2015 Annual Report Presented to the Congregation on February 21, 2016

Transcription

1 2015 Annual Report Presented to the Congregation on February 21, 2016

2 Page 2 Mission Called to be a light on the hill, we boldly proclaim and serve Christ, the Hope of our changing world. Vision Reaching out as a visible expression of God s grace, we will meet people where they are, inviting all into Christ s family through engaging: worship, fellowship, learning, and service. Core Values Inspiring Worship Prayerfully praising God together and being touched and changed by the Spirit. Spiritual Growth Encouraging growth by prayerfully studying scripture and the Christian faith. Loving Relationships Nurturing connections in a safe and joyful environment. Faithful Service Working together to reflect and demonstrate God s love to all people. Generous Stewardship Sharing our gifts and cultivating our resources for God s purposes. Welcoming Community Striving to be an inviting and supportive Christian family.

3 2015 Annual Report Page 3 Table of Contents Mission and Vision Statements.2 Co-Pastors Letter..4 The 2015 FUPC Session, Deacons, Pastors and Staff..5 Clerk of the Session Board of Deacons Committee Reports (Including First School and Presbyterian Women) Christian Education Director of Christian Education...15 Nursery and Childcare Coordinator...16 Fellowship..17 First Fellowship..18 First School Commission..19 Nominating...20 Outreach.21 Outreach Giving..22 Parish Associate Earth Care Task Force...24 Personnel...25 Planning Presbyterian Women...27 Properties...28 Stewardship...29 Treasurer s Report.30 Budgeted Financial Statement Statement of December 31 Cash Flows.36 Designated Fund Summary..37 Trustees and Endowment...38 Hi-Acres.. 39 Welcoming 40 Worship..41 Music Ministries....42

4 Page 4 Co-Pastors Letter Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 4:10-11) The year 2015 was a time of deepening our roots and spreading our branches ever wider as we sought to intentionally live into the church s new vision statement (listed on page 2) adopted in September of We continued the pattern of integrated worship themes built around biblically-inspired sermon series: Epiphany: The Apostles Creed for Today (on understanding the faith we confess) Lent: Giving it up: Our Unmanageable Lives (based on the Twelve Steps) Easter: The Love of God (on God s unconditional grace to us) Summer: Who God is, Who We Are: Making and Keeping Commitments (from Deuteronomy) Fall: Come Unto Me, (on seeking everything in Christ) Stewardship: Beyond the Wood and Stone (on building up the church s ministries) Advent and Christmas: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room (on welcoming Christ) Membership increased to 490 to 498 during That number, of course, fluctuates somewhat as new members join and long-time members enter the church triumphant. Major strides were made in improving our technological resources for ministry, funded by several generous bequests. The entire church campus was connected through a single integrated wireless network, enabling more comprehensive use of internet resources for education, meetings, and programs. The church website ( was upgraded to enable the staff to update it directly on a weekly basis, and it is becoming a primary way we communicate with the congregation and the community. Church was also integrated and expanded through Microsoft Office 365, facilitating better staff and congregational communication and efficiency. Financially, 2015 was one of the strongest years ever as the congregation again proved to be generous stewards of God s gifts and graces. The Trustees began a sustained effort to promote legacy giving, encouraging each member to leave a significant financial legacy that would continue an investment in God s kingdom through First United Presbyterian Church that extends beyond their lifetime. Our commitment to holistic and sustainable mission outreach and community development in partnership with the PCUSA and the Presbyterian Church of Honduras continued to expand. FUPC under the able leadership of Parish Associate Leslie Belden resourced and encouraged ever-deepening and expanding involvement by northwest Arkansas congregations, culminating in official embrace of Solar Under the Sun s Honduras initiative by the entire Presbytery of Arkansas and congregations throughout the state. In coming months, we will be part of a national effort to fund mission co-worker positions there to continue to resource God s exciting work in Honduras. Clerk Janet Clausen deserves special thanks for her four years of exceptionally efficient and organized coordinating of the information and communication of the Session. As you read through the following pages, please note the many others who have offered their gifts of time, talent, and money so generously in God s service. Truly it has been a year in which God has been glorified in and through First United Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville! Phil and Jan Butin, Co-Pastors

5 2015 Annual Report Page 5 The Session Janet Clausen, Clerk of Session Class of 2015 Carol Barnett, Outreach Lorraine Brewer, Planning David Davies, Personnel Cathy Kirkpatrick Bernie Madison, Stewardship Bo Morton Class of 2016 Jon Fagg Jana Hemphill, Education Howard Higgins Frank Johnson Sara Koenig, Fellowship Lucy McClung Jennifer Ross Class of 2017 Pam Andersen, Welcoming Sara Eichmann, First School Commission Rebecca Haden, Worship Don Johnson, Nominating Peg Manger James Moore, Properties Sabra Martin Board of Deacons Carolyn Ratliff Ron Woodruff Chris Bell Dave Edmark Class of 2015 Debbie McNair Hallie Jarvis Class of 2016 Commissioned Deacons Carol Hart Ann Roberts Rob Button Dana Daniels Class of 2017 Katherine Boushelle Bob Zierak Pastors and Staff Phil and Jan Butin, Co-Pastors Leslie Belden, Parish Associate Kristi Button, Director, Christian Education Carol Essen, Office Manager Dan Essen, Facilities Manager Katie Jackson, Dir. of Children and Youth Music Jeannie Lee, Organist Amy McCann, Childcare Coordinator Heidi Nash, Membership Secretary/Food Events Coordinator Michael Shuman, Director, Music Ministry Laura Winburn, Financial Administrator Staff Transitions in 2015 As staff changes occurred, positions were clarified and expanded to better fulfill our vision. In June, Carol Essen became our new office manager. In November, Dan Essen began service as the church s facilities manager. CE Director Kristi Button graciously shepherded our youth ministry on an interim basis as a prayerful search for a new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries yielded, not one person, but an energetic, focused, and visionary young couple, Brianne and Jacob Christensen, to share a single position beginning in early 2016.

