Annual Report 2008
 

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Pastor - Rev. Jon C. Fleming 

Governing Board Moderator - Dan Rothstein

Vice Moderator - Alice Bandstra

Christian Education Coordinator - Leslie Daniels

Seminary Intern - Jerena Keys                                                                                                                                                                                   

Church Clerk - Mary Jane Cook

Treasurer - Bob Hampson

Assistant Treasurer - Joe Kilmer

Financial Secretary - Terri Cook

Secretary - Teri Hook

Custodian, Jan.-Sept. - Cindy Miller

Assistant Custodian - Elizabeth Morningstar                                                                                                                                         

Organist - Paul Heidemann

Chancel Choir Director - Cate Arroe

Handbell Choir Director - Judy Tressler

Children’s Choir Director - Allene Long

Head Usher - Charlie Emmons

Library Committee - Doris Konrad, Carol Stader, June White

Broadcast Technicians - Bill Burmeister, John Gahrs, Lowell Jacobs, Bob Hampson, Dave Stader
                                               Randy Vance, Joan Wellnitz, Peter & Trish McHugh, Andy Cosentino

Pastor Jon’s Annual Report for the Year of Our Lord 2008

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 23:37-39)

As I write my Annual Report to the congregation of the United Church I am returning to a format I used several years ago. This format included the quotation of two of my favorite biblical texts. These two scripture texts sum up for me what is the “bottom line” of our faith.  Hopefully everything I do as a pastor, and everything we do as a church is grounded somehow in the calling to do justice, to love kindness, to love God with our whole being, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

In the United Church of Big Rapids we walk humbly with, and express our love for God each time we gather in corporate worship.  I am thankful for all of those people who contribute their marvelous gifts to our worship experience.  Primary among these persons are Paul Heidemann, Cate Arroe, and Judy Tressler who shape our ministry of music.  This year the children’s choir facilitated by Allene Long, Leslie Daniels, Bruce Morgan, Katie McInnis, and others, contributed several times to our corporate worship. One exciting development is the organization of a youth Bell Choir.  We look forward to hearing from this group soon. This fall Jerena Keys and I recruited people to participate in worship through the presentation of short plays and dramatic readings.  We were able to present one play during the sermon time in November and look forward to doing more.

As we walk the path of faith with our God there are those who help to keep us pointed in the right direction and keep us moving.  In our church structure this happens at the level of our Commissions and Governing Board.  In this report you will find an accounting of the work and mission of all our commissions over the past year. On behalf of the entire congregation I use this opportunity to thank all those who serve to administer the life of this church.  In particular I want to thank Moderator Dan Rothstein and all of the members of the Governing Board for their contributions and leadership. 

2008 was the year for a “Triennial Visit” with representatives from the Church and Ministry Committee of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan. In preparation for the meeting, Governing Board members filled out questionnaires in which they evaluated the staff and program of the United Church.  Results of these questionnaires are available from the church office on request.

It is my privilege to minister in this congregation with the assistance of Jerena Keys (Seminary Intern and soon to be ordained Associate Pastor), Teri Hook (Secretary), Leslie Daniels (Christian Education Director), and Yvonne Kilbourne (Parish Nurse). I think that we have a top notch team and I cannot say enough about the wonderful work that these women do. 

One of the orders for business that will come before the congregation at the Annual meeting is a motion to officially “Call” Jerena to a part time position as Associate Pastor.  Jerena must have an official “Call” to ministry (as compared to a “hire”) before she can be ordained into ministry in the United Church of Christ.  I, along with the Administration Commission and Governing Board strongly recommend this action to the congregation. (As a side note, I think this church can be very proud of the fact that we have nurtured and supported the journey to ordination for four ministerial candidates over recent years – Jerena Keys, Julie Kline, Jean Winther and Beth Stallinga.)

In the context of loving one another I report to you some of the statistics of church life and pastoral care from the year two thousand and eight. Through the end of November I have officiated at 11 funerals and memorial services for members of the congregation. In the same period of time I have performed four weddings, with one more to happen in December.  I have had the privilege of celebrating the Sacrament of Christian baptism for six children related to the congregation.

