Annual Report 2018

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran ChurchLewisburg, Pennsylvania

Our Vision: Making Christ known as we worship, serve and grow in faith

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be heldSunday, January 27, 2019 in the Sanctuary at noon

following the 10:30 AM service.

Please read the enclosed reports and bring this report to the meeting.Please bring any errors or omissions in this report to the

attention of the Church Office before the Annual Meeting.

Annual Report for the Year 2018Table of Contents

Statement of Mission & Vision.........................................................................3

Church Staff & Congregation Council................................................................4

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting—December 10, 2017: Election of 2018 Council Members & Approval of 2018 Budget..................5

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting—January 28, 2018: Annual Congregational Meeting...................................................................7

Church Staff & Congregation Council Reports: Parochial Report ........................................................................................10 Staff Report................................................................................................11 Council President’s Report.........................................................................13 Pastor’s Report...........................................................................................14 Pastor’s Statistical Report...........................................................................17 Faith Formation Coordinator Report..........................................................19 Music Team Report....................................................................................22

Committee Reports: Administration & Personnel Committee....................................................24 Altar Guild..................................................................................................25 Archives Committee...................................................................................26 Banner Committee.....................................................................................27 Benevolent Endowment Fund....................................................................27 Cooperative Preschool...............................................................................28 Evangelism & Fellowship Ministries ..........................................................29 Finance Committee....................................................................................30 Implementation Team................................................................................31 Kunkel Trust Committee.............................................................................32 Parsonage/Property...................................................................................33 Public Relations..........................................................................................34 Social Ministries Committee.......................................................................35 Staff Support Committee............................................................................37 Stewardship Committee.............................................................................38 Technology Committee..............................................................................38 Thrivent......................................................................................................39 Worship & Music Committee.....................................................................39Financial Pages: Statement of Assets & Equity Balance—December 31, 2018 Treasurer’s Report—December 31, 2018

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2018 Fund Activity 2015 thru 2018 Budgets vs. Proposed 2019 Budget

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran ChurchStatement of Mission

The congregation of Christ’s Lutheran Church, having been nourished by the gifts of Word and Sacrament, is called to:

Be faithful to the Gospel and its proclamation in word and deed;

Worship God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit with devotion, piety and vigor, according to the mandate of the Scriptures and practices of the Church;

Be involved in apostolic works of mercy and love to our community and, through our benevolence, to the world;

Be a community of learning, encouraging one another to become involved in opportunities to deepen our understanding of the Gospel and the faith of the Church;

Be a community whose common life is characterized by understanding, support, fellowship and forgiveness;

Develop leadership for the work of the parish and the wider work of the Church, i.e., Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America;

Grow in our appreciation for God’s good gifts by giving generously of our time, abilities and money;

Proclaim the Gospel to those outside the Church as an invitation to share in the life of Christ’s people;

Love one another as Christ has loved us;

Work and pray for peace and justice in our nation and the world;

Work and pray for the unity of the Church;

Affirm the future as filled with opportunities for growth in obedience to our Lord and His service.

OUR CONGREGATIONAL VISION:

Making Christ known as we worship, serve and grow in faith.

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Church Staff 2018 Pastor.......................................................................................................The Rev. William HendersonOrganist/Music Coordinator............................................................................................Joanne VaseyCoordinator of Faith Formation...................................................................................Charlene RineerChoir Director................................................................................................................Brandy AguirreSecretary.........................................................................................................Lee Troup/Brenda BoyerBookkeeper.......................................................................................................................Diane ZackerCooperative Preschool Teachers......................................................Bonnie Kelchner & Erinn GramleyCooperative Preschool AM & PM Aides.........................................Stacey Meachum & Kim Batkowski Sexton & Lock-up...................................................................................................................Ruth MullAuthorized Lay Worship Leader...........................................................................................Tom Booth

Congregation Council 2018President.............................................................................................................................Bill Wagner Vice-President..........................................................................................................................Tim GoffSecretary.............................................................................................................................Carol AppleTreasurer.........................................................................................................................Tim EshelmanRecording Secretary............................................................................................................................... Assistant Recording Secretary................................................................................................................Assistant to the Treasurer..................................................................................................Bill Bollinger

Terms Expire 12/31/2019 Terms Expire 12/31/2020 Terms Expire 12/31/2021 Carol Apple Julie Albright Tim Goff Gary Parks Bob Lamparter Colleen Nevil Dennis Meckley Ron Laniewski Melinda Overdorf

Bill Wagner Keith Wain

2018 Parish Committee Chairs/Council RepresentativesAdministration & Personnel Committee....................................Rich Faux / Rich Faux Benevolent Endowment Fund.............................................Tim Apple / Julie Albright Evangelism & Fellowship Ministries....................................Betty Hook / Julie AlbrightFaith Formation Team.........................................Charlene Rineer / Tom Stahlnecker Finance Committee...............................................................Tim Apple / Wayne HookImplementation Team......................................................Rich Kuczawa / Sarah Patte Kunkel Trust Committee...................................................Keith Smalley/ Wayne HookProperty/Parsonage Committee...........................................Kevin Baker / Keith WainPublic Relations Committee..............................................No Chairperson/Gary ParksSocial Ministries Janet Shuman / Ron LaniewskiStaff Support Committee...............................................Carole Bollinger / Carol AppleStewardship Committee............................................................Tim Goff / Bill WagnerTechnology Committee........................................Tom Stahlnecker / Tom StahlneckerWorship & Music Committee...........................................Tom Booth / Bob Lamparter

Council AppointmentsUpper Susquehanna Synod Delegates.......................................Wayne & Betty Hook / Ron LaniewskiRepresentatives to the Lewisburg Council of Churches........................Julie Borys / Melinda OverdorfRepresentative to the Cooperative Preschool..............................................................Carole BollingerCongregational Representative to Camp Mount Luther.............................................Tom StahlneckerKunkel Trust.......................................................................................................................Wayne HookBenevolent Endowment Fund...........................................................................................Julie Albright

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Council Representatives on Nominating Committee....Charlotte Winter /Tom Stahlnecker/Rick Faux Lindig Foundation.........................................................................................................Dennis Meckley

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Minutes of the December Congregational Meeting toApprove 2018 Budget & Elect 2018 Council Members

December 10, 2017

MEETING: Congregational Meeting to Approve 2018 Budget & Elect 2018 Council Members

DATE: December 10, 2017

The meeting opened at 11:35 am by President Tom Stahlnecker with enough church members to make a quorum. Pastor Henderson opened with a prayer.

TASKS ACCOMPLISHED:

Tom Stahlnecker opened the meeting by announcing the members whose terms will be completed at the end of December (2017). They are: Dennis Tatar, Julie Albright, Matt Hepner, Laura Adams, Julie Borys and Lori Moyer.

Members remaining on Council for 2018: Carol Apple, Rick Faux, Wayne Hook, Gary Parks, Sarah Patte and Tom Stahlnecker.

The new Council Members to be voted on for the six open positions in 2018 are: Bob Lamparter, Ron Laniewski, Julie Albright and Bill Wagner. Since we only had four nominees to fill the six openings, a unanimous ballot was cast to approve the nominees. Therefore, we will have only ten Council Members to serve on Council in 2018. President Stahlnecker asked that any other members interested in serving should contact him.

President Stahlnecker also announced the Council’s need for a new Recording Secretary because Sue Smalley and Bonnie Meckley (substitute Recording Secretary) both plan to retire from their duties.

Tim Eshelman then reviewed the Budget for 2018:

Assumed 3% salary adjustments for staff.

Similar to 2016 and 2017, personnel costs include $15,000 for a new part-time position.

Pastor Henderson and Maggie have both opted out of ELCA provided healthcare, saving about $20,000 in personnel costs for the Church.

Includes a 403(b) retirement plan with matching employer contributions of up to 5% of salary for Charlene, Lee and Joanne.

Budgeted expenses for 2018 are $5,500 more than the 2017 Budget. Similarly, budgeted income is $5,500 more giving us a balanced budget.

