ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION P.O. BOX 37 U.S. POSTAGE PAID 659 S. FOURTH STREET EPHRATA, PA DENVER, PENNSYLVANIA 17517-0037 PERMIT # 222 Non-profit Organization Address Service Requested February 2015 Pastor: The Rev. David R. Brumbaugh Church Phone Number: (717) 336-7600 Church Email: ChurchOffice@denverstjohns.org Church Web Site: www.denverstjohns.org

St. John’s United ChUrCh of Christ News and Views

1

PASTOR'S CONGREGATION REPORT 2015

As I write this report, we will embark on a 15 year journey together as Pastor and Congregation.

I began my ministry at St. John's UCC in March 2000. This March marks our 15th

anniversary together. I remain committed and excited about St. John's UCC's future to

continue to grow our church for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. This past year

has been a time of incredible growth for our congregation, although not as much as we would

like in worship attendance and membership. However, that kind of growth never happens by

accident, but through a commitment by the leadership and congregation to address, to update,

and to change how things are done for the better. Change is not easy, but it is something we

all do in order to take the next step in life. There is still much dedication and hard work ahead

for your Pastor and you, the members of our church, as we envision a healthier and growing

church in the future.

Several opportunities of growth have been embraced in 2014 as we are poised to take the next

step in our spiritual journey for God. The approval of the proposed building additions and

financial plan are crucial in order for us to take the next steps to grow our congregation. I want

to thank our Consistory, other leaders, and our staff for their contributions to this process and

growth over these past years, and in 2014 in particular. I cannot emphasize too much how

blessed St. John's has been to have Consistory Presidents Esther Erb, Phil Hornberger, and

Cory McQuate working with me to move our congregation forward over these many years.

As a result, our Consistory has been pro-active in helping St. John's to realize much growth and

achievement, as the data at the end of my report will indicate.

Looking back on 2014, I cannot thank Cory McQuate enough for his leadership skills, many

hours of work, and support of me and Brenda as a couple as well as your Pastor and spouse.

It is gratifying to know that there are people in our congregation who recognize the skills and

abilities that I bring to the position of Pastor, and actively show that appreciation in an uplifting

way. Thanks to all who have shown Brenda and me that kind of love and support.

An important key to a church's growth and future success are the abilities and gifts that its staff

possesses. Assembling a good or excellent staff is a process in the making. Today, St.

John's is blessed to have an enthusiastic, skilled, and dedicated staff. Amy MacKenzie,

Dave Brensinger, Philip Brandt, Cathy Robitzer, and Charlotte Brady have been with us for the

longest tenure of years and have shown the growth and Christian maturity necessary to

effectively lead their ministries. Vicki Childers and Stephanie Martin joined our staff within the

past year or so, and have shown excitement and innovation in our staff meetings and in

leadership of our congregation. I will continue to challenge everyone on staff, as I have done

everywhere I have pastored with this question: "How good do you want to be?"

That is also a necessary question for St. John's as a congregation. When we think about our

stewardship of the resources that the Lord has gifted us with: "How good do we want to

be...for the Lord?" We cannot escape the Lord's watch over us. We cannot pretend that

we do not have enough resources of time, talent, and money to be excellent for the Lord.

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The churches that are failing and closing everyday are the ones that are satisfied with

mediocrity, just getting by, not embracing change, have no vision for the future, and are not

focused on doing the things they need to do to grow the church. I thank God that we have

leadership and a staff that are dedicated to the purpose of growing St. John's, and of dedicating

their lives in excellence to this purpose!

Lastly, it is important to note that St. John's UCC plays a vital role in this community's well

being, and beyond. Do you know that St. John's "officially" supports 16 mission ministries in

our community and beyond?! And there are others that groups within our church support in

financial help and personal giving of time. Wow! What a commitment to God and to others!

The Cocalico Care Center (CCC) has grown from serving 55 children to over 125 children and

families over the past 14 years. This is no accident. We are the No. 1 Christian child care

facility in the North East Lancaster County. Every classroom space is currently being used by

the CCC, and is also shared with our Christian Education Department which uses the space for

teaching Confirmation Class, Children's Church, and Nursery Care. The budget for the CCC

this coming year is well over $500,000, and our CCC staff has increased from 7 to 16 over the

past 14 years. The extra revenue provided from this growth, and future growth once we

approve the new building expansion and financing, has provided St. John's with the

opportunities to continue its ministries and staffing. This partnership is vital for the future of St.

John's UCC, and our 27 year mission to children and families through the Cocalico Care Center.

