St. Paul's Episcopal Church ANNUAL PARISH MEETING JANUARY 28, 2018

Transcription

1 St. Paul's Episcopal Church ANNUAL PARISH MEETING JANUARY 28, 2018 St. Paul s Episcopal Church 16 North Sixteenth Street Wilmington, North Carolina (910) Bulletin submissions: bulletin@spechurch.com (Deadline Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.) E-news submissions: e-news@spechurch.com (Deadline Wednesdays 5:00 p.m.) The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving, Bishop The Rev. Dena Bearl Whalen, Rector The Rev. Deacon Kay Swindell The Rev. Richard Banks, Priest Associate Ronnie D. Wise, Director of Music and Organist Richard Rhoads, Assistant Director of Music and Organist Carl Samet, Parish Administrator Diane Matz-Kane, Bookkeeper Greg Bushman, Facilities Manager Brent Erway and Walter Alonzo, Sextons

2 AGENDA Opening Hymn, led by children of St. Paul s All things bright and beautiful Richard Rhoads Brunch and the Year in Review Call to Order Collect for a Church Meeting and Invocation The Year in Review Introductions Vestry Members Ministry and Organization Leaders Recognition of Retiring Vestry Members Don Brainard, Tom Erway, Cecelia Peers Recognition of Staff Recognition of Parish Volunteers Election of Vestry Members for term of Keith Calder Joe Farri Steve Haughey Rick Thayer (to fill one-year unexpired term) Jan Vick Brief Reports Rector Director of Music Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Question and Answer Period The Rector Merry Ann T. Wright, Senior Warden The Rev. Dena Whalen, Rector The Rector Senior Warden Senior Warden and Rector Merry Ann Wright The Rector The Rector Announcements: Sunday, February 4, Commissioning of new Vestry members, Wardens, Treasurer, Clerk Monday, February 5, Vestry Meeting Friday - Sunday, February 16-18, Vestry Retreat at Trinity Center Adjournment Recognition of Retiring Senior Warden Blessing Senior Warden The Rector The Rector 2

3 2017 Vestry Merry Ann Wright, Senior Warden - Management/Communications Spencer Weig, Junior Warden - Operations Barbara Bucci - Membership Don Brainard - Outreach/ Asst. Clerk Sue Sramek - Pastoral Care Royster Hedgepeth - Stewardship Richard Laudati - Christian Formation Twink Barr - Christian Formation Tom Erway - Parish Life /Fellowship Cecilia Peers - Parish Life /Fellowship Herb Gant Worship / Music Lynda Miller - Clerk Bob Swindell - Treasurer 3

4 RECTOR The Rev. Dena Whalen ANNUAL PARISH REPORT As you will see when you read the reports in this booklet, St. Paul s is a thriving, growing congregation. Each report reflects dedicated members who faithfully carry on the holy work of growing in the knowledge and love of God and in serving the needs of the others in Christ s name. What you will see in these reports is that we are continuing to grow in many ways. We are growing in numbers, in terms of members and their involvement. We are growing younger as young adults and young families are becoming involved. We are growing outwardly as we meet Christ in our neighbors and in the larger community. Our ministries, programs, administration, finances, and our physical plant are growing more stable each year. As our Book of Common Prayer states, as your rector, I am called by you to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to fashion my life in accordance with its precepts; to love and serve the people among whom I work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. I am to preach, to declare God s forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God s blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ s Body and Blood, and to perform the other ministrations entrusted to me; to nourish Christ s people from the riches of his grace, and to strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come. (BCP 531) I have the joy of serving as celebrant and preacher at three services of the Holy Eucharist each week and as officiant at the monthly services of Evensong and Taizé. I have baptized three people and buried three members, whom we remember with love: Mary Ruth Cooper, Anne Heins Lamson and Barbara Hester Pack. I have officiated at six marriages. Along with a compassionate and dedicated pastoral care team, I have made eighty-four visits our members in the hospital and at home. I have been available to those who seek pastoral guidance in their personal and spiritual lives. My ministry among you also includes calling and overseeing the staff and volunteers who are so vital to our life as a parish. We are blessed with a staff and volunteers who are dedicated, professional, and faithful in their service to St. Paul s. Thanks to our administrator, Carl Samet, whose professional skills and his ability to multi-task in this complex community are a true blessing. Diane Matz-Kane, our bookkeeper, assists our Treasurer, Bob Swindell, in all aspects of managing and recording our finances. Ellen Weig, with Anne O Dell, continues to organize our archival material, reveal a rich history, and unfold the narrative of our parish since its beginning in God most recently has sent us Greg Bushman, our new facilities manager, who comes with years of janitorial, hospitality, and culinary skills. Brent Erway, our sexton, works with Greg to keep our facilities clean and ready for use. Walter Alonzo assists with building maintenance and repairs. Nicole Thompson assists us print design. Volunteers who support the church office are Susan Carter, Kathryn Hedgepeth, Lyle Sullivan, Judy Wilson, Karen Day, and Don Brainard. Julie Martin serves as our webmaster. William Murphy assists with housekeeping and miscellaneous tasks. Elaine Anlyan and Jane Harkness are our new wedding coordinators. My ministry in the Diocese of East Carolina includes serving as Dean of the Lower Cape Fear Deanery and Deputy to the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. 4

