ANNUAL REPORT 2009
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This will not give financial data from the annual report as presented. Such information is available at www.pcusa.org/tenyeartrends/report/6fx6drl/ . It is being stated that the church budget for 2010 is $201,128.00 and membership is 296. The church operates with a 13 member session and a 17 member board of deacons.
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PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2009
My, how time flies. I completed my first year as interim pastor at First Presbyterian on Jan. 5, 2010. I am very thankful for 2009, personally and professionally. You have made me and my family feel very welcomed, and I know that God’s hand is in the ministry of First Presbyterian.
I am thankful for the session, a very congenial and pleasant group with whom to work. I am thankful for the deacons, who so faithfully carry out their ministry. I am thankful for the music ministry and the audio/video ministry, making worship a reverent and uplifting experience. I am thankful for the staff members, who work well together and who keep the church running. I am thankful for the children’s Sunday school, which brightens the life of the church. I am thankful for the good keeping of the church history, which has been a help in my times of research. The list goes on…I am thankful for the church and everyone who participates in the life of our faith community.
Working with the Mission Study Team has been very rewarding. We have had some challenging issues to address. The first challenge involved learning about our financial situation and informing the congregation in June 2009 that we would not presently be pursuing a full-time called pastor for financial reasons. The second challenge has been leading the one-to-one conversations. These almost have been completed and have contributed very meaningfully to the completion of our first Mission Study task, evaluating the vitality of the congregation. We are finishing up that task and are preparing to move to the second one, evaluating the community. Some of this second task was done before I arrived, so it should be accomplished with relative speed. I am looking forward to the third task, which will get us into envisioning possibilities for the church.
We have had funerals, weddings, and, of course, a great confirmation class. I experienced my first chili cook-off and look forward to the next one. I have had the privilege of having fellowship by sharing meals with groups such as the navigators and seafarers. We have seen a new men’s breakfast begin.
First Presbyterian Church is experiencing a time of transition. While it can seem uncertain at times, it also is a time of great opportunity. As we enter 2010, let us all continually pray for the church. Let us pray together, seeking discernment of God’s purposes for us. I am sure that the new year will be an exciting time at First Presbyterian as we discover together where God is taking us.
In the peace of Christ,
Rev. Gene Fowler
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Clerk of the Session Report – 2009
As I look back at 2009, I remember the good things – we hosted the Community Thanksgiving Service, the Community Christmas concert, we celebrated our representative at the Celebration of Aging Honoree, our sanctuary has new lights, the Morning Glory group sponsored a rummage sale, the manse was sold, scholarship presented, Bible School, Drama Camp, working on the future of our Church, supported school supply drive for Wilson School, supported one-to-one participation, Morning Glory bake sale, celebrated with our confirmation class, children’s Christmas Program- these were a few of my favorite things.
When I asked what do you like about our Church? – The answer is the people. It takes those people to make good things happen. We are blessed with good people looking forward to 2010.
Please review the Annual Report to read the rest of the story.
Clerk of Session
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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REPORT – 2009
Active Members – December 31, 2008 - 336
Gains 2009
Profession of Faith – 7 (Confirmation – 7 young adults)
Reaffirmation of Faith – 1
Transfer of Letter – 0
Restored to Active Roll – 3
Losses 2009
Certificate of Transfer – 1
Deaths – 11
Transfer to Inactive Roll – 33
Dropped from Rolls – 6
Active Members as of December 31, 2009 - 296
Composition of Session and Board of Deacons
Session 9 Men 4 Women
Board of Deacons 5 Men 12 Women
There were two baptized.
Services of the Lord’s Supper and numbers served in 2009:
Baptism of the Lord January 11 111 served
Ash Wednesday February 25 40 served
Maundy Thursday April 9 74 served
Easter “Son Rise” April 12 54 served
Trinity Sunday June 7 130 served (also graduation Sun.)
3rd Quarter Communion August 9 101 served
World Communion Sunday October 4 111 served
All Saints’ Day November 1 93 served
Christmas Eve Candle Light December 24 99 served
Homebound Communion Served: 1 member served
Two Weddings conducted by our Pastor.
NOTE: 11 members passed away in 2009. Rev. Fowler officiated at 7 funerals for members. In addition, Rev. Fowler officiated at a funeral for a non-member and a previous member.
