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Annual Meeting St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Report for 2016 January 29, 2017

This is my commandment, that you love one another

as I have loved you.

--John 15:12

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Agenda

1. Opening Prayer

2. Reading of the minutes from 2016 Annual Meeting

3. Election of Vestry Members (See bios below)

A. Qualification of Vestry Members: Cannon 24, Sec. 6c. The qualifications for a member of the parish

vestry shall be as follows: A confirmed communicant of the parish in good standing of not less than 18 years of

age, a frequent attendant upon the services of church for the six months preceding the election and a regular

contributor and pledger of record. Provided 1. a husband and wife shall not both be members of the vestry at the

same time; and 2. members of the paid staff (including clergy) of a parish working more than 10 hours a week

and their spouses, shall not be eligible to serve. In case of question as to eligibility, the report of the rector in

consultation with the treasurer shall be final.

The following are nominees for 2014:

B. Those entitled to vote: Canon 24, Sec 4. All worshipers of not less than 16 years of age, being

confirmed communicants and regular contributors of record, or members of family groups who are regular

contributors of record, for the support of the parish, and who shall have been canonically connected with the

parish for 30 days prior to the date of the parish meeting. This provision as to financial support shall not apply

to those communicants who are unable to contribute.

C. Voting closes.

4. Rector’s Remarks

5. Finance Committee Report

6. Stewardship Report

7. Laying the Foundation Team Report

8. St. Peter’s Endowment Fund

9. Discussion

10. Adjourn

Table of Contents

1. Minutes from 2016 Annual Meeting

2. Bio’s of Nominees

3. Written Reports

Teri Daily, Rector

Jerusalem Greer, Minister to Children, Youth & Families

Jane Harris, Senior Warden

Karen McNutt, Jr. Warden

Acolytes, Jerusalem Greer

Adult Choir, Patty Oeste

Adult Forum, Teri Daily

Altar Guild, Dinah Reed

Bethlehem House Meals, Tracy Simpson

Bible Study, Joe Arn

Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Joe Arn

Brown Bag Book Study, Linda Brown

Card Ministry, Donna Hutchinson and Mary Ferguson

Casserole Ministry, Pansy Westrich

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Community of Hope, Peggy Cromwell

Christmas Dinners, Teri Daily

Church Women United, Dee Sanders

College Dinner Ministry, Peggy Cromwell

Contemplative Quaker Fellowship, Amanda Moore

Daughters of the King, Pam Holt

Education for Ministry, Jane Harris

Episcopal Church Women, Marilyn Rishkofski

Eucharistic Ministers, Jerusalem Greer

Eucharistic Visitors, Rita MacKintosh

The Fledgling Writing Group, Liz Larson

Food Pantry, Christy Jones

Foyers, Dee & Bob Sanders

Guatemalan Mission Trip, Marianne Smith Black

Handbell Choir, Patty Oeste

Library, Sarah Bryan and Mary Ferguson

Little Free Library, Jerusalem Greer

Men’s Group, Jerry Adams

Morgan House, Jerusalem Greer

Newcomers Ministry, Jerusalem Greer

Servant Leadership, Carolyn Scott

Theology Coffeehouse, Sam Buchanan

Total Ministry Teams, Jerusalem Greer

Verger’s Report, Mike Moses

Website, Media, and Church Office, John Churchwell

Wedding Coordinator, Donna Hutchinson

The Wisdom House Project, Brett Hardison

Financial Report to be distributed at Annual Meeting.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Minutes of the Annual Meeting

January 24, 2016

The annual meeting commenced at 4:15pm with an opening prayer given by the Reverend Teri Daily.

Over fifty members attended the annual meeting. Attendees included Teri Daily, Jerusalem Greer, Sylvia

Walker, Warren Readnour, Karen McNutt, Jane Harris, Dan Allen, Jerry Adams, Eric Hutchinson, John

Vanderslice, John Shute, Jay Ruud, Liz Larson, Kelley King, Mike King, John Phillips, Christy Garret-Jones,

Sam Buchanan, Leigh Ann Warriner, Dee Sanders, Mary Ferguson, Ashley Groves, Dinah Reed, Joe Arn,

Donna Hutchinson, Nita Brown, and Ann Drake.

A motion was made by Kelley King to accept the minutes from the 2015 annual meeting and to dispense with

the reading of the minutes, which can be found in the annual report. Second by Karen McNutt. All approved.

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The election of vestry members: John Phillips, Christy Garret-Jones and Sam Buchanan were elected to the

vestry. The bios of these new members are included in the annual report. The Rector appointed Jane Harris

Senior Warden, and Karen McNutt Junior Warden. Jerry Adams will serve the last year of Kelley King’s term,

and Kelley will serve as Secretary of the Vestry. Mike King is the new bookkeeper, and Leroy Hendricks will

continue as Treasurer. Teri thanked the off-going Vestry members – Sylvia Walker, Warren Readnour, and

Scotty Bell.

The written reports from ministry team leaders and the rector’s remarks are included in the annual report.

Members of the parish offered thanksgiving for how the Holy Spirit is moving among us in the various

ministries including Thanksgiving Baskets, the Newcomer’s Breakfasts, Food Pantry, our volunteers, Theology

Coffee Group, Men’s Breakfast, and the Brotherhood of St Andrews, to name just a few ministries.

John Shute presented Finance Committee Reports for 2015, which included the balance sheet, the statement of

profit and loss, and capital campaign review. A motion was made by Dan Allen to accept these reports. Second

by Jay Ruud. All approved.

The stewardship report was presented by Warren Readnour (report included).

The Bridge Team report was presented by John Vanderslice (report included).

The Endowment Fund report was given by Eric Hutchinson (report included).

A motion was made to adjourn by Warren Readnour. Second by John Phillips.

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm.

