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February 5, 2017 Annual Report 2016 pg. 1

AGENDA First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses The 215th Annual Meeting of the Congregation

February 5, 2017 Meeting called to order with prayer by the Moderator Pastor Cheryl R Peeples 1-2

Adoption of the agenda (additions, corrections) Minutes of the Congregational Annual Meeting, January 24, 2016 Kris Alling 3-4

(Motion to dispense with the reading is in order) Report of the Clerk of the Session Kris Alling 4-5

Annual Statistical Report Reports of the Ministry Teams of Session Support Teams:

Budget and Finance Barbara Melvin 7-11

Review 2016 Presentation of the 2017 Budget 7-11

Investments Report 10

Presentation of the Pastor’s Terms of Call 2017 11

Buildings and Grounds Gregg Hoffmire 11

Personnel Steve Little 11-12

Program Teams:

Christian Education Karla Ferguson 12

Music and Worship Marion Maciel 13

Music Director Alice Ploss 13-14

Outreach Teams:

Caring and Benevolence Virginia Miller 14-16

Congregational Life Peter DeCloux 16-17

Historian’s Report Virginia Miller 17

Reports from Church Organizations

Breakfast Club Peter DeCloux 18

Mission Knitters Pam Postle 18-19

Tent Master Jerry Kraus 19

Ulysses Presbyterian Women (UPW) Maureen Shallish, Judy Riley 19-20


Report of the Nominating Ministry Team Marion Maciel, Chair Retiring Class of 2017 Peter DeCloux, Amy Haefner, Marion Maciel Class of 2018 Gregg Hoffmire, Stephen Little, Ginny Miller Class of 2019 Larry Beckwith, Karla Ferguson, Barbara Melvin

Election of Elders for Session The Nominating Committee would like to offer the following

slate of candidates to be the Session Class of 2020. To serve for a 3 year term we place in nomination Marion Maciel, Elspeth Peterson, and Pam Postle.

Nominating Ministry Team from the Congregation (we need 3 congregants to join 2

session members: Ginny Miller, Chair and one other session member) 1)

2)

3)

Pastor’s Report Cheryl R. Peeples 20-21 Celebrations and Appreciations: Motion to Adjourn Prayer and Benediction

Active Member List may be found at the end of this report.

2016 Baptisms

2016 New Members


First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses

Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes January 24, 2016

The meeting of the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses Congregation was called to order in the Chapel with

prayer by moderator, Pastor Cheryl R. Peeples at 11:06 am following the regular church services on January 24,

2016. Notice of this annual meeting had been in the church bulletin, Family News emails, and announced in

worship for the past three weeks.

Approximately 37 congregants attended the meeting. There was a quorum present and Kristin Alling, Clerk of

Session, acted as Secretary. Each attendee was given printed copies of the various Ministry Team reports and

they can also be found on the Web site. The agenda was adopted by a motion from Gary Buchner which was

seconded and passed.

Motion was made by Ginny Miller to accept the minutes of the Annual Meeting, January 24, 2015. The motion

was seconded and passed.

Report of the Clerk of Session showed total membership of 117; this reflects 4 new members by reaffirmation

of faith, 4 members were transferred to other participant status, 1 member transferred to other churches, and 1

member died. Consensus was to accept the report of the clerk.

It was pointed out that the attendance numbers had remained pretty much the same despite the change in total

membership and the contact via web and email were very encouraging.

Various Ministry teams responded to questions about their annual reports and offered thanks for the participation of the congregations in all areas.

Barbara Melvin, Acting Finance Chairman presented the new budget as well as the year in reviews and the

investments. Nancy Tubbs had filled this position for most of the year but is currently on the West Coast. The

2015 investments report showed a total $696,464.

2015 year and the 2016 budget were reviewed. It is noted that the budget is approved by Session vote and

presented here for information only. Happily we stayed within the 2015 budget and planned to do so in 2016.

Motion by Ginny Miller for Terms of Call for the Rev. Cheryl Reaves Peeples for the 2016 year

Effective salary Reimbursable expenses (by voucher) Cash Salary $ 22,713 Automobile expense (IRS rate) $ 1,750 Fair rent value $________ Business/professional expenses $______ Housing Allowance $ 30,686 SECA Supplement (up to 50%) $______ Utilities Allowance $________ Continuing Education $ 2,250 Deferred Compensation $________ Other allowances $______ Other allowances $________ Total $ 53,399

Full medical, pension, disability, and death benefit coverage under the Board of Pensions Vacation Time (Total of 31 days; no more than 4 Sundays)

Study Leave Time (Total of 14 days; no more than 2 Sundays)

This was seconded and passed. A round of applause was given for the hard work in producing this budget and also the devotion of our Treasurer,

Joel DeCloux.


Alice Ploss, Music Director wanted to underline the kudos for all of the musical talent that stepped up and

serenaded us this year. Their talents were very much appreciated.

Election of Elders for Session - The Nominating Committee would like to offer the following

slate of candidates to be the Session Class of 2019. Placed in nomination to serve for a 3 year term were Larry Beckwith, Karla Ferguson, and Barbara Melvin.

