PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Hartsburg, Missouri

Transcription

1 PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Hartsburg, Missouri Annual Reports for the year 2014 Presented to the Annual Meeting of the Congregation January 18,

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Agenda 3 Annual Meeting Minutes Special Congregational Meeting Oct 19, 2014 Minutes 5 Council Goals and Projects 6 Scheduled Activities for Peace UCC Ministries Peace UCC Directory Pastor s Report Membership Report Board of Christian Education Report Board of Christian Education Financial Report Circle Report Caring and Connecting Report Peace Youth Fellowship Report Summer Camps Report Historical Report Endowment Fund Committee Report Disaster Relief Report Food Resource Bank Report Peace UCC Giving Outside of Peace Church 22 Financial Reports

3 PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA January 18, 2015 Call to Order Prayer Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes January 19, 2014 Annual Meeting October 19, 2014 Special meeting Receiving of the Reports Pastor Organizations, Committees, Ministries Financial Reports 2014 Report 2015 Proposed Budget Treasurer Elect addition to Bylaws Task Force for Vendor Type Donations (such as Moser s) Space and Facilities Committee Church T-Shirts Endowment Fund Committee New Business / General Comments or Questions Installation of the Council Members for 2015 Page 22 Find Peace in Prayer and Song Benediction Adjournment 3

4 Peace United Church o f Christ Hartsburg, MO Annual Meeting January 19, 2014 PENDING APPROVAL President Jim Kesterson called the annual meeting to order at 11:10 after it was determined a quorum was met. Pastor Clairnel led the congregation in prayer. The agenda was approved after a motion by Kit Salter and a second from Tom Oleski. MINUTES- Minutes for the 2013 annual meeting, September 22 and October 20 special congregational meetings were approved after Jim announced some last name corrections. We received a motion of approval from Cindy Glascock and a second from Sharon Bullard. REPORTS Pastor-Pastor Clairnel announced she felt that things are going really well. She noted when she came in 2006 there were 264 members and now in 2014 we have 310. We have a very active youth group as well as children. On March 1, she advised she will be here for 8 years. She noted some very special people that have passed. Some of these people were very active and she challenged us to see how we could step up and take over some of their tasks. Currently we need 1) newspaper article, 2) a coordinator of meals, and a 3) mission trip leader. Mission and Vision statement-jim announced on page 13 of the packet was the newly adopted statements. BUDGET Steve Diederich presented the budget and provided information. Raises-Organist Vera Jean Nichols declined a raise. Pastor Clairnel declined the need for a raise, but discussion was held regarding when her last raise was. Kit Salter made a motion for a 3% raise based on present salary. (not including housing) Brenda Reeder provided a second and the motion carried. Rose Walker made a motion to permanently add 1 week of vacation to Pastor Clairnels benefits for a total of 5 weeks of vacation per year. Ceska Oleski provided a second and the motion carried. Fred Klippel made a motion to accept the amended budget and Kit Salter provided a second and the motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS Kit Salter encouraged members to attend the Food Resource Bank gathering on February 8, President Jim announced that the Pavillion will be worked on this year. Joel Bullard asked what the size would be and Benny Jestis advised approximately 24 x 30. Sharon Bullard from the Lay members committee encouraged members to share if they would like anything different. She also encouraged any new members to join them. President Jim asked for thoughts about carpet. Janet Bullard noted it had been cleaned during December of 2010 and that perhaps that would be needed again. Members encouraged not to have food / drinks in the sanctuary. If members have ideas/concerns about what they would like to do about the carpet, they are encouraged to share their comments with any council member. There is some money budgeted for projects and council would like ideas from the congregation. ~Angie Begeman noted the plastic covered song book covers are in need of repair due to tears and yellowing. ~Crickett Hackmann noted the siding has some peeling near the ramp. Kathy Belew announced the youth will be making a presentation to council for the creation of a Cross Wall. The youth group had seen one in Joplin during their mission trip and wanted to create one at Peace. 4