One of the dimensions of ministry I enjoy the most is the opportunity to lead adult education forums.  This past year we had about forty people who participated in study groups using materials from the “Living the Questions” series.  One study focused on the events of Holy Week and Easter, and the second series centered on the apostle Paul and his interaction with the Roman Empire of the first century.  I treasure these teaching/learning opportunities, for as I have told the group many times; this is where I get fed spiritually.

During the Ferris spring break week Diane and I participated in a second (for us) mission trip to Pearlington, Mississippi in connection with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance organization.  It was a great and meaningful experience and I encourage you all to find a way to take part in future trips.

As we look forward to 2009 I think we have significant challenges before us as a congregation, not the least of which will be to administer our financial resources in ways that are consistent with our primary calling as the Church of Jesus Christ.  In the midst of uncertain and frightening times, we would do well to recall words the prophet Jeremiah spoke on behalf of God: "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope… When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart."  (Jeremiah 29:11, 13)

In August 2009 I will celebrate the end of fifteen years as your Pastor.  I thank you for the privilege and blessing of this position, and look forward to great things as we love God with our whole beings and seek to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God and our neighbors.

In Christian Love,

Pastor Jon

Addendum:  One of the very exciting opportunities we will have next year is the chance to experience a General Synod of The United Church of Christ.  This meeting of the UCC will take place next summer in Grand Rapids.  You will be hearing about many ways to volunteer and take part in General Synod as a visitor. 

2008 MODERATOR’S REPORT

The calendar year 2008 has been an incredibly busy and rewarding year in the life of the United Church. As Moderator, it has been my privilege to witness Christ’s love at work in our Church. As I contemplated writing this report I was overwhelmed with memories of all the activities in our Church in the past year.

It has been rewarding to work with the Governing Board Elders who faced their commission responsibilities with determination. Our Commission members have given serious effort in continuing and expanding the roles of their commissions. This year has seen a revival of our Campus Ministry Commission. A steadfast effort will bring responses. Our Christian Education Commission has had a wonderful year with growth in all areas. Vacation Bible School 2008 was a great success - learning, fun and food, a winning combination! Our Sunday School program has grown as have extra youth activities. A special thanks goes to Leslie Daniels for her energy, ideas and dedication in her role as Christian Education Lay Leader. Adult education led by Pastor Jon included several study sessions that were both challenging and thought provoking. The successful growth of PUFF and the continuation of PITS are a sharing of faith and ideas for couples of all ages.

This year has also been highlighted by congregation member Jerena Keys as she graduated from seminary and is now on the path to ordination. We were blessed with her work at the Church during her student internship. Our Church will issue a Call to Jerena to become our Associate Pastor upon ordination. This is a very special blessing to our Church. Jerena’s love and caring, her warm smile and her faith have been and will be a real inspiration to all of us as she ministers to the needs of this congregation with Pastor Jon. What a team!

There were moments for me in this past year that enriched my faith. I was able to work on a funeral luncheon with the Congregational Group Life Commission and found so many people so willing to help make a daunting task manageable. These are people that really care about others and strengthen their own faith as they serve.

Our mission for the United Church continues to be strong locally with our relationship with Project Starburst and the use of our "downtown church" building as a meeting place for several community groups. That mission has expanded geographically with biannual trips to Pearlington, MS organized by Elder Lee Thomas. All of our members who have participated express the special feeling they achieve by sharing their talents and energy to help those in desperate need.

Our strengthening continues on Sunday mornings with beautiful music, the readings and Pastor Jon’s sermons that inspire us, educate us and challenge us each week.

Our challenge in 2009 will be to overcome an expected budget shortfall. We need to grow with members with whom we can share our exciting experience that we appreciate by worshiping and participating at the United Church.

This report would not be complete without my heartfelt thanks to Pastor Jon, Jerena and all of our staff. Your work has been a joy to behold. My thanks also go to the Governing Board Elders and Commission members for a great year. As a member of this congregation, I am grateful to all who help make our church a very special place for God to keep speaking to all.

In Christ’s love,

Dan Rothstein

Administration Commission - November 25, 2008

The Administration Commission experienced a productive year. The business of the church was addressed without unusual problems. The commission met in February, April, July, and November.

