FIRST PARISH CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL MEETING

Transcription

1 FIRST PARISH CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Manchester-by-the Sea, Massachusetts ANNUAL REPORT To the members of the First Parish Church Congregational The Officers, Committees and Organizations of the Church Submit the Following Reports for the Church Year Ending, June 2012 ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY JUNE 17, 2012 Following Worship- Sanctuary

2 FIRST PARISH CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL United Church of Christ Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts WARRANT FOR ANNUAL MEETING June 17, 2012 TO: Active Members of the First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts. You are hereby notified to meet in the Church immediately following Worship Service on Sunday, June 17, 2012 for the following purposes: To wit: ARTICLE I: To accept the report of the Annual Meeting held on June 5, ARTICLE II: To hear the recommendations of the Nominating Committee and to elect officers, board and committee members of the Church. ARTICLE III: To hear and act upon the reports of officers, boards, committees, and organizations connected with the church. ARTICLE IV: To hear and act upon the recommendation of the Church Council that the regular Sunday Service from July 1 to September 2, 2012 inclusive, shall start at 9:00 a.m. ARTICLE V: To hear the five year plans of officers, boards, committees, and organizations followed by conversation: no action to be taken. ARTICLE VI: To hear and act upon the recommendation of the Church Council to change the bylaws as follows: Article IV, last paragraph, change the Geneva Synod of the United Church of Christ to the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. ARTICLE VII: To hear and act upon any other business that may come before the meeting. George A Nickless, Clerk CHILD CARE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CHAPEL DURING CHURCH SERVICE AND FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING

3 INDEX Warrant Pastor - The Reverend John G. Hughes, II Separate Report Nominating Committee 1 Proposed Church Directory 2 Board of Trustees 3-5 Stewardship Committee 6 Diaconate 7 Church Council Pastor Parish Relation Committee 8 Pastoral Assistant Parish Relation Committee Separate Report Church Council Executive Committee 9-11 Membership and Growth Committee Clerk Missions Committee Christian Education Committee Music Committee 26 Delegates 27 Mary Martin Fund 28 Clock Winders 29 Minutes of Annual Meeting, June 5,

4 Annual Report of NOMINATING First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 The Nominating Committee has found a wonderful spirit of responsiveness when we have asked for participation in the organizational life of the congregation. We are very pleased to offer the following names and terms for a vote at the Annual Meeting, Thank you all who have served and who have agreed to serve. Penny Lapham, Martha Gubbins, Jen Powers, Ann Ranger, Rev. Lelly Smith, Chair Clerk George Nickless 2015 Treasurer Mark Decker 2015 Assistant Treasurer Cheryl Lengieza 2013 Financial Secretary Debbie Hudson 2014 Assistant Financial Secretary Martha Gubbins 2015 Christian Education Caroline Cheshire 2014 Julie Tosi 2015 April Pollock 2015 Delegates Marilyn Hughes 2015 Linda Palmstrom 2015 Diaconate Paul Gudonis 2015 Mary Lumsden 2015 Jeff Bodmer-Turner 2015 Kevin Murphy 2015 Mary Martin Fund Doris Milne 2015 Membership and Growth Sandy Bodmer-Turner 2015 Laura Thomsin 2015 Linda Crosby 2013 Missions Jim Brennan 2015 Kim Gendron 2014 Theresa Murphy 2015 Music MaryLou O Brien 2015 Nominating Penny Lapham 2015 Allison Moir-Smith 2015 Stewardship Tom McClain 2015 Bruce Warren 2015 Leah Hamilton 2014 Trustees Nancy Klebart 2017 Lance Walker

