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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, VASSAR, MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL / CORPORATION MEETING DOCKET

Sunday, January 28, 2018

AGENDA: 1. Call to Order with Prayer 2. Declaration of Quorum 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of 2017 Cong. Mtg Minutes 5. Receipt of Clerk’s Statistical Report 6. Receipt of Financial Secretary’s Report 7. Receipt of Treasurer’s Report 8. Approval of 2018 Pastor’s Terms of Call 9. Receipt of 2018 Budget

10.Elections 11. Convene Corporation Meeting 12.Election of Corporate Officers 13.Reconvene Congregational Meeting 14.Approve Change in Church Bylaws 15.Receipt of Annual Reports 16.Misc/New Business 17.Adjournment with Prayer

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VASSAR, MICHIGAN MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL

CONGREGATION/CORPORATION MEETING Sunday, January 29th, 2017

1. The Annual Congregational Meeting of the Vassar First Presbyterian Church was called to order at 11:15 on Sunday January 29th, 2017 with prayer by Moderator Doug Abel in the church Sanctuary.

2. A quorum was present.

3. A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the Agenda as presented.

4. READING OF THE MINUTES: A copy of the minutes of the Annual Congregational Meeting of Sunday, January 24th, 2016 was discussed by Clerk Dan Johnson. A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the minutes as prepared/ discussed. 5. CLERK'S STATISTICAL REPORT: 2016 SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT:

2018 Annual Congregational Meeting Page ! of !1 20

Elders serving on the session in the year 2016 were: Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Steve Franko Dan Johnson (For Betty Jo Atkins) Shelley Abel Mark O’Connor Kevin Haines Nicole Baker Bob Rice Scott Wegrzyn Lynn Childs Clerk of Session, Dan Johnson, Treasurer, Scott Wegrzyn, and Pastor Doug Abel

Deacons serving on the session in the year 2016 were: Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Cherie Herr Louanne Campbell Mike Kennard Bill Shoop Tanya Steele Kim Wegrzyn Ray Sowden Carol Swaffer OPEN STATISTICS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTER: Infant Baptisms: 0 Active Members: (1-1-2016) 151 Adult Baptisms: 0 Members Gained: 2 Marriages Performed: 1 Members Lost: 5 Funerals Performed 2 Active Members: (1-1-2017) 148

Throughout the year, I as the clerk, prepare the agendas and take the minutes of the meetings. I then type those minutes and prepare them for our meetings and the Presbytery. If I get requests for letters of transfer, I prepare a response and mail it to the requesting church. I try to do this in a timely manner. I also report monthly on the current rolls and keep it up to date. As needed I deal with any correspondence that affects the church and respond as needed to that correspondence.

A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the clerk’s report. Respectfully submitted, Dan Johnson, Clerk of Session

6. 2016 FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

Income Source: General Fund: $ 92,839.47 Memorial: 710.00 Fifth Sunday: 1,537.87 One Great Hour of Sharing 463.52 Youth Mission 6,222.58 Minister’s Discretionary Fund 110.00 Women's Guild 315.00 Total: $102,198.44


Respectfully submitted, Mary Johnson Financial Secretary

A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the Financial Secretary’s report.

7. 2016 TREASURER'S REPORT Actual Budgeted Income 94,217.89 95,000.00 Expenses 105,606.61 121.550.20 Net Gain/(Loss) ( 11,388.72 ) ( 26,550.20) A motion was made, supported and carried to receive the Treasurer's Report.

8. APPROVAL OF PASTOR’S 2017 TERMS OF CALL The Pastor’s Salary Package was presented in written form: Salary……………………………………………. $24,736.00 4 weeks paid vacation, including 4 Sundays 2 weeks paid study leave, including 2 Sundays Social Security Set Aside……………………….. $ 3,255.45 Housing Allowance……………………………... $10,870.00 Pension & Major Medical………………………. $16,482.00 Professional Expenses……………………………$ 1,000.00 Car Allowance………………………………….. $ 2,000.00 Continuing Education…………………………… $ 1,500.00 Book/Electronic Resource Allowance ………….. $ 1,000.00 Total Minister’s Call…………………………………… $60,843.45

A motion was made and supported to approve Pastor Abel’s Terms of Call. Motion approved.

