LA CRESCENTA
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Church Staff and Church Officers 2
Report of the Pastor 3
Annual Report of the Session, 2015 4
Necrology Report 5
Congregational Meetings Minutes 6
Board of Deacons .9
STAFF REPORTS
Director of the Center for Children …………………………… .. 10
Center for Children Financial Statement . 10
Director of Children’s Ministry . 11
Director of Finance .12
Director of Spiritual Formation . 13
Directors of Student Ministries . 14
Director of Choir . 15
Producer of Contemporary Music……………………………………………………………………………….. 16
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Adult Ministries . 17
Children’s Ministry . 18
Communications . 19
Fellowship . 20
Finance . 21
LCPC Operating Fund for 2015 . 22
Mission and Outreach . 24
Nominating . 25
Personnel . 26
Property . 27
Stewardship…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
Strategic Planning . 29
Student Ministries ..…. 30
Worship and Music . 31
MARINER GROUP REPORTS
Clippers . 32
Cruisers . 32
CHURCH STAFF
Andrew M. Wilson.............................................................................................................Pastor
Lee Cook.....................................................................................Director of Spiritual Formation
Ashley Pollock…...........................................................................Director of Children’s Ministry
Josh Horton & Kim Cox..........................................................Co-Directors of Student Ministries
Gary Woodward....................................................................................................Choir Director
Chuck Andrew...............................................................................................Director of Finance
Nancy Thomas....................................................................................................Office Manager
Dan Blessinger………………………………………….…………………...Producer of Contemporary Music
Pat Murphy Chambers............................................................Director of the Center for Children
Helen Tuma..............................................................................................CFC Assistant Director
Michael Randis.......................................................................................................CFC Treasurer
Teri Reid................................................................................................................CFC Secretary
and over 50......................................................................CFC Teachers, Aides and Support Staff
CHURCH OFFICERS
Elders Class of 2015 Elders Class of 2016 Elders Class of 2017
Doug Given Dennis Fernandez Mary Braswell
Sheri Gray Carrie Hofmann Geoff Bryan
Dave Herrin Mark Kauffman Nancy Coler
John Holmquist Whitney Lescher Mike Ward
Deanne Kuper Hilary Norton Jerry White
Rebecca Lessley Jenny Schwing Linda Winfield
Greg Wolflick Gary Woodward Robert Wyroski
Deacons Class of 2015 Deacons Class of 2016 Deacons Class of 2017
Wendy Burt Pat Beggs Isabel Adams
Lana Emmerson Julie Hill Cynthia Fernandez
Lela Halverson Jana Larsen Kathy Hill
Louisa Jagoe Evan O’Meara Bob Keiter
Frances Mencia Sue Pratt Ann Wetzel
Elaine Ross-Collins Billie Weinstein Mark Williams
Newly-Elected Class of 2018
Elders Deacons
George Buehler Isabel Adams
Al Nunez Cynthia Fernandez
Judy Trumbo Kathy Hill
Tye Veden Bob Keiter
Randall Wetzel Ann Wetzel
Cindy Williams Mark Williams
Nancy Minkler
PASTOR’S LETTER
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
As I look back on 2015 I’m filled with gratitude to God and to so many friends at LCPC who are deeply committed to building his kingdom. I believe the Lord has used our large ‘committed core’ at LCPC to build a rock-solid foundation for outreach and growth. In almost all areas of our church life – whether we’re looking at children and youth ministries, worship and music, outreach and mission, or fellowship and stewardship – we again see signs of improved quality and increased effectiveness. This brief report offers ample evidence to support that bold assertion.
At the same time, we are struggling with wider cultural trends that often hold us back. For a variety of complex reasons, people are choosing quantity over quality, breadth over depth, and detachment over intimacy and commitment in their relationships and in their use of time. Our challenges are magnified by the rising skepticism with regard to civic, education and spiritual institutions in general, and the church in particular.
The hurdles we face seem daunting, yet in the life of the Spirit every hurdle represents an opportunity. Yes, our culture in many ways is drifting away from God. Yet precisely because of that drift, what the church – our church – has to offer is becoming all the more relevant, necessary and life-changing. Jesus is still the one great hope of the world. And we are still a light set on the hillside.
As I’ve said many times, LCPC fully prepared for growth. It’s as though we’ve prepared a banquet for 1800 and there are only 500 seated at the table. Healthy spiritual growth will come when there’s a groundswell of excitement about:
· engaging in daily prayer that’s focused on God’s work at LCPC.
· carving out space and time in our lives for weekly worship.
· talking about the Spirit’s work at LCPC and inviting others to be a part of it.
· living out the Lord’s teachings and sharing our faith with authenticity.
· participating in regular, planned giving so that we can grow the budget along with the congregation.
That is my prayer and my deep desire for LCPC for the year ahead. I hope it is yours as well.
