IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH...

IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH EASTON, CALIFORNIA

Annual Report for 2012 Annual Meeting Agenda

January 27, 2013

I. Call to Order ........................................................................ Joshua Gardner II. Minutes................................................................................. Nancy Newsom III. Reports.............................................................................................. Page #

1. Interim Pastor ..................................................................................... 3 2. Committee Reports ............................................................................ 5 3. 2012 Congregational Statistics ........................................................... 7 4. Personnel .......................................................................................... 7 5. President of the Congregation ........................................................... 7 6. Building Committee ............................................................................ 8 7. Lay Visitation Pastor ........................................................................... 9 8. Music ................................................................................................10 9. Fellowship of Christian Athletes .........................................................10 10. Care Bears ........................................................................................10 11. Fellowship Luncheon .........................................................................10 12. Cradle Roll ........................................................................................11 13. Blood Drive ........................................................................................11 14. Youth & Family Ministry .....................................................................11 15. Men’s Ministry ...................................................................................12 16. Sunday School .................................................................................12 17. Caruthers Fair ...................................................................................13 18. Immanuel Women’s Ministry..............................................................14 19. Immanuel Women’s Treasurer ..........................................................16 20. Financial Secretary ............................................................................18 21. Annual Treasurer ...............................................................................22 22. Proposed Budget ...............................................................................26

V. New Business 1. Nominations and Election of Church Council Members 2. Nominating Committee Election 3. Bethel Board Member Election 2. Thank You to Outgoing Officers 3. Acceptance of the Audit Report 4. Acceptance of the 2013 Budget 5. Lutheran World Federation Ratification for NALC 6. Constitution / By-Law Amendments VI. Adjournment

Congregational Meeting Minutes

Immanuel Annual Meeting February 5, 2012 Meeting was called to order by Josh Gardner.

Pastor Al briefly reviewed the posters on the wall of the social hall. They were from the “Evening of

Historical Reflection” which was held on 2/4/12.

Pastor Al opened the meeting with prayer.

Josh Gardner led the meeting. Changes, as a result of the budget meeting, are reflected in the revised budget

report. Josh went through the annual report.

Minutes were reviewed with no comments.

Pastor Al’s interim report was highlighted with the historical reflection evening that focused on the past and

future of Immanuel. He is working to help Immanuel in the search for a permanent pastor.

The statistics of attendance, pastoral acts, and special services was reviewed.

The staff of Immanuel was given special thanks for all that they do.

A special thanks to the deacons whose service was increased past year due to the absence of a permanent

pastor.

Mike Nielsen reported for the building committee. This committee is composed of Mike, Debby Pilegard,

Jim Hansen, Lois Rasmussen, Carol Bennett, Andrew Severin, Doug Hecker, and Shane Johnson. The

outside of the building is complete. The Lincoln Avenue is complete. A special thanks to Doug Hecker for

his hard work. The dirt in the front of Immanuel is going to be finished with low maintenance plants and

drip irrigation. Money for this is already in the budget. Redesigning the parking out front was discussed.

We are aware of the parking difficulties. At the semi-annual meeting, there will be a vote to make a final

decision on what will be done with the parsonage. The parking area will be put in at the sight of the

parsonage due to County requirements. There is asbestos in the kitchen and part of one bedroom of the

parsonage. This must be dealt with before anything can be done. The council and the building committee

have a ten year goal for completion of the entire campus. It was suggested that the building committee plan

to come together and make a comprehensive parking plan to present to the congregation.

Reports

Lay Visitation Pastor Darel Mehrten

Congregational Pastor Josh Gardner

Music Fran Hansen

Stewardship Tom Britter

FCA Glenn Nielsen

Care Bears Eva Orum and Llewellyn Ostergard

Fellowship Luncheon Al and Judy Hooper

Cradle Roll Doris Jorgensen

Health Ministries Barbara Petersen

Youth and Family Ministries Jonna Saethre

Men’s Ministries Andrew Severin

Sunday school Kim Shaffer

Caruthers’s Fair Victoria Salwasser

Women of Immanuel Jill Ellingson

Financial Secretary Lois Rasmussen

Thank you to all who prepared reports.

The nominating committee’s nominations were accepted and M/S/C.

The call committee will be Josh Gardner, Jon Marthedal, Kathi Mehrten, Joan Wynn, Lynette Hecker, Mike

Nielsen, Jonathan Jensen, Jonna Saethre, Marilyn Nielsen, Mark Salwasser, and Nancy Newsom. Josh will

get the committee together.

The budget was reviewed with the changes that were discussed at the budget meeting. It was suggested that

the council monitor the budget throughout the year and give benevolence on the real money brought in. It

was suggested to be realistic about giving 10% of what we really take in. There is $6,000 in the reserve

fund. The budget was M/S/C.

Representatives to Bethel Home Board will continue to be Doris Jorgensen and Charles.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Newsom

Semi-annual meeting for Immanuel Lutheran Church June 24, 2012

Pastor Al opened the meeting with prayer.

