Providence UMCAnnual Report

2017

MOMENTUM

A LETTER FROM THESENIOR PASTOR

Dear Providence Friends,

We are so happy to produce this book that takes a look back at 2017. Last year the word that described what was happening in our church community was “Momentum.”

That momentum continued throughout the year and has rolled over into 2018. But perpetuating that momentum is not a given in a world, culture and the universal church that are all divided.

That’s why it’s important to remember how we kept momentum going right through the end of 2017. We glorified God together in three worship communities making up a unified congregation. We boldly responded to God’s call to mission by digging/building 36 new wells (32 completed in 2017) in Haiti, providing thousands and thousands of Haitians in need with crystal clear drinking water. Together we changed lives of those living in Charlotte’s most fragile communities by supporting our five local mission partners with both volunteer time and financial gifts.

I believe one of the reasons we responded in such palpable ways is that we took even more seriously our need to study God’s Word in classrooms, coffee shops, individual homes, Sunday School classes and Life Group programs. Too, 2017 saw us be challenged by and meet financial obligations.

We must continue to listen to God’s call on our lives, and our Church, by responding faithfully, which gives us a reason to be excited about where God will take us in 2018. It is a high honor to serve as your pastor.

Blessings on you,

WHO WE AREOur hearts, our hands and our doors stand open to all.

OUR MISSION“To be the growing body of Christ, glorifying God and serving others.”

OUR VISION“Loving God, Worshipping Boldly, Changing Lives”

MEMBERSHIP � 2,311 - Our membership total for 2017 (An increase of 23 from 2016.)

� 79 - New members added (This includes families and confirmands.)

� 32 - Number of children confirmed

ATTENDANCE (Average)

� 716 - Weekly attendance at all services including Traditional, Contemporary (The Net) and Multicultural at St. John’s Campus

� 95 - Number of Children attending Sunday School

� 211 - Number of Youth attending Sunday School

� 708 - Number of Adults Attending Sunday School

THE PEOPLE of PROVIDENCE UMC

305 United

MethodistWomen

32 Clean Water Wells Built in Haiti Changed Lives.

15 Life Groups

79 New Members

10 CHOIRS 320 VOLUNEERS

assist with

Traditional Services and Concerts

2017 - A YEAR IN REVIEW

More Than 6,154 People Served by Community Ministries for

Outreach, Justice and Mercy.

_______________________________________________

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSCONGREGATIONAL CARE

THE JOY COMMUNITY Fellowship, leadership and programming provide opportunities for individuals with special needs. Members assist in both the contemporary and traditional services, attend dinner at Providence On Wednesday (POW), as well as other Church events.

BEREAVEMENT ASSISTANCE This program consists of a caring group of parishioners who provide services to families following the loss of a loved one. They guide and help in preparing for funeral and memorial services and keep the list of Church members who have passed away in the previous year to honor on All Saints’ Sunday.

Support for members dealing with the loss of a loved one or friend is also provided during the holidays with two services, “Living with Loss During the Holidays” in November and “The Longest Night” in December.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSCONGREGATIONAL CARE

Pastors pay monthly visits to members at residential communities including Sharon Towers, Plantation Estates, Cypress and Aldersgate. Sunday shuttle busses are also provided for many living in these communities who are unable to drive.

VOLUNTEERS � Send personal notes and cards on a weekly basis to parishioners who are in

the hospital or recovering at home.

� Mail a printed copy of the sermon and a CD of the traditional service to individuals who are unable to attend worship on Sunday mornings.

� Write notes and deliver flowers to home-bound seniors during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIESSeasoned adults enjoy fellowship gatherings through Livewires and Senior Scholars of Queens. Senior Scholars of Queens now meets on Friday mornings in Wolfe Hall during most of the year.