9. 2016 Budget Page 1 Budget

2016 Actual 2016 Budget 2017 Proposed INCOME

General Fund 92,512.67 95,000.00 100,000.00 Interest Income 278.86 0.00 0.00 Loose 2,776.48 0.00 0.00


TOTAL INCOME 95,568.01 95,000.00 100,000.00 EXPENSES

Minister’s Salary 24,736.08 24,736.00 24,736.08 Social Security 3,145.20 3,145.20 3,255.45 Housing Allowance 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,870.00 Pension/Medical 845.49 1,000.00 1,000.00 Car Allowance 1,480.74 2,000.00 2,000.00 Continuing Education 1,491.72 1,500.00 1,500.00 Book/Elect. Resource Allowance 869.24 1,000.00 1,000.00 TOTAL MINISTER’S CALL: 58,373.43 59,186.20 60,843.45

Choir Directors 1,770.00 2,700.00 2,000.00 Custodial 3,639.93 3,640.00 3,720.00 Financial Secretary 100.00 100.00 0.00 Organist 3,420.00 3,600.00 3,690.00 Secretary 2,924.29 2,520.00 4,500.00 TOTAL STAFF: 11,854.25 12,560.00 13,910.00

Heat 2,077.03 4,000.00 3,000.00 Electricity 1,708.01 2,100.00 1,800.00 Water/Sewer 1,491.36 1,600.00 1,600.00 Phone 1,463.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 TOTAL UTILITIES: 6,739.40 9,200.00 7,900.00

Education Curriculum Supplies 0.00 250.00 250.00 Vacation Bible School 0.00 500.00 500.00 TOTAL EDUCATION: 0.00 750.00 750.00

Property Taxes 698.81 800.00 1,000.00 FICA 1,329.11 1,500.00 1,500.00 Medicare 157.10 400.00 400.00 Insurance 4,682.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 TOTAL TAXES/INSURANCE 6,867.02 7,700.00 7,900.00

PLH Mission 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 VFPC Mission 600.45 1,000.00 1,000.00 Minister’s Discretionary Fund 600.00 600.00 600.00 TOTAL MISSION: 5,200.45 5,600.00 5,600.00

Youth 352.97 500.00 0.00 Deacons 377.44 500.00 500.00 Worship and Music 254.87 250.00 250.00 Comm. Connections/Fellowship 104.67 250.00 500.00 Discipleship 150.25 250.00 500.00 Women’s Guild 152.58 500.00 0.00 Communication & Publicity 131.99 250.00 400.00 TOTAL MINISTRY TEAMS: 1,524.77 2,500.00 2,250.00

Apportionment 4,654.00 4,654.00 3,951.67 Church Supplies 1,515.90 2,000.00 1,500.00 Mailings 497.00 700.00 500.00 Office Supplies 276.30 1,000.00 500.00 Music Supplies 70.88 500.00 250.00 Custodial Supplies 389.82 500.00 500.00 Lawn/Snow/Pest/Payroll 2,803.99 4,200.00 4,200.00 Repairs & Renewals 4,257.85 10,000.00 8,000.00 Honoraria 550.00 500.00 600.00


TOTAL OPERATIONS: 15,015.74 24,054.00 20,001.67

TOTAL EXPENSES 105,575.06 121,550.20 119,155.12

INCOME LESS EXPENSES (10,007.05) (26,550.20) (19,155.12)

A motion was made and supported to receive the 2017 Budget. Motion approved.

10. ELECTIONS: Elders (Class of 2018, 3 year term): Shelley Abel, 1st Term; Nicole Baker, 1st Term; Lynn Childs, 1st Term A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the slate of Elders. The Elders are elected Deacons (Class of 2018, 3 year term): Mike Kennard, 1st Term; Kim Wegrzyn, 1st Term; and 3rd Deacon spot to be left open A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the slate of Deacons. The Deacons are elected.