There being no more nominations the nominations were closed and a unanimous vote elected the Elders as indicated above.

2016 Nominating Ministry Team from the Congregation It was noted that these three will be

joined by Marion Maciel, Chair and one other elder from Session. Gary Buchner, Pam Postle and Amanda

Riley, were nominated. There being no more nominations the nominations were closed and a unanimous vote elected the Elders as indicated above.

Pastor Cheryl gave words of appreciation to all the members of the congregation and staff that work so

diligently for our Church.

The question of clock repair was answered in that the repair person will be coming as soon as he has a sufficient

number of people to call on in the area.

Motion for adjournment was made in honor of Warren Hickman and the meeting adjourned with prayer at 11:45

a.m. It is noted that the congregation enjoyed cookies and coffee provided by the Session members.

Respectfully submitted:

Kristin T. Alling, Secretary, Clerk of the Session Rev. Cheryl R. Peeples, Moderator

Attendance Figures

2008 2009 2110 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Total Attendance 4,269 4,881 3,911 3,778 3,634 3,524 3,322 3,041 2,892

Average Monthly 356 407 326 315 303 294 277 253 241

Average Weekly 82 94 75 73 70 68 64 58 56

FPCU Web Statistics of People Reached in 2016:

E-News viewed each week plus Prayer and Praise emails = 13,366 viewings

FPCU website: 2849 views from 1190 visitors

Facebook: 143 Likes, reached 45,496 contacts


First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses

New Members – Reaffirmation of Faith (G5.0403, G10.0102) Session Name Announced in Church

2/10/16 Lisa Wible (533) 2/21/16 10/12/16 M. Joan Munich (534) 10/23/16

Baptisms (G5.0201, G10.0400) Baptism Name Parents Date of Birth Place of Birth 1/10/16 Joshua Michael Organ Beth and Michael Organ 8/13/15 CMC Ithaca 6/19/16 Piper Helen Roth Lauren and Justin Roth 4/9/15 Princeton, NJ

Members moved to Other Participants rolls at their request (G1.0404)

Session Name 2/10/16 Kevin Pritts (505) 2/10/16 Alyssa Pritts (489) 12/31/16 Karen Bartishevich (307)

12/31/16 Ben Bartishevich (434)

12/31/16 Tom Roykouff (193)

Burial (member) (G10.0400 B 8)

Evelyn Fritz (421) died on 2/17/2016. She was buried in Stillwater, Pennsylvania.

Warren L. Hickman (97) died on 3/2/2016. He was buried at Chautauqua. Marriages (G10.0400 C 1)

7/9/16 Amanda M. Westbrook & Anthony M. Buchler (non-members) at FPCU 6/3/16 Ashley Hackensen & Branden Crance (non-members) at Methodist Church

Numerical Change in Membership for the Year

Membership as of 12/31/15 117 New Members by Transfer New Members by Confirmation New Members by Reaffirmation of Faith 2 Reinstated Members Total New Members 2 Members Moved from Active to Other Participants 5 Memberships Terminated Death of Members 2 Members Transferred to other churches Total Loss of Members 7

Membership total as of 12/31/16 112


Life at FPCU in 2016


Reports of the Ministry Teams of Session

SUPPORT TEAMS Budget and Finance Barbara Melvin We all continue to give of our time and talents to help our church adapt to changing times. Late this year we formed a “super” finance team—meaning super good planners and twice as many of us—to finish dealing with the annual budget dilemma. It was a congenial group arguing the merits of various changes and Session appreciated their efforts. Involved in finance this year were Joel DeCloux, Gregg Hoffmire, Dave Koehler, Steve Little, Pat Lyons, Barbara Melvin, Virginia Miller, Cheryl Peeples, and Nancy Tubbs. Our 2016 income fell short of expenses by about 5%, and we covered this with some previous year’s funds and by using half of the working capital we hold for temporary cash-flow dips. Fortunately, we also spent less than was approved for operating costs. The attached report of Income and Expenses shows details. Projected Income: We have set a more realistic goal for 2017 congregational giving. We are still using income from our endowment fund and Stone McConahey trust to supplement operating expenses. According to our investment policy, we determine 4% of the market value on Sept 30 and declare it as the maximum available for the next year’s budget. Over time this rate of spending should protect the capital. Our reserves equal about five times the annual budget. The total expenses we propose for 2017 are less than the 2016 budget. We regretfully reduced our denomination mission giving to 80% of the amount requested by Presbytery, and we are unable to provide increases for our paid staff this year except for a new requirement from the Presbytery. We reallocated the pastor’s terms of call to include a required offset toward her “self-employment” tax. In most other areas we proposed spending that reflects 2016 actual spending. The replacement windows in the chapel have saved on energy costs and we were able to find a new insurance policy to provide further savings. We now own a small copier and no longer lease the large copier, eliminating that expense. Pledges appear to be slightly higher for the new year and even the smallest of gifts help. Of course, other kinds of gifts are also important. Many of us donate items—small or large—to make things run more smoothly. And the unseen work of our many elves is as important as dollars to the life of the church. Thank you again to the regular finance team of Hoffmire, Little, and Tubbs who advise me; and to pledge/membership secretary Kris Alling and treasurer Joel DeCloux, for keeping our financial records in order.


