Annual Report to the Congregation

For 2015

January 31, 2016 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA

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Ministers

The Congregation

The Church Staff

Jennifer Creswell, Administrative Manager

Raychael Evans, Administrative Assistant Steve Mehder, Treasurer

Michael Lancaster, Director of Worship/Music

Angie Jenkins, Organist/Music Coordinator Joel Porter, Food Coordinator

Kyle Clark, Property Manager Janice Mathis & Keri Raby, Nursery Attendant

Mozelle Edwards, Judy Mouchet, & Rita Paoletti, Sonshine School Directors

Briana Jenkins, Afterschool Attendant

Pastor(s)

Curtis Fussell

Emily Wilmarth

Session of First Presbyterian Church

Class of 2015 Sally Copeland, Congregation Care

Kathy Evans, Worship Obie Oakley, Personnel

Donna Woods, Membership

Class of 2016 Class of 2017

Delaine Mehder, Children’s Ministry Tom Joyner, Vision 20/20 Ann Greenlee, Mission Chad Lucas, Adult Education

Claude Sullivan, Clerk of Session Bob Tietze, Property

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Table of Contents

Adult Education Ministry _________________________________________________ 5

Children’s Education Ministry ____________________________________________ 6

Congregational Care Ministry ____________________________________________ 8

Membership & Outreach Ministry ________________________________________ 9

Mission Ministry _________________________________________________________ 10

Personnel Ministry _______________________________________________________ 12

Property Ministry ________________________________________________________ 13

Stewardship and Finance Ministry ______________________________________ 14 Financial Information _________________________________________________________________ 15

Vision 20/20 _____________________________________________________________ 16

Worship & Music Ministry _______________________________________________ 16 The Music Committee _________________________________________________________________ 17

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Dear Friends, It’s hard to believe that we find ourselves looking back over another year with

you. We’ve shared another summer in your midst, this time with a better sense of what the swell of seasonal residents and members brings. What a wonderful

year it was! We continue to both explore and settle into our positions as co-pastors. We are

still learning each other’s gifts, and we are still working out how to allow our gifts to thrive in the shared and split work of ministry among you. As an example, while we attend to some ministry team work together (e.g. Finance

and Personnel), we also divide some teams between us (e.g. Curtis participates on the Children’s Ministry Team and Emily works with Missions). We continue

to schedule preaching every other week as the schedule allows; we do the same with moderating session meetings.

You all have helped us shape our roles and responsibilities organically, too. Sometimes, someone will call with a need and ask for one or the other of us,

specifically. Other times, we both will attend to those needs. Please know that we have an understanding that some will relate better to one pastor than the other. We seek to serve in humility, and we’d rather support one another than

feel slighted when a particular pastor is called upon. We’re especially grateful to have coverage and availability at all times for the congregation!

One of the highlights of our year was the opportunity to welcome and serve alongside our summer seminary intern, Brice Jenkins. Brice brought a fresh

perspective to our ministry together, intelligence and insight, deep commitment to the church and his faith, and humor and a lightness of spirit that the entire staff enjoyed day in and day out. We are grateful to the congregation for

receiving Brice with such warmth and openness. We are currently exploring the opportunity to welcome another intern next summer.

We continue to give thanks for the many gifts of our church staff. Their dedication and care for this congregation is astounding and humbling. It is a

genuine privilege to work with such good, dedicated, and talented people! We offer the same gratitude to the session of our congregation; these folks live daily into their roles as ruling elders with faith and commitment. They are

unwavering in their love for God and for the church. They seek to serve with generosity and with intelligence. It is a delight to serve alongside them.

With deepest joy,

Emily and Curtis

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Adult Education Ministry The Adult Education Ministry Team (AEMT) has worked to strengthen and support the following educational opportunities at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands:

Sunday School Classes

Bible Study – led by Rick Demetriou, this class had an in depth study of

the Book of John over the calendar year with special studies during

Advent -- 2016 begins with the Book of Acts.

Book Review – led by Chad Lucas, studied “Emergence Christianity” and

“The Age of the Spirit” as authored by Phyllis Tickle and moves into 2016

using Brian McLaren’s, The Road is Made by Walking.

The Wired Word – ongoing group discussion inspired by the weekly Wired

Word transmission was emailed to the congregation providing personal

study and reflection as well.

