Palisades Presbyterian Church Palisades, New York

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Agenda

Prayer: Angela J. Maddalone, Pastor Committee and Designated Reports:

Pastor’s Report Report of the Clerk of Session Auditor’s Report (Verbal) Treasurer’s Report 2016 Stewardship Report Mission Operations Committee Personnel Committee Worship and Arts Committee Deacons Report Ushers Report

New Business:

(1) Election of one member-at-large for 2017 nominating committee (2) Election of two auditors for 2017 (3) 2017 Terms of Call (4) Presentation of budget for 2017 (5) New Business

Closing Prayer: Adjourn

“I believe that the world was created and approved by love, that it subsists, coheres, and endures by love, and that, insofar as it is redeemable, it can be

redeemed only by love.” -Wendell Berry

Pastor’s Annual Report for 2016

This has been a year of personal and professional growth in so many ways. And yet, the more I come to know my neighbor, and myself the more I comprehend the mystery of Love that is God. Love truly empowers, redeems, provides joy in the abyss and transcends all we think we know and understand. Love is our calling as individuals and as a church and is how we serve God deeply and authentically. It has been my privilege to serve and love all of you at Palisades. Engaging God: On a personal level I have engaged God through daily spiritual disciplines of Centering Prayer and keeping a dream journal. In addition I meet with my spiritual director, Br. Don Bisson each month. Much of my work preparing for worship, adult education, confirmation class and Bible study provided opportunities for engaging my faith.

During this past Lent I again went on retreat to Linwood Spiritual Center where I explored the mysterious relationship between brokenness, sin and mercy. I also used my study leave to complete my application for board certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains. This was an arduous task of writing 5 essays and presenting 2 clinical cases. I received my provisional certification in October after orally defending my application.

I also engaged God through my experiences of those who came to me for spiritual direction and pastoral care. It is a privilege for me to accompany people during vulnerable times in their lives.

I’ve read again extensively this year on the topics of race relations, palliative care, and spirituality: all have challenged me and helped me to grow in faith.

Some of the highlights: “Witnessing Whiteness” Shelly Tochluk, “Christians and Immigration”, Jim Wallace, “The Conversation” Angelo Volandes, “The Naked Now”, Richard Rohr, “Helping: How to Offer, Give and Receive Help”, Edgar Schein “Christmas: 12 Stories and Feasts for 12 Days” Jeanette Winterson.

In an effort to earn hours for chaplain full certification, in my spare time I am working as a spiritual care counselor at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence. It is a challenging and sacred place to engage God.

On a personal level, I have focused on my own health to prayfully get into physical shape. I have been working with a nutritionist and personal trainer.

Engaging the Congregation:

I have striven to engage the congregation through leading worship, participating in weekly bible study, confirmation class, pastoral calls, fellowship activities, home, nursing home and hospital visits and conversations in my office and at coffee hour and church planning and governing meetings. Worship Leadership:

Each week I plan the liturgy for Sunday, lead worship and preach the sermon. I strive to be intentional about relating the scripture passages to what is happening in the congregation as well as the world. Bible Study

This year we again engaged the works of the late Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. In the fall we began a survey of the Hebrew Scripture and the Christian Scriptures using the Covenant Bible Curriculum. The idea of covenant relationship with God and others is the theme throughout. Pastoral Activity:

I’ve made numerous pastoral calls this month in the office, at people’s homes, over a shared meal and over the phone. This year I led many memorial services including the celebration of the lives of our beloved Arnold Finck, Carol McGann. I presided at weddings and baptisms, including the baptism of Parker David De la torre and Henry David Angeloro and welcomed two new members, Ernie De la torre and Kris Haberman to Palisades Church. I have also visited people in the hospital and nursing homes. Meetings:

I’ve moderated Session and attended the Deacon’s meeting and moderated the congregational and the annual meetings. I’ve met with the worship, personnel, mission, Sunday school, nominating, operations and stewardship committees.

I also met with the Manse Fund Advisory Group consisting of William Menke, Eric Moser, Lori Hylton and Nick Ludington. The group is monitoring our investments and allocation of the money from the sale of the manse. Fellowship:

The time I spent this year with the congregation was and continues to be a gift. I have engaged the congregation during coffee hour every week and during the many fellowship opportunities throughout the year such as the welcome back picnic held again this year at Marjorie Douglas’ home, stewardship Agape Lunch, spring/fall cleanup, hanging of the greens, family movie nights, spaghetti dinners, pool parties, the annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and the Strawberry Festival. This year’s Advent Potluck and wreath making once again marked the beginning of Advent with great food, conversation and carol singing!

