Annual Report 2016 - hopecentralchurch.orghopecentralchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/Annual-Report-2016.pdf · Sari Mauro Ash Temin ... Christine Storti Candidate Biographies Leadership

AnnualReport2016

SubmittedfortheAnnualMeeting;

Sunday,February5,2017

Seekingultimatemeaning,movingtowardtheheartofGod,repairingtheworld.

HopeCentralChurch 2015AnnualReport

1

TableofContents

ItemsforCongregationalVote............................................................................................32017ProposedAmendmentstotheHopeCentralChurchBylaws.............................3

SeparatingStewardshipandFinance.......................................................................................................3ANewPolicyforDistributionofMJCFunds..........................................................................................4ChangingtheWordingofFinances,BudgetProcess,andTithing................................................4

2016SlateofCandidates...............................................................................................5CandidateBiographies..................................................................................................5

LeadershipCircle...............................................................................................................................................5NominatingCommittee..................................................................................................................................6

2017AnnualBudgetCoverLetter.................................................................................72017Budget....................................................................................................................9

Reports.....................................................................................................................................12Moderators’Report......................................................................................................12Pastor’sReport.............................................................................................................13AssociatePastor’sReport............................................................................................15MusicDirector’sReport..............................................................................................16Clerk’sReport...............................................................................................................17

TeamReports.........................................................................................................................19BuildingMinistryTeamReport...................................................................................19CalledtoCare...............................................................................................................20DiscernmentforOrdinationTeam...............................................................................21FinanceTeamAnnualReport......................................................................................22P&LStatement................................................................................................................................................23

HospitalityReport........................................................................................................24MinistryofJusticeandCompassionReport...............................................................25NominatingTeamReport............................................................................................27PersonnelTeamReport...............................................................................................28RacialjusticeTeamReport..........................................................................................28RogersonHouse..........................................................................................................29Sacristans’Report........................................................................................................29StewardshipReport.....................................................................................................30WorshipPlanningTeam................................................................................................31

Appendix.................................................................................................................................33BylawsofHopeCentralChurch..................................................................................33


2


3

ItemsforCongregationalVote

2017ProposedAmendmentstotheHopeCentralChurchBylaws

SeparatingStewardshipandFinance

Thecurrentbylawsstate:VI.StandingCommitteesA.ThefollowingarethecommitteesrequiredtobeactiveinthecongregationallifeofHopeCentralChurch.iv.StewardshipandFinanceTeam:willbecomprisedofsixCovenantPartnerschosenbytheLeadershipCircle.Dutiesinclude:a.DeterminingthetotalanticipatedrevenueeachfiscalyearandsubmittingtotheLeadershipCircleabudgetbasedonanticipatedrevenuesandtheprioritiesofthechurchassubmittedtotheLeadershipCirclebythevariouscommittees,staff,andministries.b.Organizingandfacilitatinganannualstewardshipdrive.c.Takingresponsibilityfordevelopingsoundfinancialpoliciesandprocedurestobeusedbythechurch.TheproposedbylawchangewouldseparatethetwoteamssothatStewardshipcanoperateyeararound:iv.FinanceTeam:willbecomprisedofsixCovenantPartnersapprovedbytheLeadershipCircle.Dutiesinclude:a.DeterminingthetotalanticipatedrevenueeachfiscalyearandsubmittingtotheLeadershipCircleabudgetbasedonanticipatedrevenuesandtheprioritiesofthechurchassubmittedtotheLeadershipCirclebythevariouscommittees,staff,andministries.b.Takingresponsibilityfordevelopingsoundfinancialpoliciesandprocedurestobeusedbythechurch.v.StewardshipTeam:willbecomprisedofsixCovenantPartnersapprovedbytheLeadershipCircle.Dutiesinclude:a.Organizingandfacilitatinganannualstewardshipdrive.b.Responsibleforpromotingyearroundstewardshipawarenessinthecongregation.


4

ANewPolicyforDistributionofMJCFunds Reasonforclarification:Historically,exceptin2016,MJChasgivenaway10%ofthecurrentfiscalyear’spledgeandplatedonations.MJCallocatesthismoneyatthebeginningofthefiscalyearbasedontheyear’spromisedpledgesandabudgetestimateoftheplateofferings.NoattempthaseverbeenmadeattheendofthefiscalyeartoreconcileoradjusttheMJCgivingbasedontheactualplateandpledgeofferings.Wepropose:A)ThattheMJCbudgetbebasedon10%ofanaverageofthepriorthreeyears’pledgeandplateofferings.(B)MJCfundswouldbeallocatedonaquarterlybasis.ThisallowsustoensuretheanyunusedfundsarereleasedattheendofeachyearonDecember31st.IntheeventthattheMJChasnotallocatedallofthefundsbytheDecemberLeadershipCirclemeeting,theLeadershipCirclewilldeterminethedistributionoftheremainingfunds.(C)Releaseoftheprioryear’sbalancesheetliabilityof$22,207.94.

ChangingtheWordingofFinances,BudgetProcess,andTithing

ThecurrentBylaws:X.FinancesB.BudgetProcess:vi.Aminimumof10%ofactualannualincomewillbetithedtoSocialJusticeandOutreachministries.TheproposedBylawchange:vi.Aminimumof10%oftheaverageoftheprior3yearsincomewillbetithedtosocialjusticeandoutreachministries.


5

2016SlateofCandidatesLeadershipCircle: KathyHanlan RowellLevy SariMauro AshTeminNominatingTeam: NancyDoherty SueHarvey ChristineStortiCandidateBiographiesLeadershipCircleKathyHanlan:KathyisoriginallyfromNewJersey,cametoBostonforcollegeandstayed,andcurrentlylivesinJP.SheistheClinicalSupervisorforPsychiatricOccupationalTherapyatBrighamandWomen'sFaulknerHospital.KathyfirstvisitedHopeCentralforLauraRuth’sinstallation.ShebeganworshiphereregularlyseveralyearsagoandisaCovenantPartner.SheservesontheRogersonHouseteam,WorshipPlanning,andasteamleaderfortheDiscernmentforOrdinationteam.Kathyisalsoasacristanandvolunteersinthechurchschool.KathylovesherIrishroots,acappellamusic,murdermysteries,kitties,laughter,spirituality,andtryingtomakeapositivedifferenceintheworld.RowellLevey:RowellisfromSwampscott,MA.HewasbornandraisedJewish,andstudiedworldreligionsincollege.HeworkedinpubliceducationasanelementaryschoolteacherandcommunityorganizerandisnowapsychologistinBoston.Rowellandhiswife,SueHarvey,havetwochildren:McKenna,7,andTavish,5.RowellandSuelivedinJamaicaPlainfor10yearsuntilllastyearwhentheymovedtoNewton.TheydeeplyvalueandcontinuetonurturetheirtiestoJamaicaPlain.RowellcametoHopeChurchfirst10yearsagofortheweeklyBuddhistMeditationSitting.Later,hischildrenattendedtheMosaicPreschool.Overtimefordifferentreasonsheandhisfamilyfoundthemselvesdrawnupstairstothechurchcommunity--wheretheynowfeelinterwovenintothecommunity.Rowellenjoyshomemaintenanceprojects,cooking,meditation,andisalifelongstudentofpersonalgrowthandrelationships.SariMauro:SarihasbeenacovenantpartnerofHopeCentralforalittleovertwoyears.Sheisa(former)pastor'skid,anarchivist,adogperson(thoughshethinkscatsareokay),andherfavoriteAvengerisHawkeye.Herinterestsincludecooking(okay,foodingeneral),crochet,probablytoomanyTVShows,andinusingonlineplatformstobuildandmaintainrelationshipsofmutualcareacrossphysicaldistance.Withinthecontextofchurchherinterestsincludethewebsite(askherhowyoucanjointhewebteam!),singinginchoir,andwhatfaithhastoteachusaboutjusticeandwhatjusticehastoteachusaboutfaith.


6

AshTemin:AshisoriginallyfromTexasbuthascalledBostonhomefor6years,andshelivesinRoslindalewithherhusbandMarloandanextremelyloudcat.SheworksforHarvardDivinitySchool,fromwhichshealsoholdsamastersindivinitydegree.AshfoundherwaytoHopeCentraljustoverayearagoandiscontinuallygratefulforthevibrantloveandhonestyofthiscommunity.SheisalsoawriterandhasasmallpracticeasanAyurvedichealthandwellnesscounselor,andshelovestohike,cook,andexploretheconfluencesbetweencontemplativepracticeandactivism.NominatingCommitteeNancyDoherty:NancylivesinJamaicaPlain,whereshehasownedahomesince1966.Nancyliveswithherhusbandof39years.Theyhavetwoadultchildrenandtwoadultgrandchildren.NancyworksfortheBostonPublicSchoolsandhasworkedinmanyareasofeducation,includingworkingwithimmigrant,ESL,andspecialeducationstudents.Inthe25yearsNancyhasbeenamemberofthechurch,shehasservedonmanycommitteesandteams,andhasbeenTreasurer,Secretary,amemberoftheNominatingCommittee,servedontheMinisterialSupportGroup,andwasalongtimecouncilmemberofCentralCongregationChurch.NancywasapastrecipientoftheFastTrackGranttoassistinhervolunteerworkintheDominicanRepublicworkingwithmiddleandhighschoolgirls.SueHarvey:APhiladelphianative,SuespenttenyearsinJPandnowlivesinNewton.SheworksatBlueCross,focusingonmakinghealthinsuranceunderstandable(!).SueismarriedtoRowellLevyandismotherofMcKennaandTavish,whocanoftenbeseenatchurchintheirpajamas,refusingtoletgoofCourtney.Suewantstolearntoknit,isalwayslookingforanewmysteryseriestoread,andbelievesineverydaymiracles.SuecametoHopeCentralforsolaceafterthemarathonbombings,andfoundthechurchhomeshedidn’tknowshewasseeking.Sheislookingforwardtogivingbacktothecommunitythathasgivenhersomuch.ChristineStorti:AnativeofPlettenberg,Germany,ChristinemovedtoBostonin2009forworkasafurnitureconservatorattheMuseumofFineArtsinBoston.In2012,shemetherhusbandDavid,andtheygotmarriedin2014.Since2013,shehasbeenamemberofHopeCentralChurch.Afterthreeyearsofoccasionalvolunteering,Christineiseagertobecomemoreinvolvedinourchurchbytakingonaroleinthenominatingcommittee.Christinelovestheartsandenjoyscooking.


