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St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Newark, Ohio for the year 2007 Between the winter and the spring, To add to our joy and sport, Comes a pause in the year’s occupation, That’s known as the "annual report." It’s the bane of our existence With its detail of every sort, This involved, inquisitive query, This loquacious annual report. Yet the facts can be clearly stated, Without shame and with no retort, That God’s blessed us with progress, You can see it in the annual report!
Annual Report meeting in conjunction with services January 26/27, 2008
FROM THE PASTOR: "A Hundred Years and Four Pastors" At the end of 1908, the Rev. George Bohon Schmitt came to be the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Newark, Ohio. Starting with Pastor Schmitt, there have been only four ministers who have begun pastorates and served at the helm of this parish over the subsequent 100 years: Schmitt [1908-1932], the Rev. Walter Martin Brandt [1933-1944], the Rev. Charles Myron Danford [1944-1976], and the Rev. William Joseph Rauch [since 1976]. This is a very remarkable situation, and says something positive about the stability of the congregation. Granted that during this same time there have also been associate and assistant pastors (the Revs. Ed Brigham, Glen Stadler, John Gould, Ron Lee, Phil Cummings, and Deborah Click) and eight vicar/interns (Diana Gugel, Deborah Click, Kurt Kusserow, Mark Winkler, Roger Laub, Jaclyn Gasior, Matthew Smith and Jonathan Kibler-McCabe), as well as other people in assisting roles (Frederick Rambow, Stephen Puffenberger, and Jim Friesner). Nevertheless, to have only four individuals in the course of a century serve in the role of what is sometimes called "senior pastor" or "lead pastor" is very unusual in terms of how congregations usually function. The above described situation is evidence of the long term stability and health of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church! On January 13th my wife, Judy Adams Rauch, in her role as Covenant Choir director, was teaching the congregation some of the new liturgical music associated with our new hymn and liturgy resource, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. She complimented the congregation on its strong musical heritage, and ability to learn new things. I say, "amen," to that and would take it even further. I compliment the congregation on its good sense of stewardship and financial support, and also for the strong lay participation in our programs of ministry and outreach. This annual report documents how this has happened over the course of the past year. I commend it to your reading. – Pastor Bill Rauch
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT: The year 2007 was a busy year. Thankfully, it wasn’t necessary to worry about major capital improvements. Rather, St. Paul’s Congregation Council focused on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of areas of council responsibility. A new building use form was developed to make sure that facilities are being properly used, cared for and protected when used for non-parish activities. We are also using this form for organizations that are making long term use of our facilities, such as Kairos Academy and the Licking County Center for the Visually Impaired, as well. The parish Time and Talent sheet was revised this year to include 33 coordinators to oversee the 80 plus activities carried on throughout the year so that all volunteers who signed up will be contacted and have the opportunity to serve. It was implemented beginning with Rally Sunday so that volunteers were available to help when church activities started up again in September. A council committee developed an anti-harassment policy that has been added to protect all church members and employees from any form of physical or sexual harassment. Church leaders will receive appropriate training, flyers will be posted to inform all church members, and brochures will be given to those who use St. Paul’s facilities. As part of our efforts to be good stewards, a council committee has been investigating ways to improve our fiscal oversight. As a result, we saved over $3,000 in insurance payments this year, hired a sexton and saved a major portion of the money we were spending on outsourcing custodial costs, and tightened the budget for 2008. Our goal is to continue to have this committee review our expenditures annually or as they come up for renewal. We also entered into agreement with Excel Academy (now occupying the former Central Intermediate School) wherein they have resurfaced and striped and will maintain the St. Paul’s parking lot allowing them to have weekday use of the parking lot. It is a win-win for both parties. As the rental properties are able to generate enough revenue, some of these funds have been used to offer financial support to several church members who have entered ministerial studies. It also allowed us to widen the sidewalk behind the rental properties to provide better access from the parking lot to the back church entry for the handicapped. The Small Group Ministry Committee added another ministry in the form of the Helping Hands Care group and their efforts saved a good amount of money in the renovation of the restrooms and storage areas in the basement. We worked diligently this year on improving communication with our congregation. A new brochure outlining what St. Paul’s has to offer potential new members is now displayed and available for anyone with