6 Page 6 Clerk of Session, Janet Clausen The Clerk of Session serves as clerk for the Session and secretary for congregational meetings. The Clerk is an ordained Elder and is elected annually by the Session. Other duties of this position include: Coordination of Session meetings with the Co-Pastors to develop the agenda and identify matters requiring Session action to develop the consent agenda. Keeping track of unfinished Session business and meeting Presbytery requirements. Working with the office staff to document information for church membership rolls and maintain the records of the church. Informing the Session, Co-Pastors, Moderators, staff and other leaders of the church on matters relating to the Session. Submission of a Clerk s Report for Stated Session meetings that includes members received, transferred, removed, etc., and note marriages, deaths, baptisms and name changes of church members. Recording minutes of Stated Session, Special Session and Congregational meetings. Submission of highlights of recent Session meetings in the FOCUS newsletter. ing Session-related materials to Session members, Moderators and staff in advance of the monthly Stated Session meetings and as needed throughout the year. Submission of approved minutes for the permanent Church Record Book. Working with staff in the completion of the annual Church Statistical Report and Clerk s Questionnaire Membership Update Gains in Membership Profession of Faith/Affirmation of Faith 17 years old and under years old and over 6 Reaffirmation of Faith 2 Letter of Transfer 10 Total Gains 28 Losses in Membership Transfer of Membership 11 Due to Death 9 Total Losses 20 Total Membership in Baptisms Children 4 Adults 1 Thank You to FUPC I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the congregation for the opportunity to have served as Clerk of Session from During these four years, it has been an honor and privilege to have worked with the Co-Pastors, Moderators, Session members and members of the congregation for the glory of God.

7 2015 Annual Report Page 7 Church Register Changes for 2015 New Members (Add to Church Rolls) March 15, 2015 Anne Chandler Booth, a Deacon and wife of Dick Booth, by letter of transfer from Woodlands Presbyterian Church, 11 Ecuestre Drive, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas Richard (Dick) Windsor Booth, an Elder and husband of Anne Booth, by letter of transfer from Woodlands Presbyterian Church, 11 Ecuestre Drive, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas LeNelle Lynn Cagle, an Elder, by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 6, Yellville, Arkansas Joseph Chidiac, husband of Katy Kane Chidiac, by profession of faith. Katy L. Kane Chidiac, wife of Joseph Chidiac, by profession of faith. Deane Hammond Meek, an Elder, by letter of transfer from Bethel Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 817, West Columbia, Texas Constance (Connie) Nunnally, by letter of transfer from First United Methodist Church, 7659 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas Amanda Rose Ober, mother of Monica Williamson (born February 1, 2010) and Chase and Chantz Williamson (born January 11, 2012), by baptism and profession of faith. Larry Wayne Stubbs, husband of Claudia Driver, by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church, 100 South Gutensohn, Springdale, Arkansas April 12, 2015 Claudia Laraine Driver, an Elder and wife of Larry Stubbs, by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church, 100 South Gutensohn, Springdale, Arkansas Carl David Rodgers (David), husband of Ruth Rodgers, by letter of transfer from Rolling Hills Baptist Church, 1400 Rolling Hills Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas Ruth Laverne Rodgers, a Deacon and wife of David Rodgers, by letter of transfer from Rolling Hills Baptist Church, 1400 Rolling Hills Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas Melissa Jean Stephenson, by profession of faith. Confirmed April 19, 2015 Sydney Forrest Adair, daughter of Brittany and Steven Adair, by profession of faith. Vivian Ruth Brantley, daughter of Rebecca and James Brantley, by baptism and profession of faith.

8 Page 8 Church Register Changes for 2015 continued Confirmed April 19, 2015 (continued from previous page) Laney Lee Daniels, daughter of Dana and Shawn Daniels, by profession of faith. Ellington (Ellie) Alder Fagg, daughter of Amanda and Jon Fagg, by profession of faith. Reed Sanderson Fagg, son of Amanda and Jon Fagg, by profession of faith. Haley Kate Jackson, daughter of Katie and Edward Jackson, by profession of faith. Karli Marie Koeppe, daughter of Franklin Koeppe and Heather Dismang-Koeppe (stepmother), daughter of Rebekah Koeppe, and ward of Jessie and Roger Koeppe, by profession of faith. Katie Marie Morton, daughter of Amy and George (Bo) Morton, by profession of faith. Maris Mackenzie Sisco, daughter of Nell and Steve Sisco, by profession of faith. Confirmed April 26, 2015 Grace (Gracie) Adele Hewat, daughter of Angie and Bill Hewat, by profession of faith. June 25, 2015 Lisa Pfitzinger, wife of Kurt Pfitzinger, by reaffirmation of faith. Kurt Matthew Pfitzinger, a Deacon in the Lutheran church and husband of Lisa Pfitzinger, by reaffirmation of faith. December 13, 2015 Tyrone Anthony Welch, husband of Melissa Welch and father of Amelia Rose Luswata (born June 15, 2006, and baptized December 13, 2015) and Floyd Spearman (born September 7, 2006), by profession of faith. Melissa Ann Welch, wife of Tyrone Welch and step-mother of Amelia Namujjuzi Luswata (born June 15, 2006, and baptized December 13, 2015) and step-mother of Floyd Spearman (born September 7, 2006), by profession of faith. Richard Jackson Hunt (Jack), by letter of transfer from Viema Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street, Viema, Virginia Transfer of Membership (Remove from Church Rolls) James Lee Schneringer, husband of Rebecca Schneringer and father of Sarah and Anna, by letter of transfer dated January 1, 2015, from First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Arkansas. Rebecca Jane Schneringer, wife of James Schneringer and mother of Sarah and Anna, by letter of transfer dated January 1, 2015, from First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Arkansas.

