2013 Annual Report DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN...

2013 Annual Report

DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Presented at the Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 9. 2014

Dear Friends,

I n the second half of 2013, we em-

barked upon a Genesis to Revelation

review of Holy Scripture and discov-

ered numerous ways in which “God’s

Story” enlightens, redeems, and guides

“Our Story.” In the first half of 2013,

many became “Ignited by Grace” as we

celebrated that theme and sought to

deepen our commitment to Jesus Christ

and his Church. Throughout the year, the

Christian ministry of DPC continued to

thrive, especially among

those:

who creatively led

New Song worship

and sincerely experi-

mented with changing forms of wor-

ship,

Montreat youth who returned last

summer with a tangible, communal

bond in faith,

Threshold volunteers who were

moved to deepened commitment to

serve in the name of Jesus Christ,

Sunday School and Bible study par-

ticipants who engaged with heart,

mind, and soul,

musicians whose anthems of faith

led us to places where words alone

cannot tread,

Honduras team members who

glowed among us after their shared

mission experience,

actors who produced not only “The

Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” but a

sweet and welcoming Live Nativity,

FaithLeader small group participants

who prepared Personal Plans for Min-

istry,

interns who brought fresh energy to

ministries with youth, college, home-

bound, and poor,

young parents who enriched home

life with lessons and discussions

from church,

talented and hardworking members

who beautified and improved church

property, and

faithful servants who every day pa-

tiently prayed and actively cared for

loved ones.

As we look toward the coming year

and further, towards DPC’s bicentennial

in 2025, we have discerned several criti-

cal needs in order for DPC

to fulfill God’s purposes.

Critical needs facing our

congregation, community

and world will be ad-

dressed as we envision

every child of God related to DPC:

belonging to God and others through

worship and fellowship,

engaging in the mission of Jesus

Christ through learning and service,

being transformed by grace through

faithful practices and the work of the

Holy Spirit.

Thus, over the coming months, the

session and staff will lead us in discover-

ing what it could mean for the health and

vitality of our congregation to embrace as

a common goal:

Much grace and deep peace

to you all,

2013 Annual Report

“God’s Story, Our Story” — Decatur Presbyterian Church 2013

Rev. Dr. Todd Speed

Cover photos by Michael Thompson

Every child of God – belonging,

engaging, being transformed.

2013 Annual Report

Worshipping … Serving … Learning in 2013

We explored Psalm 23 as our summer worship

experience, accompanied by a series of photos by

the late Ken Gehle.

The DPC Chancel Choir performed at Spivey Hall in June, led by Matt

McMahan, during the convention of the American Choral Directors

Association, Georgia Chapter.

Ken Hughes earned his Doctor of Ministry

from Columbia Theology Seminary in May.

He received the Telford Award honoring

leadership on social justice issues for his

thesis on the Church and poverty.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by our new drama group

drew on talent from all generations in December.

2013 Annual Report

D ecatur Presbyterian Church, in

an effort to maintain accurate

and up-to-date member data,

“cleaned our rolls” during

2013, and experienced a slight downturn

in membership for the first time in seven

years.

We removed 42 persons from the

Active Roll who had been effectively ab-

sent for many years, including 26 for

whom we had no contact information or

who lived out of state. Thus, during

2013, the Active Membership roll de-

clined from 775 to 752 active members.

34 new members were added to the

Active Member Roll:

12 by profession of faith,

9 by reaffirmation of faith, and

13 by transfer of letter from another

congregation.

Fifteen persons were removed from

the roll due to death or transfer of letter

this year, but, as stated above, another

42 were removed due to long-term inac-

tivity:

9 by death,

6 by transfer of letter,

9 due to request for removal, and

33 placed on the inactive roll.

Thus, after “cleaning our rolls,” DPC

experienced a net decrease of Active

Members of 23, or 3%.

The Baptized Members Roll de-

creased slightly as well during 2013,

from 232 to 224. Eight children were

baptized and 1 was added to the Bap-

tized Member Roll when their parents

joined the church, but 5 were removed

from the roll with their parents and 2

were transferred to a church in another

state.

With 10 members of the Confirma-

tion Class being moved from the Bap-

tized to the Active Member Roll, the over-

all decrease in the Baptized Roll was 8,

or 3%.

