ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GOSCHENHOPPEN

2016 Annual Report

Our Vision & Mission …

Saved by God’s Grace, Renewed through Word and Sacrament,

We are Sent as Disciples to Share the Gospel of Jesus.

Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, January 22, 2017 – 1:15 pm

Annual Report

For year 2016

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ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GOSCHENHOPPEN

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

January 22, 2016

AGENDA

12:15 p.m. Lunch

1:15 p.m. Call Meeting to Order

Devotions

Hymn

Old Business

Year in Review

Reports

Secretary’s Report/Minutes

President’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Auditor’s Report

Coordinator of Spiritual Development Report

Ministry Team reports

Minister of Music Report

Pastor’s Report

New Business

Visioning Process

Adoption of 2016 Ministry Team Spending Plan

Certificate Program

Nominating Team Report (handout)

Other Business

Awarding of Door Prize

Motion to Adjourn following the Lord’s prayer and singing of a hymn

Closing

The Lord’s Prayer

Hymn

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ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GOSCHENHOPPEN

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES Saved by God's Grace, Renewed through Word and Sacrament,

We are Sent as Disciples to Share the Gospel of Jesus.

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting held on January 31, 2016. The afternoon began at 12:15 with a covered dish luncheon; the meeting began at 1:15. The meeting was called to order by Council President, Tim Hutchinson. Opening Prayer and Devotions were led by Pastor Steve Godsall-Myers. Opening Hymn was led by Vince Ryan. Old Business: Tim Hutchinson presented a year in review on benevolence giving and support for 2015. The minutes from the 2015 Congregational meeting were presented and reviewed. There was a motion made by Bill Kesack to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Joe Filice and all approved. Lisa Holloway reviewed the 2015 Spending Plan results. All is in line with our budget, since the advance giving covers the new position created last year. 2015 was a great year! Janine Nevin discussed the 2014 Auditor’s Report.

The accounting software conversion was the biggest challenge in 2015. If we are to continue with the certificate program, we need to control the amount of money

tied up into it. The 2015 Audit Team will attempt to complete the audit in March 2016.

Steve Nevin provided a Stewardship update Need to increase giving to $80,000 over the next two years to cover full operating costs. Ben Potter talked about $55,000 in Advanced Giving funds that covered the 2015 operating

fund gap, covered the salary for the Faith Development Coordinator position (2015 and the first 6 months of 2016), and began the Building Improvement Fund.

Requested a targeted 13% increase in giving in 2016 to eliminate the ongoing operating deficit, yet also to provide a 2% salary increase for staff and to cover another 6 months of the Faith Development Coordinator position salary.

A 12% increase in giving is proposed for 2017 to continue to cover the gaps. Each Ministry Team provided an overview of their team via Powerpoint presentation. Pastor Steve Godsall-Myers presented his Pastor’s Report and highlighted a few key areas. He emphasized that it was another great year with a lot of wonderful people. New Business: Lisa Holloway discussed the 2016 Spending Plan and Ministry Budget.

The spending plan reflects the 13% increase in giving where 10% is always given to the synod. While we typically take out 5% of our endowment fund each year, of which Social Ministry

receives 25%, George Keck clarified that we don’t need to always take that much and that we need to protect its longevity. Encouraging endowment giving was discussed.

A motion was made by Jim Keenan to approve the 2016 Ministry Budget. Ron Bowlan seconded. All approved and the motion passed.

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Pastor Steve Godsall-Myers led the discussion regarding ratifying Advent’s Constitution updates (projected on screen)

We use a version of the ELCA model constitution We updated our Constitution to comply with the recent ELCA model The ELCA reviewed our Constitution, suggested 3 minor revisions, and have pre-approved our

revisions. Over 30 members were present at today’s meeting, so we have quorum. George Keck motioned to adopt the three Constitutional changes. Rich Lantz seconded and all

approved. Those leaving Council were recognized and thanked for their service:

Kevin Self Harry Johnson Nancy Grunewald Laura Kraus Kim Sekiya

The following members were nominated for Council positions by the Nominating Committee: Candidates for Congregational Church Council

Tim Hutchinson (remaining on Council) Gary Strayer (remaining on Council) Carl Bowman Rachelle Shollenberger Trish Barth Bill Kesack OPEN SEAT

A motion was made by Rich Lantz to close the nominations and accept the Nominating Committee’s recommendation with one open seat. The motion was seconded by Dean Shollenberger and all approved. The following members were nominated as the SEPA Synod Assembly Delegates by the Nominating Committee:

SEPA Synod Assembly Delegates for 2016

Judy Greene Ken Greene

A motion was made by Bill Kesack to close the nominations and accept the Nominating Committee’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Tom McDonough and all approved. The following members were nominated for the 2016 Nominating Team positions by the 2015 Nominating Committee:

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Nominating Team for 2016

Nancy Grunewald (last term) Harry Johnson (last term) Kevin Self Joe Hammond OPEN SEAT OPEN SEAT

A motion was made by Rich Lantz to close the nominations and accept the Nominating Committee’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Eileen Filice and all approved. Rich Lantz invited anyone interested in serving on the Cemetary Committee to see him or Dave. Other Business We honored those that we lost in 2015:

Rick Capaldi Larry Quinn Millie Cronrath Doris James John Rinde Kay Kaiser

We recognized new births in 2015:

Nathaniel Taylor George Keck thanked Advent’s staff (Pastor Steve Godsall-Myers, Vince and Carrie Ryan and Evie Marshall) for their inspiring year of service. The door prizes were awarded. Rich Lantz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Joan Brown seconded this motion and all approved. The meeting was then adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a closing hymn led by Vince Ryan. Respectfully submitted, Tara Holman

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The President’s Report

Moving forward with our vision while adapting to change

In 2015, our main focus as council was to make our vision a reality. So in 2016, our goal as council was to continue to make a lot of changes to better utilize our space so we could better serve the community.