5 The Vestry is a group of nine elected to serve as Trustees of the Parish. They bear great responsibility for the well-being of St. Paul s: the oversight of our property, our financial health, the provision of a rector, the governance of the congregation, and many unseen and unsung acts of service that make St. Paul s the best we can be. Not only am I grateful to our vestry and wardens in their dedication as leaders and servants among us, but also for their foresight and investment in the future. The purchase and development of the Ormond Center opens up a new chapter for St. Paul s. Many thanks to Turner and Della Wortham and Jan Vick who are serving as a task force to work through the renovation, the city and county requirements, and the development of a mission statement. Our music ministry is truly an instrument of God. St. Paul s is lifted into the beauty and majesty of God s presence each time we worship. We gift the larger community of Wilmington with the enjoyment of concerts and special events that are possible because of the excellent performance space our church provides. Ronnie Wise, our Director of Music & Organist, is a person of vision, excellence, and unwavering dedication to God and Church as he oversees our music program. His work is supported by a person of great musical skill and depth of spirit, Richard Rhoads, Assistant Director of Music & Organist. As we review the life and ministry of St. Paul s in 2017 at this Annual Parish Meeting, let us give thanks to God for bringing us all together under this roof to love and pray and serve together! SENIOR WARDEN Merry Ann Wright, Senior Warden As Bishop Skirving stated last week in his discussion with parishioners during the Adult Education Forum, In places where there is urgency about ministry that has passion and authenticity rooted in Christ, there will be growth. St. Paul's has continued to grow and to change over the past year. Membership has increased from 283 in 2016 to approximately 322 as of December 31, 2017 and the budget has grown from around $175,000 in 2007 to over $548, 573 in With membership of over 300, this parish is a transitional church, moving from a pastoral-sized to a program-sized church. St. Paul s is experiencing the same growing pains and successes as occur with any personal and institutional growth. The excellent preaching and outstanding music program accompanied by the warm hospitality and fellowship that continues to welcome all are hallmarks of St. Paul s. While there can be discomfort with change, St. Paul s is currently thriving on the possibilities that it brings. Enrollment in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd children s program has grown to 16 children regularly enrolled and has increased the number of teachers and nursery workers from six teachers and eight assistants. Under the capable leadership of Twink Barr, the quality of the program has been enhanced by regular training of the teachers. This year volunteer lay chaplains have been added to the program and the children have a time to interact with the Rector during the service. 5

6 As worshippers move from the church to the parish hall, they are guided by new signage that allows them to find their way without pause. No longer do we hear Where is.? as people walk along the corridors. New lighting, partially the result of a Duke Energy grant, helps to illumine the way as well. Work on the Ormond Center has consumed much of the time of the Thursday Morning Men s work group. The Rector has gathered together a team who are concentrating on interior and exterior needs as well as working with community groups and individuals that may partner with St. Paul s to provide outreach to the neighborhood and residents beyond. Thanks to Bill Farris, Elaine Anlyan and Ellen Weig, a Little Free Library was created to serve passersby and neighbors who wish to borrow books, thus encouraging reading among those who may not have access to reading material. The Gentlemen of Noble Poverty aka the Thursday Morning Men s group is generous with their time, resources and expertise to keep all of the buildings in repair. Projects have ranged from new door closures on most doors, to climbing extension ladders to replace much needed light bulbs in the sanctuary and unloading and distributing mulch throughout the property and removing unused equipment in hidden places of the basement. These gentlemen will be giving tours of our buildings the next two weeks during coffee hour for those who have never traversed the catacombs of St. Paul s. While discussion of finances is in the purview of the Treasurer, it should be noted that the 2016 Lehto Foundation grant in the amount of $40,000 allowed the restoration of the Parish Hall windows, the refurbishment of the Parish Hall fire escape and the installation of a new security system in Unfunded from that grant was the restoration of the parish hall ceiling to a state similar to the original. Another grant proposal was written and was awarded in the amount of $20,000 to do this work in We are grateful to these two entities for the support that allows us to provide improvements to our property that would not otherwise be possible. Special gifts like this are always welcome and a "Wish List" of items that need funding is being created by the current Junior Warden. The Vestry held a weekend Retreat at Trinity Center in February seeking to build on the accomplishments of the past year and looking forward to expected growth in Our monthly meetings have been productive. Please thank these dedicated volunteers who spend many hours a week working here in the building, at other ministry volunteer activities, attending a myriad of meetings and making decisions that affect how we not only do business but also how we interact with one another and the community. Many Vestry members were integrally involved in the fifth annual Coastal Carolina Christmas and are working on the April 21 Coastal Carolina Cabaret Evening in Paris at the Scottish Rite Temple. Both of these events allow us to support financially local non-profits including Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Family Promise and the Wilmington Boys Choir that provide outreach assistance to those in most need. Please plan to be a part of the Cabaret in April with your attendance and support and to support it with your sponsorship and ticket purchases. 6

