Christ Church 2013 Annual Report

8/12/2019 Christ Church 2013 Annual Report

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Annual Report | 2013


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CHRIST CHURCH www.mychristchurch.com/annualre

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Rev. Shane BishopSenior Pastor

WHAT A JOURNEY!AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED

OnJuly 1, 1997, I became the newPastor of the newly relocatedChrist United Methodist Church.I could have never imaginedwhat God had in mind for this

congregation. During these seventeen and a halfyears, we have received over 1,700 memberswith over 1,000 joining on Profession of Faithand celebrated almost 700 baptisms. It has beena pure joy to grow with this congregation. Aswe complete an astounding 17 straight yearsof numerical growth in worship attendance, wend ourselves in a most unique place. In the

next two to three years, we will either becomea mega-church (a sociological term given tochurches averaging over 2,000 in worship) or we

will plateau. There are no other mathematicaloptions. I am convinced that breaking 2,000 willbe the biggest challenge we have faced in thehistory of this congregation.

Much of 2013 was spent developing strategiesto keep us growing for years to come. Here aresome of the strategic objectives we will implementhis year:


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2013 ANNUAL REP

Metamorphic Future1. The Metamorphic Future emphasis continuesas both interior and exterior renovations have

been implemented to upgrade our curb appealand to oer excellent ministry space for futuregrowth engines.

Upward Basketball2. Upward Basketball is coming in January.This international ministry is a proven growthengine that attracts young families through theirchildren.

Going Deeper Service3. The new Going Deeper worship service onWednesdays, began on January 22. This servicemeets in the newly remodeled chapel and oersan attractive mid-week worship option.

Tweener Ministry4. Expansion of our Wednesday eveningprogramming will include the addition of a

Tweener Youth Group (3rd-5th grades), anelementary ministry.

SE Belleville Campus5. We will plant our third regional campus inthe SAFB region. Our campuses are thriving,developing excellent leaders and attracting newpeople. These are long-term growth engines thatwill greatly aid our vision in the years to come.

Being a part of a sustained 17-year revival hasbeen the greatest joy of my vocational life. And I

truly believe we are just getting started!

God is Good!


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DOWN

THE HALL

Pictured above: Garrett Haye


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2013 ANNUAL REP

Matt RygelskiVolunteer Writer

SCHOOL DAYS

During my elementary days, our familymoved often and I would switchschools about every other year.Making lasting friendships was dicultwhen the roots would repeatedly be

ripped right out from under me. By the time Ireached high school age, we were settled enough

to allow for completing all four years at the samespot with the same people. Finally, it was time tomake solid friendships.

Growing up, there is great value in friendshipsand mentors. Good leaders are hard to nd.The people I invited to surround me proved tobe strong inuencers, but often their goals werenot always in my best interest. I was pulled awayfrom God, from church from everything. Iquestioned who I was and I found many peoplewilling to tell me who I should be. They helpedcreate my excuses and I allowed myself to be ledthe wrong way.

Kids today have even more inuencers anddistractions than I had then. How could theypossibly be strong enough to stay true when I hadsuch a hard time holding it together in my ownyouth with much less noise? If I knew then whatI know now, things might have been dierent forme. In a surprisingly good way, kids today dohave it dierent. One example proved that Godis more alive today than ever.

I recently had an opportunity to meet withan exceptional high school student, GarrettHayes. He has a vision that is stronger and moreoptimistic than the one I remember when I washis age. His ability to see things so maturelyrestored my condence in our future generationsas they nd the courage to lead.

I think the three main things kids deal with areaggression, depression, and lust. Those are thethree big plagues, says Garrett. With the helpof two other friends and approval of the schoolboard, he started the D.O.C. club at his high

school, Belleville East. Disciples of Christianity(D.O.C.) welcomes Christian and non-Christianstudents to nd biblical answers to everydaydilemmas students are facing these days andprovide a safe place to discuss their personalstruggles, encourage one another, and ask forprayer. They talk about their dierences. They

seek common ground. They learn from eachother.

