2013 ANNUAL REPORT - Amazon S3s3.amazonaws.com/.../Documents/2013AnnualReport.pdf8 2013 Annual Report | Westminster Presbyterian Church presented an outline of his vision for Camp

2013 ANNUAL REPORTWESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 47 JEFFERSON AVE SE • GRAND RAPIDS • MI

Westminster Presbyterian Church | 2013 Annual Report 3

VISIONIn keeping with our call to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, by God’s grace Westminster Presbyterian Church will be a servant leader in worshipping God faithfully; serving God and others joyfully; creating a community of dialogue, nurture and learning; and welcoming all in the name of Christ.

We pray that we will be formed by God’s grace and God’s Word so that Westminster will be faithful in this generation.

MISSIONWestminster Presbyterian Church seeks to lead and serve in:

Worshipping God faithfully by:

Providing authentic, theologically-sound and sacramentally-rich worship that glorifies and honors God and empowers God’s people to a faithful response.

Serving God and others joyfully by:

Discerning and supporting our collective and individual calls to faithfulness; Stewarding our resources, including those of time, money and Creation; Understanding and acting on our call to partnership in worldwide and community mission; Caring imaginatively for the marginalized, sick, and lonely; Holding each other in prayer.

Creating a community of dialogue, nurture, and learning by:

Engaging in deep study of Scripture and Christian tradition as we seek the guidance of the Living Word; Maintaining a practice of prayer; Engaging and responding to the realities of modern culture; Encouraging and exploring diversity of thought; Supporting individuals and families in Christian formation and education; Communicating effectively within the Church and the broader community.

Welcoming all in the name of Christ by:

Practicing forbearance and demonstrating respect, appreciation, and caring for all people; Being a place of physical, emotional, and spiritual safety; Acting as agents of peace, justice, and reconciliation; Removing barriers which prevent full participation of any person in the life of the church or community.

In doing these things, by God’s grace Westminster Presbyterian Church will be a place where all are wrapped in the arms of Jesus Christ and where God’s love is modeled and shared.

The mission and vision of Westminster

4 2013 Annual Report | Westminster Presbyterian Church

ITEMS OF BUSINESS2013 Annual Congregational Meeting Agenda .................................................................................................................... 6 2012 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes .................................................................................................................. 7 Nominations Committee ...........................................................................................................................................................12

REPORTS FROM STAFFRev. Chandler Stokes, senior pastor and head of staff .....................................................................................................14Rev. David Baak, associate pastor ............................................................................................................................................17 Rev. Katherine Baker, minister for young adults and mission......................................................................................19

REPORTS: OUR CORE MISSIONSCamp Henry .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22Westminster Child Development Center ............................................................................................................................ 26Downtown Food Pantry ............................................................................................................................................................ 27

REPORTS: WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLYWorship Committee ...................................................................................................................................................................30Music Ministry ............................................................................................................................................................................ 32Funeral and Memorial Ministries ......................................................................................................................................... 34

REPORTS: SERVING GOD AND OTHERS JOYFULLYBoard of Trustees ......................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Stewardship Committee ........................................................................................................................................................... 38 Personnel Committee ................................................................................................................................................................ 39Deacons: Administrative ...........................................................................................................................................................40

TABLE OF CONTENTS

An introduction to the annual report

Table of contents and organization of this report

Each year, Westminster produces an annual report of its life and ministry during the past year. The purpose of this report is to inform and remind us of the multitudinous ways in which God has been faithful in the life of our congregation.

This annual report is organized around the four sections of our mission statement. Our hope is that you will see how different ministries and committees respond to those statements in their own unique ways. This is, to be sure, an imprecise method of categorization—each of these committees and ministries touch on multiple areas of our mission statement, and none of them fall into tidy categories anymore than do the people who participate in them. Nevertheless, this schematic may give us new eyes through which to see our work and the ways in which the mission and vision statements drive it.

Production of this report is made possible in large part due to the work of Erin VandenBroek, an administrative assistant in the office. If you see Erin, please thank her for considerable time and effort.

Christian Bell Minister for Communication


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Deacons: Caring ............................................................................................................................................................................41 Deacons: Sustaining ...................................................................................................................................................................42 Financial Ministries ................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Community Ministries .............................................................................................................................................................44 Worldwide Ministries ...............................................................................................................................................................45Health and Wholeness Ministries ......................................................................................................................................... 47Resident in Mission ....................................................................................................................................................................48

REPORTS: CREATING A COMMUNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE, AND LEARNINGFamily Life and Children’s Ministries ..................................................................................................................................50 Spiritual Life and Learning Ministry.................................................................................................................................... 52Presbytery Relations ..................................................................................................................................................................54 Porter Hills Presbyterian Village ............................................................................................................................................ 55

REPORTS: WELCOMING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMembership Growth and Development Committee ...................................................................................................... 58 Membership Statistical Report ............................................................................................................................................... 59 Youth and Young Adults Ministries ......................................................................................................................................60Westminster Presbyterian Adults .......................................................................................................................................... 65 Open Door Ministry ...................................................................................................................................................................66Westminster Works .................................................................................................................................................................... 67 Churchmen’s Luncheon .............................................................................................................................................................68

IN MEMORIAMMemorials ......................................................................................................................................................................................69 For All the Saints ..............................................................................................................................................................................70


Call to Order.................................................................................................Rev. Chandler Stokes, Moderator

Opening Prayer

Stipulation of Quorum.......................................................................Elder Ben Boerkoel, Clerk of Session

Procedural Motion

Recommended Motion: I move that this annual meeting serve as both the ecclesiastical and corporation meeting of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Society.

Minutes from 2012 Annual Meeting (pgs. 6-10)

Presentation: The Sanctuary Roof..............Marcie Beck, Chair of Trustees

Receipt of 2013 Annual Reports (pgs. 13-67)

Approval of Terms of Call for Pastors (separate handout)...................Elder Kim Huizenga, Chair of Personnel

Report on the 2014 Budget—Year-end (separate handout)............................Sharon Koop, Treasurer of Trustees

Plans for the 2014 Budget (separate handout)...................Elder Paul Karsten, Chair of Stewardship

Recognition of Retiring Officers

Election of Officers (pg. 11)...............................Elder Daryl Fischer, Chair of Nominating Committee

•Elders •Deacons •Trustees •Memorial Trust •2014 Nominating Committee •Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Other Business

Honoring those on the Memorial List (pg. 68)........................Elder Susan Jennings & Rev. Dave Baak

Closing Hymn (pg. 69) “For All the Saints”

Closing Prayer.....................................................................................................................Rev. Chandler Stokes

Agenda of the 2013 congregation meeting • February 2, 2014

ITEMS OF BUSINESS


ITEMS OF BUSINESS

Moderator: The Reverend Chandler B. Stokes

Call to Order/Opening Prayer: The Moderator called the meeting to order at 12:27 p.m. in the Dining Room of Westminster Presbyterian Church and offered an opening prayer.

Stipulation of Quorum: The Clerk stipulated that the number of those present for the meeting constituted a quorum sufficient for the conduct of business under the by-laws. Our requirement is that 10% of the membership be present to conduct official business; well over 10% of the members were present.

Consolidation of Corporate and Ecclesiastical Annual Meetings:

Action: A motion was made and prevailed to have this annual meeting serve as both the ecclesiastical and corporation meeting of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Society.

Approval of Minutes:

Action: A motion was made and prevailed to approve the Minutes of the January 22, 2012, Annual Congregational Meeting

Presentation: New Emphasis on Mission

Rev. Stokes presented an overview of Westminster’s new emphasis on mission, which Session approved in December 2012. It is a three-year assessment of where our next call to mission should be and has three components:

1. Increasing Participation – We intend to emphasize participation in hands-on mission work, both in Community Missions and Worldwide Mission. While monetary gifts are valuable and necessary, our goal for both community and worldwide ministry is to reach beyond participation toward partnership between our congregation and others.

2. Strengthening Our Core Missions – We are committed to making sure that our three core missions (Westminster Child Development Center, Camp Henry, and Food Pantry) are healthy and financially sustainable. Before Westminster takes on any new big project, we need to be confident that these three core missions are operating well. Of the three, Camp Henry has the greatest financial need.

3. Reimagining Mission Budgets – We want to be clear about how mission dollars are being spent. This year, we are re-categorizing our mission spending into categories of “Direct Mission” (monies that we provide but do not control) and “Mission Support” (monies that we provide and control the use of). In addition, for the next three years, Session has allocated $30,000 in mission dollars to help Camp Henry achieve a completely revenue-based budget within three years. Finally, we are directing $7,000 of the $70,000 in our budget for denominational giving this year to NEXT Church, an organization which is seeks to empower Presbyterian churches in mission – i.e., building schools and hospitals. $2,000 of the $7,000 will be used to help Westminster staff and members attend the 2013 NEXT Church conference in March.

Presentation: Camp Henry

Rev. Stokes introduced Dr. Jeff Jacobs, the newly-appointed Executive Director of Camp Henry. Dr. Jacobs

Minutes of the 2012 congregation meeting • January 20, 2013


presented an outline of his vision for Camp Henry, which includes an emphasis on building a sense of community at the camp. Dr. Jacobs has a long history with Camp Henry, beginning 30 years ago when he attended as a camper and in recent years, serving as the director of the summer camp. He and the camp board of directors has developed a strategic plan which include improving the camp experience, improving the facilities, increasing the number of people at camp, and improving the financial stability of camp. At the present time, 270 children are pre-registered for summer camp; the goal for this year is to have 1,300 children enrolled, including more children from Westminster. In addition, they plan to increase year-round groups by 10%.

Receipt of the 2012 Annual Reports:

Action: A motion was made and prevailed to receive the written 2011 Annual Reports with gratitude.

Approval of the Terms of Call for the Designated Associate Pastor: On behalf of the Personnel Committee, the Moderator presented the terms of call for the Designated Associate Pastor.

Action: A motion was made and prevailed to approve the following:

Designated Associate Pastor – David Baak

Effective Salary: Salary $51,300.00 Housing (including utilities) 15,000.00 Retirement 403(b) Contribution 6,120.00 $72,420.00

Benefits: Medical $3,480.00

Expenses/Allowances: Social Security (employer’s share – 7.65%) $5,073.00 Professional Development 1,000.00 Book Allowance 300.00 $6,473.00

Other: One month of vacation (four Sundays) Two weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)

Approval of the Terms of Call for the Senior Pastor: Rev. Stokes appointed Jeannine Lemmon, Clerk of Session, as Moderator and was excused from the room. On behalf of the Personnel Committee, Clerk Lemmon presented the terms of call for the Senior Pastor.

Action: A motion was made and prevailed to approve the following:

Senior Pastor/Head of Staff – Chandler B. Stokes

Effective Salary:

ITEMS OF BUSINESS


ITEMS OF BUSINESS

Salary $62,100.00 Housing (including utilities) 45,000.00 $105,000.00

Benefits: Medical/Pension (31.5%) $33,737.00

Expenses/Allowances: Social Security (employer’s share – 7.65%) $8,193.00 Continuing Education 3,000.00 Expense Account 4,500.00 Book Allowance 500.00 $16,193.00 Other: One month of vacation (four Sundays) Four weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years) Sabbatical after seven years of service with a submitted plan for coverage, a commitment of one year service after sabbatical, and timing subject to approval of the Personnel Committee.

Rev. Stokes returned to the meeting and was greeted with a round of applause for his good work on behalf of the church.

2012 Year-End Financial Report: Angie Kelley, Minister for Administration, reviewed the church’s financial position as of December 31, 2012.

The 2012 budget for pledges was set at $1,454,022; actual pledge receipts were $1,407,427, (97% of budget). Overall, we had total revenue of $1,467,181 (97% of budget). Compared to 2011, we collected $27,517 more in receipts during 2012.

On the expense side, we were under budget by $38,982, with total expenses of $1,467,181 against budgeted expenses of $1,515,163.

The other ministries of Westminster (Camp Henry, Westminster Child Development Center, Food Pantry) are also doing well financially

Plans for the 2013 Budget:

Paul Karsten, Elder for Stewardship, reviewed the proposed 2013 budget, which was adopted by Session in December 2012. Total revenue is budgeted at $1,606,700, with $1,372,800 of that in pledge income (an 8.6% increase from 2012). Expenses are budgeted at $1,606,700 (an 8.8% increase from 2012) .

Highlights of the budget include a 2% increase for staff, receipt of a specific gift of $55,000 to fund the Minister of Communication position and the Minister for Young Adults position, and no use of reserve funds to balance the budget. Budget expenses for Community Mission and Worldwide Missions will remain the same during this year of discernment concerning mission at Westminster.


Elder Karsten also presented the budget in terms of the new way we are understanding mission, which is helpful for seeing where funds are being directed. Of the $1,606,700 in expenses, $162,258 is budgeted for “Direct Mission” – i.e., giving to Worldwide Missions, Community Missions, Camp Henry, Westminster Child Development Center, Denominational/Presbyterian Missions, and Next Church. $243,834 is budgeted for “Mission Support” – funding to WPC Food Pantry, program staff mission allocation, mission pastor support (associate pastor), youth trips, administrative support to mission, and the Presbytery per capita contribution. Total “Mission Giving” is categorized at $405,092 (or 25% of the total 2013 expense budget.)

Recognition of Retiring Officers: The Moderator recognized and thanked those who are completing their terms on the Session, Board of Trustees, and Board of Deacons.

Election of Officers: On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Suzanne McCune, Elder for Nominating, presented the 2013 slate of nominees.

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Elders:

Clerk –Ben Boerkoel Elder for Nominating – Daryl Fischer Elder for Membership Growth and Development – Carol Lautenbach Elder for Family Ministries – Jen Kotchenruther Elder for Presbytery Relations –Chris Dugan Elder for Worldwide Ministries – Peter Land

Action: There being no nominations from the floor, it was moved and supported to close the nominations and approve the slate of candidates as presented. Motion passed.

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Sustaining Deacons:

Bill Simcek (1-year term) Bob Dildine Genny Bratschie Carol Visser Robin Ripmaster Joe Ivy Kay Kretzschmer

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Caring Deacons:

Barb VanNoord Chuck Russell Dan Van Muers Lisa Stendel

The following were nominated for three-year terms as Administrative Deacons:

John Kershek Pat Avery Bob Barnes Britt Campbell


The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Trustees:

ITEMS OF BUSINESS


ITEMS OF BUSINESS

John Porter David Comfort Quan Gerville-Réache Chris Fuller Brett VanHaven (1-year term)


The following were nominated to serve six-year terms on the Memorial Trust Committee:

Jim Morse Ben Vanderwilp Heidi McPheeters


The following were nominated to serve a one-year term on the Nominating Committee:

Mary Bouwense Kathy Smith Carole Warren Bill Baguley Marlin Feyen Francisco Calderon

Action: There being no nominations from the floor, it was moved and supported to close the nominations and approve these nominees. Motion passed.

The following were nominated to serve a one-year term on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee:

Steve Baron Julia deJong Mary Van Skiver Scott Jennings Todd Helle Harry Coffill Barb Wisse Bud Roegge Elizabeth Topliffe (one vacancy remains)

Action: There being no nominations from the floor, it was moved and supported to close the nominations and approve these nominees. Motion passed.

Those on the Memorial List: The Rev. Nancy Clodfelder and Susan Jennings, Minister for Congregational Care, read the 15 names of members who passed into the fuller life of the Church Triumphant in the year 2012.

Hymn: In response the Congregation sang “For All the Saints.”

Closing Prayer: The Rev. Chandler Stokes offered a closing prayer of thanksgiving.

Adjournment: A motion prevailed to adjourn the meeting at 1:50 p.m.

ATTESTED:

_____________________________ ____________________________________

Chandler B. Stokes, Moderator Jeannine J. Lemmon, Clerk of Session


Great gratitude to those who served on the Nominations Committee and those who accepted their calls to serve as leaders in our church. Both groups have lived out the Westminster mission of worshipping God faithfully and serving God and others joyfully, exercising discernment and dedication in the process. The Nominations Committee met monthly from March through November, thoughtfully discerning the needs of each leadership role and identifying members who possess the necessary gifts. Dedicating themselves to filling all open positions, committee members made 80 calls to recruit 26 individuals for ongoing leadership positions and eight members of the Youth Pastor Nominating Committee.

Those whose names are listed below gave prayerful consideration to their decisions to serve and have made a commitment to dedicate their time and talents to serving Westminster. We thank them in advance for the individual contributions and the synergy they will bring to our church leadership, our congregation, and the communities we serve.

ELDERMusic Frank Van HavenPersonnel Ed VanderPloegSpiritual Life and Learning Larry SlagerWorship Ruth StubbsYouth Francisco Calderon

YOUTH MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATIVE DEACON Sue Bylsma Francisco Calderon Tim DolphinPeter Larson Sue Naum Joan LutkeJoel Schultze Steve Schoon Peter Conklin – one year termAllie Stroh Sam VanderwallEmma Richter

CARING DEACON SUSTAINING DEACON Mark Cydzik Betty Zylstra Cindy Haner-Velzen Diane HelleMiriam Pederson Jane French – two year term Suzanne McCune Linda NelsonElise Tripp Andrew Pool Adam Schuitema

TRUSTEES 2014 NOMINATING COMMITTEETom Kormos Roger Nelson Marlin FeyenFrank Spies Melissa Miller Kathy SmithJan Stone, one year term Keith Combs Daryl FischerBrett Van Haven Marcie Beck – Trustee Rep.Matt Russell Bob Dildine – Deacon Rep.

Huge thanks to the members of the 2013 Nomination Committee: Bill Baguley, Mary Bouwense, Francisco Calderon, Marlin Feyen, Kathy Smith, Deacon Representative Sharon Van Haven, and Trustee Representative Marcie Beck. Our work could not have been accomplished without the leadership of Chandler Stokes and Susan Jennings. It was a privilege to be part of this team.

Respectfully submitted,Daryl Fischer, elder for nominations

Nominations committee

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

Staff reports


Senior pastor’s report: Rev. Chandler StokesTime is a strange phenomenon. Augustine once said that time is something that takes care of itself until you start to think about it—then it gets very complicated. Indeed. As I look back over this year, I can hardly believe that a year has gone by—my fifth year with you. And it seems like so much has happened in that period of time. I am filled with gratitude and amazement at this congregation’s hope and faith. Your response to the staff transitions seems the biggest thing. To lose Christy and Nate Roosien, Mark Lodenstein, and Mark Hendricks in a very short span of time could have hamstrung our ministry. But largely through the efforts of many volunteers and three members—Ron Bouwense, Mark Bohland, and Shelly Boeve—who assumed staff positions, and the rest of our staff pitching in extra it seems like we haven’t missed a beat. I am grateful for Westminster’s response to these transitions. But that’s not all that went on for us in 2013.

This year we continued to be guided by the Vision and Mission, introduced in 2011; that statement is at the front of the annual report. That statement organizes our community’s life under the rubrics of Worship, Service, Community, and Welcome, and you will find that the report this year is organized to help us live into that vision. Ultimately, we pray that our congregation’s life will be a reflection of Micah’s description of our essential call to ministry: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.

Worship: The preaching series this year were: during January-February: Confirmation for the Whole Church, during Lent: Practices for Living from Strength to Strength, during the spring: Mapping the Road Ahead: A Series with the Book of Isaiah, during the summer: Language School, during the fall: Practices for Our Time, and our Advent series: What Love Requires. The coordination of our music and liturgy remains a cornerstone of our work in worship. You are a congregation who show up for worship with devotion and energy. It’s quite a witness. This year the worship committee not only sought to support the expanded education hour, by taking a few minutes off the early service, we also experimented with providing communion each Sunday at the 8.30a service. With the help of many, many deacons, we were able to do that for many weeks, and then restored much of the service to what it has been for many years—and now provide communion on the first Sunday of the month at 8.30a and provide communion at 11.00a when the liturgical calendar ordinarily invites it.

Service: We continued in A New Emphasis on Mission, which moves us in two important directions: Participation (more than merely Patronage) and emphasizing our Core Missions (WCDC, Camp Henry, Food Pantry). Even as we are in the process of analyzing the needs for our buildings this year, we are keeping this emphasis front and center. You will find reports on this area of ministry throughout the annual report. Camp has seen a terrific turn-around and WCDC is on firm financial ground.

