Annual Report 2015 final - St. James Episcopal Church
Transcription
Annual Report 2015 final - St. James Episcopal Church
96th Annual Meeting St. James Episcopal Church Wichita, Kansas Sunday, January 31, 2016 2015 Annual Report Table of Contents I. Meeting Agenda II. Acknowledgements and Thanks III. Election Information and Nominees IV. Leadership Reports V. Financial Reports VI. Ministry Reports A. Building and Grounds Ministries B. Christian Formation Ministries C. Parish Life Ministries D. Worship Ministries I. VII. Affiliated Program Reports VIII. Parish Ministries and Contact Information IX. Calendars and Dates of Note Meeting Agenda Call to Order ............................................................................................................................. Dawn Frankfurt, Rector Opening Prayer..................................................................................................................................................... Clergy Opening Hymn.............................................................................................................................................. Hymnal 537 Necrology ............................................................................................................................................................. Clergy Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................................ Rector Nominating Committee Reports & Elections ..................................................................................................... Rector Report from Endowment Funds Board............................................................................ John Boyer and Tom Gossen 2016 Budget and 2015 Bequest ................................................................................. Adrienne Edwards and Bert Clark State of the Parish ............................................................................................................................................... Rector Sr. Warden Remarks.................................................................................................................................. Kay Hoffman Program Reports ....................................................................................................................................... As Necessary Election Results ................................................................................................................................................... Rector Announcements ........................................................................................................................................ As Necessary Adjournment ....................................................................................................................................................... Rector 2015 Annual Report II. Acknowledgements and Thanks 2015 Vestry Members of the Vestry: Dawn Frankfurt, Rector Kay Hoffman, Sr. Warden (one year term ends after elections today) Randy Harrison, Jr. Warden (second term ends after elections today) Beth Criss (2016) – term ends after election of new members today Vicky Petty (2016) – term ends after election of new members today Phil Speary (2016) – term ends after election of new members today Bert Clark (2017) Melanie King (2017) - resigned December 2015 Jeanne Kroeker (2017) Terry Anderson (2018) Connie Timmons (2018) James Thomas (2018) - resigned July 2016 - year was completed by Robin Spurrier - vestry appointed (Dates refer to the year of the January Annual Meeting when members complete their term.) Also Serving with the Vestry: Adrienne Edwards, Treasurer Amber Schrag, Clerk Liaison Positions of Vestry Members Building & Grounds, Furnishing & Memorials, Columbarium & Memorial Garden – Randy Harrison, Connie Timmons, Robin Spurrier Christian Education: Adult Forum – Phil Speary Christian Education: Children & Youth Sunday School, Youth Group – Vicky Petty Finance: Endowment and Stewardship - Bert Clark Membership and Parish Life – Melanie King Outreach – Beth Criss Pastoral Care – Terry Anderson Worship: Music – Jeanne Kroeker *The Sr. Warden is an ex-officio member of all parish committees 2015 Endowment Funds Board Elected: John Boyer, Chair (2016) - second consecutive term (max.) ends after election of new members today Sue Reynolds (2016) - first term ends after election of new members at this annual meeting Will Brookins (2017) Steve Warfield (2017) Hew Goodpasture (2018) Tom Gossen (2018) second consecutive term (max.) ends after annual meeting 2018. Also serving on the Board: Adrienne Edwards, Treasurer Dawn Frankfurt, Rector 2015 Annual Report 2 II. Acknowledgements and Thanks 2015 Convention Delegates and Alternates Delegates: Deb Brinegar (2016) Jeri Moss (2016) Necia Rillema (2016) Colleen Didier (2017) Adrienne Edwards (2017) Alternates: Marilyn Milhon (2016) Rick Milhon (2016) (1) Unfilled Term (2016) Diane Schawe (2017) (1) Unfilled Term (2017) 2015 Nominating Committee Elected: Clay Bastian Angee Carrol Jeri Moss Susan Picotte Steve Warfield. Also Serving: Kay Hoffman, Sr. Warden Clerk of the 2016 Annual Meeting Amber Schrag The Necrology Bea Kumberg January 28, 2015 Jo Ann Estes May 9, 2015 Lea Jordan November 8, 2015 Susan Jones April 4, 2015 Janet Yoder May 24, 2015 David Utermark November 11, 2015 Beverly McCausland April 6, 2015 Barbara Mallonee May 29, 2015 Peggy Duncan December 5, 2015 Carole Lindsay April 12, 2015 Charles Forsythe July 15, 2015 Dave Rumley January 19, 2016 Sharon Spencer April 17, 2015 Ray Fleming Jr July 17, 2015 Jenny Davis January 21, 2016 Thomas Faulkner April 22, 2015 Betty Bacon September 14, 2015 Jean Crutchfield April 28, 2015 Rolland Enoch October 1, 2015 2015 Annual Report 3 III. Election Information and Nominees General Information Everyone elected to a position at the Annual Meeting takes office immediately upon adjournment of the meeting. All people holding elected positions (whether elected this year or before) will be commissioned at the 10:45 on Sunday, February 7. According to our parish bylaws, elections at the annual meeting are to be held in this order: “The Senior Warden shall be elected first and then the Junior Warden followed by the remaining elections, each category by separate ballot.” When we cast our ballots, as in civil elections, the way we choose to vote is secret. The ballots are written, except when there is only one nominee for an office. In that case, we may take a voice vote. Vestry Elections Information for and Expectations of Wardens and Vestry Members Vestry members are well-prepared attendees of all vestry meetings. Each vestry member serves as a liaison to a parish committee and participates fully in the meetings and activities of that ministry in addition to vestry obligations. Regular attendance at worship services and parish events is expected. Vestry members lead the congregation in many ways, including their financial giving to the parish. All vestry members make an annual pledge and strive to tithe. They openly and transparently serve as official communicators between the vestry and the congregation. They are a council of advice for the Rector. The 2015 vestry meetings are scheduled each month, except July. Its meetings are usually on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM in the lounge. There is one vestry retreat per year. The February vestry meeting is scheduled jointly with the Endowment Funds Board on February 25 at 6:00 PM. Warden Nominees Senior Warden (elect one for a one year term): Erin Compton (first year) Erin Compton has been an active member of St. James since her confirmation in 2007. She served on the 2010 Profile Committee and most recently, the vestry from 2012-2014, serving as the vestry liaison of the Parish Life Committee. Erin is a member of the St. James Choir and Daughters of the King. She has coordinated vacation bible school for the past three years. You may see her at S. James with her family: husband, Rob; daughter, Kennedy - chorister and youth group member; son William - a chorister, acolyte and youth group member. Junior Warden (elect one for a one year term): Randy Harrison (third year) maximum is 3 consecutive years. Randy Harrison – I have been a member of St. James since 1970 and have grown up here as an acolyte and choir member. Along with singing in the St. James Choir, I maintain the computer systems here and work on many projects to keep St. James a functional facility for all. I have served twice over the past few years as an Alternate to Convention. St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67208; 316-6835686; www.stjameswichita.org 2015 Annual Report 4 III. Election Information and Nominees Election of Members of the Vestry for a three (3) year term shall be by one ballot. Each elector may vote for as many nominees as there are positions to be filled. The appropriate number of nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. (Article V. Section 2 . E.) Vestry Member Nominees (elect three for three year terms): George Bousfield is a cradle Anglican and grew up in various Anglican and Episcopal churches that his father served as rector. He was an acolyte off and on for 25 years, starting at age 7. He was active in youth groups, when the churches had enough children for such groups (St. Phillip’s in Turtle Lake, WI had only 6 children in the congregation, 5 of them named Bousfield). He has been a member of St. James since 1991, when he and his wife, Helen, moved to Wichita. At St. James he helped in the nursery for three years before the twins, George and Sarah were born. He was an usher at the 9 am service for several years. He has served on the vestry once. Joan Moore has been a member of St. James for 12 years. She and her husband Tom transferred their membership from St. Stephen’s to St. James in 2003 and have raised Gracie (16) and Ian (13) in the parish, often walking to church from their College Hill home. Joan was the Chair Elect and then Chair of the Olde English Tea for the 80th Anniversary. When Mother Kate was the rector, Joan sat on the Rector's Committee with Lowell Wilder, Tom Gossen and John Bell. She was an active member of ECW before returning to the work force in 2012 where she works at Wichita Collegiate School as the Advancement Director. Her primary responsibilities in the job are fundraising, marketing and communication functions for the school. This is her second year to sing in the St. James Choir and she loves it! Kelly Harper is a native Wichitan. She graduated from WSU with a double major in French and International Studies-Business, and received a Diplôme de Lettre Modernes (two-year degree) from the Université d’Orléans, France. After a career in international business, she has worked for United Way of the Plains as the Director of Major and Planned Gifts since 2007. Kelly is married to Kurt Harper and they have two adult children. Kelly has been a member for more than 35 years, is a Daughter of the King and wants to see St. James flourish in the community. Woody Swain In June 2014 I retired from Koch Industries after 36 years. I grew-up in Wichita and joined St. James in 1988 when we relocated back to Wichita from Chicago. While at St. James, I've served on the Vestry, taught Sunday School, helped lead the Youth Group and worked at the Oyster Dinners. I usually attend the 8:30 am Sunday service, and currently I volunteer weekly at ESS. Election of Members of the Vestry to unexpired terms shall be by one ballot. Each elector may vote for as many nominees as there are positions to be filled. If there is only one vacancy, the nominee receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. If there is more than one vacancy, the appropriate number of nominees receiving the greater number of votes shall be declared elected, with the nominees receiving the highest number of votes being elected to the longest terms. (Article V. Section 2 . F.) Vestry Member Filling Unexpired Term Nominee – (elect one to fill two years remaining in vacant term) Robin Spurrier I have been a member of St. James for over 25 years. I have been on the Vestry and have served in many capacities at the church. Most recently, I’m on the Strategic Planning Committee. I’m retired, but I have a consulting service, Spurrier Concepts, Inc. I’ve been very active in the Wichita community over the years, servicing on a variety of boards. 2015 Annual Report 5 Delegate and Alternate Elections Each parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas has the responsibility to elect lay Delegates to a seat with voice and vote at meetings of the Southwest Convocation Board and Diocesan Convention. We elect Alternates equal to the number of Delegates. Individuals receiving the most votes will be Delegates and others will be Alternates. The term of service for Delegates and Alternates is two years, with half being elected one year and the other half the following year. Information for and Expectations of Delegates and Alternates Delegates are members of the Southwest Convocation Board and the Diocesan Convention, and act as representatives of this parish, speaking for this parish and bringing information back to this parish. They shall attend all Southwest Convocation Board meetings and Diocesan Convention and report back to the Vestry within thirty days following adjournment of each. One of the most serious responsibilities of delegates and alternates is to review the annual diocesan budget at convocation meetings and to vote to approve a budget at the annual convention of the Diocese. Therefore, Delegates and Alternates attend all meetings of the Southwest Convocation. These are typically held on a quarterly basis and usually on Saturdays. In 2016, elected Delegates will attend Diocesan Convention on October 28 and 29 in Topeka. St. James Church pays for the convention registration fee, convention meals and hotel accommodations for Delegates. If a Delegate is unable to attend, then an Alternate attends in his/her place and receives reimbursement in that circumstance. Delegate Nominees (elect three to a two year term): Deb Brinegar I have been a member of St. James all of my life. Over the years I have served the parish, convocation and diocese in many capacities including convention delegate, vestry member and acolyte. I would welcome the opportunity to once again represent St. James at our annual convention and at quarterly convocation meetings. Beth Criss I have been a member of St. James for 19 years. During that time I loved serving the Episcopal Church Women as President, Co-Vice President, UTO and CPC chair. I am a member of The Daughters of the King and have been President and Vice-President. I was chair of the Olde English Tea and have been on the Vestry twice. I have served on the Finance Committee of the Diocese and have been a member of the Diocesan ECW Board. St. James has been a blessing and inspiration and support in my life and I am very grateful. Georgie Drake started attending a St. Alban’s in 2000 and I served as a reader, Eucharistic server and all around volunteer. When St. Alban’s closed, I attended St. Stephen's and then I attended St. James and have ever since. I have been active as Chalice bearer, reader, Eucharistic minister, pen pall for the ASP and am also a member of the board. I’ve volunteered for ESS and Breakthrough Club after my recent retirement. Michael Kephart I am a longtime member of St. James. My two younger children and I attended confirmation class together, taught by Mtr. Holly. I was confirmed at Christ Cathedral (Western Kansas) in 1971, by the Rt. Rev. William Davidson. I have served in many capacities at St. James, most recently as a Chalice bearer, Lector and Acolyte (I believe that I am now the oldest acolyte). I would be honored to be elected as a Convocation Delegate. Bill Moss My wife Jeri and I have four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren with one on the way. I am retired from Beechcraft. I’ve been part of the Episcopal Church since 1994 and truly love the tradition. I have served on the Vestry at St. Albans and St. James. I help with mailings when requested and have made several wood working projects for the church. I am privileged to serve on two area civic boards, one for the city of Kechi and one for the city of Bel Aire. I am honored that I was requested to run for delegate this year. Rick Wulf I've been married to my lovely spouse, Lynn, for 42 years. We have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. We became members of St. James in 1992. I have been Jr. Warden twice, and served another term on the vestry. A member of the choir, chalice minister, and lector. Since we have moved over 30 times in our married lives, St. James has been our "home" more than any other place. I am currently in my third year of EFM, and love being a member of this congregation. 2015 Annual Report 6 Endowment Funds Board Member Elections Information for and Expectations of Members of the Endowment Funds Board Members of the St. James Perpetual Memorial and Endowment Funds Board (EFB) are expected to receive and be familiar with the financial statements and legal documents of the Perpetual Memorial and Endowment Fund (PMEF). This responsibility assumes a basic understanding of financial investment. Members meet monthly, typically on the fourth Thursday of the month. Members of the EFB discuss and propose long-term investment objectives and manage one of the parish’s most important assets, the funds in the PMEF. This is a responsibility which requires not only familiarity with the parish and financial investment, but the ability to plan for the future and to pray for and trust in God’s guidance for the work set before us. The EFB makes quarterly reports to the vestry, recommends action to the vestry and manages transactions. The EFB will develop and implement programs designed to grow the good which can be done through the PMEF. The February EFB meeting is scheduled jointly with the vestry on February 25 at 6:00 PM. Endowment Fund Board Nominees (elect two for three year terms) Sue Abdinnour I am a mom to two wonderful daughters, Deena (19) and Zaena (16) and a Professor of Business at Wichita State University. We have been members of St James for over 12 years and we love the building, the liturgy, and most importantly the people. Over the years, I volunteered for various activities at St. James including serving one year on the vestry, member of the Finance Committee, member of the rector search committee, and delivering different adult education classes. I also organized a trip for St. James parishioners to the Holy Land in 2011. Helen Bousfield grew up in West Virginia and was active in church through college. After taking a job in Houston Helen joined a new Methodist church on the west side of Houston. She agreed to serve as treasurer with the understanding that the paid bookkeeper would be doing the real work. A month later the bookkeeper left her job and Helen became volunteer bookkeeper as well. Helen first encountered the Episcopal church when she met George, who invited her to take EFM with him on their first date! Helen and George moved to Wichita in 1991 and Helen began working in the refinery in El Dorado where she oversaw an annual budget of a few million dollars to provide automated control systems and IT support to the staff at the refinery. Helen recently completed a 3-year term as Treasurer of the Wichita Figure Skating Club. She and George have been at St. James since 1991. Jeff Newlin is a lifelong member of St. James. He attends the 8:30 service where he serves as an usher and as a lector. He and his wife, Amber, met and were married at St. James. Jeff enjoys participating in Adult Forum and Breakfast Sunday on Sunday mornings, and participates in the annual Hanging of the Greens. He served on the Profile Committee during the search for Mother Dawn as our new rector. Jeff is employed as an engineer at Beechcraft. He would welcome a new way to serve St. James. Susan Reynolds St. James has been the basis of my Christian life. I was baptized in the Episcopal Church of Atchison Kansas in 1942 and my family moved to Wichita in 1943 and became a St. James family. My sisters and I attended Sunday school; we loved singing in the children’s choir and were all married in St. James. Larry and I were married in 1962 and all three of our daughters were baptized at St. James. I have taught Sunday school, helped with the Old English Tea, and worked in the nursery to name a few volunteer opportunities offered at the church. Since 2008 I have been serving on Altar Guild. Three years ago I was nominated & elected to serve on the Endowment Funds Board. I have learned a lot and enjoy contributing in a way that is benefiting St. James. 2015 Annual Report 7 Nominating Committee Member Elections At each Annual Meeting, five members are elected to the Nominating Committee who report at the next Annual Meeting. The election of Members of the Nominating Committee is on one ballot. The five nominees receiving the most votes will be elected Members of the Nominating Committee. Information for and Expectations of the Nominating Committee Five members are elected annually to use their knowledge of the parish and familiarity with its members to create a “slate” of nominees for elections to be held at the next Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee is given a very important responsibility by the members of the parish when elected to serve. This is a serious task which has great influence on the ministry of the parish. The work must be prayerfully and confidentially undertaken. Nominees for Nominating Committee (elect five for a one year term) Andy Aitken Andy has been a member of St. James since 2000, married at St. James in 2001 to wife Marlena, both children Eilidh and Iain baptized at St. James. He is a member of the Choir and has served other capacities at St. James (Nominating Committee Member and Delegate and also serves as Wedding Reception Coordinator). Andy serves as Chairman of the Furnishings & Memorials Committee Chairperson. Sandra Bradley I have attended St. James for 11 years. For the last 6 years I have served as a Eucharistic Minister for the Sunday Celtic service and more recently the Saturday evening service. This year will begin my first year as a Sunday School teacher for the 3rd and 4th grade class and helping out in the Nursery. My husband and I have 1 daughter who is 3yrs old. We are blessed to be able to raise her at St. James. Pam McCausland I have been a member of St. James since my confirmation in November 2014. I love the beauty and architecture of our church and the way I have been so warmly welcomed by the parishioners and clergy. I was born and raised in Wichita and graduated from WSU with a Bachelors in Business Administration. I recently celebrated my 38th year with Dr. Larry McNeil. I have volunteered at the Olde English Tea, am learning the duties of an usher and will soon begin training to become a member of The Daughters of the King. My family includes my brother, Paul, my three nephews and their families, my best friend, Donna, and our cats Sophie and Oscar. Maxine Miller My husband Paul and I have been St. James members since 2005. Initially drawn by its architectural beauty, we found the parishioners of St. James to be warm and welcoming. I grew up with influences of the Roman Catholic Church and the United Church of Christ, while Paul’s family was Lutheran. I have served on the Altar Guild and enjoyed volunteering at the Olde English Tea. I have been a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Wesley Medical Center since 1989 and currently serve as an Assistant Nurse Manager (aka charge nurse) for that unit. My hobbies include gardening at our College Hill home and long walks through the neighborhood. Have three children and two grandchildren. Suzi Miner has taught Sunday school at St. James since 1997 and served on the columbarium planning committee during the design and installation phase. She and her husband Craig enjoyed weekly worship and Bible study until his passing in 2010, and she continues to appreciate the nurture that the St. James community provides. She has volunteered with EWARM and coordinated St. James’ participation in the Wichita Alternative Gift Market for 17 years. Current commitments include Bible study and a new Restoration Project group. She loves the language of the liturgy, the caring people, the enthusiasm of the children, and being able to walk to St. James for renewal of spirit. Amanda Rucker My husband, Drew, and I became members of St. James in 2001. We attend the 8:30 am service. Having grown up in the Catholic Church, I was received into the Episcopal Church in Spring 2002. Drew & I were married here at St. James in August 2002, and shortly after that became deeply involved in the Youth Program here. We spent 10+ years as mentors for St. James' middle and high school youth. Since "retiring" from Youth Ministry a few years back, Drew & I have recently become involved with the Episcopal Campus Ministry here in Wichita, working with college-aged young adults 2015 Annual Report 8 IV. Leadership Reports Rector From The Rev. Dawn Frankfurt To learn once again that I am not the one in control and to be reminded that we are all living in God, 2015 turned out to be nothing like I expected. The mystery of living in God is that things don’t go as planned and yet everything works out and is more filled with love than one could have imagined. By surprise, a new day in my spiritual life dawned in 2015. My sense of joy, understanding and engagement with God (and with you) has expanded and is expanding more and more. Love never stops giving. Most of the details of our common life are laid out in the many reports contained in this publication. The big picture is what is left for me to point at. I will touch on three themes in this report: the Fleming bequest, the associate rector, and the strategic planning committee. The temporary Assistant Rector we enjoyed among us, Father Jon Hullinger, has moved on to be the priest-in-charge of Trinity Church in Atchison, Kansas. Since November, we have been ready to call a new associate rector to join our life with God at St. James. Searching for an associate rector is different from searching for a rector. The process is not as complicated and does not take as long as calling a rector takes. I have asked Erin Compton (our new Sr. Warden), Joan Moore and Lowell Wilder to assist me in the process of searching for our next priest. As we read resumes and interview candidates, we will be looking for a person who is passionate about their faith and God; someone who loves easily and who is easily loved. We will look for a priest who will work as a colleague in ministry with me and who may have strengths in areas where I do not. When I have narrowed down the candidates to two or three, each will be invited for a visit to see Wichita, to tour St. James and to meet as many of you as possible. After listening to feedback, spending time in discernment and prayer, and being open to the work of the Holy Spirit, I will ask the vestry to approve my choice. I know you pray for this parish. Please keep this process in particular as an active part of those prayers that it would be guided and brought to fruition by the Holy Spirit. That which works for good in one way works together for good in all ways. What is good for St. James will be good for this community, for the candidate and their family, and for each one of us on this journey of life in God. If we will have eyes to see and ears to hear, we will rejoice in the wonder of God’s abundance which springs forth in our lives. St. James Church receives your gifts and offerings which enable this parish to operate and our service to one another continue. Through the year individuals and families make additional gifts to the church for certain reasons, on special occasions, in thanksgiving, and especially when a loved one dies. Memorials to the parish or gifts to the Endowment Fund spread love over a community of people you care about. Thank you to families who have honored St. James Church by making offerings in memory of your family members. Among others, two bequests were received in 2015. One, from the estate of Bob Collison for more than $11,000, which his family hopes will be put to use improving lighting in the church. Another, from the estate of Ray Fleming, will make a big impact on the life of this congregation right away. You will read and hear more about this bequest at our annual meeting, in other areas of this annual report and as time unfolds. His generous gift of over $400,000 will give us strength in areas that Ray really cared about. He wanted us to have the best priests and staff we could to make the youth programs and the congregation of St. James better than ever. Those intentions were all in order to strengthen and grow the kingdom for the glory of God. May God bless the families who have shared of their abundance. We give grateful thanks for these gifts, and for the ones yet unknown which are so lovingly planned. The work of the Strategic Planning Committee is taking shape. It has been very encouraging to see eight diverse leaders (Matt Carroll, Anne Clark, Rob Compton, Kirk Filbey, Tim Newlin, April Pameticky, Phil Speary, and Robin Spurrier) quickly 2015 Annual Report 9 IV. Leadership Reports coalesce around looking into the future for this parish. They are all aware that we live in a time of change regarding the way Americans engage God and how people want to be involved with the church in their busy lives. They are taking an honest, realistic view of where we are and might be. Your feedback has affirmed some thinking and provided direction for planning. In May they will have been working together for a year and hope by that time to present their recommendations for action to the vestry. They are considering suggesting to the vestry that they create, as one of the first steps, a strategic planning implementation team. If this happens, then individuals on the implementation team could lead the rest of us into changes and new ways of being which we have said we would like to see take place. We will all have to see what their final report and recommendations contain. The Strategic Planning Committee is a very open and approachable group of people. Talk to them along the way, share your ideas, keep your input coming, and above all else, pray for them. Pray for our parish. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open us, encourage us in the understanding of God’s will for the future, and strengthen us for the journey of living it with one another. Those who have walked in darkness and have seen a great light. Once they have seen the light have reason to keep going. They also have reason to encourage others in darkness that there is light. The light is one that will not go out. Darkness is not dark to the Lord. In the Lord we will find the peace that passes all understanding and eclipses need of anything else. The Lord is our light, our strength and our life. AMEN. Music Director and Organist From Marlene Hallstrom, M.M., Director of Music Music at St. James is defined by a group of musicians who faithfully serves with dedication and enthusiasm to regularly provide music for worship throughout the year as well as a congregation that supports and appreciates those efforts. It is heart-warming to observe a sense of community among the musicians as they work together to prepare music for worship each week and to support each other. During 2015, the Choir, Choristers and Handbell Choir rehearsed regularly from September through May and provided musical leadership at the 10:45 service each Sunday. Soloists and small ensembles often participated in worship during the summer months. In addition to Sunday morning services, the choirs were also involved during Holy Week, occasional midweek Holden Evening Prayer and Sunday evening services, a hymn sing, Advent Lessons and Carols, and the annual Christmas pageant. As Music Director, I have participated in staff meetings, worship planning, worship committee meetings, Christmas pageant planning, Sunday School music and have provided organ music for two Sunday morning services each week, Sunday evening services, funerals, weddings and other occasional services. St. James Choir Members in 2015: Sopranos: Angee Carroll, Jennifer King, Joan Moore, Cheryl Schmeidler, Shirley Seminoff, Jackie Snyder; Altos: Erin Compton, Adrienne Edwards, Mary Halley; Tenors: Andrew Aitken, Tim Garrels, Randy Harrison, David Lusk; Basses: Richard Bowman, Rick Milhon, Dalton Nelson, Gene Rollins, Rick Wulf St. James Chorister Members in 2015: Colin Carroll, Dylan Carroll, Kennedy Compton, William Compton, Fiona Halley, Talia Halley, Matthew Kroeker, Lauren Schmeidler, Kyle Nishime-Smith St. James Handbell Choir in 2015: Crystal Barber, Gary Cheever, Anne Clark, Bert Clark, Mary Druding, Adrienne Edwards, Connee Hughes, Craig Rich, Connie Timmons, Tom Timmons, Marjorie Williams St. James Instrumentalists in 2015:Jeanne Kroeker, oboe; Rick Milhon, clarinet, saxophone and flute; Pam Young, flute; Sam Criss, Lisa Lutz, Paul McCausland, Kathy Massey, Brooke Talbott, violin; Sandy Cusack, viola; Daniel Dye, cello; Dylan Carroll, bass; David Lusk, percussion; Matthew Kroeker, organ; Jennifer Kroeker, Marjorie Williams, piano; and guest musicians Jane Hyde, harp; Nick Schroeder, Justin Blundell, Scott Strecker, Gray Bishop, trumpet; Josh Hermes, Kaetlin Weninger, Denny Brunk, Joe Clements, trombone; Zoe Maletz, violin; Nils Maletz, recorder. New members are always welcome in the musical groups at St. James. 2015 Annual Report 10 IV. Leadership Reports Sr. Warden From Kay Hoffman, Senior Warden St. James is a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community filled with faithful and dedicated Christian leaders, and I thank each of you for allowing me to serve as your senior Warden this past year. Ministry is abundant and alive at St. James. In addition to our on-going ministries such as, Christian Education for both adults and children, Outreach and Pastoral Care to name a few, the year’s calendar included a myriad of additional pursuits. The one year ad hoc strategic planning Committee was formed and its tasks have included considering the strengths of this parish, charting a direction for the ministry of the parish, and setting priorities for funding ministries. The Final Affairs Fair provided professional explicit guidelines and information for knowledgeable preparation of individual estate planning. The St. James Legacy Society was established to gratefully acknowledge those who have made provisions to leave a documented gift of a portion of their accumulated assets to St. James. Ministry can have many classifications. Dedicated care and upkeep of our 96-year-old spiritual home is an ongoing ministry. We are blessed to have faithful, knowledgeable parishioners who step forward when the normal, as well as unexpected, challenges/improvements must be met. This past year intricate, costly repairs were mandatory. Extensive wood rot, primarily on the south exterior, was discovered. Areas of the stone work were dramatically deteriorating. It was necessary to address critical drainage issues which were contributing to settlement cracks in the building and some of the slate flooring. Thankfully, Delmar Klocke, with his invaluable experience in older-structure restoration, immediately resourced these multiple issues with recommendations for corrections as well as experienced work men to address these issues. Robin Spurrier plus Ron and Randy Harrison were also vital assets in evaluating the damages and determining the most beneficial repair processes at the most reasonable costs. In continuing upkeep/repair the leaking skylights and flat roof issues are now being addressed. In the midst of this extensive “rehab” another reconstruction ministry was occurring. As you know all niches of the original columbarium have been sold for quite some time. Many parishioners have expressed the desire to have the same opportunity for their final resting place. Nelda and Howard Ellington were among those inquiring. Howard drew to scale the plans for a free-standing columbarium with funding from the Nelda Ellington and Dennis Evans Memorial Funds, as well as Furnishing and Memorial Funds. The new Columbarium was dedicated in August and ten niches have been sold. Our outstanding youth and the gifted, dedicated team of volunteer youth leaders - Anne Clark, along with Deacon Peg, Kelly Staab and others, along with parents, have created a healthy, vibrant, and growing ministry at St. James. These young people are not only active in their youth program, but in wider parish activities, such as the music, worship, and outreach programs; plus volunteering for The Olde English Tea and Oyster Dinner. Youth are the future of the church and they are an integral part of our church. It is mandatory this program remain at the fore front and nurtured with strong inspiring leadership. St. James has been blessed with new faces and members this year, and they have stepped up with enthusiastic readiness to become involved in St. James parish life. The new chair of all Soul’s Guild, is Jeanie Hans, who was recently confirmed. Some new members are anxious to witness and assist at their first Oyster Dinner this year in addition to volunteering in other areas of worship and fellowship. Let each of us express a welcome in our smiles as we embrace our new family members into their and our, spiritual home. St. James thrives because of the many who offer their time, talents and treasures. These efforts have impact no matter in what quantity or degree they are given. It is a matter of contributing to the work God would have us do with the best of our individual endeavors. The same is true of our treasures. When one truly considers the innumerable blessings and generosity from God, it is an easy choice to be able to be as giving in return with our pledged tithe to Him with Thanksgiving to His glory. The strengths and fruits of the faithful members of St. James, enhanced with the undaunted leadership of Mother Dawn, continue to enhance this parish, which is vital to our Diocese and to the city of Wichita. Our aspirations to daily serve God with all our hearts, our minds, and our spirits must not waver, but strive to be open to His words and guidance to an even greater, expanding future for our treasured spirit and home. 2015 Annual Report 11 IV. Leadership Reports Jr. Warden (see Building and Grounds Report page 21) Strategic Planning Committee The Strategic Planning Committee continues to work through our year-long visioning process. Our work in 2015 began with the creation of a parish survey to help us understand the demographic make-up of the congregation and what is important to the congregation for the future of the parish. The response to the survey was greater than we hoped. Based on survey results, we identified five themes about which to gather feedback at cottage meetings. There were seven cottage meetings. Our review of the information gathered at the cottage meetings identified the areas of focus for our future planning. The committee is now in a period of discernment and deliberation. We will recommend to the vestry the next steps to take in the key focus areas, possibly through the creation of an implementation team. We are committed to delivering our final report to the vestry in May. Thank you for the invaluable input provided by so many of you through the parish survey, cottage meetings, and other conversations. We ask for and appreciate your continued prayers for this important activity to help guide us forward together into a vibrant future for St. James. Kirk Filbey, Phil Speary, Anne Clark, April Pameticky, Rob Compton, Matt Carroll, Robin Spurrier, Tim Newlin Deacon Deedee Evans From The Rev. Deedee Evans I volunteer in the kitchen at Episcopal Social Services Wednesday mornings and facilitate Grief Support each Tuesday morning at St. James Church and each Thursday afternoon at Larksfield Place Retirement Community. I serve as Chaplain of the St. Mary’s Chapter of Daughters of the King at St. James, serving as deacon at their monthly corporate communion prior to the evening meal and meeting on the first Monday of the month. In addition I serve as deacon at St. James at an occasional funeral as well as pastoral hospital or home visit. I manage the parish bereavement list, sending letters of invitation to the Tuesday Grief Support Group and postcards with a prayer three, six and twelve months after the death. Since late November 2015 I have been Interim Deacon at 10:30 Sunday mornings at St. John’s Church at Third and Topeka in Wichita while the deacon ordained out of that parish is serving as Deacon Intern at Good Shepherd; this will last until early summer. For several years I have represented St. James in a group of faith based individuals who took the name Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness (AECH) in 2005. Goals included assisting people in obtaining permanent housing with on-going support and raising funds for the Warming Souls Overflow Shelter for homeless persons held at various churches from November through March. In 2012 Inter-Faith Ministries began oversight of the Warming Souls Winter Shelter; this year the shelter is housed in the Inter-Faith Spiritual Center on the campus to the north of the Inter-Faith offices. In 2013 AECH committed also to raise funds for the Wichita Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) Bus Fund to help homeless persons reunite with family members with stable home environments outside Wichita. Since 2006 AECH has sponsored a National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Service held annually at various churches on December 21, the longest night of the year. For the past three years, the service was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Since April 2013 I have served as interim chair of AECH. Deacon Peg Flynn From The Rev. Peg Flynn “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” From Letter to the Hebrews For some time now, I have been encouraged to take the Clinical Pastoral Education Course (CPE) at Wesley Medical Center. And for some time now, I have resisted those suggestions. When the bishop asked, I still resisted. Then he said, “Peg, our diocese is going to lose several priests to retirement in small towns in SE Kansas in the next five years. Many of them will not have the means to hire replacements. And we need our laity trained--through BKSM--in such things as pastoral care because they will not have the luxury of taking time off from full time jobs to take CPE courses.” That’s when I perked up and said, “Bishop, now you have my attention.” 2015 Annual Report 12 IV. Leadership Reports This past year has been a good one, with involvement in a number of ministries of the church that have great meaning for me. I have been working in pastoral care, clergy formation, life of the church and outreach. I hope that I feed others and somehow make God’s presence felt in the lives of others. But the only thing I can be certain of at the end of the day is that each of these things feeds me. I feel the presence of God in each of these ministries. Working at Episcopal Social Services as a Representative payee was a new ministry for me in 2015. Over and over, I thank God for the opportunities to serve the disabled and mentally ill, not just by helping them obtain and remain in housing, but by the opportunities for listening, assuring, and praying with those who are struggling emotionally for numerous reasons. I enjoy very much something I call a “quieting” ministry. Working with someone who is agitated, perhaps displaying a great deal of anger to help them reach a point of peace is very rewarding. ESS is always eager to take on new volunteers for this ministry. In my second year, now as a member of the Commission on Ministry, I work with other clergy and laity who lead the discernment and formation process of those seeking to answer calls to ordained ministry. I meet regularly with individuals who are in the early stages of discernment, or are in the final stages of their ministry internships prior to ordination. I continue to be involved in ministries that I have written about previously: The After School Program and the St. James Youth Program. Participating with diocesan youth in Happening #90 and helping to carry out the ASP’s first annual Triviathalon were new experiences in 2015. And I continue to serve as part of the Outreach and Worship Committees for St. James. Making pastoral care visits and preaching at church and at Georgetown retirement center are other aspects of my ministry. Each one of these offer meaningful opportunities for involvement by lay members of the church. If you have questions about any of them, I am always delighted to meet with you to discuss them. For the first half of 2016, I will, however, be stepping back from much of this work to complete the Wesley Extended CPE course. January through May you will see and hear less of me. But you have become part of me. I have witnessed your acts of grace to one another and to complete strangers, repeatedly, in the past years. I will carry each of you with me in prayer, and I ask that you hold me in prayer as I take up new work for God and God’s people. Deacon Jeff Roper From The Rev. Jeff Roper I continue to do the majority of my diaconal work in the areas of college campus ministry and prison ministry. I keep asking and looking for others who may feel called to those ministries as well. I would like to recruit others to become a part of those ministries. (See more about Campus Ministries in the Parish Life Ministry Reports, page 26.) After five years of ministry to the Winfield Correctional facility every other month, I am looking for others who would be willing to join me in this prison ministry. It does require training which can be completed this spring or in August. Please see me if you are interested. Besides serving as a deacon in the liturgy, I serve on the Campus Ministry Council for the Diocese of Kansas. Also, I serve on the Pastoral Care Committee for St. James. I am a Sunday school and Confirmation teacher for Middle School and High School students at St. James It has been a pleasure to serve in these capacities representing our parish. I look forward to working side by side with you in these ministries. 2015 Annual Report 13 V. Financial Reports Endowment Funds Board (EFB) From Tom Gossen, Vice President Summary of 2015 Board Activities EFB Membership John E. Boyer, Chair (2016) Tom Gossen, Vice-Chair (2018) Steve Warfield (2017) Will Brookins (2017) Sue Reynolds, Secretary (2016) Hew Goodpasture (2018) The Rev. Dawn Frankfurt Treasurer (Adrienne Edwards) In 2015, we published the second annual report for the “St. James Perpetual Memorial and Endowment Fund (PMEF).” The report, published annually, identifies all memorial and thanksgiving gifts given through December 31st of the prior calendar year. During 2015 we realized $7,384 in new gifts to the PMEF vs. $3,315 in 2014. We continue to encourage St. James members and friends to participate in this program by inviting gifts of all sizes (minimum $100) to perpetually recognize and honor significant life events and memorials. The St. James Church Legacy Society was formally adopted by the Vestry at its December 2014 and January 2015 meetings. We completed an exercise in confirming the desired name for the Legacy Society to which all members of the parish were invited. The purpose of the Legacy Society is to appropriately acknowledge those who have made a commitment to include the “Perpetual Memorial and Endowment Fund of St. James Church, Wichita, KS” as a beneficiary in the disposition of their estate. A Legacy Society brochure with an enrollment form is now available. Those who enroll in the Legacy Society before the end of August, 2015 will be identified as “Founding Members” and will be so recognized in an appropriate way at the close of the initial enrollment period. Those who enroll after August, 2015 will be “Sustaining Members.” Members may elect to have their membership remain anonymous. EFB also held a Final Affairs Fair on Saturday, September 19, 2015 that provided participants an opportunity to discuss retirement financial planning as well as a multitude of issues relating to end of life, funeral planning and burial/internment options. We will be determining options for when to hold similar events in the future. Annual Distribution After the September 30th accounting is compiled, the Endowment Funds Board (EFB) prepares a recommendation to the Vestry regarding distribution of earnings based on the average of the invested funds balance at the end of the prior 12 calendar quarters. In 2015 that distribution was $27,983 with $25,483 available for outreach, in-reach and capital improvements of the parish and $2,500 reserved for expenses of the EFB. For the calendar year 2016 we have recommended (and the Vestry has approved) a 4% distribution which amounts to $30,547 to be used: (1) $3,054.70 for outreach grants; (2) $2,500 retained by the EFB for general expenses incidental to the management and administration of the FUND; (3) $9,996.92 retained in the endowment as a separate fund for future capital needs; and, the balance of $14,995.38 to be directed by the vestry for capital improvements (to be disbursed as needed). 2015 Annual Report 14 Endowment Funds Board (EFB) Summary of 2015 Endowment Fund Finances Endowment Fund History Summary Market Value At 12-31-14 At 12-31-15 State Street Global Advisors Total $ 795,052.60 $ 787,364.51 “Unrestricted” Funds Balance $ 774,143.03 $ 759,387.15 “Restricted” Funds Balance $ 20,909.57 $ 27,977.36 Fidelity Checking Account (inclu trans funds) TOTAL FUNDS ASSETS $ 44,252.77 $ 23,660.96 $ 839,305.37 $ 811,025.47 Balance Reconciliation Beginning Balance $ 839,305.37 Donations Received $ 7,384.00 Other Income (SJ MEM Acct Transfers) $0 Interest Income (Fidelity Account) $ 73.43 SSgA Management Fees ($ 7,164.89) Investment Income (SSGA Account) $ 63.87 SSGA Appreciation (Depreciation) ($ 587.06) Funds Disbursement ($11,960 was balance of 2014) TOTAL FUND ASSETS at 12-31-15 1992 thru 2015 (best guess, not auditable) Initial Bequest $ 1,042,966 Additional Bequests, gifts, income from cou$ 832,652 pon sales, trips, etc. Disbursements EXCLUDING Capital Campaign $ 1,163,071 Draw NET Capital Campaign $ 803,407 Draw Invested Funds at $787,364.51 12-31-15 “Other” Assets $ 23,660.96 ($ 28,049.24) $ 811,025.47 St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67208; 316-6835686; www.stjameswichita.org 2015 Annual Report 15 Stewardship Report Stewardship The 2016 Budget proposed and described in the St. James annual giving material was $641,000. The letter requesting gifts from the congregation included the pie chart shown below. To see the graphic in color, refer to the parish website www.stjameswichita.org or your original mailing. Based on your estimates of giving ($355,000) and other anticipated income, the vestry believes we can budget for 2016 expecting approximately $515,00 in revenue. This is a number less than the $641,000 of the proposed budget. For 2016, we received approximately 150 pledges. This is nearly the same number who pledged to St. James the last several years. To all who have promised to give, and all who have given, the vestry, and every member of the parish, is deeply grateful for your generosity and faithful support of ministry being done at St. James. Thank you. Your giving inspires all of us to continue opening up our resources, hearts and lives to God and to one another. Number of pledges 2015 Financial Report and 2016 Parish Budget 2015 End of Year Financial Report From Adrienne Edwards, Parish Treasurer I would like to thank those parishioners who served as members of the Finance Committee for the past several years; Clay Bastian, Steve Warfield, and Bert Clark, Vestry liaison. I'd also like to acknowledge the support provided by our bookkeeper, Joyce Haynes who provided timely and accurate reports . We are looking for new/additional members for this committee. You do not need to have a budget or finance background nor do you need to be a business owner or work in the financial services industry. The Finance Committee meets once a month on the second Thursday. Meetings last for an hour and are scheduled at either 5:00 or 5:30 depending on the needs of the committee members. If you are interested in becoming a part of this committee, please let the office know or leave your name, phone number, and or email address with our fulltime bookkeeper. 2015 Annual Report 16 2015 Financial Report and 2016 Parish Budget SUMMARY: 2015 Revenue Total revenues for 2015 were $578,336.00 This exceeded our projected total revenue of $542,999.00 by $35,337.00. This contrasts positively with our expectation that we would receive $8,788 less due to death, loss of employment or parishioners transferring from St. James. While we received an additional $11,822.00 in pledge payments, donations from Contributors of Record fell short by $26,002.00. This may be attributed to more individuals turning in Estimates of Giving (EOG) during 2015 after the Annual Meeting and some parishioners increasing their pledge without changing their EOG form. We received the remaining 2014 funds ($11,960.00) from the Endowment Board in early January 2015. We had some capital improvement projects that were not completed prior to December 2015. Those projects were completed in early January 2016 and the remaining 2015 Endowment Board distribution of $11,434.51 has been transferred to the St. James Operating Account. SUMMARY: 2015 Expenses Expenses for 2015 totaled $582,784.88. The Vestry had approved a 2015 deficit budget of $627,155.18. Included in the total projected 2015 budget were funds to support an Associate Rector. Thanks to the Ray Fleming Bequest, $50,089.25 was used to cover the stipend, housing, pension, health insurance and travel for Father Jon Hullinger. Expenses associated with maintaining God's home tend to be the most difficult area to estimate. However, thanks to the careful oversight of our Junior Warden, Randy Harrison, Vestry liaison, Robin Spurrier, the majority of the building and grounds expenses came in under budget. Delmar Klocke was an invaluable asset when it came to identifying improvements and building repair requirements. There were no major cost overruns in any other categories, which contributed to a budget shortfall of $4,448.88 rather than the initial projected $84,267.26 shortfall. 2016 Operating Budget REVENUES 2016 Estimate As of 1/25/16 2015 Budget 2015 Actual GL Acct 161100 161101 161102 161103 161105 Pledge Payments (EOG) Advance Pledges Allocated 2016 Contributors of Record Open Plate Offerings Special Offerings/Undesignated $ $ $ $ 161301 Church/Guild Hall/Kitchen Use $ 4,000.00 $ 161407 161405 161403 161406 Endowment PMEF 2016 Endowment PMEF 2015 Endowment PMEF 2014 Fleming Bequest 2015 $ $ 18,050.00 11,434.00 $ $ 161500 161510 161505 161501 161503 161504 161512 Guild Hall Players Contribution Diocesan Support (Curate Lynch) Excess Postage Refund Interest - Money Market Other - Operations Unrestricted Other - Temp Reimbursement Uncollected Pledges [2.0%] for 2016 $ $ $ $ $ 58.00 4,000.00 2,110.00 (8,235.00) $ $ $ $ 70.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 750.00 $ (8,788.00) TOTAL $ 515,275.00 $ 542,888.00 $ 355,696.00 57,262.00 60,000.00 8,900.00 $ $ $ $ $ 2,000.00 $ 351,513.00 60,200.00 85,000.00 8,000.00 2,000.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 375,598.02 66,113.41 89,716.60 5,763.84 1,975.00 3,700.00 $ 4,011.00 $ 3,770.00 25,483.00 $ 11,960.00 $ $ 14,049.00 11,960.00 $ 50,089.00 5,183.00 $ $ $ 53.00 $ 4,499.00 $ 2,110.00 $ 2,000.00 12,000.00 7,000.00 71.06 786.07 750.00 578,336.00 $ 570,727.00 2,000.00 363,335.00 60,200.00 58,998.00 8,711.00 321.00 2014 Actual 2015 Annual Report 17 2016 Parish Budget - St. James Operating Budget as of 1/25/16 2015 Annual Report 18 187006 2015 Annual Report 19 2016 Parish Budget BUDGET OUTLOOK 2016 From Adrienne Edwards, Parish Treasurer As you can see from the breakdown of our 2016 budget, we are starting the year with a balanced budget. We are projecting revenue and expenses of $515,275.00. As part of the Stewardship mailing, we identified what ministries and programs we could support if we had revenues totaling $641,000. We fell short by $125,725.00. This is a very lean budget, several programs were reduced and no funding was provided for an Associate Rector. Bert Clark's report addresses our goal for funding an Associate Rector and possibly a Youth Director. St James Episcopal Church - Our Clergy, Our Opportunity, Our Future A presentation by Bert Clark Ray Fleming Loved St James Enjoyed a vital spiritual life Pastoral Care he received influenced his decision to leave money The Gift Purpose/Intent: Immediately enrich the life of the parish High caliber staff, esp. Associate Rector and Youth Director Gross amount received was $418,000 A portion helped extend Father Jon Hullinger’s contract Now what? Begin searching for a new Associate Rector Hire Associate Rector Extend Ray’s gift as long as possible Matching Gifts Program More discussion to come Matching Gifts Campaign Associate Rector only Without campaign – Four years With campaign – Eight years Youth program operates like it does right now Associate Rector + Part-Time Youth Director Without campaign – Three years With campaign – Six years Matching Gifts Campaign Associate Rector + Full-Time Youth Director Without campaign – 2 years, 8 months With campaign – 5 years, 4 months Closing Remarks You can be assured the Vestry will be Thoughtful in the approach to this… Prayerfully considering what to do… In the best interest of the church Church Leadership will invite your comments on this as we progress further. 2015 Annual Report 20 VI. Ministry Reports A. Building and Grounds Ministries Building and Grounds From Randy Harrison, Junior Warden 2015 was a busy year and 2016 is already looking to be just as busy. We found that our beautiful old building has some serious issues that need attention and with the help of many wonderful folks we are working to resolve what we can afford now and making a plan for what needs to be taken care of in the immediate future. I want to thank the people who have stepped up to serve on the Buildings & Grounds committee this last year. Robin Spurrier (vestry liaison), Connie Timmons (vestry liaison), Ron Harrison and Delmar Klocke. Robin joined the vestry last year and has a lot of practical business experience through his business life and is a very welcome addition. Connie has just completed her 1st year on the vestry and brings some great knowledge to the table from her work as well. Ron is not only my father, but having been our previous Junior Warden, has been a great asset in terms of project continuity. I fondly refer to him as the “Jr. Junior Warden” because he helps keep me on track. Delmar brings a wealth of expertise to the table and has proven to be invaluable since many of our recent projects involve the historic nature of our facility. His attention to detail has proven to be invaluable. He is very involved in the restoration work at the Orpheum Theater downtown and brings that knowledge and expertise to our committee. He has done extensive research on St. James and documented most if not all of our systems. He also serves as the main contact between us and the contractor. These wonderful folks are great to work with and have a real love for our facility. It is our task to compile, review and prioritize the long list of projects that need attention and then recommend an action plan to the vestry. Projects completed in 2015 include replacement of the rotten wood trim on the office portion of the building and repainting the office wing. We still have issues with the flat roofs and the flashings on the skylights which are on the list of future projects. At the time of this report, the contractor is completing the replacement of broken/cracked slate tiles in the sanctuary and refinishing a couple of the exterior doors which were severely weather-checked. We also continue to look for ways to improve our energy footprint by replacing older lighting with new more efficient LED lighting. We are also working to replace some of our plantings with more draught resistant plants in an effort to reduce our water consumption. So look for more activity around the building in 2016 as we try to complete a few more of the projects that will protect and maintain our building as we quickly approach the 100th anniversary in a few short years. Furnishings and Memorials Ministry From Andrew Aitken The Furnishings & Memorials Committee had a quiet year, the portrait of Mother Kate has been hung in the Tower Room. The F&M committee also worked with the Buildings & Grounds Committee to construct additional columbarium space in the Chapel made possible by memorial donations given by the family of Nelda Ellington and funds from the Dennis Evans memorial. The beautiful addition to the Chapel has been completed, and the additional niches mirror the ones located on the opposite side of the room which are completely sold. Present members are: Andrew Aitken, Chair; Randy Harrison, Rob Compton, Joan Janzen, Marilyn Milhon, Craig Rich. St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67208; 316-6835686; www.stjameswichita.org 2015 Annual Report 21 VI. Ministry Reports B. Christian Formation Ministries Christian Education (Adult) In addition to the on-going education opportunities for adults which are listed below, classes for adults at St. James include: Education for Ministry (EfM), Graduate EfM, Wednesday Evening Bible Study, and the Golden Girls Bible Study. If you are interested in the ministry of Christian Education for adults, please contact Mother Dawn, Rob Compton, or Phil Speary for more information. Adult Forum From Rob Compton The Adult Forum, which convenes from 9:45-10:35 each Sunday, offers a wide variety of learning and sharing opportunities anchored in Christianity and its place in the wider world. Current committee members include Mother Dawn, Phil Speary and Rob Compton. However, YOU are welcome to join us at any time to discuss faith and how to celebrate faith collaboratively. For the 2015 - 2016 year we are studying the Parables of Jesus and how they can be interpreted in today’s world. Contact: rob@robcompton.com. Basic A From Mother Dawn, Rector Basic A is a class which introduces students to the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church and the parish of St. James. It is a version of adult confirmation class. Taught by the clergy of the parish, it is an 8-week course offered each fall. Basic A starts at the beginning of the school year. Upon completing the Basic A course, any baptized Christian not previously confirmed in the Episcopal Church may choose to be confirmed when the bishop of the Diocese of Kansas visits St. James in November. The class is open to anyone interested, and especially those new to the Episcopal tradition. This is typically a class for adults, but mature high school students may attend. From time to time, life-long Episcopalians spend a season in Basic A “dusting off” what they know about their church. Some come back for a single class on a topic of special interest to them. Areas of study include: the Anglican Communion; Church History; Holy Scripture; Holy Sacraments; Sacred Music; Liturgy, Worship and Ritual; Book of Common Prayer; and Prayer. Education for Ministry (EfM) From Paul Rillema EfM began about 30 years ago to equip people for connecting their Christian faith with their daily lives. Developed and administered through The University of the South (Sewanee, TN), EfM targets the laity of the church and has had more than 20,000 graduates from around the world. EfM is a four-year program, although the commitment is made one-year at a time. The subject matter covers the Old Testament, New Testament, 2000 years of church history, and the thoughts of religious scholars. Groups of six to twelve participants meet weekly with a mentor to discuss the reading materials and to clarify our understanding of our faith or beliefs that have implications for our actions in the world. The principal requirement of the participant is to read the materials and participate in the weekly discussions (September through May). Although mentored (not taught) and structured, there is leeway to delve as deeply into topics as one’s time and interest allows. The cost of the program is $350 per year. “Scholarships” and other financial support are available. We currently meet on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 pm during the school year from September through May and have ten active participants. If you are interested, please contact Paul Rillema (phone: 316- 634-6945, email: paul.rillema@wichita.edu). More information can be found at http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/EFMhome.html. 2015 Annual Report 22 B. Christian Formation Ministries Explorers From Dawn Frankfurt, Explorer (and Rector) Explorers is a group of adults which was established in September 2013. It is a community of Christians who bring thoughts and life experience to weekly discussions based on Holy Scripture. In addition to Bible study, we have taken and are open to small expeditions. Our conversations have required and further built honesty and trust among members of the group. No one in the group is expected to conform to any belief and everyone is to be respected. We hold these principles sacred to exploration of the Christian experience. Explorers meet weekly on Mondays at 7:00pm. With Mother Dawn, this is a gathering for people who want to seek and share the Christian experience. As the Explorers evolve, the people of the group may find that they are called to read a book together or to go on an excursion. The key is being interested in deepening our engagement with other Christians and being open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Contact Mother Dawn for further information: Church office 683-5686, motherdawn@stjameswichita.org. Restoration Project This past summer, under the leadership of Fr. Jon, a small group (‘discipleship group’) was formed and began meeting regularly at St. James. Our small group is part of the Restoration Project, a national movement within the Episcopal Church calling our people back to the basic practices of the church and, most important, to small groups. The Restoration Project’s founder, Fr. Christopher Martin, describes it as follows: “We are a Movement, not a Program. Programs come and go but Movements last. We are proposing a permanent shift in both the practices and the structure of the church. The members of each small group within TRP commit to seven vows to work toward lives with regular prayer, worship, service to the poor, generosity, learning, discerning of call and commitment to the discipleship group’s members.” Discipleship Groups limit themselves to six-seven members, but any number of groups can be formed. The St. James Discipleship Group consists of Fr. Sam Criss, Beth Criss, Jeanine Hathaway, Suzie Miner, Paul McCausland and Jim Lewis. St. James parishioners are invited to explore TRP and consider forming other groups. To observe our group in action or get information about TRP, contact one of the members above. We gather every other Thursday. Christian Education (Youth) From Anne Clark The youth of St. James are fortunate to have a church which clearly values their presence and participation in the life of the church. This is evident not only in a comfortable and attractive meeting space dedicated for the use by our youth, by leadership support from adult church members and parents, but also in the financial support offered by our church. The biggest change for the youth group this year has been the addition of the 5 th and 6th graders. We have been wanting to expand our reach to younger members of the church and this year allowed us to bring the younger students into the program. We have adopted the north end of the bell choir room to give us additional space to split the students into age appropriate groups for discussions. This past fall, we spent two evenings going the Trees for Life campus to help with the Teach for Life program. Michael, from Trees for Life, came to talk to the youth about the Books for Life program that sends used books overseas to children that do not have any books to read and the Teach for Life program which provides teaching tools to volunteer teachers in villages in developing countries. We started using a new lesson book called The Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers. We hosted an Alternative Gift Market table in conjunction with the Teach for Life program making 150 bookmarks for the event. We attended the WSU baseball scrimmage known as the “Screamage” with some of us dressed in costume. The game was fun and we got to run the bases afterwards. We had Jenny Davis and Craig Rich share their experiences during war times for Veteran’s Day. We decorated gingerbread men, played lots of games and helped with the Christmas pageant. We have also helped sort through all of the food that was donated for the Christmas baskets and made candy bags for the families. We had a blast doing it and helped save lots of time for the Outreach Committee. We currently have 10-13 middle and high school students that attend regularly and 2-3 that come when other commitments 2015 Annual Report 23 B. Christian Formation Ministries allow them to attend. We are looking forward to this next semester with more game nights, lessons, conducting the Good Friday pageant service, prepping for Youth Sunday with an overnight after the Saturday service, and serving the church and the community. We continue to close with a short prayer service each Wednesday evening- usually Compline and the youth are encouraged to take turns leading this. Our youth continues to participate in diocesan events such as MegaCamp, MIQRA, Fall Fun Fest, and New Beginnings. St. James’ scholarships are available for these events. Youth leaders include: Anne Clark, Kelly Staab, Jared Rowland, Tim Flynn, and Deacon Peg Flynn. However, Deacon Peg will not be able to be with us for the Spring 2016 semester. We are looking for volunteers. We meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and welcome participation by any youth, whether members of this church or not, as well as adults who are interested in this ministry. If you feel called to this ministry, contact Anne Clark at aws1155@yahoo.com or Deacon Peg Flynn at deacon.peg@gmail.com. Nursery and Child Care From Kellie Newlin The past year has brought many new youngsters and families to the St. James nursery and we are so excited! We continue to serve children birth through age 4 on Wednesday evenings, weekend services, and various other church events throughout the year. We are looking for energetic interested volunteers to help cover these services and events as we try to have two trained adults in the nursery at all times. Please contact Kellie Newlin at 250-7820 with any questions or interest in getting involved in the nursery. We are grateful for the many hours these volunteers have put in throughout the nursery during 2014: Janet Holmberg, Robyn Milne, Janet Newlin, April Pameticky, DeAun Warfield 2016 Children’s Sunday School From Suzi Miner Children in Kindergarten through third grade meet in the Atrium of the Good Shepherd with teachers Amber Newlin, April Pameticky, and Suzi Miner. Third and fourth graders meet with Sandra Bradley in the Atrium of the Upper Room and often join the younger group for our Godly Play lessons. We began the fall session together with an orientation for parents while the children worked with a Good Shepherd craft. Students from both classes helped at the fall ministry fair by telling the Noah’s Ark story with the wonderful props made by David Utermark. We started our lessons with the Circle of the Church Year, using the church calendar puzzle and singing a favorite song about the colors of the church year. We love singing with Marlene Hallstrom twice a month before class begins. For the remainder of the fall season we learned Old Testament stories with the Godly Play materials, beginning with Creation and ending with the Ten Commandments. In November we hosted our Alternative Gift Market booth at Breakfast Sunday and on Market day at East Heights United Methodist Church. When Bishop Wolfe visited, we gave him one of the ornaments we made for our project providing fresh water wells in South Sudan. Thanks to all who supported our project and those sponsored by the youth, Vicky Petty, and April Pameticky’s Aces for a Better World. Together we gathered $4,800 of the total $29,000 collected at the Market. We finished the year with Advent lessons complete with candles and images of the journey to Bethlehem. Each child always has an opportunity to retell the story by moving the props and recounting the story in his or her own words. It is wonderful to see their eagerness to participate. In January we begin a series of New Testament lessons on holy baptism, several parables, a Seder supper on Palm Sunday, and a final lesson on Pentecost. We enjoy having Susan Picotte as an assistant and invite parents and grandparents to visit our classes at any time. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact either of the teachers to learn more. 2015 Annual Report 24 B. Christian Formation Ministries Middle School and High School Sunday School From Deacon Jeff Roper Currently Deacon Jeff teaches Sunday School and needs a fellow teacher to team teach this class. In the fall Deacon Jeff led confirm ands through a 6 week Episcopal catechism course to prepare middle and high school students for confirmation. In spring 2015 the class will study the gospel of Mark and make a map of Jesus' 3 year journey. Vacation Bible School VBS is likely to be the week of July 11 in 2016. Our planning will begin soon. If you are interested in contributing your time and talent to this year’s program, please contact Erin Compton or April Pameticky. C. Parish Life Ministries All Souls Guild From Jeanie Hans All Souls Guild participated in the funeral hospitality for numerous funerals in 2015. The Guild recently accepted the leadership of Jeanie Hans. A planning meeting was held at the home of Mary Beth Thomas where it was decided teams would be formed to help facilitate the hospitality provided prior to and following funerals as requested. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please contact Jeanie Hans at writinginks@gmail.com or 316-409-4828. Volunteers are needed for everything from simply providing sandwiches, cookies or cake to helping serve at the funeral. It is a privilege to serve St. James families in this ministry. Pastoral Care Committee From Susan Picotte, Vestry Liaison The Pastoral Care Committee is made up of our Rector, Assistant Rector, Deacons and several parishioners. The focus of the team is to maintain contact with parishioners who are home bound or have recently been hospitalized. Types of activities include hospital visits, home visits, phone calls and writing notes. The team meets on a Saturday every 2-3 months. Contact Mother Dawn if interested in joining. Breakfast Sunday From the Harrison Family This year, the Breakfast Sunday crew continued to serve up hot, traditional breakfasts for the parish every month and have been working to provide healthy options like fresh fruit. Each month we receive compliments on the quality of the food, but seldom receive many suggestions on changes that would make the menu more attractive. Please share if you have any ideas and would like to help. We have been serving over 100 people each month. Thank you to all who attend and to those who assist. Many hands make light work. Breakfast will continue to be served on the 2nd Sunday of the month (except for July and August) from 9:00 to 10:40 AM. Monetary free will offerings are appreciated and help keep the breakfast available. It is a self-sustaining ministry, not intended to be a money maker. Bon Appetite. Brotherhood of St. Andrew From Bert Clark A small group of men meet Wednesday evenings at 7:30 in the Lounge. We discuss personal prayer needs and those of the wider church as necessary. We read scripture and discuss its impact on each one of us and today's culture. Currently the group includes Jeff Bell, Bert Clark, Daniel Dye, Garrison Holmberg, Tristan Holmberg, Dalton Nelson, and Jared Rowland. We hope that we can further our spirituality both as a group and individually while growing our relationship with the Trinity. Contact anyone of us for more information. 2015 Annual Report 25 C. Parish Life Ministries Campus Ministry of Wichita From The Rev. Jeff Roper, Deacon In the academic year of 2015-16, the Episcopal Campus Ministry of Wichita (ECMO Wichita) continues to flourish. This group of college students meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church (3rd and Topeka Ave.) downtown. Cara Wedeking and Dalton Nelson (both who worship at St. James) are the college peer ministers who provide leadership to the group. Mother Laurie Lewis and Deacon Jeff Roper provide pastoral and mentoring support to the peer ministers and the group as a whole. Both Drew and Amanda Rucker have been very involved weekly with support for this ministry and as role models and mentors for college students. Mary Druding continues to be our St. James coordinator of supplying the food for this ministry. We will continue to provide the meals for the college students on the first Tuesday of every month. College campus ministry creates an environment for leadership development. Former peer ministers Ashley Petty and Tristan Holmberg have both been significantly impacted by campus ministry and called into ministries that have continued after their undergraduate experiences. Campus ministry helps with developing leaders and spiritual formation of college students. Communication Have you recently wanted to find some information on the St. James website? We’re delighted if you found it! If you didn’t, would you let us know? Even better than that, could you find out the answer, write it down, email it to the office and suggest it as an addition to the website? We want a better website, too! We need your help. Take pictures and email them to the office. Share information. Volunteer to learn how to post information to the web for us (we’ll even teach you!). Will you work on the website? Will you work on any of the communication vehicles we have (or could have) at St. James? Several individuals from time to time have talked about forming a communications committee. Wouldn’t it be fun to generate content for the website, the eTower, the newsletter, the bulletin and a host of other things? Just think of everything that you could do! Let us know if you want a better website. We will be happy to put you to work. Email: office@stjameswichita.org. Daughters of the King, St. Mary’s Chapter From Mary Halley, President The St. Mary’s Chapter of the Daughters of the King began in 1926 at St. James Church. The mission of the Daughters of the King is dedication to prayer, service and the spread of Christ’s message. All women in the Episcopal Church are welcome and invited to take vows to follow the Rule of Life. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month beginning at 6:00pm with a healing service in the Chapel. Daughters of the King is a wonderful, spiritual group--if you'd like more information about us, please contact the church office. Episcopal Church Women – ECW From Shirley Seminoff, ECW president All women of St. James are members of ECW. We meet on the second Wednesdays of most months from September through March. We have two major fundraising events: The St. Nicholas Bazaar, held the second Sunday in December and the Olde English Tea held the first Saturday in May. The proceeds from the Olde English Tea are distributed to local charities such as Episcopal Social Services, Wichita Children’s Home, Breakthrough Club, the Kansas Food Bank, After School Program at St. James and Victory in the Valley. We invite all women to attend and participate. Announcements are printed in the bulletin and are posted on the bulletin board in the hall. For more information call Shirley Seminoff, President ECW, 680-3986. 2015 Annual Report 26 C. Parish Life Ministries Grief Support Group From Deacon Deedee Evans, Facilitator The Grief Support Group meets each Tuesday morning in the Lounge at St. James Church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. year round with rare exception. One does not have to be a member of St. James to participate. The group has been available for over ten years now and finds that the time is well spent as participants support each other. People attend as their schedule and energy allow and then move on when the time is right. Different losses have been experienced - spouse, partner, sibling, child, friend, parent, grandchild, pet, our home. We laugh and we cry. There is no homework, no tension, and no lecture – just a lot of understanding as we learn from each other. Who attends is not secret but what is said in the group stays in the room. Currently there are 24 on the roster although not everyone attends each week. Generally there are 15-18 present. Beginning in February 2013 I have provided Grief Support from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. each Thursday with rare exception at Larksfield Place Retirement Community. The Meal Train Ministry From Jeri Moss There is a simple ministry for St. James people who like to cook. It consists of preparing and delivering a meal to someone in our parish who has had surgery or had an extended illness. Mother Dawn or the church office is instrumental in letting the Meal Train organizer know when there is a need. During 2015, we have been asked to cook, prepare, and deliver meals approximately six to eight times. The Meal Train is a process of organizing meals by email. For example, you would receive an email directing you to The Meal Train. Then you would see a calendar of days available to sign up for a meal. The name, address, and email of the person receiving the meal is there along with special instructions. This is just one small way to give back to the people in our parish. If you are interested in being a part of the ministry please contact Jeri Moss. At 316-640-5311 or jerilynmoss@gmail.com Membership and Parish Life From Peggy Zerger This committee works at welcoming new members to St. James, and bringing members of the church together through fellowship activities outside of our regular worship services. We have hosted a talent show and an outdoor picnic on the parish grounds and provided refreshments for different events. We meet the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. Olde English Tea From Kay Hoffman The grand epoch of spring, the St. James Olde English Tea, made a spectacular debut for the 85 th celebration in 2015. The bountiful crowd of patrons, once again, marveled at the transformation of our Guild Hall into an enchanting floral garden embracing an elegant High Tea presentation. The Tea, like the Oyster Dinner, conveys an impressive signature of St. James not just in Wichita, but surrounding areas as well. Fellow parishioners, we know that excellence of presentation doesn’t JUST HAPPEN. The chairs of the tea committees profusely thank each of you participants, who so willingly contributed of your time, talents, and monetary donations. An amazing group we wish to especially honor is our St. James youth. Visitors’ compliments overflow as they observe our young people responding joyfully, efficiently, and with intense dedication. They maintain a steady stream of trays to the tea table, they are the epitome of polite courtesy to our guests, and the confident talents of our young musicians is a marvel to all. To each of you, young ladies and gentlemen, we thank you and we congratulate you for tasks so well done. Some highlights regarding Tea income include: Ticket sales totaled $4,504, The Silent Auction totaled $986, and The Bake Sale, including toffee, totaled $1,033.20. The bakery inventory was down this year and was quickly sold out. Expenses included the purchase of additional quality silk flowers to be placed in the inventory for future use plus new table cloths to 2015 Annual Report 27 C. Parish Life Ministries replace those we retired. The net proceeds from the 2015 Tea totaled $5,552.13. Volunteers are the nucleus of a successful event each year. There is a time, a place, and a need for everyone who desires to be a part of the grandest Tea Party in Kansas! All net proceeds from the tea are distributed to local charities selected by the Episcopal Church Women as well as recommendations from parishioners. The 2015 recipients were: Episcopal Social Services, Breakthrough Club, Wichita Children’s Homer, Erin is Hope Foundation, Assistance League of Wichita, Victory in the Valley, Kansas Food Bank, KU School of Medicine HIV/AID’s Program Wichita Sexual Assault Center, YMCA Women’s Crisis Center, St. James After School Program. The 86th Olde English Tea is May 6! Outreach Committee From Judy Goodpasture, Chairperson St. James Episcopal Church Outreach Committee Annual Report for 2015 In 2015 our committee gained membership and increased our number of projects. We are most grateful to the St. James congregation for its generous support of our work. 2015 Projects 1. American Red Cross Blood Drive: Our parish held 6 successful blood drives for the American Red Cross. Our donations have helped 321 people, mostly in south central Kansas, but also as far away as Denver, St. Louis, and Houston. Chair: Jim Petty 2. Christmas Food Baskets and Gifts: Our parish contributed large food baskets and gifts to clients from ESS, Kansas Children’s Service League, and the St. James After-School program families. Chair: Mary Druding, with assistance from St. James Youth Group. 3. 3rd Annual Blanket Drive: Our parish contributed fifty blankets to the homeless shelters sponsored by Inter-faith Ministries. Chairs: Abby Ottaway and Judy Goodpasture 4. Communities in Schools’ Reality University Project: Thirteen volunteers helped staff two days of the Reality University project at Southeast High School in February. Chair: Judy Goodpasture 5. Habitat for Humanity: Seven volunteers worked on the construction of a Wichita Habitat house. Chair: Hew Goodpasture 6. Water Bottle Drive for ESS: We delivered cases of water bottles for ESS to distribute during the summer heat. Chair: Mary Druding. 7. After School Program: Deacon Peg Flynn kept us up to date on the important work accomplished for children in our After School Program. At Christmas each child received a family food basket and a gift box of art supplies to use at home. Chair: Deacon Peg Flynn 8. Books for Prisoners: Several times during the year paperbacks donated by the parish were delivered to the Sedgwick County Jail. Chair: Beth Criss 9. Box Tops and Soup Can Label Collection: To date we have delivered $86.80 worth of “Box Tops for Education” coupons to Hyde Elementary and Stanley Elementary. We have also mailed $59.10 worth of “Labels for Education” to St. Jude’s Children’s Ranch in Nevada. Chair: Judy Goodpasture 10.Congregation Thanks: Around Thanksgiving our committee distributed small candy bags and a blessing card to parishioners. Project Chair: Judy Goodpasture, with assistance from the St. James Youth Group 11. Pocket Change Ministry: In the fall we collected over $500. For the Wichita Children’s Home, and we toured their new facility. Our next beneficiary of this project will be the Kansas Children’s Service League. Project Chair: Gary Thudium 12. Undies Sundays: During the back-to-school days, we collected more than 1000 pairs of undies and delivered them to the Wichita Children’s Home. Project Chair: Joy Johnson-Thudium Besides our committee projects, a number of other groups within our parish conducted 2015 outreach projects, and we appreciate their work. For example, the Junior Daughters, led by Jeanne Kroeker, conducted a Sock Drive for the Homeless. Tim Flynn chaired the Bags of Blessings project for Partners for Wichita. And the St. James Sewing Guild, chaired by Shirley Seminoff, once again mailed dresses to Kenya. 2015 Annual Report 28 C. Parish Life Ministries All of our 2015 Outreach Committee projects will continue for 2016, and we hope to add a few more. Please consider visiting or joining our committee. We meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. We welcome your interest and support. I am grateful to the members of the Outreach Committee for their hard work, enthusiasm, and compassion. Thank you Fr. Jon Hullinger, Deacon Peg Flynn, Beth Criss, Mary Druding, Tim Flynn, Hew Goodpasture, Mary Klocke, Abby Ottaway, Jim Petty, Vicky Petty, Debbie Stephens, Marilyn Taylor, Gary Thudium, Joy Johnson-Thudium, Marcia Wilder (Secretary for our Outreach Committee), Diana Williams, and Dick Williams. Oyster Dinner From Matthew J. Carroll, Chairperson The St. James Oyster Dinner opens our church to the Wichita community for food and fellowship and to raise money to help support Episcopal Social Services. The dinner is possible because of the hard work put into the event by our parishioners. The time spent together and friendships that develop during the dinner are priceless and help to enrich our church community. There are over 50 people who come and help with the Oyster Dinner each year. We need to work to maintain the level of community-wide success that Rod Hansen and Dennis Evans achieved through their dedicated effort in recent years. If you would like information on the dinner or how to get involved please contact me at 316-721-1055 or 316-259-7587. Wednesday Dinner From Colleen Didier We started Wonderful Wednesday about five years ago and continue to offer weekly meals to those folks who come to St. James for Youth Group, Choristers, Choir, Bible Study and other Wednesday activities. We have a wonderful group of women who volunteer once a month to provide this meal. Thanks to Erin Compton, Katie Garcia, Shirley Seminoff and Robyn Milne, who’ve all volunteered their time. If you would like to take part with Wonderful Wednesday please call Colleen Didier 683-5686 ext 26 or cell 316-258-1928. I would like to thank all those who are doing the cooking for the rest of the year. D. Worship Ministries Altar Guild From Crystal Barber During 2015, the Altar Guild participated in funerals, weddings, baptisms, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday services, greening of the church, Holy Week (palm cross making, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc.), laundering and pressing linens, meetings (usually on a Saturday and before any major event), maintaining vestments and frontals, cleaning of silver and brass, preparing candles for each service, and many other special services/events. The purchase of new pottery vessels for the Lenten season was made. Currently there are vestments and frontals which need mending or replacement, in particular white vestments and a frontal. The 2016 flower calendar is posted in the hallway. Please consider giving flowers by writing your name on the date of your choice on the calendar and placing your check in the alms basin on Sunday (write on the memo line FLOWERS and attach a note as to how you would like it listed in the bulletin). With only two services on Sunday the amount of time each member spends currently is approximately one Sunday a month. (With 15 to 30 minutes being the actual time spent setting up and/or cleansing.) Current Altar Members include: Janet Newlin, Emalyn Rogers, Betty Shaw, Kay Hoffman, Cathy Wuu, John and Linda Guyot, Deb Stephens, Lynette Roth, Sue Reynolds, Jane and Robin Spurrier, Amber and Jeff Newlin, Mary and Fiona Halley, Craig Rich, Crystal Barber, DeAun Warfield and Shirley Seminoff. Come explore this ministry. All are welcome. If you are interested in joining this ministry, contact Crystal Barber at 612-6955 or barbercris@cox.net. 2015 Annual Report 29 C. Parish Life Ministries Eucharistic Visitors From Georgie Drake Eucharistic Visitors (EV) share in the communion of Christ at church before taking the sacramental bread and wine to our parishioners who are isolated, ill, or otherwise unable to actively join us at St. James. Eucharistic Visitors delivered communion 98 different trips and served 137 people. This ministry wouldn't exist without volunteers. I am very grateful for our Eucharistic Ministers, Richard Bowman, Marcia Wilder, Brooke Bergquist, Terry Anderson, John Boyer, myself, Deacon Deedee Evans and Deacon Peggy Flynn. Here is a brief description of what goes into a Eucharist Visit: The EV picks up bag at the church altar; The EV brings bag back to church in the small chapel; A volunteer picks up the used communion bag and cleans the chalice, etc. and replaces the soiled linens; Replaces the wine and wafers and places the bag under the alter; A volunteer washes and irons all of the linens use; Process starts over again. We can use volunteers for this ministry. If you feel called to this ministry please contact Mother Dawn or myself. georgiedrake@hotmail.com or 316-680-8749 Music Committee From Marlene Hallstrom, M.M., Director of Music In early 2014 a Music Committee was formed for the purpose of assisting with music planning for worship such as selecting hymns and liturgical music and arranging for seasonal worship services or other musical events. This committee may at times help with tasks such as keeping the music library up to date, caring for robes, handbells, and other musical equipment, etc. This current Music Committee includes Angee Carroll, Daniel Dye, Adrienne Edwards, Phil Speary, Peter Storandt, Mother Dawn Frankfurt and Marlene Hallstrom. During 2015 members of the committee helped with hymn selection. We also heard presentations about possible upgrades to the organ and acoustics in the nave. Two organ companies visited us this year and made assessments of our Holtkamp organ, considering how it might be renovated for replaced in the future. A proposal from the Odell organ company was commissioned by our parishioners, the Storandts. Speak with me, the Jr. Warden or Mother Dawn if you are interested in future planning. Ushers From Colleen Didier Thanks to the Ushers for their duties last year. We have wonderful, dedicated ushers. They are always here on time greeting our worshipers with a friendly smile. Consider becoming an usher. Duties include but not limited to: At least 2 and up to 8 ushers are required at each service depending on the size of the expected congregation; Greet the people as they enter the Church; Hand out Church Bulletins; Welcome Visitors and New members; Keep order in the Church; Identify empty seats and guide individuals and families to them accordingly; Take attendance and provide summary of service in usher reports; In case of emergency, report and contact the people needed for a specific situation; Orderly evacuate the Church when necessary; Identify and assist clergy in administering communion to congregants in their pews; Invite the congregants, including children to communion; Assist the chronologically gifted members to and from communion – up and down the steps/stairs; Assist Clergy during weddings, funerals and all special Church events; Collect and present offerings at the altar; Assign oblationers from the congregation prior to each service; Serve as oblationers as well; Clean and leave the pews ready for the next service; Any other duties as deemed appropriate by the clergy; Punctuality and time consciousness are required, and to be at church earlier than the rest of the congregation- 15 to 30 minutes prior to each service and/or event start time. Much of an usher duties are done behind the scenes and less in front of the congregation (preparation). Contract Colleen Didier, 683 5686, ext 26 if you would like to be an usher. 2015 Annual Report 30 D. Worship Ministries Verger’s Report From Tim Flynn, Verger 2015 has once again been an incredibly eventful and blessed year for me. The support that I have receive from the clergy and congregation is wonderful. In late July an informational meeting was held for people that were looking to be more involved in the Liturgy. There was a great turn out as seven people attended the meeting. In the end, there were seven people who are now lay minsters. The meeting explained some of the details of the positions and the time commitment needed for each. Deacon Peg led a discussion about ways to discern what ministry God may be calling a person to. In addition to that good news, Mary Halley has decided that she is being called to become a verger. She has the approval of the rector and has started the training course from the Verger’s Guild of the Episcopal Church (VGEC). Mary has already taken on some tasks and will become more involve through the coming year. Please give her the support you have given me as she continues on her journey. On a personal note, at the beginning of October Deacon Peg and I attended the Verger’s Guild of the Episcopal Church’s 27th annual Conference. It was held in St. Louis, hosted by the absolutely wonderful team of Christ Church Cathedral (a beautiful place to visit if you are in St, Louis). The conference was attended by over 160 vergers. I was one of twelve vergers received into the Fellows of the Guild. Acolytes, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers The people holding these positions are the backbone of the Liturgy. There are sixty people who faithfully fulfill their duties. That is a wonderful percentage of people active in the Liturgy at St. James in these ministries. Acolytes Deb Bagby, Deb Brinegar, Colin Carroll, Dylan Carroll, Anne Clark, William Compton, Adrienne Edwards, Fiona Halley, Talia Halley, Michael Kephart, Jenny Kroeker, Matthew Kroeker, Dalton Nelson, Lexie Reid, Jared Rowland This year Anne Clark became the newest acolyte and she serves primarily at the 8:30 Sunday Liturgy. Several acolytes took on more responsibility in new roles. Dylan Carroll is the newest thurifer and served on Christmas Eve. The first training of the year for new acolytes was held earlier in January for new acolytes and Lauren Schmeidler and Lennon Tyner will soon be seen as torch bearers. The goal is to hold training sessions to once per quarter and which will allow for shorter focused sessions. With everyone’s busy schedules, missing one training session won’t have as large an impact. Dates will be announced at church, put in the bulletin and placed in the eTower newsletter. Individual training can be scheduled if your schedule doesn’t align with the times offered. Anyone interested in becoming an acolyte contact Mary mbhalley66@gmail.com or Tim timflynnict@gmail.com 316640-5031 Lectors Sue Abdinnour, Cris Barber, Richard Bowman, John Boyer, Sandra Bradley, Louise Brinegar, Dylan Carroll, Bert Clark, Rob Compton, Jenny Davis, Amy Delamaide, Mary Druding, Adrienne Edwards, Kirk Filbey, Tom Gossen, J Guldjord, Marie Guldjord, Mary Halley, Kurt Harper, Deena Helm, Zaena Helm, Kay Hoffman, Garrison Holmberg, Michael Kephart, Jeanne Kroeker, Jim Lewis, Martha Lewis, Paul McCausland, Rick Milhon, Jeff Newlin, Abby Ottaway, Emily Ottaway, Vicki Petty, Jay Price, Craig Rich, Necia Rillema, Gene Rollins, Drew Rucker, Diane Schawe, Lowell Wilder, Rick Wulf Again this year the group has expanded. Bert Clark, J. Guldjord, Marie Guldjord, Garrison Holmberg and Jeff Newlin have become lectors this year. We have a wonderful group of lectors that support all of our Liturgies. Training for lectors will be held at least twice a year going forward. Generally some time before the transition from program year to summer, and then again prior to the transition to the program year. When the dates are set, they will be announced at church, placed in the bulletin, and in the eTower newsletter as well. Individual training can be scheduled if your schedule doesn’t align with the times offered. 2015 Annual Report 31 D. Reading the Bible to church members is a great way to become more involved in the Liturgy. There isn’t a large time commitment, almost everyone can be a lector, and it is a great way to explore your call. Anyone that is interested in becoming a lector can contact Tim Flynn timflynnict@gmail.com 316-640-5031 Eucharistic Ministers Deb Bagby, Richard Bowman, Sandra Bradley, Louise Brinegar, Colleen Didier, Mary Druding, Adrienne Edwards, Mary Halley, Michael Kephart, Martha Lewis, Rick Milhon, Amber Newlin, Necia Rillema, Marcia Wilder, Robin Wilson, Rick Wulf There is a dedicated group of people serving as licensed chalice ministers and this year the group is larger. Deb Bagby, Louise Brinegar, Mary Halley, and Amber Newlin are now licensed Eucharistic Ministers. It takes very little investment of time to be trained, or for that matter on the day you serve. Albs are provided by the church and it is an incredibly meaningful way participate in the Eucharist. A training session will occur in the February or March, and when the dates are set, they will be announced at church and placed in the eTower newsletter. Individual training can be scheduled if your schedule doesn’t align with the times offered. Anyone interested in becoming a chalice minister contact Tim Flynn timflynnict@gmail.com; 640-5031 2015 Annual Report 32 VII. Affiliated Program Reports After School Program By Melissa Long, Program Coordinator In 2015, The After School Program at St. James Church conducted our tenth year of serving students from Title I schools. We provide the children of Jefferson and Harry Street Elementary schools with well-planned art lessons, character-building instruction and nutritious snacks. We share this service in partnership with Community in Schools, whose program has proven to be the most effective dropout prevention organization. In 2015, 100% of former after school program participants in Wichita graduated from high school. Our partnership with Communities in Schools, gives St. James the opportunity to help build a healthier Wichita community by dedicating our services to helping children reach their full potential. While St. James does provide space, volunteer time, donations of snacks and cash from its congregation, the program is not drawing from the parish budget. ASP depends on donations from individuals, grants, and fundraisers. Last year it cost $12,000, or less than $50 per month per child, to run the program. Each year, the ASP Board must raise this money so the program can continue to operate. In 2015 the Board of Directors included Mike Lehr (President), Susan Graybill (Vice President), Tim Flynn (Secretary), Gene Carr (Treasurer), Jackie Farha, Dan Dye, Robyn Milne, Susan Picotte, Georgie Drake and ex-officio member, Deacon Peg Flynn. Brady Nursery donated tulip bulbs at half cost for the Fall Bulb Fundraiser. Robyn Milne led the fundraiser that netted our program $800. The Triviathalon Fundraiser in October raised $900 for St. James’s Adopted Families. All ASP board members worked to make this event a success. Deacons Patsy Abshier and Peg Flynn provided gifts for the winners. Peg Bowman delighted everyone with her culinary creations. The Episcopal Church Women’s Old English Tea gave of $1000. As always, our program is humbled by these acts of kindness. Additionally, the St. James After School Program enjoyed two special programs from the local community. The children went on a fall field trip to the Great Plains Nature Center where Amanda Alessi kept the facility open after hours to teach the children about the need for the art of scientific illustrators and to teach about the flora and fauna of the Great Plains. Jim Clements, a local cowboy artist came to St. James to share his art work, ethic, and training. The children had many questions about how artists work. The Christmas “baskets were a true blessing” quoting a mother of a St. James ASP child. Thanks to all the individuals who provided donations to fill the baskets and who delivered baskets to our children’s homes. If you haven’t delivered baskets, I strongly encourage this experience. Thanks to Susan Graybill, Mary Druding, Caryn Johnson, Jackie Farha, and Robyn Milne for helping at the Christmas parties. The children and several of their family members enjoyed the celebrations. A special thanks to Jim Petty for being the star of the Christmas Parties. The St. James After School Program plans to continue to provide and improve art and music instruction with your ongoing service and financial support. Thanks to the St. James Church community for your snack donations, volunteer time, and money donations. If you have questions about the St. James ASP, please contact Melissa Long, afterschool@stjameswichita.org. The Guild Hall Players From Phil Speary, Program Director St. James’ resident theatre had another strong year presenting five productions in 2015: the new Broadway hit VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE, the Dietrich Bonhoeffer drama THE BEAMS ARE CREAKING, the classic American musical BIG RIVER, the beloved romantic comedy BUS STOP, and the family drama THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES. Attendance varied. BEAMS was our biggest non-musical draw ever; ROSES one of our smallest. Anyone who does arts performance knows ticket sales are unpredictable at best (not everything is STAR WARS)! GHP still is able to cover its expenses from ticket sales and make a contribution to the St. James operating budget. An ongoing excellent outreach to the Wichita area (particularly the arts community) we already have three shows scheduled this coming spring and summer: LAZARUS, an original play depicting the story of Jesus raising his friend from death (this April); THE PIANO LESSON, a Pulitzer Prize winning African-American family drama (June); RING OF FIRE, a musical based on the Johnny Cash songbook (August.) If you would like to be involved, contact Phil Speary, Louise Brinegar or Randy Harrison. Or just come enjoy one of our shows and bring some friends who haven’t ever been to St. James. 2015 Annual Report 33 VIII. Parish Ministries and Contact Information Administration and Governance Ministries Outreach Ministries Communication Ministries – Parish Office Diocesan convention – Mother Dawn Endowment – Tom Gossen Finance Committee – Adrienne Edwards, Treasurer Nominating committee – Erin Compton, Sr. Warden Office Volunteers – Parish Office, Mother Dawn Vestry – Erin Compton, Sr. Warden After School Program – Mike Lehr, Deacon Peg Flynn Blood Drive – Jim Petty Christmas giving trees – Mary Druding Episcopal Social Services (ESS) – 316-269-4160 Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) – 316-977-9276 Guild Hall Players – Phil Speary Outreach Committee – Judy Goodpasture Prison ministry – Deacon Jeff Roper Building and Grounds Ministries Building and Grounds – Randy Harrison, Jr. Warden Churchyard – Gene Rollins Furnishings and Memorials – Andy Aitken Landscaping, Safety and Security – Randy Harrison Christian Formation Ministries Adult Christian Education – Mother Dawn Adult Forum – Rob Compton, Phil Speary Annual Giving - any vestry member Basic A (confirmation) – Mother Dawn Children’s Sunday School – Suzi Miner Education for Ministry – Paul Rillema Explorers – Mother Dawn Graduate EfM – Richard Bowman Mid- and Sr. - High Sunday School – Deacon Jeff Roper Nursery – Kellie Newlin Golden Girls Bible Study – Shirley Seminoff Vacation Bible School – Erin Compton, April Pameticky Wednesday Evening Bible Study – Phil Speary Year-Round Generosity – Joan Moore Youth Christian Education – Parish office Youth Group – Anne Clark Music Ministries – Marlene Hallstrom Choristers (Youth Choir) Hand bell Choir Instrumentalists/Musicians Music Committee St. James Choir (Adult Choir) Parish Life Ministries All Souls Guild – Jeanie Hans Breakfast “Club” – Beth Criss Breakfast Sunday – Ron and MaryLee Harrison Brotherhood of St. Andrew – Bert Clark Campus Ministry – Deacon Jeff Roper Daughters of the King – Mary Halley Episcopal Church Women – Shirley Seminoff Grief Support – Deacon Deedee Evans Jr. Daughters of the King – Jeanne Kroeker Library – Parish Office Membership and Parish Life Committee – Peggy Zerger Pastoral Care – Terry Anderson, Mother Dawn Olde English Tea – ECW, Shirley Seminoff OPUS – Mary Druding Oyster Dinner – Matt Carroll Wednesday Dinners – Colleen Didier Worship Ministries Acolytes – Mary Halley Altar Guild – Crystal Barber Eucharistic Visitors – Georgie Drake Funeral Ministry – Mother Dawn Lectors and Chalice Ministers – Tim Flynn, Mary Halley Music Committee – Marlene Hallstrom Ushers – Colleen Didier Wedding Ministry – Debbie Stephens Worship Committee – Tim Flynn St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67208; 316-6835686; www.stjameswichita.org 2015 Annual Report 34 IX. 2016 Dates of Note February June 3 – Sung Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM 7 – Commissioning of Elected Parish Officials, 10:45 AM 9 – Oyster Dinner 9 – Burning of the Palms, 7:00 PM 10 – Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist, 12:15 & 7:00 PM 13 – SW Convocation Meeting, 9:00 AM 14 – Breakfast Sunday 20 – Parish Life – Big Brainstorm, 9:00 AM 20 – Talent Show and Dessert Auction, 6:30 PM 25 – Vestry & Endowment Fund Board Meeting, 6:00 PM 25 & 26 – Bags of Blessings 28 – Night on the Red Carpet (ESS), 6:30 PM 2-5 – GHP Production of “The Piano Lesson” 5-11 – MegaCamp at Camp Wood 12 – Breakfast Sunday 19 – Father’s Day July 10 – Blood Drive 10 – NO Breakfast Sunday in summer 11-15 – Vacation Bible School August 4-7 – GHP Production of “Ring of Fire” 14 – NO Breakfast Sunday in summer March 13 – Breakfast Sunday 13 – Blood Drive 14-18 – Spring Break USD 259 20 – Palm Sunday 21 – Holy Monday Eucharist, 7:00 PM 22 – Holy Tuesday Eucharist, 7:00 PM 23 – Tenebrae, 7:00 PM 24 – Maundy Thursday Eucharist, 7:00 PM 25 – Good Friday Services 12:00 & 7:00 PM 26 – Holy Saturday Service 9:00 AM 27 – Easter Vigil Service, 6:00 AM 27 – Easter Services of Holy Eucharist, 8:30 and 10:45 AM April 9 & 10 – Altar Guild & Server Recognition, all services 10 – Breakfast Sunday 14-17 – GHP Production of “Lazarus” by Phil Speary 23-24 – Youth Sunday May 7 – Olde English Tea 7 & 8 – Graduate Recognition, all services 8 – Breakfast Sunday, Mother’s Day 8 – Blood Drive 8 – Chorister Recognition, 10:45 AM 10 – Handbell rehearsal (last for spring 2016) 11 – Wednesday Dinner (last for spring 2016) 11 – Chorister rehearsal (last for spring 2016) 11 – Youth Group (last for spring 2016) 14 & 15 – Pentecost Services (multi-languages) 18 – Cookout (end of school year), 5:00 PM 18 – Choir rehearsal (last for spring 2016), 7:00 PM 22 – Sunday School (last for spring 2016) 22 – Leader and Mentor recognition, 10:45 AM 22 – Choir sings last time spring 2016, 10:45 AM 24 – Last Day of School, USD 259 29 – Outdoor Worship in churchyard, 10:45 AM 30 – Memorial Day September 5 – Labor Day 7 – Cookout (beginning of school year), 5:00 PM 7 – Choir rehearsals begin, 7:00 PM 11 – Ministry Fair and Start-Up Sunday 11 – Breakfast Sunday 11 – Blood Drive 13 – Handbell rehearsals begin, 7:30 PM 14 – Wednesday Dinners begin, 5:00 PM 14 – Chorister rehearsals begin, 5:30 PM 14 – Youth Group begins, 6:30 PM October 9 – Parish Picnic and Outdoor Worship 15 – Triviathalon, 6:30 PM 23 – St. James Sunday 28-29 – Diocesan Convention (in Wichita) November 5-6 – All Saints Day celebrated, all services 12 – Alternative Gift Market 13 – Confirmation and Bishop’s visitation 13 – Breakfast Sunday 13 – Blood Drive 24 – Thanksgiving Day Eucharist, 11:00 AM 24 – Thanksgiving Lunch, 12:00 noon December 4 – Advent Lessons & Carols, 5:30 PM 11 – St. Nicholas Bazaar 11 – Breakfast Sunday 17 – Rehearsal for Christmas pageant, 10:00 AM 18 – Christmas Pageant, 10:00 AM 19 – Greening of the Church 24 – Christmas Eve 24 – Eucharist with choristers, 4:00 PM 24 – Eucharist with choir and incense, 7:00 PM 24 – Eucharist with soloists, 11:00 PM 25 – Christmas Day Eucharist, 10:00 AM 2015 Annual Report 35 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2015 Annual Report (After Easter) 8:30am HE 9:40am Christian Ed 10:45am HE 12:00pm Fellowship (After Easter) 8:30am HE 9:40am Christian Ed 10:45am HE 12:00pm Fellowship 12:15pm ASP Board (After Easter) 8:30am HE 9:40am Christian Ed 10:45am HE 12:00pm Fellowship (After Easter) Breakfast Sunday Blood Drive-odd months 8:30am HE 9:30am Breakfast 10:45am HE 12:00pm Fellowship (After Easter) 8:30am HE 9:40am Christian Ed 10:45am HE 12:00pm Fellowship Sunday 7pm Explorers 7pm Graduate EfM 7pm Explorers 7pm Graduate EfM 7pm Explorers 7pm Graduate EfM 7pm Explorers 7pm Graduate EfM 6:00pm DOK HE 6:30pm DOK Meal 7:00pm DOK Meeting 7pm Explorers Monday 9:30am Staff Meeting 10:00am Grief Support 6pm Basic A (Fall) 7:30pm Handbells 9:30am Staff Meeting 10:00am Grief Support 6:00pm Basic A (Fall) 6:30pm Outreach Ministry 7:30pm Handbells 10:45am Bible Study 12:15pm HE (Chapel) 5:00pm Dinner 5:30pm Choristers 6:30pm Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Grp 7:00pm Choir 7:30pm Bro. of St. A. Bible Study 10:45am Bible Study 12:15pm HE (Chapel) 5:00pm Dinner 5:30pm Choristers 6:30pm Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Grp 7:00pm Choir 7:30pm Bro. of St. A. Bible Study 9:30am Staff Meeting 10am Grief Support 6pm Basic A (Fall) 7:30pm Handbells 10:45am Bible Study 12:15pm HE (Chapel) 4:30pm Worship Ministry 5:00pm Dinner 5:30pm Choristers 6:30pm Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Grp 7:00pm Choir 7:30pm Bro. of St. A. Bible Study 10:45am Bible Study 12:15pm HE (Chapel) 5:00pm Dinner 5:30pm Choristers 6:30pm Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Grp 7:00pm Choir 7:30pm Bro. of St. A. Bible Study Wednesday 10:45am Bible Study 12:15pm HE (Chapel) 5:00pm Dinner 5:30pm Choristers 6:30pm Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Grp 7:00pm Choir 7:30pm Bro. of St. A. Bible Study 9:30am Staff Meeting 10am Grief Support 6pm Basic A (Fall) 7:30pm Handbells 9:30am Staff Meeting 10am Grief Support 6pm Basic A (Fall) 7:30pm Handbells Tuesday 6:30pm EfM (every other week) 4:30pm Endowment 6:00pm Christian Ed (Adult) 6:30pm EfM 7:00pm Restoration Project (every other week) 6:00pm Vestry 6:30pm EfM 7:00pm Restoration Project (every other week) 5:30pm Finance Ministry 6:00pm Mbr & Parish Life 6:30pm EfM 7:00pm Restoration Project (every other week) 8:30am Breakfast "Club" 10:00am Bible Study 6:30pm EfM 7:00pm Restoration Project Thursday St. James Episcopal Church 2016 "Typical Month" Calendar Friday 5:30pm HE 5:30pm HE 5:30pm HE 5:30pm HE 5:30pm HE 6:30pm Fellowship Saturday IX. 2016 Typical Month Calendar 36