Invite, Build, Serve through Christ
St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church Annual Report 2011
Annual Meeting
January 29, 2012
Agenda
St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church
ANNUAL MEETING
January 29, 2012
Potluck Luncheon
I. Vicar’s Address – Anne+
II. Business Meeting
A. Minutes of last year’s Annual Meeting
B. Election of BAC members
1. Expired term of Winnie Carey
Nominations: Cathi Rooth and nominations from the floor
Senior Warden: Cindy Kleiman
Junior Warden: Hilary Russell
Treasurer: Ann Gallaher
Clerk: Marie Leighton
C. Election of Convention delegates: Sherrill Breen, Cindy Kleiman and nominations from the floor
D. Election of Convention alternate delegates
E. Budget – Jim Weisgram, voice approval and/or recommendations from the floor
F. Reports
1. Junior Warden – Hilary
2. Service Book numbers – Anne+
3. Ministries or projects
a. Hospitality – Dee & Shone
b. Daughters of the King/Cursillo – Winnie
c. Deaf Ministry/Alleluia Fellowship – Karen & Jim
d. Deacon’s Report – Ron
e. Western Compass (campus ministry) – Anne+
f. Outreach/Mission – as in report and annual address
g. Christian Education – Erin
h. Ramp update – Jim
i. Columbarium – on hold until ramp is complete
j. Worship Committee – as in report
k. Other ministries
G. Appreciations/Thanksgivings
H. Other business/open forum
I. Closing Prayer – Deacon
BAC to meet in the office immediately – elect Treasurer/Clerk/Junior Warden
Next BAC meeting – Tuesday, February 14, 2012 5:30pm Dinner?
(if Valentine’s Day doesn’t work for members, another day will be chosen)
Annual Address
St. Hilda’s
January 29, 2012
from Psalm 111
Hallelujah
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation
Great are the deeds of the Lord
Let us give thanks with our whole hearts as we gather together today, reflecting on the last year and dreaming about the future.
We give thanks for God’s presence in our lives and for each other – for this community of faith.
I remember missing this meeting last year as I needed to travel back to Indiana when my step-mother died. All of us continued to experience losses this year – we understand how temporal things are and it can cause us to feel unbalanced, and perhaps worry about what will come next.
There was Shirley’s passing (and David moving away), Warren & Winnie moving, Harry’s passing, Cathi’s Guy, Marcia and friends & family members we have lost, or who need a different kind of care. There were even pet loses that certainly affect our daily lives. We missed Wangeci and Erin, David and Henry for several months when they were on sabbatical.
We found joy in the marriage of Deacon Bill and Bev yet change and sadness when they moved to California.
It’s been a hard year; sometimes seems too much to bear – but we do, because we have each other and our love of God – for that we can give thanks with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
And certainly, life was full of joy – for me, my daughter was married and I officiated at three other weddings. At. St. Hilda’s, Marcia brought us a Spiritual Gifts workshop, we baptized little Addison Dalisky, Jean Berry preached her first sermon. (illicit participation!) We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
At the BAC retreat last year, it was decided that we needed a whole year to “Rest in God.” We recognized that we were weary and needed time to be still and renew. You might remember that we made a poster and filled it with ways that we rest in God. I think – I hope we have had the opportunity to just “be” here at St. Hilda’s.
But that doesn’t mean we sat on our hands! Certainly not…
Brightening our lives were Shone’s gatherings of fun and community – Valentine’s dinner, tea & worship at her house, hamburger feed, stir-up Sunday and beginning monthly potlucks. These were times that brought us together for enjoying each other, for laughing and lightening our hearts.
Everyone: We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
While “resting in God” we continued to maintain our building and grounds – thanks especially to Jr. Warden Hilary, Max and Sherrill. Jim Weisgram has taken on the job as project manager for the ramp that will provide access for those who can’t manage the front steps. This has been a goal for many years and now it is really happening – beginning February 21st!
