Annual Report 2013 - Westminster Presbyterian Church

Annual Report 2013

Westminster Presbyterian Church Durham, North Carolina

Table of Contents Westminster Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 3 Staff, Session, and Diaconate Directory ............................................................................................ 4 Staff Reports .................................................................................................................................... 5 Pastor and Head of Staff ...................................................................................................... 6 Associate Pastor for Congregational Care ............................................................................. 7 Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry ..................................................................................... 8 Minister of Music............................................................................................................... 10 Director of Christian Education ......................................................................................... 14 Church Business Administrator and Treasurer ................................................................... 15 Communications Coordinator ........................................................................................... 17 Committees & Commissions ......................................................................................................... 20 Assimilation Committee..................................................................................................... 21 Christian Education Committee ........................................................................................ 23 Congregational Care Committee ........................................................................................ 25 Fellowship Committee ....................................................................................................... 26 Global Missions Committee ............................................................................................... 27 Inquirers’ Classes ................................................................................................................ 28 Library Committee............................................................................................................. 29 Local Missions Committee ................................................................................................. 30 Nominating Committee ..................................................................................................... 34 Personnel Committee ......................................................................................................... 35 Stewardship Committee ..................................................................................................... 36 Ways & Means Commission .............................................................................................. 38 Worship Committee .......................................................................................................... 40 Youth Council ................................................................................................................... 42 Statistical Report for 2013.............................................................................................................. 45 Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................................. 46 Revenue & Expenses Summary ...................................................................................................... 48

2

Westminster Mission Statement We are a community, a covenant people. In response to God's love and grace, we proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ within our congregation, throughout the community and to the world. As disciples in the Reformed Tradition, led by the Holy Spirit, we affirm our faith through worship, nurture, outreach, stewardship, and education. We go into the future with hope and confidence in God's purpose. Drafted by the Session, January 1987 Amended by the Session, January 1997

3

Staff, Session, and Diaconate Directory Staff Chris Tuttle, Pastor and Head of Staff Betty Berghaus, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry Monica Umstaedt Rossman, Minister of Music Nancy Rozak, Director of Christian Education through April 2013 Heather Ferguson, Director of Christian Education beginning December 2013 Barbara Fletcher, Church Business Administrator and Treasurer Katherine Hester, Seminary Intern for Young Adult Ministry through April 2013 Kara Pearce, Communications Coordinator Barbara Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Tracy Fletcher, Finance Clerk Sally Cook, Christian Education Clerk Thoko Manzini, Caregiver Coordinator

Session Chris Tuttle, Moderator Alex Denson, Clerk (through August 2013), Assistant Clerk (beginning September 2013) Sally Keener, Clerk (beginning September 2013) Betty Berghaus and Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman, Associate Pastors Class of 2014: Elena Cleary, Darren Skeen, Lucy Stokes, Richard Watson Class of 2015: Amy Hill, Tom Meyer, Chick Palermo, Mary Beck White-Sutton Class of 2016: Rayner England, Sr., Andy Finkle, Amy Simonson, Bill Whitt

Diaconate Jennifer McElroy, Moderator Billy McFall, Co-Moderator Suze Bear, Clerk Class of 2014: Jeanne Behr, Andrea Dunk, Mark Hill, Gene Holland, Jennifer McElroy, Kevin Rosemond, Ruth Tasgal-Kennedy Class of 2015: Suze Bear, Paul Etter, Billy McFall, Dorothy Pennell, Nancy Safrit, Judd Staples, Lynn Toms Class of 2016: Robert Brame, Debora Hatch, Kirk Huslage, Ashley Messick, Bill Pogue, Karen Stallings, Eric Wolf

4

Staff Reports

5

Pastor and Head of Staff Chris Tuttle What a year! This has been, in so many ways, a year of celebration. We kicked off a tremendous 50th anniversary year and walked through much together. For that I am grateful. Here are some things I’ll remember from this year: •

• • • •

• • • • • •

• • • • •

Nancy Rozak’s announcement of her retirement as our Director of Christian Education, and the accompanying expressions of gratitude for her amazing ministry with us A remarkable series of Lenten guests from the North Carolina Council of Churches Another stirring Holy Week, with the waving of palms, a powerful Maundy Thursday service, and two packed Easter services as the brass played The beginning of our 50th anniversary celebrations with a great sermon by Haywood, a delicious dinner, and a magnificent choir concert The challenge to give $50,000 as WPC’s 50th anniversary gift to the community, which you exceeded by giving over $75,000 to be split between the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the Montreat Conference Center Discussions about tough issues together, from gun violence to how we might be faithful in thinking about the recent actions of our legislature A summer sermon series on the Apostle’s Creed with talk-back sessions afterward for exploring these ancient words and their relevance today Another joyous (and not quite as hot) Vacation Church School Youth summer trips to Chicago, Montreat, Massanetta, and Washington, DC Unparalleled community involvement, on committees and boards, working to make a difference for those less fortunate in Durham A committee to think about Fellowship Hall improvements doing some good work and asking the Session to create a Strategic Planning Committee so we might think more broadly about our future together Many shelter meals served, and another great Stop Hunger Now meal packing event Dear friends, saints, who have died and friends who have moved away A search committee that brought Heather Ferguson as our new Director of Christian Education, starting in Advent A Lovefeast and a Christmas pageant filled with laughter and a massive children’s choir YOU – none of this ministry happens without YOU, as God calls each of us to lean into God’s grace, to receive this love, and to serve with joy

I am grateful to God for all that God has brought to us in 2013, and I can’t wait to meet the challenges 2014 will bring, together. 6

Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Betty Berghaus It continues to be a privilege and a joy to serve at Westminster! We are blessed with a staff that continues to exhibit integrity, competence, and compassion to one another, to the congregation, and for all the ministries in which we engage. We are also blessed with a congregation that engages in ministry to, for, and with one another in vital and creative ways. It is indeed a privilege to serve here. In the past year, I have continued to visit folks in hospitals, rehab, retirement homes, and in their own homes. My calendar records over 200 home, hospital, and rehab facility visits, and another 70 visits with folks in my office. I have participated in nine funerals (and, sadly, no weddings) in the past year. I continue to be one of the pastors who leads worship, preaching, baptisms, and communion. And I get to teach classes around here from time to time. These are all privileged times, walking with you in your life’s journeys, through good and bad, thick and thin. “Thin places,” in theological terms, are those places and times when the distance between God and us seems somehow much less, when God seems especially near (though we know, in truth, that God is always with us). Visits with you church members are indeed “thin places” in the life of this pastor. As a part of my job, I am the staff person who works with the Diaconate most often and that too is a joy and a privilege, as the deacons work hard to care for those in the community and the congregation. I work as well with Stephen Ministers, and hope to train a new class of Stephen Ministers in early 2015. I enjoy gathering retired folks for lunch in a group we now call Oldies But Goodies. We go to lunch at area restaurants on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:45am (which eliminates standing in lines or waiting for tables). Any and all are welcome to join us! Outside of Westminster, I serve once a month at night as an on-call chaplain for the chaplains at Duke Regional Hospital. I continue to serve on the Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee, as I have for many years. I participate in an ecumenical, spiritual group of women pastors and educators, and I visit a spiritual director once a month. As of August, I am in the midst of a two-year program to prepare to be a spiritual director for those who are seeking to deepen their relationship with God (even as I am doing the same thing). I have also joined a grief care coalition that meets at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, as we try to serve those in our community who are grieving losses in their lives. I treasure all these opportunities to serve God and to grow closer to God. I also treasure my time with husband Chuck and our two cats, with my daughter when she makes it home, and with many wonderful friends. God is good. It is good to be at Westminster with you. 7

Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry Ministry Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman 2013 was such a blessed year! We started off our time together with several college students at the Montreat College Conference. From there, our spring continued with events like the Junior High Retreat: “I am Wonderfully Made” at First Presbyterian, Raleigh; the Senior High Lock-in; Confirmation and Youth Sundays. We held a very sweet Senior Send-off in June for our six seniors, praying for and blessing them on their journey. This summer was full, as it always is in youth ministry. The junior highs and senior highs each went on a mission trip and to a conference. The senior highs went to Chicago to serve with an organization called DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection). We helped out churches and community gardens, children’s homes and day facilities for adults. We explored Chicago and became expert metro riders. The junior highs went to Washington, DC, along with youth from New Hope Presbyterian Church. There we served through an organization called The Pilgrimage and had the chance to help out in many of the city’s soup kitchens and shelters. We especially loved packing lunches for those without homes and getting to make new friends. Over 30 senior highs and adults headed down to Montreat for a week at the annual youth conference. We loved having such a large group and particularly enjoyed the keynotes. The junior highs met up with youth from First Presbyterian, Durham, Trinity Avenue, Iglesia Emanuel, and Mt. Bethel at the Massanetta Middle School Conference for a week in the sun learning more about Micah 6:8. It was particularly meaningful to have all the keynotes and worship surround this beloved passage. Oh – and we loved the giant water slide, as always. Our fall was fantastic and we welcomed several new youth sponsors on board, with 24 total now. We have continued to find success with our Youth Leadership Team model. Emma Duling and Will Dozier served as co-moderators this year. We also introduced two new trips for this upcoming 2014 summer – a senior high trip to Scotland and a junior high trip to the Trinity Center in eastern NC. Both are spiritual pilgrimages, helping our youth dig deeper into their faith and the art of spiritual practices. Both the junior highs and senior highs went on retreats – the junior high girls to the lake to talk about gender and our identity as Christians, the boys to Frankie’s Fun Park (their retreat got rained out!). The senior highs went to Montreat in September and we started our work toward spiritual practices, concentrating on prayer. Confirmation saw a class be confirmed in May and another begin in September. This fall, we added three teachers to the Confirmation class, which has been an excellent new model. I am excited to work with our new DCE, Heather Ferguson, to continue reforming our efforts. In other CE news, I 8

taught a class in late fall called “Bible 101” and was so grateful for the intergenerational conversations we had around the table. After our seminarian, Katherine Hester, graduated in May, I began to oversee Young Adult Ministry. We have a successful lunch club that meets every Sunday after the 11am worship service and are exploring new fellowship opportunities. We’re slowly fostering a strong group and it is exciting to see this new ministry take shape. This year also included me becoming the staff person for Global Missions. It is an exciting time for GM as we explore new mission opportunities like a potential partnership in Nicaragua. I am grateful for the guidance of Betty who led the committee before me with such strength and grace. I hope I can continue to do the same! This church is such an incredible place - it really and truly is. I am constantly blown away by the creativity and dedication of our members, of the ways they seek to walk in Christ’s footsteps, and how they seriously undertake the call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. I would be quite remiss if I didn’t mention how much youth ministry runs on volunteers. We have well over 50 folks help us out every year – help out of love, not out of obligation. It is a treasure that deserves thanksgiving resounding from every corner of God’s green earth! Thank you for the gift of serving here at WPC. It is such an honor. Clockwise from left: Senior High youth at Montreat. Senior highs at the “Bean” in Chicago (June). Junior high youth at Massanetta (July). Junior high youth from WPC and New Hope Presbyterian at The Pilgrimage, DC Mission Trip (August).

9

Minister of Music Monica Umstaedt Rossman It is my privilege to be in my 20th year as director of Westminster’s music program, which continues to be a vital part of the church’s ministry. I am grateful for the support my colleagues on staff offer to our music program and to me personally. I also appreciate the support so generously offered by our Session and Diaconate. Westminster’s Sanctuary rings with energetic congregational singing and with great organ/instrumental, choral, and handbell music. Our congregation sings as well as any I have heard, greatly energizing and empowering the worship experience. The works of Bach, Buxtehude, and many other great organ composers are played regularly, inspiring us to bring our whole selves to worship – mind, heart, and spirit. I am grateful to be a part of this many-faceted music program, one that gives glory to God while honoring the best of worthy historic as well as present-day worship traditions. Westminster’s musical ensembles present many types of sacred music as vibrant parts of the worship experience. Everything from Renaissance motets to early American shape-note music to AfricanAmerican spirituals and gospel settings are offered to the glory of God. Our music library is varied and always expanding. Our Music Room, with its excellent acoustics, ingenious storage capability, gorgeous Steinway grand piano, and large seating capacity, serves as our rehearsal center (as well as my office) and is truly a space to be proud of. The Music Room also occasionally serves as a venue for classes, lectures, and other gatherings. Chancel Choir The Chancel Choir forms the core of Westminster’s music ministry and provides music for 11am Sunday worship services on a weekly basis September-May, as well as for other special worship services (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and occasional 8:30am services, especially during the Advent season and on Easter Sunday). Often, the choir is the avenue by which new members are attracted to – and join – the church. Rehearsals and rehearsal retreats are the secrets to our choir’s success; certainly they are vital for simply “learning the notes” for the music we present, but our rehearsals are so much more as well. Rehearsals are where friendships are made and nurtured, where musicianship is defined and refined, and where musical and spiritual truths come together in a profound way. In addition to the choir’s most important role – musical leadership in worship – special programs also form a central part of our mission. Since its first choral program in April 1995, the Chancel Choir has presented two special programs or concerts annually, often with orchestra or some smallerscale combination of instruments. On December 15, our annual Christmas program (presented at

both morning worship services) featured, for the fourth time, a service of Advent Lessons & Carols, allowing choir, instruments, and congregation to participate together in the great age-old lessons and carols tradition, here with a special emphasis on Advent: the yearning and anticipation experienced as Christians prepare for the birth of Christ. As with our first such lessons and carols program in 2010, a wide variety of musical styles was represented (showing our choir’s versatility), and each selection was carefully chosen to illuminate beloved passages from Scripture. This year’s lessons and carols service included a number of anthems and hymns featuring percussion in honor of Drum Sunday. It is safe to say that all who participated in worship that morning found some measure of inspiration, consolation, joy, and thought-provoking food for meditation for their Advent journeys. In this way, our musicians “preached” to the congregation, as they regularly do, through music. Many major choral works have been presented over the years. For example, Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem has been performed twice, and our roster by now includes many famous works by Mozart, Handel, Schubert, Fauré, Rutter, and other greats of Western sacred music. Concerts and special programs like these are vital to the choir’s ministry and focus. As singers learn – and inevitably struggle with – the great choral works of the ages, they grow tremendously in musicianship and in faith. We may not be in a position to perform the larger choral works these days, but we continue to do what we can, and our choir members are always up for a challenge. This constant happy struggle to learn and stretch ourselves is at the center of our music ministry’s vitality. My goal for the Chancel Choir has remained steady through the years: to build membership and commitment to the group while increasing musical skill/teamwork and deepening spiritual awareness. This is a flexible, demanding, yet never-ending process. Maintaining a high-quality traditional church music program is not easy in these times. Recruiting choral singers has become ever more difficult these days as well – given our cultural climate in general, along with the increasing disconnect between everyday life and traditional sacred music at all levels – yet it is absolutely vital that we continue to do so. The cycle of change continues, but one thing that never changes is this: we must add choir members on a regular basis – just as the church as a whole needs to add members regularly – not only to grow but, quite simply, to survive. During the past season, we have enjoyed what I like to call a “Renaissance” in the Chancel Choir – for reasons that remain happily mysterious, we have managed to add quite a few members of all ages 11

