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Annual Report
June 2014 – May 2015
Peace Lutheran Church
1699 Belvidere Street
El Paso, Texas 79912
915-584-1383
Office email: [email protected]
Website: peacelutheranelp.org
Facebook: Peace Lutheran Church, El Paso TX
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
Table of Contents
2015 Annual Meeting Agenda ......................................................................... 3
2014-2015 Meeting Minutes...............................................................................
2014 Annual Meeting (May 2014)...............................................................4-5
2014-2015 Special Congregational Meeting (Feb 2015) ................................ 6
List of Church Council Representatives ........................................................ 7
President’s Report .........................................................................................8-9
Interim Pastor’s Report ............................................................................10-11
Treasurer’s Report ....................................................................................12-13
2015-2016 Budget ...................................................................................14-17
Preschool Director’s Report .....................................................................18-20
Youth Director’s Report ...........................................................................21-22
Music Director’s Report ................................................................................ 23
Worship Committee Report .......................................................................... 24
Rocky Mountain Synod 2015 Summary ...................................................... 25
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
2015 Annual Meeting Agenda
Peace Lutheran Church
May 3, 2015
10:15am
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call to Order and Opening Prayer
Approval of 2014-2015 Minutes
Approval of Church Council Representatives
Reports
a. President – Herb Janssen
b. Treasurer – Susan Long
i. 2015-2016 Budget
c. Preschool Director – Barbara Stegmiller
d. Youth Director – Hannah Drewes
e. Music Director – Steve Jones
f. Worship Committee – Debbie Gutierrez
5. Other
6. Adjournment and Lord's Prayer
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
2014-2015 Meeting Minutes
2014 Annual Meeting
Peace Lutheran Church
Minutes from Congregational Annual Meeting
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Call to Order / Attendance
The meeting was called to order with opening prayer at 10:15am by Church Council President
Herbert Janssen; an attendance sheet was passed among the attendees and is maintained in
the church office. A quorum of members was present.
Presentation of Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the April 21, 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting, the June 2, 2013 Special
Congregational Meeting and the April 14, 2014 Special Congregational Meeting were accepted
as presented.
Presentation of Executive Committee
Roster of executive committee members was read: Herbert Janssen (president), Frankie
Sweetnam (vice president), Susan Long (treasurer), John Matyi (secretary) and Gary Dakolios
(financial secretary).
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business from the prior annual meeting of 4/21/2013 nor from the
special congregational meetings held 6/2/2013 and 4/14/2014.
New Business and Reports
>Office and Youth Director Hannah Drewes provided an update on the health of Pastor Jon
Hundt, who has been hospitalized a number of times since March 2, 2013 and is currently on
disability leave from church duties.
>President Janssen thanked Chaplain Glenn Palmer for the pastoral leadership he has provided
at Sunday worship services during the absence of Pastor Hundt. The attendees recognized
Chaplain Palmer with an appreciative round of applause.
>Treasurer Susan Long presented the treasurer’s report that included fiscal year ending
5/31/14 projected receipts and expenditures, and new fiscal year 6/1/2014-5/31/2015
proposed budget. The treasurer’s report was accepted by unanimous voice vote as presented.
Ms. Long requested that members continue their weekly offerings with a reminder that four
member families will soon be departing the El Paso area.
Karen Benuska expressed appreciation for the service provided by Ms. Long and
asked that we strive as a congregation for 10% benevolence allocation
Sandy Matyi inquired about fund balances; Ms. Long responded that church fund
accounts have a total balance of approximately $21,000
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Shirley Moe encouraged the congregation to recognize that the currently
stressed financial situation is temporary and can be improved.
Following discussion, the treasurer’s report was accepted as presented.
>Pre-School Director Barbara Stegmiller presented the pre-school report, stating that
enrollment remains strong at 225 students. Ms. Stegmiller expressed desire to obtain
accreditation for the pre-school which would enhance school curriculum and reputation.
Ms. Stegmiller was complimented for her administration and the positive
performance of the pre-school.
>Office and Youth Director Hannah Drewes summarized her activities and job duties, stating
that her initial image for Youth Director differed from the actual experience. Ms. Drewes
related that she communicates with other churches, offering to assist and help grow their
youth activities.