an interest in St. Paul’s. If you haven’t looked lately, take a peek at our improved and upgraded website www.stpaulselca.org. We increased the number of temple talks as an attempt to provide additional details to our ministry and keep parishioners informed. A new and comprehensive church resource is being developed and should be completed sometime in 2008. We hope to make this a user friendly handbook so that all members can access virtually every kind of information needed. I have been amazed by the number of people from St. Paul’s who are involved in many good works here. Many of you are great examples of multi-tasking because you take on several church activities or committees. In addition to the way we reach out and minister to each other at St. Paul’s, it is heartening to see the way we continue to reach out to others less fortunate. The support you show in your gracious giving to the Licking County Coalition of Care is a lovely way of ministering to people in the larger community. And now, the partnership with First United Methodist Church in an ecumenical outreach to provide monthly free meals to over 300 needy people is another example of our giving spirit. Those who have volunteered for these outreach programs tell me that they have benefitted by their involvement as much as those being served. There will be several challenges facing us in 2008. The church organ is over 50 years old and beginning to need some serious attention. An organ task force is developing a renovation plan that will repair and upgrade this beautiful instrument before it deteriorates beyond repair. The Locust Street ramp and entrance to the narthex needs repair. The property committee is developing several renovation drawings they will share with the council and congregation later this spring. A generous donation has already been made to begin potential fund raising efforts for this needed renovation. Another challenge we should begin to address is a dwindling and aging membership. We need to help St. Paul’s grow and find ways to encourage young families to join our congregation and continue the Lutheran traditions. We have a variety of church services and a wonderful music tradition that will encourage new membership. However, young families find it enticing when a church has a strong youth ministry. We have youth leaders that have done an excellent job with the time they have to commit to this important work. However, it would be helpful to have someone with the time, training and resource expertise to help make our youth ministry grow. It may be time to think about hiring someone to undertake this vital ministry not just for our youth but to bring in families with children to help us grow our membership. – Richard Daly, Congregation Council President
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE: The Christian Education committee is responsible for providing a variety of opportunities to study God’s Word, mature in faith, and proclaim the Good News in daily living. Our mission: Develop People of Faith. Classes are offered to help us grow up strong in God’s word, knowing God in our hearts and not just in our heads. Sunday morning classes were held for Nursery, Preschool, Kindergarten-5th grades, 6th-12th grades (Middle/High School), and Faith Trek (held during the 10:45 a.m. service for PS-5th graders). Setting a good example for our children and grandchildren is important. An adult Sunday School class, Faith Builders, was held in Weisgerber Lounge on Sunday mornings. They follow a lectionary year study guide. Other learning opportunities included weekday Small Group Bible Studies, First Communion training, Confirmation studies and the following: The Middle/High School Sunday School/Luther League provided breakfast on the second Sunday of each month for the congregation. March 4th (during Lent) "Pretzel Day" was held and pretzels were made by the PS-12th grade classes. The pretzels were shared with the Faith Builders Sunday school class. July 8-12 Vacation Bible School "The Great Bible Reef Adventure" VBS was held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, July 15th, following the 10:45 a.m. service, the congregation and VBS families were invited to a potluck lunch in Danford Hall. The children presented a short performance of what they learned from their week’s experiences September - "Rally Month" for a new Sunday School year. October/November - Operation Christmas Child "Shoebox Ministry" (our world wide mission project) - 45 shoe-boxes were sent out with the help of the congregation and the Sunday School classes. December - the PS-5th grade Sunday school classes made cut out Christmas cookies to share with their families. The Middle/High School Sunday School class sent Christmas cards to the shut-in members of the congregation. Our Sunday School local mission project, through Jobs & Family Services was sponsoring a family for Christmas. Toys and clothes were donated for a family to help make their Christmas special. Offerings received during Sunday school are used in outreach ministry: Licking County Food Pantry, the annual Vacation Bible School Project (school supplies), and Operation Christmas Child "Shoebox Ministry". Very special thanks to dedicated Sunday school teachers, Faith Trek leaders, Nursery attendants, Confirmation teachers, First Communion trainers, Vacation Bible School volunteers, children, youth and adults who, with the help of God, make this ministry possible at St. Paul’s. – Linda Keaser, Chairperson
