Annual ReportAnnual Report  

May 2015 

First Congrega onal UCC 1609 University Avenue Madison, WI 53726 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Congregational Meeting May 4, 2014...................................................................................................................1

Congregational Meeting September 28, 2014........................................................................................................2

Congregational Meeting February 8, 2015 ...........................................................................................................3

Congregational Meeting March 22, 2015..............................................................................................................4

In Memoriam and Office Report............................................................................................................................5

Wisconsin Conference Interim Minister Report....................................................................................................6

Senior Minister Report...........................................................................................................................................7

Executive Council Report....................................................................................................................................10

Nominating Committee Report............................................................................................................................11

Director of Music Ministries Report....................................................................................................................12

Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth Report.........................................................................14

Prison Ministry Project Report.............................................................................................................................16

Board of Community Life Report........................................................................................................................17

Board of Outreach Report....................................................................................................................................18

Board of Deacons Report....................................................................................................................................20

Property Management Board Report...................................................................................................................22

Stewardship Board Report...................................................................................................................................24

Board of Christian Education Report...................................................................................................................25

Members Serving the Wider Church....................................................................................................................27

Foundation Board Report.....................................................................................................................................28

Treasurer’s Report................................................................................................................................................29

Financial Summary..............................................................................................................................................31

Statement of Financial Position, General Operating Fund...................................................................................32

Statement of Financial Position All Funds...........................................................................................................33

Dedicated Account Balances................................................................................................................................34

First Congregational United Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin

Congregational Meeting: Sunday, May 4, 2014: Minutes

Call to Order: At 11:39 AM the Moderator, Tom Rickner, declared a quorum was present and opened

the meeting with a prayer. An Annual Meeting Agenda was distributed; copies of the Annual Report had been available for two weeks. The Moderator described the main items on the agenda and the primary decisions to be made.

Minutes of the Meeting: Sue Jones moved and Paul Karch seconded that the Minutes of

congregational meetings of May 5, 2013; June 30, 2013; and February 16, 2014, be accepted as written. Motion carried.

Reach and Renew Projects: Tom Rickner in a powerpoint presentation reminded the congregation of

the history of the R&R campaign and of its accomplishments to this point -- new heating system, upgrade of youth room, support of Prison Ministry, enhanced efficiency (greening) of building structure, resources for Membership Renewal, and exterior painting. He pointed out that we need to decide on the next projects to be undertaken. The possible options include contributions to mission appeals, additional staff for membership growth, relocation of church offices, reconstruction of the steps on Breese Terrace, renovation of the chapel-lounge-pink kitchen area, restructuring of the Lathrop entrance, and an upgrade of the sanctuary's audio-visual capability. The remaining R&R funds will not cover all of these items. The process for reaching a decision on the next projects involves three scheduled meetings for information and discussion, a gathering of members' input in the summer, a proposal to be developed by the Executive Council, and a congregational meeting in September to decide on the proposal. The few questions from the floor concerned the life-span of any audio-visual installations, the desirability of invitations to new members to support the R&R campaign, and the need to invest in membership growth.

Building Reserve Fund: A proposal from the Property Board, that a Building Reserve Fund be initiated,

was tabled at the February congregational meeting. Gary Pine for the board, which had not had an opportunity to develop a more detailed proposal, moved that the request to establish a Building Reserve Fund be tabled until the congregational budget meeting in February 2015. Paul Karch seconded the motion which passed on voice vote with no objections and none abstaining.

Nominating Committee: The Committee's report consisted of a listing of members who have agreed to

serve in specific capacities on boards as as officers. The implied motion (apparently not requiring a second) that the slate of candidates presented by the Nominating Committee be approved as written passed with none opposed or abstaining. A service of installation followed.

Passing of Authority and Responsibility: As his first official act, the in-coming Moderator, presented

Tom Rickner with a gift of appreciation – a piece of art done by member Linda Hancock. Rickner's response to the gift unwrapped was, "Wow!" Karch playfully thanked the members for their support in his election: "It was a tough race."

Adjournment: The Senior Minister closed the meeting with a prayer. There being no objections, the

meeting was then adjourned. Respectfully submitted by Don Metz, Church Clerk

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First Congregational United Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin

Congregational Meeting: Sunday, September 28, 2014: Minutes

Call to Order: The Moderator, Paul Karch, called the meeting to order in the Sanctuary at 11:18 AM with a

prayer. It was determined that a quorum was present. The meeting was called to act on two items: deciding on the allocation of the remaining Reach and Renew funds, and a proposal to renovate the property at 303 Lathrop to serve as a Healing House for homeless patients released from the hospital.

Allocation of Reach and Renew Funds: Tom Rickner, speaking for an Executive Council sub-committee

(which also included Ruth Benedict, Betta Owens, and Paul Karch) tasked with gathering information and presenting a recommendation, described the current status of the Reach and Renew campaign. Given the amounts already spent and the total already allocated, and recognizing that not all the original pledges will be collected, the committee estimated that about $610,000 will be available for completing projects associated with the campaign. The committee surveyed the First Church members to discover their preferences among the remaining projects. A very good response of 87 returns (75 of which were fully completed) became the basis for the Council's recommendation that the remaining Reach and Renew funds be used for the reconstruction of the Breese Terrace steps, the relocation of the church offices, the renovation of the chapel, lounge, and pink kitchen, and the supplementing for three years of the salary of an Associate Pastor for membership enhancement. Benedict moved that the congregation accept the Executive Council's recommendation for the use of the remaining Reach and Renew funds.

Discussion and Vote: Comments on the recommendation were largely about the inclusion of the salary

supplement, and about the dropping of the media upgrade for the sanctuary. No one expressed opposition to the Council's proposal. Indeed, the motion passed on voice vote with no objections.

Renovation of Property at 303 Lathrop: Benedict for the Executive Council moved that the congregation

approve a request to the Foundation for a loan of $150,000 to renovate 303 Lathrop to serve as Healing House, a resource for homeless persons who have been released from the hospital. The understanding is that the house would be rented to the Madison-area Urban Ministry, and that the rental fees would be used to repay the loan. MUM will be responsible for operations but cannot undertake the capital improvements which will include at least a (fire protection) sprinkler system, access improvements, installation of (adult) lavatories, reconfiguration of the rooms, and a kitchen upgrade. There is some urgency because MUM is eager to make some decisions about the project.

Discussion and Vote: Some people were concerned that we are moving too fast and trying to decide without

having all the facts. Will there be unanticipated costs (drug security, lost of parking space rentals), will modifications interfere with alternative uses, will the neighborhood association be supportive? Apparently the hospitals are anticipating saving a lot of money if facilities like this are available, so they support the venture. There were also a number of appeals for this as an expression of our mission to needy populations. Several people asked that the whole congregation see the presentation on respite care that the Council viewed. When the question was called, the motion passed on a show of hands with two opposed and three abstaining.

Adjournment: At 12:17 PM the Moderator asked Eldonna Hazen to close the meeting with a prayer. Respectfully submitted by Don Metz, Church Clerk

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First Congregational United Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin

Congregational Meeting: Sunday, February 8, 2015: Minutes

Call to Order: The congregation gathered for a delicious chili lunch before the business meeting was called to

order. Eldonna Hazen opened the gathering with a prayer. Fred Wileman expressed appreciation to Don DeBruin for using organ pieces by Charma Davies Lepke in this morning's worship service. Lepke died earlier this year. Paul Karch thanked the staff and kitchen crew for providing the lunch. The Moderator opened the business meeting at 11:50 AM. A count showed 76 adults, thus a quorum, were present.

Presentation of the Proposed Budget: Hard copies (see handout) of the slide presentation used at the last

week's budget conversation were distributed, and the Moderator briefly reviewed the mission-based grounding of the budget, the recent history and present status of pledging, and a summary of the proposed budget for 2015. The budget includes a 3% pool for salary increases, assumes a full-time associate minister will begin work in September, provides for the continuation of a quarter-time administrative assistant, and sets aside $35,000 to help us catch up on deferred maintenance. The proposed budget projects a deficit of $36,449. The projected budget for 2014 showed a deficit of $38,783; the realized deficit for 2014 was $4,623.

