1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

REPORTS TO THE CONGREGATION
AND CORPORATION
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2910 Central Avenue
Middletown, Ohio
April 26, 2015
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AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING
First Presbyterian Church, Middletown
April 26, 2014
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Minutes of 2013 annual meeting
Report of the Clerk of Session
Mission statement
FPC Staff
Staff Reports
Pastor
Director of Music/Organist
Director of Pre-Kindergarten Readiness
FPC Boards
Committee Reports
Administration and Personnel
Christian Education Committee
Member Development
Mission Committee
Scouting Committee
Board of Deacons Report
Board of Trustees Report
Endowment
Nominating Committee Report
Election of Church Officers
2014 – 2015 Budget Comparisons
Report on Support Funds
Mission gifts and distributions
Consolidated Balance Sheet
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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN, OHIO
Place: The Sanctuary
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Date: March 9, 2014
Moderator: Greg Gibson
The Annual meeting was called to order with prayer at 11:30 a.m. The call and purpose of the meeting was declared.
With over 50 in attendance, a quorum was present.
Minutes of the Annual meeting of January 30, 2013 were presented to the Congregation and after a motion to approve,
were seconded and the motion passed.
The following written reports were noted by the Moderator:
From the Staff: Pastor’s report, Greg Gibson
Director of Music, Joyce Zigler
Pre-Kindergarten Readiness- Paula Fairchild-Elliott
From Committees:
Administration and Personnel, Marty Hensler
Christian Education, Christy Biddle
Member Development, Pat Hathaway
Mission, Marge Wooley
Scouting Ministry, Jennifer Walker
Endowment Oversight, Jim Harris
Board of Deacons, Rebecca Staley
Board of Trustees, Don Burns
There was a motion and second to receive these reports, and the motion carried.
The Nominating committee presented the following slate of candidates for election to office.
Elder- Class of 2016
Diane Gerber
Elder-Class of 2017
Anne Frantz
Andrew Horton
Bill Triick
Ann Veith
Scott Walker
Trustee-Class of 2017
Pat Edwards
Marty Hensler
Joe Newlin
Deacon-Class of 2015 (Youth)
Nathaniel Biddle
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Deacon-Class of 2016 & 2017
Gudrun Seifert
Deacon-Class of 2017
Mary Brehm
Paula Cohen
Linette Curless
Diane Norton
Darrell Templeton
Joyce Triick
Lynne Wiley
The Nominating Committee for 2014 consisted of Larry Anderson, Carol Burns, LaVerne Hopper, Mike Jenkins,
Dolores Malcolm, and Diane Norton. The committee will convene again to select candidates for the Pastor Nominating
Committee after the Transition Team Report has been approved by session and the Presbytery.
After opening the nominations to the floor, there was a motion to elect the slate of candidates as presented. There was
a second, and the motion carried without dissent.
There being no further business, or comments, the meeting adjourned with prayer at 11:50.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mike Jenkins
Clerk of Session
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Report of the Clerk of Session
Membership Rolls
Church Membership on December 31, 2013
Additions by Confession/Reaffirmation of Faith
Additions by Letter of Transfer
Additions by Reinstatement
Sub-Total Add itions
Losses by Dismissal (Letter of Transfer)
Losses by Death
Losses by Removal from Rolls
Losses by Placement on Inactive Roll
Sub-Total Losses
Church Membership on December 31, 2014
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32
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531
Infant Baptisms (1)
Deaths of Members of the First Presbyterian Church
January 1 – December 31, 2014
Alene Key
Marianna Fisher
Dorothy Sherron
Ella Mae Miller
David Dirksen
Louise Lee
Mildred Thomas
Steve Croake
Virginia Max
Janet Perkins
Marian Schnedler
Helen Ramsdell
January 7
January 8
May 9
July 29
August 1
October 14
October 19
November 2
November 5
December 9
December 12
December 23
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The Mission of
First Presbyterian Church
We believe that God has called
our congregation
to SHARE the good news,
to NURTURE the spirit,
and to SERVE members and neighbors.