Again, this is no accident. We have provided Charlotte with the best staff possible, and

through the CCC Board of Directors, your Pastor, and the Consistory's efforts, we have

achieved much growth and look forward to continued growth.

Lastly, I have identified a vision and many goals to the consistory to be fulfilled by our church in

2015 and beyond. Chief of these depends upon our congregation's willingness to take the

faith step necessary to improve our facilities by approving the plans and financing to become

a better and more effective church.

Blessings, Rev. David R. Brumbaugh

3

St. John's UCC ministry and mission improvements/enhancements from 2000 - 2014 New Ministries - Camp Dunkirk Mission Project (Lake Erie Camp) - 2 years - Increase in Wider Ministries support (Community and Global) - OHWA Christian School - Expansion of 1 Senior Center to Horizons (2 centers and beyond the walls) - Love, INC Homes of Hope - Acts of Love - summer food ministry - Habitat for Humanity - 2 new homes in Denver - CACSM funds - Power Packs food ministry - Evangelism "expanded" to include all aspects of the church - Website creation and maintenance - Community outreach with nutrition based ministry - Social gatherings and trips - Worship Support Team - Altar Guild established - Selection of new hymnals (Worship and Praise hymnals) - Creation of worship books (black binders) - Expanded worship music options - youth praise band - youth musicians and vocalist solos - Bravura Brass, Mark Cable, Derek Sandstrom, Dave Stahl SO and other groups - midi options allow for choral direction and piano duets by Philip - new acoustical sound equipment - mics, systems, etec. - new music stands - Staff Enhancement since 2000 - Administrative Assistant - Pre-teen Coordinator - Senior High Coordinator - Praise Worship Singer/Children's Music - CE Coordinator/Worship Asst. - Improved staff accountability and annual reviews - Improved Job descriptions/newly created job descriptions Consistory - Decentralized decision making to committees and team ministries - Shorter meetings, more approvals - Younger and newer members invited to participate - Greater transparency to the congregation through posted minutes - Updated Church by-laws and constitution Capital Campaign - 8 years and running - Vision and revised improvements for all phases of ministry, including the CCC. - Over $338,000 raised so far - Over $230,000 still in hand, despite spending over $180,000 of the funds. - Administrative Wing and Narthex expansion with new bathrooms planned

4

Financial Improvements - Consolidation of Funds throughout the church (mostly completed) - Reduced dependence upon St. John's Foundation interest and principal - Improved transparency and clarity of all funds - Computer database of church financials - Clearer tracking of all financial assets and liabilities - Envelope giving - greater freedom and flexibility for giving to mission ministries CCC - no keystone stars in 2000, 4 Star Center today - preschool and SAAC enrollment increase from 58 children served to over 120 - summer program enrollment increased from 18 to 73 - increased staff from 7 to 14; added full time SAAC coordinator - built a new private office for the director and assistant - half building space use to total building space use - improved teacher and parent handbooks - budget increased from $180,000 to $575,000 - improved playground area - $10,000 Property Improvements - 2 new property signs - $6,500 - Security improvements - 2 new doors, electronic fingerprint scanner and swipe keys - $15,000 - New Roof - $90,000 (creative payback from earned interest on investment acct.) - New utility shed - $10,000 - New carpeting in the CE wing - $3,500 - New sofas and chairs - $1,000 - New HVAC units and windows in the Christian Education Wing - $65,000 - New windows, sun shields, and protection bars in the fellowship hall - $8,000 - New commercial grade range in kitchen - donated - New lights in the fellowship hall (coming soon) - $6,000 - New mowers and lawn equipment- $7,000 - New Organ Updates - $6,000 - Midi - 2 new stops - Zimblestern - Remodeled worship center - communication loop for the hearing impaired installed - $3,000 - new carpeting, woodwork, remodeled nave, HVAC units - $105,000 - new visual enhancement system - $33,000 - new sound system - $23,000 - new offering plates - donation - refinished altar appointments - $2,000 Church Offices improvements - IS/IT oversight established - New Computers and software systems - $3,000 - New Copier - $6,000 - New Risograph - $4,000 - New desk and extension - $500

5

Christian Education News February 2015

Adult Education Classes: Bible Study Class meets at 9:00 AM in the Library. The winter curriculum is entitled: Acts of Worship Units: “In Awe of God”, “Learning to Pray”, & “Stewardship for Life” Leader: Roland Gehman Children’s Worship: Join us for lessons and activities that strengthen our relationship with God and one another. This class is during our 10:15 service and is designed for children in Kindergarten – 5

th grade.

Youth Service Team: Next meeting is February 1 at 9:00 am. Junior Team – (Grades 3 – Junior High) Senior Team – (High School Students) The youth are sponsoring a winter Penny War Fundraiser to benefit Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Their display and information is located in the Narthex.