Nominating Committee: Mark Bilbee, 2nd Term; Dan Zuzula, 1st Term: Barb Baker, 1st Term; Winona Williams, 2nd Term; and Kate Pease, 1st Term; There will also be 2 Elders and 2 Deacons on the committee. A motion was made, supported and carried to elect the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is elected.

Financial Secretary; Mary Johnson A motion was made, supported and carried to close nominations. A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the election of the Financial Secretary. Mary Johnson is elected as the Financial Secretary.

Treasurer: Scott Wegrzyn A motion was made, supported and carried to close nominations. A motion was made, supported and carried to approve the election of the Treasurer. Scott Wegrzyn is elected as the Treasurer.

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11. CONVENE THE CORPORATION MEETING: A motion was made, supported and carried to convene the Corporation Meeting.

12. ELECTION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS:


A motion was made, supported and carried to elect the following Slate of Officers for the Corporation as approved by the Session. 2016 Officers of the Corporation President: Kevin Haines Vice-President: Steve Franko Secretary: Dan Johnson Treasurer: Scott Wegrzyn Trustees: Shelley Abel, Betty Jo Atkins, Nicole Baker, Lynn Childs, Mark O’Connor, Bob Rice The slate of Corporation Officers is approved.

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13. RECONVENE THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: A motion was made, supported and carried to adjourn the Meeting of the Corporation and to reconvene the Congregational Meeting.

14. Annual Reports were presented for Review. A motion was made, supported and approved to approve the reports. The reports are approved.

15. Misc./NEW BUSINESS; No other business

16. ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business to address, a motion was made, supported and carried to adjourn the Congregation/Corporation Meeting at the conclusion of prayer by Pastor Doug Abel. The Congregational Meeting was adjourned at 11:41

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Johnson Clerk of Session Minutes of January 29th, 2017 Annual Congregation/Corporation Meeting RECEIPT OF 2017 BUDGET:

****END JANUARY 29th, 2017 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES****

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2017 SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT Elders serving on the Session in the year 2017 were: Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Kevin Haines Shelley Abel Alex Campbell Dan Johnson Nicole Baker Steve Franko Scott Wegrzyn Lynn Childs Diane Rice Clerk of Session, Dan Johnson, Treas., Scott Wegrzyn, and Mod. Rev. Doug Abel

Deacons serving on the Board of Deacons in the year 2016 were: Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Louanne Campbell Mike Kennard Cheryl Sholty Tanya Steele Kimberly Wegrzyn Bobby Staten Carol Swaffer [OPEN] [OPEN]

2017 Officers of the Corporation: President: Kevin Haines Vice-President: Steve Franko Secretary: Dan Johnson Treasurer: Scot Wegrzyn Trustees: Shelley Abel, Nicole Baker, Alex Campbell, Lynn Childs, Diane Rice

STATISTICS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTER: Infant Baptisms: 4 Active Members: (1-1-2017) 148 Adult Baptisms: 0 Members Gained: 0 Marriages Performed: 0 Members Lost: 21 Funerals Performed: 4 Active Members: (1-1-2018) 127


Dan Johnson Dan Johnson, Clerk of Session

2017 FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT (by Income Source)

General…………………………. $101,472.45 O.G.H.S………………………… 674.39 Mission…………………………. 172.00 Youth Mission…………………… 4,208.07 5th Sunday……………………… 2,588.85 —————————————————————— Total…………………………… $109,115.76


Mary Johnson, Financial Secretary


2017 TREASURER’S REPORT


APPROVAL OF 2018 PASTOR’S TERMS OF CALL


RECEIPT OF 2018 SESSION-APPROVED BUDGET


REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE AND ELECTIONS

2018 Slates of Nominees: ELDER: - Dan Johnson (fulfilling unexpired term, class of 2019) - Scott Wegrzyn (2nd) - Winona Williams (1st) - Dan Zuzula (1st)