However, 2016 turned out to be a bittersweet year for the congregation here at Advent. Towards the beginning of the year we all learned the news that Pastor Steve would be moving on to a well-deserved retirement. His time here at Advent was much appreciated and he will be greatly missed!

This past year also marked the 25th Anniversary for Advent, so in lieu of these 2 big events, we had a great celebration picnic to celebrate the history of our Church along with a fare well to Pastor Steve and Jean.

After Pastor Steve’s departure, council quickly took action as we began Advents next chapter in finding our next Pastor. In July we welcomed our interim Pastor Folks to lead the way. After her arrival, she got to know our congregation and assembled our transition team who will move us forward with this process. The transition team is working quickly to get everything in order so we can begin the next steps in finding our next Pastor.

With all this change upon us, we as council remained focused on continuing our vision which was to grow our faith within the Church through Christian Education and establish a way that we could maintained our Church building as it ages.

At the end of 2015, we ourselves took a leap of faith and hired Carey Ryan as our Director of Faith Development which continues to be a great addition to our Church staff. We also continued with our building improvements such as some fresh paint both inside and outside of our building.

Our Church council and ministry teams have continued to make a huge effort this past year to grow our Church in the areas that we need and want the most. Moving forward it is important to keep the momentum going, so I ask the entire congregation to be as involved as you can be. Whether it is joining a ministry team, helping with our worship or volunteering in one way or another, we can all continue to work together to make Advent Lutheran Church of Harleysville a warm and welcoming place in our community.

I would like to thank everyone for honor of serving as our Church President over the past two years.

2016 marks the end of my council term and I really enjoyed the time spent in moving forward with

the vision of our Church. I feel as though we accomplished a lot along the way and hope to continue

to help out in any way I can moving forward.

God Bless,

Tim Hutchinson

Council President

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Treasurer’s Report (to be handed out at the meeting)

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Auditor’s Report (to be handed out at the meeting)

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Coordinator of Spiritual Development – 2016 Annual Report

As I write this report and look back through the events of 2016 at Advent, I am filled with joy. In a year full of transition, the people of Advent continue to volunteer, lead, participate, encourage, share and learn. Although there were many wonderful moments of 2016, I would like to highlight a few.

Top Ten Joys of 2016

10. Sign Up Genius – We are using the website Sign Up Genius for all youth/family events. This is an easy and convenient way to keep all families apprised of the activities at Advent.

9. Youth Sunday – In May, our youth of ALL AGES participated as readers, musicians, actors, ushers, greeters and communion assistants in our two worship services.

8. All Ages Events – Three all ages events were held in 2016: Prayer and Pretzels (Lent), Rally Day and ADVENTure of Christmas (Advent). These events are a wonderful time of learning, sharing and fellowship.

7. Sunday Church School Teacher Appreciation – Advent is blessed with 38 SCS teachers and helpers! These teachers and helpers are a vital part of our youth’s faith formation. In May they were treated to a special luncheon in their honor

6. Rally Day – God’s Work. Our Hands. Day – Through two Thrivent Action Teams, Advent was able to provide 38 fleece blankets to the Welcome Church in Philadelphia and 50 towel kits to Keystone Opportunity Center. We also peeled crayons for My Green Crayon and wrote thank you notes to our local police, fire and EMS volunteers.

5. Christian Education Networking – This past year I have had the privilege of meeting other Christian Education leaders from local Lutheran churches. Throughout the year we meet and share ideas and resources.

4. Lent – During Lent we focused on prayer. The Adult Forum studied the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. We invited members of the congregation to lead the Prayers of the Church during worship.

3. Gaga Tournament – Through a Thrivent Action Team, Advent held its first annual Gaga Tournament in April. Over 40 youth and 20 adults from 4 congregations participated. We collected over 50 outdoor sports equipment for Silver Springs Martin Luther School.

2. Taking Faith Home – This weekly devotional is provided in paper and digital format to all members. It has scripture readings, prayers, caring conversation ideas and service ideas for all.

1. Adult Forum Planning Team – This team has been a true blessing. Thank you to George Keck, Kevin and Sarah Self, Ginny Ward and Rich Lantz for your wisdom, ideas and leadership in adult education at Advent. Respectfully submitted, Carrie Ryan – Coordinator of Spiritual Development

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Christian Education – 2016 Year Review 2016 Team Members: Bill Kesack Sharon Strayer Michelle George Carrie Ryan Susan Stratton Jess Brown

2016 HIGHLIGHTS:

Sunday Church School: We’re off to a wonderful start for Sunday Church School. Classrooms are full of students with an average weekly attendance of ~55 students and there are lots of new teachers and helpers this year! We continue to:

Recognize students with monthly perfect attendance

Focus on SCS offering by setting goals, tracking progress and partnering with Social Ministry to donate half of the proceeds to the Global Water Campaign

Emphasize monthly Bible Verses

Youth Ministries: Our youth at Advent continue to shine and demonstrate God’s love through their service at Advent and our community. 2016 highlights include:

2016 Rural Servant Trip: 7 Youth and 1 Adult Leader traveled to South Dakota to grow in faith and serve the Rosebud Reservation community.