5 Proposed CHURCH DIRECTORY Senior Pastor: Reverend John G. Hughes II OFFICERS 3 yrs Pastoral Assistant Judy Haley Moderator: Richard Smith 2014 Organist/Choir Director Donald Dunn Clerk: George A. Nickless 2015 Office Staff Barbara Chew & Nancy Klebart Treasurer: Mark Decker 2015 Church Sexton Jennifer Gallagher Asst. Treasurer: Cheryl Lengeiza 2013 Chapel Custodian George A. Nickless Financial Secretary: Debbie Hudson 2014 C.E. Director Priscilla Duda Asst Financial Secretary Martha Gubbins 2015 Youth Director Jared Hamilton Asst Financial Secretary Bonnie Benincasa 2013 Asst Financial Secretary Sheila Carrassi 2013 ================COMMITTEES================== CHURCH COUNCIL Chairman Richard Smith Vice Chair Paul Driscoll Secretary George Nickless Officers & all committee chairs EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Moderator plus Chairs of Trustees and Diaconate, plus 2 additional appointments from Church Council) Richard Smith Moderator Paul Driscoll _Trustees Mary Lumsden Diaconate 6 months: Council member Council member CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (3 yrs) Sarah DeOreo 2013 Steve Carhart 2013 Nancy Garvey 2013 Caroline Cheshire 2014 Nancy Peterson 2014 Julie Tosi 2015 April Pollock 2015 DELEGATES (3 yrs) Margaret Michael 2013 George Nickless 2013 June Nickless 2014 Marilyn Hughes 2015 Linda Palmstrom 2015 DIACONATE (3 yrs) Jill Benke 2013 Wendy Smith 2013 Jason Smith 2013 Jane Pearson 2013 Dan DeOreo 2014 Jan Marshall 2014 Janet Groth 2014 Linda Palmstrom 2014 Paul Gudonis 2015 Mary Lumsden 2015 Jeff Bodmer-Turner 2015 Kevin Murphy 2015 MARY MARTIN FUND (3 yrs) Richard Forsley 2013 Dorothea Dame 2014 Mary Kirby 2015 (3 yrs) Marianne Round 2013 Linda Crosby 2013 Penny Adams 2014 Anne D Angelo 2014 Sandy Bodmer-Turner 2015 Laura Thomsin 2015 MISSIONS ( 3 yrs) Alice Eastland 2013 David Lumsden 2013 Kim Gendron 2014 Doris Milne 2014 Theresa Murphy 2015 Jim Brennan 2015 MUSIC (3 yrs) Nigel Cheshire 2013 John Round 2013 Margaret Michael 2014 Carol Graham 2014 Mary Lou O Brien 2015 NOMINATING (3 yrs) Jen Powers 2013 Martha Gubbins 2013 Rev Lelly Smith 2014 Penny Lapham 2015 Allison Moir-Smith 2015 STEWARDSHIP (3 yrs) Mary Ellen Cook 2013 Barbara Smith 2013 Martha Elder 2014 Leah Hamilton 2014 Tom McClain 2015 Bruce Warren 2015 TRUSTEES (5 yrs) David DeMoura 2013 Paul Driscoll 2014 John Round 2015 Lance Walker 2015 Paul Lengieza 2016 Larry Kirby 2016 Nancy Klebart 2017 LOCAL CHURCH FORMATION COMMITTEE Rev John Hughes Priscilla Duda Mary Lumsden George Nickless =====SUB-COMMITTEES==== (sub to Church Council 5 yr) Lee Kafer 2013 CC Carole Schanley 2014 Pastor Jolene Larsen 2015 Pastor Bob Ralston 2016 CC Open 2017 CC PASTORAL-ASSISTANT PARISH REL Cty (PAPRC) (sub to Church Council 3 yr) Martha Farmer 2013 Barbara Smith 2014 Sandra Bodmer-Turner2014 Open 2015 Open 2015 FAIR COMMITTEE (sub to Church Council) Allison Moir-Smith SAFE CHURCH Cty (sub to Church Council) Rev John Hughes George Nickless Mary Hosman Bob Ralston INVESTMENT ADVISORY (sub to Board of Trustees) Jack Abbott Steve Carhart Rick Wilk MEETING HOUSE ADVISORY BOARD (sub to Board of Trustees) John Round Church Member Jens Kure-Jensen Trustee Gordon Abbott non church Regina Villa nonchurch Dr. Jim Bascik nonchurch CARE COMMITTEE (sub to Diaconate) Sheila Kafer Janet Groth PUBLICITY (open) WEBMASTER: Dan DeOreo CHILD PLAYGROUP Open MEMBERSHIP& GROWTH Date printed: 6/2/2012 PASTOR-PARISH RELATIONS Cty (PPRC)

6 Annual Report of TRUSTEES First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 This report will focus on Church property in contrast to the financially oriented Annual Business Meeting Report. CHURCH (Trustee in charge: David DeMoura) has been a very busy year for the Main church building. The most significant accomplishment was to complete the Phase II portion of the Firm Foundation effort for the 200+ year old structure. This work by Stoneworks Inc. involved adding a steel beam, steel columns, and concrete footings along the street side and center section under the main portion of the sanctuary floor. Phase I and II were priority activities in order for the floor and foundation to carry the weight of a fully occupied sanctuary and narthex such as we recently had for the Jazz Sunday, Christmas tree lighting concert and Christmas services. Expenses came to approx.. $ 31,000 which was financed via the Firm Foundation special collection. The security system was upgraded. The fire extinguishers were recharged. One broken window pane was replaced. One heating unit had the ductwork breeching replaced. The main sump pump level control failed and needed to be replaced. The Sprinkler system preaction air compressor was serviced. The fuel oil line between the oil tank and the two heating units was upgraded to meet State requirements for all oil lines to be sleeved when the line is encased in concrete. This is to prevent any possible soil contamination should the line be damaged or leakage occur. Two first level storm windows are in the process of being replaced due to failure of the frames and cracked glass. The handicap ramp door replacement has been ordered. No progress was made on the painting of the outside of the church, mostly due to budget concerns. T-Mobile requested permission to upgrade their feeder into the church with a fiber-optic cable run from a School street man-hole via the driveway between the Church and the library and around to the backside near the in-coming electrical service. The Church steeple underwent repairs due to several leaks noticed by the clock winders and custodian. George Burgess (our steeplejack) was engaged to work on several columns to replace damaged and weatherworn wood cladding. He went over the roof flashing to make the entire assembly water tight. The expense of this repair work was covered outside of the operating budget and came from several yearly authorizations from the Meeting House Fund and totaled $19, 875. Finally, the organ blower needed to be repaired in May and it was noted that replacement cost, should it become necessary in the future, could be as high as $10,000. This is a possible capital expense which the Trustees will need to address in future budget planning. 3