to our ranks, and the synergistic effect has been awesome! But we can never rest on our laurels. I would ask each of Westminster’s members to prayerfully consider their individual ability to contribute to our music program. No auditions are required (we never put people on the spot that way), and no particular music background or experience is needed (though it certainly helps). Our choir includes people at all levels of musical experience. We are happy to embrace and to train those who decide to sing with us. And we are truly committed to being as flexible as humanly possible in our few attendance requirements. If singers cannot commit to regular attendance, they are encouraged to give whatever time they have. We gladly work out temporary singing arrangements (i.e. four weeks during Advent or Lent). If singers cannot attend all rehearsals (who can?), we gladly come up with a plan that works for everyone. It is even possible to be a regular in Sunday School as well as a choir member. Believe me, we are nothing if not flexible! Church choirs are not meant to be historical artifacts or quaint relics. At their best, choirs are powerful, dynamic bodies in which music, fellowship, and spiritual growth come together in a marvelous synergy. This describes our choir. Our choir is also a family; just as in a family, we care deeply for one another in good times and bad. Summer Summer Choir The Summer Choir is open to everyone and provides music for summer worship June-August, rehearsing on Sunday mornings only (no weeknight rehearsals). My goal is always to get more people involved. Summer Choir is an excellent way to sample choral singing in a totally non-threatening environment with no strings attached. It is entirely “come as you are when you can.” It is also a painless, very rewarding way to make a huge impact on the worship life of this church through music. Last summer, for the third time, Westminster consolidated its summer worship schedule into one Sunday morning worship service at 10am, with a choir rehearsal beginning at 9am. This is proving to be a successful, well-attended venture in so many ways. Summer Choir is open to children as well as adults; the only requirement is that those under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the rehearsal and the service. Junior Choir Working in tandem with the Wednesdays ROCK! program (with which we are closely linked, meeting every other Wednesday during the same time slot as Wednesdays ROCK!), our Junior Choir has been revitalized this year. We also had the usual strong showing for our children’s Pageant Choir, which rehearsed and sang three delightful anthems both at the Children’s Christmas Pageant and at the 5pm Christmas Eve service. One thing is clear: we have a large pool of children who are quite enthusiastic about singing! Handbell Choir: Choir: The Westminster Ringers Westminster’s handbell choir reaches out to people of all ages, with or without musical experience. Our ringers, directed by Kathryn Bunch, did a wonderful job on Bell Sunday December 22, leading worship with Christmas selections they had worked diligently to perfect. Like the Chancel Choir, this choir serves a unique purpose within the church; it is a nurturing community, one that brings people together in a shared bond as it builds musicianship and faith. 12

Brass Ensemble We are truly blessed to have such excellent brass players at Westminster, resulting in a festive brass presence for Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday morning worship. Jim Ketch, Jack Walker, Blair Chesnut, and Tom Shaffer, along with others, continue to bring us high-quality brass music to enrich the worship experience. I am especially grateful to Jim Ketch, a master player and teacher, for his inspiring leadership with this ensemble. Highlights from the Year The annual Lovefeast tradition continues to be a musical feast. This December – for the fifth year in a row – our Lovefeast featured musicians entirely from within Westminster’s family. Thanks to the participation of approximately 27 volunteers from our Chancel Choir and from the broader congregation as well, who met in a series of separate rehearsals to prepare for this occasion, the music provided a rich backdrop to the other fantastic sights and sounds of this beloved service. The Lovefeast Choir is clearly proving to be a terrific mechanism by which Westminster’s larger community can sample the joys of choral singing. “Instrument Sundays” throughout Advent keep a wonderful focus on the progression of this preparatory season, involving children and adults as full participants in the lighting of the wreath. Thanks to our many gifted instrumentalists, including trumpeters Jim Ketch and Jack Walker, violinist Marcia Edwards, cellist Jeff Rossman, percussionists Mark Hill and David McQuay, and The Westminster Ringers, this is one of Westminster’s most heartwarming musical/spiritual traditions, bringing a creative perspective to the music of the Advent season. Music for Meditation took place in the sanctuary on Good Friday from noon until 2pm. All were invited to stay for the entire time or for any portion that suited their schedule on this solemn day. The spring choral program on May 5 was part of the 50th anniversary kick-off activities and, due to the large crowd, took place in the Sanctuary. Celebrations with our Westminster School for Young Children, held in the Sanctuary most Wednesdays of the school year at 10:15am, continue to be a lively tradition, complete with enthusiastic singing of simple hymns and children’s songs. In addition, once or twice a season, individual preschool classes come to the Sanctuary for mini-classes about the organ and its role in worship. These classes, complete with organ demonstrations “up close and personal” and a visit to the organ chamber (“where the organ lives”) are great fun for me and for the children, as they build closer bonds between us and encourage budding interests in church music and worship. One can never know which of these beautiful children may one day be leading worship from the bench themselves! I continue to be enriched and inspired through a variety of continuing education conferences and workshops, and I thank Westminster for providing funds for these activities.

13

Director of Christian Education Heather Ferguson Trumpets, strings, drums, and bells. Lovefeast, Christmas Pageant, caroling, and sing-along. Bible studies, Advent dinners, parties, and potlucks. There could not have been a more perfect time to enter into the exciting life of Westminster than December 1! Though my time at Westminster during the 2013 calendar year was brief, the many interactions with members allowed me to get a glimpse of the spirit and vitality of this church family. The staff warmly received me and helped me in my “nesting.” The Geezers helped with moving furniture and hanging pictures. Many hugs and gracious words of welcome were shared, including a wonderful stack of beautiful cards from the 4th and 5th grade Sunday School class. My daily prayers of gratitude continue to overflow, and I look forward to the many years that God has in store for us together. I am especially grateful for the care and confidence extended to me by the DCE Search Committee – Geoff Vaughn, Tim Vann, Cindy Soloe, Emma Duling, Helen Tharrington, Muff Urbaniak, and Richard Draffin – during the months of interviewing. Your kindness and hospitality made way for the Spirit to blow!

14

Church Business Administrator and Treasurer Barbara Fletcher This has been a busy and productive year for the church office. As Treasurer and Church Business Administrator I have carried out my commitment and calling to WPC staff in the following ways this year. As Church Business Administrator, I: • Oversaw the day-to-day operations of the church office, calendar, and building • Supervised the church administrative and financial staff • Coordinated outside contractors for repairs and maintenance of church property • Recorded and paid all church invoices • Negotiated and maintained office equipment leases and maintenance contracts on office equipment • Oversaw and coordinated the purchase of new copiers in August • Administered group health insurance and other staff benefits • Administered property and liability insurance • Prepared monthly payroll for all church and preschool staff • Coordinated with members/committees for use of the church Sam’s Club and credit cards • Supervised office volunteers for various projects • Supervised Geezer volunteers weekly for handy jobs • Worked with staff on various computer and software issues • Oversaw Triangle Business Cleaning Service Company daily and for special cleaning on campus • Coordinated WorkSmart technician’s visits monthly and when needed • Directed installation of Wireless Access points in the Mission Center by Worksmart technician • Purchased new computers for staff for Microsoft Windows 7/8 Upgrades • Coordinated with 1st Security Service concerning Security Access System when needed • Oversaw 1st Choice Landscaping Company weekly • Worked with Property Manager, C.V. Connor, on major campus improvements JanuaryMay for 50th anniversary celebration • Coordinated with preschool staff for various campus issues • Coordinated with volunteers for vehicle maintenance and repairs • Attended staff calendar retreats at WPC in February and August • Set up offices for part-time and permanent staff • Coordinated monthly activities for WPC Lunch Bunch, Love 40, Scrabble, and Settled Singles 15

•

Took part in the following committees: - Property Management Committee - Property Enhancement Committee - Fellowship Hall Committee (forerunner to Strategic Planning Committee) - FACT Force (Staff liaison)

As Treasurer, I: • Attended the Session Retreat at Westminster on January 26 • Gave Inquirers’ Class a financial presentation on November 3 • Provided notary services for members and committees periodically • Participated with various staff for budgeting and financial issues • Advised VCS team about financial issues periodically • Advised deacons about financial issues periodically • Administered ESP money for Durham System of Care • Oversaw offering counters and provided training periodically • Prepared monthly financial reports of all aspects of church finances • Added monthly preschool revenues, expenses, and fund summaries to church financial reports • Participated in the following committees: - Ways & Means Commission - Session - Stewardship Committee - Finance/Budgeting Commitee Personal & Professional Development • Payroll Clerk for NCCU Presbyterian Campus Ministry • Treasurer for Durham Presbyterian Council (DPC) • Financial Clerk for March 5th Group • Attended weekly Bible Study January-April and September-December • Set up and attended Love 40 Beach Trip to Emerald Isle April 20-23 I consider it a blessing to be a part of the WPC staff, as well as a member of WPC. I thank the staff, Session, Personnel Committee, and members who regularly encourage and support me.