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TREASURER’S REPORT
2009 has ended and we are looking toward 2010. The Finance Committee, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Rev. Fowler have been working together the past few months to establish an improved method of reporting our income and expenses.
The 2010 budget has been established, with the committee’s trimming any unnecessary items from their part of the budget, which we appreciate.
The Manse was sold in 2009 and these funds were deposited into our Money Market account. At the present time, we are taking money from this account each month to maintain a positive balance in our general fund, which is draining our savings.
I would like to encourage each member, if they have not already done so, to consider making a pledge for 2010, whether it is weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or yearly to the church, and to make every effort to fulfill that pledge.
Again, if anyone has any suggestions for fund raisers, please let either the Stewardship or Finance Committee Chairpersons, or myself know.
If we all work together we can make 2010 and great year for First Presbyterian Church of Granite City.
Treasurer
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WORSHIP COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT - 2009
The Worship Committee is responsible for organizing all areas of the worship service. This includes setting the time and place for the Sunday worship and special services. We also place decorations and paraments in the sanctuary. The Committee is also responsible for Communion, baptisms, weddings, overseeing the music, the Candle Lighters, worship supplies, sanctuary flowers and arranging for a guest minister when needed.
During 2009, we had 9 Communions during the year. There were 2 weddings at our church in 2009. Rev. Fowler officiated at 10 funerals – 9 funerals and co-officiated at one funeral.
The Worship Committee continues to be very pleased with the multi-media system, This crew does an excellent job every Sunday and at special events. I would also like to thank that person for doing such a great job with the paraments.
We hope the New Year, 2010, our 104th year, will bring exciting times of worship to the Glory of Gld.
Committee Chairman
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2009 Annual Christian Education Report
“to God be the glory….what a place to grow!”
To start the New Year and to seek guidance through scripture, we selected Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Thus our business of dates, plans and activities began for 2009.
Rev. Fowler joined our committee in February. His supportive leadership helped us plan and achieve many activities of spiritual growth, education and updated classrooms. He gave the Session and CE an article “Are Baptized Children Welcomed at the Table?” After prayerful consideration and discussion, the Session voted to allow baptized children to come to the Lord’s Table for Communion. (An approved practice in the Presbyterian Church since the early 80’s.) Rev. Fowler then lead an eight week confirmation class starting in September. Praise be to God!
CE activities were reported in detail throughout the year in our newsletter, but hopefully the following will highlight 2009 activities again for “celebration” and for the record!
1. “Youth Care Team” The Sunday school students and teachers visited
homebound and nursing home members in March and December.
These visits were filled with love, gifts, songs, and hugs.
Easter and Christmas cards were sent to out-of-town and military members.
2. TJ Pizza Fund Raiser. Funds were used to update Sunday school classrooms.
Profit: $1,250.
3. Cherub and Youth Choirs carried palms and sang on Palm Sunday.
4. Youth Drama Team presented a Spring Drama – “It All Happened in the City”
and a Christmas Drama – “Christmas Hang Ups.”
5. One individual has agreed to do Children’s Moment 2 to 3 times a month. A team of two
will do the fifth Sundays. Others will mbe announced at specified times.
6. Puppet Ministry by a team of an adult and youth youth started in February. They
too shared their wonderful messages once a month during Children’s Moment.
7. June 7 honored four high school graduates.
8. June 21 “Youth Sunday” Youth participated in the entire worship service.
9. Vacation Bible School “Gadget’s Garage” was a huge success. United
Presbyterian joined us again this year sharing expenses and talent.
Our average attendance was 90 children/adults a day which was the same as last year. Recycled items to create robots were enjoyed by everyone. VBS’s mission offering of 345 pounds of collected canned goods was given to our own local Community Care.
10. September 27 was “Commission Sunday.” Our teachers, youth and
church family made a covenant together…”in God’s presence, to make First
Presbyterian Church a welcoming place where knowledge of Christ will grow,
where God’s love will be experienced and God’s way discovered and lived out
in our life together.”
11. Sunday school enrollment is 51 students for nursery through fifth grade with
50% active participation. We have 7 middle school and 8 high school
members who candle light, BUT we do not have anything other than candle
lighting for middle and high schoolers - neither Sunday school or an
organized youth group.
12. Elementary and teen classrooms were restored at total cost of $3,589.
Three erasable boards and a ping-pong table were added. Purchasing new
bibles is targeted for 2010.