Pastor Al explained that there are 325 – 350 congregations signed as being in the NALC synod. Six of these

congregations are in California. He went over the two proposals that were before us.

Josh Gardner took nominations for Sunday School Superintendent was M/S/C. Lynette Hecker and Ericka

Gardner will be joint superintendents with Kim Shaffer being the assistant superintendent. M/S/C.

The call committee has submitted the congregational profile to the synod office. Pastor Wendall has had the

profile for three weeks and we have not heard anything. We are not sure of an exact time frame.

The constitution was amended that a person serving on the council is allowed to have two-2 year terms and

then one year off. M/S/C.

The financial obligations of Immanuel were gone over. There has been a continued deficit in the budget

since 2008. The reserves have been used. This year we have spent less than the money budgeted. The

church council approved to cut unused monies and transfer these into the general fund. The council

approved to take from the Pastor’s continuing education fund, travel, special programs, church repairs, and

the NALC convention fund. The council approved to stop paying for nursery attendants during the service.

The council suggested stopping the evening Country Gospel service.

There was much discussion over the budget. There was a motion to stop the Country Gospel service after

July 1, 2012. There was a motion to vote on this by using a silent ballot. M/S/C. The results of the silent

ballot were 53 in favor of stopping the service; fourteen voted to keep the service going; and one person

abstained. M/S/C.

Mike Nielsen went over the building report and stated that the end is near. There needs to be a final

inspection, ceiling tiles installed, gas connection final, PG&E connections needs reconnecting, cabinet pulls

installed, minor touch-ups, and a major cleaning. The space out in front is on hold. The plan for the

parsonage is to wait until we get the new pastor. We do not currently have the money to tear down the

parsonage. To get the parsonage ready for a new pastor to live in it may take up to $20,000.

There will be a list put in the chimes as to what people can do to help clean up the parsonage. The plan is to

work on the parsonage on Saturday mornings. Please sign up or call Victoria to schedule a work time.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Newsom

Council Secretary

Interim Pastor Report I must have blinked or something; it’s hard to believe that another year has gone by! The church calendar

shows that the year has been full of activities. But it’s been a productive year as well. Here’s a snapshot of

what we’ve accomplished together this past year. In addition to weekly worship and pastoral care, my time

with you as interim pastor has been focused on the following major areas:

1. Clarify Mission - Discover New Identity

Shortly before I arrived, Mike Nielsen led the congregation through “The Ladeaux Challenge” – a series of

questions and activities designed to help Immanuel explore its ministry strengths and growth areas. During

the rest of 2011 and 2012 the Council continued to discuss the findings from this process, and we identified

additional ministry goals for the next 1, 5 and (in some cases) 10 years. We also used this as an opportunity

to identify congregation members gifted to help with these goals. These people were approached to serve on

the appropriate committee.

In February, the congregation gathered in the social hall for a delightful evening of food and reminiscing

under the theme of “An Evening of Historical Reflection.” We looked at the different eras of Immanuel’s

history, the pastors who served, and the ministry high points along the way. We came away from the evening

energized by all that God has done through us and by the possibilities of all that is to come during

Immanuel’s 125th anniversary year in 2013 – and beyond!

2. Maintain Viability

This was easy. In general, an interim season is a time when folks might naturally back off in their

participation, choosing to wait until the new pastor arrives. That really hasn’t happened here; in fact, we’ve

started new ministries (like Breaking Grounds Café) and have kept others (Caruthers Fair, Car Show,

Smorgy, etc.) going strong.

3. Strengthen Denominational Ties - Renew Denominational Linkages

We are new to the NALC. In fact, everyone is, since the NALC is itself new. Josh Gardner and I attended the

organizing meeting of the “Central Pacific Mission District” in Gilroy last Spring, and I participated in the

annual meeting of the District in October in San Jose. In addition, Pastor Steve Shipman was our guest

preacher on Reformation Sunday. As we built our 2013 budget, we included funds to send 1-2 delegates plus

the pastor to the Annual Convocation in Pittsburg, PA (the week of 8/5/13).

4. Resolve Grief - Emphasizing Fellowship and Reconciliation

Immanuel has not struggled very much with the grief of Pastor Paul’s departure. In conversations and church

activities early in my time here, there were appropriate moments and expressions of sadness; after all, he was

your pastor for 27 years! However, I’m not aware of any unhealthy manifestations of this grief. Immanuel

seems nicely poised to move confidently and faithfully into the future God has in store for her.

5. Allowing Leadership Changes - Rebuilding Infrastructures - Strengthening Stewardship

One of the felt needs for the Council was a renewed Committee structure to help develop leadership within

the congregation and to provide another means by which Immanuel could accomplish the ministries

identified in #1 above. To that end, we formed the following committees: Education, Evangelism,

Fellowship, Finance, Personnel, Stewardship, and Worship.

Another felt need was having an intentional Stewardship emphasis since little stewardship education had

taken place recently. The Stewardship Committee addressed that need by developing a two-pronged

emphasis for 2012. After Easter, we used the “Consecration Sunday” program over successive Sundays in

May, culminating with a special worship service and dinner on May 20. The results were very encouraging!

