2010 Annual Report

            Table of Contents

 

Agenda.................................................................................................................... 2

Church Officers and Staff ................................................................................... 3

Clerk's Report

     Membership....................................................................................................... 4

     Necrology........................................................................................................... 5

Pastor’s Report.................................................................................................. 6, 7

Associate Pastor’s Report................................................................................. 8, 9

Family & Youth Report............................................................................... 10, 11

Central Presbyterian Preschool Report............................................................. 12

Office Manager/Building Supervisor Report.................................................... 13

Session................................................................................................................... 14

Deacons................................................................................................................. 15

     Parish Nurse Report....................................................................................... 16

Trustees................................................................................................................. 17

Foundation.......................................................................................................... 18

Ministry Cluster Reports

     Administration Ministries

                Stewardship.......................................................................................... 19

                Personnel.............................................................................................. 20

     Community & Mission Ministries............................................................ 21, 22

     Outreach & Welcome Ministries.................................................................... 23

     Teaching Ministries ........................................................................................ 24

     Worship & Music Ministries ......................................................................... 25

Central Presbyterian Church

Annual Report 2009

Officers & Staff

January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009

 

Session

William Smutz, Moderator              Elizabeth I. Stoddart, Clerk                   Jim Marshall, Treasurer

 Board of Elders

  Class of 2010                                  Class of 2011                                         Class of 2012

George Patrick                                 Alison Donaldson                                  Kathy Beach

Jennifer Pimmler                              Jim Gascho                                             Jeff Beardmore          

Cris King                                         Colleen Neal                                           Willie Burgess

Sara Stallings                                   Kevin Riley                                             Nancy Nargi

Barb Tyner                                       Dennis Savaiano                                    Mark Williams

 Board of Deacons

Class of 2010                                     Class of 2011                                       Class of 2012

Jay Burgess                                       Allen Bol                                               Debbie Cover

Betty Carr                                          Lisa Fettinger                                       Frank Donaldson

Val Newell                                        Alisha Burcham                                    Chip Goldsberry

Austin Hartz                                      Anita Newtson                                     Sarah Johnson

Joe Riley                                           Melba Tiemann                                      Jane Messer

Gerri Fish                                           

Judy Simons

 Board of Trustees

Class of 2010                                      Class of 2011                                      Class of 2012

Richard Bol                                         Jo Fortune                                           Don Franzmeier

Jeff Medley, co-chair                          Denis Horn                                          Hal LaFever

Marty Taylor                                       Dave Lahr                                           Kathy Meeks

Cliff Tiemann                                      Lew Graham                                       Dianne Mork

 

Staff

Rev. Dr. William Smutz, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jeff Cover , Associate Pastor

Wes Tillett, Director of Family & Youth Ministries and

Celebration Music Director

Jeffry Stearns, Organist and Director of Adult Music

Janice Spitalniak, Director of Adult Handbells

Laurie Kuhn, Office Manager

Ben Bol , Building Custodian

Jennifer Powers, Accountant

Lisa Talcott, Right Start Director

 

CENTRAL MEMBERSHIP

January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

 

 Active Membership as of December 31, 2007                                 605

 Gains:

By certificate                                                                          23                               By Reaffirmation/Profession of Faith                 

17 and under                                                   12

18 and over                                                      11                                            

Total Gains                                        45                                

 Losses:                                                                                                          

Deaths                                                                                                  19  

Transfers to other churches                                                                    7 

Transferred to Inactive Roll                                                                   3

Removed                                                                                                0

Total Losses                                                                                        29                                

 Active Membership as of December 31, 2009                               611

Men                                         252                                                      Women                                    359                                         

       

On Inactive Roll as of December 31, 2009                                      52                               

 Baptisms – January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009            

Adult                                          0                                          

Infant                                         5                                          

   Age Distribution of Active members

25 & Under     61

26-45              129

46-55                78

56-65              116        

Over 65          227      

                         Average Worship Attendance

                                                293

               

                                                                                                     Necrology

January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009

Wayne E. Schreckengast - January 26, 2009

 Philip J. Yorger - March 30, 2009  

James G. Smith - April 7, 2009  

Thomas A. Hood - April 11, 2009  

Marian A. Mooney - April 29, 2009  

William Norman Willey - May 14, 2009  

Ruth M. Michaud - May 21, 2009  

Helen M. DeCamp - May 30, 2009  

Oreta R. Schreckengast - June 9, 2009  

Hayden Abney Haller - June 12, 2009  

Dora E. Willey - July 23, 2009  

Jerrie M. Kofmehl - July 24, 2009  

Maxine Goldrick - September 28, 2009  

Ann Cripe - October 1, 2009  

Mary Hayt - October 16, 2009  

Mary Graham - November 28, 2009  

Wilnetta Kreisle - December 8, 2009  

Anne Mildred Diesslin - December 18, 2009

Pastor’s Report

January 1 2009-December 31, 2009

 

  I was standing in the back of the sanctuary, having just finished giving the announcements at the start of the 11:00 a.m. service one Sunday morning.  All who had gathered to worship were listening to the prelude and watching the young acolyte, Sam Gascho, light the candles in the chancel.  Because the candles are placed fairly high off the ground, Sam was having a hard time reaching them, even with the long candle lighter.  Everyone watched with anticipation, silently willing Sam’s success.  And when it came, when Sam succeeded in lighting the candles and bringing the light of Christ into the sanctuary, large smiles spread across our faces.  As I stood there grinning like the Cheshire Cat, the person next to me leaned over and said that she remembered watching Sam’s father when he was a young boy lighting the same candles. 

