2016 annual and financial reportwestminstergr.org/uploads/documents/2016_annual... · the pastoral...

2016 ANNUAL AND FINANCIAL REPORT

Westminster Presbyterian ChurCh • 47 jefferson ave se • grand raPids • mi

Westminster Presbyterian Church | 2016 Annual Report 3

VisionThe gospel of Jesus Christ compels us to love and welcome all as we have been loved and welcomed. Therefore, we seek to be a community of servants transformed by God’s Word and transforming God’s world through faithful worship, learning, and service.

MissionThrough the power of the Holy Spirit, we will:

• Pursue our Christian identity through encountering the Word of God, delighting in the wonder of God’s creation, and sharing our lived experience.

• Cultivate a community of safety and inclusion that renews and liberates us for greater risk and a deeper commitment to Christ.

• Repent of our own complicity in the world’s evil and live toward new, more just and equitable forms of common life, both locally and globally.

• Practice the disciplines of justice, hospitality, forgiveness, and compassion.

By God’s grace, we will embrace the way of the cross and claim our hope in the resurrection. So long as any of God’s people still need liberation, Christ’s mission, and thus ours, has not been fulfilled.

--Adopted by the Session, April 4, 2016

The vision and mission of Westminster

4 2016 Annual Report | Westminster Presbyterian Church

iteMs of business2017 Annual Congregational Meeting Agenda .................................................................................................................... 6 2016 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes .............................................................................................................7-11 Nominating Committee ........................................................................................................................................................12-13

Pastors’ rePortsRev. Chandler Stokes, senior pastor and head of staff ................................................................................................15-17Rev. David Baak, executive pastor ...........................................................................................................................................18 Rev. Jennifer Porter, associate pastor .....................................................................................................................................19

rePorts: our core MissionsCamp Henry .............................................................................................................................................................................21-24Westminster Child Development Center ............................................................................................................................ 25Downtown Food Pantry ...................................................................................................................................................... 26-27MissionMatters ...........................................................................................................................................................................28

rePorts: faithful worshiPFuneral and Memorial Ministries .........................................................................................................................................30Music Ministry ....................................................................................................................................................................... 31-32Worship Committee ................................................................................................................................................................... 33

rePorts: learningFamily Life and Children’s Ministries ............................................................................................................................ 35-36 Membership Growth and Development ....................................................................................................................... 37-38Membership Statistical Report ............................................................................................................................................... 39 Presbytery Relations ..................................................................................................................................................................40 Spiritual Life and Learning .......................................................................................................................................................41

An introduction to the annual report

Table of contents and organization of this report

Each year, Westminster produces an annual report of its life and ministry during the past year. The purpose of this report is to inform and remind each other of our life together; to keep a record of our ministry during this past year; and, to provide the opportunity to reflect on the ways in which God has been present among us.

This report’s organization is prompted by the last part of our new Vision statement: “…we seek to be a community of servants transformed by God’s Word and transforming God’s world through faithful worship, learning, and service.” The complete statement is included on page 3.

Our hope is that you will see how different ministries and committees respond in their own unique ways of helping us all live out our faith.

This report is the effort of many people in the congregation and we thank you. The production of the report is the work of Erin VandenBroek, Administrative Assistant, for which we congratulate and thank her.

Rev. David Baak Executive Pastor


Westminster Presbyterian Adults ..........................................................................................................................................42 Youth Ministries ....................................................................................................................................................................43-44

rePorts: serViceBoard of Trustees ...................................................................................................................................................................46-47 Community Ministries .......................................................................................................................................................48-49Deacons: Administrative ...........................................................................................................................................................50Deacons: Caring ............................................................................................................................................................................51Deacons: Supporting .................................................................................................................................................................. 52Financial Ministries ................................................................................................................................................................... 53Open Door Ministry ...................................................................................................................................................................54Personnel ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 55Westminster Works .................................................................................................................................................................... 56Worldwide Ministries ......................................................................................................................................................... 57-58

financialsTerms of Call: Rev. Chandler Stokes ......................................................................................................................................60Terms of Call: Rev. David Baak .................................................................................................................................................61Terms of Call: Rev. Jennifer Porter ......................................................................................................................................... 62Stewardship ................................................................................................................................................................................... 632017 Budget ....................................................................................................................................................................................64Westminster Balance Sheet ...............................................................................................................................................65-66Westminster Operating Fund ...........................................................................................................................................67-68Memorial Trust ............................................................................................................................................................................69Westminster’s Internal Endowment Funds .......................................................................................................................70Westminster’s External Endowment Funds .......................................................................................................................71Memorial Trust Balance Sheet................................................................................................................................................ 72Camp Henry Balance Sheet.................................................................................................................................................73-74Camp Henry Operating Fund ................................................................................................................................................. 75Westminster Child Development Center Balance Sheet ............................................................................................... 76Westminster Child Development Center Operating Fund ........................................................................................... 77Downtown Food Pantry Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................................ 78Downtown Food Pantry Operating Fund............................................................................................................................ 79

in MeMoriaMMemorials ......................................................................................................................................................................................80 For All the Saints ...............................................................................................................................................................................81


Call to Order and Opening Prayer............................................................................Rev. Chandler Stokes, Moderator

Stipulation of Quorum ........................................................................ Elder Chris Dugan, Clerk of Session Pro-Tem

Procedural Motion Recommended Motion: I move that this annual meeting serve as both the ecclesiastical and corporation meeting of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Society.

Minutes from the 2016 Annual Meeting (pgs. 7-11)

Receipt of 2016 Annual Reports (pgs. 12-59)

Approval of Terms of Call for Installed Pastors .................................Elder Ed Vander Ploeg, Chair of Personnel

•Rev. Dave Baak •Rev. Jen Porter •Rev. Chandler Stokes

Report on the 2016 Budget—Year-end ................................................................Matt Russell, Treasurer of Trustees

MissionMatters ........................................... Paul Karsten and Carol Lautenbach, Co-Chairs of MissionMatters

Plans for the 2017 Budget ...........................................................................Elder Roger Nelson, Chair of Stewardship

ServeGR ................................................................................................................ Heather Colletto, Minister for Mission

Recognition of Retiring Officers

Election of Officers (pgs. 12-13) ..................................Elder Mary Jane Lamse, Chair of Nominating Committee

•Elders •Deacons •Trustees •Memorial Trust •2017 Nominating Committee Other Business

Honoring those on the Memorial List (pg. 79)......................................... Elder Susan Jennings & Rev. Jen Porter

Closing Hymn (pg. 80) “For All the Saints”

Charge and Benediction .....................................................................................................................Rev. Chandler Stokes

Annual Congregational Meeting Agenda • January 22, 2017


Moderator: The Reverend Chandler B. Stokes

Call to Order/Opening Prayer: The Moderator called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m. in the Dining Room of Westminster Presbyterian Church and offered an opening prayer.

Stipulation of Quorum: The Clerk stipulated that the number of those present for the meeting constituted a quorum sufficient for the conduct of business under the by-laws. Our requirement is that 10% of the membership be present to conduct official business; over 10% of the members were present.

Consolidation of Corporate and Ecclesiastical Annual Meetings: Action: A motion was made and prevailed to have this annual meeting serve as both the ecclesiastical and corporation meeting of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Society.

Approval of Minutes: Action: A motion was made and prevailed to receive the Minutes of the January 25, 2015 Annual Congregational Meeting.

Presentation: Vision and Mission Chairperson Ben Boerkoel introduced the following questions on behalf of the Vision and Mission Task Force and asked those present to respond in a round-table discussion:

1. What makes Westminster who we are? 2. When have you been most proud of Westminster? 3. In what ways does Westminster need to grow or change? 4. If Westminster were to start a sister congregation in another location, what of Westminster should that new congregation start with? 5. If we were looking back at Westminster in five years, what would you most like to make sure we have done?

Task Force members will use the information to write a Vision and Mission statement for 2016-2021.

Receipt of the 2015 Annual Reports: Action: A motion was made and prevailed to receive the written 2015 Annual Reports with gratitude.

Personnel Plans for 2016 Elder for Personnel Ed Vander Ploeg shared that, in keeping with his Terms of Call, Rev. Chandler Stokes was eligible for a sabbatical since he has been at Westminster for seven years. The Session granted Chandler a sabbatical for April 1 – July 31, 2016. The Session also accepted a Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Grant for $45,400 that will provide funds for Chandler’s use during the sabbatical, support the expenses of bringing in guest preachers, and fund Rev. David Baak working full-time while Chandler is away. Rev. Jen Porter will serve as Interim Moderator of Session.

Approval of the Terms of Call for the Pastors: On behalf of the Personnel Committee, Elder Ed Vander Ploeg presented the terms of call for Rev. David Baak, Rev. Jennifer Porter and Rev. Chandler Stokes. Rev. David Baak’s salary reflects him working full-time during the four months of Rev. Chandler Stokes’ sabbatical, with his usual 75% schedule for the other eight months of the year; benefits remain the same as last year. Rev. Jen Porter received a 3% increase in salary; benefits remain the same as last year. Rev.

Minutes of the 2016 congregational meeting • January 24, 2016


Chandler Stokes’ salary will remain the same as 2015 per his request, with a slight decrease in FICA; benefits remain the same as last year.

Action: A motion was made and prevailed to approve the following terms of call:

Associate Pastor for Executive Ministries – David Baak

Effective Salary: Salary $36,233.00 Housing (including utilities) $26,100.00 62,333.00 Benefits: Medical $4,768.00 Retirement 403(b) Contribution $6,000.00 Social Security (employer’s share – 7.65%) $4,380.00

Expenses/Allowances: Professional Expenses $2,000.00 (Professional development, book allowance, auto, and continuing education)

Other: •One month of vacation (four Sundays) •Two weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)

Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care – Jennifer Porter

Effective Salary: Salary $31,500.00 Housing (including utilities) $21,500.00 $53,000.00

Benefits: Medical/Pension (36.5%) $19,345.00 Social Security (employer’s share – 7.65%) $4,055.00


Other: •One month of vacation (four Sundays) •Four weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years) •Sabbatical after three years of service at Westminster (recognizing four years for prior ministry at Spring Lake) with a submitted plan for coverage, a commitment of one year service after sabbatical, and timing subject to approval of the Personnel Committee.


Senior Pastor/Head of Staff – Chandler B. Stokes

Effective Salary: Salary $63,538.00 Housing (including utilities) $45,000.00 $108,538.00

Benefits: Medical/Pension (35%) $37,988.00 Social Security (employer’s share – 7.65%) $8,303.00


Other: •One month of vacation (four Sundays) •Four weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years) •Approved Sabbatical: April 1- July 31, 2016

The pastoral staff was recognized with a round of applause.

2015 Year-End Financial Report: Mark Eriks, Vice-President of the Board of Trustees, reviewed the church’s financial position as of December 31, 2015. The 2015 actual receipts were $1,671,119, or $595 over budget. Total expenses were $1,679,806, or $9,382 over budget, resulting in a deficit of $8,487, or .5%. Significantly impacting the budget were increased utility costs. Our three core missions – Camp Henry, Westminster Child Development Center, and the Food Pantry – each finished with a surplus.

MissionMatters: Campaign Co-chairs Carol Lautenbach and Paul Karsten, gave the following update:

•The Roof project is complete, the dining room expansion at Camp Henry is well underway, and the 47 Jefferson Project is set to begin soon. •Approximately 40% of the campaign goal has already been collected, allowing for complete payment for the roof and $200,000 in hand for the Camp Henry project. This also means that the line of credit does not have to be extended. •Due to increased costs, the Session and the Trustees approved an increase of $65,000 to the budget, meaning that the final budget is $2,565,000. Of that goal, $237,000 must still be raised. •Carol and Paul also recognized the leadership of the steering committee, the Church, and the congregation in the project.

2016 Budget: Roger Nelson, Elder for Stewardship, reviewed the proposed 2016 budget which was adopted by Session in January, 2016. Revenue is budgeted at $1,647,229, while expenses are budgeted at $1,646,729, a surplus of $500. $1,350,000 of revenue is budgeted from pledge income. Roger stated that pledge totals for 2016 are slightly above those for 2015, with the average pledge increasing $125. MissionMatters did not seem to have an impact on pledges. He also noted that the budget process focused on four goals, each of which was accomplished.


1. Establish and maintain a balanced budget. 2. Continue to support our programs, facilities, and core missions. 3. Continue to support our excellent staff with a cost of living adjustment. 4. Maintain nearly level giving with as little increase as necessary.

The work of the Stewardship Committee was recognized with applause.

Recognition of Retiring Officers: Rev. Stokes recognized and thanked those who are completing their terms on the Session, Board of Trustees, and Board of Deacons. The congregation expressed its gratitude with applause.

Election of Officers: On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Daryl Fischer, Elder for Nominating, presented the 2016 slate of nominees.