Community and Welcome: In communications, together with the new position in communications, we have developed a new website, a new format for Chimes and the Westminster Weekly—a weekly email blast with highlights of the coming week’s calendar.

Session leadership, which is at the core of all of these areas of ministry: I want to acknowledge here the work of those elders who will be leaving their work on the session and will “graduate” to the College of Elders now. In addition to leading the Spiritual, Life and Learning Committee that brought us Shane Claiborne and Miroslav Volf, Gaeten Gerville-Reache together with Quan and their children offered us a wonderful stewardship letter and an unforgettable witness to stewardship in worship. Bruce Klein-Wassink has faithfully led our Music Committee, has offered priceless support to Helen Hofmeister ST

AFF

REPORTS


and is capping off his service by helping us introduce a new hymnal Glory to God, this winter. Peter Larson—what a year for him in youth: seeing us through the transition from Christy and Nate Roosien to Shelly Boeve, Adam Swensen, and Sarah Workman—whew! But Peter also helps in communications (he’s the elder to that committee) and worship (Peter has been our go-to person for all of our audio-visual equipment and design) as well. I worked most closely with the Worship and Personnel elders. David Abbott, chair of Worship has done a wonderful job. While battling cancer most of the last three years, David not only maintained the role of the committee—among those significant roles is to see that communion servers are available each time we serve communion—a responsibility that goes on and on, but David also welcomed a number of new members to the committee and led us in some experimentation with the 8.30a service. In Kim Huizenga’s case, as elder for Personnel, you just never know what you sign on for. In the three years that Kim has served as chair of Personnel, we have had a number of staff transitions. Rev. Anne Weirich to Rev. Dave Baak; Rev. Nancy Clodfelder to Susan Jennings’ increased role; Christy Roosiens’ changing role, Rev. Katie Baker both as Minister for Young Adults and Minister for Mission; a new position in Communications: Christian Bell; coordinating the hiring of Dr. Jeff Jacobs as the director for Camp Henry, and many other behind the scenes work. That is a bit about our staff transitions, but you will find further notes in the Personnel Committee report for the year as well. Great thanks and great blessings to all these faithful servants—and congratulations on joining the College of Elders.

Wider Denominational work: I will finish my sixth year on the Committee on Theological Education (COTE) for the denomination in February. I have chaired the sub-committee for Institutional Support that oversees the Theological Education Fund. In that capacity I attended the General Assembly in Pittsburgh in 2012. These experiences have left me with the clear sense that the PC(USA) really does need new direction. Some of our old structures will need replacing for us to remain vital and effective in the future. That is why I am excited about two things on the horizon. One is NEXT Church; the other is a new role on our Presbytery’s leadership team. I will be chairing a sub-committee on re-structuring the Presbytery this coming year, and I hope that it will allow us to streamline our work for the future.

The session voted to direct some of its denominational giving to NEXT Church in 2013, and you will be hearing more about this movement in the coming year. The mission of NEXT Church is “to foster relationships among God’s people: sparking imaginations; connecting congregations; offering a distinctively Presbyterian witness to Jesus Christ. … NEXT Church will engage the church that is becoming by cultivating vital connections, celebrating emerging leadership and innovation, and working with congregations and leaders to form and reform faith communities.” We hope to be a part of this vital movement within the denomination.

Looking ahead—Staff: we have two important searches in process—The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) continues their work in looking for an ordained person to serve as our Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Mission. The members of that committee are: Steve Baron (vice-chair), Harry Coffill (recording secretary), Julia De Jonge, Todd Helle, Scott Jennings (chair), Bud Roegge, Mary Van Skiver, Barb Wisse, and Marie Zoerner, transition counselor from Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM). The Youth Minister Search Committee (YMSC) is beginning their search for a Minister for Youth who can either be ordained or not. Peter Larson, Francisco Calderon, Sue Bylsma, Joel Schultze, Steve Schoon, Sue Naum, Sam Vanderwall, Allie Stroh, Emma Richter, and Karyll Russell. I ask for your

STAFFREPORTS


continued prayers for them as they continue their work.

Building: The trustees and session have begun a process of assessing our buildings needs for our future ministry. The first discovery was the necessary work on the roof, which will be a topic at the annual meeting. A Working Group, headed by Barbara Goodspeed and Kent Riddle, is collecting insight and data from innumerable sources, as they prepare a report for this winter.

On our family’s front, it has been also a year of graces. Our elder son, Jeremy, announced his engagement to Jesse Mae Sayers and were married last year. And Molly Virginia Stokes was born on August 29. Dusty, our younger son, continues his studies at Boston College and the Brookhaven laboratory on Long Island. Karen has been with me in Grand Rapids now for over two years, and our lives are settling in. Karen continues to serve as Interim Head of Staff at Hudsonville United Church of Christ, and will likely be there until March 30. I am ever grateful for the privilege of serving as your senior pastor, and pray we will continue to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God in faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Amen.

STAF

FREPORTS


Associate pastor report: Rev. David BaakIt has been a wonderfully rewarding year with all of you—congregation and staff—as I conclude the second year of this interim time. I am delighted that the Session has extended it for an additional year, made possible by the flexibility in the “Designated” position. Regardless of title, part of the role of a “transitional pastor” is to explore the things to which we as a congregation need to pay attention as we follow our vision/mission and strategic plan as an expression of our response to God’s call.

WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLY Worship: I spend about a quarter of my time in Worship related activity—preparing and participating in liturgy; preaching periodically; working with the deacons and communion; and, conducting some services at Porter Hills and Camp Henry. It continues to be one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable parts of my responsibilities.

SERVING GOD AND OTHERS JOYFULLYPastoral Care: The Pastoral Care Team (PCT) was implemented in the spring of 2012. Now, after nearly eighteen months, I think we have an excellent program in place. Structurally, the PCT is under the supervision of the Associate Pastor and is led by Susan Jennings, the Minister for Congregational Care, with the assistance of Kathy Cisler. Susan provides direct pastoral care as well as organizes the information we receive from the congregation; leads staff prayers; moderates the weekly PCT meeting and makes deacon follow-up assignments. Direct pastoral care is also provided by the pastors and backed up by the other members of the team.

I believe that the success of this effort has much to do with two things, in addition to the committed and skilled people who are involved. It is a team effort between staff and the Caring Deacons rather than leaving pastoral care to one person. Secondly, this collaborative effort, that allows us to use each person’s gifts as we respond to individual need, has the additional benefit of creating a context of “intentional congregational care” so members both “receive” care and also “see” the care given to others. One of the results has been an increase in requests for and care given through visits, prayer, cards and calls—and a very meaningful and informed care for our congregational family by staff and members alike.

Mission: The function of “mission” has become especially important for us as a congregation in the past two years because of the New Emphasis on Mission, as the Session has articulated it. With the addition of the Minister of Mission role to her responsibilities for Young Adults, Katie Baker now brings us to full staffing for this effort. We will complete the plan and expect to implement it over the next several months. The Community Ministries and World Ministries committees will be closely involved, in conjunction with the Justice and Peace and Health and Wholeness committees, as we envision the various volunteer opportunities, organizing, advocacy, support and mission trips involved in the new emphasis. We will continue to highlight our partnership with First Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor and the placement there of Julie Brien as Resident in Mission and our relationship with the congregation of the Guines Presbyterian Church in Cuba. A congregational survey is planned to help identify those mission volunteer activities in which members are involved already and that will accompany the effort to identify new opportunities for us all.

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE AND LEARNINGSeveral staff changes and time, itself, has given us a chance to explore a range of responsibilities for staff members over the past year. I have shared a number of operational roles with other staff while we have

STAFFREPORTS


clarified functions that the Personnel committee will review as they make assignments. The Associate Pastor will continue to have a supportive rather than a supervisory role in this area of congregational life.

WELCOMING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRISTHospitality: This area of responsibility is fundamentally an expression of Mission and includes all of us, but formally it is appropriate to the “Mission” area of the Associate Pastor’s functions. The committee focuses on the kitchen/food functions; the Open Door Greeter program; the ushers; and, the Sunday morning greeters. The committee has developed the following purpose statement, within the Westminster vision (“…[to] welcome all in the name of Christ”)… “to provide a secure, respectful and warm environment for all [and]…to assist and equip the congregation so that all who enter this church feel safe, welcomed, wanted and accepted.” In December we held a training for volunteer ushers and greeters, including training on the new Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) that has been purchased by the Deacons. The session also prompted a request for a list of Expectations for Ushers and that is currently being developed with the ushers.

CONCLUSION:I thank the Session, the staff and this congregation for a very stimulating and satisfying year. I am grateful to God and to you all to have been given the opportunity and the blessing of being here with you.

Respectfully submitted, David P. Baak

STAF

FREPORTS


Minister for young adults and mission report: Rev. Katherine BakerTeeming with gratitude, I am happy to say this past October concluded my first full year in service to the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Already, I’ve been astonished at the opportunities to witness and engage our community of faith. God has been good! I have been encouraged, even while balancing a long-distance marriage, and I have been grateful for the love and support extended—thank you for your spirited welcome in your cards, conversations, and dinner invitations, too!

Coming on staff at Westminster, my initial task was to envision what a ministry for young adults would look like. How do we mindfully hold new visitors and grown youth alike? How do we pay attention to those who might be marginalized and also develop leaders who are empowered to transform culture?

Newly added to my involvement is the wonderful initiative to discern the future of mission. How do we create new initiatives for intergenerational engagement, sustainable volunteerism, and transformational faith? How do we seek that we may find? How do we knock and open new doors? All this has been my vocational joy and personal challenge!

This year has been thrilling and full of potential; I have been overjoyed to be present at Westminster. The following summaries articulate the ways in which I’ve been incorporated into the mission and vision of the congregation.

WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLY:Over the course of this past year, I’ve found worship to be an integral part of finding my voice and sharing my presence as a pastor of the church. Serving as a liturgist (20), preacher (4) and administer of the sacraments (6) at Westminster, I have also had the opportunity to engage our missional relationships and sister congregations: leading worship at Camp Henry (WBTL) and Porter Hills; and serving as pulpit supply and preaching pastor to East Congregational Church, The Community Church in Ada, and Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. I also received the honor to represent Westminster at the ecumenical and communitywide Good Friday service at Central Reformed Church.

Similarly, I have found worship to be at the root of building relationships and the core of sustaining discipleship. Serving as officiate for weddings (6) and graveside memorials (2) at Westminster, I have been deeply enriched by the covenants shared, the theology procured, and the richness of the tradition represented within the PCUSA. I have enjoyed incorporating new practices into our services, sustaining rituals of reflection and worshipping alongside the radical people of God.

SERVING GOD AND OTHERS JOYFULLY BY:In our ministry for young adults (Emerging Westminster), I have been encouraged as we wholeheartedly pursue love of God and neighbor by engaging in ad-hoc mission trips, work days, spiritual assessments, and community partnerships. As young people, we are sustaining one another in prayer and active thoughtfulness whether we are thinking through what “stewardship” means (and looks like) in our present day or imagining how to make room for the whole people of God (no matter who people are or what gifts people might offer).

In our ministry for mission, I have been encouraged as we discern the many gifts and talents already at hand in our congregation and in our community. As we have reclaimed our Core Missions and

STAFFREPORTS


reevaluated our focus and commitment to Mission, we also have the opportunity to strategize how we can connect one another by creating new opportunities to serve God and neighbor, as well as affirming existing passions that already have people plugged into the church, community, and worldwide ministries.

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE AND LEARNING BY:This past year has been filled with enriching conversations and opportunities for growth. I’ve enjoyed new conversations and rituals around Feminist and Womanist Theology, Pub Theology, Lenten worship and reflection, Christian Education and Fellowship, and so forth. I’ve also welcomed new initiatives and dialogues for Gay and Christian, TEDx, APCE, denominational discipleship, spiritual direction, Faith and Writing, Exponential, and NEXT CHURCH. Westminster actively nurtures spaces and places for the people of God to claim their identity and to respond to the reality of our time and the world around us (including our local culture).

In effort to incorporate young people into the larger witness of the whole church, I have cherished the many invitations to partner/collaborate with colleagues in creating intergenerational events (whether it’s hosting a game night at Porter Hills with WPA, rivaling the youth group at a Kickball match, decorating our church home with families at Hanging of the Greens, or hosting author Jeff Chu with the LGBT group at Westminster).

In my own practices, I have been encouraged to explore my faith and bisecting interests. In continuing education, I’ve indulged researching practical theology, biblical literacy, homiletics, mission, poetry, denominational polity, public culture, and gender studies. And in professional development, I’ve been delighted to connect with local ministers and professionals to imagine what direction the Spirit is leading our city and even growing beyond that into an expansive dream for change in our nation or in our world.

WELCOMING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST BY:In all things we know that Christ binds us together, this past year has been full of mercy and wonder. My call to this church has not been short of being miraculous and transformational. As a young, adopted, Asian woman in ministry, I certainly know the complexity of belonging and feeling welcomed. Yet, even so, I have felt sustained by our congregation within my role and my ever-evolving responsibilities.

What I truly love about being a pastor of this church is that I am part of a radical movement to take seriously what it means to “welcome all” because we ourselves have been welcomed in Christ!

This has been one great year. Praise be to God.

Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Katherine Lee Baker

STAF

FREPORTS

Our core missions


Camp HenryMission: Camp Henry provides life changing experiences for all in a Christian environment.

Camp Henry entered 2013 with significant and positive momentum, which helped serve as a springboard and helped to make 2013 an amazingly successful year for Camp Henry.

SUMMER CAMPThe core program, component, and revenue generator for Camp Henry continues to be the traditional summer camp program.

1,318 campers attended summer camp in 2013. This is an increase of 128 campers over 2012 and marks the first time in 5 years that summer camp enrollment has increased.

Of these campers, there were more female (57%) than male (43%) campers. Camp Henry utilizes a sliding fee scale and provides scholarship monies for those unable to pay the full camp fee. Scholarships are awarded based on the household income and the number of children in the household. During 2013 Camp Henry awarded over $114,000 in scholarships to 343 campers, meaning that 26% of those who attended received some assistance to come to Camp Henry. Without this assistance we know that many of these campers would not have been able to benefit from a Camp Henry experience.

Camp Henry continues to serve children from a wide variety of religious backgrounds. Summer campers self-identified as follows:

• 33% Roman Catholic

• 23% other religions

• 13 % other mainline denominations

• 11% unaffiliated

• 7% Evangelical/Conservative churches

• 7% from Westminster Presbyterian

• 5% other Presbyterian

Results from our 2013 Parent and Camper Summer Camp Survey include the following:

• 86% completely agree that they had a ton of fun at Camp Henry

• 88% completely agree that Camp Henry counselors are friendly, caring, & helpful

• 90% were either Very or Extremely Satisfied with Camp Henry

• 99% would recommend Camp Henry to others

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMSThe year-round programs at Camp Henry are significant and serve schools, families, churches, universities, and professional groups from throughout Michigan. Camp Henry served groups every weekend and most week days for 7 months in a row, from April 13th to November 10th, 2013.OU

R CO

RE M

ISSI

ONS

REPORTS


During 2013 Camp Henry served 73 different year-round groups and close to 3,000 people in addition to our traditional summer campers. Most groups took advantage of some of Camp Henry’s programs and activities as well as food service. The most utilized programs during the school year include team building, challenge programs, outdoor and environmental education.

WESTMINSTER BY THE LAKEWorship services are conducted during the summer at Camp Henry on Sunday mornings from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The offering monies collected during the WBTL summer services totaled just over $11,000 and helped to support the Camp Henry scholarship fund.

FACILITIESIn 2013, Camp Henry was able to make significant and substantial improvements to the facilities, including:

• Building 2 new cabins, that are heated and include bathrooms, in Boys Village

• Building a new Climbing Tower that includes a Giant Cargo Net and Zip Line

• Purchasing a Newer Ski Boat

• Purchasing a Newer Camp Truck

• Purchasing a Newer Camp Bus

In addition, Camp Henry utilized a $20,000 donation designated for deferred maintenance to complete many projects, including; painting 2 buildings in Main Camp, putting new roofs on 3 different buildings, and updating the archery range.

FINANCESA positive balance at the end of 2012 enabled Camp Henry to replenish restricted funds that had been depleted in previous years when expenses exceeded revenue. The significant support that Camp Henry received at the end of 2012, in particular the support from WPC, helped eliminate over $100,000 in debt and helped position Camp Henry for financial success in 2013.

During 2013 Camp Henry made significant progress toward financial sustainability. In addition to ending the year with a positive balance, at the conclusion of 2013, Camp Henry was able to set aside and designate the following funds:

• $143,000 designated to help fund New Construction – including New Cabins in Girls Village

• $50,000 in Reserves

• $15,000 in a Fund to support Deferred Maintenance Projects

• $10,000 in a Boat/Vehicle Replacement Fund

• $11,000 to support 2014 Scholarships

OUR CORE MISSIONS

REPORTS


Ending the year with a positive balance while setting aside over $225,000 as indicated above is quite remarkable.

Between operating revenue, scholarship support, and general donations, Camp Henry received over $1 million in 2013.

SUPPORTCamp Henry enjoyed the financial support of numerous individuals, business partners, foundations, and families. Some support was directed toward specific items on the Camp Henry “Wish List”, some was directed toward specific camp needs such as summer scholarships, some was directed toward scholarships for schools to use Camp Henry as an educational platform, some was toward specific facility needs, and still other gifts were for general operations. Additionally, individuals or companies donated materials, or time and “sweat equity” to camp. Worship attendees and many others prayed for camp, its staff, and for those who came to camp. For each gift that was offered, the staff and board are most grateful.

Camp Henry received significant financial support from Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2013, with Worldwide and Community Missions contributing $30,000 to Camp Henry. These funds were critical in supporting new construction projects as well as providing significant leverage in allowing Camp Henry to attract and obtain additional gifts and donations of support.

PERSONNELJake (Jeff Jacobs.) completed his first year serving as Camp Henry’s Executive Director. Jennifer Robelli continues to serve Camp Henry, with her title changing from Office Administrator to Camp Administrator to more accurately reflect her increasing range of duties and level of responsibility. Ryan Reisler joined the Camp Henry staff as Facilities Director in April and Adam Swenson was promoted to Program Director in October.

Program Specialists, typically recent college graduates that have prior experience working at camps and/or with youth, have been incorporated as members of the year-round staff at Camp Henry. Program Specialists make a 12 month commitment to work, serve, and live at Camp Henry and have been utilized to provide program quality and consistency. The first two Program Specialists served during the 2011-2012 year and the current Program Specialists include Elizabeth Ray and Jennifer Bander, serving for the 2013-2014 year. In addition, Genevieve Howell is serving for the year as our first Facilities Specialist.

Erica Thomas is serving as our Interim Guest Services Director, and Camp Henry will be seeking to hire a full-time Guest Services Director during 2014.

Ashleigh Munch, Program Director, and Mike Sullivan, Facilities Director, left Camp Henry during 2013.

OUTLOOKIt is anticipated that the positive momentum generated in 2013 will help provide the foundation for another successful year in 2014.

In 2014 Camp Henry will be welcoming several new year-round groups, which will help generate significant year-round revenue. In particular, 2014 will mark the first year in our partnership and collaboration with Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine, a camp that provides a camping experience for OU

R CO

RE M

ISSI

ONS

REPORTS


persons with developmental disabilities, will be hosted at Camp Henry in July of 2014.

The continued upgrade to Camp Henry’s facilities, including the construction of additional year-round cabins with heat and bathrooms, will enhance Camp Henry’s ability to attract and server campers and guests.

Yet, challenges still remain for 2014. In 2013 the requests for scholarship funding exceeded the funds available. It was heart breaking to have to turn campers away that were seeking scholarship support. In addition, due to a change in a foundation’s funding of camp scholarships, the amount of grant funding available for camper scholarships in 2014 will be significantly less in 2014 than what was awarded in 2013. Camp Henry has 2 new fund raising events planned for 2014 – and our hope is that the revenue from these events will help bolster the scholarship funding needed to meet the level of requests for scholarship support.

The staff and board are committed to a strategic plan that will help to continue to restore fiscal stability and insure the sustainability of Camp Henry and promote and support the Camp Henry mission.