5 INSTALLATION-New members were sworn in. All Council members past and new were thanked for their services. Jim was thanked for leading the Council as the President Peace UCC Council 2014 Peace UCC Council President-Jim Kesterson President-Lee Ann Jestis President elect-lee Ann Jestis President elect-brad Belew Secretary-Shari Bullard Secretary-Shari Bullard Treasurer-Steve Diederich Treasurer-Steve Diederich Member-Bev Elflein Member-Bev Elflein Member-Keith Baylous Member-Bailey Lenger Member-Charlotte Rathert Member-Charlotte Rathert Member Benny Jestis Member-Benny Jestis Lee Ann Jestis assumed the role of President. The meeting was adjourned at 12:05. Respectfully submitted, Shari Bullard-Secretary Special Congregational meeting October 19, 2014 Nomination / Election of Council officers President Lee Ann Jestis called the meeting to order at 11:10 AM after determining a quorum. The slate of officers was announced: President Elect- Nancy Lenger Local Church-Fred Klippel Children and Youth-Cricket Hackmann Brenda Reeder moved that nominations cease. Kit Salter second the motion. All members were in favor and showed by stating aye. Steve Diederich moved to accept these officers by vote of acclamation and Nancy Holland second the motion. All members were in favor and showed by stating aye. Thanks to all members that will be going off the council in January. Your service has been appreciated so much! Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Belew- acting for Shari Bullard 5

6 2014 Council Goals and Projects At the beginning of 2014, the Council created the list below of goals and projects for The Congregation was asked to contribute ideas and wishes as well. Please see below for the list and current status. GOAL/PROJECT Replace or repair the siding that is peeling on the west side of the church STATUS To be completed in Spring/Summer 2015 Decision about the carpeting for the sanctuary The Council decided that this project could and should wait due to finances. Carpet was selected. Cemetery improvements Replace or repair the tile on the front stairs so that it is not as slippery when wet Pavilion project Support and assist (if needed) the Youth with the Cross Wall project Remove wallpaper in upstairs small bathroom and repaint Active Military bulletin board Swingset paint, safety improvements Install a outdoor flagpole Clean under the stairs near the kitchen and install shelving/organize Organize and possibly merge (remove the northern one) the outdoor storage buildings This is an ongoing project but several improvements (stump removal and grading) took place this year. By the time the vendor got the tile to us, it was too cold and wet to install it. The tile will be installed in Spring This project is underway/nearing completion! The Council is SO PROUD of the Youth for coming up with this project. It is beautiful. Still need to complete. Complete! Some safety improvements were made. Painting still needs to be done. This project included running some electricity and will be completed when electricity is run to the pavilion. Still need to complete. Complete! 6

7 Schedule for Special Offerings in 2015 February 8 - Tools of Hope and Blanket Sunday (Circle) - 2 nd Sunday in February March 15 - Green Breakfast - Evangelical Children s Home (closest Sun to St Pat s Day) March 15 - One Great Hour of Sharing (Wider Ministry Team) May 24 - Strengthen the Church Special Mission (Wider Ministry Team) October 4 - Neighbors in Need December 20 - Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross (Wider Ministry Team) December 24 Every Child s Hope (ECH) Schedule for Meals in 2015 February 22 - Youth Fellowship Baked Potato Bar March 15 - Green Breakfast (before and following morning worship) April 5 - Easter Breakfast April 26 - Graduation Banquet (Parents of junior students) May 31-5 th Sunday Carry-in Dinner August 16?? - Rally Day Picnic (Board of Christian Education) September 27 - Ham Dinner November 29-5 th Sunday Carry-in Dinner Schedule for Communion 2015 January 11-1 st Sunday after Epiphany February 22-1 st Sunday in Lent April 2 - (eve) Maundy Thursday 7:30 pm April 5 - Easter (10:00am worship service) May 24 - Pentecost Sunday August 16?? - Rally Day / Communion October 4 - World Communion Sunday November 29 - First Sunday in Advent December 24 - Candlelight Communion (11:00 pm) Schedule for Special Worship Services 2015 January 18 - Annual Congregational Meeting March 22?? - Camp Sunday April 2 - Maundy Thursday /Communion/Tennabrae 7:30 pm April 3 - Good Friday; Worship led by the youth 7:30 pm April 5-7:00 am Easter Early Service May 25 - Memorial Day Observance at Frieden s Cemetery 9:30 am (Rev Don Snyder) October 11 - Pumpkin Festival Service 9:00 am (Rev. Don Snyder) October 18 - Election of New Council members November 1 - All Saints Day Memorial/Daylight Savings Ends November 25 - Thanksgiving Eve Service 7:30 pm (Hartsburg Baptist Church, Rev Nervik) December 24 - Children s Pageant 7:00 pm and Candlelight Communion 11:00 pm 7