7 Annual Report of BOT (continued) June 17, 2012 Other items to be addressed in 2012 are: 1. Replacement of the exterior door leading to the handicap ramp due to rotted wood stiles. 2. Concrete slab under Oil tank to ensure any oil leaks do not go into the ground. 3. Repair of the Narthex plaster ceiling and repainting. 4. Install low wattage fluorescent bulbs in basement CHAPEL (Trustee in charge: Larry Kirby) During the course of the year meetings were held on an irregular basis with the tenants, the office personnel and the custodian to discuss various problems and or procedures with regard to the Chapel. All issues with our tenants have been resolved and none are expected in the near term. Town Director of Public Works, Stephen Kenney, was contacted regarding the sinkholes developing in the Chapel parking lot. After a great deal of research of town and church records it seems that the original bank that purchased the property from the Hooper Estate built two catch basins in their parking lot which connected to a drain pipe running under the Chapel parking lot and on out to the ocean. At that time no permitting was required from the town and the basins and the outfall pipe were installed by the bank with the permission of the First Parish Church. That pipe is cracked and is slowly disintegrating which is causing sinkholes to gradually develop. The deepest sinkhole is located just outside the main door to the chapel hall. Also, because of the collapsed pipe, the bank parking lot floods in a heavy rain. In summary the solution to the collapsed pipe and sinkholes is a matter that must be settled between the Sovereign Bank and the Church. These negotiations are proceeding. We also worked with the Sovereign Bank and the Fire Chief to have areas leading in from the street to be marked with No Parking areas to prevent automobiles from blocking emergency apparatus from getting to the Chapel if ever needed. There was a problem with the oil fired boiler this year which was repaired. However, the boiler is over 35 years old and we explored the possibility of replacing it with a natural gas boiler. Milne Plumbing and Heating Inc. provided an estimate of $16,880 to do the work. The Trustees will evaluate the proposal and other options over the summer since replacement is not critical at this time. There are other more minor repairs that must be done to the building but hopefully they can be postponed until we begin the budget process for next year. PARSONAGE (Trustee in charge: Jens Kure-Jensen) Routine maintenance of heating and other systems was performed as required. At the recommendation of John and Marilyn Hughes, the repair of the kitchen floor was postponed yet another year, and at the time of writing, we are obtaining revised quotations on repair or replacement of this floor. This consists of replacing the cracked tiles only, and is not recommended by the flooring company. It is most likely that the entire flooring /tiles will need to be replaced. 4

8 Annual Report of BOT (continued) June 17, 2012 Recently, John Hughes pointed to a rainwater leak from a downspout at the NE corner of the house. The water appears to have run in behind the board that covers the corner column of the house and caused rotting of this column from top to bottom. We have not found a contractor that will give a fixed cost estimate for a repair, and only one who is willing to tackle the repair at time plus material (at cost). The damage appears to be so severe and will need to be addressed this summer. The Trustees will determine the best course of action and proceed as soon as possible. Finally, a copy of the report from Woodard & Curran, which was sent to the Mass DEP, on the Phase IV Remedy Implementation Plan for the parsonage property has been received. This is the detailed plan for developing and implementing the selected remedy, including permitting and engineering requirements, which includes excavation and off-property disposal of impacted fill and sediment. As we reported last year a portion of the parsonage property that is impacted and included within the disposal site boundary includes an area of filled land on the opposite side of the brook from the residence. OFFICE COMPUTERS/AUTOMATION (Trustee in Charge: Paul Driscoll) The pastor s computer was replaced this past year and an upgrade to Church Plus was purchased. No other items to note beyond what is in the 2011 Annual Business Report. THANK YOU S TO My special thanks to Jens Kure-Jensen, who will be finishing his term on the Trustees. Jens has provided outstanding support to both me and the BOT as a member for many years. Jennifer Gallagher, our Sexton, and George Nickless, our Chapel Custodian, both of whom have done a great job maintaining our facilities. The members of the Board of Trustees, who have the tough job of managing our facilities and finances. Mark Decker, Treasurer who has work many hours to keep our financial records and prepare the annual budget. Jack Abbott, Steve Carhart and Rick Wilk, who serve as members of the Investment Advisory Committee. Respectfully submitted, Paul Driscoll, Chair Members of the Board of Trustees: Paul Driscoll Jens Kure-Jensen David DeMoura Paul Lengieza Larry Kirby John Round Ex-Officio: Mark Decker 5

9 Annual Report of the STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 This year the Stewardship Committee tried to create an atmosphere of "Growing Generosity to the congregation for our Annual Fund Drive We suggested a 5-15% increase in pledges to accommodate our growing church and programs. After an end of the year appeal to our congregation, we received a 9.3% increase and 99% participation from 203 people! We never set a money amount for a goal; and received $202, 252. This is our most successful year ever. Our committee thinks that the congregation responded to our positive approach and theme. We thank everyone who pledged and donates for their financial support. We are now able to fund some of our growing programs. Our Sunday School is growing in leaps and bounds; as are other programs. These pledges can help fund the expansion of these programs and the maintenance of our church. We continue to offer an Electronic Funds Transfer, "automatic giving" option to those interested. Anyone who has any questions about stewardship, please contact someone on our committee or notify the office. Thanks for a wonderful year of generosity! Respectfully, Mary Ellen Cook, Co-Chair Bruce Warren, Co-Chair Barbara Almy Martha Elder Tom McClain Barbara Smith 6