Discussion: Questions from the floor asked for comparisons of the income figures for 2014 and 2015, for

explanations of the program and financial obligations for Healing House (303 Lathrop) , and why the part-time associate minister position has become full-time. The questions having been answered adequately, the discussion ended.

Building Reserve Fund: A request from the Property Board to establish a dedicated fund for building

maintenance had been tabled at the two previous congregational meetings. Gary Pine, speaking for the Property Board, asked that their request for a building reserve fund be withdrawn at this time. The Board feels that a change in the congregation's attitude, seen in the carry-over of funds for 2014 projects and in the $35,000 in the 2015 budget for deferred maintenance, might make a separate fund unnecessary. However, there are big ticket items -- repair of the stone columns in front, and interior painting -- that cannot be avoided and that will test the congregation's dedication. Faye Whitaker moved and Fred Wileman seconded that the meeting accept the Property Board's withdrawal of the motion to establish a Building Reserve Fund. Motion carried by voice vote.

The Vote: On the Executive Council's recommendation that the congregation accept the proposed budget for

2015, the motion passed on a voice vote. Adjournment: At 12:25 Susan Fischer moved that the meeting be adjourned, and so it was. Respectfully submitted by Don Metz, Church Clerk

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First Congregational United Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin

Congregational Meeting: Sunday, March 22, 2015: Minutes

Call to Order: At 11:03 AM during the morning worship service the Moderator, Paul Karch, called the

congregation to order for a brief meeting. There were well over fifty members present, constituting a quorum. Karch began by encouraging visitors to remain for a quick look at the church's governing procedures and for the close of the service.

The Proposal: The Moderator pointed out that an insert (see handout) in the morning's worship bulletin gave

details on the Executive Council's proposal for an Associate Minister Search Committee. The proposed committee includes Pam Asquith, Chair, Faye Whitaker, Kweku Brewoo, Bob Gentile, Jenny Camponeschi, and Matt Flowers. The procedures for the search and call are those normally used by the congregation and the Conference. There were no questions from the floor.

The Vote: The proposal passed on a voice vote with no objections or abstentions. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM with a commissioning service for the newly authorized

Search Committee. Respectfully submitted by Don Metz, Church Clerk

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IN MEMORIAM 2014

“I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord. “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live; and everyone who lives and believes in me

will never die.” ~John 11:25-26 William Barnhart Kathryn Bray Ollie Friou William Frost Lawrence Gruman Ralph Scott Patricia Thomas

OFFICE REPORT

The church staff work to coordinate use of the building by outside groups including four 12-step programs, Community Groups, the Madison Area Jugglers, UW Table Tennis Club and Still-point, which all meet on a regular basis. Also, we hosted concerts, recitals and a few community groups. Many weddings are performed, as well as memorial services, plus all church board meet-ings, committee uses, Adult Ed and Men’s Fellowship programs, and book studies. During this past year, we gained a new Interim Associate Minister, Ann Beaty, and lost our bookkeeper, Rob Eagle. In July we welcomed Jennifer Flaten as our new bookkeeper. Much appreciation is given to the volunteers who work in the mornings answering the phones, greeting the public, handling the mail, and helping out staff in many ways. Those volun-teering during the past year were Fred Wileman, Margaret Strass, Faye Whitaker, Steve Sheski, John Toussaint, Janet Pugh, and Joanne Lenburg. We were sad to see long-time volunteer John Toussaint retire from his regular Thursday morning duties at the end of the year, but we are very happy he still finds time to substitute for us now and then. Sunday office volunteers are Fannie Hicklin and Barbara Williams, whose help is greatly appreciated. Members 12-31-13 510 Plus: Confirmation + 3 New Members + 26 Less: Deaths - 7 Transfers - 2

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Members 12-31-14 530 Baptisms 3 Average Weekly Attendance 179 The Staff of First Congregational United Church of Christ: Eldonna Hazen, Senior Minister Ann Beaty, Interim Associate Minister, March 2014 to present Jerry Hancock, Prison Minister Jeffrey S. Rabe, Director of Christian Education for Youth and Children Donald J. DeBruin, Director of Music Ministries Jill Farnsworth, Office Manager Bob Zeier, Building Manager Rob Eagle, Bookkeeper until July 2014 Jennifer Flaten, Bookkeeper Augustin Garcia, Alfonso Reyes, and Jessica Grantman, Assistant Building Maintenance

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Conference Minister’s Annual Report 2014 Year-End Perspectives

The latest way for the United Church of Christ to express its way of being "Church" is this: Be the church Protect the environment. Care for the poor. Forgive often. Reject racism. Fight for the powerless. Share earthly and spiritual resources. Embrace diversity. Love God. Enjoy this life. Pardon me while I write a year-end report for the Wisconsin Conference of a slightly different nature. In a few moments I will give you a compendium of the usual highlights for 2014. While I do that, I respectfully ask you to hold before you at your core the more significant message of the description above of what it means to be the United Church of Christ together. It is this spiritual depth which should inform every move and glimpse of this beloved church, every piece of official data optimally should reflect these theological principles. In 2014, the Wisconsin Conference marked its mission and ministry with many milestones. Here are a few of the most memorable; Upon action of the Conference Annual Meeting, the Wisconsin Conference became an Open and Affirming Conference. This followed an impressive study and report process undertaken by local congregations in the Conference. The Conference celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Lay Academy. The Rev. Tisha Brown is in the first months of her tenure as the Lay Academy Director/Minister. The Campital Funds campaign to benefit Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center is underway in the Conference. The mission of the Conference to provide quality and timely leadership and consultative support services to local congregations in the areas of search and call, ministerial authorization, conflict management, to offer the potential for health insurance coverage for all ministerial staff serving in congregations throughout the Conference regardless of size or location, and to provide leadership and resources for local church development and renewal as well as communities of practice for authorized ministers was ably carried out and accomplished in 2014. The Conference through the Office of the General Counsel of the United Church of Christ and by joining forces with ecumenical partners in Wisconsin and other places in the United States successfully defended the constitutionality of the parsonage allowance for authorized ministers. The Conference hosted the Great Lakes Regional Youth Event at Lakeland College this past summer. Over two hundred youth and adult advisors participated. In November, delegates from local congregations met at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wisconsin Rapids to elect the Rev. Franz S. Rigert as the next Conference Minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Rev. Rigert begins his ministry January 1, 2015. The evocative poet, Mary Oliver, asks the significant question, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This question is begged not only of individuals, but of local

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congregations and Conferences as well. While the newly elected Conference Minister is well-gifted and poised for leadership, he is only one individual. He needs willing partners in mission and ministry. What will you do with your one wild and precious life? Thank you for the privilege of serving as Interim Conference Minister for the past 16 months. I pray God's blessings be on your journey together in the future. With Great Hope, Rev. Michael E. Obenauer Interim Conference Minister

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Senior Minister Annual Report Sometimes we don't need another chance to express how we feel or to ask someone to understand our situation. Sometimes we just need a firm kick in the pants. An unsmiling