Bible Study

The Women’s Evening Study – led by Sally Copeland on Thursdays and

the Women’s Morning Study – led by Betty Fisher on Wednesdays as well

as the Men’s Breakfast Group on Mondays continued to provide prayer,

fellowship and educational opportunities.

Beyond the Walls Book Review

Tuesday Meetings at the 4PM at the Ugly Dog Pub were well attended

and continues to extend fellowship and growth outside of the traditional

church setting. Allowing a ‘drop-in’ opportunity for those who are not

able to commit to weekly meetings or attend a traditional Sunday school

format.

Pot Luck Dinner Discussions

Led by Betty Fisher on the last Thursday of each month this is a revival

of a former offering once enjoyed by our church family. Held in Coleman

Hall at 6PM this new opportunity for fellowship and a good meal seeks to

grow our chances to get to know one another as well as offer educational

topics with each event.

Advent & Lenten Study Series

Curtis and Emily led studies in the evenings during these special seasons. Mullen Lecture Series Per the 2015 Vision Statement for the AEMT a subcommittee was formed for the Mullen Lecture Series.

Members are: Curtis Fussell, Sally Copeland, Claude Sullivan, Chad Lucas. Jim Phillips served on this committee with remarkable contributions—prior to

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his passing he solicited and secured our guest speaker for 2016. This year’s event will certainly be a tribute to him and his passion for growing the very

‘mind’ of our Church.

The 2nd Annual Mullen Lecture Series hosted Apollo 16 Astronaut Charlie Duke the first weekend of August 2015. The event was a great success in both the Sunday service and Monday lecture formats. The format will be repeated in

much the same way for 2016. Minister Sharol Hayner, co-author of Joy in the Journey, will join us in August as the Mullen Lecture Series Speaker for 2016.

Educational Publications offered by our Church are: 1. FPCH Newsletter – printed monthly and mailed

2. FPCH Website – info on our entire ministry – services, events, missions

and newsletter archives

3. The Wired Word – weekly subscription available to all via email

4. Our Daily Bread – monthly subscription to these daily devotional guides

available throughout the Church and providing a large print format as

well as the regular print booklet

5. Library Content – our book offering expands with each Sunday school,

book review and speaker offering. All are available for checkout and use.

Respectfully submitted,

Chad Lucas Chair, Adult Education

Children’s Education Ministry

Children's Ministries continue to be a priority for our congregation through

strong support of the Highlands Child Development Center, our Sonshine

Afterschool Program, Emily's participation with the Fellowship of Christian

Athletes at Highlands School, the Wednesday children's sermons for the

Child Development Center delivered by Curtis and Emily. We have 19 students enrolled in the afterschool program. We have been able

to support this number of kids due to expanding use of more of the church's

spaces. The kids are divided in to two groups for homework which allows us

to give each child more individual attention and provides a quieter space that

is more conducive to study. The younger students remain in the Sonshine

Room with Mozelle Edwards and Brie Jenkins. The older students go in to the

Westminster classroom with Rita Paoletti and Judy Mouchet, the newest

addition to our team. We use Coleman Hall for play when it is rainy or too

cold to be outside. Comfortable bean bag chairs have been added to the two

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nursery rooms which double as a "hang out space" for the older kids to have

free time after homework. In order to be able to handle this large number of

students we have four assistants as it is a requirement that the children have

two adults supervising them at all times. It is also required that each person

who works with the children complete a Safety Policy class, a requirement

that all our assistants and volunteers complete on an annual basis. We do have some faithful volunteers who help out during the year to fill in for

a teacher who has to be absent, stops in to help with homework, or who plan

and carry out holiday parties. We hope to grow our homework volunteers.

Our students come from homes of working parents. Help with their

homework or areas where they need extra help is one of the most appreciated

aspects of our program. The Sonshine School has established relationships with the Literacy

Council, The Land Trust, Hudson Library, and The Bascom. All offer a

monthly program to the students. We received a grant again this year from Mountain Findings which allowed

us to accept two students who would not have otherwise been able to attend

our program. We will apply for other grants this coming year. We continue to

offer a nursery for the Sunday 11:00 service as well as the Christmas Eve

Service. It is staffed by Janice Mathis and Carrie Raby. We look forward to 2016 and will continue to explore and offer the best

programs possible to the children of our community. As always, you are

invited to be a part of making that happen.