8 Schedule for Food Pantry 2015 January 20 February 17 March 17 April 21 May 19 June 16 July 21 August 18 September 15 October 20 November 17 December 15 Mission Trips 2015 Youth Mission Trip July Council Meetings 2015 January 11 February 15 March 15 April 19 May 17 June 14 August 9 September 20 October 18 November 15 December 13 8

9 The Caring and Connection Ministry has the primary responsibility for the ministry of the church to, with, and for adult members, friends, and prospective members of Peace UCC. The following groups (listed with their officers or contacts) help carry out this Ministry: The Women s Circle (Cindy Glascock, President; Sharon Bullard, Vice President, Rose Walker, Secretary/Treasurer) The Council Leader for this Ministry is Charlotte Rathert. She may be reached at or ccrathert@yahoo.com. The Children and Youth Ministry has the primary responsibility for our ministry to, with, and for the children and youth (through high school) of Peace UCC. The following groups (listed with their officers or contacts) help carry out this Ministry. The Board of Christian Education: Diana McCartney, Superintendent; Position Vacant, Superintendent Elect; Cricket Hackmann, Secretary; and Angie Begemann, Treasurer. In addition, the BCE has appointed the following committees to assist in this Ministry: The Children s Coordinator (preschool-6 th grade) - LeAnn Bullard Youth Coordinator (7 th -12 th grades) - Jennifer McCollom. Adult Coordinator - Cesca Oleski Music Coordinator - Brenda Reeder Children s Special Programs Coordinator - Robyn Baylous Special Events Coordinators - Carmen Hughes Youth Fellowship - Kathy Belew & Katy Reeder Camp Pomp Committee - Lorie Klippel & Leigh Huesgen The Council Leader for this Ministry is Cricket Hackmann. She may be reached at , or chackmann@gmail.com The Local Church Basic Ministry has the primary responsibility for seeing that the building, grounds, cemetery, and property of the church are available as the setting in which all other ministries are carried out. The council has appointed the following committees to carry out this Ministry: The Memorials Committee, Daisey Diederich The Cemetery Operations Committee, Rick Hilgedick, Brad Belew, and Ganelle Cunningham The Council Leader for this Ministry is Fred Klippel. He can be reached at or eagleklip@aol.com 9

10 The Worship Ministry is primarily responsible for the plans and arrangements, which enable the congregation to give glory to God through public worship services. The Choir, under the direction of Vera Jean Nichols, contributes greatly to this Ministry. In addition, the Council has appointed the following committees to assist in carrying out this ministry: The Altar Guild, Kathie Sheridan, Holly Hackman, Carmen Hughes The Lay Worship Leaders Committee, Sharon Bullard The Sanctuary Flowers, Brenda Reeder The Council Leader for this Ministry is Bailey Lenger. She may be reached at or The Wider Church Ministry is primarily responsible for those ministries, which are carried out in cooperation with denomination and/or ecumenical partners. The Council has appointed the following committees to carry out this ministry: The Foods Resource Bank Committee - Orion Beckmeyer, Joel & Janet Bullard, and Ann Mericle Historical Committee - Cricket Hackmann and Debra Griffin In addition, Peace UCC has committed to support of the following organizations. The persons responsible for organizing the fund raising activities in support of those organizations are listed. The Every Child s Hope (ECH) Green Breakfast, Nancy Lenger Christmas Store gift collection, Kathy Belew and Nancy Holland. The Pastor is responsible for announcing the offering at the Christmas Eve program, which is designated to ECH. The Tools of Hope and Blanket Program and the Festival of Sharing in support of Church World Service are in the charge of Peace Circle. The Council Leader for this Ministry is Nancy Lenger. She may be reached at or dlenger@centurytel.net 10