Staff of First Presbyterian Church
“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:12
Staff Member
Chris Bailey
Amber Boyle
Margaret Chambers
Paula Fairchild-Elliot
Sandy Fisher
Kim Flesher
Gregory Gibson
Kathy Harris
Cheryl Jarbo
Bob Lawwill
Lara Moon
Janet Scott
Ed Soto
Joyce Zigler
Position (year began work at First)
Pastoral Resident (2015)
Director of Christian Education (2014)
Worship Pianist (1998)
Director of Pre-Kindergarten Readiness (2010)
Secretary (2002)
Kindergarten Readiness Teacher (2014)
Interim Pastor (2013)
Administrative Assistant (2006)
Custodian (2006)
Custodian (2008)
Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs (2002)
Director of Handbells (2014)
Pastoral Resident (2014)
Director of Music & Organist (1984)
Message from the Pastor
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This past year has been a time of renewal and transformation for the church. The initial steps we took in 2013 became
leaps and bounds in 2014.
Let’s first look at a few statistics; not that ministry should be measured in numbers, but from the early church (Acts
2:41) growth of the church and conversions at Pentecost witnessed the dynamic faith of believers. We have added 32
new members, pledges increased at least $100,000, and attendance grew at least 30%. The youth group multiplied in
activities, mission, and participation. Our Party on the Lawn welcomed almost 300 members and neighbors on a fall
Saturday afternoon. We took 34 adults on an October three day retreat to the mountains of Virginia. The choir added
several new members and new worship programs were added. Mission went far beyond writing checks to charities.
Our members became involved and, by so doing, they grew in their commitment. Several youth and adults worked on
a summer mission project in Pennsylvania, while we undertook a new relationship with Rosa Parks Elementary School
to provide children personal hygiene items. We reached out to the community with a series of Lenten noon luncheons
which were very well attended.
So how did this all come about? It came about because the leadership of the church found new hope and a willingness
to invest in ministry. We have employed two Pastoral Residents, a Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Christian
Education, and a new Handbell Choir Director. All of the staff have worked extremely hard to provide pastoral care
and to lead worship and mission. The session has returned from a winter retreat with a commitment to grow the
ministry of the church. In the end it is all about relationships and every day we strive to build greater relationships,
with God and between all of us.
As we enter the new year of 2015, I have accomplished many of the goals I had envisioned during this interim period.
The Pastoral Nominating Committee is now hard at work in calling a new pastor and, God willing, in the next few
months you will have a new minister. It has been a privilege to lead you in the preparation for a new pastoral
relationship. I believe the church is now much stronger and hopeful. The Holy Spirit is alive and active in the life of
the church.
It is now time to think about moving from short term to long term goals. Numerous issues face the church in the future.
What will worship look like in the years ahead? How do we reach new members to replace our aging congregation?
How will the church respond to the changing demographics and the tremendous needs of Middletown? Most
importantly where do we see God calling the congregation and where is the Holy Spirit present? As you can well
imagine all the questions are far beyond my pay grade and abilities, so I will wisely and faithfully defer to a much
more astute successor.
Serving the congregation remains one of my life’s greatest joys and professional satisfactions. I can tell you that I have
come to love and cherish so much this time together and count every day I drive to the church a blessing.
In the end, ministry is not measured as much by numbers as it is by love shared. Memories of being with parishioners
in times of need and at death, moments of joy, and celebration all are the inspirations which make this a great calling.
In Christ's name,
Greg
From the Director of Music Ministries (Music and Worship Ministry Team)
Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
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Psalm 96:1, 2
Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
We have been blessed with a year of wonderful and uplifting worship services inspired by the gifts of word and music
with which God has blessed us.
We are excited to have welcomed a new member to our music staff. Janet Scott came on board this fall as Director of
Handbell Choirs. Janet is doing a great job of rebuilding the handbell program which includes teaching handchimes to
our CAAMP Choirs. Janet is also a fine pianist and organist so you will occasionally hear her playing one of those
instruments. It has been a joy to welcome her to our musical family!
We are so grateful for our many volunteer and professional musicians and worship leaders who give so freely of their
time and talents each week. These include the CAAMP Choirs, Ambassadors, Sanctuary Choir, Renaissance Ringers,
instrumentalists, sound technicians, various volunteers, and the professional music staff.
