2013 Annual Report

2013 Annual Report
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is
anything, but only God who gives the growth.
I Corinthians 3:7
CONTENTS
Report of the Moderator
Mission Statement
Service to the Church Beyond Third Church
Report of the Clerk
Report of the Treasurer
Personnel Committee
Nominating Committee
Joint Budget/Finance Committee
Stewardship Committee
Board of Trustees
Christian Education
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4
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7
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10
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12
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14
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Children's Ministry Committee
Youth Ministry Committee
Adult Spiritual Formation (formerly known as Adult Faith Development Committee)
Worship, Music and Arts Committee
Congregational Fellowship Committee
Membership and Evangelism Committee
More Light Committee
Board of Deacons
Outreach Committee
Overview of Third Church Outreach Programs
Highlights
Advocacy: Amnesty International, Bread for the World (See Hunger Report)
Education: Tutoring at Schools #35 and #6; Corner Place Arts Academy,
Vacation Bible School
Hunger: Dining Room Ministry, Third Church Food Cupboard, Christmas Basket Project, Cameron Community
Ministries, Bread for the World, Grocery Run, Pastors’ Emergency Fund, Habitat@Third
Homelessness: RAIHN
Hurricane Relief
Peacemaking
Kenya
Gun Violence Response Team
Outreach Contributions and Expenditures
Income and Expenses
All Funds Balance Sheet
2014 Budget
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25
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THIRD CHURCH STAFF
(Persons listed below served during some portion of 2013)
(2001) John Wilkinson
Pastor
(2008) Martha C. Langford
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
(2013)Lynette K. Sparks (beginning February 2013)
Interim Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism
(2013) Lucinda B. Hedges
Parish Associate
(2001) Rebecca D’Angelo-Veitch
Coordinator of Children’s Ministry and Congregational Life
(2007) Jane S. Carden
Youth Ministry Coordinator
(1991) Peter A. DuBois
Director of Music/Organist
(1995) Christina A. Lenti
Associate Director of Music
(2011) Tom Mueller
Assistant Organist
(1962) William W. Young
Pastor Emeritus
(1998) Roderic P. Frohman
Pastor Emeritus
(1993) Carol D. Foster
Church Business Administrator
(2007) Lisa Cramer
Assistant to Church Business Administrator
(1999) Cindy Mark
Office Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator
(1988) Elizabeth T. Williams
Pastoral Administrator
(2006) John Pilato
Lead Sexton
(1999) Joey Becerril
Sexton
(2010) David Antinore (until April)
Sexton
(2013) Kevin Mellema (beginning April, until December)
Sexton
(2013) Brandon Reggler (beginning and ending in December)
Sexton
Page 2
Third Church Annual Report
REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
Teachers, ushers and greeters,
advisors, singers and ringers,
We have named the 2013-2014 office volunteers, committee
Third Church program year a
members – so many sharing
“Year of Growing,” and I am
your time and energy. Not to
grateful for the many ways we
mention the hundreds of you
are living into that vision.
who share your time and energy
Growth, we have said, will look
in our outreach ministry, serving
like many things. Some forms of those in need in our community.
growth we will be able to
Thanks to you all!
called to be, a faith community
quantify. Others we will know as
that seeks to connect and to
I am also reminded every day
we experience them.
seek God and serve others. A
how our talented and dedicated year of growing has reminded
We hope to grow in terms of our staff shares their gifts with us.
me that though the ways we
ability to welcome visitors and
We are blessed by their
serve may be evolving, our core
invite them into membership.
commitment.
activities – worship, education,
We hope to grow in terms of
service – and the values that
In 2013 we welcomed Lynette
financial strength.
undergird them, will persevere.
Sparks as our Interim Associate
We also aspire to grow in
Pastor working with our
I am grateful for the call we
meaningful engagement for all
outreach and membership and
share, and for the unique and
ages. That is happening in many evangelism programs. Lynette
wondrous opportunity you all
ways – through worship,
hit the ground running and has invite me into moment by
through education, through
provided great leadership. I am moment and day by day. Thank
fellowship, through new and
grateful that she will “re-up” for you!
continuing outreach
another year.
opportunities.
Faithfully,
Early in 2014, Christina Lenti
In 2013, we began the process
announced her intention to
of thinking more intentionally
retire in June. I am grateful for
about our future through a
Chris’ leadership. We will spend
strategic planning process. As
time celebrating that leadership
John Wilkinson
2014 commences, we will put
even as we think about the
the finishing touches on it and
future.
begin sharing it with groups
across the church. It will build on I am personally thankful for the
support I have received
the theme of “growing.” I am
following my endorsement as a
excited about the ways we can
continue to grow, building on a General Assembly moderatorial
sense of calling and momentum candidate. I am working with
the Personnel Committee and
as we move into a new year.
my staff colleagues to develop a
The pages of this annual report
plan for coverage should I be
(thanks to Beth Williams!)
elected moderator. Stay tuned
highlight the countless ways we for more details.
are seeking to grow in service
We are living in an era where
and connection. When I read
change is happening rapidly. We
these pages I am struck by the
are seeking to respond to that
extraordinary levels of
change by being who we are
commitment of so many.
Dear Friends,
Third Church Annual Report
Page 3
MISSION AND MINISTRY STATEMENT
Third Presbyterian Church of
Rochester, New York, founded in
1827, is a large, growing metropolitan
church. Our congregation has a
tradition of leadership on religious,
social and moral issues, both in the
community and in the wider church.
Members belong to this congregation
because of its tradition and vision.
We are a spiritually and socially active
church. The church clergy and
members have supported a heritage
of ordination for women, civil rights
and advocate for full inclusion. The
church focuses on work to alleviate
problems of hunger, housing, public
education, poverty and violence.
We have cultivated our environment
where ministers, program staff, elders
and the broader congregation serve
together in collegiality. Within our
large congregation, small groups are
an important and growing element
where members connect in significant
ways to share Christian faith. We
empower both staff and members to
provide sustenance in times of
spiritual need. Several years ago, the
church adopted the theme “Seeking
the Light” to express our focus
through worship, fellowship,
education and outreach.
Third Church has a tradition of
creative leadership on religious, social
and moral issues in the community
At the same time the church focuses
and in the Presbyterian Church.
inward to nurture, educate and
Strong leadership and dynamic
provide spiritual growth for the
preaching are central to our
congregation. Our faith is inspired
congregational life. We devote one
and informed through preaching,
third of our resources to outreach
liturgy, music and education
efforts, which include Dining Room
programs for all ages. Nurtured by the Ministry, a food pantry, the Corner
Holy Spirit, our relationship enables us Place (an urban neighborhood
to be at peace with our brothers and
outreach center), tutoring programs
sisters and leads us to know them in
in two city schools, Rochester Area
ways that uplift, console, encourage
Interfaith Hospitality Network, relief
and support.
efforts in the wake of hurricane
Katrina, and a newly-formed
partnership with a faith community in
Kenya. Third Church is involved in an
ongoing initiative to foster “smart
growth” in the Rochester
metropolitan area and we believe in
conserving our natural resources to
make earth-keeping a priority. We
share our building with the
community, providing meeting space
for over 80 organizations and support
groups.
We are committed to a strong
comprehensive Christian education
program. Mid-week programs involve
65 children. Junior and senior high
youth programs have more than 60
participants and include Sunday night
fellowship and a mission trip every
other year. On Sunday mornings,
adult faith development covers a
range of topics from Bible study to
social issues.
Music and arts are also central to our
church life and worship. There are
vocal and bell choirs for various age
groups, ranging from nursery school
children to senior citizen; as well as
musical and drama events annually for
all.
Adopted by Session,
September 2007
SERVICE TO THE CHURCH BEYOND THIRD CHURCH
(Presbytery of Genesee Valley unless indicated)
Debra Bishop ................................................................................................................... Cameron Community Ministries
Ralph Carter........................................................... Presbytery Council, Nominating Committee, More Light Presbyterians
Roderic P. Frohman ................................ Mission and Advocacy, Center for the Congregation in Public Life, RAIHN Board
Calvin Garber, Jay Holmes, Jack Kraushaar, James McMillen ................................................................................................
..........................................................................Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Board of Trustees, Life Member
Sarah Cohen, Karen Walker............................................................................................................Resource and Education
Lorenda Gauronski ................................................................ Presbytery Triple Play Grant/Cameron Community Ministries
George Gotcsik ................................................................................. Presbytery Representative to Auburn Seminary Board
George Gray ............................................................................................................................................ Trustees, Council
Ann Haag.......................................................................Council, Committee on Preparation for the Ministry, Stewardship
Cornelia Labrum .................................................................. Cameron Community Ministries Board of Directors President
Beth Laidlaw ............................................................................................ Congregational Development (until September)
Martha Langford .................................................................................................... Committee on Preparation for Ministry
Maryjane Link ........................................................................................................................................................ Trustees
James Moore ......................................................................................................................Permanent Judicial Commission
David Norton ........................................................................................................................... Commissioned Ruling Elder
Donald Pryor ................................................................................................................................... Mission and Advocacy
Karen Pryor ................................................................................................................ Budget Development and Oversight
Beth Sieber, Rob White ................................................................................................................ That All May Freely Serve
Rebecca D’Angelo-Veitch ..................................................................................................................................... Personnel
John Wilkinson .............................Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, Covenant Network of Presbyterians
............................................ McCormick Theological Seminary, Board of Trustees; Genesee Valley Presbytery, Moderator
Page 4
Third Church Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CLERK
2013 Session Summary
During 2013, the Session met 16
times. In addition to hearing regular
reports from committees, approving
baptisms, and receiving new
members, high points and major
actions by Session through the year
included:
January
 Approved the Rev. Lynette
Sparks as interim associate
pastor
 Joint meeting with the
Deacons
 Generated ideas for new
initiatives for Urban
Presbyterians Together (UPT)
February
 Joint meeting with the
Trustees
 Approved the 2013 budget
of $1,375,691
 Authorized a senior level task
force to develop a plan for
balancing the 2013 and
2014 budgets
 Affirmed More Light
Presbyterians’ “Stand for
Love” position on marriage
equality
March
 Received the triennial review
of the Presbytery’s
Committee on Ministry
April
 Met with the Commissioning
Class and approved their
acceptance as members of
the church
 Authorized the ordination
and installation of elders and
deacons on May 5, having
completed a period of study
May
 Welcomed new Elders to
Session
 Received a report on Third
Church’s tutoring programs
June
 Participated in collaborative
thinking about our goals and
mission
October
 Received a report on the
new Glory to God hymnal
November
 Received a draft strategic
planning document for
consideration
 Approved two proposed
overtures related to marriage
equality
December
 Received an update on the
proposed staffing for
InReach
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Randall Carlson
Kaitlyn Cox
Olivia Lee Henry
Lily Juliet Hutkowski
Ty Shanley Joseph
Benjamin Roe Primerano
Nicholas Bruno Primerano
Emily Taylor Rachfal
Andrew Rye
Elizabeth Vinton
Maxwell Wheeler
Alexandra Lee Willett
Joshua Zeh
Weddings Performed in 2013
Third Church Annual Report
7
Luke Stephen Neilson
Eleanor Kathryn Fischer
Lucas Bradley White
Ruth Evelyn Mahar
Apryl Schleigh
Rose Therese Allyn
Drew Goodwin Allyn
New Members Received:
Commissioning Class
Members Received:
Robert H. Hurlbut, March 4
Virginia Lee Burnham, March 19
+ John N. Kerr, March 22
+ Nathacha P. Dykman, April 14
William Faul, June 11
Brenda M. Mains, June 16
Emily Gazley, June 26
Carola Keller, July 10
Bethyne Pink Wagner, July 20
Elise Hart, July 22
Marian L. Salmons, July 29
Anne M. Hargrave, August 6
David Somers, August 27
Jane (Janet) G. Brady, September 17
+ Jacquelin S. Kennedy, September 21
+ Richard S. Lee, November 15
+ Robert H. Plass, November 15
+Elder
Third Church Membership
12/31/12
1359
12/31/13
1364
Baptisms Performed in 2013:
Members Deceased in 2013:
+ Evelyn Petersen Kerney, January 5
Gifts totaling $5,950 were given in
memory of:
Christopher Mould
Ruth Wentworth
Myron and Ruth Kerney
Joyce Melissinos
Claudia McLaughlin Wilkinson
William Faul
Brenda Mains
Bethyne Wagner
Marian Salmons
David Somers
Jacquelin Kennedy
Mary Kathryn Woodhull
Richard Lee
Endowment Fund deposits during
2013 consisted of eight bequests
totaling $316,000 and two special
gifts totaling $2,500. Bequests
were received from Jean S. Brown,
Virginia L. Burnham, Sarah Strong
Clapp, William H. Faul, John Nye
Kerr, Nancy Mangan, Ivan L. Town
and Ruth D. Wentworth; special
gifts were received from Donald
and Judith Cumming and Bonny
Claxton and John Wilkinson.
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Chris Bensch, Clerk
Page 5
REPORT OF THE TREASURER
As you know, one of my duties as treasurer is to analyze the church’s monthly operating fund financial
statements, which are prepared by Carol Foster, our Church Business Administrator. These statements
show the church’s monthly and year-to-date income and expenses, and compare them to budget
estimates. My task in this report is to make the same analysis for the year 2013.
Our main source of operating
fund income is from pledges,
income from which is credited
when pledges are actually paid.
As I’ve explained in my reports
in previous years, every year our
annual Stewardship campaign
solicits pledges from church
members to provide income for
the next year’s operating budget
(gross pledges). Unfortunately,
every year a portion of this gross
pledge amount is not paid, due
to death or change in
circumstance of the pledger
(shrinkage). The amount
budgeted for current year
pledges, therefore, is a “best
guess” of gross pledges minus
shrinkage (net pledges).
This net pledge income is broken
down into two categories—
current year (2013) and prior
year (2012). By year end 2013,
we received $848,568 of current
year pledge income, which was
nearly 2% higher than our
budget goal of $833,625. We
received $10,773 of prior-year
pledge income, which was
nearly 44% more than our
budget of $7500.
Income of $19,527 from
contributions with no pledge
was nearly 26% higher than our
budget goal of $15,500. And,
income from Sunday plate
offering was also better than
expected—receipts of $13,119
slightly exceeded our budget
goal of $13,000. We are most
grateful for the generosity and
continued good stewardship of
our pledging members and
others.
Our two major fundraisers also
did well in 2013. “Meals with a
Meaning” and the East Avenue
Grocery Run produced
combined net income of more
than $29,300. As these events
continue to grow, not only will
we see a much-needed financial
benefit to Third Church, but the
positive impact will be felt
beyond our doors in addressing
the hunger problem in
Rochester, and within our doors
in the fellowship of our
congregation members.
For the operating budget as a
whole, income from all sources
totaled $1,413,711, which
exceeded our budget estimates
by $61,511.
On the expense side of the
ledger, actual expenditures
totaled $1,332,258 -- $43,433
less than anticipated. Part of this
under run was due to our not
incurring anticipated expense for
audits, which will be performed
at no charge. For the rest, we
continue to be grateful to all of
the committees for their
continued good financial
management.
In summary, adding our income
over run of $61,511 to our
expense under run of $43,433
yielded a budget surplus of
$104,944. However, you may
recall that our 2013 operating
budget was approved with a
deficit of $23,491. When we
subtract that deficit from our
surplus, we ended 2013 with a
net surplus of $81,453.
Final numbers for the year-end
value of our endowment were
not available as of this writing.
Following contributions that
totaled $30,534 and imputed
income withdrawals of
$304,963, the estimated market
value of the Endowment Fund as
of December 31 was
$5,048,450, compared to the
value of $4,665,218 at year-end
2012. We continue to be
grateful for Rusty Olson’s
leadership and the help and
guidance of the Investment
Committee in the management
of our endowment fund.
It continues to be apparent that we have much to be thankful for. We are especially blessed to have
outstanding financial management provided by Carol Foster. Looking ahead, 2014 promises to be a
year filled with both challenges and exciting opportunities for growth.
Jan Chisholm, Treasurer
Page 6
Third Church Annual Report
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The Third Church Personnel Committee seeks to provide a positive and supportive environment for the Third
Church staff. Working with John Wilkinson as Pastor, the Committee’s role is to establish and support an
appropriate and effective workforce to support the church’s ministry. To fulfill this role, the Committee will
develop position descriptions, review job performance, and review compensation to ensure that it is fair, and
foster professional effectiveness and growth in all staff.
To maintain strong relationships with staff members, Personnel Committee members continue to serve as liaisons
to church employees. Members of the Third Church staff are recognized for completing five or multiples of five
years of employment. In 2013, Carol Foster’s twentieth-year anniversary was marked and Beth Williams’ twentyfifth-year anniversary was marked. We are so grateful for the excellent contribution that each of these employees
makes to the smooth running of our Church administration.
In February, we enthusiastically welcomed the Rev. Lynette Sparks as Interim Associate Pastor for Outreach and
Evangelism to the clergy staff. During the course of the year, we evaluated different health insurance plans for
non-clergy staff. We established the Church’s annual paid holidays. At our request, Presbytery confirmed Roderic
Frohman as Pastor Emeritus and Lucinda Hedges as Parish Associate. In October, we enthusiastically endorsed
John Wilkinson to stand for election as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In December, annual
bonuses for all Staff were determined and work began on setting the Personnel Budget for 2014.
Susan Melech, chair
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Linda Adams
Ginger Briggs (until July)
Jan Chisholm
Donna Brink Fox (until July)
Susan Melech, Chair (beginning July)
Rose Peet
Janet Reed
David Tennant (beginning August)
Pete Weishaar (beginning August)
John Wilkinson, Staff
Third Church Session 2013-2014
Class of 2014
Robb Adams
Sarah Boyce
Janet Jones-Brower
Beth Laidlaw
Paul McArthur
Cathy Norton
Kris Pochodylo
Don Pryor
James Gorman
Abby Merz
Third Church Annual Report
Class of 2015
Susan Fox
Fred Ling
Susan Melech
Carol Miller
Robert Pethick
James Stewart
Robert Swensen
Kara Kruchten Torres
Class of 2016
Mary Boyd (through October)
Michele Crain
David Gripe
Beth Sieber
Yvonne Tolliver
Peter Weishaar
Jeffrey Weis
Robert White
Page 7
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Committee on Nominations is charged with presenting a slate of nominees to serve as the new
class of officers on Session, Board of Deacons and Board of Trustees. Nominations for these offices are
solicited from the general congregation as well as members serving on committees and in other roles
of leadership. Self-nominations are encouraged so that anyone feeling a special call to serve will be
known by those selecting the slate of nominees. The slate is presented at the annual meeting of the
congregation and the election of officers follows.
The committee also proposes names of three members of the congregation to serve as at-large
representatives on the Committee on Nominations.
We are very grateful to the officers of the Class of 2013 for the gifts of their talents and faithful service:
Retiring Elders, Class of 2014
Robb Adams
Sarah Boyce
Janet Jones-Brower
Beth Laidlaw
Paul McArthur
Cathy Norton
Kris Pochodylo
Don Pryor
James Gorman
Abby Merz
Retiring Deacons, Class of 2014
Susan Carter
Jeff Gauronski
Ronna Grimes
Elena Pochodylo
Kay Ramsay
Janet Shay
Wendy Shellman
Bernie Todd Smith
Ann Wilkinson
Retiring Trustees, Class of 2014
Deb Allyn
Mary Cowden
Ron Hansen
Paul Henry
Bob Merz
The Nominating Committee will present the slate at the Annual Meeting.
Nominating Committee Members-at-Large
Will be announced at a later date.
The Committee on Nominations
Deb Allyn
Ross Anderson
Miriam Gale
David Gripe
Page 8
Jenny Hutkowski
Cathy Norton
Michael Orem
Molly Perry
David Stimson
Gretchen Young-Zeh
John Wilkinson, ex-officio
Third Church Annual Report
URBAN PRESBYTERIANS TOGETHER (UPT)
The ten church consortium called Urban Presbyterians Together continues to grow and evolve. We are seeking ways
to support each other as we envision new forms of congregational life. We are also
focusing on two urban issues – poverty and education – that impact so many of our
neighbors in the city.
I am grateful that Third Church is providing leadership on many levels of UPT’s life. We
are connected in important ways with our congregational partners. 2014 will present
new and exciting opportunities to witness in our city and grow in collaboration.
UPT congregations: Brighton Presbyterian Church, Calvary St. Andrew’s Presbyterian
Church, Dewey Avenue Presbyterian Church, Downtown Presbyterian Church, Lakeside
Presbyterian Church, Laurelton Presbyterian Church, New Life Presbyterian Church,
South Presbyterian Church, Third Presbyterian Church, Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian
Church
John Wilkinson
JOINT BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The committee prepared the 2013 budget for presentation to the Session, Trustees and eventually the
congregation. Performance of this budget was reviewed at monthly meetings.
Income generation strategies such as special fundraisers, increased rental income and stewardship pledge
fulfillment were incorporated into the annual budget preparation to offset reduced income from endowment.
Cash reserves and zero based budgeting were also part of this year’s committee focus.
Regular reports were heard from Stewardship, Property, Planned Giving and Endowment committees.
Committee Members: Robb Adams, Jan Chisholm (treasurer), Jim Chisholm, Bill Coons, Mary Cowden, George
Gotcsik, Ron Hansen, Paul Henry, Paul Hutkowski, Bill Jones, Dale Maddock, Susan Rupp, John Wilkinson (staff)
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Stewardship Committee
embraced our theme from the past
year – “By Whose Bounty All Are
Blessed” – and re-introduced it for a
new year. In the fall, several
members shared eloquent
reflections during worship. We also
sent letters to particular groups
highlighting the testimony of those
directly involved in particular
Third Church Annual Report
program areas.
Our goals for 2014 included both
increased participation from church
members and an initial conversation
about giving capacity. We look
forward to making progress.
Thanks to you – members of the
congregation – for your generous
support. We have certainly been
blessed by God’s abundant bounty,
and it is a gift to be able to share
our resources for the vital ministry of
Third Church.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Timothy Broshears, Carol and Bill
Coons, Jeanne Fisher, Sue Melech,
Kathy Schumacher, Jim Stewart,
Chair, John Wilkinson (Staff)
Page 9
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees is entrusted with the financial and business affairs of the church. Trustees serve key roles on
a number of church committees, including Property, Investment, and Planned Giving, as well as, in collaboration
with the Session, the Joint Budget and Finance, Personnel, and Nominating Committees.
The Property Committee is charged
with monitoring the structural and
mechanical condition of, and work
performed on, church-owned
property, including the Sanctuary,
Parish House, Education Building,
Chapel, and 34 Meets Street.
Trustees serving on the Property
Committee include Bob Merz (Vice
Chair), Sue Danielson, Mark
Derthick, Steve Thompson and Paul
Zeh. At-large members include Paul
Hutkowski (Chair), Elmer Dustman
and Bill Pethick.
Virginia Burnham, Ruth Wentworth,
William Faul, and Nancy Mangan.
Endowment contributions were also
received from Donald and Judith
Cumming, Joan Fisher, and John
Wilkinson and Bonny Claxton.
The Investment Committee is
responsible for oversight of the
investing of the church’s
endowment fund. At year-end, the
market value of the endowment
fund, net of imputed income of
$312,937 withdrawn in 2013, and
new contributions totaling $30,534,
was $5,048,450. This compares with
a market value of $4,665,218 at the
end of 2012. The committee is
chaired by Rusty Olson, and the
Trustee member is Sean Ossont. Atlarge members include Jan
Chisholm, Bill Coons, George
Gotcsik, Doug Phillips, Jon
Schumacher, and Bob Sterrett.
Additionally, along with Session and
at-large members, Trustees Mary
Cowden, Ken Cupery and Ron
Hansen serve on the Joint Budget
and Finance Committee; David
Tennant and Michael Orem serve on
the Personnel and Nominating
Committees, respectively.
The Planned Giving Committee is
entrusted with encouraging
endowment gifts to the church and
the proper processing of bequests.
During the past year, gifts totaling
$323,500 were received from the
estates of Sarah Strong Clapp, Jean
S. Brown, John Kerr, Ivan Town,
Class of 2014
Deb Allyn
Mary Cowden, Secretary
Ron Hansen
Paul Henry, President
Bob Merz
Page 10
have already resulted. The Trustees
also finalized the arrangements for
the independent financial review of
the Church’s 2013 financial
statements and related work, and
the independent audit of the
Church’s 2014 financial statements.
Further, notice was received of a gift Lastly, the Trustees effectively
from the estate of Emily Gazley.
responded to mid-year changes in
Maryjane Link chairs the committee; leadership.
members of this committee are
Trustees Deb Allyn and Sharon
Klocek-Ibbotson, as well as George
Gotcsik.
During the past year, the Trustees
have given special attention to
several areas of responsibility
including the following: the many,
many high-value projects
undertaken by the Property
Committee; the ongoing
negotiation with the City of
Rochester regarding uses of certain
portions of Church property;
obtaining and recording the benefit
of Federal refundable tax credits; the
detailed reports and exhaustive
efforts from the Stewardship
Committee, and the launching of
the Strategic Planning process and
the excellent early action items that
Class of 2015
Ginger Briggs
Kenneth Cupery
Susan Danielson, Vice President
Sean Ossont
Steven Thompson
Class of 2016
Mark Derthick
Sharon Klocek-Ibbotson
Michael Orem
David Tennant
Paul Zeh
Third Church Annual Report
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY COMMITTEE
The Children’s Ministry Committee’s mission is three-fold: 1) to support the Sunday School program, 2) to
support the Qabats program and 3) to provide periodic special events for the families of the congregation.
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
2013 was another fun and worshipfilled year for Sunday School at Third
Presbyterian Church!
We have continued our tradition of
holding Church School Chapel
services periodically. These services
give our children the opportunity
not only to worship together in a
multi-age group, but also to plan
and carry out pieces of the worship
service. In the spring of 2013, we
led the entire congregation in
worship focused on Psalm 8 in the
sanctuary on June 9. In the fall we
structured the service around the
story of the Parable of the Persistent
Widow from Luke’s gospel.
Elder, Pamela Pollack, Lynn
Donahue, Kathy Oehling, Mary
Ellen Knickerbocker, Cassidy
Anderson, Lori Gilley, Jenny Bay,
Paul Zeh, and Stephanie Post.
QABATS, our Wednesday evening,
intergenerational, Christian-based
cooperative program for first
through sixth graders, continues to
engage over 50 children in music,
dinner, faith exploration and
fellowship. We continue with the
workshop rotation model.
Our 2013 themes in Qabats have
included the feeding of the five
thousand, the Lord’s Supper,
Growing in the Church and the fruit
of the Spirit. We also continued an
Children’s mission projects this year extremely popular “Bring a friend
included receiving fish banks for
night” where dozens of children
One Great Hour of Sharing at Easter, brought friends from their schools
a book drive to benefit students of
and neighborhoods for a night of
the Rochester City School District,
activities planned by our wonderful
donations of school supplies on Rally leadership team. The Qabats
Day for Cameron Community
directors for all or a portion of 2013
Ministries, and a Christmastime
were: Dawn Ossont, Sarah Wisbey,
gently used toy drive.
Molly Schleigh, Kerrie Merz and
Children and their families
Brian Walker with Karen Pethick,
participated in a new event called
Molly Perry, Christie Lutzer and Beth
“Put a Fork In Hunger.” This event,
Fischer as the kitchen coordinators.
held at Cameron Community
WORSHIP: Our children continue to
Ministries on Veterans Day, provided enjoy activity bags and children’s
the opportunity for church families
Bibles during morning worship. On
to play games, do crafts and share a certain communion Sundays,
snack with children in the Cameron children are invited into worship for
neighborhood.
celebration of the sacrament of
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS (for
all or part of 2013): Shannan
Monrad, Kirsten Elting, Elena
Pochodylo, Abby Merz, Jan and
Ron Roach, Mike Donahue, Becky
Picone, Ann Wilkinson, Ginger
Briggs, Robert Veitch, Andrew
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
 Teacher brunch and recognition
 Coffee Hour hosting
 Mardi Gras mask table
 Teacher Appreciation Sunday
 Class photo shoot (with special
thanks to our photographer,
Kathy Oehling)
Qabats Bring a Friend Night
Proud Third Graders with their Bibles
communion with their families. In
addition, the committee provides
large group Sunday school for our
youngest children on holiday
weekends.
Games with children at Cameron
Our children are a vital part of this congregation and a part of our worship on Sunday mornings. We ask that
the congregation remember the pledge that all members give to our children at the time of baptism – to
support and nurture their spiritual growth as members of the community of Third Church. We enthusiastically
welcome anyone interested in joining our committee, teaching Sunday School, participating in Qabats, or
assisting in any other way possible.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Sarah Boyce (chair), Sumie Jacoby, Abby Merz, Dawn Ossont, Jessica Taylor; and Becky
D’Angelo-Veitch (staff)
Third Church Annual Report
Page 11
YOUTH MINISTRY
2013 was a year of reflection and action for the youth
of Third Presbyterian Church and their families. We
have enthusiastically embraced the process of
“revisioning” our Youth Program. A Revisioning
Committee was formed and met frequently and
thoughtfully to take a close look at our current Youth
program. The objective of this process is to determine
how we are meeting the ever-evolving needs of the
young people in our community. Committee members
gathered information from other youth programs in the
area and researched current trends and thinking in the
field of youth ministry. Feedback from our program
participants was essential to this process, so the
Committee invited youth and their parents to complete
a survey. The Revisioning Committee recommended
to Session that we retain the services of Youth Ministry
Architects (YMA) to consult on this very important
endeavor. That request was approved and two
consultants from YMA will be visiting for three days in
early 2014. During that time they will conduct
numerous focus groups and gather information about
our current Youth program. At the end of their visit
they will provide us with a written report with
recommendations about how to enhance our current
programming. Deb Bishop and Candice Lucas are
leading a team that is working with YMA to form the
focus groups and provide leadership for the weekend.
the trip included painting and gardening work. Thanks
to Peter DuBois, Scott Stratton Smith and the Youth
advisors who gave of their time and talents to support
this highly successful and fun trip!
In July twelve youth and three adults traveled to Purdue
for Triennium. Summer was rounded out by the yearly
trip to Camp Cory where youth campers scrubbed the
docks and tied blankets for Golisano Children’s
Hospital.
Our September 2013 kickoff event drew a large crowd
of Youth and their families. Fifty-seven youth registered
for the program. Youth continue to meet on Sunday
nights throughout the program year for dinner,
fellowship and mission work. They prepare desserts for
Dining Room Ministries, tie blankets for Golisano
Children’s Hospital and enjoy playing Ya Ya! Thank you
to our dedicated group of Advisors including Bill Bay,
Jenny Bay, Paul Bishop, Jim Pochydylo, Meaghan Held,
Bruce Peachey, Gretchen Young-Zeh, Jenny Hutkowski,
Therese Owen and Becky Wiggins for gifting our youth
with their time and talents. And a heartfelt “Thank You”
to Jane Dickinson for her continued leadership as our
Kitchen Coordinator for Sunday night dinners and to
Susie Jacobs for leading our Dining Room Ministry
Youth Bake Team. Thanks must also go to Pati
Primerano for her support in the kitchen and as the
In the spring of 2013 we had wonderful Commissioning Youth Program’s unofficial photographer.
class of 16. Thirteen members of the class decided to
The Annual Presbytery Youth Retreat was held in the fall
join the Church. Continued thanks must be given to
of 2013 at the Rotary Sunshine Camp and featured
Marcia Cupery for her assistance with the
nationally known speaker Mark Yaconelli. Thirty five
Commissioning Class. We are also thankful to the
teens and 10 adults from Third Church joined an
Church members who acted as Faith Partners for the
enthusiastic contingent of over 200 people from the
class.
Presbytery. Third Church was delighted to host
Yaconelli for an evening program dedicated to the
In May 2013 the first Sticky Lips Barbecue fundraiser
challenges of parenting in today’s world. This event was
was held. This fundraiser provided a great opportunity
open to the public and we welcomed 83 parents to
for fellowship between our youth and the community
hear Yaconelli speak.
and congregation at large. Other fundraising efforts
included working at the concession stands at the Red
The Youth led worship service was held in November
Wings games during the summer months, a bake sale
with a theme of “Grow With Love”. December brought
and Chili Cook Off and the sale of Scrip. Ellen Rye
the very successful Youth Bake Sale combined with our
provides amazing leadership and creativity as she
First Annual Chili Cook Off. The event was well
spearheads our fundraising endeavors. Fundraising
attended and provided a wonderful opportunity for
efforts help to defray the costs of our retreats and
fellowship and fun. We look forward to hosting it again
mission trips so that we can make participation
in 2014. A huge thank you to Lorenda Gauronski, Karen
affordable.
Pethick, Ellen Rye and Kris Pochydylo for their vision
and leadership with the Chili Cook Off! During the
Spring and summer of 2013 were dedicated to music
and mission. The Youth Musical, “Day by Day, 20 Years holiday season Youth also went caroling at the
Singing God’s Praise” was a wonderful success. Twenty Presbyterian Home and donated and wrapped gifts for
Cameron Ministries at the All Church Advent
nine youth and nine adults took the show on the road
Celebration.
in June for a combined music and mission trip to
continued on next page
Massanetta Springs. The group’s performances at two
churches were very warmly received. Mission work on
Page 12
Third Church Annual Report
We thank Sandy Gianniny for continued leadership with
our Youth Sunday School program and Marcia Frohman
for her leadership of our Bible Study program. A number
of youth benefit from these programs on a regular basis.
Our Youth Program is a vibrant and growing part of the
Third Church community. We give thanks for the
continued leadership and vision of Jane Carden. We are
blessed with parents and families who support the desire
of our young people to participate in all that the Third
Church Youth Program has to offer. We look forward to
the completion of the revisioning process and the
promise of strengthening our already successful Youth
Program.
Youth COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Michele Crain (Chair), Jane
Carden (Staff); Bill Bay (former chair), Ellen Rye,
Gretchen Young-Zeh, Murie Gillett (Youth member),
Bonny Claxton, Kris Pochodylo, Sarah Wisbey, James
Gorman (Youth member), Lorenda Gauronski, Karen
Pethick.
Revisioning Committee Members: Bill Bay (chair), Jane
Carden (staff), John Wilkinson (staff), Jeremy StrattonSmith, Murie Gillett, Michele Crain, Therese Owen,
Shannon Monrad, Kris Pochodylo, Peg Rachfal.
ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION
The Spiritual Formation Committee at Third Church strives to deliver an extensive range of topics for the
enrichment of our congregation and larger community. Our committee designs programs that reflect the
intellectual rigor demanded and deserved by our audience. We are committed to providing relevant, challenging
and nurturing offerings. Ongoing Spiritual Formation program goals are to provide rich opportunities for growth in
one’s spiritual journey, an enhanced faith context for our church programs and expansion of the reach of our
offerings to a more diverse audience.
In 2013, we continued Sunday Seminar presentations,
including timely “hot topic” presentations addressing
current issues in ethics, social justice, legislation,
morality, the environment, and areas similarly relevant
to our lives as Christian citizens.
Among 2013’s Sunday Seminars:
In addition, the weekly Growing in the Word offering
applied a traditional Sunday School model to adult
learning, with participants exploring the day’s scripture
(lectionary) readings in an interactive setting.
The Hymns of the Wesleys
Thursday Voices - Each week, a one-hour roundtable
discussion was offered at noon, coordinated by a pastor
or lay leader. This became very popular, with a large
group of members attending.
The Body in Early Christianity, a Series
Sunday Seminars were organized around formative
topics in Christian life and developed along a seasonal
model that shaped the offerings in tune with the
movements of the church year. Areas of study included:

Scripture (Bible Study, Biblical History, Biblical
Interpretation)

Christian Foundations (Theology, Faith, Worship
and Arts, Church History)

Christian Life (Evangelism, Stewardship, Spiritual
Development)

Christian Ethics (Social Justice: Local to Global and
Urban Issues; Mission)
Science and Religion, a Series
Recovering the Good News, a Three-Part Series
Varieties of Prayer Practice
Sacred Architecture: Space that Shapes Us
Sacred Writings: Advent in Verse
Medical Ethics, a Two-Part Series
Hot Topic: Human Trafficking
Hot Topic: Urban Problems/Urban Solutions;
Education and UPT
Hot Topic: Race and Racism
Hot Topic: Voting Rights in America
Our faculty is comprised of Third Church’s pastoral
staff, knowledgeable members of the congregation and
outside experts drawn from resources such as the
University of Rochester, Colgate Rochester Crozer
Divinity School, the Eastman School at U of R, various
local businesses, and government agencies.
We are privileged to work with a congregation and staff
who value education highly and seek to enhance our
individual spiritual journeys.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Paul McArthur, Chair, Lila Ford, Gregg Hamberger, Jane Liesveld, Beth Laidlaw, Paul
Wlodarczyk, Jim Stewart, Susan Rupp; Martha Langford, (staff)
Third Church Annual Report
Page 13
WORSHIP, MUSIC AND ARTS
Worship is the focal point of our life as a Christian community; the mission of the WMA Committee is to support
the worship life of the congregation and to provide diverse and meaningful opportunities to integrate music and
art in the faith experience.
This year we continued several successful programs, including:
 A Sanctuary Care Committee, under the leadership of
Janet Davies.
 A “Worship 101” column for The Messenger, and church
website under the leadership of Jeanne Fisher.

The Junior Choir and the Children’s Bell Choir rang and
sang at the “Festival of the Creche” (an ecumenical
service of Advent Lessons and Carols) at Sacred Heart
Cathedral December 7

The Junior Choir, Glorious Voices, Carol Choir and Youth
presented “Festival of the Nativity” on Christmas Eve
We continued to rely on many dedicated members who make
worship run smoothly: our thanks to Jeff Weis, Rob White, Griff
Vinton and Mary DuBois for their work with ushers and
acolytes, respectively to Jan and Jim Chisholm for preparation
of the Elements and Jo Whang for overseeing the servers for
Communion.
CHANCEL CHOIR ACTIVITIES
Activities, in addition to regular worship leadership in 2013:
Special Music Presentations
 On April 21, “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass,”
complete with bluegrass band accompaniment
 On December 15, “A Little Advent Music” by Hugo
Distler and “O Savior, Throw the Heavens Wide” by
Johannes Brahms
 “Christmas in January” recording for WXXI-FM (January
12). Our 2013 recording aired locally, and on 56 other
stations during the Christmas season
 Service of Choral Evensong on May 10
 “A Concert of Remembrance” on Sunday, November 10,
open to the community, and including a reprise of “The
World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass”
YOUTH and CHILDREN’S MUSIC
 The Covenant Singers, Covenant Ringers and Jr. High





Bells provided musical leadership in worship periodically
throughout the year, including a youth-led worship
service on November 24
Our youth presented the musical “Day by Day: 20 Years
Singing God’s Praise!” in two performances on March 17.
This was a musical revue including pieces from each of
the youth musicals performed since 1993.
Youth ministry and music leaders collaborated to organize
our first “Mission and Music” summer tour, doing mission
projects by day in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and
including two wonderful performances of the youth
musical “Day by Day: 20 Years of Singing God’s Praise!”
in churches in the surrounding area.
The Junior Choir released a
new CD of favorite hymns and
anthems entitled “Voices for
the Lord.”
The Junior Choir and youth
participated in the annual
Camp Cory choir retreat
August 19-22
The Junior Choir and many
youth participated in the annual Camp Cory Evening
Prayer service September 22 at Christ Church in Pittsford
with children from four local churches
CHAPEL CONCERTS BY CANDLELIGHT
 After taking a hiatus during the 2012-13 program year,
the chapel Concerts by Candlelight were reinstituted in
the fall of 2013, with two very successful concerts—
October 10 with violist Jenny Välitalo and harpsichordist/
organist Michael Unger; and December 5 with renowned
composer and organist Carson Cooman.
BELL CHOIRS
 Our Chapel Bells rang at a worship service at St. John’s



Home April 21
The Third Church Ringers presented a concert with the
adult bell choir from Webster Presbyterian Church May 5
Ten ringers attended the Handbell Musicians of America
Festival Conference in Oswego, NY, June 27-30 for four
days of learning, massed ringing and fellowship
The Third Church Ringers, Celebration Ringers and
Chapel Bells presented a Christmas Concert at St. John’s
Home on December 16
MEIGS STREET RAMBLERS
 Provided entertainment on Rally Day, September 8, and
at the church’s annual Mardi Gras pancake dinner on
February 12
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICES
 First Monday Evening Prayer services, held in the Chapel,
offered contemplative services rich in visual and musical
beauty
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
Concerts and recitals were performed in our beautiful facilities
by individual Eastman students and students of local piano/
string teachers; also concerts by Vox Lumine, Madrigalia, the
Houghton College Christmas Prism Concert; “If Music be the
Food;” The Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI); Society
for Chamber Music in Rochester. These concerts generate
good will and attract many non-Third Church people to our
worship spaces; they also generate some limited income.
Susan Fox, Chair
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Janet Davies, Mary DuBois, Jeanne Fisher, Susan Fox, (Chair), Judy Gordon, David Gripe, Ann Haag, Betsy
Marvin, Gregg Miller, Bob Sterrett, Griff Vinton, Jeff Weis, Joe Wright, Peter DuBois (staff), Chris Lenti (staff)
Page 14
Third Church Annual Report
CONGREGATIONAL FELLOWSHIP
Taking Jesus words from Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among
them” to heart, the Congregational Fellowship Committee seeks to connect our members on a regular basis.
The Congregational Fellowship Committee continues to work hard to create, cultivate, and sustain opportunities
for the congregation to grow in fellowship. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month from September
through June, with summer meetings when necessary.
Congregational Fellowship Committee activities in 2013:

The Third Church traditional Mardi Gras
celebration included a pancake supper, the
Meigs Street Ramblers, face painting, crafts,
and entertainment provided by ”In Jest.”

Served an “enhanced” coffee hour brunch
after the annual congregational meeting.

We planned a delightful evening at Frontier
Field to watch the Red Wings.

We worked with the Membership and
Evangelism Committee to plan the “Big
Lunch”—where we took the opportunity to
reach out, not only to our own members, but
also to our neighbors.

Coordinated the Rally Day luncheon to
celebrate the beginning of the new program
year.

Hosted Advent wreath-making where
our members created wreaths to use
for home devotion.

Joined together once again for an Advent
spaghetti supper with Carols and giftwrapping for Cameron Community Ministries.
Other Fellowship Group happenings:
In addition to the wonderful church-wide events
that the Congregational Fellowship Committee
sponsored, many of our members gathered
regularly for fellowship in smaller groups. Among
those groups this past year were: Men’s Breakfast,
the Moms’ Group, Sisters in Spirit, T3s (Twenties
and Thirties at Third), Shawl Knitting Group, Calvin
Guild, Beatles to Bon Jovi (B2B), the Happy Bunch,
the Gay/Lesbian Support Group, the 60s and 70s
group (affectionately dubbed “Elvis to Elton”),
“Breath of Faith”, our yoga group and a new midweek afternoon book club.
We continually look at ways to involve/connect
more of our members in fellowship activities. Please
share your ideas or needs with our committee. We
always welcome new members to the committee!
Advent Wreathmaking
Men’s Service Painting Project
Monday Evening Yoga Classes
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (for all or part of 2013):
Glen Anderson, Camille Clayton, Janet Jones-Brower, Carol Miller, Cathy Norton, Jan Salzer, Kara Torres,
Phil Tschorke, Van VanZanten, Betsey Wheeler, Becky D'Angelo-Veitch (staff)
Third Church Annual Report
Page 15
MEMBERSHIP AND EVANGELISM
2013, the Membership and Evangelism Committee led the process of welcoming guests and prospective
members, guiding them through the membership process and offering continued support as they integrate into
the life of the church.
Sunday Welcome
Greeters (coordinated by Bernie Todd Smith and Bonnie
DeHollander) and ushers (coordinated by Worship, Music,
and Arts Committee) are integral to the welcoming
process. A special thanks is extended to committee
members Rob White and Peg Rachfal who also serve as
ushers and greeters. Sarah Wisbey designed, Peg
Rachfal developed content for, and Dale Maddock
helped publish new, colorful welcome brochures which
provide our guests an overview of congregational life
and ways to connect at Third Church. The Welcome
Table is a constant presence in the sanctuary, stocked
with brochures, concert schedules, and welcome bags.
The table is staffed by a staff member and a
Membership and Evangelism committee member,
providing both a clergy and congregational presence
for the many who seek more information about the
church. The committee is putting plans in place to
expand availability of welcome information and support
to all main entrances of the sanctuary as well as to
coffee hour.
CHAT (Coffee Hour at Third)
The Membership and Evangelism Committee continued
its participation with CHAT (Coffee Hour at Third),
rotating hosting responsibilities with other church
committees and ministries. Sue Locke, Sandy Gianniny,
Susan Eckhardt, and Jan Anderson continued to
coordinate the groups hosting coffee hour each week.
Path to Membership
The Committee members and program staff reviewed
weekly lists of visitors compiled by Bill Boller. Staff and
volunteers followed up with guests by email, letter, or
phone to welcome them and provide information they
may be looking for.
We invited interested visitors to learn more about our
congregation at Exploring Membership Dinners. In
addition to staff and committee members, we included
some recent new members to provide their perspectives
on connecting with the church. Discussions typically
center on how and why individuals and families chose
Third Church. These dinners allowed the Committee
members and staff to make personal connections with
the guests, to hopefully enhance the welcome
experience. Those who were ready to join the
congregation as active members completed the final
steps through New Member Gatherings and by
meeting with the Session. 53 new members joined
Third Church, including 13 Commissioning Class
members, in 2013.
Once new members have joined, follow-up contact is
important to the growth of the church. The Committee
Page 16
is developing a more robust process to facilitate better
integration of new members.
New Nametags
In 2013, the Committee instituted a plan to create
nametags for Membership and Evangelism Committee
members, ushers, greeters, session members, deacons
and staff. While the fabrication of these nametags is still
underway, the staff and our committee members now
have them. Many thanks to Dale Maddock and his
graphics company for the beautiful design. The
committee believes that by wearing these name tags
during the church service it will help people seeking a
church home to identify us and to encourage
conversation.
Website
The first time most people now visit a church is not on
Sunday morning, but through its website. The major
redesign that began in 2012 was completed this year,
and the new website went live April 17. Linc Spaulding,
Kat Nagle, and Tracy Walker maintain the website.
The Big Lunch
We teamed up with the Congregational Fellowship
Committee to invite the neighborhood to enjoy free
hotdogs and ice cream at the third annual Big Lunch on
June 2. We distributed flyers in the surrounding
neighborhoods, asked members to invite friends, and
invited our Food Cupboard and Dining Room Ministry
guests as well. Several hundred people attended,
members and neighbors alike, in spite of the rain which
kept our picnic indoors. We added a mission element to
this year’s event, and collected food items to fill
summer break bags for children at Cameron
Community Ministries as part of its “Put a Fork in
Hunger” campaign.
Connect Four
On four Sundays in September and October we invited
members and friends to build lasting connections with
others in the church. Each week we highlighted a
different ministry or fellowship opportunity in worship
and in coffee hour. It gave people a chance to explore
those areas in-depth, and connect with others who
shared their passions.
Leadership Transitions
We are grateful to Martha Langford for staffing this
committee (until March) and to Jef Cox for his
leadership as chair (until June).
Committee Members: Bob Swensen (chair), Fred Ling,
Sue Locke, Michael Orem, Peg Rachfal; Lynette Sparks
(staff)
Third Church Annual Report
MORE LIGHT COMMITTEE
Guided by the Third Church More Light Statement of 1987, we strive to be a welcoming and inclusive congregation and work
for “…full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”
ministry for 30 years.
 Encouraged fellowship throughout the year at Happy
Bunch social events.
 Held our first annual retreat where we explored our
past and planned for the future. Specific committee
members assumed responsibility for the various areas
of our ministry.
Communicate to all people in our community that
they are welcome in our congregation.
 Supported the Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley with
our resources and people. Cheered Third Church
member, Ralph Carter, at the Empire State Pride
Agenda dinner where he received the 2013
Community Service Award. Ralph has been
instrumental in working with communities of faith
and the workplace to advance LGBT equality, and
thereby helping to improve the lives of LGBT people
locally, across the state and even nationally.
 Pride Week: The More Light Committee hosted a July
16 movie night, showing “God Loves Uganda” to a
large audience. Michael Adee, Director of the Global
Faith and Justice Project through the Horizons
Foundation, introduced the film and moderated a
discussion. Martha Langford led worship on More
Light Sunday, July 14.
 Continued to support Aids Care, now Trillium Health.
For 30 years, it has provided individuals living with
HIV with physical, emotional and social care.
* Rob White helped staff the LGBT booth at the 2013 NYS Fair  Financially supported the annual Rochester Image
in Syracuse where he was able to obtain valuable resources for
Out Film Festival. Displayed a slide advertising Third
our ministry along with encouraging those from the Rochester
Church as a welcoming church prior to the showing
area to visit Third Presbyterian Church.
of each film.
We are a resource for what it means to be in a More Seek to make our whole denomination more
Light Church.
inclusive.
 Urged Session to affirm its support for same-gender
 Supported, financially, the work of More Light
marriages through the More Light Presbyterians’
Presbyterians and Covenant Network. Members of
Stand for Love petition.
our congregation have leadership roles on the boards
 Directed the effort to recruit other churches across
of both of these organizations.
the presbytery to concur on the two same-gender
 Hosted the December 1st Annual Rochester World
marriage equality overtures being sent by the
Aids Day Benefit Concert, with planning, publicity
Presbytery of Genesee Valley to the 221st General
and our presence.
Assembly.
 Helped support the redesign of the Third Church
 Mailed off a third box of rainbow scarves knitted with
website in general and the More Light pages in
love by members to share at the General Assembly.
particular.
They represent our efforts to celebrate diversity and
 Continued to sponsor the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/
inclusiveness. We are still knitting in preparation for
Transgender Support Group, an active Third Church
GA 221 to be held in Detroit in June 2014.
We work for healing and reconciliation within and
beyond our church.
 Recommended to Session an overture that would
change how the Presbyterian Book of Order viewed
same-gender relationships and marriages. Also
recommended an overture that would permit pastors
to conduct same-gender weddings in states that
already allow them without first changing the Book
of Order. Teaching elders are now caught between
the state-given authority to perform same-gender
marriages and their charge to provide pastoral care,
and the Presbyterian Book of Order that forbids them
to do so.
 Supported, financially, the Christian Faith and the
LGBT experience lecture series. In April, Horace
Griffin discussed his book, Their Own Receive Them
Not, a history of homophobia in black churches. In
October, four local pastors joined a panel discussion
on “Our Churches and the Challenges of Welcoming
LGBT Persons.”
 Presented our colorful display at coffee hour for
“Mission Possible” and the day before, for all the
Grocery Run participants.
 Worked to keep up-to-date literature and videos
accessible through the church library.
 Attended Equality and Justice Day in Albany in late
April, to advocate for the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act (GENDA).
In 2014, the Committee will continue its journey toward the vision of a church that demonstrates to the world
the inclusive spirit of Jesus Christ. Among other goals, it plans to update the Third Church More Light Statement.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ralph Carter, Jennifer Dinse, James Gage, Betty Iwan, Susan Kieren (chair, Jan-Aug), , Gloria Pleger,
Caryl Qualich, Jeremy Stratton-Smith (until Aug), Kaara Suskie-Reitzel, Beth Sieber, Lea Theuer, Rob White (chair, Septpresent), Martha Langford (staff)
Third Church Annual Report
Page 17
BOARD OF DEACONS
their parish in prayer as well as
sending a note, making a
phone call or visit, as
appropriate.
Ongoing Activities of inReach:

Sunday flower delivery involved
sharing the flowers used in
worship to be delivered to
members who were ill,
hospitalized, unable to attend
church or to new parents. Two
Deacons each week delivered
and visited as appropriate.


Special flower delivery occurred
twice, at Christmas and Easter.
Poinsettias or Easter lilies were
delivered to the Deacon’s
Caring Connection(s).

Memorial receptions in 2013 2014 were held in Johnston
Hall, the Celebration Center or 
the Cloister, depending on the
size of the group. In addition to
the reception a Deacon was
available to shepherd the family
prior to the service.

Four Gathering Teas were
hosted at local senior
communities: Cloverwood,
Valley Manor, Pittsford
Highlands and St. John’s
Meadows.


Calls were made to church
members who were on the
schedule to be prayed for
during the weekly morning
prayer. Each Deacon pair was
responsible for their parish
group. Any specific requests
were conveyed to the pastors.
The Prayer Cordon is
maintained by Martha Langford
and each Deacon responded
with holding the individuals in
Class of 2014
Susan Carter, Co-Moderator
Jeff Gauronski
Ronna Grimes
Kay Ramsay
Janet Shay
Wendy Shellman
Bernie Todd Smith
*Elena Pochodylo
*Ann Wilkinson


The Spring retreat focused on
developing the goals and mission of
the Deacon body. Out of it came
the concept of alignment. Each
meeting now involves a time of
The Caring Connection ministry “alignment,” where the present
tasks are reviewed to determine
continued with each Deacon
whether they fit with the mission.
being connected with one or
Each month a different task or group
more individuals with limited
of tasks is reviewed; our goals is to
ability to actively participate in
the church activities. They then be a compassionate, restorative,
Spirit-led collaborative ministry.
visited, delivered flowers and
made phone calls to their
Caring Connection. Deacons
Goals going forward:
also extend home communion
in the days that follow
Work on establishing a College of
communion during the church Deacons consisting of Deacons not
service.
currently serving on the board, but
who wish to remain available on an
Each Sunday there was a special as needed basis.
time of quiet reflection and
Susan Carter, Miriam Gale
Invitation to prayer, in the
Co-Moderators
chapel between the two
services. The Deacons set up
and took down the items
needed, as well as led the group
in the prayer of confession, the
Lord’s Prayer and intercessory
prayer, if requested.
Care packages were sent in the
fall to college freshmen. A
luncheon for the graduating
seniors was held in the spring
with the Deacons providing the
food and hosting.
The Heritage Luncheon was
held in the fall at the church for
senior members of the
congregation. About 90 seniors
attended with the Deacons
preparing, serving and cleaning
up.
Class of 2015
Richard Colaluca
Jennifer Dinse
Susan Eckhardt
Hope Herting
Gayle Phillips
Anne Sievers
Sue Spaulding
Betsey Wheeler
Our “Heritage Members” are sharing a meal
and getting ready for an old-fashioned
hymn sing. This annual luncheon, hosted by
our Deacons, celebrates the gifts of our
members who have achieved 75 years of life
experience.
Class of 2016
Vicki Austin
Sarah Cohen
Carol Crain
Janet Curry
Miriam Gale, Co-Moderator
Sue Lednar
Laura Loggi
Fred Rich
*Youth Deacons
Page 18
Third Church Annual Report
OUTREACH
Highlights:

Hunger programs all experienced growth over the past year. Over 120 Dining Room Ministry volunteers served
3,627 meals. Over 70 Food Cupboard volunteers served 2,712 food baskets to families. The Christmas Basket
Project reached 76 families this year.

East Avenue Grocery Run raised more than $16,500 with 1250 participants.

Nineteen Katrina hurricane relief volunteers completed New Orleans trips #10 and #11.

The Habitat for Humanity team through collaboration with other faith-based coalitions has completed three
homes with a fourth near completion and a fifth home to begin in April with help from Urban Presbyterians
Together.

Education programs experienced change over the past year. Our tutoring program at School #6 successfully
moved to School #3 and has been warmly received. Students at both School #3 and #35 continue to benefit
from tutoring from Third Church and community volunteers. The Corner Place has continued its after school
arts programs under new direction from Sarah Peters.

The Advocacy team is under new leadership from Dale Maddock and continues to promote Amnesty
International, Bread for the World, education reform and other advocacy issues as they arise.
TEAM REPORTS
Advocacy
Advocacy occurs throughout Third Presbyterian Church in many ongoing programs and activities separate from this
committee. Third Church continues a variety of initiatives for justice as well as quality of life issues such as hunger
and violence as well as others.
The work of Gloria Pleger and Judy Gordon on behalf of Amnesty International is ongoing and significant. The
pursuit of justice domestically as well as internationally is well served by their efforts. The Peacemaking team lead by
Linc Spaulding is also focused on social justice and freedom for the Middle East. We look forward to the day when
all are blessed with peace and justice.
A new focus has been the Anti-Gun Violence Team. It has primarily involved various events providing education and
discussion of the many facets of gun violence in our country. The showing of “Trigger” and “The Interrupters” were
well received. The four-week Spiritual Formation series focusing on the legal and health aspects and subsequent
discussions were very well attended. Identification of specific initiatives we can collaborate on is the primary focus
for the next several months.
We will continue to pursue approaches that will help families succeed in school, at home, and at work. All in our
congregation are encouraged to voice your thoughts and ideas about these issues.
Dale Maddock, Chair
Amnesty International
At Third Church for many years we have advocated for justice for prisoners of conscience by participating in the
“Freedom Writers” project of Amnesty International USA (AI). We have hosted monthly letter signing-events, which
focused on a single prisoner of conscience selected by AI. We signed copies of letters prepared by AI and mailed
those letters to the head of the government in the country where the prisoner was being detained. The letter called
attention to the charges against the prisoner and stated the urgent need for justice in the case. We know that such
letters have been effective, and that thousands of prisoners have been released since 1961, when Amnesty
International was founded and began to take action to defend human rights and to aid individual prisoners of
conscience.
In 2013 we hosted two letter signing events, one in March and the other in May, with a total of 25 people
participating. Beyond the month of May there were no new cases being posted on the “Freedom Writers” page of
the AI website. In January 2014 we learned that AI has been undergoing reorganization. There have been
modifications to some programs, including “Freedom Writers.” Your coordinators will consider how we can adapt
our local program to the changes AI had to make. We will keep you informed
Gloria Pleger and Judy Gordon, Co-coordinators
Third Church Annual Report
Page 19
Education
Tutoring at
• Nathaniel Rochester School #3
• Young Mothers’ and Interim Health
Academy
Our second year at NRCS School #3 in the Corn Hill area
found our 43 tutors working with approximately 150
students in this K through 8th grade school. Spring
reading test scores confirmed that our individually
tutored students made gains at a greater rate than those
not tutored.
(getting them up to their appropriate grade level). A few
students improved past their grade level!
Because of the Common Core and the changes to
tutoring for the 2013-14 year I did not re-apply for the
grant. I was told by the interim principal that tutoring
would be very restricted going forward. This program,
(while very helpful for the girls), is very labor-intensive
and, as such, if it is pursued in the future the amount
requested needs to reflect adequate compensation.
We finished out 2012-13 with an ice cream social for all
the students in the tutoring program. We celebrated our
ten-year anniversary at School 35. Not only did the
students get ice cream from Pittsford Farms Dairy, but
New last fall at NRCS were “Extended Day” school hours, they got water bottles and bags with the Third Church
until 5pm. We had some tutors participating in more
logo celebrating ten years of tutoring at School 35.
independent learning activities at this time.
The year finished up with an appreciation dinner for
We give particular recognition to Fran and Tom Bracken tutors and teachers at our home.
who have tutored with our program multiple days each
Ike Neilson, Director
week since its inception 25 years ago! Fran is a wonderful
School 35 Tutoring Program
gift to her young students.
Our tutor program at Young Mothers’ and Interim
Health Academy, located off St. Paul St., was new this
year. At an invitation from the principal, we started a
small trial program there in April for six weeks. The
decision was made to continue the program indefinitely.
We have eight tutors working weekly with some of the
80 students who attend this small high school program.
Sue Maddock, Tutor Coordinator
Corner Place Arts Academy
The primary focus of our work is the Arts Academy for
children grades 1 - 6. We had a steadily increasing
enrollment for the Winter and Spring of 2013 with a
waiting list for Fall of 2013.
Highlights
 High retention rate of students
 Demographics reflect city population; a significant
increase in Hispanic students
Tutoring at School 35
 Children come from several city schools and many
The tutoring program at School 35 continued to flourish.
zip codes
For the 2012-13 school year we had 43 tutors working
 Offerings in dance, art, music, theatre, puppetry,
one-on-one with 135 students. These tutors were
and mathematics/science through practical and
recruited from Third Presbyterian Church, the Jewish
engaging application
Federation, and the community by word of mouth

Seven regular arts staff, one administrator, one site
recommendations about the program from existing
coordinator
tutors. Several tutors were unable to continue this year

Three volunteers from Third Church, two volunteers
due to personal and work reasons.
from New Life Church, two artist volunteers, six
community volunteers
The Math Matters program entered its third year and,

More than 200 volunteer hours
because of a drop in funding from $7500 to $5000,
several changes were made to the program. To address
In Community
this issue, tutors worked with students on a 2-1 or 1-1
ratio. Also instead of tutoring three times a week during  Use of our space by UMNA (Upper Monroe
Neighborhood Association)
lunch periods, tutors worked with students twice a week
at times that worked for the student, teacher, and tutors’  Collaborations with local artists
 Three art shows
schedules.
 Two public performances involving dance, puppetry,
science demonstrations and music. One open house
These changes to the program allowed several tutors to
featuring fine art, music and writing
get through an entire workbook and start on the next
 Secured public support for program through $7500
level, where as in years past we struggled to finish one
(three year grant) with the Palma Foundation,
workbook. The teachers gave me the access to the NWEA
$2000 from the Niagara Region Porsche Car Club,
assessment scores for the students. These tests track the
$500 private donation
student’s grade level equivalent of math ability. We saw
several students improve their scores by two grade levels
Page 20
Third Church Annual Report
OUTREACH, cont.
Achievements:
 Successful organization systems implemented
 Increasing expectations of students for behavior and
quality of work
 Utilizing technology (Google translate) to
communicate more clearly with Spanish speaking
families
 Website secured, updating presently
Hunger Team Report
Dining Room Ministry
Since 1991, the Dining Room Ministry (DRM) has served a
hot meal each Saturday noon to any and all comers. Ten
teams of ten to twelve volunteers each, backed by
planners and shoppers, prepare and provide a meal on a
rotating schedule. In 2012, an average of 72 people
were fed each Saturday, amounting to just over 3,700
meals. We budgeted $8,500 for 2013 in recognition of
Challenges
the continuing demand on our services and rising food
 Funding for arts classes
costs. Costs for the year slightly over-ran the budget by
 Student transportation (post program)
$177. Our average price per meal amounted to $2.35.
 Consistent and regular volunteer support as
The youth of our church have continued to provide
opposed to intermittent
yummy dessert cookies and cakes during the year for our
Sarah Peters DRM guests. Close to 200 volunteers, both Third Church
members and friends from the community, contribute to
Giving Thanks for Vacation Bible School 2013!
the running and success of DRM. New volunteers are
On the evening of Sunday, July 28, this year’s Vacation
always welcome. Robb and Nancy Adams (889-4055)
Bible School staff gathered for supper and a run through and Phil and Beth Tschorke (342-3558) serve as Coof the week ahead: “WALK IN THE LIGHT!” We
Coordinators, and would welcome your calls to
volunteered for the tasks of the week and rehearsed the volunteer.
first evening's skit, “God’s Cruise Ship.” We asked God’s
blessing on the week and we were ready!
Food Cupboard
Through our daily themes we shared Bible stories, skits,
memory verses, and quizzes about how to “Walk in the
Light of Love,” “Walk in the Light of Jesus,” “Walk in the
Light of Jesus' Light in Me” and “Walk in the Light
Together.” We ended each evening under a week of
rainless skies by singing “This Little Light of Mine”!
In 2013 we were open 96 mornings; serving 2717
households, up slightly from 2012. The average number
of households served was 28. It takes about 15
volunteers per week with various responsibilities to make
this happen.
In April, Lynette Sparks, Carol Coons, Gale Myers, and
Kay Ramsay attended the annual Foodlink Conference
for the entire ten-county area that Foodlink serves. Gale
Partnering with New Life Presbyterian Church, we
registered 28 children (ages 2 – 13) and were graced by was nominated for the Rosa Wims Award for outstanding
the presence of our youngest ever participant, baby Ruth volunteer service. Gale administers the Pastor's
Emergency Fund which in the past several years has
(4 days old!). Thirty-one staff (7th grade through age
been loosely connected to Food Cupboard. Gale is
70+) faithfully served throughout the week! Our very
present almost every Monday/Thursday to talk with
special “Specials” were offered by “Dr. Bubbles” (John
Pullano), “Jack the Juggler” (Jack Mould), Henry Padron clients in need of financial help and other referrals for
social services. Some clients come for food and to see
leading “Drumming,” and head coach Ann McMican
Gale; others come just to see Gale. She is also able to
leading The Disciple Olympics. We also welcomed 10+
help with Food Cupboard intake and the tedious task of
parents, grandparents and other adults (including
neighbors) who joined us on various evenings during the entering all the day’s clients into a database which helps
week. In total, nearly 100 children of God participated in generate our mandatory monthly reports to Foodlink.
sharing God's love and WORD during VBS 2013! Thanks
In the spring Kay also completed a very lengthy survey
be to God!
regarding everything about our Food Cupboard and
clients that will be part of the national Hunger in
Third Church Volunteers included:
America Study to be published 2014. (Published every
Karen Ann Bills, Ann Wilkinson, Elena Pochodylo, Leah
four years). We also participated in another phase of this
Mould, Murie Gillette, Hannah Powell, Holly Powell, Jack
study; survey volunteers made an actual visit and
Mould, Jan Widboom, Gloria Pleger, Ann McMican, Lynette
carefully chose some of our clients to complete another
Sparks, Martha Langford, Ellen Van Ocker, Carol Coons and
very lengthy survey regarding their situation and needs.
Laura Loggi.
Our annual Foodlink inspection occurred this spring…
every aspect of our operations is scrutinized from record
keeping, to food storage, to actual choice of items given
and how they fulfill nutritional guidelines. We passed!
In May we had our Annual Volunteer Meeting: a shared
lunch and a time to reflect on the past year. Interim
Third Church Annual Report
Page 21
OUTREACH, cont.
Associate Pastor Lynette Sparks has met with many of
our volunteers on many Monday and Thursday
mornings and we appreciate her new energy and
support that we always know is there.
Carol Coons completed the lengthy HPNAP Grant
application. Although there was a scare that NYS funds
would be greatly cut, that didn’t happen. But just as in
years past, our grant money through Foodlink only
lasted part of the fiscal year of July to June and so we
are thankful that we have the support of the Outreach
Budget. Every year is an adventure in faith…..
We received a $1250 donation from the Glover Trask
Foundation and a donation of $1000 worth of basic
food items from the Latter Day Saints Bishops
Storehouse in Canandaigua.
We are ever grateful for the energy and resources
generated by the Grocery Run.
We also thank Matt Swensen, Paige Kiefner, and two
other Eastman students who gave a beautiful benefit
concert in November with many food donations
brought by those attending as well as over $800 in
cash.
All in all it has been a very busy, but rewarding year. A
few new volunteers were recruited with Outreach
Sunday, but word of mouth and a personal invitation
still works the best.
Goals for 2014:
 Create a new database of Food Cupboards
organized by zip codes or areas served to replace
the outdated database completed several years
ago.
and Marilyn Scheftic, with Rose Pethick as
chairperson.
Cameron Community Ministries “Put a
Fork in Hunger” Campaign
2013 was the first year of a three-year collaboration by
Third Church Outreach, Christ Clarion Presbyterian
Church, Laurelton Presbyterian Church, and Cameron
Community Ministries known as the “Put a Fork in
Hunger” Campaign. This collaboration enables
Cameron to receive a three-year grant (known as a
Triple Play Grant) from the Presbytery of Genesee Valley
to help ameliorate hunger. Cameron serves the Lyell
Otis neighborhood, one of Rochester’s most povertystricken areas, offering youth after-school and summer
programs, a free hot meal program that serves lunch
daily, food pantry and a clothing house that serves
community members in need of clothing and
housewares.
Our church communities came together in May & June
to collect supplies and assemble summer break bags
filled with healthful foods for the Cameron kids. We
collaborated to prepare and serve two Sunday
Celebrations at Cameron in June and October for
almost 200 guests. The meals provide meaningful time
for connections and conversations, provides us with the
opportunity to hear their stories, and opens our eyes to
the challenges our guests face. We also joined together
to participate in a Peace Walk over the summer.
We also joined together to support Cameron as it
opened its doors to the Cameron kids on Columbus
Day and Veteran’s Day this year. This new initiative
provides a safe place for the Cameron kids and ensures
they are fed on these days off from school. Our
 Visit other food pantries… especially those serving
churches came together to host the Veteran’s Day for
the same zip codes as we: Pittsford Food Pantry
the children. Coordinated by Becky D’Angelo-Veitch,
and Calvary St Andrews. There may be areas where
church families provided the supplies and leadership for
shared information and resources would be
Craft Stations throughout the day. We ended the day
mutually beneficial.
by preparing and serving the 40 kids who attended this
Veteran’s Day Program.
Christmas Basket Project
As in previous years, the Christmas Basket Project
We are planning additional collaborations for 2014, to
committee worked with City Schools 35 and 3 and
include a media blitz to raise hunger awareness and
the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network
response; cooking classes; mission days and more
(RAIHN), to provide a week’s worth of food to 72
Sunday Celebrations . We are grateful that Lorenda
needy city families. Seventy-two church families
Gauronski has taken a leadership role on behalf of Third
“adopted a family” by purchasing, packing and
Church in all of the planning efforts.
delivering a Christmas food basket on Saturday,
December 21. Donations from the whole
Bread for the World
congregation were used to purchase TOPS gift cards
As a Bread for the World Covenant Church, Third
for each recipient family and to underwrite
Church budgets $400 for the Bread for the World
expenditures over $35 by sponsoring families. Over
organization to continue to support lobbying and
$3,400 was raised from the congregation to help
research efforts in the campaign to effect legislation
offset costs for this program. At the request of the
aimed at reducing hunger in the nation and the world.
schools, a “mitten tree” was festooned with girls and
This past year, Third Church participated in an Offering
boys underwear and warm mittens, gloves and
of Letters for the ninth year in a row. The theme this
scarves. The Christmas Basket committee members
year was a continuation of our efforts to prevent drastic
include Bill and Carol Coons, Ned and Sally Green,
budget cuts for SNAP funding. Signed congregational
Page 22
Third Church Annual Report
OUTREACH, cont.
letters supporting this cause were hand-delivered to
House representative Louise Slaughter. Bread for the
World is a part of an national Advocacy Group
supported by a wide coalition of faith based groups,
including our own Third Presbyterian Church. For
further information or to join BFW Committee, contact
Lynette Sparks at 271-6513 or
lsparks@thirdpresbyterian.org. To all who have signed
letters, written emails and a host of other actions, we
say ‘Thank you.’
Homelessness
Habitat@Third (H@T)
In 2013, two houses were completed in Rochester’s
JOSANA neighborhood as part of Third Church’s
Outreach program in collaboration with Flower City
Habitat for Humanity (FCHH), bringing the total
number of houses built as part of the current effort to
five. H@T coordinates the formation of coalitions to
build Habitat houses and provides substantial financial
support for each coalition.
East Avenue Grocery Run
Grocery Run 2013
Registered Participants (including 85 in the mile)
1177
Third Church-Participants (age 4 to age 79!)
Wegmans
Other Church/Food Teams:
Asbury Methodist
Calvary St. Andrews
Cameron Community Ministries
Lakeside (Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf)
New Life Presbyterian
Other Corporate Teams:
JCS
SMP
Synaptics
Unity
Income (Projected):
Registrations
Corporate Sponsorships
Church Member Donations $1,000
Pledges
(not church donations)
Total
Costs
Net for Hunger Programs
Amount to Third Hunger Program
Amount to allocate
182
141
6
4
10
1
3
8
17
16
10
$24,000
$14,950
In 2013, H@T worked with the Harvest Home Coalition,
comprised of several congregations from the west and
south west suburbs to build a home at 632 Brown
Street (below). The most recent house (above) was built
by the Urban Presbyterians Together (UPT) Coalition at
644 Brown St. and involved volunteers from nine
Presbyterian congregations in the City of Rochester.
$1,287
About $44,000
$19,053
About $25,000
About $20,000
$4,000
Programs likely to receive support: Foodlink Children’s
Backpack, Cameron, Asbury, Greece Ecumenical Food
Shelf, Calvary St Andrews
Emergency Fund
Rent Assistance
$ 2,950.00
Transportation Assistance (work or medical care)
570.00
Assistance with gas/electricity
1,062.81 For each coalition, H@T’s role is to convene coalition
members, provide a portion of the $65,000 needed for
Miscellaneous
Medical/prescription co-pay
420.00
each house, and join other coalition members in
Boots (one pair work, one pair winter)
100.00
volunteering for the actual construction of the home.
Telephone (medical issues, children)
100.00
H@T is currently exploring possibilities for 2014
Space Heater
18.84
coalitions which could include congregations which
Auto Brakes
100.00
participated in 2009 and 2010 as well as some area
Long Distance Transportation
238.00
student Habitat clubs.
Microwave Oven
50.00
Tom Gillett, Coordinator
Gasoline
28.38
Total Miscellaneous
$ 1,055.22
Total Emergency Funds Dispensed
$5,638.03
Sincere thanks to all who have made this ministry
possible through your donations.
Third Church Annual Report
Page 23
OUTREACH, cont.
RAIHN
Third Church’s anti-homelessness program,
RAIHN@Third, completed nearly 10 years in operation
and its 35th rotation week during 2013, providing food,
shelter and hospitality to homeless families and their
children right here at Third Church. In partnership with
New Life Presbyterian Church, we tap 75 volunteers
each rotation to meet our covenant of four rotations
yearly, and our highly dedicated volunteer base recently
grew to 98 strong including leadership additions. With
the entire RAIHN network since its inception, we’ve
helped about 250 families through to independent
housing.
With grateful thanks to our awesome volunteers:
 The umbrella organization, Rochester Area
Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN), served 25
families in 2013, and Third Church was at capacity
each rotation with 14 individuals. Unfortunately,
RAIHN had to turn away about 200 families
again this year mostly because RAIHN was full. It
shouldn’t be surprising that, with a continuing lack
of affordable housing in today’s economy, so many
families are calling RAIHN.
 Third Church hosted three RAIHN rotations in
2013, down from our usual four―March, June and
July. We are planning for four rotations in 2014—
the weeks of January 19, April 13 (Holy Week), July
27, November 2, and February 8, 2015.
 At over 90 strong in conjunction with New Life
Presbyterian Church, our volunteers logged well
over 1,500 hours this year, supported by Third
Church’s excellent team of sextons. About half our
active volunteers are RAIHN-trained for direct
hosting positions; the others support set-up, takedown, shopping and laundry activities. Gratefully,
we picked up some new volunteers at a November
24 training luncheon hosted by Third Church. We
anticipate recruitment and mentoring of a couple
new leaders early in 2014 to fill positions of those
completing over 10 years of service.
 Our leadership team has been consistent, strong
and tenured as we anticipate a couple of roll-offs
come May 2014:
Lou Loggi and Laurie Mahoney (Co-coordinators, and
Communications)
Wendy Shellman (Volunteer Scheduling)
Vera Versteeg/New Life Coordinator (all things food)
Beth Tschorke with Linc Spaulding (setup/takedown)
Sue Bixler (linen closet and donations)
Lorenda Gauronski (supplies)


We operated under budget again, due to
donations of meals and supplies.
We continue to seek and receive donations from
our congregation and outside groups. When
needed, we ask for specific items and find our
congregation’s response extremely generous. This
year, donations included sheets, blankets, towels,
personal items and handmade small quilts from an
Page 24



area quilt club that are given to each guest.
We are grateful to the Third Church youth staff as
we continue to lodge our families on the upper
floor of the Education Building – a wonderful,
sunny space.
We eagerly anticipate a celebration in conjunction
with RAIHN for its first decade of operations since
April 2004.
Please hold this date, especially youth and
families: May 2014 for RAIHN’s Car City
fundraiser, where we will have the opportunity to
raise money for those who indeed are forced to
sleep in their cars.
Laurie Mahoney, Co-Coordinator
Hurricane Relief
Katrina Recovery
April 21 - 27 marked the twelfth Third Church
volunteer mission to rebuild New Orleans, an
outreach which began in the wake of Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita in 2005. The burden of recovery now
rests largely on the poorest of New Orleans, often
swindled by contractors or pressured by insurers to
accept inadequate settlements. Those with means
have recovered; those with the fewest remain
unserved.
The eight members of the K-12 group worked on the
home of Cecily Lambert which was in need of
extensive structural and cosmetic repair. Again,
Project Homecoming coordinated and staffed our
work and Parkway Presbyterian Church provided us
with their usual wonderful hospitality. Both
organizations remain committed to this work at a time
when fewer churches and civic groups are maintaining
their past effort, often choosing to help at other
disasters. As a result, the challenges of fundraising and
recruiting volunteers present significant obstacles.
One highlight of the trip was the chance to continue
our work with Consuella Lee whose home and
struggles we have supported in the past. Another was
the experience of surviving a series of tornadoes that
struck the neighborhoods in which we were working
and at nearby Parkway Presbyterian. Happily,
structural damage was limited. The construction crew
sheltered in the lower level of the Lambert home, and
the kitchen crew helped secure the nursery school at
the church, all illuminated by lightning and serenaded
by sirens.
We anticipate two trips to New Orleans in 2014. A
group of Third Church college students is forming for
the spring. A second trip will be planned for the fall.
Despite over seven years of public and private work
and donations of time and money, thirty thousand
once inhabited homes remain to be rehabilitated and
their owners able to return home to New Orleans.
These delays have been caused by insurance company
delays and unscrupulous contractors. The
Third Church Annual Report
disproportion of higher to lower income neighborhoods
that have been restored remains remarkable.
Additionally, the disaster of Hurricane Sandy has diluted
the number of volunteers who also bear this new
burden. We continue to do our work through the offices
of Project Homecoming whose stories were featured on
CBS News as background to the New Orleans based
2013 Super Bowl. Team members Nancy Watson and
Sharon Kiellach returned in January to be part of the final
dedication of Consuella’s completed home.
Rod Taylor and Nancy Watson,
Co-Coordinators
The Peacemaking team welcomes new members and
would love to hear from you (contact: Linc Spaulding,
342-9568, or LRSpaulding@yahoo.com).
Robb Adams, George Gotcsik, Ann Haag, Lynette Sparks,
Sue Spaulding, Linc Spaulding, and Yvonne Tolliver
Kenya Report
2013 has been a quiet year for our Kenya partnership.
We know enrollment in the preschool is growing, but we
have not yet received pictures of the completed
preschool and dining hall projects that we helped to
fund. There has been a turnover in the minister and the
clerk of session for the Kihumo Church this year, so good
Peacemaking 2013
communications with these individuals needs to be
Third Church is a peacemaking congregation: our Session established. This underscores the importance of ongoing
affirmed the Presbyterian Commitment to Peacemaking in communication and visits to enrich the partnership at
1987. This Commitment calls us all to be peacemakers in the individual and communal levels. There was a
tentative plan to have John Wilkinson and a few others
these general ways:
go to Kenya in early 2014, but this has been put on hold
The Peacemaking Mission Team was re-formed in late
due to John’s nomination to stand for Moderator of the
2013 with new members. Ann Haag, Yvonne Tolliver,
George Gotcsik, Sue Spaulding, and Linc Spaulding began General Assembly. The Kenya Partnership Team
continues to seek way to strengthen the connection with
Worship
Study and Response to
our friends in the Kihumo Parish.
Ry Foye
Global Issues
Prayer and Bible
Receiving the Peacemaking
Gun Violence Response Team
Study
Offering
Third Presbyterian Church turned its attention to the
Global Security
Making Peace with the Earth
issue of gun violence in a very deliberate way this year.
Peacemaking in Families and in
Very quickly we learned that the complexities of this
Community Living
issue are substantial. The process of learning just how
meeting with Lynette Sparks and Robb Adams to define complex led us to the realization that the steps of
new areas for peacemaking. The team affirmed that our providing suitable background information on a variety
current direction to promote Mideast peace with Israel
of subjects would be just as helpful to interested persons
and Palestine will continue. In addition, the team has
in our congregation.
begun studying new ways to support peace and justice
As a result, there was a four-week Sunday series
in our community.
presented. Areas covered were a general national
Peacemaking provided organizing and financial support overview, health issues, legal issues and potential local
to the second annual Witness Palestine Film Series. The
partnerships to explore. The significant degree of the
goal is to help the public understand the issues and to
interest was shown by the very robust attendance at
see beyond stereotypes of the people in the region.
each of the sessions.
Attendance and audience response at each of six
Additionally we hosted two showings of the
screenings was very positive.
documentary ‘Trigger’ and the Frontline documentary
Interfaith Dialogue continues with Faith to Faith. In 2013, ‘The Interrupters’ was presented. An evening talk/
Faith to Faith met with Palestinian social worker Samah
discussion was conducted by local expert John Klofas of
Salaime Egbariya to hear about her work in Israel and the RIT.
West Bank. Faith to Faith gathered for a discussion
following one of the Witness Palestine events. The group We expect this coming year to move in the direction of
actions and collaborations with local groups. It is
also worshiped at Temple B’rith Kodesh and discussed
anticipated there will be efforts statewide to repeal the
religious practices with Rabbi Rebecca Gutterman.
Safe Act, as well as continued push from gun
The Peacemaking Offering total this year was $2,620:
manufacturers to expand their marketing of firearms.
25% remains at Third Church, 25% is for peacemaking
Overall there is much to be done and we invite
by our Presbytery, and 50% supports the Peacemaking
interested to join us. Lastly, Thank you to all who have
Program of the PC(USA). Our local 25% share has been attended any/all of the sessions. Your support has been
designated to support the work of the Gun Violence
gratifying to the entire committee: Ry Foye, Mary Sue
Response Team at Third Church.
Jack, Dale Maddock, Don Pryor, David Tennant, Lynette
During Advent, we sold fairly traded Palestinian Olive Oil Sparks, John Wilkinson
Dale Maddock
“at cost,” raising over $700 and helping to raise
awareness of Palestinian life in the West Bank.
Third Church Annual Report
Page 25
OUTREACH PROGRAM—CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURES
Page 26
Third Church Annual Report
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
Third Church Annual Report
Page 27
THIRD PRESBYTERAN CHURCH
ALL FUNDS BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Page 28
Third Church Annual Report
Third Presbyterian Church
2014 Budget
Third Church Annual Report
Page 29
2013 Commissioning Class
Children Leading Worship
Youth Mission/Music Trip to Massanetta, Georgia
Elvis to Elton July Picnic
Sorting Books for
Cameron Community Ministries
Dining Room Ministry
Corner Place Arts Academy!
Junior Choir and Chancel Choir, Palm Sunday 2013
4 Meigs Street
Rochester, NY 14607-2013
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