During the month of September, a Triennial Review conducted by the Presbytery of Lake Michigan took place and Pastor Jon was reviewed by the Board as part of that process.

Jerena Keys continued to increase her education and contribution to the church by teaching an adult study, filling in and preaching in Pastor Jon’s absence and numerous other duties. Her formal call was accomplished in September and was approved by the board to serve as the Associate Pastor for 15 hours per week for the coming year.

Two members of the Commission were to meet individually with all staff members in November and report on their needs, satisfaction, etc., by Dec. 7, 2008. 

In reviewing the budget for the coming year, the commission recommended approximately a 5.0 percent cost of living increase to the staff members.  Pastor Jon elected to receive two weeks additional vacation in lieu of a salary raise, and Teri Hook (church secretary) will move to a reduced work week from 30 to 24 hours.

Submitted by Bruce Morgan

Campus Ministry Commission

 This year we re-started the Campus Ministry Commission after some time of inactivity. Our challenge has been to re-establish a presence on campus. We had some students show interest over Bulldog Bonanza in being involved with our ministry in Pearlington, Mississippi as an alternative spring break, and helping with Project Starburst.  In January 2009, we will contact those students who continue to show interest in our Church and its ministries to ask how we might help them in their spiritual journeys. 

Commission members: Amy Buse, Jerena Keys, Linda Stricker, Roger Vajda

Christian Education Commission

 Those serving on the Christian Education Commission in 2008 were: Heather Ashby, Laura deBold, Elizabeth Morningstar, Mary Morgan, Megan Vajda, Karen Zais, Leslie Daniels, Merrilee Hill-Kennedy.  Elders – Trish McHugh, Wayne McKay.

Philosophy of Christian Education at the United Church:  It is recognized that the primary way that children grow to incorporate faith into their adult lives is by learning it from parents in their homes.  The CE Commission has made a commitment to family-friendly Christian education, which includes and supports parents in its programming.  Parents were surveyed in the summer to help clarify the important values they hold in their children’s Christian education.  These values were:

-          Applying spiritual concepts to everyday life and situations.

-          Experiencing the church as a warm, friendly, fun, nurturing community.

-          Involvement in community service as a way to put God’s word into action.

Educational Programs

Sunday School:  Sunday School continues to meet weekly throughout the year for preschool and elementary aged children, with a multi-age class meeting during the summer months.  Middle and high school youth also attend class weekly during the months of the school year.  Middle and high school youth have been combined into one class for the second year in a row, with the expectation that they will separate into two classes in the fall of 2009.  Each age group is staffed with two Sunday school teachers (or teaching teams).  We continue to use the curriculum “Living the Good News,” a multi-denominational, lectionary-based program. 

Adult Christian Education:  Mary Morgan is leading a parent education and support group into its second year.  Group members christened themselves “PUFF,” which is an acronym for “Parents United in Food and Fellowship.”  Eleven families participated in PUFF during 2008, which meets two Sundays per month following church services.  Twenty-five to 30 parents and kids gather for a meal; kids then head up to the Children’s Lounge where they are supervised by a paid babysitter while parents meet.  The group embarked this fall on a program entitled “The Parent Trilogy,” which is focused on developing a dialogue about God and faith with children and teens.

Vacation Bible School:  For the fifth year, VBS took place on Wednesday evenings at North End Park.  Twenty adults and 6 youth volunteered to lead kids in this year’s program, which was entitled “Beach Party:  Surfing the Word of God.”  Twenty-one children per week participated in the program.  A wrap-up “beach party” was hosted at the Morgan’s family cottage.  Mary Morgan will return as director in 2009.

Service and Social Activities

Preschool/Elementary:  Social events for children and families in 2008 included family Christmas caroling, game night, Easter brunch at the deBold home, a beach party, a Rails-to-Trails bike ride and picnic, movie-and-pizza night, and twice monthly PUFF meals and meetings.  Families participated in several service projects together, including those for Operation Backpack and the Care Bag Foundation.  Families collected, refurbished and donated 21 bikes for children and youth.  Kids led a food donation drive as part of their VBS experience, and participated in a collection of school supplies for the Blessing of the Backpacks event. Children also participated in Relay for Life, decorated Thanksgiving donation bags and made Christmas cards for church members.