9 2015 Annual Report Page 9 Church Register Changes for 2015 continued Transfer of Membership (continued from previous page) Tom Houston, husband of Leana Houston and father of Ben and Mary, transferred membership to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Confirmation with Good Shepherd to Clerk of Session Clausen (January 14, 2015). Leana Houston, wife of Tom Houston and mother of Ben and Mary, transferred membership to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Confirmation with Good Shepherd to Clerk of Session Clausen (January 14, 2015). Ben Houston, son of Tom and Leana Houston, transferred membership to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Verbal confirmation with Good Shepherd secretary by Clerk of Session Clausen (January 14, 2015). David Birkett, husband of Ollie Birkett, by letter of transfer (effective September 14, 2014, acted on by Session April 12, 2015) from Canyon Lake Community Church, Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, California Ollie Birkett, wife of David Birkett, by letter of transfer (effective September 14, 2014, acted on by Session April 12, 2015) from Canyon Lake Community Church, Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, California Cheryl Eck, wife of Gareth Eck, to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, on April 19, Gareth Eck, husband of Cheryl Eck, to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, on April 19, Scott Verdery (notified by on August 8, 2015) to Hope Church of NWA in Bentonville, Arkansas. Logan Woodruff to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 140 North Tyler Avenue, Ogden, Utah per letter dated October 21, Deaths (Remove from Church Rolls) Sara Harris, died January 31, Interment was at the columbarium of First United Presbyterian Church. The Revs. Jan and Phil Butin officiated. Glendora Virginia Sharp, born October 22, 1919, in Thayer, Missouri, died January 31, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A memorial service was held at Butterfield Trail Village Convocation Room. The Rev. Jan Butin officiated. Herman Ashby Tuck, Jr., born February 23, 1929, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, died February 2, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Services were held at First Christian Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, with burial at Sons Chapel Cemetery, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

10 Page 10 Church Register Changes for 2015 continued Deaths (continued from previous page) Bonnie Evelyn Heiple, born July 8, 1924, in Baxter County, Missouri, died February 25, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A memorial service was held on at First United Methodist Church, Springdale, Arkansas. Dale Killian, born January 1, 1922, in Pineville, Arkansas, died May 6, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visitation and funeral were held at First United Presbyterian Church. Burial was at Fairview Memorial Gardens. The Rev. John King officiated. James (Jim) Bales, born December 23, 1927, and died May 18, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. A memorial service was held at Butterfield Trail Village. The Rev. Jan Butin officiated at both. Richard Hamilton (Dick) Forsythe, born December 9, 1921, and died May 26, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A memorial service followed by a reception was held at First United Presbyterian Church. The Revs. Jan and Phil Butin officiated. Sanford Priest, died November 23, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A memorial United Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Phil Butin officiated. service was held at First Shirley JoAnn (Dobson) Whitlatch, born November 27, 1928, and died January 30, 2015, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A funeral service was held at Nelson Berna Funeral Home, Fayetteville, Arkansas, with the Rev. John King officiating. Burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Baptisms Amanda Rose Ober (mother of Monica, Chase and Chantz Williamson) baptized on March 15, The Revs. Jan and Phil Butin officiated. Vivian Ruth Brantley, born May 10, 2002, daughter of Rebecca and James Brantley, baptized on April 19, The Revs. Jan and Phil Butin officiated. Amelia Rose Luswata, born June 15, 2006, daughter of Tyrone and Melissa Welch, baptized on December 13, The Revs. Jan and Phil Butin officiated. Marriages Melissa Jean Stephenson and Phil Harrington married on June 27, 2015, at First United Presbyterian Church. The Revs. Jan and Phil Butin officiated. Name Changes Melissa Jean Stephenson changed to Melissa Jean Harrington.

11 2015 Annual Report Page 11 Church Register Changes for 2015 continued Elders and Deacons Ordained and/or Installed or Commissioned on January 4, 2015 Elder Class of 2016: Ordained and Installed Jennifer Ross (filling the unexpired term of Doug Wright) Elders Class of 2017: Ordained and Installed Billy Waite (Elder/Trustee) Installed Pam Andersen, Sara Eichmann, Don Johnson, Peggy Manger (filling the term of Julie Olsen) and James Moore (filling the term of Dick Oliver). Board of Deacons Class of 2017: Ordained and Installed Rob Button and Dana Daniels Commissioned Deacon 2015: Ordained and Commissioned Katherine Boushelle Installed on January 25, 2015 Elder Class of 2017: Installed Rebecca Haden Elder Resignations Elder/Trustee Billy Waite (Class of 2017) resigned effective April 12, Elder Sam Warren (Class of 2016) resigned effective June 14, Elder/Trustee Class of 2017 Elected on May 3, 2015 and Installed on May 17, 2015 Installed Sabra Martin (filling the term of Billy Waite) Elder Class of 2016 Elected on July 26, 2015 and Ordained/Installed on September 20, 2015 Ordained and Installed Jon Fagg (filling the term of Sam Warren). Elders, Elder/Trustee Elected on July 26, 2015 Elders Class of 2018 Chris Bell, Steve Jarvis, Bill Mitchell, Michelle Price, Carol Van Scyoc, Tom Verdery and Derrik Olsen (Elder/Trustee) Deacons Elected October 25, 2015 Board of Deacons Class of 2018 Sung Boon Kim and Larry Stubbs Commissioned Deacons 2016 (one-year renewable term) Anne Booth, Kurt Gastrock and Cathy Irwin Deacon Resignation Commissioned Deacon Elect Kurt Gastrock resigned in November, Deacon Elected on November 22, 2015 Commissioned Deacon 2016 (one-year renewable term)--kay Pickett