Bonnie Smith had a question concerning the staff position that is budgeted to possibly cost $15,000. Tim explained that there is not a specific position in mind, it is just in case we need additional staffing to assist Pastor Henderson.

There being no further questions, Ron Laniewski made a motion to approve the Operating Budget as presented and Ben Thomas seconded the motion. The motion passed by the Voting Members present.

Pastor Henderson offered a closing prayer.

A motion was made by Bill Wagner to adjourn the meeting with a second by Mark Elliott. The meeting was adjourned at 11:59 am.

Submitted by Church Council Secretary,Carol Apple

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Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran ChurchMinutes of the January Congregational Meeting

January 28, 2018

The meeting was opened at 11:50 am by President Wayne Hook. A quorum of 41 voting members allowed the meeting to progress.

An opening prayer was offered by Pastor Henderson.

President Hook announced that at our meeting held in December 2017, four members of the congregation were nominated for Council positions. There were actually six positions available.

A paper ballot vote was not taken for the Council nominees, which was against Church Constitution. However, the Secretary did cast the ballot for the four nominees. There were no objections to this at this January 28th meeting and so the appointments will stand.

INTRODUCTION OF 2018 COUNCIL MEMBERS:

President Hook introduced the 2018 Council members:

Terms Expiring in 2018 Terms Expiring in 2019 Terms Expiring in 2020Rick Faux Carol Apple Julie AlbrightWayne Hook Gary Parks Bob LamparterSarah Patte Ron LaniewskiTom Stahlnecker Bill WagnerKeith Wain

Officers for 2018: Wayne Hook, President; Bill Wagner, Vice President; Carol Apple, Secretary.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTESDECEMBER CONGREGATIONAL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2016:

There were two corrections:

First paragraph: “The meeting was opened at 11:35am by President Tom Stahlnecker” Correction: Tom Stahlnecker was not President at the time (Bill Borys was President).

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Ninth paragraph: “...approve the Operating Budget as presented... Ed Thomas seconded the motion...” Correction: Ben Thomas seconded the motion.

On Motion of Ron LANIEWSKI, second by MELINDA OVERDORF, the Minutes, with corrections as noted, were accepted. The motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTESJANUARY 29, 2017 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES:

There was one correction: “Approval of December 13, 2015...: Tom Livingston seconded the motion”. Correction: Lloyd Livingston seconded the motion.

On motion of Charlotte Winter, second by Ron Laniewski, the Minutes, with correction as noted, were accepted. The motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF 2017 ANNUAL REPORT:

President Hook went through the Annual Report, asking if there were any questions.

Pastor Henderson pointed out one error in his Pastoral Report. He remarked that Amy Kenny is listed as a volunteer, when she is actually a staff member and receives a stipend for her work.

Worship & Music Committee:Zora Unangst remarked that we should attempt to have the musical group ReCreation perform as part of our musical offerings. This suggestion will be referred to Worship and Music.

On motion of Maggie Henderson, second by Betty Hook, the reports were accepted as presented, with the one correction to Pastor Henderson's report as noted above. The motion passed unanimously.

SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS:

President Hook asked for volunteers to serve as Synod Assembly representatives in 2018. The Assembly is held Friday and Saturday the second week in June. Ron Laniewski volunteered to serve. Two more representatives are needed.

On motion of Bill Wagner, second by Tim Eshelman, the motion was passed unanimously and Ron Laniewski was approved as a representative to Synod.

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

President Hook requested congregational members to serve on a Nominating Committee, nominating members to serve on Church Council. Two members of Church Council, Rick Faux and Tom Stahlnecker, have agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee. Four more people are needed. Charlotte Winter volunteered to serve, leaving three vacancies.

On motion of Melinda Overdorf, second by Ron Laniewski, the motion was passed unanimously and Charlotte Winter was named to the Nominating Committee.

President Hook concluded the meeting by indicating that we are attempting to populate the church's Committees with more people.

Pastor Henderson closed the meeting with a prayer.

On motion of Ron Laniewski, second by John Nash, the motion was passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gary ParksCouncil Secretary pro temp

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2018 Parochial ReportAverage Attendance at Sunday Worship2018 Ave. Sunday Worship: 193

2017 Ave. Sunday Worship: 195

2016 Ave. Sunday Worship: 186

Attendance at Special Services2018 2017 2016

Ash Wednesday 72 97 67Easter Sunday 439 375 365Christmas Eve 4:30 pm 230 *232 225Christmas Eve 7:00 pm 155 *206 211Christmas Eve 10:00 pm 61 *NA 91*NOTE: Only two Christmas Eve Services in 2017. 4 Advent Service 9:30 am 12/24/17: 101Changes in MembershipBaptized Membership: 12/31/17 744 Confirmed Membership: 12/31/17 598Baptized Members received: Confirmed Members received:By Child Baptism 7 By Confirmation 10 By Adult Baptism 1 By Adult Baptism 1 By Affirmation of Faith 0 By Affirmation of Faith 4By Transfer from ELCA 0 By Transfer from ELCA 3 By Transfer other Lutheran 0 By Transfer other Lutheran 0 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 0 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 0 Total Members Received 2017 8 Total Members Received 2017 18

Baptized Members Removed: Confirmed Members Removed:By Death 11 By Death 11By Transfer Lutheran 1 By Transfer Lutheran 1 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 1 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 1 By Other Means 1 By Other Means 1

Total Baptized Removed 2018 14 Total Confirmed Removed 2018 14

Baptized Membership 12/31/18 738 Confirmed Membership 12/31/18 602

Ten-Year Statistical Pattern2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Ave. Sunday Attendance

237 224 227 228 213 200 185 186 195 193

Baptized 764 755 750 764 759 749 746 736 744 754Child 118 124 120 131 116 102 96 69 67 70

Confirmed 634 620 619 625 616 605 603 592 598 601Communing(Members)

(All)506 514 513 521 505 491

579453588

418668

464773

435 705

*Voting 469 436 460 466 449 447 409 391 404 332

*Voting Members are confirmed members who have communed and made a contribution of record during the current year (2018) and the preceding year (2017).

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Staff Report 2018

The following personnel were the paid staff of Christ’s Lutheran Church during the year 2018:

Pastoral Staff:

The Rev. William S. Henderson..................................................................................Senior PastorCalled by the CELC Congregation – April 27, 2008Began service at CELC – June 24, 2008

Program Staff:

Charlene Rineer.............................................................................Coordinator of Faith FormationEmployment: October 2011 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Oversee the Faith Formation program.

Joanne VaseyOrganist/Music Coordinator/Director Parish Peal Handbell ChoirEmployment: May 2011 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Oversee the Music program, act as organist, select hymns, direct Parish Peal Handbell Choir, assists with instrumental ensembles, Children’s Choir, Youth Drumming Ensemble, Orff Ensemble.

Brandy Vasey.................................................Choir Director/Director Youth Drumming EnsembleEmployment: September 2014 – present Duties & Responsibilities: Directs the Parish Choir, Men’s Choir & Children’s Ensemble, assists with the Orff Ensemble.

Amy Kenny......................................................................................... Musical Ensembles DirectorEmployment: December 15, 2011 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Directs the Renew Contemporary Ensemble & assists with various instrumental ensembles.

Support Staff:

Lee Troup.............................................................................................................Church SecretaryEmployment: July 15, 2008 –September 27, 2018

Brenda Boyer.......................................................................................................Church SecretaryEmployment: September 17, 2018 –presentDuties & Responsibilities: receptionist, secretary, computer, edit newsletter, web page, order supplies, produce & print Sunday bulletins, etc.

Diane Zacker................................................................................................................BookkeeperEmployment: September 2005 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Bookkeeping, financial reports.

Ruth Mull............................................................................................................Sexton & Lock-UpEmployment: October 1989 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Clean and maintain the interior facilities, lock-up the facility at night.

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Preschool Staff:

Bonnie Kelchner ................................................................................................................TeacherEmployment: September 2004 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Lead teacher Pre-Kindergarten class Monday through Friday.