Operating Budget Income Budget

2016 Actual 2016

Budget 2017

Pledges and gifts from congregation

106,550 94,307 97,000

Payments for per capita 1,800 2,444 2,620 Rent T C Nursery School 5,250 5,250 5,250 Other use of building 1,200 1,800 1,500 Investments: Endow, Stone, Flickinger 17,000 17,636 17,959 Royalties

Sale of Eggs 1,700 1,990 1,990 Internal: UPW, Breakfast, Tent 4,000 4,050 7,900 Carryover from prior year 2,500 Fundraisers for the public 2,500 2,186 3,000

rounding (1)

Income Totals: 142,500 129,662 137,219

Operating Budget Expense Budget

2016 Actual 2016

Budget 2017

General & Administrative Office Supplies 200 819 200 Financial Management 1,936 2,223 2,000 Postage & Mailing 60 66 60 Copier Lease 2,136 1,880 300 Telephone and internet 988 929 1,000 Dues & subscriptions 220 123 220 Per Capita payment to Presbytery 5,236 5,236 5,850

General & Administrative Totals: 10,776 11,276 9,630

Music & Worship Worship Supplies 750 860 700 Organ/Piano Tuning 1,000 608 1,000 Organist/Director Substitute 500 170 Music Supplies & Copyright 800 653 800

Music & Worship Totals: 3,050 2,121 2,670 Christian Education Totals: 850 107 200 Buildings & Properties Insurance - Property 3,996 3,025 3,229 General Maintenance 1,000 1,930 1,000 Electric & Heat 5,000 2,570 4,000 Water & Sewer 700 460 700

Buildings & Properties Totals: 10,696 7,985 8,929


Caring & Benevolence General Assembly Mission 790 790 694 Presbytery Mission 7,898 7,898 6933 Synod Mission 88 88 77 FPCU Mission 2,500 2,410 2,500

Caring & Benevolence Totals: 11,276 11,186 10,204

Personnel Pastor Continuing Education 2,250 1,724 2,250 Pastor Travel Expenses 1,750 996 1,750 Pastor Salary 22,713 22,713 21,700 Pastor Housing & Utilities 30,686 30,686 29,500 Pastor's SECA 3,917 BOP Insurance & Pension 19,491 19,491 18,688 Pulpit Supply 600 317 600 Custodial Services 5,876 5,027 4,876 Choir Director 13,027 10,798 13,027 Organist

643 with

above

Administrative assistant 4,728 4,105 4,728 Nursery Supervision 950 772 800 Employer FICA/Medicare 1,900 1,847 2,000 FICA Employee withholding 2,671 - Workers Compensation ins 1,250 1,753 1,700

Personnel Totals: 105,221

103,543

105,536

Congregational Life Totals:

50 25 50

Expense Totals: 141,919 136,243 137,219

581 (6,581) -

Year-end operating bal. 12/31/16 9,953 JdC Owe to others (2 cents, OGHS, etc) (5,678)

Working capital, available portion of total 10k 4,275 BBM

FPCU received gifts in memory of Warren Hickman. In memory of Betty and C.W. Peeples, John and Cheryl Peeples donated a system for recording our church services and posting them on line.


Investments 2016 Market value Transactions Market value

12/31/15 12/31/16

Presbyterian Foundation, New Covenant Mutual Funds 1 General Endowment #...18794 $219,116 $220,861

paid to operating budget (5,000) paid to operating budget (6,000)

2 Memorials #...18801 O $415

gifts from 2015 375 3 Forward Fund #...19132 $189,494 $198,968

for steeple clock repair (1,575)

4 Music Ministry #...21735 $4,016 $5,248

returned from checking acct 892

5 Tent Fund #...28597 $65,934 $70,589

2015 set-up fees 700 Total of all New Covenant funds $478,560 $496,081 Flickinger Fund pays church $300 per year -300 Stone McConahey Trust $217,904 220,986

to operating budget Q1 (3,062) to operating budget Q2 (1,128) to operating budget Q3 (1,151)

to operating budget Q4 (1,286) Total

all funds which benefit the church $696,464 net (17,535) $717,067

Notes: 1. Our New Covenant mutual funds are "balanced growth," 40% fixed, 60% equities.