Youth:  WinterFest 2008, led by Wayne McKay, saw the return of inviting UCC churches from West Michigan.  We had over 40 youth plus their advisors.  Three churches from outside of BR, and youth from 3 other BR denominations joined our youth in taking part.  We participated in skiing, recreation activities at the FSU Student Rec Center, and devotions and fellowship at the church.  Volunteers from the United Church prepared our meals.  Other social events for youth included a Rails-to-Trails bike ride and picnic, a corn maze and bonfire, and several youth group meetings/game nights.  Service opportunities for youth were making care bags, volunteering with families at the Recycle Center, hosting a church coffee hour, and hosting a successful “s’mores sale” during Relay for Life.

Other

Music:  Allene Long has served as Children’s Choir Director this year, and is leading kids in monthly performances during worship services.  A new Youth Bell Choir has formed, with 9 middle and high school students participating, and directed by Judy Tressler.  Youth instrumental ensembles also performed during the Christmas pageant and for summer music.

Prayer Partner Program:  Ten children formed prayer partnerships with loving adults during the Lenten season.  Prayer partners met twice during coffee hour to get acquainted, made commitments to pray for each other and stayed in touch by phone calls and notes during Lent.

Library:  The library committee has spent many hours reviewing library materials, removing outdated books and ordering updated materials.  They plan to change the layout of the library to make the space more open and comfortable and books easier  to find.

Camp Scholarships:  Twelve children and grandchildren of the church received camp scholarships to support their summer Christian camping experiences.  Camp scholarships were also given to 4 middle school youth to attend a Middle High Youth Mix in April, and to one senior high student to attend the UCC national youth event.

Graduation/Marie Rowe Scholarships:  Four high school graduates were honored on Graduation Sunday and given the gift of a study Bible.  One Marie Rowe Scholarship was awarded.

Family Christmas Service:  Plans are underway for the Christmas Eve service and pageant.  Thirty-eight children and youth are expected to participate.

Acolyte Program:  Three new acolytes will be trained by the end of the year.  Merrilee Hill-Kennedy is stepping back from directing the acolytes after several years of serving in this capacity.  A new acolyte leader is needed.

Staffing:  Two paid nursery attendants, both students in the Early Childhood Education Program at Ferris, were hired this fall to share nursery duties.  Leslie Daniels continues to work 15 hours per week as Christian Education Director.

Congregational Group Life Commission

Members serving on the Congregational Group Life Commission in 2008:

Diann Bradley, Kitty McDonough, James Peek, Randy Vance, Linda Vance, Mary Waldron, Joan Wellnitz, Jim Cook, Kay Achterhof, Joyce Emmons, Alice Dean

The Governing Board was represented by: Carl Greene and Jack Mitchell

In November we held the Annual Harvest Dinner. 115 people attended the dinner, chaired by Diann Bradley and many volunteers.

We coordinated coffee hour servers each Sunday. We had a little trouble some months getting people to volunteer for coffee hour.

We served luncheons for the following funerals: Jean Bradley, Pat Bunnell, Marjorie Gabert, John Janicek, Kitty McDonough, Tom Tashey, Alma Gladding, Nancy McDonough, Leonard Cousineau, Mike Swearingen

We are still looking into replacing the plastic laminate and wooden countertops with stainless steel.

We would like once again to thank all members of the congregation who stepped forward to help with coffee hours, funeral luncheons and dinners. Without your help these events would not have been a success.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack Mitchell

MEMBER/NEW MEMBER CARE COMMISSION

Members of the Member/New Member Care Commission for the year 2008 were:

Doris Konrad               Barb Johnson

Betty Parsons               Yvonne Kilbourne

Bev Wesche                 Joyce Emmons

Marilyn Loken             Ruth Greene

Gary Dunstone (Governing Board)

Joyce Emmons and Ruth Greene will be off the Commission at the end of this year.  We could use two or three new members for our Commission.  If you have an interest in this area of the church work, please contact any of the members above.