Erinn Gramly.......................................................................................................................TeacherEmployment: October 2015 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Lead teacher 2 to 3 year old class Tuesday/Thursday and 3 to 4 year old class Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Stacey Meachum..............................................................................................Teacher’s AssistantEmployment: October 2015 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Teacher’s assistant PM classes.

Kim Batkowski..................................................................................................Teacher’s AssistantEmployment: September 2017 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Teacher’s assistant AM classes

Carole Bollinger.....................................................................................Administrator (Volunteer)

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Council President’s Report

It has been an interesting and exciting year in our congregation’s life. This past year our long time secretary Lee Troup retired, after a short search for her replacement we found Brenda Boyer who we welcome to our church family. We also struggled with our budget for next year which we had to make many cuts to come up with a balanced budget for 2019. We also took steps to make the church a safer place with changing locks and keeping a log on who has keys to access the church and with limiting access to the church through one door during the week. There will be more changes coming in the future as we strive to make the church a safe place to gathering and worship.

As we move into the New Year I encourage everyone to look at their weekly giving. As past Council President and a member of the finance committee I see a trend every year during the summer months where giving is down. We would encourage you to still contribute when absent from church or on vacation. There are many ways to do this and one is through Simply Giving. This is a way to contribute every week or month with an automatic withdraw. The stronger our church is the more we can do God’s work.

I would also like to thank the members of the Church Council and all of various committee members for their efforts and for making my term as president flow smoothly. As we continue into the future I encourage all church members to try to become more involved in our family. There are many behind the scenes jobs, large and small; and many hands help make less work. As we get to know each other better we also have more fun and more success in our mission. Even if you are not a member of a committee you can still help with different events the committee hosts they are always looking for help.

Thank You,

Wayne Hook2018 Council President

Report of the Pastor for 2018

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Looking back at this past year of ministry, I am grateful first of all for our completion of ten years of ministry together as pastor and congregation. As I noted at worship on June 24, the ELCA statistical division indicates only 20% of pastoral calls to congregations last ten years or more. I do not take our ten years together for granted in the least; it was built upon hard work and dedication by so many of you who have worked with me. As I write this annual report, we are now halfway through year eleven. Time marches on – ever faster, it seems to me. Thank you for the ministry of CELC in 2018! The eight Baptisms of this year jump out at me; they are by far the most we’ve had together in a given year. The same can be said for the ten Confirmations we celebrated at Pentecost. Eight First Communions came along at Easter; I also had three weddings to officiate for the first time in many years. God has been good to us in 2018 in the area of what are called “Pastoral Acts”. I’d like to take some space next to refer to my ministry beyond the congregation. In the summer of 2018 I concluded five years of service to the Synod as a Conference Dean. That ministry was more consuming than I ever anticipated when it began, but during those five years almost every Buffalo Valley congregation experienced a transition where I had to be involved to some degree. I’m grateful for Pastor Erwin Roux who now serves as Conference Dean. In 2018, I began two new responsibilities within our wider Church. First, I am serving on the Candidacy Committee, which oversees the preparation of our Synod’s new candidates for Minister of Word and Sacrament or Minister of Word and Service. The three quarterly meetings I attended this year have made clear to me that this is a challenging and important ministry of our Synod. I am honored to serve, and I thank the CELC Congregation Council for being supportive of my service. The second new 2018 involvement for me was in service to Camp Mt. Luther through its Board of Directors. Within this service, I have been elected to serve as Board President for 2019, and this is a humbling opportunity for service. I will seek to do the best work I can for the sake of the many young campers whose faith is shaped by our Mt. Luther outdoor ministry. Again, I am grateful to our congregation for supporting my work for the camp. The work of parish administration was also an active area of ministry in 2018. In the summer, Church Secretary Lee Troup informed me of her desire to retire. Then began a process of updating her position description for her successor to use, and seeking applicants for the vacancy. The Executive Committee as a whole worked on this process, and we received over 30 applicants for the position. Brenda Boyer was chosen after

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interviewing concluded, and Lee was most kind to stay on and to help with Brenda’s training. This process consumed a lot of time in August and September. I am thankful to Lee for her ten years of service, and anticipate Brenda’s service to be a blessing to us. A second personnel matter arrived in December, as our lead Cooperative Pre-School teacher, Bonnie Kelchner, informed us she would need a leave of absence. Carol Bollinger, president of our pre-school board, worked with the board and with me to produce a plan for covering Bonnie’s absence, and we very much hope for Bonnie’s return in the spring of 2019. The staff of the pre-school have responded to this situation with calm dedication, and I am appreciative to them and to Carol Bollinger for their responsive help. I would like to mention another area of prominent congregational ministry in 2018 which was handled, not by me, but by our Coordinator of Faith Formation, Charlene Rineer. 2018 was a year for the ELCA to hold a National Youth Gathering, this time, in Houston, Texas. Charlene handled this preparation for us and other congregations, and led our large delegation of youth and adults to Texas and back. She deserves our sincerest thanks for the way she handled this important trip for our youth. The largest single area of stress for the congregation’s leadership in 2018 came as a result of congregational finances. As has been the case for several years, our regular envelope giving has been good, but not good enough to cover all expenses. The Congregation Council, in forming the 2019 budget, made some tough decisions which included a dramatically reduced sharing of our contributions with our Synod. We have been tithing from our contributions income to the Synod and ELCA, and that is no longer going to happen in 2019. It is distressing to me to see this take place, and I hope many of you felt the same way. The best thing we can all do is to make sure we are doing all we can financially to support the work of our budget, and to share further with the Synod and ELCA if we can do so. As I try to do at the end of each year, I wish to offer thanks to our CELC staff. Charlene Rineer, Joanne Vasey, Brenda Boyer, Brandy Aguirre, Diane Zacker, Ruth Mull, and Amy Kenny serve our congregation so well. I’ve already mentioned Carole Bollinger, but again point out that she leads our Pre-school Board with distinction, and we have fine lead teachers and aides. Jackie Goff once again led our Altar Guild in very important work that is mostly “behind the scenes”. Our 2018 Congregation Council, as indicated above, handled many decisions this year. My thanks to Council President Wayne Hook, Vice-President Bill Wagner, Secretary Carol Apple, and Treasurer Tim Eshelman. This was a veteran group at a time when we needed

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one. Carol Apple also deserves our thanks for her work in the challenging task of acting as Recording Secretary during our Council meetings. I am also grateful for those who assist me in a pastoral service role. Pastors Bill Petry and Dale Biesecker, and Authorized Lay Worship Leader Tom Booth bring me great confidence in times when I’m away from you. We also used Ray Huff and Vince Meisinger as substitutes during 2018. Lastly, I finish much as I began this report. I am grateful to all members of CELC for your participation in our congregation’s life, from worship to services to financial support of our ministry. Many of you served on congregational committees and task groups, and you’ve all been a blessing to us. We couldn’t do it without you; without you there is no Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. May God bless us in our ministry efforts of 2019! Yours in Christ’s Service,

Pastor Henderson

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Pastor William S. Henderson2018 Statistical Report

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

During 2018, the following events and “pastoral acts” were recorded:

Received as Baptized Members by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

Nina Patricia Ann Laboy January 21, 2018Leyna Karleigh Sullivan January 21, 2018Marie Amiracle Winder January 21, 2018 Sophia Elizabeth Purdy April 22, 2018Grant David Mounsey May 20, 2018Charlotte Grace Herb June 3, 2018Daisy Lucille Geer July 1, 2018

Received as Confirmed Members by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism: none in 2018

Tammy Lynn Engleman June 24, 2018

Received as Baptized Members by Transfer or parents’ Affirmation of Baptism:

None in 2018

Received as Confirmed Members by Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation):

Annastasia Elizabeth Baker May 20, 2018Alyssa Katherine Coleman May 20, 2018Katelyn Marie Coleman May 20, 2018Alexandra Gail Decker May 20, 2018Gage Benjamin Decker May 20, 2018Grant Nathaniel Decker May 20, 2018Alex Gregory Koontz May 20, 2018Kennedie Brook Lauver May 20, 2018Cameron Orion Michaels May 20, 2018Tyler John Nevil May 20, 2018

Received as Confirmed Members by Transfer or Affirmation of Baptism:

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Cathy Adams May 13, 2018Andy Anderson May 13, 2018Vicki Funk May 13, 2018Dave Campbell May 13, 2018Tammy Hess May 13, 2018Tim Varney May 13, 2018Betsy Kauffman May 13, 2018

Removed from Membership due to Transfer or other action:

Megan Elizabeth Petry February 13, 2018(Transfer to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Washington DC)

Cayce Walter Miller June 11, 2018(Transfer to Harmony U.P., Penn Run, Pa.)