We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
We continued Wednesday morning Eucharist, sharing alternative prayers and some new leaders of Morning Prayer. Wednesday morning group continued to meet, study and share prayer concerns. During Sunday worship, the vicar, deacon and Jean Berry offered a preaching series about the history and traditions of the Episcopal Church. But, my favorite sermon was the “almost memorized” reading of the Woman at the Well followed by what I hope was a heart-felt commentary. We are thankful that Jim W. continues to provide computer music and clarinet each month with Jane. We’re also grateful when Winnie fills in on the organ. We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
Remember during Lent, the Rev. Jon Goman offered a series of talks on “Hidden gems in the Book of Common Prayer” which many found helpful and delightful. Before Easter we experienced Palm Sunday, Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday, Stations of the Cross, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday leading to a joyous Easter service. Before Christmas, several of you attended the “Longest Night” service for those who might find the holiday less than happy. Christmas Eve was well attended and we enjoyed the music of Jim and Marjory Lange.
Many of us attended a joint service with Christ’s Church at Helmick Park. We were graced with live music including a bagpipe, worship, good food and fellowship. We hope to share worship with them at least once per year.
We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
The campus ministry is now called “Western Compass.” Katie Moss, a new program director, began work in September. We are excited about the connections she is making on campus and about her interest in social justice issues and contemplative worship. Katie will preach here at St. Hilda’s on March 4th. Let’s welcome her! We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
And, we certainly did not rest from the usual outreach and mission work we always do – the Cookie Booth brought in more than ever for Ella Curran Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. We continued to support the food bank with food donations, monthly financial support and holiday giving.
People are still knitting, crocheting and sewing prayer shawls and blankets for those who might benefit from the warmth and prayers embodied in their work. We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
Karen Niemeyer and Jim Weisgram continue ministry for the Deaf Community with monthly gatherings. We are still in need of a consistent sign language interpreter for Sundays but we are thankful for Pam Rimmer’s gifts when she can be here. We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
Then there are all who serve at worship and behind the scenes that make St. Hilda’s the welcoming place that it is – Altar Guild, Eucharistic ministers, acolytes, greeters, bulletin preparers, transporters, housekeepers, those who set up and cook for gatherings, gardeners, financial stewards, Jr. & Sr. Wardens, BAC members, Convention delegates; also, all of you who are able to reach deeply into your pockets and share your treasures and gifts. You all are truly the hands of God within and around this building as well as out in the world. We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
We are grateful for the nursery care lovingly given by Michelle and Chris.
We look forward to Sunday School starting again and for its vision coming to fruition – we are grateful for Erin’s gifts and her desire to build this ministry. I’m sure she could use help from anyone who hears a call.
Remember Bible Study is every Sunday morning at 9am and is a chance to talk about the lectionary readings before the service. We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
I look forward to a BAC retreat and renewed long and short term planning to refresh our mission to “invite, build and serve through Christ.” We will continue concentrating on communication, invitation and vital worship experiences with specific goals and strategies while building a healthy and growing church. We give thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts! Hallelujah!
I ask that you heed Deacon Ron’s charge from a few weeks ago to invite someone to church. We can look forward to some special “invite a friend” Sundays. Also, many of you have been working in this church for many years – sometimes it gets to be a lot – you definitely deserve time to sit in the pew and drink in the presence of God without thinking about what you need to do next. But, I ask you to think, to pray, about there perhaps being a new way that you can serve that you would find life-giving. Think about the whole of this place – consider what it needs to sustain and grow. The BAC will be offering some ideas of ways to serve if you need them.
For all of you and all you do, I give thanks with my whole heart! Hallelujah!
Re-commissioning of ministries… prayers and blessing
Annual Report for 2011
St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church
January 29, 2012
SENIOR WARDEN
It’s hard to believe that I have served an entire year as senior warden of this wonderful church. I feel like I have benefited the most from the relationship! I have had a wonderful BAC to work with and am looking forward to another exciting and challenging year. Another highlight of the year for me was as a delegate to the General Convention. It was a huge learning experience for me, since I knew little of how the Episcopal Church and nothing of how the convention operated. I think what impressed me the most was being in a room full of people who love the Episcopal Church and dedicate so much time and energy to making it a growing and welcoming place. May we all be blessed with love and enthusiasm and energy to do what we need and want to do in 2012.
Cindy Kleiman, Senior Warden
JUNIOR WARDEN
The challenges facing us have been extreme yet our congregation has come through with help and love in every instance! Whether working on the yard, on the building or on the projects presented, our church family has been present with renewed enthusiasm! As Junior Warden I look forward to continuing to build on our strengths and look forward to the coming year.