16

Communications Coordinator Kara Pearce The work of a communications coordinator never slows! This year saw the launch of both myWPC and Westminster’s Facebook page, along with a few other significant developments in how we keep the congregation and community engaged in a life of faith. As always, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my colleagues and Westminster’s members. Without their constant support and affirmation, I could not do what I do. General Communications WPC continues to use Constant Contact to send newsletter emails and congregational emails with great success. Our emails have an open rate of 50.9%, and the click-rate for links in those emails is 34.8%, both figures above the industry average. Westminster was recognized with a 2013 Constant Contact All Star Award for excelling at using Constant Contact tools to engage with our members and build great relationships. In the summer, I led an effort to create a photo permission form to ensure that we have consent from our members before publishing photos of them or their families in WPC’s print and digital publications. By the end of the year, 281 members completed this form and their responses are recorded in the church’s database. In an effort to respects members’ online privacy, we established a new procedure with regard to publishing prayer concerns. From June on, all prayer concerns and celebrations submitted to the church staff are published in the printed Sunday bulletin, and only the names of those who request that concerns or celebrations be shared appear in the newsletter’s online and print versions. With the addition of our new Director of Christian Education, Heather Ferguson, I assisted the Search Committee in preparing a document on her background to share with the Session. After her hire, I had the privilege of interviewing Heather and writing a profile on her for our newsletter. I regularly performed the following tasks to keep all informed of WPC activities: • Sent biweekly congregational emails to share the newsletter link and highlight content • Sent congregational emails to update members about special events and news as needed • Sent weekly congregational responsibility reminder emails to worship volunteers • Worked with staff and members to promote info in church communication channels • Visited Inquirers’ Classes to talk about communications and take new members’ photos • Communicated with Flo Johnston, columnist for The Durham News portion of the Raleigh News and Observer, about publishing WPC announcements to the broader community 17

• •

Took photographs at WPC events Researched communications best practices for churches

Publications In addition to special projects, I am responsible for soliciting or writing content for, designing, formatting, editing, producing, and/or updating the following publications: • Sunday worship bulletins and inserts • Biweekly newsletters • Special service bulletins (baptisms, weddings, memorial services, Advent, Lent, etc.) • The Wedding Manual • The Witness to the Resurrection Planning Guide • The Youth Directory • Pew materials (Welcome Visitors brochures, WPC bookmarks, Stephen Minister cards) • Bulletin boards • Annual Reports Website I maintain and keep the website content current throughout the year by: • Creating and placing new slides in the homepage slideshow • Updating “Latest News” (formerly “What’s Happening at Westminster?”) on the homepage • Adding posts to the “Latest News” (formerly “More Happenings”) blog • Updating volunteer opportunities on the “Get Involved” page • Uploading newsletters, bulletins, and creating posts for sermon text and audio • Adding relevant content to static pages • Doing an annual summer review of all site content to check for outdated information • Using Google Analytics to track site use and engagement myWPC After extensive preparation in 2012, myWPC was launched in January 2013. myWPC is a secure online resource that serves as a tool for members to engage in the ministries and mission work of the church. In myWPC, members can: • View or update their contact information and access limited contact info for other members • Print member directories • Register for events • Communicate with members of committees, Bible studies, worship volunteer groups, etc. • Complete their Time & Talent pledge and sign up for volunteer opportunities • Add their photo and/or a photo of their family, and view a directory of members’ photos At several points throughout the year, I offered tutorials to members, officers, and staff to teach them how to use myWPC. I also created documentation for all account levels to reference when using

18

myWPC. I have worked one-on-one with a number of groups and individuals to help them feel more confident and comfortable with using myWPC. When it was launched, we decided not to put members under age 18 in the myWPC system until we could develop a process for parents to opt-in for their inclusion. The myWPC Consent Form was made available in the fall and completed by 83 parents. Social Media Westminster officially stepped into the world of social media with the launch of its Facebook page on March 7. At the end of 2013, the page had 176 likes. I keep a Facebook content calendar in spreadsheet format to draft and schedule posts. This has proven to be a very useful way to stay organized. Prior to the page’s launch, I created a Facebook Use Policy that outlined the goals of the page and the ways it would be managed. Committee Work For the 2014 Stewardship campaign, I designed a logo and created all printed materials for the campaign. I worked with the Communications Subcommittee to produce a 12-page brochure, reducing the number of pages to lower the cost. My role in the brochure’s production was to solicit, design, and edit content. I also worked closely with the Logistics Subcommittee to ensure that the relay would once again run smoothly; coordinated distribution of the Pledge Packs and brochures; and promoted the campaign throughout WPC’s communication channels. To support the work of the FACT Force, I assisted with the preparation of printed materials; edited “A Brief Look at the History of Westminster Presbyterian Church”; created an interactive bulletin board for members to share examples of how WPC “feeds their hungers”; photographed anniversary events on May 5 and September 8; and coordinated a Rally Day photo contest. I also worked with the Assimilation Committee to integrate their Time & Talent efforts with myWPC. Once the Time & Talented pledges were submitted, I helped record them in myWPC. Personal & Professional Development In April, Barb Schmidt and I traveled to Orlando for ACS Technologies’ Ideas to Impact Conference to learn how most effectively to use our database and myWPC. We came away with lots of good information! The NACBA offered a Communication Fast Track in July. It was not only the most useful and energizing church communication program I’ve attended, but I also had the opportunity to connect with a local Presbyterian church communication professional. I was deeply enriched by participation in the following: the Session Retreat at WPC in January; the Lenten Bible study led by representatives from the North Carolina Council of Churches; a visit to an area mosque in July; the response to violence conversations in March and June; and Epworth United Methodist Church’s tutoring program, which sought WPC volunteers in the fall.

19

Committees & Commissions

20

Assimilation Committee Chair: Gene Holland Co-Chair: Robert Brame Session Liaison: Darren Skeen Members: Jeanne Behr, Sam Bryan, Sara Pottenger, Judy Lamon, Kathryn Bunch, Dana Lange, Don Hertzog, Kim Garcia, Susan Rohde Mission The mission of the Assimilation Committee is to nurture potential, new, and long-established members of all ages into the life of our church. Programs and Activities We provide widespread information so everyone will have clear and easy access to volunteer involvement. The Assimilation Committee extends welcome to visitors, offers support and connectivity to new members, and advocates involvement of all members as a mission focus for every committee. To Serve Visitors Throughout 2013, as we had the year before, a member of this committee has contacted every visitor who left contact information on a pew attendance sheet. To Serve New Members It is now our long-standing tradition to be proactive with new and potential members interested in Westminster. We have three active strategies in place to be effective with new members (one was abandoned this year due to low response). Toward the end of the year, some new strategies are being discussed, and this discussion will be carried over into 2014. • Again in 2013, representatives from the Assimilation Committee (Darren Skeen and Susan Rohde) met with each Inquirers’ Class to help potential new members identify interests and opportunities to become actively involved at Westminster. At this visit, we explain the Time & Talent pledge process via paper copy and myWPC. We follow up that class visit by notifying those connected with the interests expressed by the new members so new members can immediately make a connection to a committee, event, or program. • The Assimilation Committee hosts a new member in-home supper following the end of every Inquirers’ Class. We include established members with some commonalities to provide connections between new members and the wider congregation. • In 2013, the Committee began a postcard campaign to help engage new members. A few months into membership, we send new members a personal postcard to let them know 21

•

that we as a committee and a congregation are here for them, and at the same time, we are reminding them that they are more than welcome to become involved. The postcard is an effective way to touch the new members without “prodding.” The committee began holding “reunion coffees” in 2012 for new members a few months after they joined the congregation. Participation was less than optimal; therefore, the committee decided to discontinue the strategy.