This fall we began Parent Support Group for any parents, guardians, in the church or the community who wish to have support and community in raising their children. Emails and Facebook:

I have been intentional this year about social networking at the church and communicate with the congregation through our Facebook page and church-wide emails. Adult Education

This past year and during Lent I led sermon talk-backs based on the preaching series: “Grounded” based on Diana Butler Bass’ book.

Sunday School:

In the fall we continued with the curriculum, Whole People of God. Faith Alexandre was once again our volunteer Sunday School coordinator. Many thanks to her for the fine work she has been doing with our Sunday School this year!!!

This year the session adopted a “Child Safety Policy” in compliance with the mandate of the Presbytery of Hudson Rive. All teachers of our children and some of our ruling elders have completed a course offered by the organization, Darkness to Light that helps to keep our child safe from physical and sexual abuse.

The Christmas pageant was once again a great success. The gifts of our children are truly a gift to us. I am grateful for our dedicated teachers and parents who help to nurture their children in the teachings of Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures. I began teaching a confirmation class this year. We have four students who are learning about our faith and denomination. Mission It was my privilege to participate in the summer Breakfast Run into NYC where we served a hot meal to our sisters and brothers who live on the streets. Thanks to Roger Buck and all on the mission committee for planning this important outreach. Lori Hylton led a screening of the film: “Locked in a Box” which reported the abuses in our deportation centers. Presbytery

My work at the presbytery helps me to engage the congregation by bringing new ideas I have learned there and by staying connected with the greater denomination. My work as co-chair of the Emerging Ministry Team of the presbytery and my work with the Nyack Project have concluded at the end of the year. I have regularly attended presbytery meetings throughout the year.

Engaging the Community: As pastor engaging the community is a vital part of my ministry. I attended most of the CST performances this year and was thrilled to see many of our Sunday School children in the cast.

This year I preached at The Good Friday ecumenical worship service at The Piermont Reformed Church and preached at the joint Maundy Thursday worship at St. Charles AME Zion church. I meet at quarterly with community clergy.

I also attended the Palisades Memorial Day Parade and I continue to spend time at The Market engaging with the people of community I meet there at this community oasis.

I was one of the preachers at the ecumenical service help in solidarity with the victims of the Orlando massacre at St. John’s Church in Piermont. I gave the invocation at this year’s 911 Memorial Service in Orangetown. I also participated with members of the church in the Walk for United Hospice of Rockland.

It certainly has been a busy year but one full of blessings and growth for me and for the congregation. May we continue in ministry, sustained by the presence of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit in all the coming years!

Palisades Presbyterian Church Annual Report of the Clerk 2016

Active Membership as of December 31, 2015 92 Gains for 2016 2 Affirmation of Faith (2) Losses for 2016 4 Death (3) Deleted by session (1) Active Membership as of December 31, 2016 90 Gains: Ernest DeLaTorre, Kris Haberman Losses: Death: W. Arnold Finck, Johanna Hause Lo, Carol McGann Moore Deleted by session: Janice VanBuskirk Baptisms: Callie Jean Barba, Henry Calvin Angeloro, Parker DeLaTorre __________________________________________________________ At the June 14, 2016 session meeting, a Safety Policy for Children and Youth was adopted as per the Book of Order. Copies are available for anyone who is interested. Highlights include: definitions of abuse and maltreatment; details on how to receive and report suspicion of child abuse, sexual abuse or maltreatment; policies for church run programs and guidelines for supervision of children during church activities.

Treasurer’s End Of 2016 Report

by William Menke, January 15, 2017

2016

We ended 2016 in a better financial situation than we expected, with a small

“corrected” Main Budget surplus of $576.71 (the actual surplus is $5,742.99, but I

have corrected it downward due to year-to-year carry-overs). This small surplus

reflects efforts on the part of the Session and staff to hold expenses down, and

efforts on the part of our friends and members to support us through their gifts,

pledges, building use, etc. Please refer to the “2016 Budget” and “2016 Actual”

columns of the attached “Main Budget Detail Sheet” for details.

On behalf of our Church, I thank everyone who contributed.

Some of our expenses are unbudgeted (I call them “Passthrus”). They fall into two

broad categories, capital improvement and special mission gifts. Capital

improvements are funded by drawing down one or more of our Funds (such as

the Memorial Fund) and special mission gifts are funded through specific appeals.

This year, we had two major capital improvements, the repair of the stained glass

windows and the repair of the roof, which in aggregate cost $31,349.00. We also

made several special mission gifts, including One Great Hour of Sharing, Youth for

Seniors, Presbyterian Disaster Relief, Cents-Ability and United Hospice, which in

aggregate raised $4,202.80. The special mission gifts augment our regularly-

budgeted gifts to bring our total Mission/Inclusion giving to about $11,900. We

can be proud that we have been able to both keep our building in repair and to

make gifts to mission. The complete list of this year’s Passthrus is in the

“Passthrus Breakdown” section of the “End-Of-Year 2016 Financial Report”.

