FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SAUGATUCK ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOURTH YEAR

Transcription

1 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SAUGATUCK ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOURTH YEAR Annual Report 2014 For the Congregational Meeting of January 18, 2015

2 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of SAUGATUCK 296 Hoffman St., PO Box 633, Saugatuck, MI Interim Pastor: Rev. Bruce VanDer Kolk Bruce s Cell: Office: Bruce s vanderkokbvk@comcast.net Office office@1stcongregational.net Website: Loving God, One Another and Our Communities for over 150 years Congregational Annual Report January 18, 2015 Table of Contents 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes Page Clerk s Report Page Minister s Report Page Moderator s Report Page Diaconate Board Report Page Trustee Board Report Page Balance Sheet Year Comparison as of Dec 31st Page Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual Jan-Dec Page Proposed 2015 Budget Page Nominations Slate Page 13

3 153 rd ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES of the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of Saugatuck, MI Sunday, January 19, 2014 I. Moderator Ralph Birkholz called the meeting to order at 11:17 am. II. Pastor Rob Brink offered a meditation and opening prayer. III. Clerk Cathy Brockington led the congregation in remembering those who have died in 2013: Edith Winter, Mrs. Forrest (Florence) Doerner, Marshall Greene, Arlene Buzz Edgcomb and Kelly Burns-Mack. The Clerk determined that a quorum was present. IV. Minutes of the 2012 Annual Meeting were approved. L.Kinnaman/B.White V. Reports from the Minister, Moderator, Deacons, Trustees, and Clerk were unanimously received. L. Kinnaman/R. Birkholz VI. The Proposed 2014 Budget was presented by Jeff Baker, Chair of the Board of Trustees. After some discussion the budget was approved as presented. P.Yff/L. Kinnaman VII. For the Prudential Board, who acted as the Nominating Committee, the Moderator moved the name of those who have agreed to serve on the Boards beginning in 2014: Several nominations were accepted from the floor to fill vacant positions. The complete slate includes: Prudential Board Brad Rudich Moderator (2 years) Connie Rusiecki Clerk (2 years) Financial Secretary Janna Rudich (2 years) Betty White At Large Member (2 years) Trustees David Edwards at large Trustee Deacons Cathy Brockington Chair (3 years) Terri Borgman Congregational Care Deacon (3 years) Renna Birkholz Congregational Care Deacon (1 year) Kathy Plapp Christian Ed Deacon (1 year) Joanne Schippa--Fellowship Deacon (3 years) Pat Gentry Worship Deacon (3 years) Delegates to NACCC, MACCC and WMACCC Peggy Boyce The motion to accept all the above name in nomination carried. R. Birkholz/J. Mayer VIII. Old Business None IX. New Business Jack Nyland proposed remodeling the Service Bulletin Board area to include veterans as well as current members of the military. X. The Business of the Church being concluded, the Pastor offered a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m. Page 1

4 CLERK S 2014 REPORT Births Delaney Anne Bjorklund, Parents Ryan & Beth Bjorklund Baptisms Sterling Donald McMillan, Parents Triston & Justyna McMillan, July 13, 2014 Deaths of Members and Friends of First Congregational Church Jeannette E. Bekken 1/29/14 David K. Mueller 2/1/14 Judith A. Brake 2/9/14 Robert E. Kobernik 3/29/14 Mary Ann Slayer 4/22/14 Gwendolyn Crawford 11/26/14 Shirley Porter 12/5/14 Dale Winter 12/28/14 New Members Transfers Weddings Amber Wingard 4/20/14 David Edwards 4/20/14 Kirk & Cindy Raue 8/24/14 Linda Escott 8/24/14 Bets Nevenzel 5/16/14 Melia Moore to Joshua Fitzgibbon 6/7/14 Hannah Fairbanks to Tyler Alvarez 6/14/14 As of Dec 31, 2014 the Membership total is 156, down 3 from last year s count. Connie Rusiecki, Clerk Page 2