I think this story illustrates many of the great strengths of Central Presbyterian Church – being a congregation that enjoys the continuity of parent and child lighting candles in the sanctuary a generation apart, yet also readily welcomes the presence and gifts of newcomers;   a place that loves and support individuals as they try new things, and finds joy in each person regardless of success or failure; a community that takes corporate worship seriously; a body where all strive to the best of their abilities to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Session has continued to provide leadership for the congregation in setting vision and developing a strategic plan.  In September a written vision and planning document was released to the entire congregation.  Central’s vision is shaped around three ambitious goals: 1) Changing Hearts: Strengthening Connections To God; 2) Changing Hearts: Strengthening Connections to Each Other; 3) Changing Hearts: Changing the World.  In 2010 Session will create an action plan with measurable steps, based on the vision goals, and continue to help Central find its way into God’s future.

Celebration Music Leadership moved in a new direction as the position was expanded from quarter time to half time, and Wes Tillett split his responsibilities between Youth & Family and Celebration position.  I deeply appreciate Wes’ willingness to take on this difficult hybrid position, and for the wonderful energy he has brought to the task.  Wes’ theological training has helped deepen the meaning and faith content of the services, and allowed Jeff Cover and myself to resource Celebration in significant new ways.  Patti Foster has come on staff as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator, taking over parts of Wes’ previous position.  She is quite an asset to our congregation, and is caring for our children and guiding their faith development in new and significant ways.

I hope that you have had the opportunity to notice how busy Central’s buildings are becoming.  It seems to me that almost every day and evening of the week, multiple programs and activities are happening at Central.  We are blessed to have large, well-cared for buildings that we can utilize for our own growing programs, as well as offer to other not-for-profit groups in the Lafayette community.  The increased energy and vitality of the church more than outweighs the challenges of increased wear and tear on the fabric, and additional custodial needs.

I remain grateful to work with such a dedicated and faithful staff.  My service to Central is made much easier and much more enjoyable through our staff team --  Laurie Kuhn, Jeff Cover, Wes Tillett, Jeff Stearns, Patti Foster, Ben Bol, Jennifer Powers, Lisa Talcott and Janice Spitalniak. 

I trust that 2010 will be another full and faithful year at Central.  I look forward to working with Session to move our new vision/strategic plan from words in a document to concrete actions and new ministries.  Getting to specifics around a vision/strategic plan is hard work for a church, but I know that the people of Central are up to the challenge!  I anticipate that the 7^th Street entrance to our education building will soon be graced by a beautiful old stained glass window depicting Jesus.  The window originally belonged to one of Central’s predecessor congregations, First Presbyterian.  It next graced the chancel of Hope Chapel for nearly 100 years; and comes to Central as a gift from the people of Hope Chapel as they close their church.  Staff transitions will also be part of the new year.  Such change is difficult, but also healthy.  I know we will all work hard to make sure these endings and new beginnings are done well. 

It is two and a half years now since I came to serve Central, and I want to say what a gift it is to be here!  Word’s can’t describe my deep gratitude for the way that my family and I have been folded into your midst.  I am very excited about where I sense our church is being called into God’s future, and I look forward to sharing the journey with you!!

 Respectfully Submitted,

William M. Smutz

Pastor

 

   

Associate Pastor’s Report

                                    January 1 2009-December 31, 2009

 

My work at Central falls into the areas of empowering laypeople for ministry, spiritual formation, encouraging growth in faith, pastoral care, worship, envisioning,  and representing Central.

Empowering laypeople for ministry - Taking my cues from Ephesians to “equip the saints for ministry,” and from the Protestant Reformation idea of the priesthood of all believers, I see my role as supporting the ministry of Central’s members, primarily through their work on Central’s ministry teams.  I staff the Fellowship, Deacons, Teaching Ministry, Stephen Ministry and Worship clusters, as well as the Safe Child team and Central Preschool board.  I advocate for the Every Member in Ministry approach to ministry and strive to assist members of Central in the use of their God-given spiritual gifts.

Spiritual Formation - The monthly Anamchara prayer and spirituality group is the primary vehicle for enhancing Central’s spiritual life.  Together we explored such topics as sharing our stories, praying our experiences, intercessory prayer, Thomas Merton and Hildegard of Bingen.  In September the group also helped put together Central’s first healing service in many years.  I also encouraged participation in Central’s All-Church Retreat in April in Holland, MI.  Debbie Cover capably led this retreat.  I taught the Lenten Family program, “The Enjoyment of Scripture,” to enhance participants’ joy in the Bible.

Growth in Faith - Along with the Adult Discipleship ministry team, I help plan, co-ordinate and implement Central’s adult education program for our members and friends.  2009 classes included: “When Jesus Came to Harvard,” “It’s Not Your Grandma’s Mission,” “Who Killed Jesus and Why?” “Issues of Faith,” “Foundation Stories,”  “The Shack,” “You and Your Adult Children,” “Confirmation 2.0 for Adults,”  “From Good to Great,” and “The Parables of Jesus.”  Particularly well received were our experimental men’s and women’s classes, “Contagious Community,” and “Shoulder to Shoulder.” The men’s class led to the formation of a Men’s Fellowship group at Central.  We may experiment with such classes from time to time, while primarily offering classes open to both men and women.  Including our evening Lenten classes, our Women of the Word group, and “Reform and Popcorn,” we had a total of 129 participants in our offerings, up from 114 the year before.

Pastoral Care - Caring for the congregation is an important part of my work at Central.  Partly this happens indirectly, as I support and encourage the work of our Deacons, Stephen Ministers, and Fellowship clusters.  During the year I also had 94 visits with members: 28 in my office, 27 at hospitals, 25 lunches with members, 6  in nursing homes,  5 in homes, and 3 at other locations. I officiated at one wedding in 2009 and conducted four funerals-- for Helen Decamp, Mildred Bol, Ann Cripe, and Wilnetta Kreisle.