DEACON: - Louanne Campbell (2nd) - Kate Pease (fulfilling unexpired term, class of 2018) - Brenda Haines (fulfilling unexpired term, class of 2019) - Tanya Steele (2nd) - Carol Swaffer (2nd)

Nominating Committee at large members: - Barb Baker - Carol Essenmacher - Jo-Linda Manus - Cherie Herr - Linda Shoop

FINANCIAL SECRETARY: - Mary Johnson

TREASURER: - Scott Wegrzyn

SUSPEND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

CONVENE CORPORATION MEETING

CORPORATION OFFICER ELECTIONS

Slate of Nominees for Officers for the Corporation: President: Alex Campbell Vice-President: Diane Rice Secretary: Dan Johnson Treasurer: Scott Wegrzyn Trustees: Shelley Abel, Nicole Baker, Lynn Childs, Winona Williams, Dan Zuzula

ADJOURN CORPORATION MEETING

RESUME CONGREGATIONAL MEETING


APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO CHURCH BYLAWS

The Bylaws of the First Presbyterian Church of Vassar, Michigan

Adopted January 26, 1997 Revised January 28, 2018

I. Statement of Purpose or Mission The First Presbyterian Church of Vassar, Michigan has been called by God and organized to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to minister to the needs of members of the congregation and residents of the community, and to promote peace and justice in the world.

II. Relation to the Presbyterian Church The First Presbyterian Church of Vassar is a member church of the Presbytery of Lake Huron in the Synod of the Covenant of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

III. Governance of the Church This church shall be governed in accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)(hereafter “Constitution”). Consistent with that Constitution, these bylaws shall provide specific guidance for this church. Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall be used for parliamentary guidance.

X IV. Incorporation In accordance with the laws of the state of Michigan, the congregation shall cause a corporation to be formed. Consistent with the laws of this state, both ecclesiastical and corporate business may be conducted at the same meeting of the congregation. (G-7.0304) (Note: Since the pastor or moderator is not a member of the corporation, consistent with Article IV V, a member of the session shall be invited to moderate the meeting when corporate matters appear on the agenda. The elders serving on the session shall serve at the same time as trustees.)

IV V. Meetings of the Church There shall be an annual meeting of the congregation in the church building on the last Sunday in January, at which at least the following business shall be presented:

• the congregation shall receive: a) annual reports from organizations and the session’s committees or task forces (information only) and the pastor(s), b) membership statistical reports, c) financial reports for the preceding year, and d) the session-approved budget for the current year (information only);

• the congregation shall approve: changes to the terms of call for the pastor(s), nominating committee report for church officers (G-7.0302), and electing

• the congregation shall elect: members to serve as ruling elders, deacons, and nominating committee members for the current year, and officers for the corporation.

Special meetings may be called by the session. Such calls shall state clearly the purpose of such special meetings, and business shall be restricted to that which is specified in the call. (G-7.0302)

V VI. Notice of Meetings Public notice of the meetings shall be given in printed, electronic, and verbal form on at least two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. When the meeting is called for the purpose of electing a pastor, the notice shall be given in printed, electronic, and verbal form at least ten days in advance, which shall include two successive Sundays. (G-7.0303)

VI VII. Moderator of Meetings The pastor shall moderate the all meetings of the congregation. If there are co-pastors, they shall alternately preside at meetings. When the church is without a pastor, the moderator appointed by the presbytery shall preside. If it is impractical for the pastor or the moderator of the session appointed by the presbytery to preside, he or she shall invite, with the concurrence of the session, another minister of the presbytery to preside. When this is not expedient, and when both the pastor or the moderator concurs, a member of the session may be invited to preside. (G-7.0306)

VII VIII. Secretary of Meetings The clerk of session shall serve as secretary at congregational meetings. If the clerk is not present or is unable to serve, the congregation shall elect a secretary (clerk pro tempore).

VIII IX. Minutes of the Meetings The minutes of the congregational meetings recorded by the secretary shall be attested by the moderator and the


secretary, and recorded in the permanent minutes book records of the session. (G-7.0307) It can then They may also be posted on the bulletin board outside the church office and freely provided to anyone requesting them.