THE PRAYER MINISTRYCoordinated with both our traditional and contemporary services, a weekly list is gathered of individuals and families asking for prayer during difficult times in their lives. This group also coordinates the Easter Prayer Vigil.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSCHILDREN’S MINISTRY

FALLBlessing of the Backpacks: More than 200 children and their backpacks were blessed prior to the first day of the school year.

Third Grade Bible Presentation: 15 third grade students received personalized Bibles during worship service.

Family Retreat to Camp Tekoa: Approximately 100 people enjoyed fellowship and spiritual reflection at this annual retreat in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Children First Worship: Between 60-80 parents and children participated in the monthly children’s worship service designed to bring together elements from both the traditional and contemporary services. Musicians from these two services participate to enhance this experience.

WINTERBethlehem Center Star Gifts: Over 65 gifts were purchased by parishioners to support children living in community housing at Southside Homes in Charlotte.

Night in Bethlehem: At this Advent event, the Mission Center was transformed into the “Town of Bethlehem” with costumed story tellers, hay and period props. Both children and adults came to experience a night of activities similar to the time when Jesus was born.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSCHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Children’s Christmas Eve Service: Our 4th and 5th grade students played the roles of the Holy family, angels, shepherds, the star in the east, Wise Men and animals in the retelling of the Christmas story.

SPRING“Souper Bowl” Offering: More than $400 was collected Superbowl weekend to help provide food for those in need in the Charlotte area.

Butterfly Release: Members of all ages raised butterflies from caterpillars during Lent and then released them together in celebration of Easter.

SUMMERVacation Bible School (VBS): Joy, song, learning and laughter filled the Church for “Hero Central” VBS that introduced children to the strength they find in growing their relationship with God.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSYOUTH MINISTRY

While the national average of youth who are connected to a church has decreased to a total of 56%, at Providence UMC 85% of our Youth deepen their faith throughout the year through Bible study, engaging activities, retreats and fellowship.

Over 2,500 miles were traveled for eight separate grade-level retreats and over 2,000 miles were logged for various outreach projects and mission trips.

During the year, 28 adults volunteered throughout the year helping our Youth grow closer to God and to one another.

In 2017, three 6:15 am Bible study opportunities were developed for high school students who meet every other week at the following locations:

� Arboretum Disciples (Chick-fil-a at Arboretum)

� South Corridor (Berkey Family Home)

� The Park location (Chick-fil-a at Park Road)

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSYOUTH MINISTRY

Together, we Share, Surround, and Send… Together, we are a family!

HS Fall Retreat 327 & 8 Fall Retreat 35Confirmation Retreat 22HS Winter Retreat 35MS Winter Retreat 54HS Spring Retreat 29Youth HOPE mission trip 28

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

HS Fall Retreat

7 & 8 Fall Retreat

Confirmation Retreat

HS Winter Retreat

MS Winter Retreat

HS Spring Retreat

Youth HOPE mission trip

Participants

Participant Count - 2017 Events

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSMUSIC MINISTRY

The Music Ministry at Providence UMC has always provided beautiful music for our congregation and the community.

“Our family treasures the time our daughters have spent in the Children’s Choirs. Their experience in choir has taught them the gift of music and service as well as the critical role music plays in worship. They have also learned valuable lessons, through music, that will guide them throughout their lives. Having choir in their lives serves to enrich their relationship with Jesus and we are thankful for those who serve in the music ministry.”

-A Note from KAREN KELLEY

CHOIRS AND CONCERTS

� Encore and Children’s and Youth Choirs shared their music making with residents at local retirement and skilled care facilities and with our National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) friends.

� The David Bashor Memorial Organ Concert Series and the Chamber Music Concert Series continues Providence UMC’s sharing of the finest music with our community.

.MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSMUSIC MINISTRY

� Youth Choir attended their annual Montreat Music and Worship Conference and also presented Vivaldi’s Gloria and our Chancel Choir presented Rutter’s Gloria in the Music Ministry’s annual Christmas Concert.