To Serve All Members for Active Engagement As it has done for several years, the committee created a Time & Talent directory. That project begins by coordinating with the Stewardship Committee to support its theme, and supplying information for newsletters and speakers for Sharing Our Mission. This coordination ensures the emphasis of the stewardship campaign is time and talent, as well as treasure. Once Time & Talent pledges are turned in, a volunteer (Susan Rohde did this again in 2013) enters the data into the church’s database. Those data are reported to the Assimilation Committee and a committee member formats the data into a user-friendly directory. In the past, this key member has been Sally Keener; Susan Rohde is primarily behind this effort now. The office runs copies of the directory, and the committee creates the covers and spiral binds them into the final form, personalized for each recipient. A committee representative personally distributed new directories to all staff, officers, and program leaders in January with an explanation of the importance of its use. After Time & Talent pledges were submitted in the fall of 2013, the data was entered into myWPC and is available there now. Paper copies of the Time & Talent directory will no longer be distributed. All information can be found in myWPC, and officers, staff and committee chairs can contact and recruit volunteers via this platform. Members can still submit paper copies of their Time & Talent pledges, but we encourage members to use myWPC and update it continually.

22

Christian Education Committee Chairs: Susan Ketch (through August 2013), Amy Hill (beginning September 2013) Staff: Nancy Rozak (through March 2013), Heather Ferguson (December 2013) Members: Lois Bender, Rayner England, Sr., Betsy Gentry-Bumm, Sally Keener, Ann Kline, Dexter Meath, Lee Murphy, Helen Tharrington Mission The purpose of the committee is to support the ongoing Christian education of adults, youth, and children through a variety of resources, programs, and classes. We seek to connect all participants with meaningful ways to explore and nurture their faith and to understand its meaning and implications. Meetings The Christian Education Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Programs and Activities The Christian Education Committee (CE) supports a wide array of programs and resources for church members, prospective members, and the community: • • • • • • • • • •

Sunday school for all ages Advent study and supper series Baptism Anniversary devotional guide (online) Bible Sunday Christ the King Sunday program Confirmation class Lenten daily devotional Lenten study and supper series Library Midweek adult study classes

• • • • • • • • •

Midweek children’s program (Wednesdays ROCK!) Pentecost celebration Rally Day Sacraments class Spiritual Enrichment Weekend Teacher Appreciation Sunday Teacher training Vacation Church School Worship Skills class

Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 In 2013, Christian Education Committee members presented a wide array of programs and services addressing the Christian development of and enrichment for everyone, from our youngest to our oldest members. We used our annual retreat and monthly meetings to assess arising educational needs and identify changes to meet those needs, to capitalize on new ideas from committee members, and to support changing schedules of the church. Some highlights from 2013: • The congregation experienced an authentic Seder meal, following well-attended Lenten midweek classes. • The Walk to the Cross, an intergenerational activity offered during Holy Week, was reported to be meaningful to those who participated. 23

•

•

•

In October, the committee relaunched the midweek program for children formerly known as MP2. The new program, Wednesdays ROCK! (Rejoice with Our Community of Kids) focuses on Christian education for families and emphasizes an intergenerational approach. A later start time and biweekly programming helps many working parents attend with their children. The program continues to combine worship, craft activities, small group time, and mission. Participation has been consistently strong and parents have reported that they have enjoyed the fellowship and programming with their children and with friends. The committee is hopeful that it has arrived at a sustainable model for midweek family programming and looks forward to another successful year. The committee enthusiastically welcomed Dr. Heather Ferguson as WPC’s new Director of Christian Education. Heather began her time at WPC the first week in Advent, during which time she observed the flurry of activity and got to know members of the church. The annual Christmas pageant included participation by approximately 65 children, and the Christmas children’s choir saw record participation with approximately 40 children.

In 2013, we dealt effectively with the following challenges: • Nancy Rozak, the Director of Christian Education, retired in April after 13 years of service at WPC and moved to Arizona to be close to family. The Session passed a resolution of appreciation for Nancy and her service to the church. • Natalie Wolf, a member of WPC and student at Appalachian State University, served as an interim DCE/CE coordinator from May-August 2013. Natalie’s skillful leadership helped to fill the gap left by Nancy’s departure. Natalie was particularly instrumental in overseeing VCS at Camp New Hope. • Susan Ketch led a talented team of individuals in the celebration of WPC’s 50th anniversary in place of the usual Rally Day gathering. A great deal of planning and thought went into the celebration activities, which culminated in a catered lunch on the campus with a photo booth, games for children and families, a musical performance from a jazz band, and a slide show and photo display reviewing WPC’s history. A scrapbook of the activities was prepared and a time capsule is being created to commemorate the event. • Lois Bender retired from the committee after 25+ years of service. She was recognized by the Session for her devotion to Christian education.

24

Congregational Care Committee Co-chairs: Suze Bear, Dexter Meath Staff: Betty Berghaus Members: Julie Beckwith, Nancye Bryan, Kathryn Bunch, Mary Denson, Vicki Skeen, Anne Vann Mission The Congregational Care Committee tends to the various care needs of the church family and members of the community. Care may include meals, errands, transportation, or other needs. Meetings The full committee meets in person irregularly. Most of the committee’s communication is carried out through email. Programs and Activities Care needs are communicated to the committee in person, by telephone, by email, or using the green pew cards. Generally, members of the congregation alert the church about a need in their own families or in another member’s family. Betty initiates care for the family by contacting the deacon leader, usually via email, to present the scope of the case. The deacon leader then contacts the member (or family) to assess the specific requirements and organizes congregational volunteers to fulfill those requirements. The deacon leader continues to monitor the case and follows up with volunteers to ensure that services have been provided. Occasionally, the committee stocks the freezer in the Fellowship Hall with homemade dishes to be available for immediate congregational care meal needs. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 In 2013, the committee began using myWPC for the purpose of recruiting and scheduling volunteers for congregational care requests.

25

Fellowship Committee Co-chairs: Lynn Toms, Ashley Messick Members: Elizabeth Aldridge, Sharon Barnes, Carl Boxberger, Kenzie Brannon, Andy Dunk, Marge Enberg, Jennifer Feiler, Helen Harrison, Stephen Harward, Mike Meyen, Tom Meyer, Kate Miller, Amy Paul, Pam Smith, Dave Snider, Sarah Wylie Mission The mission of the Fellowship Committee is to plan and provide opportunities for members to come together outside of the Sunday worship services. Meetings The committee meets bimonthly, but the schedule is irregular. Programs and Activities The committee oversees hosting and planning of a variety of congregational events. These events include Advent dinners, the Ash Wednesday pancake supper, the choir concert potluck, the Christmas potluck and sing-along, Christmas caroling refreshments, Easter brunch, Lenten dinners, the Southwest Neighborhood Lenten Lunch Series meal, and Rally Day. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 In 2013, the Fellowship Committee continued to work with Christian Education during the Advent and Lenten dinners. We also helped in planning and providing food for the church’s 50th anniversary reception and other events. By scheduling the Advent dinners after Christmas pageant practices and Wednesdays ROCK! children’s programs, our attendance increased significantly. The Fellowship Committee added members in 2013, and we continue to recruit new ones.