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Elders: Elder for Presbytery Relations ...........................................................................Pat Hornick Elder for Nominations ...............................................................................Mary Jane Lamse Elder for Family Ministries ..................................................................................Deb Larson Elder for Worldwide Ministries ...........................................................................Linda Paul Elder for Membership Growth and Development ............. Kathy Speeter (one year) Clerk of Session .................................................................................................Louise Schreur

Action: There being no nominations from the floor, a motion was made and prevailed to close the nominations. Action: A motion was made and prevailed to approve the slate of candidates as presented.

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Administrative Deacons: Mark Abolt, Susan Gillis (two-years), Tim Born, Susan McCaffrey, Suzanne Dezern, Karen Rupke, Britt Campbell (one-year extension)

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Supporting Deacons: Jeanne Early, Marcia Maynard, Sarah Pipher, Lexy McCulloch, Dick Hubbard, Bev Schafer

The following individuals were nominated for three-year terms as Caring Deacons: Jeanne DeWaard, Margaret Tuori, Ruth Posthumus, Barb VanderJagt, Jane French (one-year extension)


The following were nominated for three-year terms as Trustees: Diane Bartoszewicz (two years), Shelly Boeve, Reg French, Geoff Miller, Mindy Spillane



The following were nominated to serve a one-year term on the Nominating Committee: Cal Bremer Keith Combs Heidi Driscol Josh Leckrone Linda Nelson (Deacon Representative) Miriam Peterson (Deacon Representative) Julie Pelletier Sue Porter Joel Schultze Jan Stone (Trustee Representative)


The work of the 2015 Nominating Committee was recognized with applause.

Those on the Memorial List: Rev. Jen Porter, Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care, and Susan Jennings, Minister for Congregational Care, read the names of the 15 members who passed into the fuller life of the Church Triumphant in the year 2015.

Hymn: In response the Congregation sang “For All the Saints.”

Closing: Rev. Chandler Stokes closed the meeting with prayer and with the benediction.

Adjournment: A motion was made and prevailed to adjourn the meeting at 2:00 p.m.

ATTESTED:

___________________________________ ___________________________________

Chandler B. Stokes, Moderator Benjamin J. Boerkoel, Clerk of Session


It is with gratitude to God that I report on the work of the 2016 Nominating Committee. We began meeting soon after the congregation, at its 2016 Annual Meeting, approved these members to serve on the Committee, authorizing them to act on its behalf in this task:

• Heidi Driscol • Josh Leckrone • Linda Nelson (Deacon representative) • Miriam Pederson (Deacon representative) • Julie Pelletier • Sue Porter • Joel Schultze • Jan Stone (Trustee representative) • Mary Jane Lamse, Elder for Nominations • Chandler Stokes and Susan Jennings served as Staff Liaison to the Committee.

From the time of our initial gathering in February we met monthly and spent much time between meetings contacting people for the open positions. In many cases we had several conversations with these persons as we helped them discern their path forward. We concluded our work in December. Throughout this time we had the privilege of bearing witness to the love for Westminster and the dedication to serving God and the church expressed by many when invited to serve. We also were made aware of the many challenges preventing people from accepting additional responsibilities at this time, including illness, care of an elderly parent, and the heavy demands of a job.

During this time we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding and strengthening us in our work and leading these persons to accept the call to serve. All terms are for three years unless otherwise indicated. I hereby submit these names for final approval by the congregation:

elDer Personnel .............................................................................Steve BaronWorship ................................................................................. Kelley BarrClerk of Session (complete a 2-year term) .............. Chris DuganYouth and Young Adults .................................. Francisco Calderon ................................ (continuing for a period of up to six months)Spiritual Life & Learning (one additional year) ..... Larry SlagerMusic .................................................................. Lambert Zuidervaart

aDMinistratiVe Deacon caring Deacon Jennifer Faber Keith Combs Al Geurink John Kaye Bob Lautenbach Dan PrinceDarrell Morritt Melissa VanderZyden

trustees MeMorial trustBlair Heethuis David Driscol (complete a 2-year term)Julie Jones Jeannine Lemmon Scott McPheeters John PrestonMatt Russell (one additional year) Frank SpiesJeff Tuori

Nominating committee

suPPorting DeaconHeidi DriscolGeoff GillisJulie GriffinSally HarmonJane HedgesScott Jennings (complete a 2-year term)Eunice Raar


Finally it gives me joy to submit for the congregation’s approval the names of the persons who, by the grace of God, have committed to serving on the 2017 Nominations Committee. The following members have accepted the invitation to continue their work on the Committee for another year, bringing valuable experience to bear on our task:• Josh Leckrone• Linda Nelson• Joel Schultze• Jan Stone (Trustee representative)

The following persons have committed to joining us, bringing new perspectives to our work:• Philip Gibson• Margi Hankins• Peter Larson• Katie Prince• Barbara Vander Jagt (Deacon Representative)

I sense in all of the persons named in this report a commitment to “love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we all look ahead to the work before us, I encourage any Westminster members who have an interest in becoming more involved in the various ministries of the church to express this interest to me, to a member of the Nominating Committee, or to Susan Jennings. Finally, I ask that the congregation join me in thanking God for the faithful service of this year’s Committee and praying for next year’s Committee and the persons we will contact with a request to serve in the ministries of Westminster.

Respectfully submitted,Mary Jane Lamse, Elder for Nominations

Pastors’ reports


Senior Pastor report: Rev. Chandler StokesI have, as of November 30, 2016, completed eight years serving as your Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. I increasingly feel blessed to serve in this capacity. My sabbatical and my mild stroke during 2016 were both reminders of how precious it is to be engaged in work that I love and to be among a people that are continually committed to serving Christ. From both of those events I have found that I am more clearly focused than ever on what my roles and responsibilities are and am finding even greater joy in this calling.

Worship: One of the wonderful collateral blessings of being called to preach is that we are given work that is always calling us to be better at it, and, for the most part, age, experience, and longevity can all contribute positively to that work—at least that’s my experience so far! I’m sure there are limits to that, but right now I feel that I understand the work, the art, the inspiration, and the craft far, far better than I used to. I still look forward to worship and to the opportunity to preach, but I am not as frantic about it and feel more focused and even more relaxed—if that’s the word for it. The sabbatical, of course, had a lot to do with this renewal.

In the seventeen times that I have preached since coming back from the sabbatical I believe that I have uncovered new insight about the true nature of hope—through W.E.B. Dubois, Ta-Nahisi Coates and Isaiah; the unimaginable grace of God—through Paul the Apostle and Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton; about receiving and offering hospitality—through Luke, the wisdom of friends, and our experiences on the sabbatical; about faithful witness under duress—through Shakespeare, Syrian refugees, and the Psalms; about grief, limitation, and value—from Reynolds Price, my physician, Jeremiah, and my stroke; about integrity—through Wendell Berry, Luke, Michael Lindvall; about giving from Parker Palmer and Mark’s gospel; all of that even before we got to confirmation and Advent, which felt particularly deep and meaningful. It has simply been a very rich time of growth for me.

As ever, working with Helen Hofmeister in preparing and leading worship is deeply satisfying. Helen’s range of gifts, her humor, and her understanding of and care for the congregation and the three hundred volunteers that are a part of the music program all contribute to a sense that the whole of worship is being attended to quite closely and effectively. We are loving the work. I wrote a couple of pieces about Worship for the Chimes that came out in December that talks more in depth about our creative process. I hope you will look at that.

Worship is more than preaching and music, of course. Our staff and congregational leaders are very gifted in leading worship. This last year I have written most of the liturgy, but, if you hear a staff or congregation member speaking “off script,” you can assume for the most part that they have written it. We are greatly blessed to have so many fine worship leaders among us.

My great thanks to Elder Ruth Stubbs for serving during these last three years as chair of the worship committee, which oversees myriad details related to our worship: ushers, acolytes, communion servers, liturgical paraments, flowers, liturgists, so many things that make our worship possible. Ruth, thank you!

And then there are, of course, all of the other pieces behind the scenes—Becky Stein-Wells, who produces the bulletins week in and week out, with not only the liturgy, lyrics, rubrics, and citations correctly, but also a calendar and innumerable inserts; the custodial staff, who most weeks prepare the space twice on Sunday for our two services; the sound and video operators, who make sure that you can hear during worship, but also create the DVD’s of the whole service, the website video of the sermon, and manage the live feed during worship at 11am, which runs in the chapel and which you can access on line on our website (westmintergr.org). Then, Linda Bieze, as a very talented volunteer, edits my sermons for publication on the web, and our administrative assistant, Erin VandenBroek, turns them in a print version for the Gathering Place kiosk. That’s not all there is to worship, but it takes a great team—and right now, we’ve got one.

Head of Staff: When things are going well with the staff, my work is even more enjoyable, and we have been on a roll lately. Rev. Dave Baak, Executive Pastor, Rev. Jen Porter, Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care, Kyle Nolan,


Minister to Youth and Their Families, Rev. Sarah Juist, Interim Minister for Education and Family Life, Helen Hofmeister, Minister of Music, and Susan Jennings, Minister for Congregational Care, & Heather Colletto, Minister for Mission (who both also report to Jen) are those, who report directly to me. And we have had a year with zero changes among them!

Now, we are about to transition from Sarah Juist to Nancy Greidanus in 2017, but that was long-planned. Rev. Sarah Juist has served as Interim Minister for Education and Family Life and has blessed us with her energy and dedication. One of the significant things that session decided during Sarah’s time in leadership was to split children’s education and formation from adult education and formation. Nancy Greidanus will begin to serve in a position that will focus solely on children and family life. You have received a mailing about Nancy, and we are excited to have her on the team. Session has separated out the adult portion of this previous position, and we are in the process of deciding how to address adult faith formation for the long haul. The sermon on October 23 described the conversation the session is currently conducting on this question.

The key element in our system that allows for me to focus my energies in the proper places has been the creation of the Executive Pastor position that Rev. Dave Baak is currently filling. And, as we all know, Dave is a rock. And, you may or may not know, our working relationship thrives. Dave has taken over a huge number of my administrative responsibilities, and he has done so with grace and calm. I have been able to focus on worship and program tasks without being burdened by too many administrative ones. And my sabbatical would not have been possible without Dave’s able leadership.

Moderator of Session: During the sabbatical, my role as moderator of session as ably filled by Rev. Jen Porter, whose considerable gifts as a pastor are matched by her ability to lead meetings! In this role I take this opportunity to acknowledge the elders who will be rotating off their work as active session members and moving to the College of Elders. They are Ruth Stubbs, Ed VanderPloeg, Francisco Calderon, Frank Van Haven, and Louise Scheuer. As I moderate Session, and Worship and Personnel are two of the committees that I staff, I am more aware of the work that the elders in those positions have done, but I want to thank them all. I spoke of Ruth’s gracious leadership as Elder for Worship above. Thank you again, Ruth! Francisco has seen us through the years of Kyle Nolan’s beginning with us, very generously moving directly from the search committee to Elder for Youth and Young Adults—and his role has been important in that transition. Thank you, Francisco! Frank has been working alongside Helen Hofmeister, as our Elder for Music—and, of course, it is fun to work with Helen but there’s work, serious work involved as well (three hundred volunteers!), and Frank has graced us with his leadership faithfully. Thank you, Frank! Louise Scheuer was only able to serve as our Clerk of Session for one year, as her professional work responsibilities became too much for her to continue in her generous volunteer role as our Clerk. Her wit and kindness, her faithful and accurate recording of our meetings, and her good nature helped to set the tone for us as a session. We already miss her. Thank you, Louise! Ed VanderPloeg has served as Elder for Personnel, and that is one of the critical roles in the life of Westminster. In the last three years, Ed has seen us through a new Minister to Youth and Their Families, the creation of the Minister for Mission position, the creation of the Executive Pastor position, my sabbatical, and now is helping us through our conversations about adult faith formation—and those are just the concerns of the program staff. That doesn’t include the administrative and custodial staff, or the core missions staff: Westminster Child Development Center, Camp Henry, and the Downtown Food Pantry. Remember that Westminster wrote over one hundred and fifty W-2’s (in the person of Kathy Cisler our fine Church Administrator—thank you, Kathy!). These last three years have been busy to say the least. Ed, who once chaired the Ministry Task Force that led us to integrating our three core missions into Westminster, has overseen important years in bringing consistent policies and procedures across the board. Ed, we are in your debt. Thank you for your faithful service!

Francisco, Louise, Ed, Frank, and Ruth have faithfully “held the whole congregation in their hearts” as they have served on session. That “holding the whole congregation” is essential to spiritual leadership, and they have


generously and steadfastly performed their duty to Westminster. Great blessings to all of you.

On another personal note, Karen is now serving as half-time Interim Pastor at two congregations—that’s makes one full-time at least! She is serving at Parkwood Presbyterian Church in Jenison and at Comstock Park Congregational Church in… Comstock Park. We have moved to a home on the south end of Rockford now—a little piece of the country, lots of room for the dogs to roam, lots of quiet, though close enough to get to church in twenty minutes—isn’t everything twenty minutes away? It feels like a way to settle in for the long haul. As Jeremy, Jesse, and Molly are all right here in Grand Rapids, we feel that God has been extraordinarily generous with us. If you didn’t know, we have fallen in love not only with you but with Michigan.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you as your Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. I pray that I may serve you faithfully and well. Thank you for your care for me, your generosity to me and to my family, and for your inspiring work as a congregation, called by Jesus Christ to serve God in the world.