Ben and Kim Criswell November 2, 2018

The following were received into the Church Triumphant and Funeral or Memorial services held:

Name Date of DeathGloria J. Hendricks February 18, 2018

(service held by Pastor William Petry)Allen P. Kistler March 3, 2018Chad E. Bubnis March 5, 2018Roger A. Lockwood March 6, 2018John W. Shannon (non-member) March 26, 2018J.P. Richard May 21, 2018Mary L. Denius July 6, 2018

(service held by Pastor Dale Biesecker)Thomas F. Cardellino August 16, 2018Dolores Hill September 5, 2018

(service held by The Rev. John Shaw)Sara Ruhl September 19, 2018William Patton November 4, 2018

The following Baptized Members received their first Holy Eucharist:

Aaron Bolick April 1, 2018Nina Laboy April 1, 2018Quintin Michaels April 1, 2018

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Orissa Reed April 1, 2018Kase Schinnerer April 1, 2018Gillian Sullivan April 1, 2018Leyna Sullivan April 1, 2018Landon Tillson April 1, 2018

2018 Marriages

Nicole Linn Freda and William Zachary Hotaling September 1, 2018Calley Kathryn Warman and David Edward Scarton, Jr. September 8, 2018

2018 Affirmations of Marriage:

Richard and Cindy Skelton August 18, 2018Glenn and Janet Shuman August 18, 2018

Membership Summary: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2018

Baptized Members 744 738

Confirmed Members 598 602

Communing Members 464 435

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. William S. Henderson

2018 Faith Formation Coordinator Report 

Sunday school classes continued to be held for all ages. The pre-K thru elementary classes continue to use the SPARK material from Augsburg that follows along with the Lectionary. The junior high students participate in Confirmation lessons using the Here We Stand material from Augsburg. As part of their Sunday school the students collected an offering for God’s Global Barnyard. They purchased 2 goats for families in need. We had a few special combined Sunday school classes, Palm Sunday, Christ the King, and December 23! The two adult classes continue with their Lectionary study and their video series/discussion classes. Thanks go to all the faithful Sunday school teachers that helped make this crucial faith-forming activity happen; Sarah Patte, Amy Coleman, Kyle and Megan Hauck, Elissa Koontz, Keith Wain, Pastor Henderson, Joe Keller, and Ann Yoder.

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For the summer, since we do not have Sunday school, I put together Faith Fix boxes for the children. These were boxes with devotions, crafts, and other activities to learn more Bible stories and strengthen their faith. The themes were Ready, Set, Go – a sports theme, Prayer, and Lego build Faith. Other faith-enhancing Bible studies and events for adults also happened this year. Thanks to Kim Eshelman who continues to lead the women’s group on Thursday mornings and evenings. In the early part of the year I lead a study using the movie/book curriculum on The Shack by William P. Young. I also offered Bible Studies on 1st Corinthians, and Ephesians.

A big portion of what is being done for Faith Formation is work with youth of all ages. The goal was to have at least one activity a month for each group, and some combined events. I also strive to keep everyone informed of all the activities that are happening through various methods; church and youth newsletters, bulletins, and bulletin boards, posters in classrooms, e-mail, and Facebook. The groups were kindergarten through fifth graders (split in the fall into k-2 and 3-5 for a few activities), sixth through eighth graders, and the high school students. Some of the events were game days, movie nights, lock-ins, theme events, service projects, craft activities, and sports’ days. Of course they both end the year with their annual Christmas parties. The third Sunday Youth evenings continue for the middle school youth. The middle school youth use that time to fellowship over a meal, to meet with Pastor for Confirmation lessons, and to spend time with Brandy and Joanne for drumming. For youth of all ages and other adults we also held Mini Mission Mondays. The projects included care packages for college students and service personnel, Fleece Blankets for Project Linus, M & M container prep, ornament and Christmas card making, and Christmas Caroling. Another service project that the youth help with is the Souper Bowl collection. The Souper Bowl of Caring offering was a collection of cans of soup, other canned food items, and money. The money went to the Union County Food Bank and the food went to the Emergency Food Pantry.

Families who are forming their faith together is one place where I put some focus by planning and leading events for families. These events included movie nights, game nights, walking the CROP walk together, bowling, and the Christmas decorating with the Advent activities for children and youth. So in that vein for summer instead of the traditional VBS we held FAMILY FUN FAITH FESTIVITIES. We held this for three evenings in June. We started the evenings with dinner, then an activity, and ended with a little time of worship. The activities we had this year revolved around the idea the Jesus Rescues. On Monday, we did a prayer painting. On Tuesday, we played many water games. On Wednesday, we did activities with puppets.

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In summer other ministry did not stop. In July, we held a Children’s Mission Week where children from 1st through 5th grade were invited to come and participate in many service projects. The theme for the week was “Building on Jesus, Tools for Peacemaking.” The service projects that they did included packing lunches for the Summer youth feeding program, making fleece blankets, picking up trash and cleaning up the park, and cleaning the toys in the nursery. Many of our children/youth also went to Camp Mount Luther and we supported them in that - both financial and in prayer.

Also this summer the youth trip was to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston. We had 9 youth and 3 leaders who attended this national gathering in June/July. Through the year we spent some time earning money for the trip, and learning about the Bible themes for the event – This Changes Everything. Thanks for all your support with all the various fund raisers! A huge thank you goes to Amy Coleman and Greg Koontz for leading this trip with me, especially since some of the time I was involved with leading things for the Synod.

To this list I could add congregational events, power points for contemporary worship, up-keeping the Facebook page and announcements for the big screen, helping with the various implementation team projects, children sermons, combined Sunday School classes, helping with the Cooperative Preschool, scheduling volunteers, going to youth’s programs and sporting events, the Summer Youth Feeding Program, and helping lead Synod and camp events. I also went to Houston for continuing education at the Youth Ministry Network Annual Extravaganza and have been working on the Gathering by being the synod gathering coordinator and synod day director. Needless to say it has been a busy year and I want to thank the Faith Formation Team, Lori Moyer, Beckie and Tom Stahlnecker, and Melinda Overdorf, for all their help in making everything possible. Thank you also to all the staff and Council members for all their support. As I look to 2019 I know it is going to be just as busy with lots of opportunities for everyone to strengthen their faith. Charlene RineerCoordinator of Faith Formation

2018 Music Team Report

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The year commenced and ended with the following persons entrusted with the leadership of the choirs/ensembles indicated:

Brandy Aguirre: Men’s Choir; Parish Choir; Children’s Choir; Youth Drumming Ensemble; Festival Choir; Orff Ensemble.

Amy Kenny: Renew Contemporary Ensemble; Orchestra.

Joanne Vasey: Coordinator of Music Ministries; Organist; Parish Peal Handbell Choir; Brass Ensemble; 12-Bell Ensemble.

Summation – Sampling – Highlights of 2018

Traditional worship continued to be offered at both services on the first, third, fourth and fifth Sundays of the month (October through May). Traditional worship was offered at both services June, July & August.

Contemporary worship continued to be offered at both services on the second Sunday of each month (October through May).

Set choir rotation schedule allowing all choirs/ensembles to share their music ministry with the 8:00 am & 10:30 am congregations (Sept. through early June).

