Annual Report: 2014

forward momentum

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

What if you had to give an annual report to God?

Wow, that could get interesting. What did you do with your time – 8,760 hours? What did you do with your money? How did you participate in God’s work in the world? In what ways did you execute justice and mercy? Who did you help and what lives did you change? What’s your greatest weakness and need for improvement?

How will you go about pursuing that growth in the coming year?

That would be some annual report! Yet, are we not accountable to God? We cannot work our way into God’s graces, but we work out our

gratitude because we already have God’s graces.

When a person, or a church, provides an annual report, is it not an accounting of our response to God’s grace? Is it not a record and

assessment of our discipleship? We’re not in business, we’re in ministry. Hopefully, the annual report you are about to read will reflect just that.

We are extremely grateful to all who gave of themselves during 2014. We invite every member to be in ministry in this year to come.

To God be the glory!

FORWARD MOMENTUM

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COUNCIL

Coordinated issues and projects among our ministry teams; pursued identification and

exploration of church management software packages, initiated formation of task group to work through selection, implementation and

assessment phases.

FACILITIES

Began planning for D-building renovation; partnered with Worship Council to obtain

Session approval on the $500,000 sanctuary audio/visual/lighting initiative; laid groundwork to begin sanctuary lighting and sound upgrades

when funds are available.

FINANCE

Developed and evaluated multi-year/multi-fund financial scenarios to enhance fiscal flexibility; operated for full year with no external debt; prepared 2015 operating budget with full

recognition of complete costs following campus expansion and renovation projects.

PERSONNEL

Recruited and conducted on-boarding process for new outreach team leader, Derek Macleod; examined compensation packages to ensure

competitive position.

COMMUNICATIONS

Launched mobile app; developed branding for new initiatives such as Emerging Leaders Challenge, D2 Challenge and 20+ discipleship classes; concluded yearlong process and launched new bulletin format;

partnered with Celebrate team on creation of weekly presentation; originated The Word graphics;

and executed three Journey editions.

administration2014 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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COUNCIL

Pursue options for a number of church-wide information technology needs.

FACILITIES

Collaborate with ministry teams to identify and respond to needs for modified and upgraded

space and mechanical systems; plan most effective use of available funds across multiple

years to keep structures, vehicles and equipment in order.

FINANCE

Work with stewardship and other ministry teams to maximize effective use of financial resources

from our operating budget as well as the endowment, designated gifts, and capital funds

to deliver meaningful worship, learning, and serving experiences.

PERSONNEL

Support the interim and permanent senior pastor searches; sustain the work of our committed

program and support staff members who serve to extend and multiply the efforts of ministry

teams throughout the church.

COMMUNICATIONS

Continue planning and begin execution of a multi-staged space animation project to optimize church campus, inspire discipleship, and reflect

the passion of our congregation.

2015 GOALS

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financialsAdult Education

Children & Their Families

Congregational Life

Denominational Support

Facilities

Outreach

Pastoral Care

Program Support Services

Stewardship

Worship

Youth & Their Families

2014 APPROVED BUDGET

170,064

239,704

248,073

290,305

1,257,141

825,349

318,150

1,445,787

150,592

489,959

233,660

3.00

4.23

4.38

5.12

22.18

14.56

5.61

25.50

2.66

8.64

4.12

TOTAL EXPENSES 5,668,784 100.00

EXPENSES $ %

3.00% 4.23%

4.38%

5.12%

22.18%

14.56%5.61%

25.50%

2.66%

8.64%4.12%

Adult Education


Congregational Life


Facilities

Outreach

Pastoral Care


Stewardship

Worship


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Adult Education


Congregational Life


Facilities

Outreach

Pastoral Care


Stewardship

Worship


2015 APPROVED BUDGET

173,444

242,357

228,802

305,759

1,400,903

829,459

323,962

1,440,462

170,901

475,485

236,366

2.98

4.16

3.93

5.25

24.03

14.23

5.56

24.71

2.93

8.16

4.06

TOTAL EXPENSES 5,827,900 100.00

EXPENSES $ %

2.98% 4.16%

3.93%

5.25%

24.03%

14.23%5.56%

24.71%

2.93%

8.16%4.06%

Adult Education


Congregational Life


Facilities

Outreach

Pastoral Care


Stewardship

Worship


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NEW OFFERINGSLaunched D2.2 in September for more than 50 participants to build on what they learned in the 2013-14 D2 Challenge (Deeper Discipleship); and began the 2014-15 D2 Challenge for 50+ adults on Friday mornings.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Introduced Men of Purpose, a new adult Sunday School class led by Joe Helweg and Todd Wilson.