Certainly the peer pressures of high school wouldmake it dicult to stand alone in the face of somuch temptation. He admits he drifted awayfrom God himself. It was a personal challengefrom his parents to go to one youth groupmeeting at Christ Church with the agreementthat if he didnt like it he would never be askedto go again. Thinking back, Garrett described theexperience:

I had never been surrounded by kids my ownage who really believed; I was just kind of shockedand puzzled by it. When the music started, I juststarted singing. The more I sang, the more I feltthis warmth and presence around me. By the endof it, I went to my moms car and said, Ive foundGod again. My mom then said, No, you justopened your eyes. Hes always here. That wasthe moment when I started getting back on theright path to truly believing.

Were it not for this one moment, he might still be

lost seeking acceptance by the wrong inuencers.Today he proudly embraces his Christianity, butdoesnt feel the need to wear the label on hissleeve. Usually I try to let it show by how I act.Usually it just comes up casually, he says.

When asked what God wants of him, heconcludes, I want to be a foundation for thelost to stand on and for God to work through. Iwant to be there for people. I want to help them.Thats kind of what I feel like my job is here.Christ Church welcomed him with open arms andconnected him to Christ.


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AROUND

THE CORNER

Photo from the Salina, KS Mission Trip


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2013 ANNUAL REP

Shannon Peifer

Volunteer Writer

SALINA,KANSAS MISSION TRIP

In this life there are very few adventurestruly worth talking about; these noteworthyevents have a wonderful way of changing ourperspectives.the Christ Church mission trip toSalina, Kansas was one such adventure.

We were called to help in the restoration oftwo 100-year-old homes that are used for

disenfranchised women. These homes werefalling apart and just waiting to be rescued. Thepeople managing these homes had spent theirlives giving to others; now it was their turn toreceive desperately needed help.

Two trips were organized, each consisting of 50people with a passion to serve; we were givenboth the opportunity and the means to minister.With materials, a purpose and church supportbehind us, we stepped out to lend a hand, butwhat we received in return went far beyond ourexpectations.

Teens, ranging in age from 12 to 17, joinedtogether with a group of adults in an eight-hourdrive in answer to a call from God. The rstgroup replaced a deck on one home while givingthe other a fresh coat of paint. The inside ofthe home also received repair, mainly focusingon the roof over the kitchen. The second teamaccomplished the same outside jobs, but on theother home and nished up the kitchen work.

I joined the second group on this adventure. We

arrived on a Saturday and were greeted withsmiles, laughter and food. We ate our ll andwere given an education on the women livingin the homes, and learned these women wererecovering alcoholics and drug addicts, andhow the home had given them fresh hope for anormal life. Many of these women had grownup in environments that most people could notimagine. They were torn, ravaged, discarded,and left holding a lot of baggage. With unhealthybeginnings, many had fallen into the same cycle ofdestructive habits as their parents. Each womanhad her own story to tell and bravely shared it

with us. As we listened, our hearts were openedand our eyes lled with tears as each dear onetold her story. Listening helped us to understandwhat led them to this place. Bearing their heartsmoved ours; creating a bond we all could share.Sleeping on oors and working our ngers to thebone didnt feel like much compared to what theyhad endured. To a number of us, it just didnt

seem we could do enough.

As we ministered, a news reporter showed upwith a newspaper journalist. We made thelocal paper and our eorts were broadcast toarea residents. People came by just to expressappreciation for the things we were doing.

As our youth gave up their one free day tocontinue working, Kara Rolph, one of theyouth leaders commented, The change that Iwitnessed in the youth was amazing. They wereso seless, strong in their convictions, and theywere just willing to do anything that was helpful.Kylie Georgian, one of our 15-year-old youths,described the impact it made on her life, saying,The mission trip really strengthened me in myrelationship with Christ. I met troubled womenwho found strength in Christ and they showed mehow He has helped them through dicult times.Though we left some projects unnished, Godswork in our hearts was complete. Jim Harrelsonof our Millstadt campus revealed, I learned aboutmyself. Terri Haider concluded, I thought it

was just an opportunity to give back, but it wasmore. Bill Murphy described it best, The overalltake away from the trip is fresh wind in my sails!