10 Annual Report of DIACONATE COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 The Diaconate Committee was fortunate to have a full committee of 12 this year. It has been a very busy year. The Diaconate Committee continues to work with our Pastor and the congregation to plan and provide services to promote spiritual welfare for the church. Good Friday service was held at the First Parish Church with Rev. Hughes leading the service along with the Baptist Church, Sacred Heart and St. John s in Beverly Farms. Rev. Hughes also led the Easter sunrise service on Singing Beach. The Diaconate is pleased that our Sunday School students are actively taking part in the lighting of the candles before and after service. This group continues to grow. It is rewarding to see the young people do such a nice job of lighting and bell ringing. Being an acolyte is an experience that will stay with each student for their lifetime. It is so nice to see the children join us after their Sunday School is over. The Diaconate does look forward to their arrival at the end of the service. Church Cleaning Day has become an annual event for the Diaconate Committee. We once again did this on March 3, The Diaconate has taken an active part in visiting members who are unable to attend church services. Diaconate member, Dan DeOreo puts the recorded service on the church web site after each service. A Diaconate member may take the flowers from the altar to members who are unable to attend the service, which is always appreciated. The Care Team continues to provide meals, visits, rides, etc. to those members of the congregation who are in need. The Diaconate Committee is providing communion to the Sunday School teachers before the children arrive for Sunday School. The Diaconate is also going to be providing communion to shut-ins. In March, Jason Smith and his actors and actresses performed The Last Words. This presentation was a wonderful description of Jesus before he was crucified and died on the cross. We hope to continue these plays in the future. Finally, the Diaconate continues to work with the Membership and Growth Committee in reaching out to new members and their families. All in all, the Diaconate Committee has been very busy this year. It is great to have a complete group of dedicated people who all work very well together. The Advent season was a very good example of how engaged everyone was. Thank you to everyone for their hard work. Respectfully submitted, Mary Lumsden, Chair Jill Benke Janet Groth Jane Pearson Dan DeOreo Jan Marshall Lance Walker, Vice Chair Jeff Bodmer-Turner Wendy Smith Jason Smith Paul Gudonis Linda Palmstrom 7

11 Annual Report of PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 The Committee met regularly with the Pastor through the program year in accordance with the by-laws. We thank member Carole for hosting meetings all year. Three new members joined the Committee this year and because they all had extensive prior experience on the PPRC, the new members adjustment was an easy one. Issues regarding the Pastor s performance, as brought to PPRC members by others were routinely reviewed and discussed in particular, the issue of the tone and direction of sermons. The sessions following Sunday service were intended to provide John direct feedback. These discussions were to assist John in understanding how his sermons are received and understood. Regrettably, these opportunities were very limited and little used. John intends to make greater commitment to these service/sermon feedback sessions in the future. The committee hoped to support the Pastor this year in supporting his new goals and objectives as defined in the FPC s five-year plan. Although we never saw John s specific input to these objectives, John stated he had submitted his goals/plans to the Executive Committee and Church Council for inclusion. As a result, the PPRC was unable to provide much help and support for John to work on these critical objectives. Additionally, we found John s monthly reports too inconclusive to evaluate his efforts toward Membership and Growth goals as hoped in the beginning of the program year. The Pastor s Allocation of Time is taken from the monthly accounts John submits to the PPRC. For this program period, we calculate the breakdown as: Worship: 44% Admin & Meetings: 32% Hospital/Home Visits: 24% Finally, John stated that because he is quite pleased with the Parsonage condition and his family has so much happening presently, that it was not necessary for the PPRC to meet at the Parsonage this year. The Trustees are doing a good job keeping up with needed oversight and John is grateful for their attention. The PPRC will continue to support the goals established for the Church and the Pastor to the best of our ability. Respectfully submitted, Pastor/Parish Relations Committee Lee Kafer (Co-chair) Bob Ralston (Co-chair) Lynda Griffiths Jolene Larsen Carole Schanley 8

12 Annual Report of CHURCH COUNCIL/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 Church Officers Rev. John Hughes, Pastor Richard Smith, Moderator George Nickless, Clerk Mark Decker, Treasurer Deborah Hudson, Financial Secretary Bonnie Benincasa, Sally Curry, and Sheila Carrassi Asst. Financial Secretary Boards/Committee Representatives Nancy Peterson/Alison Walker, Christian Education Llewellyn Smith, Nominating Mary Lumsden, Diaconate George Nickless, Delegates Paul Driscoll, Trustees Margaret Michaels, Music Alice Eastland, Missions Mary Ellen Cook, Stewardship Sandra Bodmer-Turner, Membership & Growth The Church Council is established in our Church By-Laws to coordinate and plan church activities and to communicate with members of the congregation through the Committees of the Church.. Membership consists of the Pastor, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Clerk, Moderator and the Chair of each of the standing Boards and Committees. Because the business of the Church Council can be time-consuming and it can be cumbersome to gather all members for necessary work, a smaller group, the Executive Committee has been established to take some of the administrative load off of the Council, to plan agendas for Council meetings and to follow up on Council decisions. An important special task of the Executive Committee is to work with the Pastor to clarify job descriptions and goals and to assess clergy performance. The Executive Committee consists of the Moderator, Chair of the Diaconate, Chair of the Trustees and two other members of the Church Council nominated by the Moderator and ratified by the Council at the first meeting of the year, with clergy as members ex-officio. This year, the statutory members of the Executive Committee (Moderator, Trustees, Diaconate, and Pastor) were joined by rotating members Llewellyn Smith and George Nickless. For the second year in a row, the Church was blessed to have staff continuity in all positions. The result was a generally smooth year, and the Council was pleased to note the accomplishments of the staff, including an active and growing Sunday School under the direction of Priscilla Duda, a vibrant program for adults directed by Pastoral Assistant Judy Haley, and of course the accomplishments of Jared Hamilton, who directed our Youth Program, led the confirmation class, played an increasing role in Church services, and last but not least graduated from Andover Newton Theological Seminary this Spring! Thanks are due to the Christian Education Committee, the Teaching Parish Committee, and the Local Church Formation Committee for their important roles in these accomplishments. 9