26

Global Missions Committee Chair: David Lapp (through August 2013), Dorothy Pennell (beginning September 2013) Session Liaison: Chick Palermo Staff: Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman Members: Dottie Bartholomay, Stephanie Gardner, Helen Harrison, Kirk Huslage, Judy Lamon, David Lapp, Margaret Maes, Eileen McAvoy, Erin Nilon, Nancy Safrit, Helen Tharrington Mission The mission of the Global Missions Committee is to foster awareness of and coordinate the response to needs and concerns beyond the immediate Durham area. Meetings The Global Missions Committee usually meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 • Crop Walk: raised over $12,000 and won the Golden Sneaker Award • Disaster Relief: took two mission trips to the NC coast to assist in repairing earlier hurricane damage • Music Mission Kiev: donation made to widows and orphans program • Antioch Partners: contributions to mission work of Don and Martha Wehmeyer • Stop Hunger Now: raised $2,700 for the program and packed 10,000 meals on World Communion Sunday in October; the youth served “communion around the world” and meal packers worked in shifts; approximately 100 people participated • Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti: group gave drumming and dance performance and potluck dinner was held • Alternative Gift Fair: One World Market sold $3,400 in merchandise and 10% of this amount will go back into the Global Missions budget; numerous agencies supported by the church were represented at the Gift Fair and were able to share information and accept donations to continue their work • Mission Trip to Merida, Mexico: planned for January 2014 • Mission trip to Nicaragua: exploratory trip planned in 2014 to evaluate the feasibility of partnering with Rainbow Network, a well-established non-profit which works with “the poorest of the poor” in the fields of education, healthcare, microfinance, and housing, and offers the option of long-term working relationships between our church and the people of Nicaragua

27

Inquirers’ Inquirers’ Classes Session Representative: Darren Skeen Diaconate Representative: Jennifer McElroy Staff: Chris Tuttle Members: Mary Beck White-Sutton Mission The purpose of the Inquirers’ Classes is to allow interested visitors to learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church and about the Presbyterian Church (USA). Meetings A sequence of seven classes is offered at least twice a year, more often if needed. Announcements indicating the start of a new sequence appear in the bulletin, newsletters, and on the website a few weeks prior to the first class. Programs and Activities The classes, led primarily by the head pastor, cover the structure, history, and theology of the Presbyterian Church (USA); the order of worship; Sunday school, preschool, and Christian education programs offered; internal committees; local outreach efforts by WPC; fellowship opportunities; and the local and global mission work we undertake as a church. In addition, the Inquirers meet members of the Session, Diaconate, and staff, and they visit the Chancel Choir during a pre-worship rehearsal. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 In 2013, two Inquirers’ Classes were offered: one beginning in the spring and one in the fall. From the spring class we welcomed 15 new members, and from the fall class, 20 new members.

28

Library Committee Chair: Ann Kline Members: Laurie Leadbetter, Beverly McGraw, Cathy Snider Mission The Westminster Presbyterian Church library has been created to provide a well-rounded collection of books for pleasure and to provide resources for adults and children on Christianity, other world religions, and how to relate to the world around us. Meetings Our regular meetings occur every three months with assignment of jobs for the coming three months, selection of new books to be ordered, and of evaluation of donated books and any changes in routine library processes. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 There were no new projects undertaken this year. However, the regular activities of cataloging, shelving, attaching book covers, writing a newsletter column, and maintaining records were all achieved.

29

Local Missions Committee Co-chairs: Jeanne Behr, Jennifer McElroy Staff: Betty Berghaus Members: Kate Asquith, Nancye Bryan, Paul Etter, Mark Hill, Carol Mansfield, Jim Maxwell, Bill Pogue, Nancy Safrit, Karen Stallings, Lucy Stokes, Jonathan Thornhill, Will Yancy Mission The Local Missions Committee annually supports ministries in the Durham area that fall into five general categories: education, food, housing, mental health, and miscellaneous. The committee oversees the distribution of WPC funds to local organizations and acts as a responsible steward of the congregation’s money. Meetings The committee meets irregularly, usually every other month on a date and at a time mutually agreed by committee members. If you are interested in attending or getting involved, please contact one of the committee chairs or a staff member. Programs and Activities Below we include a brief statement about each organization and indicate its Westminster liaison, who can provide more information. Some organizational liaisons are not sitting members of the Local Missions Committee, but members of the congregation who are deeply engaged with the organization. Education •

Campus Ministries Our support of the campus ministries helps to provide staffing, fellowship activities, counseling, and mission opportunities for local college students. The institutions currently being supported are: Duke University– Anne Sherman; North Carolina Central University – Eileen McAvoy; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Tammy Dozier

•

Durham Nativity School – Sally Keener The Durham Nativity School provides socio-economically disadvantaged males an educational environment that will allow them to become successful leaders of the Durham community.

•

Project Graduation – Mary Holderness Since 1988, Project Graduation has provided a safe, drug- and alcohol-free environment for the seniors of six local high schools to celebrate graduation. They are currently expanding to include many more schools. Mary Holderness is the executive director.

•

Westminster School for Young Children – Cindy Soloe The preschool has been part of WPC’s ministries for many years, and although it is not included in the Local Missions annual budget, it is supported through prayer and support of 30

the congregation for various school activities. This past year, we made an effort to invite preschool families to holiday services, and all “graduating” students were given a card from Chris on behalf of the staff and congregation of the church. Food • Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC – Bill Pogue This food bank is the ninth largest in the United States, and provides food to numerous food pantries, churches, and other distribution centers in 34 counties. It also provides food to school children during the summer months and on weekends when they do not get food through their school programs. •

Meals on Wheels – Sally Cook Meals on Wheels provides meals to about 300 homebound individuals. The organization has recently purchased its own facility in east Durham in which to assemble the meals, and hopes one day to install a kitchen where the food can be prepared as well.

•

Shelter Meals – Judd Staples The fourth Tuesday of each month, some group in WPC (youth, choir, supper clubs, Bible studies, Sunday school classes, etc.) buys and prepares the food, carries it to Urban Ministries of Durham’s dining facility, and experiences the life-changing event of serving the shelter meal. The number of people fed has risen steadily, and today about 300 people are fed with each meal.

Housing • Genesis Home – Louise Holland Genesis Home works to end homelessness for families with children and young adults by providing a safe, stable place where families can come together, rebuild their lives, and prepare for permanent housing in the community. It also provides temporary homes for children who are aging out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go, as well as for families in which there is a disability of some kind. Through its three programs and its case management approach, Genesis Home helps individuals and families transition from homelessness into stability. •

Habitat for Humanity – David Duling Habitat for Humanity partners with local families to build new homes, repair existing homes, and rehabilitate abandoned homes. The organization requires recipients of its homes to provide “sweat equity” toward the construction of their own home or that of others.

•

Housing for New Hope – Kay Wellemeyer This ministry provides a unique continuum of care for the most needy of Durham's citizens through outreach and crisis assistance, transitional housing, and permanent housing. Its programs serve a broad population of people, including those with mental health issues and disabilities.

31

•

Interfaith Hospitality Network – Ruth Tasgal Five times a year, more than 100 volunteers from WPC provide food, shelter, and transportation for a week to families in need.

•

Urban Ministries of Durham – Jim Maxwell Urban Ministries of Durham has three primary programs. 1) It provides emergency shelter for about 150 homeless people every night. 2) It serves three meals a day, seven days a week, without charge, to anyone who comes. 3) It provides donated clothing to more than 1,000 people annually and groceries for at-home use to 350-400 people every month.

Mental Health • Durham System of Care – Nancye Bryan Durham System of Care is a cooperative effort of several community service provider agencies and interested relevant parties aimed at addressing the needs of citizens whose service needs "fall through the cracks." Typical clients include people who have serious and persistent mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, people who have substance abuse issues, people who may be in crisis about health or housing issues, and families who have children with a serious limiting condition. •

Threshold – Sharon Barnes Threshold is a psychosocial rehabilitation clubhouse that serves Durham County adults who have severe and persistent mental illness. It is open 365 days a year, and provides fellowship, work experience, educational courses, and counseling.

Other Organizations Organ izations • Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA) – Chuck Byrd DCIA is an interfaith, interracial organization of 58 local congregations. It has an excellent record of initiating and supporting many programs which help the homeless, the hungry, the sick, and the poor, and of serving as a model for how people of different races, faiths, and cultures can effectively work together in harmony to improve the community. Chuck Byrd sits on its board of directors. In 2013, DCIA offered seed-money grants to start-up social causes in Durham, hosted interfaith dinners, continued to serve as fiscal agent for Durham non-profits before they get their 501 (c) 3 designation, and supported YO:Durham. WPC's annual support helped all of this, and its special offering for Christmas Eve provided an unscheduled $12,000 of support for YO:Durham. •

Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) – Laura Chesnut The Durham Crisis Response Center provides comprehensive shelter and support services in the Durham area to survivors and their families in the aftermath of domestic or sexual violence. Over the last twenty years, it has provided services to more than 20,000 women and children.