5 Pastor s Annual Report 2014 The year 2014 at First Congregational Church of Saugatuck has been a year of considerable change and transition. As I look back at the events that have occurred it says a lot about you as a church. I have experienced churches that have just one personnel change and experienced considerable anxiety which causes internal conflict. This has not happened this year in spite of four major personnel changes. I am very encouraged by how you are dealing with the reality of the situation. Keep up the good work, you are doing exceptionally well. I will try putting this into perspective in my report. In the first two months of my ministry I have heard what St. Paul was saying to encourage the congregation of Ephesus: Follow God s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 You are a faith community that offers love and grace to each other even when you lose your leaders and best friends. That is truly important to do, especially when you face major change. It is an honor and privilege to journey with you. You are a community that models what Lesslie Newbigin in his book, The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission say s The church is witness insofar as it follows obediently where the Spirit leads. I have witness to the Spirit leading you to live out of your covenant: We Covenant with the Lord and with one with another, and do bind ourselves in the presence of God, to walk together in all his ways, accordingly, as he is pleased to reveal himself unto us in his blessed Word of Truth. After 155 years of ministry FCC still has hope, faith and love in Jesus Christ. In1860, the year FCC was first established the members gathered for prayer when they found out Fort Sumter was attacked. And we are still gathered for prayer as we face new challenges in Just imagine for a moment what 1860 was like. There was no but the Pony Express began delivering messages, newspapers, mail, and small packages all the way to California 10 days fast. There were no televisions or radio announcing Abraham Lincoln secured the Republican Party presidential nomination as a moderate. His election prompted seven southern slave states to form the Confederacy before he took office. Since those early days until now, life at FCC has been a time of shared experiences as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We still pray together, study together and eat together. In the annual meetings we identify these important events and reflect on what took place. Page 3

6 Pastor s Report continued As we reflect on 2014 we can see God s hand upon us. Let s look back at some of the major events that took place. 1. Reverend Rob Brink resigned in the fall His resignation was difficult to say the least. Pastor Rob was a much loved pastor and was well respected in the Saugatuck and Douglas community. I have heard people say many times, how much they liked him and were willing to listen to him & his wisdom. 2. David Schout, who replaced Patricia Kerr at the organ, also decided it was time to move on for a new ministry at the Episcopal Church. This was also a shock and difficult for the congregation 3. However without missing a beat Kristyn Boyce was hired and her gifts were immediately shown. Kristyn was finishing up her ministry in Holland after many year of service. What a blessing she has been to me and to our worship time. 4. In March another new person joined our team. The gifted Diana Theilgaard became our new Christian Education Director. Even though small in attendance, her children messages are always captivating. 5. The life blood of every congregation is new people joining our mission. This year we were blessed with 5 new members. They are saying to us God is calling them to join this church and offer their gifts and talents. They are Cindy & Kirk Raue, David Edwards, Linda Escott and Amber Wingard. 6. A new Search Committee was formed to lead the congregation to find a permanent minister: They are, and were, Cathy Brockington, David Edwards, Linda Escott, Jack Nyland, Brad Rudich, Cindy Raue, Kristyn Boyce, Jane Mayer, and Dale Winter. By His Hand of Grace and Love Pastor Bruce VanDer Kolk Page 4

7 2014 Moderator s Report Tumultuous. What a year 2014 has been at 1st Congregational Church. Many of the definitions of tumultuous pertain to, raising a great clatter or commotion, being disorderly, distraught or turbulent. August of 2014, Pastor Rob Brink resigned effective September 1 st. This came as a shock to many of the congregation, as well as to myself. Like I said before, this church is 155 year old church and there are a list of pastors whose portraits hang upstairs. We don t have a 175 year old Pastor. So there will be change, and change is what we have done. The pastoral search committee that was elected in August, worked diligently to hire an interim pastor, and October 1 st the church had contracted with Pastor Bruce VanderKolk as the new interim. Pastor Bruce is a trained counselor and coach. He has an outgoing style that makes people laugh and think at the same time. We thank him for his help in this interim period. Now, this is just the first step of a long process in hiring a full time Pastor. January will see the search committee compiling church information in order to post a job description with the NACCC, and then on to receiving and reviewing resumes for a full time pastor. The trustees hired Diana Hoppe as a youth leader in early summer of Diana has taken over the leadership role with great vigor. She has also taken over the children s message portion of the Sunday service. We wish her the best in this endeavor and I m sure she would appreciate volunteers for Sunday school. The Prudential board has worked on job descriptions for all positions in the church, volunteer and paid, to make sure that when turnover occurs, we have documentation on what that position is required to do, to refer to. In addition, many how to lists have been updated to give anyone direction on items from Tree Trimming to Funerals. These lists and descriptions are available to view on the church website. I believe Pastor Bruce will help coach the Prudential, in this interim period, to figure out the path this church wants to follow. That is part of the interim process, through prayerful thought, and sincere commitment, God will show us the way. Special thanks to our office manager Kathleen Slawson, who has been a blessing in this tumultuous year. She has kept things together when times were tough. Thank you, Kathleen. The antonym of tumultuous is to be calm, and free from excitement or passion. As a church I would charge the congregation to embrace tumultuousness. We don t want to be free from excitement or passion. As always in this church I would encourage people to step forward with volunteering positions on boards and general help with ushering, readings and hosting coffee hour. Let 2015 be tumultuous and let s embrace it! Respectfully submitted, Bradley Rudich, Moderator Page 5