Chandler Stokes, Senior Pastor and Head of Staff December 2016


Executive Pastor report: Rev. David BaakIt is a great privilege and very satisfying to serve this congregation as Executive Pastor. I (and we all) have completed a second year as we continue to develop this role with the rest of the staff and committees. This is a three-quarter-time position, with primary responsibility for the communication, administrative, facility and support components of the operation of this congregation, including working with the Trustees, the Administrative Deacons, the Stewardship, Communications and Personnel committees; and the directors and boards of our three core missions. I also provide some worship leadership, pastoral care and mission support.

Administration and Communication are critical to integrating and bringing coherence to and among the many facets of our congregational life—they are “central support services” for the ministry of Westminster. Much of this activity is not seen by the congregation—administrative assistants; custodial, greeting, financial, kitchen staff; all working with singular purpose. Our new Vision and Mission statement identifies one of the disciplines we intend as “Cultivate a community of safety and inclusion that renews and liberates us for greater risk and a deeper commitment to Christ.” I think that is as good a description of the administrative support role for our congregation as any that you will find and certainly broadly identifies the spectrum of functions of the administrative team. We support the life of Westminster members, neighbors and visitors so that we all can grow, “take risks” with ministry and deepen our faith.

Westminster is constantly balancing security and hospitality. We want to be a safe place for our children, youth—all of us—physically, emotionally and spiritually while at the same time we also want everyone to feel welcomed and wanted in our space, our services and our programs every day of the week. Accordingly, with funding provided by the Trustees, we have contracted for a security site assessment that will result in a plan that will better provide us with this balance. In the coming months we will be provided a draft of an Emergency Plan; assistance with the development of the policies and procedures so that we can implement the plan; and, finally, the recruitment of a Safety Team with the necessary training for the team, the staff and the congregation.

A staff communications team, supported by the Communications Committee and a group of loyal volunteers, provides information for and among the congregation and the community in several ways. Our basic communication medium is the Sunday bulletin—most announcements originate here and in the bulletin calendar, along with worship schedules and educational classes that are also published on the Westminster Web page (www.westminstergr.org). A recent addition is the Live Stream of the 11:00a worship service that can be accessed through our web site. The bulletin items are picked up in the Westminster Weekly that is sent to some 600 email addresses each Tuesday. Some items in the Weekly are emphasized and many have links to in-depth information on the web page. The News & Notes gathers all this information every two weeks and is mailed to nearly 500 “print preferred” addresses so that every member of Westminster has access to all the information, calendars and schedules in the life of the church. The Chimes is published in magazine format four times a year and emphasizes ministry areas, themes and discussions. It is published both electronically and is distributed in print to each household. In Our Prayers is a periodic email alerting the congregation to prayer requests and providing a moment of focus on the life of others in our faith community. These are supplemented by Westminster’s social media outlets, including www.facebook.com/WestminsterGR/ and www.facebook.com/groups/WestminsterBLM/ and by specific youth and music program email groups, by web blog and sermon publication. Next on the priority list for the coming year is the continuing refinement of our web page and communicating with the larger community.

I am very grateful, and humbled, that the resources—human and financial—are so generously provided for all these efforts by you in this wonderful Westminster family. Thank you for your trust and for your faithfulness.

Rev. David Baak


Associate Pastor report: Rev. Jen PorterThanks be to God for this past year. Our structure continues to work well for pastoral care, deacon ministry and our mental health panel. Now, the mental health fund is also available to therapists on our panel. Personally, it is deeply satisfying to serve with this pastoral care team and to join people in many various circumstances of life. This year, I am drawn to use this space to highlight what has developed in 2016 in our various veins of missions:

serVegrHeather Colletto, along with Community Ministries, has done amazing work developing, launching and promoting the new ServeGR website. As we challenge our Westminster community to grow in Linking Lives and participa-tion, this website now enables the community to take part as well. Thanks be to God.

aDVance care PlanningThis year, Health and Wholeness has taken part in an interfaith initiative centered on advance care planning, as-sisting people in legally naming advocates to speak for them if they were unable to speak for themselves. In the fall of 2016, five members of our congregation were trained as facilitators, donating their time to facilitate conversa-tions about decisions and priorities at the end of life. These facilitators from Health and Wholeness have thus far led 22 conversations. Thanks be to God.

cubaAs we continue to narrow our Worldwide focus, the Westminster group which travelled to Cuba in October marked Marc Bohland’s 100th trip. Simultaneously, First Hand Aid was named as one of the recipients of a $100,000 grant from the national Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering. As First Hand Aid extends its presence with a number of new clinics in rural Presbyterian congregations, we are exploring what that means for Westminster in partnership and support. Our goal is to remain present, looking 10 years ahead with commitment to these sisters and brothers. Thanks be to God.

black liVes MatterThroughout 2016, through Black Lives Matter, Justice and Peace led us into our renewed call to racial justice. We took home Black Lives Matter signs and began conversations with neighbors, friends and family. We listened to experiences of people of color from within our congregation and from our partnership church in Benton Harbor. We examined our own formation with conversations drawn from Waking Up White by Debby Irving. We learned the contextual history of race in Grand Rapids through A City Within a City by Todd E. Robinson. In all of this, we heard a need to follow in support and in the role of Ally. Thanks be to God.

racial Justice action grouPOut of Black Lives Matter, a new group has formed. My definition of this racial justice action group is that it is not a committee. This group is organized, but no one needs to be part for any particular length of time. They are com-mitted to keeping our focus on racial justice amidst all the things we do as a congregation, the more people who come, the more they will be able to do. Again, and finally, thanks be to God.

Rev. Jen Porter

Our core missions


Camp Henry“The relationships I’ve made at Camp Henry are like no other. The people you meet are accepting, loving and filled with so much joy. I feel most like myself at camp and it’s one of my favorite places on Earth.” ~ 2016 Summer Camper

Mission: Camp Henry provides life changing experiences for all in a Christian environment.

Camp Henry entered 2016 with significant and positive momentum, which helped serve as a springboard and helped to make this year amazingly successful for Camp Henry.

suMMer caMPThe core program, component, and revenue generator for Camp Henry continues to be the traditional summer camp program.

1,889 campers attended summer camp in 2016. This is an increase of 303 campers over 2015, marks the fourth year in a row that summer camp enrollment has significantly increased, and is our highest enrollment ever in our 80 year history.

Of these campers, there were more female (55%) than male (45%) campers. Camp Henry utilizes a sliding fee scale and provides scholarship support for those unable to pay the full camp fee. Scholarships are awarded based on the household income and the number of children in the household. During 2016 Camp Henry awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to 263 campers. Without this assistance we know that many of these campers would not have been able to benefit from a Camp Henry experience.

Camp Henry continues to serve children from a wide variety of religious, economic, and geographic backgrounds, where absolutely everyone is welcome.


Results from our 2016 Parent and Camper Summer Camp Survey include the following:

• 87% completely agree that Camp Henry counselors are friendly, caring, & helpful

• 89% completely agree that they had a ton of fun at Camp Henry

• 99% were either Very or Extremely Satisfied with Camp Henry

• 100% would recommend Camp Henry to others

Year-rounD PrograMsThe year-round programs at Camp Henry are continuing to grow, with year-round programs accounting for 26% of Camp Henry’s revenue in 2016. These programs are significant and serve schools, families, churches, teams, universities, and professional groups from throughout Michigan. Camp Henry served groups 42 out of the 52 weekends of the year in 2016. In addition, Camp Henry served groups during most week days for 7 months in a row, from April 11th to November 7th, 2016.

During 2016 Camp Henry served 72 different year-round groups and close to 4,700 people in addition to our traditional summer campers. Most groups took advantage of some of Camp Henry’s programs and activities as well as food service. The most utilized programs during the school year include team building, challenge programs, and outdoor and environmental education.

Revenue from year-round groups increased significantly, from $265,000 in 2015 to over $305,000 in 2016. This is the highest amount of revenue that Camp Henry has ever generated from year-round groups.

westMinster bY the lakeWorship services were conducted on two Sundays at Camp Henry, during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The offering monies collected during the two WBTL services totaled close to $2,500 and helped to support the Camp Henry scholarship fund.


facilitiesIn 2016, Camp Henry was able to continue making significant and substantial improvements to the facilities, including:

• Completing the $1.3 million addition and renovation of the Don Taylor Dining Hall

• Completing the renovation and winterization of the Idema Theater

• Breaking ground on our new 3,200 square foot Maintenance Building

In addition, Camp Henry completed many projects, including; building new tables and benches for the Dining Hall, installing new signs throughout camp and along Gordon Avenue, and building a run-in horse shelter.

financesDuring 2016 Camp Henry was once again able to be financially successful.

The goal for 2016 was for Operational Income to exceed Operational Expenses.

In 2016, Camp Henry was able to entirely fund Operational Expenses from Operational Income. In fact, Operational Income exceeded Operational Expenses by over $125,000. This was the third year in a row when Camp Henry has not been forced to rely of “soft money” – or fund raising – to help support Operational Expenses.

In addition to ending the year with a positive balance, at the conclusion of 2016, Camp Henry was able to set aside and designate the following funds:

• $105,000 to build the new Maintenance Building

• $50,000 to start the Camp Henry Endowment Fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation

• $29,500 in Reserves – bringing the total in Reserves to $126,000

• $21,000 in a Fund to support camp Programs and Activities

• $15,000 to support 2017 Camper Scholarships

• $6,000 in a Boat/Vehicle Replacement Fund

• $5,000 in a Fund to support Deferred Maintenance Projects

Camp Henry continues to operate without any debt.

Ending the year with a positive balance while setting aside over $231,000 as indicated above is quite remarkable.

Between operating income, scholarship support, and general donations, Camp Henry received over $1.8 million in 2016.

Including the $650,000 contribution from WPC’s Mission Matters would increase this total to over $2.45 million.

suPPortThe WPC Mission Matters Campaign was a significant and historic source of support for Camp Henry. The $2.5 million MissionMatters Campaign designated $650,000 for the major renovation and expansion of the Dining Hall at Camp Henry. This level of support is incredible, and was extremely helpful in energizing Camp Henry’s donor base and was instrumental in helping Camp Henry to be able to raise the additional $650,000 needed for this project.


Beyond Mission Matters, Camp Henry enjoyed the financial support of numerous individuals, business partners, foundations, and families. Additionally, individuals and companies donated materials, or time and “sweat equity” to camp.

Camp Henry held multiple fund raising events during 2016, including an event hosted by Founders Brewing Co to help raise scholarship support, our second annual 5k Trail Run in the spring, as well as our 6th Annual Year End Luncheon.

PersonnelFull-time, year-round staff members include Jake (Jeff Jacobs), completing his fourth year serving as Camp Henry’s Executive Director as well as Jennifer Robelli who continues to serve Camp Henry as the Camp Administrator. In addition, Ryan Reisler continues to serve as Facilities Director, Derek and Liz Whaley serve as the Program Directors, and Maura Davis serves as Camp Henry’s Guest Services Director.

Additional year-round staff members include Tyler Wilcox, our Facilities Assistant, Jess Port, our Guest Services and Program Coordinator, Mandy Carson, our Hospitality Director, and Rebecca Aanerud, serving as a Program Specialist.

Beyond the 10 full-time, year-round staff members, Camp Henry hires close to 50 additional staff members during the year including; summer camp, food service, house-keeping, and retreat program staff members.

outlookIt is anticipated that the positive momentum that has been generated over the past few years and that continued to build in 2016 will help provide the foundation for another successful year in 2017.

In 2017 Camp Henry anticipates retaining most current year-round groups while also welcoming some new year-round groups, which will help maintain our significant year-round revenue.

The summer of 2017 will mark the fourth year in our partnership and collaboration with Camp Sunshine. We have entered into a 5-year contract extension with Camp Sunshine, a camp that provides a camping experience for persons with developmental disabilities, extending our relationship with Camp Sunshine through the summer of 2020.

In 2016 we continued our accreditation with the American Camp Association (ACA). Being accredited by the ACA indicates that Camp Henry meets or exceeds industry-accepted and government-recognized standards and best practice for our programs, facilities, and staff.

The continued upgrade to Camp Henry’s facilities, including the major renovation and expansion of the Dining Hall, the winterization of the Idema Theater, and the construction of additional year-round cabins with heat and bathrooms, have enhanced Camp Henry’s ability to attract and serve campers and guests for years to come.

Yet, challenges still remain for 2017. In 2016 the scholarship funding available was not able to keep up with requests for scholarship funds. Camp Henry has 3 scholarship specific fund raising events planned for 2017 – and our hope is that the revenue from these events will help bolster the scholarship funding needed to meet the level of requests for scholarship support.

The staff and board are committed to a strategic plan that will help to continue to maintain fiscal stability, insure the sustainability of Camp Henry, and promote and support the Camp Henry mission. We hope to be able to continue to increase the number of people that have a Camp Henry experience – and to ensure that those experience are extremely positive and life-changing.

