2012 Decatur Presbyterian Church Annual Report

2012 Annual Report

DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Presented at the Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 10, 2013

2012 Annual Report

Together in Christ … Ignited by Grace

Dear Friends,

M y prayer is that you will read through this An-

nual Report carefully and celebrate with me

the wondrous work of God through Decatur

Presbyterian Church. Don’t just read the data

quickly! Read slowly, read “between the lines,” and consider

all those individuals whose hearts have been warmed,

whose relationships deepened, whose perspectives enlight-

ened, and whose lives truly transformed through the minis-

tries of Decatur Presbyterian Church over the past year.

Some of those persons you know by name; others you

have noticed from a distance; one of those persons may well

be you! I trust that anyone who has come through the doors

of our sanctuary with an open heart on a Sunday morning or

been engaged in our missions and ministries in some significant way over the past

year has experienced at least a glimpse of what it means to be Together in Christ

and Ignited by Grace.

We have emphasized over the past year these themes: Together in Christ and

Ignited by Grace. These themes have guided our worship and reminded us through

relevant scriptures of what God has done in the past so that we

may recognize more clearly what God is doing among us now.

The Holy, Triune God, made known through Jesus Christ and

alive today through the Holy Spirit, is at work among us,

strengthening and molding this congregation as we are being

prepared for the calling that will be set before us in the exciting

years to come.

Many say that the future of the Church in the 21st century is

fraught with challenges and uncertainties, yet I have noticed that

you, the members and friends of Decatur Presbyterian Church,

are hopeful. You are exceedingly hopeful because you know that

as we seek to discern God’s will together and set our own agen-

das or priorities aside, we will receive from God that blessed “lamp unto our feet

and light unto our path.” (Psalm 119:105)

As I look back over 2012, I am so grateful, grateful that I have been a part of all

the good that is happening through Decatur Presbyterian Church. As I look forward,

my earnest hope and prayer is that more and more persons will experience the

warm belonging and the transforming grace that is available in Jesus Christ through

our worship and ministries. May the God “who can accomplish abundantly far more

than we can ask or imagine” make it so.

Rev. Dr. Todd Speed

Rev. Dr. Todd Speed

Senior Pastor

2012 Annual Report

Worshipping … Serving … Learning in 2012

2012 Annual Report

D ecatur Presbyterian has experi-

enced sustained membership

growth for the last seven con-

secutive years, which is re-

markable given the current trends of de-

cline among the mainline denominations.

During 2012, the Active Membership

roll grew from 758 to 775 active mem-

bers. Some 50 new members were

added to the Active Member Roll:

21 by profession of faith,

15 by reaffirmation of faith, and

14 by transfer of letter from another

congregation.

We have noticed a significant and

exciting shift over the last five years as

more new members are joining by pro-

fessing their faith and less by simply

transferring from another church.

While 50 persons were added, 33

were removed from our Active Member

rolls, including:

17 by death,

4 due to request for removal, and

12 by transfer of letter.

What is most significant about these

numbers was the unusually high number

of funerals we experienced during 2012.

DPC lost many true saints of the church

this past year.

Overall, DPC experienced a net in-

crease of Active Members of 17 or 2%.

Also significant is the ongoing shift in the

age distribution of members. DPC is

steadily becoming a younger congrega-

tion.

Even so, the Baptized Members Roll

decreased slightly during 2012, from

236 to 232. Some 12 children were bap-

tized and 5 were added to the Baptized

Member Roll when their parents joined

the church, but 10 were removed from

the roll when their parents were trans-

ferred. There were also 11 members of

the Confirmation Class who moved from

the Baptized to the Active Member Roll,

resulting in an overall decrease of 4, or

nearly 2%.

Seven Years of Sustained Growth

Age Distribution of Active Members

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Ages 14-25 10% 10% 11% 10% 13%

Ages 26-35 9% 10% 10% 11% 10%

Ages 36-55 35% 35% 35% 35% 35%

Ages 56-64 12% 11% 11% 11% 10%

Ages 65 + 34% 34% 33% 33% 32%

Active Female 401 417 430 438 445

Active Male 295 316 313 320 330

Female Elders 15 15 15 16 17

Male Elders 17 17 17 19 18

Average Sun-

day Worship

322 349 350 335 327

Growth in Active Members

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Active Members

Active Members

2012 Annual Report

Margaret Helen George ..................................... January 7, 2012

Sarah H. Carlson .............................................. February 8, 2012

Leila Mildred McGeath .................................. February 24, 2012

J. Davison Philips (Member of Presbytery) ....... March 25, 2012

William DeLoney Hull, Jr. ........................................ April 7, 2012

Wiley Theodore McDaniel .................................... April 21, 2012

Jean Stewart Staton ................................................ May 6, 2012

Janie Lou Akins Ward ...........................................June 13, 2012

Frederick Kalow Donaldson .................................June 17, 2012

Louise Fricke Bransby ..........................................June 25, 2012

Anna Fox Avil Stribling ..............................................July 5, 2012

