our pastors. After repair and replating was done, Maggie followed up by inquiring how to avoid the etching, information shared with those working with the communion ware. Another project, in progress, is supplementing the restroom signage because of complaints that restrooms in this church are hard to find. Research involved ADA regulations, comparisons of venders and notes on standard manufacture sizes (to keep down costs). Considerations also include how to blend the new signs with current signs so that all signage would not have to be replaced. We made mockups of different sizes, then voted on and put them up for trial and feedback before permanent signs are ordered. We will also be looking at updating other signage to make the building easier to navigate by visitors. Thanks to all of you who contribute to the nice appearance of our church and grounds through the collection plate, special donations, and memorials or with your time, expertise and helpful suggestions. Special thanks to the Friday Work Crew who do so much maintenance with Rick Arons and do marvelous work on seasonal decoration with Janice Hobbs, Norinne Hobbs, Barb Holmstrom, Maggie Kahler and Ginger Spiel who put in extraordinary effort on the gardens and seasonal decoration. Persons who enjoy research, visual aesthetics or just like to garden are encouraged to join us. This coming year, in addition to the gardens, seasonal decorating, finding white paraments and working on signage, we will be continuing our work of maintenance of furnishings, conservation and installation of fine art. We strive to be sensitive to the requirements of our congregation. Respectfully submitted, Diana Weggel YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM [Report not available] 14

16 GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE (sub-committee of Evangelism) Wesley Johnson, Chairperson The Global Mission Committee members are: Pastor Hans Dahl, Joan Fittery, Matt Hogen, Wes Johnson, Sherrie Nordquist, Joe Norquist, Marilyn Norquist, Jean Schwartz, Dan Shogren and Cheryl Westman. Others, as well as those named, have been involved in supporting mission events and new members to this committee are always welcome to visit or join. Our mission is to embrace the global church by focusing the attention and resources of the congregation on those in need, educating members about the universal and global mission of the church of Jesus Christ, building partnerships and welcoming global and immigrant communities into our midst. GA members are to be thanked for their support of Global Mission Ministries. Our regular support makes a difference for Kiponzelo, our companion congregation in Tanzania. GA members have made two visits to Kiponzelo and plan for a third one in Visiting members have seen how people living in an undeveloped country and in a subsistence economy struggle with limited, sparse, irregular farm income. From our "More Than Enough," the $1000 sent to their congregation each year has an impact that is appreciated. The following events and activities in 2010 raised money and awareness of global missions: * COMPANION VILLAGE PROJECT (CVP) Rally Day Corn Feed raised $610. The summer Sunday farmers market raised $232. Pastor Hans running in the Twin Cities Marathon, (Kernels for Kiponzelo) raised $,270. * SUMMER BIBLE SCHOOL - committee members Joe & Marilyn Norquist, Jean Schwartz and Wes Johnson presented lessons on clean and dirty water as found in Tanzania. A Walk to Water to Lake Phalen raised $145 for that cause. * SUNDAY SCHOOL - committee members Cheryl Westman, Joe & Marilyn Norquist, Matt Hogen, Dan Shogren, Jean Schwartz and Wes Johnson, in the Sunday School rotation, in February, presented lessons related to missions in Tanzania and also a focus on the earthquake in Haiti. Children gave money gifts for the ELCA Disaster Response fund. * SAINT PAUL PARTNERS, TANZANIA WATER DEVELOPMENT - committee members Jean Schwartz and Roger Schwartz represent our GA congregation in this mission ministry and host regular meetings at GA. * FAIR TRADE SALE - committee members Jean Schwartz, Cheryl Westman and Wes Johnson arranged and assisted with selling of Fair Trade products at GA in December. This mission ministry gives farmers and craftsmen in developing countries fairer prices for their food and crafts. * HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR KIPONZELO STUDENTS - Each year, our 15

17 congregation or individual members of the congregation that wish to, support eight students that are members of our companion congregation. The total cost of the scholarships is $2400. January is Global Mission Month. Gifts received in the Special Giving Envelopes go for support of global mission ministries. This year, 2011, the same will be true. From our "More Than Enough," GA members have been generous in support of missions. This year, 2011, I believe the same will be true. EVANGELISM COMMITTEE [No committee activity in 2010] Care Team Ministry Senior Spirit: Beginning of a Vital Aging Ministry Care Team Ministry (CTM): Nancy Johnson and Joyce Miller, co-chairs Care Team Ministers: Louise Feske, Arlene Higgins, Marilyn Norquist, Bill Lynch, Bob Barduson, Carl Berglund, Dick Borgstrom, Bill Lund, Ray Lundgren and Jean Schwartz. Pr Susan Schoon Visitation Pastor CTM assists with a variety of tasks while providing friendship and support. This emphasis on building relationships between those giving the help and those receiving the help enables us to be Doing what a friend would do! You will find in this report the many ways that CTM is living out the vision of actively promoting Senior Spirit throughout the congregational life of the church. Seniors on the Move! We have experienced Seniors on the Move in our visits and within the life of the congregation. We have come across seniors who bloom where they are planted within the community whether at GA, homebound, nursing care facilities or assisted living. In our ministry we have encountered needs and challenges along with joyful activities of seniors who help us to see God at work and at the center of their lives. Here are some stories of our encounters. The joys of Visitation: Each month Pastor Susan travels throughout the east Metro Area, Rush City, Cambridge, Blaine, North Branch, Forest Lake, and Inver Grove Heights. Working alongside the CTM she provides a partnership with the staff and members of GA as well as those who currently are homebound, (in hospital or hospice 16