Jeff “Jake” Jacobs, Ph.D. Executive Director

OUR CORE MISSIONS

REPORTS


Westminster Child Development CenterWestminster Childhood Development Center is a branch of the Community Ministries of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Since 1969 the mission of Westminster Childhood Development Center (hereafter referred to as WCDC) has been to serve working families with high-quality childcare, regardless of a family’s income level. This unique mission has a direct and daily impact on the infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children of the community. The way the center fulfills its mission is by offering and accepting various forms of tuition assistance, providing families with scholarships at times of hardship, and advocating for positive change in the early childhood education arena. Because of its sliding-scale tuition system based on a family’s income level, WCDC is a one-of-a-kind center in Grand Rapids.

For WCDC, 2013 was a year of full enrollment, a balanced budget and stability throughout the Center. The WCDC board has focused 2013 on updating policies, procedures and strengthening its relationship with WPC. The board established emergency procedures and financial policies. It also established a protocol for the tuition assistance program. WCDC has given input into the church feasibility study on potential renovations. The Center awaits results of the study to determine future facility improvement actions.

The WCDC board has identified goals for 2014. There will be work toward further integration of church and WCDC parent education/ family programming. We will continue to work toward a 3-6 month operating budget reserve and increase the tuition assistance program.

The board of WCDC thanks the WPC Session, Trustees, staff, and congregation for their continued support. WCDC is committed to continuing to work with faith and determination toward fulfilling the combined missions of WPC and WCDC.

OUR

CORE

MIS

SION

SREPORTS


Downtown Food PantryThe volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors of the Westminster Food Pantry feel privileged to carry out God’s Work at Westminster, particularly in a year when the church focused on Westminster’s Missions. We continue to experience that the pantry is a necessity for those whom we serve, and an element of survival in very difficult times for those who are marginalized in our society.

Operating from the basement below the kitchen, the pantry served over 7,500 clients in 2013. This total is approximately 10% below the previous five-year average of 8,350 clients. The decline is due to the temporarily reduced population of “Section 8” (subsidized housing) Heartside neighbors. We can be certain that the decline is not due to a lack of need or an improvement of societal conditions among our clients. Unemployment among the poor, untrained, and undereducated is pervasive, SNAP (food assistance) values have decreased by 9%, and we daily see a resolve among our clients that things are not going to get better. For many there is a perception that they are caught in a system from which there is no escape.

As a member of the county-wide ACCESS food pantry collaboration, our client-base suffers the highest population-density yet is within less than a two-square mile area in downtown Grand Rapids. In addition to our Heartside neighbors we also serve as a NOW (Nutritional Options for Wellness) pantry, where we provide specific menu and dietary selections to address clients’ individual health needs, and also as a Ryan White Pantry, serving HIV-Positive clients. One observation might be that food-need is not only limited to poverty.

We provide approximately one-week’s food to a client who can visit once each month. Our clients pick personal care items, starches and side-dishes, and staple food items, including meat, from a selection board. Volunteers interact with our clients by taking and filling their orders. Such personal interaction is vital to our purpose of providing “Respect – Dignity – and Food”. In keeping with that theme, clients now enter through the Gathering Place and exit onto Jefferson. They no longer have to wait in line during the heat of summer and the cold of winter and now enjoy a bit of privacy from standing in line at a food pantry. Additionally, this provides our clients with a more intimate Westminster experience.

There are a number of ways by which we measure the economic performance of the pantry. The most obvious is to carry out our mission within our budgetary standards. At this writing, there is over an $8,000 discrepancy between revenues and expenses, which is totally revenue driven. It is our hope that the pantry can make up this deficit by year’s end without dipping into our limited reserve funds. Another means by which we measure performance and efficiency is monitoring our product cost-per-client (PCPC). At the end of 2012 our PCPC was $20.71. In mid-December, 2013, PCPC was $12.17. This substantial reduction is due to an increase of in-kind food donations and caring out improved stewardship in product spending.

Westminster Church provides the majority of funding for the pantry and offers space and utilities rent-free. Additionally, we are grateful for the partnerships we have formed with fellow churches; LaGrave, First Methodist, Fountain Street, St. Paul’s, St. Andrews, Park, and Bethlehem Lutheran for food drives and funding. We have been blessed in the past year as the recipient of substantial food drives by the Grand Rapids Fire Dept., Paragon Tool, and Catholic Central High School. We are also thankful for a substantial annual family foundation gift.

OUR CORE MISSIONS

REPORTS


It is proper as one evaluates and reports in an annual report that a vision be provided for the upcoming year. From budget and client perspectives the outlook is daunting.

• We are anticipating a growth in potential client base because of the addition of almost 300 Section 8 housing units in Heartside. Dwelling Place reports a 97% occupancy rate and long waiting lists for housing.

• We anticipate continued food price inflation that will affect our clients even more than the pantry.

• We have yet to experience the full impact of the SNAP card reductions. We feel this will be dramatic.

• DeGage, a sub-pantry of Westminster, has announced that it is ending its pantry service in January, 2014.

• We have scrutinized the budget and cut out nearly all expenses that are not food related, including security.

It is obvious that we must focus on efficiency and fundraising as we go forward. In a time when all are asked to give more, to ever-increasing, worthy needs, we respectfully ask that Westminster remember its charge and call for mission. Serving our Heartside neighbors is one reason we decided to remain a downtown church. Arguably, few things are as important as feeding those in need.

The Pantry Board is pleased to announce that Angie Kelley has been approved by the Personnel Committee as the next Director of the pantry, eliminating the term “interim” from her title. Angie has done a fine job of caring out this important mission for Westminster. We can all be assured that her guidance will serve our church and our neighbors in need.

May we pray for the time when there will no longer be a need for our pantry. While there is a need, may we pray that we can continue to support it and offer those neighbors that are in need the Respect, Dignity, and Food they deserve.

In Mission and Service,

Steve Pastoor, Treasurer, Westminster Food Pantry

OUR

CORE

MIS

SION

SREPORTS

WorshippingGod faithfully


The Psalmist writes: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” Ps 95: 6-7.

“As we joyfully offer our worship to God at Westminster, it is our commitment to welcome all who so desire to worship with us. Therefore, we welcome the friend and the stranger, the skeptic and the seeker, the doubter and the believer with us. We are a Christian Worship Service – therefore we do not presume our attending worshipers to be Christian and we are to be Christian towards them. Key to our understanding of worship is that before we believe in God, God believes in us. We welcome all who desire to be touched by God’s love and grace to come among us.”

For the year 2013, God has once again blessed our growing congregation with a strong and vibrant Worship Ministry. Under the spiritual leadership of our Ministers of Word and Sacrament, the Reverends Chandler Stokes, David Baak and Katherine Baker we have been fed, equipped and challenged to listen for God’s direction to lead a Christ filled life. Assisting in the leading of worship this year on a consistent basis have been the following members of the Westminster Staff; Susan Jennings, Helen Hawley, Christy and Nate Roosien, Christian Bell and Sherrill Vore, in addition to several members of the Session.

Westminster’s Worship Ministries continue to extend beyond the walls of 47 Jefferson and for many years has also included the summer worship services of Westminster By The Lake held at Camp Henry. These services continue to provide for hundreds of worshipers each Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day and involve the volunteer efforts of many people from parking attendants to greeters to Camp Henry Staff Members, to musicians and speakers.

Again this year, over 150 Westminster Elders, Deacons and Session Worship Leaders have answered the call to serve communion at over 20 Session scheduled Services of the Eucharist. Thank you all for your faithful service to God and the Church.

In addition to the oversight that this committee provides to our weekly worship experiences, they also lend their talents to insure that our special services of worship provide all of us with a meaningful and Christ filled time of worship and we continue to strive toward our goal of including representation of all age groups in the leadership of worship. Through our choirs, acolytes, ushers, Session worship leaders and youth led worship we are well on our way to meeting the goal set by the Session in 2004 to include children and youth in the leadership of worship and in the life of the church on a regular, ongoing basis.

2013 marks the end of my term as the Elder for Worship, a position that I humbly served with an amazing committee. I would like to thank the congregation for the opportunity you have given me to serve God and this church in this way. My sincere thanks to the church staff for making this eldership a joy and for all that they do to pull it all together each and every week.

Beyond our paid staff a special thanks is in order for the sound operators, ushers for making sure all our worshipers are comfortable, and to the members of the Worship Committee, both past and present, for the heart each of them have for meaningful worship experiences. The committee is presently the following members; Barb Roelofs, Randy Block, Jill Erickson, InaJane Hollenbeck, and Sue Bylsma. Each has a gift for shepherding the congregation towards the embrace of new direction while maintaining a respect for our loved traditions.

Worship CommitteeW

ORSH

IPPI

NG G

OD F

AITH

FULL

YREPORTS


Our committee also recognizes the effort of the Deacons for the preparation of communion and to Steve Marshall for his continued mentoring of us all in so many aspects of the service.

I stand with my successor, Ruth Stubbs in the statement that we both remain thankful to God for God’s daily grace, and for making Westminster home and a family of faith.

Respectfully submitted, God Bless You All, David E. Abbott Elder for Worship

WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLYREPORTS


Music ministry“Come and sing the praise of the Lord! Sing Hallelujah! Come and sing the praise of the Lord! Sing Hallelujah! Let all that lives, all that has breath, sing the praise of God, Hallelujah! Let all that lives, all that has breath, sing the praise of God.”

—a paraphrase of Psalm 150 set to an Israeli melody by John Bell in “Glory to God,” the new Presbyterian hymnal

WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLYThe worship of God is the heart and soul of who we are as a Christian community. Our hope and prayer is to glorify and honor God in our worship. Our music expresses our deepest desires to do just that. Praise God for the daily and weekly commitment of such a faithful community of leaders, singers, and instrumentalists to help us praise the Lord!

As we walk the path of Lent to the cross, as we celebrate the resurrection at Eastertide, as we wait for the incarnation of the Christ, throughout the seasons of the year we are gifted by so many musicians in our worship of God. The faithful 90 plus members of our Sanctuary choir help lead that worship throughout the year. Well over half of the worship services again this past year were blessed by this choir’s leadership. The highlights of their contributions this past year include the Pentecost service. The choir together with orchestra performed Benjamin Britten’s “The Company of Heaven”. This is a very challenging work to learn. Tackling this piece is not for the faint of heart and we are grateful for the leadership of Helen and Janlee as well as the time and the talent of our singers willing to work so diligently to offer this inspiring work. It is a deeply moving reflection on the work, worship, and service of the angels. The second important highlight was our annual Christmas concert. Given at the beginning of Advent this concert has become a worship outreach to the community for us as well. The choir sang the advent and Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah, the beautiful commissioned piece from Stephen Paulus, “Christmas Bringeth Jesus”, and 3 very moving African American spirituals, “Sister Mary” arranged by Donald Patriquin, “Mary Had a Baby” arranged by Alf Houkom, and “Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King” by Moses Hogan.

The Christmas concert also included the wonderful voices of our 25 plus member Kirk Singers. Besides joining the Sanctuary choir on the Spirituals the youth also sang “He is Born” as arranged by Ruth Morris Gray. The Kirk Singers gifted us on numerous occasions in worship this year. It is great to hear the sounds of our youth! They also had a wonderful opportunity to sing and spend time together in June on their tour to Montreat for the Presbyterian youth conference. This year the tour proved to be a great opportunity to grow spiritually as a community and individually for our youth.

Our children’s choirs – the Cantus choir, Cherub choir, Carol Choir, and the Chapel Singers all contributed in worship throughout the year. The Chapel Singers and the Carol Choir presented “The Stones Would Cry Out” as their musical on Palm Sunday. It was great! The text was written by our own Sherrill Vore and the musical portions were chosen by Helen and Jackie and woven beautifully in with the text. Once again our own Bernie Houseward and Maggie Atwater provided wonderful stage production for this unique Passion-week service. We started a major change for our children’s choirs fall. Working closely with the children’s ministry and educational teams all of the rehearsals for our young singers were moved from Wednesday evenings to the Sunday morning education hour. The response has proved positive for both programs – a special thank you to the parents for helping make this change a success.

Instrumentalists are always an important part of our worship. Under the direction of Lee Copenhaver the WOR

SHIP

PING

GOD

FAI

THFU

LLY

REPORTS


Westminster Winds, our own 50 member concert band, led us in worship several times again this year. For the first time this year, the February “THAW” contribution was integrated into our morning worship service. The combination worked beautifully. Our 20 plus member Festival Strings also led worship during this past year. A major instrumental highlight this fall was the purchase of a new Ernest Muller harpsichord. This beautiful instrument was gifted to Westminster in memory of Peg Cope, and from an anonymous donor. The new harpsichord is already becoming a wonderful addition to our worship when using Baroque music. Helen, together with Eric Tanner, first introduced us to the harpsichord through the music of J.S. Bach.

Summertime does not mean a break from music at Westminster. So many wonderfully talented singers and instrumentalists helped us worship both in our sanctuary and by the lake at Camp Henry again this summer. Blessings and thank you to all of you!

SERVING GOD AND OTHERS JOYFULLYWe express our joy best through our song. We are led in that joy by a great group of musical leaders. Helen Hofmeister Hawley has been providing us with her gifts of leadership and music for close to 8 years. We are so very fortunate to have such a gifted musician as our leader. She is well supported by Jackie Schoon who works so wonderfully with our children, by Lee Copenhaver our director of all things instrumental and resident composer, by Janlee Richter our accompanist extraordinaire who seems to be able to play anything with ease and sensitivity, and our newest additions this fall – Cara Hyink and Lisa Duitman – who are working with very youngest singers – the cantus choir. We are truly blessed to be led by these wonderful musicians.

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE, AND LEARNINGCommunal singing is one of greatest gifts we have from our creator. To be able to praise God in song – together – is a gift. This fall the PCUSA published the new Presbyterian Hymnal – “Glory to God”. Helen, Chandler, and I attended workshops introducing us to this new hymnal. With the approval of the session just this December, plans are moving forward to introduce the congregation to this wonderful new tool for worship in 2014!

WELCOMING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRISTWith God’s grace we pray our music may be an opportunity to draw others closer to God. We affirm all persons as created in the image of God and pray our musical groups, with God’s grace, demonstrate that to our members, our congregation, and our visitors. To God be the praise!

GRATEFUL THANKSGIVINGI feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity these past three years to serve you as your elder for music. It has been a deeply enriching, Spirit-filled experience for me – my humble and most sincere gratitude to you and to God for this experience. As a gay man there was a time, not too distant, when this opportunity was not open to me. I appreciate Westminster, my faith community, for opening themselves to this possibility. I wish especially to thank Helen and the music committee for serving with me. May God continue to bless us as we make music together!

Bruce F. Klein-Wassink Elder for Music

WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLYREPORTS


Funeral and Memorial MinistriesIt has been two and a half years since the Session created the volunteer position of Funeral/Memorial Service Coordinator.

In the time following the creation of this ministry, we have assisted over 30 families in varying degree with the funeral arrangements at the time of the loss of a family member and I have worked with dozens of Westminster members who have elected to begin the advanced funeral planning process for themselves.

For those individuals who have elected to start the advanced planning process, the complexity of this process ranges from obtaining and placing their vital statistics and family information in their membership file in the Westminster office, to assisting and accompanying individuals with the actual funeral home arrangements which may include the prepayment of funeral expenses so that funds are deposited correctly, to meet the Michigan prefunded funeral laws.

As in the past, I would invite members of our church family who would like to start the advanced funeral planning process to contact me to arrange a time to sit and chat. For those of you who may be harboring a question pertaining to funeral and memorial service plans, please feel free to contact me through the church office or by email; [email protected]. I would be happy to help in any way that I can, whether it be in advance of a death or at the time of a loss.

The promise of our faith is that nothing-not life and not death-can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Westminster Church wants you to remember this promise and know that we are there to be a comfort and presence when death comes.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our Westminster family and to be a part of the Westminster Pastoral Care Team.

Respectfully, Stephen W. Baron Funeral Planning Coordinator Westminster Presbyterian Church

WOR

SHIP

PING

GOD

FAI

THFU

LLY

REPORTS

mailto:[email protected]

Serving God andothers joyfully


Board of TrusteesThe Board of Trustees serves as the corporate board of Westminster Presbyterian Church, responsible for managing the secular affairs of the church, including its real and personal property. The Trustees also serve as the Session’s finance committee.

The Trustees serve on various boards and committees of the church, including:

• Camp Henry • Personnel • Communications • Porter Hills • Facilities • Stewardship/Budget • Food Pantry • Westminster Child Development Center • Memorial Trust • Nominating • The trustees are also represented at monthly Session meetings.

The following individuals currently serve on the Board of Trustees and participate on the corresponding boards and committees:

Class of 2013 Marcella Beck President, Personnel, Nominating, Session Joe Biermacher Camp Henry John Preston Communications Brett Van Haven Food Pantry, WCDC

Class of 2014 Mary Carrington Co-Secretary Jim Engbers Co-Secretary, Porter Hills Sharon Koop Treasurer Marnie Stein WCDC

Class of 2015 Responsibilities David Comfort Memorial Trust Chris Fuller Camp Henry Quan Gerville-Reache Vice President, Stewardship John Porter Facilities

In 2013, the Trustees continued to work closely with staff members Angie Kelley, Mark Lodenstein, Ron Bouwense, and various Session Committees in support of the church operations. Special attention has been paid to the three core missions of the church, and the Trustees continue to be involved in overseeing the financial affairs of the WCDC, Camp Henry, and the Food Pantry. This includes a review of each ministry’s annual budget, which is then forwarded to the Session for approval.

The “Vision and Mission” of WPC concludes with this statement, “In doing these things, by God’s grace Westminster Presbyterian Church will be a place where all are wrapped in the arms of Jesus Christ and where God’s love is modeled and shared.”

In support of this Vision and Mission, several special projects were undertaken by the Trustees and the Facilities Committee in 2013 to maintain, improve, and protect this historic PLACE which shelters SE

RVIN

G GO

D AN

D OT

HERS

JOYF

ULLY

REPORTS


and sustains the work of this congregation. These projects include: assessing the costs and benefits of connecting WPC to the city of Grand Rapids steam loop and approving that project; replacing the electric panel and upgrading the electrical service in the kitchen; evaluating the need for a professional review of WPC’s finances and identifying a firm to do that review in the spring of 2014; and moving forward with the complicated process of re-doing the sanctuary roof.

The Trustees have been gathering information and discussing the problems of the sanctuary roof for almost three years. In 2011, over $30,000 was authorized for emergency repairs. The current roof was put on the sanctuary in 1990, and the shingles installed then have reached the end of their functional life.

After considering reports from the structural engineers and carefully reviewing bids for the work, the Trustees developed a plan and approved a set of motions to commit to this project. The structure will first be stabilized by the installation of four steel tie rods on the interior of the sanctuary and reinforcing the rafters in the attic. The exterior roof will then be repaired and covered in slate tiles, which is in keeping with our church’s historic architectural style and last about 80 years. The complete project should be finished by late fall of 2014.

During the process of discussing the roof, a number of concerns emerged about the facilities needs of the WPC core missions and other areas of this building. The Trustees asked the WPC staff to conduct a Needs Assessment, considering the facilities needs of current programs, and visioning the possible demands of future programs. A Working Group, co-chaired by Kent Riddle and Barbara Goodspeed, was organized to evaluate and prioritize project proposals. Understanding that a capital campaign would be necessary to finance additional projects, the Trustees identified and engaged a consulting firm, The Breton Group (who worked with WPC during the Renew Campaign), to conduct a Feasibility Study to determine the degree of congregational support for this major effort. This work of discernment and preparation for continuing the implementation of WPC’s Vision and Mission is under way and will continue through the next calendar year.

Submitted by, Marcella Beck, President WPC Board of Trustees

SERVING GOD AND OTHERS JOYFULLYREPORTS


StewardshipThe Stewardship Committee again had the pleasure of serving the Westminster family by performing the important financial planning tasks for the congregation. The beauty of the Stewardship Committee is that all of our work directly supports the strategic vision of the Church. Our work is not an end in and of itself. We steward the resources we have been given to further the work and witness of Westminster. We directly support the four main strategic areas as follows:

1. Worshipping God Faithfully: by providing the resources needed for all aspects of our worship together;

2. Serving God and Others Joyfully: by directing the resources of the congregation to fully support these efforts;

3. Creating a Community of Dialogue, Nurture and Learning: by making sure the needed resources are ready and waiting to facilitate these critical conversations and processes;

4. Welcoming All in the Name of Christ: by insuring the ongoing financial health of Westminster by living within its means so that it’s valuable mission can continue. This way, we can welcome all in Christ’s name — today, tomorrow and well into the future.