The Member/New Member Care Commission continues to provide care and support to the members and friends of the United Church.  We are responsible for scheduling greeters for the Sunday worship service.  We provide and send out many "Cards of Caring".  Commission members also keep the pews supplied with Friendship Pads and pencils.  The Welcome Desk, inaugurated last year (2007), continues tor reach out to new church attendees and others in our congregation.

The Grief Booklets that were started this year have been very well received by those in our church family who have suffered a loss.  We started out by purchasing five sets of booklets and have now ordered ten more sets.  Some are returned and others wish to keep them so they may refer to them at a later time.  Several members have mentioned how helpful they have been with understanding the normal steps of grief and how to work through the grieving process.

The Charity Knitting and Crocheting Group produced the following in 2008: 66 teddy bears, 16 afghans, 25 hats, 4 pair of slippers, 1 baby hat, 4 sweaters, 7 scarves and 290 squares.  Teddy bears were given to W.I.S.E. and R.S.V.P.  Afghans were given to the Red Cross.  This group is always in need of more knitting material.  If you have some you can donate please help the needy cause and wonderful group of women reaching out to help those less fortunate in our community.

Gary wishes to thank all the Commission Members for their continued dedication to the care and concern of all who attend the United Church and their outreach within the community.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Dunstone

Mission/Social Action Commission

“He has told you, O Mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

Those serving on the Mission/Social Action Commission in 2008 were: Jim Bandstra, Ginny Hines, Bill Burmeister, Allene Long, Nancy Burmeister,  Marcy Parry,  Joe Gamble,  Judy Thomas,  Mary Gamble                                                 

The Governing Board is represented by:  Alice Bandstra, Joanne Dew,  Lee Thomas

             Pastor Jon recently reminded us that a big part of stewardship is our commitment to help others through the efforts of the church’s Mission/Social Action Commission.  The commission has tried throughout 2008 to meet ongoing commitments as well as respond to emergency needs.

Our ongoing commitments include sponsoring two children, Amico Conley, who lives in Mississippi, and Manay McCarter, a Native American girl who lives in Oklahoma.  The United Church pays Denominational dues of $5,500, divided evenly between the UCC and the PCA, and is committed to additional support of $16,000 in Denominational Mission Support. Also The United Church receives annual offerings for One Great Hour of Sharing, Peacemaking, the Christmas offering and monthly offerings for 2 Cents a Meal.  In addition, the commission holds bread sales and sells SERRV items and Fair Trade coffee and tea. The Commission supports and promotes CROP Walk. 

A highlight of the year was the celebration of the completing of the ARK; $5,000.00 was raised by the Sunday School and other donations to purchase an ARK full of animals through Heifer International.  The ARK’s animals were represented at the annual outdoor service in July by congregational pets, particularly a rooster who loudly and enthusiastically supported the main points of the sermon.

The Mission/Social Action Commission responded to emergency needs when natural disasters struck.  We sent relief aid money to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for cleanup after a flood hit Missouri, an earthquake hit China, and to UCC Wider Church Ministries when a cyclone hit Myanmar.  An ongoing response to natural disaster is found in the trips to Pearlington, Mississippi, in March and October. Under the guidance of Lee and Judy Thomas, church members rebuilt homes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.  Congregational members and friends sent $3,275.00 in gift cards to purchase supplies.

In January, the Commission responded to a request from military chaplain Beth Stallinga for backpacks containing school supplies for Iraqi children.  We sent nine boxes of supplies to Iraq, and donated $500.00 from the Social Ministries budget to the UCC People for Peace program to benefit Iraqi refugees.

The Commission also raises awareness of the needs of our world through bulletin announcements, newsletter articles, bulletin boards, biweekly Moments for Mission, and the annual Earth Day service.  In September, The United Church hosted the 2008 Energy Efficiency Seminar which was produced by DTE Energy/MichCon, Michigan Interfaith Power and Light, Michigan Green, and local energy auditors and vendors. The church building and two members’ homes received energy audits.

As we look forward to 2009, the Commission hopes to raise awareness and money for a water project through Church World Service.  The United Church is collaborating with the Mission Commission of the United Methodist Church to raise $5,000.00 for a well. Also, planning for a spring break trip to Pearlington, MS, is well underway.