11 Peace UCC Directory 2015 Council Ministries Committees Church Council President, Brad Belew President Elect, Nancy Lenger Secretary, Shari Bullard Treasurer, Stephen Diederich Member, Cricket Hackmann Member, Fred Klippel Member, Charlotte Rathert Member, Bailey Lenger Children and Youth Ministry Council Leader, Cricket Hackmann Board of Christian Education Superintendent, Diana McCartney Superintendent Elect, Position Vacant Secretary, Cricket Hackmann Treasurer, Angie Begemann Children s Coordinator, LeAnn Bullard Youth Coordinator, Jennifer McCollom Adult Coordinator, Cesca Oleski Music Coordinator, Brenda Reeder Children s Special Programs Coordinator, Robyn Baylous Special Events Coordinator, Carmen Hughes Camp Pomp Committee, Lorie Klippel Leigh Huesgen Youth Fellowship, Kathy Belew Youth Fellowship, Katy Reeder Wider Church Ministry Council Leader, Nancy Lenger Disaster Recovery Mission Trip Committee, Position Vacant Foods Resource Bank Committee, Orion Beckmeyer Ann Mericle Joel & Janet Bullard Historical Committee, Cricket Hackmann Debra Griffin

12 Local Church Basic Ministry Council Leader, Fred Klippel Memorials Committee, Daisey Diederich Cemetery Operations Committee, Rick Hilgedick Ganelle Cunningham Brad Belew Caring and Connecting Committee Council Leader, Charlotte Rathert Women s Circle, Cindy Glascock, President The Caring Committee, Janine Lacy Rose Walker Sharon Bullard Worship Ministry Council Leader, Bailey Lenger Choir Director, Vera Jean Nichols Altar Guild, Kathie Sheridan Holly Hackman Carmen Hughes Lay Worship Leaders Committee, Sharon Bullard Sanctuary Flower Committee, Brenda Reeder Pastor s Cell Phone Pastor s Home Phone Church Office

13 Report of the Minister Well, it s been a busy year at Peace UCC in Hartsburg, Missouri. An awesome, amazing, busy year. In ways, we could call this The Year of the Children. Our church is delightfully, chaotically exploding with children! What s more, the children want to be involved in the life of the church. Children are coming to Sunday School. They are volunteering to acolyte and to carry the microphone to people during joys and concerns. They rush down the aisle to children s time. Such enthusiasm! Jesus said, Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. We are delighted to welcome all these children, along with all of you, to worship and serve God with us. As we look towards the coming year, and the coming years, we can have hope for our church, our community, and our world, for we are helping our children to grow in faith. We are passing on our values and our traditions to our children! And we are living our faith daily as an example for them to follow. Back in 2009, council appointed a long range planning committee to look at goals and projects for church. They came up with a list of goals, which were reported during annual meeting in In the past 5 years we have met nearly all those goals. The goals included: Youth: Giving the youth their own space, with a flat screen tv and other technologies. Increasing participation by middle schoolers. We have met and exceeded these goals. The youth have taken a lead in their own programming, and have led the church in developing the beautiful Cross Wall in the fellowship hall. Playground, etc.: The goals included removing the old fence, repairing or replacing playground equipment, and building a pavilion. As you can see, the pavilion is nearly completed. The playground has been moved and repaired. Parking Lots: The goals included expanding the parking lot by the playground, and paving a handicapped parking section. Both have been completed. Grounds: Goals included planting more trees. Trees have been planted by the pavilion and on the south side of the church. Main Entrance to Sanctuary: Goals included working on the heavy double doors and replacing the slippery tiles. The doors have been worked on, though they are still far from perfect, and the tiles will be replaced when weather allows in the spring. In 2015 council will once again look at long range plans. Your input will be invaluable. Our church is healthy, and growing in faith and in service (in addition to a modest growth in numbers). In a time when many, many churches are seeing declines in membership and participation, especially among young families, it is delightful to be a part of a vibrant, healthy, growing church community. Thank you to all of you. Whether you come regularly or occasionally, we are glad you are here. Whether you give regularly by volunteering or through offerings, or if you are unable to give in these ways, we are glad you are here. Whether you are new members or visitors or if your family has been a part of the church for generations, we are glad you are here. You folks make this church what it is. No matter who you are, or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here. Thank you for being a part of the Peace UCC community of faith, and thank you for allowing me to serve God with you! Blessings, Clairnel 13