CONGREGATION CARE COMMITTEE: The members of the Congregational Care Committee have been very active this year. They continued throughout the year to visit members of St. Paul’s who are in hospitals, nursing homes and shut-ins. Members have assisted in the distribution of altar flowers to those in nursing homes or who are shut in. They have also kept in touch with members who now live outside the Newark area.. Thanks to the Congregational Care Committee and other church members who helped to make 2007 a successful year.. Special Thanks to everyone who donated boxes of cards, single and groups of cards. – Linda Smart, Chairperson
CHURCH PROPERTY COMMITTEE: Members: Diane Ganz, Kathie Hayden, Edee Kolb, Russell Hovland, John Jordan The committee took it easy on the congregation this year by not doing any major, expensive projects. Do not get used to that though because we have been making plans for a couple of projects that could become a bit pricey. These include the refinishing of the main church doors and renovations to the Locust Street narthex entrance. A check for $500 for seed money to get this project going was received with the knowledge that much more will be needed to complete the renovation. The sale of the school building behind the church’s rental property and parking lot to the Excel Academy was truly a blessing to St. Paul’s congregation. Their need for parking space led to an agreement with them that included, at no cost to us, the re-paving and striping of our parking lot. It now sheds water, has marked parking spaces and will be cleared of snow for us in exchange for the school being allowed to use it for their parking during the week. The project cost the school in excess of $25,000. Our gratitude goes to the school. The spare keys to the church and education building had been kept in a drawer in the office machine room, some in envelopes and some loose in a box. Thanks to the donation of a lockable key cabinet by Ron Howard, the keys are now organized and the storage of them streamlined. Thanks to Russell Hovland for researching and organizing the purchase of new, lighter weight tables for Danford Hall. Set-ups are almost a pleasure now! A quite lengthy list of projects has been created at the request of a new Helping Hands Small Group. Their first project was the remodeling and painting of the choir room and adjacent restrooms in the basement of the church building. This project was headed by Thelma Trainor and Jan Rengert with assistance provided by a couple of spouses and a helping hand or two by a few members of the Property Committee. Our sexton, Jackie Sainsbury is now under contract with St. Paul’s church and is our employee. – John Jordan, co-chairman
RENTAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE A new wider sidewalk has been installed behind the West Locust Street property to facilitate the handicapped people going between the church parking lot and the rear of the church. 105 West Locust Street: The young couple who rented the apartment at the beginning of the year had to move. We cleaned the apartment and it is currently rented along with the garage. 107 West Locust Street: Several repairs need to be done in this apartment and will be corrected as soon as time and money are available. 25 South 28th Street: In general this house is in pretty good condition, but requires several electrical system changes. We plan on doing some of this in the spring. – Charles Foster, Rental Property Committee chair
FAITH AFTER 55: Faith after 55 usually meets at noon on the second Thursday of each month. We invite anyone 55 years of age and up to join us for Christian fellowship, social dining and fun. Officers for 2007 were: President - Charles Foster; Secretary - Lois Fickel (retired); Treasurer - Bob Andrews; Telephone Committee - Julia Fleischer, Ruth Swinehart, Helen Foster & Elsie Guinsler (retired); Decorations - Marty Gordon (retired), Gene Nesbitt, Ruth Swinehart Highlights of our 2007 meetings: January - Guest Speaker was Steve Tressler, District Manager for H&R Block; February - Meeting canceled due to snow; March - Lunch at Miller’s Essenplatz and we celebrated Bob Andrews & Bob Wilson’s birthdays; April 12- Trip to Columbus German Village, toured the Franklin Art Glass Company; April 26 -Committee meeting. Lois Fickel, secretary and Elsie Guinsler, phone committee, retired and Wanda Cooperider will be secretary for the rest of the year; May - Guest Speaker was Susan Reid, sister of Jerrie Mock, Newark native and first woman to fly around the world; June - A Picnic at Dawes Arboretum, although hot, we had a good breeze; July - A ride on a pontoon boat at Buckeye Lake and a tour of the Cranberry Marsh Bog; August - A catered dinner in Danford, then on to the theater for the musical, "Cabaret"; September - Trip to Zanesville for a ride on the sternwheeler "The Lorena" with a box lunch; October - Bus trip to Amish country for lunch and shopping; November - A catered lunch and Guest Speakers, Anne Daly and Pastor Rauch. Anne spoke of her trip to her mother’s homeland, showing several items and many photos. Pastor told of his journey to Tanzania for the Ordination of Carey (Hovland) Mtui showing pictures of Tanzania which is a third world country; December - Our Christmas Luncheon was at the historic Buxton Inn in Granville which was beautifully decorated for the holidays. It was a fun time with good food and great service. Our thanks to the caterers: Madison Grange Ladies and Riley’s Bakery.. Most of all, we want to thank the members for making these meetings possible and always enjoyable. Come join us in 2008! – Wanda Cooperider, Secretary WOMEN of the ELCA:
President - Julie Ingram; Vice President - Alice Smith; Secretary - Betty Neighbarger; Treasurer - Marie Holmes "As a community of women, created in the image of God, we are called to be disciples in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We commit to grow continually in faith, affirm our gifts, support each other in our individual callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in love to our church, our society, and our world." All women of St. Paul’s congregation are members of Welca and are invited to be a part. For Bible Study and Fellowship we have four active groups. The RUTH Circle meets the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m., the ALICE Circle meets the third Thursday at 1:00 p.m. and the NANCY Circle did meet the fourth Monday at 7:45 p.m. (At this time NANCY Circle does not meet until a new date and time are established.) STITCH & CHATTER, the craft and sewing circle meets the first and third Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. All circles meet at the church. This year we held five (5) Board meetings and four (4) Quarterly meetings. The Kitchen Committee served five (5) bereavement luncheons this year. This is a vital ministry that helps families come together after the services for a time of fellowship and a meal. January 15th a reception was held to honor the 30th Anniversary of Pastor Rauch’s ministry at St. Paul’s. WELCA prepared and served at the reception. February 10, 2007, we prepared and served the Jail Ministry Breakfast at church. March 7th was the Lenten Luncheon at the 2nd Presbyterian Church which we prepared and served. Ruth Graham was the coordinator. April 13th & 14th WELCA Rummage and Bake Sale took place at St. Paul’s; funds raised went towards our operating expenses. June 7th WELCA hosted a reception at St. Paul’s for Carey Hovland, our seminarian, in honor of her upcoming ordination into the ministry and her marriage, both of which took place in Tanzania, Africa. Our circles rotate serving receptions held in the church for new members, confirmands, first communion members, school/college graduates, Mother’s and Father’s Day. The women volunteered to prepare and serve meals for Vacation Bible School in July.. October 27th WELCA donated food items for a benefit that was held at Christ Lutheran Church for the family of a two-year old boy with medical needs. November 15th, WELCA hosted the Annual Thank-offering Service and Luncheon for all area Lutheran women and women from other denominations. Ruth Watson organized the service. December 9th WELCA prepared and served a luncheon for members of the Congregation Council who met with the Rev. Terry Morgan, assistant to the Bishop. WELCA is an active member of Church Women United. We pay dues, contribute to The Least Coin Project and provide items requested for their yearly project. We also help with yarn donations for their afghan ministry. This year we helped support the ELCA from our Thankoffering Service, gave to the WELCA Churchwide Office in Chicago and WELCA Synodical Treasurer. Other gifts from offerings were given to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOMO), the Youth Engaged in Service (Y.E.S.) Program, and a family of our congregation in need. Also, proceeds from the sale of our cookbooks and Dayspring cards, plus WELCA offerings are going towards the purchase of pew cushions for St. Paul’s choir loft. WELCA members usher on the 5th Sundays. We have a "Mitten & Hat" Christmas tree on which we collect mittens, hats, gloves and scarves to be delivered to the Salvation Army for distribution. Stitch & Chatter made throws that were also given to the Salvation Army and to the Licking County Coalition for Housing. We have a card ministry that sends cards to the sick and shut-ins of the congregation and a Prayer Chain Ministry which prays for all requests from our members, their families and friends. WELCA is a separate organization of the church. We have our own checking and savings accounts. Our books are audited yearly and a report is submitted to the church treasurer. We support our activities by raising funds through our Annual Rummage and Bake Sale, selling our cookbooks, offerings from each circle and profits from the luncheons we serve. We also receive donations from congregational members and supplemental funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, for which we are truly thankful and appreciative. I want to thank our wonderful ladies who give so generously of their time and talent to each event that we are involved in, especially to Elsie Mills, the coordinator of our Kitchen Committee. They prepare and serve great food, organize and decorate, and uphold us all in prayer. We thank our Pastor Bill for his wonderful, prayerful support and many thanks to our church secretary, Evelyn Chapman and sexton, Jackie Sainsbury, for all their help; to John Jordan and Russ Hovland for all their help setting up for our events; to everyone in the congregation that support us in any way, our sincere gratitude! But above all, our thanks and praise to our precious Lord and Savior for His abundant love, grace and mercy to see us through another blessed year!! Thanks be to God! – Julie Ingram, President, St. Paul’s WELCA