With Thanks and Gratitude,

Jake


Westminster Child Development CenterMission: Westminster Child Development Center (WCDC) provides quality-based, curriculum-centered programming in a Christian-environment for families of varying socio-economic levels in the Grand Rapids area.

WCDC is a branch of the Community Ministries of Westminster Presbyterian Church, one of the Church’s three Core Missions. Since 1969, the unique mission of the WCDC has had a direct and daily impact on the infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children of the community. The Center fulfills its mission by offering various forms of tuition assistance, providing families with scholarships at times of hardship, and advocating for positive change in the early childhood education arena.

oVerViewWCDC while fulfilling its mission and as an extension of Westminster Presbyterian Church does its daily share the overall motto that is stated every Sunday morning: All are welcomed. This year while not only maintaining licensing standards and delivering quality-based care in the midst of transitional space WCDC also maintained a balanced mixture of clients from the poor to the privileged, from members of well-established communities to newly arrived refugees. This openness to all anchors our mission.

Year-rounD anD suMMer PrograMFor 2016 year-round programming, WCDC has been full with 65 children ranging in ages from 6 weeks to 5 years and 2016 Summer Program was again full for another consecutive year. Success of the year-round program graduated 10 preschoolers to kindergarten, the second year of a double-digit graduation, most of which return for Christmas and Spring Breaks and the Summer Program.

Additionally, WCDC is fully enrolled until September 2017 and the infant room is fully booked until December 2017.

facilitiesCompletion of the renovations has been well received by parents, students and staff. By bringing the Center into one main area, adding a central hallway, adding classroom bathrooms, and other improvements, we are assuring that we will continue to meet State Licensing requirements, providing a space that is more secure and fostering a more cohesive learning environment. Of note, due to a decrease in overall square footage maintaining a positive financial balance sheet will require an extra measure of continued refinement and management.

finances2016 has been a consecutive positive year for WCDC financially.

• Operating reserves, while not at goal yet, are at a healthy level and continue.

• In October, the board approved market rate increase for teachers. While not at a living wage, other measures continue to be reviewed to help keep wages on step with industry standards and federal and state employment laws.

Overall, 2016 has again been favorable year for WCDC. The Center is particularly excited to have much needed renovated space in the basement. To the MissionMatters team and Westminster Presbyterian Church members and staff for all the flexibility and patience during the summer transition months, a sincere THANK YOU from all of WCDC.


Downtown Food PantryWow! What a year. We were too busy – which means there was more need.

The Westminster Food Pantry continues to provide dignity, respect and food to our Heartside neighbors who are in need. Our pantry is a member of the Kent County ACCESS pantries, and serves the smallest geographic area with the greatest population density in the county.

In 2016 we served over 7,400 individuals and had the busiest year ever in the number served: a 4.2% increase over 2015. This is the fourth consecutive year of an increase. Since we serve a small geographical area, with a static but dense population, one would think the number served would plateau. A reasonable explanation for another increase seems to be that many who live in our area are becoming closer to the edge. We anticipate another increase in 2017 due to the decrease of Snap benefits.

Our faithful and dedicated volunteer base comes from Westminster, other churches, and those from the neighborhood. And what a blessing they are!! Some have been at the pantry since its inception about 30 years ago. Sometimes it is difficult for new volunteers to find a spot, but we’re doing our best to integrate new people while enjoying our long-faithful workers. First Methodist had a volunteer day this year, and we now have two more regulars from that experience.

As always financing for the food pantry is largely from Westminster. The Community Ministries’ Committee allocates approximately $ 33,000/yr.; additionally, the generosity of the Westminster congregation almost matches that number. LaGrave, First Methodist, Park Congregational, St. Mark’s, St. Andrew’s, Bethlehem Lutheran, Holy Trinity, Hope Lutheran, Buddhist Temple, and Fountain Street, Cornerstone United Methodist and more each provide funding and food donations as well. General contributions and memorial gifts surpassed budget by $ 3,510. This was especially important after we approached the congregation in September and asked for assistance. We have learned that when we have a need, we can ask, and our needs will be fulfilled. In-kind (product) contributions surpassed the budget by $ 6,398, (30% over budget!). This is outstanding! One aspect of this is our “Product of the month”. We also saw family collections, neighborhood collections, church collections, and business collections this year. Most gratifying is that more people are realizing there is a problem of poverty and feeding those in need. In true Christian tradition, those who have are called to provide for those who do not. On the expense side we worked almost step and step with budget. With over a 4% increase in the number served and higher food prices than we anticipated, the pantry did a good job in shopping.

This year’s annual County Wide Food Drive was a huge success and generated over $6,000 in in-kind food donations. The support of our local churches and community is amazing!! We have once again been the recipients of the Meijer Simply Give program. During the triple match days in September we raised over $8,870.00 worth of food cards!!! We will be able to use this in the 2017 calendar year as well and are most grateful for all your contributions to these great programs and we thank Meijer as well!!

We are excited about our newest partnership with the Breton Village D&W store as well. We received a donation of $3,300.00 from their SpartanNash Foundation scan in the fall and most recently a $100 gift card for us to purchase food for our Christmas baskets.

This year we provided 250 Christmas baskets for our clients. In the recent past our job was to register 250 clients and give out vouchers while Mel Trotter provided the baskets at their location. However, this year they asked that we provide the baskets of food, while they would donate 250 turkeys to Westminster to


hand out at the church. Our youth took on the big task of assembling all 250 baskets during an overnight retreat. We appreciate their hard work!

Westminster continues to operate the only Ryan White Pantry in West Michigan, which specifically addresses the high protein needs of HIV-positive citizens. The Ryan White pantry is the only government funded portion of our service. We receive an annual grant of $25,700 and serve roughly 20 clients per week for our Ryan White program.

Our partnership with the Community Food Club is going strong. Over 350 households from our pantry also shop at the food club to help free get through the month.

It is a true blessing to be back in our newly renovated space to “Mission Matters”! Heating/Cooling, Floors, paint, electrical including lighting, plumbing, shelving, furniture, coolers and freezers. It is wonderful. Our clients enjoy the space and feel so proud that the Church would expend such money, effort, and time on the pantry. Our volunteers enjoy the new look and dedication, as well.

Respectfully submitted,

Angie Kelley Steve Pastoor Food Pantry Director Food Pantry Board Treasurer


MissionMattersWestminster’s mission statement declares that we seek ”to lead and serve….welcoming all in the name ofChrist by practicing forbearance and demonstrating respect, appreciation, and caring for all people; beinga place of physical, emotional, and spiritual safety; acting as agents of peace, justice, and reconciliation;and removing barriers which prevent full participation any person in the life of the church or community.”

MissionMatters, Westminster’s 2015 capital campaign, was a joyful celebration of Westminster’scommitment to this vision and to our three core missions. Its focus was to provide safe, beautiful,respectful spaces by protecting our roof with slate shingles; renovating the Downtown Food Pantry andWestminster Child Development Center; increasing the capacity of the dining hall at Camp Henry; andimproving our worship spaces, columbarium, and harpsichord storage.

2016 was a year of construction and dedication:• The downtown food pantry was completed in April, 2016 and dedicated on June 26, 2016.• The Camp Henry dining hall was completed in May, 2016 dedicated on September 18, 2016.• Westminster Child Development Center was completed in September 2016 and dedicated on October16, 2016.• The columbarium was dedicated on November 6, 2016.• The worship spaces were completed on October 21, 2016.• The harpsichord space is in process.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

On October 16, 2016, a celebration of God’s grace as evidenced through the actions and hearts of theWestminster family was held. Our thanks for making all things new were expressed to contractors fromPioneer Construction and Jeffery Parker Architects, and to our own project manager Chris Bronson, to thestaff, and to the congregation. We heard these words from Matthew’s gospel: “Be perfect, therefore, asyour heavenly Father is perfect.” Rev. Chandler Stokes reminded us that integrity in word and action—when aligned with the gospel of love—moves us toward this biblical perfection. MissionMatters is one way in which the faithful Westminster congregation lives out this gospel.

At this writing, the gracious generosity of our members and friends has resulted in 417 pledgesrepresenting $2,531,071 or 97% of our ongoing goal of $2,615,000. We are also pleased to report that,just 40% of the way into this 48-month campaign, we have already received $1,610,273 or 64% of whathas been pledged. This faithful generosity reduces our overall borrowing cost. Thank you! We are so pleased with how responsive and generous Westminster has been. A MissionMatterssubcommittee, including David Baak, Linda Bieze, Paul Karsten, Carol Lautenbach, Chandler Stokes,and Don Taylor will continue to meet, to raise remaining funds, communicate progress, follow up onpledges made, and, in May 2017, celebrate the goodness of God and the faithfulness of the congregationin an all-church event. MissionMatters is one of the many ways that Westminster learns love and becomes a church. Wecontinue to be grateful for the many, many members who prayed, participated, and pledged, for ourcommitted pastoral team and staff; and for our faithful steering committee members. As we sang togetheron MissionMatters Sunday in May of 2015: “”Praise with joy the world’s creator, God of justice, love, andpeace!”

With gratitude,Paul Karsten and Carol Lautenbach, MissionMatters campaign co-chairs

our Core missions

our co

re Missio

ns

rePorts

We seek to be a community of servants transformed by God’s Word and transforming God’s world through

faithful worship, learning, and service.


Funeral and Memorial MinistriesIn the five years since the creation of the Funeral and Memorial Ministries Ministry, we have assisted over one hundred families and friends of Westminster Church in taking the initial steps as they plan final services for their loved ones or do advanced planning for themselves or others in their care.

The object of this ministry is to be another link in the caring for our members and friends as they experience and adjust to loss by death. To accomplish this, it takes the compassion, love and care of all of us in this Community of Faith, in particular the members of our Pastoral Care Team and our church staff. For all these people we give thanks.

During the past year through the vision and gifts of MissionMatters and through a generous gift from the Richard Vander Veen family, we have accomplished a much needed renovation of our columbarium and the area immediately surrounding it.

In late summer all five original concrete core columbarium units were replaced with larger, better constructed, solid granite units which also increased the number of niches available. There were also many security, cosmetic and safety enhancements made to the columbarium garden, most noticeably the gift of a roof to cover the garden area given by the Vander Veens and the installation of realignment of the new brick flooring done by our own Bob Lautenbach.

The actual transfer of cremains was accompanied by appropriate services of prayer and thanksgiving conducted by our ordained staff members prior to the actual movement of the cremains. A formal dedication was held on All Saints Sunday with the Rev, Chandler Stokes officiating.

In addition to the above, the current Columbarium Committee, with legal assistance from Westminster member, Attorney Kenneth Tiews, has created a complete set of By-Laws which will guide and govern the existence of the columbarium well into the future. These by-laws are expected to receive the final approval of the Trustees and the Session in February of 2017.

For all their work and dedication, I wish to thank the columbarium committee consisting of Tom Kormos, Al Ten Hoor, Don Taylor, Ray Kretzschmer, Ruth Stubbs, and Heather Lunt, the entire Westminster staff for their caring guidance, in particular, Rev. David Baak, Rev. Jen Porter, Kathryn Cisler, Erin VandenBroek, Chris Bronson and Alena DeYoung. Also to Cindy Baron for her willingness to keep record of all movement and placement on the days of transfer.

It is a true honor to serve God and Westminster through this ministry.

Respectfully, Stephen W. Baron Licensed Michigan Funeral Director Funeral Planning Coordinator Westminster Presbyterian Church [email protected]


Music Ministry“When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried—Alleluia!” -Presbyterian Hymnal, #641

worshiPPing goD faithfullYMusic and song are an essential part of the worship experience at Westminster. Music helps express our deepest gratitude to God, reminds us what God has done in our lives, and enriches our faith journey. The music ministry at Westminster engages all of us in congregational song every Sunday, using the wondrous heritage of hymnody in our Presbyterian Hymnal. At the same time, More than 300 Westminster members and youth participate in various ensembles to enrich our worship experience under the gifted leadership of our music staff led by Helen Hofmeister, Minister of Music. Our congregation is also blessed to have many talented individual members contribute music for worship, especially at the 8:30 service and during the summer worship season. Helen Hofmeister also graciously shares with us opening and closing organ prayers (“Voluntaries”) each Sunday, selected from the rich heritage of the finest organ literature, from Bach to Messiaen. Her dedicated musicianship and thoughtful choices continually bless all of us.