expectation that if we mean all these wonderful things we talk about and sing about, then let’s see something to prove it.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I looked at the 2014 Senior Minister Annual Report, and thought, “wow, I could say many of those same things this year.” But as I continued to review the last year, what I really noticed was that not only was the church continuing the great work being done, but we have expanded our work, whether it is inside or outside the walls of the building. What I experience at First Cong is willingness to not only talk and sing about, but a willingness to be open to new ideas, and prove it. People learn about First Cong in two basic ways. They either come to worship to meet us for the first time, or they are involved in some event we sponsor or participate in. First and foremost, we try diligently to provide a thoughtful and meaningful worship experience. We have made some adjustments in the worship service itself. We have tried to provide opportunities for people with different learning styles to be able to participate more fully. We have also tried to provide other ways to find sacred space, like the Quiet Reflections that have been offered periodically. Evaluating worship is and should be an ongoing process. During Advent and Lent over the last year, the staff has prepared two wonderful series. Last year the Advent series was Through the eyes of . . . This series offered the congregation the opportunity to experience the birth of Jesus through different eyes. We look through the eyes of Elizabeth, Angels/Shepherds, animals in the stable, Mary, and the Innkeeper. All of the individuals had a different view, and it gave us the chance to hold a new lens to Advent. The series was accompanied by bulletin covers designed and created by Linda Hancock. The Lenten series in the midst of . . . dark and light, proved to be quite popular. Based on the book Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Barbara Brown Taylor, the staff opened doors to see that dark and light could be both positive and negative. This series was timely, considering the racial tensions in the world today, especially heightened by the shooting of an unarmed black young man in Madison. This series was accompanied by light and dark pieces of fabric changing each week on the communion table. The fabric was chosen and sewn by Janet Pugh. We also had a beautiful art gallery in the garden entrance, with photographs by Chris Schoenwetter and Marsha Hall. The second way First Cong becomes known to the community is the events we host or co-host. This year, First Cong hosted many events which were very successful. We helped sponsor and I did a workshop at a LGBTQ event at Union South, in cooperation with Prison Ministry and the Madison Opera, we co-hosted Sister Helen Prejean on the weekend Dead Man Walking The Opera was presented, we welcomed the neighborhood to our first Neighborhood party on Pentecost Sunday, we hosted a Governance and Ministry workshop with Dan Hotchkiss, we shared our space with Beth Israel Center for their high holy days, and most recently we hosted the Southwest Association Annual Meeting. The staff has worked very hard this year to make sure events are publicized in a more timely and creative way. I want to say thank you to all of those who serve on the boards of the church. Christian Education, Outreach, Stewardship, Community Life, Property, Deacons, the Executive Council and the Foundation Board all take their role very seriously. They commit time, energy and enthusiasm to the church, helping us to live out our call to make this world a better, more just place to live. There are also a few Ad hoc committees who need to be thanked, including the

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Adult Education, Advertising, Membership Renewal, Reach & Renew follow-up, Space Utilization, Accessibility and Electronic Communication. These are focused committees that work hard to supplement the boards. One change in our lay leadership was created when Rich Fluechtling chose to step down as our long time treasurer. Rich’s commitment to the church was a real gift and we thank him for the years of service. We welcome Phil Certain to the position and thank him for his willingness to serve in this position. A special thanks to Paul Karch who has led the congregation as the Moderator. He has been a wonderful leader, and we look forward to having him lead for one more year. I am grateful for the support for my continued education. This year I was able to attend the Festival of Homelitics in Minneapolis. I heard many great preachers and was able to attend workshops and almost non-stop worship. I was able to do two podcasts with Dick Goldberg, one on LGBTQ issues and one on premarital counseling. I attended two workshops by the conference, both about how to welcome in the church. It was also great to be part of a team that went to Boston to visit Old South Church. The staff at Old South was so flexible and willing to share how they “do church.” The experience was enlightening, and we have already been able to incorporate ideas from our visit. The church and its programs run smoothly because of a hard working staff. We had one retirement on the staff this year. Thanks to Rob Eagle for serving as Bookkeeper. We wish him well in his retirement. Jennifter Flaten was hired to replace Rob. Thanks to Kristin Kanitz, Executive Assistant, Jill Farnsworth, Office Manager, Jennifer Flaten, Bookkeeper, Bob Zeier, Building Administrator, Jessica Grantman, Caretaker and Alfonso Reyes and Agustin Garcia, Janitors.

Thanks to the program staff for their creativity and energy, as they manage current programs and start new ones: Don DeBruin, Director of Music Ministries, Jerry Hancock, Director of the Prison Ministry Program, and Jeff Rabe, Director of Christian Education and Ann Beaty, Associate Minister. A special thanks to the MANY volunteers who serve the church with a variety of talents. Your generosity of time is appreciated!

I have been able to spend a great deal of time with people and been blessed to be part of special occasions within families, including births, baptisms, new membership, weddings, anniversaries and memorial services. A special event this year included participating in Clare Gromoll’s Ordination. Clare had been a Member in Discernment with First Congregational and the Southwest Association. We are proud of her and wish her the best in her new ministerial position. First Congregational has and is a leader in ministry within the congregation, outside in the community and wider in the world. I feel the enthusiasm and energy exuded by members of the congregation for ministry. I am proud to be part of a committed community!

A final thanks for your continued love and support of our family. My family feels blessed to be part of this congregation. We, as all families do, have had difficult health challenges this year, and the congregation has been so generous in their support, both in prayer and action.

Eldonna Hazen

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Executive Council Report – FCUCC 2014-2015

The Executive Council enjoyed working together this year. We focused much of our time this year on the stewardship of our Congregation’s resources of time and talents as applied to our missions of worship, nurture and witness. Using Governance and Ministry by Dan Hotchkiss to spur and guide our thinking, we began the year by developing the following short statement of our Congregation’s Mission, “we seek to be a radically inclusive and welcoming Christian community, nurturing and affirming God’s creation and dedicated to serving all!” to use in guiding our decision-making. Each Board also developed a similarly short and inspirational summary of its mission, the detailed activities of which are described in our Bylaws. The purpose of this work is to enable members of the Congregation to contribute their time and energy to our missions as effectively as possible; to be able to do the work for which they have passion without getting bogged down in governance issues in which they may not be interested. We embarked on a pilot project to try out some of these ideas in practice. We also worked on some significant decisions in the life of the Church. We solicited Congregational input on and developed recommendations to allocate remaining Reach & Renew funds, developed an annual budget which uses some Reach & Renew Funds and the increased donations of our members to fund a full-time associate pastor, and recommended appointment of a search committee for that associate pastor. Consistent with our Congregational polity, we recommended those actions to the Congregation for approval. We are also working on development of Healing House, a mission for people and their families discharged from the hospital without a home, which will use our property at 303 Lathrop. Finally, we began celebrating our 175th Anniversary by studying written histories of our Church. We are grateful to God and our Congregation for the opportunity to contribute to the work of this Church and the chance to work with each other.

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FCUCC Nominations

April 5, 2015

Office Expires 2015 Expires 2016 To be Nominated Total

Moderator Paul Karch Paul Karch 1

Moderator-Elect

Clerk Don Metz Don Metz 1

Treasurer Phil Certain Phil Certain 1

EC at Large Darcy Syring (Term 1) Marlene Duffield (Term 1) Darcy Syring (Term 2) 4

(2 year terms, limit of 2) Sarah Nordberg (Term 2) Betta Owens (Term 1) Paul Lorenz (Term 1)

Foundation Sara Beachy (Term 1) Hank Whipple ('17) Sara Beachy ('21)(Term 2) 6

(6 year terms; no limit) Jane Oman (Term 2) Fred Whileman ('17) Tricia Wheeler ('21) (Term 1)

Ellsworth Brown ('19)

Dana Chabot ('19)

Nominating Bob Gentile (Term 2) Chuch Erickson (Term 2) Mari McCarty (Term 1) 3

(2 year terms, limit of 2) Jeff Shaw (Term 2) Faye Whitaker (Term 1) Jessica Flowers

Marsha Hall

Christian Education Ruth Benedict (Term 2) Sean Hadfield (Term 2) Ruth Benedict (Term 3) 7

(2 year terms, limit of 3) Sam Kramer (Term 1) Emily Cochran (Term 2) Sam Kramer (Term 2)

Susan Veit (Term 2) Carolyn McKinney (Term 2) Susan Veit (Term 3)

Sara Beachy (Term 2) Robin Craig (Term 1)

Nikole Jones (Term 2) Amy Whitehead (Term 1)

Deacons Jessica Taft (Term 2) Susan Shands (Term 1) Jessica Taft (Term 3) 7

(2 year terms, limit of 3) Liz Severson (Term 1) Lyn MacGregor (Term 2) Liz Severson (Term 2)

Betty Hasselkus (Term 1) Joe Brewoo (Term 2) Betty Hasselkus (Term 2)

Brenda Burke (Term 2) Darby Puglielli (Term 2) Brenda Burke (Term 3)

Community Life Nancy Payne (Term 1) Chris Shoenwetter (Term 3) Nancy Payne (Term 2) 6

(2 year terms, limit of 3) Joanne Lenburg (Term 3) Melissa Bauman (Term 2) Marcia Olson (Term 3)

Casey Newman (Term 2) Laurie Dennis (Term 1) Tim Kehl (Term 3)

Marcia Olson (Term 2)

Tim Kehl (Term 2)