14 PEACE UCC 2014 MEMBERSHIP REPORT Left PUCC Joined PUCC Total PUCC membership as of 12/31/ Additions by Affirmation of Faith 2 Sara & Weston Enochs X Additions by Re-Affirmation of Faith 0 Additions by Letter of Transfer 0 Additions by Letter of Transfer 0 Confirmation Wyatt Barner X William Duncan X Kayla Jestis X Malysha Ryals X Losses by Death 3 Tate Barner X Russel Sapp X Angie Robinson X Losses by Transfer 0 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP END OF BAPTISMS Cora Lynn Bullard Brandt Garret Enochs Emerson Kay Garrett Ronin Asher Nathaniel Hahn Gannon Drew Baylous WEDDINGS Lindsey Harris & Travis Schwarzer Roberta Pramer & David Vendsel Jeanita Furlong & Tony Harrison Danielle Ryals & Evan Kay Bruce Begemann & Rhonda Miller 14

15 Board of Christian Education (BCE) Annual Report The Board of Christian Education oversees the educational programs of Peace UCC. Sunday School classes are available for all age groups. The BCE also manages special events involving the children/youth of the church, such as the Easter egg hunt and Vacation Bible School Board of Christian Education members are: Board Position Superintendent Superintendent-Elect Secretary Treasurer Music Coordinator Children s Coordinator Youth Coordinator Adult Coordinator Special Events Children s Special Program Coordinator Name Robyn Baylous Diana McCartney Cricket Hackmann Angie Begemann Brenda Reeder LeAnn Bullard Jennifer McCollom Cesca Oleski Carmen Hughes Not Filled Peace Church s Children s Sunday School (for children in kindergarten through 5 th grade) follows the rotational model. Each rotation has a theme or topic, and for six eight weeks we rotate through different lessons covering that topic, using various methods, such as cooking, crafts, games, storytelling, music and science. Curriculum topics for 2014 included: Moses & The Ten Commandments, Easter, Jesus & The Children and Images of God. The BCE would like to thank all of the many volunteers who gave their time to teach a session or more during the past year. Without your help this program would not be possible! The Youth Class, (grades six and up) is taught by Robyn Baylous. The class is focused on fellowship and mission work. They hosted a dinner for the River Hills Housing residents in February, and regularly take a session leading the younger Sunday School class. The Adult Sunday School Class (the Coffee & Conversation group) follows a relaxed, discussion-based format. Units range in length from single sessions to six weeks and cover a variety of topics, from current events, to Bible study, to the ways in which we live our lives. Units in 2014 included Final Words from the Cross (Lenten study), Grace, The Book of Luke, and It Was Not a Silent Night (Advent study) The class is open to anyone who would like to enjoy some fellowship and thoughtful discussion. Programs and activities organized by the Board of Christian Education: Children s choir and Children s Bell Choir performed songs they learned (in Sunday School) during the worship service several times throughout the year. Organized Easter Egg Hunt. Provided appreciation gifts for teachers, Mothers & Father s Day, and organized special recognition during the worship service. Sponsored a graduation reception to honor high school and college graduates. Sponsored and organized a monthly Summer Coffee Hour. Organized Vacation Bible School. VBS follows a similar rotation model as is used in Sunday School. Provided age-appropriate Bibles on Bible Sunday to the five children who were beginning third grade. Organized a carnival -themed Rally Day, and supplied the meat for the meal. The cake walk raised $77 (after Rally Day expenses) to benefit the children s programs. 15

16 Adopted a local family to help at Christmas, and organized the gift drive for that family. Hosted the Cookie Communion during the worship service the first Sunday in Advent. Organized the Children s Christmas Eve Program, and provided 65 treat bags for all children attending the program. The offering from this service was designated for Every Child s Hope (formerly known as the Evangelical Children s Home). The 2015 Board of Christian Education members will be: Board Position Name Superintendent Diana McCartney Superintendent-Elect Position Vacant Secretary Cricket Hackmann Treasurer Angie Begemann Music Coordinator Brenda Reeder Children s Coordinator LeAnn Bullard Youth Coordinator Jennifer McCollom Adult Coordinator Cesca Oleski Special Events Coordinators Carmen Hughes Children s Special Programs Coordinator Robyn Baylous Respectfully submitted by: Cricket Hackmann Secretary 2014 Board of Christian Education Financial Report Beginning Balance January 1, 2014 $ Income Sunday School and Rally Day Deposits $ Expences Sunday School Games $ Project Graduation $ Graduation Gifts $28.00 Mother's Day $80.36 Rally Day $58.61 Bibles for 3rd Graders $90.78 Checks ordered $22.60 Ending Balance December 31, 2014 $ Respectfully submitted by Angie Begemann BCE treasurer 16