IX X. Quorum for the Meetings The quorum of a meeting of the congregationed shall be the moderator, the secretary, and 30 members, but under no circumstances shall it be fewer than one tenth of the active members of the congregation. Consistent with the laws of the state of Michigan, a quorum shall be 30 or no fewer than one tenth of the active members on for corporate matters. The secretary shall determine that a quorum is present.

XI. Voting Only active members may vote (G-7.0301), regardless of age at meetings of the congregation. Consistent with the laws of the state of Michigan, voting at corporation meetings is also restricted to active members. In either case, voting by proxy is not allowed.

XI XII. Nominating Committee The congregation shall form a nominating committee consisting of in the following manner:(1) There shall be nine At least FIVE members total, on the nominating committee, (2) Two ONE of which the members shall be an a currently serving member of elder designated by the session, one of whom who shall be currently serving on the session and shall serve as moderator of the committee, (3) Two ONE of which the members shall be designated by and from the board of deacons, and (4) Five A MAJORITY of which the members shall be not “at large members:” i.e., persons not currently serving on the session in or the board of deacons, shall be nominated and who are elected by at the annual meeting of the congregation.

(5) Members of the committee shall be elected for a ONE-year terms annually and no member shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than THREE years. no member shall serve more than three years consecutively. (6) Per the Constitution, the pastor shall be a member ex officio, and but without vote.

(7) The nominating committee shall bring to the congregation nominations only for the terms that need number of positions to be filled. (8) The floor shall be open for nominations at the annual meeting. Opportunity for nominations from the floor shall be provided before a motion to close nominations is passed and the vote called. (See G-14.0201)

XII XIII. Ruling Elders The congregation shall elect at least SIX ruling elders, divided into TWO equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the annual meeting for a TWO-year term. Per the Constitution, no Ruling Elder shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A ruling elder having who has served a total of six consecutive years shall be ineligible for reelection to the session for a period of at least one year. The session, at its first meeting following the annual meeting, shall elect an any ordained ruling elder, who may or may not be a current member of the session, to serve as clerk and shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work. At the same meeting of the session, the session shall annually elect a treasurer. A quorum for the session shall be the pastor or other presiding officer moderator and one third of the elders current session members.

XIII XIV. Deacons The congregation shall elect at least SIX deacons, divided into TWO equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the annual meeting for a TWO-year term. Per the Constitution, no deacon shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having who has served a total of six consecutive years shall be ineligible for reelection to the board of deacons for a period of at least one year. The board of deacons, at its first meeting following the annual meeting, shall elect a moderator and a secretary from among its members and shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work. The pastor shall be an advisory member of the board of deacons. A quorum for the board of deacons shall be one third of the members, including the moderator.

XIV XV. Vacancies Vacancies on the session or the board of deacons may be filled by electing individuals at a special meeting of the congregation or at the annual meeting, as the session may determine.

XV XVI. Amendments These bylaws may be amended subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the laws of the state of Michigan, and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by a two-thirds vote of the voters present, providing that the proposed changes in printed and non-editable electronic form shall have been distributed made readily available at the same time as the call of the meeting at which the changes are voted upon.


Revision Notes:

- The most substantive revisions, and catalyst for revisiting the document, are changing board sizes and term lengths:

- reduced elected bodies’ minimum sizes to 6 for Elders & Deacons, and 5 for Nominating committee

- changed term lengths for elected members of session and deacons from 3yr to 2yr terms.

- added “at least” language to the definition of bodies’ sizes to allow flexibility to grow to greater than the minimum as needed without needing a bylaws change.

- Book of Order references have been removed: - The “addresses” of said references have changed since the major BOO revision

in 2014, and language has in many cases also changed- The Bylaws already name the Constitution of the PC(USA) as the authority over

these bylaws; therefore naming specific references is unnecessary and avoids future problems that may arise from future changes to the BOO.

- Organization of segments was changed some to provide a more logical arrangement to the document, and in one case a new segment was created to add clarity by differentiating two elements formerly sharing the same segment (the new “XI. Voting” segment, previously included under the “IX. Quorum for the Meeting” segment).