7

2017AnnualBudgetCoverLetterDearBelovedofHopeCentralChurch,Inaccordancewithourbylawsforthefiscalstewardshipofourcommunity,theLeadershipCircle(LC),inconjunctionwiththeFinanceTeam,presentstheattachedcopyoftheproposedbudgetfor2017.TheFinanceTeamandLCworkedvigorouslytoformulateabudgetthatshowsourfinancialresponsibilityasourcongregationcontinuestomovetowardsthevisionofHopeCentralChurchasanurturing,sustaining,andgrowingcommunity.This2017budgetcontinuestoreflectthe“truecost”ofoperatingourgrowingchurchaswecontinuetofocusonourProgramCenteredCongregationwhereinwhichthepastorssetthevisionwiththeLeadershipCircletopastdowntothevariousministries,andtheworkofthecongregationisdonebythepastors,thestaff,thelaypeople,eachaccordingtotheirgifts.The“truecost”objectiveinvolvedacriticalanddetailedreviewofthefollowingareas:1)reviewofourchurchemployeesincludinglastraisereceived,2)thecostofmaintainingourchurchincludingthegroundsandourministries,3)ourrenters,4)theamountpledgedbyourcongregationandplateofferings,and5)sabbaticalcoveragecosts.Iwillexplainindetailtheseareasofreviewwhilewalkingyouthroughthenew2017budget.Wereviewedouremployees’payincludinglastnotedraisewiththeguidanceofourPersonnelTeam.Currently,wehavethefollowingpaidstaff:SeniorPastor,AssociatePastor,BuildingManager,ChurchAdministrator,DirectorofMusic,3Musicians,Custodian,andAudio/Visual.Thisyear,weincreasedtheSeniorPastor,AssociatePastor,BuildingManager,DirectorofMusic,andCustodian’ssalaries.Wealsoincludedholidaypayforallemployeesandvacationcoverage.Thisissignificantworkforusbecausewearecontinuingtomovetowardsbetterreflectingthepersonnelcostsbasedontheoverwhelmingamountofworkourstaffachieves.However,wehaveyettoreachourdreamofhavingcompetitivelivablewagesforallofouremployees.ThechartbelowshowsabreakoutofwhatourPersonnelwages.Thecostofmaintainingourchurchincludingthegroundsandourministriesencompassestheutilities,repairsandmaintenance,religiouseducationsupplies,worshipsupplies,hospitalitysupplies,musicministryexpenses,ministryofjusticeandcompassionexpenses,andadministrationexpenses.ThecosttomaintainourgroundsandprovideourministrieswiththetoolstheyneedtodotheworkwithintheHopeCentralChurchmissionandvisionwerebudgetedbasedonlastyear’sactualcostsandnewcontractswhicharedetailedinthechartbelow.Thestatusofrenterswillincreasein2017from13long-termrentersto18renters.Thisisexcellentnewsbecauseweopenourselvestothepotentialofgainingmoreinrentalincomethaninpreviousyears.Also,wewillcontinuetorentour40parking


8

spacesat$70permonthandlooktogainanadditional$6,500in24hourparking.LisaPilat,ourBuildingManager,worksrobustlytomaximizeourincomeforthespacewehaveavailable,whichhasbeenconsistentlyreflectedinouractualrentalnumbers.Wetrustthatwewillcontinuetomeetourexpectationsinthisarea.Thechartbelowshowsabreakoutofwhatwebelieve,firmly,tobepossibleandwhatwemustanticipatefromaconservativeviewpointbasedonpreviouspayhistory.Theamountpledgedbyourcongregation,thisyear,was$185,169.Wehad68pledgingunitscomparedtolastyear’s72units.Wecalculatedourbudgetedpledgeincometobe$180,849usinganaverageofthepastthreeyears’pledgefulfillmentpercentages(2014-99%,2015-102%,2016-92%)multipliedbyour2017pledgeamount(97.67%x$185,619).Ourfulfillmentrateisbasedontheremainingbalancepledgedoverthetotalpledgedamountexcludinganyunitsthatgaveovertheirpledgedamount.Thisyear,ourfulfillmentratewasthelowerthanithadbeeninthepastcoupleofyearsaswellasthetotalpledged.Intakingacloserlook,inpreviousyears,weranaCapitalCampaign,whichwe$42,697ayearinFurnacefundincomebasedon3-yearcommitmentpledges.Thiscampaignhasranitscourseandmovingforward,weincludethecostofthefurnacepaymentsintoouroperatingbudgetwhichmeansthat,inpreviousyears,thetotalpledgedincludingtheCapitalCampaignwaswellover$200Kforroughlythesameamountofpledgingunits.Soin2017,wearereflectingadecreaseintheamountpledgedthatultimatelyaffectsourbottomline.Plateofferingswerebudgetedat$13,400basedonathreeyearaverage($14,400-2016,$14,400-2015,and$11,400-2014).Plateofferingsareabestguestestimateasweassumethelastyear’splategiversturnintopledgingunitsinthefollowingyear.Lastly,LauraRuthwillhaveasabbaticallwavein2017,perhercontractualagreement.Wemustfindcoverageduringthattime,whichwehavebudgeted$5Kfor.ThisincludesCourtney’sincreaseinhoursaswellasanyadditionalcoststhatmayarise.Thepledgeofferingscombinedwithplateofferingsandrentalincomecomestoatotalincomeof$362,584.Wehavebudgetedforourexpensesbaseduponthe“truecost”ofoperatingourgrowingchurch,whichamountsin$406,026.Thisbudgetpresentsanetdeficitof-$43,442.Withtheknowledgeofthisdeficit,theLCaswellasthecongregationmustcommitmenttolookingtowardsallavailableoptionsandavenuessuchasgrants,increasingpledgeamounts,andfundraisingevents.Asyoucansee,theLeadershipCircleandFinanceTeamworkedrelentlesslytoprovideafinanciallyresponsiblebudgetthatreflectedwhatittrulytakestooperateHopeCentralChurch.Weareastrongfaith-basedcongregationthatbelievestheworkwearedoingispleasingtoGod,andwithyoursupportandcommitment,wecanachievegreatthings!So,wouldyoucarefullyreadandprayoverthisbudget?InWarmRegards,SubmittedbyEarinRoseTreasurer,HopeCentralChurch


9

2017Budget

SeniorPastor 93,715.00Nochangefromlastyearsalary(+3%increase);includesdiscretionaryfund

AssociatePastor 51,286.00Nochangefromlastyearsalaryfor30hrsaweek(+3%increase)

SabbaticalCoverage 5,000.00IncludesCourtneyat10additionalhoursfor13weekspluscushionforanythingunexpected

BuildingManager 40,405.00 Salaryof$36,439(+3%increase)+FICAof7.65%

ChurchAdministrator 18,538.00Based$16/hr.for20hrs/weekfor52weeks+$80inholidaypay+$500inmeritbonus+FICA

DirectorofMusic 23,925.00Salaryof$20,800(+3%increase)+$800inHolidaypay

3Musicians 13,155.003musicians@$80perweekfor52weeks+$100permusicianinHolidaypay

GuestMusicians 400.00 SubsforVanessa4timesayearAudio/VisualStaff 1,560.00 Gillian@$30/weekfor52weeksFieldEducationStudent 0.00 Nonethisyear

Custodian 22,106.00

Basedof$17.80/hr.for20hrs/week+$1,424inVacationCoverage;Salaryof$19,936(+3%increase)+FICA

Total 270,090.00

2017 Personnel Costs


10

Utilities 19,400.00 Basedon2016BudgetMowing/SnowRemoval 6,300.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivityRepair&Maintenance 10,102.00 Onlyapprovedexpenses

WasteRemoval 1,906.00$147.00permonthfor12monthwithadditionalcushion

BuildingSupplies 3,565.00Thisfigurewillcontinuetogrowasbuildingusagegrows

FireAlarmService 894.00Basedon2016:$144perquarter+Inspection$220pluscushion

BuildingInsurance 7,928.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivity;$1,982perquarterInsuranceWC 3,062.00 Basedon2016policy+cushionMinistryofJusticeandCompassion 18,965.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivitymutlipliedby10%OrdinationExpenses 31.00 BasedoncurrentyearActualsPsychologicalExamExpense 1,000.00 BasedoncurrentyearActualsMusicSupplies/PianoTuning 1,680.00 3PianoTunings@$560AVSupplies 800.00 Basedon2016BUDGETWorshipMaterialsandSupplies 800.00 Basedon2016BUDGETHospitalitySupplies 1,008.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivity

SuppliesReligiousEd/Childcare 1,025.00$325forcurriculum&$700forsuppliesforourmultipleclassrooms

ReligiousEducation/Adult 208.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivityCommunication/Expenses 1,096.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivity

DenominationalDues 2,653.00Basedon2016ActualsforMACUCC&DOCof$1,263each+cushionforgrowth

MiscDues/Fees 50.00 Basedon2016BUDGET

CopierLease 2,150.00

BasedonConwayOfficeSolutionsmeteredpaymentshighof$26permonth+USBankmonthlyfeehighof$151permonth+cushion

Telephone/Internet 2,798.00BasedonVerizonpaymentshighof$49permonth+Comcasthighof$155permonth+cushion

PayrollExpense 2,534.00BasedonPaychexPayrollfeeof$88permonthplusprocessingofW2sof$246

Bank/ProcessingFees 1,852.00Basedoncurrentyear'sactivity+5%increaseforgrowthLESSRefinancing/Parkfees($2,910)

OfficeSupplies 2,270.00 Basedoncurrentyear'sactivity

ComputerExpenses 100.00Basedon2015Actualsasnocomputerexpenseswerepurchasedin2016

OfficeEquipmentExpenses 300.00 Basedon2016BUDGETEstimate

Postage 100.00Estimate;wearemostlyelectronic.Willsenddocumentsonlyatrequest

ExternalAudit 1,000.00 Basedon2016BUDGETEstimate

SoftwareExpenses 1,580.00Basecamp($50*12),$500forQuickBooksAnnually,ChurchOfficeOnline($40*12)