VARIOUS BENEVOLENT PROJECTS of the congregation: 1. The Coalition of Care of Licking County, officially began serving people in need during 2005, and St. Paul’s was one of the founders of the coalition, together with 30 some other local congregations of various denominations. The coalition attempts to help people in need through monetary and other assistance to help with rent and utility payments, prescription costs, and other very basic human needs. During 2007 the coalition took two giant steps in its development: the hiring of the first salaried executive director and the move into a more permanent facility on Jefferson Street. The building, formerly the offices of a local business, has been provided to the coalition at no rent by the Evans Foundation. This building provides a much more central and functional location for the trained staff to sit down with people in need and talk over their situation. At St. Paul’s we support this ministry through a special offering received on the first weekend of each month. In 2007 a total of $8,966.89 (!) was donated by the members of St. Paul’s and given to the Coalition of Care for distribution. Both Pastor Rauch and Dick Daly of our parish serve on the coalition’s board, which is now holding its monthly meeting in our parish hall. 2. Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is a social ministry agency with a long history of service to the community in the name of local Lutheranism. It runs the Faith Mission in downtown Columbus, serving homeless people, and also has a number of distribution sites for food. It operates a number of facilities for older people, including Lutheran Senior City. Further, it works to facilitate adoptions and helps with the placement of refugees to our country. We supported its ministry with a gift from our budget, plus individual gifts that members may give. 3. The Licking County Jail Ministry is an ecumenically funded ministry to those incarcerated in the Licking County Justice Center and has been in existence for over a decade. The Rev. Scott Hayes is the full-time jail chaplain, and regularly circulates throughout the jail talking with prisoners and also holding worship. St. Paul’s supported the jail ministry with a gift of $1,351.23 from our budget, plus other gifts. Pastor Rauch is currently the chair of the Jail Ministry Board and Diane Ganz of our parish is the treasurer. This ministry also holds its monthly board meeting at St. Paul’s. 4. The Licking County Center for the Visually Impaired is a social agency, housed at St. Paul’s, that provides services to severely visually impaired, low income individuals. The program is supported by United Way, the Lions Clubs of Licking County, and the Senior Citizen Levy. St. Paul’s has provided free housing to the agency for 25 years. Among its services are to buy eye exams and glasses for indigent people and home bound services to senior citizens. In year 2007, it provided 1,110 exams, purchased 829 pairs of glasses, and gave out 695 low vision aids. This past year is 42% above what they have ever done in the way of help and they have a waiting list. Ron Lesko is the long-time executive director. 5. The Licking County Food Pantry is also one of the services we support. Imperishable food items and staples are brought in to the church and then taken to the main pantry for distribution. We also collect money-off coupons for the pantry to distribute.
YOUTH MINISTRY REPORT: The mission of the Youth Ministry Committee is to provide opportunities to develop Christ-centered relationships through fun, food and fellowship. Our vision is to encourage youth to grow in the knowledge of Jesus and live the Christian way of life. Jr/Sr High Luther League / Sunday School Class under the supervision of Andy and Lauren Grangaard provided breakfast on the second Sunday of the month for the congregation. Breakfast was served from 9:00-10:15 a.m. Breakfast donations will be applied toward the cost of the July 2009 "Youth Gathering" in New Orleans, Louisiana. The congregation was encouraged to participate in the Meijer Thrifty Acres Store "Shop/Earn/Save Program" with contributions going toward the Youth Gathering Fund. Vacation Bible School, "The Great Bible Reef Adventure" was held July 8-12 from 6-9 p.m. A potluck lunch was held on Sunday, July 15th following the services for the parents and congregation. The children performed songs and shared stories they learned.. Offerings and school supplies collected were donated to the Women’s Shelter in Newark. Scripture calendars for 2008 were sold and profit applied toward the Youth Gathering Fund. Crystal Stamper, Youth Ministry Committee Chair, presented a "Temple Talk" in October about the Youth Ministry to the congregation. In October the committee agreed that it was time to take action and leap forward with Luther League. Groups were established as follows: 3rd - 5th grade - Elementary Luther League - Crystal Stamper, Advisor 6th - 8th grade - Jr. Luther League - Linda Keaser, Advisor 9th -12th grade - Sr. Luther League - Jean Hovland, Advisor Luther Leagues meet for devotions, then separate into their respective groups for the rest of the meeting time. The first Sunday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. is the regular meeting time. Special meetings or activities to be advertised with specific dates and times. The committee planned a 2008 "Calendar of Activities" and created a permission slip to be used for the events. Events to be advertised on bulletin boards in the Education Building, Forward, Sunday Bulletin, Advocate and announced during Sunday School. Jean Hovland presented to the Congregation Council a request to consider hiring a Youth Director. A Youth Ministry Exploration Task Force was created to look into this request. The committee believes our youth are a very important part of the church today! Even though our youth groups are small, Jesus’ love is ever present. – Linda Keaser, Youth Ministry Secretary