7 The Senior Warden meets regularly with the Rector and attends weekly staff meetings, as many ministry meetings as she can, prepares agendas, reviews minutes, meets with the leadership team monthly or more and fills in wherever needed RenewalWorks, a program designed by Forward Day By Day for church growth and renewal is being led at St. Paul s by Royster Hedgepeth. The initial work had 112 respondents from parishioners to the questionnaire sent to them. A very diverse group of members then met for several meetings and processed the information anonymously received. We discovered that there is was an average of 170 worshippers each Sunday and, in 2017, there were 105 pledging family units out of 186 units at the time. Of those responding, 63 have been here longer than Dena (4 ½ years) and 39 had come since Dena arrived. The group concluded that St. Paul s is like a city with small neighborhoods and that at our core our purpose is to worship together, to be there for solace, to feed and inform; and to equip each one to be apostles of Christ. Other comments that your Senior Warden has heard during her tenure include that we need better communication; that we need a community co-coordinator ; that St. Paul s is on the cusp and, as we continue to grow, how can we realign space and restructure for the growth? These are all questions that the Vestry will be dealing with this year and in the next few years to come. The Vestry will need the support of each parishioner as we begin our journey as a program church and I invite you to join in the excitement of this period in the life of St. Paul s. In the reports you have received, you will find those of the Rector, the Wardens, the Treasurer and the Chairman of the Endowment Board as well as the Liaisons for each of our ministries and groups here at St. Paul s. I hope you will read them with a mind open to becoming a significant participant in one or more of the ministries and activities that make St. Paul s a family who knows Christ and makes Christ known. JUNIOR WARDEN - FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE Spencer Weig, Junior Warden The canons of the Diocese of East Carolina state that the Vestry shall act as the Trustees of the Parish and shall take charge of the property of the Parish At St. Paul s, primary oversight of the property falls to the Junior Warden. The property now includes 3 buildings: our 60-year-old church, our 1927 parish house, and most recently our Ormond Center on the corner of 17th and Princess. The family church days are long since gone when a single individual could manage this responsibility. At St. Paul s we were blessed this year with dedicated maintenance staff: Brent Erway, Walter Alonzo and Guillermo Garcia. We were also blessed with an incredible cadre of dedicated parishioners who worked tirelessly and often behind the scenes to maintain and improve our properties. The Thursday Morning Team (recently dubbed the Gentlemen of Noble Poverty ) and the Landscape Group stand out for their dedication and perseverance. In addition, on 2 occasions this year, Parish Work Days drew people to come out and donate a Saturday morning to cleaning and beatifying our buildings and grounds. 7

8 So, what exactly did happen in 2017? In the church, new doors were installed at the east entrance to the narthex, LED lighting was installed on the arch above the sanctuary, and the floors were professionally cleaned & polished. In the Parish House, most of the existing incandescent and fluorescent light fixtures were replaced with LED fixtures, thanks to a substantial support grant from Duke Progress Energy. With the support of the Isabelle Lehto Foundation, we were able to restore and repaint the metal staircase to the kitchen, restore and repaint the exteriors of the 10 large windows in the parish hall, and install a state-of-the-art door security system. On the lower level, a combination conference room and deacon s office was opened, while on the north end, the old nursery area was converted into two meeting rooms with a kitchenette. In addition to standard maintenance of our grounds, the Landscape Committee (with a grant from the Wilmington Garden Club and some manual labor from the brothers of Delta Tau Delta) created the new Garden on the footprint of the old rectory. And then there is the Ormond Center. As of January 2018, it is still a work in progress but a tremendous amount of work was done in 2017 to transform this building from a dental office packed with multiple small examination and X-ray rooms into a venue for St. Paul s to interact with our neighbors and the community at large. Many walls have come down, sinks and plumbing taken down, and 3 dumpster s worth of debris removed from the premises. As part of the grant, Duke Progress Energy provided substantial assistance with replacing all the fluorescent lighting in the building with LEDs. God willing, when the Junior Warden submits a report to the 2019 annual meeting, even more exciting projects will be described. We are the current stewards of a church community dating back to the mid-19th-century and of buildings that date back nearly a century. I am very proud that this community in 2017 has so willing shouldered its responsibility to be good and faithful stewards ANNUAL FINANCE REPORT Bob Swindell, Treasurer St Paul s Finance Office has experienced a period of transition during the last six months of Having provided exceptional financial leadership for many years, Bob Crafts determined that he would like to step down from his role as Treasurer and asked Bob Swindell to assume those duties for St. Paul s. Tom Brunton would continue to provide valuable service to the church as Assistant Treasurer and Diane Matz-Kane would continue to be the glue holding the Finance Office together in her capacity as Financial Secretary. The Office is staffed by Mrs. Matz-Kane between the hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. She is supported in her work by three dedicated volunteers who rotate their very important duties on Monday mornings. Tom Erway, Ron Morgan and Cheryle Wade assist Diane with counting money and preparing bank deposits for the collections and donations received during the prior week. It quickly became apparent to the new Treasurer that St Paul s financial structure was more complex than he anticipated, and the learning curve would be quite steep. Even though Diane is a knowledgeable accountant who produces work in which I have great confidence, we both were 8