One behalf of the Church, I thank everyone who contributed to the Funds which

supported our capital improvements and to our special mission appeals.

Our church has a portfolio of financial assets, which include cash, stocks and

bonds. In aggregate, they total $852,647.79. This year our assets grew by

$11,943.59 (about 1.4%), even though we spent substantial funds on capital

improvements. The growth reflects generally-strong US financial markets. The full

list assets are in the “Assets” section of the “End-Of-Year 2016 Financial Report”.

Much of our assets underwrite our Funds, each of which represents a promise to

ourselves to set a specific amount of money aside for special purposes. Examples

include the Manse Fund (used exclusively for pastoral housing), the Organ Fund

(used for major organ repairs), etc. In aggregate, these funds constitute liabilities

against which our assets must be compared. A full list of our funds and their

balances are in the “Liabilities” section of the “End-Of-Year 2016 Financial

Report”.

The difference between our assets and our liabilities is our unrestricted assets;

that is, funds not committed to special purposes. Our unrestricted assets are

currently 133,830.36, roughly unchanged since the beginning of the year. This

amount represents about ten months of our normal expenses; that is, were all

income to cease (an unlikely scenario), we could pay our bills for a little less than

a year.

2017

The outlook for 2017, while not terrible, is not as good as 2016. The budget

which I helped draft and which the Session has approved predicts a “Main

Budget” deficit of $16,700.16. It is shown in the “2017 Budget” column of the

attached “Main Budget Detail Sheet”. The budget shortfall is caused by three

factors: (1) modest (“inflationary”) growth in all our expenses combined; (2) a

small predicted decline in our income; and (3) our decision to budget more

money for capital expenses (rather than to draw down the Memorial Fund as we

did last year).

Those of you who saw my Minute-for-Stewardship presentation in November (the

one with the pie charts) will recognize this deficit as the extra pie-slice. It is not so

much a problem for this year, but it will become a big problem if it continues from

year-to-year. At this rate, our unrestricted assets will be depleted in 8 years.

End-Of-Year 2016 Financial Report

01/15/2017 by Bill Menke

12/31/2016 12/31/2016 Increase Notes

Assets

Checking/Main 165,692.72 146,623.13 -19,069.59

Checking/PCF 784.01 659.01 -125.00

Vanguard/VFIAX 398,567.16 423,615.99 25,048.83

Vanguard/VICAX 198,882.31 205,471.66 6,589.35

NewCovenant 66,644.30 70,185.05 3,540.75 on 01/15/17

OikoCredit 10,133.70 9,633.70 -500.00 500 return on investment

Total 840,704.20 852,647.79 11,943.59

Liabilities

Manse Fund 597,449.47 629,087.65 31,638.18 whatever's in Vanguard

PC Fund 784.01 659.01 -125.00 whatever's in Checking/PCF

Capital Fund 50.00 50.00 0.00

Deacons Fund 840.00 840.00 0.00

Memorial Fund 105,475.96 85,546.83 -19,929.13

Organ Fund 2,633.94 2,633.94 0.00

Total 707,233.38 718,817.43 11,584.05

Unrestricted Assetts 133,470.82 133,830.36 359.54

Checking/Main Breakdown Income Exp Net Corrected for carryovers

Operations 162,438.56 -156,695.67 5,742.89 576.71

PassThroughs 10,948.24 -35,760.72 -24,812.48 -24,812.48

Total 173,386.80 -192,456.39 -19,069.59

Passthrus Breakdown Income Exp Net

Memorial/StainedGlass 3,850.30 -16,599.00 -12,748.70

Memorial/Roof 0.00 -14,750.00 -14,750.00

Memorial/Other 3,195.00 0.00 3,195.00

OGHS 2,782.80 -3,107.80 -325.00

Lillies/Income 230.00 -304.92 -74.92

CentsAbility/Expenses 205.14 0.00 205.14 (Note: will send in 2017)

YouthForSeniors 450.00 -450.00 0.00

PresbyterianDisaster 100.00 -100.00 0.00

Pointsettias 135.00 -134.00 1.00

UnitedHospice 350.00 -315.00 35.00

Total 10,948.24 -35,760.72 -24,812.48

Main Budget Detail Sheet, by William Menke, January 15, 2017

BudgetSessionApprovedDec2016 2015 Budget 2015 Actual 2016 Budget 2016 Actual 2017 Budget