Participated in service days for the community and SEPA youth gatherings.

Raised money through fellowship, service and worship fundraising events. Youth fundraising proceeds are deposited in the General Youth Fund for all youth events (SHYG, JHYG, Helping Hands, etc.)

5th – 12th grade Youth group met monthly for fellowship, faith, food and fun! Kids enjoyed a dodgeball night, GAGA tournament and much more!

VBS: We had another successful year at VBS Camp Discovery. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

~70 children and volunteers were here each day

Our weekly theme focused on the apostle Paul.

Offering was used to purchase items for the Special Olympics.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Stratton, Council Liaison Bill Kesack, Chairperson

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Fellowship Ministry Team

SPECIAL EVENTS: The Fellowship Team at Advent was grateful for a busy year of activities in 2016. We sponsored many successful events and activities for the church family, including:

Lenten Soup Suppers

Annual Church Picnic

Advent Night

Iron Pigs Baseball Game

Pasta and Playwright

Bonfire and Movie night

Annual Meeting

ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES: Throughout the year, we also worked to keep the kitchen clean and well-stocked, and provide weekly fellowship time between services. We would like to thank the many members who serve as Coffee Hour volunteers and we welcomed some new volunteers this year. A special thanks to Kay Bowen who has taken on responsibilities of the kitchen.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: Our hope for 2017 is to continue to help the other Ministry Teams by providing important Fellowship opportunities where all members can learn more about one another, our faith, and the church. Our Team will continue discussions of Family Game Nights, Iron Pigs game, Adult Fellowship opportunities and some special events for Parents and Children. We hope to discuss these ideas among ourselves and with other Ministry Teams in 2017.

THANK YOU: A special thank you to Joe and Joan Kelley, Deane Werley and Kay Bowen for their extra work to manage Funeral Luncheons and other special events such as external concerts, pastors’ luncheons, etc. A special thank you to our Property Team. They are always available when we ask. We would not have had a great movie night without this team or the painting of the Fellowship Hall. As always our church secretary Evie Marshall is always there to lend a helping hand whenever we need it. The Fellowship Team would like to thank everyone who helped to make this another successful year. We greatly appreciate all who have given so generously of themselves and their time. We look forward to a blessed 2017. One more thank you to Kim Kesack for her many years of service on the Fellowship Team. She will be greatly missed. 2016 FELLOWSHIP TEAM MEMBERS: Linda Johnson, Leda Tompkins, Deb Haig, Melissa Carosi, Linda Booth and Trish Barth- Council Liaison

Respectively submitted by, Trish Barth , Council Liaison

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Finance (to be handed out at the meeting)

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Property Ministry Team The mission of the Property Team is to maintain and improve the building and property of Advent. The team attempts to handle all improvements and repairs by ourselves, only relying on the experts and outside contractors if necessary. Although the team has designated members, all members of Advent are considered to be a part of the team since we are all responsible for keeping the building and property in order.

Our Sexton, Bob Parsons, has been doing an outstanding job handling the day to day needs of the building and grounds. The many groups using the building need someone to be here day to day for general cleaning and maintenance, and Bob fulfills that role. Several Scout groups, the YMCA, AA, and community groups, shows the hospitality of Advent to many in the community, but it also increases the wear and tear on the building. Here are the 2016 highlights from the Property Team:

Hosted the annual Spring Clean-up Day which included weeding and mulching of flowerbeds, trimming trees and bushes, and adding chips to the playground.

Sponsored the fifth annual Advent Adopt-a-Garden, with many members beautifying the grounds throughout the year.

Supported Fall Outdoor Movie Night and Campfire electrical needs and set-up.

Removed snow, salted parking lot, had grass cut as needed.

Provided support for the office systems, including upgrading the office copier with a new lease.

Painted the sanctuary, hallway, pastor’s office, nursery annex, and driveway crosswalks.

Arraigned for cleaning of ductwork throughout the building.

Obtained digital upgrade of sound system and hearing assist devices for worship services.

Upgraded the fire alarm system.

Replaced kitchen refrigerator.

Replaced lighting in hallway and sanctuary, and window blinds in sanctuary.

Arraigned for cleaning of carpets, tile, and furniture.

Approved building use requests for both members and non-members.

Prepared the building to accommodate our IVOC guests in July.

Tested the Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting systems.

Looking ahead into 2017, the team will be continuing to plan for future building maintenance needs, ensuring that our church will remain a safe and welcoming place for all in the years to come. This includes staining and painting the exterior of the original section, repairing the exterior signs, and investigating other improvements for the building and grounds. Thanks to team members: Carl Bowman (Liaison), Harry Johnson (Co-Chair), Stan Wilhelmson (Co-Chair), Bob Parsons (Sexton), Dave Brown, Tom McDonough, Joe Kelley, Rod Werley, Keith Christian, and the many other Advent members who helped keep Advent a Welcoming Place this past year.

Respectfully Submitted, Carl Bowman - Council Liaison, Stan Wilhelmson & Harry Johnson – Co-Chairs

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God’s work.

Our hands.

Advent Social Ministry - 2016 Team Report

The Social Ministry Team provided many ministries in 2016 through the

amazing generosity and much appreciated support of our caring Advent family. Our congregation

works continually to help others in the community, synod, and world through numerous service

hours and monetary donations. The spirit of giving and outreach is very active at Advent! We

sincerely want to thank all of our members for their generous contributions of time, talents, and

treasure so that Advent may continue “living our vision.”