DOCLoanExpense 38,556.00 LoanPaymenttoDOCforatotalof$3,213amonthTotal 135,713.00

2017 Costs of Maintaining


11

201712 Step Program 1,250.00 25x50weeksAA 1,250.00 25x50weeksTuesday Night Mens Group 1,250.00 25x50weeksAl_Anon 720.00 60x12monthsSunday Night Alanon 185.00 donations onlyBoston City Singers 3,200.00 1600/seasonBoston Old Path Sangha 2,600.00 650/QBoston Renegaydes 2,670.00 320 averagex9Carlos Molinea Ballet School 84,000.00 7000x12Freelance Players 2,300.00 1150/seasonHispanic Community Church 15,600.00 1300x12Kileys Porter Play group 1,000.00 100x10ME2 2,130.00 1100/sessionMindfulness Meditation 800.00 400/sessionPheobe Support Group 450.00 45x10Super Soccer Stars 1,530.00 85 per classRebecca Shellenburg 1,400.00 700/sessionYoga Center of JP 1,400.00 35 per sessionParking Rents 40,100.00 40 spaces@ $70 per month plus for $6,500 for 24-hour parking

One Time Rental 3,500.00 Estimate received from Lisa Pilat based on us leasing the entire front half of the lower level and preivous years

Total 167,335.00

Rental income past 12 monthsRentals

4100PledgeOfferings 180,849.00

Stewardshiphasraised$185,169from68pledgingunitsasof01/19/2016X97.667%fulfillmentratewhichisanaverageofthepastthreeyears’pledgefulfillmentpercentages(2014-99%,2015-102%,2016-92%)

4150PlateOfferings 13,400.00Averagebasedonpreviousthreeyears(14.4-2016,14.4-2015,11.4-2014)

4155FundraisingIncome 1,000.00 1event

Total 195,249.00

2017 Income

TotalIncome 362,584.00TotalExpenses 406,026.00Net Income (43,442.00)

2017 Budget Summary


12

Reports

Moderators’Report2016hasbeenayearofchangeandalotofgrowth.Wehaveappreciatedthethingsthatchangedinthepreviousseveralyears,buthavebeenmovedbythechangesthisyear.Wehaveappreciatedtheteamsandcommitteesthathavegrownintheirworkandintheirintentionalministries.WehaveappreciatedthefineleadershipandworkthattheLeadershipCirclehasprovided.Wecontinuetoappreciatetheleadershipandskillsofourministers.Ourprofessionalstaffisexceptionalandhassupportedthegrowthandextraworkassociatedwithit.And,ofcourse,theparticipationofyou,theindividual,hasmadeallthedifference.ItisasignthatweallhaveheardthecallofGod.Itisasignthatthisplaceisdifferentthanitwas.ItisasignthatNightChurchhascontinuedtoprovideasignificantministryforthoselookingforrefugeonSundayevenings.Itisasignthatwehavefurtherlearnedandrespondedtoracism.Itisasignthatwehavechallengedgenderstereotypesandhomophobia.Itisalsoasignthatourpoliticsoverthenextfouryearswilladdchallengestoourministriesandourownlives.SowegivethankstoGodforlove,forthestrengthofthischurchfamily,fortheresponsetothatloveinstandingwitheachother,asweallcontinuetogrow.Letallofthisbeachallengetoinvestourselves,tofindplaceswherewecanbelove,andtodigintoourownlivestoseewhatGodmighthaveforus.Blessingsandlove,TerrySteedenNinaSwift


13

Pastor’sReportIn2016webuiltontheriskswetookin2015:doingnothingatwhichonlywhitepeoplecouldbesuccessful;endingthesparselyattendedeveningservice;decidingtobemoreactiveinourneighborhood;endingtheresistancetoourchildhoodChristianitiesinfavorofaliberativeChristianspiritualpracticethatprovidesgroundingforourmakingmeaning,movingtowardtheheartofGod,andrepairingtheworld.2016foundusneedingthisgrounding—wesufferedthelossoflivesinracistandhomophobicviolence,andinthewavesofreactionthetraumaofviolencecreates.Inspiteofourlosses,fromthelossoflovedonestothelossoflivesatthePulseClubinOrlando,fromtheendlesslistofpeopleofAfricandescentkilledquicklybygunviolencetotheslowpoisoningofthewaterandpeopleinFlint,welearnedtotellthetruthofourlives,sothatwemayknowhowtostandwithoneanotherinthelightofGod.FollowingtheteachingofJesus,welearnedthatinsystemsofdominance,weallgetcaught.Welearnedtocomparenotesacrossourdifference,thentouseourspiritualgiftsforprotectionandliberation,startingwiththemostvulnerablepeopleandworkingoutwards.Withinourcapacityanddignity,usingourspiritualgifts,welearnedthereisnoworkofliberationwecanleaveundone.SearchingoursacredScriptureforourdeepestspiritualvaluesandgivingourselvestotheworkoflove,wehavefoundwecanworktogetheracrossmuchdifference.Intherecentelectionseason,theteachingofJudaismandChristianityseemedlessculturalreenactmentandmoreexquisitelyrelevanttothewell-beingoftheearthandhumanity,thesacredcareofimmigrants,womenandchildren,themostvulnerable.Whilethosearoundushavesearchedformeansofcomfortandgroundingforactionforliberation,wehavehadHopeCentralasabaseandplaceformakingmeaningandlaunchingfortherepairoftheworld.Weareacutelyawareoftheneed,now.Andwearepracticingthebalanceofactionandrest.Wemaybeatthisaverylongtime.Wejoinsomewhohavebeenatthisalltheirlives.Forsustainability,wehavebeenpracticingleadershipandtherotationofleadership.LaurenDotyledourMinistryofJusticeandCompassion,andnowBethMollingandEricaCharislead.NancyAzarledasModerator,withNinaSwift.NowNinaisModeratorwithTerrySteeden.SuzanneWolkwasheadsacristan.Nowit’sSusanLacefield.InSeptemberonHomecomingSunday,Iaskedthecongregationtotakeuptheresponsibilitiesofcitizenshipofourcongregationandyouresponded!

beapartofateamorproject,knowwheretofindtheinformationyouneed,cometochurchasoftenasyoucan,teachandvolunteerinourSundaySchool,participatewiththespiritualprayer,giving,biblestudy,developingcompassion,supportthechurchwithanannualstewardshippledge


14

Takingupandcontinuingtheseresponsibilitieswillhelpusbethespiritualcommunitywelongtobeandsustaintheworkofenlightenmentandliberation.Wewillbeabletogoonnomatterwhoourelectedleadersare,nomatterwhothepastorsare,nomatteriftheSeniorPastorgoesonsabbaticalfromSeptember17toDecember17,2017.Yourleadershipwillbenecessary.Whenapastorgoesonsabbatical,sheshouldnotreturnhomethesame.Sheshouldcomebackchanged.Sheshouldcomebacktoacongregationthat,too,haschanged.Pastorsandcongregationsareconstantlychanging,sometimessoslowlywedon’tnotice,sometimesquicklyandjoyfullyorpainfully.Butwechangeorwedie.I’mextremelygratefulforthissabbatical,andexcitedandnervous,too.I’mnotnervousaboutleavingyouinthehandsofGodwiththegreatCourtneyJones.It’smyfirstsabbaticalandIknowtwothings.I’mvery,veryluckytogetsuchatimeaway.ThesecondisthatIdon’tknowhowtodosabbaticalandneitherdoesHopeCentral.It’sourfirst,mineandyours.Theshapeofmyplansisbeginningtoappear.I’lltakeretreatstobeginandendmytimeaway—tolistendeeplyagain,tofeelthemovingofGodinme.Ihopetotakeawood-carvingclass,totraveltoIona,Scotland,tosing.DependingonfundsI’veappliedfor,IhaveafantasyoftravelingtoMozambiqueinAfricatoseemymother’sbirthplace,theplacesheknewandheardthedrums.Meckwilltravelsomewithme.WhileI’maway,youtoowillseemoreclearlytheshapeofHopeCentral’sleadershipandmission.Youtoowillberefreshedbynewdoings,newwaystopray,newworshipexperiences,newwaystobeGod’shandsfortheworld.WhenIcomehome,IwilllistenforGodinyouinnewplacesandfitmyselfthere.Iwon’tcomehometodothethingsIdidbefore,inthesameways.I’llbringnewgiftshome.WewillmeetagainsomewheredowntheriverofGod’slove.Fortoday,pleasereceivemythanks,NinaandTerry,Moderators;Vanessa,MusicalDirector,andBobby,Neil,andGillian,musicians;Lisa,Joy,Leonel,amazing,steady,talented,devotedstaff;Beth,Ryan,Nancy,Ben,Nina,Terry,Lisa,Andrée,Suzanne,LeadershipCircle;Suzanne,thenSusan,Sacristans;LaurenthenBethandErica,MJC;J,Nominating;JuliaandJ,Personnel;Andrée,Hospitality;Elizabeth,PrayerTeam;Suzanne,Stewardship;Barbara,CalledtoCareTeam;Earin,Treasurer;BenandNina,volunteerpreachers;Courtney,Children’sSpiritualDevelopmentandSisterPastor.ThankyoualsototheMinister’sSupportTeam,dedicatedtohelpingmehearthroughthehazeofmyhumanity,themissionofthechurchsothatImaybetheministerIlongtobe—Beth,Susan,Christie,Barbara,Suzanne.Love,LauraRuth