9 depending on Bob Crafts to provide advice and to answer our questions, especially as they related to the operation of the church s accounting software. After several months, I asked Bob C. to consider returning to the Finance Team as an Assistant Treasurer. Upon his agreeing to do so, I submitted a request to the Vestry that he be appointed to this position and it was approved during their meeting held on January 8, Modifications have been made to the monthly Treasurer s Report and to the method by which the 2018 was produced. The Report contains columns that reflect actual monthly income/expense, the months budget amount, year to date actual income/expense, the year to date budget amount with variance indicated and the annual budget amount for each Income and Expense line item. St. Paul s for 2018 is a product of the Vestry acting as a committee of the whole. They began by completing a Request Form for each Program within the Ministry for which they had responsibility. A brief description, in priority order, of the Programs 2018 goals was requested along with an itemization of the anticipated cost of materials, equipment, supplies, labor or services to be purchased that corresponded with these priorities. Funds were requested by priority and any income associated with a priority to be generated by the Program or from outside sources was listed by source and dollar amount. All Request Forms were submitted to the Treasurer and a thirty-five-page packet was prepared for Vestry review and preparation on Saturday, December 16, Subsequent modifications were made to the document and the final version was approved on January 8, 2018 for distribution at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 28, St Paul's Episcopal Church, Wilmington, North Carolina Account Name Operating for Actual Income Expense 2017 Annual 2017 Variance Over (Under) 2018 Proposed 2018 Approved INCOME General Income 3, , , , , Pledge Income 309, , (4,579.64) 315, , Non-Pledge Offering Income 36, , , , , Plate Offering Sunday 8 AM Service (14.00) Plate Offering Sunday 10:30 AM Service 8, , , , Plate Offering Wednesday Service , (253.55) 1, , Organ Maintenance Income-Electricity 8, , , , Interest Income Gifts 7, , , , , Memorial Gifts 4, , , , , Bellamy Memorial Garden Income 1, , (700.00) 1, , Building Usage Fees Income 7, , , , ,

10 2017 Actual Income Expense 2017 Annual 2017 Variance Over (Under) 2018 Proposed 2018 Approved Account Name Rental Income - Iglesia 8, , , , S. 17th Street Mortgage 4, , , , , Misc Income Easter Offering 1, , (482.00) 1, , Christian Education Income Parish Retreat Income 6, , , , , Halloween Movie Income 2, , (724.31) 2, , Christmas Offering 1, , , Concerts separate from worship services , , Staff singers and Choral Scholars Income , , Easter Music Income (127.50) Altar Flowers Income , (525.00) Easter Flowers (112.50) Christmas Flowers Parish Life Income - Dinners 1, , (299.00) 1, , Parish Life Lunch Income 2, , (874.00) 3, , Pastoral Care Income (9.09) Ormond Center Donations , Ormond Center Rental Income Church Repairs & Maintenance , Total Income 419, , , , , EXPENSES Outreach Dreams of Wilmington Good Shepherd Center , Outreach Exp-General & Unanticipated 5, , , , Blue Ribbon Commission Help Hub , Episcopal Farm Workers Ministry Diocean Pledge 25, , , , Total Outreach Expenses 30, , , , Clergy Expenses Rector Salary 43, , (2.00) 46, , Rector Housing 40, , (8.00) 43, , Rector SECA 15, , (0.08) 13, , Rector Pension 22, , , , , Rector/Spouse Health & Dental Ins 20, , , , , Rector Life Insurance , , Rector Travel/Mileage 5, , , , Rector Cell Phone 1, , , Continuing Education , ,