12 Page 12 Board of Deacons Ron Woodruff, Moderator The 2015 Board Members were: Ron Woodruff (Moderator) Rob Button - coordinator of visitation (all Deacons participate in visitation) Carolyn Ratliff - coordinator of meals/food Dana Daniels - Secretary / baby blankets Debbie McNair - Note cards/christmas poinsettia coordinator Hallie Jarvis Postcards The Commissioned Deacons: Chris Bell - Baby blankets and visitation Dave Edmark - Coordinator of transportation and visitation Bob Zierak - Visitation Carol Hart - Memorial Receptions Committee/meals Katherine Boushelle - visitation Rev. Jan Butin provided active pastoral support. The ministry of deacon is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ (Book of Order, G ). As deacons we strive to be aware of needs within the congregation (and the community) and seek to be compassionately involved in the lives of FUPC members and visitors. Deacons serve by providing meals, personal visits, phone calls, and encouraging cards for those with special needs. Postcards are regularly sent to members, transportation provided (as needed), Christmas poinsettias delivered, and CDs of the worship service distributed to the homebound. When serious financial needs arise affecting a church member/family, the Board is called upon to authorize help through the Individual Assistance Fund (created by the Christmas Offering each year). The work done by the deacons is very gratifying and deeply appreciated by those who are served. The congregation and the Board of Deacons benefit greatly by the services provided by volunteers (known and some unknown) who continue to provide meals, send cards, visit, provide transportation and meet other needs as they arise. Special appreciation is extended to the many that assisted the deacons with grace and loving kindness. Highlights At each meeting, individuals on the Intercessory Prayer List were supported and remembered in prayer. Carolyn Ratliff, with the assistance of Carol Hart, coordinated more than 40 members, who at their personal expense, prepared and delivered home cooked meals to members/regular attendees in time of need. Teams of volunteers were set up for ongoing meal care for families facing extended illness. Wonderful Wednesday meals, when available, were delivered to individuals and families according to need. Outreach will undertake delivery of excess food to 7 Hills or other such facilities.

13 2015 Annual Report Page 13 Board of Deacons continued Personal visits to homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals, along with telephone calls were made to members and friends suffering from illness, preparing for and recovering from surgical procedures, death in the family and other special needs. Many other visits and calls were regularly made by volunteers. Ann Roberts, Dave Edmark, and others were each active in visitation at Butterfield Trail Village. 120 cards with short personal notes prepared by Debbie McNair were mailed in 2015 to express compassionate care for members who were facing illness, grief, loneliness, or other life circumstances. Postcards were regularly sent to members of the congregation during the year. Transportation for members and visitors was provided, as needed. For example, the church van was used to provide transportation from Butterfield Trail Village for the Christmas Eve service at the church. One member in an assisted-living situation is regularly provided transportation for Sunday service by volunteers. CDs of the worship service were delivered by Eunice Millett (volunteer). In 2015 we only had one that regularly requested the CD. A Memorial Reception Committee was called into service following funeral services at our Church. Leadership is provided by Carol Hart. Rev. Jan Butin was diligent in keeping the deacons updated on the current status of the needs of individuals and families. One article was printed in the Focus Newsletter informing the congregation of the services provided by the Deacons and a list of opportunities for service by volunteers. Hallie Jarvis represented the deacons on the Church Nomination Committee. Ron Woodruff served on the Personnel Committee and served as a liaison with the Session. The Board approved and authorized payments from the Assistance Fund Account for several individuals. These funds are provided from the Christmas Eve collection. During the Christmas season, 74 poinsettia plants were delivered and 39 Christmas cards were mailed. Long and ever-faithful service as an active Commissioned Deacon has earned Ann Roberts, Carolyn Ratliff, Dave Edmark, and Chris Bell the right of retirement. All have been a true blessing and a witness of compassion and service to those in need. Further, these Deacons, have set a high bar and an example of spiritual service and the true love of Jesus Christ. Respectfully submitted. Ron Woodruff, Moderator