This fall we experienced the second part of the emphasis as we focused on the time and talents God has

showered on members and regular attendees within the congregation. The Stewardship Committee will meet

soon to map out our emphasis for 2013.

Looking ahead to 2013 – it should be a fantastic year! Celebrating our 125th Anniversary (yes!!), moving

Discipleship2%

Operations8%

Fellowship25%

Outreach1%

Mission12%

Church3%

Worship46%

into the new building (yes!!), calling a permanent pastor (yes!!), and dreaming dreams about how God would

have us reach out in both old and new ways to the community (yes!). It has been my pleasure to serve Jesus

with you during this interim season!

Ministry Statistics

Pastoral Acts

Baptisms – Micah and McKenzie Bennetts, Marcella Becerra, Luna Koslan, Kendall Anderson,

Emerson Linger, Garrett Caglia, Joseph Perez, Asher Aust, Sutton Tigchelaar Wise

Weddings – Vasquez / Yamanaka (10/6), Platten / Carlblom (10/20)

Funerals – Dolores Jensen, Beatrice Billigmeier, Jackie Munro, Doris Jorgensen, Susan Lindsay, Art

Steffensen

Parish Visitation

Visits are by phone or in person visits lasting at least 10

minutes. Contacts are by phone or in person encounters

lasting less than 10 minutes.

My Stewardship of Time

The following pie chart shows how I spent my time in our core ministry areas:

Pastor Allen Schoonover

Baptism of our Lord, 2013

Committee Reports Ministry in Action!

Helping to know Christ fully and to make Him known in 2012

One of the tasks for the interim season has been to renew our ministry infrastructure. Our fundamental goal

is not to keep people busy in committee meetings, but to use those times to plan activities that release our

members and regular attendees into ministry that accomplishes our mission: to know Christ fully and to

make him known to those who don’t know him yet.

This Year

Visits Contacts

Members 60 122

Guests 21 28

Totals 81 150

+ + +

Education

Members: Ericka Gardner, Lynette Hecker, Nancy Newsom, Karen Schoonover and Kim Shaffer

This group oversees our core educational ministries including Adult Education, Sunday School,

Confirmation and Vacation Bible School. We are blessed with some incredible teachers for our children, as

well as three adult classes each Sunday morning!

Evangelism

Members: Victoria Salwasser, Andrew Severin and Phil Tews

Our desire is to recognize the many ways Immanuel is reaching out into the community, and to empower

members to live out their evangelism in daily lives (rather than just getting people to invite others to church).

Fellowship

Members: Bertie Hakker, Virginia Harker, Judy and Al Hooper and Kathy Tigchelaar

Our plan is to promote 5-6 all congregation events throughout the year. We also wish to develop a separate

group to oversee Immanuel’s 125th anniversary celebration this year.

Finance

Members: Tom Britter, Richard Cisneros, Josh Gardner, Donna Geidner, Jim Hansen, Laura Nielsen

This new group took responsibility for working with each of the committees and staff to draft a proposed

budget for 2013. They will also assist the Council in keeping tabs on our income and expenses throughout

the year, so the Council can be freed up to attend to the “big picture” aspects of our ministry.

Personnel

Members: Fred Cogan, Mike Nielsen

This year, this new committee reviewed our current staff position descriptions and discussed our hiring

process for the permanent choir director. This group will also work with pastor and the Council to draft an

annual ministry review process that examines both our staff gifts and the direction of our overall ministry.

Stewardship

Members: Gina Cogan, Darel Merhten, Donna Geidner, Jon Marthedal

We developed a two-pronged approach to the stewardship of all our resources. The spring emphasis was

“Consecration Sunday” focusing on our financial stewardship. In the fall, we explored the stewardship of our

time and talents as we explored how we are “SHAPED” for ministry.

Worship

Members: Marcia Hollenbeck, John Jensen, Dan Lindstrom, Sandy Marthedal, Barbara Petersen, Joan

Wynn.

We oversee the worship life at Immanuel, working with pastor to develop seasonal emphases that deepen and

stretch worshiper’s faith, and help them see and experience God’s presence in life.

+ + +

In addition, there are three other committees at work at Immanuel. The first two have a limited duration

based on their specific tasks; the last is a permanent committee, but with a limited focus.

The Call Committee is spearheading the search for a permanent pastor.

The Constitution Revision Committee is reviewing our 2011 constitution and bylaws to update them

with current ministry descriptions and to remove any internal inconsistencies that may exist. They will bring

these revised documents to the Congregation for review and approval at the January 2013 Annual meeting.

The Nominating Committee has the annual task of compiling a slate of candidates for our various

elected leadership positions for the election at the Annual Meeting in January.