11 2017 Actual Income Expense Annual 2017 Variance Over (Under) 2018 Proposed 2018 Approved Account Name Rector Discretionary 2, , , , Supply Clergy Cost (Rector Vacation) 2, , , , Supply Clergy Mileage (103.82) Deacon Mileage , (2,129.00) 1, , Total Clergy Expenses 154, , , , , Organist Expenses Director of Music and Organist 31, , , , Substitute Organist Compensation Assistant Director of Music and Organist 15, , , , Total Organist Expenses 47, , , , Staff Expenses Parish Administrator Compensation 26, , , , Finance Secretary Compensation 16, , , , Facilities Manager , , Sexton Compensation 12, , , , Nursery Attendant Compensation 2, , (2,170.00) 4, , Staff FICA Etc. 4, , (253.36) 4, , Workers Compensation 1, , , , Parish Administrator Pension 2, , , , Misc Staff Expense Total Staff Expenses 67, , (1,811.98) 76, , Church Business Operations Expenses Audit Fees , (2,418.68) 3, Bank Fees (166.19) Communications/Church Promotion 1, , (554.90) 1, , Phone/Internet Services 2, , (398.59) 2, , Property Insurance 15, , , , Security & Fire Alarm System 3, , (1,310.70) 3, Office Supplies 3, , (1,669.88) 3, , Computer Software Expenses , (401.13) 1, , Computing Infrastructure , , Copier Lease 12, , (621.88) 13, , Postage 1, , , , Communications-Contractor Pay 3, , (2,027.00) 3, , Archive Office Expense , Total Church Business Operations Exp. 45, , (8,513.52) 54, , Facilities Operations Electricity Expenses 8, , (8,730.40) 17, , Water, Sewer, Trash Expenses 3, , (2,497.46) 3, ,400.00

12 2017 Actual Income Expense Annual 2017 Variance Over (Under) 2018 Proposed 2018 Approved Account Name Building Repairs & Maintenance 11, , (6,539.63) 19, , Cleaning Supplies 1, , (59.20) 1, , Grounds Maintenance 12, , , , , Pest Control Cleaning Equipment Electricity Expenses-Ormond Ctr , (495.55) 1, , Water, Sewer, Trash Exp.-Ormond Ctr (389.09) Natural Gas Expenses-Ormond Ctr (519.09) Bldg Repairs & Maint.-Ormond Ctr. 1, , , , Pest Control - Ormond Ctr (100.00) Handyman 7, , (1,695.00) 8, , Landscaper , , Cleaning Supplies - Ormond Ctr Furnishings & Equipment Ormond Ctr , , Property Insurance - Ormond Ctr Sentinel Security - Ormond Ctr WIFI - Ormond Ctr , , Fixed Equipment - Ormond Ctr , , Total Facilities Operations 47, , (10,765.95) 83, , Bellamy Memorial Garden Maintenance , (700.00) Facillities Projects Building Improvements 5, , (4,379.66) 22, , Kitchen Rennovation , (515.93) Door Closers 1, , Furnishings , (2,786.92) 1, , Total Facilities Projects 7, , (7,262.24) 23, , Christian Formation Expense Parish Retreat Expense 6, , , , , Christian Education Expense 1, , (876.49) 2, , Children of the Good Shepherd , , Total Christian Formation Expense 8, , , , Misc Expense Membership Ministry Festival Greeter Program Total Membership Expense Memorial Gifts Expense 3, , , ,200.00

13 Account Name 2017 Actual Income Expense 2017 Annual 2017 Variance Over (Under) 2018 Proposed 2018 Approved Pastoral Care Expenses 2, , , , Music Choir, Staff Singers,Scholars,Concerts Piano Tuning Choir Robes , , Sheet Music Instruments , , Concerts separate from worship services , , Staff Singers and Choral Scholars , , Organ Maintenance Expense 8, , , , , Total Music Expense 8, , , , , Worship Expense Altar Flowers Expenses , (491.06) Altar Guild , (372.77) 1, , Worship Expenses , (2,351.73) 2, , Total Worship Expense 1, , (3,215.56) 4, , Halloween Movie Expenses 1, , (3.66) 1, , Management Expenses 1, , , , Stewardship Operations Expense , , Parish Life Expense Vestry Retreat Expense 2, , , , , Parish Life General Expense (Includes Labor) 4, , , , , Parish Life Lunch Expense 1, , (324.13) 1, , Parish Life Breakfast & Sunday Reception 1, , , , Parish Life Dinner Expense (408.91) Parish Picnic Expense (28.49) Wedding Expenses Total Parish Life Expense 10, , , , , Total Expenses 440, , (7,761.68) 547, , Income minus Expenses (20,686.34) (41,892.00) (105,627.18) (48,752.62) 13