Throughout the 2016 year, Social Ministry strengthened Advent’s relationship and support of

Keystone Opportunity Center, as well as supporting other local organizations, such as Silver Springs

Martin Luther School and EndHunger NE. Our Synod outreach included the annual tithing to the

Southeastern PA Synod, support for Lutheran Charities such as KenCrest, and various service projects.

For world outreach, we sponsored several appeals for the ELCA including a focus on World Hunger.

Social Ministry expanded our Salford Mennonite partnership with two new events in 2016. In addition

to tending the community garden and hosting the Interfaith Hospitality Network, Advent co-

sponsored two diversity workshops on addressing the issue of racism within the church. We also

supported Salford’s Chosen 300 ministry which provides meals to those in need. For 2017, Social

Ministry will supply breakfast foods for Habitat for Humanity “Almost Home” program and is looking

at potential projects to involve families with children in service opportunities.

I. Social Ministry Outreach:

Below is a summary of the social ministry activities accomplished by Advent in 2016, grouped by

outreach category. Advent Youth Group service projects and trips, such as Helping Hands Day, are

included in the Christian Education Team report. We especially wish to thank all of those Advent

members who volunteered to organize and lead a specific social ministry event.

A. Church:

Valentine Care Packages – Sent 16 packages with homemade cards to Advent college students

Halloween Care Packages – Sent 18 packages with homemade cards, our highest total ever!

Manna to Go – Organized meals and transportation for Advent members as needed -- Made telephone calls, signed and mailed cards to members for various reasons

Home Improvements – 20 volunteers painted and prepared home for Advent family in Sept-Oct.

Health Ministries: • Blood Pressure Screenings held monthly for Advent members. • Spring Red Cross Blood Drive – collected 34 units, exceeded target goal.

• Fall Red Cross Blood Drive – collected 39 units, one of our highest totals!

B. Community:

Keystone Opportunity Center: • Provided monetary support with other churches for Community Case Manager position.

• Sponsored Table at Annual Celebration of Hope Banquet and Auction in April.

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• Essentials for Easter – Collected and delivered 29 bags (over 500 lbs) of household

essential items donated by Advent members to Keystone Opportunity.

• Thanksgiving Meals – Collected 31 meals and $775 in gift cards donated by Advent

members. Advent contributed 12% of total meals collected by Keystone!

• Food Drive at Advent Church Picnic – Collected and delivered 180 lbs of food items.

• Food Drive at Advent Bonfire – Collected and delivered 115 lbs of food items to Keystone

Interfaith Hospitality Network (Michelle Kurosz, Sharon Strayer) – Advent’s fourth year serving

as a host church with Salford Mennonite for the month of July. Provided transportation, meals,

groceries, supplies, and overnight sleeping arrangements for 2 families.

Salford Mennonite-Advent Lutheran Garden (Sharon Strayer) – About 20 Advent members volunteered throughout the growing season at our local community garden which provided

18,476 lbs. of fresh produce to individuals and organizations serving those in need.

Advent Angel Tree – Collected and delivered over 80 holiday gifts donated by Advent members to the Silver Springs Martin Luther School

Chosen 300 – Supported Salford Mennonite ministry of providing meals in Philadelphia on 5th Saturdays with baked goods and/or serving volunteers.

C. Synod (Southeastern PA):

ELCA Day of Service – In September, Advent members participated in a synod service project and completed SCS Rally Day service activities (Carrie Ryan): • End Hunger NE – 6 Advent members joined over 100 volunteers from synod churches to

package 31,000 meals in about 2 hours at St. Johns Spinnerstown.

• 50 welcome towel kits assembled and delivered to Keystone Opportunity Center.

• 32 fleece blankets created to distribute during Welcome Church visit.

• Thank you cards with candy gifts made for local Police and Fire Departments.

Lutheran Charities – Hosted KenCrest speaker for worship & Adult Forum, collected donations.

Welcome Church – In December, Advent led other Indian Valley Cluster churches in hosting the coffee hour fellowship of a Philadelphia congregation whose members are experiencing homelessness. 13 Advent members and other church volunteers distributed donations of cookies, socks, hats, gloves, and fleece blankets to more than 50 people in need.

D. World:

World Hunger – In total, Advent contributed over $3,100 for ELCA World Hunger in 2016 • Organized free will offerings at weekly Lenten Soup suppers – collected $754

• Set up “Hunger Tree” with ornaments from ELCA Good Gifts Catalogue – over $700

• Includes other member donations, such as Corn Roast collection

Malaria Campaign – SCS offerings from classrooms amounted to $1,118 for the 2015-2016 school year, exceeding the goal set by the students of $1,021 by $97!

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Clean Water Campaign – Gave classrooms presentations and worked with Chris. Ed. team to collect Sunday School offerings for clean water access. Goal of $1,125 set for 2016-2017 year.

Good Gift Catalogue – Promoted and communicated ELCA catalogues containing meaningful holiday gifts which support ministries, fight hunger, and save lives in other countries. As a team, the Social Ministry Team gave a year-end group donation to the ELCA health care areas.

Disaster Relief Mission Trips (Stan Wilhelmson) – 8-11 Advent volunteers completed 2 separate trips to New Jersey lasting several days each to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

II. Benevolence Giving:

A portion of the annual distribution from the Endowment Fund is designated for outreach at

Advent. The Social Ministry team approves any planned outreach support or congregational grants.