Worship - I participated in worship leadership each Sunday during the year and preached 18 Sundays.  I also led worship and preached at Westminster Village a couple times in 2009.  For Ash Wednesday I introduced Central to worship in the style of Taize’.   I am working with the staffs of other downtown churches to organize monthly Taize’ services for the Lafayette community.  I also resourced the Anamchara group in putting together Central’s healing service.  We got such a good response that we are thinking about having one of these each quarter. 

Envisioning - As a member of the Strategic Vision and Planning group I helped to draft Central’s “Vision and Strategic Plan.”  We have been interpreting this to the congregation, and I have met with the five clusters I staff to help them develop practical goals which are in keeping with this vision.

Representing Central - I currently represent Central on the board of the Mental Health Association—Tippecanoe County.  I participate in MHA’s annual Homeward Bound walk and serve as secretary of the board. I am a member of Wabash Valley Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and will serve as its chair in 2010 and as a member of Presbytery Council.  I also attend monthly gatherings of the Downtown Ministers group and of the Lafayette area Presbyterian clergy.

Respectfully Submitted,                                            

Jeff Cover

Associate Pastor

 

Director of Family &Youth Ministries

and Celebration Music Director

                                                                                January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

 

 

Director of Family and Youth Ministries - I believe these were the predominant themes of the Family and Youth Ministries in 2009:

Faith Community - Sunday School, Youth Group, Downtown Basketball, Mission Trip to Appalachia, Montreat, Turkey Run Camp Out, the Youth Lock-In—I think what really makes all of these things tick is “faith community.”  By “faith community” I mean a group of people who are committed to each other because of Jesus Christ.  It is in the context of this sense of community—of belonging, of acceptance, of family—that the parents and youth and children are drawn closer to God and closer to one another.  Based on attendance, involvement, laughter, and deepening relationships, I believe 2009 was a year in which the Family and Youth Ministries experienced healthy faith community.    

Leadership - Two major occurrences which upped the overall leadership in Central’s Family and Youth Ministries: 1) we formed a Youth Leadership Team, 2) we hired Patti Foster as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator.  The Youth Leadership Team is made up of 6 youth and 4 adults who meet for leadership development and give input into the themes and events pertaining to the CPC Youth.  Patti Foster has been a wonderful addition to Central’s staff.  She has developed a “Tween” ministry, re-energized our 2-3’s, PreK-K, and Celebration Station Sunday School classes, and has been instrumental in many exciting changes for our Children’s ministry.           

Spiritual Formation - When I look at our Sunday School themes, our Youth Group topics, our mission activities (30 Hour Famine, Mission Trip to Appalachia, Hunger Hike, Micah 6:8 Youth Fund Allocations), and our fellowship activities, I think of the values we are trying to instill in each other through these venues.  We are trying to become more like Jesus Christ, trying to live into what it means to be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ.  While there is no good way to measure “spiritual formation,” I believe in 2009 we tried to make each thing we did an opportunity to grow in faith, hope, and love.

Celebration Music Director I felt like I am still on the steep end of the learning curve when it comes to designing and leading meaningful worship services.  But these were the two major themes of my work from Mar-Dec 2009, as near as I can tell.

Facilitating Worship (not “performing worship”) - It has been my goal to try to engage the hearts and minds of people when they come to Celebration.  I do not want the experience to be primarily about listening to a good band and a good preacher.  I want the experience to be primarily about meeting with God and listening to the Holy Spirit through song, Scripture, skit, sermon, supplication, and whatever other appropriate “s”-word you can think of here.  My aim has been to push Celebration into a more participation-friendly rather than consumer-driven mindset.

Change - We did not make any drastic changes.  But we did a lot of little things that add up to some significant change.  We introduced lots of new songs.  We incorporated technology by moving to a web-based planning center so that all Celebration Team members (pastors, worship leaders, singers, band members, tech crew) have equal access to information.  We trained a new crew of soundboard operators.  We rearranged the stage.  We involved new people as Worship Leaders, Singers, Musicians, and Scripture Readers.  We made decisions regarding leadership models and equipment.  We became more intentionally prayerful in this service.  This service will need to continue to change as it continues to grow deeper and wider.  I think a spirit of innovation and change is in the DNA of the Celebration Service.  I am excited about what changes God will inspire us to make as this service continues to develop. 

 Respectfully submitted,

Wesley Jason Tillett

Director of Family & Youth Ministries

and Celebration Music Director

 Central Presbyterian Preschool

January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009

 Over the last year, Central’s preschool has begun a process of growth and improvement.  In the spring of 2009, a group of Purdue students completed a marketing study for the preschool.  They surveyed former and current preschool families, as well as the church congregation.  In addition, they researched marketing strategies employed by other comparable local preschools.  Following the marketing study, the preschool advisory board determined that a name change would better identify the preschool and would help eliminate any confusion between our preschool program and the Head Start program.  The name of the preschool was changed from Right Start Preschool and Pre-K to Central Presbyterian Preschool.  

The next growth opportunity for the preschool is to become a part of Indiana’s Paths to Quality program.  This is a voluntary program in which early childhood programs must meet specified standards to progress from a level one program that meets basic health and safety needs to a level four program that has achieved national accreditation.  

The current school year finds the preschool serving 17 students, 3 of whom are able to attend through the preschool’s Tuition Assistance Fund.  Lisa Talcott is the director and teacher of the preschool and is in her sixth year with the preschool.  Sharon Bateman, the assistant teacher, is in her second year with the preschool.  