Virginia Fort Downing ............................................ July 17, 2012

Nancy Morris Campbell ......................................... July 20, 2012

Richard Lewis Kell (Affiliate Member) .................. July 24, 2012

Betty Pope Scott Noble ...................................... August 7, 2012

Elizabeth McClure Pattillo ......................... September 14, 2012

Clarence Evans Glausier, Jr ...................... September 29, 2012

Patricia Robertson Bach ................................ October 10, 2012

H. Homer Allen, Jr. ...................................... November 16, 2012

Necrology 2012

Baptized at DPC in 2012

Vivian Katherine Bao ...................................... January 15, 2012

Emily Rose Pearce ......................................... February 12, 2012

Rachel Marie Kearce ............................................ April 29, 2012

Ana Sofia Marcus ................................................. April 29, 2012

Sara Matilda Moore .............................................. April 29, 2012

Kason Kirk Rheney ............................................... April 29, 2012

Kayleigh Elizabeth Filpi ........................................ May 13, 2012

Samuel James Swift ............................................. May 13, 2012

Graham Johann Daly ............................................June 17, 2012

Max Simmons Ellis ........................................... August 26, 2012

Jane Fulton Thigpen ......................................... August 26, 2012

Aiden Sebastian Hu ................................... September 16, 2012

John David Morris ...................................... September 30, 2012

Alexander Taylor Short ............................... November 18, 2012

Jacob Walker Short ..................................... November 18, 2012

Nora Lee Herzog ......................................... December 23, 2012

William Oriel Herzog ................................... December 23, 2012

Jane Fulton Thigpen is thrilled with her

baptism in August, squirming in the arms

of her parents, Beau and Brinsley.

Rev. Dr. J. Davison Philips served as senior

pastor of Decatur Presbyterian Church for

21 years, beginning in 1954. He was

president of Columbia Theological Semi-

nary from 1976-1986.

2012 Annual Report

Mary Ann Ingram

joined 2/26/12

by reaffirmation

of faith. Mary

Ann married DPC

member Michael

Weitnauer in

2012.

R. G. & Lynn Evans joined 4/1/12 by

transfer of letter from Shades Crest Bap-

tist Church, Birmingham, AL.

Mike Leaf & Anne Fayssoux-Leaf joined

4/1/12; Mike by reaffirmation of faith,

Anne by transfer of letter from Peachtree

Presbyterian Church, Atlanta.

Polly Anderson joined 2/25/12 by trans-

fer of letter from First Presbyterian

Church, Atlanta. Polly is the mother of

DPC member Daphne Anderson.

Michael Carter joined 3/25/12 as an

Affiliate Member. His membership is

with First Baptist Church of Decatur.

These New Members Joined in 2012

Emily Goolsby

joined

9/23/12 by

reaffirmation

of faith.

Robert & Shelby Bao

joined 1/15/12; Robert by

reaffirmation of faith,

Shelby by transfer of letter

from Emmanuel Lutheran

Church, Lincolnton, NC.

They brought with them a

daughter, Vivian Bao, born

in 2010

2012 Annual Report

Jeff & Sarah Short joined 4/22/12 by

reaffirmation of faith. They brought with

them their sons, Alexander, born in 2009,

and Jacob, born in 2011.

Ryan Filpi joined 5/13/12 by reaffirma-

tion of faith. Ryan is the husband of Jen-

nifer Filpi, former DPC Director of Youth

Ministry, and their daughter, Kayleigh,

was baptized that Mother’s Day.

William & Aimee Hu joined 9/16/12 by

reaffirmation of faith. They brought with

them their sons, Ethan, born in 2009,

and Aiden, born in 2012.

Jennifer Chamberlain joined 9/23/12

by reaffirmation of faith. Jennifer is

married to Josh, and she brought with

her two sons, Rossi, born in 2008, and

Charlie, born in 2011.

Anne Price joined 9/23/12

by transfer of letter from

Westminster Presbyterian

Church, Snellville, GA.

Nick and Kathryn

Hecker joined

9/23/12; Nick by reaf-

firmation of faith, Kath-

ryn by transfer of letter

from First (Scots) Pres-

byterian Church,

Charleston, SC.

Anthony & Elizabeth Durel

joined 9/23/12 by transfer

of letter from Gainesville

First United Methodist

Church, Gainesville, GA.

They brought with them a

son, Elliot, born in 2009,

and a daughter, Daisy, born

in 2010.