32

•

New Hope Conference Center – Walt Beckwith The New Hope Conference Center is part of the New Hope Camp and Conference Center, whose mission is to provide a unique natural setting, a place apart for persons of all ages and faiths to grow in their relationship with God, themselves, and others in an environment of Christian hospitality.

•

Presbyterian Latino Ministry – Pam Smith WPC supports the vision to foster a Hispanic ministry in our area, and specifically the Hispanic Presbyterian Church that was chartered in 2005 in the New Hope Presbytery.

•

Share Your Christmas – Andy Dunk Share Your Christmas is a program of Durham County Department of Social Services that matches sponsors with needy families for the Christmas holiday. Each year WPC receives a family "wish list" and provides presents to many families.

Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 • Congregational liaisons/budget process: The committee continued to use, review, and evaluate the budget process initiated in 2010. We continually evaluate the needs of the local organizations receiving funding from WPC to ensure that we are being good stewards of the congregation’s funds. • Christmas Eve Offering: The offering was in excess of $23,100. It was divided between Urban Ministries of Durham, Durham Crisis Response Center, and Forest View and Hope Valley Latino Family School and Community Support. • Other responsibilities: The Local Missions Committee coordinated use of the collection boxes; supported the annual Community Work Day and Campus Ministry Sunday; assisted with the Alternative Gift Fair; and provided speakers for Sharing Our Mission.

33

Nominating Committee Chair: Chuck Byrd (through August 2013), Chick Palermo (beginning September 2013) Vice-chair: Chick Palermo (through August 2013), Bill Whitt (beginning September 2013) Diaconate Representative: Kevin Rosemond Staff: Chris Tuttle (ex officio) At-large Members: John Graham, Sarah High, Chris McLaughlin, Helen Tharrington Mission A committee of the congregation, the Nominating Committee’s council members are appointed by their respective councils, and the head of staff by office. The at-large members are elected by the congregation after receiving nominations from the Nominating Committee. Meetings There are no stated meetings of the Nominating Committee. It meets on an ad hoc basis when vacancies occur or are anticipated. Most of its activities take place every spring. Programs and Activities The Nominating Committee prepares slates of candidates when positions come open for officer elections each spring or as vacancies may occur during the year; committee memberships when requested; and staff searches when vacancies occur. The Nominating Committee solicits the congregation and staff for candidates prior to proposing slates of officers. All officers are elected in congregational meetings scheduled by the Nominating Committee, following the rules for proper notification of upcoming elections. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 In February 2013, the Nominating Committee submitted nominations to the Session to serve on the Director of Christian Education Nominating Committee. The Session accepted and acted on that recommendation. In the spring of 2013, the Nominating Committee submitted the following names to the congregation for the officer class of 2016: Elder: Rayner England, Sr., Andy Finkle, Amy Simonson, Bill Whitt Deacon: Robert Brame, Debora Hatch, Kirk Huslage, Ashley Messick, Bill Pogue, Karen Stallings, Eric Wolf All were elected. Notes The at-large members of the 2014 Nominating Committee are the same as in 2013.

34

Personnel Committee Chair: Elena Cleary Staff: Chris Tuttle Members: Mary Denson, Andy Finkle, Tom Meyer, Mary Beck White-Sutton Mission The Personnel Committee deals almost entirely with the needs of the staff and clergy. The committee can provide the following services: • Recommend an orderly, focused, and considerate way for the Session to build a professional work environment • Recommend policies, procedures, and practices that support staff and clergy • Provide counsel and support for the staff and clergy • Share expectations and reviews of job performances Meetings The committee meets on a monthly basis. Programs and Activities As a committee of the Session, we strive to encourage the staff and clergy to make full use of the gifts and talents a shared ministry creates. We, the committee, value each person's worth and see the work of each as a part of the ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 The committee conducted staff and clergy interviews and followed up with written summary letters and meetings as requested. A new Personnel Handbook outlining policies and procedures was ratified by the Session and provided to the staff. The committee recommended cost of living raises and merit raises for the staff and clergy. The committee selected and honored Sam Bryan as Westminster’s Outstanding Older Adult. Heather Ferguson was hired as Director of Christian Education replacing Nancy Rozak following Nancy’s retirement.

35

Stewardship Committee Chair: Amy Simonson Staff: Barbara Fletcher, Kara Pearce, Chris Tuttle Members: Kate Asquith, Robert Brame, Sam Bryan, Jeremy Chason, Dave Pottenger, Andy Finkle, Chance Hart, Billy McFall, Melinda Vaughn, Richard Watson, Anne Wolf, Jim Young Mission The mission of the Stewardship Committee is to involve the full congregation in stewardship activities for the benefit of the church and, by extension, the community, and to invite prayerful consideration of the ways we can all contribute with intentionality to serving together as a community of faith. Meetings The committee meets once a month from April-December, generally on Wednesdays at 5:30pm, except during August and September, when more frequent meetings may be scheduled. Subcommittees may also meet more frequently between meetings of the full committee. Programs & Activities The Stewardship Committee is charged with the task of coordinating WPC’s annual stewardship campaign, which runs from late-September through mid-November. Pledges from this campaign generate the majority of the church’s operating budget for the following calendar year. In addition to this task, we seek to be very intentional about encouraging the congregation to reflect upon the source of the resources with which we are blessed. Again in 2013, we used the relay stewardship approach for passing pledge cards throughout the congregation. Pledge Packs travelled from house to house along neighborhood paths of approximately 10 members each during a three-week relay period. A Path Guide on each path helped keep everything moving. The collective gifts of the congregation were presented in ceremony on Dedication Sunday, marking the official end of the relay. Key Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 We began this year in mid-spring with a focus on developing the structure and theme for the year, then moved into planning and logistics. The campaign had several key components, including the production of a stewardship brochure, a luncheon event for the full congregation to kick off stewardship season, invitations to members of the congregation to speak during the Sharing Our Mission segment of worship service, and the pledge campaign itself. 36

Highlights of this year’s efforts include: • 323 pledges were received during the campaign, our highest number in 10 years • 40 new pledges were received • 94 families increased their pledge for 2013 • Pledges received during the campaign tallied just over $973,000 In our meetings and discussions of scripture passages that led to developing this year’s theme – Bread of Life: Come. Partake. Share – we were all reminded of the manifold blessings we receive through the abundance of Christ’s love for us, and took the opportunity for reflection on what it is that truly sustains us. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve on this committee.

37

Ways & Means Commission Commission Chair: Alyson Bosworth (through August 2013), Lucy Stokes (beginning September 2013) Clerk: Mary Pickard Treasurer: Barbara Fletcher Sub-Chairs: Budget/Finance: Dana Lange Endowment: David Anderson Personnel: Tom Meyer Property Management: C.V. Conner Stewardship: Amy Simonson Strategic Planning: Darren Skeen Session Liaison: Andy Finkle Diaconate Liaison: Judd Staples Pastor: Chris Tuttle At-large Member: Dave Pottenger Mission Ways & Means is the oversight commission for the ongoing financial health of the church and reports directly to the Session. Meetings Ways & Means meets the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30. The finance subcommittee meets as needed; generally 2-3 meetings in the fall as budget requests are received and the Stewardship Committee completes its campaign. Programs and Activities Ways & Means is responsible for preparing and administering the annual budget for approval by the Session. As this commission works to be good stewards of God’s gifts, maintaining the proper reserves toward deferred maintenance is one of our regular discussion points. Cognizant of the current economic climate, Ways & Means will continue to have robust discussion regarding our charge to maintain the financial well-being of our beloved church. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 The Finance Committee proposed a balanced budget of $1,102,650 for 2014. Such a figure would not be possible without the generosity of our congregation's response to the 2013 stewardship campaign. The Personnel Committee recommended equal cost of living raises for the staff. It took 3% of all the salaries and then divided the total by the number of staff. The Fellowship Hall Committee was formed to bring ideas to the Session through Ways & 38

Means for improvements to the Fellowship Hall. After consulting with all the stakeholders, it was decided that bigger decisions than just the Fellowship Hall needed to be made, so the committee recommended a Strategic Planning Committee be formed. The Strategic Planning Committee was formed. Ways & Means recommended to the Session that $6,000 from the 2013 budget be moved to give this committee funds to hire ESC (Executive Service Corps). A contract for $4,500 was signed for ESC to assist the committee in their work. The 50th anniversary luncheon was held in May to kick off our year of celebration. In preparation, C.V. Conner replaced the windows on the third floor of the Mission Center facing the Courtyard. He also had extensive painting done around the campus, especially at the front of the Sanctuary, and did extensive landscaping. Ways & Means approved money out of the maintenance budget for these activities. Ways & Means recommended a salary package for Heather Ferguson, the new Director of Christian Education. Mary Pickard, our clerk, researched rules for appropriate email meetings for the committee to review and vote on in 2014.