17 Annual Report for Caring & Connecting Ministry 2014 The Caring and Connecting ministry continues as a part of a very caring congregation. We visit with members and friends at homes, hospitals, and care centers. We send cards, as a group, 4 times a year and individually, as needed. We often work with members of the congregation to take food to families where there is a need for assistance. As a part of our ministry we prepare prayer quilts for tying, fill and deliver baskets to families facing extended stay in hospital, and present small bouquets to members who have lost an immediate family member. There were 9 requests for prayer quilts, both for members and non-members of Peace congregation, 8 baskets were delivered, and 14 flower bouquets were given in remembrance. Including Pastor Clairnel, there are 6 members of the Caring committee which usually meets on Thursday mornings on an as needed basis. Respectfully submitted, Janine Lacy PEACE UCC CIRCLE 2014 REPORT Peace Church Circle is the women s group that meets once a month on the second Thursday. We have a meeting and lunch provided by a hostess from the group. This Circle also includes the quilting group which meets each Thursday. We have a list of people requesting we quilt their handmade quilts. We charge according to size and difficulty. The monies we make are used in various endeavors at Peace Church. We keep the kitchen fully supplied, and take care of all costs from the use of the coffee pot. We help the church by contributing to one month s utilities. This year we have served five funeral dinners, Jack Pettigrew s father, Russell Sapp, Nyoka Wilson s mother, Weston Enochs father and Richard Smallwood. We are always so appreciative of the food that people prepare for these luncheons. We would like to say a special thank you to Diana McCartney for the many creamy hash browns she prepares for each of these luncheons. We presented a quilt to Matthew and Love Buie- Nervik, with a special thank you to Joyce Allen. This year we have quilted 8 quilts and one quilt for raffle at the Country Ham Dinner in September. We sponsor the Festival of Sharing and this year collected various kits with non-cash value of $1,648. We make donations to Emmaus Homes and The Neighborhood House. We sponsor the November Food Drive collecting food for the Food Bank. We helped with Vacation Bible School. We always appreciate Clairnel. She does not quilt but the time she spends with us is so valuable to each of us. We are always looking for new members or just visitors. You do not have to quilt to be a part of this group. Getting to know one another and just being friends is our goal. Cindy Glascock, President Sharon Bullard, Vice President Rose Walker, Secretary/Treasurer 17

18 Peace Youth Fellowship 2014 Report The Peace UCC You(th) group continues to grow and expand. I am continually amazed by the group and their caring actions. The group continued to meet every Wednesday during the first half of the year. After a fall kick off meeting that included a hot dog roast, games and watching the movie Heaven is for Real in August at Katy and Cole Reeder s home we decided to meet on the 1 st and 3rd Wednesday s of the month. Some activities during these meetings include devotions, and playing games that teach group cooperation. Our annual fundraiser in February, the potato bar netted $ We decided not to include the basket auction this year as our mission trip expenses were anticipated to be less since we were staying in Missouri. Two youth, Peter Oleski and Justin Belew attended CYE (conference youth event) at Camp MoVal during Presidents weekend in February with Katy Reeder as chaperone. Also in February, the group helped set up and donated some food items one evening for Room at the Inn. Room at the Inn is a winter shelter hosted by several Columbia churches to provide a warm and safe place to sleep during January and February for those people who need a shelter from the cold winter nights. In April, we led the Good Friday service with scripture readings, devotional thoughts and congregational participation of placing a paper with a personal struggle written on it onto one of the nails on the cross that represented the nails driven into Christ s hands and feet. The service was made more poignant with saxophone music played by Peter Oleski. The mission trip this year was June 15-21, 2014 with 7 youth and 3 chaperones going to St. Louis. Our host church Epiphany UCC led us through the week on our Urban Mission Experience. We volunteered at Lydia s House (a transitional housing for women & children of domestic violence), the East Side Health District Community Garden (in East St. Louis, IL), Kindercottage Early Childhood Center (in East St. Louis, IL), a community breakfast at Epiphany UCC and the St. Louis Area Food bank. During the week we also designed and painted 3 Little Library boxes to be sold to anyone wishing to put the box up to provide a little library to anyone wishing to borrow or lend a book (littlefreelibrary.org). We cooked our own meals, but for one evening meal we were invited to eat at Carol Barner s church and meet some of her youth and congregation members. The group voted to spend our day of recreation at the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum (a 10 story building with multiple mazes and climbing opportunities for all ages). The group led the worship service on August 10, 2014 and shared their mission trip experiences with the congregation. During the summer due to our excellent work ethic, the Boone County Mounted Shooters asked us back to do the balloon setting for their event at the Boone County Fair. The kids work very hard at these events, and the riders and organizers have expressed to us how much they really appreciate the effort the kids put into the event as it makes the event run so much smoother. Of course, it helps that this is a paying job and we will use the money towards our mission trips. We received $ for this event. With the beginning of school, we resumed our regular meetings and decided to try a youth led approach to the meetings. Bailey Lenger and Ben Grabner volunteered to be our executive committee to lead and organize our meetings. This has been very successful in allowing the chaperones to take a more guiding role. 18