� Junior Choir attended Raise a Song Children’s Choir Retreat.

� The Chancel Choir collaborated with the Temples Israel and Beth-El to present the Holocaust Cantata on World Holocaust Remembrance Day. The group also enjoyed their retreat to Bonclarken in August to prepare for the fall season.

� The Church continues to offer our facilities to the Charlotte Community School of the Arts (CCSA) for private lessons to be taught. We are also the rehearsal site for the Charlotte Children’s Choir under the CCSA umbrella.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSTHE NET

This contemporary service offers me a way to recharge my batteries. Worship is so authentic and accessible. The way The Net is set up makes me feel like God is coming to me. Any time with Him on Sundays feels like an opportunity, not a duty. Sunday morning is also like a family reunion for me. I don’t get to see most everybody throughout the week, but we are all together under one roof worshiping together on Sundays.

My life has changed so much since I’ve been coming to The Net. I serve in the Church more than I have in a long time, I take better care of myself and my interactions with Jesus are more personal than they have ever been. I have a rock solid community that is there for me to celebrate my highs, and comfort me in my lows which allows me to take on the challenges God has placed before me more boldly than I ever had before.

-A Note form CHRIS WITTWER

HIGHLIGHTS

� A CD called Worshiping Boldly was made and put into circulation. It continues to impact lives for Jesus outside of Sunday morning worship.

� A strong social media presence, including Facebook Live, is reaching beyond our walls on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.

� Members of the Church celebrated The Net’s third birthday.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSTHE NET

I have never seen faith as a community activity until I joined The Net. Jesus calls us into community, so it’s beautiful to see it played out. I love how diverse my friendships and brothers and sisters are here. There is just this genuine love we have for one another, no matter how different we might be.

- A Note from ANNA EGGLER

FUN FACTS

� More than 75 volunteers share in the operational duties of The Net.

� The Net is a growing diverse congregation.

� Approximately 34,000 chairs were set up and broken down for various services.

� Many attendees opened Bibles for the first time.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSMISSIONS

FREEDOM SCHOOL PARTNERSProvidence UMC sponsorted 81 scholars at the Oakhurst Freedom School (OFS). Of the 16 Freedom School locations, OFS continues to be the most ethnically diverse population. Freedom School seeks to combat summer learning loss to the vulnerable children in our city. An impressive 89% of students at the OFS site improved or maintained their reading ability. Church members and staff volunteered for three of the six week program as readers at Harambe, Drop Everything and Read and as field trip chaperones.

OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERSLife Groups and other small groups volunteered monthly with our additional community partners. Meals were served at Charlotte Rescue Mission Dove’s Nest and Rebound sites, the Urban Ministry Soup Kitchen and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. Last season the Church provided food, shelter and compassion for 34 nights and mornings to over 475 homeless men, women and children. More than 300 people volunteered during the Room In The Inn season.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSMISSIONS

WHAT’S NEXT MINISTRYWhat’s Next Ministry continued to be a vital part of our Church in 2017. Weekday tutoring, mentoring, life coaching, healthy nutrition and spiritual formation anchor this highly relational ministry. This collaboration between Church Missions and Youth Ministry continues to provide holistic care to some young men attending our church who may otherwise fall through the cracks of our systems and safety nets. What’s Next Ministry also provided five college scholarships.

ATTIC SALEThe Haiti & Missions Attic Sale was a success. Around 300 volunteers came together touching lives and making a difference in our community and Haiti. The event gave us the opportunity to:

� Provide the community with high quality items at a low price.

� Open our Church doors to the community and share God’s love.

� Give our remaining items to the Salvation Army.

� A total of $47,065 was raised for Haiti and Missions.