14 Page 14 Christian Education Committee Jana Hemphill, Moderator Committee Members: Moderator Jana Hemphill, Amy Blanz, Diane Byars, Jennifer Ross, Nancy Waite, Sam Warren/Jon Fagg, and Kristi Button, Staff The Committee reinforced its commitment to the following focus area and action items: As a community of faith committed to SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND EDUCATION that sustains hope, cultivates wonder and develops a joyful and genuine faith grounded in scripture we will: 1. Challenge, encourage, and equip each of our members to regularly pray and study Scripture. 2. Explore other models for fulfilling and challenging Christian education for children, youth and adults. 3. Provide opportunities for praying in groups and support and develop new small groups for study and prayer. 4. Increase participation in children s music and our educational ministries. 5. Identify those with gifts for ministry and encourage and support them in developing their call. The FUPC Christian Education and Spiritual Growth initiatives maintained from last year. The committee structure and function remained largely the same this year with sub-committee heads reporting on their group s activities. These include Children s Concerns, Youth Education, Vacation Bible School, Adult Education, Nursery, Library and Wonderful Wednesdays now called Wednesdays Together. Highlights of the year include: ten different Sunday School Classes; more than 25 Wonderful Wednesday programs on a wide variety of subjects; G-Force themed Vacation Bible School held June with increased youth involvement in the leadership of VBS; Wonderful Wednesday weekly events ended in April and we began a more intense focus on monthly events for the fall and renamed the program Wednesdays Together; Kristi Button continuing to fill the vacant Youth Director position while continuing as Christian Education Director; continuation of music into Children s Sunday School classes in the fall; policies and procedures developed for the Nursery; and we began revision of the Child Safety Policy. FUPC is blessed to have wonderful support from our members who are involved in keeping our Christian Education programs thriving throughout the year. We strive to continue to have a positive influence in the lives of our children, youth, adults and their families and friends. We appreciate everyone s commitment to the mission of Christian Education and Spiritual Growth at FUPC. Respectfully submitted, Jana Hemphill, Moderator

15 2015 Annual Report Christian Education Kristi Button, Director of Christian Education This year was one of anticipation and preparation to host a Reach Mission trip in our area in We had a very good year continuing our first Sunday ministry with Sunday Suppers and made deeper connections and met needs in new ways this year. The partnership with the other participating churches has been wonderful. It was an interim year in the youth ministry program with many wonderful events and opportunities, combined with excitement and anticipation of the future of youth ministry beginning in 2016 with new leaders, Brianne and Jacob Christiansen. Page 15 Youth highlights of the year: The new schedule for youth, with dinner first, has been a really good addition to the program. The dinner together sets a very good tone to the evening and the fellowship around the table has been wonderful for the group. The weekly schedule is youth bells at 4pm and Combined UPY (United Presbyterian Youth) meal at 5:00 and program from 5:30-7:00. The meal was set up on meal train and parents and adults in the church volunteered to prepare a simple meal for dinner. The youth attended a Reach mission camp in Vassar, Michigan, in July and were able to further impact that community and be enriched in their own faith journey. A group of ten seventh graders were confirmed as members of the church in April. The winter overnight time frame was preserved, with a combined mission and fun overnight with First Presbyterian in Rogers. We helped prepare for a special event for senior citizens, went to High Rise trampoline park, had a wonderful evening of fellowship and concluded the event with volunteering at the Samaritan Center resale shop in Rogers. In the first part of the year, the youth participated in a fleece blanket tying project, with the blankets going to the Peace at Home shelter. At the end of the year, fleece was prepared for another project night in early More Highlights of Christian Education: The Church was transformed into a world of motion as we explored putting our faith into action in June, when we hosted Vacation Bible School for over 100 children from 3 years old to 5 th grade. We spent the week with many friends learning more about God s word. All the wonderful volunteers who decorated, provided food and leadership made this a wonderful experience! Katie Jackson led the elementary children in a combined choir and chimes ensemble on Sunday mornings, throughout the school year. Katie Jackson led occasional music with our preschoolers in their classrooms and the teachers practiced the songs with them weekly. This provided an opportunity for more children to participate. Katie continued to lead the youth and adult bells throughout the year. Children and Youth of the church enjoyed another summer filled with fun at both Ferncliff camps. We had about eight young people attend this summer. A team of wonderful church members put together a wonderful All- Church retreat at Dwight Mission Camp and Conference center in October. It was a wonderful sixth year to be back together. We continued to welcome new people and had church members of all ages, from babies to members in their nineties!

16 Page 16 Kristi Button, Director of Christian Education continued Wonderful Wednesdays continued in the spring as a regular weekly event in the lives of Congregation members, having entered our seventh year of the weekly dinner and program. Heidi Nash continued the responsibility of recruiting the crews to prepare the fellowship hall, serve and clean each week. With the new position of coordinator for the kitchen, the volunteer structure of teams worked well. The programs are being planned by a small group of church members who meet twice a year, late fall and mid-summer, to brainstorm programs and contact and confirm outside speakers and guests. In the fall, we decided to approach Wednesdays in a new way through a monthly program. We focused more on having creative options before the meal, moved the meal time back to appeal to those who are coming from work, and offered some wonderful programs to members and visitors. The new format has a new name: Wednesdays Together. We plan to continue this format into 2016, as the full focus on a once a month event works well. In the fall, we had five concurrent adult Christian Education options, with a special class on Immigration concerns. During Advent there were three different options. In 2016, the Open Door Class will be bringing the Andy Griffith curriculum to us. This has always been a very popular look at how our faith is impacted by this long-running TV program. Nursery and Childcare Amy McCann, Childcare Coordinator Welcome to FUPC Nursery!! The church nursery is open every Sunday morning for both the 8:30am and 11am worship services. The nursery also stays open through Sunday School. On average we have approximately 6 to 10 children each Sunday. The nursery is open to all children from birth to pre-kindergarten age. We serve approximately families of the church on a regular basis. Along with me, there are five regular well qualified nursery workers that currently work in the nursery and one or two nursery workers that work for special events throughout the week when available. Our nursery staff is great and dependable, and everyone has a great reputation with parents and consistency with our families and workers. We also have childcare available for special services such as Christmas Eve and the Easter Sunrise Service. On those Sundays we have as many as 25 to 30 children. This past Easter we had approximately 24 children for the 11 am worship service. Toys, coloring sheets, crafts and more are provided for the children while in our care. The nursery/childcare is also used for church functions, weddings, meetings, Wonderful Wednesdays, and upon request. Ministries and anyone needing childcare services are to fill out a child care request form, located in the church office, at least 2 weeks prior to their event to ensure worker availability and adequate children/worker ratios. Last year we staffed a nursery for Presbyterian Women meetings and events, Session Meetings and Committee Meetings when needed, Monthly Friday Night Funs, and many other events. The nursery also has 12 new digital pagers for parents to use in case of emergency. Each parent/guardian signs their child in as they drop them off and if they choose, take a pager if needed, in case of emergency they vibrate, light up, and send a message via pager to know that the parent or guardian is needed downstairs. Amy McCann