15

AssociatePastor’sReportWhatagreatyearwehad!In2016,ourSundayschoolprogramcontinuedtogrow.Wehavechildrenfromnewbornthrough6thgrade,thelargestagerangewehaveeverhad!InJune,weclosedoutourSundayschoolyearwithanamazingChildren’sSunday.Ourchildrenknowtheyareleadersinourcongregation,andtheystepintotheirleadershipinsomebeautifulways.InSeptember,wemovedfromthreeclassestofourandbegansharingspacedownstairswithournewrenters,Integrarte.JennWood,PattiRyan,andTeeLeachjoinedLisaPriceandBrieanneMcLaughlininourrotaofdedicatedteachers.Duetoacombinationofunforeseencircumstancesandtryingtodowhatisbestforourstudentsandteachers,wehavemovedbacktothreeclassesforthetimebeing.InSeptember2017,weexpecttomovebacktofourclasses.Ourchildrenhavebeeninservicesseveraltimesin2016—onEaster,Children’sSunday,andChristmas.Theycontinuetogrowintheirunderstandingofworship,andtheyparticipateinwaysthatmakesensetothem.It’sbeautifultowatch.Oursixthgrader,EvaHumphreys,wasevenoneofourreadersforthisyear’sUnrehearsedChristmasPageant!Theseareonlyafewofthewonderfulthingshappeninginthelivesofourchildren.Morethananything,theyarefindingthemselvesanintegralpartofthecommunity.Churchmembersareshowingupatsportsgames,recitalsandprograms,lettingourchildrenknowthattheyaresupportedandheldbymanypeoplewholovethem.Thatdoesnotgounnoticedbythechildrenortheirparents,anditisajoytowatchchildrendoingwhattheylovetodo.In2017,withLauraRuthonsabbaticalinthefall,wewillneedmoreparticipationfromadultstohelpwithSundayschool.WeareplanningtomoveSundayschooltojustbeforeworship,havingthechildrenbeinworshipbothatthebeginningandtheend,witha30-minuteplaytimeduringtheprayersandsermon.IfyoufeelcalledtoexpandyourleadershipinSundayschool,pleaseprayaboutitandletmeknow.IfyouwanttobepartoftheChildren’sSpiritualFormationTeam,alongwithourSundayschoolteachers,BethChandler,ChristopherWalsh,andAbraMims,pleaseletmeknowthataswell.Beloved,thankyouforthewaysyousupportourgrowingchildren’sprogram,andthankyouforthewaysyouloveourchildrenintothespiritualpeopletheyarebecoming.IthankGodforyouandforthegiftitistoserveHopeCentralinthisministry.Love,Courtney


16

MusicDirector’sReportAyearinreviewIt’shardtobelieve2016hascometoanend.ThetwofavoritethingsaboutmyjobatHopeCentralChurcharethebandandthechoir.I’mamazedthataftersomanyyears,thesetwoelementsoftheservicecontinuetofeedmyspirit.Bobby,GillianandNeilsupportandencourageallofmymusicalendeavors;eachweektheyarereadyforanything.Sometimesmyexperimentswork,sometimesnotsomuch,buttohaveagroupofmusicianswillingtotrytheunthinkableduringachurchserviceistrulyablessing.Andworkinginacommunitythatencouragesthisexperimentationisamazing.Thebandenablesmebetterservethecongregation,thechoir,andtheministersoverall.Thechoircontinuestogrowandbemoreconsistent.We’rebuildingarepertoire.We’resinginginparts.We’reswingingwhenweneedtoandbuildingconfidence.Recentlywesangahymnthathadstartedasachoiranthem,andIheardalloftheharmonyparts.Thechoirisanamazingvehicleforlearning—bothasaparticipantbutalsoasateacher.IcontinuetohavethechoirsingmusicIdreamofthecongregationsinging.It’salongprocess.ButI’mexcitedtohearthatit’sworking.:)Anotherhighlightfrom2016formewasthesummer.ThisisthesecondyearthechoirtookabreakforthesummerandIaskedchurchmemberstooffertheirtalentsduringtheanthem.Andsomanypeoplecameforward.Itwasexcitingtohearsoloists—includingvocalistsandinstrumentalists.Ilookforwardtodoingthisagainin2017.DuringLent,Ibroughtinasongthatmovedmysoulcalled“RememberMe.”Itranscribeditfromarecordinganddecidedtowriteoutanarrangementforthechoir.ItstartedasananthemandthenbecametheConfessionduringLent.Itwasdifferentfromsomeofourpastconfessions.Butwelearnedit.LearningmusicisaprocessandIloveexploringdifferentwaysofteachingsong.Singingiscrucialforourspiritualgrowth.Ourlivesdoinfactdependonit.~VanessaMorris


17

Clerk’sReport2016wasayearofchangeandtransitionatHopeCentralChurch,markingthepassageofanotheryearinourvibrantandlovingcommunity.Wealsogrewinnumberandwelcomedmanynewcomersand21newCovenantPartners.Somehighlightsoftheyear:InMarchwecommissionedthenewLeadershipCircle;our2016Lententhemewas“SurvivaloftheWeakest.”InMayweblessedandsentKatieErnst,ourstudentminister,onherway,hadourannualBlessingoftheBikes,andheldaMemorialDayweekendhymnsing.OnJuly31ourannualChurchintheParkservicewascanceledbecauseofrain,sowemoveditinsideandbaptizedJoeyMcLaughlin;inAugustBenjaminPerkinsandNinaSwiftsharedtheirgiftswithusbypreachingduringaspecialsermonseriesonDignity.OnSeptember18weheldourannualHomecomingSundayandpotlucktowelcomeeveryonebackfromsummer,followed,sadly,bythefuneralofMaryAnnRoderiques.AlsoinSeptemberandearlyOctober,wehadasermonseriesonSpiritualGifts,withsermonsagainfromBenandNinaaswellasCourtneyandLauraRuth.OnOctober16wehadalargeandraucousBlessingoftheAnimalsserviceinhonorofSaintFrancisofAssisi;weheldachurchwideretreatandpotluckonOctober22,atwhichtheUCC’sRev.JonathanNewmadeapresentationonstewardshipthatgeneratedagoodconversationaboutourvisionandmission;Rev.NewheldupHopeCentralasoneofthemostrobustandthrivingchurchesintheMassachusettsConference.OurAdventthemein2016was“ThereIsaCrackinEverything(That’sHowtheLightGetsIn),”fromLeonardCohen’ssong“Anthem”;andonChristmasEveweheldourannualunrehearsedChristmasPageant,asceneofgloriouschaosandnewlight.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Twenty-OneNewCovenantPartnersPollyHoppin,BobThomas,ElizaThomas,EmmaThomas,EricaCharis,BethMolling,ThomasWilson(Wil)Boyd,LindsayPopper,AshleyTemin,MarloPedroso,TracyBindel,DeborahClark,KatieErnst,JulianErnst,JuliaLanham,MeganLanhamandtheirdaughtersEvaandTessaLanham,RowellLevy,TeeLeach,andJaeLohanOneWedding:11/12/16ThomasWilson(Wil)BoydandJamesFosterOneBirth:8/28/16EmryBissi-SimpsonOneBaptism:7/31/16JosephMcLaughlinTwoDeaths:9/13/16MaryAnnRoderiques12/12/16BettyWiles


18

Moves/Transfers/Withdrawals:TheBossertfamily(Suzanne,Ellen,Brooke,andKate),JohnBrock,AnneBroyles&LarryPeacock,AllisonPurdie,LaurenDoty,CaseyBrownChurchmembershipasofDecember31,2016:108CovenantPartnersPlusActiveParticipantswhounderstandthemselvestobelongtoHopeCentral:35householdsThesenumbersinclude41children!RespectfullysubmittedonbehalfoftheLeadershipCircle,SuzanneWolk,Clerk


19

TeamReports

BuildingMinistryTeamReportWetakedelightthatthenewfurnaceinstallationisworkingbetterandmorecheaplythanwehadanticipated.2016beginwithashortlistofworktodoaroundthechurch,mostofitsmallprojectsthatanumberofindividualshelpedwith.However,asthesummerapproached,wefoundMosaicChildCaremovingoutofthebasement,andIntegrartemovinginthefirstofAugust.Therewerelargeandsmallthingstodoaroundthebuilding,frompainting,toremovingoldstuff,acompleteevaluationofallofthestuffaroundthebuildingsothatwecouldthrowunusablestuffaway,giveawayusablestufftoothers,andkeepwhatisusefulforourownuse.Wedidanumberoftaskstobringthebasementuptostandardforthenewrenters,includingpainting,patching,fixingpipehanging,removingtheoldchildtoiletsandscreensandinstallingnewtoiletsandscreens,andalargenumberofcleanupitems.Whatwehavelearnedisthatourbuildingisinconstantneedofrepairandcleanup,andwedonothavethefundstohirefolkstogetallofthisdone.Wethereforedependdeeplyuponthekindnessofothers!Sowearegratefultothelargenumberoftaskspeoplehavecompletedthispastyear,somesimpleandsomealotofwork.WefinallygiveappreciationalsotoLisaPilatwhomanagesthebuildinginsomanyways,andfindswaystokeepitgoing.WeappreciateTerrySteedenwhosteppedintotemporarilyhandlefindingvolunteersandkeepingtrackoftheworklist.BecauseMarylouisretiring,Terrywillonlybehere6monthsoftheyear,soweareinneedofanewcoordinatortoworkwithLisa,anddrivetherepairlist.CouldGodbecallingyou?


20

CalledtoCareThecalledtocareteamhascontinuedtodeepenitsworkasaconfidence-keepingministry,attendingtothepastoralneedsandspiritualhealthofthecongregationofHopeCentralChurch.Asweexplorethepowerofprayer,wealsosupporttheongoingmovementofourcommunitytowardstheheartofthedivine.AsofSeptember2016,inadditiontoLauraRuthandCourtney,theteamincludesDannaGobel,BarbaraMcQueen,BenPerkins,PattiRyan,JillSeaman-Chandler,ElizabethSimpsonandPamWylie.During2016,thecalledtocareteamhascontinuedtoholdourcongregationincarethroughprayerandthroughconcreteactions.WeserveontheweeklyprayerteamandprayindividuallywithfolksduringCommunioninthebackofthesanctuary.Theministryofourteamhasalsoincludedone-on-onerelationshipswitheldersinthecongregation,bringingmealsandprovidingsupportforfolksduringtimesofillnessorstress,providingridestochurchforthosewhocouldn'tgettochurchanyotherway,andvisitingnewbabiesandparentswithamealandasmallgift.Inthispastyear,wehavesupportedmembersofthecongregationwhohavecaredfortheirparentsandtheirchildren,whohavenavigatedseparation,whohavehadsurgery,includingjointreplacements.OurpastorscelebratedthelifeofMaryAnnRoderiquesatafuneralandourcongregationwelcomedbabyEmry.NightChurchhasfoundrenewedlifeasasanctuaryandcontemplativeservice,opentoall.Wearegratefulforeachandeverypersoninourcongregationandfeelfortunatetocelebratethejoysaswellastoministertotheconcernsofourchurchfamily.Ourteammeetsonceamonth.DuringthesemeetingsweprayandareinrelationshipwithoneanotherinwaysthathelpusbringGod’sloveandcompassiontotheconcernsofourcongregation.WeareblessedtobecalledtoservetheHopeCentralcommunityandlookforwardtocontinuingtodothisworkin2017.-TheCalledtoCareTeam