2012 Annual Report

Guy & Judy Toole joined 9/23/12 by

transfer of letter from First Baptist

Church of Monroe, GA. Guy and Judy are

the parents of DPC member Eric Toole.

John & Connie Morris joined 9/30/12;

John by profession of faith & baptism,

Connie by reaffirmation of faith.

Ed & Jody Sauls joined 10/14/12 by

transfer of letter from Good Shepherd

Presbyterian Church, Lilburn, GA.

Mike & Rachel Herzog joined

12/23/12 by reaffirmation of faith.

They brought with them a son, William,

born in 2006, and a daughter, Nora,

born in 2011.

New Members | Continued!

Charlotte Watts joined

9/30/12 by transfer of

letter from Calvary Bap-

tist Church, Pascagoula,

MS.

Heather Phelps joined

9/23/12 by reaffirmation

of faith. Heather is mar-

ried to Bradley, and she

brought with her three

daughters, Myra, born in

2004, Hanley, born in

2008, and Cora, born in

2009.

T he Administration Council acts as

an umbrella for support and sur-

veillance of several committees –

Communications, Personnel,

Planning, Property, Technology and

Transportation. The scope of the Person-

nel Committee alone affects about 74%

of the Church’s budget. If we add in the

other committees (especially expenses

related to property) that figure ap-

proaches 80%.

In 2012, the Personnel Committee

updated the policy manual to ad-

dress the topic of sexual harassment

and updated the Child Development

Program.

We formed a Transportation Commit-

tee to carry forward the work of the

Transportation Task Force.

The Planning Committee organized

the annual elder retreat, oversaw the

“Holy Cow” church evaluation proc-

ess to analyze strengths, weak-

nesses, and viability of DPC. These

findings are being discussed by the

Session, leading to future recommen-

dations regarding bicentennial goals

for DPC’s significant anniversary in

2025.

We have addressed the ongoing

problem of un-authorized parking at

DPC and availability of space for our

own members, visitors, staff, and stu-

dents. We formed a partnership with

a company to monitor parking and

collect fees from non members at

night and on weekends.

Through the Endowment Fund grants,

Property Committee has installed

ceiling mounted projectors and

screens in Slack Fellowship Hall and

the Crusaders Classroom. We also

have improved our sound system in

Scott Chapel.

On recommendation of the Planning

Committee, session has agreed to

hold session meetings every other

month, starting in February 2013.

Councils and committees are encour-

aged to do the same, using odd num-

bered months.

The Technology Committee has be-

gun the migration of the fileserver

into the cloud. To do so, they evalu-

ated, tested, and selected cloud stor-

age solution to allow us to retire the

server. Implemented cloud storage

for two staff members.

Administration Council | Ben Okel, 2012 Chair

2012 Annual Report

At their recent retreat, members of the Session explore bicentennial goals after reviewing the assess-

ment of DPC’s strengths and challenges from the “Holy Cow” church survey.

2012 Annual Report

T he goal The goal of the Congrega-

tional Care Council is to nurture

our congregation and provide fel-

lowship opportunities to bring us

together as a Christian family worship-

ping and serving our God.

We care for our DPC family:

Provided meals, visits, notes and

flower arrangements to our shut-ins

and those who are sick.

Remembered our college students by

sending 35 exam care packages.

Served families with a reception after

memorial services.

Prayed for and delivered quilts to

church members with long-term ill-

nesses.

We provide ministry and learning oppor-

tunities:

Organized Christian learning experi-

ences through the Men’s Breakfast

programs and Presbyterian Women’s

gatherings.

Been involved in Wednesday Night

Supper events.

Planned and enjoyed trips and pro-

grams for the Senior Adult Ministry.

We offer fellowship opportunities:

Provided Punch on the Lawn events

after worship.

Furthered the DPC Kirkin’ ‘o the Tar-

tan service by offering a luncheon

after church.

Organized camping and father/child

retreat activities.

Created a Valentine party and Christ-

mas caroling event for residents of

Philips Tower.

Joined a softball league for those

who want to play on the DPC team.

Congregational Care Council | Sue Bingeman, 2012 Chair

Decatur Presbyterian Children’s Community (DPCC) | Sadera Moore, 2012 Chair

D ecatur Presbyterian Children’s Community (DPCC) welcomes a commu-

nity of 200 children to Parent’s Morning Out, preschool, and Kindergar-

ten throughout the week. These children come from 180 families and

this year include 8 sets of twins - a new record. The outstanding staff of

DPCC is comprised of 32 classroom teachers, 3 music teachers, 1 Spanish lan-

guage teacher, an office assistant, a bookkeeper, a custodian, and a director.