17 2015 Annual Report Page 17 Fellowship Committee Sara Koenig, Moderator 2015 Fellowship Committee Annual Report The members of the Fellowship Committee are Sara Koenig (chair), Lucy McClung (session), June Davis, Dean Thiesse, Carol Van Scyoc, Mary Ellen Moore, Nancy Waite and Pam Daub. Jessie Koeppe joined us in June. Jan Butin is our staff liaison. Fellowship meetings are held the last Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m.in Calvin 201. We draw on the talents and interests of our congregation to foster opportunities for fun that will appeal to a broad range of members, while supporting the Fun and Fellowship groups where the members plan their own small group events. The regular group activities that are under the guidance of the Fellowship Committee are: Friday Night Fun- a self-directed group of younger church members who gather monthly for meals, game nights, movies, bowling, etc. The church provides childcare for these evenings. Fun and Fellowship Groups- intergenerational groups of congregation members who plan activities that each group enjoys with the goal of meeting monthly. Each group has members. This year the committee tried to focus on improving the Fun and Fellowship experience. We increased the number of people participating by having a month-long campaign with signage, announcements from the pulpit as well as in the Bulletin and Focus, and personal invitation. We did increase the numbers who agreed to participate. The overall success of this effort needs to be evaluated, as some groups did not seem to gel, and did not meet more than 1 or 2 times. First Fellowship- monthly luncheon meetings for those 55 and over with a wide variety of programs of general interest. These luncheons have been catered, primarily at Butterfield Village Lodge. The Fellowship Committee also sponsored Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in February. This event is a combined effort of the Fellowship and CE committees. The All-Church Easter Brunch was held on Easter Sunday morning. In June, we went canoeing on the Buffalo, with lots of organizational help from Frank Millett and Bo Morton. In July, we held a Coffee House musical event, with several talented musicians from our congregation performing for fifteen or twenty minutes each, and a choice of hot or cold coffee beverages and cookies. Rob Button was helpful in setting up and organizing this event. In September, we picnicked at Bobby and Lana Odom s on a glorious Sunday afternoon. James Harter was the go-to guy to plan the picnic. In October, the church held an All-Church Retreat Weekend at Dwight Mission. Leigh Woodruff Harvey headed the planning for this event. At the end of October, we hosted a pumpkin art event in conjunction with Wonderful Wednesday. In December, we hosted the Christmas All-Church Brunch on December 20. We worked with the worship ministry to try a new Fifth Sunday schedule that includes a lunch. We had our first 5 th Sunday on the first Sunday of Advent. The schedule changed to one worship service at 9:45 a.m., with the education hour following at 10:45 a.m., and a covered-dish luncheon at noon. Respectfully submitted, Sara Koenig

18 Page 18 First Fellowship Ron Talbert, Facilitator First Fellowship, the group for 55+ adults, meets for a luncheon and program on the second Thursday of each month at Butterfield Trail Village Lodge. The meal is served at 11:30 a.m. with the program following lunch. The Monthly Programs in 2015 were as follows: January 8 What to Do With Your Life in Retirement Carol Goetjens February 12 Five Wishes - Christie Ginther Northwest Arkansas Circle of Life March 12 Technology for the Seniors Rebecca Haden April 9 Baseball Former UofA Baseball Coach Norm DeBriyn May 14 Importance of Native Plants Don Steinkraus, Professor of Entomology June, July and August No meetings September 10 Meat Science Around the World Tony Sankus, Distinguished Professor of Library Science October 8 FUPC s Earth Care Initiatives Sue Madison and James Moore November 12 Tell el-amarna in Middle Egypt Archaeologist Jerry Rose, Professor of Anthropology December 10 Christmas In Other Countries International Students: Mengilos Liao, Minji Park, and Waltram Ravelomboa and University International Student Staff: Cynthia Smith and Dwight Stephenson. The Steering Committee for 2015 was Ron and Alice Talbert, Ed and Jane Piper, Jim and Margaret Johnston, Nancy Denn, Jan Butin, Carol and Al Hanna. Wade Burnside served as our BTV contact. Thanks to our callers, Nancy Denn, Lina Long, Nell Tuck, Jenny Ourand and Ron Talbert. In addition to calling senior members to get reservations for each meeting, they make monthly contact from the church to about 60 senior families. The Butterfield Trail Village Lodge provides great atmosphere for our meetings and the wait staff provides excellent service. We are thankful for the facilities and staff of Butterfield Trail Village for hosting our monthly meetings.