Next LIFE Celebration: February 8 at 6:30 pm Our Theme will be “Sharing God’s Love”

This is a praise oriented worship service which includes a contemporary message, uplifting music, children’s activities and a fellowship time. If you have any questions regarding our programs, please contact Stephanie Martin at christianed@denverstjohns.org or 335-3128.

Youth Service Team News February 2015

February 1 Meeting at 9:00 am: Both teams will meet to discuss promotion of our Winter Penny War fundraiser which will benefit Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Let’s build a snowman and help children in need. Next LIFE Celebration is February 8 at 6:30 pm.

The theme is: “Sharing God’s Love”. We are looking for youth who would like to participate in this service. There are many ways you can share God’s love.

1st

Sunday Refreshments: Upcoming dates are: Feb. 1 & Mar. 1 The High School Service team will continue to host Refreshments every 1

st Sunday for the congregation.

Encourage others to join us in the fellowship hall at 9:45 am or following worship. Youth should bring a snack to share. Looking Ahead: At our March 1 meeting, we will discuss Spring service project ideas. Think about ways we can help our church clean-up, as the weather begins to warm-up!

Y youth E energy S service

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Worship is at 10:15 am (unless otherwise noted) February 1 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28 Message: "Clean and Unclean" February 8 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39 Message: "Adaptability and Accessibility" LIFE CELEBRATION - 6:30 pm Theme: “God says: Yes, you can!” February 15 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 2 Kings 5:1-14 Mark 1:40-45 Message: "Indirect and Direct" Wednesday February 18 - Ash Wednesday 7:30 pm Service at Peace UCC February 22 - First Sunday in Lent 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 Message: "Without Water There is No Life" Wednesday February 25 - Mid Week Lenten Service 7:30 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church

Special February Dates

• African-American History Month

• Boy Scout Sunday, February 8, 2015

• Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015

• Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 15, 2015

• Presidents Day, February 16, 2015

• Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015

• First Sunday in Lent, February 22, 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

YES Youth Group

9:00 am

Adult Bible Study

9:00 am

Worship

10:15 am

2

3

CCC Board Meeting

7:00 pm

4

Cocalico Ministerium

8:30 am

5

Hand Bell Choir

6:15 pm

6 7

8

Adult Bible Study

9:00 am

Worship

10:15 am

LIFE Celebration

6:30 pm

9

CCC Staff Meeting

6:00 pm

10

Executive Committee

6:30 pm

11

Foundation

7:00 pm

12

Hand Bell Choir

6:15 pm

Adult Choir

7:15 pm

13 14

15

Adult Bible Study

9:00 am

Worship

10:15 am

16

Consistory

6:30 pm

17 18

Ash Wednesday

Worship Service

at Peace UCC

7:30 pm

19

Hand Bell Choir

6:15 pm

Adult Choir

7:15 pm

20 21

22

Adult Bible Study

9:00 am

Worship

10:15 am

23 24

Senior Social

6:00-9:00 pm

25

Mid-Week Lenten

Service

Trinity United

Methodist Church

7:30 pm

26

Hand Bell Choir

6:15 pm

Adult Choir

7:15 pm

27 28

February 2015

9

February 2: Jamie Eberhart, Seth Grubb

February 3: Desiree Hatt

February 6: Stephanie Brown, Garry Stauffer

February 7: Aubree Robitzer, Samantha Hull

February 8: David Brumbaugh, Abby Nelson

February 10: Sylvia Kegerise

February 11: Francis Spangler

February 12: Megan Naymik, Eleanore Grow

February 13: Bob Grubb, Justin Wanner

February 14: Thomas Steffy

February 15: Karen Landis, Nelson McVaugh, Jr.

February 17: Trinell Fichthorn, Richard Hackman

February 18: George Reichenbach, Brenda Meckley

February 19: Robert Grant, Erin Pennabecker, Leah Strasser

February 20: Daniel Brubaker, Roberta Grill

February 21: William Donecker, Cameron Hall, Ben Terry

February 22: Daniel Martzall, Trey Musser

February 23: Roland Gehman, Angelique Evanick

February 25: Brenda Sheaffer

February 26: Carol Harting, Lindsey Wanner

February 27: Joy Leister

February 28: Kyle Andes, Daniel Fichthorn

Easter is coming. . . time for our choir to start rehearsals. As always, we

need new members, so please consider coming out to join us for a great

time singing Easter favorites!!!

Choir Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:15-8:15 PM and begin:

February 12th, 2015 through April 2, 2015.