Cleaning of Rolls Leads to Slight Decline in Membership Part 1:

Membership

Age Distribution of Active Members

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

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

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

Ages 36-55 35% 35% 35% 35% 34%

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

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

Active Fe-

male

417 430 438 445 436

Active Male 316 313 320 330 317

Female El-

ders

15 15 16 17 17

Male Elders 17 17 19 18 18

Average Sun-

day Worship

349 350 335 327 335

Growth in Active Members

Total Active

& Baptized

Members

Baptized

Members

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

Active

Members

‘04 ‘05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13

2013 Annual Report

Joyce Daniel Bond ......................................................................... April 1, 2013

Cathy Jane Hudgins ......................................................................May 23, 2013

Routh Thompson Neill ..................................................................May 23, 2013

James M. Broom, Jr. .....................................................................May 28, 2013

David G. Scott, Jr. ...................................................................... August 2, 2013

Caroline Ridley Howard .................................................... September 18, 2013

Vivienne Long McCain ....................................................... November 18, 2013

Virginia H. Edwards ........................................................... November 21, 2013

Ruth Owens ......................................................................... December 2, 2013

Necrology 2013

Baptized at DPC in 2013

Indiana Crawford .................................................................. February 24, 2013

Williams Reynolds Hallford .................................................. February 24, 2013

Evelyn Mae Buckley .................................................................... April 21, 2013

Hutson Mae Briscoe ................................................................ August 18, 2013

Quinn Annelise Elgin ............................................................... August 18, 2013

Knox Benjamin Bao ............................................................ September 8, 2013

Eva Catherine King ........................................................... September 15, 2013

Joel Christopher Nye ........................................................ September 15, 2013

Infant Joel Christopher Nye

was baptized in September,

presented by his parents

Charlie and Lisa Nye. Big

brother Jackson and sister

Isabella joined him at the

baptismal font.

Bo and Katherine King

brought Eva Cate to be bap-

tized. Her sisters Madeleine

and Amelia looked on.

2013 Annual Report

These New Members Joined in 2013

Brad & Nicole Alex-

ander joined

3/17/13 by trans-

fer of letter from

Rehoboth Presby-

terian Church, De-

catur. They brought

with them their

sons, Jack, born in

2009, and Ben,

born in 2010.

Clint & Amy Bris-

coe joined

8/18/13 by reaf-

firmation of faith.

They brought with

them their daugh-

ter, Hutson, born

in 2012.

New members in October 2013 include (L-R): Folly & Lana Teko-Ahatefou joined by reaffirmation of faith;

Joe Crawford joined by transfer of letter from Red Oak Methodist Church, Covington; Corrie Hall and Faye

Hall, who both joined by transfer of letter from First Baptist Church, Decatur; Barbara Griffin joined by re-

affirmation of faith.

Ann Fossett joined 11/10/13 by transfer of letter

from Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church,

Atlanta. Ann is the wife of DPC member, Larry Fos-

sett.

Stephen & Adrianne

Leonard joined

10/13/13 by reaffir-

mation of faith. They

brought with them

their son, William,

born in 2009, and

daughter, Ellery,

born 2012.

Ann Fossett joined

11/10/13 by trans-

fer of letter from

Glenn Memorial

United Methodist

Church, Atlanta. Ann

is the wife of DPC

member, Larry Fos-

sett.

2013 Annual Report

Wade & Julie Moricle joined

2/17/13 by transfer of letter

from Peachtree Presbyterian

Church in Atlanta. They brought

with them their daughter, So-

phie, born in 2008.

Bob & Barbara Reich (right)

joined 3/17/13 by transfer of

letter from First Christian

Church of Atlanta (Disciples of

Christ), Tucker.

Clark Simmons (left) joined 4/17/13 by

transfer of letter from Druid Hills Presby-

terian Church, Atlanta.

Greg Swanson (center) joined 3/17/13 by

reaffirmation of faith.

Beryl Taylor (right) joined 3/17/13 by

transfer of letter from Turner Monumental

AME, Atlanta.

Annie Watson (lower right) joined

10/13/13 by reaffirmation of faith.

Katherine Weitzman joined 1/6/13 by trans-

fer of letter from Mountain Brook Presbyteri-

an Church, Mountain Brook, AL. Katherine

is married to Tedd and they have a daugh-

ter, Asher, born in 2008.

2013 Confirmation Class (above):

Emmie Berberick, Connor Dowd,

Katelyn Hughes, Michelle Jones,

Nancy Jones, Ben Kinzer, Nick

Leckband, Danielle Murdoch, Dor-

othy Owen, Gillum Owen, Corrie

Purcell, and Rachel Scott.

T he Administration Council has

responsibility for activities and

budget for the Personnel, Proper-

ty, Planning, Technology, and

Communication Committees.

Planning Committee

Under Phil Churchman’s leadership, the

Planning Committee continues to coordi-

nate strategic planning among various

Church councils. This committee helps to

document and improve relationships

among Councils as volunteer leadership

rotates.