Outreach Alison Pharo (Term 1) Cheryl Bentley (Term 3) Alison Pharo (Term 2) 8

(2 year terms, limit of 3) Jeanne Tyler (Term 1) Kathy Wiggins (Term 3) Jeanne Tyler (Term 2)

Katrina Dwinell (Term 2) Dan York (Term 2) Sarah Kraus (Term 3)

Sarah Kraus (Term 2) John Tyler (Term 2)

Jeanne Marshall Term 2)

Property Management Ron Shaw (Term 1) Scott Hackel (Term 3) Ron Shaw (Term 2) 7

(2 year terms, limit of 3) Diane Drinkman (Term 1) Devin Duffield (Term 1) Beth Cannestra (Term 2)

Beth Cannestra (Term 3) Ben Ringle (Term 3)

Ben Ringle (Term 2) Herb Heneman (Term 2)

Herb Heneman (Term 1) Gary Pine (Term 3)

Gary Pine (Term 2) Karen Bennett (Term 1)

Stewardship Henry Hemp (Term 3) Lance Bentley (Term 2) Susan Fisher (Term 2) 6

(2 year terms, limit of 3) Kevin Macaleese (Term 3) Melinda Certain (Term 2) Dorothy Brown (Term 2)

Susan Fisher (Term 1) Matt Flowers (Term 2)

Dorothy Brown (Term 1) Paul Camponeschi (Term 2)

Matt Flowers (Term 1)

Paul Camponeschi (Term 1)

Total Serving 57

Color Key: To Be Nominated Not Renewing Open

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DIRECTOR OF MUSIC ANNUAL REPORT - 2015

The Cherub Choir (ages 5 through grade 6) continues to provide musical leadership during worship. An influx of membership in the choir this year saw a dedicated group of eight, or nine, or more singers on Sunday mornings. In addition, they also work with our handchimes .

The Chancel Choir continues to provide choral music during worship throughout the program year. There is always room in the choir loft for new singers. No experience is necessary and you never have to worry about what to wear to church, or where to sit on Sunday morning! I began a new schedule this year: they sing on the first and third Sundays of the month, and take one Wednesday night off each month.

The Sunday Singers is an informal group that meets on the last Sunday of the month at 9:00 A.M. to learn a simple introit and anthem to sing during that morning’s worship service. An enthusiastic core group comes out nearly every month, with others often joining in the fun. Everyone, reading age and older, is invited to join. The Summer Singers provides musical leadership every other Sunday during the summer months. This coming summer, the Summer Singers will begin meeting in July.

The Coventry Ringers handbell ensemble has played in worship a number of times this season. This year we added several new ringers to our ranks.

The chamber music ensemble Con Vivo continues to use our church as its home base. Comprised of several members of the congregation, myself, and a number of professional musicians from the area, Con Vivo presents three or four concerts in our sanctuary each year. This season has featured a number of works featuring our pipe organ. Several selections from these concerts were also presented during worship services as well. In addition, we will be undertaking a one-week concert tour in Kassel, Germany at the beginning of June.

Each year, I spend time working with the children and youth on a variety of events, including the annual Christmas Pageant, Summer Musical, and Youth Sunday Worship. Last June, Jeff and I spent a week of evening rehearsals and a Saturday morning preparing our children and youth to participate in the presentation of a musical during worship. Christmas Pageant rehearsals begin in early November and continue for approximately six weeks. Jeff and I also coordinated in putting together the annual Youth Sunday Service in April. This year, that service also included an instrumental ensemble made up of the youth, as well as working with two talented dancers.

Thank you to all the musicians who have participated in worship during the last year: Caroline Halsted, Fred Wileman, Cheryl Bentley, Kathy and Robert Taylor, Betty Hasselkus, Melinda Certain, and Susan Rosa. If you are interested in playing in worship, let me know. I am always looking for people willing to share their talents with the congregation.

With the use of Reach and Renew funds, some much needed work was done to the Steinway grand piano in the Sanctuary and the smaller, Mason & Hamlin grand piano in the Chapel. All told, we invested

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about $30,000 into the two instruments, ensuring their continuing to be a part of the music ministry of this congregation for many years to come.

We annually present a series of vesper services in Advent. Based on the Iona Abbey worship style, I am the coordinator of these worship services. I solicit volunteers to participate and then assist each week’s worship leader as needed and provide music for each week’s service. Also during Advent, Eldonna and I organized the annual “Blue Christmas” worship service. Working with Ann Beaty, we also presented a series of Lenten vespers this year.

In addition, I also work with couples to select appropriate music for the wedding ceremonies; and with families to select music for funerals or memorial services. This past season, the Chancel Choir lost our long-time librarian, Bill Frost. More than 60 people members of the Chancel Choir and the Madison Symphony Chorus came together to celebrate Bill’s life with song.

Some other highlights of the year included providing musical interludes for the Newlywed Game in February, 2015; and, of course, putting together a brass quintet to provide celebratory music for Easter Sunday. And in July, I will be attending the United Church of Christ Musicians Association Conference to be held at Elmhurst College in Illinois. During that conference I will be elected to an at-large position on the Board of Directors of that organization.

Donald J. DeBruin

Director of Music Ministries

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DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH 2014 Another year has come and gone and the children, youth, and family programs at First Congregational UCC continue to grow and flourish. FCUCC is truly blessed with a group of outstanding, energetic kids. Work continues to address their needs and provide a safe, stimulating environment for their spiritual growth. NURSERY A very dedicated staff of individuals are committed to care for our youngest members in the nursery. The Nursery Staff working this past year included: Lauren Rumball, Nora Krause, Natalie Hewes, Alyssa Lovely, Melinda Pine. SUNDAY SCHOOL A dedicated staff of teachers and parent volunteers continue to offer energetic Christian Education. Much gratitude goes out to the following dedicated teachers, subs and room aides: PK/ Kind: Darcy Syring, Teri Kramer, Pam Cramer, Alison Pharo, Rachel Syring, Lara Cramer, Max Veit, Spencer Noth-Hazen. Grades 1 & 2: Jaime Henderson , Jessica Flowers, Sarah Kraus, Sarah Kissel. Grades 3 & 4: Terry Shermeister, Jennifer Tishler, Jodi Shaw, Sean Hadfield. Grades 4 & 5: Susan Veit, Jeff Rabe, Brenda Burke, Amy Whitehead. SUBS: Julie Kramer, Linda Ketcham WEE WORSHIP: Julie Sager, Will Simonson, Kristin Foglestad BIRTHDAY CARDS: Joanne Lenburg, Margaret Strass LRC: Vicki Lovely Worship Totes: Jenn & Scott Hackel Bulletin Boards: Sara Flogel The last Sunday of each month was set aside for a one-room school house experience for the kids to gather for a large group mission or educational activities including a session on understanding individual with special needs, prayer practices: yoga and prayer beads, and Yipshee, the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday came for a visit The Sunday School again reached out helping hands to the wider community. In October, children were encouraged to take the traditional orange UICEF boxes with them for trick-or-treating. This past year’s UNICEF adventure included a costume party! Crafts were made in late November as Christmas gifts for the elderly of the congregation and nursing home residents. The Sunday School Children, along with a group of Church Youth presented the Christmas Pageant in December. YOUTH The Youth Group at FCUCC continues to grow and develop programming. Youth were busy meetings and events including: football parking, lock-ins, bowling, the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Shopping, movie meditations, and a lot of fun. Bible Studies continued as well offering monthly opportunities for youth to explore the scriptures and their responses to them.