19 A new endeavor this year was to have a pancake breakfast and bake sale as a fundraiser for our mission trip expenses. This was done on November 9, 2014 and was hugely successful with $ being raised. This may become an annual event as we heard many positive comments about the event. During the children s time at the Sunday service before Halloween we collected for UNICEF. Some trick-ortreaters took collection boxes with them on Halloween and made it possible to send a total of $ in as a donation to support children around the world. Also in October, we painted a coat of stain on the newly built pavilion posts before heading off to roam through Shryock s corn maze. We spent a couple hours trying to find different check points with theme based trivia questions to see how much we knew about agriculture. Some did better than others in finding the difficult to locate check points and in answering the questions. On November 15, 2014 we had a successful youth lock-in at church with a lot of fun and very little sleep occurring. We made homemade pizza and played a real-life version of the game of clue as well as several games of hide and seek and some movie watching. An expectation for being able to participate in the lock-in was attendance at church services the following morning and all were able to meet that expectation even if they may not have been awake for the whole service. There was a middle school conference youth event that only one youth wanted to attend on November 21-22, The theme was Get out of the [your comfort] Zone. Amanda Belew went to Camp MoVal and returned with an exciting report of having a great time. Sheltered Reality (SR) was the keynote for the event. SR is a non-profit musical organization that uses percussion instruments to encourage every person to Never give up by teaching their signature Steps of Success that includes personal stories about individuals who have triumphed over adversity. We decided that we wanted a youth group T-shirt so several youth came up with different designs and the final design that was voted on is represented by the navy blue shirts with the tree of life on them you may have seen some wearing. We have a couple extra shirts available if anyone wants one for $10 each. Other fundraisers and community service projects throughout the year included volunteering at the food bank distribution point in Ashland after school, serving lunch at Lunch in the Park in Columbia and picking up trash in Hartsburg after the Pumpkin Festival. On the Saturday before the first Sunday in Advent we put up and decorated the Christmas tree in the church sanctuary. Thanks once again to the Raitt s and Wyatt s for their donation of a beautiful tree. The group wanted to go to South Dakota to volunteer at an Indian Reservation, but there were no available openings for next summer, so their second choice was to return to Orlando and volunteer at Give Kids the World. This is a place where kids with serious or life threatening illnesses and their families can stay while fulfilling a wish thru the Make a Wish Foundation or a similar organization. Kids Village relies heavily on volunteers (over 90%) to operate the village on a daily basis. We will be going the week of July 12, Our checkbook ending balance for the year is $7, Thank you to all for supporting our youth Respectfully submitted, Kathy Belew Katy Reeder 19