There are several highlights of this past year’s worship music which deserve special mention and celebration. The WPC Youth led the worship service on Transfiguration Sunday (Feb 7), featuring special choral numbers by the Kirk Singers, as well as instrumentalists and vocalists from both our middle and high school youth groups. On Palm Sunday (March 20), the Carol Choir and Chapel Singers presented a moving musical, “The Tale of the Three Trees” (music, Allen Pote; lyrics, Tom Long), serving as an inspirational sermon on how God blesses and uses even the most humble of our gifts to His purpose. On April 17, all of the Youth Choirs participated in a special concert between services, “Like a Shepherd He Will Tend His Flock”. On Pentecost Sunday (May 15), the Sanctuary Choir offered a very special choral piece by noted composer Paul Basler, his “Missa Kenya”. The “Missa” was inspired by Basler’s experiences while a Fulbright Lecturer in Music in Nairobi, Kenya, and makes prominent use of East African choral styles and rhythms. Prof. Basler was able to visit both at rehearsal and on Pentecost, and provided valuable insight and encouragement for the work’s performance. The “Missa” includes an important accompaniment for French Horn, which was performed by Basler’s friend, Paul Austin from the Grand Rapids Symphony. The baritone soloist was Mark Jackson. The members of the choir and congregation enjoyed the work so much that three movements were reprised at the Oct. 2 worship service. On Monday evening, October 24, the Sanctuary Choir hosted the Imani Singers, a talented African-American singing group for a joint concert. “Imani” means “faith” in Swahili. During Advent season the Sanctuary Choir and Kirk Singer’s annual Christmas Concert (Dec 4) featured a rich variety of choral works, highlighted by Conrad Susa’s “Carol and Lullabies of the Southwest”, featuring delightful settings of Spanish carols, accompanied by harp, guitar, and marimba. This important annual choral tradition included settings of favorite carols, including some by noted British composer Philip Stopford.

all ages serVing goD with MusicAt Westminster, we encourage the participation of all ages and musical talents in the various ensembles of our music ministry. These ensembles include the Sanctuary Choir, the Kirk Singers, Chapel Choir, Carol Choir, Cherub Choir, Cantus Choir, and Westminster Winds. The success of this rich music ministry has to do with very capable and inspired leadership and talent, and we are privileged to have an extremely gifted music staff which humbly encourage, teach, organize, and inspire our church


community. Helen Hofmeister, minister of music, our dedicated director and organist, shapes and leads our music program in so many positive ways. She is ably assisted by Janlee Richter, our versatile accompanist; Luanne K. Barnes and Cara Hyink wonderfully lead our children’s choirs; and Henry Duitman ably conducts the Westminster Winds. For all this gifted musical leadership we are truly grateful.

The rich participation of youth in our various ensembles reflects that Westminster steadfastly encourages a covenantal nurture and learning about our faith heritage through music and song. We particularly commend the Kirk Singers, our oldest youth choir, as they wonderfully shared their time and music with various churches during their annual summer trip, this time to Atlanta, Georgia. The wonderful shared experiences and fellowship they enjoyed was a rich blessing to all involved.

a Personal note of thanksgiVingAll who take part in our music ministry know music draws those who participate as well as those who listen closer to God. I feel richly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as music elder these past three years. It has been a Spirit-filled experience, and I am deeply appreciative to the Westminster faith community for sharing and encouraging this blessed journey. I wish especially to thank Helen and the members of the Music Committee for so graciously helping and serving with me, and continually giving so generously of their time and talents. These include Pam Babb, Linda Bieze, Susan Gillis, Cara Hyink, Bob Lautenbach, Darlyn Merryweather, Linda Nelson, Tammi VanTil, Marian VanderWall, and Lambert Zuidervaart. May God continue to bless us as we share music together at Westminster.

Frank Van Haven Elder for Music


What is it about worship at Westminster that makes me eager to go to church on Sunday mornings and puts a spring in my step at the end of the service? For me, it is these ABC’s: Affirmation, Blessing, and Community. Others may have their own lists, but that is mine. Affirmation means more than just being welcome, as absolutely everyone is; it means that one is accepted, and one’s gifts are acknowledged and used. Blessing comes in many forms, including the beautiful surroundings of the sanctuary and the musical excellence and Biblical preaching. Community means that we recognize that we are all on this journey of life together, and we care about and encourage one another.

Being the Elder for Worship for almost three years has deepened my appreciation for how all of this happens at Westminster. It takes a great deal of planning and work on the part of our talented and dedicated staff to give us the rich experiences that inspire us and encourage us to greater faithfulness.

This year has been an eventful one in the worship life of Westminster. 2016 saw a variety of preachers and sermons. We heard sermons from our younger staff—Sarah Juist, Kyle Kooyers, Jeremy Bork, and Kyle Nolan—as well as from the Revs. Jen Porter and David Baak and Chandler Stokes. Chandler’s sabbatical brought us some of his preaching friends and other preachers with a longtime connection to Westminster: the Revs. Laurie Hartzell, Tom Are, Kamal Hassan, Leanne Pearce Reed, Jessica Tate, Paul Timothy Roberts, Sr., Bill Evertsberg, Karen Stokes, and the Rev. Drs. Randal Jelks, John Stewart, and Riley Jensen. We were also blessed with variety in the sermon place: the high school seniors on Youth Sunday, the enactment of the Naaman story by actors from the congregation, and the Carol and Chapel Singers’ musical “The Three Trees.” We value the participation of our young people. For Youth Sunday they planned and carried out the entire service. In addition, many young people have led the Call to Worship and (with Session approval) helped to serve communion. Every week our younger children serve as Acolytes.

We were happy to welcome our beloved Chandler back in August after his sabbatical, from which he returned with new ideas and energy.The fall preaching series, titled “Becoming Church,” was coordinated with the Confirmand classes of ninth-graders, and we celebrated Confirmation Sunday on November 13 with fourteen new Westminster members. In October the third graders received their Bibles, and Stewardship was a prominent theme. We celebrated many baptisms and welcomed new members throughout the year.

I am grateful beyond words to Kelley Baar, who has been chosen by the Nominating Committee to be the next Elder for Worship. When I became ill in July, she took over all my tasks, capably and with grace. The Worship Committee cooperated beautifully, attending to its many usual tasks, such as scheduling acolytes, ushers, flowers for the sanctuary, and preparations for Advent. In Session Worship Elder Report - December 2016 addition, they took turns serving as greeters in the Chapel during 11 o’clock worship. I am also deeply grateful to them: Randy Block, Sue Bylsma, Harry Coffill, Kyle Kooyers, Sarah Pipher, Erin Molhoek, Barbara Roelofs, and new member Jana Potoka.

When I became the Elder for Worship, I had little idea what to expect. What I have found is that the tasks are many and various and that I have loved carrying them out, and that serving on Session with so many capable and dedicated people is truly a joy and a blessing.

May God bless us as we continue to offer our worship together and leave the sanctuary having been encouraged and challenged.

Peace and blessings,

Ruth E. Stubbs Elder for Worship

Worship Committee


Family Life and Children’s MinistriesIn church we learn the meaning of covenant. “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Keeping that in mind, the goal of Children’s Ministry and Family Life was how best to live and teach God’s covenant with us. How can we set aside the other gods we may be serving and put God first and thus show him and others how we are his people. Under the dedicated leadership of Sarah Juist and with the help of very able and dedicated volunteers, we set about trying to do that in our worship, classroom, and even camp locations. The past year at Westminster has been one of growth and change in Children’s Ministry and Family Life and has provided some challenges as well, as we weathered the inconveniences of construction.

Creating a Community of Dialogue, Nurture, and Learning sunDaY eDucation anD choir hourAs our programs kicked off this past fall, we had 64 students registered with 25 schools being represented. Recognizing the importance of children spending time worshipping with their families, the first through fifth grade children have continued to have a separate education and choir time between services on Sunday morning. The theme this year is “Covenants - What it Means to be God’s People.” The children are learning more about what a covenant is and how that how important that is to have that be a part of their lives and how they live them. The leaders of the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten class have been trying out a new curriculum by Spark Publications that covers an overview of the whole Bible.

worshiP anD nurturing center Children ages preschool through second grade leave the sanctuary each worship service before the sermon to continue their time of worship in the Nurturing and Worship Centers. Participants follow a liturgy much like the adults upstairs that includes a story and time for reflection through art, reading, storytelling or quiet time in the prayer corner. The attendance at the Worship Centers averages about 30 children per Sunday and about 15 per Sunday in the Nurturing Center.

This program is also staffed by volunteers how all these areas are congregation who model God’s love in the way that they nurture these young children. Sarah Juist along with Kyle Kooyers set up the materials and guide the children to their classrooms each Sunday morning.

This fall some changes were instituted in our check-in and check-out process. The Gathering Place became our new headquarters for this in order to provide a safer routine for our children. We are still working out some of the bugs but it has been working quite well overall.

aDVent eVentOn November 27, the first Sunday of Advent, about 20 families, 65 people, including parents, grandparents, teenagers, and youngsters gathered upstairs to make advent calendars to help anticipate the birth of Christ. It was a wonderful, fun event for members of all ages to be together and immerse themselves in the season.

constructionAnother important part of our education time this fall has been construction. As programming kicked off this past fall, Sarah Juist was often seen wearing a yellow construction hat in order to guide the children to their temporary classroom spaces during construction. Things went quite smoothly, and in the end we were rewarded with a beautiful newly remodeled Early Elementary Wing. It has been a wonderful thing to have exclusively dedicated spaces for those classrooms.


faMilY caMPOnce again we gathered on the shores of Lake Kimball at Camp Henry over Labor Day Weekend. We had 15 families join us, 5 of which were new to Family Camp. We had an age range of 17 months to retirees. Fun was had by all! We had Vespers; campfires with storytelling and a sing along; a Talent Show; crafting, board games and snacks; and those were just our evening activities. Our day started off with Chapel and then we broke into groups. The Camp Henry staff led the kids in educational activities, which included a nature walk and traditional camp games. Adult Education was taught by Chuck DeGroat, a Christian counselor, pastor and Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Western Theological Seminary. We discussed his book titled Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion and Healing the Divided Self. We kept busy during the afternoons with swimming, zip lining, horseback riding, slip and slide, archery, 4 square and gaga ball. There was also plenty of opportunity for relaxation and spontaneous conversation. Camp was culminated with worship led by Sarah Juist, the choir, and family campers who served as liturgists, ushers and assisted with communion. Following worship we gathered for an all-church picnic and enjoyed the waterfront, which was open to everyone. Family Camp is a special time that deepens our relationship with each other, with nature and with God.

Over the past year and a half children’s programming has undergone some changes: Sherrill Vore’s retirement, Sarah Juist taking on the task of Interim Minister for Children and Families, and all the construction. Now we are once again going to be making changes as we say goodbye to Sarah who has served us so well. The task she took on was complex and demanding, but she has done so with grace and enthusiasm. We thank her for that and are pleased for her as she moves on to her new role as a pastor in Ohio. We are pleased to welcome Nancy Greidanus as our new Minister for Children and Families and look forward to her leadership and expertise in the area of Christian Education.

Finally, all the programs for Children and Families at Westminster are supported each week by an army of volunteers. We are so grateful to the many people who give of their time and talent to help nurture, teach, and support these programs.

Thank you to all members of Westminster Presbyterian Church for supporting our work with the Family Life and Children’s Ministries Committees. We extend a special thanks to Sarah Juist for her leadership, and to Heather Lunt and Kyle Kooyers for all of their work. In addition, we would like to thank Elizabeth Maher, Erin Molhoek, Kim Weaver, Kathy Born, and Jana Gregg for faithfully serving as committee members. It has been a privilege to serve as the Elders for Children’s Ministries and Family Life. Westminster is blessed with creative and talented staff and volunteers who are committed to supporting the spiritual growth and development of children and to nurturing all types of families as we remembering that we are all God’s covenant people.

Respectfully submitted,

Deb Larson, Elder for Family Life Kathy Smith, Elder for Children’s Ministries


Membership Growth and DevelopmentOur Membership Growth and Development committee focuses on the ministry of hospitality as we seek to welcome and minister to visitors, new and existing members, and our neighbors of our church community. Committee members have served in the following areas to work towards fulfilling Westminster’s Vision and Mission over the past year:

1. New member classes were held in February, April, and October. These classes offer an introduction and welcome among new members, pastors and staff, and members of the MGD committee. These classes incorporate information regarding the life and work of Westminster, and God’s call and welcome to everyone. We welcomed 27 new members into our congregation in 2016. Out of this number, one adult was also baptized.

2. Each of our MGD committee members is assigned to one or more new members. Each of us intentionally connects with each new member/family over the course of 90 days, or longer, to ensure they are feeling welcomed and connected within the life and work of our church.

3. Marian Vanderwall provides representation for MGD on the Communications Committee. The goal is to represent our new members within the work of the Committee, and consider ways in which we can ensure effective communication with them regarding the life and work of our church.

4. We partnered with Community Ministries, Justice and Peace, and members of staff and our congregation to host our 7th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration at Westminster on January 18. Attendance by our neighbors was down significantly this year; and it led to further discussion and planning for new and meaningful ways to connect with our neighbors. On April 27 and October 5, a “Neighborhood Lunch” was offered in our Gathering Place. Many of our neighbors joined staff, greeters, and some of our MGD committee members for lunch and a time of fellowship. These events were very well attended and well received by everyone involved.

5. We participated, along with members of other WPC committees, to host a booth at the annual Pride Festival in June. Cards were made available for attendees to write a personal note to those affected by the Orlando, FL nightclub tragedy. Many people took the time to write a note and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to do so.