2017 Vestry Nominations

*Marilyn Larson

Describe your current involvement (past 5 yrs.) at St. Peter’s. 1. Chaired the Foyers Dinner Group, organization/participation

2. Completed the 4 yr EfM Sewanee theological Program

3. Trained/Mentored EfM Program, served as a Mentor "sub"

4. Support and Receptions for our LGBTQ Community

5. Singing with the Christmas Cantata for four year.

6. Dream Circle

7. Second Sunday Service Team

What elected or appointed positions have you held in the church? 1. Eucharistic Minister

2. Eucharistic Visitor

3. Lector, Oblationer, Usher, Greeter

4. Candidate-Retired, Deaconate

5. October Children's Services

6. UN Earth Charter as St. Peter's Representative to D.C.

7. Elected to take Labyrinth Leadership Training

How do you understand your faith being lived out in your daily life?

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In my fresh "salad days" I believed ALL, i.e. family, teaching, faith, as a "job" that I (we) did 24/7, a

repeated daily experience with some elaborations here and there often to tease life within the job.

I reached an age when the ALL became a "career", more thoughtfully engaged, more reflective on how

there came to be a centered loving engagement in my world of family; teaching and administrative

work; and faith. A sense of nurturing connections evolving was coming forth.

And there came a time in my 50's when the lens through which I began to view the world, and continue

to do so, became a "ministry." I felt transformative "bigness" enfolding inclusiveness and non-duality,

uplifting "All-that-is" i.e. the connectivity of experiencing this "God Spark" in all sentient beings:

individuals, families, communities of peoples, animals, plants, earth, our Earth home as a "ONENESS."

My leadership style as teacher and administrator has reached out to the "God Spark" in others. A quote

from Lao Tzu comes to mind......."A leader is best when people barely know she exists, when her work

is done and aim fulfilled, they will say, ‘We did it ourselves.’”

My faith lives out now in daily life in the comfort of Julian of Norwich: "All shall be well, and all

SHALL be well, and all manner of things shall be well........."

If you work outside the home, please describe what you do.

Educator Emeritus of 40 years:

1. Teacher in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas.

2. Conway District Administrator, Director of Gifted Education/Advanced Placement

3. Arkansas Governor's Advisory Council for Gifted Education-6 yrs, 5 of those Chairperson

Age: 74

How long have you been an Episcopalian? 21 years

When were you confirmed? 1996

Where were you confirmed? St. Peter's

How long have you been a member of St. Peter’s? 21 years

Have you ever served on a Vestry previously? No

*Chris Odom

Describe your current involvement (past 5 yrs.) at St. Peter’s Choir and handbell choir member

Secretary of the Finance Committee

Courtyard Committee

2012 Capital Campaign Committee

What elected or appointed positions have you held in the church? Vestry Member

Secretary of the Finance Committee

How do you understand your faith being lived out in your daily life?

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While I may not consciously invoke my faith every day, I know that it undoubtedly shapes the way I

handle situations, decisions, and relationships. I do my best to find joy in life, greet others with a smile

whenever possible, and use my talents for a bigger cause/reason.

If you work outside the home, please describe what you do. For 14 years, I’ve worked for Conway Corporation and am currently a member of the Executive Staff

and serve as the Manager of Voice Services.

Age: 42

How long have you been an Episcopalian? 42

When were you confirmed? 1986

Where were you confirmed? Grace Episcopal Church, Muskogee, Oklahoma

How long have you been a member of St. Peter’s? 10 years

Have you ever served on a Vestry previously? Yes

*Tracy Simpson Describe your current involvement (past 5 yrs.) at St. Peter’s.

I typically attend our 9am services and participate in the first and fourth Sunday ministry teams. I

organize our parish’s monthly meals for Bethlehem House. In recent years, I have served on a

discernment for ministry committee and the search committee for the Minister to Youth, Children, and

Families. Prior to these activities, I facilitated a Sunday school class for our junior and senior high

school youth.

What elected or appointed positions have you held in the church? None.

How do you understand your faith being lived out in your daily life

Day in and day out I attempt to recognize God in all His creation. That is what I pray to do – to seek and

see Him so that I will respond to others with love.

If you work outside the home, please describe what you do. For the last 25 years I have worked for Acxiom in a variety of roles in both product development and

delivery. I’m now transitioning into a Service Readiness role as liaison between the two groups.

Age: 48

How long have you been an Episcopalian? I have been an Episcopalian since birth. My dad and his siblings grew up attending St. Peter’s, as did I

until my early teen years.

When were you confirmed? In 1978 or 1979.

Where were you confirmed? I was confirmed at St. Peter’s by Bishop Christoph Keller, Jr.

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How long have you been a member of St. Peter’s? After my time away at Baylor University I returned to St. Peter’s in the mid-1990s. My husband Scott

and I were married by Greg Rickel in 1998 at Camp Mitchell. While living in Little Rock we attended

Trinity Episcopal, where our son Walker was baptized. We moved back to Conway and St. Peter’s in

2003 where our son Wade was baptized in 2006.

Have you ever served on a Vestry previously? No, I have not.

Written Reports

The Rev. Teri Daily, Rector

Dear St. Peter’s,

The past year has seen the continuance of so many St. Peter’s ministries. Please take the time to look through

the pages of this report to see the number and variety of spiritual formation, worship, fellowship, pastoral care,

and outreach ministries that occur each year at St. Peter’s. The work that the people of St. Peter’s do and the

love with which you do it is itself a proclamation of the gospel. And for that, I am so grateful.

At our vestry retreat this fall, the vestry and I both felt that this coming year is a year to “go deeper” with our

current ministries instead of beginning many new ministries. (Having said that, we all know that sometimes

God has different plans for us than the plans we have for ourselves! So there’s always a bit of openness here…)

In order to avoid burnout for those who give so much of their time, as well as to avoid resources being spread

too thin to do ministry well, this seems to be a year to make our current ministries stronger and more

sustainable.

It is, I believe, a year to go deeper also in our own faith journey – to understand why and how our lives and

ministries are connected to what it means to follow the way of Jesus, to explore more fully just what this way of

Jesus really is. In the coming year, you will hear me talk frequently of servanthood and discipleship. You will

hear me ask each person to give one hour a week to the work of St. Peter’s, this place we love so much.

And, of course, in the meantime we will continue to do those things that are crucial to our faith. Last year we

celebrated three baptisms – Abraham James Glenn Baxter, Lily Amelia Killingsworth, and Alan Scott Bell.