Ms. Drewes was complimented for the administrative and leadership assistance
that she has provided during the illness and absence of Pastor Hundt.
>Other Discussion Items
Ann Nicolaou recommended that a follow-up, interim congregational meeting
occur to monitor progress
Peter Nicolaou requested that church council meeting minutes be distributed
electronically (email).
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned with prayer at 11:10am.
Respectfully submitted,
John Matyi
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2014-2015 Meeting Minutes
2014-2014 Special Congregational Meeting
Special Congregational Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2015
Frankie Sweetnam, Vice President, called the meeting to order at 10:30 am. It was
determined that a quorum of the membership was present, with forty-one members
in attendance. Pastor Dalene Fuller Rogers opened the meeting with prayer.
The council members in attendance introduced themselves and gave a brief
description of their position on the council. They were: Frankie Sweetnam, Vice
President; Susan Long, Treasurer; Debbie Gutierrez, Worship; and Bob LaSerre,
Trustee. Due to the absence of the council secretary, Susan Long was designated
to record the meeting minutes.
Frankie Sweetnam announced that the purpose of the special meeting is to adopt
the Constitution and Bylaws for Peace Lutheran Church, as revised and presented
by the church council; and that it is the recommendation of the church council to
adopt the revised Constitution and Bylaws, as presented. Karen Benuska made
the motion to adopt the revised Constitution and Bylaws, as presented; and
Don Atkinson seconded the motion. Frankie Sweetnam then called for discussion
of the motion. Hector Gutierrez mentioned the informational meeting held after the
worship service on February 1st during which the review of the changes to the
constitution and bylaws allowed for questions and commentary by the members
present, and he expressed support for adoption of the motion. There was no further
discussion; and Donna Starnes called for the vote to be taken. Motion passed.
Frankie Sweetnam asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made and
seconded by various members; motion passed. Bob LaSerre closed the meeting
with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Long
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Peace Lutheran Church
Church Council 2015-2016
Frankie Sweetnam
John Matyi
Susan Long
Bob LaSerre
Hector Gutierrez
Jennifer Graham
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Peace Lutheran Church
Council President’s Report
Herb Janssen
May 2015
Council membershipNew Council members were added during the year to replace two members who moved from our
community. The council has continued to meet regularly each month to discuss issues involving
Peace Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran Preschool and our involvement in God’s world. We
look forward to a future where Peace Lutheran Church continues to be “God’s Work, Our
Hands.”
Financials/BudgetOver the past year, contributions have been approximately 96% of the anticipated amount. This
decrease in income has been offset by a decrease in expenditures, primarily due to a decreased
expenditure for pastoral support. We are ending the year with a deficit, but hope some of that
amount can be reduced by our current “Decrease the Deficit Campaign.”
The budget for the upcoming year was discussed at the church meeting held last Sunday. This
will be presented in more depth by our treasurer, Ms. Susan Long.
Stewardship CommitteeA stewardship committee is being formed to help lead our church forward in this area.
Stewardship has many faces. These include your time and talents --- as well as your financial
support of the church and its outreach to the local, national, and international community.
Peace Lutheran PreschoolPeace Lutheran Church Preschool is currently at full capacity. Ms. Barbara Stegmiller is doing
an excellent job as Director of the Preschool. This has included, but is not limited to, retaining
previous students, recruiting new students, developing special programs for the church, and
fundraising. All members and friends of Peace Lutheran are encouraged to participate in the
activities at the Preschool.
Barbara would like to expand the Preschool curriculum to include elementary school years one
and two. She will provide additional information regarding activities at the Preschool.
Pastoral supportWe are grateful to Ch. Glenn Palmer, Ch. Jeff Swanson and Pr. Rose Mary Sanchez-Guzman
who provided pastoral support for Peace Lutheran Church in our time of need. They each gave of
their time and talents to support our Church – and with God’s guidance provided stability in an
unsettled time.
Continued on next page
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Council President’s Report continued
AttendanceAttendance has fluctuated during the year, but is remaining stable. We anticipate this stability
will continue and attendance will continue to increase during the upcoming next year.