6. As part of “Linking Lives;” several of our committee members gathered together at church to prepare and deliver a meal to our neighbors at “HQ.” We provided meals in June and December. This was a wonderful experience for all of us; and was greatly appreciated by our friends at HQ!

7. Our committee continues to facilitate our Sunday morning Greeter program. We host “greeter sign-ups” in the Gathering Place following each service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Member photo directories are also made available to those who would like one. Thank you to everyone who so graciously serves as a greeter and warmly welcomes those who enter our doors for worship on Sunday mornings!


8. The Friendship pads are reviewed following each Sunday’s services. Susan Jennings contacts each visitor who provides us with their contact information; in order to extend a warm welcome to them and to answer any questions they may have. Chandler is also available in the Parlor following the 11:00 am service to meet with visitors who may wish to talk with him personally, and to answer any questions they may have regarding our church. Susan, or a member from our MGD committee, is available outside the parlor to look for those who may be new to us, welcome them, and invite them to meet with Chandler.

9. Our Membership Committee continues to meet a few times per year to identify those who have not worshiped with us, or been involved in the life of our congregation, for 1-2 years. Our purpose is to connect with them, identify any special needs or concerns they may have that we may be able to address to support them, and to inquire re: their interest in continuing their membership at Westminster.

Thank you to all of our Westminster members who help in a multitude of ways to extend Christ’s hospitality and a warm and sincere welcome to everyone who enters our doors. Special thanks to those on the Membership Growth and Development committee who have so faithfully served over the past year: Char DeJong, Jason Doublestein, Susan Jennings, Joan Lutke, Leah Muir, Tim Terlouw, and Marian Vanderwall. Appreciation is also extended to Heather Colletto who has partnered with us on various projects to “Link Lives” in meaningful ways. I am appreciative of the many ways in which all of you share your special gifts and talents in service to those in our congregation and in our community!

Grace and peace,

Kathy Speeter Elder for Membership Growth and Development


Membership Statistical Report for 2016statistics

Letter of Transfer to another church ........................................................................................................................ 0 Placed on Inactive Roll .................................................................................................................................................. 0 Removed from Roll ....................................................................................................................................................... 57

New Members Received ............................................................................................................................................. 27 Confirmations .................................................................................................................................................................14 Restoration to Active Roll ..............................................................................................................................................3

Deaths ................................................................................................................................................................................17

Total Members as of January 1, 2016 ...................................................................................................................1403Total Members as of year end December 31, 2016 ...........................................................................................1373

2016 Gain / Loss .......................................................................................................................................................44/74

other statistics During 2015Baptisms ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Marriages .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Births ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5


Presbytery met March 12, 2016 at Delta Presbytery Church, Lansing. Worship with communion was led by the Rev. Helen Havlik, Moderator of Lake Michigan Presbytery. Offering was designated for PDA response to Flint water crisis. Business included action on the sale of the Cherry Valley property, discussion and action to continue the operation of Camp Greenwood in conjunction with Camp Westminster of the Detroit Presbytery. Keynote speaker was Dr. Marilyn McEntyre (UC Berkley), Caring for Words in the Culture of Lies. Use your Greek and Hebrew to read the Bible. Literalism?? Cancer fight versus cancer journey. Military term versus peaceful term. Racial Justice and Reconciliation Team is bringing the author of “Dear White Christians (for those still longing for racial reconciliation) on October 13th. 30 second announcement- remember Jesus was an undocumented child refugee.

June 14, 2016 First Presbyterian Church, Dimondale. Jack Stewart led Envisioning the Congregation/Practicing the Gospel: A Guide for Pastors & Lay Leaders. Retirees were honored. We received the report on Hillsdale(dismiss) and John Knox (reconcile). First reading of new dismissal policy. Will Christians and Ainsley Herrick were examined for candidacy. Pat Weatherwax and John Stewart led in Worship.

First Presbyterian Cadilac hosted September 17th. We welcomed delegates from our Nicaraguan Partnership who led us in worship. Report from General Assembly commissioners, looking forward to 2020. Conversations on race led by Deacon George Barfield, Benton Harbor and Rev. David Baak. Inquirer Will Christians moved to candidacy and Candidate Calvin Bremer, Westminster GR was approved for ordination and will be installed at Hesperia. Budget discussion 2017 included increase in per capita, Camp Greenwood transition. 30 second moment included an encouraging picture on our college campuses of those who desire a future in Christian Leadership. Note: 2017 budget almost completely eliminated support for campus ministry in Grand Rapids.

Kyle Kooyers met with Presbytery Committee on Ministry on October 25th, with Westminster on October 31st, was examined by the Session on November 7th and Presbytery on December 6th. He moved from Inquirer to Candidate. Doug Kindschi was his liaison for the journey. Chris Dugan is Kyle Nolan’s liaison and continues as an Inquirer. Calvin Bremer was ordained on November 6th and leads Hesperia Presbyterian Church.

Westminster hosted Presbytery on December 6th. Approved was the proposal to set up a separate Camp Greenwood Ministries to operate for 2 years. Significant fund raising through pledges was done as seed money to operate. California Montgomery (Branch County) was peacefully dismissed to the American Baptist Association. Ashley Bair was moved from Inquirer to Candidate along with Kyle Kooyers. Worship with Communion, offering for Candidates/ Inquirers. Those who died in the last year were remembered.

2017 meetings: March 11 Portage Westminster, June 13 Buchanan First, September 16 Mason, December 5 TBA.

Respectfully Submitted, Pat Hornick

Presbytery Relations


Spiritual Life and LearningThe SLL Committee members currently include Char DeJonge, Philip Dezern, Todd Helle, Nancy Janisch, and elder/moderator Larry Slager, together with Sarah Juist, interim minister for education, and Heather Colletto, minister for mission. The committee typically meets the second Wednesday of each month although additional planning sessions are necessary at times.

Planning Sunday morning educational experiences for adults remains the SLL Committee’s primary responsibility. Our intention is to offer classes with a variety of emphases: Bible studiy, the practice of social justice and advocacy, and practices supporting personal and communal spiritual formation.

The year of 2016 has also been a time of exploration and reaching out to coordinate with other committees serving the mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church. In collaboration with the Justice and Peace Committee we offered a series focused on the challenge of “Black Lives Matter”. During the fall weeks of 2016 several Sunday mornings focused on the local and international mission outreach of our faith community. SLL collaborated with both the Community Ministries Committee and the Worldwide Ministries Committee in creating these opportunities. Our objective is recognition of the rich faith experiences inherent in mission ventures.

SLL committee member Nancy Janisch coordinates our “Westminster Reads” (http://westminsterreads.org), an online Bible study program for the congregation, and for the world at large. This Bible study is a good way for those with hectic schedules to enrich their walk of faith on their own time — when it works for them. The entire Bible is now “up” on the website and Nancy will continue to edit the content.

Finally, 2016 has been a year for SLL to imagine and dream dreams of how greater intentionality and organization of our efforts may touch the lives of adults of all ages and stages of adult life. How do we best meet the needs of parents of young children and adolescents? How can we be a resource for those wanting to become more confident in articulating the meaning of Christian faith in their unique life situations? These and other questions are challenging us to pray for a season of discernment leading to new and fresh responses to twenty-first century adults committed to following the radical Way of our Lord.

Larry Slager, Elder and Moderator Spiritual Life and Learning


Westminster Presbyterian AdultsThe mission of the Westminster Presbyterian Adults (WPA) is to provide spiritual, educational and social opportunities for those members 55 years and older. We strive to attain this goal by having luncheons with interesting speakers, bus trips, and a festive Christmas luncheon with entertainment.

We had four speakers on very different topics, all of which were well received by those in attendance.

We began with Levi Rickert , a member of the Potawatomi Nation, who spoke on the American Indian Boarding Schools era; Rev. Richard Kilmer, who attended the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris in December, 2015 as an observer for the CRC church; Bridget Sova, Music Therapist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; and Westminster member Elizabeth Zeldes, who is an advisor to seniors. Just for fun, we had Civic Theatre’s Improv Group, Rapid Delivery. We average 50 people for our luncheons.

We had two filled-to-capacity bus trips, both of which are on the list of “lets do it again.” In May we journey to Shipshewana for a Brown Bag tour and a Threshers luncheon in an Amish home, and in October a riverboat trip down the Grand River in Lansing with lunch, followed by a delightful tour of Michigan’s magnificent Capitol building.

Our Christmas luncheon was again held at Porter Hills. Our theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas was carried out in the table decorations, food and entertainment by the Half ’n Half Quartet, who set the mood for the Christmas season with their rendering of Silent Night as the lights were turned off and only the candles glowed on the tables. 85 people made reservations for the luncheon.

Each year we recognize our 50 year members. This year we decided to do something special and made up certificates for each person with their name and the date they joined Westminster. At the same time we became interested in knowing about Minnie Behl (we are supported by the Minnie Behl Endowment Fund). On Heritage Sunday everyone was invited to a luncheon, after which a presentation was made about Minnie Behl and certificates were passed out to approximately 50 members. Research showed the Behl Endowment Fund to be from Florence and Minnie Behl and that is now how it is listed in the church records.

In June we served as Greeters.

Communion was held at Porter Hills for our residents on the following dates. 3/24; 5/19; 8/18; 11/17.

A bus was provided for Porter Hills residents to attend the Choir Concert.

Steering Committee members are: Bob Dildine, Jan Dildine, Eleanor Gorman, Deb Kammer, Kay Kretzschmer, Ray Kretzschmer, Marilynne McCready, Suzanne McCune, Dick Rinck, Lou VanderHave and Dan Van Meurs. We were joined in November by Leslie Dennis.

Dates of meetings: 1/31, 2/21; 4/17; 5/15; 9/18; 10/23; 11/13

We are thankful to the Florence and Minnie Behl Endowment Fund for helping to make all our events happen.

Respectfully submitted, Jeanne Marshall, Elder Westminster Presbyterian Adults


Youth Ministriesa worlD of DifferenceWPC Youth’s mission is to be a welcoming, safe, environment where we can build a community that engages in worshipping, serving, and learning together; where every youth leaves, having a strong, faith-based understanding of what it means to have a relationship with God, and feeling better prepared to witness to God’s grace to others.

For the 2016-2017 program year, the theme for WPC Youth is A World of Difference. The theme builds on the conversations and experiences shared during 2015-16’s Glow in the Dark theme by looking both outward and inward. Outwardly, we explore the goodness of a Church and a varied and complex world that includes people of different backgrounds and experiences created out of God’s great love. Inwardly, we consider the convictions and practices that generate and sustain the sort of community that Christ has called into existence in his Church.

PrograM founDations The core of our youth ministry consists of our weekly initiatives, including the weekly gathering on Sunday afternoon/evenings on-site at Westminster, where we play, talk, teach, and worship together. These gatherings are shaped by our theme, informed by Scripture and our tradition, and focused on reflection on the themes of our youth’s lives.

Middle School Youth meet weekly for Dwell, our middle school faith formation offering that takes place during the education hour (9:40-10:40a) on Sunday mornings at Westminster throughout the program year. Youth engage with the lectionary readings for the week, exploring and responding to the text via art, drama, writing and a variety of other means.

Finally, high School youth meet for weekly prayer breakfasts, which are held before school in the early morning hours on Wednesday at Wolfgang’s and Thursday at Panera Bread in Grandville or Red Hot Inn, and serve as an important, informal opportunity for students and leaders to connect with and pray for each other.

high school suMMer triP anD kirk singers tour In June, 28 high school youth and Kirk Singers, along 8 leaders from Westminster, traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to serve with DOOR Network with a variety of social service agencies downtown and in the surrounding area.

Westminster’s youth served and sang at an Orthodox Christian Soup Kitchen, a Mennonite peace farm, and a Methodist service for the homeless. Along the way, they also visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, were welcomed to participate in an evening of learning with the Youth Theological Initiative at Emory University, and enjoyed a surprise afternoon at Six Flags Over Georgia. In 2017 the High School Youth will return to the Montreat Youth Conference in Montreat, NC.

MiDDle school suMMer triP Our trip to Benton Harbor in July with the middle school youth was unforgettable. Through conversation and worship with our partner church, First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor, we gained new perspectives about ourselves and our communities, and what it means to sustain relationships between communities. Moreover, our friends at First Presbyterian extended enormous hospitality to us by welcoming us on short notice after we felt a need to change our plans to travel to Chicago. The middle


school youth also enjoyed the invaluable experience of joining in a march for peace and unity led by local community leaders and clergy in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.

Youth sunDaYYouth Sunday, one of the “high holy days” at Westminster, is the peak of youth involvement in worship during our Sunday services. Youth Sunday gives Westminster’s young people to bring their diverse gifts before God and the congregation at both the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services.