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FCUCC Youth were actively involved in several mission projects this year. High School Youth spent a week working with Neighborhood Houses in St Louis, MO while 7th & 8th Graders prepared and served a meal at a Rockford, IL meal site. Youth did some Christmas Shopping for young people in the community and also hosted The Newlywed Game and the Pterodactyl Pturds to raise funds for their Summer Mission Trip. SPECIAL PROJECTS CONFIRMATION CLASSES are being offered to a class of 8th graders at FCUCC. The four-month program gives students a crash course in Bible history and introduces them to the big parts of being a member of the Church. SAFE SANCTUARIES, a program to address the protection of our children, youth and adult volunteers continues to work to provide a safer environment for First Cong. children, youth, and the adults volunteers who work with them. Reviews and updates were made to the current policy and its implementation. CHILDREN AND COMMUNION classes were again offered this past year. Children in 2nd grade and older and their families are invited to participate in a 3-session program, which introduces them to the sacrament. The children are then invited to celebrate communion with the congregation. THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMITTEE continues to work to recognize and address the special needs of individuals and families in the congregation. A special service was held in September to bring about awareness of mental health issues. INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMMING Efforts were made to create events for all ages including an all church Ice Skating Party. The Children and Youth programs at First Congregational UCC continue to evolve and grow. Evaluation of the programs and continued dialogue with children, youth and parents will continue to create new opportunities for this important segment of our church family. Jeffrey S. Rabe Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth.

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Prison Ministry Annual Report

This year one of the major concerns of the Prison Ministry Project has been getting justice for “old law” inmates. Thousands, of prisoners in Wisconsin’s state prison system are being held far beyond the time their sentencing judge envisioned at a cost of more than $140 million dollars a year.

Many of these 2800 men and women have been in prison for fifteen, twenty, or more years have done everything possible to comply with the conditions for their release, yet have encountered a system that makes their release impossible. They were sentenced to prison at a time when judges allowed the Parole Board to determine when people convicted of crime could safely return to the community. The system has broken faith with the judges who imposed the sentences, with the men and women who serve the sentences, and with their families.

It is also clear from our meetings with loved ones of people in prison, that even when inmates are granted the possibility of parole, the Department of Corrections refuses to implement those plans. This creates a cruel and heartbreaking cycle for the inmates and their families who have hope restored by the Parole Commission only to be taken away by a bureaucracy accountable exclusively to the Governor.

Recently, the Department of Corrections announced “about 95% of the men and women eligible for parole are violent criminals.” That is untrue. All of those men and women were violent criminals. The question is how many are still violent criminals? The judges that sentenced them under “old law” assumed that the parole system would give them a fair chance to change. Maybe some have. Maybe some have not. What is true is that all old law inmates have lost a fair chance at parole.

For us as Christians this is an important moral issue that goes to the heart of our faith. Governor Walker apparently believes that people convicted of crime cannot change. That is why he was one of the authors of Truth in Sentencing, why he refuses to grant pardons and why paroles have virtually come to a standstill. That view of human nature is not morally supportable. For Christians’ the possibility that people can change is at the heart of our faith. It is a faith that we share with the Governor. It is the truth, that with your help, we speak to power.

Thank you for your continuing support in our work together to serve prisoners, victims and their families, engage the wider church in prison issues and to be an advocate for prison reform. Rev. Jerry Hancock

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Annual Report for the Board of Community Life   

Board of Community Life supports the Church's mission by fostering personal and social connections among members, friends, and visitors through inter-generational programming and activities. The Board of Community Life (BCL) provides leadership in the church’s efforts to be a welcoming and caring community for members, friends and visitors. We encourage and support the formation of a wide range of groups and activities that help build our community, and we always look for opportunities to have fun! The following goals and events summarize the work of our Board for the past year: (1)  Foster personal and social connections among members through programs and activities. The Board:  

- supported the formation/continuation of the Men’s Fellowship group - organized bike rides - sponsored the Long-Term Member Celebration luncheon - provided BCL representation on Adult Education Committee - provided BCL representation on Membership Renewal Committee - coordinated After-Worship Refreshments - coordinated Volunteer Coffee Baristas - coordinated the Pew Warmers Softball Team - coordinated a Congregation Camping Weekend - coordinated the annual Advent Workshop - sponsored several intergenerational Movie Nights

- organized theater outing to “Duck Soup” - organized outing to Chazen Museum to see St. John’s Bible

(2)  Consult with and support individuals who wish to initiate groups.  The Board encouraged and supported: 

- a member who organized the Men’s Fellowship group, which now meets twice month - a BCL member who organized the bike rides - a BCL member who enjoys camping and outdoor ministry to support a camping trip - church members who organized a church softball team

(3)  Assist the clergy, in conjunction with the Board of Deacons and the Board of Education, with the development of adult education.   The Board: 

- provided BCL representation on the Adult Education Committee - provided BCL representation on the Membership Renewal Committee - provided BCL representation at all New Member classes

(4)  Encouraging and cooperating with other Boards and groups in their efforts to develop community. 

- coordinated with Christian Education to sponsor the Congregation Camping Weekend - coordinated efforts with Board of Christian Education for the annual Advent Workshop - BCL representative joined other board reps who attended all New Member Classes, each gave an overview of their respective board, and encouraged participation in boards and activities.

Respectfully submitted, Melissa Baumann, Laurie Dennis, Tim Kehl, Joanne Lenburg, Marcia Olson, Nancy Payne, Chris Schoenwetter

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BOARD OF OUTREACH Annual Report: April, 2015

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Matthew 25: 35-45 These words of Jesus both invite and compel the Board of Outreach, on behalf of First Congregational UCC, to actions that serve the people for whom Jesus cared. We are called to acts of witness, compassion and empowerment. Continuing Service Projects: Fill the Backpacks-As a collaboration between Outreach and the Boys and Girls’ Club of Dane County, we organized the summer school supply drive and bought 75 discounted Lands' End backpacks. As usual, the congregation was generous in their donation of school supplies to help our younger brothers and sisters get a good start on the school year. The Crossing, UW Campus Ministry-In addition to our annual financial support, each year Outreach serves one Sunday evening meal to the students of the UW campus ministry, The Crossing, after their weekly service. Community Thanksgiving Meal- With the generous help of the congregation and community volunteers, we were able to serve over 600 meals to people, either in our dining room or through home deliveries. This meal not only offers us the chance to serve those in need, but also affords us an opportunity of fellowship between church members and the wider community. Leftovers were warmly received at Port St. Vincent. Recycle the Warmth-Once again we participated in the bedding drive coordinated by St. Vincent De Paul. This annual drive in January helps ensure that all our neighbors have adequate blankets to keep their families warm. The bedding is given to families throughout Dane County. Great thanks to our congregation for filling two large donation boxes. Ministry to the Homeless-The development of Healing House, an Emergency Medical Shelter for the homeless under the auspices of Madison-area Urban Ministries, continues. Pastor Hazen serves on the advisory board for the project and has been keeping the Outreach Board and Executive Council advised of progress. Outreach will help to develop congregational involvement as the project develops. This year we raised seed funds at Advent Workshop. Prison Ministry-This ministry functions under the auspices of the Outreach Board. It is our goal to help the current director of this project, Jerry Hancock, increase the visibility of the programs, help members who wish to become involved feel welcome, and codify the processes by which this work is carried out. Jerry meets with the board three times per year, and the board assists in administering an annual evaluation survey of his work as prison minister. This year the Prison Ministry project helped raise awareness of the inhumane conditions of solitary confinement through a display of a model cell including the mind numbing noise.

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Local Mission Funds and Special Offerings: We take great joy in being stewards of our Local Missions funds. We distributed local missions dollars to organizations who work to fulfill the needs of children and youth, persons with mental illness, the LGBT community, prisoners' families, the homeless, the environment, and other at -risk populations. Donations were made to Youth Services of Southern Wisconsin/Briarpatch ($500), Dane County Boys & Girls Club ($375), Domestic Abuse Intervention Services ($3000), Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice ($500), Madison-Area Urban Ministry ($750), Urban League Youth Programs ($500), Mary House ($400), Outreach Inc ($200), Porchlight ($1,000), Samaritan Counseling ($500),Triangle Community Ministry ($1,000), MACSAC Partner Shares Program ($600), Second Harvest Food Bank ($150), Gay/Straight Alliance for Safe Schools ($250), Street Pulse ($200).. Outreach also supports the mission work of the larger church by advocating for Our Church's Wider Mission and organizing special offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, CUE, and the Christmas Fund. These funds have seen a growth in giving from congregation members. Many other mission-oriented activities take place through the initiative of individual members of the congregation, young people, staff, and other boards. Please see the bulletin board outside the Chapel for on-going Outreach opportunities and announcements. We hope you will find many ways to serve those in need in a way that is meaningful to you. We thank the congregation and our church staff for its support, and for entrusting us with the responsibility of coordinating outreach opportunities for church members. We are blessed to be continuing on with all current board members. Blessings, Cheryl Bentley, Sarah Kraus, Jeanne Marshall, Alison Pharo, Jeanne Tyler, John Tyler, Kathy Wiggins, Dan York Outreach Board 2014-2015