Property Committee

Bo Broom and his committee greatly im-

proved DPC’s building and grounds. In

addition to the new Terrace Garden, de-

signed by Mary Visscher, property pro-

jects included: 1) contracting with a park-

ing vendor to protect DPC parking for

Church events and gain revenue; and 2)

developing a plan for a security system

include panic buttons and video camer-

as.

Personnel Committee

Judd Owen led efforts of the Personnel

Committee to fill critical staff vacancies

and develop standards for employee

evaluation. In 2013, the committee:

Established a Candidates’ Commit-

tee to provide support for those who

are inquirers or candidates pursuing

ordination as Ministers of Word and

Sacrament.

Called an interim Director of Youth

Ministry, Katherine Atkins; filled the

Childcare Director position with Holly

Broom; recruited Ann Park Beesley

as Interim Financial Secretary; and

created a Social Media position filled

by Dana Young.

Created an Associate Pastor Nomi-

nating Committee to search for an

Associate Pastor for Youth;

Developed guidelines for search

teams for three categories of employ-

ees: ordained, non-ordained, and

part time (less than 30 hours/week).

Technology

Jay Lyle and his committee developed an

asset aging plan for DPC’s technology

resources; upgraded computer systems

for two staff members; and, began migra-

tion of document storage using Cloud

technology.

Administration Council | Donna Stroup, 2013 Chair

2013 Annual Report

Part 2:

Mission

And

Ministries

The congregation gathered in the new Terrace Garden for its dedica-

tion on Rally Day in August.

The busy Personnel Com-

mittee in 2013:

Completed sexual har-

assment training and I-

9 certification with all

staff

Revised the DPC staff

policy manual and de-

veloped core compe-

tencies for all DPC po-

sitions

Holly Broom Katherine Atkins

2013 Annual Report

T he goal of the Congregational

Care Council is to nurture our

congregation and provide fel-

lowship opportunities to bring-

ing us together as a Christian family

worshipping and serving God. We have

stayed very busy this past year as we

seek to accomplish this goal.

As we care for our DPC family, we

have:

Provided meals, visits, notes and

flower arrangements to our shut-

ins and those who are sick,

Remembered our college students

by sending 40 care packages at

exam time,

Served families with a reception

after memorial services for their

loved ones, and

Prayed over and delivered quilts to

church members with illnesses.

As we provide ministry and learning

opportunities, we have:

Organized Christian learning experi-

ences through the Fellowship

Breakfast by the Men of DPC and

Presbyterian Women’s gatherings,

Been involved in Wednesday Night

Supper events, and

Planned and enjoyed trips and pro-

grams for the Senior Adult Ministry.

As we offer fellowship opportunities,

we have:

Provided punch on the lawn events

after worship,

Furthered the DPC Kirkin’ of the

Tartans service by offering a lunch-

eon after church,

Provided jumpy house entertain-

ment at the youth fundraiser picnic

Facilitated Break Bread groups for

members of all ages to

be involved in small

groups

Organized camping

and father/child re-

treat activities for

our church family,

Created Valentine

party and Christmas

caroling events for

residents of Philips

Tower, and

Joined a softball

league for those

who want to play on

the DPC team.

It has been a busy

and blessed year for all

who were involved!

Congregational Care Council | Candace Godwin, 2013 Chair

The group enjoying a SAM trip to the

Callaway estate in LaGrange included

Lynda and Alan Kenton and Vicki

Cook.

Sue Bingeman, Pam Hughes and Elinor Cook prepar-

ing platters for a memorial reception in Keith Parlor.

Prayer quilts created by the Con-

gregational Care Council comfort

those dealing with illness and

injury. Mary Ann Allen says a

prayer for healing as she ties a

ribbon.

2013 Annual Report

Decatur Presbyterian Children’s Community (DPCC) | Elaine Weingartner, 2013 Chair

D ecatur Presbyterian Children’s

Community was founded in

1949 by the Parent’s Sunday

School Class. First called De-

catur Presbyterian “Playschool,“ its

name evolved to Decatur Presbyterian

“Kindergarten” before being known as

DPCC.

Although the descriptor changed,

the school has always belonged to De-

catur Presbyterian Church. And the age

range of the children served has ex-

panded from five-year-olds only to a

range from nine months to five-year-olds

now.

The class sizes have certainly de-

creased: from 25 children to a maxi-

mum of 16 children. Early Childhood

Education is now a focused field of

study with much research piloting new

trends and programs supporting fami-

lies with a multitude of needs.

All this is to say that change has al-

ways been a dynamic in DPCC and the

2013-14 school year is no exception.