There is no telling how many doors were openedor how many needs had been met, but throughthis adventure we were forever changed. Just asthe Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:35, In everythingI did, I showed you that by this kind of hard workwe must help the weak, remembering the wordsthe Lord Jesus Himself said: It is more blessed togive than to receive.


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AROUND

THE WORLD

Photo from Christ Church eorts in Uganda


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Roni McDanielsVolunteer Writer

HINES UGANDANMINISTRIES,(HUM)

Christ Church continued its supportof the HUM AWANA program in2013. HUM, under the leadership ofits director, Katherine Hines, madeadvances in multiple ministry eorts in

2013. HUM continued to sponsor approximately200 childrens education and basic needs,provided weekly AWANA activities for up to 800+

children, cared for widows, and provided variouscommunity outreach activities throughout theyear. This document summarizes and highlightsHUMs milestones for the year.

The Genesis Primary School, currently located atthe church, provided instruction for children inkindergarten through 3rd grade, and plans to addone classroom at the next grade level each year.HUM began construction of the rst classroomsfor their Genesis Primary School, which areplanned to be completed in Spring 2014.

The orphan home for the high school andcollege girls, sponsored by Orphans Heart, wasalso completed. The girls moved into the newhome providing Katherine space for more youngchildren needing care in her home. HUM installeda well, providing clean water for Katherines homeand the children she is raising, as well as forthe three other orphan homes on the property.The ministry was also able to install a generatorprovided by a sponsoring church in Texas, whichensures continuous electricity during the frequentpower outages.

The Kamonkoli Kraft Center, now in its third year,has successfully employed a dozen women whoproduce jewelry and sew school uniforms andother clothing, as a means to provide income fortheir families.

In 2013, the HUM medical oce continuedto meet the health care needs of sponsoredchildren. The medical oce is staed by amedical ocer (i.e., physicians assistant) andnurse assistant.

In July, a ministry team from Katherines homechurch (Bear Valley Church, Colorado) providedintensive activities with the AWANA childrenplaying games, teaching, and tutoring children inmath skills.

Melanie May joined Katherine as the ministryssecond full-time missionary. She spent her rst

year investing her God-given talents and time inthe AWANA club and Genesis School.

Duchu, who graduated from the sponsorshipprogram a few years ago, is now working for theministry and started a youth ministry in 2013.Several other sponsored children who havegraduated from the university are successfullyemployed and carrying Gods word throughouttheir communities. Alice and Beatrice are workingas nurses in Kampala hospitals. Bumba beganworking at a bank last year after he graduatedand has now moved to Telecomm in Juba, Sudan.Sosi is working for the Ministry of Finance, andSarah is employed with the HUM ministry as asocial worker.

Katherine and her ministry team continue topour into the local community through variousevangelistic outreach events, daily prayer, and areliance on God to provide for the many, ongoingneeds.

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Biker Church service on July 14, 2013


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Matt DennyCM Campus Worship Leader

CHRIST CHURCH

CAMPUSES

No two children are exactly alike. No

matter how similar their genes,environments, or cultures are,children develop into uniqueindividuals. One of the joys of

parenting is watching that process of growth anddevelopment play out.

Christ Church has given birth 3 times over thelast 2 years. In his January 2011 state of thechurch message, Rev. Shane shared a new visionfor our growing church which involved plantingregional campuses o-site. Since then, aftermuch prayer, planning, and preparation, 3 new

babies have begun to develop and nd theirunique role in connecting the Metro East with

Jesus Christ.

The newest of these campuses is known simplyas Biker Church led by Wayne Witter. Waynehas been active in lay ministry at Christ Churchfor some time, but in late 2012 he felt God callhim to create a ministry specically targeted atbikers. God conrmed His call several times asWayne started this journey, especially in providingboth the name and original venue for the church.The purpose of Biker Church is to take the gospelwhere the people are, whether that is a bike night,a bar, or a rally.