13 Annual Report of CC/EC (continued) June 17, 2012 Job descriptions and staff hours, which were realigned in 2011, remained unchanged through the program year. However, in May, at the request of the Christian Education Committee, the Council approved a change in Job Description for the Christian Education Director which increases the hours allocated for that position during the coming program year. This change came in recognition of the time that has been required for the successful outreach efforts of the Director and the diligent administration of the Sunday School. During the past year, the Sunday School has been the most successful of our efforts to achieve overall church growth. Other ongoing Council tasks included the co-ordination across all Committees of all- Church events such as Jazz Sunday, and the Church Fair. In a change from last year, the Council elected not to hold a Spring fund raiser this year, concluding that a bi-annual event was a better approach. This year as in all years the Council provided a forum for budget discussions leading up to the Annual Business Meeting in January. There was great cooperation in putting budgets together this year, but the Council did encounter an unusual situation: In November, the Trustees expressed concern that our rate of pledge fulfillment was well below the expected level, and that it seemed likely that the Church would require a Special Meeting to request additional funds from the endowment. Church Council, after discussion, decided instead to launch a special campaign to fill the gap and avert the need for a Special Meeting. The result was not only a substantial response from year-end donors, but also a broad response from Pledging members. The Council is grateful to all of those who support the church with their pledges, to those who responded to the appeal, and to the Stewardship Committee for their continuing effort and creativity. A continuing major concern of the Council has been church growth. This year, we saw hopeful signs in the increasing attendance at the Sunday School, where outreach activities have been successful and where real growth has been taking place. Other Committees have responded as well with activities that reach out to the broader community, and these are important efforts. In particular, the Church Fair, always an outreach activity, included Membership and Growth participation this year, the Missions Committee held a successful jazz concert that was widely publicized, and the Christian Education Committee continued a successful weekly Playgroup program that has wide community participation. However, as discussed in Council, the overall membership numbers have not grown and attendance at Sunday Church services is an increasing concern. The Executive Committee, with approval of the Council, has met monthly with the Pastor and developed a set of goals to foster church growth and in particular to address the attendance at Sunday Service. Along with this effort, the Membership and Growth Committee has been working with the Pastor in a program of in-reach to existing members, taking on a function that had originally been assigned to a separate ad hoc committee. Finally, the recommendations of the Diaconate s Worship Review Committee has been brought forward to the Council for consideration. These efforts are ongoing, and we hope to see positive results in the coming year. 10

14 Annual Report of CC/EC (continued) June 17, 2012 As part of the on-going long term planning that was initiated several years ago, each of the Committees have been asked by the Council to submit a plan for the coming five years, and to keep the goal of church growth in mind as those plans are developed. As has been frequently mentioned in Council meetings, all of us in the church can help in this effort, but there is probably nothing as important as remembering to reach out to friends, neighbors and acquaintances with the good news of our church life, as we have much to celebrate in the people and activity of our church community. Publicity remains a concern for the Council, and has been a subject of discussion at several Council meetings. During the year, the Church Office has done much to support the Publicity efforts, and we are grateful in particular to Nancy Klebart who has picked up responsibility for coordinating the contributions from our Committees. This issue, along with long term planning for the Chapel building, and the continuing efforts to foster the growth of our church community will be important topics for the incoming Council. While the responsibilities of the Church Council are spelled out in the bylaws, the Council is, in practice, a lively center of communications, where the energy and dedication of our volunteer committees is visible each month and where the concerns of the Church are given serious attention. We are blessed as a Church to have the energy and efforts of all our volunteers and our Staff and especially those who take on the extra obligations of Committee Chair or Executive Committee member. It is my pleasure as Chair of the Council to recognize the efforts of all the Council members, and to thank them for their diligence, their energy, and their time during this past year. Yours in Faith, Richard W. Smith Moderator 11

15 Annual Report of MEMBERSHIP & GROWTH COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 Our mission for 2012: To increase membership and to concentrate on retaining current membership by fostering a more Christian Community of tolerance and compassion. To this end plans to establish a Membership Retention Task Force consisting of representation from certain other Church Committees was abandoned. M & G decided to incorporate this objective within our membership growth activities. New Members: 13 new members: Kim & Ron Gendron, Millie Collie, Kevin & Theresa Murphy were welcomed on March 25, 2012; and on December 4 th, 6 new members and 2 returning members were welcomed into the church: Peter and Ana Stefanovich and Inge Stefanovich, Joe DeMeo and Patty Brennan, Joseph Alsop and Laura and Eric Thomsin. Fellowship: A Come to Dinner night was held on March 10, 2012 which was well attended and successful by introducing some of the new members and fostering fellowship among the established members. Outreach: Handwritten invitations were mailed to new residents of Manchester & Essex in September and March (approximately 66 letters in all). The September mailing was coordinated with Priscilla Duda, Christian Ed, as separate invitations were sent to addresses identified as families with school age children. M&G committee members wrote to the remainder of the list. In March Marianne provided a list to Rev. Hughes who wrote personal invitations to our Lenten activities. In May, we supported the Missions Committee with tickets sales and greeting and taking tickets at the door for the Jazz for Joy concert. Membership Rolls Update: Much time has been spent throughout the year reviewing and adjusting the status of those on Church membership rolls. As of this date, with Church Council approval, the records have been adjusted to show active membership of approximately 242. This number is lower than previously because 25/27 college students living away from Manchester had been included as active members. Annual M & G Calendar of Events: Steps have been implemented to establish an annual calendar of M& G activities which can be made a firm part of the committee s agenda and Church calendar. This should be finalized at the June 2012 meeting. 12