Income

Building Use 13,500.00 10,750.00 10,750.00 10,980.90 10,750.00

Manse Fund 21,000.00 0.00 21,000.00 25,429.80 21,000.00 See adjustment, below

Pancake Breakfast 399.96 425.00 500.00 656.00 500.00

Plate 6,000.00 7,581.90 7,500.00 7,080.57 6,000.00

Pledges 108,000.00 112,159.80 108,000.00 108,926.10 108,000.00

Unrestricted Gifts 9,200.04 10,080.00 10,000.00 7,268.12 8,000.00

Strawberry Festival 1,750.00 1,609.00 1,600.00 1,374.00 1,600.00

Other 200.04 199.73 0.00 723.07 0.00

Total Income 160,050.04 142,805.43 159,350.00 162,438.56 155,850.00

Expenses

Salaries & Related

Pastor Salary + offset 61,887.48 62,158.28 63,279.91 63,395.99 64,861.91 2.5% recommended

Pension+Dental 20,536.32 20,121.99 20,985.05 21,017.91 24,117.60 36.5% salary + 443

Life Insurance 201.00 330.60 201.00 351.00 350.00

Study Leave 1,000.00 1,054.05 1,000.00 375.00 1,000.00

Mileage 1,500.00 934.28 1,000.00 856.04 1,500.00

Pulpit Supply 800.00 720.00 900.00 555.00 900.00

Organist Salary 13,856.80 14,275.16 14,176.77 13,440.29 14,531.19 2.5% raise; see adjmnt below

Organist Supply 600.00 0.00 600.00 450.00 600.00

Secretary Salary 9,016.80 8,872.09 9,100.00 7,582.23 7,800.00 15/hr x 10 x 52

Sexton Salary 6,240.00 6,063.92 6,240.00 6,542.75 6,760.00 raise 10/wk to 130/wk

Subtotal 115,638.40 114,530.37 117,482.73 114,566.21 122,420.69

EmpTax Organist SS+Medi 1,060.68 1,100.05 1,084.52 1,261.33 1,111.64 0.0765% of salary

Secretary SS+Medi 689.04 690.62 696.15 773.79 596.70 0.0765% of salary

Sexton SS+Medi 0.00 241.20 477.36 526.49 517.14 0.0765% of salary

NYS Unemployment 400.00 455.96 800.00 672.55 700.00 based on salaries

Hartfort (WorkersComp) 900.00 980.00 900.00 1,120.00 1,120.00 based on salaries

Standard Security (D&D) 150.00 60.00 129.50 129.60 130.00

Subtotal 3,199.72 3,527.83 4,087.53 4,483.76 4,175.48

Office

Variable Supplies&Services 1,750.00 904.04 1,100.00 1,580.21 1,200.00

Regular Chase/Safe Deposit 250.00 325.00 325.00 325.00 325.00

Chase/Bank Fees 300.00 521.02 780.00 771.31 700.00

USPS (Box) 140.00 72.00 144.00 138.00 138.00

USPS (postage) 300.00 347.25 400.00 282.07 400.00

Verizon 2,100.00 2,281.89 2,085.00 2,107.20 2,085.00

Subtotal 4,840.00 4,451.20 4,834.00 5,203.79 4,848.00

Building-Related Supplies & Services

Capital 6,000.00 2,900.00 2,000.00 0.00 5,000.00

Variable Maintenance 4,000.00 5,417.71 2,000.00 907.36 2,000.00

Regular Ehrlich (exterminators) 0.00 0.00 624.00 1,022.63 1,000.00 baiting + inspection

Florest / Christmas 0.00 0.00 400.00 500.00 400.00

Insurance Board 9,281.00 11,438.00 7,363.00 6,913.25 7,363.00

Orange & Rockland 9,500.00 10,916.80 12,240.00 5,624.83 7,000.00

Receiver of Taxes 800.00 798.01 745.00 648.64 745.00

Safenet Security 0.00 0.00 390.00 787.50 800.00

S. Deluca Sanitation 0.00 0.00 900.00 900.00 900.00

United Water 300.00 369.78 480.00 344.48 400.00

Manse 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Subtotal 29,881.00 31,840.30 27,142.00 17,648.69 25,608.00

Programs

Youth Education 2,500.00 523.89 1,000.00 245.62 1,000.00

Deacons 1,000.00 880.46 1,000.00 1,278.09 1,200.00

Music and Musicians 750.00 420.70 500.00 472.26 500.00

Tuning & Organ Repair 1,800.00 750.00 1,200.00 1,205.00 1,200.00

Other Programs 500.00 374.15 500.00 277.59 500.00

Strawberry Festival 500.00 592.47 500.00 548.78 500.00

Subtotal 7,050.00 3,541.67 4,700.00 4,027.34 4,900.00

Mission General (Quarterly) 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00

Local (+ inclusion, garden) 3,200.00 3,128.00 3,200.00 3,084.28 3,200.00

Per Capita (annual) 2,976.00 2,976.00 3,191.00 3,181.50 2,898.00 31.50 * 92 members