OUR WORK IN 2013 FOCUSED ON THREE MAJOR AREAS2014 Pledge Effort: Challenged by Rev. Stokes’s effective leadership from the pulpit, we encouraged the congregation to make stewardship a vital faith practice. They way we get better at a particular task or skill is to practice. The way we become better stewards is to keep practicing good stewardship. During the last three weeks in October, concurrent with the sermon series, three stewardship letters were mailed to the congregation. A moment for stewardship was a part of our worship where members talked about what Westminster means to their family and why they give. These efforts culminated on Pledge Sunday, October 27, when we continued the Westminster tradition of asking the congregation to walk forward and present their pledge as a way to tangibly express this faith practice. During the months of November and December, we followed up with members who had not yet pledged and encouraged them to pledge for 2014. We focused our efforts on making sure all who pledged in 2013 would pledge again in 2014. At this writing, it appears our overall pledges have decreased while the total dollars pledged have increased. Efforts will continue to encourage giving as we meet with all new members joining our church.

2013 Financial Results: We are pleased to report that at this writing, we believe that for 2013, Westminster will finish the year with slightly more revenue than expense. This is very good news!

2014 Budget: Our other important task was budgeting the resources of the church in accordance with our strategic plan. The 2014 budget was built around five principles: 1 – properly budget and fund youth programs and educational programs; 2 – continue with Year 2 of our 2013 funding initiatives in the areas of communication and staffing emerging Westminster; 3 – continue our evolving approach to missions (participation, not patronage); 4 – rainy day fund to help pay for the deferred maintenance of our aging building; 5 – value and affirm our staff with a modest 2% wage adjustment. At this writing, we are still working through what the pledge commitments will allow us to fund.

Thank you for allowing us to serve in this way.

Respectfully submitted: the 2013 Stewardship Committee: Dave Driscoll, Quan Gerville-Reache, Angie Kelley, Jeannine Lemmon, Chandler Stokes, Don Taylor, Craig VanEss, Paul Karsten (Elder)SE

RVIN

G GO

D AN

D OT

HERS

JOYF

ULLY

REPORTS


PersonnelThe 2013 Personnel Committee included Bob Stone, Anita Eerdmans, Ed Paul, Pat Hoekman, Steve Baron, Doug Kindschi, Chandler Stokes, Marcie Beck (Trustee Representative) and Kim Huizenga (Chair).

COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTSThe Personnel Committee connects to and supports every aspect of our Vision and Mission by assisting and directing staff to those ends. Multiple staff changes were supported this year in response to planned and unplanned job vacancies. We are glad to have such a close-knit staff who work so well together, and are flexible and resilient in response to inevitable change.

• We provided the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) information to clarify what is needed in the person who fills the Associate Pastor position, and our own Steve Baron serves on this committee as well. Also in support of this process, we have renewed the Designated Pastor Agreement to extend David Baak through 2014.

• Our dedicated pastoral care team has expanded their hours to handle congregation needs in light of Nancy Clodfelder’s much deserved retirement in May. This work requires considerable coordination with David Baak, Susan Jennings, Kathy Cisler, Chandler Stokes, team of Deacons, as well as Linda Male, Karen Haak, Steve Baron, and Edie Van Sprange.

• Katie Baker has made a one-year commitment to add the Minister for Mission position to her role as Minister for Young Adults. This brings Katie to full-time status, and fills the opening created by Christy Roosien’s departure.

• Mark Bohland is leading our hospitality function to fill the opening created by Mark Hendrick’s departure. This is an interim role for Mark as we determine a long-term approach to this ministry.

• Ron Bouwense is assisting with facilities maintenance and works very closely with Trustees to evaluate building needs. This is an interim role for Ron as we determine a long-term approach to this function.

• A number of changes have occurred this past year in our Youth Ministry team. This vital program requires a lot of time and effort, and we are delighted to have Shelly Boeve working in the interim to coordinate the program. Adam Swenson was hired as the Middle School Director, and we are in the process of selecting a High School Director. We have large shoes to fill with the departure of Nate Roosien, but we have the luxury of continuing volunteer leaders who have worked with our youth for many years. We expect to support the new committee formed to search for a new Minister for Youth.

Along with all of these changes, many long-term staff remain and together with new staff perform great work for Westminster. We thank God for them and view these staff changes as an opportunity to re-evaluate the open roles, provide opportunity for growth, and enhance staff capability through each new hire.

Kim Huizenga Elder for Personnel



Deacons: AdministrativeThe Book of Order states that the office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture ”is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ”. The Deacons might be described most often as “the caring arm of the church”. With joy and dedication the Administrative Deacons have been busy at work this year providing support to our congregation, through financial support for those in-need, and organizing Caring and Sustaining Deacons and the congregation to lend-a-hand when needed.

• Throughout the year the Deacons are called on to prepare the communion elements used during worship. Weekly communion was tried for one month during the first service to see f greater 1st service attendance would result. Results were not positive, so communion returned to the 1st Sunday of the month for both services.

• The Administrative Deacons provide flowers twice a year to congregational members who are visited by the Sustaining Deacons.

• Every Sunday and holidays the Deacons provide transportation to and from worship services for members who need transportation assistance.

• The Administrative Deacons coordinate Deacon Greeters to serve one Sunday each month.

• Four times each year the Deacons provide communion to homebound church members.

• The Administrative Deacons hold a blood drive each Fall and Spring.

• The Administrative Deacon’s Fund provided financial assistance to members of our church, when needed. Assistance was provided for unpaid utility bills, medical bills and rent for example.

• A new use of the Deacon’s Fund is being tried for a year which gives financial help to our “Heartside neighbors” who are not members of our congregation. This help is channeled through ACCESS and David Baak and is limited to $200 per month.

• Funding of the Deacon’s Fund comes through special collections from the congregation four times a year.

Peace and Blessings, Susan Riddle Moderator

SERV

ING

GOD

AND

OTHE

RS JO

YFUL

LYREPORTS


Deacons: CaringThis year 12 Westminster members have served the church community as Caring Deacons. The Caring Deacons work closely on a week-by-week-basis with the Pastoral Care Staff. Each week, one Caring Deacon serves as “on-call” deacon, and then visits, makes phone calls, and sends cards and notes of encouragement to Westminster members who are hospitalized, recovering at home, going through personal difficulties, have lost a loved one, or have a special joy, such as the birth of a child or special anniversary. The Caring Deacons also coordinate the “Take Them a Meal” program to recruit and schedule volunteers to prepare meals for people who may need that type of short term help as they recuperate at home. Frequently the Caring Deacon on call comes up with creative ways of serving individuals in need, such as providing one with a used Kindle, loaded with interesting books, bringing printed copies of the week’s sermon, or setting the individual up to receive DVDs of the services at WPC. Following the week on call, the Caring Deacon sends a report to all the Caring Deacons, the Deacon Moderators and the Pastoral Care team in order to coordinate efforts and suggest follow up.

In addition to their regular “on-call” weeks, all deacons assist several WPC members by driving them to church and related events, prepare and serve communion, and serve as greeters. This year’s group of Caring Deacons has worked very well together, assisting one another when the load has been heavy or when one or another of us has had difficulties. We have also gathered socially, to become acquainted with each other outside of our diaconal duties.

Each deacon has found it a joy and a privilege to be the hands and feet of Christ at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Grace and Peace, Sharon VanHaven Moderator



Deacons: SustainingThis past year there have been a total of 20 Sustaining deacons who were each assigned to Westminster members who are unable to attend services due to age or who have other issues which prevent them from attending services on a regular basis. Each sustaining deacon has one or more individuals assigned to them. Sometimes deacons have developed a close bond with the person or persons to whom they are assigned and they continue that relationship with them after their term of service is concluded. Sustaining deacons provide reports to the pastoral staff of their visits and they also notify them of significant changes in their members’ lives.

Sustaining deacons make regular visits to their assigned person(s), they make an effort to acknowledge their birthdays, and they frequently send cards as well. In an effort to share the joy of holidays, flowers are delivered at Easter and Christmas and much appreciated is expressed for the flowers. On a regular basis sustaining deacons also deliver the sanctuary flowers to their assigned member(s) or to others for their enjoyment. Some of the members assigned to sustaining deacons may not have family members in the area so contact has been made with them via phone or email to keep them updated. When other needs of Westminster members are identified sustaining deacons have had contact with members who aren’t officially assigned to them but who have needed special care.

Sustaining deacons along with Administrative and Caring deacons are also encouraged to sign up to drive members to church services who would otherwise be prevented from sharing in the life of the congregation. Participating in the driving opportunities has given each deacon a chance to build relationships. All deacons also regularly participate in the preparation of the communion elements.

Sustaining deacons meet on a monthly basis and these meetings provide an opportunity to share issues or concerns on a more personal basis. We have been able to provide support and encouragement to each other as well as to those deacons who have sustained a loss. This past year several deacons had their assigned person pass on to glory and while these deaths have been cause for celebrating their lives, there has also been the sharing of grief in the loss of these relationships.

We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ and to show our members they are important in the life of Westminster even though they are not able to be physically present.

Grace and peace, Philip Gibson – Moderator

SERV

ING

GOD

AND

OTHE

RS JO

YFUL

LYREPORTS


Financial MinistriesWestminster is blessed with a spirit of support and caring. This spirit has called a number of members to explore ways to be of service to Westminster members and friends who experience difficult financial situations during these trying economic times.

Since early 2008 the Financial Ministry Committee, a service of the Deacons, has been meeting to educate itself to better serve persons who are referred by either the Deacons or the Pastors. The FMC is blessed with members who have a wide variety of expertise – attorney, business owner, clergy, educator, financial professional, insurance professional, and social worker.

The FMC’s vision is to provide assistance to Westminster members or friends who face significant financial challenges, including foreclosure or eviction. This vision will augment and enhance the existing work of the Deacons and the Deacon’s Fund. In spring 2009 Session recognized the unique ministry of the FMC members and designated them as ‘Deacon Assistants.’

In 2013 we have served four client-households. For each an assessment of need was made with individual-tailored recommendations for action. In some situations financial assistance was also provided.

Foreclosure and economic needs continue to increase within our faith community. The FMC feels blessed to be able to serve the Body of Christ in this unique way. We ask the Westminster Community to continue to hold in prayer the unique needs of members struggling financially, and the service of Financial Ministry.

Leslie Fiore – Chair

David Baak – Mary Bouwense – Dawn Gainor – Brian Lawson – Scott McPheeters – Bruce Tapp – Dan VanMeurs



Community MinistriesBy offering the gifts of our time, talent, and treasure, we become the hands and heart of Christ in our community.

Throughout the year Community Ministries worked with Session to help clarify the role and responsibility of the Ministry for Mission position and welcomed Rev. Kathleen Baker. Rev. Baker will be instrumental in helping to guide Community Ministries and the other Mission Committees to fulfill our new Mission/Vision Statement: “Understanding and acting on our call to partnership in worldwide and community mission”. We eagerly await the New Year to begin to implement God’s new call for Re. Baker, Westminster and Community Ministries.

January 21th was the fourth Martin Luther King Day Celebration at Westminster. Since each person who comes into Westminster “belongs” here, members and neighbors alike, this annual event at the start of the year serves as a reminder and an occasion for everyone to come together in a meaningful way.

Throughout the year, countless Westminster volunteers worked with many of our partner ministries, some on a regular basis and others on specific projects.

In May we participated in the annual GRACE Hunger Walk and in October we participated in the ACCESS Countywide Food Drive.

In 2013 Westminster contributed over $86,000 to different community and organizational ministries.

Ministries for which the church has direct responsibility include: Westminster Downtown Food Pantry, Westminster Child Development Center, and Camp Henry. Community Ministries was responsible for significant funding for the Downtown Pantry and Camp Henry. A new hands-on program that we continue to explore is Family Promise, which involves volunteers mentoring families in transition from homelessness to stable housing.

Other 2013 ministries or organization receiving financial assistance from Community Ministries were; ACCESS, Children’s Assessment Center, Degage Open Door , Domestic Crisis Center (YWCA), Guiding Light Mission, Heartside Ministry, Next Step of West Michigan, Safe Haven Ministries, and True North.

Submitted by Community Ministry Committee

SERV

ING

GOD

AND

OTHE

RS JO

YFUL

LYREPORTS


Worldwide MinistriesWorldwide Ministries seeks to conduct Mission work outside Kent County. Our goal is to develop relationships and exchange knowledge and fellowship with communities in need from as near as Benton Harbor, Michigan to faraway places such as, Cuba, Haiti, The Philippines, and Nicaragua.

In 2013, WWM relinquished control of the largest segment of it’s budget allocated to denominational causes: General Assembly, Synod, and Presbytery. We were then able to focus on the remaining roughly $28,000 allocated to “direct mission” causes. Each mission project was carefully evaluated emphasizing not only the depth of need, but also our opportunity to engage the recipients of our aid in partnership and our congregation in participation. This focus would be consistent with the new Emphasis on Mission approved by Session in 2013. By this deliberative process we concentrated our mission efforts on aid to Cuba partnering with First Hand Aid, the Presbyterian Church of Guines, Cuba, and Benton Harbor through the First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor. We also reserved a portion of our budget for new projects and causes. This year most of this was given to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to aid victims of the disastrous typhoon in the Philippines. Our selected projects are noted below.

SOWHOPE $635A foundation headquartered in Rockford, Michigan by Mary Dailey Brown making microloans to women in impoverished countries. Their mission is to inspire women around the world by promoting wellness, education and economic opportunities. Our strategy: To partner with local leaders, using local solutions, to solve local problems. SowHope’s target population: The 1.5 billion women who make less than $2 per day.

FIRST HAND AID FOR CUBA $5,000This is a foundation established by Marc Bohland, a member of WPC, who leads groups of travelers to Cuba to hand-carry quantities of medications for needy hospitals and Clinics in that impoverished island nation. Our congregation was involved in a collection of “hygiene supplies” common, but, in Cuba, nearly unobtainable items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and razors. These items would be carried to Cuba and distributed to elderly shut-in seniors in Havana as a part of a program to provide meals to these residents living in tiny squalid apartments. In the company of Marc, a group of 16 travelers from WPC traveled to Cuba in October to assist in the delivery of medical supplies, renew our fellowship with the Presbyterian Church of Guines, and, for a week, mingle with the people and culture of Cuba. An impromptu baseball game brought about by Zach and Randy Flood donating baseball equipment to the children in the town of Guines was the highlight of this trip. This trip was also led by Ron Hoekman, who engaged the group in devotions and reflection.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GUINES, CUBA $2,000 Guines is a small farm town about an hours drive from Havana. We have enjoyed a longstanding partnership with this church and WPC mission groups travelling with First Hand Aid have shared worship and fellowship with the church during their stays in Cuba.



NICARAGUA/CEPAD $500 CEPAD is a Christian institution working to serve poor communities, promoting justice, peace, and equitable solidarity with the aim of improving the quality of life in Nicaragua. This is done through development programs, emergency relief, and by promoting relationships between men and women. Representatives from Nicaragua visited us in West Michigan in 2012.

PHILIPPINES $5,000 Matched with an additional $5,000 donated by our congregation, $10,000 was sent through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to support its efforts to aid the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan

HAITI NURSING SCHOLARSHIP $1,250 Funds a scholarship for one student in this still functioning Haiti Nursing School

BENTON HARBOR $7,000 Our partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor was reinforced this year as WPC’s Julie Brien went to live and work in Benton Harbor as Resident in Mission at that church, working under Rev. Laurie Hartzell on a number of community projects linked to the church and to be a liason with our partnership. This year a weekend retreat in August by WPC’s Emerging Church group of young adults worked at the Health Center doing gardening projects, visited the Soup Kitchen and the Salvation Army Shelter and learned about the problems of this impoverished community that is currently directed by a state appointed emergency manager. Another small group also traveled to Benton Harbor on the October “Make A Difference Day” Saturday to join with neighbors in a day of clean-up and fix-up day in the church neighborhood.

FAIR TRADE COFFEEThis formerly successful project was dropped due to diminishing support. Many thanks goes to Dick Hubbard who managed the project and manned the Sunday coffee sale table in the Gathering Place every week for many years.

SERV

ING

GOD

AND

OTHE

RS JO

YFUL

LYREPORTS


Health and Wholeness MinistryAttendees:, Rev. David Baak (replaced Rev. Nancy Clodfelder), Todd Helle, Sandie Walters, Mary Dirkse, Marcia Veenstra, Pat Hornick, and Kathy Speeder.

a. Hard Times Café (HTC). Notice was given to H&W that HTC has closed (*Engaging and responding to the realities of modern culture*).

b. H&W Vision & Mission Statements (VMS). VMS was finalized, approved, and sent on to Community Ministries to then be submitted to Session for its determination on whether VMS falls within the scope of Westminster Presbyterian Church—Vision and Mission (*Discerning and supporting our collective and individual calls to faithfulness*).

c. New Ideas. Two new ideas were noted but not acted upon: (1) Forming a circle of people from WPC’s congregation and the community that meets in order for individuals to give witness to their recent service activities and how that activity benefited the community and transformed them. The circle would invite any other individuals to attend, especially those interested in participating with similar service activities (*Communicating effectively within the Church and the broader community*); and (2) Forming a group that would go out into the community and read to the hospitalized and shut-ins (*Caring imaginatively for the marginalized, sick, and lonely*). d. WPC Discharge Plan Assistance Program (DPAP) (*Caring imaginatively for the marginalized, sick, and lonely *). (1) H&W embarked on a program where members of the Congregation could assist other members of the Congregation who have recently been discharged from hospital or other similar healthcare setting. This assistance would primarily involve making sure that the discharge plan that these individuals are given at discharge are effectively implemented. By example, DPAP would make sure, to the extent possible, that post discharge: (1) medication regimens are properly adjusted; (2) outpatient appointments are made and logistics arranged; (3) willing family members &/or friends are involved; and (4) appropriate home health resources (including a safety assessment) are considered. This list is not comprehensive. For a more detailed outline of DPAP, to date, see attached minutes from October 22, 2013, authored by Kathy Speeter. (2) H&W agrees that DPAP must not only assist the patient with his or her physical needs, but also must change both the patient and the DPAP provider transformationally. That is, both must come away feeling the presence of Jesus Christ, based on Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”. (3) A pilot program has been implemented. One discharged patient (dischargee) was evaluated in November and discussed at the 12/03/2013 meeting. The pilot program will continue through December, 2013, for a limited number of dischargees. Further discussion and planning is set for the 01/14/2014 meeting.

Todd Helle; Moderator, Health & Wholeness Ministries



Resident in MissionGreetings! It is with great delight that I write to you about some of the things going on in Benton Harbor, MI. As always, God is at work, and usually in the most unexpected ways.

Since moving to Benton Harbor in June, I have been involved both within the church walls and outside the walls in the greater community. During the summer months, I co-led a Student Leadership Class with George Barfield as well as coordinated the schedules of visiting groups from churches around the country who spent time serving with locals. I nurtured relationships with community partners at MOSAIC, the Boys and Girls Club, a local garden initiative and more. Both were a big blessing in my life and God’s presence through it all was remarkable.

This fall, I have the privilege of working with the students that partook in the Leadership Class and have watched them grow as I mentor them regularly in the local public school. Planning activities such as bowling and Christmas craft parties are just a few ways I have tried to connect community kids and our church.

In addition, several more service learning groups came to BH for weekend visits and some of those groups were connections made through WPC! We are also gearing up for groups that will arrive in the summer of 2014.

I am amazed at all that God has taught me during this short time. The culture of poverty is by no means a simple problem and neither is the solution. Through relationships that have been built, I have heard remarkable stories of trials and triumphs. I have seen the church being the body of Christ in so many ways in different facets of our city and have gained inspiration from individuals surrounding me. The challenges, lessons and hope through this journey have been unforgettable.