Bell Choir Rehearsals continue Thursdays at 6:15 PM

PRAYER REQUESTS for:

Members

John Brensinger Barbara Libengood Vi Redcay

David Donmoyer Alvin Martzall Brenda Sheaffer

Clarence Echternacht Cindy Mattu Sally Sholmartin

Brenda Fidler Joanne McVaugh Oliver Sholmartin

Gladys Getz Aiden McQuate Anna Short

Ken Getz Chuck Lesher Jim Weitzel

Bob Grant Ethel Plotts

Ellie Grow

Friends

Judy Anderson, (friend of Vonita Morrell)

Jens Bender and Family

Marie Britton, (friend of Oliver & Sally Sholmartin)

Bonnie Brush (friend of Brenda Fidler)

Mary Cullen (family friend of Brenda Fidler)

Betsy Dinger (John and Alice Ann Dinger’s daughter)

Jen Emerich (friend of Brenda Fidler)

Shirley Fegeley (Dina Hornberger’s grandmother)

Nancy Fidler (sister-in-law of Brenda Fidler)

Bob Harting (Carol Harting’s brother)

Karen Woerner Kim (friend of Janet Neville)

Ron Libengood (husband of Barbara Libengood)

Ben Martin (David Donmoyer’s uncle)

Jastin Mattu (Cindy Mattu’s husband)

Richard Neville, Janet Neville’s husband

Lisha Robertson, (daughter of Pastor George Robertson)

Mary Schnupp (Joanne McVaugh’s niece)

Helen Sharpe (Mary Weiler’s sister)

Herman Sholmartin, (Oliver Sholmartin’s brother)

Lavern Sweigart, Bruce Sweigart’s father

Vicki Garner Sweigart (friend of the congregation)

Chase Weiler (grandson of Mary Weiler)

Florence Windish (sister of Joanne McVaugh)

SHUT-INS

Members at Home

Chuck Lesher Clarence Echternacht

Donna Sweigart

Members in Retirement Communities

Ruth Harlinger Ephrata Manor, Personal Care, Room 123

Verna Harting Denver Nursing Home, Room 215B

Hazel Hornberger Ephrata Manor, Personal Care, Room 101

Irvin Emes Ephrata Manor, Apt 123

Ruth Lorah Denver Nursing Home, Room 104, Maple Terrace

Alvin Martzall Pleasant View Retirement Community, Personal Care, Room 170

Ralph Miller Maple Farms Nursing Home , Room 22

Anna Short Ephrata Manor Nursing Care, Room N-112-B

Kathryn Weitzel

Denver Nursing Home, Room 221A

Owen Beamesderfer, Temple University Zachary Sweigart, Penn State Berks Campus

Jessica Ernst, Clarion University Ben Terry, Millersville University

Evan Hornberger, York College Jacob Terry, Juniata College

Kelsey Hornberger, Drexel University Alexis Vollmer, Indiana University of PA

Alex Myers, Albright College John Wallace, Lebanon Valley College

Colin Myers, Penn State Berks Campus Leah Wallace, University of Pittsburgh

Aubree Robitzer, Kutztown University Paul Wallace, York College

Carly Showalter, Lebanon Valley College Lindsey Wanner, Lebanon Valley College

Mitch Shober, Juniata College

Parents, please contact the church office (336-7600) to give us the school address of your student or the

name of a student not listed.

Our Members and Friends in the Military

Members Friends Aaron Derr Capt. Adam Pickett

Col. Jody L. Petery Jerry Beck III Ashley Gruebel Capt. Andrew Reed

2LT Seth Grubb Jared Becker Michael Lesher, Jr. Brett Rettew

S/Sgt. Brandon Bitler Torrey Martin Ronald Sweigart

A1C John S. Bitler Tyler Moyer

Acknowledging Our Financial Gifts YTD Target % = 5.77%

As of 1/18/15 (week 3 of 52)

(proposed budget goals need to be approved at the January 25, 2015 Congregation Meeting)

Year To Date 2015 YTD

General Operating Budget Contributions Goal % of Goal

Member Offerings - Lord's Ministry 5,117.00$ 130,000.00$ 3.9%

Fund Raisers 4,000.00$ 0.0%

Contributions from Foundation -$ 25,000.00$

Our Missions Goal

UCC Connection Every Month 80.00$ 10,000.00$

OHWA Christian School Jan/June 145.00$ 3,000.00$

One Great Hour of Sharing Feb /March 1,000.00$

UCC Homes April 20.00$ 800.00$

Heifer Project May 800.00$

Youth Homes September 20.00$ 800.00$

CROP Walk October 800.00$

Habitat for Humanity November 800.00$

Food Cupboard Every Month 20.00$

Homes of Hope October 500.00$

CACSM Every Month 50.00$

Building to Serve... Christ, Church, and Community

Campaign Pledge Total 342,592.00$

Campaign Contributions Received 343,219.00$

2015 Contributions

January's Mission: Ohwa Christian School

Ohwa Christian School is owned and administered by the United Church of Christ, Pohnpei. Ohwa is a small peninsula point jutting out into the eastern Pohnpei Lagoon. Pohnpei is the largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia and is the national capitol. Students are encouraged to accept Christ by faith and to grow in their relationship with God.