16 Annual Report of M&G (continued) June 17, 2012 Guardian Angel Program: A program for nurturing new members as one approach to improving member retention has been brain stormed. Establishing this program will be a priority for the Committee at the start of the next Church program year in September. We will be seeking guidance on this going forward from the Executive Committee and Church Council. Auction Fund Raiser: This event was not undertaken this year, at the recommendation of the prior M&G committee. It is advisable that this event not be undertaken solely by the M&G committee. Discussion has been that the Auction be under the auspices of Stewardship since its primary function as an auction is to raise additional money for the Church, with assistance from M&G for its community outreach and fellowship opportunities. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Bodmer-Turner, Marianne Round, Chairs Penny Adams Anne D Angelo Theresa Weinheimer 13

17 Annual Report of CLERK First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 The Clerk has kept the records for the Church year , recording baptisms and changes in membership through transfers, admissions, and deaths. During the church year (July 1 to June 30), the active membership was decreased by 3 deaths and 37 transfers from Active to Inactive membership status; and increased by 11 Confessions of Faith, 5 by Confirmation, and 6 transfers from inactive to active status. Present membership is 246 Active Members and 4 Associate Members. The deaths of the following Active Members are regretfully recorded. Gertrude Brown, Betty Samolchuk, and Evelyn Digby. The following were welcomed into Church membership: By Confession of Faith: Joseph Alsop, Patty Brennan, Joe DeMeo, Ana Stefanovich, Peter Stefanovich, Inge Stefanovich, Millie Collie, Kim Gendron, Ron Gendron, Theresa Murphy, and Kevin Murphy.. By Transfer from Inactive to Active: Nancy Klebart, James Bothwell, Tamara Bothwell, Laura Thomsin, Eric Thomsin, and Nancy Hall. By Confirmation: Jonathan Decker, Tyler Duda, Cameron Holley, Tatum Hosman, and Elizabeth Warren. The total Active Membership as of June 20, 2012, is 242. The total Active Membership as of June 19, 2003, was 259. The total Active Membership as of June 17, 2004, was 282. The total Active Membership as of June 16, 2005, was 272. The total Active Membership as of June 15, 2006, was 273. The total Active Membership as of June 17, 2007, was 290. The total Active Membership as of June 15, 2008, was 279. The total Active Membership as of June 07, 2009, was 281. The total Active Membership as of June 06, 2010, was 277. The total Active Membership as of June 05, 2011, was 264. The total Active Membership as of June 17, 2012, is 246. A copy of the present active membership and associate membership list is attached. The following 5 baptisms were recorded for the year : BAPTIZED Chase Alden Anderson James Laurens Van Alen Grace Maxwell Biddle Van Alen Charlotte Chase Sims Josiah Richard Collens IV PARENTS Charles Arthur Anderson & Meredith (East) James Van Alen Jr & Eleanor (Steward) James Van Alen Jr & Eleanor (Steward) Brian David Sims & Gretchen Chace (Crosby) Josiah Richardson Collens III & Nichole Meyer 14

18 Annual Report of Clerk (continued) June 17, 2012 Additional Committees of the Church: The Clerk feels that additional information is needed for the membership to understand committees that have been formed by the church as well as those that are ad hoc to the Church Council, as well as committees de-activated as a result of Church Council action. 1) Pastor/Parish Relations Committee (PPRC): Created by the Church Council with a purpose to sustain a harmonious relationship between the Pastor and the Church community, and to assist the Executive Committee in providing an annual evaluation report to the Annual Meeting. This past year, 3 members appointed by the Church Council were Lynda Griffiths, Lee Kafer, chair and Bob Ralston, and 2 appointed by the Pastor were Carole Schanley and Jolene Larsen. 2) Pastoral Assistant Parish Relations Committee (PAPRC): This committee was activated in August 2008 when our first appointed Pastoral Assistant arrived. We do give thanks to this committee for the time they have spent in preparing a job description and meeting to serve the congregation and Pastoral Assistant. Five members were appointed by the Council Sandra Bodmer-Turner (chair), Martha Farmer, James Hatch, Barbara Smith and Larry Kirby. Ad hoc to the Church Council: 1) Archivist/Historian: (not appointed this year) 2) Executive Committee: Formed by vote at the 2004 Annual Meeting as the administrative arm of the Church Council. The committee consists of the Moderator, (Richard Smith) plus chairs of Diaconate (Mary Lumsden); Trustees (Paul Driscoll); and two other Council members to serve half-year terms (Rev Lelly Smith, (Nominating), and George Nickless (Clerk) served this year). We give utmost thanks to them for their work this year. 3) Safe Church Committee: Formed by vote of the Church Council in 2009 to up-date and maintain our present policies. Members include George Nickless, Mary Hosman, and Bob Ralston. This committee presented a revised look at the package of requirements to put our church in a safe condition, particularly with the youth and Sunday School. A presentation was made to all teachers. CORI checks completed. 4) Webmaster: Dan DeOreo 5) Publicity: Position and committee is open at this time. It is now open to a new Council to review the position and work to establish a committee. 6) Fair Committee: Allison Moir-Smith, chair 7) Teaching Parish Committee: Rev Lelly Smith, chair. This is a several person committee responsible for guidance and to provide assistance to Jared Hamilton, our Member in Discernment (formerly called In Care student). Members include Mary Jo Feuerbach, Richard Smith, Barbara Smith, Jeanne Knox, Tilly Pick, and Rev Smith. 8) Local Church Formation Committee (formerly the In Care Committee) Rev John Hughes, chair. Committee includes Priscilla Duda, George Nickless, and Mary Lumsden. The committee oversees and assists Jared Hamilton in the understanding and conforming to the UCC program and instructions. 9) Membership Task Force This committee was dissolved during the year. 15