Four people from our community died and began the next phase of their journey in God – Bob Chappell,

Melody Purdy, Peggy Hays, and John Schenck. We celebrated four marriages and blessings of marriages –

Paul McCowan and Eric Jones, Brett Hardison and Brandon Dietz, Melanie and Chrissy Cavender, Courtney

Collins and Josh Terry. At the bishop’s visit in October, eight people were confirmed, nine people were

received, and one person reaffirmed their baptismal vows.

As always, I have so many people to thank this year. I am grateful for Peggy Cromwell who began her diaconal

ministry at St. Peter’s in August. Her energy, preaching, presence in worship, and collegiality is a gift. I am

grateful for Patty, who continues to enliven our worship week after week; for Jerusalem, whose creativity and

devotion to our children makes St. Peter’s a better place; for John Churchwell, whose presence in the office is

joyful and caring; for Mike, who took over as bookkeeper earlier this year and works long hours when

necessary to provide the information we need to make wise decisions; and for Tammy, who comes in at

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awkward hours to get our building ready for the next event. I thank Tom and Karen McNutt for painting our

parish hall. What a world a difference a fresh coat of paint in a warm color makes – it is so welcoming! I thank

Pansy Westrich for the care she provides to so many in this congregation and for organizing others to do the

same. And my very, very deep gratitude to Mike Moses, whose job as verger extends from welcoming a

newcomer, to taking care of a fussy baby, to getting us all where we need to be at the right time, to using his

mad decorating skills, to preparing the columbarium for a burial. I often wonder what we did before we had a

verger!

The vestry of St. Peter’s is a devoted group of people who work hard to provide thoughtful and wise leadership

for the church. I am thankful for Jane, who has been our senior warden this past year; her wisdom, support,

support, and friendship has meant so much. I am grateful to Karen McNutt, who deserves a badge of honor for

serving two consecutive years as junior warden. Many thanks also to our outgoing vestry members (Liz Larson,

Jay Ruud, and Jerry Adams) for their commitment and diligence, as well to the vestry members who continue

their terms into 2017. Sylvia and Dale Walker have both served on vestries in the past, as well as in other areas

of church life that are too numerous to count. They leave St. Peter’s this month to move to Texas to be closer to

family; we will miss them so much!

Finally, I want to thank you all for your patience and care during my medical leave in December. We have

never eaten so well! I read every single card with love, and I felt the prayers. I continue to give thanks every

day for the people of St. Peter’s.

Faithfully,

Teri

Jerusalem Greer, Minister to Youth & Families Family Ministry at St. Peter’s is not just for those families with small children or teenagers, it is for everyone

who is part of the St. Peter’s family, regardless of age or relationship status or household number. While a large

portion of what I work on is specifically aimed at youth and children and their families, the overall goal is to

minister to the St. Peter’s family as a whole. To reach this goal, Family Ministry seeks to provide opportunities

for connection between all parish members and friends, giving comfort and support where needed, helping with

community outreach and spiritual formation when needed.

Family Formation

Where we are: Family Formation hour, which is our spiritual formation classes for children ages 4 and up, and

their parents (we split the ages up mid-class) returned this fall. For this class we use the WHIRL Curriculum

from Augsburg Press, which ties into our lectionary readings during Sunday’s services. We meet between

10:00-10:50 on Sunday mornings, and have been averaging between 8-10 children each week.

EYC

Where we are: The EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) program continues to grow. We gather on Wednesday

nights, increasing our time together by an additional thirty minutes, meeting from 5:00-7:00 PM for dinner

(generously provided by EYC parents and parishioners), games, reflections, group projects and evening prayer

in the Parish Hall and the “new” EYC room off the courtyard. On average we have about 25 youth at each

gathering. We have two college interns who work on Wednesday nights and have been a huge gift to the youth

and myself. We have had guest speakers, served on Turkey Basket Day, made Christmas cards 200 lbs of rice

for the Food Pantry. In addition to our Wednesday night meetings we have also had a Back-2-School Bash,

went Yurting, hosted Trunk-or-Treat, and went bowling, and had a Holiday Party at the Greer’s Farm. We have

also sent youth to Camp Mitchell for Summer Camp, Winterstar, and AYE. The best part of 2016 for a lot of

our youth was our EYC Café on the 3rd

Saturday morning of each month, where we served our Food Pantry

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Clients a homemade hot plate breakfast. This project was a huge success and we can’t wait to do it again this

year! The youth also sold t-shirts to raise money for Camp Scholarships, and participated in a Youth Serve Day

during the Summer Break.

EKC

EKC (Episcopal Kids Community) is the newest addition to our Wednesday Nights. This is a class for kids in

Pre-K through 3rd Grade. We use the Holy Moly curriculum for this age group. This is a program that I am

hoping to expand and grow over the next year.

Family Ministry Team

Where we are: Last fall Jeff and Kristina Ward generously took over the leadership of the Family Ministry

Team, which is the ministry team for the first Sunday in each month. Through this opportunity, kids of all ages

and their parents have had the unique chance to experience, learn, celebrate, and take ownership of almost every

portion of the worship service. We have youth (and their parents, or grandparents, when needed) serve as

lectors, oblationers, ushers, and greeters for each of the three services.

Where are headed: This great team continues to grow, and I am grateful for all Jeff and Kristina have done for

this ministry.

Childcare

Where we are: We currently have four permanent Sunday morning and two Wednesday evenings paid workers

for child care. We have two workers in the preschool rooms and two in the baby nursery.

Where we are headed: St. Peter’s is growing and so are our young families, and we always need additional

volunteers for both the babies and preschool classrooms to assist our workers.

