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Annual Parish Meeting January 26th, 2014

Agenda

Call to order & Opening Prayer Approval of minutes of 2013 Annual Meeting………………………....………… pg 3 Senior Warden’s Report…………………………………………...…………….. pg 7 Junior Warden’s Report…………………………………………………………. pg 8

Treasurer’s Report Treasurer’s Summary ...…………………………………………………… pg 9 2013 Balance Sheet ………………………………………………………. pg 10 2013 Income & Expenses…………………………………………………. pg 12 2014 Operating Budget…………………………………………………… pg 15 Investment Report……………………………………………………...…. pg 17

Optional Statement from other Financial reports presented in writing SCRIP ……….…………...……..…………………………………….…... pg 18 Rector’s Discretionary……………………………………………………. pg 19

Optional Statement from other reports presented in writing Altar Guild……………..……………………..……………………….….. pg 20 Children’s Ministry………………..………..……………………..….…… pg 20 Ministry of Mercy & Justice..………………………………..….…………. pg 21 Tie-ers…………………..………….……………..………….……..….…. pg 21 Hat Ministry …………………..………..………………………..….……. pg 21 Saturday Table Ministry.…….………………………………..….………... pg 22 Laguna Art Project…....…….………………………………..….………... pg 22 CRV Recycling Program…….………………………………..….………... pg 22

Rector’s Report…………………………………………………………….….…. pg 23

Nominations Delegates to Diocesan Convention (3 needed) ……………….…………… pg 27 Vestry members (3 needed) ……………………………………….………. pg 28

Nominations from the floor Appointment of ballot counters & Distribution of ballots Report of Clerk on Elections

Closing Prayer Adjournment

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MINUTES

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

2013 Annual Meeting

January 27, 2013 Vestry Present: Cecile Lusby, Margaret Lynch, Karen Koenig, Bruce Ahlvin, Jeff Wesselkamper, Loria Rolander, Mary Lou Sefton

Attendance: An attendance sign-in sheet was circulated to gather the names of those in attendance.

Call to Order: Christy called the Annual Meeting to Order at 11:40 a.m.

Approval of 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes: Margaret moved to pass the 2012 Annual Minutes as present-ed, Jean Farmer seconded and the motion was passed.

Senior Warden’s Report: Loria Rolander discussed the accomplishments at St. Stephen’s during the past year, including the remodel of the parish offices and conference room, the new Godly Play and Nursery rooms. The Parish Hall underwent a renovation with a new coat of paint and new floor and the reorganiza-tion and cleaning of the kitchen. Two new events were added to the St. Stephen’s calendar: the outdoor St. Francis Day and Blessing of the Animals and the first children’s service. St. Stephen’s now has a new logo and new church sign on Bodega Avenue. Outreach to families in need continues and St. Stephen’s hosts a Satur-day Table, feeding the homeless a meal every 3rd Saturday of the month. Loria finished her report by saying, “what a pleasure it was working with all the people of St. Stephens.” Junior Warden’s Report: Bruce Ahlvin praised the members of St. Stephen’s saying, “they are a purpose-driven church, and I thank them all.” He presented his report outlining some of the projects and accomplish-ments over the last year: the purchase of a Craftsman 42” Rider Mower, work parties to clean-up the church property, the cleaning of gutters, a kitchen make-over, flood mitigation, pothole filling, and the negotiation with Christy for a new contract with Becoming Independent. Treasurer’s Report: Terry Hollenstain gave her final report as Treasurer for St. Stephen’s with the following highlights of the year 2012: St. Stephen’s secured 11 new pledges, the church ended the year with a $2,500 surplus (there was a projected $7,000 deficit) due to pledge and plate income over the budgeted amounts. For the 2013 budget, the 11 new pledges were added, 34% of the 2012 pledgers increased their pledge, Ben Mertz received a raise along with salary increases for Christy and Tasha, weekly nursery care was added to the budget, and in 2013 the church will cover 25% of Christy’s health insurance premium (approximately $2,000 for the year) saving St. Stephen’s over $5,000. The budget for 2013 projects a deficit of less than $1,000. After three years of service as the treasurer of St. Stephen’s, Terry is stepping down. Christy expressed sincere thanks and presented the book, “Help, Thanks, Wow,” by Ann Lamont. Atwood Estate: The checking account for the Atwood Estate was closed in early January 2013 with the bal-ance of funds, $3,773.41, transferred to the St. Stephen’s Money Market account. (George Atwood is a former parishioner who died a few years ago and generously left much of his estate to St. Stephen’s.)

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SCRIP: Fircrest and Pacific Market: The paper SCRIP certificate on-hand amount is $640 as of December, 31,

2012

Great Lakes: The amount on hand as of December 31, 2012 for the gift cards is $1,189.

The amount that went to the Godly Play program was $522 in 2012.

Rector’s Discretionary Fund: The total amount of receipts from the parish’s general budget and other sources was $2,200 with disbursements (food, community support, housing, and scholarship aid) was $1,372.50. The balance as of January 1, 2013 was $2,396.91. Written Reports from Other St. Stephen’s Ministries:

Minister of Music: Benjamin Mertz wrote about his five years with St. Stephen’s as the Minister of Music. He reported an influx in choir members with 18 on Christmas Eve. He expressed his gratitude to the many volunteers who helped with the sewing of new stoles to go with their new choir robes. New hymnals were purchased and the choir office was reorganized. Ben was pleased to report the first piano recital featuring students and colleagues playing Classical, Jazz, and Romantic music—a wonderful way to inaugurate the new 1921 Steinway grand piano. The Joyful Noise! November concert included more than 40 singers and a full congregation celebrating spiritual music and raising $1,580, after expenses, for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund through Episcopal Relief and Development. Benjamin expressed his deep thanks to the St. Stephen’s congregation for the support of his tuition and supply costs during his continuing education. He praises the church for being compassionate and nurturing to him and his family. Altar Guild: Meg Nalley reported about the busy year for the Altar Guild: Mary Lou Hart retired and moved leaving a big void in the heart of the parish, Susan Shumaker accepted the position of Flower Chair-person, and the Altar Guild welcomed Barbara Morgan’s return and new member Anna Kate Hassinger. She expressed that new members are most welcome for the one to two-hour rewarding monthly commitment. More dedications are needed to support the flowers and sanctuary candles. She said that heading the Altar Guild is one of her favorite positions at St. Stephen’s. Godly Play Program: Godly Play is the educational program provided for children every Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. service. Currently four to six children attend regularly with three teachers (Paula Bush, Lynda Hig-son, and Jill Wesselkamper) teaching in rotation. Lynda Higson reported about several new successful pro-jects that took place in 2012: 1) Earth Day raised $570.36 for the Episcopal Relief and Development’s Gifts for Life program that provides drought-resistant seeds, tools and clean water for the people in Burundi, Myan-mar and Malawi. 2) The Godly Play children collected 400 packs of colored pencils and 4 large boxes of children’s books for the Redwood Gospel Mission’s City Kids Festival, helping Sonoma County school chil-dren. 3) In August the children participated in the Children’s Service by decorating the church with hand-made paper dolls, presenting music, reading scriptures, participating in the offering and oblations, and hosting (along with their families) the coffee hour. 4) Christmas Eve welcomed the children’s Christmas Pageant, directed by Kai Harris with Howard Higson’s assistance. Lynda thanked those who helped remodel and clean up the Godly Play and Nursery rooms—especially Meg and Dave Nalley, Jeff Tawney, Richard Bull and Kai Harris. Lynda also thanked Paula Bush and Jill Wesselkamper for their dependable and wonderful teaching of the children, and to Loria Rolander who initiated the idea of more child participation. She lauds St. Ste-phen’s for their understanding that children are an integral part of our church community.

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Mercy and Justice: Carol and Peter Lucic praise the congregation by saying, “St. Stephen’s always comes through!” Mercy and Justice (M & J) continues sending food baskets to needy family on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Deacon David Steadman interfaces with Parkside School for the names of families in need of these baskets. Seven families were selected by Parkside with one additional family added on the recommenda-tion of a parishioner. Berenice Iriks’ delightful sign-up posters are appreciated. Sophie Beth Pettigrew was in-tegral to the success of the Easter Holiday Food Basket program in 2012, at which time Carol and Peter took over the M & J program. They attribute much of the success of these programs to the generous monetary do-nations from parishioners, allowing M & J to remain in the black while still accomplishing all of its food basket deliveries. Several businesses (Andy’s Produce, Sebastopol Hardware, Safeway and Silk Moon) donated the baskets, boxes and festive gift bags. Christy thanked Sophie Beth for her years of service to M & J. Tie-ers: Linda Geiger said the Tie-ers made 14 large quilts for the Sierra Youth Center, 16 medium quilts for the Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, and 6 small quilts for the Linus project. The 27 quilts were blessed by the Bishop on February 3, 2012. She thanks all those who bring fabric for the quilts. They welcome anyone wishing to spread the warmth to join them the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Hat Ministry: Marge (Mad Hatter Marge) Evans reported that over 700 hats were distributed by Mad Hatter Marge in 2012!! The hats went to Parkside School in Sebastopol, Monte Rio School, five schools in Indio, CA, one school in Coachella, CA, and one school in Salton City, CA, in addition to the Living Room in Santa Rosa, St. Joseph’s Visiting Nurses in Rohnert Park and the Saturday Tab le at St. Stephen’s. Hats were also given out in Oregon (3rd year) and Illinois. Christy informed the parishioners that Marge was ill and at Apple Valley and asked that we pray for her. Margaret encouraged all to send cards to her and would check on how these were to be distributed so that Marge would receive them all. Saturday Table – for those in Need of a Meal: May of 2012 brought a new ministry to St. Stephen’s: The Saturday Table. Joining with a group of faith-based communities (Sebastopol Christian Church, United Meth-odist Church, Community Church of Sebastopol, and Occidental Laguna Sangha) St. Stephen’s provides a meal on the third Saturday of the month to the homeless and less fortunate of our community. On the fifth Satur-day St. Stephen’s offers the Buddhist group, Occidental Laguna Sangha, to use the Parish Hall and kitchen to prepare a meal. Monthly participation is between 8-24 people who come to enjoy a nutritious and plentiful meal and conversation with the volunteers. If interested in helping with this program, you may prepare food and drop it off, volunteer to cook, serve and/or clean up. Some have knit scarves and hats and brought wool-en socks, ponchos, dog food or came and played the guitar—there are many ways in which you can touch the life of those less fortunate. There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall or you can call Jean Farmer with ques-tions at 823.3873. Rector’s Report: Reverend Christy says that St. Stephen’s has “been blessed by growth and new energy.” 2012 saw the average Sunday attendance grow by 31% since 2010, with a current average of 75 (over the 57 average in 2010) in attendance. The 2013 pledges grew to 53, with 11 new pledges, and 34% increased their pledges. Christy reports a total of 22 new pledges since her arrival as Rector and was excited with the attend-ance of 90 people for the Christmas Pageant which was nearly double the attendance in 2011. Several new pro-grams were added in 2012 including the Children’s service which is led by the children, the celebration of St. Francis Day with an outdoor Eucharist where all God’s critters are invited, the Second Annual Pancake Supper and the Barn Dance and Harvest Festival. This Winter Banquet increased dramatically from 60 to 80, and Christy thanked Mark and Paula Bush for making it possible. She attributes the new energy of the parish for instigation of the Saturday Table (a Mercy & Justice program) and extended a huge thank you to Sophie Beth Pettigrew for her years of leadership with M & J while welcoming Carol and Peter Lucic as the new leaders of