2012 Congregational Statistics

Total Family Units – 107

Total Confirmed/Voting Membership – 163

Total Baptized Membership – 281

Total Household Giving Units – 197

Attendance Summary: Easter – 280 (9:00AM and 10:30AM services combined)

Highest non-Festival Sunday Morning – 180 (September 16)

Lowest non-Festival Sunday Morning – 95 (Jan 1)

Highest Country Gospel Service – 53 (March 11)

Lowest Country Gospel Service – 16 (April 1)

Average Sunday Attendance – (144 AM) (32) January –June/Country Gospel Service

Personnel Report The following is a list of Immanuel’s employees as of December 31

st, 2012:

Rev. Allen Schoonover Interim Pastor

Darel Mehrten Lay Visitation Pastor

Daniel Lindstum Music Director

Joan Wynn Organist/Pianist

Bertie Hakker Choir Accompanist

Eva Orum Custodian

Marcus Orum Custodian

Victoria Salwasser Office Secretary/Parish Administrator

Jackie Caglia Wedding Hostess

Jonna Saethre Youth & Family Minister

Ron Mancillas Grounds Keeper/Custodian

President of the Congregation Dear Immanuel,

I would like to thank you all for the opportunity to serve as your council president the last six years. It has

been an honor and pleasure for me to stand with you as we have worked hard to make Immanuel a wonderful

place to worship, study, fellowship, and celebrate together. I have come to know many of you so much

better than I ever would have otherwise. I am truly thankful for that! I even picked up a few new lifelong

friends and prayer warriors along the way (and probably of few lifelong haters too, but hey, who is

counting).

Immanuel has been going strong now for 125 years, and I know that there has been times in our history

where the drama, the turmoil, the anticipation, the anxiety, the changes, the financial future, new buildings,

new pastors, new church affiliations, new buildings, and new staff positions have been heavy on our hearts

and minds. As a congregation, Immanuel has faced these issues in the past, and we always work through the

troubled times, and emerge a better place. I guess the last few years have been a little unique in that we have

tackled all these issues AT THE SAME TIME!

I am happy to report that just about all of these stressful issues are finally coming to an end. We have a

wonderful interim pastor to fill the gap between our last pastor and our next pastor, the call committee is

hard at work looking at pastor candidates, we are really close to moving into the new building, our Youth

and Families Ministry has a dedicated staff position to make it stronger than ever, with the help of tough

decisions made by the council and on the advice of the finance committee, we have a balanced budget this

year and a even a small surplus for the year ending 2012.

These issues have not been easy. We hired, and then much too quickly, had to say goodbye to a second

pastor when the financials didn’t work out. With heavy hearts, we said bye to the Demants and had to say

hello to some emergency fill in pastors, and then ask our members to wait patiently as we search for a

permanent pastor. We sadly said good-bye to the Country Gospel service. We have had to cram into small

class rooms, libraries, and old parsonages for bible studies. We converted an old rental house into a nice and

livable home for Jonna, and added a valuable asset to Immanuel. We said good-bye to our long ties to the

ELCA and jumped into a new and relatively unknown NALC with our eyes shut and our fingers crossed, but

our hearts open. Finally, and maybe most difficult of all, we are asking all of our employees to sacrifice

financially for the sake of Immanuel.

It’s been tough, yes. But what a ride it has been! Many of you have come to me with praise and thanks.

Thank you so much, but we are all in this together, and I say to all of you, THANK YOU! It would be much

easier to just complain, moan, and maybe go worship somewhere else. But what fun would that be? I also

know that some of you don’t exactly agree with the direction of the current council, and I really do

appreciate your opinions and disagreements (both publicly and privately). The council, and me especially,

have tried to take your ideas and concerns into account in all of our sometimes late night council and

committee meetings whenever possible.

Again, thanks for all your support and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Immanuel in the future!

For A Final Time,

Josh Gardner

Council President

Building Committee Builders of Immanuel,

Well....12th verse same as the first a little bit harder a little bit worse.

Actually I held off writing this report until the last minute because all I wanted to write for this year's report

was "We're Done"! That's what matters to all of us I know but, we're just not done yet.

But chin up..... Looking back we have accomplished some in 2012. We have methodically dealt with many

obstacles and stubbornly pushed through each issue on our list. Here is a summary of our accomplishments.

1. Final plumbing installations (Installed)

-Bathroom dividers

-mirrors

-drinking fountains

2. Additional sidewalk (Installed right before the Smorgasbord)

3. Building Fire Plans (approved)

4. Final ceiling inspection (Passed)

5. Phone lines (Trenched and Installed)

6. Monitored Fire Alarm system (Installed and inspected)

7. Ceiling tiles (Installed without injury)

8. Jr. High room floor repair (Done)

9. Stair well floor installation (Completed)

10. Custom room dividers (Installed)

11. Required signage (Installed)

12. Fire safety requirements (Installed)

13. Final Building inspection (Passed)

14. Final Fire safety inspection (Signed Off) no water storage required

15. WUHS drainage issue( repaired)

16. Lincoln Ave. sinkhole (repaved)

17. Settlement with Seal Rite Paving (Negotiated)

18. Exterior Lighting (Installed)

19. Sprinkler System remodel and landscaping plans (Approved)

Apparently one final grading issue and County employees returning from Christmas vacations separate us

from our certificate of occupancy. I can hardly wait.