Here are highlights of the 2012-13 school year at DPCC.

The classrooms and hallways of the Bradley Building were painted.

Dynamic chapel services are held every Thursday at 9:15.

Five great performances for the children by local musicians and puppeteers.

Researching and implementing measures to improve the safety of the school. Well attended and meaningful Curriculum Coffees, Halloween potlucks,

Thanksgiving and Christmas services. Looking forward to the annual DPCC Auction, held March 16, 2013, at Trees

Atlanta Keneda Center.

The group enjoying a SAM trip

to the Callaway estate in La-

Grange included Lynda and

Alan Kenton and Vicki Cook.

Jeanne Owen divides sanctuary arrangements

into bouquets taken to shut-ins weekly.

Adult Christian Education

Adopted the recommendation of the

Task Force for Faith Development

that the name of the council be

changed as well as its emphasis. The

focus for 2012 and the future of DPC

is the development and deepening of

faith in our DPC members of all ages,

not just educating.

Introduced “Triads” as a new minis-

try. These are groups of three for in-

tentional, conversational Christian

study and fellowship.

Exciting Wednesday night programs

including a tour of the “Step Into Af-

rica” exhibit, Sustainable Christmas

event and “table discussions.”

Youth Christian Education

On Sunday evenings, 15 Mid High

and 25 Senior High youth meet for

study, service, and fellowship.

Growing participation in retreats (70

youth and 14 adults), and 23 joined

the Honduras mission trip.

Confirmation class participation for

2012 was 23.

Youth trips were supported by a

breakfast event with Jennifer Ayres,

raising $2,217 overall.

We hired Trip Porch as

Interim Director of

youth Ministries, and

Bobby Newman as

Youth Ministry Assis-

tant, after saying good-

bye to Jennifer Filpi

and Anna Fulmer.

Mid and Senior Highs began partici-

pating in more “off site” ministry with

Methodist Children’s Home, Phillips

Towers and others.

Children’s Christian Education

Introduced a fee for Bible and Music

Camp and Allegrow Camp (attended

by 100 children), enabling us to hire

six camp counselors.

Continued Children’s Chapel during

the regular worship hour.

Sponsored “family” Sunday school

events for first through fifth graders.

Included service projects for first

through fifth graders including a recy-

cling program and making sand-

wiches for the door ministry and

homeless shelters.

Combined two-year-olds with kinder-

garten students for music with Lori

McMahan on Sunday mornings.

Faith Formation Council | Georgee Wiley, 2012 Chair

2012 Annual Report

First graders receive a Bible from Dr. Todd Speed and Rebekah Abel Lamar.

DPC implemented “Small

groups” with Rebekah

Abel Lamar leading the

“Night Light” class, Dr.

Todd Speed leading the

FaithLeader group, and

Rev. Ken Hughes provid-

ing other occasional op-

portunities.

T he Evangelism Council

strives to bring new visitors

to DPC and to ensure that

our visitors feel welcome in

our congregation. DPC was

blessed to add 50 new members

in 2012 (33 adults with 17 chil-

dren)!

In 2013, the Evangelism Coun-

cil will continue to find new ways to

bring the good news of Christ to

our community. We welcome your

suggestions and help in this en-

deavor! If you are interested,

please contact Dudley Larus or

Heather Beaubien.

Evangelism Council | Heather Beaubien, 2012 Chair

Finance Council | By Les Cook, 2012 Vice Chair

T he Decatur Presbyterian Finance

Council is responsible for prepar-

ing the annual operating budget,

reporting monthly budget vs. ac-

tual information to the Session, and pro-

viding general oversight for church finan-

cial matters.

Much as it was for the country, 2012

proved to be a challenging year for DPC.

We had a combined operating income of

$1,094,000. However, the cost of nor-

mal activities plus some unexpected re-

pairs and other expenses amounted to a

little over $1,144,000, which left us with

a shortfall of about $50,000. A small

checking account reserve allowed us to

extend ourselves a temporary loan, and

repaying that loan will

be a priority for 2013.

As an enhancement

to the ways we can of-

fer our financial sup-

port, the Finance Coun-

cil added the option of

electronic giving by us-

ing the “Give Now” button on the DPC

website. This secure method for making

on-line donations is provided through the

Presbyterian Mission Exchange of the

Presbyterian Foundation, which is the

financial Trustee of the PCUSA General

Assembly.

We are happy to see that some are

already using this service. It is possible

to set up an automatic monthly payment,

which is helpful to the church cash flow

as well as ensuring a regular payment of

pledges.

Previous contributions to the Capital

Campaign and several generous gifts in

2012 allowed DPC to break ground for

its landscaping plan. Completion of

these improvements is expected by mid-

2013.