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES Partnered with In Christ Supporting Ministries on two Foundations in Christ workshops.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Trained new class of 28 church officers (12 elders and 12 deacons, two youth elders and two youth deacons); initiated an eight-week Emerging Leaders class with over 100 participants; and joined with our outreach ministry to offer a spiritual equipping class for lay ministry leaders.

COMMUNICATION Developed individual discipleship class branding for use in print material, website, flat-screens and Celebrate worship.

FOUNDATIONS LAIDOffered first online weekly Bible Study group through video conferencing; and unveiled Table 20, a new fellowship and study group for members in their 20s.

2014 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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NURTURE and solidify Table 20.

INCREASE

the number of discipleship (small) groups.

OPTIMIZE adult faith formation marketing communications.

OFFER a fall educational trip to Greece (and optionally to Turkey) to follow Paul’s

missionary journeys.

CONTINUE to experiment with new technologies to deliver adult education.

2015 GOALS

“At Myers Park Presbyterian, cultivating faith is more than a

Sunday activity. Hundreds of adults take part in learning activities on Sunday mornings, but nearly 200 men and women engage in Bible study throughout the week as well.

This speaks to our continued hunger for God’s word and our church’s call

to meet that need.”

Jannica Greife, Adult Education Chair

adult education

“Myers Park Presbyterian is blessed to have a growing community of children and young families. It is a joy to serve in this ministry where we nurture the faith formation of the children, build fellowship

and relationships among the families, and provide opportunities for service within the church and through

outreach programs.”

Mary Beth PopeChildren and Their Families Ministry Chair

children & their families

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ELEMENTARY COORDINATOR

Searched for, and hired, Nicole Newton,

to minister to our elementary-aged

children.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Launched a new workshop rotation

model for first through fifth-graders to enhance learning, and appeal to

all learning styles.

SPROUT OUTREACH

Heightened understanding of outreach among

children ages three through third-grade,

and promoted serving alongside their families.

KINDERGARTEN MILESTONE

Established this class for kindergarteners and their parents to focus

on worship and further our overall learning

continuum.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Revamped the schedule

and increased the biblical focus.

WEEKDAY SCHOOL

Transitioned the faith development class to the Godly Play

model; and initiated the Weekday Wonders

afterschool care for alumni families.

2014ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SECOND-GRADE MILESTONEIntroduce a milestone which focuses on prayer and furthers our learning continuum.

NEW MEMBERSPartner with new member team to welcome incoming families with children.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERSExpand roles and equip teachers to help plan and lead workshop rotation lessons.

DISCIPLESHIP TRAININGImprove process for calling, training and developing disciples and staff.

WEEKDAY SCHOOLWork with facilities team to plan a learning kitchen and other building improvements.

2015GOALS

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clerk's council

TRANSITION TEAM

Formed a team – Ann Caulkins, Vicki Garrett, Ray Killian, Allen Woodward, Dale Allison and Millie

Snyder – to work on behalf of the Session to plan and oversee activities related to pastoral transition; met with Presbytery liaison, developed plan, monitored

Interim Pastor search, and communicated with the congregation.

ASSIGNMENTS TEAM

Assigned officers to ministries and recommended individuals

for the Transition Team, the Interim Pastor Search Committee and Officer Nominating Committee.

DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM

Named Marc Brinks, Vicki Garrett, Jim Miller, Roger Mills and staff resource Steve Eason; supported Ashley Cheek, Will Davis, Phillip Eason and Liz Wagner in their ministry calls; endorsed Katherine

Atkins as an inquirer; oversaw Presbytery and General Assembly relationships.

RESIDENCY/INTERN PROGRAM TEAM

Formed a task force to evaluate -- Betsy Anderson, Rob Atkins,

Charlie Stewart, Scottie Trapp, Bill Warren, Rainey Way, Millie Snyder

and Susan Austin; researched national residency/intern models.

VISIONING TEAM

Solicited and assessed feedback and priorities from deacons, elders and staff. Engaged consultant Howard Mason to assist with our congregational listening ministry; developed questions for the

listening ministry.


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TRANSITION TEAM

Make recommendations to Session and ensure oversight on approved actions; facilitate the

process with the Presbytery; ensure appropriate communication with the Session,

Board of Deacons and congregation.