2. The Stone trust is invested 57% fixed income, 43% equities and cash.

3. Dividends and change in market value are not detailed here.

BB Melvin, Investment Steward


Terms of Call for the Rev. Cheryl Reaves Peeples for the 2017 year

Effective salary Reimbursable expenses (by voucher) Cash Salary $ 21,700 Automobile expense (IRS rate) $ 1,750 Fair rent value $________ Business/professional expenses $______ Housing Allowance $ 29,500 SECA Supplement (7.65%) $ 3,917 Utilities Allowance $ included Continuing Education $ 2,250 Deferred Compensation $________ Other allowances $______ Other allowances $________ Total $ 51,200 Full medical, pension, disability, and death benefit coverage under Board of Pensions (36.5%) Vacation Time (Total of 31 days; no more than 4 Sundays) Study Leave Time (Total of 14 days; no more than 2 Sundays)

Effective salary is $51,200 Pension is $18,688 Vote on the Pastor’s Terms of Call

Buildings and Properties Gregg Hoffmire, Chair

2016 was a relatively quiet year for your Building and Grounds Ministry Team. Little by little we are switching over to low energy lighting to reduce our energy usage. We are installing LED security lighting on the rear of the buildings. We have spent a great amount of time investigating what it will take to repair the weathervane in 2017. A huge thank you as always goes to

Jim Mason and Larry Postle for such great lawn care.

Neil and Maureen Shallish and all the other snow shovelers

Everyone who tends the flower pots and beds all year long.

Larry Beckwith and John Peeples for their tender loving care of our sound system.

The list goes on and on ----- THANKS TO ALL

Personnel Steve Little, Chair What is the Personnel Ministry?

“We are nothing without our people.” While this might not be literally true, many of our congregational functions cannot happen without staff. This is true of our church, the Presbytery and the PCUSA. Our people make things happen. Some are employees, some are contractors. All are God’s tools. The Personnel Ministry’s goal is to use his tools in the correct way.


Our compensated staff includes: Our Pastor- Cheryl Peeples Church Administrative Assistant- Kristin Parry Music Director- Alice Ploss Shared Organist- Sandra Wayman Nursery Caretaker- Vicki Whittaker Together, they represent the most significant portion of our annual budget. Did you know… That our minister is a self-employed contractor for tax purposes? The tax laws regarding clergy are different from other self-employed persons. The lines between an employee and a contractor for clergy are confusing. Recent changes in the compensation expectations from PC(USA) and the Presbytery have us contributing part of Cheryl’s Self Employed Compensation Act (SECA, the self-employed equivalent to Social Security) amount. The changes in the SECA compensation have created a need to alter her 2017 terms of call, with future obligations to meet the Presbytery’s minimum compensation expectations. Upcoming personnel concerns… Sandra’s arrangement started as an informal trial “sublet” (for lack of a better word) of the organist’s responsibilities, as requested by Alice. Session agreed to this trial period with no defined end date. Even though there no hiring letter issued, Joel DeCloux has been making payroll deductions just as she would for any temporary, part time, non-benefits eligible position. Session will be addressing formalization of the position. Joel DeCloux is our volunteer treasurer. This is a tough and often thank-less job. It has tasks that must be done every week, no matter the circumstances. Over the years, Joel has done an outstanding job of keeping track of our money. Joel has stated that she intends to step down, perhaps next year. Her shoes will be big ones to fill and we will need to start planning for our next treasurer in the upcoming months. Session has not decided if discussions around a new treasurer will be a Finance led issue, a Personnel issue, or some special arrangement.

PROGRAM MINISTRY TEAMS Christian Education: Karla Ferguson, Chair

Christian Education provided age-based Sunday School. There are three levels and teachers.

Children - Karla Ferguson and Amy Erickson

Youth - John Peeples and Carolyn Lange

Adult Studies - Marvin Pritts and Pam Postle

We have an age group that is Kindergarten to 4th grade right now along with up through high school. The Youth and Children follow the lectionary. The Adult Group is self-lead and they choose the topics and leaders change with the topics. We have Sunday morning Studies from September until May. I would like to thank all of our Sunday Study Teachers for a job well done.


Music and Worship: Marion Maciel, Chair

Committee: Marion Maciel (Chair), Rev. Cheryl Peeples, Music Director Alice Ploss, Linda Andrew (ushers), Judy Riley (Communion prep), and Carolyn Lange.

Under the leadership of Pastor Cheryl, our regular worship services have continued each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. In 2016 Pastor Cheryl began using the Narrative Lectionary, which goes through each gospel in detail. With this lectionary, she has been able to look at more scripture and themes. Many from the congregation are involved in services as liturgists and elders to serve communion. Communion is served the first Sunday of each month; we usually alternate intinction with service in the pews.

Alice Ploss leads our music ministry, coordinating the planning of music and worship with Pastor Cheryl. She plays the organ, directs the choir and bell choir, and includes various kinds of special music. However, this year Alice has shared the organ playing with Sandra Wayman. Again, our church hosted the Trumansburg Area Church Christmas concert in December.

FPCU is fortunate to have so many talented people who lead and contribute to our music and worship.