Thanks to investment income and

portfolio appreciation,

the Endowment Fund

experienced an in-

crease of approximately

12 percent in 2012. As

a result, the Endow-

ment Fund Committee

will, for a second year,

provide financial support for special pro-

jects selected through an application

process.

2012 Annual Report

Evangelism Council volun-

teers have many assign-

ments:

conducting Discover

DPC classes for pro-

spective members,

hosting Name Tag Sun-

days on the third Sun-

day of each month,

recruiting greeters and

“Ask Me” volunteers,

sponsoring “Bring a

Friend to Church Day,”

publicizing our church

events to the greater

community,

welcoming visitors and

new members with per-

sonal handwritten

notes, and

participating in commu-

nity outreach events,

such as the Decatur

Arts Festival.

Freddie Newsome and Mo Thrash greet new mem-

bers and visitors at the annual Christmas Reception

hosted by the Evangelism Council.

2012 Annual Report

THE COMMON RESTRICTED FUND

The Common Restricted Fund contains a number of accounts that have been created over time through gifts desig-

nated for specific activities or needs of the church. As of Dec. 31, 2012, there were 35 active "designated/

restricted" accounts with a total balance of $236,330.

The list of funds currently active includes items such as the Major Maintenance Contingency Fund, the Youth

Missions and Conferences Fund, and the Memorial Garden Fund. Each account has been approved by the Session,

is described in the Manual of Common Restricted Funds, and is overseen by the Finance Council.

The Report of the Financial Secretary | Marcia Daniel

BALANCE 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

all funds as of 1/1 $1,016,654 $999,242 $1,011,915 $823,969 $917, 070 $1,098,659 $1,804,125

Receipts:

Contributions 1,157,025 1,197,604 1,275,038 1,202,548 1,226,389 1,266,953 1,289,821

Investments&Endowments 62,302 53,288 (208,368) 120,123 67,370 (57,134) 144,332

Bequests 11,238 55,107 1,641 83,000 54,791 791,066 2,673

Other Income 60,045 61,773 65,864 59,608 51,268 40,159 43,767

Sub-Total M & M 1,290,610 1,367,772 1,134,175 1,465,279 1,399,818 2,041,044 1,480,593

Capital Funds 292,381 57,256 580,709 16,667 420,834 128,945 43,500

TOTAL 1,582,991 1,425,028 1,714,884 1,481,946 1,820,652 2,169,989 1,524,093

Expenditures:

Local Program 917,077 970,632 1,059,328 1,106,889 1,060,105 1,035,598 1,076,921

Local Mission 52,702 43,266 63,798 54,265 95,782 72,990 76,638

Per Capita Apptnmt 11,381 11,506 12,256 13,480 14,087 14,836 15,833

Validated Mission 122,045 118,580 112,039 109,105 99,192 109,939 93,261

Other Mission 54,840 46,175 55,429 31,828 93,067 93,889 74,427

Sub-Total M & M 1,158,045 1,190,159 1,302,850 1,315,567 1,362,233 1,327,262 1,337,080

Capital Expenditures 377,532 174,603 580,709 70,784 276,830 137,261 80,325

Investment Expenditures 64,826 47,593 19,271 2,494 0 0 0

TOTAL 1,600,403 1,412,355 1,902,830 1,388,845 1,639,063 1,464,523 1,417,405

BALANCE

all funds as of 12/31

$999,242 $1,011,915 $823,969 $917,070 $1,098,659 $1,804,125 $1,910,813

T he Mission and Outreach Council

focuses on local and global mis-

sions, mission trips, and environ-

mental practices. It strives to

meet the needs of those who are hurting

while helping to spread the good news of

Jesus Christ.

Six youth and 22 adults from DPC

and First Presbyterian Church of Green-

wood, SC, participated in the mission trip

to Honduras this year. The teams built

latrines, poured concrete floors, installed

chimneys, and repaired several roofs. In

addition, the team led a vacation Bible

school and coordinated children’s sport-

ing events.

LOCAL MISSIONS SUPPORT

Threshold Ministry assistance to the

poor and homeless.

15 local ministries plus the Pastor’s

Discretionary Fund for emergency

assistance.

Hagar’s House emergency shelter

for women with children, meals four

weeks during the year under the co-

ordination of Catherine Carter.

Bucket Brigade relief for victims of

hurricanes.

Christmas in Decatur gifts for chil-

dren and seniors with the Angel Tree

program under the co-ordination of

Doug and Louise Stark.

Decatur Emergency Assistance Min-

istry (DEAM) collection of food for

the DEAM Food Pantry, coordinated

by Bob Wiggins.

Habitat for Humanity home build.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

Through the Global Mission Committee,

DPC supported PC(USA) missionaries Dan

and Elizabeth Turk in Madagascar; Rev.