ASSIGNMENTS TEAM

Create teams and search committees matching individuals

with God’s call to ministry.

DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM

Oversee Presbytery and General Assembly

relationships; formalize seminary scholarship guidelines and our role in supporting

inquirers and candidates.

RESIDENCY/INTERN PROGRAM TEAM

Present a structured residency /

internship program recommendation to the Session for approval; name a

team to develop specific guidelines and implement the recruitment and hiring of

initial resident/intern classes.

VISIONING TEAM

Facilitate leadership retreat listening process; gain feedback from

congregation through ongoing listening sessions and report results to the

Session so priorities can be established.

GOD IS WORKING IN AND THROUGH MANY PEOPLE HERE“Our eight councils are made up of diverse ministries. The common denominator is we all seek to glorify God and

further His kingdom on earth. What a blessing to serve together in Christ.”Vicki Garrett, Clerk of Session

2015 GOALS

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MEMBERS MINISTRY Expanded to a 12-person mentor team; assigned mentors to 350+ members; helped connect and encourage disciples across 170 ministry teams; surveyed lay leaders and partnered with outreach and adult education ministries to better equip them; co-hosted discipleship classes; collaborated with Session and staff on Emmaus Ministry launch to inspire member engagement.

NEW MEMBERSWelcomed 177 new members – a 16 percent increase over the previous year – over half of whom are between the ages of 30-39 and have children four years old and under; and doubled new member team.


WELLNESSDeveloped a mission statement; marketed to increase membership base/revenues; offered new church members trial wellness option; increased utilization/revenue of personal trainers; stabilized basketball league and improved experience with 600-player cap; increased youth-focused programming to attract a younger demographic.

TRINITY Grew in faith and fellowship with individuals in their 30s and 40s; helped plan and implement Emerging Leaders forums; welcomed newcomers and strengthened relationships through an ongoing outreach partnership with the Urban Eagles, a summer barbecue and the Christmas Party.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Rebranded and directed the first annual Women of Faith luncheon with 250 attendees; led 12 yearlong circles/small groups; hosted special events such as the staff appreciation luncheon, the annual 2014 women’s retreat, the Sharon Towers social, Christmas Communion and the consignment sale; and donated the $10,000 consignment sale net proceeds to the Weekday School, CrossRoads Corporation, wellness ministry scholarships and six other community agencies.

HOSPITALITYStaffed the reception desk during all Sunday worship services.

congregational life

2015 GOALS

MEMBERS MINISTRY Emphasize spiritual formation as we serve; heighten awareness of the value of ministry involvement; expand ministry mentor program to better serve our congregation; strengthen our existing ministry teams so they function as small groups; implement equipping opportunities for lay leaders and disciples.

NEW MEMBERSImplement new member handbook and improve website presence; collaborate with other ministries to ensure a smooth transition for new members and an emphasis on our church’s core values.

WELLNESSReview expenses, programming and fees to determine optimal model for long-term sustainability.

TRINITY Strengthen new member hospitality; and boost outreach involvement through the Harvest Center, Room in the Inn and the Urban Eagles.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Narrow scope of consignment sale proceeds distribution; redesign newsletter to reach all women of the church; broaden diversity of age range through programs and outreach opportunities.

HOSPITALITYDevelop additional ways to welcome members and visitors.

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HEIGHTEN COLLABORATION

Laid groundwork with council leaders and pastors to enhance the communication and partnership

between church ministries.

INTEGRATE FAITH & SERVICE

Encouraged more intentionality with devotions at meetings and gatherings; deepened the prayer

and reflection time for local ministry disciples; and enhanced the process of preparing for, praying

through, and reflecting after mission trips.

EQUIP LEADERS & DISCIPLES

Surveyed leaders and found deeper spirituality is desired; collaborated with adult education and Every

Member Has a Ministry on leadership training.

COMMIT TO FEWER, DEEPER MINISTRY PARTNERS

Developed criteria and began implementation of 2015 ministry partner funding decisions; created

task force to identify future focus areas.

FUND MINISTRY JOYFULLY

Collaborated with the stewardship council teams to address and avoid a decline in outreach funding

support as the Deeper Discipleship capital campaign concludes.

OUTREACH REIMAGINEDThe strategic visioning plan for outreach ministry.

LEADERSHIP

Welcomed new outreach leader, Rev. Derek Macleod, and his family.