INTERNATIONALHAITI MINISTRY

Clean Water: To date, 32 new wells have been completed and four more wells are in process. In total we will drill 36 new wells funded through the 2016 Christmas Miracle Offering.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONS

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSMISSIONS

INTERNATIONAL

HAITI MINISTRY CONTINUED

Health Care: The Church contributes annually to The Haiti Mission Foundation in Charlottesville, VA. Our contribution helps send medical teams to the Tovar Clinic in Grisson Garde, Haiti four weeks a year. These teams see and treat more than 3,000 patients each week.

Economic Development: Currently we have 338 loans to rural Haitian women in seven different communities in northern Haiti. The loan program also provides employment to two collectors.

Education: In partnership with Harrison UMC, several projects were completed for the college of John Wesley, Annex School. A well was built to provide clean water, a proper flushing latrine system was installed and a roof was constructed on the third floor making it possible to add a secondary school to the already existing primary school.

Cap Haitien Ministry Center (CHMC): A two-year pilot program was funded by Providence UMC. The onsite office provides structure and support to our ministry partner, Dr. Eugene Maklin. In 2017, the CHMC successfully launched and is now managed by an independent non-profit and funded by many contributing members including churches, universities, other non-profits and individuals. This model is being reviewed by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church as a prototype model for future missions by the church.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSMISSIONS

ZOE MINISTRIES-KENYA

The Conquerors Group, which we support in partnership with Myers Park UMC, ($3,750 a year) completed their first year July 2017. A total of 36 households representing 114 orphaned children are now able to afford basic needs like food, clothing and education. They have established income generating businesses and have made progress toward economic sustainability, food security, optimum health and psychosocial empowerment.

Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now): During our October 22, 2017 event, we packaged 24,408 meals. This included 2,160 meals which Kraft Heinz paid for because we agreed to increase our original request of 20,000 meals by 20%. More than 20,000 meals were shipped to Swaziland, Africa.

REGIONAL

Disaster Response: The Church gave $15,060.20 as well as disaster relief supplies to people affected by the three major hurricanes which hit Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In addition, 207 cleaning buckets and over 3,500 hygiene kits were sent to United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) for disaster relief. Several teams in partnership with other local United Methodist Churches traveled to Lumberton, NC for disaster recovery.

MINISTRY CELEBRATIONSST. JOHN’S CAMPUS

After the Reverend Nina Wynn’s retirement in June, Missions Director Brian Mateer began working as the Director of the St. John’s Campus. There are eight congregations that worship at St. John’s Campus at various times every weekend.

In addition to the worship services, the campus hosted community events, including:

� A cleanup day that had volunteers of all ages from both campuses.

� A community health fair.

� Performances of Pirates of Penzance and Hanzal and Gretel by the Little Opera Company of Charlotte.

� Monthly pastor’s meetings with a number of campus pastors.

� Guitar and piano lessons offered to the worship communities.

� An Oakhurst neighborhood block party had a wonderful response from young families from Providence UMC and the other congregations.

� A community meal for children and families.

� A Christmas outreach project benefiting the families who live in the Briar Cliff apartment complex in the area.

Our United Methodist Women (UMW) total giving was $35,376 in 2017. However, our richest blessings are the times we are privileged to really get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ, whether in our Circles, at Dove’s Nest, Providence Place or the Soup Kitchen. We know God is at work in these relationships.

� Membership includes a total of 305 women.

� There are 11 Circles, ranging in age from young women to grandmothers.

� UMW ministry primarily focuses on women, youth and children.

� Mission areas we support with our gifts and service:

1. Soup Kitchen (Urban Ministries): Individual Circles make 400 sandwiches twice a month. Supplies are purchased with proceeds from the Pecan Sale which totaled $2,374.

2. Haiti Missions: UMW built a clean water well, raised $5,100 for New Hope Hospital and $5,100 for The Haiti Medical Missions Fund through the annual fundraiser, Cookie Walk and More.

3. UMAR: The Cookie Walk and More also raised $10,200 for UMAR including Circle 8 (comprised of Joy Class members) and Angel House. 4. Dove’s Nest (Charlotte Rescue Mission): Individual members serve lunch and interact with residents the second Monday of each month.