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BOARD OF DEACONS 2014-2015 Annual Report Deacon Membership

- 2014-15 board co-chairs: Jessica Taft and Lyn Macgregor - New members (May 2013): Darby Puglielli, Joe Brewoo, Susan Shands - Departing members (April 2014):

Board of Deacons Threefold Focus: Worship, membership. WORSHIP Communion We prepared, assisted the ministers in serving and cleaned up communion on the first Sunday of each month and for additional special services such as Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. The deacons also executed a cleaning out of the pink kitchen where communion supplies are kept and communion preparations are made. Homebound communion Members of the Board of Deacons bring communion to some of our homebound members each month. This is a ministry of reminding ourselves and our elders that we are all part of the First Congregational family. The lists of “homebound members” have continued to decline, with only a few desiring to receive communion regularly. In response, the deacons have formed into teams with non-deacon volunteers to provide communion or visits to each individual or couple in a manner most consistent with their needs and wishes. Many months in 2014-15, communion was brought to one or two homebound members. Kits were cleaned out, and new supplies provided. Helping with Sunday services Deacons with the guidance of Ed Hasselkus arranged the poinsettias for Christmas and lilies for Easter services. The “Greening the Sanctuary” was held the Sunday before Advent, with new members invited to participate. New trees were purchased to replace the ones in the back of the sanctuary. The Board of Deacons oversees and offers assistance to the following:

● Usher Coordinator (Vicki Teal) ● Greeter Coordinator (Karen Gussert) ● Sound System Coordinator (Mark Rzchowski) ● Reader Deacon Liason (Joe Brewoo) ● Communion Server Coordinator (Jessica Taft)

We continued using SignUpGenius.com to help with the organization and coordination of our worship volunteers. There have been a number of bumps in the implementation, and we have work to do ahead to educate the congregation, but believe the current investment of time will pay off well in the future coordination of volunteers.

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Emergency Protocols The process of developing emergency-preparedness protocols to be used during worship were completed. Protocols for medical emergencies, tornado and fire were written with staff input, help of the Property Board, medical professionals in the congregation and the Community Liaison from the Fire Department. Written instructions were placed in the pulpit to be read in case of an emergency, and trainings for the ushers as well as a fire drill were held. Protocols were put with usher materials in the back of the sanctuary. Communion Bread In the beginning of 2014 we identified and began an exciting partnership with Just Bakery, to provide bread for our communion services. Just Bakery is a ministry of Madison Urban Ministries (MUM), which provides job training and food license preparation for previously incarcerated individuals. Music Director The deacons continued to support the work of the church’s music director. Banners A subcommittee of deacons began the process of procuring new decorative banners for the front of the church. Governance & Ministry At the request of the Executive Council, the deacons revisited its mission, rewrote its mission statement and considered the possibilities of making some organizational changes to the board as part of the Council’s Governance & Ministry pilot project. MEMBERSHIP New Members Deacons participated in the New Member Classes in 2014-2015, sending representatives to the classes, and pairing new members with “First Friends”. New Member Support Activities Deacons participated in the across-all-boards new membership meetings and activities. Pew Cards We continue to distribute and collect “pew cards” with congregation members completing names as they printed. New tags were printed monthly. We also solicited people to get involved as a greeter, usher, reader or server communion at church or to homebound. We received an overwhelming response that both updated name tags and filled out the ranks of these other church functions. In Care Clare Gromoll completed her studies and the deacons assisted in planning for her ordination. Susan Shands and Tracy Nolan continue in care. New discernment committees were formed for Christina Schoenwetter and Peggy Ludlow.

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Property Management Board

Annual Report 2015

It has been another busy year for the Property Management Board. More painting, more concrete work, a flood, thefts, budgeting and planning!

We continued with the repainting of the exterior metalwork. It has proven to be a much more time consuming job than anyone anticipated and the contractor worked every dry day of the season and was able to get the inner surfaces of the roof metalwork almost all stripped of old paint and a prime coat put on most of it. On the outer surfaces, they pretty much completed two sides and were more than halfway finished with the third side before cold weather set in. Most of the areas they had successfully stripped of old paint got a coat of primer before they quit for the season. Their work continues this spring and we look forward to the completion of that major project.

The board had repair of the deteriorating brickwork over the window lintels on the north face of the building continued and next year, we expect we will have that brickwork in good shape.

The City of Madison decided to replace utilities under Lathrop Street and repave it last fall. During that construction, a severe downpour of rain occurred while the street drainage system was torn up. That resulted in hundreds of gallons of muddy water pouring into one of our window wells, damaging some of University Avenue Daycare’s materials on the Mezzanine Level and one of Jeff’s storage rooms in the Youth Room in the basement. Quick discovery and response by the church’s custodial staff and by our Building Manager prevented this from becoming an even worse disaster. Jeff’s closet was completely repaired, over time, and UADC had their supplies replaced quickly enough to not have to close down because of the flood.

While Parisi Contractors had their equipment in the neighborhood, Beth arranged for them to make serious improvements to the drainage of Parking Lot A and to get a drop-off zone reestablished alongside the church building. She also arranged for them to replace the curbing on the north edge of Parking Lot A and replace a few broken sidewalk slabs alongside Parking Lot B (near the South entrance door area). Unfortunately, a concrete shortage prevented that concrete work from happening last fall. But, it is being done at the time this report is being written.

The congregation approved another group of church building projects to be funded by the Reach and Renew campaign. They approved replacement of the front steps, renovation of the Chapel and Student Lounge and a realignment of how we use our office spaces. This is a major undertaking and we were able to put together a terrific planning group to lead us through this process. Thanks to those folks who agreed to serve on the RennCom.

The board continues to be grateful to Wendy Coleman for her ongoing work keeping our landscaping in such good shape. This is a neat accomplishment considering all of the exterior construction work that has been going on this year.

We have also been grateful to have Bob Zeier’s professional services as our Building Manager. Bob not only coordinated the work of all these contractors, but did a large amount of cleaning, decluttering, patching, painting and bringing our house to order. He is serving on the RennCom.

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Last year, the Board proposed the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund to provide more consistent funding for major building maintenance. Since then, the Executive Council has shown renewed resolve to adequately fund needed repairs, so we withdrew the motion at the last Congregational Meeting. In preparing for this proposal, we put together a spreadsheet of ongoing capital expenses that this Board and the Executive Council can use as a planning resource going forward.

Members of the Board of Property Management this year were: Beth Cannestra, Devin Duffield, Scott Hackel, Herb Heneman, Gary Pine, Ben Ringle and Ron Shaw.

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Stewardship Board - 2015 Annual Report The Stewardship Board concerns itself with the income and disbursements of the church. Our work is made possible by the faithful members of First UCC. You are to be commended and thanked for your commitment to the church. Because of you, First UCC is on solid financial footing. To reflect on the past year is to realize that we have been moving from strength to strength. Two significant items from the previous year, the call of the Reverend Eldonna Hazen and that fact that members have continued to step to the front of the congregation to share their “Because of your generosity” moment - these continue to impact the church’s financial health. While the number of pledging units has remained constant, pledged income was up enough that the Executive Council recommended an annual budget that continues our steady climb toward a balanced budget. Thank you to all the members who continue to faithfully support the life and ministry of First UCC! The singular highlight of the year was the Stewardship Breakfast. It was very well attended and resulted in positive feedback and expanded membership connections. Thank you, members of First UCC! A further thank you is extended to the members of the Stewardship Board. Their commitment to the work of the Board: the breakfast, the fall campaign and follow-up (Our vision of a 20/20 goal was met, in part, by receiving 20 new pledges!), along with the recruitment of “Because of your generosity” speakers - without them First UCC would not have the solid financial base it does. A thank you is also due Phil Certain, church treasurer, an integral and dedicated servant of the Board and First UCC. As we look forward to 2015, two items come to mind that can only positively impact our financial picture. The first is the building renovation through Reach & Renew that will give us a facility with greater flexibility and dynamism. The second is the Healing House that will reinforce our self-understanding that we are a church in mission to others. These two factors, combined with the leadership of this church and the solid foundation of an amazing membership, make the future look bright. Yes; we need to grow the membership of First UCC in order to broaden our financial base and develop growing commitment. Membership growth only happens when we each witness to our neighbors and friends that First UCC is a vibrant community committed to nurturing faith in ourselves and in mission to others. May this be yet another year that we, with God’s help, continue to make that happen. Lance Bentley, chair Susan Fischer Dorothy Brown Matt Flowers Paul Camponeschi Kevin McAleese Melinda Certain