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this program. Christy also thanked David Steadman for his Lenten formation series about the art connected to the events of Holy week. Christy reports on the positive feedback of her adult formation on the four canticles connected to Christ’s birth and said that the participants’ experience of Advent was deeper than ever before. Many physical improvements were completed in 2012: a new floor and coat of paint in the Parish Hall, profes-sional kitchen cleaning, the cleaning, painting and rearranging of the Godly Play and Nursery rooms, and the rearranging of the offices and conference room, including new flooring and paint. She expressed her thanks to all those who made these improvements possible. A new logo, website and “Episcopal Church Welcomes You” sign on Bodega Avenue were completed to help with spreading the word and updating the image of St. Stephen’s. Christy reports that after much research and prayer, the very generous gift from the late Greg Sinn estate will be invested in order to begin seeing earnings which will help to cover capital improvements and open new pos-sibilities in the Operating Budget. She thanked Clay Sorrick, Margaret Lynch, and Jeff Wesselkamper for their time and energy in making this cautious investment possible allowing Greg’s legacy to continue to support and enrich St. Stephen’s and our ministries for many years. Christy applauds the entire congregation saying that each of us plays an important role in the success of St. Ste-phen’s: the choir that leads us in song and carries our souls to God;; the Altar Guild who provide order and beauty to our worship place; the readers, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, intercessors, and oblation bearers re-mind us that we together form one body as we praise our Lord; and the tie-ers, Mad Hatter Marge, and those who give food and/or time to the food pantry, the Saturday Table, and the food baskets all help us live our baptismal covenant of seeking and serving Christ in all persons, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, working toward justice and peace. Nominations:

Delegates to Diocesan Convention: The delegates for the Diocesan Convention wrote short biographies about their lives and spirituality. The delegates are: Karen Sorrick, Clay Sorrick, and Judi Steeves. Margaret Lynch moved to accept by acclamation these delegates to the Diocesan Convention; Peter Rosser seconded and the motion was passed. Vestry Members: New Vestry Members for the three-year term 2013 through 2015 who submitted their biog-raphies are: Maureen Matteri, Marshall Ward, and Lynda Higson. Cecile Lusby also submitted a short biog-raphy and has agreed to serve out the remaining term that she took over for Alison Mertz after her resignation from the Vestry part way through 2012. Margaret Lynch moved to elect Maureen, Marshall, Lynda and Cecile to the Vestry by acclamation as stated; Carol Lucic seconded and the motion was passed. Christy thanked the Vestry going off (Margaret Lynch, Jeff Wesselkamper and Mary Lou Sefton) for their tireless help, wit and wis-dom, giving each one the book, “Help, Thanks, Wow,” by Ann Lamont. Adjournment: Carol Lucic moved to adjourn the Annual Meeting; Meg Nalley seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

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SENIOR WARDEN

St. Stephen’s continued to move ahead in 2013 with new growth, new ideas and new actions on steps tak-en to improve our physical plant. I think the most far reaching and effective move was the change from a printed monthly newsletter to a weekly e-news letter in July. This has improved parish communication and allowed the congregation to keep on top of all our events and activities. There were a lot of events and activities this year. The new ones included the parish camping trip and the day at the river, the summer fun night, the Bishop’s visit last February, celebrating St Stephen’s 55th year anniversary, and the visit of the Haitian Children’s Choir. We also continued to celebrate Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals, the Harvest Festival and Barn Dance, and Advent and Lenten adult education classes. The parish continues to reach out to the community of Sebastopol and beyond under the guidance of the Mercy and Justice Ministry. The work on making St. Stephen’s physical plant warm and welcoming continues. The Parish Hall lights have been installed. The kitchen has been organized and labeled to make it easier for people to work on providing hospitality to the congregation. We have a great new sign at the beginning of our driveway which is clear and easy to see. Soon we will replace the sign on the hill in a better location which will be much easier to see. There are also many who work behind the scenes but are vital to the smooth running of this parish. The financial team works very hard at managing our money wisely. The office does a great job in many diverse areas; scheduling, producing the e-news and all the printed materials which we use in the services. It is time for Kate Sefton, Cecile Lubsy, and me to go off the Vestry. We have completed our 3 year term. I have greatly enjoyed being the Senior Warden this past 2 years, but I could not have done it with out the support of Christy, the Vestry, and the people of the congregation. It has been a great pleasure to work with you and get to know you. Thank you for all your help. I am looking forward to 2014 and continuing to see how St. Stephen’s and its congregation will grow and develop over the next year. Loria Rolander

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JUNIOR WARDEN

Junior Warden Yearly Report – 2013

My second year as Junior Warden was equally as productive as my first due to the immense spirited support from my Church community. We are purpose driven with the interest of all our community as our focus. Listed below are project reviews and highlights of our 2013 journey.

• Four Work Parties were scheduled March through August. Participation varied between 5 and 16 servants. Projects included ground maintenance, Sanctuary, Parish Hall and office cleaning. People care and it shows.

• The Craftsman 42’ Rider Mower purchased last year proved to be a wise, economic investment. Fields were mowed four times thanks to Ben Evenbeck. He is a true gift.

• Driveway entry repair and resurface. Three professional bids were presented and discussed. Eval-uation began in March with completion in May by Von Renner Construction.