Building Immanuel Better,

Mike Nielsen (Building Comm. Chair)

Lay Visitation Pastor’s Report This has been a rewarding year for me as your visitation pastor. I have had the privilege of visiting people

who have recuperated and some that are still convalescing with the goal of returning to regular church

activities. With each visitation there is a wonderful blessing for me and I sincerely hope there is a special

experience for the people I visit.

Again this year we have lost some members of our congregation but there is comfort in knowing that they

are at peace with our heavenly father. There are also some who have recovered from medical problems

which always brings joy to family and friends. We all know that prayer is a strong medicine and we know it

works.

We are beginning a year that will require lots of prayers for guidance and strength as we search for a new

Pastor and also as we struggle with the finances of our church. God hears prayers for illness, sorrow and

directions so let’s keep the lines busy. If you know of anyone in need or would like a visit and a prayer

please let me know.

Thanks you for another great year and let’s look forward to an even greater year in 2013.

In God’s love,

Darel Mehrten

Music Report Let me start by thanking everyone for the warm welcome I have received here at Immanuel. My work with

the choir has been very enjoyable. The members of the choir are to be commended for their dedication and

hard work. We have remained focus in bringing a quality choral anthem to enhance the experience for all

who attend the church services.

The choir participated in the Thanksgiving Eve Service and has presented a full Cantata here at the church on

December 23rd. The Cantata was very difficult and I truly believe that when people come together with a

unified focus amazing things can happen. The choir brought great energy and excitement to this Cantata and

I think the congregation went away uplifted and ready for Christmas.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Report The Washington Union FCA continues to introduce kids to Christ and encouraging them to make a

commitment to Him. We serve 100-125 kids lunch and a Christian message each Thursday during the

school year. We share in the preparation of the lunches together with three other churches in the community,

NewLife Community, Easton Presbyterian and St. Jude Catholic.

Again this year, with monies raised by the adult chapter, we were able to 49 students, 22 girls and 27 boys to

sports camps. We received heartwarming reports from the young people when they returned. Without our

support the majority of students would not have attended a Christian Based Camp. Washington Union has

had amazing success within their sports program last year. The coaches have all agreed that FCA is an

integral part of their program.

The chapter operates on a $35,000.00 annual budget and is funded by donations from generous people like

you. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all from our congregation who helped with baking

cookies, preparing and serving lunches this past year. Your commitment to this important ministry is much

appreciated. On behalf of the FCA Booster Club they would like to thank Immanuel for the use of the social

hall for the past 24 years.

Thanks again,

Glenn Nielsen

Care Bear’s Report During the 2012 church year, numerous members of our congregation have been assisted with meals,

transportation and gift cards. Greeting cards continue to go out to our members on the prayer chain and

military members.

We are pleased to have a number of willing volunteers to send cards, cook whole or partial meals, take our

members to appointments or to pick up meds and make phone calls. Our main concern is still the need to

know who needs what! We continue to ask that our members keep us informed. Only in knowing the needs

are we able to help.

Eva Orum

Llewellyn Ostergard

Fellowship Luncheon Report The fellowship Group was formed to provide fellowship, lunch and entertainment for seniors of the Easton

Community. We prepared sic programs in 2012.

On January 18th

we presented a “Winterfest” theme. There were 77 seniors served a country-fried steak

lunch. We were entertained by Ron Surabian, singer with Betty Crum on the piano. Potted primroses were

given as door prizes.

On February 1st we presented a “Patriotic” Theme. Ted Dick, a Navy Submarine Veteran, gave a super

presentation of life while serving on submarine duty with charts and models. We served “sub” sandwiches

to 68 seniors.

On April 18th

we had a “Luau” celebration. There were 60 seniors at the luncheon and a pork tri-tip lunch

was served.

On May 23rd

we served 72 seniors a BBQ Luncheon of hamburgers and hot dogs. Our theme was “Western

BBQ Picnic” Baloney Creek provides the entertainment. Sweet pea bouquets were given as door prizes.

On October 17th

we presented an “Octoberfest” theme. The menu was German sausage, hot potato salad and

Black Forest Cake. Decorations and door prizes were “Fall” fruits and vegetables. The entertainer was Rick

Jackson. He played the guitar and sang Country and Gospel tunes. There were 51 seniors in attendance.

Our last luncheon in 2012 was “Christmas around the World” on December 4th

. The buffet lunch consisted

of dishes from different ethnic groups and was served to 57 seniors. Mim Gould led singing using the

Church Christmas Song Book. She was accompanied by Pam on the piano and Gary on guitar. Poinsettias

were given as door prizes.

We wish to thank members of the Fellowship Team and the many other folks who have contributed and or

volunteered their time, talents, and efforts to help plan, cook, entertain, decorate and serve.

It is very rewarding ministry for all our seniors.