Choon Lim and Yen Hee Lim in Hualien,

Taiwan; Jodi and Jim McGill in Mzuzu,

Malawi; Mark Adams in Agua Prieta, Mex-

ico; and a missionary in Central Asia.

The congregation and staff also sup-

ported missions in Kenya (Rev. Martin

Mwangi); Senegal (The JefJel Project);

Honduras (Agalta Valley through Hondu-

ras Outreach, Inc.); Haiti (La Gonave Haiti

Partnership); India (Rural Presbyterian

Church Ministry to the Untouchables);

Zambia (Crisis Nurseries); Mexico, Central

and South America (Equal Exchange cof-

fee, chocolate and tea).

ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE

The new Environmental Task Force

chaired by Julia Glenn Carter evaluated

waste policies, implemented education

practices, and successfully sought the

Georgia Interfaith Power and Light Waste

Wise certification.

Their ongoing work includes a recy-

cling project (printer cartridges, dental

items, etc.), a Tree of Life art project by

preschool children, and changing the

commercial vendor for DPC's recycling to

the City of Decatur.

Mission and Outreach Council | Julia Glenn Carter, 2012 Vice Chair

2012 Annual Report

Total budgeted and non-

budgeted mission giving for

2012 (including Presbytery

and denominational sup-

port) totaled $260,159!

Jim Keith heads our Habitat for Humanity

builds each year and travels to Honduras on

mission trips.

I n January 2012, the Nominations Council met to choose three new council mem-

bers from names submitted by the congregation. These nominees were pre-

sented to the congregation for a vote, and were elected to three-year terms.

Member of the Nominations Council called for nominations in the fall for 11

new elders for the Class of 2015. We also filled the last two-years of an unfinished

term. The selected names were presented to the congregation and were elected,

with their installation and ordination in January 2013. Elders also serve a three-year

term.

In addition, the Nominations Council nominates a Trustee each year for three-

year terms and a Youth Elder for an 18-month term.

Nominations Council | Rosemary Raynal, 2012 Chair

Retreat Center Ministry Council | Lucia Sizemore, 2012 Chair

I n 2012 the Retreat Center Ministry

Council continued its work to fulfill its

chartered purpose to "actively man-

age and resource the Retreat Center

Ministry."

The Retreat Center was enjoyed on

17 different occasions by 265 people

(130 adults and 135 youth/children) dur-

ing 2012, and rental income more than

offset the cost of utilities for the year:

Six DPC groups, such as the 2012

Confirmation Class, held retreats.

The Retreat Center was used 9 times

by church families for family reunions,

spend-the-night birthday parties,

study groups and general weekend

and week-long fun.

Outside groups used the property for

mission trips and women’s retreats.

Other accomplishments:

Two all-church workdays,

Youth Service and Fun Day held to

paint the playground fence,

Re-decked the swimming dock,

Eagle Scout project resulted in three

beautiful rustic tables for the porch

made by Sean Hunter and others un-

der the tutelage of John Gilbert.

Mike Daly created a 2-minute video

that is available on the church’s web-

site.

Established a relationship with the

Presbyterian Camp and Conference

Center Association which will give

us a presence on their website as

well as access to resources shared

all over the United States and Can-

ada.

While we have always shared the Re-

treat Center with other churches, a more

proactive program is underway to invite

groups from churches in nearby presby-

teries and community non-profit groups

to use the DPC Retreat Center so that it

might become a ministry to others as well

as our own congregation.

2012 Annual Report

2012 Chair Lucia Sizemore and Vice-Chair David Holbrook

managed improvements including new doors and bead-board

paneling for the lower level and a set of stairs off the main floor

porch.

Stewardship Council | Bo King, 2012 Chair

2012 Annual Report

ENDOWMENT FUNDS 2011 2012

General Endowment Fund $162,022.24 $156,875.67

Elizabeth Marshall Endowment 544.691.23 603,935.80

Verna Blackstock Fund 99,976.57 110.703.46

Hugh Boswell Student Scholarship Fund 47,500.23 46,968.00

Nan Phillips Calhoun Fund 166,804.26 184,707/98

Helen Darnell Music Scholarship Fund 26,822.16 27,161.64

Jackson Scholarship Fund 5,962.48 6,151.26

Hal and Pattie Johnson Fund 85,331.13 95,005.18

McKee/Adult Education Fund 12,393.32 12,758.43

Mission and Outreach Fund 1,185.56 1,324.55

DPCC Scholarship Fund 7,560.33 8,448.70

Nelle Howard Organ Fund 12,299.00 14,122.94

Morse Endowment 200,000.00 221,470.28

Grand Total, All Funds $1,373,135.73 $1,489,660.80

T he Stewardship Council threw the

party of the year! Our “Ignited by

Grace” dinner was the inspiration

of Tom Adams and Charlie Orth

who wanted to bring our congregation

together to reflect upon

and celebrate the won-

derful people and minis-

tries of our church.