FUNDING

Provided nearly $600,000 in financial support to 35 local ministries and six global ministry partners in Congo, Cuba, Hungary, Habitat El Salvador, World Vision El Salvador and Malawi through annual funding; allocated

over $550,000 from the capital campaign to underwrite the Billingsville Leadership Academy new teacher mentor and the Communities in Schools coordinator as well as an after-school program, provide start-up

money for a new community housing initiative, and further Habitat critical home repairs and other CrossRoads Corporation initiatives in Grier Heights.


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“How do we love God and our neighbor

as ourselves? How do we experience God’s love and open ourselves to receive love from our neighbor?

Outreach is not simply offering help to those outside our church; it is an opportunity to experience God at

work mending the brokenness of our world and within ourselves.”

Reimagining Outreach excerpt

Respond where God calls Myers Park to serve; integrate faith and service of disciples more deliberately; strengthen and deepen partner relationships; enhance operational and organizational effectiveness; and

invest God’s human and financial resources prudently.

2015 GOALS

outreach

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DEBRECEN

Welcomed leaders and representatives of the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen and the PC(USA) mission co-worker and regional liaison of Central

and Eastern Europe.

URBAN EAGLES

Joined with youth of Grier Heights on the soccer field as

they learned the game and grew in faith

CROSSROADS

Collaborated with CrossRoads Corporation in Grier Heights on three critical home repair

projects, the expansion of afterschool and summer literacy

projects, and the $600,000 rehabilitation of the Grier

Heights Community Center.

GRIER HEIGHTS

Served as reading buddies, tutors, lunch buddies, classroom

helpers, summer program leaders, gardeners, drivers, mentors and friends with

the men, women, youth and children of Grier Heights.

3,000 BOOKS

Supplied over 3,000 books in a donation drive for students at

Billingsville Leadership Academy, allowing each student to take

home 5 books for a meaningful summer reading experience.

284 HOMELESS

Served 284 homeless men, women and children on 17 consecutive Thursday nights

during the winter.

outreach

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CONGO

Continued sponsorship of Antonio Martinez who is designing/renovating an

outpatient clinic in Congo.

MISSIONS

Deepened the faith of disciples who were mission trip participants to Congo, Cuba, El Salvador and Malawi which also strengthened relationships with our brothers and sisters in

Christ.

WORLD VISION

Pioneered the first official “family mission trip” to El Salvador

through World Vision.

757 YOUTH

Mentored over 757 youth and adults from nine states through CROSS Missions as they provided 10,642 hours of community service at 35+ ministries in urban Charlotte.

RELATIONSHIPS

Strengthened relationships at the annual Congo Mission Network

meeting in Montana and the Cuba Partners gathering in

Illinois.

AFRICA

Made substantive progress in education and healthcare in Africa – both Congo and

Malawi; the Congo girls’ school is now self-sustaining.

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TRANSPORTATION MINISTRYProvided transportation for non-driving members who live at Sharon Towers, The Cypress and Southminster.

PRAYER MINISTRY Offered weekly centering prayer at our church; continued our intercessory prayer ministry; prayed for every church member during Lent; and offered a day of silence for prayer and reflection.

MEAL MINISTRY Shared compassion and meals with individuals who were experiencing illness or disability.

CHURCH FRIENDS Fostered intergenerational friendships to keep those unable to attend services connected to the church.


pastoral care

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HEALTH MINISTRIES Worked with parish nurse to train caring team members; provided physicians, nurses and translators for our uninsured neighbors at the Charlotte Community Health Clinic; hosted a flu shot clinic, a CPR training class and two successful blood drives; provided Billingsville Leadership Academy first aid and other supplies and educational programs for parents and children; and offered free medical equipment to church members with physical needs.

DEACONS Participated in Sunday worship, serving communion and offering the prayer of dedication; provided fellowship opportunities for older members at The Cypress and Sharon Towers; and conducted weekly visits to hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living and private homes of our less mobile members.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Provided confidential support to members and others in the community; trained and commissioned new Stephen Ministers in partnership with another local church; attended funerals/memorials to console grieving families.

HELPING HANDS Assisted senior adults, single parents and less mobile individuals with small indoor and outdoor household projects through this member-to-member ministry.

2015 GOALS

Continue to offer prayer, compassion, and support for those who are in need of a positive

relationship with God in our church and community; and reach out to those in need of

spiritual healing and support.

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stewardship

RESTRUCTURED the current endowment, valued at approximately $7.7 million, to simplify giving opportunities for current and prospective donors.

FORMED a committee which will partner with ministries to identify needs outside of the operating budget that the Legacy Fund could help meet.