- Quorum definition: added “or no fewer than one tenth of” to define quorum for corporate matters the same way as for congregational matters, i.e., the minimum number required to make quorum would have to be greater than 30 should the active membership grow to where 10% is more than 30.

- Some language is reworked to reduce ambiguity or avoid unintended/unnecessary restrictiveness. Some elements that were unnecessary or potentially confusing were removed.

- Example 1: “regardless of age” clause in Quorum segment is unnecessary, simply defining as an “active member” is sufficient.

- Example 2: being ineligible for reelection for “at least” one year after reaching max 6 years, in elder and deacon segments, is simply ineligible for one year; the “at least" language is superfluous or implies said restriction can be arbitrarily increased to more than one year.

- Recognition of the ubiquity of electronic means of sharing information has been added concerning notice of meetings and distribution of meeting materials, but specifying that sharing by electronic means must be in a non-editable format (example: PDF document, not MS word document) and preserving stipulation for making printed forms also available.


ANNUAL REPORTS

Pastor’s Annual Report - 2017 As I compose this, I am once again amazed by how much can happen in a year!

The ministry of the church has changed and grown, and continues it’s great tradition of service to the community and beyond. We’ve added to our previous local missions support for the Ludwigs, our PC(USA) mission coworkers in the country of Niger. We’ve seen encouraging growth in our children’s ministry, and several adult small groups continue to gather around good books that challenge their faith. We sent youth to Reach once again last summer, and are gearing up for our part in making Reach happen here in Vassar once again this summer.

Our worship attendance has been similar this year to past years, and yet, especially during the Advent season, there was a noticeable uptick in the energy in our sanctuary, due in part I’m sure to the many children that have blessed us with their presence. We’ve also seen several new faces consistently returning to worship with us, and a few old friends as well.

We’ve also shared the task of walking alongside many who have been in health battles, or whose loved ones have been. Much to my chagrin in 2017, one of those people was me! As my body’s strange malaise gradually unfolded, culminated in extreme fatigue and a hospital stay in July, and began to resolve thereafter, you all were far more patient with me than I was, and your prayers and support made a real difference. As of this writing I’m still getting back to 100% but am mostly there, and I do not plan to repeat such a saga in 2018!

Despite all that, I have had the privilege to continue and expand my involvement in many community endeavors. The Vassar Ministerial Alliance continues to be blessed, growing numerically and financially in our ability to respond to needs in the community. The Chamber of Commerce is nearly unrecognizable compared to 3 years ago and has more than doubled its membership. And in many other ways I have had the joy and privilege of serving the Vassar community, our presbytery, and many people, being a witness to what God is doing here. It has also been a year of continued growth spiritually, mentally, and emotionally— growth that has had much to do with facing the physical challenges.

I can take little credit for the things that are happening in our church: that belongs first to God, and in human terms to each of you. It has been my privilege to do my part and to joyfully bear witness to what God is doing in, among, and through us. And I believe the many qualitative, “under the hood” kinds of changes and growth we’ve seen these past many years are beginning to bear fruit: fruit that will last (John 15:16).

Thank you for calling me to be your pastor, and I look forward to our continued journey together in 2018!

Shalom,

Rev. Douglas S. Abel Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Vassar MI.


DEACONS As deacons, our main function is to serve the church in the capacity of supporting co-congregants in whatever way we can. We pray for our “care teams” (we are all assigned certain members in which to concentrate on), call on them, send them cards, or messages, and assisting them when they are ill or homebound for any reason, this includes providing meals (which other members of the church help with). Another main function is to prepare communion. Finally, we prepare funeral dinners, if needed. There were no funerals that needed our assistance in 2017. We were planning a feminine hygiene drive project for homeless women, but this event got put on hold until further notice. Mike Kennard stepped down from Chair of Deacons and Kimberly Wegrzyn picked up the position. However, this proved to be too much at this point for her to maintain. No chairperson has yet been determined.