We hoped that an

evening of good food and

fellowship, followed by a

program featuring our

music, ministers, youth,

and a terrific short film

by Jonathan Harris,

would help us remember

the many reasons why

we support our church

and help us rediscover

aspects of our church

that would inspire us

anew.

Although we learned that our church

is too rich in missions and saints to pre-

sent a full picture of its life and work in a

single evening, the 300 of us who gath-

ered at Agnes Scott College that Sunday

night in October were reminded of why we

we’re proud to call Decatur Presbyterian

Church our church home. And our congre-

gation has demonstrated that pride by

pledging almost $50,000

more than was pledged for

2012!

Another highlight of the

year was the work of our

Endowment Fund, which,

under the leadership of

Dan Shelles, has continued

to grow and manage be-

quests and gifts to the

Church for the benefit of

both our congregation and

our missions.

In the year to come, our

Council will work to high-

light the many missions

and ministries that are sus-

tained by the support of our congrega-

tion. We look forward to the wonderful

work that you will make possible in 2013

and beyond.

The painting of halls and class-

rooms in the preschool was

made possible by a grant from

the Endowment Fund.

The Endowment Fund

awarded 9 grants totaling

$32,875 to six DPC re-

lated councils and organi-

zations, making important

projects a reality.

Youth Committee of

the Faith Formation

Council

DPCC Council

The Global Village

School

Task Force for Faith

Development

Property Committee

Global Missions of

Mission and Outreach

Council

Worship Council | Jan Bedol, 2012 Chair

W orship at Decatur Presbyte-

rian continued to be the cen-

ter of our congregation’s

spiritual nurture.

Regular worship service was held

weekly on Sunday mornings, with many

special worship services added to the

schedule including Ash Wednesday,

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Service

of Healing and Wholeness, Thanksgiving

Community Service and weekly Advent

Services.

These many worship services met

spiritual needs of many in our congrega-

tion, yet our goal is to increase the atten-

dance at these services, as well as to

offer other opportunities for spiritual

growth.

Children’s Chapel continued to en-

hance the worship opportunity for our

young members. Crucifer and acolyte

training involved children and youth in

the Sunday morning worship.

Participation in the service includes

clergy, as well as seminary student in-

terns, youth and children, congregant

musicians and Minutes for Mission re-

ports from members involved in the

many programs of our church.

Communion was offered monthly

during morning worship, as well as at

many of the special services. In an effort

to provide the most meaningful commun-

ion experience, Worship Council has en-

couraged Elders and congregants to say

to their neighbor, “this is the body of

Christ broken for you.” As the juice is

passed, we say “the blood of Christ shed

for you.”

During 2012, concerted effort was

spent researching and designing an addi-

tional worship service for Decatur Presby-

terian Church. The service is planned to

meet the needs of a cross section of our

congregation and community who desire

an intimate, less formal format of wor-

ship. The Council is excited to begin the

new service in the spring of 2013.

2012 Annual Report 2012 Annual Report

Travis Bland Darling and his mother Erika light the second candle on

the Advent wreath during a Sunday morning worship service.

NAME POSITION EMAIL ADDRESS

Amy Chastain ..........................Children’s Ministry Coordinator ....................................... [email protected]

Marcia Daniel .........................Financial Secretary .......................................................... [email protected]

Denise Howell .........................Program and Ministerial Secretary ................................. [email protected]

Rev. Ken Hughes ....................Associate Pastor ............................................................... [email protected]

Rebekah Abel Lamar .............Director of Christian Education ....................................... [email protected]

Ellen McClure .........................Director, Decatur Presbyterian Children’s Community .. [email protected]

Matthew McMahan ................Minister of Music (Choirmaster and Organist) ............... [email protected]

Lori McMahan ........................Director of Children’s Music Ministry .............................. [email protected]

Kathy Morse ...........................Church Administrator ....................................................... [email protected]

Bobby Newman ......................Youth Ministry Assistant .................................................. [email protected]

Trip Porch................................Interim Director of Youth Ministry ................................... [email protected]

AnnaLisa Silliman-Lindsey .....Director of Church Nursery .............................................. [email protected]

Rev. Dr. Todd Speed ..............Senior Pastor .................................................................... [email protected]

Sylvester Poole .......................Custodian

Jimmy Ball...............................Contract Custodian

The Staff of Decatur Presbyterian Church

Decatur Presbyterian Church is a multi-generational fellowship

of loving and faithful Christians in the Reformed Tradition

striving to discern and fulfill God’s purpose through Jesus Christ

for our congregation, our community, and our world.