Monthly participation of Children’s Choir (color-coded bells, rhythm instruments, singing, etc.) - October through May and for special services such as Christmas Eve 4:30 pm; Easter processional.

Monthly participation of Youth Drumming Ensemble - October through May and for special services such as Christmas Eve.

Bi-monthly participation of Men’s Choir and Parish Choir - September through early June; Participation in special services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday.

Monthly participation of Renew Contemporary Ensemble - October through May – vocalists and instrumentalists – Contemporary Worship Team Planning Sub-Committee.

Monthly participation of Parish Peal Handbell Choir - September through May for both services; Full handbell choir accompaniments and/or anthems for Pentecost & Christmas Eve 10:00 pm worship; Occasional handbell accompaniment with Men’s

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and/or Parish Choir anthems – 12-Bell Ensemble for Christmas Eve & summer music.

Festival Choir for Easter Sunday & Anniversary Sunday.

Hallelujah Chorus postlude on Easter Sunday for all interested singers.

Three new Assisting Ministers.

Orff Ensemble organized for 5th Sunday in April and for 4:30 pm Christmas Eve worship; Occasional use of Orff instruments with Renew Ensemble on Contemporary Sundays.

Brass Ensemble organized for Easter Sunday, Reformation Sunday, 10:00 pm Christmas Eve worship.

Orchestra organized for 7:30 pm Christmas Eve worship.

New and/or returned choir members in most choirs/ensembles – College students/guest participated in Christmas Eve choirs/ensembles.

Holden Evening Prayer during Lent- Great response of cantors.

Men’s Choir music ministry to residents of Riverwoods and Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village – June.

Representation from Christ’s Lutheran Church in Synod Choir.

Introduction of new hymns, songs, anthems, service music both traditional and contemporary in style.

Introduction of new liturgies – Christmas Carol Liturgy; St. James Christmas Liturgy; Chanted Lord’s Prayer for Reformation Sunday.

Use of various familiar liturgies from ELW, WOV, and other sources.

Use of familiar psalm-tones per season.

Occasional instrumental accompaniment with choir anthems; flute, violin, etc.

Variety of vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages for summer music – five new participants including an incoming Bucknell student.

Table display/Bulletin Board updates for Committee Fair on November 11.

Food Bank Benefit Concert featuring the West Branch Barbershop Chorus and MusiCraft in December.

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Variety of vocalists and instrumentalists for pre-service Christmas Eve music; four new participants.

10 Choirs/Ensembles for Christmas Eve services in addition to soloists.

Involvement of college students during summer months and semester breaks.

Continued updating of music library and spreadsheets.

Continued rental of the sanctuary on Tuesday evenings by the Susquehanna Valley Chorale.

Joanne Vasey, Coordinator of Music Ministries

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administration & Personnel Committee

Chairperson: Amy ColemanMembers: Pastor Henderson, Rick Faux, Council Representative, David Michaels, and Julie Albright

The A & P Committee is responsible for our Personnel Manual. This detailed manual contains many policies and procedures for all members of Christ’s Lutheran Church.

The committee assists the Pastor, as needed, with staff evaluations and advises the Council Executive Committee with personnel issues, if requested. Members of this committee are also available to hear other issues from congregation members that may be pertinent to administration and/or personnel matters of Christ’s Lutheran.

For 2018 the biennial review of the inter-operational policies for all committees was completed. The committee submitted numerous works for updating the employee evaluation process and Personnel Manual, however the 2018 Council has not passed a revised submission as of yet. Work continues to complete a favorable process and manual. The Committee also worked on an inter-operational policy that would incorporate the employee evaluation process and the employee personnel manual into one document to facilitate reference and accountability for all employees. Because this incorporates the employee evaluation and the employee personnel manual the inter-operational policy has not been submitted because it does not contain a passed updated version of either the employee evaluation or manual.

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If there are questions regarding the A & P Committee, please feel free to contact any of the members. The Committee is always in need of new members. If you have experience in management, administration, or human resources and would like to give back of your time and talent, please contact 2019 Council President Bill Wagner for more information.

Respectfully submitted,Rick Faux

Altar Guild

The responsibility of the Altar Guild is to make sure the Sanctuary is ready for any and all services.

The teams are responsible for setting up for Communion, baptisms, changing the seasonal colors, delivery of flowers (including seasonal Easter Flowers and Christmas flowers) as well as the weekly Sunday service flowers and laundering the linens. Many hands make this all possible.

There are currently three teams which alternate months throughout the year. All teams share in the duties during Easter and Christmas.

Altar Guild Committee members are: Jackie Goff, Chairperson, Beverly Harvey, Co-Chair. Members: Shirley Wittes, Marian Thomas, Mary Yarger, Lois Diehl, Bev Hopp, Jane Williams, Carol Lewis, Trudy Cardellino, Angie Stackhouse, Pat Pritchett, Joyce Beck, Patti Faux, Doris Nash, Joyce Campbell, Kathy Gibson, Cindy Reed, and Diane Miller. Sub: Charlotte Winter.

We had several people help in preparing the Sanctuary for Christmas Eve Services: Jackie and Tim Goff, Elliott Goff and Torey Goff, Beverly and Don Harvey, Kathy and Paules Gibson and Pastor Henderson.

Gloria Walters coordinates the weekly flower delivery. Barb and Dave Hollenbach coordinate the seasonal flowers (Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias). Flowers are usually delivered to homebound members or the nursing homes. On occasion, the person sponsoring the flowers for a particular Sunday will take the flowers.

Even though the teams are functioning well, there is always a need for more help especially after the 10:30 am service. Also, extra hands are needed during January and February as many people head south for the winter.

Supplies (wine, bread, cups, candles, etc.) are ordered by Jackie Goff and Beverly Harvey.25

Submitted byJackie Goff

Archives Committee

We have had a productive year. We received a number of inquiries regarding early church records requesting information on marriages, baptisms, and church membership. We answer these as best we were able and also give suggestions for follow-ups.

Matthew Wagner wrote an Accounts article for the Union County Historical Society regarding the information we gave him on our early Carnegie organ and the Austin organ which we now have.

We did an Archives Cabinet display of a few of the beautiful Samplers Gary has collected. They all conveyed a message for guidance in their faith as they became an adult.

In the Fall, we did a Committee Fair display of some of our collection and talked with many of you about what we do.

We have begun the process of placing our church records and artifacts in acid-free enclosures. Thanks to the Church Council and congregational consent we have ordered archival supplies including acid-free folders and boxes, mylar encapsulation film, and double edged tape.

We now have boxes specifically for materials relating to Member Directories, the Church’s renovation, the Church’s Bicentennial in 2001, Reverend George K. Bower’s writings, Luther’s Catechisms, Bibles, etc. We also have notebooks with photographs relating to marriages, baptisms, Confirmations and new members; and notebooks recording church events. A list of funeral services, weddings and concerts has been generated.

A number of fragile items have been protected with mylar encapsulation. Tightly rolled items, flattened over time, have been encapsulated. Unlike lamination, encapsulation is a reversible process. We are also in the process of weeding duplicate weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters. We are always seeking materials relating to the history of the church for the Church Archives.

Charlotte Winter, Gloria Slonaker, Ethel Snook, Gary ParksCommittee Members

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Banner Committee

Chair: Vicki Heberlig. Members: Emma Gearhart, Marian Jarrett, Gloria Slonaker

The Banner Committee hangs seasonal banners appropriate to the liturgical year in the worship space. It also is responsible for keeping the banners in repair, and designing and constructing new banners. In addition the committee makes the small baptism banners for each child on their baptism.

Benevolent Endowment Fund Committee

The Benevolent Endowment Fund (BEF) Committee was established in February 2007, to oversee the yearly distribution of proceeds from the Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church BEF. All undesignated bequests and gifts of whatever amount received from estates of persons who have named our church will be placed in the Benevolent Endowment Fund for Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is managed by the ELCA Mission Endowment Pooled Trust account. The BEF should not be confused with the Kunkel Trust Fund. The purpose of the BEF is to enhance the mission outreach of Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church apart from the general operation of the congregation.