Subtotal 10,676.00 10,604.00 10,891.00 10,765.78 10,598.00

Total Expenses 171,285.12 168,495.37 169,137.26 156,695.57 172,550.16

Income minus Expenses -11,235.08 -25,689.94 -9,787.26 5,742.99 -16,700.16

Adjustment for 2016 Organist Salary paid in 2017 -736.48

Adjustment for 2017 Manse Fund received in 2016 -4,429.80

Adjusted Income minus Expenses -11,235.08 -25,689.94 -9,787.26 576.71 -16,700.16

2016 Stewardship Committee Annual Report

The Stewardship Committee: Angela Maddalone, Lois Collura, Richard Hansen, William Menke, Stephen Van Dyk, Nina Von Eckardt, chair The Stewardship Committee met back in April 2016, and then again in September to discuss and plan the 2016 Stewardship Campaign. We agreed Nina, Bill Menke and Carol Knudson would each give a brief talk during worship, on successive Sundays, about why they pledge to the church. The committee discussed various ideas for the Fall Stewardship drive, and set dates and deadlines. Nina wrote the Pledge letter, which she sent out October 24th. Cass Ludington wrote The Christmas Community Appeal letter, which Nina sent out on December 10th. The Committee decided to repeat the Agape Love Feast Breakfast Service to say "thank you" to the Congregation for their many gifts of time and talent, as well as their monetary pledges, and for all the other work they do to make our church the loving, caring, sharing family that people say they experience when they come through our doors. For the Agape service, the congregation was not asked to bring food and drink. Once again this year, Angela and the officers of the church (Elders, Deacons, Stewardship and Worship committee members) worked tirelessly together to create a special occasion of Prayer and Thanks, Fellowship and love. The week of October 24-29 Nina worked on making cut-out paper Fall leaves with blessings of bible verses and sayings pasted on the back. Friday October 28th Nina hung 100 leaves on the beautiful "tree" that Bill Menke had brought to church the week before. Sunday October 30 : Nina gave the first Minute for Stewardship and told everyone about the "Blessing Tree". Sunday November 6: Bill Menke spoke about the Pledges, and the church budget, with illustrated charts and visual aids Sunday November 13: Carol Knudson gave a wonderful talk about pledging.

Saturday evening, November 19th, Bob and Beatrice Rassmussen, John Guzewitch, Marjorie Douglas and Michael Shapiro were there to help Nina set up the tables. Early Sunday morning, the Deacons, members of Session, and Stewardship and Worship committees, and Johanna Albin, all worked very hard to set up and be ready to serve a delicious Brunch. The Agape Love Feast Brunch took place Sunday November 20 just before Thanksgiving, in the Parish House at 10 am. There was a sign on the church door letting anyone who might drop by the church that morning, know that a Special Service-Brunch was being held in the Parish House and that all were Welcome. We had a number of people attend who do not come regularly, and a few visiting family members were also there, for a grand total of 53. Michael played a Mozart Sonata on the piano that had been moved into the room. The acoustics of the Parish House are wonderful. We were able to begin the service around 10:10 once everyone was seated. We had a brief service of hymns and prayers and readings before we began the meal. As we had hoped, a number of families attended with their children. The room was filled with sunlight. It was a lovely Service and brunch for which we are all deeply grateful.... Cass Ludington wrote a wonderful Community Christmas letter, emphasizing all the ways the church serves our neighboring community and especially all the wonderful ways in which the our children participate. So far this year the response to Cass' Christmas letter has been 21 GIFTS (out of a possible 105), in the amount of $3,475. The 2016 Community Stained Glass Window Appeal brought in a total of $9,125..... Which allowed us to repair and preserve all our stained glass windows over the summer! Stephen Van Dyk has been talking to the Willets Studios about the possibility of their coming to a special Coffee Hour Reception someSunday next Spring, to talk to people about the windows.....we would have a special coffee hour reception with mimosas to thank the community for their wonderful response to our Stained Glass Fund Raisig drive.

TO DATE the result of the 2016 Pledge Campaign is 32 pledges (out of a possible 65) in the amount of $102,708.00. Our budget goal is $108, 000.00 I would like to thank ALL the people who gave so generously of their time and their talents to make this year such a wonderful success: All the Members of the Stewardship and Worship Committees, the Deacons especially who added their culinary talents to the Brunch and the Session who willingly joined in the Agape Thanksgiving Love Feast....and the entire Congregation who showed up to take part. Bless you ALL.... May 2017 be a Happy Year filled with many blessings! nina chair, stewardship committee