In addition to these regular programs, this year's Family Ministry Events and Programs have also included:

Graduation Sunday

Summer Movie Outings

Blessing of the Backpacks

Rally Day

Harvest Family Feast in September

Family Feast and Advent Event in November

Christmas Pageant

Youth Orchestra

Youth Confirmation Classes

I want to thank the following people for their service to Families Ministries and to me over the past few months

- Rev. Teri Daily for her leadership, encouragement and support, John Churchwell and Mike King for helping

me with daily office life and solving countless conundrums. Huge thanks to Verger Mike Moses for helping me

with a never endling list of projects and events. Thanks to the Hutchinsons for providing dinner for the Back-to-

School Bash, the Men’s Group, DOK and the Writing Group for their help with Trunk-or-Treat, and the Vestry

for their support, service, and wisdom at every turn. Thanks also to our childcare team – Caisa Doyle, Emily

Harris, Annika Warrick and, Zay Davis, and all our nursery volunteers for their kindness and dedication to our

children, and to Katie Larson and Charlie McCracken for their service to EYC.

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Jane Harris, Senior Warden

I have been honored to serve as the senior warden of St. Peter’s vestry during 2016. We have experienced a

number of changes this past year. After the retirement of our former deacon, Merry Helen Hedges, we

welcomed our deacon Peggy Cromwell, who has brought her gifts to our worship and to leadership of our

college ministry. With the hiring of John Churchwell as parish administrator, he has brought wonderful energy

to the office at St. Peter’s and skill in managing our facilities and our technology. Christy Garrett-Jones, John

Phillips, and Sam Buchanan joined the vestry in 2016 and added their wisdom, gifts, and insight to our work, as

they continued their various ministries within the St. Peter’s community and beyond.

One of the joys of serving as senior warden has been the opportunity to meet regularly with our rector Teri

Daily to think together about the life of our congregation and to dream and pray about our ministries and a

vision for our role in God’s work here in Central Arkansas and even to the ends of the earth, in particular in

Syria and Guatemala. When Teri was away on medical leave, I certainly felt her absence and was moved by the

response of the entire congregation both to care for Teri and her family during that time and to make sure that

the ministries of St. Peter’s continued to receive the commitment and support that would sustain them. I shared

with all of us the joy of Teri’s return to the pulpit and to her pastoral role among us. We are blessed beyond

measure by her leadership.

The vestry’s work this year, beyond our regular month meetings and responsibilities each Sunday, included two

distinctive opportunities for service. We participated in a one-day retreat on October 22nd

, where we shared in

discussions of our role as God’s servants, reflecting upon both the challenges and the spiritual growth that come

when we open ourselves to servanthood. We also celebrated my birthday that Saturday, which I shall always

cherish as a very special birthday. The vestry assumed leadership in the stewardship emphasis in 2016 by

leading discussions of the book Defying Gravity, which focused our attention upon the ways in which our

culture and our internal resistances may block our understanding of and practice of stewardship as a spiritual

discipline that can deepen our relationship with God, one another, and the whole creation.

After three years of service on the vestry, Liz Larson, Jay Ruud, and Jerry Adams will rotate off the vestry after

the annual meeting, and we will dedicate three new vestry members on February 5th

. The work of this body will

continue to advise, support, and encourage our rector, as we all seek to be responsible stewards of the

ministries, resources, and opportunities that God places before us in 2017. I look forward to my last year of

service as a member of the vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and am grateful for the confidence and

privilege entrusted to me in 2016 as the senior warden.

Submitted by Jane Harris

January 19, 2017

Karen McNutt, Junior Warden Report 2016 was a busy year but at the same time a good year for our facilities. Below is a snapshot of the projects that

have been completed or in progress:

Completed:

Parish Hall walls repaired and painted

“Cloudy” window in sanctuary and Teri’s office repaired

Roof repairs completed

Exterior signs refurbished

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Half fence on Mitchell Street removed

Raccoon roundup and repairs to the Morgan House

June workday was held

Recommendations for a 12 month maintenance plan submitted to the finance committee

Under Discussion:

Repair and refurbish fence and wooden playground equipment.

Drainage in the Courtyard Area

Freshen the paint on the Parish Hall ceiling

Many thanks to all who have helped with these projects, and a special thanks to Tom McNutt, Dale Walker, Ric

Readnour, and Mike King for their willingness to serve on the Facilities Committee (and for the countless

repairs you’ve voluntarily taken on!). Also, many thanks to John Churchwell for his willingness to make calls,

invaluable research and recommendations, and act as the point of contact for our service vendors.

2016 Ministry Reports

Acolytes Our Acolyte Ministry is going well again this year. We currently have 16 Acolytes. This ministry is in constant

flux due to do the fact that kids grow up (the audacity!) and new Acolytes – OF ANY AGE - are always

welcome to join the team. An Acolyte party is being planned for the spring. To volunteer please contact

Jerusalem or Verger Mike.

Jerusalem Greer

Adult Choir The Adult Choir meets every Sunday morning at 10:00 to rehearse for the many upcoming musical

contributions to our worship. In a year, we sing approximately 40 anthems, including music for special

services. It is always a wonderful thing to have new challenges and the choir is grateful for the support of the

members of St. Peter’s.

Patty Oeste

Adult Forum Adult Forum continues to meet with a wonderful array of speakers and teachers. Please join this group

whenever you are able; we welcome all. This year’s team of Adult Forum planners include Kev Mequet, Judy

Helm, and Rita MacKintosh.

Altar Guild St. Peter’s Altar Guild is a group of wonderfully dedicated and capable men and women of our congregation

who prepare the altar of the church and chapel for all worship services. Members are divided into 4 teams,

serving for a month at a time, 3 times a year. Three of our members, Donna Hutchinson, Dee Sanders, and

Genie Davis also serve as Wedding Coordinators. Our teams diligently continue to be responsible for

maintaining supplies of wine and bread, clean linens and vestments, polishing silver and brass, filling candles,

arranging for flowers and setting up the altar, credence table, and all else needed to complete preparation for

worship services, including weddings, memorial services, and funerals. Recruiting and training new Altar

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Guild members is also an important part of being on Altar Guild. All are invited to join this important ministry

by contacting the church office, Dinah Reed (dinahreed@conwaycorp.net) or any current member.