The CAAMP (Christian After-school Art, Music, and Performance Program) Choirs wish to thank Sharon Dowden
who has so faithfully provided and coordinated snacks for this group all year.
A special thank you goes to the Worship and Music Ministry Team who ensures that all things pertaining to worship
are well thought-out and executed. They are also responsible for installing all of the beautiful decorations for every
special service. They are Diana McVay (Chair), Carol Burns, Donna Chaney, Ann Frantz, Jim Harris, Dave Jenkins,
Norma McVay and Kieron Boyle.
A very special weekend of worship and music was created by having the Organ Dinner and Concert on Friday evening
and then welcoming the Central State Choir on Sunday morning. The Chef Cover dinner was delicious and the concert
brought in the largest audience thus far who generously donated $3000 towards the Organ Support Fund and $550
towards Choralfest 2015. On Sunday we were inspired and lifted up by the beautiful voices of the Central State Choir.
A blessed weekend indeed!
From the “regular” Sundays in January through the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, we are blessed and privileged
to serve God and this congregation with His gifts of music.
As you read the musical highlights listed below, may you remember a moment in a service or a concert that touched
your heart and mind in a special way.
Musical highlights of the year include:
 Prepared and shared a dinner for our SHALOM guests
 Celebrated Scouting with a special worship service
 Ash Wednesday Service of Blues and Good News
 Children’s Choralfest 2014
 Palm Sunday
 Maundy Thursday Service
 Easter Celebration Service
 Children’s Musical for Mother’s Day Worship Service
 Choir Recognition Sunday
 Hamilton Praise Team led worship
 Gregg Clark’s Band led worship
 World Communion Sunday
 Kirkin’ of the Tartans Service
 “From Classical to Jazz” Organ Dinner/Concert
 Central State Choir sang for worship
 Christmas Cantata, “The Voices of Christmas” (Sanctuary Choir, Soloists, Narrators, Chamber Orchestra,
Sacred Dancers)
 Family Christmas Service, “The Christmas Chronicles” (CAAMP Children’s Choirs)
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 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
What a joy it is to serve in a church where the love of music and the arts creates a special place to glorify and praise
our risen Lord!
Yours in Christ’s name,
Joyce Zigler - Director of Music Ministries/Organist
From the Director of the Pre-Kindergarten Readiness Program
The Pre-Kindergarten Readiness Program has been at the First Presbyterian Church since the mid 60’s. Dee Emmons
began the program while her husband, Dr. Irvin Emmons, was the pastor here. Three years ago, I met the Emmons’
daughter as she was here for a visit and came downstairs. I talked to her about the program. She stated that her parents
would have been very happy to see that it is still in existence and thriving.
The purpose of our program is to provide kindergarten readiness for children whose families do not qualify for federal
or state-funded programs, but who cannot afford a private preschool program. There has never been a charge for any
child to attend school here.
We are regulated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The State inspects our program once a year and
we strictly follow all their guidelines. We currently have 20 children - ten girls and ten boys. We do not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of all the educational policies or other
activities. Kindergarten readiness is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to
11:30 a.m. in September. Beginning in October, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The goal of our program is to help prepare each child for kindergarten. We include readiness activities in the fields of
reading, numbers, language, art, music, number concepts, finger plays, science, and social studies. We also celebrate
many themes and holidays throughout the year. We work with the children on many different skills - social, small and
large motor, listening, following directions, sharing, and taking turns.
Conferences are held for each child during November/December and late April or early May. Additional conferences
for individual children are held if necessary.
The staff has been trained in First Aid, CPR, Communicable Diseases, and Child Abuse & Neglect. This training is
required every three years, except CPR, which is every two years. We also have in place an emergency plan if the
children need to leave the building, and also have a fire drill plan and a tornado drill plan.
The director and teachers in the program have many years of teaching and education in their backgrounds. I am very
honored to be the Director/lead teacher since July 2010, and look forward to future years. I have BS and MS Degrees
in Elementary Education. I also have a Kindergarten Certification. Kim Flesher joined me as my co-teacher this
school year. Kim and I look forward to fun in learning every day with our students. It has been a joy, a blessing and
very rewarding being with and working with these four and five year-old children.