8 Board of Deacons 2014 Annual Report The Deaconate Board has once again had a very busy year. We have facilitated many activities within our church and our community. Several concerns continue to be addressed. The Board continues discussion throughout the year about who is ultimately responsible for making sure all the doors are locked after the worship service on Sundays. We cannot leave this responsibility up to the Coffee Hour hosts, who are different volunteers each week, some of whom are newer volunteers and are not familiar with how our doors lock. In August, after a discussion about health and safety in our building, the Board of Deacons held a work session to wash and sanitize all toys in our nursery. We also eliminated toys and equipment that were worn out or unsafe. Other events and circumstances that were addressed by the various departments of the board are below: Worship Noise level survey taken and modifications made to the beginning of the worship service to accommodate Passing of the Peace and Centering Time. Hired a new accompanist Mrs. Kristyn Boyce for worship. She is a pianist who is interested in learning how to play the organ. Worship Deacons were very aggressive in finding substitute pastors to fill our pulpit during September and October. Outreach Food gift cards to Douglas Elem Water giveaways at parades, art fairs, and sidewalk sale CROP walk sponsored. Sleep in a Box sponsored. Fellowship Talent show held in March Kitchen Supplies were updated with WFC. Process was clarified with Church Secretary as to how ordering and procurement of Kitchen Supplies is done. (See Deacon Minutes for August 19, 2014) Met with Allegan County Health Dept. to find out how we can better use our kitchen facilities to serve our community. Larger water heater needed for a permit. Everything else is okay, if we don t prepare food that needs a vent (fried food) Annual All Church Picnic held in June at Murlyn Vollink s home. Christian Education Sunday School Collected $500 from their offerings collected over two years to purchase 2 Water Buffalo for Heifer International, which is a life-sustaining gift. Hired Diana Theilgaard-Hoppe as Sunday School Superintendent. Congregational Care Provides information about Respite Care at Evergreen and other services available for members Health and Fitness Seminar series held in September and October. Blood Pressure clinics are held monthly. Shepherd s Lists have been updated for 2014 and Shepherds continue to keep contact with their flocks. Year in review: Sunday School 2014 Throughout the year attendance has fluctuated from week to week. We are always happy for the students God brings to us. We are blessed to have such talented and cooperative students. Everyone is eager to participate. Students are always willing to volunteer for things. Our teachers are equally as talented as our youth. Each of them is very helpful in class and encourages the students in everything they are doing. Page 6

9 Board of Deacons Report continued We are providing a curriculum that teaches basic knowledge of key Bible stories. We reinforce the knowledge with varied activities. In the Donut Club, Kathy Plapp takes the Bible story for the day and gears the teaching time to items happening in our now a day lives. It is a blessing to be able to serve the children and the congregation. Diana Theilgaard-Hoppe As you can see from the report above, the Board of Deacons is a very busy group of people who minister to our congregation in a wide variety of ways. Each member has individual responsibilities, but we also work together as a team to keep our church spiritually healthy and happy. We all are truly blessed with the gifts and talents that these folks share as they serve as Deacons. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Brockington, Board of Deacons Chair Page 7