Although the Altar Guild provides some flowers, the people of St. Peter’s have, and continue to be very

generous in providing flowers, and are encouraged to continue to do so. We try to make extended use of

flowers by frequently taking them to parishioners who are ill or unable to get to church. A sign-up sheet for

donating flowers on specific Sundays is posted on the bulletin board in the lobby. The Altar Guild is funded

through the operating budget of St. Peter’s and specific donations by parishioners, i.e. the donation of linens and

vessels, Communion wine, etc. Memorials by the congregation to replenish linens, vestments, etc., are

appreciated and encouraged.

Dinah Reed, Altar Guild Director

Bethlehem House Meals On the first Tuesday of every month, two teams of St. Peter’s parishioners take turns providing evening meals

to Bethlehem House residents and other guests. The Traditional team members each deliver a portion of the

meal to Bethlehem House. The Hands-On team meets the weekend before the first Tuesday, bringing

ingredients to prepare the meal in the Bethlehem House kitchen together. Annually, St. Peter’s provides over

700 meals through this ministry.

Tracy Simpson

Bible Study Monday Afternoon and Thursday Evening Bible Study participants completed their discussion of The Gospel of

Mark and started their study of Matthew. Discussions are interactive with participants reading scripture, asking

questions, and formulating suggestions how the scripture applies to them. Average attendance for Monday is

ten and Thursday is six. Monday study meets in the library, and the Thursday night group meets at the Morgan

House. Both study groups are designed for participants to start at any time.

Joe Arn

Brotherhood of St. Andrew Brotherhood of St. Andrew meets the third Monday of each month. The meeting consists of prayer, study, and

service. There are nine active Brothers. The Brotherhood started and continues to facilitate the Morning Prayer

Service on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The Brothers in cooperation with the Daughters of the King

conduced the noon prayer services during Advent and Lent. The Brotherhood sponsored a "trunk" at the

Church Halloween activities and sponsored the No Shave November initiative for men's health.

Joe Arn

Brown Bag Book Study In 2016, a small committee gathered to discuss a possible Senior Ministry formation at St. Peter’s. After

several meetings, the decision was made to start with a book study for those of us who are looking at the second

half of life. What we discovered is that the term, ‘second half of life’ is relative and can apply to any age. The

group has been highly successful and now is reading and discussing our fourth book. Discussion is lively,

honest, and probing. Each session has assigned reading and is led by one of the participants with everyone

helping them do the job. We always welcome new participants.

The books read to date are:

Toward Holy Ground: Spiritual Direction for the Second Half of Life, by Margaret Guenther

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Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr

Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Barbara Brown Taylor

Divine Dance, by Richard Rohr (currently reading)

Dr. Linda Brown,

Diaconate Intern

Card Ministry Mary Ferguson continues to coordinate our team of 13 dedicated and happy volunteers, two who joined

us in 2016.

CARDS SENT BY THE CARD MINISTRY IN 2016

Congratulations 38

Marriage 3

New Baby 6

Confirmation 13

Graduation 10

Misc 6

Encouragement 6

Get Well 8

Sympathy 20

TOTAL 72

The Card Ministry works in conjunction with Cares and Concerns but will also gladly receive direct information

or requests for a card to be sent to someone in the community. Requests may also be made through Cares and

Concerns or the church office. To volunteer or request a card be sent, you may reach Mary Ferguson at

incefer@yahoo.com or 505-8766 or Donna Hutchinson at donnaruth123@gmail.com or 501-269-1664.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Ferguson and Donna Hutchinson

Casserole Ministry Since September, a group of 31 women make casseroles for the freezer. These are used for those who are sick,

had surgery, lost a loved one, or simply are identified by the ministry staff as having a need. Casseroles vary in

size for different size families, and vegetarian casseroles are available. An average of 10 casseroles are used

monthly.

Pansy Westrich

Community of Hope "In short, Community of Hope International equips lay people to serve in all forms of pastoral care. Pastoral

care is when a person is being ‘present’ in a listening, compassionate, non-controlling manner to an individual

or group for the purpose of consciously or unconsciously representing God to them and seeking to respond to

their spiritual needs. Through ongoing, spiritual formation and practical lessons on care giving, members learn

to match theological insights and spiritual practices with their experiences of ministering to others and giving

spiritual guidance." (COHI website)

Here at St Peter's, our Community of Hope folks visit parishioners who are otherwise unable to participate fully

in the life of the congregation. They are ready and willing to provide pastoral care whenever needed.

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Christmas Dinners Beth Brady has headed up our Christmas Meals faithfully for several years, and she is now ready to hand this

ministry on to others. We did not deliver meals to people on Christmas Day this year, but we hope to resume

this ministry in 2017. If you are willing to help coordinate the efforts of this ministry, please contact Teri Daily.

Teri Daily

College Dinners The College Dinner program provides a meal for college students on ten Tuesday evenings per semester in the

Parish Hall. We have 4 interns who plan, shop, and prepare the meal each week. Vegetarian and gluten-free

options are always available. In the fall semester of 2016, an average of 30 students came to dinner each week.

St Peter's congregation provides the final meal each semester as a way to say "Thank you" to the interns for

their hard work during the term.

Peggy Cromwell

Contemplative Quaker Fellowship Contemplative Quaker Fellowship (CQF), a silent worship service with a Quaker-Episcopal spirit, has been

meeting weekly on Sundays (7:00-8:00 pm) since September 8, 2013. This service has a short reading followed

by silence as participants discern God’s inward guiding presence within a compassionate, contemplative

community.

Attendance has ranged from four to ten participants with an average participation rate of five.

CQF participants seek to live four interrelated Quaker testimonies:

Equality: To recognize that of God in each person and foster the flowering of divinity in all.

Integrity: To be truly in harmony with oneself and live from one’s deepest authentic self.

Peace: To seek to resolve internal and external conflict and to live intentionally with compassion towards

oneself and others.

Simplicity: To live simply, joyfully, and true to one’s “Inner Guide.”

Respectfully submitted by Amanda Moore

Daughters of the King The Order of Daughters of the King is a lay order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church.

The Order's purpose is to bring others into a living, loving relationship with Jesus, Our Lord and Savior and

to help strengthen the spiritual life of our parishes and missions. The requirements for membership in The Order

are that a woman be a communicant in the Episcopal Church, be willing to participate in a period of

discernment and to accept The Rule of Life.