14 2016 MUSIC MINISTRY Ronnie Wise, Director of Music and Organist 2017 was a year of tremendous growth for the music program at St. Paul s. The choir has grown in number and musically. This past summer, we had the rare opportunity to serve as the choir-inresidence at Chichester Cathedral, U.K. Over the course of a week, the choir sang a total of 27 hours. With the addition of the afternoon Choir School, we continue to bring new faces to St. Paul s. Many of the parents attend services to hear their son or daughter sing. The Choir School continues to grow as we regularly recruit boys and girls to sing. We continue to seek out talented musicians from local high-schools and colleges as Choral Scholars. In August, 2018, the choir is invited to sing services at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, NYC. St. Thomas is one of the most well know Episcopal Churches in the country, and was made famous by their world-renowned choir of men and boys, and the only boarding school of its kind in the US. In July, 2020, the choir will travel back to the UK for another week-long residency at Wells Cathedral. Through the generosity and support of St. Paul s, the Wilmington Boys Choir became a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. We continue our work throughout the community by providing the young men of Wilmington with a Voice for Life! The concert series at St. Paul s has had record growth this year and produced a standing-room-only performance of Handel s Messiah with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra this past December. We perform with the orchestra again this spring in Bach s St. John Passion. Richard Rhoads continues to serve as Assistant Organist and Director of Music. His expertise on the organ and his organizational skills contribute greatly to the ministry of music at St. Paul s. WORSHIP Herb Gant, Verger Vestry Liaison for Worship and Music An exceptionally large number of St. Pauls members actively participate in making our worship meaningful and spiritually uplifting. During 2017, 19 parishioners served regularly as readers ( lectors ) of scripture lessons and Prayers of the People; 24 others served as Eucharistic ministers assisting in distributing communion each Sunday; 5 young people were trained to carry banners and the small cross in services; and our choir swelled with wonderful music and choristers. Other fellow parishioners played instruments, arranged flowers, prepared the altar, coordinated weddings, ushered, baked communion bread, and brought bread and wine to the altar at the Offertory. The word worship means action of the people, and we saw that action week after week in these many people of God, demonstrating their love and devotion to God and His church, and lifting our hearts. The Rector, Verger, and Director of Music met regularly in 2017 to plan worship services, exploring ways to keep the parish open to incorporating new liturgical expressions, ceremonies, and music, while continuing to honor and practice our fidelity to traditional worship. 14

15 Of course, worship was not confined to Sundays. In addition to the regular Wednesday Eucharist, worship participants assisted at funerals, weddings, and special services, including Evensong and Taize services. During the 2017 Lenten and Easter seasons, parishioners assisted at Tenebrae, the allnight vigil before the Blessed Sacrament following the Maundy Thursday service, and the Great Vigil of Easter, generally regarded by the ancient church as the most important Eucharist of the Christian Year. We continually thank God for the deeply committed Christians who use their talents in proclaiming the glory of God through worship. Preparing and playing an active role in worship is an ideal way for a newcomer to help the church as he or she grows spiritually from the experience. Now is also the time for action by the longtime parishioner who has thought about it for years and never taken the step. In 2018, we will be training several to assume roles in supporting worship. If you re interested in learning more, contact the Verger or any of the clergy. CHRISTIAN FORMATION M.J. Giammaria Christian Education (Adults) At the requests and suggestions of a number of members, the format of the Sunday Adult Education was changed slightly. Presenters were recruited from within and without the St. Paul s church community. Also, some of the ministries were highlighted to provide more information and transparency of what is actually done by them, such as Altar Guild (Cheryl Wagoner) and Daughters of the King (Zona Tounsley, et al.). Lectionary studies were frequent and varied; presented by Tom McKnight and Joe Farri respectively. More specialized studies were done separately by Mary McKnight and Cheryl Brainard. Ellen and Spencer Weig brought light through religious stain glass windows and the fascinating history of the first female, African-American Episcopal Bishop. Herb Gant provided insights into the New Testament Gospels and the history of items used in various services. Wednesday nights in the summer were movie time with discussion, transitioning into a presentation by Dr. Jana Robertson of UNCW on 910 Rocks, and the Dreams organization. Joe Farris spearheaded an Advent series around stewardship of our environment, which included a presentation by Bonnie Monteleone from Plastic Ocean. Additionally, a second track on Christian Formation was conducted weekly by Rev. Dena Whalen and Cleve Callison. A recommendation is made for a technology infrastructure and procedural manual. Twink Barr Vestry Liaison for Christian Education (Children) This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. (Mark 4:26-29) Jesus used a farming analogy to explain how the kingdom of God grows. Growth happens naturally, but after the farmer did the hard work of preparing the soil and when the harvest is ready, the farmer 15