19 Annual Report of Clerk (continued) June 17, ) Children s Playgroup was led by Alison Moir-Smith. It met Tuesday mornings with an average weekly attendance of 38 to 35, or over 984 over the course of the year. Extremely successful community group. Committees formed by either Annual or Special Meetings: 1) MHAB. The Meeting House Advisory Committee was added to the By-laws as a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees to oversee the use of funds resulting from the First Parish Church Meeting House Campaign. The MHAB consists of five people, three of whom are non-church members. Present members appointed by the Trustees and ratified by Church Council are: Church: John Round and Jens Kure-Jensen; Non-Church: Regina Villa, Dr. James J. Bacsik, and Gordon Abbott Committee formed by the Diaconate: 1) The Care Committee: Formed by the Diaconate to attend to people in need-in need of food, comfort, transportation, medical equipment. These dedicated people have made a significant impact on the work of the church in the community. They are led by Sheila Kafer (chair) and Janet Groth (vice-chair). Committee formed by the Trustees: 1) The Investment Advisory Committee. The work of these three had led to a significant difference in our investment portfolio. Many kudos to Steve Carhart, Jack Abbott, and Rick Wilk who willingly volunteer their time and experience to oversee our investments. Respectfully submitted, George A. Nickless, Clerk 16

20 Annual Report of Clerk (continued) June 17, 2012 Additional historical data: Church Services 6/04 thru 5/05 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 112 6/05 thru 5/06 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 105 7/06 thru 5/07 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 101 7/07 thru 5/08 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 95 7/08 thru 5/09 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 95 7/09 thru 5/10 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 101 7/10 thru 5/11 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 101 7/12 thru 5/27 = weeks recorded Average attendance = 92 Special Services: Ash Wednesday 59?? Maundy Thursday Easter Services Christmas Services (2) Sunday School & Youth Group Students: 9/04 thru 5/05 = weeks recorded Average attendance 40 9/05 thru 5/06 = weeks recorded Average attendance 48 9/06 thru 5/07 = weeks recorded Average attendance 45 9/07 thru 5/08 = weeks recorded Average attendance 37 9/08 thru 5/09 = weeks recorded Average attendance 33 9/09 thru 5/10 = weeks recorded Average attendance 27 9/10 thru 5/11 = 24 weeks recorded Average attendance 29 9/11 thru 5/12 = weeks recorded Average attendance 38 Sunday School & Youth Group Teachers: 9/04 thru 5/05 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week = 7 9/05 thru 5/06 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week =11 9/06 thru 5/07 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week =13 9/07 thru 5/08 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week =11 9/08 thru 5/09 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week =10 9/09 thru 5/10 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week = 9 9/10 thru 5/11 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week = 10 9/11 thru 5/12 = weeks recorded Average # teachers per week = 12 Some of the Small Group Ministries Presently Meeting Care Committee - Sheila Kafer, Chair; Janet Groth, Vice Chair Vesper Services: Began in fall of Average attendance 12 Play Group: weekly average attendance Thursday Night Study: weekly average attendance 7-9 Friday Bible Study: weekly: average attendance 6 9 Soup & Conversation: 5+ times per year, average attendance Respectfully submitted, George A. Nickless, Clerk 17

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24 Annual Report of MISSIONS COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 In a February 19 Soup & Conversation the Missions Committee made a presentation entitled A Glimpse of Our Missions about all the work that we engage in as a church. Lelly Smith drove to every North Shore agency and organization that Missions supports and created a photo essay of her visits. It was an impressive display of the charitable services assisted by First Parish Church s contributions and volunteers. Any perceptions about what Missions does should be framed from that vantage. No Missions activities occur without the financial generosity and participation of the congregation. The Missions Committee makes decisions on behalf of the congregation about which organizations should be recipients of Benevolence Fund disbursements. We ve made an effort to choose organizations with a Cape Ann or North Shore focus and to check their annual reports and other documents on an ongoing basis to ensure that the monies are used only for charitable purposes and managed efficiently. An important direction that Missions has taken in recent years is to initiate hands-on projects in which different generations can join together. Another is to explore volunteer opportunities where small groups or individuals can pitch in as the need arises. Many church members have put their names on a Missions mailing list so it s easy to coordinate helpers if a request comes in. First Parish Church s Missions Committee has one essential charge: to help our neighbors. We are affiliated with the Cape Ann Interfaith Commission and share common goals with their Homes, Harvest, and Harmony ministries. We support practical programs that focus on hunger relief, providing shelter, caring for the physically and emotionally impaired, and helping those struggling with addictions. The following organizations received monetary donations from the Missions Benevolence Fund in the past year: Action, Inc, Beverly Bootstraps, Des Veaux House, Emmaus House, HAWC: Healing Abuse Working for Change, Habitat for Humanity, LifeBridge, The Manchester Fund to Prevent Homelessness, The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry, Northeast Behavioral Health, Plummer Home for Boys, the Salvation Army, and Wellspring. A summary of various Missions-initiated projects since the 2011 Annual Meeting follows: Several small groups volunteered at Beverly Bootstraps and the Plummer Home to assist in large fundraising mailings. Others helped sort and stack goods donated through the Essex County Post Office food drives at area food pantries. Some church members helped with the Wellspring Christmas toy drive. Missions In-Gathering took place in the November 1 through 11 timeframe in cooperation with the Youth Group. The effort was bundled into the UCC sponsored Missions 1 food collection drive. The donated food was brought to Beverly Bootstraps and to the Open Door. The Wellspring Holiday Dinner program enabled more than 25 Cape Ann families to enjoy Thanksgiving dinners in their own homes. 21