The BEF Committee consists of seven members: the Pastor, the President of the Church Council, the Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer, and three at-large members who serve three-year terms. The Committee meets as necessary for requests up to four times a year. Available distribution amounts are determined annually and are calculated by a percentage of the assets of the Fund. The funds will be distributed through a review of applications submitted by members or committees.

The Committee places 4.25% of the total Fund value in a local disbursement account in quarterly installments each year. Disbursements are awarded through an application process, which are accepted anytime. Brochures are also available in the church Welcome Center. The brochure provides a description of the fund, the application process, and the means to make a gift or bequest to the Fund.

In 2018 there were three (3) grants issued for a total of $4,684:1. $884 to subsidize the weekly cost of the radio broadcast – the weekly cost is $42

and the BEF will pay $17 a week ($17 x 53 = $884) to get the cost down to a more manageable $25 a week; this will hopefully encourage members of the congregation to sign up and sponsor a week.

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2. $2,800 for Kingdom Kidz – to cover the “call” to minister to the residents of nursing/retirement homes in the Central Susquehanna Valley.

3. $1,000 for the Summer Lunch Program in Lewisburg.

Unused funds will be retained for future disbursement, or reinvested in the Fund at the discretion of the BEFC. The amount available for disbursement in 2019 will be approximately $20,000.

The BEF balance as of 10/31/18 was $178,136. The ELCA Mission Endowment Pooled Trust account also manages the Everett E. & Marie C. Ernst Trust Fund with a balance of $9,376 as of 10/31/18. The Ernst Trust Fund is restricted to specific uses and is not managed or disbursed by the BEFC.

2018 Members: Pastor Henderson; Tim Eshelman (Treasurer); Tim Apple, (Finance Committee); Wayne Hook (Council President); Dennis Meckley (at-large 2018); Gregg Wetzel (at-large 2019) and Julie Albright (at-large 2020).

The Cooperative Preschool

The Cooperative Preschool program provides socialization and school readiness activities for children aged two to five years. The program involves the development of all aspects of the child-physical, emotional, social and intellectual. Its purpose is to foster an understanding of the child’s self, others and the world. Because the school is a cooperative, parents participate by helping monthly in the classroom and donating items when requested by staff. In addition, field trips and classroom visitors are scheduled throughout the year.

The school currently has 40 students enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year. Erinn Gramly teaches all AM classes and Bonnie Kelchner teaches the Monday-Friday PM Pre-kindergarten class. Kim Batkowski is the teacher’s aide in the AM classes and Stacey Meachum is the aide for the PM class.

Since we now have a staff person in charge, the fundraisers have become more organized and less stressful. We are blessed to have a great staff who go above and beyond their duty to the school and parents who are willing to do their part to make the preschool a success.

Due to the implementation of new security measures for the church, the preschool has also updated its security system.

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The preschool remains under the charter of the congregation of Christ’s Lutheran church as a valuable ministry. The Preschools income and expense numbers are included in the total church report found in the back pages of the Annual Report.

Carole BollingerAdministrator

Evangelism & Fellowship Ministries Our Mission: To lead the members of the congregation in spreading the love of Jesus to current and prospective members of Christ’s Church and to enrich and encourage growth in faith and discipleship to all people. Matthew 28:19—“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The Evangelism and Fellowship Team was busy with many ministries and events this past year. Areas the team is responsible for are as follows:

New Member includes new member orientation, new member sponsors, giving a loaf of bread to each new member, and taking a photo to add to the new member bulletin board.

Card Ministry recognizes those members celebrating significant anniversaries or birthdays.

Anniversary Sunday is always held in September and those members who have been members for 50 or more years are acknowledged.

Homebound Card Ministry involves sending cards to our homebound members on Valentine’s Day, Easter, and other times throughout the year to let them know their church family is thinking of them.

Transportation to church services and events is coordinated by the team for any person needing a ride to a service or event.

Name tags are coordinated through the Welcome Center. All members are encouraged to wear their name tags so everyone gets to know fellow church members and guests.

Helping Hands Ministry provides luncheons for the families of deceased members following their Celebration of Life service.

Photographs are taken at baptisms to add to our new member bulletin board. The Greening Event is coordinated by the team each year and provides an

opportunity for much fellowship while decorating the church, inside and outside, for the holiday season projects.

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During the past year the Evangelism Team organized the Soup and Salad for the Lenten Dinners, Mother Day flowers, and hosted Father’s Day. We decided to have the annual summer picnic in August at the Lewisburg Park. In September we hosted Anniversary Sunday and kicked off Coffee Hour. For November we had hosted a Ham & Pot Pie Dinner. December we hosted the Greening Event with lunch and we hosted the Conference Clergy Worship Service on December 6. A special thank you to all members of the congregation who were involved in helping with any of our projects. We are hoping for many more activities in the upcoming year and hope that we can open our doors to the unchurched and take the Gospel into our community.

The Team meets the second Tuesday of each month and welcomes new members at any time. Team members are: Judy Bechtel, Jackie Goff, Lisa Veloz, Betty Hook, Fred & Jackie Schaeffer, Heather Martin, Sue Cox, Jackie Cvik, Julie Albright and Laura Adams.

Finance Committee

The mission of the Finance Committee is to oversee the budget of the church, to monitor the financial position of the church and to recommend appropriate action to the Church Council for consideration.

Members of the Finance Committee for 2018 included Pastor Henderson, Council President Wayne Hook, Church Treasurer Tim Eshelman, Finance Chair Tim Apple, Dennis Meckley, Andy Wargo, Bill Borys, Ron Laniewski and Bill Bollinger.

The committee meets the Sunday before the monthly Council meeting.

The 2018 budget and proposed 2019 budget are printed on the pages at the end of the Annual Report.

Respectfully submitted, Tim Apple

Implementation Team

The Implementation Team has completed another year of addressing the recommendations developed by our Strategic Plan originally begun in 2015 through our consultant Pastor David Daubert of 8 Day Strategies and our Facilitation Team. Using the Guiding Principles that were agreed upon, the team completed additional recommendations. Below is a list of the results of their efforts during 2018.

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1. Increase Parish involvement: We are attempting to implement the Event Planning Guide as a tool to be used to organize activities presently being done at the church to encourage a wider base of congregation involvement and to help provide those taking over activities with guidelines for organization and successful completion of present and previous activities done at the church

2. Increasing Parish Involvement: Creating a list of items needed at certain times of the year or for various activities.

3. Parish Involvement: Pastor already asks the new members to join committees.

4. Outreach: The church had a successful The Dinner by the River service this year and has been taken over by Laura Adams for 2019 as the church contact and organizer.

5. Outreach: The after school snack on Thursdays has gone well with a positive connection. They have been during 15-20 kids.

6. Community involvement: We have worked on community involvement with dinner by the river and the float in the 4th of July parade, which is now being led by Ron Laniewski

7. Faith Formation outreach: Creating a Male Chaperone call list for Lock-ins especially with the most recent group of K-5 kids and the increased number of boys (friends of friends)

8. Faith Formation outreach: We discussed clearances: The question was brought up are there enough men and women with clearances. Continuing to look for male chaperones for youth activities possibility from the Bucknell students. We talked about the Former Chaplain Kolach who might be a good contact.

9. Faith Formation outreach: The Faith Formations team attempted to get the puppet ministry for the VBS/family fun week, but there was limited communication and it was hard to get just 1 night. They hope to try earlier next year.

10. Faith Formation outreach/involvement: Teen Involvement including the possibility of a youth group for Lewisburg through the Council of Churches Grades 8-12. We discussed grades 8-12 youth ministry or lack thereof in the church. There is no senior high SS teacher at the moment. We discussed trying to find a way of

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drawing them in as attendance is an issue. There is an active Catholic and Presbyterian youth program in Lewisburg.