Income Month YTD Annual Budget

Weekly Offering $12,409.00 $107,036.67 $130,000.00

Fundraisers $580.00 $706.27 $4,000.00

Foundation Contribution $0.00 $0.00 $25,000.00

Cocalico Care Center Income $38,198.89 $596,366.65 $490,000.00

Other Income $161.80 $14,957.09 $12,000.00

Total Income $51,349.69 $719,066.68 $661,000.00

Expenses

Program/Department Expense

Christian Education $379.21 $1,443.22 $2,400.00

Fellowship and Evangelism $450.53 $2,166.12 $2,500.00

Worship and Music $632.21 $1,704.71 $5,000.00

Mission and Stewardship $0.00 $858.49 $1,200.00

Cocalico Care Center $3,004.99 $40,896.04 $37,000.00

Cocalico Care Center - Busing Program $3,400.00 $28,440.00 $34,500.00

Total Program/Department Expense $7,866.94 $75,508.58 $82,600.00

Salaries, Benefits and Taxes

Church staff $12,053.11 $175,286.51 $170,000.00

Cocalico Care Center staff $39,585.94 $384,555.52 $336,000.00

Total Salaries, Benefits and Taxes $51,639.05 $559,842.03 $506,000.00

General Operating Expenses

Electricity $2,018.51 $23,202.73 $17,500.00

Telephone $181.12 $2,151.57 $1,600.00

Water & Sewer, Waste Disposal $750.00 $3,110.00 $2,200.00

Office Supplies $447.51 $5,282.03 $4,000.00

Postage Expense $328.83 $1,507.60 $1,500.00

Organ and Piano Maintenance $116.00 $496.00 $500.00

Property Insurance $924.68 $9,822.22 $10,700.00

Workers Compensation Insurance $873.40 $10,658.92 $8,600.00

Kitchen and Janitorial Supplies $378.45 $2,155.70 $2,000.00

Equipment & Property Maint. $81.00 $16,401.73 $8,000.00

IT Equipment & Maintenance $0.00 $1,791.28 $5,000.00

Bulletins Expense $39.37 $696.86 $900.00

Flowers $50.00 $1,606.50 $2,000.00

Audit Fees $0.00 $1,380.89 $2,000.00

Miscellaneous Expense $75.00 $1,711.00 $750.00

Other Expense $0.00 $6,308.00 $5,000.00

Total General Operating Expenses $6,263.87 $88,283.03 $72,250.00

Total Expenses $65,769.86 $723,633.64 $660,850.00

Net Income ($14,420.17) ($4,566.96) $150.00

St John's United Church of Christ

Profit & Loss

December 2014

St. John's UCC Foundation Report

2014 Final Report

Beginning Balance 1,962.59$

Income

Charles Schwab Money Link 16,000.00$

Memorial Money 540.00$

Total Income 16,540.00$

Disbursements

Cocalico Senior Center 6,000.00$

Cemetery Wreaths 100.00$

CCC Tuition Scholarship 1,000.00$

CCC Summer Program Asst. 600.00$

Penn Central Conference (Hartman Center) 5,000.00$

Denver Fire Company 1,000.00$

Error in member stock sale transfer 2013 20.68$

Total Disbursements 13,720.68$

Ending Balance 4,781.91$

Trust Fund Balances

31-Dec-13 526,209.75$

2014 Q1 538,846.28$

2014 Q2 544,943.88$

2014 Q3 541,980.28$

2014 Q4 541,753.90$

Martz Scholarship Balance 4,415.87$

Pastor The Rev. David R. Brumbaugh

Administrative Assistant/Church Secretary Amy MacKenzie

Praise Worship Musician Vicki Childers

Christian Education Coordinator / Worship Assistant Steph Martin

Pre-teen / Junior High Youth Advisor Cathy Robitzer

Organist/Choir Director /Hand Bell Choir Director Philip Brandt

Custodian David Brensinger

Grounds Keeping Men’s Brotherhood

Newsletter Editor Nancy Kinden