Praises to all for their time, gifts and talents to special activities listed. Praises and thankfulness to the faithful behind the scenes committee members for their love and willingness to serve our God’s church. Our ministry is richly blessed with each of your gifts. THANK YOU!
Thanks to the Multimedia team for all of the “techno” gifts to pull off VBS, Children’s Moments and many other educations needs! Thanks to those sharing their gifts of music, song and drama with our children – a quality of education in these areas that is suffering in our public schools today.
Even though preparing an annual report is met with dread, it did warm my heart to reflect on the wonderful blessings we shared this past year. I hope it did yours too!
In Christ’s Love we serve together,
Chair of Christian Education
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Revitalization Committee
Annual Report for 2009
The responsibility of this committee is outreach and invitation to the current and prospective church members. This committee also works to assist in making new members feel a part of the church. In 2009, the committee has been undergoing reorganization.
For 2010, the committee will be recruiting new members and focusing primarily on outreach. We will continue to proactively plan for the church’s future.
I would also like to thank each and every member for his or her support. I would also like to thank Reverend Fowler for his dedicated leadership, guidance and support.
Yours in Christ,
Revitalization Committee Chairman
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FACILITIES COMMITTEE
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
MANCE PROPERTY: CLEANUP & SALE WERE COMPLETED
CHURCH PROPERTY:
1. Sanctuary lighting project completed.
2. Parking lot sink hole repaired & re-surfaced.
3. Additional handicap spaces added to parking lot.
4. A/c system inspected and cleaned in March.
5. Repaired several damaged windows.
6. Fire safety & elevator inspections co
Respectfully submitted, Chairperson
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SANCTUARY CHOIR ANNUAL REPORT – 2009
As always our faithful Sanctuary Choir has made a significant contribution to our music ministry. In addition to leading the singing and providing music each Sunday, we have also provided special music during Lent and Advent. We participated in a special service on Maundy Thursday. Our Christmas Cantata was “The Promise of Light” by Joel Raney. The Choir season lasts from September through May.
When you look at the faces in the choir, you see many who “wear other hats” in our church family. I am grateful that they always save time to sing in the choir. We also want everyone to know that we would welcome anyone else who likes to sing.
Respectfully submitted, Choir Director
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Financial Management Committee Report
2009 brought us another year of having to use savings to meet monthly expenses. As we worked on the budget for 2010, we tried to take this into account, and all committees either lowered their expectations or asked for no increase.
A memorial donation allowed us to finish the lighting project in the sanctuary that had been started and put on hold due to lack of funds.
The manse was sold so we no longer receive bills for expenses or maintenance. Due to the real estate market, the selling price was lower than hoped, but was sold “as is” so no additional expense was incurred.
In order to continue helping our other charities, Community Care, Phoenix House, etc., fund raisers within the church can help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hopefully 2010 will be a better financial year for our church to go about God’s work.
Respectfully submitted, Chairperson
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MORNING GLORY CIRCLE
2009
Balance forward January 1, 2009 $ 305.19
RECEIPTS
Offering ( from circle) $ 114.35
Fellowship of the Least Coin 216.00
Rummage& Bake Sale 1,498.84
Quilt Frames Sold 175.00
Giving Calender-Money Maker 37.95
Bake Sale – December 354.50
Collected for Lesson Books 52.80
Total Receipts 2,449,44
$ 2,754.63
DISBURSEMENTS
PWGL-Mission Pledge $ 100.00
Misc. Purchase – Coffee 5.05
Fellowship of the Least Coin 216.00
AdVantage Paper / Rummage Ad 9.00
Tran. to Gen.Fund from Rum.Sale 1,500.00
Scott Grote (Extra S/U Time) 100.00
Upper Room Lesson Books 57.00
Purchased Food/Community Care 400.00
Reimb.MarilynHarris/3gifts for luncheon 27. 47
Total Disbursements 2,414.52
Balance on Hand 12/31/09 $ 340.11
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Stewardship Committee
In November we tried to communicate our efforts to complete a stewardship campaign that would satisfy the needs of the budget being formulated by the financial management committee.
We continued our efforts to reduce the number of envelopes being mailed to those not using them or not in need of them.
In 2009 we received a total of 77 pledge cards with the total amount pledged of $107,759.00.
We hope that we exceed this amount in 2010.