• Church signage. Review and assessment began in April. A sign team formed in July. Team pre-sented various creative design and repositioning alternatives for the field and entrance signs. Consen-sus was reached. Ron Blair Sign Company was selected by the Vestry. Budget was approved and signs went into production. New entrance sign has been installed, accented with solar base lighting. Red field sign will be installed soon. Rejoice in the fresh, high impact visibility.

• Irrigation issues. Thanks to Peter Rosser for helping to install the irrigation system for the garden area outside Christy’s office, repairing leaks, and resetting timers on watering cycles.

• Tree spraying and Trimming Nov into 2014. At the urging of Christy, Vestry approved the budg-et to have the Live Oaks sprayed to protect them from Beetles, and SOD (Sudden Oak Death) a dis-ease that it is flourishing the Sonoma County. This service was provided by Hitmen Tree Service in October. Christy was also contacted by the Manager of the Burbank development behind the Church. Large pines that overlapped the driveway were a safety issue which we immediately addressed and had trimmed along with the giant mulberry tree in the Parish Hall patio. Oaks along the church driveway entrance will also be trimmed. We received two bids from recommended, licensed arborists and have selected one based on personal experience and lower costs. Projects should begin early 2014.

• Women’s and Kitchen Restroom Renovations planned for 2014. Projects are a priority. Working with Jeff Tawney, I have accepted leadership responsibilities. Each Vestry member was asked to pro-vide their specific vision of what needed to be done. With grace, all replied in harmony. You will be alerted to timing as projects develop. Preliminary cost estimates is $10K to $20K.

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TREASURER’S SUMMARY

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TREASURER’S REPORT

PRELIMINARY BALANCE SHEET

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TREASURER’S REPORT

PRELIMINARY BALANCE SHEET—CONTINUED

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TREASURER’S REPORT

PRELIMINARY INCOME & EXPENSES

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TREASURER’S REPORT

PRELIMINARY INCOME & EXPENSES — CONTINUED

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TREASURER’S REPORT

INCOME & EXPENSES — CONTINUED

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OPERATING BUDGET 2014

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OPERATING BUDGET 2014 — CONTINUED

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INVESTMENT REPORT

Schwab Endowment Account December 31, 2013

Account opened mid January 2013 Deposits

Sinn & Schreffler estates $736,005.20

Transfer from diocesan endowment $65,755.09

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Total deposts $801,760.29

Paid out (2.5% annually ÷ 4 quarters =.0625 of beginning balance paid out each quarter) April $-4,012.01

July $-4,012.01

September $-4,012.01

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Total paid out $-12,036.03

Net invested in endowment account $789,724.26 Market Value as of December 31, 2013 $891,182.06 Gain* from inception-based on net still invested $101,457.80

*some gains realized, some are unrealized appreciation

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SCRIP

The scrip program we have ongoing with retailers in Sebastopol (paper scrip with Fircrest and Pa-cific Markets) and gift card scrip (sold to us from Great Lakes Scrip with major chains of stores throughout the country) work together to help fund the Godly Play and Nursery here at St. Ste-phen’s.

Fircrest and Pacific Market

On hand January 1, 2013 $ 640

Purchased in 2013 3,575

Sold in 2013 <3,515> ————

On hand December 31, 2013 $ 700

Profit $185.00

Great Lakes

On hand January 1, 2013 1,189

Purchased in 2013 17,209

Sold in 2013 <17,120> ————

On hand December 31, 2013 $ 1,278

Profit $938.26

Ricette Miller and Karen Koenig thank everybody helping with this program.

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RECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Receipts:

From parish general budget: $1,100.00

From other sources: $200.00

Total Receipts: $1,300.00

Disbursements:

Community Support $185.00

Housing $1,866.59

Scholarship Aid $203.97

International Church Support $400.00

Total Disbursements $2,655.56

Beginning Balance (January 1, 2013) $2,396.91

+ Total Receipts $1,300.00

- Total Disbursements $2,655.56

= Balance as of January 1, 2014 $1,041.35

The fine print about how discretionary funds work… The existence and use of clergy discretionary funds largely rest on a canon of the Church, III.9 5(b)(6), regarding “almoner’s funds,” as well as a long tradition implementing this canon in our congregations. The canon provides as follows:

CANON III.9.6—Regarding the use of the Rector’s Discretionary Fund The Alms and Contributions, not otherwise specifically designated, at the Administration of the Holy Communion on one Sunday in each calendar month, and other offerings for the poor, shall be deposited with the Rector or Priest-in-Charge or with such Church officer as the Rector or Priest-in-Charge shall appoint to be applied to such pious and charitable uses as the Rector or Priest-in-Charge shall determine. When a Parish is without a Rector or Priest-in-Charge, the Vestry shall designate a member of the Parish to fulfill this function.

Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs—Chapter V, B-1 & 5 1. The “alms” canon quoted above provides that gifts and “other offerings for the poor” collected in the parish are to be “applied to such pious and charitable uses as the Rector shall determine.” Pursuant to this canon, it has generally been recognized that the discretionary funds of a rector are to be used for aid to the poor and other purposes that the rector considers “pious and charitable,” and that these uses are regarded as consistent with the Church’s mission. It seems clear that the scope of permissible uses under the canon generally lies within the sound discretion of the rector.

5. A further limitation on the rector’s discretion can be seen in the canon’s directive that gifts to the parish intended as alms be used at the rector’s discretion. The inference to be drawn from this direction is that the canonical discretion-ary funds are not intended to be used for types of expenditures that are routinely made from a vestry’s budget. Thus, it would seem to be inappropriate for the rector to use the funds on parish maintenance or projects, or even expendi-tures for the rector’s liturgical ministry, such as vestments, that are generally funded through the parish budget. Ex-penditure for a purpose that the vestry has declined to fund, for example, would not seem to be an appropriate use of discretionary funds.