PALISADES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MISSION COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT for 2016 The Mission Committee was comprised of Mercy Garland, Lori Hylton, Cass Luddington, Angela Maddalone and Roger Buck. Report prepared by Roger Buck Mercy Garland did a wonderful job raising awareness of the ‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ effort by presenting ‘Minutes for Mission’ on 4 consecutive Sundays in February and March. Lori Hylton and Roger Buck represented our church at the rally and march by the Coalition of Imokalee Workers (CIW) in NYC on March 3rd and Mercy described that group in a Minute for Mission on March 13th. A boycott of Wendy’s, the only large scale fast food chain that does not support the fair food platform of CIW, was announced at that rally and we encourage people to join that boycott. We continue to have contact with the “Rehabilitation Through Arts” (RTA) organization that supports arts related activities in prisons. A ‘friendraiser’ for RTA was held on the evening of June 2nd at the Buck/Quayle home in Nyack to which Church members were welcome. A group of ~20 people from the church went on a Breakfast Run to NYC on July 9th organized by Lori Hylton. The Sunday school restarted the “Centsability” program. Since few people were engaged in caring for the garden we may not restart it next summer. Turkeys for Thanksgiving were collected and distributed during November. Cass Luddington led a “Christmas Cards for Prisoners’ writing session after church on December 18th. We delivered a particularly large number of presents to Howie in Harlem on Christmas Eve. Spending of the $3200 local mission budget (total spent was $ 3,084.38):

1. Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center 300.00 2. People to People 300.00 3. Rural and Migrant Ministry, Inc. 300.00 4. Midnight Run 300.00 5. Nyack Center 300.00

6. Presbytery Prison Partnership 300.00 7. Hunger Program of Hudson River Presbytery 300.00 8. Planned Parenthood 300.00 9. Stony Point Immigrant Detention 300.00 10. Presbyterian Welcome/Parity 200.00 11. Garden supplies 184.38

OPERATIONS REPORT

2016

Committee Members: Rev. Angela Maddalone, Marjorie Douglas, Sue Webb, BoB Rasmussen, Bigelow Green, Fred Griffing, Richard Hansen, John Guzewich, John Cuccia.

Special Guests: Special thanks to Mr. Stephen Van Dyk and Mr. William Pfaff, P.E. for their involvement in the Stain Glass Window and Handicap Accessibility projects.

Mr. Stephen Van Dyk was instrumental in the Stain Glass Window Restoration providing project management and outreach for funding. The project competed in 2016 under Stephen’s leadership.

Mr. William Pfaff, P.E. has been instrumental in developing proposals and receiving estimates for the Handicap Accessibility project Bill continues to provide his professional expertise in moving the project forward.

Operations Meetings: Held monthly as needed.

Landscaping:

Richard Rasmussen continues to donate the upkeep of our grounds performing landscape and plowing services all year round.

Handicap Accessibility Project:

2016 Operations Committee meetings began with a presentation from Church Member William Pfaff, who updated the Operations Committee on the Handicap Accessibility Project. A 3-D model of the proposal was presented, reviewed, and with input from the Operations Committee, modified.

Sessions had approved Operations to move forward with having a bid package developed, and advertised. Operations will work with Bill Pfaff in 2017 to formalize a bid package and make recommendations to Session for their consideration.

Stain Glass Window Project:

Willet-Hauser, creator of the Helene Stansbury memorial window in the sanctuary, was contracted to clean, repair, and install protective coverings for 18 church windows at a cost of $16,599.00. The project was completed onsite in a period of two weeks beginning on July 13th. New protective plastic covers with metal frames were installed on the exterior of each window, existing millwork frames were repaired and painted, broken glass was replaced, windows that had some buckling were re-leaded and braced as needed, all windows were cleaned, additional metal supports that hold the windows open were installed or repaired,

and all narthex and sanctuary windows were repaired or adjusted so that they can now be opened. The project was supported with $5,070.00 (funds raised for the 150th anniversary); $9,125.00 (end of year appeal letter) and $2,404.00 (the memorial fund). Thanks to those involved in the annual appeal letter and the Operations Committee especially Kim Wekerle, Bob Rasmussen, and Bill Pfaff for their support and help with this project. A reception to thank donors and to celebrate the stained renovation (as reported in the Stewardship report) is planned for this spring. –Submitted by Stephen Van Dyk.

Roof Project:

The cedar roof on the Parish House-North was completed during the summer costing $14,750.

Building Use: Bob Rasmussen continues to coordinate Building Use with requestors and works closely with the Church Office to update Session and Church calendar.

Respectfully submitted: John Cuccia, Chair.