21

DiscernmentforOrdinationTeamHopeCentralChurchhasthegiftandblessingofraisingupandaccompanyingcovenantpartnerswhoarecalledtoordainedministry.Todate,24ministersoftheDisciplesofChristortheUnitedChurchofChristhavebeenordainedfromourchurch.Inchurchcircles,theseordinationsaresignsofahealthycongregation.Thisteam’spurposeistoacceptcandidatesincarefortheordinationprocess,toprayforandsupportthem,guidingeachonethroughtoaccomplishthemilestonesrequiredforordinationtotheirrespectivedenominations.Wecurrentlyhavefourpeopleincare:SaraHolland,SethRobinson,andLindsayPoppercontinueincareandSusan“Clink”Clinkenbeardhasjustbeenacceptedincare.Wehavebeenbusyreconstitutingtheteamas3previousmembershavehadtoleavetheteamforvariousreasons.WearepleasedthatTerrySteeden,MarylouSteeden,andNancyAzarhavejoinedtheteam.Wearegratefulforthecommitment,knowledge,wisdom,compassion,andenergytheybringtotheteam.Inaddition,ourAssociatePastor,Rev.CourtneyJonesandthecurrentcandidatesmeettogethermonthlyasanongoingsupportnetwork.Itisajoyandaprivilegetodothisworkonbehalfofthecongregation.Respectfullysubmitted,KathyHanlan,ChairforNancyAzarRev.AlanBoneRev.LauraRuthJarrett,SeniorPastorMaryLouSteedenRev.TerrySteeden


22

FinanceTeamAnnualReport

DearBelovedofHopeCentralChurch,

In2016,wehadanetloss(deficit)of-$12,874K.However,wehadasuccessfulyear!Weexperiencedashiftinourcongregationalgrowthwhichwasreflectedinthepledgeandplateofferings.Also,theexpensesweincurredwerethought-outplannedexpensestofurtherourvisionofHopeCentralChurchand/orweremetwithadditionalspecialgiftstocoverthecosts.

The2016OperatingBudgetProfit&Lossstatementshowsourincomeof$416,593againstexpensesof$429,467.Incomeexceededbudgetby14.46%dueto1)rentalincomewhichLisaPilatworkedvigorouslytomaximizeourspaceexceedinginallrentalareas(long-term,one-time,andparking)totaling$27K,2)pledgeofferingswhichwehadover20pledgingunitsgiveovertherepledgedamountforatotalof$25K,and3)plateofferingswhichweexceededexpectationasareflectionofgrowthby$1.6K.Furthermore,ourexpenses,thoughexceedingthebudgetedamount,wereonly2.4%whichwaslessofanincreaseincomparisontotheincomewereceived.Thisincreaseisduetothebaddebtexpenserecognizedrelatedtotheexpirationofalong-termrentalagreementof$26KaswellasotherincreasetoexpensesthatrelatetothegrowthofourcongregationsuchastheMinistryorJusticeandCompassion,bankprocessingandrefinancingfees(administration),andcommunicationandmarketingexpenses.

Thankstoeveryoneforyourhardworkanddedicationtothiscommunity.Asadevotedcongregation,youhavegivenyourtime,talents,andmoneytofurtherthevisionofHopeCentralChurch.

SubmittedbyEarinRoseTreasurer,[email protected]


23

P&LStatement

Actual Budget % of BudgetIncome

4100 Pledge Offerings 176,414 159,549 110.57%

4110 Heat Project Capital Campaign Income 47,816 42,697 111.99%

4150 Plate Offerings 14,344 12,700 112.94%

4155 Fundraising Income 1,517 0.00%

4160 Share Campaign Income 0

4161 Sexton Income 1,025

4200 Special Gifts 200

4200 Special Gifts 1,883

4300 Rental Income 174,859 147,485 118.56%

4500 Interest Income 52

Total Income 416,593 363,948 114.46%

Gross Profit 416,593 363,948 114.46%

Expenses

5100 Minister Compensation 91,291 89,676 101.80%

5300 Minister discretionary fund 1,071 1,000 107.14%

5400 Associate pastor Compensation 47,471 52,129 91.07%

5800 Church Administration Wages/Benefits 18,760 18,538 101.20%

6400 Utilities 15,007 19,400 77.36%

6500 Building and Grounds Expense 89,552 100,974 88.69%

6518 Sexton Fee 1,050

6520 Bad Debts 26,109

7100 Ministry of Justice and Compassion 19,880 17,225 115.41%

7140 Seminarian In Care Support 1,031

7200 Music Ministry 36,970 39,638 93.27%

7250 Worship and Hospitality 1,526 1,800 84.80%

7300 Religious Education/Childcare 838 3,175 26.38%

8200 Church Growth/Marketing 1,436 300 478.52%

8500 Dues and Fees 2,576 2,558 100.70%

8900 Administration 14,279 12,784 111.70%

9212 DOC Loan Expense 52,295 60,216 86.85%

9599 Interest Paid 8,324 0

Total Expenses 429,467 419,413 102.40%

Net Operating Income (12,874) (55,465) 23.21%

Total

Hope Central Church2016 Operating Budget Profit & Loss Statement

January - December 2016


24

HospitalityReport

Hospitalityin2016consistedmainlyofprovidingcoffeeandsnacksafterchurcheachweek.Wearenoweffectivelyrotatingthatsothateachmemberhostsonceortwiceayear,withmostpeopleinthecongregationparticipating.Thisisgoingreallywell,butsummercoverageisalittlethin,sowe'llworktoimprovethat.Anewstrategyisbeingtriedsincethefall,withhospitalityservedatthebackofthesanctuaryafterchurch,insteadofinKeltieChapel.Opinionsvary,buttheideaisthatwewillservenewcomersbetterifit'seasyforthemtolingerforafewminutes(orlonger)inthesanctuarybeforetheyleave.PotluckdinnerswereorganizedandservedfortheAnnualMeeting,MaundyThursday,theChurchPicnicinAugust,andtheChurchRetreatinOctober.Asalways,thereweremanycontributionsandwonderfulfood.Thebudgetwassufficientandallowedforcoffee,tea,andfoodpurchaseswhennecessary,alongwiththepapergoodsandflatwarethatwegothroughataratherfastrate!Weusecompostableplatesandcups,andouronlyplasticuseisflatware.Fornextyearwewillfindareliablesourceofcompostableflatware(woodorcorn-plastic),sothatourhospitalityworkwillbeaslow-wasteaspossible.AndréeZaleskaHospitalityCoordinator


25

MinistryofJusticeandCompassionReportTheMJCiscommittedtotakingactiononHopeCentral’smissionofseekingultimatemeaning,movingtowardtheheartofGod,andtherepairoftheworld,throughservice,tithing,andknowledgesharing.WemetthesecondThursdayofeverymonth(takingabreakfromJulytoSeptember)from6-6:45pminthechurchoffice.ThemeetingswereledbyLaurenDotyinthefirsthalfoftheyearandbyEricaCharisandBethMolling,whotookoverinOctober2016.TheMJCcurrentlyhas25peoplecommittedtothisworkthroughtheuseofBasecamp,with4-8peopleattendingeachmeeting.2016sawthecontinuationofourprioryear’scommitmenttotheworkofracialjustice,fortransgenderandgender-nonconformingfolks,andattemptingtoweaveourselvesmorecomprehensivelyintothefabricofourneighborhood.JohnBrockfaithfullyledgroupstoservedinnerquarterlyatPineStreetInnandregularcollectionanddeliveryofcerealdonationstotheirpantryuntilhisdepartureinthesummerof2015.OnJune12,inresponsetothePulseshootingsinOrlando,LaurenDotyorganizedavigilatthemonumentinJPCenter—thevigildrewsomanypeoplethatthepoliceneededtocometohelpre-routetrafficasthecrowdoverflowedthesidewalk.WehungandblessedtwoBlackLivesMatterbannersonthechurchinJanuary,andrestoredthemaftertheywerevandalized.Thestoryofthevandalizationresponsewasprintedinthelocalnewsandinspiredneighborstomakenewconnectionswithourcommunity.T-Shirtssaying“BlackLivesMatteratHopeCentralChurch”wereprintedandsoldinthesummer,withallprofitsdonatedtothemovement.BarbaraMcQueenledmonthlydiscussionsforwhitepeopletotalkaboutracetoencourageandinspireactionwithoutundulyburdeningourcongregation’speopleofcolor.SinceNovember2015,representativesfromtheMJChaveattendedthemonthlyVigilinSupportofBlackLivesMatterrallyonthelawninfrontoftheJPBaptistChurch.BarbaraMcQueenorganizedagroupfromHopeCentraltoparticipateintheMother’sDayWalkforPeaceinMay.InDecembertheMJCorganizedparticipationinCityMission’sCoatBoston,collectingnewchildren’scoatstobedistributedthroughtheBostonPublicSchools.OnNewYear’sEveateamassistedinservingamealatCommunityServings.TheMJCisalsochargedwithoverseeingthedisbursementofHopeCentral’stithing,andin2016wegavetoCampAranu'tiq,CampaignforSouthernEquality,CityMission/BostonWarm,ElizabethStoneHouse,GLADAlliance,GreaterBostonInterfaithOrganization,theLGBTAsylumSupportTaskForce,TheNetwork/LaRed,PineStreetInn,andUnionofMinorityNeighborhoods.MJCalsoprovidesfundingforFastTrackGrants,Pastor’sfasttrackgrants,DOCandUCCmissions,andtheMassCouncilofChurches.Thereweretwofasttrackgrantapplicationsin2016,withgivingtotaling$400.InNovember,inanattempttoincreasecongregationalengagementwiththedisbursements,asurveywassenttothecongregationaskingforpreferencesregardingthedepth/breadthofdisbursements,sharingthegivinglistandaskingforsuggestionsforthenewyear,andinquiringaboutthebesttimestoscheduleactionsandactivitiestoinvestcongregationtimemoreefficiently.