ESTABLISHED the next generation’s commitment to generosity by ensuring that the annual giving team’s average age was under 40.

OBTAINED Session approval on the resolution of any Deeper Discipleship capital campaign attrition, given the $10 million outreach campaign budget.

GAINED Session approval to significantly increase the church’s endowment over the next three to five years through major gifts and deferred giving, and began rebranding the endowment as the Legacy Fund.

HIRED Jim Holladay as coordinator of major gifts and planned giving.

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2015 GOALS

CREATE a leadership structure for launching the Legacy Fund initiative.

INCREASE both the number of participants and the level of participation in the Legacy Fund initiative.

EVALUATE how to inspire and refresh the annual pledging campaign process.

”As we build upon the many successes of the Campaign for Deeper Discipleship, and prepare the way for the next generation of ministries, let us always remember Luke 12:48 which says that “from everyone to

whom much has been given, much will be required.”

Henry Harkey, Stewardship Council Chair

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worship & music

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STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Organized a worship task force to assess trends and recommend improvements that will stimulate participation; evaluated and endorsed the facility team’s sanctuary lighting and audio/visual initiative; presented the endorsement to the Session which approved a $500,000 fundraising effort.

WORSHIP Hailed The Word sermon series as highly effective; celebrated an increase in attendance at both Celebrate and sanctuary worship services; initiated the Service of Wholeness at quarterly intervals; began new communion procedures; introduced two Celebrate Christmas Eve services in Oxford Hall to run concurrently with sanctuary services; and created a “Save Fred” video to recruit disciples for overall Celebrate worship needs.

DISCIPLESHIP Initiated A Season of Transition, A Season of Prayer - a daily elder-led, congregation-focused prayer discipline; arranged and delivered 76 flower arrangements from weddings and memorial services to church members in senior living.

MUSIC Produced a Maundy Thursday service – Is it I – in Oxford Hall; hired a new Celebrate music director, Chuck Jones; restored the sanctuary chancel area to its original design; and secured a donor to have the sanctuary piano rebuilt by Steinway.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVESPresent worship task force’s recommendations to the Session; fund and implement the sanctuary lighting and audiovisual technology.

WORSHIP Experiment; use our new technology; produce more videos for both services; get people engaged; and make worship powerful.

DISCIPLESHIPContinue to find new ways to engage and recruit our members in ministry before and during our worship services – ushers/greeters, communion preparation and servers, console operators, lay readers, captains, etc.

MUSIC Purchase new sanctuary hymnals; produce a patriotic service with orchestra on July 4; conduct a Steinway dedication concert in the fall.


2015 GOALS

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SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENTContinued strengthening relationships with God and neighbor; challenged our youth to serve on an overnight mission trip and 437 out of 550 did so in 2014; furthered our church’s mission partnerships in Cuba through the youth’s first mission experience in this country.

LEADERSHIPEmpowered our youth to create a unique role as leaders in our church

and provided systematic spiritual and growth opportunities; furthered their ongoing leadership capabilities through Massanetta SALT

leadership training; engaged youth as elders, deacons, directors of CROSS Missions and the wellness ministry, members of the outreach

and youth council, and principals on the Room in the Inn, Cuba and El Salvador teams; created a 28-person team of ambassadors from the 15

schools represented in our youth group; and had youth direct planning for our middle school Montreat retreat and the youth conference.

TEAMWelcomed Director of Middle School Ministry John Turnbull and part-time Director of High School Ministry Julia Ehringhaus.

ENGAGEMENTNurtured Christian growth through ongoing discipleship classes and events – 123 youth took part in our November class dinners; raised

money for our mission experiences through the annual pie sale with 92 youth and parents making, selling and distributing 615 pies; organized

and helped staff the Jubilee Store for Charlotte Family Housing neighbors, purchasing 300 gifts for the store and baking 60 dozen

cookies; and fostered fellowship and faith/life discussions with a Hunger Games event with nearly 100 attendees.


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youth & their families

2015 GOALS

Challenge the 28-person ambassador team to reach out and welcome fellow youth in their assigned grades; ensure a smooth transition for

sixth-graders who are joining our youth ministry and confirmands as they enter high school; cultivate understanding of our ministry and mission;

explore our ministry’s three-year revolving goals; and create a task force to evaluate middle school Sunday School and the youth curriculum’s

scope and sequence.

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Annual Report: 2014

Documents

Transcript of Annual Report: 2014