10 2014 Trustee Report MEMBERS Jeff Baker, Chairman Sue Bohlander, Missions Steve Borgman, Publicity Gerrit Sturrus, Building and Grounds David Edwards, at large REPORT Missions supported in 2014 included Bread of Life Mission (Plant City, FL), Indian Trails Mission (Bisbee, AZ), ReMember Mission (Pine Ridge, SD), Indian Community Fellowship (New Delhi, India with Pastor Philip Malakar), Sylvia s Place (Domestic Safe House in Allegan, MI), Renewed Hope (free Medical Clinic in Allegan, MI), CROP Walk and Vespers Cruise, Housing Resource Center of Allegan County (including Sleep in a Box /Dinner fundraiser), Christian Neighbors, and our own Love Fund. Cash gifts total almost $4,000 plus 181 Thanksgiving cake mixes and Christmas gifts for 25 people. Thank you to all who supported our missions with generous donations of money, goods, time, and effort. Special thanks to Sue for researching mission needs and our ability to address them. As in years past, building and grounds were a frequent topic of attention for the Trustees. Special thanks to our custodians, Janet Hanscom and Amy Faber, for their tireless and unsung efforts to keep the place clean. Gerrit lead the way on maintenance, regular and emergency. He had a lot of help from Phyllis Yff, Kathleen Slawson, and Jack Nyland. We appreciate how Jack commits himself so wholly to his responsibilities for outdoor maintenance. We ve had elevator inspections and maintenance, fire inspections, and heating/cooling/electrical issues including a new furnace unit just installed a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully, no major repairs were needed this year this is quite a feat for a building as old as ours is! Publicity was implemented at relatively minimal expense, but with a return to the Commercial Record underway. Print advertising in both local newspapers in combination with a high public profile and some dabbling with social media ensures the most bang for the buck. Thanks to Steve for fielding the many requests that typically come as a flurry of messages. The Board has submitted a proposed 2015 budget totaling $131, This is a $ decrease compared to The reality of modestly declining giving and a traditionally conservative approach left no room for increases in the coming year. The budget process was made possible by the efforts of our Treasurer, Phyllis Yff. Great thanks to Phyllis for always being prepared with monthly financials and a nearly immediate response to inquiries. The Board is indebted to Phyllis s professionalism and dedication. It would be impossible for the Board to see to the business of the Church without the support of our Office Manager, Kathleen Slawson. Innumerable thanks to Kathleen for seeing that all of us in leadership have what we need to make the best decisions possible. Kathleen is the face and voice of the Church to many in the public and most of our business contacts. Her dedication to covering details makes our model of volunteer, part-time management possible and we all owe her a debt of gratitude. Thanks again to all my fellow board members. I appreciate the time and dedication of all who come forward in service to the Church. Submitted on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Jeff Baker, Chairman Page 8

11 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck Balance Sheet Previous Year Comparison Cash Basis As of December 31, 2014 Dec 31, 14 Dec 31, 13 $ Change ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Checking 1, , , Savings CE / PF Funds 2, , Community Relations Community Sponsored Bus Trips Love Fund 1, Memorial Fund 3, , Music Fund Parish Nurse Funds Savings - Other Total Savings 8, , , Women's Friendship Circle 3, , Total Checking/Savings 14, , Accounts Receivable Accts Receivable - Student Loan 8, , Total Accounts Receivable 8, , Total Current Assets 22, , Fixed Assets Building Improvements 69, , Total Fixed Assets 69, , Other Assets RJ-Endowment Restricted 300, , RJ - Endowment Unrestricted 139, , , RJ - Money Market 8, , Total Other Assets 448, , , TOTAL ASSETS 540, , , LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Payroll Tax Liabilities 1, , Total Other Current Liabilities 1, , Total Current Liabilities 1, , Total Liabilities 1, , Equity Opening Balance Equity 357, , Retained Earnings 173, , , Net Income 8, , , Total Equity 539, , , TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 540, , , Page 9