Just a few projects completed this year:
new water heater and circuit so that the sump pumps run independently (thanks to Max Garrett)
addition of new roof over east end of the building
repair and re-roofing of porches at two entries to parish hall
removal of risky trees on our curb and the replacement by the City of Monmouth of four new trees to enhance the beauty of our grounds
the planning, grant securing and initiation of our new handicap ramp in progress (thanks to Jim Weisgram as project manager, Dcn. Bill & Bev Mosier for their contributions and all others who contributed to the ramp fund
and thanks to all who toiled at the yard work to make our Church inviting
In loving service in His name,
Hilary Russell, Jr. Warden
BULLETIN
The Bulletin committee consisting of Cathi Rooth, Jim Weisgram and The Rev. Dcn. Ron Wynn produces the weekly pew bulletin which provides guidance during the service, contains information about leadership within St. Hilda’s and communicates important announcements to the congregation. Please notify Cathi if you would like to help with the Sunday bulletin.
Cathi Rooth
WEDNESDAY STUDY GROUP
The Study Group meets on Wednesdays after morning Eucharist. It is a time for fellowship among the participants and for study of various topics. This year among other topics, the study has included an audio class on money/economics and religion.
Cathi Rooth
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Sunday School meets at 9:15 on Sunday mornings. During this time we discuss one of the readings of the day and do a related craft. Sunday School was on an extended break, since Erin was away during the fall, but is gearing up to start again soon. One of our goals for this year is to reconfigure the room where we meet in order that it can serve the kids in a more effective way. Erin hopes to attend a Godly Play training in the near future.
Erin Marr
CHILDCARE
Michelle Cannon and Chris Eckstedt are providing childcare for children under age four during the service. Michelle and Chris still need to attend “Safeguarding God’s Children” training and will be working with Erin and Anne+ to create a smooth transition from nursery to Sunday School.
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
The Daughters of the King has been inactive as a group this year. We have only 3 members left at St. Hilda’s (the minimum allowed to retain our charter). Although we are still Daughters, we have not met as a group to support each other in our spiritual journey due to schedules, sabbaticals, etc. St. Hilda’s will lose the DOK charter if we lose 1 member or membership is not increased. Please pray that God will provide direction to the future of St. Hilda’s Chapter of Daughters of the King.
For His Sake,
Winnie Carey
HOSPITALITY
Last year our extra-curricular activities had the theme of fun: A Valentine Dinner, a tea party, heavenly hamburger feed, and a stir-up Sunday. We carry over the fun this year, but with a focus to our roots, we invite, build and serve.
Our first get together will be a pot-luck using foods found in the Bible. Invite someone to share in our fellowship.
Suggestions and ideas are very welcome. We can do something we have already done, or try something new. Let me know!
Thank you,
Shone Stagg
OUTREACH/MISSION
Cookie Booth 2011
This was a very good year for the Cookie Booth. Our total ($800.00) was the best since I have been keeping records (1996). We not only had three days during which to sell our cookies, but also we had good sales during the evening concert this year. (Last year the concert was moved to Rice Auditorium due to bad weather.) The decision to increase the price from 25 to 35 cents per cookie and from $3.00 to $4.00 per dozen probably pumped up the grand total. There was no grumbling from the public about the increase.
Storage for the booth itself off of church grounds has become a problem. In order to store the booth in the Parish Hall basement we had to dismantle it. The booth will look a bit different in this next year as we will not be using the façade. Instead we will be using one of the tablecloths across the front of the table and a banner hanging from the tent. However, with everyone’s continued marvelous baking and loyal service we should have another great year for our charities – the Ella Curran Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.
Respectively submitted,
Dee Larsen
Ella Curran Food Bank
St. Hilda’s gives the food bank $25/month as well as hundreds of pounds of food (and the $400 from the Cookie Booth).
Holiday Giving – Treasurer Ann Gallaher will give us this information. Thanks to Cindy Kleiman for organizing this project.
Vicar and Deacon discretionary funds
The vicar and deacon give financial support to people in need usually in the form of rent, utilities or gasoline. St. Hilda’s gives $25/mo to the deacon and $50/mo to the vicar. On the third Sunday of the month, the plate is given to the vicar’s discretionary fund. The vicar and deacon share funds if needs arise.