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ALTAR GUILD

2013 was another busy year in the life of Altar Guild. Long-time member Jill Wesselkamper “retired” from Al-tar Guild at the end of the year with our thanks for many years of dedicated service. We welcomed returning member Mary McAulay, and new member Carole Ward. Jeff Tawney repaired and hung the sanctuary lamp, and it looks beautiful! We are always eager to welcome new members – men and women alike. Altar Guild commit-ment is only about 1-2 hours per month, so please think about this rewarding, behind-the-scenes ministry. We also need more dedications of flowers and sanctuary candles, so that our worship space is always appropriately supplied. Please talk to me, or to any Altar Guild member, if you have any questions.

Respectfully submitted, Meg Nalley

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY GROUP

This year marked the beginning of the Children’s Ministry Group at St. Stephen’s. This group will meet every 3-4 months to discuss our children’s spiritual formation and the programs to help shape and guide them through education, worship participation, service projects and other events. Nine people attended our first meeting on November 16. Thank you to all who attended our first meeting and for your continued interest in this group.

Our Godly Play program is offered every Sunday during the 10:00 service. We currently have an average of four to five children who attend regularly and three teachers (Paula Bush, Lynda Higson and Jill Wesselkamper) who teach on a rotation.

Our children contribute to and enjoy many annual events: the Harvest Festival, Blessing of the Animals service, Advent Wreath making, and the Easter Egg Hunt. Two new traditions began this last year: St. Nicholas made a visit on December 5 with special handmade cookies given to everyone (thanks to Christine and Ann Carter) and the Summer Game Night was held on August 13 with outdoor games, ice cream sundaes and FUN! Events from 2013:

1. On Earth Day, we raised $358 for Episcopal Relief and Development to purchase flocks of chickens bound for one or more of the following countries: Burma-Myanmar, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

2. In June and July, the children helped collect money and supplies for the art program at Laguna High School in Sebastopol through a Giving Tree designed by Jean Farmer and Liza Brickey. Thank you, Jean and Liza!

3. On Mother’s Day, the children participated in the Children’s Service by presenting special music, reading scripture, participating in the offering and oblations, and hosting, with their families, the coffee hour that day.

4. The children made crafts for our Holiday Baskets: pinecone turkeys at Thanksgiving and beeswax candles at Christmas.

5. On Christmas Eve, the Christmas Pageant was presented. Many thanks to the Co-Directors: Ben Ev-enbeck and Kai Harris, and Costumer Anna Hassinger.

In closing, I would like to express a special thank you to Paula Bush and Jill Wesselkamper for continu-ing to serve as wonderful teachers in our Godly Play program. Thank you, as well, to our entire congregation for your support and care of our children, including the Scrip program and its dedicated workers, Karen Koenig and Ricette Miller.

Respectfully submitted by Lynda Higson

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MERCY AND JUSTICE REPORT

Mercy and Justice Ministries had a busy, productive and fun year. Because we consist of so many different ministries, and because we felt lead by the Holy Spirit rather than by Robert’s Rules, at our first meeting we voted to change our name from Mercy and Justice Committee to Mercy and Justice Ministries. Projects included the Holiday Baskets headed by Peter and Carol Lucic, Mad Hatter Marge’s Hats resur-rected by Cecile Lusby, Saturday Table run by Jean Farmer and Heather Cruciano, Tie-ers with Linda Gieger, CRV Recycling program headed by Judi Steeves, Women’s Toiletries headed by Kate Sefton and Mollie McCoy. and two new Ministries, the Laguna Art Project headed by Jean Farmer, Liza Brickey and our children, and the Haitian Luncheon run by Carol Lucic. We had seven enjoyable and thought provoking meetings so well attended that we had to move from the conference room to the parish hall just to fit everyone in. Carol and Peter attended the Bishop’s Confer-ence in April where they learned how better to manage the Mercy and Justice effort at St. Stephen’s. Our new motto has become “St. Stephen’s always comes through!” Gratefully Submitted Peter and Carol Lucic

TIE-ERS

The Tie-ers meet every 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the Parish Hall to assemble and tie the quilts for the Val-ley of the Moon Children’s Home. In 2013 we delivered 50 quilts to the children. Linda Geiger

HAT MINISTRY

In spring 2013 after the passing of Marge ‘Mad Hatter’ Evans, The Mercy and Justice Committee decided to carry on her mission of creating hats for kindergarteners at Parkside School. We consulted David Sted-man who had escorted Marge on her rounds. He told us about the book, Sebastian’s Wish, that her daughter Midge Rodier had written to be read as part of the celebration in the classroom. Midge reads surrounded by the entire class as they listen. Next the children go to the tables where the bright caps are on display. They look, touch, and try them on for themselves before making their own choice.

Marge recruited and instructed many of us on the knitting of the caps and we had about twenty ready in September before the school secretary advised us that there would be fifty Kindergarteners this year. We issued an appeal to the knitters at St. Stephen’s, who took up the challenge. By December 9, Hat Day, we had sixty-four ready. Midge added even more that Marge had finished before her passing.

We found while we visited the school that it becomes an offering of love and welcome to the children of Parkside. We knit in the quiet of our homes and then bring the caps to them where they are, and we are all “surprised by joy” as C. S. Lewis used to say. We hope to continue and strengthen our bonds with Parkside School.