All in all, it has been a delight and a great learning experience as I have immersed myself in the life and work of the First Presbyterian congregation and the Benton Harbor community. I can only stand back in amazement as God makes himself known through the least of these.

Julie Brien Resident in Mission at First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor

SERV

ING

GOD

AND

OTHE

RS JO

YFUL

LYREPORTS

Creating a communityof dialogue, nurture,

and learning


Family Life and Children’s MinistriesDuring 2013 the Family Life and Children’s Ministries Committees continued to meet as a joint committee and work collaboratively, and we look forward to continuing to share ideas and responsibilities as we work together in 2014.

The vision and mission statement of Westminster calls us to “be a servant leader in worshipping God faithfully; serving God and others joyfully; creating a community of dialogue, nurture and learning; and welcoming all in the name of Christ.” In accordance with this vision, the Children’s Ministries and Family Life Committees worked closely with Minister of Christian Education Sherrill Vore, in the following ways.

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE, AND LEARNINGSunday Education Hour

Children ages preschool through fifth grade continue to meet for an hour most Sunday mornings between the worship services. Taught by volunteers who are members of Westminster, the participants have the opportunity to explore stories and themes of the Bible in various ways. Preschoolers meet downstairs, while first – fifth graders meet in the art room, drama room, desert room, or gym. Children focus on one Biblical story or theme for one month, allowing for multiple ways of learning and response.

The WPC vision statement calls us to respond to the “realities of modern culture.” One of the realities we have faced in recent years is a decrease in the number of children participating in the Sunday morning education hour program. In response to this reality, our committee decided to explore the possibility of adopting an alternative format for the Christian education offered to children and families. Beginning this past September, children’s education was combined with youth choir, meeting for an hour and fifteen minutes between the Sunday morning services. This modification has allowed more children and families to participate in both education hour and choir. As a committee, we are continuing to evaluate the benefits and challenges of these schedule changes and plan to facilitate more conversations in 2014 regarding the impact of these changes both for curriculum as well as family life.

Worship and Nurturing Center

As in previous years, the committees continued to support the work of the Worship and Nurturing Centers. Children ages preschool through second grade leave the sanctuary each worship service before the sermon to continue their time of worship in the Nurturing Center and Worship Centers on the lower level. Participants follow a liturgy much like the adults upstairs that includes a story and time for reflection through art, reading, storytelling or quiet time in the prayer corner.

Lent Worship and Education Gathering

Again this year, the committee worked closely with Sherrill Vore to offer an interactive Ash Wednesday worship and education workshop for members of the Westminster family. The gathering took place during Education Hour on February 10th. Families had the opportunity to learn about the meaning of Lent and different forms of prayer.

Hanging of the Greens

In collaboration with Emerging Westminster, the Hanging of the Greens event on Dec. 1 provided an CREA

TING

A C

OMM

UNIT

Y OF

DIA

LOGU

E, N

URTU

RE, A

ND L

EARN

ING

REPORTS


opportunity for church members and friends to participate in decorating the church for Advent. Sherrill Vore provided education about symbols of Advent and Christmas for an ice-breaker activity. Participants made a variety of ornaments and decorations, then hung garland in the sanctuary, placed ornaments on the Christmas tree, and decorated the Gathering Place. The evening concluded with a vespers service and dinner.

WELCOMING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRISTFamily Camp

One important responsibility of the committee is to work with Camp Henry staff to plan and lead the annual Family Camp. This year’s camp was held from August 22 – 25. The length of camp was shortened by 1 day in an effort to accommodate busy family schedules and be more affordable. Approximately 80 people attended, and it was wonderful to have some young families attend for the first time. This year we were blessed to have David Lamotte, singer/songwriter/activist, lead the adult classes. In addition, he gave a performance attended by campers, residents of the area, and other Westminster members. Camp Henry staff led the children in educational activities along with traditional camp games and songs, and campers participated in the Westminster by the Lake worship service. In addition to study and worship, Family Camp provided families with opportunities to hike, swim, ride horses, boat, play games, zip-line, do archery, relax, and engage in fellowship with other WPC families.

Outings and Special Events

As in previous years, the committee planned and organized a number of events and outings for members of the Westminster family in 2013, as a way to offer hospitality and enjoyment and to foster a sense of community. The summer co-ed softball team was one of the largest and most diverse teams ever. Though they finished with a 4-6 record, they always had good fun and fellowship. On October 12 we enjoyed an afternoon at Post Family Farm in Hudsonville. Families picked pumpkins, went on a hayride, participated in outdoor games, and enjoyed donuts. More outdoor fun and a potluck dinner followed at the home of Dave and Linda Male. Rain made a bonfire impossible, but those who attended had good fellowship.

Thank you to all members of Westminster Presbyterian Church for supporting our work with the Family Life and Children’s Ministries Committees. We extend a special thanks to Sherrill Vore for her leadership, and to Sarah Faasse for all of her work. In addition, we would like to thank Susan Butler, Deb Larson, Erin Molhoek, Ellen Shupe, Amy Strand, and Lori Talsma-Woods for faithfully serving as committee members. It has been a privilege to serve as the Elders for Children’s Ministries and Family Life. Westminster is blessed with creative and talented staff and volunteers who are committed to support the spiritual growth and development of children and to nurture all types of families.

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Dengerink-VanTil, Elder for Children’s Ministries Jennifer Kotchenruther, Elder for Family Life

CREATING A COMM

UNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE, AND LEARNINGREPORTS


Spiritual Life and LearningThis year the Spiritual Life and Learning Ministry settled into and adapted some of the innovative programs developed in 2012, allowing us to devote more energy toward improving engagement and communication with the congregation. We believe we accomplished that, thanks to Sherrill Vore and Christian Bell. Through Sherrill’s creativity and theological gifts, the ministry found new and innovative ways to spark interest in the programs. And Christian skillfully captured the spirit and enthusiasm of those programs in his pamphlets and other communications. As a result of these efforts (and the new time for children’s choir rehearsal), attendance this fall rose by 50%.

The fall started off with a bang when Sherrill merged the usual welcome-back breakfast with a fun intergenerational event, reminding us and teaching our children about our place as spiritual descendants of Abraham. We also took this opportunity to distribute pamphlets for the semester, highlighting the adult programs through December. The adults continued to study some of the Old Testament stories that the children were also learning. We believe this gave parents and grandparents a unique opportunity to engage their children and grandchildren in intelligent conversation about what they learned during the children’s education hour.

Consistent with the two prior years, the ministry took a thematic approach to the semesters. The theme for the spring was “Christian Practices.” We learned that this was a bit too abstract to rally attendance. This fall, however, we chose a more provocative theme: People of Peace in a Violent World. Unlike the last two years, the committee has extended this theme through the rest of the school year because it gives us so much to work with. The themes are not the focus of every educational offering. But they serve as a focal point for each semester, providing continuity for the various visiting speakers, a source of ideas, a topic of casual conversation, and a platform for applying what we learn in the bible studies and other offerings.

As you might have noticed, a pattern has emerged in the programming over the last few years: first an intergenerational event, then a bible study, then theme-focused educational offerings. The intergenerational event primes the entire congregation, children and adults alike, for the semester’s learning opportunities. The bible study centers us on the highest written authority for our faith, and prepares us to think about and discuss topics related to the chosen theme from a faith-based perspective. Finally, the thematic programming focuses us on a particular problem or concern for the Church and/or our faith, which we explore from multiple different angles and formats (e.g., guest lecturers, roundtable discussions, book discussions, movie nights, etc.).

For our third annual speaking event, we invited Logan Mehl-Laituri to speak this Fall on the tension involved in being Christian and a soldier, which also involved a discussion of justice and war. The invitation was in large part based on the recommendation of our last guest speaker, Shane Claiborne, and the lack of other candidates. Saturday afternoon’s event was not as successful as last year’s in terms of numbers; it drew only about 1/10th of the crowd. But the adult education hour the next day was a greater success. Logan was not nearly as skilled of a speaker as Shane Claiborne or Miraslov Volf (from 2011), but he handled the discussion format on Sunday morning quite well. In the future, we hope to find speakers with greater name recognition and to vet them more carefully.

Finally, Westminster Reads completed its second year as an online study program for the congregation and the world at large. In 2013, participants read the Torah. That, of course, includes the stories that CR

EATI

NG A

COM

MUN

ITY

OF D

IALO

GUE,

NUR

TURE

, AND

LEA

RNIN

GREPORTS


most of us are familiar with (though not as familiar as we think), but it also includes the “Law.” For 2014, we explore the historical books (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, etc.) The schedule is posted at http://westminsterreads.org/reading-schedule/reading-schedule-old-testament-historical-books/. No commitment and no participation in the blog are required; there is no pressure, as no one can monitor anyone’s progress. Folks can enter and exit the program as they wish, or be selective in their readings. This continues to be a good way for those with hectic schedules to enrich their walk of faith on their own time, when it works for them.

Gaëtan Gerville-Réache Elder for Spiritual Life and Learning

CREATING A COMM


http://westminsterreads.org/reading-schedule/reading


Presbytery RelationsIn keeping with our call to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, by God’s grace Westminster Presbyterian Church will be a servant leader in worshipping God faithfully as it is a part of the larger church community. It is an active member of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan. Seventy churches in west Michigan make up the Presbytery of Lake Michigan which is one of four Presbyteries in Michigan. Along with eleven Ohio Presbyteries this makes up the Synod of The Covenant. The Presbytery Office is located in Portage, Michigan. Information about the Presbytery is available on line at:www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org

Serving as General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan in 2013 was the Rev. John Best. Other staff persons included: Fran Lane-Lawrence, Stated Clerk; Larry Nelson, Treasurer; Leslie Keusch, Office Administrator; Eileen Best, Resource Center Director. Officers of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan elected in 2013 were Rev. Dr. Jeffrey O’Neill, Moderator, and Barbara Liggett, Vice Moderator.

The presbytery created a new mission statement in November. “The purpose of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan is to challenge, encourage, and equip worshiping communities of faith to make disciples of Jesus Christ with the gifts God gives them.”

The 221st General Assembly is convening is Detroit June 14-21. The Presbytery of Lake Michigan commissioners are Rev. Rob Carlson, Okemas P.C., Rev. Laurie Hartzell, First, P.C., Benton Harbor. Elder Dan Stenburg, First, P.C., Niles, Elder Polly Wilde, Westminster P.C., Jackson, YAAD: Casey Carbone, Eastminster P.C., Grand Rapids, Alternates: Rev. Linda Knieiremen, First P.C., Holland, Elder Renee S. Llagan-Donovan, Forest Hills P.C. Grand Rapids, and Synod Commissioner: Elder Renee S. Llagan-Donovan, Forest Hills P.C. Grand Rapids.

During 2013 Westminster Presbyterian Church sent Commissioners to each of the five regularly scheduled meetings of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan. At the September meeting, Chris Mergener, a Westminster member, moved from being an inquirer to a candidate for the ministry. In November, Jan Jasperse was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

Two Westminster members served the Presbytery on various committees and ministry teams in 2012. Elder Sherrill Vore served on the Committee on Ministry. Elder Nancy Janish was a member of the Discipleship Ministry Team.

Under the supervision of the Higher Education Agency of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan effort is being made to have a Presbyterian (USA) presence on the campuses of the public colleges and Universities in the Grand Rapids area. Elder Nancy Janisch from Westminster Church is developing this ministry under the title “True North” which serves Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus, and the Kendall College of Art and Design (a part of Ferris State University).

The Presbytery of Lake Michigan owns and operates Camp Greenwood, a year-round facility near Greenville, Michigan. It also carries out International Mission Partnerships with CEPAD of Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua and the Ho East Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Chris Dugan Elder for Presbytery Relations

CREA

TING

A C

OMM

UNIT

Y OF

DIA

LOGU

E, N

URTU

RE, A

ND L

EARN

ING

REPORTS

www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org

www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org


Porter Hills Presbyterian Village Dear Friends in Christ:

Listed below are some of the activities at Porter Hills during 2013:

• Porter Hills received the Pillar Award in March from Huntington Bank for Empowering Women at Work

• In May, for the 11th year in a row, Porter Hills was named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan.

• Leading Age Michigan, the association for non-profit homes, gave Porter Hills its Leading Edge Care & Services award for distinguished services to a Leading Age member at its annual meeting in May.

• Heartbeats, a program focusing on cardiac care, was launched in July by Porter Hills Home Health.

• The Foundation Board welcomed new Board members in August: John Benz, Cathy Brady, Christopher Edgar, Ben Emdin, Michael VanHaren, Benham Wrigley, and Mark Yost

• An application for a grant was filed in August with the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services for the integrated care model to be formed as a partnership with Porter Hills, Holland Home, Clark Retirement Community, Sunset Retirement Community, and Life EMS Ambulance.

• In September Mark Yost became the new Chair of the Governing Board, replacing Joe Stojak, and Cindy Havard was elected Vice Chair and Bill Alt, Treasurer.

• The Governing Board welcomed two new Board members in September: Harry Baxter and Tom Small

• In October Marywood Health Center, a joint venture with the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, received state licensing for 32 beds; 17 beds are still needed

• Refinancing of current debt was completed in November

• In November Teresa Toland, VP of Business Development & Quality, was honored by the YWCA as “a Woman of Achievement”

• In November, for the first time ever, Porter Hills was named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the National Region

• Emmanuel Hospice, a joint venture with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement Community, Sunset Retirement Communities and Porter Hills, received certification for Medicare in December.

• Agreement was reached to secure two pieces of property south of Cook Valley Estates from Robert Burnham and David Mehney with majority of the cost covered through donations.

• Planning began for adding Assisted Living to the Cook Valley Estates campus

• Management of Aquinata Hall on the Marywood Campus of the Dominican Sisters began in 2013.

CREATING A COMM



• LifeCircles/PACE in Muskegon received approval from the Michigan Department of Community Health for expansion of the program in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties.

• The Porter Hills Foundation engaged a law firm as special legal counsel to establish and negotiate social impact investing, specifically Program Related Investment (PRI) funding.

• The Board approved changes to the mission and vision statements to read as follows:

-Mission: Trusted experts serving seniors with grace

-Vision: Nationally recognized as an unparalleled leader and partner in senior services

• A LEAN expert was added to the staff of Porter Hills during 2013.

• The Porter Hills website was completely redesigned

Challenges still remain in the health care environment with more seniors added daily who are eligible for Medicare. Porter Hills continues to do its part in assisting seniors to live their best lives and remain in their homes. This includes entering into innovative collaborations to reduce costs and improve quality of living. We ask for your continued prayers and support in the New Year.

Sincerely,

�

Mark J. Yost, Chair of the Governing Board Porter Hills Retirement Communities & Services

CREA

TING

A C

OMM

UNIT

Y OF

DIA

LOGU

E, N

URTU

RE, A

ND L

EARN

ING

REPORTS

Welcoming all inthe name of Christ


Membership Growth and DevelopmentForbearance, respect, appreciation, caring, safety, peace, justice, reconciliation, inclusion—these are some of the qualities expressed in our Mission Statement that our committee aspires to demonstrate and develop—in ourselves, our congregation, and toward all who enter our midst. During 2013 we have helped Westminster Presbyterian Church fulfill this part of our mission by:

• Partnering with the Community Ministries Committee, Heartside Ministries and Hard Times Café to sponsor January’s third annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration.

• Co-hosting a booth with Emerging Westminster at the June West Michigan Pride Celebration

• Welcoming the new class of 20 confirmands with notes of encouragement.

• Supporting the small group ministry including Westminster on Wednesday.

• Sponsoring 3 new member classes (February, April, October) in which the history, mission, theology, and fellowship of Westminster are introduced. All 43 new members were welcomed with a personal note and/or phone call and provided with a Membership Growth & Development committee liaison to ensure a smooth transition into the life of the church.

• Co-hosting brunch with the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to welcome new members.

• Continuing to provide a photo page in the bulletin on New Member Sunday, so current members can also welcome each new member by name.

• Posting “Absolutely everyone is welcome.” to the outdoor marquee, to welcome to our fellowship all who pass by.

• Initiating a new method using Sign Up Genius, an online system, to secure greeters. We also support this ministry by arranging for Session committees to greet each month.

• Purchasing new friendship pads. These help all know who is in the pew worshipping with them and allow our committee to follow up with those who indicate a desire for a personal contact as well as send notes of friendship to members who have been inactive over a period of time.

Thank you to all Westminster members who ensure that “Westminster Presbyterian Church is a place where all feel wrapped in the arms of Jesus and where God’s love is modeled and shared.” Special thanks to committee members Jen Baguley, Durelle Evans, Char DeJong, Tad Hankins, Susan Jennings, Jeannine Lemmon, Joan Lutke, Leah Muir, Doug Oostdyk, and Carole Warren for their faithful service. It has been a privilege to serve as an elder and to chair this committee. I am grateful to the congregation and our committee members for the light of Christ that each brings to our work and our world.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Lautenbach Elder for Membership Growth and Development

WEL

COM

ING

ALL

IN T

HE N

AME

OF C

HRIS

TREPORTS


Membership statistical report for 2013STATISTICS

Letter of Transfer to another church ........................................................................................................................ 5 Placed on Inactive Roll .................................................................................................................................................. 0 Removed from Roll ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

New Members Received .............................................................................................................................................42 Confirmations ................................................................................................................................................................20 Restoration to Active Roll ............................................................................................................................................. 0

Deaths ................................................................................................................................................................................16

Total Members as of January 1, 2013 ...................................................................................................................1298Total Members as of year end December 31, 2013 .......................................................................................... 1334

2013 Gain / Loss ........................................................................................................................................................62/26

OTHER STATISTICS DURING 2013Baptisms ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Marriages ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Births ................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

WELCOM

ING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST

REPORTS


Youth and Young AdultsIn our High School and Middle School program we introduced the 2013-2014 theme, “Here and Be Heard.” Through out the year, we will claim where we are – “HERE”. And we will be open to what is being said – “BE HEARD”. We will practice listening how God is working in our own lives and in the world around us – how we “HEAR” God. This will take practice. Our days are busy. Our calendars are full. Sometimes we will ask hard questions and sometimes we’ll just need to laugh together. We’ll look to faith stories around us and within the Bible, to notice where “HERE” is and to listen to what we are “HEARING”. Through this practice we hope to be heard and live lives that share the light of Christ.

Our “Emerging Westminster” program ministries for Young Adults (ages 18-40) this fall began to tackle the question, “What does it mean to be the people of God?” Understanding ourselves to be invested and integral to the life and witness of the whole church, we leaned into the thematic conversations that were already happening in the congregation and in our community. As young adults, what does it mean when we identify as persons of God? The young adults of Westminster are being intentional about discerning opportunities and cultivating faithfulness so that we, foremost, remember we are not the church of tomorrow but of today.

WORSHIPPING GOD FAITHFULLYPROGRAM FOUNDATIONS The core of our high school and middle school youth program is the weekly gathering on Sunday afternoon/evenings where we worship, talk, sing, play games, activities, and pray. These gatherings are frequently topical, responding to current events, and always relevant to our theme. Three or four times a year, we break into smaller groups and meet in leaders’ homes – where relationships are built and grown in a more intimate atmosphere. Prayer Breakfasts are held before school in the early morning hours on Wednesday at Wolfgangs and Thursday at Panera Break in Grandville or Red Hot Inn, and remain an important time to connect with and pray for each other.

The focus of our “Emerging Westminster” young adult ministry is to create new opportunities for deeper relationships, vulnerable conversations, spiritual maturation, and community engagement. In our time together, we also respond to current events and public culture as well as imagine new ways of thinking and movements towards sustainability.

FALL RETREAT AT CAMP HENRY Our Fall Retreat was held September 22 and 23 at Camp Henry and was a wonderful time for the middle school and high school youth to grow together and talk about what it means to be community. We established our covenant and had fun partaking in camp activities. We had 39 youth along with 11 leaders on the retreat.