The financial support of the First Presbyterian Church and the wonderful assistance we receive from the office staff,
custodial staff, and whomever else we ask for help is outstanding! We are forever thankful for the church in sponsoring
this wonderful mission.
Paula Fairchild-Elliott, Director/Lead Teacher
Kim Flesher, Teacher
Boards of First Presbyterian Church
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THE SESSION
2015 (May)
Kieron Boyle
Carol Burns
Kathy Harris
Emily Pheanis
Fred Sauer
2016 (May)
Linda Bursk
Dianne Gerber
Tim Rudd
Katherine Oellerich
Peter Seifert
2017 (May)
Anne Frantz
Andrew Horton
Bill Triick
Ann Veith
Scott Walker
Greg Gibson, Interim Pastor
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2015 (May)
Jim Bruner
Don Burns
Bill Wooley
2016 (May)
Larry Anderson
Donna Chaney
Tricia Neeley
2017 (May)
Pat Edwards
Marty Hensler
Joe Newlin
BOARD OF DEACONS
2015 (May)
Amber Boyle
Bill Bursk
Gregg Clark
Isabella Develen
Judy Karchner
Polly Lorenz
Lynne Wiley
Lisa Wilson
2016 (May)
Patti Gage
Sue Griffey
Pattie Horton
Paul Nisbet
Barbara Pearce
Rebecca Staley
Ann Stoutenborough
Nancy Strait
From the Administration and Personnel Committee
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2017 (May)
Mary Brehm
Paula Cohen
Linette Curless
Diane Norton
Gudrun Seifert
Darrell Templeton
Joyce Triick
Lynne Wiley
2014 was a year of continued change and growth at First Church.
This was a year of transition and the development of staff relationships. We began the year with Karl Duchmann as
resident after which Ed Soto also became a resident on July 1. Karl resigned in October to return to Louisville for
further studies. Ed Soto has carried on the duties as Pastoral Resident in an excellent fashion for the remainder of the
year.
Amber was our Christian Education Director and Youth Director when Amber wanted to limit her duties to directing
the youth. Kara Cover was employed to direct Christian Education, after a brief tenure she elected to return to her
study of Music Education. Amber then graciously returned to the duties of Christian Education through the remainder
of the year.
Joyce Zigler presented a proposal to reinstate the Handbell Choir. A budget was submitted and approved. Janet Scott, a
graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music was hired. This has been a wonderful addition to our music program.
Staff appraisals, including Greg Gibson were completed and reviewed by the Committee.
Sincere thanks goes to the members of this committee for the dedicated work they have done this year. Members
currently in service are Donna Chaney, Dave Francis, Andrew Horton, Judy Karchner, Eldon Mattick, Tricia Neeley,
Paul Nisbet, Katherine Oellerich, Ken Thomas, and Scott Walker.
Many thanks also go to the dedicated staff at First Church. Without their hard work, the programming and operations
would not happen.
Thanks also go to Interim Pastor, Greg Gibson whose leadership has begun the process of teaching us to become a
growing church.
Marty Hensler
Chairman
From the Christian Education Committee
The Christian Education Committee has been hard at work this past year. The Nursery has been open every Sunday for
our infants up to Kindergarten age. Our Sunday School program has been offered each Sunday out of the month
except Communion Sunday. This is for kids in grades K through 6. We have an average of eight kids that attend
Sunday School.
The Youth Group is going strong. Ten wonderful teenagers attend the program every Wednesday evening. They help
with different activities in the church including filling the Easter eggs for our egg hunt, adopting a family for our
Christmas basket program, helping move our “rummage” for the rummage sale, etc… They went on a mission trip
over the summer in Pennsylvania and attended a spring and summer camp at The Kirkmont Center.
We have a middle school youth group that is small in numbers but they do a lot around our church. They meet on the
second and fourth Sunday of every month. They held a bake sale at our annual rummage sale and raised money to
sponsor our Mt. Pleasant tea party in December, gave out Valentines to our church members who reside at Mt.
Pleasant, spent an evening with our Shalom guests, adopted a family for our Christmas basket program, etc… We look
forward to this group growing in numbers.
The Christian Education Committee has also helped with the Easter Egg hunt on Palm Sunday, held the Advent
workshop in early December, and helped with a successful Vacation Bible School in June.