Love and good cheer,
Andy Wilson
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SESSION, 2015
Sheri Gray, Clerk of Session
Elders serving on Session are listed by class in the section of the Annual Report entitled Church Staff and Church Officers. Each elder has served on, or moderated, at least one of the committees of Session. The committee moderators provide the leadership and direction that help set the course for Session to accomplish the work of this church. The reports from the committees may be found in this Annual Report.
During the year 2015, Session met a total of 12 times which consisted of ten Stated Meetings, one of which was a joint meeting with the Board of Deacons, and two called meetings.
Session is given the responsibility of the mission and government of the church. It also is required that Session provide opportunities for church members to grow in personal faith. This year was devoted to a wide variety mission projects at home and abroad, education classes for all ages, information and town hall sessions on various projects, planning for LCPC’s future, and a complete and comprehensive re-write of our church bylaws.
We realize the obligation to responsibly lead this church into the future. We seek God’s guidance to help us as we determine possible future changes to our physical plant and to direct us as we continue to be a strong mission-centered church. We thank the congregation for their support and trust this year.
Membership Changes
Active membership at the end of December 2014 was 492. During 2015, changes were as follows:
Gains:
Profession of Faith - 6
Reaffirmation of Faith –7
Transfer – Phyllis Palmer - 1
Restored to Active Roll – 0
Total gains 2015 – 14
Losses:
Letter of transfer - 1
Transfer to Inactive Roll - 18
Removed from the roll: 0
Deaths: - 3
Total losses: 22
Active membership December 31, 2015 is 484
ANNUAL REPORT OF SESSION, 2015
NECROLOGY REPORT
SHERI D. GRAY, CLERK OF SESSION
At the end of the year, we take note of those church family members who have gone to be with their Savior. While it is with sadness for our loss that we note their passing, it is with great joy that we acknowledge that our loved ones are enjoying what our faith promises, life eternal with our Heavenly Father.
Fred Morrow (3040) died June 3, 2015
Lloyd Hughes (6688) died September 6, 2015
Kenneth Thomas (2492), died November 6, 2015
LA CRESCENTA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION
March 8, 2015
The Annual Meeting of La Crescenta Presbyterian Church was called to order and opened with prayer by the Rev. Andrew M. Wilson, Moderator, at 6:45 PM in Koopmans Hall. Pastor Andy thanked the Fellowship committee for providing refreshments. The Annual Meeting of the Congregation had been announced on four previous Sundays in the church bulletin, the weekly email, and in the church newsletter "The Messenger”.
Quorum – a quorum was not present. Moderators and Staff reported on their areas of responsibility. A quorum was declared at 8:03 pm.
The purpose of the meeting was to:
● Receive the Annual Report
● Recognize the outgoing Elders and Deacons
● Elect the 2015 Nominating Committee
● Review the Operating Budget for the year 2014
● Receive the Budget for 2015
● Approve the Terms of Call of Pastor Andrew Wilson, effective January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (updated for benefits), and September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016.
● Receive reports from Ministry Leaders
● Read the 2014 Necrology Report
Annual Report – The Annual Report was distributed. It was moved to receive the Annual Report, motion passed.
Recognition of the outgoing Elders and Deacons – Pastor Andy recognized the following outgoing officers and thanked them for their dedicated service:
Elders Deacons
George Buehler Victor Bustillos
Doreen Cease Karen Gorton
David DePaoli Jillian Kauffman
Dennis Fernandez Zillah Novak
Jim Gorton Wendy Watts
Cindy Guenther-Williams Kathy Yukl
Election of 2015 Nominating Committee – Jenny Schwing, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the slate of nominees for the 2015 Nominating committee:
Jenny Schwing – Session Whitney DePaoli – At large
TBA – Session Don Empey – At large
Elaine Ross-Collins – Deacons Kerry Milbrodt – At large
Sidney Schreiner – Mariners Joshua Kauffman – At large
Ed Carlson – Sr. High’s Rev. Andy Wilson – Pastor, Ex-officio
It was moved and seconded to elect the entire slate as a whole to serve on the Nominating committee. Motion passed.
Review the Operating Budget for the year 2014 – Al Nunez reported for Cindy Guenther-Williams, Church Treasurer. Detailed financial information is available in the Annual Report.
Present the Budget for 2015 – Al Nunez reported for Cindy Guenther-Williams. The approved budget was distributed.
Determine the Terms of Call for Pastor Andrew Wilson
Greg Wolflick from the Personnel Committee presented the Terms of Call for Pastor Andy. Andy excused himself during the discussion. There was a change in benefit amounts for the present Terms of Call, January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 and these were presented. The terms of call effective September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015 are listed below. Terms of Call represent no increase in effective salary:
Compensation
Cash Salary $22,680 Other
Housing Allowance 55,532 Pastor Discretionary Fund $ 3,000
SECA Tax (50%) 7,064 Study Leave 2 weeks per year
Effective Salary $85,276 Vacation 4 weeks per year
Benefits
Medical Insurance $20,983
Pension and AD&D 10,233
Dental Insurance 1,632
SECA Tax (50%) 7,064
Total Benefits $39,912
Total Compensation and Benefits $125,188
Reimbursable Expenses
Automobile $ 3,000
Study Leave 1,000
Books 600
Total Reimbursable Expenses $ 4,600
Total Compensation and Expenses $129,788
The Terms of Call were approved unanimously by a voice vote of the congregation.