HIGH SCHOOL OVERNIGHT/KICKBALL EVENT November 15 and 16 saw 27 high schoolers and 5 leaders sleep at the church for night of community building with lots of snacks, games and fun. In the morning we packed up and headed to Wilcox Park to join Emerging Westminster and Middle School Youth for a friendly game of kickball. It was the first combined event with EW, MS and HS youth group. Everyone enjoyed the interaction and another event is planned for the spring.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE PROJECT WEL

COM

ING

ALL

IN T

HE N

AME

OF C

HRIS

TREPORTS


This year, our youth decided that in lieu of the traditional Christmas party, they wanted to do something meaningful to have their voices be HEARD among our community in Grand Rapids. We collected winter coats for Burton Middle School. 145 winter coats were collected and delivered. 100% of the students at Burton Middle school, all 472 of them, qualify for free and reduced lunch, which means all of the families are living at or below the poverty level.

SERVING GOD AND OTHERS JOYFULLYHIGH SCHOOL MONTREAT TRIP AND KIRK SINGERS TOUR 33 High School Youth, 12 adults, and 6 children from Westminster traveled to Montreat, NC in June for a week of service, singing and fellowship. Along the way, the Kirk Singers sang at a variety of places such as Cincinnati, OH, Knoxville, TN, Asheville, NC and at Montreat. While in Montreat our group had the opportunity to connect with almost 1400 other high school youth from all over the country, shared in the life of the Presbyterian church as a whole and explored how they can expand their faith within their own community.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIP Our trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes in June with the middle school youth was unforgettable. It was an experience that will last a lifetime. We heard and saw God in the wonderful creation that surrounded us. We also heard and saw God in each other.

“We circled up, all 35 of us, in the bottom of a huge bowl of sand, that was a half mile wide by a half mile long. The dune was overwhelming. We had just played in it for close to an hour; jumping off big cliffs, running down until our legs couldn’t rotate any faster, and admiring the way the forest surrounding it disappeared into tall slopes of perfectly smooth sand. In our circle we talked about ways that you can listen for God. The way the wind rustles the sand, or the sound of waves crashing against the smoothed rocks along the beach. We talked about ways you could see God. The way the fog settled on the water, or the ebbs and flows of the grass-covered dunes. We were out of our normal element, in a place that God surely created for people to experience in this way.”

LET’S EAT OUT PASTA DINNER In late January, the High School students hosted the 6th annual Pasta Dinner. With dozens of parent helpers and 80+ of our kids working as waiters and waitresses, this event continues to be a time good food and good friends, as well as a time for the congregation to tangibly show their support of the youth program. This year we surpassed $5000 in support of the Senior High Summer Trip – a record, and a testimony to the support and commitment of the congregation to the Youth Ministry program.

WPC DELI During Artprize, the middle schoolers invited the congregation to the annual WPC Deli. It’s a great way to grab a bite to eat after worship and after, head downtown to take in Artprize. Many thanks to Applause Catering and the Jeff and Katie Tiggleman family for their donations of food for the deli, which allow all of the proceeds to go towards the annual Middle School summer trip.

SANDBAGGING GRAND RAPIDS As the floodwaters rose last year, many able-bodied young adults leapt into action. Coordinated by the City of Grand Rapids with generous donations of from local businesses, hundreds of volunteers

WELCOM


REPORTS


(including a few dozen or so from Westminster) shored up new floodwalls and cleaned up downtown Grand Rapids, one sandbag and shovel at a time.

CAMP HENRY WORKDAYS Prepping for the summer schedule and heat, the young adults participated in a camp-wide workday—raking leaves, weeding the beach, cleaning the dining hall for the season to come.

BENTON HARBOR WORKDAYS Keeping connected with our fellow young adult and missionary in resident, Julie Brien, we had ample opportunity to visit and hear her story but also to partner with Habitat for Humanity and the Women’s Safe Shelter shop. We also were able to help plot and plant the community garden, paint houses and clean up the neighborhood as an intergenerational community.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Additionally, there were several opportunities for young adults to plug into the local education programs, career development ministries, and within Westminster, too.

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF DIALOGUE, NURTURE AND LEARNINGCONFIRMATION This year, 20 young people participated in our confirmation program, which remains one our most significant implementations of creating a community of dialogue, nurture and learning. The confirmation program is a eight week program and includes a retreat at Camp Henry, the Confirmation Feast where the confirmands are interviewed by elders and introduced to the session and Confirmation Sunday where they are welcomed into membership at Westminster. A highlight of the program is the presentation of Statements of Faith that are written by each confirmand during the retreat.

In early October the decision was made to offer confirmation to 9th graders, hence there will not be a confirmation class in 2014. The reasons behind this decision were:

• Over the last few years, as a response to the increased demands on the time of Middle and High School students, we have shortened the time frame for Confirmation classes.

• The shorter time frame inevitably requires a more concentrated plan for input and discussion in regard to the objectives of the confirmation process. Developmentally, this is more appropriate to older youth.

• We hope the confirmation process will convey of a sense of beginning—of a deeper and increased participation in the life, mission and governance of the church as a part of membership. That’s hard to communicate in the final, culminating year of middle school.

YOUTH SUNDAY An annual highlight for our entire congregation is the celebration of Youth Sunday. This year, 66 youth orchestrated and participated in both services on Sunday on May 5, 2013. Nine of our seniors presented mini-sermons in which they reflected on their experiences at Westminster, on mission trips and retreats and at Camp Henry.

“Church has always been the constant in my life. Everyone needs constants, things that will always be WEL

COM

ING

ALL

IN T

HE N

AME

OF C

HRIS

TREPORTS


there, things to keep you grounded, force you to remember who you are...every time I entered those double doors I knew I was safe, I knew what to expect, I knew the people around me would hold no grudges, judgments or assumptions.” “...I got confirmed, it all became real.“

MISSION TRIP TO BENTON HARBOR In April, the high school and middle school groups joined with the Worldwide Ministries Committee to participate in an intergenerational mission trip to Benton Harbor. This partnership with our friends in Benton Harbor includes work with Habitat for Humanity, the Women’s Safe Shelter, the Mosaic Resale Shop, the community garden, community cleanup projects, and more.

FEMINIST AND WOMANIST THEOLOGY Early in the year, several young adults who were interested in female empowerment, women’s leadership, and attended a showing of “Wonder Women: The untold story of American superheroines.” This inspired a conversation of how women at Westminster can stay connected and be even more present in our community of faith and created a new opportunity for intergenerational dialogue (sharing stories past, present, and hopes for the future).

HAPPYOUR Every second Thursday of the month, young adults from Emerging Westminster join up for meaningful conversation and company at a local eatery/watering hole. In this time, it’s been fun getting to know one other’s stories and have space to reflect on our vocational walks.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AND EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIP On a regular basis, Emerging Westminster carries over our fellowship after worship. Whether we gather in the chapel to parse out the sermon, share our questions about faith, or just enjoy one another’s laughter while dining out, we have been enriched by small and large conversations.

WELCOMING ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRISTEMERGING WESTMINSTER The Young Adult Program has been one of the most significant new programs in the life of Westminster. The “Emerging Westminster” group is made up of those (mostly) 18 – 40. Katie Baker has been facilitating this group, and her leadership has been invaluable and responsible for it’s successful beginnings. One of the first actions of the group was to describe a statement of mission:

Informed by our experiences and abiding in God’s grace, we are the young adults of Westminster Presbyterian Church. We shall be committed to being faithful in this generation, to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

As a ministry, Emerging Westminster seeks to create thoughtful opportunities for participation, meaningful ways for connections, and intentional practices to challenge our everyday lifestyles and grow our imagination for what it means to be part of the church universal and bear witness as people of God.

“Emerging Westminster gives me space to explore— with absolutely no pretense—faithful living within the Christian tradition,” says Amber Hendrickson, age 32. “With the pace of contemporary life, I can be easily overcome by information-saturation, self-absorption, and what basically amounts to personal ‘brand management.’ But the intentionality and grace of our Emerging Westminster events and activities

WELCOM


REPORTS


compels me to think deeply and theologically while working out my faith in a caring, active, safe community. I’m invited to get out of my head and into real life.”

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS COUNCIL We continue to work toward a committee structure that reflects the configuration of the program: A Youth Advisory Council that is made up of members from the individual working committees of Young Adults (Emerging Westminster) High School and Middle School.

Of course, the most significant change in our Youth Program in 2013 was the departure of Nate and Christy Roosien. Their faithful, inexhaustible, committed love for our youth will be missed. However, they also provided a strong foundation for us to build upon. In early September we welcomed Adam Swenson as director of our Middle School program and in early October, Shelly Boeve joined the program as Youth Ministries Coordinator, an interim position that will focus on being the point person for communication between all involved in the youth program and managing plans and logistics in support of the middle school and high school youth groups. And in mid December, we welcomed Sarah Workman as director of our High School program.

MINISTRY ARCHITECTS In the fall of 2013, as we began the search for a new Minister of Youth, we invited Ministry Architects to asses the high school and middle school youth ministry programs and to make recommendations about how it might move strategically forward. They met with over 100 individuals in nine focus groups or one-on-one programs. Their recommendations are detailed and comprehensive, and we will be working on incorporating many if not all as we move forward. Overall, their impression of the youth ministry program was positive:

On the Cusp of Top-Notch: Overall, the youth ministry at WPC is doing extremely well. Unlike the title of Collins’ book, “Good to Great” in which he speaks of companies moving from being “good” companies to being “great” companies, the youth ministry at WPC is already at “great.” The church is ready to make the leap from a great youth ministry to a top-notch youth ministry.

The Youth and Young Adult Ministry program at Westminster would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of a significant group of youth leaders and parent volunteers:

The Youth Committee includes Shelly Boeve, Adam Swenson, Katie Baker, Francisco Caldron, Steve Schoon, Jane French, and Jane Hedges. Erin VandenBroek skillfully delivers staff support. Betsy Kratt and Christy Biermacher continue to be our Sunday evening Meal Coordinators.

The Emerging Westminster Committee includes: AJ Bertin, Stefanie Gilmour, Amber Hendrickson, Katherine Kutzli, Josh Leckrone, Jodi Mashak, Brian Spangelo, and Adina Stout.

High school youth leaders include Jim and Sonja Fryer, Meg and Brian Richards, Matt and Karyll Russell and new this year, Mike and Elizabeth Herrick. Middle school youth leaders include Steve Schoon, Paul Faase, Karen Fuller, Francisco Calderon, Dan Van Til.

Respectfully submitted, Peter Larson, Elder for Youth and Young AdultsW

ELCO

MIN

G AL

L IN

THE

NAM

E OF

CHR

IST

REPORTS


Westminster Presbyterian AdultsThe mission of the Westminster Presbyterian Adults (WPA) ministry is to provide spiritual, educational and social opportunities for Westminster members and friends fifty-five years and older. Again thanks to the resources made available through the Mini Behl and Lironis funds, this ministry is able to provide many activities and events throughout the year seeking to meet its mission objectives.

One of our ministries is serving Westminster members who are residents a Porter Hills Retirement Community. We provide bus transportation to church for Sunday morning services and also to WPA luncheon meetings. There are four communion services a year in the Porter Hills Village Chapel for residents who are Westminster members (March, May, August and November). We also serve communion at the Sunday service in the Meeting House the first Sunday of the month four times a year (January, July, October, and a Maundy Thursday service). Kay and Ray Kretzschmer have organized and served these communion services throughout 2013.

Birthday cards are sent to every church member 55 years of age and over. In each card we include a listing of WPA activities for the coming months, inviting everyone to attend any activity of their choice. Carol Plank has graciously been sending these cards this year.

Another mission of WPA is honoring our 50 year members on Heritage Sunday in June. A carnation was put on each 50 year member and they sat in reserved seating in the church. They were greeted in a reception line after the service and treated to a brunch luncheon in the dinning room.

The Steering Committee plans a variety of interesting programs for our meetings, and our attendance seems to be growing this year. The second Thursday in February, March, April, September and November we have a luncheon meeting in the dinning room at church. In December we meet for a festive Christmas Luncheon in the Meeting House at Porter Hills. The programs for our meeting were as follows: February: Sister Sue Tracy, Chaplain, presented a Valentine’s Day program full of laughter; March: Charles Honey, Religion Journalist for the GR Press; April: Rev. David Baak informed the group on Westminister’s new “Vision and Mission Statement”; September: Mark Boland spoke about his “Mission in Cuba”; November: Rabbi Albert Lewis, Author and Journalist for the GR Press spoke and his book “Soul Sounds, Reflections on Life” was given to all. December: We enjoyed a Christmas Luncheon at Porter Hills with entertainment by the East Grand Rapids School Madrigals under the direction of Dr. James Borst.

WPA had two outings this year. In May 75 people attended a program and tour of the Kent County Recycle facility and then on to John Ball Zoo to enjoy lunch in the Bissell Tree House and a talk about the new Bear Exhibit. In October 40 people took a bus trip to Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall where we enjoyed a full coarse turkey dinner and the musical play Nunsensation. Many look forward to these outings.

The WPA Steering Committee is looking forward to planning an interesting and eventful 2014.

Rev. David Baak, Designated Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care; Jan Dildine, Elder for WPA; Bob Dildine, MarMae Burch, Eleanor Gorman, Dick Hubbard, Kay and Ray Kretzschmer, Jeanne Marshall, Suzanne McCune, Dick Rinck, Marilynne McCready, Bernice Rynders, and Lou VanderHave.

Respectflly submitted, Jan Dildine, elder for Westminster Presbyterian Adults

WELCOM


REPORTS


Open Door MinistryFor many years, Westminster Church has had an “open door” ministry to our Heartside neighbors. What started quite simply with persons stopping at the church offices use the phone and get a cup of hot coffee has evolved into a more structured program which offers coffee, telephone, restroom facilities, and the opportunity to just sit down, rest, or warm up. A dedicated telephone is available for local calls. Volunteers staff the welcome desk to assist guests, provide directions to social services, and offer a friendly greeting to our neighbors.

Statistics have been recorded since 2008. Below is a table of statistics from 2012 compared with 2013.

Our thanks to Westminster members who support this outreach program by generously giving of your time at the desk Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Volunteers for this ministry in 2013 were George Babb, Jan Dildine , Jacquie Friend, Jill Fryiling, Phil Hertel, Maxine Keefer, Tom Kormos, Gary Lummen, Grace Orders, Richard Rinck, Robin Ripmaster, Bernice Rynders, Lynne Swets, Bill Westfall, Donna Zimmerman

A special thanks to Bernice Rynders for doing all of the scheduling and making sure the desk is covered during the day.

�� , �� , ��',� �� , ��, ��, ��, �, *�� , ��+, �� , ��, ��, � �� ,� ��&, ,��, �� , �� , �� ,��,� ��, ��, �, �� , ��, �� , �� , �� ,�� ,��,� �,,��,��,��,�� ,��, �� ,��,,�� ,�� ,��,��,�� ,�� ',� � �� ',� ��,�� ',��,�� ,�� ,��,��,��,��',� ��',��,��,��&,,�,� �� ,� � �� ,��,�� ,��,��,��&,,�� ,��,�� ,� �� ,� ��,��,��,�� ',�� ,�� ,��,��,� �� ',��,�� ,,�� ,�� ,��,��,� ��&,,��,�� , �,� �� ,�� ,#!!%&, ,� ��, ��,, �� ,��,��, ��,#!"#,�� ,��,#!"$&,,,

Coffee 2012

Coffee 2013

Phone 2012

Phone 2013

Restroom

2012

Restroom

2013

Total Services Provided

2012

Total Services Provided

2013

Days Open 2012

Days Open 2013

Jan 281 386 415 322 363 336 1764 1044 17 17 Feb 343 327 407 318 391 307 1854 952 17 16 Mar 347 294 460 257 355 280 1903 831 17 17 Apr 329 342 407 273 321 317 1771 932 17 18 May 282 218 401 207 290 221 1605 646 18 17 Jun 249 262 302 283 266 332 1346 877 16 16 Jul 189 230 189 235 230 238 1176 703 16 18

Aug 185 244 283 240 257 293 1260 777 17 18 Sep 192 278 261 242 241 296 1165 816 15 16 Oct 120 461 137 348 130 466 618 1275 19 19 Nov 166 380 201 267 230 354 1005 1001 16 14 Dec 184 413 75 242 283 426 971 1081 14 16

Totals 2867 3835 3538 3234 3357 3866 14,660 10,935 199 202 Our thanks to Westminster members who support this outreach program by generously giving of your time at the desk Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers for this ministry in 2013 were George Babb, Jan Dildine , Jacquie Friend, Jill Fryiling, Phil Hertel, Maxine Keefer, Tom Kormos, Gary Lummen, Grace Orders, Richard Rinck, Robin Ripmaster, Bernice Rynders, Lynne Swets, Bill Westfall, Donna Zimmerman A special thanks to Bernice Rynders for doing all of the scheduling and making sure the desk is covered during the day.

WEL

COM

ING

ALL

IN T

HE N

AME

OF C

HRIS

TREPORTS


Westminster WorksWestminster Works began its second year in September 2013 with weekly Thursday EaRN Work Search Roundtables attended by 4-6 individuals in transition led by EaRN President and co-Founder Ken Soper and the WW Project Coordinator, Larry Bratschie. One on one counseling also occurs as needed and requested by participants with the WPC-WW project coordinator and Ken Soper, NCDA-recognized Master Career Counselor. (WPC’s other partners in this ministry are two other churches where Roundtables are occurring: St. Robert of Newminster Church in Ada on alternate Wednesdays and Redeemer Covenant Church in Gaines Township hosted at Spring Arbor University’s GR Center in Cascade Township weekly on Tuesdays near 28th Street SE and I-96 freeway.)

Of the 25 or more persons from or connected to Westminster who have participated in 2013, nine have become fully reemployed; several have chosen to try to establish their own businesses based on their areas of expertise, and eleven are still actively networking and are still in process.

Westminster has also invited several downtown churches to take advantage of referring individuals in career and job transition to our weekly Roundtable. More effort will be put forth to encourage participation in the coming year. The Roundtables are also promoted via the Internet through websites GRNow.com and LinkedIn.com as well as the EaRN website.

In addition, Westminster Works has also hosted three of EaRN’s “NetWork 2 NewWork” six events in the Fellowship Hall (March, May and November 2013) averaging 50-60 participants. These events facilitate, encourage and coach networking as a means of finding work, paid and volunteer, recruiting talent by employers, and providing opportunity for church congregants to periodically participate in this “networking-as-community-service-and-witness” outreach to help people sustain their careers and provide opportunity to serve as channels for participants to discover their vocation.

Respectfully submitted by Larry Bratschie, Westminster Works Project Coordinator. WELCOM


REPORTS

GRNow.com

LinkedIn.com


Churchmen’s LuncheonSince 1957, Westminster Presbyterian Church—true to its 150-year history of being an inclusive community—has been the location of a unique weekly ecumenical men’s churchmen’s luncheon.

The Churchmen’s Luncheon remains an inclusive program where all are welcome. Topics are generally devotional in nature and vary from reports on ministries around the world to ministries providing services to the larger community.

Successful programs, such as the Churchmen’s Luncheon, are successful only because of the dedicated people who work diligently every week to make it happen. A key ingredient of course, the luncheon itself, has been overseen by Westminster members, Mrs. Vera Hendricks (since 1957), her son Mr. Mark Hendricks are ably supported by Mrs. Marilynne McCready, and Mrs. Marilyn Dooge. A highlight of this year was the “No Ants Picnic” and the Christmas Banquet where those attending are graced by the presence of the attendee’s wives, friends, and Westminster staff. The Rev. Don Gordon, former Associate Pastor at Westminster, is the current chairperson and convener, assisted by invaluable fellow “searcher for speakers” and convener, Mr. John Helder. Maury Lehman, Russ Ripma and R.J. Poel lead the joy-filled singing and for years Gordon Larink played the piano. Mrs. Becky Stein-Wells, Westminster Administrative Associate, prepares and prints the speaker list for the month and other Westminster staff graciously assist where and when they are needed. A small committee consisting of George Cope, Don Gordon, John Helder, Maury Lehman, Calvin Owen, and R.J. Poel meets occasionally to examine the program to see how things are going and make changes where necessary.

Needless to say, those who gathered, 40 to 50 men, are grateful to the Session and staff of Westminster for their kind and generous support of perhaps the largest continuous weekly [1957-2014] ecumenical gathering of men in Grand Rapids and the surrounding community. During the long, exciting history of the Churchmen’s Luncheon, over 2,550 speakers have shared their thoughts and experiences on an amazing variety of subjects.