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BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT for 2014-2015

The Board of Christian Education (CE) works to support and nurture the Christian education of all members – from children to adults and everyone in between. To accomplish this, a wide variety of programs, events, and activities are organized by Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth Jeff Rabe and CE Board members. Following is a summary of CE’s 2014-2015 goals and the progress made toward accomplishing them. Sunday School:

Create a welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families: ● The special needs committee has achieved the installation of a hearing loop system

in the sanctuary to assist those with hearing loss. ● The respite room continues to be maintained and used. ● The Sunday School staff is supported by the assistance of UW student aides and

older youth aides.

Provide Sunday School training for teachers: Ongoing support is available to teachers through fall training sessions, curriculum and the Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth.

Adult Education: Continue to work with the Adult Education Committee. Publicize the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and its use: Work in improving the library continues. Improvements include stocking the LRC with updated resources, reorganizing materials to improve usage and promotion of the availability of resources outside of the LRC. Increase participation through family/intergenerational activities: Throughout the year there are a variety of activities planned to encourage family and intergenerational involvement. These activities may include but are not limited to: ● Involving the youth in making Christmas gifts and cards ● Winter ice skating party ● Family Amazing Race ● God Loves Art Fair ● God Loves Science Fair ● Secret Pals ● Collaboration with the Board of Outreach and Community Life ● Costume party and UNICEF kick-off ● Newlywed Game and luncheon ● Neighborhood festival ● Fall Festival ● Advent Luncheon ● All Church Camping and support of church camp for families through scholarships

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Human sexuality education program Our Whole Lives (“OWL”): This class continues to be offered every other year or as interest provides. Foster involvement of youth in church: Thanks to our creative, enthusiastic and well-organized Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth, there are year-round options for youth involvement in the church. Options for involvement include: ● Music: Youth musical, Summer children’s musical, Christmas Pageant ● Worship: Youth scripture readings, Youth Sunday (in which the youth lead worship),

assisting in Sunday School, participating in the acolyte program ● Service projects and activities: annual mission trips, CROP Walk, pie making fundraiser,

Christmas shopping for others, citywide Amazing “gRace” event ● Youth fellowship: Retreats, movie meditations, Corn Maze Youth Group ● Education: Confirmation classes, Youth Bible study, OWL, First Communion classes In 2013 and 2014, a team of youth from First Congregational captured the Amazing “gRace” traveling trophy! Funds raised are donated to a charity selected by the winning teams. Last year, First Congregational youth selected the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as the recipient of the proceeds. Evaluate and Provide support to Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth: The CE Board continues to provide support to the Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth, Jeff Rabe, to help him meet his annual goals. Membership Retention and Renewal: The CE Board cooperates with and provides support for the activities of the Membership Retention and Renewal Committee. The Board of Christian Education Members include: Sara Beachy (chair), Susan Veit (secretary), Ruth Benedict, Emily Cochran, Robin Craig, Sean Hadfield, Sam Cramer (youth representative), Carolyn McKinney, and Jeff Rabe (staff to the Board/Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth). Respectfully submitted by: The Board of Christian Education

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Members Serving the Wider Church Annette Ellstrom United Church Camps, Inc Board of Directors Rich Fluechtling Wisconsin Conference UCC, Treasurer and Budget Committee Wisconsin Conference UCC, Investment Committee Wisconsin Conference UCC, Committee on Ministry with LGBTQ Persons Wisconsin Conference UCC, United Church Camps Working Group Eldonna Hazen Wisconsin Conference, Personnel Committee Liz Michaels Southwest Association, Social Concerns Committee Janet Pugh Wisconsin Conference UCC, Annual Meeting Planning Committee Jeffrey Rabe Wisconsin Conference UCC, Partners in Education Southwest Association UCC, Division on Christian Education Jeanne Tyler

National UCC Board of Directors UCC Disabilities Ministries, Vice chair World Council of Churches, Disabilities Advocacy Network National Council of Churches

John Tyler Southwest Association, Social Concerns Committee Carl Rasmussen

Wisconsin Council of Churches, Unity and Relationships Commission, Representative from Wisconsin Conference UCC

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF MADISON FOUNDATION, INC.

The Foundation is the endowment arm of the church. It receives gifts, invests them, and distributes funds to further the mission of the church. A Board of Directors, made up of six directly-elected members and five who serve ex officio, governs the Foundation. No gifts were received in 2014. In that year, the board approved several distributions of funds to the Church. We allocated $35.000 from our main endowment fund, $23.000 from the New Century operations fund, $16,000 to recipients of the Page scholarships, $750 for special support of music via the Varney fund, and $1900 to support student activities via the Updike fund. The Page scholarships are available to youth in six area UCC churches. Members of the six churches form an advisory committee whose recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Board. Mari McCarty convenes the advisory committee and Jane Oman is our representative on it. Their efforts, and that of their colleagues on the committee, are greatly appreciated. Total assets invested by the Foundation at December 31, 2014 were $1,773,081. The bulk of the assets are invested in a balanced fund managed by the United Church Funds, the investment arm of the United Church of Christ. Money in this fund is invested consistent with the principles established by the General Synod. In addition, a portion of the assets are in the Cornerstone Fund, an income fund, and the Foundation holds a note from the church, $380,000 on 12/31/13, loaned to assist in financing projects in the Reach and Renew campaign. Members of the Board of Directors by virtue of their church positions are Eldonna Hazen, Paul Karch, Phil Certain and Lance Bentley. Elected to staggered six year terms are Sara Beachy, Ellsworth Brown, Dana Chabot (vice-president), Jane Oman (treasurer), Hank Whipple, and Fred Wileman (president). From May on, the board had a vacancy due to the congregational decision not to elect a moderator-elect (an ex-officio member). The board meets quarterly to review management of assets, conduct routine business, decide on distributions, and once in the spring to review scholarship recommendations. During the year, a presentation was made to the Executive Council to assist understanding of the Foundation; another presentation was made during worship in the “because of your generosity” segment. Fred Wileman

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First Congregational United Church of Christ Treasurer’s Report for 2014

Perhaps the most noteworthy occurrences in the Treasurer/Bookkeeper Office were the decisions of Rich Fleuchtling to retire as Treasurer in May after nearly 20 years of faithful service, and of bookkeeper Rob Eagle to retire in July. Their expertise has been sorely missed by the new Treasurer, Phil Certain, and bookkeeper, Jenn Flaten, who appreciate their willingness to remain available for questions. This report is a summary of the various funds of the church. The bottom line is that the church is financially stable, especially when the support of The First Congregational Church of Madison Foundation, Inc., (the Foundation) is included, although we are continually challenged to support the annual operating budget of the church. Any member who wishes to examine the complete financial records should contact the Treasurer.

The Funds of the Church Operating Fund Both the Board of Stewardship, which has oversight for the budget, and the Executive Council, expressed a desire to focus more on the mission and programs of the church and less on the detailed budget numbers. Consequently, abbreviated reports – a Financial Summary and a Statement of Financial Position - were prepared monthly. The reports follow as tables. The notes to the Financial Summary point out significant deviations from the budget. Pledges and other contributions accounted for 74% of the income of the church this year; gifts from the Foundation for 9%, and rental income for 13%. The operating fund had a net deficit at the end of the year of $4,023 (0.6% of expenses). Operating Reserve Fund This fund is the sum of all the budget surpluses and deficits over the years. This year’s deficit reduces the operating fund reserve from $54,224 to $50,201. Dedicated Accounts These accounts can be thought of as savings accounts of the various boards and programs of the church. Direct expenditures from these accounts are not made; funds are transferred to the operating fund for expenditure. The total value in these accounts at the end of the year was $153,735. Memorial Funds Gifts in memory of a member are deposited in this account. They may be designated for a particular purpose, or undesignated. Church policy directs that any undesignated bequest of $1,000 or more be transferred to the First Congregational Church of Madison Foundation. No such bequest was received in 2014. Undesignated funds were received in memory of Ralph and Ester Scott, … The value of the fund at the end of the year was $17,844. Long-term Reserve Fund This is the “rainy day” fund of the church. It was created many years ago from the sale of church parsonages. Occasionally it is used as a loan fund to manage cash flow for major projects, such as Reach and Renew projects. The interest from the fund is transferred to the operating fund; in 2014 this amounted to $420. The value as of December 32, 2014, was $151,479.