Committee Members;

Rev. Angela Maddalone, Marjorie Douglas, Sue Webb, Bigelow Green, Fred Griffing, John Guzewich, Richard Hansen, Bob Rasmussen, and John Cuccia

2016 Personnel Committee Annual Report

The Personnel Committee: Angela Maddalone, Susan Orlando, Ann McGill, John Guzewich and Lori Hylton (chair) The Personnel Committee held its first meeting of the year on May 21st to review the work of the previous year and discuss some plans for the coming year. At that meeting we also agreed to assign a liaison from the committee to each staff person so that staff members would have a direct line of communication to the personnel committee if there were any questions or concerns that needed to be addressed. The assignments are as follows: Lori Hylton - Pastor Ann McGill - Office Assistant John Guzewich - Sexton Susan Orlando - Music Director

Search for New Administrative Assistant

In late August the personnel committee was informed that Jackie , the church’s Administrative Assistant would be leaving for another position. On Saturday, September 10th the personnel committee met to review and update the position description. The description was update and sent round for final edits before being posted on the churches website and in Hudson Happenings, the presbytery’s e-newsletter. A separate email account was established to receive the applications and resumes.

We received two resumes from applicants that came to us via recommendation from members of the congregation. Last week members of the committee met with the two applicants Both applicants are very capable and could be successful in the position. We held interviews with each candidate and at least two members of the personnel committee before making our selection. The position was then offered to the candidate pending a background check.

Annual Personnel Reviews

On September 10th the committee also discussed updates to the annual review process. The Personnel Committee completed the evaluation process for 2016 in early November. The surveys went out to the congregation in October via Survey Monkey with email announcements and hard copies were made available to the congregation in the parish house.

There were several announcements in church during worship and it was listed in the bulletin. In total we received 13 online responses and 2 paper surveys for a total of 15. The responses to the surveys were overwhelmingly positive for all staff.

On November 4th members of the Committee met with both Angela and Michael to review the feedback that was received from the surveys as well as, to hear any concerns that they might have. John Guzewich then met with our Sexton , Emelina Zayas.

After reviewing the summaries and the committee met on November 18th and to settle its recommendations to session regarding compensation for all staff. The personnel committee made a 2.25% increase in salary for the pastor, music director and sexton.

Worship Committee 2016 Annual Report

The worship life of our congregation is its heart, and from it springs our sense of family, our caring, our prayer and our reaching out to the rest of the world. It is here, in this beautiful sanctuary, that we listen for ancient wisdom, that we hear beautiful music, that we try to ascertain the will of God working in and through us, and that we make known to one another our needs, our joys and our concerns. It is through worship that we join together, that we mourn, that we learn to love one another. It is the job of the worship committee, whose current members are Cass Ludington, Sue Orlando, Jennifer Shapiro, Henry Shaw, Stephen Van Dyk, Nina Von Eckardt, Kim Wekerle and of course, Rev. Maddalone, to plan worship services, to examine services which have already taken place, to try to listen to concerns of attendees relevant to the form and content of services, to plan for adult education opportunities, to plan special artistic events, such as concerts and art exhibitions, and in general, to oversee the worship life of our congregation. We try to meet at least four times a year, more often if special concerns or events are to be dealt with. 2016 was a particularly rich year in the life of our church. In addition to our beautiful Easter Sunrise Service at the home of Nick and Cass Ludington, our lovely Easter Morning Service in the sanctuary, bedecked with lilies, our hugely successful Christmas Eve Services, both with capacity crowds, and each graced by an unforgettable performance of The Cantique de Noel by tenor David Sanders, there were numerous regular Sunday services where our choir performed demanding choral music with a level of professionalism seldom heard from a volunteer group of so few members. These wonderful people work hard every week, and the results are very gratifying to me as music director. I thank them all with all my heart. One very special service deserves mention, and that is the Agape. Rooted in ancient practice by early Christians, it is essentially a meal centered around the teachings of Jesus, where food is shared and an atmosphere of love prevails. Thanks to the work of many among the leaders of our congregation, and under the leadership and guidance of Nina Von Eckardt, more than 55 people worshiped and enjoyed a delicious breakfast, while seated at a huge table in the parish house. We sang and prayed and gave thanks. It was a truly beautiful experience. Our pastor stimulates our minds and hearts each week with her sermons and meditations, her beautiful prayers and her wonderful sense of humor. During her vacation Sundays and study leave this year, our pulpit was filled by The Rev. Bill Saum, Parish Associate, Henry Shaw, Ruling Elder Nina Von Eckardt, Ruling Elder Rob Trawick, and The Rev. Abbie Huff. Respectfully submitted, Michael Joseph Shapiro, Chairman.

Board of Deacons - Palisades Presbyterian Church

Annual Report for 2016

The Board of Deacons during 2016 was composed of 8 members as follows: Berenice Albright, Margaret

Allen, Joanne Conde, John Guzewich, Jim Rubenstone, Suzanne Shaw, Denise Cae Tilberis, and Stephen

Van Dyk. Denise Cae Tilberis served as Moderator; and Berenice Albright as Secretary.