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Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who helped make all this happen this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Amber Boyle
From the Member Development and Communications Team
Our team’s responsibilities is to identify and welcome visitors, to integrate new members into the church and to
encourage and facilitate the involvement of our church family and friends.
Visitor information is gathered from the fellowship pads in the pews each Sunday Morning. We also greet and meet
our friends at the church services, in the Gathering Area on Sundays and during special events and activities. Visitors
are sent welcome cards with a note from the Pastor. They also receive phone calls from a team member or staff.
Public communications are a part of the responsibilities of the MDC team. Newsworthy announcements about special
events, church services, ongoing activities and special projects are included. News sources include the Middletown
Journal, WMUB and Presbytery of the Miami Valley.
Ladies at LaRosa’s meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. This has been a successful monthly event for the
past 13 years. Anyone is welcome and please come and enjoy a fun and casual evening with the gals!!
The Annual Party on the Lawn was held Saturday, September 20, and the turn-out was most successful. The children
enjoyed playing the games and taking part in the activities. Everyone enjoyed the picnic supper and great music by
Gregg Clark and Friends.
The highlights for 2014 were as follows:
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Hosted New Member reception
Created new visitor bags
Sponsored the Mount Pleasant Bus Transportation Project
Hosted a Lenten Luncheon
Worked with our SHALOM friends in the evenings with recreation and conversations
Advertised church special services and events
The Member Development and Communication Team members are: Larry Anderson, Amber Boyle, Sue Griffey, Pat
Hathaway, Nancy Peterson, Peter Seifert, and Tom Zigler.
Pat Hathaway, Chair
From the Mission Committee
Your mission committee members are Linda Bursk, Larry Anderson, Chris Beatty, Joyce Christy, Dianne Gerber, Ted
Miller, Fay Smillie, Darrell Templeton, and Marge Wooley. The chairmanship has recently moved from Dianne
Gerber to our present chairman Linda Bursk.
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We have spent many hours discussing what the past and current missions of the church have looked like. With that
information at hand we have been able to look to the future of the mission of the church with regard to the
international, region and local needs of those communities. Our members are a wealth of information. We all have
different life, career, community, and church experiences, giving us various perspectives from which to draw, as we
continue the mission of our church.
We continued to support our international missionaries, with gifts to the Outreach Foundation for the Emergency
Medical Care Fund of Dr. and Mrs. John Fowler in Turkey, and Nancy Collins in Zambia. We participated in the
Vacation Bible School well projects to help dig wells in a third world country. We contributed to the Heifer
Foundation International, which provided farm animals for third world farmers.
Regionally, One Way Farm was a recipient of a gift from our Mission Committee. One Way Farm is a facility that
houses children who have suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of their parents. The children are placed there
through the court system. We also contributed to Mission 85, which is located in Clintonville, Ohio. Through the
Church on Como, a ministry for young women and men is available, which includes life coaching and recovery
assistance and provides homes for these young people.
Locally, funds were disbursed to the Mt. Pleasant Life Care Fund to assist the needs of our members living there,
Comprehensive Counseling, which provides counseling for those in need, and Hope House, our local homeless shelter.
We continued our support of our Kindergarten Readiness Program. In addition, we provided funding for the SHALOM
Program and Young Life. We continue to provide for the FISH Fund as part of our local outreach to the community.
Early in the year we made a commitment to discover projects in which we as a congregation can become personally
involved in mission. We were pleased to supplement the Youth Mission trip to Pennsylvania and the Men's Mission
trip to New Orleans. The congregation continues to be generous supporters of the Giving Tree through their donations
of school supplies and monetary giving. This enthusiasm, and the 55 years of support of the Kindergarten Readiness
Program, brought to our attention how important educating children is to our congregation. It wasn’t long until we had
partnered with Rosa Parks Elementary School to help these students with their physical comforts by providing personal
hygiene products through donations by the congregation. It is our hope that knowing they are loved and in a small way
comforted, these students can focus on learning and making a good life for themselves, their families and their
community. The congregation has responded with great enthusiasm. We have encouraged the social worker at the
school to contact us when a need arises. We are helping with the weekly unloading of weekend food backpacks and
delivering them to the classrooms.