19 First School Commission Sara Eichmann, Moderator 2015 Annual Report Page 19 The First School Commission members for 2015 were Sara Eichmann and Lucy McClung, session representatives; Barbara Rutledge, Melissa Werner and Erin Wilson, church members; Cathy Hairston, First School Director; Cheryl Wiebe and one rotating teacher representative; Laura Burnett, parent representative; Phil Butin, pastor; and Kristi Button and Laura Winburn, staff liaisons. First School is a Parents Day Out Program, Preschool and Kindergarten. It also has an eight-week Summer Camp Program that offers classes that include elementary students. First School is an outreach to our community. As a part of FUPC s Christian Education Ministry, all First School classes reflect the Christian values and the vision of First United Presbyterian Church. First School had an exceptional 2015 serving over 140 children and 120 families. Cathy Hairston, the Director of First School, provides excellent leadership, supervision and direction. The 19 teachers and aids at First School provide a safe and caring environment for students to learn and grow. Enrichment classes in dance (Jitterbugs) and S.T.E.M (Brick by Brick) are offered. FUPC Pastoral Staff members conduct Chapel Time each week and are guiding the preschool and kindergarten children through the Bible using stories, flannel board time and songs. This year the teachers and chapel staff worked together to integrate the chapel lessons with the classroom lessons. In the Parents Day Out area of our school we have a month room, a month room and a month room. During 2015, the Outreach Committee provided scholarship money for families of First School students that requested assistance. This money, combined with a First School tuition line item, provides percentage scholarships. Scholarship applications are received February through April and recipients are notified in May. First School holds several fundraisers during the year, which includes the annual picnic/silent, auction, Box Tops for Education, Scholastic Book Fair, a pumpkin auction and Little Bird coupon books to fund needed items for the school such as playground improvements. For the second year, our trike rally raised money for St. Jude s Children s Hospital in memory of Trevor Trumbo, a former student that lost his battle with brain cancer in In June, First School lead the effort to have the playground resurfaced. Funds were used from current year fundraisers, money raised and saved from past years fundraisers and the Rutledge Endowment to help pay for this effort. A generous matching grant was provided by Barbara Rutledge to help complete the fundraising efforts. Donations were also received from church members and First School families. First School works together with the Properties Ministry on many projects involving upkeep and maintenance of the school facilities. As a program of FUPC, First School commits each year to provide funds generated from fixed costs over tuition to the church at year-end to help with the general operating expenses of the church. This amount varies each year. In 2015, First School had such an exceptional year that the program was able to provide over $31,000 to FUPC for the general operating budget. First School is an Arkansas Quality Accredited Program voluntarily participating in Arkansas Better Beginnings and has been given a 3-star rating, the highest rating. The First School Commission is proud of First School s programs and of Cathy Hairston s efforts to improve the school. We are grateful for the continued support of the FUPC staff, the Session and the congregation. If you would like to have additional information about FUPC First School, you may consult the First School Family Handbook available in the Director s office.

20 Page 20 Nominating Committee Don Johnson, Moderator The members of the 2015 FUPC Congregational Nominating Committee were: Liz Fulton, Lora Horne, Hallie Jarvis (representing Deacons), James Ezell, Cyril Sturm, Randy Werner, Peggy Manger (Elder), and Don Johnson (Elder-Moderator); Revs. Jan and Phil Butin served as ex officio members of the committee. The Nominating Committee met for approximately 12 called meetings in 2015 to discern God s call for members willing to serve FUPC in leadership and service roles. The following church offices were filled as a result of God s work through this committee: Elder - Class of 2017 (following Billy Waite) Sabra Martin Elder - Youth Jon Fagg (following Sam Warren) Elders - Class of 2018 Chris Bell Steve Jarvis Bill Mitchell Derrik Olsen, Elder/Trustee Michelle Price Carol Van Scyoc Tom Verdery Clerk of Session Phil Harrington Board Deacons - Class of 2018 Sung Boon Kim Larry Stubbs Commissioned Deacons Anne Booth Cathy Irwin Kay Pickett (one Vacancy) Endowment Committee - Class of 2018 Ed Piper Members, Personnel Committee Angie Hewat Gail Segers Treasurer Fred Shefte Butterfield Trail Village (BTV) Members, BTV Corporate Board Wade Burnside Sally King Ed Piper Jackie Rocha Nell Tuck Nominating Committee Representative - BTV Lyle Gohn As Moderator, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all committee members for their energy, dedication, and collegiality throughout the year. Working with each of you has been both a pleasure and a blessing. Thank you! Respectfully Submitted, Don Johnson, Moderator