The Mission/Social Action is grateful for God’s blessings in providing us with the resources to address all of these concerns.  We express our appreciation for the support and love of the members and friends of The United Church for their generosity in assisting our efforts.

Respectfully submitted,

Alice Bandstra, Joanne Dew, and Lee Thomas

Spiritual Life Commission

          The Spiritual Life Commission members in 2008 were Sue Boitos, Carolyn Chipman, Carlene Gahrs, Frank Hartley, Jerena Keys, Connie Lehner, Maxine Sayre, Judy Tressler, and Janet Williams.  The Governing Board was represented by Sharon Hamel and Alma Wortley.

The role and mission of the Spiritual Life Commission is to oversee and manage spiritual life matters, programs, and operations of the United Church under the guidance and direction of the Governing Board.  Throughout the past 12 months, we have prepared communion and scheduled communion servers, ushers, acolytes, liturgists, and radio operators. 

The Commission took the lead in decorating the church for the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays.  The large wreath in the elevator entranceway was periodically trimmed by Pat Heeter.  A Liturgical Arts Committee consisting of Alice Bandstra, Pat Heeter, Jerena Keys, Connie Lehner, Linda Lincoln, June White, and Janet Williams has continued to introduce additional color into the sanctuary.  Four new banners (Great is Thy Faithfulness, Be Still and Know, Praise the Lord, and Make a Joyful Noise) were purchased for the sanctuary, artificial gourds and leaves were donated by Commission members to facilitate decorating in the fall, and a large artificial Christmas tree was donated by a community member.  Crosses were made from palm fronds and distributed at the Palm Sunday service. 

After purchasing new communion trays last year, our old trays found a new home in Mississippi as part of the March mission trip.  More storage bins were obtained for the South Tower Room, and Fred Guenther installed ceiling hooks in the North Tower Room to hang banners.  The choir robes were cleaned. 

Additional radio operators were recruited and trained and written operating instructions were updated.  Our dedicated radio operators include Bill Burmeister, Andy Cosentino, John Gahrs, Bob Hampson, Lowell Jacobs, Peter McHugh, Dave Stader, Randy Vance, and Joan Wellnitz.  The radio room was cleaned and organized in preparation for a new sound system. 

In the tradition of The United Church, our music programs continued to provide us with outstanding music.  Cate Arroe, Judy Tressler, Connie Lehner, Allene Long, and Paul Heidemann were recognized for their contributions to the church’s music programs on Music Celebration Sunday with Judy Tressler being acknowledged for 24 years of outstanding service.  Paul Heidemann and the Brass Quintet played a recital in the United Church as part of the Festival of the Arts program.

Devotional Lenten and Advent booklets were purchased and distributed to the congregation.  In July the Spiritual Life Commission sponsored an outdoor service followed by a pork barbeque and potluck picnic at North End Park, and in October a liturgical drama was performed.  We celebrated Jerena Keys’s completion of the final step in the approval process for ordination with her successful presentation to the United Church of Christ Ecclesiastical Council.

It has been a busy and fulfilling year.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Hamel & Alma Wortley

Scrip Program Annual Report

11/13/07 through 11/24/08

In the fall of 1996, The United Church of Big Rapids began participating in the Scrip Program.  Gift certificates (scrip) for a variety of stores and restaurants are available for purchase during the coffee hour after Sunday services.  The merchants give a percentage of all scrip purchased directly to the church.  The profits are designated for the Building Fund.

As of November 24, 2008 the Scrip Program is valued at:

Checking account balance:       $893.07

Value of Scrip in inventory      $4070.00

                                              _________

Total value                              $4963.07

A large inventory of the most frequently purchased scrip is kept in stock.  This reduces the need to order weekly and saves money on shipping costs.

It has been a pleasure to be involved in this program.  If you have any questions about the programs or are looking for a specific gift card, please see me at coffee hour.

Respectfully submitted,

Kay Achterhof

Property and Finance Commission

Serving on the Commission in 2008 were:

Bob Cassidy                Bob Hampson             Sherm Loken

Carolyn Chipman        Joe Kilmer                   Don Stephen

Jack Fleming               June Kilmer                 Susan Grant

Every year some repairs and unexpected maintenance items are needed.  This year we spent $720 on the roof, $780 on an underground water line break, $420 for a new hot water heater (installed by Bob Cassidy) and $765 for an inspection and some maintenance of the elevator.  Carpet cleaning for the first time in several years cost $915.  All came from the general fund.