This is an example of the hands-on mission that is important for our congregation. We will continue to open ourselves
to new projects as they are brought to our attention.
Dianne Gerber,
Committee Member
From the Scouting Ministry
Venture Crew 1
Crew One has been busy this year! We have become the standard by which Crews are measured in our district. We
have added five new recruits to our fold. We represented our Chartered Organization by being the only Crew to attend
a spring Camp-o-Ree in several years. We took a trip to a college town and gave our young adults a glimpse into the
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future of college life. We spent several nights camping at Hueston Woods and attended Peterloon 2014 (Peterloon is
held every two years and is the largest and longest-running camp out in this area for scouts). We rang in the New Year
together at our beloved church as a family and had a great time doing so! We held our first-annual Amazing Race
helping 11 Boy Scouts and 13 Girl Scouts advance in rank. We made delicious subs for the super bowl as a fundraiser.
We also participated in the Scout Sunday service. Our volunteer commitments included helping extensively with Cub
Scout Pack One, aiding with Christmas Basket distribution, and sponsoring a SHALOM dinner and entertaining
guests, working a table at the National Night Out, Work Day at the church, and an entire day of helping run the district
event “Spook-o-Ree.” This year we look forward to recruiting new faces, spending more time outdoors, and improving
our life skills such as cooking, camping, filling out job applications, interviewing, college application and scholarship
application, and the tried and true skills the Boy Scouts have taught for over 100 years now.
Cub Scout Pack 1
With the switch in leadership, it’s been an eventful year for Pack 1! We currently have seven registered adults, and the
boys are looking forward to earning ranks. We are happy to say by the end of April at least 75% of our boys will have
earned rank including two boys who have crossed over to Troop One! Our current number of registered scouts will be
increasing with Spring Sign Ups. We forecast to have approximately 32 registered scouts after Spring Recruitment.
This past year we camped at Chilo Yurts and Twin Creek (Camp Hook) Metropark, learning about hiking, safety in
nature, Leave No Trace, and had a lot of fun with campfire songs and games. We enjoyed fun activities throughout the
school year so far such as a Halloween Party, cake bake auction, Winterfest International party, Scout Sunday with
Blue & Gold Banquet, and last but not least an awesome Pinewood Derby race! We are looking forward to our
upcoming Cross Over party that will end the den meetings for the school year, and then we will be set to start our
summer fun activities. This year we look forward to a new Scout curriculum that starts in May. We are excited for
some of our upcoming events this year such as campouts at Twin Creek, Possum Creek, and Cub World! We also have
some day outings and picnics planned for Armco Park and the National Air Force Museum. Starting in the fall we will
have tons of activities as we get back to weekly meetings and monthly events such as Cub-o-Ree, Spook-o-Ree, and
Pack meetings.
May our heavenly Scoutmaster watch over us and all ordinary Scouts, and may we follow the trail that leads to Him.
Jennifer Walker - Chartered Organization Representative, Scott Walker - Scoutmaster, Troop 1,
Kelly Wilder - Committee Chair, Jeff Wilder - Crew 1 Advisor, Brandi Earls - Cub Master, Pack 1
From the Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons has had a full and rewarding year. We continue our most noticeable work as ushers and greeters
for each and every service. We have willing members available for their assigned task and willing to change and fill in
as needed.
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We continue to offer coffee and cookies or snacks for our Fellowship Hour before and after the church Worship
Service. Several of these were bountiful for special occasions including our guest choirs.
Pattie Horton with hours of work successfully headed up the Christmas Basket Program again this year. Many
deacons, past deacons, and scouts helped make this a wonderful ministry.
Suppers for Six continues with Bill Bursk inviting new members to join in the home suppers.
Christian Education Committee is looking to expand since their services continue to grow.
Rebecca Staley kept us on target to send each member a birthday card in a timely manner with Sandy mailing them
from the office.
Rev. Greg and Mary Beth Gibson started our new Care Givers Group. We individually made a commitment to come to
a training session and take one or two members to visit or call once a month. This could include a member who is ill or
homebound. We want to be helpful and let them know that we the church care. We had a second training session,
which also included others that are not currently deacons. Our visits are to supplement the pastors’ calls and to be
sounding board for other needs. We commissioned nine caregivers to carry out this new program on March 8.