As part of their ministry of service, the Deacons' primary activities included preparing Coffee Hour after

Services each Sunday, maintaining the Church kitchen including cleanup and purchase of supplies,

distributing flowers at Christmas and Easter, organizing rides to Church for those in need, organizing the

prayer chain, and providing food, as needed, to homebound members of the congregation. The

Deacons also wrote to those mentioned during Joys and Concerns in the Sunday Service, and to others

who may be in need of comfort. In addition, the Deacons organized and ran the annual Strawberry

Festival, served the Agape Meal, and assisted at 4 memorial services this year.

As always, Coffee Hour continued to be an enjoyable and rewarding time for fellowship each Sunday

after the service. During 2016, efforts continued to minimize the use of disposable cups, plates, and

utensils, and to provide a variety of tasty and healthy foods. We continue to use Fair Trade coffee, in

the interest of promoting environmental and economic justice. Members of the congregation also

continued to contribute snacks and treats to Coffee Hour, a practice much appreciated and welcomed

by the Deacons. As requested by members of the congregation, rice crackers have been added as a

gluten-free alternative for Communion.

Lilies were distributed at Easter, and poinsettias at Christmas, to more than 14 members and friends at

each holiday. Rides were provided to members as needed. Stephen Van Dyk was the primary provider

of Joys and Concerns notes during the year , averaging two to three notes a week. His efforts are greatly

appreciated and repeatedly acknowledged by recipients throughout the year.

The annual Strawberry Festival was held on Saturday, June 11. The event was very well attended, and

provided great fellowship for the congregation and community; as well as raising funds for the Church.

The continued success of the Strawberry Festival tradition comes directly from the endless enthusiam

and hard work by the Deacons and the many volunteers from the Church family.

The Deacons worked with Nina and Angela to provide food, set up and cleanup for the Agape service

in November. The service was well attended, and an unexpected source of community outreach.

The Deacons also assisted at the receptions following the memorial services for: Carol McAnn, Jim

Langston, Herbert Kellog, and Arnold Fink.

Respectfully Submitted,

Denise Cae Tilberis

Moderator, 2016 Board of Deacons

USHERS ANNUAL REPORT 2016

1996 1997 2000 2001 2003 2004 2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

9:00 AM 22 23 15 17 16 1310:00AM 64 60 55 52 **49 50 47 44 43 3911:00AM 79 86 70 67 61 69

ASH WED 26 17 20 18 18 17 16 25 11MAUNDY THURSDAY 80 82 50 66 25 15 *48 *52 *39 19 *57 *65 *50 *34GOOD FRIDAY 65 12 53EAST SUNRISE 30 26 40 30 24 18 18 17 22 20 28 24 22 25EASTER 9:00 AM 38 49 45EASTER 10:00 AM 115 120 118 90 100 90 82 100 80 70EASTER 11:00 AM 160 127 137 135XMAS EVE 5 PM 150 172 98 115 108 112 90 90 130 98 85 104XMAS EVE 6PM 138 90XMAS EVE 11 PM 121 115 95 75 95 77 75 62 50 53 67 85

THE USHERS FOR 2016 THE USHERS FOR 2017 WILL BE1st Sunday James Rubenstone / Richard Hansen James Rubenstone / Mercy Garland2nd Sunday Roger Buck / Robert Rasmussen Roger Buck / Robert Rasmussen3rd Sunday Robert Moore / Marjorie Douglas Robert Moore / Marjorie Douglas4th Sunday Fred Griffing / Ann McKie Fred Griffing / Al Hornstra5th Sunday Stephen Van Dyk / John McKay Stephen Van Dyk / John McKay

* Joint service with AME Zion

Respectfully Submitted:Robert Rasmussen, Coordinator

Proposed 2017 Terms of Call The Reverend Angela Maddalone

Cash Salary $60,252.58 ($35,000 reported as housing allowance) Social Security offset (7.65%) $4,609.32 Pension, Health and dental Benefits $24,118.00 (P&H $23,674.59, Dental $443.400) Life Insurance $201.00 Automobile Expenses (by voucher) $1,500.00 Study Leave (continuing education) $1,000.00 Total $91,680.90 Vacation: 31 days including 5 Sundays Study Leave: 14 days including 2 Sundays Pension and Health benefits is determined by PC (USA) using the following formula: 36.5% of effective salary (24.5% medical, 11% pension, 1% death and disability) 2017 cash salary represents a 2.50% increase salary from 2016 as recommended by session as per recommendation from Personnel Committee 2016 Time off: Study Leave: March 8-13 Lenten retreat at Linwood and work on chaplain certification paperwork June 20-25 work on chaplain certification Vacation: May 20-27, August 22-September 6, December 26-31 Sick Leave: July 13-26