18 when needed)in nursing care facilities, assisted care living and senior living. This relational ministry continues to build community with those whom she sees sharing Word and Sacrament, prayer and conversation. A few of her experiences are included in the stories listed below. If you are interested in hearing more about Pr Susan s ministry please give her a call! Seniors on the Move: Every six weeks Joyce Miller and Pr Susan travel to see several GA members who live north of the Cities, including a 92 year old gentleman living in Rush City. We shared story, communion, prayer and the Word. We left reminded that God is quite active and present in his life. This 92 year old wanted to ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle one more time and saw no reason why this couldn t happen. So HE created a solution for himself; writing to the dealership and asking if this was a possibility. This man s initiative brought an amazing response from the regional Harley Davidson dealer. One day last summer Hogs and riders out of Minneapolis/St Paul came to Rush City and gave him the ride of a lifetime, complete with local newspaper coverage! Nothing will keep him from fully living each and everyday. We have created relational opportunities for those who are homebound. One woman who could no longer entertain and was deeply missing old friends provided an opportunity for us to create an avenue for them to get together. The solution? Host a party which included inviting her old friends and neighbors; providing transportation and playing host with delightful food provided as well by a Care team member. Another woman who recently moved from independent apartment living to a long term care facility missed friends and neighbors. A solution was created. Provide an opportunity for them to get together. Provide transportation so that they could visit her. Again the Holy Spirit was present for these seniors on the move. A wonderful visit took place where God s love was shared amidst an array of great chocolate treats. Friendships were renewed and a new sense of life was felt for the one in her new home. Transportation Ministry: Coordinator Nancy Selander CTM welcomes and thanks new coordinator Nancy Selander who takes care of providing transportation for those who are in need of a ride. Her team of trained drivers provide transportation to: doctors, dentists, grocery shopping, barber/beauty shop among other things. This service is available Monday through Friday. Senior Moments: A time for gathering for fellowship Serves a home cooked meal for reasonable charge 4x a year plus entertainment is also provided. Co-leaders Barb Holmstrom and Joyce Miller design the event and work alongside Karen Netwal to provide transportation. CTM has been fortunate to have the Lyngblomsten Bus and its driver for these events as well. The cost of transportation was covered by the Endowment Fund. THANKS go to the MANY volunteers that cook, clean up, decorate and serve. Two of the events owe its success to the youth who helped serve and or entertain!! THANKS YOUTH!!! ] 17

19 Intergenerational Opportunities Delivering Valentines, Easter plants and Christmas plants has also been a wonderful way for the members of the GA community at large to make a difference for those who are home bound or unable to share in worship/events on a regular basis. Thank you to our families and others that take the time to share their time bringing these lovely reminders that God is working through the many. GA Travel Club: Coordinator Barb Holmstrom Thirty seven happy seniors traveled to the Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin this past Christmas time for their Christmas program. Thank you to Barb for making this possible. Look forward to upcoming day trips in Seniors serving others: WE forget that in our midst are seniors who actively make a huge difference in the daily life of GA whether it be at GA or in their place of residence. One woman reads for those who can no longer read for themselves. Another woman provides hospitality by using her apartment for a worship gathering followed by fellowship. Seniors provide assistance to/or by: the church office, counting money, Friday work crew, usher, sing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and VBS, managing the Library, Prayer Shawl Ministry, volunteer for worship/funerals, newsletter and mailings, serve on several committees, Deborah Circle, church council, delivering plants just to name a few. Goals for 2011: Overall Goal: to work with Pastors to create a vital aging ministry 1. Continue to grow CTM while providing and training more volunteers through Lyngblomsten. 2. Develop a card ministry to acknowledge birthdays to older members of GA, get well cards, sympathy cards, (cards, stamps and current address lists are provided). Recruit volunteers to take responsibility for 3 months at a time. 3. Have an active group help connect the church community with those who are no longer able to be present at worship and activities on a regular basis 4. Long term goal is to have a Parish Nurse for education help families with decisions that are difficult when family members can no longer live independently. Thank you to all, especially those members of the CTM whose heart and dedication have made it possible to create a vital caring ministry. Thanks to staff for all their assistance and for providing for our senior ministries all that is needed for us to do them well. Thanks to our pastors for your support and encouragement and guidance. GA has 26% of its members over 65. We need to have everyone feel needed and connected no matter their level or ability. GA Seniors have been and are active, vital, life giving members of the GA ministry and its community. They are Seniors on the move! They are Senior Spirit! THANKS BE TO GOD Joyce Miller and Pastor Susan Schoon (Visitation Pastor) 18