This weekly Wednesday gathering of men, since its formal organizational beginning in 1960, under the capable leadership of ex-marine Henry C. Martens, still meets! The gathering begins with a luncheon at 11:30 am and concludes at 12:50 pm. The donation for the luncheon is $5.00. You are cordially invited to come and bring a friend!

Rev. Don Gordon, Chairperson

WEL

COM

ING

ALL

IN T

HE N

AME

OF C

HRIS

TREPORTS


In MemoriamDURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS THE FOLLOWING SAINTS OF OUR WESTMINSTER FAMILY PASSED ON INTO THE FULLER LIFE OF THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT:

Bonnie Ayers Nancy Cok

Marjorie Ver Merris Lois Halliday

Katherine Williamson Arlene Blodget

Eleanor Cameron Bonnie Brush

Margaret Kimber Douglas Gaskin

Elizabeth Hubbard Isabel Barbour

Barbara Eggerding Natalie Lamberts

James Mulder Lena Harberts

Kenneth Hershberger Elizabeth Vogel

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

REVELATION 22:21

WELCOM


IN MEMORIAM


Closing Hymn

For All The SaintsSINE NOMINE

William Walsham How, 1864 Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1906

For all the saints who from their labors rest,

Who thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

2013 FINANCIALS

2 2013 Financial Addendum | Westminster Presbyterian Church

Terms of call for Rev. Chandler Stokes2014 TERMS OF CALLThe Personnel Committee and the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church present to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, February 2, 2014 for its information, the following terms of call for the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff. The following terms for 2014 reflect a 2% increase in total Effective Salary and Benefits.

Senior Pastor/Head of Staff: Chandler B. Stokes

EFFECTIVE SALARYSalary $61,410.00 Housing (including utilities) $45,000.00 $106,410.00

BENEFITSMedical/pension (35%) $37,243.00

EXPENSES/ALLOWANCESSocial Security (employer’s share: 7.65%) $8,357.00 Continuing education $3,000.00 Professional development (e.g. Moveable Feast) $4,500.00 Book allowance $500.00 $16,357.00

OTHER• One month vacation (four Sundays)• Four weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)• Sabbatical after seven years of service with a submitted plan for coverage, a commitment of one year

of service after the sabbatical and timing subject to approval by the Personnel Committee.

Respectfully submitted, Kim Huizenga, elder for personnel

Westminster Presbyterian Church | 2013 Financial Addendum 3

Terms of call for Rev. David Baak2014 TERMS OF CALLThe Personnel Committee and the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church present to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, February 2, 2014 for its information, the following terms of call for the Designated Associate Pastor. The following terms for 2014 reflect a 2% increase in Effective Salary and Benefits.

Designated Associate Pastor: David Baak

EFFECTIVE SALARYSalary $51,920.00 Housing (including utilities) $15,000.00 Retirement 403(b) Contribution $6,000.00 $72,920.00

BENEFITSMedical $4,380.00

EXPENSES/ALLOWANCES Social Security (employer’s share: 7.65%) $5,578.00 Professional development $1,000.00 Book allowance $300.00 $6,878.00

OTHER• One month vacation (four Sundays) • Two weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)

Respectfully submitted, Kim Huizenga, elder for personnel


Budget funding priorities��(&'*��

�� #�� !��!��

�� $��$�� $"#%��!��"�� #�

�� %��!�� !��

�� &�� !��!��%)�&&&�� !��

�� '�� !��!�� (-

�� (��!�� !�� !��


2014 proposed budget��&'!�"&'�%��%�&�,'�%��"��(%��0��%#$#&��(��'�0�7569.

7567 7568 7569 69�'#�68�� '(� ��'(� �(��' A��#!$ �#!!�"'& ��$� 9+:>A+@=< 9+;;@+>9? 9+;@<+A9= ;D �6-8;;-9>5�$ ��&��"��"��(��#� ��$ 9<+A?9 :?+@<< :<+888 09<D �! $�#'�%�'��#��%$�1(�!��!� !%�"��2 ?;+>88 <;+:>8 <8+888 0@D #�� %�%#� �,��!#��"��$�! ��#��%$ :>+?>< :@+>88 :>+888 0AD �! $�#'�%�'� ��%��#� �$� 9<+A?9 9A+<@@ 9@+888 0@D �! $�#'�%�'��"��#� �$ @+>9> 9;+==8 ;+888 0?@D $�� %�! �0%��%$��!#��#&$%/��$%#��%��%$ 99+@>: ==+888 =8+888 0AD ��$$��#!��!#��#&$%��$�#'�$ 8 8 8 8D �000�%��#� �!�� ==+8=8 ;>+@:@ <<+?88 :9D ��&#��!��%�

� �� 6-9<:-;== 6-:;8-6=< 6-:>5-;6: 7A ��!#��(��$$�! $3 :?+>;: :>+A<? :>+?=@ 09D $��&��%��'��!��& �%*��$$�! $3 <:+;=8 :<+8;@ :;+888 0<D $��&��%��'��!!�� %#*��#* ;;+888 ;;+8=; ;;+888 8D $��&��%��'��"�� #*3 <+=88 ;8+888 ;8+888 8D ;�*#��!��%�� %�1: ��*#2��'��!"�� %�� %�# >+888 >+888 >+888 8D $��&��%��'�� !�� %�! ��/ #�$�*%�#*3 ?A+988 >@+=88 >@+=88 8D $��&��%��'��)%��&#�� 8 ?+889 ?+888 8D ;�*#��!��%�� %�1: ��*#2

�(�'#'� �0��%��'��&&�#" 6>7-:=7 6>:-:8> 6>9-7:= 06A ��

�%��&""!#%�!��$$�! 9<<+=88 9<>+:=8 9<?+8=9 9D ��"%��!��%�! �%��$��&#��"�#�%�! $�0��$$�! :=+A88 :=+A88 :=+A88 8D ��"%��!��#$�%��$��!&%��#�"$ <+A88 =+888 =+888 8D ��"%��!��#$�%��$�� #�$�*%�#�� #��"�%� ;9+=<? ;9+?9A ;:+@88 ;D #��%$��#$��"

�(�'#'� �0��&&�#"��($$#%' 75;-=9< 75=-=;> 765-<:6 6A ��

�#'� ��&&�#"��)�"� 8>>-97> 959-95= 95:-55> 5A �7:/:A�#��#)�%� ��(��'

� �#$! ��3 ?::+9@: ?>?+>98 ?@=+9>> :D (��&$%�� % �$%!#4$��$�#�%�! �#* 9+@;: :+888 :+888 8D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $� �$%!#��!�� %� ��!��1 ��2 8 8 <+=88 988D �$$!�� $%!#�/��!&%�� $%!#&$��3 :>+>A= :<+<:; :<+=88 8D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��#��&�%�� $%#*3 @+9:= =+<<8 =+<<8 8D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��!#$��"3 ;+<;= ;+;<; ;+=88 =D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��#��#!(%��5��'3 9+9<9 9+?@9 :+888 9:D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��!$"�%��%* ::+;9= :>+;8@ :>+888 09D ��!& %� �� &��%�! �0��#� 3 ;+=<9 ;+?@8 ;+@88 9D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��&��%�! �0��*3 9+?:8 ;+A=: <+888 9D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��&��%�! �0��&�%3 9+>>A :+@<? ;+:88 9:D �!��$%�� #��$��!& ��&�%$ =>: @+:=A ;+888 0><D :89;�(�$�$%�#%0&"�!&%�3 9;+?;; 9=+<?A 9=+=88 8D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��&#��"�#�%�! $ @@+::< A8+A8> A:+888 9D � �� (�%��49;��)"� $��&#��%��$ 9@9+8@= :8:+@@: :99+888 <D � ��&��$�#�� *��*��& �

�(�'#'� �0��&'!�"&'�% 6-5<;-7:> 6-6:>-565 6-6=:-;5; 7A �"� �"��*�'��%�)�"(��

� �� 6-9<:-;== 6-:;8-96= 6-:>5-;6: 7A !�'��&�%�)�"(��1��2 5 0786 5 �%��)�"��+$��'��

��3#��%$�$"��#0�� $%#*��#��$.�� *��#��#��$�(�%�!&%�$"��&��%$��#�-��#�+� !�� %� �� $%�(�#�$��".


Pledge analysis/-.1�� $

/-.0 /-.1 �� 9��;�.-"--- )) )( $( $,3

��3"2--��.-"--- )* ). + (.3

��2"---��3"2-- *( ** ) -3

��1"---��2"--- *+ ** $( $*3��0"---��1"--- -* ,, $/ $(*3

��/"---��0"--- .' -* $. $('3

��."---��/"--- ('+ ('0 , ,3�

��."--- 0' /) $/ $03

��:�- )- *+ / *(3�� 130 124 %3 %.9

�� ."01."5/. ."033"16- /1"34- /9

�� $ /-.0 /-.1 �� 9�� )"/0/ )"00' 0) *3��&�� -' *"'.( *")*' (-' ,3

��*�� (*+ )03��*�� ,- ()3��*�� (// +(3��*�� +, ('3��*��!�� *+ .3

�� 124 .--9

��/-.0��#��/-.1�� ,. ()3 �� )�� (')"'.' /3 �� &/-' +*"0++

�� ,�� ! )�� *�� #��#��!�� *�� #�� .�� )


�� !"#$%&�'()*+,� &�'(�,+!-

�� !"#$ !�%&'%� ()!�%#*$&+,-%.,/0&1�22�% 3$&45

6%*$7&8*9#7 :&;<&&/=>?@@ABC/C>/C=

DDDED9.F%E3%FG%*$ *.!#3$&H*!�&H�.&C&I?C@&!3&H�.&@C&I?C@

I?C@ JGH K$$-*LM-7F�! K.!-*L N&32&M-7F�!

. /�'-0-12#)*%0-/-+(!,

�� !" #$#%&'&(" )*+,-*.,,/,, )*.0)*1+2/.. -03456 7#8(9:; 2<*1,,/,, 0)*21./-= 203>?@A#BC(!D )+*,,,/,, )-*--./,= )113

8�F-L*%&8�.�#9! C:O?O:0??E?? C:>O@:CA0E/O =0N

3�!)#%. /�'- C:O?O:0??E?? C:>O@:CA0E/O =0N

45(- 6+!2*-,�+,,+�

E:7�!#E&! #F&(&D57G#H&7 95 <=*0+2/,, <=*-.=/=- ),)3H&7 95#F&DD&:(IJ:;;C(&5G#F&(&D57G +-*,,,/,, =,*,12/,, ),<3H&7 95#F&DD&:(#H (:;&(K5&:(K� 0+*+,,/,, 0+*+,,/21 ),,3F&DD&:(#LCMM:75 =.*+.2/,, =.*00)/=. ),,3

;# #3$ II>:A?OE?? II0:I>0ECO C?CN7-*,� -#

N!;&(&D57K5&' #L5KOO -.*=0,/,, -,*+.)/<1 -=3BK9&�&5G#L5KOO ))1*<=./,, )),*10+/,- -03�7:"7K;#L5KOO .10*0.1/,, .,,*1=,/=. -)3456 7 ),0*),,/,, -)*+,-/.= 2+3

'�% 3$$�L 0>I:000E?? O=I:0AOE/I =IN7),!�*)#%82((�*!

L (&:7#�KD5:7 )+0*,1,/,, )=)*101/-< ),13NDD:9#�KD5:7 2<*21)/,, 2)*22./0, --3F&(&D5 7#O:7#J:("7 "K5&:(K�#JK7 ),*=,,/,, 1*0)+/0= 1+3�KD5:7K�#P#456 7 =*,,,/,, ,/,, ,3

'* !3%*L&4-993%! I>O:/OCE?? I/O:=0/E@A =ON7*�1*)'

�KD5:7QD#H&D97 5&:(K7G#BC(! <*,,,/,, <*,,,/,, ),,34�! 7#N!C�5#F&(&D57G +*..,/,, +*..,/,, ),,3E:7D6&M <*.,,/,, 1*1.</+1 )1-3F ;R 7D6&M#%7:S56#$#H ' �:M; (5 1*0+,/,, )*02)/,+ .03@:DM&5K�&5G )=*,,,/,, <=*1,2/)+ )=.3

'%3F%*" I=:>=?E?? @A:A0CE0@ C@CN462/)!+� %�+ +,!*+-,

F&(&D57G#O:7#J6&�!7 ( .*=1+/,, 1*02,/<0 2<3F&(&D57G#O:7#N!C�5D 1*,,,/,, <*1-+/)< 2,3F&(&D57G#O:7#BK;&�& D 1*--+/,, 1*-+</1= --3?!C9K5&:(#LCMM:75#L 7'&9 D +)+/,, .+)/== 223

57-.*!#3$&;#$# !%#� CI:C/>E?? C?:>0=E/C A0N�2,+/%�+ +,!*$

FCD&9 <=*).,/,, <.*.<</=+ -13;- #.&;#$# !%) IO:C/?E?? I/:/IIEO> =@N9�2!"

'%37-.�7&3$&1*$&I=&I?C/&*!&CP>>&';&()&6�$�&6� '*F�&C

�� !"#$%&�'()*+,� &�'(�,+!-

G%*$ *.!#3$&H*!�&H�.&C&I?C@&!3&H�.&@C&I?C@

I?C@ JGH K$$-*LM-7F�! K.!-*L N&32&M-7F�!

L7#@&"6 .*,,,/,, =*22</== )0<3F&!!� #L96::� 1*,,,/,, 02-/00 <=3T:C("#N!C�5 1*,,,/,, 2*<+2/+2 <0+3456 7#P#T:C56 0*<,,/,, )<*2,=/-- )023

J3-!, C0:I??E?? IA:0@AE?? CO0N:6'+ +,!*)!+�

4OO&9 <,*1,,/,, )-*-=,/+, -23U 96(:�:"G <+*,,,/,, <<*,,2/=+ 223J:;;C(&9K5&:(D .*1,,/,, <*)2)/-- +)3L5 SK7!D6&M <*+,,/,, )*)22/-< .23?VC&M; (5 <0*+,,/,, 1<*+0,/2< ))23456 7#N!;&(/#?WM (D D )0*+,,/,, )<*--+/,= 0.3

K7"#$# !%*!#3$ =0:C??E?? =?:=?>E=/ =/N&"2*/"%;)/+#+!+-,

8(DC7K(9 <,*,,,/,, )2*2<,/<) -.3FK&(5IX MK&7 2+*,,,/,, 2+*,,=/)- ),,3Y5&�&5& D 2=*,,,/,, --*,++/+= ))+3

+,-%.,&Q*.#L#!#� C=C:???E?? I?I:AACE=O C?ON

3�!)#%45(- 6+!2*-, C:O?A:IC=E?? C:>O@:/C0EO> =0N

RS�%TU$7�% VC:>C=E??W VI@?EC=W

'%37-.�7&3$&1*$&I=&I?C/&*!&CP>>&';&()&6�$�&6� '*F�&I

Westminster operating fund


Westminster balance sheet

��

�� !"#

#$%&�&!�& '''('��)�(��)*��#&+"&#

��

,��-�

��""+ ��.. &��$&( ��""# �� ./ �0�0) �!��# "(""�"" *� ��1�2�� ##�#3$("+�� $ �!# ( 3

��"+# � ��4� ��5 �.� ��+&("�� +&("�

�� +� 2��/ �0�� +3!�&�$(!�� +3!�&�$(!�

!�"�#��"#" /��.��)6��5�� $##��$3(""�"#! ,7*/��.��)�6��5�� 8&��&!� $$(!�9�"�" 4 �� #++�"""(""�"�+ �:��62�� !$+�$+�(!"�"�# ,7*�:��62�� 8$3�" #(+!9!�"�#�� #� #3�++$(�&

�� 3!�##$(#&

��$��%�� 3!�##$(#&

4�,/�4�-��,;*2<;*�

$��$��%�

$��&$��&�'��$��"!" 2��,�7= 8$#!($$9�"!& 2�� .�7= 8+�#(�!9�"!+ �� 7= &�!#�(�#�"!# ��7= ��( �"3" 2.�>��),�� 33(!&�"3& 4-*74��( 8�&(#�9�"3+ ,�� .. �� "&(""�"3# ,�� .� !� $�(!3�"�" �� .��)�� $!�3"+(+3�"�� )� +��$�(!&�"�! �� .2��8��9 &�� "!(�!�'��$�� &&$�!&+("&

$��&�� &&$�!&+("&


*��#&+"&#��

��$�$��$��%� &&$�!&+("&

!()*��$�)�%�

��#�!'�#��#�!'�#��'��+��#��'��&"#" ��.�� #�"��(��&&&" �� . ��'� &�&$3(+#�&&+" -��*�� 2�� !��&$($3�&&3" �� )�� !+�3&3("��&&$" ��'��0��)-�� 3 �3$"($!�&+�" ��.�� .� �� $�!��(!3�&+�" *��)� ��=�.��)2�� #+�+!�(""�&#!" � ��6�� .�� !� "#(!#�&# " ��7��.�'�� +"��&(&!�&!"" ?.��,��.��8�,97/�=4 !#�"!"(!��&!&" ,.� ��. ��7/�=42�� !��++($&�&!3" �� ++��(!&�&��" *�) )�2�� &�"+$(""�&$"" =�.��)7-� ��2�� +$�"�"(""��'��+��#��'�� #3+�#��($!

��+��&�&#"" ��1�*�� 2�� +�( &�&!!" ��.��.�� +� ( +�&3$" ��@��2�� ) &"�!3�(��&$ " 2�� .�� &"�$&#(!+�& "" 2�� "(" �& &" � ��2�� #��!�($"�& �" � ��=�� $"(�$�& !" *� ��1�2�� ++�!!�(!"�& 3" 2 ��-� �� &�&!+( !��+��&�� + (+�

��#�!'�#�� &+�#"�("

%,'�&%,'�&!�"�#��+"" /.�)74 ��7�:�� #� #3�++$(�&!�"�#�� #� #3�++$(�&

�� 5��A�� &$&�3 $(�3�,, 2��/ . ��,,��5�� &&3�$+�( #��? �� .?�� )2��8��9 8+#"(& 9�� + $�+ #(!"

%,'�&�� +#��!++(+&

��$�!()*� ��3�3�$+3(#"

��$�$��$��%��)*�!()*� ��3!�##$(#&

*�� "(""

Westminster balance sheet


The Memorial Trust is a group of endowment funds that provide special resource allocations to the ministries, missions, and programming of Westminster. The Memorial Trust Committee oversees the funds and is responsible for their growth, management, and distribution, as specified by each fund.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR ENDOWMENTSWestminster Presbyterian Church is a 153-year-old congregation in a 129-year-old building. The Westminster congregation has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to remain downtown as an active participant in the ministry and mission opportunities of Heartside, Camp Henry, and elsewhere.

That long-term commitment necessitates long-term financial planning and stability, and the endowments administered by the Memorial Trust contribute substantially to that. The Endowment Trust Fund, in particular, supports the maintenance and preservation of our historic building, ensuring our ability to maintain the church building and the congregation’s presence within it.

WHAT THE MEMORIAL TRUST ADMINISTERSThe Memorial Trust administers three primary funds:

• The Memorial Trust Fund provides money for program and ministry needs identified by the Westminster Session and Board of Trustees.

• The Endowment Trust Fund provides money to support the mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church, especially the maintenance and improvement of its physical properties.

• The Camp Henry Endowment Trust Fund provides money to support two facets of Camp Henry’s mission: Development, maintenance, and improvement of its physical facilities; and grants and aid for participation in its programs by disadvantaged individuals, or groups who serve them.

There are several subfunds and trusts under the administration of the Memorial Trust: The John Delos Wagner Fund, the WCDC Scholarship Fund, the James R. and Jeannette C. Wylie Fund, the Minnie Louise Behl Trust Fund, the Mary DeYoung Scholarship Fund, and the Porter Hills Care Fund.

CONSIDER WESTMINSTER’S ENDOWMENTS IN YOUR OWN FINANCIAL PLANNINGThe Memorial Trust encourages Westminster members to remember the church and its endowments in their wills, estates, and trusts. Gifts to these endowments help assure the ministries and mission of Westminster endure for generations to come.