Music Director: Alice Ploss Throughout 2016 the Cancel Choir and the Chapel Bell Ringers helped to lead worship by singing, ringing and playing. I am most grateful to the regular members who bring their voices and hearts to rehearsal and worship every week throughout the year. You are the heart and soul of the group. We were deeply saddened in the Spring to lose our dear friend Warren Hickman; long term choir member and music enthusiast. We miss his wit and good nature. The choir participated in his Memorial Service. Enhancing our music for Summer worship (and throughout the year) with their instrumental/vocal skills were Bob Schieber (violin and viola), Bethany Organ (flute), Peter DeCloux (various percussion), Matthew Haefner (trumpet), Kelsey Melvin (saxophone), Parker Melvin (saxophone), Robin Ploss (bass), Angus Godwin (voice), Anne Bialke (voice), and Sandra Wayman and Evangeline Ray, (organ). If I have forgotten anyone, I apologize. The Bell Choir said goodbye to Matthew Haefner and Claire Melvin as they moved on to bigger and better things. We welcomed Ashley Manning-O’Dell, Marion Maciel and John Haefner into the bell choir this Fall. Thank you, to our bell substitutes: Parker Melvin, Claire Melvin, Jeannette Little, and Amy Foster. Sandra Wayman and Alice Ploss started sharing the job as organist in September.


Our Church Choirs once again hosted the Advent Holiday Concert on December 4, at 4:00 p.m., which is sponsored by the Trumansburg Area Council of Churches. The year was capped by an exciting Advent and Christmas season involving Readers’ Theatre performed by Anne Bialke, Bill Bialke, Peter DeCloux, Ashley Manning-O’Dell, Beth Organ, and Mandy Riley. During Advent, Alice and Robin Ploss, Pete DeCloux and Beth Organ provided jazz during worship. Thank you to Polly Gutelius who serves the choir by being the music librarian and finder of lost things.

OUTREACH MINISTRY TEAMS Caring and Benevolence Virginia Miller, Chair

Ginny Miller chair, Ron Mac Lean, Nancy VanOrden, Pam Postle, Judy Riley, Sue Ulrich, Amy Haefner, Linda Andrew, Joan Munich and Pastor Cheryl Peeples, ex-officio. New members are always welcome. During the last three years we have intentionally been giving to missions in areas that help families to have a better life—both local and global. The Youth Initiative has been the focus of our team, as we try to build hope and support a basic education. We became aware of the need for school supplies, emergency clothing and personal supplies for needy students for the second semester and have helped to supply them through the Trumansburg school nurses since 2014. In 2016 we also supported the South Seneca elementary school nurse discretionary fund. Money was raised through the Doug’s Fish Fry dinners to help support this and to market information about the needs. There is also a need for temporary financial assistance for families going through a rough time to keep their kids in the After School Program at the Trumansburg school so that the parents could continue to work. We have supported this since 2014. Helping girls go to school. We honored our graduating senior, Matthew Haefner by contributing to Building Minds in South Sudan (BMISS) to help build a brick and mortar replacement of the “Under Tree” Majok-Keen school for girls. Peace Corps Program by Ian Grosfelt, a Trumansburg graduate: described his work of two years in Ndiane, Senegal, Africa. He worked on a variety of projects including community gardens, health clinic facilities, and worked with girls to increase their expectations for education and to help them achieve a high school education located in another village. UPL Books for Backpacks Program: we supported this Ulysses Philomathic Library program for the 2016/2017 school year. Each month of the school year, a new book is placed in the backpack of food going home with students (sponsored by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier


for up to 25 students and our Food Bank for numbers above that). Currently there are 29 students. Water—to make it available, safe and clean. Through the Presbyterian Church (USA) for a few years we have contributed money from the budget and individual donations to help build community wells (it did cost $1250, but now is $1500). A community water well frees up children so that they can go to school and not spend hours carrying water. Trumansburg Food Pantry: We continued to support the pantry financially and helped staff the pantry for biweekly distributions in April and May. Some of our members work with the program all year. In 2016, 1213 children, 2745 adults, 948 seniors, and 2128 households were served. Every distribution provides 3 to 5 days’ worth of meals every 2 weeks. Mental illness is very prevalent in our society and greatly affects families. We are trying to help people to be informed with literature from National Alliance on Mental Illness. (NAMI-FL). CROP Walk: We participated with the Trumansburg Area Churches in the 28th Annual CROP Walk with 165 walkers (17 from FPCU) who raised $9,105.00 total ($1685 from FPCU). 25% of the total goes to the Trumansburg Food Pantry. The remainder goes to food and water projects and needs beyond our community. Caring and Benevolence continues its ministry of care to the congregation, as well as to the community, through visiting the homebound and has had success using the “Journeying Through Grief” booklets as a resource to those who have had deaths in their immediate families.

Doug’s Fish Fry Funds Youth Initiative Ian Grosfelt Presents

CROP Walk PDA Helps in Japan Food Pantry Grant


Caring and Benevolence Budgetary Distributions 2016

Trumansburg Food Pantry (in addition to grant) $1000.

Trumansburg After School Program Scholarship 500.

Presbyterian Church USA community well (5 shares @$50) 250.

Living Waters for the World-make water clean and safe 250.

“Journeying Through Grief” booklets, 10 sets of 4 100.45

National Alliance on Mental Illness-Finger Lakes (NAMI-FL) 100.

BMISS (Building Minds in South Sudan) to build a girls’ school 60.

Trumansburg After School Program 500. Special Collections, Appeals, Donations and Fund Raisers

Presbyterian USA One Great Hour of Sharing/Easter --congregation $465. Plus Sunday School coin banks 39.60

Presbyterian USA Christmas Joy Offering/Christmas 250.