39

Worship Committee Chair: Chuck Byrd (through August 2013), Elena Cleary (beginning September 2013) Vice-chair: Elena Cleary (through August 2013), Bill Whitt (beginning September 2013) Sub-chairs: Acolytes: Monica Nichols Child care: Cindy Soloe Flower Guild: Sandra Lutz Funeral: Carol Walker Lectors: Blair Chesnut Music: Monica Rossman Sanctuary Guild: Tiny Bradley, Sandra Lutz Sound system: Doug Wellemeyer, Blair Chesnut Ushers: Bill McAvoy, Kevin Rosemond, Mark Schmidt Weddings: Rayner England, Sr. Staff: Chris Tuttle, Betty Berghaus, Monica Rossman, Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman At-large Members: Ellen Vogel Mission The mission of the Worship Committee is to consider all aspects of corporate worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The committee strives to reflect the dynamic traditions, theology, and diversity of cultures instructed by the Book of Order. Meetings The committee strives to meet quarterly. Programs and Activities The Worship Committee makes recommendations concerning worship to the Session; oversees the mechanics of worship and its support, including all those activities listed in the subcommittee section above; facilitates and supervises many arrangements of weddings and funerals or memorial services at Westminster; and listens and responds to concerns and suggestions of all constituencies. Key Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 The committee assisted the staff in the planning and execution of Lenten and Advent activities and facilitated a single-service (10am) for Sunday worship during the summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. In conjunction with the Session, the committee continued to refine the working policies and practices for serving Holy Communion. The committee continued working with a task force to devise an emergency response policy for Westminster.

40

A subcommittee began a thorough and systematic review of the new hymnal, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal, published in the fall of 2013. The committee represents choir members, staff, elders, lay musicians, and representatives of the congregation from both the 8:30 and 11am worship services, and a range of members’ ages, including a youth representative. The committee members are Chris Asquith, Chuck Byrd, Elena Cleary (chair), Ralph McCaughan, Monica Rossman, and Caroline Skeen. The subcommittee will make a recommendation regarding the purchase and implementation of the new hymnal in 2014.

41

Youth Council Staff: Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman Chair: Amy Hill Members: Will Dozier, Emma Duling, Frank Falkovic, Bill Hatch, Sarah High, Bethany JillsonThornhill, Julia Lockhead, Tanner Lockhead, Dave Mountain, Lee Murphy, David Pottenger, Charlie Rosemond, Jules Taylor Mission The Youth Council shapes youth ministry at WPC by making decisions regarding budget and calendar; recruiting and supporting youth sponsors; planning mission trips, retreats, and conferences; and receiving ideas from youth about regular programming. Meetings Youth Council meets bimonthly, on the last Tuesday of the month, from 6-8pm. Programs and Activities The objective of the youth program is to foster spiritual growth and relationship building via engagement in worship, mission, and fellowship. Youth at WPC engage in a wide variety of programs and activities and are highly visible in the work and worship of the church. Worship engagement occurs when the youth lead worship twice a year and offer the annual Lovefeast service in December. Youth regularly assist in worship as lectors, ushers, or by offering the Sharing Our Mission. They engage with younger children regularly as volunteers with Vacation Church School and the midweek children’s program, Wednesdays ROCK! They demonstrate their commitment to the work of the church by their participation on various church committees. Objectives of spiritual growth and relationship building are further met not only in the regular Sunday evening youth program, but in weeknight Bible study, annual conferences at Montreat (senior high) and Massanetta (middle school), annual midyear retreats for both middle and high school groups, regular meetings of youth sponsors, and the Montreat College Conference. In 2013, twelve middle school youth went to Massanetta, Virginia, from July 9-12, where the theme was “Do, love, walk.” Highlights included the incredible keynote, candlelight service, and the giant water slide. The senior highs enjoyed their annual week at Montreat from July 14-20. The theme for the week was “Hear and Be Heard” and featured speakers were Derek Macleod and Mark Lomax. Mission remains a prominent focus of the youth program at WPC. In 2013, youth prepared emergency admit bags for the pediatric ICU at Duke University Hospital, passed out “Helping Hand” bags to homeless citizens in Durham and Chapel Hill, and performed work for Threshold. The youth serve the Urban Ministries shelter meal 3-4 times per year on WPC’s behalf, regularly participate in Stop Hunger Now meal packing events, and walk in the CROP Walk.

42

Eighteen senior youth participated in DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) in Chicago from June 23-30. They participated in various urban ministry projects and activities designed to help them better understand the complexities of urban poverty and the challenges of homelessness. In August, thirteen WPC junior high youth joined five youth from New Hope Presbyterian Church on an urban ministry mission trip with Pilgrimage, a service-learning organization in Washington, DC. They served meals at local soup kitchens, learned about homelessness, and met with homeless people. They also visited a craft collective where homeless women earn money to help rebuild their lives. Finally, the fellowship component of youth spiritual development continues to thrive. The youth observe fall and spring kick-off dinners with their families, enjoy “mystery days,” scavenger hunts, an annual Christmas party, an end-of-summer fun trip to an amusement or water park, and collegiate gatherings in August and around holidays. Key Activities Activities and Accomplishments in 2013 The Youth Council and the Youth Leadership Team (YLT) continued the work begun in 2012, dividing responsibilities so that the adult Youth Council focuses on bigger-picture projects, while the youth-staffed YLT shapes and leads week-to-week programming. The Youth Council spent much of the year in prayerful discernment of whether youth should be allowed to serve on the Session and Diaconate. Youth Council members talked with sister churches whose Sessions and Diaconates have youth representation, to learn how the programs worked, and the benefits and challenges those churches have observed. After months of research and thoughtful discussion, the Youth Council recommended to the Session in December 2013 that confirmed youth be permitted to serve in one-year terms (in contrast to the three-year terms served by adults). The Session was to consider the measure at its January 2014 retreat. Youth Council approved the request of the senior high youth to engage in a spiritual pilgrimage to the Iona Community in Scotland in summer 2014. Youth Council also began plans for fundraising for this trip, following Session approval. The spiritual pilgrimage is part of a three-year mission cycle, approved by Youth Council in 2012, that will follow two years of domestic mission. WPC Youth were honored by Rev. Patrice Nelson, Executive Director of Urban Ministries of Durham, in their “Names for Change” campaign (www.namesforchange.org). In the campaign, donors buy “naming rights” to common items needed at UMD. Rev. Nelson bought the naming rights to the WPC Youth Group Bath Towel of Cotton Hugs in November 2013.

43

Youth Council approved a $500 donation from the Ransford Fund to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, earmarked for the Church of the Covenant in Boston, MA. Church of the Covenant hosted WPC youth in summer 2012 following their mission trip to Heifer International’s Outlook Farm, and needed funds to help PDA perform disaster relief in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013.

44

Statistical Report for 2013

45

46

Balance Sheet

47

Revenue & Expenses Summary

48

Summary of Restricted Accounts

49