Respectfully submitted, Kimberly Wegrzyn, Moderator

Ministry Team Annual Reports - 2017

ADMINISTRATION The Administration Team was involved with the following activities in 2017: - Coordinated with Pioneer Financial Services on payroll and tax matters, including

the addition of a new church secretary (Angie Ayotte) - Conducted an evaluation of our Pastor - Reviewed income and expenses and prepared the budget for 2018.

Respectfully submitted, Scott Wegrzyn

BUILDING & GROUNDS No written report

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS No written report

COMMUNICATION & PUBLICITY The Communication & Publicity committee successfully promoted many events on Facebook, in newspapers, in the church newsletter, and in church bulletins. There were many pictures taken of event happenings. As a ministry of encouragement, bible verses were posted weekly in the FPC Vassar Members & Friends Facebook group. Finally, the committee worked on ideas for a church bulletin redesign.

Respectfully submitted, Shelley Abel, Chair


DISCIPLESHIP & GROWTH Here are the highlights of D & G during 2017

1. Our group led by Carole Essenmacher transformed our kids Sunday School program from one student in the spring to two age groups with up to 5 kids in each on certain Sundays. Jake “the therapy dog” and his trainer Brenda Haines helped to teach kids Jesus love by his “work”. Several teachers were recruited to help in the lessons by Diane Rice. The Sunday School program for young youth has been rejuvenated by the hard work and dedication of many at our church.

2. First Presbyterian hosted Vacation Bible School in early August this year. Kevin Haines worked with Nancy Laskowski from Grace Lutheran to organize this 4 day event. Several of our members chaired teams and helped to make VBS run smoothly even though the first day that was planned to be outside had to come inside because of a deluge as VBS began. Many volunteers made this a successful event.

3. Our Christmas pageant was written and produced by Carol Essenmacher. Fifteen youth and several adults helped make the annual event a wonderful success.

4. For the first time in many years, our youth were involved in an Easter pageant. Carole again helped to organize this event with help from other team members.

5. This fall, on October 29, we hosted a Fall Family Fun Potluck. This inter generational event allowed attendees to make seasonal crafts and it was connected to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Food and fun were the main agenda.

6. Pastor Doug led an Advent/Christmas devotional series as well as a book series for Christian Conversations.

7. Russ Hubbard and Bobbi Gamet headed up the Rummage Sale again this year to provide funds for our youth REACH trip in July.

8. The children’s message and nursery had to become part of the Sunday worship service again because of the number of youth attending church👍👏😃 . Kim Wegrzyn is the scheduler for nursery.

Respectfully Submitted Kevin Haines, Chair

MISSION & OUTREACH In 2017, the Mission & Outreach ministry team agreed to focus on the following initiatives: 1) Mission Trip (Reach and adult), 2) One Great Hour of Sharing, 3) Angel Tree, 4) Food Pantry and 5) Crop Walk. The following activities were supported or coordinated this team:


Mission Trips - Thrill on the Hill fundraiser with donuts and drinks: raised $150 for Reach Mission

Trip - Rummage Sale: raised $1,532.84 for Reach Mission Trip - Reach Mission Trip Day of Prayer during worship service on July 9 - Pumpkin Roll fundraiser with donuts and drinks: raised $112 for Reach Mission

Trip Began researching options for an adult mission trip - Relay for Life: donated 288 water bottles. - One Great Hour of Sharing offering: raised $674.30. - School Supplies and Backpacks: focused on high school students this year.

Collected various school supplies and the teachers greatly appreciated the donation. - Crop Walk: raised $1,663. Overall, the number of walkers was down. - Angel Tree - several children received gifts from our members and friends - Akron Vets: collected and delivered 38 pounds of hamburger/venison for ANKA

vet program in Akron.

Last, but certainly not least, we adopted a missionary family, Rev Michael and Rachel Ludwig, located in Niger. They are developing a literacy training and evangelism program. We support the Ludwigs in prayer and also financially at $40/month.

Respectfully submitted, Shelley Abel, Chair

WORSHIP & MUSIC No written report