21 2015 Annual Report Page 21 Outreach Committee Carol Barnett, Moderator Outreach Committee Reaching Out to Others through God s Love The goal of the FUPC Outreach Committee is to reach out and extend loving help to our community and our world Membership Carol Barnett (moderator), Leslie Belden (Staff), Rob Button, Betty Ezell, Bill Hart, Carol Hart, Bernie Madison, Sue Madison, Peggy Manger, and Melissa Werner Highlights Special Offerings - In addition to the $102,615 that FUPC allocated for outreach through the 2015 budget, the FUPC congregation contributed an additional $40,292 through seven special offerings and the Alternative Market. In 2013, Outreach initiated a new special offering received in September, whereby gifts could be directed to any of the 20 organizations supported by FUPC through its annual budget. The total for this special offering in 2015 was $7345. Community Suppers FUPC volunteers prepare and serve two community meals each month. Sunday Supper is served on the first Sunday of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) beginning at 3:30 PM. A noon meal is prepared and served at Seven Hills Homeless Shelter on the third Friday of each month. Approximately persons are served at each meal accounting for an annual total of approximately 2400 meals prepared with an annual budget of $3600. In 2015, Sunday Supper coincided with Easter Sunday. Through the generosity of the congregation, we were able to prepare a special meal with baked hams, vegetable dishes, and a variety of pies served at TUMC. Additionally, through the leadership of Kristi Button, donations of stuffed toys and candy made possible an Easter egg hunt for the community children following the Sunday Supper at TUMC. Alternative Market - The annual Alternative Market was held on Sunday, November 23 from 9:00am- 2:00pm. The Market, with $5706 in sales and donations, supports a variety of non-profit organizations. Caring for Creation The Earth Care Task Force, established in 2013, has made considerable progress in establishing FUPC as an environmentally responsible green church. In 2014, FUPC achieved the designation of being a Creation Care congregation by the PC(USA). In 2015, solar panels were installed expanding the effort to make the church campus environmentally friendly. A separate report will be submitted by this task force. All Church Mission Sunday - This year on Mission Sunday, in addition to working to remove invasive plants from the church campus, coats and jackets were collected to be distributed to those in need at a Sunday Supper in anticipation of cold weather. Our youth collected canned goods for CEO, and volunteers packaged more than 10,000 meals through the Pack Shack, that were distributed to food insecure families by Life Source.

22 Page 22 Outreach continued Community Emergency Outreach (CEO) FUPC is in the third year of a $20,000 pledge to be paid over five years to CEO s Capital Campaign that is funding its relocation to new quarters on Huntsville Road. Also, the special offerings taken each month of 2015 amounted to $14,203 for CEO. This is in addition to the $2300 allocated to CEO through the 2014 budget. Individual Assistance Fund - The Individual Assistance Fund (formerly The Pastor s Discretionary Fund) provided nearly $6500 of emergency assistance for individuals in the church and community in FUPC received $ through the Christmas Eve Offering (that goes in its entirety to this fund). Coupled with additional generous gifts from members throughout the year, the Individual Assistance Fund had a beginning balance in 2016 of $4180. Global Missions Our FUPC-led NWA ministry to Honduras got off to a great start in 2015 with a trip in the spring, and countless prayers for our brothers and sisters in Honduras. The ministry to date is five pronged: 1) building homes through PC(USA) Missionaries Tim and Gloria Wheeler and Heifer Project International (our Spring Break trips), 2) installing solar panels to provide sustainable power through Solar Under the Sun (with two trips in 2014), 3) scholarships for 6 th -12 th graders (over $800 this year, primarily through Presbyterian Women), 4) providing children s Spanish-language Bibles for Honduran churches, and 5) overall coordination and community-building with PC(USA) staff and representatives from presbyteries in the USA, and the Presbytery of Honduras (Phil and Leslie s September trip to Honduras). This ministry is being funded by the individuals who travel, with scholarships and equipment funded through a tithe from the FUPC Capital Campaign. Finally, plans were formulated and approved by session to sponsor a REACH camp, with other churches in northwestern Arkansas, which will be held in June of 2016, and provide services to help elderly and low income people in the Prairie Grove area with home projects. High School students from all over the country are expected to come for the camp and the effort, spear headed by Rob Button, will solicit donations of time, money, and food from the surrounding communities in Washington and Benton counties. Our own young people have participated in REACH camps at various locations throughout the country, and everyone has agreed that it has been a rewarding experience. Respectfully Submitted, Carol Barnett, Moderator

23 2015 Annual Report Page 23 Rev. Dr. Leslie Smith Belden, Parish Associate Year-End Report for 2015 Most of my work at First United Presbyterian Church revolves around our Outreach Ministry and our Earth Care Committee. Those committees are reporting, so I won t repeat that information. I also fill-in for Co-Pastors Phil and Jan Butin when they re out of town, along with Rev. John King, and I m privileged to lead chapel at First School regularly. But I need to report the other ways that I serve FUPC. My ministry through FUPC is one way that I live into my calling to serve the Presbytery of Arkansas. In the same way that you are called to serve God through this church because of your commitment as a member, I am a member of the Presbytery of Arkansas and am called to serve God through it. I am also called, as a Teaching Elder (pastor) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to serve in or through higher governing as requested or needed. For four years I have represented you as a member of the Synod s Permanent Judicial Commission. We deal with accusations made between, or against Presbyteries, or within Presbyteries that are appealed. I am also a member of the Presbytery s new Committee on the Church s Ministries (formerly called the COM), along with Co-Pastor Phil Butin, and serve as the Clerk. In that way Phil and I connect FUPC with the larger church, and serve as ambassadors for FUPC. I also serve with Phil on our denomination s new Honduran Network, which will plan, facilitate, share information about, and essentially be responsible for the relationship and ministry with the Presbyterian Church of Honduras and our other ministries in that country. I am currently the Moderator of that group, as well as of our Presbytery of Arkansas new Honduras Subcommittee. Ecumenically I moderate the Fayetteville Ministerial Association, and am newly serving on the Board of the state s counter-part of an interfaith organization. The Fayetteville Ministerial Association encourages partnerships among faith communities such as our Sunday Suppers program, facilitates interfaith dialogue, and keeps up to date on what s going on within the community that needs addressing from a faith perspective. These are some of the ways that I live into my calling, and I have chosen to do so while representing First United Presbyterian Church as your Parish Associate. I encourage you to visit with me if you have any questions, or want to become more involved at FUPC or within the greater church and community.