DPCC welcomed Tammy Putnal as

our bookkeeper in August 2013 to han-

dle the payroll, accounts payable, bank

reconciliation, and financial statements

– processes formerly handled by the

church’s financial administrator.

Some practices and philosophies

have remained the same for more than

60 years:

We provide a loving environment

where the principles of Christianity

are practiced. Bible stories, songs,

and prayer are a part of each child’s

experience at DPCC.

We welcome 209 beautiful children

who come to Decatur Presbyterian

Church every weekday.

We have the best teaching staff any-

where with an average tenure at

DPCC of 10-12 years.

Our community of parents and teach-

ers are of one heart in the belief that

the nurture of children is the most

important thing in the world.

We decided to offer more

family-friendly events as

fundraisers, replacing the

very time-consuming and

glitzy “date night” annual

auction. These events have

included the following.

Very successful

“Pennies for Preschool”

in the fall (and hopefully

in the spring), collecting

more than 300 pounds

of coins;

Two Parents’ Nights Out

in December;

Movie Night with pizza

and dessert in January;

and

Pancake Breakfast with

many activities in April.

I n 2013, the Faith Formation Council

continued discussions and imple-

mentation planning for the recom-

mendations from the Task Force for

Faith Development. The following are

highlights for the year.

CHILDREN

Bible and Music Camp, 100%

Chance of Rain, drew 110 children in

the 1st-6th grades.

Allegrow Camp, with 90 children, fo-

cused on stories of Jesus. More than

half of the children attending were

not DPC member families but were

DPCC students and alumni.

Our Sunday School began a new cur-

riculum in August to follow the “God's

Story, Our Story” theme. Included

several service projects throughout

the year.

Organized a Curriculum Task Force to

evaluate Sunday school curriculum

options for 2014-2015 and beyond.

Welcomed Holly Broom as the new

Childcare Director.

YOUTH

Welcomed Katherine Atkins as Inter-

im Director of Youth Ministry in July

after saying goodbye to Trip Porch in

June.

Formed an Associate Pastor Nomi-

nating Committee in March, which

has continued its work into 2014

searching for an Associate Pastor for

Youth Ministry.

15 middle school youth attended the

CROSS mission trip in Charlotte.

15 high school youth attended the

Heifer Project Mission trip, Arkansas.

20 high school youth went to the

Montreat Youth Conference.

ADULTS

Started “God's Sto-

ry, Our Story” Sun-

day School class in

October in conjunc-

tion with the overall

DPC theme for

2013-2014.

Started Wednesday

night small groups

to discuss weekly

“God's Story, Our

Story” scriptures.

Held two summer

Sunday school se-

ries: “Finding Faith in Nar-

nia” (intergenerational) and “The

Christian Canon.”

Conducted Summer Faith Challenge

on Psalm 23. Members of the con-

gregation shared stories, pictures

and videos related to the Summer

Sermon series via Facebook.

Faith Formation Council | Jeff Vaughan, 2013 Chair

2013 Annual Report

These young women were among 12 youth

confirmed into full membership of the church

after a 12-week process combining mentor-

based and group Sunday School programming.

Ann Park Beesley Interim

Financial Administrator

Evangelism Council | Dudley Larus, 2013 Chair

Finance Council | By Les Cook, 2013 Chair

T he Finance Council provides gen-

eral oversight for the church’s

financial matters. This includes

ensuring that contributed funds

are deposited and bills are paid, prepar-

ing the annual operating budget, and

reporting monthly budget vs. actual infor-

mation to the Session.

This year was one of financial transi-

tion for Decatur Presbyterian Church. The

Session reluctantly accepted Marcia

Daniel’s resignation as Financial Secre-

tary at the end of April after more than

21 years of faithful and effective service.

Ann Park Beesley was hired as Inter-

im Financial Administrator in May. Ann

majored in management and minored in

finance. She has previously held several

positions that utilize her accounting and

financial expertise.

The economy began to show signs of

recovery in 2013. Accordingly, DPC ex-

perienced improved giving – especially in

December – and finished the calendar

year in the black.

The Endowment Fund also had a

strong year, with an increase of approxi-

mately 14 percent from a combination of

earnings and growth in asset value. This

will allow the Endowment Committee to

provide a third year of financial support

for special projects selected through

their grant application process.

2013 Annual Report

E vangelism is the concept of

spreading the word of Jesus Christ

and we seek to do this beyond the

four walls of DPC. The focus of the

2013 Evangelism Council started with self

examination and working to understand

how we could better interact with our com-

munities in the age of social media. We are

seeking to update our methods and capa-

bilities. Our goal is to reach out to people

and provide an opportunity for them to con-

sider DPC as the place that can foster their

spiritual development.