Cell phone towerThe attorneys who represented the cell phone company and Peace Lutheran Church were
appreciative of the plaques they were given by the church. They informed us that the complete
and total exoneration of the church opens the door to the possibility of renewing a contract with a
cell phone company in the future if the congregation so elects.
Intentional Interim Pastor Dalene Fuller-RogersPastor Dalene started as the intentional interim pastor at Peace Lutheran in January 2015. The
concept of an “intentional” interim pastor is new to the church and is opening new possibilities
that were previously unexplored. These include development of new policies and procedures to
ensure the long-term stability and well-being of our church. In addition Pastor Dalene is guiding
the church through the development of the ministry site profile, the development of the transition
team, and the call process.
Transition TeamAs a part of the intentional interim process, Pastor Dalene has established a transition team to
help Peace Lutheran Church explore the needs of our community, the needs of our church, and
the talents of our members as we move through this time of transition and call of a new pastor.
This transition team will assist in developing the ministry site profile for the church. Once
complete, this document will be provided to the Bishop and the Rocky Mountain Synod in
preparation for the call process.
Call CommitteeA call committee will be established and will work with the Bishop and the Rocky Mountain
Synod to identify a new pastor for Peace Lutheran Church. One goal of the intentional interim
pastor is to help guide the Church through this process and to the most successful conclusion
possible. This is based on information gained by the transition team and development of the
ministry site profile.
To the congregationThank you for allowing me to serve on the Peace Lutheran Church Council. I was humbled to
have been asked to serve on the committee for two years and honored to be allowed to serve as
president. I hope to continue to serve the Church in other ways during the upcoming year.
I ask for your continued prayers and support for Peace Lutheran Church, our sister Lutheran
Churches in the community, The Rocky Mountain Synod, and the Lutheran Church throughout
the world. May we all give thanks for the continued blessings that allow us to serve and worship
God and to truly be “His Works, Our Hands” in the world.
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Interim Pastor’s Report
Having been called to serve as your interim pastor in January 2015, my knowledge of
the Church’s history and ministry in 2014 is limited to the stories and reports I have had
access to from numerous valid sources. What is clear to me at this point is that Peace
Lutheran Church is a congregation of faithful people who care deeply about their church
and have a passion for revitalizing their ministries. As disciples who have shown great
resiliency, I sense a hopefulness that God will provide all that is needed to call a new
lead pastor to walk with this congregation into the future that gradually unfolds.
My main responsibility as an interim pastor is to be intentional in carrying out the tasks
of an interim ministry program in this particular setting. I began by listening to anyone
and everyone who wished to tell me about their joys and concerns as participants in the
life of Peace. I heard the grief, the anger, the frustration, the disappointments and the
latent desire to heal and move on. Before launching into the first interim task of
reviewing the church history, we spent time during Lenten programs focusing on
transformation, including a worship service devoted specifically to “Liberating Hope”.
A hearty group gathered in the fellowship hall on history Sunday, working in small
groups to rediscover and discuss aspects of the church’s history that are worthy of
carrying forward into the future. This is the beginning of creating a current church
identity that will contribute to the Ministry Site Profile that will be the document
presenting information about Peace Lutheran used to match us up with likely candidates
who will be best suited to guide and support the congregation in fulfilling the hopes and
dreams that continue to emerge.
The next step in the process is already underway with the creation of the Transition
Team, who will be carrying out “Asset Mapping” to gain more input about what
programs and functions of church ministry the members and participants of the church
have the energy and commitment to bring to a level of success. Lutheran pastor, Luther
Snow, is the creator of asset mapping, and this evocative process has been used
successfully throughout the ELCA. Did I mention it is done in small groups and its fun?!
The goal is to have 100% participation from all those who have a vested interest and
commitment to the future of Peace Lutheran Church. The asset mapping small groups
will be held in a few members’ homes who have graciously offered to host a meeting, as
well as the occasional small group after worship in the fellowship hall. For those who
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are unable to leave their home to attend these workshops, I will be offering a home visit
to assist with completion of a questionnaire. As a last resort option to reach 100%
participation those who request a printed questionnaire or an online version through
Survey Monkey, we will create one.