We wish to thank Diane Mehrten, Jonna Saethre, and Pastor Al for their inspirational messages based on

Bible verses that we distribute at each fellowship luncheon.

Al and Judy Hooper

Cradle Roll Report Splash! What is it? This is a program that aids in faith formation for children from birth to 3 years old. It

consists of monthly newsletters and a music CD sent once a month to the parents with stories and activities

and articles that are appropriate for the age of their child as they learn about Jesus.

This ministry is looking for a volunteer to send out the pre-printed monthly newsletters. If you are interested

in keeping up with this project please call Victoria in the church office.

Cradle Roll Coordinator

Blood Drive Report The Central California Blood Center continues to come out to Easton every eight weeks, this was our 8

th year

and we collected 80 pints of Blood in 2012. The total blood collected since 2004 is 1043 pints! Thank you to

Immanuel and the Easton Community who regularly support this program.

Youth & Family Minister Report Immanuel’s Youth & Family Ministry is for youth and families to nurture a passionate relationship with

Jesus and welcome our community and friends into God’s family.

Immanuel’s YFM desires to serve students and families at their point of need. Our YFM views ministry as a

pool. The shallow end is the entry point for students into the pool of faith, and this type of ministry has been

largely for community students. The deeper end of the pool is for students who have been a part of the

Immanuel church community.

In the shallow end, the Breaking Grounds Café has opened its doors to 100 students from Washington

Union High School each week. This ministry is a warm, welcoming entry point for students to become who

God has created them to be through relationships and a java. This has been a wonderful and strategic

collaboration of Easton’s churches and has been funded by private donation from sponsors.

In the deep end, Confirmation and Youth Group ministries have sought to develop and prayerfully

challenge students in the faith. Camp, conference, and fun activities have been interspersed throughout the

year to have fun in this deep end and to invite friends to experience joy in the faith.

Our conference experience this summer with the high school students was to Franklin, TN for Youth

Encounter’s Impact Conference. Eleven students and three leaders attended Impact in July, and were blessed

by the congregation’s financial and prayerful support leading up to and throughout this experience. During

this conference, students were specifically challenged to make wise decisions in their relationships and were

reminded of the unconditional love of Jesus.

Family Ministry events have been aimed at developing relationships amongst students and adults. As

students need the encouragement of Christians of all ages to develop deep and lasting faith, FM events have

been aimed at creating these deep, meaningful connections.

Immanuel’s Youth & Family Ministry continues to seek the Lord to collaborate with the work that He is

already doing and to support Immanuel and the church at large.

I am thankful for Immanuel for her continual financial and prayerful support of the ministry God is doing

through the YFM.

Blessings,

Jonna

Men’s Ministries Report The Men’s Bible study continues to meet on Thursday mornings from 6:00-7:00AM. Andrew Severin is the

head chef along with Mike Moser as the purchasing agent and sue chef. There are several volunteers every

Thursday morning to set up and clean up. Bible study leaders alternate between, Pastor Saethre, Phil Tew,

and Pastor Roy. The group continues to thrive, with about 25-36 members each week from various churches

and communities. They have offered support to members in need, they purchased new roller shades for the

kitchen and they sent $500.00 to hurricane Sandy relief through the Samaritans Purse Project. The group is

continues to give a Bible away to all its new members.

Sunday School Report This year we hosted 62 students and over 20 helpers at Rocky Point Lighthouse, for three days of songs with Jonna

Saethre, crafts with Laura Nielsen, making soup bags with Kim Shaffer, story time with Karen Shoonover, and games

with Brian Shaffer. Pastor Al was wonderful as our hero, “Lightman,” and we couldn’t have done it without personal

hero, Mike Pilegard as “Sound Guy/Prop man.” For our mission project, the children brought non-perishable food

items and $88.62 to go to the community food pantry at Easton Presbyterian. We also wanted to try something new.

Each day was slightly longer to feed our visitors and staff a healthy lunch. Lynette Hecker and Vickie Mobley made

sure there was plenty of food for all! On Friday we held a water fun day in the park, gave the kids “Spread God’s

Light” gift bags, and invited parents to watch the kids perform their VBS songs and watch a video prepared by Carissa

Severin. We ended our celebration on Sunday by inviting students back to perform for the church. Lightman showed

up to give the children’s sermon, and some of our helpers led the congregation in contemporary praise songs. It was a

VERY uplifting service for many!

We kicked off the Sunday school year with Rally Day games for the children on September 9th followed by service, an

every member photo, and potluck! Special thanks to Linda Gutierrez, Sandy Marthedal, Diane Mehrten, Karen

Schoonover, and Kim Shaffer who helped us with games and fun.

Sunday school classes started on Sunday, September 16th with classes for everyone from pre-school to adults. As

usual, classes begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 10:15 a.m. (or as soon thereafter as the discussion can be wrapped up!).