St. Hilda’s Garden
We didn’t have the garden last year as it turned out to be the work of one person – let’s get it going again next year!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Several people are still knitting, crocheting and sewing prayer shawls for those who might benefit from the warmth and prayers embodied in the shawls.
Deaf Ministry
Many thanks to Karen Niemeyer and Jim Weisgram who have carried on the work of Deacon Bill and Bev Mosier by offering monthly programs for the Deaf Community. Thanks also, to Pam Rimmer who offered her interpretive signing skills on several Sundays since Dcn. Bill and Bev moved away.
WESTERN COMPASS
The campus ministry, Fellowship House has been renamed “Western Compass.” Katie Moss, a new program director (campus minister), began work in September. We are very excited about the connections she is making on the Western Oregon Univ. campus and her interest in social justice issues. Katie writes a blog found here:
http://westernministry.blogspot.com/2012/01/ending-fall-and-beginning-winter-term.html
Katie will preach at St. Hilda’s on March 4, 2012.
Last year, the campus ministry created two boards – one Program Board and an Advisory Board that deals with finances and supports the programs. Vicar Anne chairs the Advisory Board that meets quarterly.
ECCUMENICAL
“Worship in the Park” – September 4, 2011
Christ’s Church (Methodist & Presbyterian) and St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church held a joint Eucharist in Helmick Park, enjoying live music including a bagpipe. A pot-luck luncheon and fellowship was shared by all. The vicar continues to meet with Pastor James Simmons for support and community sharing.
PREACHING SERIES
This year the vicar, deacon, and parishioner Jean Berry, offered a series of sermons and after-church discussions based on the book, Your Faith, Your Life.
This was similar to a catechism class for confirmation for the whole church and was well received. We are pleased that Jean studied and preached and we hope she considers more training and preaching.
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is alive and well. Volunteers are more than generous with their time. July and August still seem to demand a different approach for volunteers. In the future we will have sign up by the week for the months of July and August. Please let me know if you are interested in altar guild ministry which is so very rewarding.
All supplies are in good shape for the beginning of 2012. The vicar agreed to change back to white wine as we were having such trouble removing red wine from linens.
Emily Passantino, Director
WORSHIP
Alternative Eucharistic prayers were said each Wednesday morning from various resources: Enriching Our Worship, Wee Worship, New Zealand Prayer Book.
BCP Morning Prayer was led exquisitely by Cathi Rooth. We hope she and others who have trained in leading Morning Prayer will continue leading on Wed. anytime and Sundays when the vicar is absent (there is no budget for supply clergy).
The vicar wishes to continue offering interesting and vital worship; also repeat some of the Eucharistic prayers we have experienced in the past (NZ, Celtic, African).
We still are using the computer often for music. It is not optimum but thanks to Jim Weisgram, it sounds almost like a real organ! We also thank Jim W. and Jane Honbeck for offering clarinet and guitar music almost once per month. Thanks also, to Winnie Carey as organist when needed.
LITTLE RED CHURCH GOES GREEN
The power company came and replaced any lighting that was not up to “green” standards. We are thankful. Sherrill Breen is still working on greening issues and plans to attend the diocesan environmental commission meeting if possible.
RAMP PROJECT
Work on the handicap access ramp will begin February 21 and should take approximately 4 weeks. The city permit has been granted as well as relocation of the gas meter. We are planning to add a concrete walkway from the parking lot to the sidewalk and to fix the sidewalk in front of the parking lot if this is within the available funds for this project.
Estimated cost for the ramp: $22,606.57
Available funds: about $26,000:
| Diocesan grant | $11,013 |
| St. Hilda Handicap Access Fund | $ 7,763 |
| St. Hilda Property Acquisition Fund | $ 7,267
(with permission of the donors, the BAC voted to use funds collected to acquire the apartment building next to the church.) Other issues will add some cost. |
Jim Weisgram, Project Manager (Thanks to Jim W. for taking on this task! We’re finally getting there.)
Epiphany 2B: Come, and see
Epiphany 2B
Scripture References
1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)
Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
By the Reverend Deacon Ron Wynn
In our Gospel reading today, “Jesus found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me’”––and Philip followed. Then Philip found Nathanael and said, “We have found him about whom Moses and the prophets wrote, Jesus, son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael
replied only, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Don’t you hate it when people respond like that! Don’t you hate it when you’re excited about something––and your friend shoots you down! “Hey, I found the greatest thing!” “Yeah, right! Sounds stupid to me.”