As soon as the Transition Team feels all avenues of input have been exhausted, the
collated information that’s been gathered will be translated into the format needed for
the Ministry Site Profile (MSP). The MSP will be presented to the Church Council for
review and final input before submission to the Rocky Mountain Synod office. Once we
reach this point, the time I need to give to intentional interim tasks will drop and my
weekly hours of ministry with you will be reduced in consultation with the Executive
Committee.
In addition to the interim developmental tasks described above, I have spent many
hours creating an infrastructure at Peace that has been weak or missing. We now have
stronger personnel policies and job descriptions, evaluations have been conducted,
Stewardship has been expanded into a comprehensive concept to be carried out by a
team approach, a policy for building use is being created, and the Synod guidelines for
the protection of children and vulnerable adults is on its way to completion and Council
approval. As you can see, I’m an advocate of team ministry and not committees that
spend hours meeting to talk about actions rather than being role models and solicitors
of disciples to carry out the work that needs to be done to keep the church vital, vibrant,
creative and enthusiastic.
Finally, the apostle Paul expressed how I feel about the people of Peace Lutheran when
he wrote to the Christians in Ephesians:
15-19
That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your
outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time
I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of Jesus
Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally,
your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp
the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of
his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
Faithfully and gratefully,
Pastor Dalene Fuller Rogers
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
Treasurer’s Report
Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Enclosed is the proposed 2015-2016 budget which has been reviewed by the congregation
council in addition to being reviewed with the congregation members that were able to
participate in the budget review meeting held after worship on April 26 th. On behalf of the
council, I say “Thank You!” for taking the time to share your questions, concerns, and ideas that
you have regarding the proposed costs of our ministry plan for 2015 – 2016.
The five columns in the budget represent our past, present, and future. In the past (FY 13-14)
we adopted a breakeven budget and ended the year with a deficit of ($ 4,657). This deficit was
a result of an 18% decline in congregational offerings which was partially offset by reducing
expenses where possible. Our present adopted budget (FY 14-15) is a deficit budget of
($24,447) but we are projected to end the year with a lesser deficit of ($8,943). This reduced
deficit has been due to a significant reduction in pastoral leadership expenses (due to the
disability status of our prior pastor) which has been partially offset by a 4% decline in budgeted
offering income. Fortunately we have had sufficient cash reserves in the general operating fund
to absorb the past and present deficits; and we are projected to end the present year with
approximately $35,000 in the general fund.
However, the proposed budget for the future (FY 15-16) projects a deficit of ($56,764):
Congregational offerings are projected to be $161,200 ---the same as this fiscal year’s budget;
and the projected costs of our ministry plan are $218,663 compared to $164,986 in this year’s
budget. The significant increase in the projected costs is in the category of pastoral leadership.
As we will shortly begin the process of calling a pastor, these costs have been projected based
on hiring an ELCA pastor with: 1) 10 years of experience and 2) providing health insurance
benefits for a family. Both of these costs have changed since we called a pastor in 2012. The
Rocky Mountain Synod-ELCA revised the compensation guidelines in 2014 and not only
increased the baseline level of compensation (low range), but also increased the salary for each
year of experience (high range). In 2012, a salary of $49,087 was recommended for a pastor
with 10 years of service. In 2015, the recommended salary is $62,537. The increase in the
salary increases the costs of providing pension and health benefits; and in prior years we
provided health insurance for the pastor only and did not incur costs related to family coverage
which is significantly more than for an individual. The cost projection of $100,298 assumes that
the pastor is called effective June 1, 2015 and that the pastor is paid $ 62,537 plus the
recommended social security allowance.
Other budget line items which increased include church administration and trustees. In church
administration, the secretary/youth minister job position has been split into two part-time
positions in order to better match the job skills each position requires. The salary is estimated
based on different hourly rates for each position. The replacement of a laptop has also been
projected as well as utilizing the services of a third party vendor for administrating payroll
processing and reporting. Overall, these items increased the budget by $ 2,800. The trustees’
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
budget increased by $ 2,400 due to allotting more funds for maintenance and increased utility
costs.
To help offset these increased costs, preschool support has been reduced to zero for FY 15-16.
The preschool has experienced full enrollment over the past year which has resulted in net
income ahead of budget with church support not needed at this time.