Yours in Christ; The Stewardship Committee
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Seafarers Annual Report for 2009
Jesus Christ is our Pilot
The Bible our Compass
The Church our Anchor
The Seafarers meet in the Fellowship Hall the third Saturday evening of each month at 6:30 p.m. with the exception of June, July, and August. In May the group meets at a local restaurant for dinner and fellowship.
The month of April was a special Dinner-Theater evening at the church. The event was well received by those in attendance.
The Seafarers donated the following:
1. To the Church’s General Fund - $1,000.
2. To Community Care Center - $150.
3. Meal of Love Program - $200.
4. Summer Bible School Program - $250.
5. Lily plant at Easter remembering our deceased members.
6. Poinsettia plant at Christmas remembering our deceased members.
7. Token of appreciation was presented to the following at Christmas time:
a. Church Secretary
b. Financial Secretary
c. Housekeeper
d. Custodian
Currently our membership consists of 29 members with Dr. Rev. Gene Fowler and Rev. Amy Fowler honorary members.
The Seafarers extend a hearty welcome to anyone interested in joining the fellowship. Contact the 2010 officers for information regarding membership in this fellowship group.
…As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
Respectfully submitted,
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HISTORIAN’S REPORT FOR 2009
This year started a new chapter in First Presbyterian’s History with the arrival of Interim Minister Dr. Gene Fowler. Heritage Sunday was celebrated on May 17th this year with the induction of three new honorees joining the group.
First Presbyterian Church gives several opportunities to take pictures and make memories for our church and I continue to do this. I was blessed this year with an addition of one storage cabinet and one double storage shelf for more organization in the History Room. Thank you to the Wednesday Workers, Scott Grote, Nick Grote, the congregation, and Pastor Fowler for their support and assistance.
Submitted by Historian
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Multimedia Annual Report 2009
Accomplishments for the year include:
Multimedia provided each Sunday.
Provided multimedia for the Master’s Voice Choir Christmas Concert.
Provided multimedia for the Bible School.
Provided multimedia technicians for Weddings, Funerals and other special events.
Video taped many of the 2009 Church events.
Desires for the future:
Provide good quality multimedia for our minister.
The Multimedia Team
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WEDNESDAY WORKERS – 2009 REPORT
Wednesday Workers meet from approximately 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday mornings.
Our major project this year was working on the elementary and tween classrooms, cleaning things out so the floors could be refinished and rooms painted. The classrooms also had to be put back together so we would be ready for VBS.
Respectfully submitted,
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MISSION COMMITTEE REPORT 2009
The giving and support of our members enabled our congregation to contribute to the following mission programs in our congregation, local Community, nation and world:
Presbyterian sponsored programs:
PCUSA Benevolence and International Mission Personnel Funds
Fifth Sunday Offering
One Great Hour of Sharing
Pentecost Offering
Peacemaking Offering
Christmas Joy Offering
Theological Education Fund
Offerings to support local programs:
CROP Walk 2009
United Congregations of Metro East
Community Care Center
Good Samaritan House
Phoenix House
Adopt a School Program/ Angel Tree and Gingerbread House
Dimes for Hunger---for Meals of Love (7 times a year)
Two Cents a Meal
Campbell Soup labels for Head Start
Box Tops for Education
The Mission Committee thanks everyone that has participated in any way with our activities this year. We couldn’t have done His work without your helping hands.
Mission Committee
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Care Committee Report – 2009
July – Collected school supplies of crayons, pencils, glue and scissors for Wilson School. Supported the new dress code for Granite City School District students by supplying new and gently used uniforms so Wilson School parents who are in need could buy uniforms at a low cost.
December – Collected gifts for the Giving Tree and Gingerbread House for children at Niedringhaus and Wilson schools. Approximately 45 children received gifts. We received thank you notes from both schools.
Throughout the year we collected can goods and everyday items for Community Care. Care cards were sent every Sunday to members who have not been at church and members and friends in the military as well as get well and sympathy cards.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Fellowship Committee Report
The Fellowship Committee hosted two dinners this year for the Congregation. The Heritage Dinner in May and the dinner after World Wide Communion in October.
The food that was left over from the May dinner was donated to the Phoenix House. A thank you note was received.
Committee, Chair
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Safety Committee
Annual Report for 2009
The Safety Committee was created in June of 2009 and the chief responsibility of this committee is to promote the increasing awareness of safety issues within our church.