Respectfully submitted,

Delaine Mehder Chair, Children’s Education Ministry Team

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Congregational Care Ministry Congregational Care had a very successful ministry this year. More than 30 members and friends of the church helped in our ministry. We hosted seven

luncheons, with an average attendance of 71; the lowest number being 55 and the largest over 100. We were co-hosts with the Mission Ministry Team to two additional luncheons, Food for Fuel and Empty Bowls. Also, we had our

Heritage-Welcome Back Reception in June; we were disappointed with the turnout of only 60. The July picnic was a success with over 100 in attendance.

The Kirkin’ Reception in August was well attended. We also hosted a very successful Reception for the Mullen Lecture Series honoring General Charles Duke, our speaker. Added this year was a Maundy Thursday dinner, which 30

attended. Also planned, but cancelled because of weather, was a lite lunch after the Ash Wednesday Service. In December we hosted an appreciation luncheon for the staff and ladies of the church with 25 in attendance. We

organized food for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and also for one Tuesday Night Community Dinner. None of this would have been possible

without Ann and Joel Porter, Kyle Clark, or our many volunteers. We sent birthday cards to all members of the church. We also sent numerous

seasonal cards, get well cards, sympathy cards, and encouragement cards. We visited many shut-ins as well as those in the hospital or recovering from illness

at home. We had four Memorial Receptions for three members and one friend of the

church. Shake-ups were started this year. We had five events in different homes with

over 100 attending, averaging 21 at each event. We were not involved with Grace Groups, though some continued to function on their own.

The Congregational Care Ministry Team updated the 20/20 vision statement for 2016. The Ministry Team wishes to thank every person who gave assistance

in any way to help further our ministry to our congregation.

Respectfully submitted, Sally Copeland

Chair, Congregational Care Ministry Team

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Membership & Outreach Ministry The First Presbyterian Church, with its great presence on the hill in downtown Highlands, has welcomed people through its doors for 130 years. We take

great pride in our beautiful church and its many visitors, friends, staff, affiliate and full members. There are many opportunities for all people to join us in fellowship, either in quiet meditation, worship services, musical performances,

meetings, luncheons, weddings, beginning of school year blessing, Child Care Development Center Graduation, or funerals, to name a few of our offerings.

As our weekly bulletin proudly proclaims, we invite ALL to join us in worship, “no matter who you are or where you come from.” Our members at First Presbyterian Church reinforce those words with a warm welcome and open

arms. Our meaningful worship services and beautiful and abundant musical programs are available for anyone and everyone.

We pride ourselves in “reaching out, beyond our walls” as we share the joy of Christ with so many, not only in our community, but abroad as well. The

Membership Ministry is grateful and proud to have these things in place to welcome visitors and members alike. There is much joy in sharing our gifts within our walls and the many gifts that are shared beyond our walls.

Our church is unique in many ways, however the diversity of our membership

really makes us unique. With the seasonal nature of our town, it makes the numbers look a little off kilter and one wonders how could we sustain ourselves as well as give as many dollars to other missions. When you put us all together

the picture is more clear. The Affiliate members are mostly our seasonal folks and they bring so much energy, joy and other gifts to our church from other parts of the country. Our Full Members are mostly folks that live in Highlands

year round and are the backbone of our church, also bringing much energy, joy and abundant gifts.

At the end of 2015, we have 120 Affiliate Members and 181 Full Members, for a total of 301 members. We are grateful for every one of them.

Respectfully submitted, Donna Woods

Chair, Membership Ministry Team

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Mission Ministry

The Mission Committee members for 2015 consisted of:

Sally Copeland, Congregation Women of the Church

Mary Ann Creswell, Highlands Emergency Council, Food for Fuel

Mozelle Edwards, Sonshine School

Barbara Landwehr, Loaves and Fishes or The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Empty Bowls

Hillrie Quin, Bolivian Mission Representative

Mary Ann Sloan, Macon County, HCCDC and Mission Team Secretary

Bob Tietze, Gideon’s, International Friendship Center, and Literacy Council

Ann Greenlee, Chair, Community Care Clinic, Missionary Liaison, United Giving

In 2015 we received requests and were able to fund these organizations:

Locally and Western NC, the following: Blue Ridge Dental Clinic, Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers, HCCDC, Highlands Emergency Council, International Friendship Center,

Literacy Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Grier, Children’s Hope Alliance, Black Mountain Children’s Home, Four Seasons Hospice, Loaves and

Fishes, PTO of Highlands School, Rathburn Center, Reach of Macon County, Sonshine School, and William Black Lodge of Black Mountain, Full Pardon Ministry, Presbytery of Western N.C, The Counseling & Psychotherapy Center

of Highlands, Community Table and Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Local Assistance was provided for 7 families of Macon County in various forms (help with medical expense, insurance, rent, moving assistance for new job). We also

worked with local churches and HEC to provide electricity for individuals during the winter months.