Our self examination led to several new

ideas:

First, we are asking everyone at DPC to help spread the Word. “Name Tag Sun-

days” also became “Bring a Friend to Church Sundays” when our members ask

friends and neighbors to come and experience a DPC service. Please consider

this as part of your mission every month.

We continued the “Discover DPC” classes for guests and members interested in

learning more about how this church can help foster their spiritual journey. We

changed the format to a more interactive forum where we actively listened to

what perspective members want from a church.

We also updated our technology by moving the visitor database into Excel so we

can more easily contact and track visitors, see trends and allow us to publish a

weekly visitor review email.

If you have ideas on how the Evangelism Council can better support our mission

to spread the Good News, we welcome your comments!

Lynda and Alan Kenton with Elizabeth

Beitel collect friendship pads to track

visitors to DPC.

The Evangelism Council

challenges all DPC

members and staff

to focus on new member

outreach and looking

beyond the walls of DPC

in 2014. We believe this

should be a church-wide

focus in 2014 so that we

can invigorate our work at

DPC and spark creative

juices with new talent

from our communities.

2013 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, 2013, there were 35 active "designated/

restricted" accounts with a total balance of $272,730.

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 | Ann Beesley

BALANCE 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

all funds as of 1/1 $999,242 $1,011,915 $823,969 $917, 070 $1,098,659 $1,804,125 $1,910,813

Receipts:

Contributions 1,197,604 1,275,038 1,202,548 1,226,389 1,266,953 1,289,821 1,273,736

Investments&Endowments 53,288 (208,368) 120,123 67,370 (57,134) 144,332 151,353

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

Other Income 61,773 65,864 59,608 51,268 40,159 43,767 47,811

Sub-Total M & M 1,367,772 1,134,175 1,465,279 1,399,818 2,041,044 1,480,593 1,474,691

Capital Funds 57,256 580,709 16,667 420,834 128,945 43,500 42,968

TOTAL 1,425,028 1,714,884 1,481,946 1,820,652 2,169,989 1,524,093 1,517,659

Expenditures:

Local Program 970,632 1,059,328 1,106,889 1,060,105 1,035,598 1,076,921 1,024,256

Local Mission 43,266 63,798 54,265 95,782 72,990 76,638 87,197

Per Capita Apptnmt 11,506 12,256 13,480 14,087 14,836 15,833 27,566

Validated Mission 118,580 112,039 109,105 99,192 109,939 93,261 92,136

Other Mission 46,175 55,429 31,828 93,067 93,889 74,427 68,827

Sub-Total M & M 1,190,159 1,302,850 1,315,567 1,362,233 1,327,262 1,337,080 1,299,982

Capital Expenditures 174,603 580,709 70,784 276,830 137,261 80,325 187,677

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

TOTAL 1,412,355 1,902,830 1,388,845 1,639,063 1,464,523 1,417,405 1,487,659

BALANCE

all funds as of 12/31 $1,011,915 $823,969 $917,070 $1,098,659 $1,804,125 $1,910,813 $1,940,813

T he Mission & Outreach Council

extends assistance and care to

those in material and spiritual

need.

A highlight of 2013 was the first anniver-

sary of the DPC Threshold Ministry, which

three times weekly offers assis-

tance and referral services to

the homeless and impoverished

of our community.

More than 200 visitors were as-

sisted by Threshold volunteers,

many on multiple occasions.

Referrals were made to service

organizations throughout Atlanta

to meet needs for shelter, medi-

cal care, employment, food, and

clothing.

Threshold’s ability to provide winter

weather kits and nutritional snack bags

was enhanced by the generous donations

of DPC members and groups.

HONDURAS MISSION TRIP

A second highlight was the adult mission

trip to Honduras, which DPC undertook

with Greenwood Presbyterian Church of

South Carolina.

The combined team numbered 24

people and over the course of a week of

work in the village of San Martin they con-

structed 12 latrines and a number of

chimneys, floors and roofs. All of the con-

struction work was done in partnership

with homeowners and other volunteers

from San Martin and surrounding villages.