2014 Necrology Report - the Clerk read the Necrology report.
The meeting was adjourned and closed with Prayer at 8:19 pm.
Sheri Gray
Clerk of Session
LA CRESCENTA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CALLED CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
TO ELECT CHURCH OFFICERS
January 10, 2016
Rev. Andrew Wilson called the meeting to order at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to elect elders and deacons for the class of 2018, and two elders for the class of 2016. The meeting was announced in the December 2015 edition of "The Messenger" newsletter and for two consecutive Sundays in the church bulletin. It was also publicized in the weekly church email.
The Clerk of Session declared a quorum was present.
Pastor Andy led the opening prayer.
Pastor Andrew Wilson introduced and thanked Don Empey and members of the nominating committee. He explained the qualifications for Ruling Elders and Deacons and the process for election. He then introduced the candidates for Board of Deacons class of 2018:
Martha Bryan*
Lou Lu*
Carol Hampar*
Jennifer Clem*
VOTE ON DEACONS: Pastor Andy asked the congregation if it was ready to proceed to a vote on the slate of Deacons, and asked for nominations from the floor, reminding them that any church member may nominate any other church member(s) with their prior permission. There were no additional nominations from the floor and it was moved, seconded, and passed to proceed on a vote of the entire slate of nominees. The slate of nominees was approved.
Andy then introduced candidates for Ruling Elders:
Class of 2018
George Buehler
Cindy Guenther-Williams
Nancy Minkler*
Al Nunez
Judy Trumbo
Charles (Tye) Veden*
Randall Wetzel
Class of 2016
Dennis Fernandez
Carrie Hoffman
VOTE ON RULING ELDERS: Pastor Andy asked the congregation if it was ready to proceed to a vote on the slate of Elders, again reminding them that any church member may nominate any other church member(s) with their prior permission. There were no additional nominations from the floor and it was moved, seconded, and passed to proceed on a vote of the entire slate of nominees. The slate of nominees was approved.
Elders- and Deacons-elect will be ordained and/or installed at the 11:00 am worship service on January 17, 2016. *To be ordained
Pastor Andy offered a prayer for the new Elders- and Deacons-elect.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed with prayer at 10:45 am.
Sheri Gray
Clerk of Session
BOARD OF DEACONS
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2015
Deacon Funds: Beginning balance 1/1/2015 - $3,788.23.
Ending balance 12/31/2015 - $5,930.36
Received from congregation for the year 2015 for Deacon use - $15,969.86.
Operating expenses - $2,072.53 - Maundy meal, Thanksgiving Brunch, stamps, paper goods, grief booklets, ($700.00)–grocery cards, rosebuds for baptism of new babies, banner for blood drive and groceries for the pantry.
Family Assistance: Elaine Ross-Collins, Sue Pratt and Wendy Burt along with Andy Wilson served as financial Family Assistance committee to oversee use of the Deacon Funds. Funds were dispersed to help people in our local community in crisis situations. Assistance included- utility bills, doctor bills, car repair, rent assistance and tax bill went to help those in need dispersed $11,755.20.
Maundy Thursday: Deacons provided sacrificial meal to the church prior to the Maundy Thursday service. Elaine Collins and Isabel Adams headed up the task of preparation of the soup, bread and oranges along with other members of the Deacons. Thanks to Bill McClain for providing the vegetables and oranges. Approximately 120 served.
Thanksgiving Meal: Deacons provided a Thanksgiving Brunch organized by Susan Pratt. Thanks to Bill McClain for providing the fruit. Chefs – Jim Larson, Dave Herrin, Geoff Bryan. Attendance – approximately 180 attended.
Communion: Deacons – Frances Mencia (1st service) and Lana Emmerson (2nd service) were in charge of preparing the communion bread and juice, finding servers to carry out the communion assignments.
Visitation-Homebound: Isabel Adams headed up this committee. Many deacons were involved in visitations to approximately16 shut-ins monthly.
Flowers: Each week the flowers on the altar are often designated by the donor to be given to shut ins. Julie Hill, Jana Larsen, Louisa Jagoe, Cynthia Fernandez, Pat Beggs, Elaine Ross- Collins delivered the flowers, to church members that are not able to attend church.
Meals-Home Delivery: Kathy Hill used Meal Train to provide meals to members who need dinner after having surgery, baby, or hospital stay. Individuals signed up to prepare a meal to help those in need. Approximately 4 people received meals.
Food Pantry: Pantry is maintained by Pat Beggs. Bags of food, hygiene supplies.
Hearing aids: Ann Wetzel maintained hearing aids (cleaning and changing batteries)