Presbyterian USA Pentecost offering 38.

CWS Emergency Blankets 17.5 blankets @ $10 for a value of 175.

CWS School Kits 24 kits furnished at a value of $15 per kit 360. And cash for 6 more kits and shipping cost of 30 kits in 2017 150.

CWS CROP Walk 17 FPCU walkers raised 1685.

T.burg school students in need supplies (2015/2016 Doug’s fish fry $) 462. plus individual donations 175.

South Seneca elementary school nurse discretionary fund (fish fry $) 200.

Presbyterian Church USA community well (Individual contributions) 250. Mission money requested by Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly $8776. Presbytery 2016 Grant Received: $1000 for Trumansburg Food Pantry $1000.

Congregational Life Team Peter DeCloux, Chair First Cluster meeting of the Geneva Presbytery – May 22, 2016, Sunday, 3-5 p.m.

The Presbytery has divided the churches into clusters, which it is hoped will meet at least 4 times a year, with the purpose of getting better acquainted and planning projects that we can do together. Churches in our cluster include FPCU, Ithaca, Ovid, Hector, and Lodi. The meeting was open to all members of these congregations and the turnout was very good. Mandy Riley led everyone in a praise song throughout the agenda. We brainstormed ideas in small groups, of activities that our cluster could do together. Pastor Cheryl organized these suggestions and e-mailed them to the churches. Light refreshments were provided. The next meeting was scheduled to meet in the Fall at the Ithaca Presby. Church. Congregational Lunch "We Celebrate our Newest Members - November 13th We had a delicious "Pass the Dish" lunch, following worship, to recognize and honor those


who have joined the congregation since 2012: Beth Organ, Bob & Marilyn Schieber, Vicki Whittaker, Larry & Kathie Beckwith, Matt Haefner, Ben Haefner, Molly MacQueen, Claire Melvin, Al & Judy VanKeuren, Patrick & Meghan Lyons, Lisa Wible, Joan Munich. Thanks to: Sue Mason who decorated the tables, Ginny Miller, our historian, who created a wonderful collage of pictures of this group for a display and Karla Ferguson, who organized the kids, who sang 3 verses of "Jesus loves Me" and everyone joined in the chorus! Annual TP (Trumansburg Presbyterians) New Year's Party - January 7 Neil and Maureen Shallish hosted this event and we appreciate the preparations they made to have the adults at their home. It was a wonderful opportunity to socialize and enjoy hearty appetizers, desserts and beverages. We welcomed in the New Year together and look forward to more events during the year. Thanks to all who attended and contributed to a successful evening.

Historian Report Virginia Miller, Historian

In 2016 all churches within the Geneva Presbytery were grouped geographically into 11 clusters. Each church will take a turn and be in charge of a monthly (or occasional) gathering such as a dinner or program. The idea is to help “build a community” by becoming better acquainted. FPCU held the first cluster gathering in May. We shared our ideas, projects and needs and it was helpful. It was well attended and successful. In June Historic Ithaca had a tour in a few Trumansburg homes for interested people. Vicky Romanoff, who painted the Tromp L’Oeil on our walls in 1974 and 2005, said many had wanted to see it. We opened our sanctuary for this event. I prepared displays of pictures and texts for our 3 different church buildings and the different interiors over the years. Vicky was there to answer many questions. In mid-2016 FPCU started a new narrative lectionary and began using new Christian Education curriculum called “Spill the Beans”. The pastor and teachers are enthusiastic about working with it. In 2016 we were aware that our huge weather vane on the steeple was listing and the clock was not working. Charles Roeser of Lockport, N. Y. had previously worked on the clocks in 1999 and converted them from an electric operation to an electronic operation at that time. He came to repair the electronic tower clock which needed a new part. At the same time his drone and camera were used to view exterior conditions of the tower and weather vane. Gregg Hoffmire is our expert building and grounds person and we are very grateful for his caring expertise and stewardship of our buildings. I am currently working on a summary report of the FPCU tower clocks with Dick Johnson. He has been interested in the history of clocks and has restored many. He has been involved with our clock projects starting in 1975.