LOCAL MISSIONS

In 2013, the Decatur Presbyterian Church

congregation and staff supported:

15 local ministries plus the M&O Re-

serve Fund for emergency assistance;

a new intern to focus on campus min-

istries at Agnes Scott College and

Emory University;

a Habitat for Humanity home;

Christmas in Decatur gifts for children

and seniors with the Angel Tree pro-

gram organized by Connie and Greg

Perry;

Hagar’s House emergency shelter for

women with children by providing and

serving evening meals for four weeks

during the year under the leadership

of Catherine Carter;

Decatur Emergency Assistance Minis-

try (DEAM) food collections for the DE-

AM Food Pantry in February and July,

coordinated by Bob Wiggins;

Environmental Task Force, which is

working to complete the Georgia Inter-

faith Power and Light’s Creation Wise

green certification.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

Matt Moore, who has led the Honduras

Outreach, Inc. mission for many years,

was honored by being made an honorary

citizen of Honduras at an HOI dinner in

November. In addition, $78,000 was

raised to purchase land by HOI.

DPC also supported PC(USA) mission-

aries around the globe including in Mada-

gascar, Taiwan, Malawi, and Mexico. See

“Staff List” on page 18.

Mission and Outreach Council | Julia Glenn Carter, 2013 Chair

2013 Annual Report

I n January 2013, the Nominations Council met to choose three new council

members from names submitted by the congregation. These nominees were

presented to the congregation for a vote at the Annual Meeting, and were elect-

ed to three-year terms.

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

new elders for the Class of 2016. The selected names were presented to the con-

gregation and were elected, with their installation and ordination in January 2014.

Elders also serve a three-year term.

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

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

This year the Nomination Council also worked to request nominations from the

congregation and prepares a slate for an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to

search for an Associate Pastor for Youth and Families. They then presented those

names for approval at a Congregational Meeting called for that purpose. The Asso-

ciate Pastoral Nominating Committee works independently of the Nomination Coun-

cil to fill the position needed.

Nominations Council | Lucia Sizemore, 2013 Chair

Retreat Center Ministry Council | David Holbrook, 2013 Chair

T he Retreat Center Ministry Coun-

cil continued its work to fulfill its

chartered purpose to "actively

manage and resource the Retreat

Center Ministry."

More than 350 children and adults

enjoyed the retreat center this year. The

28 groups visiting the facility ranged

from family groups staying one day to an

international children’s group that stayed

three weeks. There were organized DPC

groups, non-profit and non-DPC church

groups, family groups, and scout troops.

We even had a spill over group from the

Calvin Center.

Rental receipts reached a new high

of $7,625 allowing us to replace the ag-

ing refrigerator and replaced a leaking

shower floor while still under-spending

our budget and coming within $1,439 of

breaking even – a goal dreamed of, but

not achieved, in recent memory.

Mary Visscher joined our group to

bring focus to our dreams of a landscape

master plan. We are excited about her

vision of new plantings in the house ar-

ea, but are most excited about a new

trail recently blazed from the swimming

dock across the property and winding up

the hill to the fire pit near the house.

Clearing and shaping the land for this

and other trails in 2014 and beyond will

allow more people of all ages to enjoy

the natural beauty of the area.

2013 Annual Report

On a Work Day, Reid Owens and Greg

Perry install a ceiling fan on the porch

that spans the length of the retreat.

David Wiley is examined by

the session before being

installed as part of the Elder

Class of 2016.

Stewardship Council | Bo King, 2013 Chair

2013 Annual Report

T he Stewardship Council’s annual

campaign ran from the first day of

fall through October 27, when our

church celebrated Kirkin' of the

Tartans and Commitment Sunday. And

we packed a lot into those five weeks.

Highlights of the campaign included:

our first "DPC Open House" at which

our dedicated staff and volunteers

gave tours explaining how we use our

building for ministry and mission;

a dessert gathering at the Park

Springs community featuring Ken

Hughes’s reflections upon our Hondu-

ras and Habitat ministries;

our Fellowship Breakfast by the Men

of DPC during which Bill Jackson and

Tamara Gehle Hancock described

how they have overcome terrible grief

to turn their very lives into missions of

healing; and

Matt McMahan’s inaugural "in-

formance" which demonstrated both

the sophistication of our organ and

the nonpareil virtuosity of our minis-

ter of music. Upgrades to the organ

were possible thanks to the last capi-

tal campaign.

You responded as you always do: with

your time, talent, and treasure. The pledg-

es for 2014 that we have received to

date are equal to 98% of our 2013 budg-

et. Further, a strong December of both

pledged and sacrificial giving allowed us

to meet and even exceed our budgeted

commitments for 2013!

We enter the new year with a deep-

ened appreciation for your faithful sup-

port of our church's ministries and mis-

sions. We anticipate that more commit-

ments will follow in the weeks to come,

and encourage those of us who have not

yet pledged to take this opportunity to

support the work of our church.