5. Providence Place: Circles and individual UMW members provide lunch and join in fellowship with the guests on the first Saturday of the month. 6. Freedom School Partners and Oakhurst STEAM Academy: Women

volunteer to read, provide activities and chaperone field trips as part of Freedom School. Members also volunteer at Oakhurst STEAM Academy.

7. Charlotte Rescue Mission: Circles provided Thanksgiving boxes.

8. What’s Next Ministry: Individual women and Circle members provide or cook homemade meals during the year.

9. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR): Circles assemble Layette Kits, Hygiene Kits and Flood Relief Buckets.

UMW HIGHLIGHTS

Ministry Area 2017 Actuals 2018 BudgetMissions / Programs $1,322 $7,100Building and Equipment $37,682 $60,800Human Resources $12,634 $13,000Total Budget $51,638 $80,900

TRUSTEE HIGHLIGHTSThe Board of Trustees oversees the maintenance and upkeep of our two worship campuses, two parsonages, multiple parking lots and our church-owned vehicles. Below are some highlights of 2017 activity:

� Wolfe Hall: Replaced 400 aging chairs with new chairs for use there and throughout the Church; installed a security and privacy wall at the front of the stage; installed new water fountains outside Wolfe Hall.

� Sanctuary and Other Spaces: Began upgrading the sanctuary’s video capability, funded by an external grant and the Church’s endowment funds; supported ongoing maintenance to the campus; installed new, high-efficiency LED lighting in much of the building.

� Parsonages: Completed a strategic review of both parsonages and Church policies for them; began renovation of the Ferncliff Road parsonage in preparation for new tenants.

� St. John’s Campus: Completed significant renovations to address long standing repair and modernization needs.

ENDOWMENT HIGHLIGHTS � The Church Endowment Funds grew more than 16% after fees,

disbursements, gifts and market growth.

� Disbursements were made for multiple projects and mission opportunities. Funds were given for the construction of a privacy wall and the purchase of 400 new chairs for Wolfe Hall; training workshops for Stephen Ministry leaders and conversion to LED lighting throughout the campus.

� The committee is taking steps to bring greater awareness to the congregation.

STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS � Total pledges received from the initial 2017 Stewardship Campaign did not

meet the budget goal set for the year, causing a shortfall in the ability to fund the approved 2017 Budget.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

� As a result, a “Second Chance” campaign was initiated midyear, which was successful in increasing total pledges and gifts for the year.

� At year end, the total combination of pledges and gifts received exceeded the revised year-end projections for total receipts, which allowed for the full funding of missions and apportionments.

� The 2018 Stewardship Campaign was initiated in September and initial results showed a deficit in pledges of approximately $170,000 against the target set for the 2018 Budget. Going forward, the committee will focus on communicating with members the status of “giving” to the Church and will keep everyone apprised on whether or not the deficit in funding remains.

8% 2%3%

8%

20%

59%

2017 Actuals

Worship and Programs

Local Missions

Global Missions

Apportionments

Buildings and Equipment

Human Resources

Worship and Programs: Worship, Administration, Children & Family, Youth, Congregational Care, College Ministries, Evangelism and Adult MinistriesBuildings and Equipment: Operations, Repairs and MaintenanceHuman Resources: All Personnel Salary and Benefits

Ministry Area 2016 Actuals 2017 Actuals 2018 BudgetWorship and Programs $337,528 $189,244 $243,940Local Missions $57,643 $60,000 $50,800Global Missions $69,903 $68,664 $58,100Apportionments $176,219 $186,409 $158,310Buildings and Equipment $453,187 $469,997 $492,600Human Resources $1,346,586 $1,401,302 $1,380,750Total Budget $2,441,066 $2,375,616 $2,384,500

2810 Providence RoadCharlotte, NC 28210

704.366.2823www.ProvidenceUMC.org