Many congregation members help to provide outstanding early learning experiences for our students.   Advisory board members provide valuable guidance, support and expertise.  Our Tuesday readers spend valuable time with small groups of students each week.  The generous contributors to the Tuition Assistance Fund help insure that children are not turned away because of financial need.  Donations from the Circle One and WOW groups help us to maintain our supply of stimulating toys and creativity-inducing craft supplies.  We are so grateful for all of you and your help in living up to our mission:  to create, nurture and maintain a Christian environment of growth, challenge and unlimited potential for 3, 4 and 5 year old children.

 Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Talcott

Central Presbyterian Preschool Director

 

Office Manager/Building Supervisor

                                    January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009

 

Did you know: We now have wireless internet access in both buildings? We ordered and are in the process of learning a new church management system? We hired a new receptionist, accountant, and a Sunday custodian? These are a few of the new things that happened at Central in 2009.

 Central sees a lot of “foot and phone” traffic daily (which gives me great daily aerobic exercise up and down the stairs!). I am regularly involved in dealing with the needs that arise from this “traffic”, those inquiring about weddings, financial assistance, meetings, repairs, etc.

 Have you noticed how the brass is taking on a new polished look, that the pews are shining, and the chairs are cleaner? I have been and will continue to work with agencies in the community to arrange for people to volunteer their time at Central. The program places people in volunteer positions to help them get work experience and skills for job references. In this program; the volunteers are to treat their work as a job by working, a scheduled number of hours each week. The pre-scheduling of their hours helps me arrange for extra projects to be completed each week.  

Working closely with the Trustees, many hours were spent meeting with various companies to make repairs to the buildings and grounds this year. From a water leak in the Memorial Garden to leaking roofs, Central buildings continually need of attention.  Bill Chapman is one of the many “go to” people I frequently call in addition to the trustees to repair various areas around the church. Thanks to all that volunteer their time and energy to keep Central “up and running”!  

Some of my other responsibilities include: assisting staff with computer issues, maintaining the church calendar, scheduling room usage and set-up, updating the website, supervising the custodian and receptionist. I would be lost without the afternoon volunteer receptionists! The warm reception, excellent first impression and individual skills each of them bring to the desk don’t go unnoticed. In fact, we should double their “pay” in 2010 they do such a tremendous job! We currently have about 15 women and men volunteering their precious time greeting each person entering Central, graciously answering the telephone and doing extra jobs in between.  

We will be moving in positive new directions in 2010.  The church management system will allow us to be better organized and better connected to each other.  Changes to the church web site, moving to an electronic newsletter format, and exploring how Central can utilize social media sites like Facebook and YouTube will occupy some of my time in the new year.  The needs of an increasingly busy staff and of our grand old buildings will keep me busy as well.  I’m sure it will be quite a year!    

I look forward to serving God with the staff and members of Central Presbyterian Church another year!

 Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Kuhn

Office Manager

                                             Session

                                       January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009

 Session began a process of Vision/Strategic Planning in the fall of 2008. A document called A Summary of Vision and Strategic Plan was approved at the August Session meeting. Clusters and ministry teams were asked to consider how their particular activities fit into the Plan as Session began to look to Central’s future goals. At a retreat to be held in January 2010, strategies will be considered to further this process.  

Wes Tillett was named Contemporary Worship Director, Jennifer Powers was hired as Central’s accountant, and Alberto Covarrubias was hired as the Sunday Custodian.  Sara Stallings served as an elder commissioner to Presbytery. Wes Tillett informed the Session in December that he will leaving his position in June as he and his family begin a mission in Lebanon.  

Following three classes led by the pastors during the year, thirty-five new adults were received into Central’s membership by Session. Session voted to change the name of the Right Start Preschool to Central Presbyterian Preschool. In August the 8^th and South Street properties again came back to Central ownership. The Session voted to continue participation in Family Promise for two more years and approved a three year pledge to LUM’s capital campaign.  

In June, five elders, Kitty Mills, Ruth Moran, Dennis Owen, Paul Spurgeon and Pam Young completed their terms of office. Kathy Beach, Jeff Beardmore, Willie Burgess, Nancy Nargi and Mark Williams were elected as new elders for three year terms which began July 1^st. In the fall Cris King replaced Jim Sauer as elder for a one year term when Jim moved from the community.  

Members of Session serve as leaders of  Vision and Planning for Clusters, are represented on the Central Foundation, are Commissioners to Presbytery, chair the Nominating, Personnel and Stewardship Committees, and are members of the Personnel and Finance Committees. They also prepare and serve the Eucharist for both worship services.  

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Stoddart

Clerk of Session

 

                                                                         Board of Deacons

January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

 

The Central Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons has continued some long established programs.  We are still continuing to find better ways to define our role within the Church congregation.  A Deacon training meeting was held for the new Deacons in the Spring.                                                                                                                                   

We continue to minister to those in need, the sick, friendless and to any in distress through our Emergency Aid program, hospital visitation, home bound visitation, and funeral memorials. We are continuing to maintain and find new ways to be hospitable to the visitors and members of the congregation.  We also provide leadership to find shepherds for new members of the Church.

New Deacons for the 2009 year include: Debbie Cover, Frank Donaldson, Chip Goldsberry, Austin Hartz, Sarah Johnson, Jane Messer, and Judy Simons.                                                                                                                  

The Board of Deacons continues to be active in reaching out to the community and our members through the following activities:                        

§  Hospital Visitation    

§  Shepherding of new members after reception into our fellowship

§  Nursing Home and Home-bound visitation and Communion  Service

§  Our fundraising Souper-cook off in 2009 was held on February 8th with about 120 people in attendance and $400.00 raised.             

§  Invited individuals from each of our oversight function ministry  teams to a dinner and had each representative tell us of the functions to understand better the duties of these teams.  

§  Held the annual Back to School Jubilee which is a unique service program of Central in conjunction with Miller School and Sears.                       

§  Funded the Back Pack Program for children at Miller School in the amount of $1,825.                             