11. Pastor noted the large number of baptisms show signs of health and hope in the congregation.

12. Lastly as we go into 2019 we are looking over the Dr. Daubert Report for further guidance for direction of the Implementation team. The implementation team is designed as a temporary team for the church to dream up possible changes or additions that will bring the congregation together in areas of outreach, involvement, etc. We are always looking for new members if anyone is interested.

Sincerely, Sarah Patte

Kunkel Trust Committee

The purpose of this committee is to screen applicants for funds from the income generated by the Joseph Kunkel Trust. The committee recommends action to Church Council who can authorize monies to be paid to the approved applicant. The trust was established in 1982 for the benefit of Christ’s Lutheran Church and other area recipients, approved through this committee. M & T Bank controls the principal amount of the trust, while a bank designated % of the investments is paid semi-annually to the church. This maintains the principal balance of the trust. The distributions, this year, resulted in approximately $23,000 being disbursed. Our church is very fortunate to have such a fund, which benefits not only our church, but the community of Lewisburg as well.

The committee consists of seven members. The church constitution designates four members: Pastor, President of Church Council, Treasurer, and the Chair of the Finance Committee. Council appoints three other members. The 2018 appointees were Dennis Meckley, Andy Wargo and Al Seidel. Due to a work schedule change, Al regretfully submitted his resignation in 2018. If anyone has interest in joining this committee for 2019, please contact any current member.

The committee meets once a month to consider requests for referral for the next Council meeting. The committee also meets yearly with representatives from M & T Bank to review the investment strategies; however, because of the terms of the trust, the bank has control of investment decisions.

Kunkel Trust fund applications are available in the Kunkel Trust Form mailbox. The form can be filled out and placed back into the Kunkel Trust mailbox for discussion by the

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committee at their monthly meeting, Sunday morning prior to the Thursday evening Council meeting. If approved by the committee, it will be sent to the Council for the final decision.

Respectfully submitted,Andrew J. Wargo, Chairperson

Parsonage

The Parsonage is being leased out to Transitions (formerly Women in Transition). Transitions provides advocacy, empowerment, and education to victims, survivors, families, and communities to end patterns of violence and abuse. They have been leasing the parsonage since 2009 and will continue with periodic reviews of the lease agreement. Transition uses the parsonage strictly for office space for their staff. The agreement includes general maintenance and upkeep to the parsonage. This has been a great benefit to Christ’s Church as otherwise it would be unoccupied and require maintenance and other expenses.

Transitions has made several improvements to the parsonage over the course of the lease. These include painting of the first floor, redoing the floors, renovation of the first floor bathroom, repair of the entry door, painting and repairing the front porch and patching the front steps. There are many areas of the parsonage that need continuing repair or improvement that cannot be currently funded from the operating budget. Part of the lease agreement includes continued improvements by Transitions with approval from the Property Committee and the Church Council. This has been a mutual and beneficial agreement between Transitions and Christ’s Lutheran Church.

Property Committee

The property committee oversees the maintenance of the church and Parsonage. This committee is served by a small group of volunteers who have a large responsibility to keep everything ‘running’ smoothly. We are always looking for additional volunteers to help in any way.

This year’s projects included ongoing problems with a leaking roof. Several attempts were made to find and fix the problems and as of now it appears to be leak free. This is a short-term fix and at least two sections of the roof should be replaced in 2019. Both boilers had

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problems this year, one was fixed with a new circulator pump and the other is awaiting a replacement switch. The sewer pump came loose from a wall bracket which required the pit to be pumped so the bracket could be reattached. Two of four water heater tanks developed leaks, both required replacement. A new mail slot was installed next to the oak tree entrance. This was needed so that mail delivery could take place at times when the church is locked. There has been an ongoing lightbulb replacement taking place in the sanctuary. This was needed because the initial bulbs installed three years ago, when we upgraded to LED lighting failed. They were supposed to last at least 10-15 years. The vendor who supplied the initial bulbs provided us with new bulbs free of charge.

Ongoing, we take care of daily maintenance issues as they occur. We also coordinate annual outdoor tasks such as mulching, weeding, trimming, grass mowing, and leaf raking. We contract for snow removal during the winter season. Thank you to everyone who serves on this committee and those who assist with the property committee work.

Kevin BakerProperty Committee Chairperson

Public Relations

As a liaison between the Committees and the Church Council, I am available to send out press releases and photographs to various newspapers, radio stations, et al. This year, we sent out a number of photographs and accompanying stories which related to grants awarded by the church to Kingdom Kidz, Inc. and the Children’s Museum of Lewisburg, and the efforts by the young people of our congregation in their Youth Mission Trips.

Gary ParksPublic Relations Committee Chairperson

Social Ministry Committee Report.

“We look to the future of our church and respond to the needs of the worldwith confidence in God’s grace”

Committee members: Fran Baker, Emma Gearhart, Beverly Harvey, Joe Keller - interim secretary, Fred Kraus, Janet Shuman - chairman, Sandie Smith, Shirley Wittes, and Council Representative Ron Laniewski.

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There are many volunteers and donors who support our programs. They do not attend regular meetings. We do not express our thanks to them as often as we should, but we could not function without them. The Social Ministry Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month except during the summer and in December. With warm hearts and hands, we aim to serve others. We have a number of programs that are ongoing throughout the year and others that run at specific times during the year.

The year round programs include:

Healing Dinners – when needed, meals are prepared and delivered to individuals or families with temporary health problems (just out of the hospital, short term incapacitating injuries or illness). There is a basic list of about 40 volunteers who are called on a rotating basis to provide and deliver these meals.

Emergency Food Pantry, Supplemental Food Program, Soup & Scripture, and Transient Program are all Lewisburg Council of Churches programs that we support. CELC dues for that organization are paid from our budget. Our representative to the Council of Churches is . Julie is also the Director of the Emergency Food Pantry that is located in our building. She is on call for distribution. Through the first ten months of 2018, 17 calls were received with 28 adults and 21 children being fed from our shelves.

Holy Sew ‘n Sews (also known as the Sewing Ladies) – this group of 11 meets Wednesday mornings in the Lower Church Hall. Emmy Gearhart coordinates the making of quilts and walker bags. Thanks to those who donated fabric to be used in projects. Food and miscellaneous items were also given to Transitions and Haven Ministry as available.

Lutheran World Relief – contributions are solicited March through September from the congregation to fill bags prepared by the Sewing Ladies and assembled into Health Kits. 13 health kits were prepared and shipped this year. 63 full size quilts were shipped for distribution through Lutheran World Relief. 24 pounds of soap was shipped. 8 walker bags were donated for congregational and local use. Transitions also received 6 full size and 1 child size quilts.

The Kitchen Krew works to clean cupboards, defrost the freezer, and tries to keep outdated and unclaimed food items out of the downstairs refrigerator. An inventory of kitchen equipment is maintained. All groups using the kitchen are asked to follow the posted guidelines.

Medical Equipment Loan Program – donations of usable equipment are stored in an upstairs closet. Items may be signed out in the church office for use as needed.

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Prayer Shawl – led by Emmy Gearhart, this ecumenical group of knitters makes and prays over shawls given to persons recovering from illness or mourning the loss of a loved one. 9 baptismal shawls were presented and 25 regular shawls have been distributed through October. 10 shawls were sent to Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village.

Delivery of Bulletins – weekly bulletins and Devotional Guides are taken by a committee member to friends and members in assisted living and nursing care facilities in the area.

Remembrance Sunday - carnations were purchased and distributed to families and a candle on the altar was lit for this year’s 10 deceased members on November 4. A central candle was lit when remembering other departed saints named silently or aloud. Shelf 3A on the north wall in the library is designated for books dealing with grief and bereavement. Anyone may sign out these materials. Memorial flowers are placed on the altar on the 1st anniversary of a death within the congregation.

Ladies Night Out/WELCA – Melinda Overdorf is the group leader. Beckie Stahlnecker is the treasurer. Because of attendance and transportation issues, the group has temporarily suspended monthly meetings and gathers only for special events.

Pinochle Club meets the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of the month and has been the scene of many spirited exchanges.