This past year, Youth Sunday took on the year’s youth ministry theme, Glow in The Dark. The youth wore T-Shirts that actually glowed in the dark, and witnessed—in word and in song and from the Welcome to the charge—to the ways that they had seen God’s love glow in dark places.

confirMation This year, 14 high school freshmen were confirmed as members of Westminster. Confirmation remains one our most significant rites of passage and best opportunities for building community and learning together. The confirmation program is spread over two months and includes a retreat at Camp Henry, the Confirmation Feast where the confirmands are introduced by elders and introduced to the session, and Confirmation Sunday where they are welcomed into membership at Westminster. During the retreat, the confirmands develop individual Rules of Life that integrate statements of faith and conviction with a statement of intent regarding lived habits and practices.

As has been our practice in recent years, the confirmands were each paired with an Elder or member of the College of Elders. This continues to be a highlight only for the confirmands, but also for the Elders with whom they are paired and the staff who get to witness their relationships grow, as these relationships are often maintained long after the confirmation process has completed.

leaDershiPWe are profoundly blessed to have so much talent, energy, devotion and commitment from our Volunteer Youth Leaders, who make the pursuit of our mission possible. And we have also been blessed with a youth ministry staff including Sarah Workman (High School Ministries Coordinator), Jeremy Bork (Middle School Ministries Coordinator), and Kyle Nolan, who have just begun their third year working as a team at Westminster. Through their thoughtful guidance, both staff and volunteers work with the youth to enrich their experience as members of Christ’s church.

We are also grateful for the commitment of our Youth Committee members: Phil Dezern, Katherine Tippett, Betsy Kratt, Ted Duncan, Jane Hedges, and Steve Zeboor.

We want to express particular gratitude to Francisco Calderon as he concludes his time as Elder, having rendered invaluable guidance, support, and care to the youth ministry over these past three years.


Board of TrusteesThe Board of Trustees serves as the corporate board of Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC), responsible for managing the secular affairs of the church, including its real and personal property. The Trustees also serve as the Session’s finance committee.

The Trustees serve on various boards and committees of the church, including:

• Camp Henry Board • Personnel Committee • Communications Committee • Porter Hills Board • Facilities Committee • Stewardship/Budget Committee • Food Pantry Board • Westminster Child Development Center (WCDC) Board • Memorial Trust Committee • Nominating Committee • Architectural Committee (MissionMatters Campaign) • The Trustees are also represented at monthly Session meetings.

The following individuals currently serve on the Board of Trustees and participate on the corresponding boards and committees:

Class of 2016 Tom Kormos Facilities Committee, WCDC Board, Columbarium Committee (ad hoc) Matt Russell Co-Treasurer, Camp Henry Board (extended to class of 2017 for MissionMatters) Frank Spies Memorial Trust Committee Brett VanHaven Immediate Past President

Class of 2017 Diane Bartoszewicz Co-Secretary (partial year 2015, filling in for Lori Mosby’s vacancy), Communication Barbara Goodspeed President, Porter Hills Board, Architecture Committee, Session, Personnel Committee Mark Eriks Co-Treasurer, Stewardship Committee Jan Stone Nominating Committee

Class of 2018 Mindy Spillane Food Pantry Board Reg French Camp Henry Board Geoff Miller Vice President, Session Shelly Boeve Co-Secretary

In 2016, the Trustees continued to work closely with staff members David Baak, Kathy Cisler, AJ Zahrt, Chris Bronson, and various Session Committees in support of church operations and finances. Special attention continues to be paid to the three core missions of the church and the Trustees maintain involvement in overseeing the financial affairs of the WCDC, Camp Henry, and the Food Pantry. Trustees also assisted with the coordination of information related to the Mission Matters capital campaign, including the development of a financial spreadsheet tracking project cash flow and available funds.

Through work with the Facilities Committee, the Facilities Manager, and other staff, the Trustees approved and directed funds to pay for projects including: replacement of the roof over the vestibule from


the main parking lot, replacement of carpeting in the Gathering Place common areas, energy-efficient LED lighting replacement throughout the 47 Jefferson building, funding for security and emergency-preparedness planning, and misc. activities that carried over from prior year Trustee actions, and the GVA energy management upgrade. GVA was contracted to upgrade our energy management system (EMS).

About the Energy Management upgrade: Energy Management Systems allows for efficiencies to be optimized, resulting in reduced utility costs. The new technology contains optimizing elements that learn the behavioral patterns of heating and heat loss. The program also tied in new HVAC elements installed through the MissionMatters capital campaign and removed unnecessary features that were removed as part of the same project, as well as the steam system that had been installed in April 2015. The new system streamlines HVAC scheduling and reduces labor costs related to that function.

These projects represent a combined total cost of $67,228. The projects were funded from the Trustee Discretionary Fund, the John Wagner Fund, and the Endowment Working Trust Fund, all of which are managed by the Board of Trustees.

The Trustees also renewed the line of credit that is available to the church for use during the capital campaign as well as Camp Henry’s line of credit.

Submitted by, Barbara Goodspeed, President WPC Board of Trustees


Community MinistriesAt Westminster Presbyterian, we believe that one of the ways we live out our mission as Children of God is by moving into a posture of service. Sometimes we serve others through financial resources. Sometimes we do so with our time and talents. Building on this vision, our role as a Community Ministries team is to help the church move into service participation, efficiently and effectively allocate our financial resoureces to the wonderful ministries of our city, and to help support congregational learning about the link between service and a life of faith.

At the close of 2014, we had the distinct pleasure of adding Heather Colletto to the church staff as our Minister for Mission. Due in larger part to Heather’s creative leadership, we made significant progress towards each of these goals over the last year. Summarized below are a number of initiatives on which we have worked.

the teaMHeather Colletto leads our team from the staff perspective. Supporting Heather in this role is Rev. Jen Porter. Alena De Young is a crucial member of the team assisting in an administrative capacity. Coming from the broader congregation, Peter Boumgarden is the Elder for Community Ministry, and the team includes five other dedicated congregants—Leigh Eriks, Cheryl Bremer, Merritt Taylor, Deb Kammer, and Joel Schultze.

our work suPPorting ParticiPationThroughout the year, members of the congregation have been stewarded into service by the on-the-ground work of our Minister for Mission. Over the last year, one of the biggest structural changes to our approach was the development of ServeGR.com. Since its launch in the Fall of 2016, ServeGR has seen more than 1,500 unique visitors. The site has recently been featured on television, radio, and online media outlets. At the time of this writing, the site contains over 50 live volunteer opportunities available for individuals in Westminster and the broader Grand Rapids community. In 2017, we look forward to driving continued mission involvement by leveraging the ServeGR platform!

our work stewarDing the financial suPPort of our coMMunitYOver the last few years, Westminster has contributed a significant portion of its operating budget into direct mission. This includes formal support of our three key ministries (Food Pantry, WCDC, Camp Henry) and broader support of a number of ministries in the larger Grand Rapids area. This year, we financially supported the following organizations in their work in the city of Grand Rapids with a total funding of $23,000:

1. Access of West Michigan2. Children’s Assessment Center3. Community Food Club4. Degage Ministries 5. EaRN6. Family Promise7. Guiding Light8. Heartside Fund9. Heartside Ministries10. HQ


11. Kaufman Interfaith12. Salvation Army HAP13. Senior Neighbors14. True North15. YWCA

our work eDucating others on serVice anD a life of faithThe other major initiative that this group worked on in the last year was a partnership with adult education to bring a service focus to forefront of the fall curriculum. Amongst the highlights of this fall series was Dr. Mark Mulder’s (Calvin College) presentation on the role of the church in community transformation, and members of the broader congregation speaking about the role of Food Club in shaping their view of service in the context of faith.

Peter Boumgarden, Elder for Community Ministries


Deacons: AdministrativeThe Administrative Deacons continued throughout the year serving the church in many areas. This could not have been accomplished without the support of all those who served as Administrative Deacons this year. Throughout the year, we worked in a number of areas. We schedule monthly deacon greeters for worship and coordinate two blood drives. To help make sure members can maintain their connection to the church even in the midst of transportation challenges, we schedule and provide transportation to worship weekly for several members. We work with Steve Marshall to prepare the communion elements for worship the first Sunday of every month and coordinate home communion quarterly for members unable to attend worship. This year we saw a great increase in home communion. We also schedule special deacon fund collections from the congregation and disburse the funds collected through careful deliberation to serve members facing financial challenges or emergencies. We are blessed to be a part of caring for our members this way and we appreciate the support of the pastoral care staff and the congregation in this ministry.

Tim Dolphin, Moderator


Deacons: CaringThe Caring Deacons work closely with the Pastoral Care staff on a weekly basis. Each week, one deacon serves as the “on call” deacon. Pastoral staff provides a list of needs within our church community to the on call deacon. That person may visit, make a phone call, or send a note of encouragement to the listed individuals. In this way, we care for individuals who are sick, injured, grieving, going through personal difficulties, or have a special joy, such as the birth of a child or a special anniversary. Twelve Westminster members served the church community as Caring Deacons this year, with Susan Jennings acting as our staff liaison.

The Caring Deacons also coordinate the “Take Them a Meal” program. This program recruits and schedules volunteers to prepare meals for people needing short-term meal assistance as they recuperate at home following the birth of a child, or after surgery or injury. We also make available DVDs with recordings of the Sunday service for those who are unable to attend church. Our goal is to bring “the Church” to those who cannot join us at church.

In addition to their regular “on call” weeks, caring deacons assist in driving members needing transportation to church services. They also help to prepare and/or serve communion, and greet at Sunday services (typically the second week of each month).

The Caring Deacons spend time during each of our Monday meetings to check in with each other, sharing our joys and burdens. We’ve learned that caring for the church begins with caring for each other. Our meetings are an important time to assess who needs additional assistance if the workload is heavy or if we have scheduling conflicts.

It is a privilege to be a Caring Deacon at Westminster. We receive as much joy out of our ministry as we hope we are giving to others.

Grace and peace,

Jane French Elise Tripp Co-moderators


Deacons: SupportingThrough the gift of God’s grace, supporting deacons compassionately embody the presence of our Westminster community to those who might benefit from a consistent person offering support from the congregation in personal and encouraging ways. This relationship may form for varying reasons and seasons of time.

We have 16 supporting deacons who each care for one to three care receivers.

Four times a year Holy Communion is extended to those unable to attend worship. New home communion kits were prepared early in the year to replace old ones. In the fall, the 9th grade confirmands once again joined us in home communion distribution.

We distribute special flowers before Easter and Christmas allowing us to present a tangible reminder to our care receivers of the love and caring that their Westminster community holds for them.

Our monthly meetings have provided opportunities to engage in brief informational training sessions: WPC Deacon Fund and Financial Ministries, active listening, hospice care, and Making Choices Michigan—an advance care planning initiative.

Rev. Jen Porter is our pastoral staff liaison and we are grateful for her capable and inspiring leadership, creative guidance and thoughtful suggestions.

Respectfully submitted by, Linda Nelson, Moderator


Financial MinistriesWestminster is blessed with a spirit of support and caring. This spirit has called a number of members to explore ways to be of service to Westminster members and friends who experience difficult financial situations during these trying economic times.

Since early 2008 the Financial Ministry Committee, a service of the Deacons, has been meeting to educate itself to better serve persons who are referred by either the Deacons or the Pastors. The FMC is blessed with members who have a wide variety of expertise – attorney, business owner, clergy, educator, financial professional, insurance professional, and social worker.

The FMC’s vision was to provide assistance to Westminster members or friends who face significant financial challenges, including foreclosure or eviction, medical bill assistance, medical insurance premiums and unemployment related issues. This vision will augment and enhance the existing work of the Deacons and the Deacon’s Fund. In spring 2009 Session recognized the unique ministry of the FMC members and designated them as ‘Deacon Assistants.’

In 2016 we served three client-households with assistance totaling about $2,000. For each of these families an assessment of need was made with individual-tailored recommendations for action. Some of these situations do not require financial assistance but more emotional and service related assistance. We work with the families to try to find the right type of services to help them back to a more stable condition.

The FMC feels blessed to be able to serve the Body of Christ in this unique way. We ask the Westminster Community to continue to hold in prayer the unique needs of members struggling and in need of the services of Financial Ministry.

Leslie Fiore

Chair

David Baak – Mary Bouwense – Marian Vanderwall – Ben Pipher (Deacon Treasurer)


Open Door MinistryFor many years, Westminster Church has had an “open door” ministry to our Heartside neighbors. What started quite simply with persons stopping at the church offices to use the phone and get a cup of hot coffee has evolved into a more structured program which offers coffee, telephone, restroom facilities, and the opportunity to just sit down, rest, or warm up. A dedicated telephone is available for local calls. Volunteers staff the welcome desk to assist guests, provide directions to social services, and offer a friendly greeting to our neighbors.