§  Prepared ten turkeys for the LUM Thanksgiving Day dinner.

§  Assisted and led Christmas Jubilee for 40 families totaling 108 children in December.

 Respectfully submitted,                                                                                                         

Allen Bol                                                                                                                              

Moderator 

                                                                         Parish Nursing

January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

 

Since January, 2010, Parish Nurses Theresa Klassen and Dianne Mork have become

co- leaders of the Health Ministry Team.  The Health Ministry Team meets yearly.  Both Theresa and Dianne are Registered Nurses who completed the Parish Nurse Training Program in April, 2009.  

Recent accomplishments:

Ÿ  Because of concerns of H1N1 flu, hand sanitizers were placed at the church entrances in an effort to minimize the transmission of germs.

Ÿ  AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) installed

            Received through Revive and Survive program offered by St.     

            Elizabeth Regional Health.

            Locations of AEDs:

                        Behind receptionist’s desk next to sanctuary

                        Education building, 7^th Street entrance, between restrooms

            CPR training generously provided by Revive & Survive Program:

                        Coupons were provided for training of 5 persons for each AED

Ÿ  A protocol for Crisis Intervention written last year is placed with each AED.

 Goals:

Ÿ  Plan an annual AED review for those certified in CPR to respond in an emergency.

Ÿ  Schedule a tour with Deacons to familiarize them with the locations of various emergency equipment.

Ÿ  Network with Hospitality Team to assist during Sunday morning services.

Ÿ  Acquire shelves in a designated area for resource materials.

Ÿ  Check and re stock on an annual basis all first aid kits throughout the buildings. 

Theresa and Dianne are eager to meet our congregation’s needs as Parish Nurses.  While we are not a hands on ministry, we are available to offer friendship, support, help with referrals, and Christian love.  We would appreciate it if you would let the church office know of anyone who would benefit from our services.

Respectfully Submitted,
Theresa Klassen, RN

Dianne Mork, RN
Parish Nurses  

 

Trustees

January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009  

The following persons served on the Trustee Board during 2009.  

Carl Rew (co-chair)*               Cheryl Weaver***                  Nancy Nargi****                        

Jeff Medley (Co-chair)           Richard Bol                            Marty Taylor                          

Denis Horn  (Co-chair)          Jo Fortune                             Dave Lahr

Dianne Mork                          Cliff Tiemann**                    Don Franzmeier

Lew Graham*****                Kathy Meeks                          Hal LaFever

 

*Term ended June 30, 2009

**Serving 1-year term

***Resigned

****Served 1-year term

*****Service started in September, 2009

 Current Trustees

The Board of Trustees has responsibility for the supervision of financial affairs of Central Presbyterian Church.  The Board leveraged the individual alignment with different ministry clusters, etc. for purchase order approval.  This has driven greater accountability, control and oversight of spending.  

In addition, the Board of Trustees has responsibility for the supervision of the physical plant for Central Presbyterian Church. During the year the Trustees tackled many complex projects related to building maintenance.  For example, much time was spent with Link Management tracking down the root cause of our roof leak problems in the Education Building.  We are hopeful we have now eliminated the source of moisture that has plagued the Education Building for some time.  The Board has also been involved in dealing with the return of the 8^th street properties including security and winterization concerns.  There were  numerous other minor building and grounds maintenance opportunities addressed by the board in 2009.  

The Board also provides key support for the church on Sunday’s and other days of worship through our Trustee of the Month initiative.  A positive move in 2009 was the addition of the Sunday Morning Custodian.  A custodian was selected from a temporary service agency as additional support for days of worship.  This team of the TOM and our custodian is now able to perform all TOM duties as well as provide basic janitorial, troubleshooting, and security support for all facilities and all services.  

Although oversight of the Trustee budget and the physical facilities are major responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, those are not our only areas of focus.  Additionally, Trustees are aligned with efforts in personnel & administration, the foundation, outreach & welcome, stewardship, Stephen Ministers, safe child, nominating, fellowship, Family Promise, Right Start, and worship & music, to name a few.  

Future concerns of the Board of Trustees are the continuing escalation of our maintenance costs, our aging facilities, long-range planning, and knowledge transfer amongst the Trustee group.  

Respectfully submitted,

Denis Horn  

 

CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION

                                                                    OF LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

                                                            January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009                                                                                                                  

Central Presbyterian Foundation of Lafayette, Indiana was incorporated in 1956 as an Indiana not-for-profit organization. Its exclusive purpose is to promote the religious, charitable and Christian education purposes of Central Presbyterian Church.  The Foundation is recognized as a 501(c) (3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service, and contributions made to the Foundation are tax deductible. Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed more than $2,000,000 to Central Presbyterian Church in support of the church’s missions and ministries. The Foundation also owns and maintains three parking lots for the use of the Church.  

The Foundation is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors consisting of three Elders, three Trustees, and six Directors representing Foundation Sponsors. The Board of Directors for 2009 included Session Members Kitty Mills (through June 30, 2009) and Nancy Nargi (commencing July 1, 2009), Dennis Savaiano and Sarah Stallings. The Trustee members included Bill Chapman (through June 30, 2008) and Hal LeFever (commencing July 1, 2009), Jo Fortune and Jeff Medley. Sponsor members included Rita Smith, Thomas R. McCully, David W. Luhman, Jeff Beardmore, Frederick R. Ford and Thomas R. Walter. Rev. Bill Smutz, Rev. Jeff Cover, and Jim Marshall served as Ex-Officio Members. Richard P. Gripe, W. H. Butch Hancock and Russell H. Hart served as Directors Emeritus.  