Social Ministry instituted a procedure and proposal form for all Benevolent Giving proposals and

requests. Applicants are asked to describe how their proposal supports Advent’s mission and how

they will share the outreach experience with the Advent community. In 2016, the following

expenditures from the Benevolent Funds were approved and distributed:

Jan 2016 $163. Christ Lutheran Church Upper Darby – assist with community outreach

Feb 2016 $429. Hurricane Sandy Mission Trip – housing donation and food expenses

Feb 2016 $300. Race and the Church workshop with Salford Mennonite – shared speaker fee

Mar 2016 $1000. Keystone Opportunity Center -- Community Case Manager group contribution

Apr 2016 $600. Keystone Opportunity Center – Banquet and Auction Table Sponsorship

May 2016 $270. Hurricane Sandy Mission Trip – housing donation for church host

June 2016 $300. Race and the Church 2nd workshop with Salford Mennonite – speaker fee

Aug 2016 $500. End Hunger NE Project -- donation for ELCA Day of Service food supplies

Oct 2016 $150. Bean Bag Food Program – support local elementary students in need

Nov 2016 $100. Thanksgiving Meal Bags – purchased 4 x $25 grocery gift certificates

Total $3,812. Social Ministry Benevolence Giving for 2016

We look forward to continuing our social ministry efforts in 2017 and expanding some of our

activities. Many Advent members were involved in our outreach this year, and Social Ministry would

like to invite additional members to help support God’s work in our communities and beyond.

A very special thank you to the dedicated members of the Social Ministry Team for all of their time,

hard work, and successful efforts in 2016: Dolores Bowlan, Jen Brown, Joan Brown, Melissa Carosi,

Sunny Hassett, Carrie Johnson, Betty Keck, Ginny Ward, Cherie Werner

Respectfully submitted,

Doretta Roessler

Social Ministry Council Liaison and Team Chair

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Stewardship Report

The goal of our Stewardship Ministry at Advent is to help God's people to grow in their

relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talent and finances God has

entrusted to them. We wish to thank the congregation for their response to the

Stewardship program this year.

Annual Program

This year was an extension of the program from last year “Growing in Faith, Sharing God’s Gifts, Living our

Vision”. A stewardship packet was provided to all families containing a brochure with important

information about congregational goals, Staff information and needed building improvements projects

over the next 5 years.

We knew this would be a challenging year as we are in the pastoral transition process and we also had 5

families (all Simply Giving users) no longer with our Advent congregation due to relocation. However, we

stayed with the original program goals of 100 pledges, addition of 5 Simply Giving users, and increase

giving by 12% in 2017. Below is a summary of the financial response along with the previous 4 years:

2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017

Total Pledges 97 98 93 92 88

Total $ Pledged $217,304 $234,926 $228,840 $258,192 $252,792

# Increased 41 41 35 49 32

# No Change 46 47 45 40 51

# Decreased 10 10 13 3 5

# Simply Giving 47 49 51 55 52

(Additional details are provided on page 2 of this report)

We received 88 pledges, and added 5 new Simply Giving users. While we had 32 families increase

their giving, the overall pledge amount decreased by 2%. The good news is that our overall

financial situation remains strong and we look forward to continuing to grow our stewardship

giving in future years. We thank the congregation for their continued support of Advent’s

ministries, staff and building.

New Envelopes

This is our second year using the new bulk purchase envelopes. This was a cost reduction effort as

only families that are using envelopes for their regular giving receive full envelope sets.

Green Team The Advent Green Team helps to educate, raise awareness and assist the people of Advent to incorporate care for creation into their day-to-day activities at church, in their home and in their community. We thank Ginny Ward for stepping up to the lead the team in 2016. Advent has increased our recycling (cardboard) and the Property team has completed replacement of old lighting fixtures with new low energy fixtures. We are always looking for new ideas and participants, if you interested please contact Ginny or a member of the Stewardship team.

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I want to thank and acknowledge my fellow team members for their efforts this year: Terry McDonough

(Council Liaison), Ben Potter, Don Roessler, and Joe Hammond. Terry and Joe will be leaving the team

2017 but we were fortunate to add Deane Werley to the team at the end of 2016.

The team would like to recognize and thank Karen Christian for serving as Financial Secretary over the past 2 years. We thank Kim Ribelin for taking over these responsibilities in the second half of 2016. Respectfully submitted,

Steve Nevin(Chairperson),Terry McDonough(Council Liaison), Ben Potter, Don Roessler, and Joe Hammond

2016/2017 Annual Stewardship Giving - Summary Report

Summary

# of Pledges: 79 Regular Pledge = 36

Simply Giving Pledge = 43

Simply Giving No Response/Change= 9

Total # of Pledges = 88 (last year 92) # Increased Pledges = 32

# Decreased Pledges = 5

# No Change = 51 (Counting 9 Simply Giving No Response)

Total $ Amount of Pledges: $233,812 $ Regular Pledges = $74,749

$ Simply Giving Pledges = $159,063

$ Simply Giving No Change/Response = $18,980

$ Total Pledged Amount = $252,792 (last year $258,192) -2.1%

Non-Pledging Estimate (no estimate of giving provided and not using Simply Giving)

# of Members Not Pledging but with recorded giving from 2016: 37

Total 2017 non-pledging Giving Estimate based on 2016 giving = $14,130

Total of Loose Plate Giving = $8,373 (last year estimate $8,043)

(Based on actual from 2016 through November)

2017 Total Estimated Giving = $275,295 (last year estimate $286,705) -4.1% (pledged + non-pledged estimate + loose plate estimate)

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Welcome Team (to be handed out at the meeting)

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Worship and Music Team

Annual report 2016

The Worship and Music team plans services and special services, the musical concerts and other

events here at Advent. We also try to get the volunteers who help make the services happen, the

greeters, lectors, communion assistants, worship assistants, the altar guild, acolytes, crucifer, etc. As I

read over last year’s report I saw the same theme. We are always looking for new volunteers and we

will train you to assist. This year we said goodbye to Pastor Steve and welcomed Pastor Folks as our

interim pastor. We had one combined service throughout the summer and again had trouble getting

people to sign up to help at the service each week. Next year we will assign duties for the summer.