26

In2017,theMinistryofJusticeandCompassionplanstomakedisbursementdecisionsinaccordancewiththeoutcomesofthesurveyandwiththerecommendationsoftheFinanceTeam.WehopetoreinstatequarterlydinnerservingatPineStreetInnandregularcollectionanddeliveryofpantrydonations.AsyleesfromtheLGBTAsylumSupportTaskForcewillbevisitingthecongregationinFebruary.Othereducationalandserviceactionswillbeorganizedasneedsandpassionsarise.Wehopemoregenerallytoengagealargerpercentageofthecongregationintheactionsandgivingofthisministry.EricaCharisandBethMolling,co-chairs


27

NominatingTeamReportTheNominatingTeamgrievedthelossofmemberMaryAnnRoderiques,whopassedawayinSeptember.MaryAnnwasathoughtfulandenergeticcontributortotheteam.Sheismissedbyallofusandtheentirecongregation.WegrievedthelossofBettyWilesaswell,whodiedinDecember,twomonths’shyofher101stbirthday.In2016,theNominatingTeamcontinuedwiththeworkofsearchingformembersandleadersforteamsothersthanthosespecifiedinourbylaws(LeadershipCircleandNominating).WewereabletoidentifyandsecuretalentedcongregantsfortheStewardshipTeamintimeforasuccessfulstewardshipdrive.ThethreeLeadershipCirclevacanciesfor2016werefilledbyBethChandler,BenPerkins,andAndréeZaleska,tomakethegroupcompleteatninemembers.TheNominatingTeamaddedNancyAzarandKathyHanlantothegroup.ExistingmemberElizabethSimpsonsteppeddownmidtermtospendmoretimewithherfamily,whichnowincludesbeautifulbabyEmry,borninAugust.Inordertoidentifyandsupportthegiftsandgracesofourcongregationforthegreatergoodofthechurch,aspiritualgiftsinventory(assessment)wasmadeavailableonline.Weencouragedfolkstotakethesurveyandtoconsiderjoiningaministryorteaminthechurch.AttheHopeCentralChurchretreatonOctober22,theNominatingTeammadeapresentationtoexplainthesurveyandtheresults.Representativesofmostofthechurch’steams,committees,andministrieswereavailabletoanswerquestionsandrecruitnewmembers.TheworkoftheNominatingTeamoccursyear-round.Inadditiontofocusedsearchingforopenpositions,casualconversationsaboutspiritualgifts,leadershipopportunities,andourprocessarealwaysencouraged.2016NominatingTeam:NancyAzar,JConlon,KathyHanlan,AbbiHolt,MaryAnnRoderiques*,ElizabethSimpson*,NinaSwift–LeadershipCircleLiaison*Nolongerontheteam


28

PersonnelTeamReportThisyear,thePersonnelTeamcontinuedtoworkonapolicymanualandthecreationoffaircompensationguidelines.Giventhevariationsinthechurchbudgeteachyear,fortheforeseeablefuturewewillincreasestaffsalariesonacostoflivingadjustment(COLA)basis,andstrivetofollowtheUCCrecommendationsforpastorsalaries.Therewerenohiresordeparturesofstaffmembersthisyearandwearegratefulforthestabilityofourteam.Ofnotearetwosignificantanniversaries:LeonelCermeñohasservedassextonfor25yearsandLisaPilathasbeenourbuildingmanagerfor10years.Weareblessedandenrichedbytheirservice.ThePersonnelTeammembersfor2016wereJ.Conlon,ChristieDustman,JuliaHerzig,AbbiHolt,andTerrySteeden.LisaPricewastheLeadershipCircleliaisontotheteam.

RacialjusticeTeamReportTheHopeCentralRacialJusticeTeamwasbornoutofnecessitytodevelopamorecomprehensiveunderstandingofracismintheUScontextandtobeginthesoulfulworkofexamininghowdeeplyembeddeditisinalmosteveryaspectofcommunitylife,includingourveryownfaithcommunity.2016wasanespeciallywrenchingyear:wesawhorrificeventsinBatonRouge,SaintPaul,Orlando,andDallas,tonameafew.Importantly,theRacialJusticeTeamseesitsworkasrootedinChristianpractice,specificallythevisionarticulatedbytheApostlePaulinhislettertotheGalatians3:26-28.Inithestates:

“SoinChristJesusyouareallchildrenofGodthroughfaith,forallofyouwhowerebaptizedintoChristhaveclothedyourselveswithChrist.ThereisneitherJewnorGentile,neitherslavenorfree,noristheremaleandfemale,foryouarealloneinChristJesus.”

Therefore,akeypartofthepracticeofrealizingtheGalatiansidealrequiresdeconstructinganddemythologizingwhiteness,allowingforspaceandgraceaswelovinglychallengeoneanotherinoureffortstodismantleracism.Onesucheffortthisyearistheongoingwhitepeople’saffinitygroup,whichhasmetseveraltimesinwhathopestobeanimpactfuljourneyforallwhoparticipate.Theworkofracialjusticeremainsfrontandcenterinthemoralandethicallifeofthecongregation;itiswovenintoeveryaspectofHopeCentral.TheRacialJusticeTeam’sworkislookingaheadtothechallengesthatwillariseasaresultofthe2016election.Wewillbecalledtogreateractsofbravery,vulnerabilityandjustice-makingaswecontinueonthejourneyintoGod’sheart,wherelove,joy,andhealingabound.BenjaminPerkins,Chair


29

RogersonHouse

Wearenowinoursixthyearwiththisministry,whichconsistsofholdingamonthlycommunionservicewithresidentsinthisAlzheimer'scarefacility.LastyearsawquiteabitofturnoverforthestaffatRogerson,whichrequiredustosuspendtheserviceforafewmonths.Wehavealwaysworkedcloselywiththemusicandactivitiesdirectors.Whentheformermusicdirectorleft,Ihadsomeconcernsaboutworkingwithsomeonenew.Buthappily,Julie,thenewmusicdirectorisamazing.Shehasbeenajoyandjustaddstotheblessingswereceivefromourtimethere.KathyHanlanhasbeenawelcomepresencewithherhelpthisyearandLauraRuthisbacktotakingamoreactiverolewithus.Allarewelcomeanytimetojoinwithus.

KathyBermingham

Sacristans’ReportSacristanshavea“behind-the-scenes”roleintheweeklyliturgythatisverymuchanalogoustoastagemanager’srole.ThesacristanisthepersonwhopreparesthesanctuaryforworshipeachSunday—replenishesandlightsthecandles,adornsandsetstheworshiptable,putsouttheCommunionelements,andthencleansupeverythingaftertheservice.Thesacristanmayassistinfindingvolunteerstohelpwithsomeaspectsoftheservice,suchasreadingthewelcome.Sacristansarealsoinchargeoforganizingthesacristy,ironingandwashinglinens,andorderingliturgicalsupplies.Onholydays,holidays,andatthechangeofliturgicalseason,thesacristanchangesthebanner,arrangesforanyspecialdecorations,distributesanyextraelementsoftheservice(suchasashes,palms,andflowers),andseestomanydetailsthathelpensureabeautifulandmeaningfulserviceofworship.GinaBoisse,DeeDeeHamilton,KathyHanlan,SusanLacefield,BenPerkins,andSuzanneWolkallservedfaithfullyin2016.CandaceChangcontinuedtoperformthesacredtaskofbakingourdeliciousroundloavesofCommunionbread.Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningourteam,pleasecontactSusanLacefield([email protected]).


30

StewardshipReportThemembersofyear’sStewardshipTeamwereCandaceChang,LauraRuthJarrett,CourtneyJones,AbraMims,HezNorton,NinaSwift,SethRobinson,andSuzanneWolk.Ourthemewas“Whereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso”(Matthew6:21).Wearehappytoreportthat,todate,wehavereceived67pledgestotaling$184,089,andwearestillworkingonincreasingthosenumbers.Heartfeltthankstoeveryonewhopledgedthisyear!AlthoughwemustreceivepledgesbyDecember31inordertocounttheminour2017operatingbudget,thereisnotimelimitonmakingapledge—orincreasinganexistingpledge—andweencourageeveryonetomakea2017stewardshippledgeatanytime!Ifyouwouldstillliketopledge,pleasecontactSuzanneWolk([email protected]/617-327-7083)orLisaPilat([email protected]/617-522-0600).Topledgeelectronically,gotowww.hopecentralchurch.org/donateandpleaseinformLisaofyourpledgeamount.Andthankyou!Respectfullysubmitted,SuzanneWolk


31

WorshipPlanningTeam TheWorshipPlanningTeammeetsalmostmonthlytoplanallworshipatHopeCentralChurch.In2016,weconcentratedonprovidingworshipinthemorningthatservesthespiritualneedsofadiversegroupofpeopleofpeople.OurgoverningconcernsarethatwebeholdtheSpiritofGodinthepracticesofworship-

• sothatwedrawneartotheheartofGod,• bymakingultimatemeaningfromoursacredScripture,fromthetraditionsfromwhichwecome,fromourexperience,

• bydiscerningourdeepestfundamentalvaluesforthepurposeofrepairingtheworld.

Wecontinueinthemorningservicetostrivetocreateworshipexperienceinwhichmorethanwhitepeopleareserved.Weworktonoticehowourworshipiscodedforwhiteculture,sothatwemayinsteadcreateworshipexperiencestodeepen,enliven,support,andencourageallthepeopleofHopeCentralforallournecessaryspiritualwork.InboththemorningserviceandinNightChurch,wehavebeensoawareofourpeople’sneedstogrieveourlossesandviolenceagainstourpeople,tocelebrateourmilestones,todeepenandwidenourspiritualmaturity.Wehavebecomemoreclearthatregardlessofwhoourcivicleadersare,regardlessofwhateventsconspiretodistractusorharmus,webelongtoGod.WedependonGod’spresencetoanimateourspiritualpracticesforourlives,andthatnoticingGod’spresenceisourworkforenlightenment.WeunderstandworshipatHopeCentraltobemedicineforthesoul,rehabforbodyandsoul’sactingintheworld,andasourceofjoyandinspirationinthepresenceofGod.HopeCentralisluckytohaveacollegiumofpreachers:theRev.CourtneyJones,AssociateMinister,theRev.BenjaminPerkins,andtheRev.NinaSwiftandme.Ourdifferentvoicesandspiritualgroundingprovideawideavenueofexperienceandscholarlyinterpretationofourtraditionsandlife.Manyhandsarerequiredtomakeworshipwork.SuzanneWolkforseveralyearsledthewonderfulteamofsacristans.ThisworkisnowinthehandsofSusanLacefield.KathyHanlanandGinaBoisserecruitandremindGreeterswhowelcomevisitorstoourhouse.GillianDeLear,withthehelpofTerrySteeden,leadsagroupoffolkswhoworkthesoundboardsothatallmayhear.Many,manypeoplevolunteertofoldthebulletins,singinthechoir,readthewelcomeandoursacredscripture,dotheofferingtestimony,leadtheprayers,andserveattheCommunionTable.AndréeZaleskaheadsateamofpeoplewhoareaskedtobringsimplerefreshmentforaftertheservicebutwhoinstead,outofloveforthecongregation,bringbeautiful,fulfillingfood.Somefolks,likeMark,stayeverySundaytosweepandcleanup.SueHarveyandherchildren,McKennaandTavish,haveaministryofpencils.Theysharpenandreplacepencilssothatourpeoplemaywritetheirprayersandsothatourvisitorsmaybeknowntous!Lastly,theCalled-to-CareTeam,ledbyBarbaraMcQueen,duringCommunionpraywiththosewhoneedindividualprayers.Liturgyis