Children in preschool through 6th grade meet initially in the sanctuary for singing, offering, and announcements from

9:15 through 9:30 with dispersal to classrooms and instruction from 9:45 through 10:15. Special thanks to our

teachers: Stephanie Clarkson (Pre-K), Karen Schoonover (K), Victoria Salwasser (1st & 2nd), Sandy Marthedal (3rd

& 4th), Lynette Hecker (5th & 6th), Kim Shaffer (Jr. High), Jill Ellingson & Jonna Saethre (High School), Josh

Gardner (College & Young Adults), Mike Nielsen (Adults), and John Jensen (Adults). Also thanks to Carissa and

Brenna Severin, Kathy Tigchelaar, Ericka Gardner, and Diane Mehrten who have filled in as substitute teachers when

needed. Thanks to Barbara Petersen for leading singing every Sunday. Finally, thanks to Shelbi Clarkson and Mike

Pilegard for their faithful help as teachers aides.

The curriculum chosen for the pre-school through High School classes -- "Growing in Christ" is from Concordia

Publishing House. It provides instruction material based on major stories of the Bible, drawing connections to the

Small Catechism, Lutheran hymns, and is laid out to facilitate an understanding of the confessions, traditions, and

language of the Lutheran Church. The fall session of curriculum followed chronological events from Moses setting up

the tabernacle in the wilderness after leading the Israelites out of Egypt on their way to the Promised Land through

David's friendship with Jonathan, Saul's oldest son, prior to David becoming King. The next session travels through

time from the foretelling of John's birth through Jesus healing the ten men with leprosy.

We decorated paper machè blessing boxes for a Thanksgiving craft. The students had fun with gluing fall colored

tissue paper and glitter onto leaf shaped boxes. They were given slips of paper to write their blessings on, with the

hopes of them reading the papers around Thanksgiving to see how good things are around them.

The Christmas Program took place on December 16th. Our children presented the story of Jesus' birth by belting out

their songs acappella to a packed house and the Jr. High class read the verses that foretold and proclaimed the

story. Thank you to the many that helped with the program.

For our Christmas Mission Project, we collected new sweatshirts and socks for the local elementary schools to give to

students who show up to school without something warm to wear. Thanks to many generous people in the

Congregation, we have sweatshirts for about 40 kids as well and MANY socks! Thank you!

2013 promises to have a fun and fulfilling second half of the Sunday school year. We are working on events for

Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day to say the least! With our fingers crossed, we will move into the new

building before breaking for summer. However, while our attendance numbers were initially quite good, they have

dwindled. Please make Sunday school attendance for your family part of your New Year's resolutions. We can’t wait

to fill up the new classrooms!

Praying God’s blessings for you all,

Ericka Gardner and Lynette Hecker

Caruthers Fair First and foremost we made money for a worthy cause!! We had a great time doing that despite the

horrendous heat last summer. The financials are listed below:

Total Income from food sales at the fair 29,998.00

Total Tips received at the fair 243.62

Total donations to the fair project 400.00

Total income for Caruthers Fair 2012 30,641.62

Total Expenses 2012 19,390.81

Total donation to Mission 11,250.81

Plus Thrivent Match 500.00

Total leftover Food donations to:

Mission 69.21

Donation to Car Show (soda/water remains) 129.94

Donation to Immanuel Kitchen 92.28

291.43

I requested Thrivent Match Funding, and we were approved for 500.00. We gave the check to the rescue

mission at the Thanksgiving Eve service.

The fair was very successful this year. Mark and I took the food handler’s course that was offered/required

by the fair board at the annual pre-fair meeting in August. We both felt that it was very helpful to us and we

received a perfect inspection on the first day of the fair.

Our policy has always been to serve the service officers for free. This year I tried to monitor it just to get an

idea of how much giving we were doing. It was a bit hectic and I’m fairly certain we served more than was

recorded but I calculated what did get recorded and the following reflects those results. Wednesday we

served 23 service officers for a total of $187.50; Thursday 20 officers for a total of $161.00; Friday 14

service officers at $98.00; and on Saturday 7 service officers at $56.00. The total of donated food to service

officers was over $502.50. I feel this is a wonderful service and most officers tipped the Rescue Mission,

sometimes more than the cost of their meal so it all balances out with expenses. We are there to serve.

Other booths have the same policy, on no charge to service officers. It’s the right thing to do at the Caruthers

Fair and another way of sharing God’s blessings with other.

Thank you for the opportunity to chair this mission project, each year. Our volunteers put their spiritual gifts

into action; we had 71 volunteers with approximately 2,643 volunteer hours. In 2013 we will look for more

help later in the evening, from 8-midnight. I’m sure I can find a few night owls that wouldn’t mind coming

out to wash the pots and pans. Serving with this mission project is another way of using our spiritual gifts.

Thank you for allowing me to use the gift God has given me to serve as fair chair.

Victoria Salwasser, Fair Chair.

Immanuel Women’s Ministry The Women of Immanuel have had a really good year - from a Spring Smorgasbord bringing the flavors of

our heritage to the area to sewing Little Dresses for Africa, our ladies have been involved in our community

and our world.