A number of memorial receptions were planned and carried out for members who had lost a loved one. These range
from cookies and coffee to full sit-down lunches.
It’s been a good year.
Ann Stoutenborough
Moderator
From the Board of Trustees
During 2014, your Board of Trustees worked diligently to oversee the income and expenditures associated with both
the General Operating Budget and the Buildings and Grounds Account. Both accounts ended the year in solid financial
condition.
The Trustees play an important role in the ongoing activities of most of the churches operating committees including:
Administration and Personnel, Endowment, Music/Worship Ministry Team, Nominating, Stewardship, and
Scholarship.
Many volunteers join with the Trustees to accomplish many tasks involving the buildings and grounds. Bill Wooley,
our current chair of this committee, works tirelessly to ensure that the buildings are kept in good repair and the entire
grounds are beautifully maintained.
Please thank all of the Trustees for their service: Larry Anderson, Jim Bruner (Vice Chairman), Donna Chaney, Pat
Edwards (Assistant Treasurer/Secretary), Tricia Neeley (Treasurer), Joe Newlin, Marty Hensler, and Bill Wooley.
Kathy Harris and Rev. Greg Gibson are much appreciated as regular staff support.
Don Burns, Chairman
From the Endowment Oversight Committee
The committee met 3 times in the past year. Normally, there are 4 meetings but the February 2015 meeting was
cancelled due to weather. Each meeting was approximately 45 days following the close of the fiscal quarter. The
committee consists of Trish Neeley, Joe Newlin, Jim Bruner, Don Burns, and Jim Harris.
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Jim Bruner is leaving the committee and being replaced by Carl Fiora.
The endowment is currently managed by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank and our personal representative from that institution
is Andy Williams.
Each meeting consisted of a review of the past quarter’s fund performance by the committee and the Chase
representative, along with a review of the current economic situation and the near term outlook.
The committee continues to be satisfied with the performance results of this actively managed account.
Jim Harris, Chair
From the Nominating Committee
The following are nominated to serve on the boards:
Elders - Class of 2018
Deacons – Class of 2018
Margaret Fiora
Nancy Peterson
Tom Scott
Beth Susco
Darrell Templeton
Bill Bursk
Gregg Clark
Carol Croake
Denise Dennison
Nancy Fraunfelter
Judy Karchner
Becky Rudd
Lisa Wilson
Trustees - Class of 2018
Don Pelfrey
John Peterson
Bill Wooley
2014 Nominating Committee
Carol Burns (Elder)
Mike Jenkins (Elder)
Diane Norton (Deacon)
Larry Anderson (Trustee)
Dolores Malcom (at-large)
Deacons – Class 2017
Chuck Barton
2014 Financial Statements - 2015 Budgets
Operating Budget
2014
ACTUAL
2014
BUDGET
16
2015*
BUDGET
$
CHANGE
Income
Pledged Contributions
Unpledged Contributions
2014 Surplus
Loose Offering
Per Capita
Miscellaneous Income
Total
$ 318,512
43,648
25,383
6,927
219
1,371
$ 396,060
$ 302,717
27,000
25,383
5,000
4,000
900
$ 365,000
$ 388,400
10,000
6,000
1,000
500
$ 405,900
$ 85,683
(17,000)
(25,383)
1,000
(3,000)
(400)
$ 40,900
Expenses
Personnel
Church Administration
Christian Nurture
CAAMP
Music/Worship
Stephen Ministry
Facilities Upkeep
Mission Giving
Member Development
Stewardship
Total
$ 284,004
23,866
7,234
446
9,691
228
7,401
17,310
3,040
3,082
$ 356,302
$ 300,684
20,500
7,700
500
7,150
200
6,500
17,310
2,200
0
$ 362,744
$ 321,900
28,300
8,600
500
10,150
250
7,700
22,500
3,000
3,000
$ 405,900
$ 21,216
7,800
900
0
3,000
50
1,200
5,190
800
3,000
$ 43,156
$
97,000
$
97,000
$ 100,000
$
3,000
$
18,939
10,605
5,975
570
2,260
6,976
50,480
95,805
$
17,000
10,000
6,000
1,000
2,300
8,000
52,700
97,000
18,500
11,500
6,000
1,000
2,300
7,000
53,700
$ 100,000
$
1,500
1,500
0
0
0
(1,000)
1,000
3,000
Buildings & Grounds
Income
Endowment Distribution
Expenses
Building Maintenance
Grounds Maintenance
Maintenance Contracts
Manse Maintenance
Manse Taxes
Insurance
Utilities
Total
$
$
*2015 Budgets recommended by Trustees & approved by Session - 12/11/2014
SUPPORT FUNDS SUMMARY
Established by the Trustees, Support Funds are used for projects and ministry beyond the scope of the operating
budget. Income into the funds comes from one or more of the following sources: memorials; bequests; special gifts;
fund raising efforts and money market interest.