16 goes back to work. And that s how I would describe the growth of the Children of the Good Shepherd program this year. It s a combination of the blessings of God and the stewardship of our St. Paul s family. In May we completed the first year of combining the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Godly Play curriculums together to create a hands-on, Montessori approach to teaching our children. Through Bible stories, children were exposed to Christian language in a way that enhances a child s relationship with God. They were encouraged to wonder and explore God s presence in their lives. Training and planning sessions were held throughout the year for our six teachers and eight assistant teachers to provide age appropriate lessons for our 16 children in two classrooms (Atriums). All adults working with our children have successfully completed the Armatus on-line training and had a background check with the diocese. Some of the highlights of the past school year were: Participating in a Liturgy of Light service at the Church of the Servant on April 30th. Cecelia Peers coordinated the annual Halleluiahs and Easter Egg Hunt. The weather was agreeable and the hunt was held outside in the garden. An End of the School Year Picnic was held at Dena Whalen s home for the families and teachers of the program. On July 9th the Christian Formation teams were recognized at the 10:30am service. Teachers and children were recognized. After taking a summer hiatus from June through August, Children of the Good Shepherd started a new school year in September. Some of the highlights of this school year so far are: We have doubled in size of children, teachers and assistant teachers! We now have nine families in our Children of the Good Shepherd program. There are now two classrooms: Atrium 1 is for 4-7 year olds and Atrium 2 is for 8-12 year olds. Nine children registered for Atrium 1 and seven children registered for Atrium 2 this past fall. As some of our children enter middle school there will be a need for additional space. For two weeks in October we were involved in a community project: 910ROCKS! Children decorated rocks with inspirational and positive messages to hide around the 910 area code. When a rock is found with the 910Rocks on it, the recipient enjoys the positive message and hides the rock in a public place for someone else to find. Over 40 rocks were decorated and hid. Lucy LaSalle, for the second year, led the children in a Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve. Nursery Our church Nursery has become a hopping place on Sunday mornings. This past fall the attendance of children from birth through first grade has grown from 1-7 children each Sunday. To meet the needs of all these children, four Early Childhood Education majors from UNCW and 1 high school student were hired and trained. Julianna Larem was hired to coordinate our Nursery and train and schedule the attendants. Our long-time faithful Dianna Wallace continues to volunteer in the Nursery when needed. We are so thankful to her many years of service in coordinating the Nursery and taking care of our youngest children. 16

17 PASTORAL CARE Sue Sramek Vestry Liaison The following areas are under Pastoral Care: Community of Hope Cheryl Brainard and Kay Swindell Eucharistic Visitors Don Brainard Helping Hands (Funerals) Kathryn Hedgepeth Casserole Ministry Kathryn Hedgepeth Prayer Shawl Ministry Ellen Weig Hospital Visitation Herb Gant and Cheryl Brainard The Pastoral Care Committee meets the first Wednesday of every month and is generally attended by: The Rev. Dena Whalen, Deacon Kay Swindell, Don Brainard, Peggy Thompson, Larry Wright and Vestry Liaison, Sue Sramek. We review all of the requests for prayers, those needing long-term support, and those who have been visited during the past month. Any action items that are needed, such as equipment for shut-ins etc. is discussed and taken care of. Most of these ministries are carried on quietly and lovingly, so we especially appreciate all of those who regularly provide food for the Casserole Ministry without any fanfare, for those who weekly visit the sick and shut-in, for those who provide food and support to families at the time of funerals, for those who reach out to others through the Community of Hope, and for the women who knit constantly to be sure those who need comfort receive one of their beautiful hand-made shawls. My heart and thanks go out to all of those who so unselfishly offer their time and gifts to others for the glory of God. STEWARDSHIP Royster Hedgepeth Vestry Liaison Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the 2018 Stewardship Fund thus far! The Fund has four goals for the year. To make stewardship a year-round conversation about how we use our time, talent and treasure to live into God s call, God s dream for St. Paul s. To make stewardship a more integral part of each of our spiritual life and growth and of our life in Christian community at St. Paul s. To have our pledge amount cover St. Paul s fixed costs. To initiate a supplemental fund to support the renovation and revitalization of our physical facilities including the Ormond Center. By the numbers, the 2018 Stewardship Campaign sought to raise $365,000 (a 16% increase from 2017) from at least 120 pledges (a 12% increase). As of January 15, we have raised $354,322 from 17

18 116 pledges. When verbal pledges are confirmed, the Fund should reach or exceed goals for both amount and participation. As part of the 2018 Stewardship Campaign, the Stewardship Committee initiated the Gentlemen of Noble Poverty (AKA Thursday Men s Group) Renewal Fund to support facilities renewal and revitalization. The initial response to the GNPRF has been gratifying. The GNP will be hosting tours of St. Paul s facilities February 4 and 11 to discuss work that has been done and work that is on the horizon. During the remainder of 2018, the Stewardship Committee will continue to foster an ongoing, personal conversation about God s blessings to us, of our response to God s blessings, and our continued growth in light, hope and faith as we strive to bring about God s Kingdom at St. Paul s. PARISH LIFE Tom Erway, Cecelia Peers Vestry Liaisons The mission of Parish Life is to provide the members of St. Paul's opportunities to know each other better and to know God within each other and through relationship with the greater community. This is accomplished through fellowship, friendship and hospitality in the following: The times that we gather after worship in fellowship and communal meals. Events hosted by St. Paul's that enhance our sense of connection and appreciation of one another. Community activities hosted by/involving St. Paul's that deepen our sense of relationship within our community. As St. Paul s continues to grow, parish life activities help new and existing members get to know each other, and develop stronger relationships. Our members who have graciously offered to help with preparing and cleaning up after service and events are at the heart of building parish life. Sunday Breakfast and Reception Hot and hearty breakfasts are prepared by one of our nine teams of Breakfast Chefs following the 8:00 service. Then after the 10:30 service the wonderful reception spread keeps our members chatting and noshing. As we eat and talk, we become more aware of the many gifts that God has blessed our members with and feel the Holy Spirit move among us as we hear encouraging words, make plans together, share the things that bring us joy, and just engage in great conversation. There are eight hospitality teams with 6-7 members each, and almost every team has at least one new member of the parish. Wednesday Lunch After the 12:10 Wednesday service, we host a tasty lunch. About people regularly gather after the service to enjoy the mid-day meal and great conversation, and for some this is the only service they attend and time to gather with parish family. We are always looking for members who would like to help host lunch as it continues to bring members together during the week. 18