A typical service for Biker Church consists oflunch from 12 1 PM, followed by worship and

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are grateful for allowing the process to work outas God intended. With each new challenge thecampus faces, they are learning more and more

to seek God and wait for His answers.

The Millstadt campus provides the onlycontemporary worship experience in itsgeographic area, and people in the communityhave been responding to the opportunity. Ina community dominated by more traditionalworship options, the Millstadt campus oersyoung families another way to connect withChrist. The campus has also allowed ChristChurch to be active in another location.Campus members participated in the MillstadtHomecoming Parade this past summer and also

provided the largest single donation in the historyof the Millstadt food pantry.

Millstadt is also experiencing tremendousgrowth when it comes to campus unity. Since itsinception, the campus has held monthly prayermeetings. These meetings consist of a meal andfellowship time, prayer, and worship. While theSunday worship services have been growingthroughout the year, attendance at the prayermeetings has grown faster. Sam and Nikki feelthese experiences have been vital to building theunity and commitment needed to do all the workrequired to set up and tear down a campus everyweek. God has brought Millstadt through many

the Word. Guest speakers either give theirtestimonies or share a prepared message. Thecampus meets once a month and has recently

moved from Smithton to the Fairview HeightsVFW. Wayne shared that one challenge he hasbeen excited to see God help them overcome wasan initial lack of structure and leaders. It has beenencouraging for him to see people ll the rolesthat have developed as the ministry has grown.

Biker church celebrated a major milestone in2013. They had their rst professions of faithoccur at a day-long Revival rally in Grafton onOctober 19th. It was heartening for the groupto see God move so powerfully in the lives of ayoung man and woman. One of Waynes goals

for the coming year is to plant new Biker Churchcampuses in locations around the Metro East.

In 2012 Christ Churchs middle child, theMillstadt campus, celebrated its rst birthday andcompleted its rst full year of ministry even afterexperiencing a sti challenge to open the year.An unexpected resignation left Millstadt withoutcampus leaders as the calendar turned to January.Though it would have been easy to panic, campusmembers and leaders instead trusted God andsought His will while Larry Weber and Sam andNikki Gentes shared leadership duties. By April, itwas clear to all that Sam and Nikki were called toll the vacated roles. Looking back, Sam and Nikki


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members have joked about having a baptismservice in the pool. In 2013, that happened!Campus leaders Jon and Robyn Clark were recently

reminiscing about a VBS held in Maryville beforethe launch of the campus where fewer than 10children attended. Over 30 children were involvedwith the production of the Christmas play! It isexciting to see God move in enormous new wayseach year in Maryville.

All children are unique, but all are loved andcreated for a purpose. God has blessed ChristChurch with the resources and vision to spreadthe gospel beyond the Fairview Heights campus.Each new campus looks and feels dierent fromits siblings, but each is accomplishing a dierent

aspect of the churchs mission. We are one churchin multiple locations, but we are empowered bythe same Spirit and excited to see what the futureholds!

challenges in 2013, and as Rev. Shane is fond ofsaying, they believe the best is yet to come.

As children grow, older obstacles are overcomeand eventually replaced by newer ones. ChristChurchs oldest child, the Maryville campus,experienced this phenomenon in 2013. As thecampus celebrated its second birthday, year 3of ministry brought with it a new question: Howdo we continue to connect our community withChrist? Put another way, how do we preventourselves from falling into a dry routine?

As campus leaders considered and discussed thequestion, they decided a combination of old andnew was needed. Thus, the campus put on the

third edition of some of its favorite events such asthe October Hayride, Summer VBS, and ChristmasCandlelight Service. However, like a child learningto take its rst steps, new events were carefullyplanned and executed. In August the Maryvillecampus held its rst ASCEND worship service.It consisted of member testimonies and over40 minutes of worship music. In addition, achildrens Christmas play (which was written,directed, and produced by campus members) wasput on in December.