In the Gospel today, Philip said, “We have found him about whom Moses wrote––Jesus from Nazareth!” And Nathanael replied, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
If you had been Philip, how would you have answered Nathanael?
• You might have said, “Don’t be stupid, Nathanael! Jesus is the greatest thing since sliced bread!”
• Or you might have said, “Don’t be stupid, Nathanael! Nazareth’s a great place!”
• Or you might have said, “Whatsamatta with you! You callin’ me a liar!”
But Philip didn’t go on the defensive. Philip didn’t try to give Nathanael ten good reasons why he should be excited about Jesus. What did Philip say? He said only, “Come and see.”
“Come and see!” Short, sweet, and to the point! No anger! No debate! No arguments! Just “Come and see!”
Nathanael went to see what all the excitement was about. Nathanael, sensing the God-given quality of Jesus’ vision of him, replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” This, too, was God-given insight. Philip had told Nathanael that they had found the one for whom they had been waiting––they had found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael then knew Philip was right.
Is there anything in this odd story for us? Anything here that we need to remember?
I really like what Philip did when he told Nathanael about Jesus––and was so soundly rebuffed––”Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” How Philip responded? Did Philip pull out a brochure listing Nazareth’s good points? No! Did Philip criticize him by saying “Nathanael, you’re way too negative”?
No. Did Philip start an argument with Nathanael? No. He said simply: “Come and see.”
“Come and see!” That sounds almost too simple, doesn’t it! But it worked. Nathanael came and saw.
“Come and see.” That was an effective approach then––and it’s an effective approach today.
• We can’t ARGUE anyone into the kingdom of God––but we can say, “Come and see.”
• We can’t BRIBE anyone into the kingdom of God––but we can say, “Come and see.”
• We can’t SHAME anyone into the kingdom of God––but we can say, “Come and see.”
We need to have a “Come and see”ministry. Each one of us needs to become a “Come and See” minister. We have friends and neighbors and coworkers who might benefit from knowing about Christ. They don’t want to argue with us. They don’t want us to put them on the spot. But they very well might be open to an invitation to “Come and see.”
Herb Miller is a researcher who studies how churches grow. Miller’s research reinforces the idea that EACH of us has something special to contribute––and that it’s terribly important for ALL of us to be involved in the work of the church.
(My personal editorial comment—It is wonderful how many of you here at St. Hilda’s are involved in the work fl the church in so many ways. However, how many of us really do take the opportunity to ask any one to “come and see”)
• Miller discovered that churches grow, in large measure, because members invite friends to come to church with them.
• He found that people are far more likely to visit a church if invited by a friend or neighbor than if invited by the preacher or priest.
• Miller found that 70 to 90 percent of the people who join any church come through the influence of a friend or relative.
If EACH of us responds to this call that God extends to us, the church will be able to do everything that it needs to do. We will have a dynamic, vital church that will change people’s lives. It will be a growing church––an exciting church––a wonderful place to worship and a wonderful place to serve.
(Another personal comment–Here at St. Hilda’s we have such a church, an exciting church, a wonderful place to worship and a wonderful place to serve.)
But it’s tempting not to answer that call. It’s tempting to sit in the pew––and to sing the hymns––and to walk out the door––and to let that be the end of it. It’s tempting not to get involved–not to give any service. But, if we do not do that, the work to which God has called us will remain undone.
Someone has said…
that the only bible which millions of people read today is the daily example of Christians –– your example and mine.
I remember a few years ago when our daughter Marcia was visiting family and friends up here, she was invited to celebrate and preach.
Her message was exactly this. Not to be shy and hold back but to boldly invite people to come and see wherever you meet them. As an example, she told of meeting a woman in the grocery store who commented on her clerical dollar and asked if she was a priest.
This started the conversation and ended with Marcia inviting her to come to her church and see what it was like, the lady did come and stayed.
As you go through this coming week, watch for opportunities to serve the Lord in this way Watch for an opportunity to invite someone to visit our church. Watch for an opportunity to say, “Come and see.” To do that is to give a blessing––and it is also a way to receive a blessing. Amen.
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