The Imogene Chapter celebrated its 5th birthday in June with the installation of 3 new members. We currently

have 23 members. The Rev. Teri Daily in our Chapter Chaplain. The chapter meets monthly with varying

activities, including speakers on varying subjects, book studies and service projects [ including the prayer shawl

ministry, the casserole ministry, prayer ministry and others]. In 2016 we led noonday Lenten prayers/Stations

of the Cross in conjunction with the members of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew. We also began the formation

of the first Junior DOK Chapter in the state. One of our members, Dinah Reed is currently president of the

Arkansas diocese DOK. Any St Peter's woman who is interested in knowing more about how to join The Order

is encouraged to talk to any current Imogene chapter member.

Pam Holt

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Education for Ministry Education for Ministry (EFM) is a program of theological education for laity, created and administered by the

School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Under the leadership of Nita Brown

and Marilyn Larson, more than a dozen members of St. Peter’s participated in the EFM program from January-

May 2016. Nancy Thompson completed the four- year curriculum and became a graduate of EFM in May 2016

and was recognized by the congregation for her commitment to theological education when she received her

certificate from the School of Theology at Sewanee during a worship service. In September 2016, fourteen

persons began or continued their studies. Nita Brown provided leadership in organizing and administering the

program in the fall of 2016.

On Monday afternoons from September 2016 until May 2017, Emily Madden and Kathryn Spinks lead the

following persons in their studies of scripture, theology, and church history. The third year students focus on

the history of Christianity and include the following members: Beth Brady, Tanya Buchanan, Catherine

Fortney, Pam Holt, Gloria Parker, Lillian Petrucelli, Dinah Reed, and Danny Reed. The fourth year students;

Emily Madden, Dee Sanders, and Kathryn Spinks; will complete their studies this year as they concentrate upon

the study of Christian theology.

A smaller group of EFM students has met since September on Tuesday evenings with Jane Harris as the EFM

mentor. Melanie Cavender has begun the first year of study with a focus on the Old Testament. Joe Arn and

Dave Barlow are studying church history using the third year’s curriculum. Dan Allen will complete EFM this

year with the study of Christian theology.

An integral part of the EFM program is the process of theological reflection. As students and mentors,

participants in EFM take what we learn in our individual studies and apply new insight and awareness to God’s

presence and work in our daily lives. Through theological reflection, we become more aware of the spiritual

depths of the ordinary events and moments in our lives.

Worship and fellowship also contribute to the richness of the EFM experience. The group members get to

know each other well as we worship, share, and learn together. While EFM is definitely intellectually

stimulating, the opportunity for community building and personal spiritual growth make this program uniquely

enriching in the life of our church. For some participants, EFM begins a process of discernment about their

ministries.

A new community of EFM participants will be organized in September 2017. Any of the participants and

mentors would welcome your questions about this program of theological education for laity.

Submitted by Jane Harris

January 19, 2017

Episcopal Church Women Episcopal Church Women (ECW) was introduced to the parish at the 2016 ministry fair. Women of St. Peter’s

had the opportunity to ask questions of ECW members to understand more fully the vision of the organization

as it moves forward. Just for fun, several women traveled to the Arkansas Art Museum to enjoy a tour of the

exhibits led by Museum Docent Joseph Arn. To become better acquainted with each other, women gathered at

the Morgan House in November to share stories, enjoy fun filled activities and taste delicious food. ECW is off

to a great start at St. Peter’s with many events planned to continue our mission of building relationships among

all women of St. Peter’s.

Marilyn Rishkofski

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Eucharistic Ministers Our Eucharistic Ministers ministry grew again this year. Currently we have 22 EM’s serving. We have

Eucharistic Ministers serving at all three Sunday morning services and on Wednesday nights. EM’s also serve

at funerals and weddings as needed. Mike Moses continues to do a great job serving as Verger. If anyone is

interested in becoming an EM please contact Teri, Jerusalem, or Mike.

Jerusalem Greer

Eucharistic Visitors At present we have eight EV ministers:

Dan Allen, Cody Blackmon , Tanya Buchanan, Catherine Fortney, Rita Mackintosh, Elizabeth Walters, Erin

Weindorf , Deana Weindorf .

We have a list of 6 people we regularly visit, with occasional visits to persons that are temporarily in need of

visit.

Total visits for 2016 = 160

Rita Mackintosh

The Fledgling Writing Group The Fledglings Writers Group continues into its fourth year. We are an “open to all” writing workshop. No

matter your experience in creative writing, we welcome you. Our group meets on Wednesday nights, 5:30pm to

7:00pm in the church library. We discuss the work we are doing, share our writing in group and use all kinds of

writing prompts during meeting time to make the stories, the poems, and the hybrid whatnots. Our numbers

range in size from 9-16 people, depending on time of year and personal schedules. Please contact Liz Larson

for any information at: tamliz@aol.com.

Liz Larson

Food Pantry

Returning New Total

Households 1744 315 2059

Adults 65+ 634 34 668

Adults 18-64 2978 512 3490

Children 0-17 1919 281 2200

The number of families we served in 2016 in comparison to 2015 decreased by 49 and the total number of

people we served in 2016 decreased by 257. It looks like this is a pattern we have continued for a couple of

years now. Each year the number of people we serve decreases a little more. This is a positive thing because it

lets us know that our clients continue to be able to provide for themselves with less assistance. As in years past,

I have to thank all of our wonderful volunteers. Without their time and the generation donations given, we

would not have been able to serve the 6,358 pantry clients who needed us in 2016.

Balance as of 12/31/15 $ 3,035.44 ($400.00 added to 2015 beginning balance)

Income as of 12/31/16 $16,427.61

Total $19,463.05

Expenses as of 12/31/16 (16,156.35)

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Net balance as of 12/31/16 $ 3,306.70

Primary Food Expenses:

Purchases Pounds of food Cost/Pound

Arkansas Food Bank ($7,268.30) 15,387 $.47

Price Cutter/WNM ($7,382.89) 12,608 $.58

Conway Locally Grown

St. Peter’s parishioners and others in the community donated $1,848 through Conway Locally Grown to be used

for purchases for the food pantry. The majority of purchases for the pantry consist of fresh eggs, vegetables,

fruit and laundry detergent.