We started the year with a Moravian Love Feast. We had a square dance this year and the Patriotic

concert at the church picnic. We welcomed the Wittenburg choir in May and there were several

events with the choir. The combined Wittenburg and Advent choirs sang here on a Sunday morning.

Vince had a piano concert in September, to raise money for his trip to Germany in October. In

November, Erik Lamberth and his Jazz Quartet (Erik, Vince, Harry Johnson and Austin Shollenberger)

had a Jazz Café with Christmas carols. For the first time, this year we had our combined Thanksgiving

Eve service with Salford Mennonite Church here at Advent. It was a beautiful service and well

attended by both congregations. The music scholarship was awarded to Garrett Ryan who is taking

guitar lessons and playing in church at our services.

I would like to thank Judi Greene and Becky Fisher who schedule our worship assistants each month.

Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to help make the services run smoothly. Thank you to

Vince Ryan , our music director who we are very thankful to have here at Advent for the past 20

years. WOW! I would like to thank the Altar Guild members, who are usually unseen, but set up the

church each Sunday for the services, Joan Kelley, Joan Brown, Kim Ribelin, and our newest member

Pam White. Thank you to Dean Shollenberger who changes the banners as needed, sometimes every

week. Thank you to the Worship and Music Committee, Laura Kraus, Judi Greene, Lynn Scheckenbach

and Vince Ryan.

Respectfully submitted,

Rachelle Shollenberger

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Endowment Team (to be handed out at the meeting)

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2016 Mutual Ministry Annual Report

Saved by God’s grace, renewed through word and sacrament, we are sent as disciples to share the gospel of Jesus.

Mutual Ministry 2016-2017 Team Members: Nancy Grunewald (2016-2017) RuthE Potter (2016-2017) Andy Stratton (2016-2017) Keith Christian (2016) Joe Hammond (2017) Lisa Holloway - Council Liaison* (2016-tbd) The function of the Mutual Ministry Team affirmed by church council October 2010

1. To serve as staff support team, this will include identifying one team member to relate to each staff member and work with those staff members in a yearly performance review process.

2. To serve as an advisory group to church council in matters of staff issues, job descriptions, evaluations and procedures.

3. To serve as a safe and confidential place for concerns, questions, criticisms, etc. brought forward by members of the congregation regarding staff.

4. To serve as the team that works with the pastor in matters of professional evaluation and development.

ALC Staff Member 2016 MM Team Contact

Evie Marshall - Office Administrator Nancy Grunewald

Bob Parsons - Sexton Andy Stratton

Vince Ryan - Minister of Music RuthE Potter

Carrie Ryan - Coordinator of CE & Faith Development RuthE Potter/Nancy Grunewald

Joann Talarico - Nursery Supervisor RuthE Potter

2016 was a year of change within our congregation. The Mutual Ministry Team (MM) was directly impacted by some of those changes. We are pleased to share that 2016 ended on a very positive note. With the announcement of Pastor Steve’s retirement, MM worked to ensure a smooth transition for our staff members. MM also lost a valuable team member when Keith Christian relocated and left Advent this fall. We were grateful when Joe Hammond agreed to serve as the newest MM team member effective, January 2017. We know that Joe will be a valued resource to this ministry. As of this writing, Lisa Holloway is serving as council liaison*. We are grateful for her insight, support and willingness to take on yet another leadership role. MM is recommending, effective immediately, that the council liaison is just that - a liaison. An appointed council representative will be invited to attend MM meetings as able and provided with timely written updates (most often quarterly) to be shared at council meetings. Outside of serving as a link between the respective teams, they will not have any additional responsibilities.

(Continued on next page)

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2016 - 2017 MM Overview:

Staff Reviews: Conducted on a yearly basis are a collaborative process involving an assigned MM team member, a congregation member identified by MM based on their insight and direct involvement with the respective staff member and the staff member. Written evaluations are submitted to MM by the staff member and the congregation member and reviewed by MM. Face to face meetings between each staff member and their MM contact are the final piece to the process in which the evaluations are reviewed. Discussions regarding goal setting and additional opportunities as they pertain to the staff role are also addressed at that time.

o Reviews for all staff members were completed prior to the 2017 Annual Meeting. o All staff received a satisfactory or greater evaluation.

2017 Recommendation to Council was made for a ___% increase across the board for ALC permanent staff.

MM is in the process of seeking a detailed description of payroll facilitation to explore internal, or if needed, external options to alleviate reported ongoing issues.

The balance of funds provided to support Vince Ryan’s trip to Germany in the fall of 2016, have been made available to Vince for continuing education opportunities.

MM will conduct bi-annual meetings with staff members to foster open communication and fellowship.

MM will be re-evaluating the staff review process in 2017 to create a roundtable discussion and format and ensure that documentation of feedback, goals and grievances are properly addressed.

2017 Transition Role: As the MM team works to create a positive and welcoming work environment for all staff members we are also working to prepare for the arrival of a new pastor. In order to help facilitate a smooth transition not only for the new pastor, but for our existing staff we will be focused on the following areas:

MM will work with staff members to update and finalize all job descriptions with as much detail as possible to serve as a resource for a new pastor and help to alleviate some of the transition ‘learning curve’.