National and International: Little Children of the Word –Philippines, Nepal earthquake response, Living Waters(Bolivia), Medical Benevolence Foundation, Gideon’s, support of PCUSA

Mission co-workers, and a war torn refuge community in Ukraine. Included in this report is the percent of spending, so you are able to

understand the portion of money going into different categories.

I invite any member of the congregation who would like to work with Mission Committee for 2016.The Mission Ministry team thanks you, the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, for wonderful support to our community and

beyond.

Respectfully submitted, Ann Greenlee Chair, Mission Ministry Team

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Personnel Ministry

The existing hiring policy for FPCH was reviewed and suggested changes submitted. They were approved and included in the Hiring Polcy and the

Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.

The church’s policy on budgeting for staff continuing education was

reviewed. It was affirmed that it is a good policy and that staff requests will continue to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Further, staff members will be encouraged to take advantage of this benefit.

The Child Safety Policy was evaluated throughout the year. There were a number of conflicting or redundant sections which were modified. One of

the issues addresses was the requirement for annual training of staff and volunteers. Changes were made adjusting the number of hours of

training that will be necessary.

So as to establish an informal policy on the issue of our co-pastors

seeking “permission” from PMT when they will be on vacation or other times when not on the job. The consensus was that this is something that is a staff issue and that should it be worked out with each other.

When a co-pastor is to be away for an extended period not covered in the PPM, it was deemed appropriate that the PMT be so advised.

The PCUSA developed a publication titled, “Guidelines for Session

Personnel Committees” which was received by FPCH. The idea was that this was to be used as a check list for PMT’s to ensure we had covered

the bases. It was the consensus that ours was indeed complete.

There were a number of issues related to the invitation to Brice Jenkins

to be our summer intern which were taken under advisement by PMT. First of all, everyone was in agreement that this was a positive for both

Brice and FPCH and the church could view this as an opportunity to further the education of a future clergyman. The cost to underwrite him, approximately $4,000 is to be taken from the personnel budget. There

was to be an initiative to gain congregation giving but it did not materialize.

o It was further agreed that an effort will be made to extend an invitation to another seminary student, perhaps from Duke since they help pay expenses.

One item appearing on several PMT meeting agendas dealt with potential new PMT members since Avary Doubleday had resigned and Obie will be

rotating off after six years. Church member Mike Campbell has accepted the invitation to become an elder and head up the Personnel Ministry Team and this was viewed and a very positive addition to the leadership

team. A potential replacement for Avary has been identified but as of this writing, has not been approached.

Joel Porter, our food coordinator, announced that as of December 31st he will retire. A committee has been formed to search his replacement. It

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was also determined to honor him at the December 20th Gathering following the 11:00 service. There will also be an invitation to the

congregation to contribute to a love offering that would be presented at that luncheon

Respectfully submitted, Osborne Oakley

Elder for Personnel Ministry Team

Property Ministry The most important project for our church property was not accomplished this year. Even with a complete report from a Water Proofing Specialist, barrier

company, stone mason and general contractor a decision was made to wait for spring.

A complete makeover of the sanctuary sound system was accomplished this year including new sound booth, speakers, and a new digital sound board.

All air handler units were serviced and those requiring repairs were repaired. The church buildings were all power washed. The pond in the Memorial Garden

was cleaned as were the gutters. The hand rails were repainted.

The property which the church acquired this past summer was sold in December.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Tietze Chair, Property Ministry Team

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Stewardship and Finance Ministry

A gracious and generous December response from our congregation is reflected

in an operational deficit of only $5,581 for fiscal 2015. The total income in 2015 was $875,327 against the budget of $878,940. In 2014 our total income was $902,953, thus a 3% decrease in revenue. However, most Ministry teams

demonstrated fiscal responsibility and operated under budget.