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY In Small Group Ministries we encourage and reach out to others to develop intentional relationships of sharing and caring. St. Paul’s continues to be blessed with excellent and dedicated small group leaders and ministry team that has helped cultivate this important ministry at St. Paul’s. Thanks to the following leaders: Connie Baker, Kerrill Foster, Diane Ganz, Kathy Jordan, Carl & Linda Keaser, Elsie Mills and Pastor Rauch. Thanks to the following SGM team members: Sally Finck, Jean Hovland, Sherry Hupp, Carl and Linda Keaser. We had 50 plus members of the congregation participate in 2007 Lenten reading and studying of the book The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Rev. Nouwen. The SGM is in the process of selecting another book to study for 2008. . The Church Helping Hands small group got underway this past summer. The first project was the repainting and remodeling the two restrooms in the basement. We are looking forward to more Church Helping Hands projects for 2008. We are also looking forward to having Dinner and a Movie in the near future as well as other opportunities throughout 2008. Watch for details. We are always trying to find new groups to start, so if you have any suggestions please contact the church office or any of the SGM team members. Join an existing group or help start a new group in 2008 and see what a difference it will make in your life! – Willis Trainor, SGM Coordinator
ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE REGULARLY "HOST" IN OUR BUILDING: Alcoholics Anonymous - St. Paul’s provides a venue every Wednesday night from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a meeting of the Alcoholics Anonymous organization, which operates its important treatment program for those who seek it out. Narcotics Anonymous was added during 2006 as a group meeting on Friday evenings in Danford Hall at 7:00 p.m. to assist people trying to live free of narcotics. It operates on much the same formula as A.A. Girl Scouts - We currently have two Girl Scout groups meeting regularly in our parish building. Brownie Troop #646 (led by Christine Godenschwager) meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is geared toward 2nd Graders. Another Girl Scout Troop meets the first and third Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
FOUR CHURCH FARM REPORT FOR 2007 The 2007 Four Church Farm Committee: From Christ Lutheran Church: Bill Anderson, Dave McKitrick, Dave Colburn and Pastor Kris Santiago (secretary). From Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: Eddie Cline, Bob Saltzman, Pastor Miriam Schreck (president) and Willard Sheley. From St. John’s Lutheran Church: Karl Haynes, Chuck Whittington, Pastor Paul Hansen, and Junior Paynter From St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; Dan Fischer Charles Foster (vice president), Tim O’Keefe, Pastor Bill Rauch (treasurer). The committee meets the second Tuesday of each month and we always need new members. Worship Services held throughout 2007: The Easter Sunrise Service on April 8th and the September 9th afternoon Vesper Service that preceded our annual pig roast. In order to retain our tax exempt status with the State of Ohio and the Federal Government it’s imperative that all religious activities throughout the year be documented. The pig roast itself was very well attended this year by people of all ages. Other Usage: In recent years more and more members of the four congregations are using the farm for family reunions and other gatherings. There is no charge for members of the four churches to make use of the facility and reservations can be made with the office secretary at St. John’s Lutheran Church. General Maintenance: As with any entity over 21 acres, the Four Church Farm requires constant maintenance throughout the year. We rely on volunteers from our Four Church Family to help the committee with these endeavors. Each member church has a vested interest in this farm’s upkeep so that it can be enjoyed in the years to come. --4 Church Farm Committee
ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE PARISH January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 Checking Account Balance - January 1, 2007..........$28,315.90
Total Expenses/Disbursements.....................................................................................$272,887.69 Checking Account Balance - December 31, 2007......................................................$ 29,400.43
THE PARISH INVESTMENTS ~ ~ (Certificates of Deposit and Savings) [Note: most of these funds have come to us over the past 30 years through bequests in wills. Sometimes, as indicated, the person leaving the money to the church made stipulations in terms of the use of the money. According to the specifications of some of the wills, the principle money was not to be spent but rather invested, and the interest used for a specific purposes. This is indicated below in terms of some of the funds. However, it has also been the long-standing policy of the Congregation Council not to spend the principle of the bequests which have no stipulations attached, except for land purchase or major building projects. Such uses would, of course, require a congregational vote.]
Sally Finck, Parish Treasurer
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