25 Annual Report of Mission (continued) June 17, 2012 The Gingerbread Cookie baking event took place in early December with participation from the Youth Group and the Sunday School. Wrapped decorated cookies were donated to residential homes. Missions supplied cold weather clothing for the homeless through Cape Ann Interfaith. Christmas wish list gifts bought by the congregation were delivered to the Plummer Home. Joe Brideau stepped down from leadership in the Open Door Community Meals program in March. The Missions Committee pledged to continue this church tradition and took over this responsibility. The first quarterly meal on March 21 served about 70 guests (including children), with leftovers donated to St. John s kitchen for lunch the following day. The meal was prepared from scratch by a large contingent of FPC volunteers. Missions provided Easter Baskets for the Plummer Home (shopped for, created, and delivered by Lauren Gudonis). To cap off the year, Missions sponsored the Jazz for Joy benefit concert for the Grace Center on May 6 th It was a success by any measure and drew many concert goers from the Cape Ann area. The benefit gave a substantial funding boost to the Grace Center in Gloucester and will help support day services essential for Cape Ann s adult homeless and other people in crisis. Opening the church doors for the Jazz for Joy benefit once again demonstrated First Parish Church s history of concern for our neighbors. In Rev. John Hughes words, the concert enabled the church to share the Grace Center s hope for a new sense of belonging for people who desperately need to join in and be received by a caring community willing to serve them. Finally, Missions wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Lauren Gudonis and Peter Katsoulas who have stepped down from the Missions Committee after long service. Their generosity and energy for so many Missions projects is appreciated by the entire congregation. The Missions Committee will continue to support the activities at the Plummer Home, Wellspring, and the Open Door associated with Lauren and Peter and hope to do nearly as well. Respectfully submitted, Alice Eastland, Chair Lauren Gudonis Peter Katsoulas David Lumsden 22

26 Annual Report of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts June 17, 2012 The Christian Education Committee met monthly from September to May with our three program directors to discuss programs, review the budget, discuss and plan for upcoming special events. The Sunday School had a very good year with strong growth in registrations and attendance. Because of these results, and the amount of time required to make it all happen, the CE committee recommended an increase in hours for the CE Director from 17 to 25 hours a week. The Youth Program met regularly on Sunday mornings and also met for special social events and service projects. The confirmation class also met regularly and confirmed 5 students. Many thought provoking adult education programs were offered, including a new one day retreat. The CE committee coordinated or assisted with a number of special events - the Christmas Pageant, the Nativity, the Birthday Bash, the Heifer Talent Show, and Children s Sunday. The Committee published a cook-book titled 'A Taste of Grace' with 200 recipes submitted by members of the congregation to benefit a CE Enrichment Fund. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second cook-book published in the history of the Church. We are blessed to have a very talented group of program directors Christian Education Director Priscilla Duda who did an amazing job all year in our Sunday School, Youth Director Jared Hamilton who inspired our Youth, and Pastoral Assistant Judy Haley who provided a wonderful variety of programs for adults. Allison Moir-Smith ran the weekly playgroup, an outreach program for our church. We had a hard working committee consisting of seven volunteer participants: Co-Chairs, Nancy Peterson, Alison Walker; Rebecca Calandra (Secretary); Christiane Alsop, Steve Carhart, Sara DeOreo and Nancy Garvey. Alison Walker expertly managed the intricacies of the budget, Steve Carhart coordinated our 5 year plan. Everyone pitched in to help run the events. We are grateful for the teachers and volunteers without whom we could not have our Sunday School and nursery. We are particularly grateful to Ann Greenleaf, who comes every Sunday to lead our children in song. Additional gratitude to Sue Pick for her leadership in coordinating the Acolyte-Bell ringer program now in its third year of success! CE Director s Report, Priscilla Duda This year the Sunday school was able to meet 21 of 26 goals that we set for year two of our Five year plan. In the past year we have maintained 8 volunteer staff members, one paid nursery staff member, and 4 junior volunteer staff helpers. Each week the school offers a music program, a complete Godly play lesson, and a craft that reflects the lesson. We currently have three classrooms that are broken into PreK, K-3 rd grade, and grades 4 and 5. If we continue to grow we will be looking at adding another classroom by Our attendance has shown an increase of 42% in the last two years far exceeding our goal of increasing attendance 20% during this time. 23