During the stewardship

campaign, our worship ser-

vices were enriched by

Presentations of Offering

from members who attested

to the importance of our

church’s ministries and mis-

sion, including:

Ridgley Beckett on cam-

pus ministry,

Nancy and Michelle

Jones on our matchless

music program,

Ron Johnson on our

global missions,

Jake Broom and Jake

Vaughn on our youth

program, and

Erika Darling on our lo-

cal missions

ENDOWMENT GRANTS

T he Endowment Com-

mittee completed the

second “round” of grants

to DPC councils and com-

mittees in 2013 by dis-

persing more than

$41,000 in endowment

earnings. The awards fund-

ed opportunities for spe-

cial achievements beyond

normal operations and

maintenance and capital

purchases in the regular

Church budget.

The Endowment Fund

is comprised largely of un-

designated gifts and be-

quests, plus earnings from

those investments. Only

the earnings are spent.

Eleven awards were

made for projects by these

groups: Property Commit-

tee, Retreat Center Minis-

try Council, Faith For-

mation Council’s Youth

Committee, Presbyterian

Women (Congregational

Care Council); Mission and

Outreach Council’s Envi-

ronmental Task Force and

Threshold Ministry, and

Worship Council.

For the first time, En-

dowment awards qualified

to receive matching gifts

totaling more than $5,000

from anonymous members

of our congregation. These

matching gifts enabled

funds available from en-

dowment to reach further.

Endowment Committee Dan Shelles (Chair)

John Bingeman Wick Campbell Clark Candler

Ann Churchman Ken Graff

John Joyner Bob Matthews

Rev. Dr Todd Speed (Staff)

“Smart Board” in the Friendship classroom was funded by an

Endowment Grant and by private donations.

Worship Council | Jan Bedol, 2013 Chair

W orshipping together is a hall-

mark of the Christian faith

and certainly a significant

holy event held weekly at

Decatur Presbyterian Church.

Sunday morning service is held year

round, with special worship services add-

ed for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thurs-

day, Good Friday, Advent and a Service of

Healing and Wholeness.

In an effort to meet the need of a

cross section of our congregation and

community desiring an intimate, less for-

mal style of worship, New Song began in

the spring.

After a four-month pilot test of the

New Song service in 2013, Worship

Council has appointed a task force to

assess the early stages and propose how

to reach a broader worship community

as the service moves forward.

Children’s Chapel, meeting weekly

during the adult worship time, continues

to encourage our youngest members in

their faith journey. 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, musicians and

members’ reports during Minutes for

Mission.

Communion was offered monthly

during morning worship, New Song even-

ing services and many of the special ser-

vices. Two styles of communion are ad-

ministered, including intinction and the

traditional passing of the elements.

The choirs at DPC continue to lead us

in worship with their inspiring mu-

sic. Over 100 voices participate in the

choirs, from the very young singers led by

Lori McMahan to the adult choir led by

organist and choirmaster, Matt

McMahan.

As the Worship Council looks forward

to the new year, the primary concern is to

meet the spiritual needs of as many in

our congregation and community as pos-

sible. Our desire is to increase attend-

ance through inspiring worship experi-

ences while remaining true to Presbyteri-

an theology for worship and to the re-

quirements of the denomination's Direc-

tory for Worship.

2012 Annual Report

ENDOWMENT FUNDS 2012 2013

General Endowment Fund $156,876 $152,183

Elizabeth Marshall Endowment 603,936 630,132

Verna Blackstock Fund 110,703 115,495

Hugh Boswell Student Scholarship Fund 46,968 47,147

Nan Phillips Calhoun Fund 184,708 192,703

Helen Darnell Music Scholarship Fund 27,162 27,265

Jackson Scholarship Fund 6,151 6,000

Hal and Pattie Johnson Fund 95,005 99,117

McKee/Adult Education Fund 12,758 12,834

Mission and Outreach Fund 1,325 1,387

DPCC Scholarship Fund 8,449 8,840

Nelle Howard Organ Fund 14,123 14,599

Morse Endowment 221,470 231,057

Grand Total, All Funds $1,489,661 $1,538,759

2013 Annual Report

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three

are gathered together

in my name,

there am I

in the midst of them. (KJV)

New Song Worship Service

Held on Sunday eve-

nings at 5:00

6 weeks in the spring,

monthly during the sum-

mer, and again in the

fall for a 10-week period.

Initiated a new, more

casual format for wor-

ship at Decatur Presby-

terian Church.

Average attendance was

35-40 people.

Atkins, Katherine ....................Interim Director of Youth Ministry ................................... [email protected]

Beesley, Ann ...........................Interim Financial Administrator ....................................... [email protected]

Broom, Holly ...........................Childcare Director ............................................................ [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young, Dana ...........................Social Media, Website ..................................................... [email protected]

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.