Reports from Church Organizations

Breakfast Ministry Peter DeCloux, Chair

We are celebrating our 5th year of serving Sunday morning breakfast for our congregation to support the Sunday morning programs. Over the years there have been some face changes and some menu changes. As always, we have to thank the folks that take time early on Sunday mornings and make this ministry a reality. Mike and Marion Maciel, Greg Hoffmire, John Peeples and myself make up the group who have been doing this since it began. Once in a while when Molly isn’t playing/winning hockey or running/winning cross country, she and Bruce come in and help. They also have been doing this since we began. Bill Bialke has been with us for 3 years and Kris Alling has been helping for the last two years. We also have to add a very large thank you to Norm Peckenpaugh who joined in helping us last season. Norm brought about some menu changes that includes Sure Save breakfast pizza, French toaster stix, which are a big hit with several adults as well as the kids, Eggo waffles, and some different variety sausage links… He has also donated a great deal of food, time and kitchen tools to the cause. Currently Norm is living in NJ with his daughter (or in her yard in a camper). Last we heard, he will be back on or before Mother’s day. We want to express to everyone this is an open ministry. We would like everyone to know anyone who wants to join us to help prepare/serve breakfast is welcome. The fellowship and comradery is wonderful. We also want to take this opportunity to thank Joan and Claire Melvin for their years of helping us. Joan is a whirling dervish and she made everything look easier than it is. Claire and Molly brought a special brightness to our Sunday mornings. My guess is it may be sometime before we see the likes of Claire’s pancake art. Also, how many teenagers would show up to help at this type event even when her mom couldn’t? We also want to thank all who donate food. The list is lengthy and it really helps in our abilities to be able to help financially with some youth needs and the church’s budget. I am not going to attempt to write this list as I surely will miss someone. We want everyone to know that if you have something special you would like to bring for us to serve at breakfast you are welcome to and we are very appreciative of all donations. Lastly, of course we want everyone to know that everyone is welcome. Whether you come to breakfast or come early to help, this door is always open.

Mission Knitters A "Hands On" Ministry Pam Postle, Chair

The Mission Knitters made a variety of items to give to several organizations. We joined the Methodist Knitters & Spin Knitters (group meets weekly at our Library) to make hats, which were donated to an area V.A. hospital. We made baby hats for the CMC and hats & mittens for local children.


Knitted items were made and sent to "Knit 4 Peace". We gave 16 prayer shawls to people in our prayers or celebrating a special event in their life. We appreciate the financial support of the UPW to buy yarn for our projects. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month, in the Lange Room in the Chapel, 1-3 p.m. If you knit or crochet (or would like to learn), we'd love to have you join us. Our projects can be made by beginners and you'll find so much satisfaction in giving to others. You can be an active participant in this ministry without attending the meetings. Thanks to: Jackie Boyd, Lori Coon, Carol Carpenter, Polly Gutelius, Mary Ellen Johnson, Sylvia Mitchell, Milli Tubbs and Pam Postle.

Tent Crew Jerry Kraus, Tent Master

The Tent Crew had a total of seven set ups in 2016. The George Dyke, Gordon Brown, and Reverend Tom Lange Memorial Scholarship recipients this year were Madisyn Bell, Phillip Dallas, and Brittany McAvoy. Thank you to everyone who participated this year!

Ulysses Presbyterian Women (UPW) Maureen Shallish, Co-Chair UPW - Ulysses Presbyterian Women Annual Report 2016

Maureen Shallish/Sue Mason Coordinators Judy Riley – Treasurer Amy Erikson – Sale

Coordinator

This year our FPCU congregation continued its ministry during Advent by supporting the

idea of a Reverse Advent Calendar stressing the importance of giving rather than receiving.

For we are a most GRATEFUL community sharing our gifts and talents with in the FPCU

congregation and with the greater community. Our UPW strives to continue that mission with

in its ministry.

From Gratefulness.org I quote Br. David Steindl-Rast:

“A Network for Grateful Living exists as a place to learn from one another about the many ways

that we can practice being grateful for life, no matter our circumstances. We see, every day, that

living gratefully can bring about personal transformation and happiness, and we believe that

when we collectively align our actions with the values of grateful living, together we can help

bring forth our vision of “a peaceful, thriving, and sustainable world – held as sacred by all.” We

believe that gratefulness deepens love and compassion, and that love can change our lives, and

change our world in much-needed ways”

After this year’s Fall Sale, Amy Erickson expressed our Gratefulness for the collaborative

efforts of all who support the UPW sales; as they are truly a ministry within a ministry. These

annual sales establish a solid foundation for our ministries to be funded and supported. The

attached budget summary reflects those intrinsic values.


At the end of 2016 we met to review our goals and will consider options in 2017 for UPW’s

mission and ministries to be included in other committees of the FPCU congregation, rather

than a separate entity.

FPCU UPW Treasurer’s Report—December 31, 2016 Prepared by Judy Riley

2016 Beginning balance: $3,206.92

2016 Income: Spring Rummage Sale----- 1,664.30

Fall Clothing Sale------------ 738.00

Gemm Shop----------------- 91.38

Total income to date------- 2,493.68

Paid: Budgeted:

2016 Expenses: FPCU Gen. Fund (3 pay.)— 2,000.00 2,000.00

PW Geneva-------------------- 300.00 300.00

*TCSD ES Nurse-------------- (100.00) 100.00

Urns---------------------------- 108.68 200.00

Mission Knitters-------------- 53.91 150.00

Women of Faith program (4) 400.00 400.00

Youth--Baccalaureate/camp 200.00

Christmas Bureau------------- 100.00

Receptions. 200.00

Women’s Scholarship------- 250.00

Total expenses to date------- 2,855.59 3,900.00

December 31, 2016 ending check book balance: $2,845,01

Dedicated Memorial Fund balance. No Expenditure 2016: (1,742.00)