Cecile Lusby

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SATURDAY TABLE-FOR THOSE IN NEED OF A MEAL

In May of 2012, St. Stephen’s began a new ministry. We have joined with a group of faith based commu-nities: Sebastopol Christian Church, United Methodist Church, Community Church of Sebastopol, and Occidental Laguna Sangha, to provide a weekly meal to the homeless and those in need of a meal each Saturday. Our church provides the meal on the third Saturday of the month, and on the fifth Saturday we offer our facility to the Buddhist group, Occidental Languna Sangha, to prepare a meal.

Each month we host from 8-24 people. We prepare meals that are nutritious and plentiful. After the meal is prepared, we all sit and share the meal together. There are many ways to volunteer for this ministry. Some parishioners prepare food and drop it off. Oth-ers join together to cook, serve and clean up. Some have knit scarves and hats, brought woolen socks and ponchos and dog food, played guitar, and provided art materials. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry you can sign up in the parish hall. If you have any questions, please contact Jean Farmer @ 823-3873.

LAGUNA HIGH SCHOOL ART PROGRAM

This year our church helped to support the Art Program at Laguna High School, the continuation high school in Sebastopol. This project arose in response to the congregation wanting to support at risk youth in our community. Cash donations and bagfuls of needed art supplies were donated to the program through a “giving tree” that was spearheaded by our youth, and the Mercy and Justice Ministry. Our hope is that this support will help these youth to be creative, express themselves in new ways and realize that they have gifts. Dale Wiley, the art teacher said that she is usually given $120 annual budget for the entire art program, and that our donations of supplies and more than $1,375 in cash have made a dra-matic difference. Watch for periodic updates on the students progress in our newsletters.

CRV RECYCLING PROGRAM

BENEFITTING THE INTERCHURCH FOOD PANTRY

At the end of the second year of this recycling program I am very happy to announce that over $350 has been collected and sent to the Interchurch Food Pantry from the weekly collections in the Parish Hall. This has allowed the Food Pantry to be able to purchase $1,400 in food items to help those in need. Thank you to ALL who have continued to support this ministry. I hope that you will continue to do so in 2014. Most of the items that we pay CRV fees for when we purchase them (i.e. bottled water, sodas, juices, specialty drinks and beers) are the items I collect. Please check the label and if you see CA CRV, then I can recycle the item. All aluminum cans and plastic bottles are recyclable items as well as a lot of glass bottles. However, wine bottles and some ½ gallon juice bottles, unless marked, are not recyclable. If you have any questions regarding this program, please ask. And please bring your recycling on Sundays and put in the special marked container in the Parish Hall kitchen. Thank you so very much! Judi Steeves

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RECTOR’S REPORT

It continues to be a joy and blessing to serve with the community of St. Stephen’s! In 2013 we were blessed by continued growth

Our average Sunday attendance has increased by 42% since 2010

- In 2010 the average was 57 people, in 2011 it was 68 people, in 2012 it was 75 people, and in 2013 it was 81.

We have received 56 pledges for 2014

- 12 of these are NEW pledges for 2014

- We have received a total of 34 new pledges since I arrived (though not all of these have renewed each year)

- 52% of renewing pledgers increased their pledge for 2014

- The amount pledged from 2013 to 2014 increased 22.5%

- THANK YOU!

A Year in Review

February

The bishop visited our congregation and confirmed Christine Carter and received Michael McDowell and Cecile Lusby.

Lent began early in 2013, on February 13th. We celebrated the evening before Ash Wednesday with our third annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.

For our Lenten Study, we studied the liturgies of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. The study and soup supper were well attended and participants reported that it enriched their experience of the liturgies.

March

We celebrated our first Easter Vigil in many years on the eve of Easter. It was a beautiful ser-vice of readings and hymns, of moving from darkness to light. Thank you to all who made this celebration possible, especially our choir and minister of music, Benjamin Mertz.

April

Our children collected funds in honor of Earth Day for Episcopal Relief and Development’s “Flocks of Chickens” and helped send chickens to hungry families around the world.

We welcomed Emma Fig Eichenseher into the family of God!

May

We celebrated mother’s day with a children’s service at our 10am service. We were blessed by the participation of our St. Stephen’s children—reading, playing the piano, ushering, and help-ing lead us in general. Thank you our children (Ethan & Mia Wesselkamper, Lillian Sanders, Theo McDowell, Lucie Evenbeck, Charlotte Goff, Heather Iriks, and Kathrine Sefton, ) and to our faithful Godly Play teachers (Lynda Higson, Jill Wesselkamper, and Paula Bush).

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RECTOR’S REPORT—CONTINUED

July

We went on our first (to my knowledge) parish camping trip to Austin Creek in the Armstrong Redwoods. It was a fun and relaxing time and I kicked everyone’s behinds playing Apples to Apples!

That Saturday, the Shumakers generously opened their home on the river to our community and many folks gathered to soak up the sun and enjoy the river and each other’s company. Thank you Susan and David!

August

We enjoyed each other’s company and beautiful summer weather at our Summer Game Night. We held our second Ministry Fair celebrating all the ministries of St. Stephen’s. Thank you to

Anna Hassinger for organizing us!

We collected over $1,375 plus materials for Laguna High’s art program which usually has an annual budget of $120.

September

We celebrated St. Francis and invited animals and pets to join us for an outdoor Eucharist.

October

We were privileged with the opportunity to open our hearts and homes and church doors to the Haitian Children’s Choir Les Petite Chanteurs. We raised $3,000 for the children’s school for rebuilding and purchasing instruments and were blessed by the opportunity to worship to-gether, hear their beautiful singing, and celebrate Samuel Mertz’s baptism. Thank you to all who made this weekend possible, especially the Mercy and Justice Committee and Jean Farmer.