The Foundation’s financial support for the religious, charitable and Christian education purposes of Central Presbyterian Church reflects the dedication and contributions of the many members who have contributed to the Foundation over the past fifty years. The Foundation includes more than forty separate funds, which have been established by donors to provide funding for particular purposes, in the areas of adult and youth Christian education, church operations, foundation administration, church property improvement, music and missions.  

Although disruptions in the national and world financial markets caused a reduction in the value of the Foundation in 2008 and early 2009, Foundation assets grew from $2,971,347.48 as of December 31, 2008 to $3,636,721.57 as of December 31, 2009. During that period, the Foundation continued to make regular distributions to or on behalf of the Church totaling $124,668.97 in support of its general operating budget, missions, the library, choral and special worship music, extraordinary building maintenance and renovation, fellowship events, and Christian education.  

Significant among the actions taken by the Foundation in 2009 were 1) amending the description of the Hope Chapel Fund upon the dissolution of Hope Chapel Presbyterian Church to provide that the income from the fund shall be distributed annually for  ministries on behalf of downtown children; 2) establishing the  New Paths To Worship Fund to support creative and inventive worship at Central Presbyterian Church; 3) establishing the Yorger Youth Memorial Fund for the support of the church’s youth programming and activities; 4) establishing the Potter Counseling Fund to provide professional counseling services to members of the Lafayette, Indiana community through Central Presbyterian Church; and 5) establishing the Goldrick Traditional Music Fund for the support of the traditional worship music ministry of Central Presbyterian Church.  

David W. Luhman,

President, Central Presbyterian Foundation

 

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

                                January 1, 2009 –December 31, 2009

 

“Time, Talents and Treasures” of the congregation is the focus of the Stewardship Committee.  The 2009 Stewardship Team consisted of Jim Brehm (Congregation), Jay Burgess (Deacons), Nancy Nargi (Session), Cris King (Session), Amy Long (Congregation), Cliff Tiemann (Trustees/Congregation), and George Patrick (Session). In addition to the traditional Stewardship Campaign, the Committee conducts an annual survey of the members and friends of Central Presbyterian Church and solicits individuals to sign-up for various volunteer activities vital to both special events and day-to-day operations of the Church.

In 2009 the Time and Talents survey was conducted in the fall as part of an overall Steward Champaign. Training of Ministry Teams will occur in January with the new teams generally starting in February.  This shorter time schedule will help to avoid the “I signed up, but nobody ever contacted me.” comments and also strengthen the Every Member in Ministry program. There were 647 expressions of interest from 150 individuals on the 2009 survey.

Several articles in The Central Press provided an overview of the financial needs to continue church services at current levels. The Stewardship letter, delivered in mid-October, discussed the budget. Team members made very effective personal presentations preceding Commitment Sunday on October 25, 2009. This was complemented by updates in the Sunday bulletin. Thank you letters for those pledging and follow-up reminder letters to those not responding were sent in early December.  It is suggested that future Stewardship Campaigns be conducted a couple of weeks earlier, if possible. Priority areas for increased Stewardship support should also be identified and communicated to the congregation as part of the Stewardship program. 

Given the continued stark economic conditions and economic uncertainty, the Team was very pleased with the strong financial support of the congregation as summarized in the table below,  God has blessed us all, and we are grateful for your willingness to share your blessings.

 

Stewardship History – Central Presbyterian Church, 2005-2010

Pledge Year	Number of Pledges	Total Pledged	Average Pledge	Number of Givers	Total Stewardship
2005	149	$345,594	$2,319	337	$452,361
2006	193	$410,142	$2,125	379	$483,777
2007	192	$381,922	$1,989	295	$486,240
2008	171	$417,986	$2,444	314	$517,876
2009	176	$488,881	$2,778	319	$567,016
2010	172	$475,423	$2,764	-	-

 

Respectively Submitted

George Patrick

Chair of Stewardship Committee      

Administration Ministry Cluster

Personnel

January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

 

The Personnel Committee establishes and maintains policies, with its recommendations made to Session, which pertain to the organization and supervision of individuals employed by Central Presbyterian Church. Activities include reviewing salaries, setting budgets, establishing and updating position descriptions, annual performance reviews and handling any performance or vacancy issue that may arise.  The committee is composed of one elder, one trustee, one deacon and four at large members from the congregation. At large selections are made from those who have expressed interest via the Time and Talents sheets or by an expression of interest to the elder serving as committee chair. A three year term limit is in place for at large committee members.  

At the forefront of 2010 activities will be the hiring of a new leader for Youth and Family Ministries and Celebration Music/Worship. Additional tasks will include reviewing staff job descriptions to reflect church vision, establishment of a 2011 budget, and working with the Pastor/Head of Staff to deal with any personnel issues that may arise.  

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeff Beardmore

Chair of Personnel Committee

                                                             Community and Mission Cluster Report

 January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009

The Community and Mission Cluster offers opportunities for our congregation to demonstrate God’s love as we reach out to those in need. The focus of this cluster is tied to Goal 3 in our Vision and Strategic Plan.  

Allocating the funds for mission is an important task. Of equal importance is hands-on participation in mission outreach on local, national, and international levels. Thanks to both the financial support and the work of Centrals members and friends, we are able to report the following:  

*The Mission Vision, Planning & Budget team receives and evaluates mission requests and recommends budget appropriations.   

Budget Allocated by Session for 2009: $33,000

Expenditures 01/01/09 through 12/31/09:

Presbytery of Wabash Valley (Shared Basic Mission Support:

            55%for Presbytery; 12% for Synod; 33% for GA)………    $ 6,500.00

Geneva Center Program………………………………………….        1,000.00

Theological Education (support for Presbyterian seminaries)……         500.00

Mental Health Association of Lafayette………………………….       6,000.00

Lafayette Urban Ministry…………………………………………      6,800.00

Church Women United (CFRC Food Pantry)……………………       2,100.00

Food Finders Food Bank………………………………………….      2,300.00

Community Health Clinic…………………………………………      2,000.00

University Church…………………………………………………      1,000.00

LUM Campaign for the Future……     .. …………………                  3,000.00

Presbyterian Partnership for Multicultural Church Growth…………… 100.00

Family Promise ………………………………………………………..1,700.00                                                                    

Total………………………………………………………………. $33,000.00

 

In addition to funds allocated from the mission budget, there was an expenditure of $301.59 for Trinity Community Meals and $76.13 Habitat for Humanity expenses. (See reports that follow).  