Campus leaders were thrilled with seeing dreamsbecome reality in 2013. Services at Maryville areheld at the YMCA. From the rst preview service,

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BAPTISMS

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH


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2013 ANNUAL REP

AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

CAMPUS REPORT


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SERVING CHRISTMETRICS

2013 saw our Serving Christ Team serve as the hands andfeet of Jesus Christ in Loving Neighbor through its largest

mission and outreach results ever!

2013

over 44,000hours to date have been recorded in our 3 year100,000 Hours Initiative.

over 17,726canned goods collected in our Christmas inSeptember annual drive. Food was distributed tothe food banks of Fairview Heights, Millstadt and

Maryville.

over 7,500hours served by the people of Christ Church insupport of the Christian Activity Center.

over 1,500backpacks were collected during our annual BackpackAttack drive. School supplies and backpacks weredistributed to students throughout the Metro EastRegion.

over $35,000distributed for emergency relief for the Philippines.A team from Christ Church also traveled to thePhilippines and assisted with direct support.

over $25,000distributed to people of Christ Church in temporarynancial need through our Network of Caring.


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over 300gifts distributed to Metro East nursing homes duringour annual Christmas Cheer eort.

over 300hours served by our Prison Ministry through prayerand encouragement to incarcerated men and women.

over 1,000hours served by the people of Christ Church insupport of the Lessie Bates Davis NeighborhoodHomes.

over 400hours served by the people of Christ Church inAssisted Living Centers.

Hundredsreceived the gift of sight in the Philippines andHonduras through our Sight Ministries.

over 300children whose parent(s) are incarcerated receivedgifts from the people of Christ Church through AngelTree.

over 200hours served in womens shelters empowering thoseovercoming abuse and poverty.

over 200coats and winter clothing items were collected duringour Messiah Sing-A-Long.

over 30outreach trips by our Least of These Ministrydistributed over 400 coats, thousands of clothingitems, food packages, hygiene items and medicalsupplies to those in the downtown areas of Belleville,East St. Louis and St. Louis.

over 20families in need received furniture, clothing,appliances and other means for living from the eortsof our Welcome Home Ministries.

3 ERT TripsThree Emergency Response Team / Summer MissionTrips went to Kansas and Missouri to assist people in

emergency need due to tornado, hurricane or othernatural disaster.

2 Missionary

TripsTwo missionary trips were taken to San Pedro Sula,Honduras in support of Inglesia De Cristo Casa DePaz Christ Church (our campus in Honduras), and ouroutreach ministry partnerships.

We have been faithful to the call of Loving Neighbor. Westep into 2014, looking to do even more for the glory of the

Kingdom of God as we connect others with Jesus Christ!


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Alan PrassExecutive Director

2013

FINANCIAL REPORT

Christ Churchs mission is about

connecting people with Jesus Christ.As you can see in this report we havebeen quite successful. The numbersspeak for themselves, 70 baptisms, 90

professions of faith and an increase in weeklyworship attendance of 81 per week. Withoutyour contributions of Gods tithes and youroerings none of this is remotely possible.

By any measure, thanks to you, 2013 was anotherextraordinary year. As you can see in this report,we have made a dierence down the hall,around the corner and around the world. Your

contributions went to changing lives and in eecthelping change the world to understand theeverlasting love of God.

As you have read the stories in this report about

Christ Church this is just a mere sampling of whatGod is doing in multiple locations throughout theworld. God has blessed this church and in turnthe church has become a blessing to so many.

Generous donors, strong lay leadership,dedicated sta and a vision-led church combineto make a powerful agent of God that goes out ofthe buildings it occupies and rolls up its sleevesand changes the world one person at a time.

Your trust, condence and, above all, your faith inChrist Church is greatly appreciated.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013Overall giving for the year was up

$276,765from 2012.

You contributed over

$192,000to the Metamorphic Future

oering in August.