—Milt Rohwer, chair of the Memorial Trust

The Memorial Trust


*��#&+"&#�4 +��+� ��'��

,��-�

��"!" ��'��.��)��5 �.� !"�"""(""�� !"�"""(""

�� """ �� .-�� 3�!� ! (#!�"&" ��'��-��2�� 3� $&($��"&! �� )��2�� !�$�+�$(!��"+" ��=�..�� 2�� "�#��(�!�"+! � ��*�@��)��. ��2�� $ ��$�(#+�"#" ��*��. ��2�� !#�"��(#!�"#! � ��=��'�� #3"�!! ("��"�" /��.-��%� �� .?�� ##�!$!( 3�"�! ��.��2��%�� 2�� $�"(!3�� #�#$#��&�(��

�� #��##��&�(��

��$��%�� #��##��&�(��

4�,/�4�-��,;*2<;*�

!()*��$�)�%�

��#�!'�#��#�!'�#�(��#�&"" �� .-�� 3�!� ! (#!�&&" ��'��-�� 3� $&($��&�! ��.��2��%�� 2�� 3�#�"(!3(��#�� &�� #&&(�!

�� &��#�&&+ ��'��-��(�� !"�"""(""�&&! �� )��-�� !�$�+�$(!��&+" ��=�..�� 2�� "�#��(�!�&+! � ��*�@��)��. ��2�� $ ��$�(#+�&#" ��*��. ��2�� !#�"��(#!�&#! � ��=��'�� #3"�!! ("�� &��#�� &�&�+�"+"("#

�� &��#�&�" /��.-��%� �� .?�� ##�!$!( 3�&�3 ��.��2�� +$�!""(""�� &��#�� 3+�"$!( 3

��#�!'�#�� #��##��&�(��

��$�!()*� #��##��&�(��

��$�$��$��%��)*�!()*� #��##��&�(��

The Memorial Trust balance sheet

MEMORIAL TRUST ACTIVITY DURING 2013The Memorial Trust received $2299 in gifts during 2013, and received a pledge of $50,000.

Following the approval of Session and the Board of Trustees, the Memorial Trust fund disbursed a total of $75,000 to the church in 2013:

• $30,000 in startup funds for the minister for communication’s salary, part of a five-year commitment.• $30,000 for an upgrade of Westminster’s website.• $15,000 for an upgrade of audio/visual worship equipment in the sanctuary.

In addition, the investments administered by the Memorial Trust generated a total of $123,967 in revenue for the church and Camp Henry:

• The Endowment Trust Fund generated $47,443 in payments to the church.• The John Delos Wagner Subfund generated $35,122 in payments to the church.• The Minnie Louise Behl Trust Fund generated $18,827 in payments to the church.• The Camp Henry Endowment Fund generated $22,575 in payments to Camp Henry.


January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013

Cash Balance Checking Account -- January 1, 2013 $2,560.46

RECEIPTS Interest Income 0.00 Bank Fee Refunds 9.00 Memorial Gifts 0.00 Choir Events 0.00 Charitable Projects Donations 0.00 Weekly Donations 1,606.55 Staff Gift Donations 1,273.00 Robe Fund Donations 0.00

Total Receipts -- January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 $2,879.55

EXPENSES Bank Fees 12.95 Flowers 433.95 Memorial Gifts 0.00 Cards/Postage 9.75 Coffees 0.00 Parties and Picnics 142.44 Charitable Projects 0.00 Staff Gifts 1,350.00

Total Expenses --January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 ($1,949.09)

Cash Balance Checking Account -- December 31, 2012 $3,490.92

Westminster Sanctuary Choir treasury


Camp Henry operating fund

�� !"#$%&�'()*+,� &�'(�,+!-

�� !"#$ !�%&'%� ()!�%#*$&+,-%.,/0&1�22�% 3$&45

6%*$7&8*9#7 :&;<&&/=>?@@ABC/C>/C=

DDDED9.F%E3%F

G%*$ *.!#3$&H*!�&H�.&C&I?C@&!3&H�.&@C&I?C@

I?C@ JGH JGH JGHK-7F�! K-7F�! L.!-*M N&32&K-7F�! K*M*$.�

. /�'-0-12#)*%0-/-+(!,

�� !�"#$%�&' ()*&�� !�"#+ ,-,.///0// ,-,.///0// ,,1.2//0-3 415 6,.411077�� !�"#&8(##9�&:"#; 76,.-//0// 76,.-//0// 7,1.6/10// 145 ,2.,1,0//�� !�"#&8< �9&=)> #9 6-.///0// 6-.///0// 76.6140// ,275 [email protected]//ABC+>&=)> #9 6.-//0// 6.-//0// 1.6/30@1 2335 ?-.@/30@1AD<E9�&=)> #9 /0// /0// -16027 /5 ?-16027A

8�F-M*%&8�.�#9! OIC:???E?? OIC:???E?? >=C:A?OEO= =>N I=:C=@E@C3/"�#)*,"+(,

8>E F&8>E F"�+EC;+ -.-//0// -.-//0// 3./3-0// ,,/5 ?-3-0//A8(##9�&8>E F"�+EC;+ ,,6.6//0// ,,6.6//0// ,,7.3,401/ ,/,5 ?,.6,401/A

4.,3M*% ,#9 CCA:A??E?? CCA:A??E?? CI?:OAIE=? C?IN PC:AAIE=?Q4- -*)#%&� !*+52!+� ,

G9+C!)"<9* 77.-//0// 77.-//0// 67.2670// 445 ,/.2330//H)*9+C!)"<9* 2@.///0// 2@.///0// ,6.46@016 715 ,7.23,0/4�� !�"#&8;9>C"F&IJ9)<+ -/.///0// -/.///0// ,3.,340// 625 66.@660//I)* K#9)< ,2.///0// ,2.///0// 2/.6,40/1 ,315 [email protected],40/1A

6�$�%*M&+3$!%#(-!#3$ C@/:>??E?? C@/:>??E?? A/:/>0E?I O@N >?:?/IE=A

6�!)#%. /�'- A0/:@??E?? A0/:@??E?? 0=O:=/OEOC =CN 00:@>@E@=

78(- 9+!2*-,:-*,� -#

L*#C)C+<�"<CJ9&8<"MM ,2-.1//0// ,2-.1//0// ,27.3260-2 115 ,.24307@N">CFC<O&8<"MM [email protected]// [email protected]// 6@./740@4 415 ,/.,440,68(##9�&�� !�"#&8<"MM -@.///0// -@.///0// -6./3301@ 1,5 7.1660/2�� !�"#&8<"MM [email protected]// [email protected]// -2.,6-0/4 435 ,3.2@10168(##9�&L*#C)C+<�"<C ) @.///0// @.///0// -./770@- 365 2.1--0,-'9<�9"<&N *&89�JC>9 22.2//0// 22.2//0// ,3.76/076 475 -.4310-48(##9�&N *&89�JC>9 26.-//0// 26.-//0// ,2./4/022 -,5 ,,.72104@D<E9� 32./270// 32./270// 33.-,/0-3 ,/45 ?7.7@30-3A

'�% 3$$�M /CO:I0/E?? /CO:I0/E?? @O0:=I=E>? AAN /A:@//E>?'%3F%*"&4!3%� I>:???E?? I>:???E?? @/:/O/EIA C@AN P=:/O/EIAQ32''-*%:*�1*)',

P9)9�"F&8(##9�&�� !�"# 62.@1-0// 62.@1-0// 2-.-320/7 4@5 4.662013Q �+9R">STN� )<C9� ,3.,//0// ,3.,//0// ,6.61@016 @65 2.4/,0/4

4-""�%&'%3F%*" /A:==>E?? /A:==>E?? @A:=O?E=0 A?N C?:?@/E?@R337&4�%S#.� 0O:I??E?? 0O:I??E?? 0I:==0EII =ON @:I?IE0A'%3F%*" @:???E?? @:???E?? C:O0?EI? >ON C:@I=EA?�)+ !- ) /-

U(CF*C)!&B"C)<9)")>9 46.1-/0// 46.1-/0// 3,.,41071 @65 ,2.44/0-,;*#$!�$*$.� 0@:=>?E?? 0@:=>?E?? OC:C0=E/= A@N CI:00?E>C;9'+ +,!*)!+�

DMMC>9 ,7.2-/0// ,7.2-/0// ,2.42406/ @15 ,.-2204/=)+(�")>9 7,.-//0// 7,.-//0// 6-.7440/, @-5 3./22011=)<9�9+<&IV;9)+9 7.7//0// 7.7//0// 2.7,104, --5 ,.1@/021W9>E) F !O ,.2-/0// ,.2-/0// ,.73701/ ,,45 ?2,701/A: ##()C>"<C )+ 4.@-/0// 4.@-/0// ,/./,,012 ,2@5 ?2.,3,012AIX(C;#9)< 6.///0// 6.///0// 7@4024 ,35 2.-,2046D<E9�&L*#C)0&IV;9)+9+ [email protected]// [email protected]// 63.,6204/ 175 2.,1,06/

L7"#$# !%*!#3$ CC?:>0/E?? CC?:>0/E?? =A:0I?EAC A=N CC:A>@EC='%32T+3$!%*.!&R�� 0:=>?E?? 0:=>?E?? =:>CCE0A CI?N PC:>OCE0AQ<!+#+!+-,

H<CFC<C9+ @1.6-40// @1.6-40// @@.71402@ 115 @-1042

'%37-.�7&3$&1*$&@?&I?C/&*!&@U@/&';&()&L$F#�&V�MM�) '*F�&C

��

*� �� + ��+��&,"&#��+��#&,"&#

,"&# -*+ -*+ -*+.��)�� .��)�� /�� 0 1��.��)�� . 0 ��

:��0�� $ �#!�("" $ �#!�("" $$�� (,$ 1 $! (�,��;��0��0 �� ,#�"""("" ,#�"""("" ,,�2� (#� 1 #,"(2#

�� $��#""("" $��#""("" � 2�2&"( " &1 ��2$ (&"

<6��7:�� "("" "("" ##!(�&

�� #","&� �#8#��/�)��9�00�� )�,


*��#&+"&#�/ �0�� 0��&

,��-�

��""+ �= ��.. $"�(#&="&3 �� ./ �0?��7�� #$#�#��(�"�� #$��&$!("&

��="& .��)��5 �.� &"�"""(""�� &"�"""(""

!�"�#��="+" /��.��)�6��5�� #��&"��&&(!�="+& � ��:�� &&+� 3 ("&="++ �� ..��)��:�� ++�&��(""="+# ��6?��:�� &$�!#$(""="+� 2��62�>�� & �"3�(""="+! B��:�� !"��&$($"="+3 4 �� +&+��+�(""="+� 4 ��5�� ++��33(3"="+$ C��.��6/� �� &+&��!�(""="#" /��.��)�6��5��%

*�� 8&�+�3�+""(#!9

="#& � ��:��%*�� 8$��3 $(#"9="#+ �� ..��)��:��%*�� 8&!�$!�(3�9="## ��6?��:��%*�� 8&��##$(""9="#� 2��62�>��%*�� 8& �"3�(""9="#! B��:��%*�� 8� �+��(+�9="#� 4 ��5��%*�� 8+"#�&+ ( �9="#$ C��.��6/� ��%*�� 8&"+�"&!(""9!�"�#�� +�3!!� $&(�!

�� #�"!"�&33(�3

��$��%�� #�"!"�&33(�3

4�,/�4�-��,;*2<;*�

$��$��%�

$��&$��&�'��$��="!" 2��,7�� &�( +="!& 2��7� 8&&+( �9="!+ �� '7� 3�&("$="!# ��'7� #+(+$="!� �"#�%��(�� "(""="3" 2.�>��),�� &!(+$="3& 4-*74��( 8&!(&!9="3+ ,�� .. ��!"(!3="3# @� �,��)� �*��82�9 3��+"&(�!="3! 4�� !+��#3(+"="3� ;�'��.��)�� &"�"""(""="3$ ,�� .� #�$�&(3"�'��$�� &#3�&�!(!!

Camp Henry balance sheet


*��#&+"&#�/ �0�� 0��&

�� &#3�&�!(!!

��$�$��$��%� &#3�&�!(!!

!()*��$�)�%�

��#� �� 0��&��#� �� 0��&=&"& /� �7C��.�82�9 &"�#3$("#=&"+ � � �� )�2��82�9 &#�3+"("&=&" �.��)-�'�� #�(�&=&&# ;�'�� &�#�#�!(��=&&! *�� &!�&�#(��=&&� ��5�� !"�"""(""=&++ =��D��%��.. �-��82�9 �"&#(!�=&�" ��7,��C�� .�:��82�9 &��+(!!=&�+ ��.7?��. ��82�9 +�!""(#!=&�! ��. �� &&�&"+(�3=&!$ �� .2��82�9 !�+$$($"=& $ ��' �.��)�82�9 �"�"""(""

��#� �� 0��&�� #"#�&& (#

%,'�&%,'�&1��'��'��'� ��2=+"" /.�)74 ��7�:�� +��$#�"��(+3=++" �� )�82�9 &&#�3+"($ 1��'��'��'� ��2�� +�! 3�3 !(&!

��=? ?�� )/��)��%� ��=�� &��&�3(#�� &��&�3(#�

%,'�&�� +�3&"�$�&(!+

��$�!()*� +� &#� "( &

��$�$��$��%��)*�!()*� #�"!"�&33(�3

*�� 8"(""9

Camp Henry balance sheet


WCDC operating fund

�� !"#$%&�'()*+,� &�'(�,+!-

�� !"#$ !�%&'%� ()!�%#*$&+,-%.,/0&1�22�% 3$&45

6%*$7&8*9#7 :&;<&&/=>?@@ABC/C>/C=


I?C@ JGH K$$-*LM-7F�! K.!-*L N&32&M-7F�!

. /�'-0-12#)*%0-/-+(!,

�� ! "#$%& '( )*+,-./0// )1/,23.0). */*45!6&7$8#9"'& .3,:*)0// .:,/2202) -.4

8�F-L*%&8�.�#9! >>@:>/>E?? >>O:AOCEIA C?CN

3�!)#%. /�'- >>@:>/>E?? >>O:AOCEIA C?CN

45(- 6+!2*-,7-*,� -#

;<' # =!7>! ?&$@!>AA :),/+)0// :2,/2.0/: */.4B&><$�&>96&7 .*2,2/.0// 13+,21-012 -/4;==!$�&>96&7 /0// *),1*:0*. /4�&>96&7$; <&C@�(= .,3+/0// -,1):0/3 1+*45!6&7 -1,*-30// */1,)**0*) ***4

'�% 3$$�L /0A:0AOE?? /0A:0A>EO= C??N'%3F%*" @A:0??E?? /0:@A=E0= CIIN�)+ !- ) /-

D� E< #F$G> #!&#>#9& *3,32:0// *.,/2*0.) :-4;*#$!�$*$.� CA:A0OE?? C@:?0CE@> O=N86'+ +,!*)!+�

H;99"�#!=$I !6"�!$@�(JK>!&F"7 &=L *,///0// *,)/301/ *)*45AA 9& *:,../0// *+,2.:021 -/4

K7"#$# !%*!#3$ C0:@@?E?? CO:I//E=I =/N'%3"3!#3$&P&'-(L#.&8�L*!#3$ I:/??E?? C:@AOEIA >AN

3�!)#%45(- 6+!2*-, >>O:?=IE?? >>O:A0AE?@ C??N

QR�%ST$7�% UI:>/0E??V UCOE0>V

'%37-.�7&3$&1*$&I=&I?C/&*!&CW>=&';&()&6�$�&6� '*F�&C


*��#&+"&#�- �*��#�*��

,��-�

��""+ ��*� ��.. &��#$( &*""& �� ./ �0�0) 3�&3$(�+�� "�(3#

��*"+" -��5 �.�� "(!"�� "(!"

�� &�+�#�$(&#

��$��%�� &�+�#�$(&#

4�,/�4�-��,;*2<;*�

$��$��%�

$��&$��&�'��$��*"!" 2��,7�� &�"$ (&3*"!& 2��7� 83�(+�9*"!+ �� 7� &�&$�(""*"!# ��7� #3+($�*"3" 2.�>��),�� &"$("#*"3& 4-*74��( �$!("#*"3+ ,�� .. ��!"!(""*"3# ,�� .� &�$33(3 *"3! ��4� � 8+�("�9�'��$�� !&!(��

$��&�� !&!(��

��$�$��$��%� �!&!(��

!()*��$�)�%�

��#�!'�#��#�!'�#�+��.��#�*&"3 -��,�� $�&!"("�+��.��#�� $�&!"("�

(�#��#*&"" ��5��%?�� &+��&+(! (�#��#�� &+��&+(!

��#�!'�#�� &#+�$3+(33

��$�!()*� &#+�$3+(33

��$�$��$��%��)*�!()*� &�+�#�$(&#

WCDC balance sheet


�� !"#$%&�'()*+,� &�'(�,+!-

�� !"#$ !�%&'%� ()!�%#*$&+,-%.,/0&1�22�% 3$&45

6%*$7&8*9#7 :&;<&&/=>?@@ABC/C>/C=


I?C@ JGH K$$-*LM-7F�! K.!-*L N&32&M-7F�!

. /�'-8�F-L*%&8�.�#9! C0@:=@OE?? C?=:OI=EAO O@N

0�!)#%. /�'- C0@:=@OE?? C?=:OI=EAO O@N

12(- 3+!4*-,'�% 3$$�L />:=@?E?? @O:A?>E>0 A?N5*�6*)'

�� !"#$%&'($)!"$&*"+,-.$/0!1(/%2 3456789:: 4:5;369<7 6:=>/%(0#.$/? :9:: 8489@7 :=

'%3F%*" AO:0C=E?? OC:/>OE0I 0CNK7"#$# !%*!#3$ CC:O=?E?? C?:O?=EO@ =CN

0�!)#%12(- 3+!4*-, C//:@@=E?? C?A:A0CE=I 0>N

PQ�%RS$7�% I=:>=0E?? 0>0E=/

'%37-.�7&3$&1*$&I=&I?C/&*!&CT>0&';&()&6�$�&6� '*F�&C

Downtown Food Pantry operating fund


*��#&+"&#�3 !��!��#��&

,��-�

��""+ 2�� % ��.. !#($3""3 �� ./ �02�� #�� #3( 3"&" �� 0��%�� %4��< #��!""(+!�� +�� &("�

�� +�� &("�

��$��%�� +�� &("�

4�,/�4�-��,;*2<;*�

!()*��$�)�%�

��#�!'�#��#�!'�#�(�#��#&"" ��5��A2 �� "(33(�#��#�� "(33

��#�!'�#�� "(33

%,'�&%,'�&��2? ?�� )%2�� !�( �2�@ �� 1�2�� 2�� 8+��!�(!#9�� 8&� (! 9

%,'�&�� 8&� (! 9

��$�!()*� �+�� &("�

��$�$��$��%��)*�!()*� �+�� &("�

Downtown Food Pantry balance sheet


Ryan White food pantry statement of receipts and disbursements

Year Ending 9-30-13 October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013

MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2013 Annual Actual Actual Budget September 2013 Year to Date 2012-13 RECEIPTS 7001 Gifts 0.00 0.00 0.00 7002 AIDS Walk 0.00 0.00 0.00 7003 Grant from State of Michigan 1,567.80 22,937.90 0.00 7004 Interest Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 7005 Reserve Funds (Money Market) 0.00 1,707.00 0.00

Total Receipts 1,567.80 24,644.90 0.00

DISBURSEMENTS 7101 Groceries (incl. milk & eggs) 2,180.07 17,209.17 0.00 7105 WPC Food Pantry 0.00 300.77 0.00 7108 AIDS Walk Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00 7120 Office Supplies 0.00 48.20 0.00 7130 Director’s Salary (8 hours per week) 566.66 6,799.92 0.00 7135 Director-FICA 43.36 520.32 0.00 7145 Director-Health/Dental Insurance 61.50 738.00 0.00 7168 Travel Expenses 0.00 83.62 0.00

Total Disbursements 2,851.59 25,700.00 0.00

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) (1,283.79) (1,055.10) 0.00

Cash Balance 9-1-13 7,254.09

Cash Balance 9-30-13 (Checking) 5,970.30