We celebrated our third annual Barn Dance and Harvest Festival. This year we moved it to a Sunday and enjoyed a pot-luck coffee hour. The music was beautiful, the pumpkin carving and dancing a blast and the puppet show hilarious. Thank you to Jerry Allen for leading us in the dancing and puppet show and to Anna Hassinger for organizing the event.

In our Fall Formation series we studied Ellen Davis’ book Getting Involved with God: Under-standing the Old Testament. We again had great participation and enjoyed breaking bread to-gether and discussing Davis’ book. Folks who were participating in the Bible Challenge seemed to particularly appreciate the opportunity to examine specific parts of the Bible and wrestle with how these texts could be understood and what they mean for our relationship with God.

December

We made advent wreathes. Thank you to Ben Evenbeck for bringing us greens.

We celebrated St. Nicholas. Thank you to Ann and Christine Carter, Lynda Higson, and Mark Farmer.

We enjoyed a delicious prime rib Winter Banquet. Thank you to Paula and Mark Bush for their miraculous work in the kitchen and to the vestry and our children for the serving and cleaning and decorating.

And we joyfully celebrated Christmas. Thank you to our pageant directors, Kai Harris and Ben Evenbeck.

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RECTOR’S REPORT—CONTINUED

New Developments

Children’s Ministry—Toward the end of the year Lynda Higson gathered those interested in serving on a children’s ministry committee. We met on a Saturday to discuss where we are and what we currently do at St. Stephen’s and have begun the process of involving more voices and dreaming about what the future might hold. Thank you to all who are willing to serve on this committee and to Lynda for gathering us.

The Bible Challenge—Our bishop challenged us read the entire Bible cover to cover in 2013. Thirty-one people took up the challenge. Not all completed the Bible but everyone I have spoken with enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to get more familiar with our Holy Scriptures. On January 12th of this year, a number of us gathered over a pot-luck supper and discussed the experience and played a rousing round of Bible Trivia. I was impressed by everyone’s knowledge!

E-News—We took the plunge this year and moved to a weekly e-news. We use Vertical Response to cre-ate our newsletter. Vertical Response generously provides free access to their online software for non-profits. The e-news allows us to communicate with our community more often and with more infor-mation, using less paper and stamps. We are able to include links to resources and news. We continue to create a monthly hardcopy newsletter that sums up the e-news from the previous month and goes out to those who do not use email. A huge thank you to Tasha Krongard, our parish administrator, for all her hard work and making this happen each week and a thank you to all who contribute articles and infor-mation.

Buildings and Grounds—2013 proved to be a very busy year for us in terms of caring for our buildings and grounds. We repaved the entrance to our parking lot, replaced the lighting in the Parish Hall, had trees trimmed, began to care for oaks with Sudden Oak Disease, held numerous workdays, and worked on new signage. A huge thank you to our very committed and hardworking junior warden, Bruce Ahlvin.

Investments—Last year at the annual meeting I reported that we were about to invest the generous gift from Greg Sinn’s estate. Early last year we invested these funds with Charles Schwab. We then moved over our previous endowment funds from their investment with the diocese to our Schwab account. And then these funds were further added to by a very generous gift from Loria Schreffler’s estate (Loria Rolander’s late mother). As reported in the e-news on 1/15/14, Loria’s bequest has enabled us to pur-chase our beautiful piano, has provided for new and beautiful signage to welcome visitors to our property, and will continue to give to this community and its ministries in many years to come through its invest-ment in our endowment fund. Our investments did well this year (please see the Investment Report for specifics). A big thank you to Clay Sorrick and Jeff Wesselkamper for overseeing the investment wing of our finance committee.

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RECTOR’S REPORT—CONTINUED

2014 promises to be another great year

I have asked Marshall Ward to serve as Senior Warden. Thank you for accepting this leadership role and agreeing to work with me, Marshall!

We will be remodeling the ladies restroom and the restroom in the kitchen. In the spring once it is dry, we will have the oaks that overhang the parking lot trimmed.

For my continuing education time this year, I will be studying stewardship and planning a new program for us this year. You will hear more about this soon!

I plan to form a committee to begin to observe the variety of worship styles and services out there, both Episcopal and non-Episcopal, and to begin to dream about adding to our current worship experiences. Please let me know if this is something that excites you!

Thank you

Thank you to all who make our life together possible—which is well, everyone! I have tried to thank folks as I’ve summarized the events of the year, but in addition, I’d like to thank our Mercy & Justice Ministries who make so many of our outreach ministries to our larger community possi-ble (tie-ers, Saturday Table, Food Pantry, Holiday Food Baskets, special collections, Powder Room Pro-ject, CRV Collections for the Food Pantry, Madhatter Marge Knitters). Thank you for your energy and love. Thank you for helping us all to live into our baptismal vows of striving for justice and peace among all people. A special thank you to our valiant leaders of Mercy and Justice, Carol and Peter Lucic. Thank you! A big thank you to our vestry. The vestry is a vital ministry of our community. For all intents and purpos-es, it is our board of directors and leads this congregation alongside me, your rector. They represent you, share your feedback, advise and support me, and lead many of our events and ministries. Thank you to Kate Sefton, Cecile Lusby, Loria Rolander, Clay Sorrick, Bruce Ahlvin, Karen Koenig, Lynda Higson, Maureen Matteri, and Marshall Ward. Kate, Cecile and Loria are cycling off after this meeting. Thank you three! A huge thank you to Mary Lou Sefton who served as our treasurer for 2013, to Karen Sorrick who served her second year as vestry clerk, to Ricette Miller who heads up those who count our Sunday offer-ing and to those who count (Judi Steeves, Charlotte Pimentel, Carol Otis), to Karen Koenig and Ricette Miller who sell scrip and collect funds for our children’s programs, and to our very faithful and very long term and hardworking bookkeeper, Meg Nalley! Thank you to Loria for serving as senior warden these last two years. Your advice, insight, and deep calm have helped me continue to grow into my role as rec-tor of St. Stephen’s. Thank you! As I said, the thank you’s could go on into eternity. There are so many hands and hearts and prayers that make our life together what it is. Thank you all! Yours in Christ, Christy+