Our overall financial position remains very strong with total assets of $9,551,781. Over $400,000 of these assets is unrestricted, reflecting 5% liquidity. The temporarily restricted amount is in our investments accounts all

having positive gains at year end. The 2016 budget is $863,620, reduced 3% from the 2015 budget. This budget,

against projected revenue, reflects a deficit of $77,300. The 2016 budget was approved by Session, noting our church seems to always come forward to

answer the call….

Respectfully submitted, Stewart Manning

Stewardship and Finance Ministry Team

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Financial Information

2015 Financial Information with 20162015 Financial Information with 2016 Budget

2015 BUDGET 2015 ACTUAL 2016 BUDGET

INCOME: Operating Income Plate 233,000 214,580 175,000

Pledges 525,000 500,060 535,000

Property Rental Income Totals 6,725 17,918 6,295

Personnel Committee Totals 91,130 67,063 31,275

Worship Committee Totals 4,400 2,740 4,000

Music Committee Totals 8,000 27,580 8,000

Adult Education Totals - 183 250

Children’s Ministry Totals 10,545 11,090 13,500

Congregational Care - - -

Missions Totals - 34,113 13,000

Total Operating Income 878,800 875,327 786,320

Income from Deferred Revenue - 18,512 Total Other Income 10,140 (6,973) -

Total Funds Available 888,940 886,866 786,320

EXPENSE: Operating Expense Total Salaries and Wages 493,154 494,499 491,952

Total Worship 7,700 10,515 9,698

Total Music 22,048 44,126 24,901

Total Adult Christian Education 2,200 1,662 2,911

Total Children's Ministry 3,410 2,492 2,500

Total Congregational Care 9,900 4,958 8,900

Total Membership & Outreach 900 98 9 00

Total Stewardship and Finance 3,610 2,123 3,610

Total Missions 232,000 202,108 206,000

Total Property 97,330 94,934 95,368

Total Administration 21,580 17,740 16,880

Total Operating Expense 893,832 875,255 863,620

Total Abnormal/Non-recurring Expense - 1 6,823 Total Other Expense 334 369 -

Total Expense 894,166 892,447 863,620

NET INCOME/(DEFICIT) (5,226) (5,581) ( 77,300)

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Vision 20/20

At the start of 2015, the Vision 20/20 elder changed from Pat Moore to Tom Joyner. Pat’s contribution was substantial, having overseen this work through

early significant growth. With Vision 20/20 firmly established, the Session and its 9 Ministry Teams made a thorough review of the overall plan during 2015.

As with any plan, Vision 20/20 is evolving and 6 Ministry Teams, involving input from their membership, made changes to their individual plans. These changes reflect basic and essential changes for the following Teams: Adult

Education, Children’s Education, Congregational Care, Membership/Outreach, Mission and Worship. There were no changes recommended for the Personnel, Property and Stewardship & Finance Teams. Also, the overall Vision and

Mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands did not change. The work of Vision 20/20 will be ongoing and developing over time. The

commitment of the congregation and their work through the Ministry Teams is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Joyner Chair, Vision 20/20

Worship & Music Ministry

The year 2015 has brought some big, much needed, improvements to the Sanctuary. Under the guidance and with much due-diligence, Skip Taylor and volunteers oversaw the replacement of our entire sound system. This has been

a huge improvement that should provide years of excellent quality sound.

Jill Wolfe has done a wonderful job with the flowers this year. It has been difficult to get people to sign up January-April. To help keep to a more realistic budget we will be using two live plants on the days no one signs up for flower

donations. When not needed these plants will be placed in the church under Kyle’s amazing green-thumb care. Please consider signing up to donate flowers

in celebration or in remembrance of your special loved one or occasion. We have added two short luminary remote controlled pillar candles for each window in the sanctuary during Advent and Christmas. These have been made

available for brides to use for their weddings. Don Fisher has done a wonderful job with ushering. The Worship Elder of the

month is now taking up some of the responsibility to help Don with ushering

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and greeting. This really seems to be a positive move thus helping greatly with the duties of greeting and ushering.

Betty Fisher has worked very diligently to keep up with and maintain the name

tags. Because of Donna Woods’ job as Membership Elder we have added many new “blue” name tags. Many visitors have made very positive comments on Betty’s system, with the nicest one being how welcome they feel.