32

theworkofthepeople,andthisissoexactlythecaseatHopeCentral.Wearegratefulfortheworkofallthesepeople.IwanttomakeaspecialnoteofgratitudetoVanessaMorris,whoseattentiontoourpeople,whoseskillasamusician,whoseleadershipofourband—BobbyHall,NeilHelme,andGillianDeLear—issonecessarytoourworkofworship.Thankyou,Vanessa.Thebandisamazing.NightChurchcontinuesitsworkofworshiponSundayevenings.Thelay-ledservice’sliturgyisbeautiful,andset.Becauseit’sset,leadersmaystepinwithsomeease.RepresentativesofNightChurchmetwiththeWorshipPlanningTeamsothatworshipandvisionofthecongregationmaybewhole.NightChurchhostedthewholecongregationonChristmasDay.In2016,weusedthemestoexploreanddeepen/widenideasandpracticesforourspiritualmaturity:

• Lent:SurvivaloftheWeakest• Summer:Dignity• Fall:SpiritualGifts• Advent:“ThereIsaCrackinEverything/That’showthelightgetsin”(LeonardCohen)

Lookingforwardto2017,wecanimagineinourworshiprelyingheavilyonJudaismandChristianities’traditionsofcallingtomindtheneedsofthemostvulnerable,andwewillprepareourselvesforcontinuingthiswork,includingourselves.OurLententhemewillbe“Mercy.”InSeptember,Iwillbeonsabbatical-September17toDecember17.CourtneywilltakemyplacewhileI’maway.Responsibilityforworshipwillmovetoherportfolio.Asitiswithme,shewillneedyou,ourbelovedcongregation,tobeherworshippartners.Lastly,KathyBerminghamisthepastorofourworshipattheRogersonHouse.InourfifthyearattheRogersonHouse,Kathyplans,recruits,andleadsamonthlyworshipserviceandanannualChristmasService.Kathyisfaithful,andneverfailsherbeautifulwork.RespectfullysubmittedforCourtneyJones,VanessaMorris,BenjaminPerkins,NinaSwift,TerrySteeden,EricaCharis,KathyHanlan,GinaBoisse,SusanLacefield,JeanneLucas,LillianFuchs,LauraEverett,AbbiHolt,KathyBermingham,LindsayPopper,EarinRose.LauraRuthJarrett


33

Appendix

BylawsofHopeCentralChurchasamendedFebruary7,2016

I. NameofChurch.Affiliation.Thenameofthiscorporationshallbe“HopeCentralChurch”andwillbereferredtohereafterasthe“congregation.”HopeCentralChurchisaffiliatedwiththeMassachusettsConferenceoftheUnitedChurchofChristandtheNortheastRegionoftheChristianChurch(DisciplesofChrist).

II. PurposeHopeCentralChurchisadiversecommunityofhope,learningandgrowingtogetherinfaith,love,andjoy.WithGod'shelp,weseektostruggletogetherforGod'speaceandjustice,toexplorepracticesofChristianspirituality,andtoserveourneighborsingreaterBostonandbeyondwithopenminds,openhands,andopenhearts.

III. Membership/CovenantPartnershipMembershipinthiscongregationisopentoallpeople.Members,alsoknownasCovenantPartners,arethosewhounitewithHopeCentralChurchbyapublicdeclarationoffaithandcommitment.Membershipmaybeterminatedinthefollowingways:transferofmembership,requestofthecovenantpartner,death,orinactivity.Memberstobeterminatedduetoinactivitywillbesentawrittennoticewhenpossibleandgivenanopportunitytorequestthattheirmembershipbepreserved.A. MeetingsofCovenantPartners

i. ThecongregationofCovenantPartnersshallmeetatleasttwiceayear:onceinanAnnualMeetingtodothebusinessofthechurch,anothertobeinretreattodialoganddiscernonthegoalsandvisionforthefutureofthechurch.SpecialmeetingsmaybecalledbytheLeadershipCircletoaddressemergencysituationsoropportunitiesthatrequirecongregationalvote,andmaybecalledbywrittenpetitionofany10CovenantPartners.TheAnnualMeetingshallbeheldonaSundayinthefirstquarteroftheyearnotlaterthanMarch31,thepurposeofwhichisto:

a. Discussandapprovetherecommendedbudgetfortheupcomingyear,broughtforthtothecongregationbytheLeadershipCircle,havingbeendrawnupforreviewbytheFinanceCommittee.

b. Voteonaslateofcandidatesforthethree(outofnine)rotatingLeadershipCircleopeningsandanyopenterms.AwrittenballotwillbeprovidedtoeachattendingCovenantPartnerwithspaceforwrite-inalternatives.

c. AnyadditionalbusinesstothismeetingmustbebroughtforwardtotheLeadershipCircleinadvanceandmustbeapprovedbythatbody


34

bymajorityvoteasarelevantmatterofcongregationaldiscussionand/orvote,orbyapetitionofany10CovenantPartners.

ii. WrittennoticeoftheAnnualMeetingandanyspecialbusinessmeetingwillbegivenbyemailandbulletinannouncementsnotlessthan21daysinadvanceormorethan60dayspriortoeachAnnualMeeting,andwillspecifytheplace,day,andhourofthemeeting.Inanemergencysituation,theLeadershipCirclemaycallforaspecialmeetingonatleast10daysnotice.

iii. Aquorumof10%or20CovenantPartners,whicheverisgreater,isrequiredtodothebusinessofAnnualMeetingandanyspecialbusinessmeeting.

iv. EachCovenantPartnerwillhaveonevote.v. Decision-makingatHopeCentralChurchwillbebyconsensus,where

possible,otherwiseasimplemajorityofthevotingmemberspresentisrequired.

vi. However,anychangestothisconstitutionandby-lawswillrequireatwo-thirdsaffirmativevote.Thedecisiontocallorterminatepastoralstaffwillrequireathree-quartersaffirmativevote.

vii. ThefollowingmattersmustcomebeforetheentirecongregationofCovenantPartnersatadulycalledcongregationalmeeting:

a. Callingpastoralstafftoserve.Pastoralstaffshallmeanpastors,associatepastors,oranypositionthatrequiresordination.

b. Terminatingpastoralstaff(asdefinedina.)exceptincasesofmisconduct.

c. Theborrowingofmoneyorcapitalimprovementsinexcessof10%oftheyearlychurchoperatingbudget

d. Anycommitmenttoacquire,lease,ordisposeofrealpropertye. Anyextrabudgetaryprogramorproject,excludingrepairor

replacement,usingover$10,000ofendowedfundsorinvestmentincome

f. Changestodenominationalaffiliation(s)g. Dissolutionofthecongregation

viii. Minuteswillbetakenofeverycongregationalmeetingheld,transcribedandsavedinthechurchoffice.

IV. LeadershipCircleA. TheninemembersoftheLeadershipCirclemustbeCovenantPartnersofHope

CentralChurch.HopeCentralChurchpastoralstaffservesasex-officio,non-votingmembers.

B. MembersarechosenthroughthevoteofthecongregationattheAnnualMeetingonarotatingbasis–threememberselectedforstaggeredthree-yearterms,sothateachyear1/3oftheLeadershipCirclecomesupforavotebythecongregation.

C. EachmemberoftheLeadershipCircleservesathree-yeartermandcanbere-electedonceand,afteraoneyearhiatus,canbeelectedagainandre-electedonce.Thisprocessmayberepeated.IntheeventofavacancyontheLeadership


35

Circle,thecongregationshallelectsomeonetoservethebalanceoftheterm.D. TheresponsibilitiesoftheLeadershipCircleare:

i. Toprovidegeneraloversightofalltheactivitiesofthechurchandplanforthechurch'sfuture.

ii. Toprovideaforumofcommunicationamongthevariousministryteams,officers,pastor,andstaffofthechurchandaddressdifferencesamongthem.

iii. Toselectandremoveofficers.iv. Tomanagethefinancialhealthofthechurch,borrowmoneyandincur

indebtednessforpurposesofthechurch,andtoexecuteanddeliver,inthechurch’sname,evidenceofsuchdebt.

v. Tooverseeandprovidedirectiontopastoralstaff.vi. Todesignandfacilitateayearlyevaluationofthepastor’sandthechurch’s

ministry.a. Designingandfacilitatingayearlyevaluationofthepastor’s(s’)

ministryb. Facilitatinganddisseminatinganevaluationofthechurch’sministry,

includingthepastor(s)andministriesc. PresentingfindingstothePastor,PPRC,andLeadershipCircled. Preparingawrittenreportonthesummaryfindingsavailabletoall

CovenantPartnersvii. Insituationsinvolvingallegationsorproofofmisconductbypastoralstaff,

toinvestigateanyallegations,andifappropriate,tosuspendorterminatethepastororstaffmember,andcommunicatewiththecongregationandthedenominationsasappropriate.

viii. Tohire,oversee,andprovidedirectionto,andterminatethenon-pastoralstaff.

ix. Topresideovercongregationalmeetings,acceptforreviewpetitionsfromthecongregation,evaluateandofferrecommendationsregardinganychangestoby-lawsthatmaycomeupforcongregationalreview.

x. EnsurethatanAnnualReportonthepastyearispresentedtothecongregationatthetimeoftheAnnualMeeting.

E. MeetingsofLeadershipCircle:i. AsimplemajorityofthetotalnumberoftheLeadershipCircleshallbe

necessarytoconstituteaquorumforthetransactionofbusiness.Everyactordecisiondoneormadebyamajorityofthememberspresentatadulyheldmeeting,whichmaybeinpersonorteleconference,atwhichaquorumispresent,shallberegardedastheactoftheLeadershipCircle,unlessagreaternumberisrequiredbylaworbytheArticlesofIncorporation.

ii. TheLeadershipCirclewillschedulemeetingstobeheldatleasttentimesperyear,whichwillbepublishedonthechurchcalendar.

iii. AllLeadershipCirclemeetingsareopentomembersofthecongregationexceptExecutiveSessionswhichmaybeclosedbutwhichmustbepostedinthebulletininadvance.