Pastor’s Report Rev. Cheryl R. Peeples

This year, like most, has brought both great joy and deep sorrow to those in our community. There have been births, children grow, jobs are gained and lost, we have had a drought, beloved church members and family members have passed on from this life into their eternal rest and our country finds itself deeply divided. Our church is there in the best and worst of times and for all the times in between. We are committed to being disciples of Christ, sharing the Gospel message in the living out of our lives and in welcoming others into the ministries that we are called to in our community both local and more wide reaching. Yet, even if we are here in worship every week (or as often as possible), if we do not have the ability to tell our stories, we can become paralyzed. The needs are so great and we can find ourselves in despair. We cannot make the connections which help us see that God is at work in our lives as God has been throughout history and in missing that recognition, we stumble. We find ourselves buffeted by emotions and circumstances beyond our control and are unable to find a bedrock


on which to stand. This year, we have added two new efforts to help us to be able to recognize God’s activity and our place in the kingdom of God – the Narrative Lectionary and the Journey of Grief series of booklets given through the first year following a death. We began using the Narrative Lectionary in our worship this summer. This way of ordering our worship leads us through the Old Testament during the fall – connecting the stories of our ancestors in the faith to see the threads of God’s overarching plans for humanity, through the four gospels over four years between Christmas and Easter so that we see Jesus’ life, ministry and death as presented by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John followed by Acts and other books from the apostle Paul, and in the summer focus on sermon series that go into depth using other books of the Bible and concerns (i.e. Suffering, Prayer, the Sacraments). By doing this, we learn by practicing seeing how Scripture shows a developing relationship between God and humanity. Once you begin seeing the connections through history, it becomes easier to see your own place in this story – including all the resources that are there and have been available to us all along. The Journeying through Grief booklets are a series of four books that are given to someone who has had a death in their immediate family. They go through the first year following a death and both explain what may happen and what a person who is grieving may have questions about during that time. They are good because they help us recognize that grief is on-going and doesn’t simply end soon after death and that we care about what is happening to those who grieve. The books become a resource of support that can be gone back to whenever needed and with the support that comes from personal contact is helpful. Our congregation has been blessed with loving people in its membership who want to grow as disciples of Jesus and who want to follow Christ in making a difference in the world. Using the narrative Lectionary in worship and the Journeying with Grief books are just two of the many ways that we at FPCU are answering that need and you have read about many others through our Ministry Team Reports. I am looking forward to the coming year as we continue to learn, to love, and to share the gospel through worshiping God, serving others and loving our neighbors and self here in Trumansburg. Blessings ~ Pastor Cheryl

Senior Recognition Fresh Air Worship Lake Service


Active Membership as of December 31, 2016

Alling, Kristin Andrew, Linda Andrew, Scott Beckwith, Kathie Beckwith, Larry Bialke, Anne Bialke, Audrey Bialke, Julia Bialke, Madeleine Bialke, William Bradham, Diana Bradham, Ray Brown, Georgia Brown, Robert Buchner, Anne Buchner, Gary Comin, Julia Corbitt, Brad Corbitt, Nancy DeCloux, Cindy DeCloux, Dennis DeCloux, Joel DeCloux, Peter DeCloux, William Dunlap, Charles Dunlap, Doris Erickson, Amy Erickson, Dan Farrell, Joe Farrell, Roberta (Bobbi) Ferguson, Karla Grant, Helen Gutelius, Mary (Polly) Haefner, Amy Haefner, John Haefner, Ben Haefner, Matt Henninger, Calvin

Henninger, Neil Henninger, Ray Henninger, Susan Hoffmire, Gregg Owen Hoffmire, Marion Johnson, Mary Ellen Johnson, Richard King (Drumheller), Karen Kirkman, John Koehler, David Koehler, Debbie Koehler, Max Kraus, Jeremy Kraus, Jerry Kraus, Lori Kraus, Meghan Elizabeth Kraus, Tyler Francis Lange, Carolyn Little, Jeannette Little, Stephen Lyons, Patrick James Lyons, Meghan G. Mac Lean, Gayle Mac Lean, Ron Maciel, Marion Maciel, Michael MacQueen, Bruce MacQueen, Kathey MacQueen, Molly Mason, James Mason, Susanne Melvin, Barbara Melvin, Kelsey Melvin, Claire Melvin, Parker Melvin, Sophia Jane Miller, Jesse Miller, Virginia

Mobbs, Doris Mobbs, Marvin Munich, M. Joan Nelson, Elaine Organ, Bethany Miller Peeples, John Perkins, Karen Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Elspeth Peterson, Geoffrey Peterson, Russell Postle, Pam Pritts, Allison Pritts, Marvin Rappleye, Kelsey DeCloux Regnier, Ariel Regnier, Deb Regnier, Wesley Stephen Riley, Amanda Riley, Judith Schieber, Marilyn Schieber, Robert Schott, Michael Schwarze, Priscilla Selover, Jane Brown Stewart, Ellen (Toni) Tubbs, Milli Tubbs, Nancy Ulrich, Susan Van Keuren, Elbert Van Keuren, Judy VanOrden, Jerry VanOrden, Nancy Eddy Whittaker, Vicki Wible, Lisa Zaharis, Darlene

August 9, 2012 Annual Report

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