The committee is consisted of Rev. Fowler and seven members. Each member has been important and helpful in the operation of the committee.
Security procedures have been established to ensure safety regarding monitoring and securing doors. We have also evaluated and updated our basic first aid kits. There are six (6) first aid kits located within our church at the following locations: 1st floor-kitchen, nursery, primary classroom, 2nd floor-business office, Sanctuary, 3rd floor-teen classroom.
In November of 2009, with the coordination of our Safety Committee, the Granite City Police Department gave a presentation on church safety. Everyone received beneficial information from the presentation and we greatly appreciate Officer May for sharing his knowledge.
Future projects of our committee include updating and/or repairing the following: outside lighting, landscaping shrubs and evaluation of other potential medical equipment.
I would like to thank each and every member for his or her support. I would also like to thank Reverend Fowler for his dedicated leadership, guidance and support.
Safety Committee Chairman
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Mission Study Team/Transformation Committee Report
During 2009 the Mission Study Team continued with its charge of seeking new options for church leadership and preparing the congregation to transition into this new era of church life. In February of 2009, after a review of our finances and discussions with representatives from the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, it became clear we cannot seek the leadership of a full-time pastor – this was communicated to the congregation during the annual congregational meeting, and also during a special called meeting.
The Team has been focused on finishing the assessment of the churches vitality, which includes both financial and membership vitality. During 2008, the Transformation Committee had completed some of the initial assessment of membership vitality by taking a closer look at neighborhoods around Granite City, and, in September of 2009, the Mission Study Team took the next step and began a process that would focus on determining the needs, wants, passions, and talents of the current 290 plus members of the congregation. Volunteers were called for and an effort was made to set up “One on One” meetings with each member of the church in order to better determine the future of our church. Interviews were scheduled throughout October and November and the process tentatively ended on December 1st. Data from each interview has been compiled and the committee plans to use this information to develop a new Mission Statement, set goals, and plan new activities in the coming years.
The Team plans to continue working with Presbytery throughout 2010 to discuss leadership options, and complete the formal process of preparing to search for new leadership. We plan to keep the congregation informed of any and all progress, and seek additional input in the direction we are headed.
Committee Chairperson
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PERSONAL COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2009
As active a year as the Personnel Committee experienced during the previous year, this year has been very stable.
We feel most blessed and privileged to once again have in place a most talented, and dedicated staff at First Presbyterian Church in Granite City.
As we enter the new year, the Personnel Committee will continue to re-evaluate the Employee Handbook and make revisions as necessary. Job Descriptions will continue to be reviewed and performance appraisals will be implemented on a regular basis.
As chairperson, I can't begin to express my gratitude to my most proficient committee for all of their hard work; to Rev. Gene Fowler, for his encouragement and knowledge; and to our excellent church staff.
Respectfully submitted, Chairperson
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2009 DEACON'S ANNUAL REPORT
2009 was a busy year for the deacons of the church. The deacons are responsible for ushering, preparing elements for communion and serving at special functions throughout the year as needed.
We served as volunteer ushers for the Ministerial Alliance Community Thanksgiving Service and the two night Masters Choir Christmas Concert.
The fellowship committee served meals and refreshments at two church functions this year, Heritage Sunday and World Communion Sunday.
The deacons collected non-perishable food, which was donated by the congregation for the Community Care Center throughout the year due to today's economic conditions.
The deacons sponsored the Gingerbread House and Angel Tree at Christmas to provide 45 needy children at Wilson and Niedringhaus elementary schools Christmas gifts and cheer from the congregation.
The Script program is also part of the deacon's work for the church family. The program helps provide funds for the general fund of the church. All congregational members are encouraged to participate in the script program to help support the church financially.
The Care committee provides the cards we see at the back of the church each Sunday for congregational members and friends who may be hospitalized, homebound, in nursing homes or grieving the loss of a loved one. Cards are also sent to college students and armed forces members living away from home. We collected school supplies and school uniforms for Wilson School.
At Easter the shut-ins were sent cards. We provided fourteen fruit baskets at Christmas for these shut-ins and sent cards to the out of the area shut-in church members in nursing homes or living with family members.
The Service committee prepared the elements for nine communion services. This committee also provides the ushering schedule for all the deacons for church services and special events.
The deacons are grateful for our congregation’s generous response when help is needed in our church and community.
Respectfully submitted, Chairperson of the Deacons
END OF REPORT