Volunteers & Board Members

Current active board members are Christy Jones, Sylvia Walker, Pam Neuhofel, and Norma Smothers

Our volunteers are what keep the pantry doors open. Without them, the food pantry would not operate as

efficiently and effectively as it does. Thank you to all of the volunteers and board members who give their time

to keep the pantry doors open each Saturday, pick up food from AFB and local grocery stores, and work so

diligently on the fundraisers throughout the year.

Summary of significant events

May

$1,740 raised at the rummage sale through sales of items donated by parishioners

November

Successfully completed another Thanksgiving meal project

Offered 150 meals to food pantry clients, ILS, CASA, Hendrix, and St. Peter’s parishioners

Received $6,070 in monetary donations from St. Peter’s Parishioners, Hendrix College and 1st Presbyterian

Church

Received substantial food donations from 1st Presbyterian Church and Hendrix College

Had over 30 volunteers – youth and adults – help with handing out the Thanksgiving boxes

Rollover amount of $3,770.89 from 2015 reported in November of 2016

2016 ending balance of $6,911.67 will be held in the Thanksgiving project account and will be disbursed as

needed to the food pantry in 2017

December

Received over 1000 cans of food from the Faulkner County Library food drive

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 501-472-9249 or cdjones1976@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Christy Garrett-Jones

Foyers Foyers began again this year in September. We had 20 people sign up so we were able to form two Foyers

groups. The groups will decide among themselves, but it is expected that they will meet through May.

Dee and Bob Sanders

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Guatemala Mission Projects An enthusiastic group of 25 participants went to Guatemala in early April 2016. The trip membership consisted

of team members from St. Peter’s and St. Mark’s in Little Rock. A number of the participants are not affiliated

with any specific church, but are interested in the project via their work at Conway Regional Medical Center.

Again we were able, through the efforts of Conway physician Doug Stroud, to offer balloon sinuplasty – a

procedure which opens the sinus passageways and provides permanent relief to patients suffering the effects of

chronic sinus infections and pain. Dr. Stroud and his surgical staff performed these procedures on 10 adults and

they also provided consultation for ear/nose/throat patients of all ages. We are expanding this service to

pediatric patients in 2017 by partnering with a small charity hospital in the area where we work. Many of our

patients were there for routine clinic needs and with 4 clinicians we were able to take care of over 500 patients

in 4 days. Remarkably, a toddler with a severe cleft palate came through our clinic and we were able, through

generous donations of our team, to send him for an immediate cleft palate repair. We are REALLY hoping to

see that little boy this coming April.

The team set up medical clinics in Chumanzana, Chucalibal, Chichicastenango, and Solola. We were able to

provide for fitting of basic eye glasses which greatly improves the quality of life and earning potential for

elderly Mayans. Every patient seen is also given a minimum of one month’s supply of vitamins and new

clothes and shoes. Additionally, for the first time, we conducted a clinic in the women’s prison in

Quetzaltenango. These ladies told us that for the first time in years, they felt “remembered” by the love of God.

The trip is again being planned for the spring of 2017 and will be largely made up of participants from both St.

Peter’s Episcopal and St. Mark’s in Little Rock. The entire project for 2016was directed by Bishop Carlos

Lainfiesta and Father Roberto Armas, both of the Western Region of the Diocese of Guatemala.

Marianne Smith Black

Handbell Choir The Handbell Choir consists of 11 handbell players. Each player is responsible for up to 4 notes and plays an

independent part of the music. This is teamwork at its best! Rehearsals are after the 11:00 service during the

seasons of Lent and Advent. The handbell music truly enhances worship at St. Peter’s.

Patty Oeste

Library Many thanks to Sarah Bryan and Mary Ferguson, who continue to organize and catalog our wonderful

collection of books and other materials.

Teri Daily

The Little Free Library The Little Free Library has been managed beautifully by Stephanie Vanderslice. The library has continued to be

featured in statewide media and is being used often by the neighborhood.

Jerusalem Greer

Men's Group Our Men’s Group gathered five times in 2016 – four times at the Morgan House for dinner and one time at the

Parish Hall for breakfast – we met in January, March, May, September and November. Special thanks to the

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men who provide the main course for our gatherings – Nathan Greer, Dale Walker, Leo Wilcox, Scotty Bell and

Brad Teague. Steve Littrell served as the highly-paid email communicator – keeping the men of the church

apprised of the time and place of our gatherings. The highlight of the year was a special program provided by

Dr. Harold Hedges on men’s health specifically on the benefits of a vegetarian diet.

Great news for 2017 – the team of Bill Dudley, Rob Reid and Dan Allen will be coordinating the Men’s Group

this year – Bill Dudley has agreed to lead this team.

Jerry Adams

The Morgan House The Morgan House was put to wonderful use in the past year. TMH was used for the Men’s Group dinners,

Inter-Faith Gatherings, EFM dinners, Canterbury College Ministry, the Homeschool Junior and High School

classes. Workshops and experiences were provided through our Living Whole Series including the Faithmark’s

Art Show and TMH played host to Fat Soul community wide events. The Newcomer Ministry, and Servant

Leadership also made use of the space, and we held our Inquirer’s Workshop and the Bishop’s meeting with

new confirmands there. We are excited about all the ways TMH was used to engage with our community this

past year and we look forward to offering it through more events during 2017.

Jerusalem Greer

Newcomers Ministry We have had a wonderful year welcoming Newcomers into our midst. The Newcomer Team currently consists

of Dan Allen, Karen McNutt, Jerusalem Greer, and help from the Vestry. Over the past year, we hosted

Newcomer Brunches at The Morgan House, all of which were extremely well attended. Effort was made to also

invite Newcomers to several church-wide events including Pie Fest, Advent Event, and Rally Day. There were

also two Newcomer Meet & Eat gatherings – one at the home of Marilyn and Len Rishkofski, and one at the

home of Veronica and Simon Makepeace. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped with all of these

events.