2009 Expenditures funded from Restricted Funds

Central is a “Five-for-Five” Church, a title earned by churches in our denomination that support all four of the main Presbyterian mission offerings and pay their annual per capita share. The following shows Centrals mission support for these four offerings:

            One Great Hour of Sharing………………………………… $ 1670.00

            Pentecost Offering……………………………………………    1224.26

($734.26 sent to Presbytery; $490 stayed local and was donated to LUM for its summer camp)

            Peacemaking Offering………………………………………       1627.00

($1223 sent to Presbytery; $404 stayed local and went Mediation Services of Tippecanoe County)

Joy Offering………………………………………………….       1111.00

           

Family Promise of Greater Lafayette received $500 from the Family Promise Restricted Fund.  

Presbyterian Border Ministries received $543 from a national-international mission restricted fund to benefit the work of Mark Adams.  

The following Central Foundation funds were allocated for mission:

Dautel Mission (LUM Campaign for the Future)                               $2000.00                                                                                                    

            McCoy (Volunteer Optometric Services)                                             1500.00                                                                                                                   

                                                      

*The Mission Vision, Planning & Budget Team is composed of Mission Cluster ministry team leaders and is always open to others interested in sharing their vision for mission at Central. The team met throughout 2009 to hear reports from team leaders about ongoing work and to consider new proposals. As Session liaisons with the Mission Cluster, Elders Sara Stallings and Nancy Nargi served as meeting coordinators.  

Centrals Habitat for Humanity Mission Team works with Habitat of Lafayette to help provide affordable housing and support for people in need. A Presbyterian Habitat Partnership House was built in 2009.   

Trinity Community Meals: Area churches provide Sunday dinner at noon each week at Trinity United Methodist Church for those in need. Central volunteers prepared and served two meals, each for approximately 110 people, during the summer.  

Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM):  Deb Hester serves as Centrals Session appointed representative to the LUM board of directors.  

Mediation Services of Tippecanoe County (MSTC): Terry Phillips, appointed by Session, continued to serve as Centrals representative on the MSTC Board.  

 Family Promise Ministry Team:  Family Promise of Greater Lafayette is an interfaith organization that uses churches to provide overnight accommodations and meals for homeless families while an executive director helps them find permanent housing.  Central hosted families for one week four different times during the year.  

Team leaders spent time reflecting on our teams and their relationship to goals in Centrals strategic plan.  This review showed that Trinity Meals, Habitat for Humanity and Family Promise support Centrals goals in many of the same ways as we put our faith in action in the community while we build connections to each other.  We look forward to continuing use of the visioning document to evaluate and expand our mission outreach in the coming years.  

Respectfully submitted,

Sara Stallings and Nancy Nargi,  Mission Elders

 

Outreach & Welcome Ministries

January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

 

The purpose of the Outreach & Welcome Ministry Team is to develop strategies for evangelism, church growth and, along with the Board of Deacons, attend to member care. The significance of these ministries is summed up in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”…. (Matt. 28:19). While The Great Commission is applicable for all ministry clusters, its implementation begins here.  

Outreach & Welcome is comprised of Elders Jim Gascho and Mark Williams. The highlight of 2009 Outreach was the purchase of Connection Power, a comprehensive church management system. It is our hope that the implementation of the system will greatly enhance Central's ability to coordinate communication pertaining to visitor contact, member interaction, and resource allocation. The work done in acquiring Connection Power in 2009 will hopefully allow for an improved 2010. The process of selecting Connection Power has also established a new ministry team with a focus on our information technology. A primary goal of the team is to insure that Connection Power’s tools are used well into the future. Outreach continues to work with visitors attending our church through contact from our Clergy, and other means of communication. New member classes, for those interested in joining us, were held throughout the year. Classes were led by our Clergy, with support from the Outreach Cluster as needed. Welcome centers continued to offer information for visitors and members alike. With the culmination of Session's "Vision and Planning", we are eager to develop new and improved information to share through updated brochures in the coming months. Advertising took on a new look this year focusing on what we do, rather than where we are, with emphasis on our special events. Finally, the "Vision and Planning" document has provided us with the content we have needed to compile a new, more complete, web site. Outreach looks forward to the New Year, and the beginning of a new phase in the work of the Cluster Outreach is an important piece to Central's continued growth and success. We are working hard to provide a warm and friendly environment for members and visitors alike.  

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim Gascho

                                                                             Teaching Ministries

January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009

Adult Sunday School: A number of successful adult education classes were held over the past year.  The Teaching Ministry wishes to extend its thanks to the many dedicated teachers and looks forward to the exciting and engaging adult education opportunities planned for 2010.

 Youth Activities: The youth participated in a number of activities this past year including the Youth Super Bowl Party, a Youth Ski Trip, weekly Youth Basketball, the 30 Hour Famine, and Central’s first-ever Youth Lock-In. 

Toddlers and Pre-K/Kindergarten Classes: This fall we implemented a new Sunday school curriculum for our toddlers and Pre-K/K classes. The Spark program is a wonderful hands-on curriculum that is easy for our teachers to learn and teach.  Our teachers have only had great things to say about the new curriculum.