Much larger items include the new outside doors on Mill Street and State Street. The cost of the doors was donated. The cost of installation was paid for by the Cecil Stephen Trust.  Sherm Loken also donated much time in obtaining the doors, which were built by an Amish carpenter. Installation was completed by Marty Thomas and Don Stephen. Bob Cassidy donated hardware. 

The Mill Street entrance sidewalk was paid for by an anonymous $1,200 donation.

The new fence on the west side of the parking lot cost $2,800.  It was paid for out of our funded depreciation account.

We owe much thanks to Bob Cassidy, Don Stephen and Sherm Loken for their donations of time to work on many projects all year.

On September 15, 2008, an Energy Assessment was completed by a representative of Michigan Interfaith Power and Light. The assessment was favorable for a building of this size. He left recommendations for further savings, which are being looked at for implementation.

Our budget for 2008 is expected to be short on income, and if so, some expenses will not be paid.  The amount of the shortage could be more than $20,000, mainly from non-pledged income.  We estimated that at $36,000 based on prior years’ history.  However, it appears we will only have about $20,000 actually donated this year.  Also, some pledges are not completed every year, for a variety of reasons.  We could be short another $5,000 to $6,000 or more from that. 

To make up for the cash shortage so far, some $18,000 budgeted for Mission/Social Action has not been paid, which is about half that total budget area.  The rest of the budget is not expected to net any savings. 

The budget for 2009 is not yet finalized.  So far, pledges are up $10,000 over 2008, and total income is projected to be $245,000.  However, the budget expenses requested are $262,000.

It appears some unpleasant decisions will be needed for both 2008 and 2009.

Respectfully submitted for the Property and Finance Commission by:

Sherm Loken and Bob Hampson  

Treasurer’s Annual Report

General Fund

We are expecting income shortages in 2008, and are projecting the same for 2009.  More details are in the Property and Finance Commission Annual Report.  We could be short more than $20,000 this year.  For 2009, we are facing a $17,000 projected deficit until some decisions are made to eliminate it.

Trust Fund Accounts

The various funds are shown on the attached summary schedules.

In October, we borrowed $10,000 from ourselves to cover our cash flow until the end of the year.  We will repay that loan from the Trust Funds to the General Fund this month.  These funds are invested in an interest bearing account at Chemical Bank.

Four funds are invested with the Siebert Trust Real Estate investment, which pays a dividend of about 6% each month.  The values are down slightly from last year, but only slightly.  This fund has been a solid performer for us over its history.

Endowment Trust

This permanent fund for the future has seen a big decline, along with the stock and bond markets this fall.  The balances are shown on the attached schedule.  Our value November 30 was $110,103, down from last year.  When the markets rebound, this fund is positioned to do the same.  It is a long-term investment.

Bob Hampson, Treasurer

Joe Kilmer, Assistant Treasurer

STATUS OF TRUST FUNDS - As of November 30, 2008

 Marie Rowe Scholarship Fund

   Funds Held in Siebert CXT-339997                                                $  5,350.00                 

 Gifts & Memorials Trust Fund

   Chemical Bank ChemFlex #6422138070                                        $  3,728.40

 Office Fund

   Chemical Bank Checking #2428036939                                         $  1,375.26

 Organ Fund

   Funds Held in Siebert CXT-339997                                                $     801.00

 Trust Fund Expense Accounts

   Chemical Bank ChemFlex #6429000681                                        $31,560.88

 Depreciation Fund

   Funds Held in Siebert CXT-339997                                                $  2,749.00

 Cecil Stephen Educational Fund

   Original Fund                                                                                   $13,355.00

   Current Balance – Realty Income Fund (Siebert CXT-334219)     $19,057.87

            Note: Earnings from fund have purchased 12 new hearing

                      aids and a new office computer.

 Operations Account (General Fund)

   Chemical Bank Checking #1004372831                                         $  9,384.42

 Endowment Fund – Northwestern Mutual                                      $110,103.00

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