We are always trying to improve the way we welcome and include those who are visiting or new to St. Peter’s.

If you would like to serve on the Newcomers Ministry Team please contact Jerusalem!

Jerusalem Greer

Servant Leadership School After the retirement of Deacon Merry Helen Hedges, the volunteers who had been involved with her bringing

the concepts from the Servant Leadership School of Greensboro to Conway met again and again in early 2016

to write a vision and mission based upon which the organization could go forward.

Vision: Trusting in Divine Presence, we imagine an interdependent, inclusive community rooted in compassion

and empowered to serve.

Mission: Relying on ancient spiritual wisdom enriched by modern understanding, we offer courses designed to

foster personal growth and service to others.

The first workshop was held February 12, 2016, led by Ms. Catherine Crews from Russellville who is

commissioned to teach contemplative practices. The focus was on contemplative prayer and forgiveness.

There were 14 participants.

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The second workshop was held on April 2, 2016, at The Morgan House led by Ms. Kayse Williams from Hot

Springs. She spoke on compassionate communication. There were about 20 participants.

Throughout the year the volunteers were revamping the core Servant Leadership course which then took place

on eight Monday evenings in September and October. There were about 20 participants and presenters.

Volunteers include Teri Daly, Carolyn Scott, Rita Mackintosh, June Stewart, Diane Brownlee, Merry Helen

Hedges, Nita Brown, Amanda Moore and Judy Helm.

As an outgrowth of the Servant Leadership School classes, a Circle of Trust was formed and met regularly.

They studied Parker Palmer's book A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. Circles of

Trust are small groups who meet to support each other in discerning their own truth. They rely heavily on

confidentiality, and once formed, are usually closed to new members.

Another confidential small group has been meeting for about four years. It focuses on the spiritual practice

called the Enneagram. The members have shared insights from several books, and continue to learn to detach

from self-images as they draw closer to God.

Carolyn Scott

Theology Coffeehouse The Coffee House Theology Discussion Group met one Thursday night a month in 2016. Each night was

devoted to the discussion of the main points of a particular theologian's ideas and how they related to our lives

today. Most meetings were facilitated by experts in the field of religion including, but not limited to, Dave

Daily, Jane Harris, Donna Bowman, Teri Daily, and Robert Musser. Meetings were held at Panera Bread Co. in

the Hendrix Village and participants were given a brief reading selection to prepare for the occasion. The

number of members of the parish participating averaged about 10 per night.

Sam Buchanan

Total Ministry Teams We currently have four ministry teams in rotation. Jeff and Kristina Ward lead the Family Team (Team 1,)

Carolyn Scott leads Team 2, Jerry Adams leads Team 3, and Nancy Thompson leads Team 4. These teams are

made up of individuals and families who serve as Lectors, Oblationers, Ushers, Greeters and Coffee Host. Each

team takes one week of the month, and one fourth Sunday of the year.

All of our team leaders would like to thank everyone who serves on a team – Ministry Teams are what make

Sunday mornings run smoothly, and help to make our visitors feel welcome.

As always, the leaders are happy to welcome new team members and a sign-up sheet is on the board in the

lobby!

Jerusalem Greer

Website, Social Media & Church Office Our website traffic has increased over this past year by 10%. John Churchwell and Jerusalem Greer make sure

that information is up to date. There is a need to update some pictures and graphics.

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St. Peter's Social Media presence has grown as well. With the addition of posting pictures of events, and using

Social Media as a reminder of church events, we are getting more likes and post shares.

The Church Office has changed its hours to 9 to 5 beginning in 2017. We have several volunteers who help out

answering phones. printing bulletins.

John Churchwell

Wedding Coordinator There were 2 wonderful weddings and two lovely wedding blessings at St. Peters this year.

Our Weddings in 2016 were:

Eric Jones and Paul McCowan,

Brett Hardison and Brandon Dietz,

the blessing of Josh and Courtney Collins-Terry;

and the blessing of Melanie and Chrissy Cavendar.

Congratulations to all the couples.

The wedding coordinator ministry is headed by Donna Hutchinson who is ably assisted by Genie Davis and Dee

Sanders.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Hutchinson

The Wisdom House Project THE WISDOM HOUSE PROJECT

http://thewisdomhouseproject.com/

Facebook: The Wisdom House Project

OVERVIEW:

Support for school in Maarrat al-Nu’man Syria educating 358 children orphaned or 1 parent left.

Building relationships across borders; supporting education and the future for children in Syria.

SUPPORT TEAM:

Mouaz Moustafa - SETF (Syrian Emergency Task Force) executive director

Natalie Larrison – SETF representative and liason with Syrian ground team.

Jerry Adams – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Conway team leader

Teri Daily – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Nancy Allen – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church contact for “Letters of Hope for Syria”

Brett Hardison – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church team secretary

Marianne Smith Black – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church/CRMC

Kandace Kenney – UCA TED talk representative

Shelley Mehl – UCA/FUMC team budget manager

Keith Jones – Acxiom Cares

BUDGET:

$39,880 is 1st year budget.

$28,331 raised as of Jan 1,2017

$6,000.00 recently sent to Turkey for orphanage purchases.

$2,200.00 in the bank.

$11,549 left to raise by Sept. 2017

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SCHOOL PURCHASES:

Bus was purchased with private donation of $10,000.

Heater for class room, oil for generator, projectors and printers

School moved to an underground location for better protection.

Maarrat al-Nu’man Syria is near and has been a center of bombing from the Al Assad regime.

LETTER WRITING:

“Letters of Love for Syria” writing campaign

Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/lettersofhopeforsyria/

Cathleen Koch – With CNN. Connected Katrina victims letter writing to Hope for Japan (tsunami victims).

May be helpful to create a letter writing campaign for Syria. Letter writing campaign describing the crimes in

Syria sent out to community leaders to inform community for Words Of Hope for Syria or other name, PO Box

for all to be sent, instructions.

Nancy Allen will work on packaging.

Brett Hardison