20 SUMMER CAMP 2014 Campers attending summer camp through Missouri Mid-South Conference Outdoor Ministries enjoyed Get Real; Finding Yourself in Jesus during the summer of Peace Church sent 3 campers: Amanda Belew, Larissa Sears, and Peter Oleski. Amy Ogden also served as a counselor again this year. Thanks to benefits from the Ahman Fund, campers paid about 1/3 the cost of camp and the church covered the other $1020 necessary for campers to attend camp. Peace UCC is blessed to have these funds administered by the Pomp Committee so that campers from our members and friends have a wonderful opportunity to learn about their faith and to enjoy the outdoors. This year we sent a smaller group than normal because we had an older group available to attend and with the mission trip, summer jobs, fairs and VBS, the timing for them didn t work well. And our younger group was a little too young still. The summer of 2015 we will have a large group, including younger children, who will be able to attend camp. We should have information available in January and I d like to make sure everyone works to fit camp into their schedule (and if you might want to be a counselor, nurse, or cook at Mo-Val, let me know!) Submitted January 3, 2015 Pomp Committee: Leigh Huesgen and Lorie Klippel Historical Committee Report The Historical Committee acquires, restores and preserves the permanent records of the church, and maintains the Church Archives. The Peace Church Archives electronic database currently has 386 entries, cataloging and describing records found in 24 boxes and four file drawers. The records date from the organization of the church in the late 1800s through These entries include records of baptisms, marriages, funerals and confirmations. Examples of other items include meeting minutes, photographs, annual reports, financial records, women s circle records, newspaper clippings and worship bulletins. During 2014, the Historical Committee continued the process of cataloguing and filing material as it has been donated to the Archives. Continuing projects include moving the records out of generic cardboard boxes into plastic file boxes for their protection, and organizing the many loose photographs into albums. The Historical Committee welcomes any documents or photos that you would like to donate to the Peace Church Archives. We also welcome anyone who would like to be a part of this ongoing project. Respectfully submitted, Cricket Hackmann Debra Griffin 20

21 PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ENDOWMENT FUND As of December 31, 2014, the market value of the Endowment Fund is $11, The fund is As of December 31, 2014, the market value of the Endowment Fund is $11, The fund is invested into a Moderate Balance Fund which has appreciated again during 2014 and we ve had one deposit as well this year. In the coming year, we look forward to explaining to you how your memorial gifts to the Peace UCC Endowment Fund will enrich the life of the church and allow the church s missions to extend far beyond Hartsburg, Missouri for generations to come. Please feel free to contact any committee member listed below and we will help answer your questions or find the answers for you. Respectfully submitted 01/01/2015 by: Jim Henley, Laura Kays, Lorie Klippel Men's Disaster Recovery Mission Team Report 2014 In March of 2014, the Men's Disaster Recovery Mission Team visited Waynesville, Missouri, to work on several homes damaged by flooding. Those in attendance on this trip were Benny Jestis, Dale Lenger, Biff Barner, Ron Sherman, Jay Workman. In December of 2014, planning started for a trip to Shannondale to help there. Central UCC (Jefferson City) Men's Brotherhood donated $500 to the Men's Disaster Recovery Mission Team in The group is still in need of a leader. To Dale Lenger's credit, it is very difficult to get all of the details of a trip to line up just right. Having someone like Carol Nut on the other end of the project, especially someone who understands the special skill set of this group, is so very important to its success FOOD RESOURCE BANK REPORT Food Resource Bank is a grassroots response to world hunger that Peace Church, together with St. Andrews Lutheran Church have supported since Right now, nearly 1 billion people around the world don t have enough food, and 80% of the people are farmers who, with the right support, could grow enough food for their families. This is where we come in. Working through FRB, we can make a big difference. Last year alone, FRB funded programs that reach over 500,000 people. Last August 1-2 Barbara and I attended the annual meeting of FRB in Kansas City, KS. It s hard to explain how over 250 people can feel like one big family, all with the same goal of doing what we can to help hungry people feed themselves. To that end Peace Church and St. Andrews Church raised $ Our FRB project is in need of some new, enthusiastic people to get involved. Please consider how truly blessed we are, and ask yourselves, What would Jesus do? Submitted by, Orion Beckmeyer (Ann Mericle, Joel & Janet Bullard, co-chairs) 21

22 2014 PEACE UCC GIVING OUTSIDE OF CHURCH Christmas Families $2, Central MO Food Bank $ (Food Barrels 266 pounds/approx $1.66 per pound) $ (Buddy Pack from VBS) $ (Buddy Pack from Pumpkin Festival offering) Every Child s Hope (ECH) $ $2100 (clothing and misc. sent) Emmaus House Neighborhood Homes Family Village Farm (India) $ (from Peace Circle) $ (from Peace Circle) $ (from Peace Circle) UNICEF $ NIN (Neighbors in Need) $ STC (Strengthen the Church) $ OGHS (One Great Hour of Sharing) $ Church World Service (Blanket Sunday) $ Festival of Sharing Food Resource Bank $ (Value of kits donated) $19, (plus $5250 from St Andrews Lutheran Church) Youth Mission Trip $ Christmas Fund $ So Bo Co All Night Senior Party $ (from BCE) APPROXIMATE TOTAL $33,

23 23

24 24

25 25