Foundation Gift Funds The Foundation transfers two different funds to the church every year; the amount depends of the performance of investments. One fund, the New Century Fund, is used in support of the operating budget; in 2014 it totaled $30,000. The other fund is meant to support activities not normally included in the operating budget. It recent years, it has been used mostly to support the Prison Ministry Project and to provide an increment to staff salaries. In 2014, it totaled $35,000. Reach and Renew Funds In 2011, the church undertook a major campaign to fund a new heating system as its first priority. Other goals were to expand missions, grow the congregation, and further improve the building. Total pledges from 176 households were $1.97million and the First Congregational Church of Madison Foundation pledged $250thousand for a total of $2.17million. After the campaign was over, additional gifts of $37,377 have been received to help with the balustrade painting. Pledges are payable over the period 2011 - 2016. Pledges continue to be paid at a faster rate than anticipated: 69% of individual pledge dollars have been received, compared to an expected 55%. The unexpended balance as of December 31, 2014, was $313,085. The congregation approved Reach and Renew projects, listed below, at the meetings of May 5, 2013; June 30, 2013; and September 28, 2014. At this time, all anticipated funds have been allocated.

Project Allocated Spent Balance Heating and Air-conditioning $ 998,949 $ 998,949 -

Balustrade Painting $ 315,000 $ 139,352 $ 175,648 Architectural Work $ 10,000 $ 6,731 $ 3,269 Youth Room Refurbishment $ 3,000 $ 2,501 $ 499

Greening of the Building $ 50,000 $ 24,950 $ 25,050 Piano and Organ Refurbishment $ 35,000 $ 25,589 $ 9,411

Prison Ministry $ 50,000 $ 10,000 $ 40,000 Membership Renewal $ 25,000 $ 944 $ 24,056 Breese Terrace Steps $ 150,000 - $ 150,000 Office Renovation $ 220,000 - $ 220,000 Chapel and Student Lounge Renovation $ 140,000 - $ 140,000

Partial support for full-time associate minister $ 100,000 - $ 100,000

Totals $ 2,096,949 $ 1,209,016 $ 887,933 Note: Campaign expenses (not included in the table) were $73,608 (3.7% of individual pledges).

30

Table I: Financial Summary for the Annual Report

December 31, 2014

First Congregational UCC Madison

General Funds YTD Actual YTD BudgetYTD

ActualYTD Budget

Net Budget

Variance

Actual YTD

VarianceNotes

General 566,240$ 563,847$ 2,393$ 566,240$ a

Deacons 6,571$ 2,600$ 21,944$ 20,284$ 2,311$ (15,373)$ b

Education 5,270$ 5,300$ 17,555$ 22,430$ 4,845$ (12,285)$

Community Life 2,178$ 1,500$ 5,216$ 7,200$ 2,662$ (3,038)$

Outreach 3,071$ 2,800$ 96,899$ 96,600$ (27)$ (93,827)$

Property 93,162$ 96,470$ 107,233$ 123,625$ 13,084$ (14,071)$ c

Office/Stewardship -$ -$ 20,332$ 18,050$ (2,282)$ (20,332)$

Communications -$ -$ 10,128$ 10,050$ (78)$ (10,128)$

Executive Council 2,767$ 800$ 7,204$ 7,650$ 2,413$ (4,437)$

Personnel 11,364$ 11,600$ 408,135$ 413,311$ 4,940$ (396,771)$

Total 690,624$ 684,917$ 694,647$ 719,200$ 30,260$ (4,023)$ d

Pass-through Funds YTD Actual YTD BudgetYTD

ActualYTD Budget

Net Budget

Variance

Actual YTD

Variance

Major Projects 145,516$ -$ 145,516$ -$ -$ -$

Con Vivo 6,038$ 4,500$ 6,038$ 4,500$ -$ -$

Designated Offerings 8,380$ 7,200$ 8,380$ 7,200$ -$ -$

Prison Ministry 71,590$ 64,500$ 71,590$ 64,500$ -$ -$

Total 231,524$ 76,200$ 231,524$ 76,200$ -$ -$

Grand Total 922,148$ 761,117$ 926,171$ 795,400$ 30,260$ (4,023)$

Notes

a Contributions ahead of budget by $10,836

Pledges at budget

Health care rebate($6,000) budgeted but not yet received.

b Memorial gift of electronic piano

c 303 Lathrop (Healing House) income budgeted at $8760 for Sept - Dec

Increased income in other areas; decreased repair expenses

d Our actual deficit for 2014 is $4,023.

Our budgted deficit for 2014 was $34,283.

Income Expense

Income Expense

31

Table II: Statement of Financial Position, General Operating Fund

January 1, 2014

First Congregational UCC

Assets

Petty Cash -$

Checking 89,447.86$

Investments 164,907.55$

Lincoln Financial 84.96$

Total Assets 254,440.37$

Liabilities

FICA withholding -$

Federal income tax withholding -$

State incometax withholding -$

Annuity payable -$

Health care flexible spending account 1.87$

2014 prepaid pledges 49,813.27$

Total Liabilities 49,815.14$

Net Assets

Operating Fund 50,201.34$

Unrestricted dedicated accounts 111,703.51$

Temporarily restricted dedicated accounts 42,031.19$

Current period changes 689.19$

Net Assets 204,625.23$

Total Liabilities and Net Assets 254,440.37$

Available cash 50,419.37$

(Checking+Investments)-(Operating+Dedicated)

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Table III: Statement of Financial Position: All Funds

January 1, 2015

First Congregational UCC

Assets

Petty Cash -$

Checking 89,447.86$ 89,447.86$

General Operating

Investments 164,907.55$

Lincoln Financial 84.96$ 164,992.51$

Memorial Funds

Memorial Funds (Associated Bank) 17,843.89$ 17,843.89$

Reach and Renew Funds 313,085.35$ 313,085.35$

Long-term Reserve Funds

Long-term Reserve Funds (Associated Bank) 101,491.28$

Long-term Reserve Funds (Cornerstone CD) 25,000.00$

Long-term Reserve Funds (Oak Bank CD) 25,000.00$ 151,491.28$

Capital Fund

Land and Improvements 212,019.50$

Church Buildings 2,624,270.29$

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment 613,593.09$

Accumulated Depreciation (2,244,530.12)$

Investment - Stamps 780.00$

Construction in Progress 158,936.33$ 1,365,069.09$

Total Assets 2,101,929.98$

Liabilities

Prepaid pledges 49,815.14$ 49,815.14$

Total Liabilites 49,815.14$

Net Assets

Operating Fund Reserve 50,201.34$

Long-term Reserve Fund 151,491.28$

Capital Fund 1,365,069.09$

Memorial Fund 18,590.54$

Reach and Renew 313,027.89$

Unrestricted designated accounts 111,705.51$

Temporarily restricted dedicated accounts 42,031.19$

Current period changes -$

Total Net Assets 2,052,116.84$

Total Liabilites & Net Assets 2,101,931.98$

33

Table IV: Dedicated Account Balances

First Congregational UCC

AccountEnd-of-the-

year Balance

General Operating 1,471.47$

Boards

Deacons 17,470.36$

Education 5,983.12$

Community Life 4,409.23$

Outreach 4,622.81$

Property Management 1,400.00$

Office/Stewardship 46,581.02$

Capital Campaigns 57,205.00$

Prison Ministry 14,591.69$

Total 153,734.70$

January 1, 2015

34