One of our outreaches was to the New Life for Girls ministry here in Fresno. This group is a stepping stone

for women leaving a life of abuse (whether that is physical, drug/alcohol, or emotional), preparing them to

live as part of a family and helping them learn/relearn the basic skills they to form a strong foundation for a

life in Christ. We spent a wonderful morning with their live-in students and staff - we had a professional

hairstylist and makeup artist on hand to trim and style hair and to give them a professional makeover. We

also redecorated (thanks to Laura Nielsen's decorating skills!) one of their bedrooms with new bedding,

curtains, dressers, and lamps. We started the day with breakfast and a short Bible Study led by Karen

Schoonover and left them with lunch and easy prep dinner so they could relax for the afternoon. What a

blessing for US to be able to spend time with these ladies!

As we look towards the rest of 2013, my prayer for the Women of Immanuel is that we continue to be a vital,

Gospel-centered, supportive arm of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Jill Ellingson

Smorgasbord The 57

th Annual Danish Smorgasbord was postponed in 2011 due to the road construction on Lincoln

Avenue. We held the Smorgasbord on March 3rd

, 2012 from 4:00-7:00PM. It was a huge success. We had

no idea what kind of a turnout we would have and we were surprised by the amount of people here ready and

waiting. The cost of our food has gone up quite a bit so we have decided to raise the ticket price to $12.00 in

2013 and continue the Smorgasbord in March. We did move it to the second weekend in March so that we

don’t conflict with a Danish Fish Fry in Modesto that takes a lot of the local Dane’s every year. Thank you

to those that missed the Fish Fry lasts year to stay here and make the Smorgasbord a success. The profits

along with Thrivent Matching funds were dispersed as the treasurer’s report reflects. Thank you to everyone

who helped with the Smorgasbord, it was a great success.

Sharon Reynolds & Victoria Salwasser

Immanuel Women’s Ministry Treasurer’s Report

2012 WELCA Treasurer's Report

Cash Balance as of December 31, 2011 $2,518.27

$2,518.27

Receipts

11-Jan Barbara Petersen for wood chairs $140.00

12-Mar Spring WELCA luncheon $80.00

12-Mar Country Store $1,671.00

12-Mar Smorgasbord Dinner $4,189.50 Smorgasbord

15-Mar Country Store-Quilts $215.00

30-Apr Thrivent Financial Funds $5,002.00 Received $5,860.50

2-Apr Country Store $70.00 Expenses -$1,858.23

30-Apr Offering for Bethel Home $140.00

18-Sep Offering joint bible study $34.00 Profit $4,002.27

18-Sep Dorcas offering $22.00 Thrivent Funds $1,000.00

18-Sep Spa Day Balance $159.83

18-Sep Recycling for retreat scholarship $175.00 Total $5,002.27

24-Sep Little Dresses for Africa $600.00

11-Oct Little Dresses for Africa $200.00

30-Nov Little Dresses for Africa $155.00

30-Nov Fall Country Store $1,133.00

30-Nov Little Dresses for Africa $25.00

3-Dec Quilt Sales $210.00

13-Dec Quilt Sales $120.00 Fall Store $1,463.00

3-Dec Thank Offering $900.00

20-Dec General fund-donation $10.00

Subtotal $15,251.33

Disbursements

998 Glenn Nielsen (Meat) ($267.69)

999 Victoria Salwasser (Eggs & table cloths) ($98.63)

1000 Susan Gardner (Aebelskiever) ($135.59)

1001 Big Potato Market (Meat & Veggies) ($555.51)

1002 Sharon Reynolds (Supplies) ($800.81)

1003 WELCA Conf 18 for Spring Luncheon ($80.00)

1004 Laura Nielsen (Social Hall Folding Chairs) ($767.54)

1005 Fresno Co. Thrivent Financial ($4,002.00)

cash Hats for Bethel Home Birthday Party ($25.00)

1006 Bethel Home Offering ($100.00)

1007 FCA WUHS ($500.00)

1008 Margaree Mason Center ($500.00)

1009 Jan Kersgaard ($300.00)

1010 Community Food Bank ($500.00)

1011 Immanuel Jr.& Sr.High $250 each ($1,700.00)

& $1000 for S.S. Blgd. $200 camp

1012 Laura Nielsen-Bethel B-Day Cakes ($35.00)

1013 Immanuel for the blinds $800 & $184.32 ($984.32)

1014 Victoria S. for graduation cakes ($33.96)

1015 Women in Retreat scholarship ($185.00)

1016 Bethel Home Mem. For Doris J. from Faith Circle ($25.00)

1017 Lois Rasmussen-Kitchen supplies ($537.63)

1018 Global Effect-Thank Offering ($900.00)

Subtotal ($13,033.68)

Current Checkbook Balance $4,735.92

Designated Funds

Nursery/ Playground $200.00

Spa Day Balance $159.83

Little Dresses for Africa $980.00

Fall Country Store $1,463.00

TOTAL Available Funds December 31,2012 $1,933.09

Financial Secretary Sunday School Building Fund Report

2013 Proposed Budget

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