Obviously, the projected general fund of $35,000 will not cover the projected deficit of
($56,764). So what do we do? First, it is unlikely that our pastoral leadership costs will actually
be $100,298 because we will have our interim pastor on staff for a good part of the year. If our
interim pastor is here all year, the budgeted costs will be $67,093, the deficit will be ($23,559),
and we will end the year with general funds of $13,000. If our interim pastor is here for 10
months and a new pastor for 2 months, the pastoral leadership costs will be $75,177, the deficit
($31,642), and we will end the year with general funds of $ 5,000. Under either scenario, we
will make it through this year…but not with enough resources to move forward into the next
year in which we will be faced with the fully increased costs for an ELCA pastor. That is why we
are continuing to project the ($56,764) deficit in this year’s budget. We do not want to lose
sight of the challenge before us as we form a vital and active stewardship team and program
which will challenge us and help us strengthen our ministry today so we are here tomorrow.
As we now celebrate what Peace is and is doing, let us also strengthen the foundation by which
Peace will continue to move into the future.
Yours in Christ,
Susan N. Long, Treasurer
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Budget 1
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Budget 2
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Budget 3
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Budget 4
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Peace Lutheran Preschool’s 2014-2015 Annual Report
“Every child included. Every child a world of potential”
Mission Statement
Peace Lutheran Preschool is committed to providing a safe, loving and Christian environment,
filled with developmentally appropriate learning experiences for every child. Through a
cooperative partnership between parents, staff, and Peace Lutheran Church, our mission is to
nurture children, to develop positive strengths, ethics, and skills necessary to fulfill God’s
purpose for their lives and to meet the challenges of our world.
A letter from the Director,
Dear Congregation,
As Peace Preschool’s Director and I reflected on the Fiscal Year 2014-2015, I would have to say
this was an amazing year for Peace and I can’t believe me I am going on my 4th year already.
Through the outstanding dedication of the Peace staff, the families of the children we serve,
Peace Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran School Board and strong community partnerships.
Peace was able to achieve new heights this past fiscal year Some of Peace’s most notable
accomplishments include:
Being voted for El Paso’s Best Preschool for three years running now from local
businesses.
The amazing and consistent teaching staff that are not only degreed teachers but offer
an unbelievable enrichment program that includes math, science, language arts, music,
Spanish and Physical Education.
Parent/staff relationships grew stronger this year with formation of a strong Parent’s for
Peace Association. Start- up of a mandatory volunteer program for fundraisers at Peace
for parents and family member’s that works. These are family orientated fundraiser’s
that don’t break parent’s pocket books. Fundraising events include Scholastic Book Fair,
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
Christmas Store, Rummage Sales, 1 Mile Fun/Walk A Thon, Peace t-shirts, Kids Eat Free
Cards, Bake Sales and just recently our 2nd Annual Art Show.
Utilizing a well-rounded curriculum that not only meets the needs of the whole child but
integrates the Texas Teks.
Establishing Community Partnership with outside sources such as PDNAEYC (El Paso Del
Norte Education for Young Children, Head Start and recently E.L.E.A) that offer
continuous professional development to our staff.
Providing outreach, materials, donations, toys, clothing and food three times a year to
the Women’s Battered Shelter, El Paso Food Depository and St. Jude’s Hospital.
Wonderful volunteers that provide safety to our families every morning rain, sleet or
shine.
A supportive congregation who offers nothing but positive feedback.
Creating an advertising page in El Paso Buzz that is seen by many families on the west
side which has brought in many new families to our school. Our current enrollment is
235 the highest it’s been in 3 years and Peace already has 191 children registered for
next year not including elementary.
The creation of a facebook page that is constantly updated with educational materials
for parents, information of what’s happening at the school and pictures of past and
present events.
The creation of our 1st ever working, up to date webpage, thanks to Pamela Olivas a very
dedicated mom.
A new summer camp program that offers Peace teacher’s a time to shine in their
degreed area of teaching across all curricular areas of academics and cognitive growth.
Camps included this year are;
literature/language arts, Spanish explorers, soccer camp, science, fitness and health,
arts and
crafts, math, creative arts , finishing with V.B.S. Hometown Nazareth Where Jesus
was a Kid.
Being a part of Peace Lutheran Church’s growing children population. Teaching is my
passion but teaching children to love God and to walk in Jesus’ footsteps is even more
fulfilling. Thank you for entrusting your children with me every Sunday.
Even though our 2014-2015 Fiscal Year was a success, my work is not finished, we have to get
through summer but with the funds collected from fundraisers and registrations I think will be
just fine. Some goals for next year or in the near future include.
Ensure financial stability for the Pre-school. (implementing)
Commit to a stronger bond from families of Peace Lutheran Preschool to Peace
Lutheran Church and visa a versa. (implementing)
Improve Pre-school facilities and resources we provide for the children, their families,
Peace Lutheran Church and the community. (implementing)
To build on relationships with parents and their involvement in their children’s learning
and development. (implementing can do better)
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
Improve the sharing of information with other settings/Lutheran/Christian preschools.
(implementing)
Look at the needs of the community to establish whether we need to extend our care
especially possibly adding on 1st grade. (attainable goal)
Dual language program where children will be encouraged to listen and speak in
another language through stories, music and center based activities. (implementing)
A hands on computer lab where children from preschool-kindergarten can visit
throughout the week. (implementing)
Enriching literacy with a working library for children and staff to utilize for their
classrooms or their own professional development. (implementing)
Offer a C.D.A. program through my networking connections to encourage the staff at
Peace to get a Child Development Associates Credential. (attainable goal)
To become Nationally Accredited by E.L.E.A. which means Evangelical Lutheran
Education Association for E.L.C.A. preschools and learning centers.
This report provided a snapshot of the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year, although nothing can take the
place of seeing the program in person. Peace welcomes visits from congregation members,
potential supporters and partners.
It is with great appreciation and admiration that I thank the congregation of Peace, my staff,
volunteers, community partners and children for an incredible year.
Have a blessed Sunday,
Barbara Stegmiller
Our website was created this year. Please go to www.peacelutheranpreschoolelp.org
Like us on facebook- peacelutheranpreschoolelpaso
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
Youth & Family Ministry Report
May 2015
What a whirlwind year it has been. There is no doubt that the unusual circumstances
that we have experienced here at Peace have affected my role as Youth & Family Ministry
Coordinator, and many times it saddens me to think that a lot of my time has been
distracted away from serving the youth and families of our community as I have been more
focused on holding the organization of the church while keeping tabs in the office. But then I
realize that our unique circumstances have given me some wonderful insights regarding
youth ministry, including:
youth don’t need programs, they need presence.
enjoying an unstructured meal (or ice cream treat!) together can harness the
greatest conversations about life, family, and faith.
authentic relationships are more important than anything. It’s one thing to say to a
young person, “I’m so glad to see you!” on a Sunday morning; it’s another thing to
ask, “What’s happening in your life right now?” and sticking around to actively listen
to their response.
no matter how little preparation I put into an event, time spent together is always
meaningful in some way.
I think these realizations are more important to pay attention to rather than how
“successful” youth events have been or how many more families are showing up in our
pews on Sundays. Peace has shown its commitment to investing in a small group of young
people and families, offering them opportunities, compassion, and support. I can only
imagine the beautiful leaders our youth and children will be when they are adults.
When it comes to middle and high school youth, although we are small, we have had
lots of fun together. We have had a variety of great events together this past year - ones
that I would call a “success” because of they were full of joy, the youth got to know one
another well, and they conquered challenges together. These include:
a very hot paintball adventure in the summer
an overnight lock-in where we enacted our own Hunger Games throughout the
church and talked about what we can learn about our faith through the game
a fun and delicious Fat Tuesday pancake supper where all our middle and high
school youth’s families flipped pancakes or participated in the dinner
a physically challenging but very fun overnight camping experience at White Sands
a Youth Sunday where the youth put many hours into a powerful presentation of the
“Ragman” skit on Palm Sunday
I think it is obvious that my/our focus the past couple of months has been making
sure Larue and myself and the other youth from our Border Conference are able to attend
the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit in July of this year. All of the fundraisers we have held
- from Larue’s rent-a-singer requests on Sundays to babysitting nights to the upcoming
bowl-a-thon - have proved not only to be successful in raising funds, but also to be
community-building and provided opportunities for our youth to attain valuable leadership
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skills. Thanks to the support of Peace and many churches in our conference, at this point
our conference youth have raised over 75% of the funds needed to fund the trip.
One of the coolest things happening right now, in my opinion, is the collaboration
among four of our ELCA churches here in El Paso to serve our young people together.
Mount Hope, New Hope, Cristo Rey, and Peace’s youth leaders have been meeting on a
regular basis to provide support for one another and to plan collaborative youth ministry
events. We have put on two collaborative events: a traveling faith journey called “Vamonos!”
where we traveled from church to church learning about Paul’s journey through Acts and
having fun together; and an Amazing Race day where we traveled in teams around the city
completing challenges. We look forward to doing more together on a regular basis,
including service events and a 30-Hour Famine.
I want to end with a challenge for Peace, especially in this time of transition: LISTEN
to your young people. Don’t shrug off what they have to say or what gifts they have to offer.
What matters to our youth and children needs to matter to us. We need to listen to what is
important to them and encourage them to give us authentic feedback. Ask them questions real questions that get real, truthful answers. Remember that the families of Peace know
how to do intergenerational ministry the best - we witness their ministry everyday in how
mothers compassionately care for their children, how grandsons are so patient with their
grandparents, and how fathers faithfully accompany their children to church. We have a lot
to learn from our young people and from the adults who walk through life with them.
Blessings and paz,
Hannah Drewes
Youth/Family Ministry Coordinator
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Music Director’s Report 2015
Membership:
The year saw many changes in the choir membership, more specifically it has
fluctuated. Recently, in spite of forward progress in learning music, we've lost the
structure to (predictably) support anything more than 2 or 3 part arrangements. Thanks
to a dedicated few, we are still able to learn and present choral selections within those
limits. We hope to add to our membership this year.
Materials:
We purchased another book of easy to learn anthems, which perfectly compliments the
"One Rehearsal Wonders" series.
We saved money by not purchasing any music for Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter.
Hopefully, there will be a budget for some new music come Advent and Easter.
Special music:
We opted to celebrate Advent instead of Christmas because it was simpler to find a
date that wasn't already designated for the youth and was before some choir members
needed to leave town. We presented a series of anthems during Lent and, on Easter
Sunday, supplied a festive brief anthem.
Liturgy:
As the seasons changed, the choir helped lead the congregation to learn the new
settings and additional music.
Equipment:
Our KORG keyboard was stolen and not replaced. Recently, we bought a new
keyboard, a Roland JD-Xi digital/analog synthesizer. It doesn't exactly replace the
KORG specifically, but does help provide contemporary support and compliments the
piano and organ.
I kept the piano in tune and recently certain necessary repairs were made to our
Rodgers Organ, which is now out of warrantee.
Respectfully,
Stephen Jones
Music Director/Choir Director/Organist/Pianist/Keyboard artist
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Peace Lutheran Church Annual Report
Worship Committee Report
The Worship Committee has been working together since August of 2014, at first to provide the
liturgy and hymns for our worship services in Pastor Jon's absence. When our supply pastor Jeff
Swanson began at Peace, we continued selecting hymns and orders of service, as well as helping
him form a plan for our Advent and Christmas season.
When Pr. Dalene began as our interim pastor, she took the responsibility of selecting our
hymns and order of service and the committee became responsible for helping her to enhance our
worship services during the Lenten Season. Now that we are approaching regular time, we are
still planning music for choir and our worship services and any special days such as Mother's
Day and Father's Day coming up.
In addition, we have worked to make a smooth transition from Hannah Drewes doing all the
scheduling of Worship Volunteers, to asking individual members to take over the jobs of
scheduling as follows: (Please notice, it has taken six people to do what one person was doing!!!)
Peter Nicolaou - Assistant Ministers, Readers, Prayers
Karen Benuska - Chancel
Cindy Murray - Hospitality
Nancy Casner - Ushers and Flowers
Sandra Krassin - Acolytes
Erin Thomas – Communion Assistants
We continue to look for ways to enliven and enhance our worship services in ways that will
provide spiritual growth and nourishment for all who come to Peace Lutheran.
Debbie Gutierrez
Peace Lutheran Church
Worship Committee
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