Once the call team is established, MM will work to create a time for the team to meet with staff members as an opportunity to share their vision for our new pastor.

Once the new pastor is called, the MM team will work with church council to ensure that the transition process is smooth and pastoral expectations are in place.

In Christ’s Service,

RuthE Potter, Nancy Grunewald & Andy Stratton 2016 Mutual Ministry Team

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Advent Lutheran Church 2016 Music Ministry Annual Report Vincent M. Ryan, Minister of Music

In worship, the choirs participate by leading service music, supporting hymns, and preparing special

music. The Chancel Choir (11 regular members) prepares its music for weekly worship. In September,

we also started a smaller choir to lead worship at 11:00 am. Special commitments throughout the

year included the joint service with Salford Mennonite Church on Thanksgiving Eve (for the first time

at Advent), Easter and Christmas Eve. The choir also had a unique opportunity to sing with the

Gospelchor of Wittenberg Germany in worship. Kudos to the Chancel Choir for their unwavering

commitment to our Music Ministry. The 7th-8th grade SCS class has continued to enjoy ringing

Handbells regularly in worship. The Sunday Church School participates weekly in the music ministry.

Children ages 3 to grade 6 also sing/ play monthly in worship. The Instrument Ensemble is a very

popular ministry. They have played in worship on Christmas Eve, as well as a few smaller ensembles

throughout the year. Some of the students also volunteered to play solos or duets during the

summer for special music. Of particular outstanding note is that for the sixth year in a row, we had

over 75 musicians (80+) participate in worship on Christmas Eve, with a record 41 in the Orchestra for

3:00 pm worship. Thanks to these young musicians - and some of their parents – worship was vibrant

and filled with joy! In addition, children read the lessons, and acted out the Nativity story.

In addition to our formal choirs, we are fortunate to hear numerous other musicians, both members

and non-members of Advent. Musicians of Advent provide most of our special music throughout the

year, and we are grateful for all of them. In June, we held our annual American Music Concert, which featured the members of the Chancel

Choir, instrumentalist, the church picnic, and plenty of wind. Though it was a fun idea to hold the

concert outdoors at the picnic, conditions were quite undesirable for making good music with

sustained winds above 25 mph, gusting to 40! Were they winds of change? (It was also a celebration

of Pr. Steve’s ministry, remember?)

Each December, Carrie Ryan leads many singers in Christmas Caroling to some of our members. This

is a wonderful and valuable ministry for both the singers and the recipients. Approximately 45 people

divided into three groups and traveled to 10 members.

It was an exciting year for concerts: January – Moravian Lovefeast with Souderton Men’s Choir;

February – Square Dance; May – Gospelchor of Wittenberg; June – American Music Concert;

September – Keith Christian/ Vincent Ryan; November – Erik Lamberth Jazz. It takes a lot of energy to

program and present these events, and we are deeply grateful to everyone involved.

The organ and pianos are tuned/ maintained at least twice per year. This occurs in the background, of

course, but is critical to keep the instruments in good condition. We hired a new piano tuner, Curt

Lockman; Pete Gerger maintains the organ.

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We continue working to support the music scholarship fund. Our 2016-2017 recipient is Garrett Ryan,

who takes lessons on bass. Congratulations! By special arrangement this year, the scholarship was

funded by Norma Lugar. This is the second year that scholarship was supported privately. It is a

wonderful way to create and nurture relationships. Thank you Norma.

The Souderton Mens’ Chorus, directed by Jon Leight rehearses weekly in our sanctuary.

Working with children this year continues to be a highlight. Advent is blessed to have a growing

number of outstanding musicians, both youth and adult. The enthusiasm for our music ministry is

contagious! This is a wonderful example of the stewardship of time and talent by many disciples.

Respectfully submitted,

Vincent M. Ryan

Minister of Music

P.S. 2016 was an exceptional year for Advent, and for me personally. It was bittersweet for all of us

to learn of Pastor Steve’s retirement: we were disappointed to see him and Jean leave, but we wish

them nothing but the very best in this new phase of their lives. Now that we are in the midst of

pastoral transition, the staff is working hard to ensure details are addressed and questions are

answered. Together with the ministry teams, transition team and Pastor Folks, we must continue to

support our vision. You know it; recite it now: “Saved by God’s grace…”

Thanks to your generous support, I traveled to Germany in October to participate in the

Orgelfestwoche (Organ Festival Week) at the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Together with 5 other

musicians from around the world we presented several concerts to the Wittenberg community. We

also traveled to other cities to learn about history, musicians, organs, reformers, and architecture. I

deeply appreciate this opportunity to visit another country and make new friends in those places.

Finally, in 2016 I completed my 20th year of ministry at Advent (Jan 1, 1997). A generation.

According to the church records, that means I am the second-longest tenured organist in the history

of Advent/Old Goschenhoppen. Harvey Cronrath served for 52 years. Wow! What is in store for us

next? Where will the Holy Spirit lead us? Who will tell the story? To what new ministry will the

rushing wind blow us?

Contemporary composer Mark Schweizer set these words to an medieval tune (Personent Hodie):

Come O Spirit of Light/ Pentecost is your might/ Seven gifts sent a-right/ To your congregation/

Blessing every nation/ Rushing wind, wind, wind/ Tongues of flame, flame, flame/ Rushing wind,

tongues of flame/ Who will tell the story?