Other programs have specific dates. They include:

The February Meat Project was in Lewistown in 2018. We collected $1,545 including a Kunkel Grant.

During Lent, our committee served 49 people at the March 14 luncheon of the ecumenical Soup and Scripture program held weekly in the Lower Church Hall. We solicited donations for our “Lutheran Fruit Salad”. Lenten Supper – on March 21, the final Lenten Supper of soup and salad that we were to serve was canceled due to weather conditions.

Blanket Sunday – envelopes were provided for contributions toward purchase of blankets to be sent to Lutheran World Relief. In October, we sent off $1,300, including a matching Kunkel grant.

CROP Walk – on October 7, our walkers were Charlene Rineer, Bill Borys, Gillian and Leyna Sullivan, Nina and Roberta Laboy, Marie Winder, and Isabel Veloz. They collected $1,170, including a matching Kunkel Grant.

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The committee sponsored God’s Global Barnyard as an Advent Project again this year. It is an ELCA program to provide essentials and food where needed in the world.

The Summer Youth Lunch Program included extra food bags for qualifying families during summer vacation. CELC packed the extra bags and helped with distribution on June 1. Lunches for the children were packed and distributed to sites on June 18-20 from our kitchen. Thanks to all volunteers and donors in this program to meet needs of local children.

We welcome new members and visitors to the committee at any time. Committee service can be selective with no obligation to attend a regular meeting. Contact any listed committee member for details.

“In everything we do, we try to show that we are true ministers of God.”2 Corinthians 6; 4 Living Bible

Staff Support Committee

Committee Members: David Heberlig, Pam Souders, Kathy Gibson, Melinda Overdorf, Beckie Stahlnecker and Carole Bollinger.David Heberlig asked to be replaced. Janie Keiser agreed to serve on the committee.

The Staff Support Committee met quarterly in 2018 and discussed any issues that may have arisen with the support staff of CELC. There were no issues that required out of committee action.

Carole BollingerChairperson

Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee meets monthly or at least nine times per year. The committee members participate carrying out different activities throughout the church year. In February-March work is done to prepare for the Lenten season. In April-May a Take-Up-Your-Cross Day is done in the Atrium. During the summer months we have a garden table for anyone interested in fresh produce. Profits go to World Hunger and the Union County Food Bank. During the fall we have a Consecration Sunday event.

In addition we donate money every year to the ELCA World Hunger with contributions matched by the Kunkel Trust Fund up to five thousand dollars. We also donate to Buffalo

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Valley Village for Benevolent Care for residents who are unable to afford the cost of services. The committee orders offering envelopes and prepares them to be mailed out. We encourage members to use the Simply Giving Program provided by Thrivent.

The members of the committee are: Tim Eshelman, Marian Jarrett, Dennis Meckley, Bill Wagner and Tim Goff.

Tim Goff, Chairperson

Technology Committee

The church has about 10 computers, desktops and laptops, and several Wi-Fi networks, with modem, routers, and boosters. This year a network security issue was found and we have had to change the password for the main administrative network. Jason Baker frequently tweaks these networks to get stronger, more seamless coverage throughout the building. We also service and maintain the main copier and several local “back-up” printers, reducing expenses by doing most tasks ourselves. The sanctuary projection system is progressing with the routing and installation of wiring, and should soon be functional. Anyone interested or with tech skills is encouraged to join us. We have committee meetings on the second Tuesday of every other (odd) month. Please contact Tom Stahlnecker (570-743-7371) or tstahlneck@gmail.com if interested. Respectfully submitted,Thomas R. Stahlnecker, Chairperson

Thrivent Report Thrivent Financial provides a variety of services to our church. A pewter medallion gift is given to all the baptisms with the baby’s name and baptismal date engraved on it. Also all the new communicants joining the church receive the pewter Confirmation crosses. Members of Thrivent can direct Choice dollars to the charity of their choice with many donating to Christ’s Lutheran.

This past year these donations have totaled over $2000 our church. The church council has directed that these monies go in to the Building fund to help with improvements to

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the church. Thrivent also sponsors action grants which supply $250 of seed money for activities that are done in the church or community. This year our church had several action team events.

Two actions grants were obtained by Charlene Rineer for Soup and Bread Fundraiser for the Youth Trip and the Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser for the Youth Trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering. Bill and Julie Borys provided an action grant for last year and this year for providing nutritional snacks for the after school children that get dropped off at our church. Thru Thrivent these actions grants provided a $1000 in seed money to help support these projects.

Worship & Music Committee

Committee members: Tom Booth, Chairman, Pastor Henderson, Joanne Vasey, Brandy Aguirre, Barb Baylor, Beverly Harvey, Vicki Heberlig, Amy Kenny, and Bob Lamparter (council liaison)

It seems that every year is a busy year for the committee and 2018 was no exception. Our goal is to provide a quality worship experience, and I believe we accomplished that. I want to thank everyone on the committee for all their hard work, help and support. With your help we accomplished a lot in 2018. We believe that the worship environment here is a positive one, especially in the area of music. As always, we are grateful for Pastor Henderson and our excellent music staff. They are great to work with and work tirelessly to insure that our worship services and programs are the best possible.

In 2018 as in previous years, one of the positive aspects of worship here is that we offer something for everyone in worship. We offer traditional services, contemporary services, Quiet Communion, and variety in our worship settings. We pray that this provides inspiration and spiritual growth for everyone who attends.In 2018 our choirs continued to provide quality and variety in music. The Lord has blessed Christ Church with so much talent, especially musically. The music during our regular worship services, special services, Lent and Easter, the summer music program and Christmas Eve were excellent. With everyone’s busy schedules, one of the challenges with the choirs is scheduling. Many thanks to our music team for all their work and especially their flexibility with scheduling and their commitment to make use of the talents God has given this church. Great Job!

In 2018 our worship service attendance pattern was much like 2017; some months the 8:00 service had higher attendance and some months the 10:30 service had a higher attendance. Final attendance numbers were not available yet, but it appears that in 2018 our average worship attendance may have been the same as 2017 or slightly less.

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Attendance at our quiet communion services seems to be growing. This service is providing worship for those who are unable to attend our regular Sunday morning services.

Lent is an important time in our church, and we strive to have services that help us through our Lenten journey and inspire us to spiritual growth. Our Lenten and Easter programs were once again a success. The meal and fellowship prior to the service, Holden Evening Prayer and the Program were great. Our thanks to everyone who participated in any way.

Our Summer music program was also a success. We had a good variety of music. Thanks to everyone who participated.

The Christmas Concert to benefit the food pantry with the West Branch Chorus and MusicCraft was a success again this year: 107 attended and $2342.00 was raised for the food pantry. Many thanks to Vicki Heberlig for organizing this event!

Advent 4 and Christmas Eve once again provided a challenge. With Advent 4 on Sunday and Christmas Eve on Monday we had our usual 5 services. Here again we had something for everyone. At 4:30 we had a children’s service, at 7:30 pm we had the orchestra and a more “upbeat” service and at 10:00 we had our more traditional service. One word describes these services: WOW! Special thanks again to our music staff and our thanks for an excellent job by everyone who helped with these services in any way!

Again this year we awarded Worship Arts Scholarships. This year’s recipients were Orissa & Ellis Reed for Elementary music camp at Central Oak Heights.

The Susquehanna Valley Chorale continued to use our facilities for their rehearsals this year. Also this year Enterline’s, our provider of flowers for special services, closed so we had to find a new provider. Schwalm’s Greenhouses will be our new provider for Christmas Poinsettias, Easter flowers and geraniums.

As always, I would also like to thank all of you who help out with our worship services in any way. Whether you are a greeter, usher, communion usher, communion pourer, worship assistant, do children’s messages, lector, acolyte, sound technician, altar guild, take care of the nursery, take care of the banners, deliver the CD’s for the radio, or deliver flowers, we couldn’t do it without your help. Special thanks for a job well done!

Respectfully Submitted,Tom Booth, Chairman

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