12 Page 10 Profit & Loss Budget vs Actual Jan through Dec 2014 Jan - Dec 14 Budget $ Over Budget Ordinary Income/Expense Income Church Usage 1, , Contributions 90, , , Money Market Transfers 23, , , Parking Lot 2, , Total Income 118, , , Expense Church Maintenance & Operations Delegate Travel NACCC, MCCCC Advertising 1, , Building Improvement , , Custodian 5, , Dues / Assoc. Fees 1, , Elevator , Information Technology Insurance Premiums 4, , Maintenance 6, , , Office Manager 13, , Postage/Box Rent Refuse Pick-up Supplies 2, , Utilities Electric 3, , Heating 6, , , Telephone 1, , Water / Sewer Total Utilities 11, , , Total Church Maintenance & Operations 48, , , Diaconate CE Director 6, , , Christian Ed Supplies Fellowship E.M.M./Community Events Youth Programs Fellowship - Other Total Fellowship Publications Supplies Worship Coordination Guest Pastors 1, Instrument Maintenance Organist 6, , Special Music Substitutes Total Worship Coordination 8, , Total Diaconate 17, , , Pastor Expenses Cell Phone Health / Dental Insurance 8, , , Housing Allowance 11, , , Retirement 3, , , Salary 18, , , Travel & Publications , , Total Pastor Expenses 43, , , Payroll Taxes (Employer) 7, , , Total Expense 116, , , Net Ordinary Income 1, ,726.49

13 Other Income/Expense Other Income Designated Funds Activity CE / PF Funds Love Fund Memorial Fund Music Fund Parish Nurse Funds Women's Friendship Circle Total Designated Funds Activity 1, , Investment Income Dividends 7, , Fees -4, , Gain/Loss 22, , Transferred Funds -20, , Total Investment Income 4, , Special Collection Activity Collections 3, , Disbursements -3, , Total Special Collection Activity Total Other Income 6, , Net Other Income 6, , Net Income 8, , Page 11

14 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck Proposed Budget Description 2014 Budget 2015 Budget Inc (Dec) Income Contributions $98, $94, ($4,000.00) Money Market Transfers $30, $34, $4, Parking Lot $3, $3, ($500.00) Total Income $132, $131, ($348.00) Expense Church Maintenance & Operations Advertising $1, $1, $ Building Improvement $2, $2, $0.00 Custodian $5, $5, $0.00 Dues / Assoc. Fees $1, $1, $0.00 Elevator $1, $1, $0.00 Information Technology $ $ ($154.00) Insurance Premiums $4, $4, $ Maintenance $4, $4, $0.00 Delegate Travel $ $ $0.00 Office Manager $13, $13, $0.00 Postage/Box Rent $ $ $0.00 Refuse Pick-up $ $ $0.00 Supplies $2, $2, $0.00 Electric $3, $4, $1, Heating $4, $5, $ Telephone $1, $1, $40.00 Water / Sewer $ $ $0.00 Total Church Maintenance & Operations $46, $48, $1, Diaconate / Music Choir/Music Direction $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 CE Director $10, $8, ($2,000.00) Christian Ed Supplies $ $ $0.00 Fellowship EMM/Community $ $ $0.00 Events Youth Programs $ $ $0.00 Publications $ $ $0.00 Supplies $ $ $0.00 Worship Coordination Guest Pastors $ $ $0.00 Instrument Maintenance $ $ $ Organist $7, $7, $0.00 Special Music $ $ $0.00 Substitutes $ $ $0.00 Total Diaconate / Music $20, $18, ($1,900.00) Pastor Expenses Cell Phone $ $ $0.00 Health / Dental $13, $13, $0.00 Insurance Housing Allowance $16, $16, $0.00 Retirement $5, $5, $0.00 Salary $23, $23, $0.00 Travel & Publications $2, $2, $0.00 Total Pastor Expenses $62, $62, $0.00 Payroll Taxes $2, $2, ($434.00) (Employer) Total Expense $132, $131, ($348.00) Page 12

15 First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, MI SLATE OF OFFICERS for 2015 ANNUAL MEETING Nominations being accepted Board Positions Available Terms are 3 year positions unless stated otherwise Only Chair must be member of 1 st Congregational Church TRUSTEE BOARD Chair Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2018 Building Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2018 At large Member Dave Edwards Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2018 Benevolence Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2016 DIACONATE BOARD Christian Ed Deacon Linda Escott Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2018 Congregational Care Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2018 Fellowship Deacon Term Jan 2015 through Jan 2017 Page 13