17
SUPPORT FUND
12/31/2014
BALANCE
Christmas Baskets
$
Contingency
2,879
157,000
HIGHLIGHTS
Food & supplies for Deacons’ Salvation Army program.
Staff computers, Financial Audit, Church Van, Kirkmont
loan, roof repairs, interior painting.
Deacons
1,268
No major expenditures or receipts.
Kirkmont Camperships
2,470
Provided camp scholarships to members and friends.
Memorial
29,013
Undesignated memorial gifts are received into this fund.
Mission
16,316
See “Mission Gifts & Disbursements” Report.
Music
2,721
Purchase new banners and microphones. Receipts
from member gifts & gift card sale profits.
Organ
15,702
Maintenance work on organ. Receipts include gifts from the
Organ Concert.
Special Projects
17,736
Manse update, Session retreat, Party On the Lawn
entertainment, Mt. Pleasant bus service, Youth mission trip
support
Scholarship/Grants
40,422
Provides scholarships to college students. Old loan
repayments deposited into this account.
Youth Fellowship
1,486
Funding for Mission trip. Receipts from GFS rebates
and paper recycling deposited into this account.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – 2014 MISSION GIVING HIGHLIGHTS
MISSION SUPPORT FUND DISTRIBUTIONS *
DESIGNATED CONGREGATIONAL GIFTS
18
Local/International Financial Support
Miami Valley Presbytery
Outreach Foundation6,
Mt. Pleasant Life Care Fund
Hope House
Heifer Foundation
PC(USA) African Well Project
Young Life
Big Brother & Sisters
ILAM
Abilities First Foundation
One Way Farm
Missionary Travel Assistance
Church-Sponsored Programs Support
Kindergarten Readiness Program
FISH Program Funding
Youth Mission Trip
Prayer Shawls Ministry
$12,000
6,000
2,000
1,500
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
500
500
600
$28,100
$ 9,200
4,500
1,000
607
$15,307
Giving Tree – Student Backpacks
Christmas Baskets
FISH Fund (Gifts/Christmas Memorials)
SHALOM (Lenten Lunch proceeds)
PC(USA) One Great Hour of Sharing
PC(USA) Christmas Joy
30-Hour Famine (Youth)
Group Cares (VBS offering)
Family Services – Easter memorials
PC(USA) Peacemaking
SHALOM (member gifts)
PC(USA) Pentecost
Family Services Food Pantry-Souper Bowl
One Way Farm - Pentecost
Parachute - Peacemaking
Clothing Depot (Women’s Circle)
Center of Hope (Women’s Circle)
$ 2,975
2,900
1,928
750
720
607
530
525
490
325
302
262
135
110
109
75
59
$12,802
* The Mission Support Fund is funded through specific
bequests and member gifts.
FISH Fund Distributions
$ 5,975
19
First Presbyterian Church
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2014
Assets
First Financial Bank – Checking
Chase Bank – Building & Grounds
Endowment Funds
Support Funds Money Market
Petty Cash
TOTAL
$
87,459
1,545
1,677,940
247,432
200
$2,014,576
Property & Equipment
Land, Buildings, Furniture & Equipment
1,420,322
Total Assets
$3,434,898
Liabilities
Transfer/Escrow Accounts
Ongoing & Gift Funds
2015 Prepaid Pledges
TOTAL
$
1,812
207
45,750
$
Membership Equity
47,769
$3,387,129
Total Liabilities & Equity
20
$3,434,898