We took a special oering for the

Philippine Typhoon relief totaling

$24,623When you add the matching

funds from the United Methodistof $11,000 that came to $35,623.Those resources provided muchneeded drinking water, food andmedical supplies to the people

of the Philippines and to many ofthe families of the scholars that

we support.

Christ Church

Christmas Oering totaled

$56,645These resources were distributed

to assist our Network of CaringFund, Upward Sports Ministries,Fellowship of Christian Athletes,the Bud Baron Scholarship Fund

and AWANA in Hondurasand Uganda.


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ASSETS- 2013 Balance Sheet

Checking / Savings

Fixed Assets

Other Assets

TOTAL ASSETS

$11,294,240.36

Inventory

Petty Cash

Buildings

Loan Closing Costs

Bookstore

Money Market

Vehicles

Total

Mission Trip Cash

Land

Accumulated Amortization

Total

Cash

Equipment & Furniture

Total

Total

Accumulated Depreciation

$396,472.13

($2,758,378.17)

$300

$12,635,089.39

$60,203.50

$14,903.71

$82,103.48

$94,078.00

$54,767.10

$7,829.94

$260,000.00

($5,436.40)

$14,903.71

$306,238.71

$597,308.20

$10,828,097.42

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LIABILITIES- 2013 Balance Sheet

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$5,386,986.92

Payable Liabilities

Accounts Payable

Total

Sales Tax Payable

$1,087.76

$2,707.44

$1,619.68

Payroll Liabilities

Payroll Liabilities - Other

Total

Employee Pension Contribution

$187.43

$2,222.85

$2,035.42

System Due To Accounts

System Due to - Building

System Due to - Millstadt Campus

System Due to - SE Campus

System Due to - Biker Church

System Due to - Coee Caf

Total

System Due to - CM Campus

System Due to - Bookstore

System Due to - General

($9,178,032.90)

$12,041.39

$1,327.12

$88.98

($613.72)

$0.00

($10,378.01)

$2,765.41

$9,172,801.73

Long Term Liabiliities

Sanctuary Mortgage

Chapel/Cafe Renovations

Total

Capital Lease - Soundboard

$4,828,739.34

$545,967.05

$5,382,056.63

$7,350.24


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FUND PRINCIPAL- 2013 Balance Sheet

Fund Principal

Unobligated Operating Funds

New Sanctuary Equity

Unobligated Millstadt Campus Funds

Unobligated Bookstore Funds

Excess Cash Received

Total

Unobligated CM Campus Funds

Unobligated Building Funds

$2,596,868.96

$170,500.34

($20,540.71)

($271.23)

$132,025.41

$5,807,556.67

$20,618.15

$2,908,355.75

TOTAL FUND PRINCIPAL

$5,807,556.67

RESTRICTED FUNDS- 2013 Balance Sheet

Restricted Funds

Total Temporary Restricted

Total

Total Permanently Restricted

$99,696.77

$99,696.77

$0.00

TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS

$99,696.77

TOTAL LIABILITIES,FUND PRINCIPAL

& RESTRICTED FUNDS

$11,294,240.36

2013 ANNUAL REP


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$0

$1,750,000

$3,500,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

$3,130,758

$2,853,992$2,599,733

$2,284,087$2,036,334

Tithes & Offerings

$4,800,000

$5,300,000

$5,800,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

$5,374,706

$5,020,495

$5,398,567

$5,702,739

$4,899,900

End of Year Debt


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FINANCIAL REPORT


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$0

$350,000

$700,000

2011 2012 2013

$620,866

$579,435

$304,341

Electronic Giving

E-tithe

Web

Kiosk

Mobile

Payroll Tithes

20112012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

$0 $60,000 $120,000 $180,000 $240,000 $300,000

$26,549.06

$103,113.00

$64,707.00

$270,932.00

$155,565.00

$22,439.99

$31,402.00

$99,561.00

$261,498.00

$164,534.00

$11,976

$58,543

$129,444

$104,378

2013 ANNUAL REP


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Christ Church | Annual Report | 2013

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Christ Church 2013 Annual Report