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DELEGATES TO DIOCESAN CONVENTION

Karen Sorrick I have been a member of the Episcopal Church since 1984, converting from Roman Catholic. I liked the Catholic Church but didn’t agree with all of its policies and find that the Episcopal Church is a much better fit for me. The prayers and rituals are comforting and give me a feeling of a greater connection to God. After moving to Bodega, California from Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2011, we joined St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church after attending our first service and meeting some of the warm and welcoming congregation and Rev-erend Christy Laborda Harris. These last years I have become very involved at St. Stephen’s by joining the Altar Guild, serving as Vestry Clerk, and becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister. I also took part in The Dio-cese of Northern California’s Bible Challenge.

After a 20-year lapse, I returned to college to fulfill the promise made to my father—to get my college degree. After six years I graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gerontology. I vol-unteered at a Colorado Springs hospital for 20 years, chaired fundraisers for the Humane Society, and served on the board and as a worker for a local charity Christmas give-away for 3 years. I have been married to my best friend and husband, Clay, for 29 years and am blessed with being a step-mom to Clay’s two children, Paul and Heather and their spouses, and being ‘Grammy’ to four beautiful grandchildren. I enjoy traveling, good food and great wine, reading, sewing, painting, gardening and playing dominoes. Clay and I have a beautiful life together enriched by the love of family and friends and we are grateful to Him every day. Clay Sorrick I was raised in the Episcopal Church in California and continue in this faith today. I went to Colorado Col-lege in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1960 and started my career in the insurance and investments industry after graduation. I started my own New England Financial agency in 1971 and ran this successful agency until my retirement from management in 2000. I continue working from Bodega, advising doctors with their in-vestments and financial planning and returning to Colorado Springs every five weeks to meet with my partners and clients. I am a past board member of a large hospital, where I also served as board Chair several times and was on the Humane Society board, in addition to many other civic activities and industry trade association positions.

I married Karen in June of 1985. We built a beautiful southwest adobe home in Colorado Springs where we lived for 23 years before making the move back to California (where both Karen and I were born). We were members of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Colorado, but one visit to St. Stephen’s after our move was enough to make us join the congregation. I am very involved in St. Stephen’s, participating as a Sunday usher and lector and by also serving on the Vestry of St. Stephen’s. I am extremely proud of our chil-dren, Paul and Heather, and their families. Karen and I enjoy spending as much time with them as possible in addition to our other travels. Our favorite vacations include snorkeling and a warm beach. We also enjoy our time together, reading, walking and playing dominoes wherever our travels take us. I am truly blessed with a wonderful family and give daily thanks for these special gifts. Anna Hassinger

I’m an East Coast transplant, originally a native of Philadelphia, PA. I have lived in the Bay Area for the past three and a half years. I work in the Clinical Research industry, helping to manage and moni-tor clinical trials for people with rare genetic diseases. I’m a ‘cradle’ Episcopalian, and carry a secret torch for the 1928 prayer book and 1940 hymnal. St. Stephen’s became my spiritual home in 2012 and blessed me with many wonderful friends through the various ministries and groups that I take part in: choir, Altar Guild, Lay Eucharistic Ministry, bread making, Cursillo, as well as being a lec-tor. I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in organizing the Ministry Fair and the Harvest Festi-val. It’s wonderful to be an active member of such a warm and vibrant church community!

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VESTRY MEMBERS

Katheryn Fong

As the 8th child in a family of nine children born to Chinese immigrant parents in Boise, Idaho, I experienced many proselytizing attempts from well-meaning missionaries who sought to save so many souls. It wasn’t until I was 10 years old that I found the courage to walk into St. Michael’s Episcopal Church alone; but the ritual of the Eucharistic service was so intimidating I got up to leave mid-way through. A kind lady smiled at me and said, “Would you like to sit with me?” I’ve stayed with the Episcopal church for 57 years (with a hiatus during my hippie years in the 60s). My children Bill (now 26) and daughter Amy (21) grew up attending St. James in San Francisco where Bill served as an acolyte and he also attended Cathedral School for Boys. I’ve had a 38 year career in customer service management at United Airlines, Wells Fargo Bank, PG&E and Fireman’s Fund; and 6 years working with nonprofit organizations, retiring from Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County in 2012. My husband Andrew MacInnis is an accountant, but also has a herd of Angus that keep his life really interesting. Mark Farmer

I am a fifth generation Californian who grew up in Marin County, Panama and the Monterey Pen-insula. I went to an international college, where I developed a passion for travel and exploring oth-er cultures. During my twenties, I mostly taught and worked with children and young people.

After grad school and marriage to Jean, I ran St. Dorothy's Rest and The Bishop's Ranch, and helped start the national association of Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers, while Jean and I raised our sons, Simon and Luke. More recently I started and then sold a local restaurant. I enjoy making pottery, something I learned in Kyoto during my senior year of college. My mother, Beva, brought me to St. Stephens - she's always been a good influence on me. Joseph Eichenscher

I am a family physician in Petaluma. I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and along the way worked and lived in Spokane, Malaysia, Baltimore, and the Navajo Nation. I love spending time with my wife, Ann, and daughters Isabelle, 3, and Emma, 1. I also try to get out in the wilderness, play gui-tar/ukelele, read, run, and play team sports when I can. I have had an eclectic faith journey, and am honored to be considered for the St. Stephen's vestry.