 Celebration Station: We continue to enjoy our rotation model curriculum.  The educational units for Celebration Station followed the same themes as the Celebration services:  Living God's Word-making choices, Acceptance (Diversity), Seven Helpers, the Good Samaritan, Journey To Bethlehem, How the Bible Came to Be, and Living God's word- Friendship.  During the Advent season, upwards of twenty children participated in Central’s Christmas musical. 

 Vacation Bible School: Our theme for 2009 was "Water U Doing?".  It was a water theme which focused both on water-themed Bible stories (Jonah, Jesus as Living Water, etc.) and on water-themed acts of love (specifically providing clean drinking water to people in Malawi, Africa). Trinity Methodist and Central worked together to provide an educational and fun-filled week for all participants.

    

 

Worship & Music Ministries

January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009

Under the guidance of Dr. Bill Smutz, a newly-created worship cluster was formed in the fall of 2009 to provide oversight and vision cooperatively for all worship-related activities at Central. The cluster reports to Session through Elders Kathy Beach and Barb Tyner. Congregational representatives from both services and staff meet monthly to discuss issues related to worship, review the upcoming schedule of services and discuss new or special services. Highlights of the work of the group include:  

• Appointing a task force to begin investigating logistical issues related to a long-term facility usage plan.
• Hearing a presentation from Patty Foster regarding making worship more child-friendly and acting on several of her recommendations, including providing a regularly scheduled children’s message in Celebration with a goal of adding such a message in the traditional service.
• Planning, with Wes and Patty and the Fellowship Cluster, the children’s Christmas program as an afternoon event for all to enjoy, followed by a meal.
• Hearing a presentation from Dr. Jeff Cover and approving Central’s participation in an interfaith, multi-church monthly Taize service.
• Organizing the process for elders who serve communion at Celebration, including providing a set of written instructions to assist the elders.
• Considering how Central’s new vision statement applies to worship and how we see our group fitting into the vision and goals.

Rather than planning separately for Celebration and the traditional service, we are learning to work together to discern God’s direction for worship opportunities at Central for everyone.   

Respectfully submitted,

Barb Tyner and Kathy Beach,
Worship Elders

 

Director of Adult Music/Organist

January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009  

As the Director of Adult Music I work primarily with the members of Central Church Choir.  My main responsibilities include selecting, obtaining, rehearsing and presenting music for our traditional worship service.  Central Church Choir’s widely varied repertoire reflects the spectrum of musical tastes within the congregation and within Central Church Choir.  The music that the choir presents for worship consists of a wide variety of styles appropriate for worship and is both challenging and interesting for the group.  There are opportunities to do special additional music throughout the Advent/Christmas, Lenten/Easter, Early Fall and Late Spring seasons.  This has allowed members to participate for the full Labor Day-through-Memorial Day term or to participate seasonally as their other commitments allow.  There are currently 39 choir members on the roster.  Attendance is regularly 22-28 members.  The members of Central Church Choir are committed to the enhancement of the worship experience through music.  They work hard to master challenging literature.  They put in a great number of volunteer hours for Central Church.   

During the period for this report Central Church Choir presented anthems and led worship music for over 40 services.  A highlight of this period was the presentation of Mark Haye’s extended work, Candles and Carols.   The Choir—along with orchestra--presented this delightful work in December during Advent.  Central Church Choir also hosted and presented music for the Religious Arts Festival Church Choir Festival in February.  

During the summer months – when Central Church Choir is not in session – I engage, help select music for, and rehearse with soloists and small ensembles to provide anthems and special music for worship.  Our guests in the Summer Artist Series have made outstanding musical contributions.  Several times during this report period we have had brass groups, a bagpiper or harpist to complement our music in worship.  We are fortunate to have the expense of having guest musicians underwritten by the Thompson-Gripe and /or McQueen-Seever funds of the Central Presbyterian Foundation.  

Adult Music/Organ expenses except personnel and instrument maintenance are now paid from Thompson-Gripe, McQueen-Seever, Kienly Choral Music, or the Lucy Munro Choir funds from the Foundation.  Piano and organ tunings are funded from the regular Central budget.  I am extremely grateful to those with the foresight and generosity who have established and continue to contribute to these Foundation music funds.  The Manor Organ fund is another fund in the Foundation that has been established to support the ministry of music at Central.   

As organist, I have challenged myself to find and use fresh, interesting compositions and to present demanding classics registered with discretion and performed with accuracy.  I believe that a responsibility of the organist is to lead the congregation in singing hymns.  I have made a conscientious effort to do so in the intended spirit of worship hymns.  During this report period I have prepared music and played for more than 50 worship services in addition to weddings and funerals at Central.  I also provided music for three Westminster Village Vespers services this year.    

The refurbishment and enhancement of the 50 year old Schantz organ was completed this year.  The organ is a wonderful instrument and a Central treasure.  I played a re-dedicatory informance/recital in November to mark this event.  Thanks to the commitment of the Organ Renaissance Committee and gifts and pledges from congregation members this nearly $200,000 project is complete.  The Schantz organ should serve Central for decades to come.   

Central has contracted with Goulding & Wood of Indianapolis for regular tuning of the organ twice a year. The sanctuary grand piano and the grand piano in Fitch parlor are good instruments and in good shape.  The damaged grand piano in the Rehearsal Hall was replaced with a privately purchased grand piano by means of gifts of members of the choir and congregation supplemented by the Munro Choir fund in the Central Presbyterian Foundation.  Central has obtained and cared for quality musical instruments and those instruments have served Central well in turn.  We need to continue to plan for the care of these visible and well-used musical assets.   

As I end my twenty-third year in music at Central, I want to thank everyone—particularly the members of Central Church Choir – for the opportunity to praise God with you through music here at Central.  

Jeffry Stearns

Director of Adult Music/Organist