36

iv. MinuteswillbetakenatallLeadershipCirclemeetingsandwillbemadeavailabletothepublicwithintwoweeks,exceptforminutesfromExecutiveSessions.MinutesfromtheprecedingmeetingwillbereadandapprovedatthebeginningofaLeadershipCirclemeeting.AfilewillbekeptinthechurchofficeofallLeadershipCirclemeetingminutesaswellasminutesfromallcongregationalmeetings.

V. OfficersA. FromthemembersoftheLeadershipcircle,thefollowingroleswillbefilledbya

LeadershipCirclevote:i. Moderator:Theprimarydutiesincludecoordinatingandfacilitating

meetingsoftheLeadershipCircleandthecongregationalmeetings.ii. ModeratorAlternate:Theprimarydutiesincludesupportingthemoderator

andcoordinatingandfacilitatingmeetingsoftheLeadershipCircleandthecongregationalmeetingsinthemoderator'sabsence.

iii. Clerk:PrimarydutiesincluderecordingordelegatingtherecordingofminutesofallLeadershipCirclemeetingsandcongregationalmeetings.AlsoresponsibleformakingsureminutesotherthanfromExecutiveSessionsaremadeavailabletothecongregation.

iv. Treasurer:PrimarydutiesincludeoversightoffinancialproceduresandcollaboratingwiththestaffandStewardshipandFinanceTeaminthepreparationandimplementationofaresponsiblebudget.ShouldnooneintheLeadershipCirclehavetheskillsorspiritualgiftsnecessaryfortheworkoftheofficeoftreasurer,theLeadershipCirclemayappointanappropriateCovenantPartnerwhoisresponsibletotheLeadershipCircle.

B. Officersserveonone-yearterms,whichcomeupforreviewand/orrenewalyearlybytheLeadershipCircle.

VI. StandingCommitteesA. Thefollowingarethecommitteesrequiredtobeactiveinthecongregationallife

ofHopeCentralChurch.Theseministriesshallbestaffedbymemberswithappropriategiftsandgraces,chosenbyeithertheLeadershipCircleortheCongregationasspecifiedbelow,incollaborationwiththePastor(s)andNominatingCommittee.

i. NominatingCommittee:willbecomprisedoffivecovenantpartnerselectedfortwo-yeartermsbytheCongregationattheannualmeeting,andtheLeadershipCirclemoderatorasanex-officio,non-votingmember.

a. Thenominatingcommitteedevelopsjobdescriptionsforvariousvolunteerpositionsasneeded,canvassesthecongregationinsearchofvolunteerstoserveonstandingcommitteesandministries,andbringsforwardnamesofCovenantPartnercandidatestofillpositionsontheLeadershipCircle,NominatingCommittee,andPastoralSearchCommitteeprecedinganyelectionstothesebodiesbythecongregation.


37

b. NominatingCommitteemembersmayserveformorethanoneterm,buteachterm’snominationsforthefollowingyear’sNominatingCommitteemustincludeatleastonepersonnotcurrentlyservingontheNominatingCommittee.

ii. PastoralSearchCommittee:UponrequestoftheLeadershipCircle,aSearchCommitteeofsixtoeightmembersshallbeformedtoscreen,interview,andrecommendindividualstoserveasclergyforthecongregation.

a. TheSearchCommitteeshallconsistofonemembereachoftheLeadershipCircleandthePastoralSupportCommitteechosenbythoserespectivebodies,andfourtosixotherCovenantPartnerselectedbytheCongregationtorepresenttheinterestsandgoalsofthecongregation.

b. CommitteessearchingforAssociatePastorsshallseektheadviceoftheSeniorPastor,whoshallserveasanexofficiomemberoftheSearchCommittee.

c. TheSearchCommitteewillpresentonecandidatetotheLeadershipCircle,whichwillthenpresentthecandidatetothecongregationforapprovalatacongregationalmeeting.

iii. PastorParishRelationsCommittee:willbecomprisedoffiveCovenantPartnerschosenbytheNominatingCommitteeincollaborationwithLeadershipCircleandthePastor.

a. ThePastorParishRelationsCommitteeshallseektoachieveandmaintainanopen,effective,andtrustingrelationship,andtwo-waycommunicationsbetweenthePastor(s)andthecongregation.

b. ThedeliberationsofthePPRCareconfidentialandmeetingsarenotopentoothersinthecongregationforgeneralparticipation.

iv. StewardshipandFinanceTeam:willbecomprisedofsixCovenantPartnerschosenbytheLeadershipCircle.Dutiesinclude:

a. DeterminingthetotalanticipatedrevenueeachfiscalyearandsubmittingtotheLeadershipCircleabudgetbasedonanticipatedrevenuesandtheprioritiesofthechurchassubmittedtotheLeadershipCirclebythevariouscommittees,staff,andministries.

b. Organizingandfacilitatinganannualstewardshipdrive.c. Takingresponsibilityfordevelopingsoundfinancialpoliciesand

procedurestobeusedbythechurch.

VII. Ad-HocCommittees:CanbecreatedbytheLeadershipCircleasitdeemsappropriate.

VIII. MinistryTeams:A. MinistryTeamsmaybedevelopedbythepastor,LeadershipCircle,orCovenant

Partnersofthechurch.B. MinistryTeamswillworkinconsultationwiththePastor(s)onministriesthat

furtherthemissionandvisionofHopeCentralChurch.C. MinistryTeamLeader’sauthorityandresponsibilityincludes:


38

i. Recommendingprioritiesandgoalsforprogramminginthatministryandforthespiritualdirectionofthecongregationasitrelatestothatministry.

ii. Planning,implementing,andevaluatingactivitiesandeventsinthelifeofthechurchrelatedtothatministry.

D. MostMinistryTeamLeaderswillserveaninitialone–yeartermthatmaybeextendedbymutualagreement.

E. MinistryTeamLeaderswillmeetmonthlyone-on-onewiththepastoralstaffandatleasttwotimesayearasagroupofMinistryTeamLeaders.

F. IX. Staff:

A. Pastor:i. Thepastor(s)willbecalledasspiritualleader(s)andheadadministrator(s)

ofthecommunity,supportedandempoweredbythecongregationtofreelyleadthecommunity.Pastor(s)shouldmaintainhighmoralstandards,feelcommitmenttoagrowingspirituallife,beordained,holdaMasterofDivinitydegree,andhavesufficienttrainingandexperiencefortheneedsofHopeCentralChurch.

ii. DismissalofClergy.IfamemberofthepastoralstafflosesthesupportorconfidenceofthecongregationortheLeadershipCircle,orifotherseriousproblemsarisethatmayultimatelywarrantthedismissalofthepastororachangeinthecallagreement,theLeadershipCircleshallinitiatewhateverproceduresitdeemsappropriatetosolvetheproblemorrestoresupportorconfidenceinthepastor.Ifsuchproceduresareunsuccessful,theLeadershipCircleshallmakeappropriaterecommendationsorseekguidancefromthecongregation.TheLeadershipCirclemay,ifappropriate,seekguidanceorassistancefromthetwodenominationsthatsupportthem.

iii. ThepastorshallattendallLeadershipCirclemeetingsasappropriateandshallprepareareportofhis/heractivitiesoverthepreviousmonth,bringtothechurchnewsandissuesrelatingtothewiderChurch,participateindiscussionandplanningandprovidespiritualdirection.

iv. TheLeadershipCirclewillarriveatanadequatecompensationpackagetoofferthepastoronayearlybasisthatcanadequatelybemetbythechurchbudget.

X. FinancesA. Fiscalyearisthesameasthecalendaryear–JanuarythroughDecember.B. Budgetprocess:

i. ThebudgetprocessstartsbycommitteesandministriesmakingtheirmonetaryrequestsfortheupcomingyeartotheStewardshipandFinanceTeam.

ii. ThatteamthenimplementsaStewardshipcampaign,lettingcongregationknowofthevisionandrequestsofministriesandstandingcommittees.

iii. Withthepledgeamountsinmind,theStewardship&FinanceTeamdevelopaworkablebudgetandsubmitittotheLeadershipCircle.


39

iv. TheLeadershipCirclereviewsthedraftbudget,makesanychangesitmaydeemnecessaryandsubmitsittoacongregationalvoteattheannualmeeting.

v. ThisthenbecomesthebudgetandanychangesbetweenlineitemsmustbeapprovedbytheLeadershipCircle.Anylineitemchangeamountingto$5,000ormoremustadditionallybeapprovedbyacongregationalvoteataspecialcongregationalmeeting.

vi. Aminimumof10%ofactualannualincomewillbetithedtoSocialJusticeandOutreachministries.

C. Audit&FinancialControl:i. Checksigning:Atalltimes,thereshallbeatleasttwo,butnomorethan

fourindividuals,whoareauthorizedtosignchecks.ThoseauthorizedtosignchecksshallbedesignatedbytheLeadershipCircle.Forallchecksof$2,000.00ormore,otherthansalarychecks,thesignaturesoftwoindividualsshallappearonsuchchecks.Similarly,forallwithdrawalsof$2,000.00ormorefromthesavingsaccount,thesignaturesoftwomembersshallberequired.

ii. InternalAudit:Aninternalauditshallbeconductedannually.TheauditshallconsistofareviewofallofthefinancialrecordsofHopeCentralChurch.Themoderatorshallappointanindividualoracommitteetoconducttheinternalaudit.

iii. ExternalAudit:Anexternalauditshallbecompletedeverythreeyears.TheexternalauditshallbecompletedbyaCertifiedPublicAccountantorbyanotherwise-qualifiedaccountant.TheLeadershipCircleshallbudgetappropriatefundstopayfortheservicesofanaccountanttoconducttheexternalaudit.

iv. ThetreasurershallprovidetotheLeadershipCirclecurrentfinancialinformationforallmeetings.TheLeadershipCircleshallprovidecurrentfinancialinformationtoCovenantPartnersatleastmonthly.

XI. AmendingBy-laws:A. By-lawsmayonlybeamendedbytwo-thirdsvoteofthecongregation.

Documents

Annual Report 2016 - hopecentralchurch.orghopecentralchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/Annual-Report-2016.pdf · Sari Mauro Ash Temin ... Christine Storti Candidate Biographies Leadership