2013 Annual Report

DPC Mission

& Key Values

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

Elizabeth Adams .....................Threshold Intern ............................................................... [email protected]

Beckett, Ridgley .....................Pastoral Intern for Campus Ministry ............................... [email protected]

Mcfarland, Lenora ..................Pastoral Intern for Visitation ............................................ [email protected]

Newman, Bobby .....................Supervised Ministry Intern/Youth Ministry Assistant .... [email protected]

NAME POSITION EMAIL ADDRESS

Missionaries Supported by DPC: Dan and Elizabeth Turk, Madagascar; Rev. Choon Lim and Yen Hee Lim, Hualien,

Taiwan; Jodi and Jim McGill, Mzuzu, Malawi; Mark Adams, Agua Prieta, Mexico.

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

2013 Annual Report

CLASS OF 2014 CLASS OF 2015 CLASS OF 2016

Jan Bedol Doug Fantz Brian Beaubien

Julia Carter Larry Fossett Jill Joyner

Les Cook Dudley Larus Julia Daly

Tamara Gehle Judd Owen Suzahn Huffman- Don-

aldson

Candace Godwin Brandon Pelissero David Jones

David Holbrook Karen Scarborough Iris Pollock

Tony Miller Charles Scott Gordon Rose

Greg Perry Mike Weitnauer Jody Sauls

Donna Stroup Fran Wiggins Dan Shelles

Jeff Vaughan Dave Williams Clark Simmons

Mary Wilson Nesie Williams David Wiley

Elder Classes

On their day of ordination and installation in January 2014, our newest Elder Class

of 2016 gathered in Keith Parlor. The include (L-R, front row) David Wiley, David

Jones, Brian Beaubien, and Clark Simmons. Back Row: Jody Sauls, Gordon Rose,

Suzahn Huffman-Donaldson, Dan Shelles, Iris Pollock, and Chet Allen. Julia Daly and

Jill Joyner were not present for the installation, but are shown when elected.

Chet Allen Sally Vaughan

YOUTH ELDER

through May 2013

YOUTH ELDER

through May 2014

The photos by Les Cook for this publication are gratefully acknowledged.

2014 Session

Organization

Chart

COUNCIL CHAIR (VICE CHAIR) STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration Clark Simmons (Judd Owen)

Kathy Morse, Todd Speed

Communications, Personnel, Planning, Property,

Technology

Congregational Care Nesie Williams (Suzahn

Huffman-Donaldson)

Ken Hughes

Caring Kitchen, College Connections, Fellowship Breakfast

by the Men of DPC, Flower Guild, Pastors’ Aides, Picnics,

Presbyterian Women, Senior Adult Ministry

DPCC (Decatur Presbyterian

Childrens’ Community)

Tony Miller (Iris Pollock)

Ellen McClure

Weekday Preschool, Weekly Chapel Service, DPCC calen-

dar 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 and Bring a

Faith Formation Jeff Vaughan (Doug Fantz)

Rebekah Abel Lamar, K. Atkins

Sunday School, Bible and Music Camp, Wednesday Night

Programs, Youth Ministries, Libraries

Finance David Jones and Gordon Rose

Todd Speed

Audit and Controls, Common Restricted Funds. Deacons’

Fund, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Memorial Gifts,

Investments

Mission & Outreach Larry Fossett (David Wiley)

Ken Hughes

Local Missions, Global Missions, Mission Trips, Environ-

mental Committee

Nominations Mike Weitnauer (Suzahn

Huffman-Donaldson)

Todd Speed

Elder Classes, Trustees, Pastor Search Teams

Retreat Center

Ministry

David Holbrook (Charles Scott)

Kathy Morse

Maintenance and Usage of Retreat Center, Promotion and

Programming

Stewardship Fran Wiggins

Todd Speed

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

cial Gifts Fund, Capital Campaigns

Worship Karen Scarborough (Jill Joyner)

Matt McMahan

Acolytes and Crucifers, Choirs, Memorial Services, Sacra-

ments, Ushers, Weddings

Moderator

Todd Speed

Associate Pastor

Ken Hughes

Clerk of Session

Les Cook (2014)

Assistant Clerks

Fran Wiggins (2015)

Clark Simmons (2016)

Treasurer

Anne Marie Miller

Trustees

John Weitnauer (2014)

Tom Adams (2015)

Reed Owens (2016)

Youth Elders

Sally Vaughan (through May 2014)

Chet Allen (through May 2015)

2013 Annual Report DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN...

Documents

Transcript of 2013 Annual Report DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN...