Annual Report 2009

Annual Parish Meeting8 February 2010

103 WILLOW STREETP.O. BOX S ST. MICHAELS, MD 21663

410.745.9076 Fax 410.745.5760www.christstmichaels.org

Monday, February 8, 2010The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The meeting begins with refreshments at 6:00 PM and dinner at 6:30 PM.

7:30 PM Annual Meeting

Hymn 525 – The Church’s one foundation

Opening Prayer

Minutes of the February 2009 Annual Meeting

Appointment of the Teller/Registrar – Mark Nestlehutt

Report of the Nominating Committee – Mark Nestlehutt

Parish Elections:Junior and Senior WardenMembers of the VestryDelegates and Alternates to the 2011 Diocesan Convention

Comments from the Senior Warden – Christopher Whyman

Recognition of those completing vestry terms – Christopher Whyman

Annual Stewardship Campaign Report – Carl Widell

Finance Reports for 2009 – Ed Sipe

Budget for 2010 – Bob Burger

Ministry Focus Reports: Parish & Community Life: Welcoming Committee – Jim McCloudOutreach & Wider Mission: Talbot Interfaith Shelter at Christ Church – Pamela McCloudClergy Wellness: Sabbatical Update – Abigail & Mark Nestlehutt

Comments from the Associate Rector – Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt

Comments from the Rector – Mark Nestlehutt

Closing Prayer and Blessing

Hymn 525 The Church’s One Foundation

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CONTENTS

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Minutes for the February 2009 Annual Meeting page 6

Senior Warden’s Report to the Parish Christopher Whyman page 8

Rector’s Report to the Parish Mark Nestlehutt page 9

Associate Rector’s Report to the Parish Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt page 11

Assistant’s Report to the Parish Mary Garner page 12

Report of the Nominating Committee Mark Nestlehutt page 13

Christian FormationAdult Christian Formation Doris Fink page 14Adult Inquirers Class Mark Nestlehutt page 15Church School Lee Thomas page 15

Outreach and Wider MissionBack to School Project Judy Sandground &

Gillian Whyman page 17Children’s Home Foundation Nance duPont &

Dianne Shaw page 17Community Food Pantry John & Nancy Masone page 18Community Grants John Hunnicutt page 19Community Youth Initiative Mark Nestlehutt page 20El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza Judy Sandground page 20El Hogar Dental Mission James Campi page 20Episcopal Relief & Development Pamela McCloud page 21Habitat for Humanity John Hunnicutt page 22United Thank Offering Carol Carlson page 22

Parish and Community LifeCoffee Hour Fritz Riedlin page 22Covenant Church Fund Oscar Carlson page 23Episcopal Church Women Sheila Vaughan page 23Kitchen Committee Mary Riedlin page 24Lea Library Robert & Lynn Barrett page 24Men’s Club Leo Foulds page 24Welcoming Committee Jim McCloud page 25

Pastoral CareCare Circle Joan Zwemer page 26Eucharistic Visitors Jessie Weddle page 26Knitting Group Linda Spire page 26Prayer Chain Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt page 27Stephen Ministry Lesley Moyer page 27

Stewardship

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Annual Campaign Carl Widell page 27Finance Report Bob Burger page 28Budget Report Bob Burger page 30Consolidated Balance Sheet Ed Sipe page 32Financial Accounts Description Ed Sipe page 33Building & Grounds Sal Simoncini page 35Tellers Ed Sipe page 35

Worship and Music Acolyte Report Lee Hamilton page 35Altar Guild Report Helen Bower &

Judy Hause page 36Flower Guild Nancy Besso page 36Music William Thomas page 36Readers/Eucharistic Ministers Chloe Pitard page 37Ushers Bob Burger page 38

Parish Statistics page 39

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2008 Annual Parish Meeting Minutes2 February 2009

Following dinner in Etherton Hall and singing of “The Church’s One Foundation”, the 2008 Annual Parish Meeting was opened with prayer at 7:35 PM by the Rev. Mark S. Nestlehutt, rector. Jessie Weddle was appointed as registrar/teller for the meeting by the rector.

MINUTES: Upon motion made and seconded, the minutes of the 18 February 2008 Annual Parish Meeting were accepted as presented.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT: Serving on the nominating committee were Mark Nestlehutt, Chris Whyman, Alison Sanford, Ann Roe, Bob Holden, and John Hunnicutt. Reporting for the committee. Chris put in nomination the following persons to serve as wardens, vestry members and convention delegates as follows:

Wardens to serve for a one-year term:Senior Warden: Christopher WhymanJunior Warden: Alison Sanford

There were no further nominations from the floor and upon motion made and seconded, Chris was elected unanimously as Senior Warden and Alison as Junior Warden for a one-year term of office.

Vestry members to serve for a three-year term:John BoothPhilip ParkinsonJudy SandgroundSherry Sutton

Ed Sipe made the motion that the nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by John Hunnicutt. The persons presented by the nominating committee, John Booth, Philip Parkinson, Judy Sandground, and Sherry Sutton, were elected unanimously by the parishioners present.

Delegates to 2010 Diocesan Convention: Alternate Delegates:Martha Austin James McCloudJohn Hunnicutt Pamela McCloudAlison Sanford Kay Perkins

The motion was made and seconded to accept the recommendations of the Nominating Committee and it was passed unanimously by all parishioners present.

COMMENTS FROM THE TREASURER: Ed Sipe was pleased to report that the year 2008 ended with revenues exceeding expenses by $45,448 and remarked on the generosity of parishioners.

COMMENTS FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN: Chris Whyman reported that Tim Clayton has taken over the sexton duties from Robert Thompson following Robert’s retirement and is doing an outstanding job. He also reported that the Care Circle is supplying transportation for those parishioners needing it. He thanked all parishioners for everything they do to make Christ Church what it is today.

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STEWARDSHIP REPORT: Carl Widell, chair, was unable to attend this meeting because his mother is in the hospital. However, he reported pledges for 2009 total $409,000 to date. Also, fifteen new people have been added to the parish lists.

RECOGNITION OF THOSE COMPLETING VESTRY TERMS: Mark Nestlehutt asked retiring vestry members, John Hunnicutt, Bob Holden, and Ann Roe, to come forward. He thanked them for all their hard word over the past three years they served and each was presented with an engraved pewter coaster. Craig English, also a retiring vestry member, had business commitments and was unable to attend the meeting. Mark announced the retirement of Jessie Weddle as Registrar. Jessie, named as Registrar by former rector, Erv Brown in 2001, had served as Registrar for eight years. Mark presented her with an engraved oval tray and thanked her for her service.

BUDGET FOR 2009: Bob Holden reported that the income for the past year was $462,886 - $22,886 over what was expected. Money in the bank is $222,534. Our investments at this point in time total $659,457, down 25% in value. Stock holdings have been moved to the Permanent Investment Fund and fixed-income assets have been moved to the General Investment Fund. Estimated income from both funds are estimated to be $34,000. We need $30,000 this year to make budget which is set at $568,275. The budget for 2008 was $544,550; actual income was $536,000.

ESTABLISHMENT OF WELCOMING COMMITTEE: The committee members are Jim McCloud (chair), Alison Sanford, Bob Burger, Judy Sandground, and Mark Nestlehutt. Parishioners known as “Shepherds” have joined with the ushers and greeters on Sunday mornings. It is proposed to merge the shepherds and the greeters into one group. Visitors and newcomers will be recognized at both Sunday services. Media outreach to inform the community of upcoming events is being handled by Judy Sandground. A ‘Bring a Friend to Church’ Sunday is in the offering.

SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS: Gillian Whyman and Pamela McCloud are heading up the Shelter for the Homeless program which is scheduled for the week of February 22 – 28, with another week scheduled for March. There are 121 homeless persons in the area and Christ Church will provide shelter for five persons. This includes dinner, breakfast, a packed lunch, and sleeping accommodations for five nights. All this is provided with volunteer labor.

SABBATICAL LEAVE FOR THE NESTLEHUTTS: Because the meeting was running late. Mark said that he and Abigail would limit their reports on the upcoming sabbatical leave. The grant from the Lilly Foundation in the amount of $45,000 has helped greatly with the finances for the leave. Mark and Abigail will use part of the time reestablishing family relations and will spend the first two weeks with Mark’s family in Georgia. The larger part of the sabbatical will take them to New Zealand and on to Australia where Mark will serve at St. Peter’s College, an Anglican boy’s school in Adelaide, with Asa attending as a student. While there Abigail will complete a directed readings program on spirituality and spiritual direction. They plan also to go to Alice Springs and also to Perth on the West Coast to visit with friends there before heaving back to the state by way to Tahiti. Abigail plans to spend much of her time in reading, study, reflection and refreshing vows.

CLOSING PRAYER: The Associate Rector, the Rev. Abigail Nestlehutt, gave the closing prayer and blessing and the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Senior Warden’s Report to the Parish

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This past year has been one both of change- some of it planned and some of it unexpected- and of continuing strong support of our many ministries and programs. There is not enough space to highlight all of our ministries, and the reports on the following pages cover many of these.

However mention must be made of the wonderful job in the area of pastoral care that our Stephen Ministers are doing. Stephen Ministry is a great calling and we are blessed at Christ Church with an excellent group of ministers. There is always room for more and an area of need that has been identified is male Stephen Ministers.

The economic downturn has had a disastrous effect on the part of our St. Michaels community living close to or below the poverty line and the number of children in need of assistance for Back-To-School supplies, year books, field trips etc. in our local schools has increased substantially. Our congregation has responded magnificently to this challenge raising a record amount for our Back-To School appeal.

Our congregation has taken on the responsibility of leading other churches and groups in our community to raise the funds and the volunteer pool to build a Habitat house here in St. Michaels. The aim is to break ground fairly soon.

Our church school is in good shape thanks to the hard work and leadership of our new Church School Superintendent - Lee Thomas, and The Rev. Mary Garner who have recruited some outstanding teachers for this year.

Turning now to the changes - our clergy couple Mark and Abigail and their family were away for four months on their planned sabbatical and we were fortunate in finding the Rev. Mary Garner to join the Rev. Paul Winters who led us full time during that period. We are grateful to Paul and Mary for the job that they did. Paul decided to retire from active ministry at the end of that period after serving as an assistant on our clergy team at Christ Church for over nine years. Fortunately for us Mary agreed to continue on our staff as Assistant Rector. We have also been delighted to welcome our new parish administrator, Carol Osborne, and our new sexton, George Short, onto our staff.

We now face a significant challenge which each of us needs to prayerfully consider. Our budgeted income for 2010 is below our anticipated expenses for the first time for many years. This has happened at a time when we need to increase our staff if we are to continue to grow as a parish and to continue to fully fund our ministries and programs. Many churches report that their volunteer pool is shrinking due often to lifestyle changes that have reduced the time available for volunteering. As a result and also in the face of increased expectations of churches for service by members and the larger community staff needs grow. Unfortunately whether or not they are even aware of it many churches staff for a decline in numbers. It is the view of our vestry that we must not allow this to happen at Christ Church and that we would like to find a way to increase either the number and/or the employment status of our clergy. Our parish has always found ways to successfully deal with any issues of this sort and we are confident that this will be the case again.

The spirit and faith of our Parish remains very strong and we look forward to another wonderful year at Christ Church, St. Michaels Parish.

Submitted by Chris WhymanRector’s Report to the Parish

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In some regards, the winter and spring of 2009 looked like all the others. We marked the feasts of Epiphany and Easter Day, as well as the fasts of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Inquirer’s classes were held, newcomers were confirmed or received during the Bishop’s annual visitation. The vestry continued with its focus on “Welcoming” newcomers and visitors and on evaluating our “Ministry to Children and Youth.”

Yet, 2009 was also a year like no other in the life of our parish. While this may sound trite, it is a statement of fact. Much of the focus of the parish’s life in 2009 was the rector’s and associate rector’s four-month sabbaticals and the parish’s own sabbatical project. During the past fifty years, if not for its entire history, Christ Church’s clergy had never taken a sabbatical. Thus, the preparations, logistics and staffing for the parish during the 2009 sabbatical period took center stage. Our wardens, Chris Whyman and Alison Sanford, willingly extended their terms to provide continuity of leadership during the May to mid-September sabbaticals.

On May 1, 2009, Abigail, our children and I, began our four-month sabbaticals by visiting my family in Georgia before departing for New Zealand and Australia where I was to serve as visiting chaplain at St. Peter’s College School in Adelaide. The sabbatical was a wonderful opportunity to try new things and to reconnect with working with young people. The cross-cultural experience of being in another Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion also proved to be invigorating and theologically and intellectually stimulating. Above all, the extended time to be with family was a true gift and one for which I am always grateful to the vestry and people of Christ Church.

Upon returning to the States, however, I was notified by the Senior Warden of some ongoing staffing concerns that required their attention and that of Bishop Shand. After conversations with the Wardens and the Bishop, Abigail and I decided to return to the parish a few weeks earlier than originally planned. Our Assistant Rector, Paul Winters, had decided to leave Christ Church and in subsequent conversations with the wardens and myself, our sabbatical assistant, the Reverend Mary Garner, agreed to join our parish clergy staff on a more permanent quarter-time basis. This was not the first staffing matter that the wardens had needed to address. In mid-July our sexton was let go and our former sexton, Robert Thompson, graciously came out of retirement to help out the parish. Shortly after my return to Christ Church, the wardens and I reached the difficult decision that we had to make a long overdo change in the parish office.

It has been said that the only person who likes change is a baby in a wet diaper. As such, the turnover of three key staff members during a three-month period was not without its challenges for some of our parishioners. Writing some three months after these changes, many parishioners have been struck by the overall improvement in the feel and friendliness of Christ Church and how we are taking seriously the mantra of being a “friendly, open and welcoming community.” Sunday attendance, which had fallen dramatically throughout the summer and early fall, was back up to pre-sabbatical numbers by late November and December. To date, Mary Garner, George Short and Carol Osborne have contributed so much to the life of our parish and have brought many gifts and talents to our veteran staff that includes Abigail Nestlehutt, Bill Thomas and Dominique Sturgis.

As we look to the beginning of 2010, there are many people who need to be thanked. First, Chris Whyman and Alison Sanford, our wardens, deserve tremendous credit for their leadership during some rather difficult and trying times. Chris completed three years as Senior Warden and Alison two years as Junior Warden. Both are looking forward to new roles at Christ Church. Four vestry members are completing their three-year terms: Mike Clark; Clyde Sisk; Sheila Vaughan; and Carl Widell. Mike

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spent his three years, first as liaison to Worship & Music, and then later as liaison for Outreach & Wider Mission. In addition, he chaired the Children & Youth subcommittee of the vestry. Clyde served as one of our liaisons for Parish & Community Life. Sheila also served as a liaison for Parish & Community Life while being a Co-president of the parish’s ECW. And last but not least, Carl served as chairman of our annual stewardship campaign during all three years of his vestry service. Their leadership, guidance and camaraderie will be missed.

In some regards, moving into a new decade is an exciting time for our parish. Outreach & Wider Mission, which has defined our parish for the past several years, continues to expand. In 2009 we saw a record level of giving to our “Back to School” project that benefits poorer public school children in St. Michaels and Tilghman. A new group of parishioners—many first timers—are meeting and planning their June 2010 work team trip to El Hogar in Honduras. Our dental mission continues to thrive with additional dental teams being recruited from throughout the United States. TIS, or Talbot Interfaith Shelter, meets an emerging need in our county and continues to draw volunteers, as does our commitment to Habitat for Humanity.

In all likelihood the “St. Michaels Faith Build”—a project led by Christ Church in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity—involving most of the faith communities from the St. Michaels area will be the defining project for us in the coming year. This initiative to build a Habitat house in St. Michaels will require a substantial effort from our parishioners as well as others. It is an opportunity for us to rally our support for those less fortunate within our own community.

Even in a struggling economy, Christ Church continues to be a dynamic and exciting parish in which to serve and one with an unparalleled generosity of spirit. As one of the largest parishes in the Diocese of Easton and with so many active parishioners, Christ Church still must decide what type of parish it wants to be—a growing parish, a maintenance or “steady state” parish, or a declining parish. As we evaluate what are the strengths and weaknesses of our parish, as well as the opportunities and threats that we face, decisions must be made about our proper staffing, budget and initiatives. These decisions will inform us as to the type of parish we hope to be in the future. The good news is that the choice is up to us.

Once again, I thank each of you for your commitment, faithfulness and desire to do God’s work as parishioners of Christ Church.

Submitted by The Reverend Mark Nestlehutt, Rector

Associate’s Report to the Parish

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Sabbatical influenced 2009 tremendously. Planning, executing and returning from sabbatical seemed to occupy much of my time and attention as well as that of the parish in general.

As reported in 2008, the Nestlehutt’s received a sabbatical grant from the Lily Endowment. This generous grant allowed us to take a four month sabbatical that involved a great deal of travel. Additionally, it assisted the parish in hiring clergy to be present in the parish while the rector and associate were away.

Planning and preparing to be away from the parish for four months involved many facets. Notably, I recruited Lee Thomas to take leadership of the Church School program. By all accounts she has done an excellent job and I am grateful for her faithful, energetic and generally wonderful ministry with the young people of Christ Church. In the area of pastoral care I worked with our Stephen Leaders to devise a plan for them to continue their ministry in a way that felt supportive. This included training an additional Stephen Leader and encouraging the team to meet with our sabbatical clergy in early May in order to facilitate communication regarding matters related to pastoral care. Most of our parish activities take place between September-May and so sabbatical did not affect this area a great deal. The one exception to this is the community-wide tent service. As always, Oscar Carlson provided dedicated organizational leadership and this year The Reverend Mary Garner preached while the clergy of the Bay Hundred Area churches covered other aspects of the service. During the winter and spring the people of Christ Church enjoyed various fellowship opportunities as customary. In general, planning and preparing included other details as well.

I was away from Christ Church from May 1st-September 1st. The theme of sabbatical was reconnecting and renewing. Toward this end, sabbatical began and ended with family visits and in between included travel to New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia and California. The four months of sabbatical gave me a treasured opportunity to be with my family in an unhurried and mindful way and also offered me the chance to explore more fully questions having to do with prayer, spirituality and spiritual direction.

While sabbatical most obviously appears to benefit the clergy who go away, I believe that it benefits the parish as well. During time without the usual clergy leadership the people of the parish have a chance to look at things in a new way and perhaps to take on some new responsibilities. Together we grow to greater appreciation of each other as well as test out and learn new skills that make our relationships richer.

Returning from sabbatical was a process. Because of staffing concerns made known to the rector, sabbatical ended with greater transition than anticipated. The time that I had set aside to process my experiences and incorporate them into my ministry at Christ Church did not materialize in the way that I planned. Still, it was good to return to the parish and to the ministry God has made possible for me in this place. I am grateful for all the various experiences of 2009 because through each one I have grown.

Submitted by The Reverend Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt, Associate Rector

Assistant Rector’s Report to the Parish

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Last Eastertide, I came to Christ Church to assist the Reverend Paul Winters during the Nestlehutt's sabbatical and I expected to leave upon their return. Paul and I had a wonderful summer together, enjoying what we called "our summer job". Free of the time constraints and responsibilities of the program year, we worked hard together to make sure that things were in place for the Church School and Rite 13 programs. We also took a fresh look at some aspects of pastoral care which resulted in a twice a month Eucharist at Londonderry and the installation of a confidential record keeping system of pastoral visits and contacts.When Paul retired, Christ Church graciously asked me to stay on. I continue to assist with pastoral care and ministry to children and youth, as well as preaching and leading worship. It has been exciting to experience the fullness of ministries and programs that have come with fall and winter. My time with you has been a wonderful blessing. I remember Tatiana's lovely words from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, "Summer still doth tend upon my state." and am grateful that my summer job goes on.

Submitted by The Reverend Mary P. Garner, Assistant Rector

Report of the Nominating Committee

Monday, February 8, 2010

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In accordance to the by-laws of Christ Church – St. Michael’s Parish, the Nominating Committee for 2010 consisted of the following individuals:

Martha Austin Alison SanfordMark Nestlehutt Sheila VaughanFritz Riedlin Christopher Whyman

The following persons have been nominated by the Committee for election at the 2009 Annual Meeting:

To serve as senior warden (1 year term): Robert Burger

To serve as junior warden (1 year term): Sherry Sutton

To serve as vestry members (3 year term): John MasoneRick MorganFritz RiedlinCarolyn Wasdyke

To serve as Delegates and Alternates for the Year 2011 Diocesan Convention:

Delegates AlternatesJim McCloud Neil ArmstrongPamela McCloud Susan ArmstrongKay Perkins Elizabeth Morgan

Submitted by Mark Nestlehutt, for the Committee

MINISTRY AREAS OF CHRIST CHURCH:

CHRISTIAN FORMATION; OUTREACH & WIDER MISSION; PARISH & COMMUNITY LIFE; PASTORAL CARE; STEWARDSHIP; and WORSHIP & MUSIC

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CHRISTIAN FORMATION

Adult Christian Formation Committee

The mission of the Adult Christian Formation is to provide Sunday morning forums for parishioners that deepen their understanding of and commitment to their faith. By word and example they will demonstrate the good news of God in Christ as they seek to serve Him in all persons. They will demonstrate their love of neighbor and strive for justice and peace among all people respecting the dignity of every human being.

Toward the end of the forum calendar year, a brainstorming session was utilized to create a listing of proposed topics for the upcoming year. After compiling and printing these topic titles, this listing was given to forum participants for rating purposes. The results of the rating process further assisted in the planning of topics for the next forum year. Clergy/staff recommendations were requested as well. These topics included subjects involving Holy Scripture, church history, Christian theology, studies in contemporary society, ministry, Christian ethics, and moral theology.

During 2009, thirty-three presentations were conducted by parishioners, clergy and guest speakers. Two additional forums entitled “Meet and Greet” focused on people becoming more familiar with one another. The first “Meet and Greet” was scheduled at the beginning of the first session in September; the second session took place in January after the New Year. Everyone enjoyed having extra time together to chat and meet new friends.

A listing of presenters for the past program year included Michael Clark (Vestry), Tim Fluharty (Fluharty Electric), Edward M. Gabriel (U.S. Ambassador to Morocco), John Hunnicutt (Vestry), Liz Kinchen (Executive Director of El Hogar in North America), Ryk Lesser (Green Energy Design), Jim McCloud (Vestry), Fritz Riedlin (former Senior Warden), Larry Sanford (Horn Point Laboratories), Christopher Whyman (Senior Warden), and Pamela Widell (architect). Clergy presenters were the Rev. Bee Billups, the Rev. Mary Garner, the Rev. Abigail Nestlehutt, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Shand, and the Rev. Paul Winters.

This committee led by chairman Fritz Riedlin who organized numerous weekly coffee hosts who provided delicious and attractive refreshments for all members. Margie Steffens, an environmentalist, introduced an organic Fair Trade coffee. A subgroup of the kitchen group kept our facilities in immaculate condition.

For the purpose of making our forum sessions more interactive and inviting, we introduced the use of permanent name cards for each member. We are grateful to Tom Norris for constructing the name card boards and Linda Doherty for printing the name cards. This new process has been well received by both new and seasoned members of the Adult Forum.

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Our support staff made it possible for The Adult Christian Formation group to be an effective vehicle in Christ Church. Robert Holden, former Vestry member, continued to complete the task of copying Sunday morning presentations on discs for our church library. We also introduced a portable microphone for audience participation so that questions/comments could be recorded. Jim McCloud, Adult Christian Formation Vestry Liaison, supported the Adult Christian Formation Group at the vestry level and was available to fill in and assist the Sunday morning forums in many capacities.

George Short, our custodian, willingly arranged the room for all occasions. Carol Osborne, parish administrator, highlighted our program news in the Sunday bulletins and produced our semi-annual trifolds. Kim Liberatore-Stolz, Tidings Editor, published The Adult Christian Formation news monthly. We are grateful for their untiring efforts on our behalf.

On December 13, I ended my six and one half years as chairperson to the Adult Christian Formation group. This experience has been a God-given gift. It is with great thanksgiving and praise to God for all of the members who supported our forums during my tenure. I have surely been blessed during our spiritual journey together. Beginning on January 10, 2010, the Adult Christian Formation group will be led by Chairman Carl Widell, former Stewardship Chairman of Christ Church. Blessings to Carl.

Submitted by Doris G. Fink, Adult Christian Formation Committee Coordinator

Adult Inquirers Class

The adult inquirers class is for those adults who are new to Christ Church, the Episcopal Church or Christianity in general. The scope of the class encompasses what it means to be a Christian and how the Episcopal Church understands this question, as well as our own specific style of worship and denominational history. The class met four times during February and March 2009. The primary text for the class was Christopher Webber’s book, Welcome to the Episcopal Church and our principle text for worship, The Book of Common Prayer (1979). Nine individuals attended the course. During his April 2009 visitation, Bishop Shand confirmed seven individuals who had attended the class.

Submitted by Mark Nestlehutt

Church School

We co-hosted Vacation Bible School with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church this past summer. Approximately 40 children from our community enjoyed a week of creative and evangelical fun and praise. We had 15 teens from Christ Church Rite 13, St. Luke's, and the local community who pitched in and helped keep our little campers engaged and on schedule during the week. It was a wonderful community effort!  Our Rite 13 youth also hosted the Easter Egg Hunt for the littlest of our parishioners. They stuffed the eggs and came on a chilly Easter morning to hide the eggs in our church yard and kept the hunters safely on our property.   The 2009/2010 Program Year started off in mid-September with a Commissioning of the Classroom Leaders and Assistants during the 10:15 AM service. We had ten talented (and dedicated) adult volunteers and several youth who alternated so that there were always at least two adults in the

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classroom every week. This year we choose to have one integrated classroom with children ages four through 4th grade (9-10 years).  (Youth in grade 5th through 8th were welcomed to participate in the Rite 13 Program offered on every other Sunday afternoon during each month.)  There were 23 children registered in the church school program and average attendance was between eight and fifteen children weekly. Church school ran very smoothly this year thanks to Lee Thomas' dedication and organization and the commitment of all teachers and volunteers -- plus a great group of children. While we were using the same curriculum as last year, Seasons of the Spirit, we often substituted other lessons and activities for the children, to try and hold everyone’s interest.  It can be a bit of a challenge to contain some of the youthful enthusiasm in the rooms upstairs! We tried a new approach with snack this year and have been serving it upstairs in the classroom at the end of the lesson and activity. This seems to be working well and makes it an easier transition from classroom to chapel, but we’ve decided to have the children enjoy snack downstairs after the Adult Forum on the first Sunday of each month starting in February so that the children can interact with their parents and other adults on those days. 

The Rite 13 program has moved to a bi-weekly Sunday afternoon schedule to accommodate activities which require more time to complete. This year we have been kayaking, been on a geo-caching adventure, assembled Thanksgiving meals for needy Bay Hundred families, and baked cookies for Youth Sunday services. These young members of the parish continue to provide positive efforts and hard work for the parish and look forward to the Habitat Faith Build.

Some highlights of activities we’ve experienced together so far: September – “Sundae Social” to kick off the Program YearOctober – “All Hallows Pumpkin Project” carving with the Reverend Mary GarnerNovember – Creation of an All Saints Day “bell banner” for the remembrance of saints among us & annual Advent Wreath workshopDecember – Preparations and planning for the annual Christmas Pageant The Christmas pageant was held on January 3rd, postponed due to the snowstorm on the weekend of December 20th. Always a popular event, the pageant was a huge success and many commented it was one of the best so far. It was nice to start off the new year with a reminder of what Christmas is really about. Speaking of which, 2010 is underway and we’re looking forward to a special Youth Sunday on January 31st. The class schedule for January through May will be distributed soon and we hope to plan some special events each month for the children to participate in. We definitely have a great group of children and adult volunteers – thanks to all of them and thanks be to God!

Submitted by Phil Parkinson

OUTREACH & WIDER MISSION

Back to School Project

2009 has been another difficult year for many in our community. The number of children at or below the poverty level has risen to almost 50% at Tilghman Elementary School and to 37% at St Michaels Elementary School.

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This year we filled 54 backpacks and many plastic storage bins with the required supplies for all elementary grades and delivered them before school opened for the new school year. With the concerns about H1N1 virus we decided to purchase large quantities of hand sanitizers and hand soap, encouraging the children to use often, in an attempt to provide a degree of protection for all those in the school environment. We increased the amount of supplies purchased and gave each school a check with additional money to cover field trips and periodicals.

Normally our Back to School program supports only elementary children at St. Michaels and Tilghman. This year, however, donations of college ruled paper and spiral notebooks prompted us to visit St. Michaels High School to offer these supplies. While at the high school we discovered many more students in need. Not only did they need basic supplies but there were students who were unable to pay their insurance on the computers provided by Talbot County, and the principal advised that five students graduating in 2010 could not afford their senior pictures or their caps and gowns. After some discussion about expanding our program, we delivered a check for the lap top computer insurance for 20 students and for the senior pictures and caps and gowns. In addition we provided high school students with 14 backpacks and extra supplies. The need for nine of those backpacks was identified by volunteers at the Food Bank. We did explain to the high school principal that we could not promise this help on a regular basis, but due to the generous support of our congregation we were able to do it for this school year.

To everyone who donated, we do thank you. It has truly been a record year for the Back to School campaign. You make a big difference in the lives of so many in our community.

Funds raised in 2009 $16,410Funds spent as of 1/17/10 $10,541Funds available for additional needs during the second semester and funds available to allow us to begin shoppingin June $ 5,869

Submitted by Judy Sandground and Gillian Whyman

Children’s Home Foundation (CHF)

The Children's Home Foundation of the Eastern Shore provides scholarships to high school graduates who want to pursue vocational and technical fields of education. The most popular courses that are studied include nursing, early childhood education, radiology technology, computer technology, and business management. Currently 106 students are enrolled with scholarships totaling $192,000. These students usually graduate within two or three years with a marketable skill, remain on the eastern shore and contribute to our work force. CHF also offers "camperships" to children to attend summer camps; about half attend Camp Wright. In 2009, CHF supported 92 campers totaling $29,000 – a 24% increase in the number of campers from 2008. 

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Most of the children and graduates who receive scholarships and camperships would not have had the opportunity to attend summer camp or to pursue further education. The contributions which you so generously give every year in November are distributed locally. The Children's Home Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. It has donated more than $3.6 million to needy students and children during that time. We owe all our thanks to our generous donors. 

Submitted by Nance duPont and Dianne Shaw 

St. Michaels Community Food Pantry

We are pleased to advise that despite the worst recession since 1929, the St. Michaels Community Food Bank’s mission of providing food for those who need it - a need that has tripled in the last four years - has been met in multiple ways through the generous spirit of our parish and community at large. Children and young people have joined the adult members of Christ Church in assuring that no one goes without nourishment. There are no employees or staff associated with this mission – every single penny donated is used to provide food for our most impoverished and vulnerable neighbors.

Here are some highlights and new initiatives for 2009:

We prepared an unprecedented number of Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for our community. Our thanks to our Rite 13 youth at Thanksgiving and (in our absence) to Mary Ellen Olcese and John Scofield at Christmas.

The Food Bank was “adopted” by the Vacation Bible School class this summer. Students learned about the mission of the Food Bank and every student brought in one or more food items daily to class. The donations resulted in dozens of bags of groceries for our needy clients.

The annual Boy Scout Food Drive produced more than twice the amount of food ever received. The Girl Scouts, the Woman’s Club, St. Michaels Elementary School, Tilghman Elementary

School, Talbot Bank, and St. Luke’s parishioners have all had year-long food drives, fundraising, or both.

St. Michaels Farmer’s Market vendors now graciously donate fresh vegetables every Saturday in season. These are collected and refrigerated in the Christ Church parish hall fridge and distributed by volunteers to clients later in the week.

Regular service hours have been established: Mondays 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Thursdays 3:00 to 5:00 PM and one Thursday evening a month from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A volunteer is there to assist clients in selecting foods based on their specific family size and nutritional or medical needs.

We have established an additional low income housing contact to assist in helping provide food to shut-ins.

Major cash donations and grants for the year include Christmas in St. Michaels, St. Michaels Rotary, Crop Walk, Empty Bowls, and the St. Michaels Food and Wine Festival. Our thanks go out to every community member assisting these volunteer service clubs and programs.

Perhaps the greatest gift received in the history of the St. Michaels Food Bank is the check for over $4,000 in completely unsolicited Christmas gifts from Christ Church parishioners. What a true gift!

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Our finances remain strong thanks to all your work and generous support.

Submitted by John and Nancy Masone

Community Grants

With an emphasis on the youth in our area, the Community Grants Committee undertook an outreach strategy to ensure support to programs and projects we should know more about or not want to neglect. The geographic priority order was our local Bay Hundred area, the Eastern Shore/Delmarva, the nation and international activities. The committee met quarterly which enabled it to spread grants throughout the year. The process for considering grants was formalized with requirements for more explicit and informative written requests from grant recipients. The committee also began preliminary consideration of initiating a matching grants program. A certain portion of its budget would be set aside to match the support provided by parishioners for programs in which they are actively and personally involved. With a budget of $20,000 plus $4,000 to be allocated for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) the Committee supported these programs and projects:

Bay Hundred Youth Task ForceBoy Scout Troop 741Camp AgapeCamp WrightCourt Appointed Special Advocates of Talbot CountyChannel MarkersChildren’s Home FoundationCritchlow Adkins Children’s CenterEl Hogar Ministries & Dental ClinicEpiscopal relief and Development (MDG)For All SeasonsGirl Scout Troop 799Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (MDG)St. Michaels Youth & Law Enforcement St. Michaels Community CenterSt. Michaels Volunteer Fire DepartmentThe Talbot Interfaith Shelter

Submitted by John Hunnicutt

Community Youth Initiative/Wednesday “Teen Night”

The Community Youth Initiative is a joint venture of Christ Church and the St. Michaels Community Center that dates to the fall of 2005. Teen Night is held on Wednesday evenings in Etherton Hall during the academic calendar year. The program is an enrichment program for middle school age young people from the Bay Hundred area. In addition to safe space and age-appropriate programming, a warm meal is provided. During the summer months the program is held at the Bay Hundred Pool with weekly Splash Parties. The program is funded from a line item under the Outreach and Wider Mission area of our annual operating budget. In 2009 we undertook a review of the project and in

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conjunction with the Community Center the “Teen Night” program was relocated to the Community Center’s new in-town location on Railroad Avenue.

Submitted by Mark Nestlehutt

El Hogar de Amor Y Esperanza (the Home of Love and Hope)

The involvement of Christ Church with the children and staff of El Hogar in Tegucigalpa, Honduras began in 2004. Parishioner work teams visited in May 2005, May 2006, and March 2007. A trip planned for May 2008 was cancelled due to a hurricane and an airliner crash at Tegucigalpa International Airport.

Funds to support the orphanage and school were raised in 2008 from the proceeds of our Fabulous Fish Fry Fiesta. Another Fish Fry Fiesta, sure to be fabulous, will be held this year on March 12, 2010 to support this outreach.

Liz Kinchen, Director of El Hogar Ministries, Inc., preached at both services and led Adult Forum in October. Another Christ Church work team is being organized for the summer of 2010.

Submitted by Judy Sandground with input from Abigail Nestlehutt

El Hogar Dental Mission

This past year was a busy year for the dental mission program. The completion of much needed storage space and new sink area was a great help.

In mid March, the first dental team from Christ Church spent nine days at El Hogar. A team of four headed by Dr. Campi examined some 70-plus new kids and treated many of 400 children at El Hogar that week. The following week, Dr. Holston from Easton brought his staff with him and continued to treat the children. This was followed by a child specialist, Dr. Rozanski, from Florida. He and his staff spent a week in May at the Clinic.

Dr. Campi, a dental assistant and a dental technician from Schein Dental Company returned in September to treat some and do maintenance work on all the equipment. A team from Fredericksburg, Virginia followed them as the final week of work in 2009.

2010 promises to be another successful year with three teams scheduled to work a week at a time at the clinic. The first trip is scheduled for February 4th through the 13th. The same team that has gone for the past three years from Christ Church will again make the mission trip to treat the children. Two teams from Easton will follow in May. Dr. Holston’s office staff will return for the second time and will be followed by one of his classmates, a child specialist Dr William Houck. Each will spend a week treating the children.The program is on solid ground. We still are looking for other dental teams that are willing to go and heal those in need. Please let us know if your dentist would be willing to help this mission of mercy.

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I will be at Christ Church for the adult forum on March 21st to review and answer any questions about the program. I hope to see all of you then.

Submitted by Dr. James R. Campi, El Hogar Dental Chair

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD)

Christ Church has supported Episcopal Relief and Development for several years through an annual contribution. This program is a compassionate response of the Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Hearing God's call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief and Development serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and others with the needs of the world. ERD faithfully administers the funds that are received from the Church and raised from other sources. It provides relief in times of disaster and promotes sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering. Episcopal Relief and Development cherishes its partnerships within the Anglican Communion, with ecumenical bodies and with others who share a common vision for justice and peace among all people.

Our parish’s contribution added to that of others as well as individual and corporate donors allowed ERD to provide services to almost 3 million people in 46 countries in 2008. With a budget of just over $20 million, 92% of all donor dollars go directly to programs (administrative and fundraising expenses of 15% are offset by Mission Society contributions). As a result, ERD meets established measures of donor efficiency. Christ Church’s support of ERD will allow it to continue its commitments to:

Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening CommunitiesPromoting Health and Fighting DiseaseResponding to Disasters and Rebuilding Communities

For further information on the work of ERD, visit their website at er-d.org.

Submitted by Pamela McCloud

Habitat for Humanity

A Habitat “Partner in Faith” and a leader in the “St. Michaels Faith Build”

Christ Church continued its active support of Habitat for Humanity Choptank. As a committed “Partner in Faith” we offered our prayers for Habitat and its volunteers; we continued our annual financial support; and, every other month we assembled a construction crew to participate in a current building project.

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Affirming our commitment, the Vestry early in the year decided that we would undertake the leadership in organizing a coalition of local churches and a broad range of St Michaels citizens to build a decent, affordable home for a deserving family

In October we were joined by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Union United Methodist Church in launching the “St. Michaels Faith Build”. The future homeowner met our parishioners during recent Sunday services. After several months of effort the money needed to begin the project was raised and the groundbreaking is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2010. Construction work on the home on Brooks Lane will take place every Tuesday and Saturday. Volunteers from the three churches and the community are being organized and schedules are in preparation. More financial resources are needed to complete the project and active fundraising in the community will continue.

Submitted by John Hunnicutt

United Thank Offering

Two UTO ingatherings were conducted, one in May 2009, the other in November 2009, for a total of $1,645.61.  (May $792.00, November $1,276.00) Because we have so many reasons to be thankful, others do, too.

Submitted by Carol Carlson

PARISH & COMMUNITY LIFE

Coffee Hour

The coffee hour between services continues to run very smoothly. We have enough hosts so that the burden on each host team is not too great. The clean-up remains a “team” effort, with enough hands doing dishes and emptying and cleaning the coffee urns, so that it is seamless and quick.

 Special recognition must be given to Margaret and Al Naeny for the outstanding job on Founders Day Sunday. The crowd at adult forum was “standing room only” and the fare was truly very special and appropriate for the time we were celebrating.

 To Margaret, Al and all the others who participate we give heart felt thanks!

Submitted by Fritz Riedlin, Coffee Hour Team Coordinator

Covenant Church Fund

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We had one joint tent service on June 28, 2009. We started with a balance of $1,217.62, collected $869.30.00 at the service, had expenses of $938.50, which left a balance of $1,148.42

Submitted by Oscar Carlson, Treasurer, Covenant Churches

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

The organization of Episcopal Church Women empowers women to serve Christ, our Church, and our Community. All women of Christ Church are members of ECW and are encouraged to participate in our outreach activities, monthly programs, and fellowship.

For the second straight year, we raised over $22,000 for our outreach ministry through our spring and fall rummage sales, Christmas Bazaar, and card party. The combined efforts of all volunteers, including the men of the parish and our friends and neighbors, will enable us to serve approximately 25 charities this year. In addition to the above charities, ECW distributed Christmas gift bags to people who were unable to participate in Church activities and provided Christmas presents for children through our Angel Tree project. Our parishioners contributed generously for the United Thank Offering.

Our monthly ECW luncheon/programs encourage friendship and camaraderie. We learned about the art of paper cutting in January from renowned artist, Nancy Cook. Tom Orem presented a timely program on financial planning in February. Our first Christ Church card party at Londonderry last March was a resounding success with all tables filling up quickly. This “fun-raiser” brought in over $800.00 for outreach. Betsy Taylor presented us with a fascinating glimpse into the gardens of Beatrix Farrand in April. Everyone enjoyed our May trip to the Washington National Cathedral and the luncheon hosted by the women of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Our annual June luncheon was held at Londonderry Manor House again, to the delight of all. We returned in September to the Reverend Mary Garner’s inspiring program on incorporating prayer into our daily lives. Our October program by Alice Bower and Valerie Lamont introduced us to the work of the Women and Girls’ Fund. We all enjoyed Lynn Freeburger’s November program on the restoration of the Asbury & Green Cemetery in Bozman. November is also memorable as Jessie Weddle was honored by the Diocesan ECW at a Service of Thanksgiving for Women’s Ministries.

Our 2nd Annual Interfaith Christmas luncheon and program brought approximately 80 women from all the churches in St. Michaels together for a delicious luncheon and companionship. Afterwards, 90 men and women filled the church for a stellar performance of the Easton High School Chamber Singers under the direction of Chris Noyes.

The Executive Board of ECW thanks the women and men of our parish for your time, talents, and generosity. You have helped us to serve Christ, our church, and our community. Peg Orem and I have thoroughly enjoyed our two years as co-presidents of Christ Church’s ECW. We thank you for your love and support. 

Submitted by Sheila Vaughan 

Kitchen Committee

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The ten members of the kitchen committee have worked diligently taking good care of our wonderful kitchen. Two members are on kitchen duty for one week, every five weeks, and work with outside groups who plan to use the kitchen facility. Using the dishwasher properly is our greatest concern, and one of the team members is responsible for meeting with the group to assist with this operation.

 George Short, our sexton, has been very helpful in seeing that the "hard to reach" areas, such as the ceiling lights, gas stove, etc. are cleaned. He is also assisting us with the recycling of glass containers, metal cans and plastic containers.  This is quite a job and we are very appreciative for his service. The congregation has been responsive when we make a plea for towels or dishcloths, etc.  We need to reiterate our request that all left over food brought into the kitchen for an event is not to be in the refrigerator. This very much includes opened bottles of soda.  Thank you for your help and support.

Submitted by Nancy Sipe and Mary Riedlin, Co-Chairs

Lea Library

The Lea Library continues to grow. We purchased books costing $116.20 and received several boxes of books as donations. Circulation of books also continues to grow. In addition to a number DVDs, we have also added CDs recorded from the Sunday forums. The principal problem at the moment is one of space for books. We are in the process of shelving oversized books by themselves and removing duplicate copies and unwanted books from the shelves to create more space. We expect to have additional shelves for books in the workroom to house the duplicates. When all the above has been completed we will have to remove computer records of books no longer held in the library.

Submitted by Marilyn and Robert Barrett

Men’s Club

The Men’s Club unites members in brotherhood and prayer and strengthens knowledge of local, national and world issues. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month (except June-August) at 8 AM at Christ Church in Etherton Hall. Breakfast is served followed by a short prayer and a wide range of speakers have been invited. Maintaining a level of interest and subjects discussed is an ongoing challenge and some member have aided this.

A breakfast donation of $10 is required to which $7 pays for a hot freshly cooked on site ‘gourmet’ breakfast and the remainder goes into a charitable fund. The group has contributed over $2,000 to El Hogar and recently $1,000 to Habitat for Humanity. We still have $1,300+ in the fund to be dispersed later. Membership remains at a steady thirty-five and our donations are testament to their loyalty and support.

Submitted by Leonard H. Foulds, III, Chairman, Men’s Club

Welcoming Committee

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I was a stranger, and you welcomed me (Matthew 25:35)

Growing out of a vestry retreat in February 2008, the Welcoming Committee was established to reach out to new members for Christ Church and to ensure that all who attend are warmly received. The committee is composed of Bob Burger, Mark Nestlehutt, Judy Sandground, Alison Sanford, Sheila Vaughan, and Chairman, Jim McCloud. Meetings are held in the parish house, the third Tuesday of each month.

Activities carried out in 2009 that helped ensure a warm reception to all visitors included: clergy recognition of visitors; distribution of Welcome Packets; follow-up with visitors from the area; and a rector’s reception for newcomers. Also, the genuine welcome from the Greeters and Ushers as well as the parishioners has gained Christ Church a reputation as warm and friendly church.

To attract newcomers, the Welcoming Committee has worked to spread the word about Christ Church programs and activities and thus help make us an appealing spiritual destination and home. Judy Sandground in particular was responsible in 2009 for the excellent coverage Christ Church received in local newspapers and publications. She also placed advertisements for Christ Church public events, and new this year, arranged for a display ad in the Yellow Book. In addition, she purchased a new sandwich board to promote Christ Church events. The Welcoming Committee also formed the Parish Paparazzi this year, a group of church photographers who take photos of Christ Church events for use with our own publications as well as for the media. The committee also coordinated the updating of the church database and the publication of a new parish photo directory to be released early in 2010. Special thanks are due to Jim Campi (until his departure), and Fritz and Mary Riedlin for their organization of the photo shoots and follow-through. Also thanks to Kim Weller for formatting the directory.

For 2010, we will continue the above activities and will also expand our welcoming efforts. For example, during a special service this year, new members will be incorporated formally into our parish. The Welcoming Committe also planned a new event, the commemoration of the 1672 founding of St. Michael’s Parish on January 24th. The historically accurate worship services enjoyed good publicity and attract wide interest. New as well in 2010 will be a web-based version of the parish photo directory making it easy to add and update information for newcomers and old timers alike.

Submitted by Jim McCloud, Committee Chair

PASTORAL CARE

Care Circle

Our Care Circle volunteers are an active group who happily prepare and deliver meals to those in need of a little help through a difficult time due to illness or the happy stress after an addition to the family. They also readily provide transportation for such things as medical appointments or occasional grocery shopping. Our volunteers are always available for whatever needs are to be met. Of course, we can

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always use more help and we very much appreciate being informed if you know someone who might be in need, but is hesitant to ask for assistance. We always get more from these efforts than we give. Please let Joan Zwemer or Abigail know if you would like to be involved.

Submitted by Joan Zwemer

Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharistic visitors are those lay persons licensed by the diocese to lay communion to the ill or persons otherwise unable to get to church. Communion kits for this purpose contain wafers and wine which have been blessed by the priest during a service of Holy Communion. Presently we have four eucharistic visitors, all of whom have been dedicated to this ministry for the past eight years. During the year 2009, 78 private communions were entered in the church register. Of these our Eucharistic Visitors served 58, some in private home, some in the hospital, and other in retirement homes.

Submitted by Jessie Weddle

Knitting Group

The Christ Church Knitting group continues to bring joy and satisfaction to its members, old and new, as they use their talents for the benefit of others. New members are always welcome to help us with our work. The creation of knitted bears for AIDS orphans throughout Africa, prayer shawls for those who are ill, baby blankets for the newest members of our parish, mittens and scarves for those in need, and assorted items for the ECW Christmas Bazaar keep us busy and very productive. The camaraderie and friendship that accompanies our work is an added bonus. We were saddened to lose two of our founding members this years – Sarah Megargee and Mary Thomas. We miss their bright spirits and gifted hands.

Submitted by Linda Spire

Prayer Chain

The Prayer Chain at Christ Church is a group of twelve women and men of the church who pledge to pray daily for a specific and confidential list of concerns. The group meets monthly for updates and for mutual encouragement. Being steadfast in prayer in this fashion is one way in which we live out our baptismal promise to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.” At the end of 2009 Doris Fink stepped down as convener of the Prayer Chain after many years of dedicated service. We are grateful for her faithful ministry. The Reverend Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt resumed leadership of the group in the fall of 2009.

Submitted by Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt

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Stephen Ministry

Our Stephen Ministry program continues to flourish – as of this writing we have a total number of 18 trained Stephen Ministers (two of whom also serve on the Leadership Team). Two of these Stephen Ministers are members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Also as of this writing, Ann Roe is attending a Leadership Training Conference and we are eager to welcome her home to join the team. In October, 2009 one of our Leaders, Aly Valentine decided to step down. Aly has taught all three classes to date, and was invaluable during the initiation of our program. We owe her many thanks for her thoughtful wisdom and insightful teaching. Tom Mendenhall ‘stepped up to the plate’ and went to Leadership Training in June. He came back from the conference full of enthusiasm and ideas and did a wonderful job of rejuvenating us just in time for the beginning of the fall schedule. Tom will continue where Aly left off and teach future classes. We are hoping to start a “Men Only” class sometime this year. To date, our team has ministered to 32 care receivers, ten are currently matched with care receivers, and we regularly meet on a monthly basis for supervision meetings. We continue to be a strong and highly dedicated team, eager and ready to be of help dealing with a variety of difficult and trying circumstances – we are here to CARE and LISTEN.

Submitted by Lesley Moyer

STEWARDSHIP

Annual Campaign

In 2009, our Stewardship Campaign continued to face challenges originating from a depressed economy. We received pledges of $440,000, which is below our goal and below our pledge total of $470,000 from last year. This means we will have to cut back on several of the programs we had planned and in all probability will have to cut back on some existing programs. I would like to thank our Stewardship Committee, Chris Whyman, Alison Sanford, Bob Burger, Chloe Pitard and Phil Parkinson who worked very hard in a difficult year. A special thanks to Carol Osborne who came in new and got to work at once, with a warm, pleasant manner that made my job much easier.

Submitted by Carl Widell, Stewardship Chair

Finance Report

Christ Church St. Michael’s Parish is blessed with members who care very deeply about the missions of the church and our ability to meet parish, community, and even broader goals. As evidence of this commitment, 2009 ended on a positive financial note with income exceeding expenses for the fifth consecutive year. This result was achieved in no small part by the vestry and members throughout the congregation who exercised great responsibility in the use of church funds. Their diligence led to a year-end surplus of $23,384. At a meeting of the vestry on January 12, 2010, a motion was approved to transfer these funds to the Operating Reserve Fund.

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Although the 2009 calendar/fiscal year ended well, some areas of concern began to emerge – problems that will present serious challenges to our parish throughout 2010 if they are not resolved in the near future. In the first section below, income sources for 2009 and 2010 that generate revenue for our operating budget will be discussed. The second section will focus on 2009/2010 expenses associated with clergy and our six areas of mission. In both of these sections, the aforementioned challenges will be noted, where appropriate. Following the sections, budget summaries are appended to provide further detail.

Section I – Income for 2009 and 2010

The single greatest source of income is Pledges. In 2009, pledges were somewhat slow coming in, creating concern that revenue goals would not be met. However, nearly $40,000 in pledges were received in December, the revenue gap narrowed, and the year-end shortfall was only $2,560. The true extent of the problem became clearer during the Stewardship Campaign for 2010. As of the writing of this report, pledges of only $419,000 have been received for 2010. This amount falls short of our goal by over $90,000 and creates a need for vestry to approve a structural deficit-funded operating budget for the first time in recent history. In order to meet our expense obligations under this budget, substantial distributions from both the Outreach Account and the Operating Reserve will be necessary unless supplementary fundraising efforts are successful.In order to offset possible deficits in 2009 and probable deficits in 2010, a distribution of $36,000 was taken from the Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF). This meant that income from investments eventually exceeded budgeted amounts for 2009 by over $13,000. This positive outcome, together with the generous contributions of people in the budget category of “Friends,” allowed us to overcome deficits in other income categories and realize a final budget surplus of $6839 in total revenue received.

Section II – Expenses by Mission Area for 2009 and 2010

Clergy – For the second consecutive year, clergy has declined to accept the merit raise approved by vestry. This generous act is meant to help meet the financial demands facing the parish in 2010. The vestry has decided to keep all current clergy and staff in place for this year in the hope that economic conditions will improve and church revenue levels will increase as a result of stewardship efforts during 2010.

Worship and Music – This mission area was under budget by over $7,000 for 2009. In 2010, some of this surplus will be used to pay for important repairs to the church organ. Funds available for choir section leader salaries have been reduced, and the overall 2010 budget for this area is nearly $2,000 less than last year.

Christian Formation – Although vestry was able to approve a slight increase in the church school and nursery budgets, the overall 2010 budget for this mission area is $220 less than for 2009. Additional savings may be realized in this area if spending economies realized last year continue.

Parish and Community Life – This is an area of mission that is comprised of activities where significant savings can be realized. Through the careful use of funds, 2009 expenditures in this area approached $5,000 less than was budgeted with large savings in Visibility/Advertising and the

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Welcoming Committee. The 2010 budget reflects our expectation that similar savings can be realized in 2010 without compromising goals in this important part of our church life.

Outreach and Wider Mission – Grants in this area will be based on distributions from the Outreach Account. Although some grants may be reduced for 2010, it is not the intent of vestry to eliminate these grants. Further, it is vestry’s hope that full funding can be restored if the 2010 stewardship campaign is successful. All outreach responsibilities for 2009 were met in full.

Pastoral Care – The Stephen Ministry Training budget has been left at the same level as for 2009. Over expenditures in this area last year were necessary to train larger than expected numbers of volunteers and are unlikely to be repeated in 2010.

Stewardship – With our new sexton on board, expenditures will be more predictable in 2010 with less reliance on outside contract help. Although utilities are projected to cost about the same as in 2009, savings in maintenance, equipment, supplies, the annual stewardship campaign, and insurance have allowed us to offset increases in administration and office functions. If we do not encounter unexpected repair costs for our buildings, it should be possible to reduce the collective stewardship budget by $1,349. These savings, however, do not take into account needed replacements for our information processing systems and repairs to our heating and air conditioning units at the church. Since these are costly items, they must be financed by a capital campaign separate from the operating budget.

Submitted by Robert Burger

Budget Report

Budget 09 Actual 09 Budget 10Income

Pledge $450,000 $447,439 $410,000Plate 24,000 22,143 20,000Friends 38,000 48,130 45,000Previous Year Pledges 70

Total Weekly Givings $512,000 $517,783 $475,000

Investment Income 30,000 43,921 28,000Other Donations 1,000 720 150Parish Hall Use 3,500 2,940 2,500Wedding Donations 4,000 2,000 2,500

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Sabbatical Grants 17,775 7,750 0Total Other $56,275 57,331 33,150

TOTAL INCOME $568,275 $575,114 $508,150

Expenses by MinistryClergy 223,614 223,885 208064

Compensation 166,139 156,296 149,249Benefits 57,476 67,589 58,815

Worship and Music 44,033 36,768 42,183Worship 7,200 4,618 7,200Music 36,833 32,150 34,983

Christian Formation 7,420 5,948 7,200

Parish and Community Life 12,400 7,573 7,625

Outreach and Wider Mission 28,000 26,673 16,000

Pastoral Care 1,000 1,554 1,000

Stewardship 182,112 177,027 180,763

Property 113,021 103,551 111,404Personnel 36,656 38,198 37,704Utilities 40,025 32,805 39,850Maint., Equip., & Supplies 25,590 24,134 21,850Insurance (Property) 10,750 8,414 12,000

Annual Stewardship Campaign 2,500 2,450 2,000

Administration 56,336 62,824 59,759Personnel 40,436 47,085 43,759Office Functions 15,900 15,739 16,000

Governance 10,255 8,202 7,600Insurance (Liability) 7,255 3,550 2,500Diocese, Parish Misc 3,000 4,652 5,100

Diocesan Apportionment 69,499 69,499 76,193

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $568,078 $548,928 $539,028

Operating Income 568,275 575,114 508,150

Surplus/(Deficit) 197 26,186 (30,878)

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Accts Not on 2009 Vestry BudgetAltar Guild Expenses 984Storage Rental Expenses 840 840Auto Allowance-Asst. Minister 680 500Water – Green Street 92 100Search Committee 205

**Adjusted Surplus/(Deficit)** 23,384 (32,318)

Value of Permanent Endowment Fund

$787,574

Value of General Investment Fund $231,089

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Assets Liabilities

Cash 172,309 Withholding, etc. 10,181Prepaid Pledges 45,800

Total Current Assets 172,309 Total Current Liabilities 55,981

Westwood Trust Investments 1,008,663 Vestry Designated Funds 195,765Total Liabilities 251,746

Restricted FundsAcolyte 2,350

Land, Buildings & Equipment, 3,148,335 Walk-in Ministry 55,218

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Net of DepreciationPermanent Endowment 787,574

Total Restricted Funds 845,142

Funds Principal 3,242,340

Total Liabilities, Restricted Total Assets 4,329,307 Funds and Funds Principal 4,329,307

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Financial Accounts Description

Restricted Funds (principal restricted)

Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF) Balance as of 12/31/2009 $801,808In accordance with Maryland law, the principal (total of contributions directed to the PEF) is permanently restricted from invasion. The PEF is managed by trustees appointed by the Vestry for staggered three year terms. Monies in excess of the principal can be distributed for use by Christ Church based on the distribution policy recommended by the PEF Trustees and approved by the Vestry. The current maximum payout for a year is 5% of the average market value of the past 3 years. If the market value of the fund falls below historic principal, withdrawals are limited to realized interest and dividend receipts only.

The PEF was established in 2002 in conjunction with Christ Church becoming the beneficiary of an income stream of a charitable remainder trust over a 30 year period. The Vestry transferred $50,000 from general funds at inception and the fund received a substantial bequest in 2005. The PEF is currently managed by Westwood Trust of Dallas, Texas in a diversified mix targeted at 90% equity and 10% fixed income investments.

Walk in Ministries Fund Balance as of 12/31/2009 $55,218This fund was established with a restricted gift of $50,000. The excess above the principal may be used by the clergy of Christ Church to assist in Christ Church’s ministry to members of the community in need of short term financial assistance. This fund is managed as part of Christ Church’s general investment portfolio.

Acolyte Fund Balance as of 12/31/2009 $2,350This Fund was established with a restricted gift of $2000. The excess over the principal may be used in support of acolyte programs. This fund is managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

Designated Use Funds (principal not restricted)

Church Yard (Columbarium) Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $5,629A Fund was established to account for income and expenses associated with the Columbarium and Churchyard. Income is primarily from the sale of niches, and contributions received from time-to-time. The fund is managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

Altar Guild Account Balance as of 12/31, 2009 $2,198This fund was established in 2006 with a bequest. Monies from this fund are available to the Altar Guild for special expenses and managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

2014 Sabbatical Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $10,000This fund was established in 2009 to prepare for another sabbatical in 2014.

Back to School Projects Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $9,540This represents the unspent contributions received during the 2009 year.

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El Hogar Dental Equipment Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $3,091This represents the unspent contributions received during the 2009 year.

Deacon’s Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $5,897A fund established to support the ministry of Deacon, Jim Lea. It is managed as a part of the general investment portfolio.

Education and Sabbatical Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $ 0The opening balance of $10,282 was used as part of the 2009 Sabbatical cost

Men’s Club Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $2,299A fund established to support the operations of the Men’s Club. Income and expenses are associated with the activities of the Men’s Club. The fund is managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

Outreach Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $50,057This fund was established in 2005 with a bequest from an estate and designated by the Vestry for the purpose of supporting Christ Church’s outreach ministry. The fund is currently managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

Memorial Acount Balance as of 12/31/2009 $14,604This fund was established as a repository for unrestricted bequests and memorial gifts to Christ Church. These funds may be used for purposes as determined and approved by the Clergy and Vestry. This fund is managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

Music and Choir Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $10This fund was established to fund special music activity beyond the scope of the yearly budgeted support of music and choir activities. Use is recommended by the Worship and Music Committee and approved by the Vestry. The fund is managed as part of the general investment portfolio.

Operating Reserve Account Balance as of 12/31/2009 $132,060These are funds available for unforeseen or extraordinary operational expenses of Christ Church. They are the sum of monies in the general investment portfolio minus the balance in designated use funds, the Walk-in Ministry Fund and the Acolyte Fund.

General Investment Portfolio Balance as of 12/31/2009Funds in the general investment portfolio are managed by the Treasurer with direction from the Finance Committee. The general portfolio was invested at year end as follows:

Operating Funds Checking, MMkt, CD, Petty Cash $172,309 Investment Funds Westwood Trust $231,010

Total $403,319

Buildings and Grounds

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A note to let you know that this year we were able to complete the handicap walkway from the rear end of our church to the double door entrance way of our church, thanks to the input from Mark Nestlehutt). We hope that we will be able to update our heating and air conditioning this coming year. If it is not possible this, then we will try to maintain our present systems. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call on us. We hope this year will be a joyful one.

Submitted by Salvatore P. Simoncini, Co Chair with John Booth

Tellers

There are now 14 parishioners who count the weekly offering and deposit the funds in the PNC Bank. The tellers fill out a report that credits each parishioner for his/her weekly offering. This report and the deposit slip are then given to the parish administrator who enters the information recorded by the tellers into the computer system. We greatly appreciate their assistance and would very definitely welcome additional volunteers.

Submitted by Ed Sipe, Treasurer

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Acolyte Report

In 2009 there were twelve acolytes serving at Christ Church St. Michaels. In addition to the family Sunday Eucharist, the acolytes serve at the Easter Vigil service, two Easter Sunday services, and two Christmas Eve services. Members of the acolyte guild are:

Lee Hamilton Crucifer Riley Weller Sub-deaconMason Roe Crucifer Katya Widell Sub-deaconJohn Schofield Crucifer Taylor Bennett Torch bearerCaroline Bennett Sub-deacon Helen Fegan Torch bearerAshleigh Kerrigan Sub-deacon Sarah Fegan Torch bearerZoe Thomas Sub-deacon Jackie Novak Torch bearer

Submitted by Lee Hamilton, Acolyte director

Altar Guild Report

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During the church year, Advent 1, 2008 to Advent 1, 2009, St. Mary's Altar Guild prepared for 157 services. This number includes 102 Sunday services with seven baptisms, four Evensong services, nine Wednesday Healing services, four Christmas services, fourteen Lenten services, thirteen Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter services, four weddings, and eleven funeral/memorial services. St. Mary’s Altar Guild lost a long serving and dedicated member in August with the death of Mary Thomas; she is greatly missed. There are 26 active members serving on the Altar Guild.

Submitted by Helen Bower and Judy Hause, Co-Directresses

Flower Guild

The Flower Guild is responsible for the flower arrangement for the two altars at Christ Church. We work in teams of two on a repeating five week schedule. The flowers are chosen in keeping with the church season, and reflect the colors and the needs of each Sunday. Each team is as creative as the imagination can be, yet still observes the requirements of each season. It is a challenge but rewarding responsibility and week after week the arrangements are absolutely lovely. The teams do an outstanding job and certainly deserve many thanks and much appreciation. Quite often the flowers on the altars are given by parishioners as memorials or celebrations of important events. This is done by signing up at the parish office for a particular Sunday and making a donation to the Altar Guild. We welcome these donations and thank you for your support.

Submitted by Nancy Besso

Music

It is indeed a pleasure and privilege that I write this annual report regarding the music program at Christ Church, St. Michaels Parish. At the outset I wish to express my sincerest and heartfelt gratitude for the continued support, enthusiasm, and appreciation with which this parish embraces music in its community life of worship. Music in general and singing in particular in worship is an ancient tradition. And I am proud that corporate worship at Christ Church continues to embrace that tradition.

The success and high quality of the Christ Church music program thrives thanks to the leadership provided by the director, the rector and clergy team, support of the vestry, and the many dedicated volunteers who are committed to our choirs.

Again this year I worked closely with the rector, the Reverend Mark Nestlehutt and his associates, the Reverend Abigail Nestlehutt, the Reverend Mary Garner, and the Reverend Paul Winters, to develop liturgies of high quality and integrity. Services are planned carefully according to the seasons of the church year, the lection cycle, and major and moveable feasts. Hymns, psalms, and anthems are carefully selected, prepared, and rehearsed to support and enhance worship. I especially want to thank Mark for his attention to detail in planning services and for his support of the choirs and my work. I also wish to acknowledge and thank the Vestry liaison members for music and liturgy, Bob Burger, Michael Clark, Alison Sanford, and Sherry Sutton.

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The chancel choir continues to lead worship on a weekly basis. Presently there are 16 regular members of the choir, and 4 members who sing occasionally. The choir sings at the 10:15 service throughout the program year. This year the chancel choir sang at the Memorial and Labor Day weekend combined services for the 8:00 and 10:15 congregations. In addition to singing every Sunday throughout the program year, the choir sings on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, two Easter Sunday liturgies, the Christmas in St. Michaels festival of choirs, and on Christmas Eve. We are in the third year of our monthly Evensong series. The choir has been leading Evensong the first Sunday evening of each month, October through April. Attendance at these Evensong services continues to grow and the service is being received with appreciation by those in attendance. Ultimately I am grateful to the members of the choir. They sing with reverence, beauty, and passion. They are a joy to work with and we share close fellowship, friendship, and warm humor.

Our youth choir grew with the addition of several new members this year. Presently there are seven children on the roster. They rehearse each Wednesday evening from 6:30PM to 7:00 PM. They sing an anthem at the Parish Family Eucharist, generally on the first Sunday of each month. In addition, they sing on Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, and recently sang at the Evening Service of Epiphany Lessons and Music. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these fine young musicians, and I especially want to recognize and thank their parents for supporting their children in music.

I wish to thank Bernice Walk for her continued dedication and direction of the hand bell choir. There are approximately ten volunteers that rehearse each week and play music the second Sunday of each month at the 10:15 service.

Christ Church is very fortunate to have two beautiful instruments in the church, the Boston baby grand piano, and the Rodgers 950 digital 3 manual organ and accompanying 3 ranks of principal pipes on the great division. I continue to remain grateful to the vestry for the financial support required to care for and maintain these two excellent instruments.

Thanks be to God that the “State of the Music Program” continues to remain strong at Christ Church.

Submitted by William Thomas, Music Director & Organist

Readers & Eucharistic Ministers

The Eucharistic Ministers and Readers serve at all services every Sunday. We have a healthy roster of committed, dedicated parishioners who enjoy this rewarding ministry. Any parishioners who would like to consider joining our group should contact Chloe Pitard or talk to one of the clergy. We provide training and support while you learn the ropes.

Submitted by Chloe Pitard

Usher Report

Every Sunday, and on many special occasions, ushers are there to say “welcome” at the beginning of a service and remain after to check each pew for those important items we may have forgotten. In between, the ushering teams seat those needing assistance, count attendees, collect the plate offering,

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and help coordinate the flow of parishioners and guests wishing to take communion. Like their fellow members of Christ Church, every usher I have come to know volunteers out of a desire to serve the parish and not because they seek special recognition. Many ushers count their years of service in decades, and we want to give particular thanks to the following individuals who “retired” this year: Leo and Elizabeth Foulds, Al and Pat Holmes, Cy Knowles, Edgar and Leigh Nash, and Fred and Linda Tompkins. It was a pleasure to work with all of you.

Submitted by Robert M. Burger

PARISH STATISTICS 2009

Baptisms:William Aiden BurkhouseThomas Finnegan DukehartGrayson Todd Eisenhower

Charles Westerlund Granville

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Stephen Nicholas HarrisHarrison Guard JonesCharlotte Isabella Stolz

Lily Grace Warne

Confirmations/Receptions:Helen DettbarnLisa Ann FeltsBevlee Ann KeganLois Blaine Lindsley

Cathy MendenhallThomas MendenhallAlice Utterback

 Funerals:

Phyllis White CobbDonald Beach DoolittleHerbert E. Granger, Jr.Clayton Owen KatskiSarah Wells Megargee

Morris Arden OsbornMarie Auchter SitzenkopfMary WarnerThomasErle E. UkkelbergForbes Johnston Widell

Transfers In/New Members:William ClarkEugenie B. DraytonMargaret EnloeLisa Ann FeltsSparrow MahoneyKathleen McFaddenRalph Panebianco

Melissa PanebiancoAlex ValentinoMyron WalkerSara WalkerArthur WaxterNancy Waxter

Weddings: Amanda Michelle Rodgers & Benjamin Harlan BagleyKatelyn Christine Bayne & Michael Robert QuashneBethany Suzanne Dickerson & Charles Allen Wynder, Jr.Jennifer Lee Murphy & Michael Yao AlipuiBethany Ann Fileger & Laurence LaTourette Driggs III

THE VESTRY OF CHRIST CHURCH

Christopher Whyman, Sr. Warden Ed Sipe, TreasurerAlison Sanford, Jr. Warden Mary Ellen Olcese, Registrar

Michael Clark 2010 Bob Burger 2011 John Booth 2012Clyde Sisk 2010 Jim McCloud 2011 Philip Parkinson 2012

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Sheila Vaughan 2010 Sal Simoncini 2011 Judy Sandground 2012Carl Widell 2010 Joan Zwemer 2011 Sherry Sutton 2012

MINISTRY AREAS OF CHRIST CHURCH

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CHRISTIAN FORMATIONClergy Liaison: Clergy TeamVestry Liaisons: Philip Parkinson & Jim McCloud

Adult Forums Carl WidellAdult Inquirers Mark NestlehuttChurch School Lee ThomasYouth Confirmation Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt

OUTREACH & WIDER MISSIONClergy Liaison: Mark NestlehuttVestry Liaisons: Michael Clark & Judy Sandground

Back to School Project Gillian Whyman & Judy Sandground

The Children’s Home Foundation Nance duPont & Dianne Shaw

Episcopal Relief & Development Pamela McCloud El Hogar Project in Honduras Ned McCallEnvironmental Issues Margie SteffensGrants Committee John HunnicuttHabitat for Humanity John HunnicuttHonduran Dental Mission Jim CampiSt. Michaels Food Bank John & Nancy MasoneUTO (United Thank Offering) Carol Carlson

PARISH & COMMUNITY LIFEClergy Liaison: Abigail Crozier NestlehuttVestry Liaisons: Sheila Vaughan, Clyde Sisk & Joan Zwemer

Cider/Lemonade in the Hall Cathy MendenhallCoffee Hour Fritz RiedlinCovenant Churches Abigail Crozier NestlehuttDocent’s Guild Joan FreyEpiscopal Church Women Alice UtterbackKitchen Committee Mary Riedlin &

Nancy SipeLay Weeders Kay PerkinsLea Library Robert & Marilyn BarrettMen’s Club Leo FouldsTidings Newsletter Kim Liberatore Stolz Welcoming Committee Jim McCloud

PASTORAL CAREClergy Liaison: Abigail Crozier NestlehuttVestry Liaison: Joan Zwemer

Care Circle Joan ZwemerEucharistic Visitors Jessie WeddleFlower Delivery TBDKnitting Group Linda SpirePrayer Chain Abigail Crozier NestlehuttStephen Ministry Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt

STEWARDSHIPClergy Liaison: Mark NestlehuttVestry Liaisons: John Booth, Robert Burger,

Sal Simoncini & Carl Widell

Annual Campaign Carl WidellFinance Committee Robert BurgerProperty John Booth & Sal Simoncini

WORSHIP & MUSICClergy Liaisons: Clergy Team Vestry Liaisons: Alison Sanford & Sherry Sutton

Acolytes’ Guild Lee HamiltonAltar Guild Helen Bower & Judy Hause Choirs: Chancel William Thomas Handbell Bernice Walk Youth William ThomasEucharistic Ministers Chloe PitardFlower Guild Nancy BessoGreeters/Shepherds Tom MendenhallReaders Chloe PitardUshers Bob Burger