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Annual Report for 2016

Pastoral Report

The Rev. Dr. Susan Kay Folks

My first day here at Advent Lutheran Church was July 5th of this year, with my

first Sunday being July 10th. During those first days I was fortunate to share

supper with the family from IHN, along with Stan and Jo Wilhelmson. On my

second Sunday, it was the 25th Anniversary of Advent’s worshipping in this place, in this building.

There was so much to learn, so many people to meet. For all of that I have been thankful.

We shared five Listening Hours, times set aside to listen to and talk about

1) What is your favorite part of Advent?,

2) What do you miss most about Pastor Steve?,

and 3) Tell me something about Harleysville.

While these were enlightening for me, there was/is still work to be done around the first focus point

of interim ministry: Heritage. A Transition Team was formed to work on this task, as well as the other

four: Leadership, Mission, Connections, and Future. The Transition Team is Brad Grunewald, Colleen

Gular, Andy Hassett, Joan Kelley, and Susan Stratton. They have been meeting regularly, putting

together a plan for the rest of the interim time.

While the Transition Team is one of my main responsibilities, I also tend to the regular pastoral

ministry in a congregation.

Worship ~ On Sundays, and other days as needed, I preside at worship. We have also

had two joint worship opportunities: one in August with the other congregations of the

Indian Valley Cluster, and one on Thanksgiving Eve with Salford Mennonite.

Worship is planned by the Worship and Music Committee, including the

members of the Altar Guild (Rachelle Shollenberger) and our Minister of Music

(Vince Ryan). Thank you to all.

As part of our relationships with other Lutherans in the area, as well as our ecumenical

partnership, I meet regularly with the Indian Valley Cluster and the Upper Montgomery

Conference of the SEPA Synod, both monthly, and with Salford Mennonite Pastor, Joe

Hackman, as needed. In addition to these groups, I also meet regularly with the Interim

Ministry pastors.

Christian Education is a large part of the call of any pastor. I have had the opportunity

on a couple of occasions to lead the Adult Forum. My two main commitments are the

confirmation class which meets most Wednesday nights, and the Thursday morning

Bible Study. I would love to have even more opportunities to teach, but there are so

many people involved in Christian Education and Spiritual Development that things are

pretty much covered! Thanks to the Christian Education Committee and Carrie Ryan!

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Also as part of my call to be your pastor, I teach in and for the greater church

through Diakonia.

I serve on the SEPA Synod’s Racial Justice Team, and am a trainer in the work of

Anti-Racism and White Privilege. This work is also part of my call.

I am on the Executive Committee of the Alumni Council at The Lutheran

Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.

I am Vice President of the Alumni Board at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at

Philadelphia. Again, both of these are part of my call.

I also make visits to those who are sick, grieving, or homebound when I am able. It is

wonderful to have the Caregivers who visit regularly with those who are unable to be

with us in worship.

I have experienced some new joys, being here with you ~

the Annual Corn Roast (yum)

the Organ Recital with Vince Ryan, Keith Christian, and Brad Grunewald

seeing off the youth who were going to JHYG (Junior High Youth Gathering)

participating in the 275th Anniversary of Upper Salford worship

the Ladies of Advent Christmas Party

the Staff Christmas Breakfast

the Folder’s Christmas Luncheon

and Christmas Caroling and the Pot-Luck following.

This is really a happening place!

I have a feeling that once 2017 has begun, that things are going to go pretty quickly around here. I

look forward to experiencing all of it with you.

The Peace of the Lord Be with you Always ~

Susan Kay Folks (Susie)

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2016 Parish Statistics

* - recorded by Pastor Steve

Baptism

*2.14.2016 Jacob White

*5.1.2016 Nathaniel Bruce Joshua Taylor

*6.5.2016 Aubree Ann Gular

Transfers none

New Members

*2.14.2016 Carl and Pat Driscoll

Hank and Nolie Futch Spencer, Henry

Kathy Heck Aaron, Ethan

Vince Ryan

Eric and Kara Stover Samuel, Jonah, Will

Eric Sykes

Pam White

*5.29.2016 Kevin and Diana McClure Aidan, Lauren, and Katy

12.18.2016 Sue Chomenko

Lori and Alan Donatelli Lexi, Kelsey

Leitha and Matt Foley Julea, Brennan, Henry

Chuck and Rosemary Forsyth

Lauren Gular

Joann Talarico Isabella; Manny and Zya Rota-Talarico

Paul Koch and Samantha Wood

Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)

*5.15.2016 Sophia DeVoll

Lauren Gwilliam

Austin Messenger

Calvin Ribelin

Ethan Ribelin

Garrett Ryan

Ben Sague

Jacob Werner

Evan Wightman

Nick Young

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Marriage

11.5.2016 Lauren LaPish and Michael Gular

*1.16.2016 Jamie Mayers and Jennifer Grimm

Deaths

*1.29.2016 John Rinde, funeral

*1.30.2016 Kathryn (Kay) Kaiser, funeral

*3.30.2016 Kathryn Bailey Westman, funeral (non-member)

*4.8.2016 Robert J. Reinbold, funeral

12.11.2016 Sara Wicks (funeral worship in 2017)

First Communion

*3.13.2016 Ashley Carosi

Erin Carosi

Brady Cramer

Bradly Evans

Eddie Fisher

Conner Forwood

Henry Futch

Lily Hassett

Emma Potter

Everett Self

Will Stover

Anna Stratton

Nathan Werner

Nathan Woodbury

Baptized Members Received this year: 44

Members removed this year: 4

(by death, transfer, request)

Membership end of 2016: 423