19 SPECtaculars We have a growing number of members in their 20 s, 30 s and 40 s. This group gathers quarterly for dinner or a special event. This has helped our growing younger membership get to know each other and build stronger friendships. Parish Life Events Outside of our regular gatherings, the following are events within Parish Life that have brought us together throughout the year: May 21 Holy Eucharist in the Park Service and Parish Picnic at Hugh MacRae Park September 8-10 Parish Retreat at the Trinity Center, Pine Knoll Shores October 8 St. Francis Blessing of the Animals October 13 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie and Organ Performance by Dorothy Papadakos Annual Trunk or Treat (which had to be cancelled this past year) November 23 Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Paul s MEMBERSHIP Barbara Bucci Vestry Liaison Rev. Deacon Kay Swindell Clerical Liaison This past year, 2017, has seen continued success in growth and development in each of the two major areas in this ministry-welcoming and Incorporation. The work of this ministry is to ensure that both visitors and new members feel welcome, and are able to envision themselves as an important part of the St. Paul s Community. Welcoming The Greeter Team - There are currently 24 trained Greeters, led by Trish Arnold, who welcome visitors to both services on Sunday mornings. These enthusiastic volunteers ensure that all who enter St. Paul s for worship services are recognized and assisted as needed. A genuine greeting is an initial and vital part of our care ministry. New visitors receive a Welcome bag with both current and historical information about St. Paul s as well as a Guest Card for them to provide us with information about themselves. We encourage them to sign our Guest Book and offer them a nametag. The membership ministry follows up with handwritten notes of welcome from Deacon Kay or The Rev. Whalen, and after a second visit a name tag is created for them. A second gift bag with additional information is then delivered to their home by our volunteer Ambassadors. We are continually working on this ministry to enhance the program. Our focus is always to offer all visitors and new members a warm welcome, and to encourage them to fully enter the spiritual life and fellowship of our church community. The results of these efforts for the past year: Overall New Guest Attendance = 200+ New SPEC Membership = 30 (2016 Total Year = 24 represents growth of 25%) 19

20 Newcomer s Dinners These informal dinners present a further and more enriching way to get to know our newcomers, and for them to know us. Invitations are sent out following the gift bag delivery to each guest. They are held in the home of the Rector, Deacon, or Senior Warden and offer a chance for newcomers to interact casually with each other as well as the clergy. The focus is to answer questions visitors may have, and offer them an opportunity to learn about the ministries of St. Paul s. By offering these dinners more frequently, the group stays small, and provides a comfortable way to share with each other. This year 3 dinners were held with an average of 10 invitations extended. Incorporation Fellowship Dinner Groups This membership program is one of two developed to assure that newer members can easily be acquainted with fellow parishioners in the church family. It also gives longtime members a chance to meet with others in a relaxed informal way. Traditionally these groups of 8-12 people are arranged through a random drawing in late August, so the first events can be planned for September. The events decided on are varied and include rotating dinners, going to movies or plays, or meeting at a restaurant for a casual meal and good conversation. These dinner groups are different than the Newcomer s Dinner Group in that they cover a broader segment of the parish and thus offer new experiences and new acquaintances. This year we have 75 participants in 8 traditional dinner groups of 8-11 members. We also have one family friendly group comprised of younger members and their children. This brings the number closer to 100 participants. Ministry Festival The Ministry Festival is a parish wide celebration which encourages the congregation to learn about, and become involved in the various ministries of St. Paul s. This year s September 24th Festival was held in two parts. The first part followed the 10:30 service where the parish hall was set up with colorful displays for all the major ministries. The Vestry Liaison and other ministry leaders were present to answer questions and supply any needed information to interested parishioners. A total of 44 ministries were represented under the 9 major ministries of our parish. The second part of the day continued in the evening with a fun-filled Pot Luck Supper Celebration for all members and visitors. Parishioners had a chance to further learn about each ministry and sign up to volunteer. Time was also given to celebrate our unsung heroes in the congregation at an open mic. Approximately 80 people enjoyed the evening and in total 50 volunteers signed up to serve in a ministry. OUTREACH Don Brainard Vestry Liaison We are the Body of Christ and, as such, we live in St Paul s. But we can t just kick back in our home and put our feet on the furniture. We are told, by Jesus in Matthew 25:40 ; as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me and his brother James faith without works is dead. 20