To enhance communication in the coming year, Donna Philips and Donna Woods have agreed to attend Worship Committee meetings. This helps greatly.

It is important to have the outreach elder present and hopefully this will be ongoing. Donna Philips, our volunteer handball director, has been a huge asset

to the music program. We are getting many requests for weddings for 2016. Jennifer is doing an

amazing job keeping track of all the detail.

Reverend Emily Wilmarth has come up with a gluten free bread recipe for communion that has been a hit. It is delicious and makes it possible for all to take communion. I will be putting together a “how to” in regards to setting up

and putting away of communion. I will be looking for those who would like to set up communion or learn to make communion bread.

This holiday Christmas season a “Blue Christmas” service was added. Many of the churches in Highlands participated. It was agreed by all who attended that

it was a very moving, meaningful service and have great hopes that it will be repeated.

Vision 20-20 has been revised for 2016 so please take a minute and review the changes to Worship Committee.

It is an honor and, for me, a real blessing to be nominated to serve as worship elder for another 3 years. I am very privileged to work with such strong faithful

team of believers. Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Evans Chair, Worship Ministry Team

The Music Committee

No Music Report would be complete without another “Thank You” to Bill and Fran Matthews for their support of our music program through the Matthews

Music Fund. Gracias, Fran and Bill, for your generosity and your faithfulness.

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The pipe organ voicing was completed. It was the first major work required on the organ since it was installed in 2004. Funds to finish the work were drawn

from the principal of the Organ Maintenance Fund with the approval of the Session.

The Chancel Choir took a well-deserved break during the month of January.

The Little Red Riding Hood Children’s Opera was presented on April 17 by the Western Carolina University School of Music with 2 showings. Total attendance was 275 children including a few adults from the Highlands School, The Child

Development Center, The Gordon Center and the general public.

An old fashioned Hymn Sing was held on May 17. A Western Carolina University Concert was held on June 28.

The annual Patriotic Concert was presented on July 4, featuring the Highlands

Male Chorus. We hosted Coro Vocati’s Retreat July 9 through 12. Coro Vocati is a non-profit

vocal ensemble from Atlanta. It is composed almost entirely of professional singers who volunteer to participate. Coro Vocati replaced our choir at the 11:00AM worship service and presented a concert that afternoon in the

sanctuary.

The Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and our church co-sponsored a Children’s Concert and an Ice Cream Social on July 14.

Our series of Interlude concerts co-sponsored with the Episcopal Church continued during July and August and one of our concerts was presented by the Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.

The Pebblebrook School Phoenix Ensemble held their retreat at our church and

sang during the 11:00 AM worship service on September 6. Pebblebrook is a magnet school in Cobb County Georgia which was introduced to us by Betty Fuller whose grandson was their director. We appreciate their return.

Numerous guest musicians were featured at 8:30 & 11:00 worship services

throughout the year. The Sacred Sounds Handbell Choir participated in several worship services

between May-September. Bluegrass groups were featured in worship on June 7 and September 20.

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Guest Choirs were featured at 6 worship services: Western Carolina University Concert Choir, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Gap Singers (2 times),

Pebblebrook School Phoenix Vocal Ensemble, Coro Vocati and the Highlands Male Chorus. Guest choir luncheons were provided following each worship

service. A Christmas Carol Sing was held on Saturday, December 5 following the Town

Christmas Parade. The Chancel Choir prepared special music for Passion Sunday, Easter, and

Lessons & Carols.

The Student Intern Program continues to be a blessing for the students and the church.

We began a program of major repairs on our Steinway grand piano which will be completed in 2016.

Jim & Donna Philips hosted a Music Ministry Luncheon at their home on September 20.

Mike Lancaster attended several music conferences. Angie Jenkins attended the Montreat Worship/Music Conference in June. Donna Philips, Ann Greenlee

and Chris Boltz from our handbell choir also attended the Montreat conference.

The Chancel Choir was saddened to lose longtime choir members Annette Coleman and Tom Wise during 2015. The Chancel Choir sang at Annette Coleman's memorial service. Choir member Mary Lou Worley recently moved to

Prescott, AZ and Kelder Monar has moved to Sylva, NC. Both will be greatly missed.

Respectfully submitted,

Stell Huie Chair, Music Committee (Subcommittee of the Worship Ministry Team)