Mission

Key Values

Decatur Presbyterian Church is a caring, mission-oriented congregation, striving

faithfully to discern and fulfill God’s will as expressed in Holy Scripture. We foster

communal fellowship and individual spiritual growth in Jesus Christ in all genera-

tions. We empower our leaders to challenge us to undertake new endeavors that

build upon our rich history. Believing that our congregation is a priesthood of all be-

lievers, we provide inspiring worship and outstanding Christian education that equip

our members to use their unique, God-given talents for Christian service.

Grounded in the Reformed tradition—reformed and always reforming—our loving

and supportive family of faith is open and welcoming, endeavoring always to meet

people wherever they find themselves on their spiritual journey. Through commit-

ment to Christ and persistence in seeking and doing God’s will, we pass the tradi-

tions of faith from one generation to the next.

2012 Annual Report

2012 Annual Report

CLASS OF 2013 CLASS OF 2014 CLASS OF 2015

Heather Beaubien Jan Bedol Doug Fantz

Sue Bingeman Julia Carter Larry Fossett

Walter Gutzke Les Cook Dudley Larus

Bo King Tamara Gehle Judd Owen

Frank Lesesne Candace Godwin Brandon Pelissero

Freddie Newsome David Holbrook Karen Scarborough

Ronnie Roe Tony Miller Charles Scott

Richard Sams Greg Perry Mike Weitnauer

Lucia Sizemore Donna Stroup Fran Wiggins

Elaine Weingartner Jeff Vaughan Dave Williams

Georgee Wiley Mary Wilson Nesie Williams

On their day of ordination and installation, our newest Elder Class of 2015 paused in Keith Parlor

for a group photo. The include (L-R, front row) Doug Fantz, Karen Scarborough, Brandon Pelissero,

Charles Scott and Dave Williams. Back Row: Larry Fossett, Fran Wiggins, Mike Weitnauer, Nesie

Williams and Dudley Larus. (Judd Owen and Sally Vaughan were not available).

COUNCIL CHAIR (VICE CHAIR) STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration Donna Stroup (Charles Scott)

Kathy Morse, Todd Speed

Communications, Personnel, Planning, Property, Technol-

ogy

Congregational Care Candace Godwin (Nesie Williams)

Ken Hughes

College Connections, Caring Kitchen, Fellowship Events,

Men’s Breakfast, Pastors’ Aides, PW, Senior Adult Ministry

DPCC Elaine Weingartner (Tony Miller)

Ellen McClure

Weekday preschool, weekly chapel service, DPCC calendar

and budget, personnel, Sunshine Summer

Evangelism Dudley Larus (Brandon Pelissero)

Todd Speed

“Ask Me” Guild, Greeters Guild, Shepherds Guild, Discover

DPC Classes, Community Outreach, Name Tag Sundays

Faith Formation Jeff Vaughan (Dave Williams)

Rebekah Abel Lamar, Trip Porch

Sunday School, Bible and Music Camp, Wednesday Night

Programs, Youth Ministries, Libraries

Finance Les Cook

Todd Speed

Audit and Controls, Common Restricted Funds. Deacons’

Fund, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Memorial Gifts,

Investments

Mission & Outreach Julia Glenn Carter (Larry Fossett)

Ken Hughes

Local Missions, Global Missions, Mission Trips, Environ-

mental Committee

Nominations Lucia Sizemore (Mike Weitnauer)

Todd Speed

New Elders, Trustees, Pastor Search Teams

Retreat Center

Ministry

David Holbrook

Kathy Morse, Trip Porch

Maintenance and Usage of Retreat Center, Promotion and

Programming

Stewardship Bo King (Fran Wiggins)

Todd Speed

Year-Round Stewardship, Time & Talent, Endowment, Spe-

cial Gifts Fund, Capital Campaigns

Worship Jan Bedol (Karen Scarborough)

Matt McMahan

Acolytes and Crucifers, Choirs, Memorial Services, Sacra-

ments, Ushers, Weddings

Moderator

Todd Speed

Associate Pastor

Ken Hughes

Clerk of Session

Lucia Sizemore (2013)

Assistant Clerks

Les Cook (2014)

Fran Wiggins (2015)

Treasurer

Anne Marie Miller

Trustees

Walt Drake (2013)

John Weitnauer (2014)

Tom Adams (2015)

Youth Elder

Hallie Bedol (Through May 2013)

Sally Vaughan (Through May 2014)

2012 Decatur Presbyterian Church Annual Report

Documents

Transcript of 2012 Decatur Presbyterian Church Annual Report