Our thanks to Westminster members who support this outreach program by generously giving of your time at the desk Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

WESTMINSTER’S OPEN DOOR MINISTRY For many years, Westminster Church has had an “open door” ministry to our Heartside neighbors. What started quite simply with persons stopping at the church offices use the phone and get a cup of hot coffee has evolved into a more structured program which offers coffee, telephone, restroom facilities, and the opportunity to just sit down, rest, or warm up. A dedicated telephone is available for local calls. Volunteers staff the welcome desk to assist guests, provide directions to social services, and offer a friendly greeting to our neighbors. Statistics have been recorded since 2008. Below is a table of statistics from 2014 compared with 2015. Our thanks to Westminster members who support this outreach program by generously giving of your time at the desk Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers for this ministry in 2014 were George Babb, Jan Dildine, Jacquie Friend, Jill Fryiling, Phil Hertel, Tom Kormos, Gary Lummen, Richard Rinck, Robin Ripmaster, Bernice Rynders, Lynne Swets, and Bill Westfall. A special thanks to Bernice Rynders for doing all of the scheduling and making sure the desk is covered during the day for the last few years. Bernice has retired from this position as of December 31, 2014. George Babb has willingly stepped up to fill this position.

Coffee 2016

Coffee 2015

Phone 2016

Phone 2015

Restroom

2016

Restroom

2015

Total

Services Provided

2016

Total

Services Provided

2015

Days O

pen 2016

Days O

pen 2015

Jan 305 321 193 258 284 276 1259 1348 16 16 Feb 309 247 180 180 252 222 1216 1054 17 14 Mar 295 329 166 241 248 302 1187 1443 19 17 Apr 259 308 140 228 209 246 1033 1313 16 16

May 237 255 145 170 198 193 1017 1030 18 12 Jun 288 208 142 141 194 187 1062 969 18 16 Jul 196 233 123 161 167 226 883 1060 15 17

Aug 249 219 167 115 235 194 1116 939 19 17 Sep 211 309 129 152 148 264 840 1236 17 17 Oct 243 269 140 130 174 205 956 1075 17 14

Nov 190 277 129 164 152 221 817 1085 17 15 Dec 222 208 146 212 142 290 865 1318 16 19

Totals 3004 3283 1800 2152 2403 2826 12,251 13,870 205 190


PersonnelThe 2016 Personnel Committee included Steve Baron, Quan Gerville-Reache, Barbara Goodspeed (Trustee Representative), Pat Hoekman, Kim Huizenga, Doug Kindschi, Ed Paul, Chandler Stokes and Ed Vander Ploeg (Chair).

coMMittee highlightsThe Personnel Committee connects to and supports every aspect of our congregation’s Vision and Mis-sion by assisting and directing staff to those ends. Staff changes were supported this year in response to planned and unplanned job vacancies. We are glad to have staff members who work so well together, and are flexible and resilient in response to inevitable change.

• A major component of the Committee’s work in 2016 was preparing for and implementing Chan-dler’s sabbatical which occurred from April through July. This involved securing a grant from the Lily Foundation to fund the sabbatical. It also required arranging for and hosting a number of guest preachers for Sunday worship and temporarily re-allocating some of Chandler’s day-to-day responsibilities to other staff members. Upon his return, our Committee examined the balancing of Chandler’s work load in response to the minor stroke he experienced while away.

• We say a thankful farewell to Rev. Sarah Juist who served as our interim Minister to Children and their Families for the past eighteen months. When not wearing her yellow hard hat to shepherd younger disciples on Sunday mornings, Sarah spent countless hours as a valued staff member over-seeing numerous programs designed to inspire and establish a faith foundation for our kids. She now departs to serve the Presbyterian congregation in Hanover, Ohio as its pastor.

• As Sarah leaves us, we warmly introduce Nancy Greidanus as our new Minister to Children and their Families. Nancy joins us after an extensive career as an educator of younger children and col-lege students, most recently at Calvin College.

• Several members of the Personnel Committee served on the Search Committee that brought Nancy Greidanus to Westminster. Others served on the committee evaluating the need and feasi-bility of a potential adult spiritual formation position.

• Early in the year, we welcomed A.J. Zahrt as our Finance Manager. We thank God for our staff and view change as an opportunity to re-evaluate open and potentially new roles, provide growth, and enhance staff capability through each new hire.

Ed Vander PloegElder for Personnel


Westminster WorksWESTMINSTER is helping unemployed persons find work and stay employable by helping them find reemployment or by transitioning to alternate vocations.

Now in its fifth year Westminster Works (WW) continues to offer weekly EaRN* Work Search Roundtables, a job club and support group for those in career and job transition. Attendance has been 4-10 individuals per week with over 85 persons participating this past year. ROUND TABLES are monitored by WW Project Coordinator, Elder Larry Bratschie and facilitated by EaRN’s President Ken Soper, a highly accredited professional reemployment consultant. They individually also provide one-on-one coaching and counsel as requested by participants. We gratefully thank Mr. Soper who kindly donates his time for this ministry.

Nearly hald of the 75 “seekers” who have participated in 2016, appoximately 60% have become fully reemployed. Others have chose to try to establish their own businesses based on their areas of expertise; and about one-third are still in process.

Persons from all walks of life participate in this WPC community minsitry. We have participants from all levels of management, education, and income, including men and women from a large cross section of West Michigan employers. Some come from as far away as Holland, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo. Those who’ve kanded new jobs frequently return to “tell their story”, and celebrate (with donuts!). Occasionally we have presenters in to share their journey and perspective on finding work and staying employable.

WPC’s other partners in this ministry are St. Robert of Newminster Church in Ada where a Roundtable occurs on alternate Wednesdays, and Redeemer Covenant Church in Gaines Township. Redeemer chose to join forces with Westminster in May 2014 merging two Roundtables into the one that WPC hosts weekly.

The Roundtables are promoted via the Internet through websites GRNow.com and LinkedIn.com as well as the EaRN website. Larry and Ken ask WPC members prayerfully be on the lookout for job opportunites for our participants and consider how they might see God leading them to “help others find work and stay employable by discovering their vocation.”

Westminster has also hosted two of EaRN’s bi-monthly NetWork 2 NewWork 2016 events in the Fellowship Hall averaging 45-50 participants. These events facilitate, encourage and coach networking as a means of finding work (paid and volunteer), employers recruiting talent, and creating opportunity for congregants to participate in this “Networking-As-Service-And-Witness” outreach to help those in transition discover their vocation.

“True networking is when you spend time with people who do the work you want to do, talking shop. Good networking involves working with other[s], even if it's on a volunteer project, or to learn something new. Good networking is rubbing elbows and enjoying talk and activities related to the work you want to do. Here's the thing that confuses people and frustrates them: They think we network to get our next job. That's absolutely wrong. We network to get smarter, to make new friends, to build our value and our credibility in our…community, to help others, and to enjoy our work outside of the job. Job opportunities arise out of networking; they are not the reason to do it.” -‐ Nick Corcodilos

These events, Roundtables and NetWork 2 NewWork, are hosted and facilitated in the spirit of Jesus’ words to us in Matthew 7:12 “do for others as you would have them do for you, for this fulfills all the Law and the Prophets.”

Respectfully submitted by Larry Bratschie, Westminster Works Ministry Coordinator, and Ken Soper

*Employment and Resource Network


Worldwide MinistriesWorldwide Ministries seeks to be the presence of Westminster Presbyterian Church beyond the border of Kent County. The goal of our Committee is to find areas of need and mission pertaining to the criteria of involvement by members of Westminster. By doing this members can get involved with communities nearby such as Benton Harbor and as far away as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Iraq.

In 2016 our partnership with WWM committee members, members of Westminster Church, and staff, we reached out to a number of mission projects outlined below.

benton harbor: $10,500 Mission Minister in residence Julie Brien, who is sponsored by Westminster Church in cooperation with Benton Harbor First Presbyterian Church, works in the community with guidance from Rev. Laurie Hartzell, the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor. Julie helps out in the congregation with young people, Morton School and community projects.

Benton Harbor First Presbyterian Church has a racially diverse congregation. They participated in our church-wide discussion of Black Lives Matter by providing a panel discussion for the Education Hour.

Members of Benton Harbor First Presbyterian Church met with members of this Committee to ask if Westminster would support their Capital Campaign for improvement of their building with a 3 year commitment. The Committee unanimously voted to support this campaign with A $10,000 pledge for 3 years. First Presbyterian Church has been a longtime partner with Westminster by hosting overnight mission trips for our youth groups as well as member-wide mission projects.

first hanD aiD for cuba: $6,400First Hand Aid is a foundation managed and founded by Marc Bohland, a member of Westminster. He leads groups to Cuba four times a year carrying large quantities of medicine and other donations to a hospital, clinics and outreach churches for the desperate population in the neighborhoods of Havana. This October ten members of Westminster travelled to Cuba on a mission trip.

One of the travelers, a member and a college student, received a partial scholarship. The traveller met the criteria of the Mission Scholarship Protocol established by this committee several years ago.

PresbYterian church of guines, cuba : $2,500Guines is a small community close to Havana that Westminster has partnered with for a long time. Groups travelling with First Hand Aid from WPC visit this town. Pastor Abel of Guines Church has visited Grand Rapids and Westminster strengthening our relationship with his congregation.

haiti nursing scholarshiP: $2,000This is partial funding of a scholarship for one nursing student at Haiti Nursing School. Westminster member Barbara Wybrecht, a nurse, travels to Haiti each year to teach classes at the nursing school about fetal alcohol syndrome with an emphasis on prevention.

nicaragua/ cePaD: $1,500 CEPAD is a Christian organization working to serve poor communities, promoting justice, peace, and equitable solidarity with aim of improving the quality of life in Nicaragua. This is done through development programs, emergency relief, and community relationships. In 2012 representatives from Nicaragua visited West Michigan and Westminster. Representatives from Westminster have visited Nicaragua in the past.

PresbYterian Disaster assistance (PDa): $1,860The remainder of our New Missions budget was sent to PDA for relief following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew.

In March the Committee collected over 100 Hygiene Kits for PDA from Westminster members. These kits of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and washcloth go wherever they are needed from Flint, Michigan, to Syrian refugees.


refugeesIn November we learned that the brother and his family of Alice and Bassam Aljadir (the Iraqi family Westminster sponsored 8 years ago) had arrived in Grand Rapids. Westminster responded with donations to completely furnish their apartment in two weeks. The Committee has also entered into a Match Grant agreement with Bethany Christian Services to sponsor the family for six months.

offeringThe Worldwide Ministries Committee initiates the Christmas Joy offering and One Great Hour of Sharing for congregational participation. Committee members include Pat Hoekman, Ron Hoekman, Pat Hornick, Michael Jasperse, Pete Land, Jack Maynard, Vickey Parker, Linda Paul, Brian Spangelo and Jen Porter. Vickey Parker has been a member of either Community Ministries or Worldwide Ministries for 30 years. Vickey has decided to “retire” this year. A huge thank you goes to Vickey for her many years of service. The Committee and many members of Westminster have truly been blessed by the many opportunities Westminster has given them to participate in worldwide mission.

Linda Paul Elder for Worldwide Ministries

FINANCIALS


Terms of call for Rev. Chandler Stokes2017 terMs of callThe Personnel Committee and the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church present to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, January 22, 2017 for its information, the following terms of call for the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff.

Senior Pastor/Head of Staff: Chandler B. Stokes

effectiVe salarYSalary $66,000.00 Housing $45,000.00 Total Effective Salary $111,000.00

benefitsEmployer’s share FICA at 7.65% $8,492.00 Pension & Medical 35% of Effective Salary $38,850.00

exPenses/allowancesProfessional Expenses $8,000.00

other• One month vacation (four Sundays)

• Four weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)

• Professional expenses include professional development, book allowance, auto and continuing education.

Respectfully submitted, Ed Vander Ploeg Elder for Personnel


Terms of call for Rev. David Baak2017 terMs of callThe Personnel Committee and the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church present to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, January 22, 2017 for its information, the following terms of call for the Associate Pastor for Executive Ministries (Executive Pastor). This is a three/quarter time position.

Associate Pastor for Executive Ministries (Executive Pastor): David Baak


benefitsEmployer’s share of FICA at 7.65% $4,376.00 Retirement Contribution $6,000.00 Medical $4,380.00

exPenses/allowances Professional Expenses $2,000.00


• Two weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)




Terms of call for Rev. Jennifer Porter2017 terMs of callThe Personnel Committee and the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church present to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, January 22, 2017 for its information, the following terms of call for the Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care.

Associate Pastor for Mission & Pastoral Care: Rev. Jennifer Porter


benefitsEmployer’s share of FICA at 7.65% $4,177.00 Pension & Medical 36.5% of Effective Salary $19,929.00

exPenses/allowances Professional Expenses $4,300.00


• Three weeks study leave (cumulative for up to three years)


• Sabbatical after three years of service at Westminster (recognizing four years for her prior ministry in Spring Lake) with a submitted plan for coverage, a commitment of one year of service after the sabbatical, and timing subject to approval by the Personnel Committee.



StewardshipThe Stewardship Committee serves Westminster by overseeing development of the annual budget, working to support our strategic vision. Our committee gathers, evaluates and analyzes financial resources to further the work of Westminster in witness to Jesus Christ.

alignMent of Mission with buDget goals Our practice is to align our financial resources with Westminster’s broader strategic focus. Beginning in May, our committee began a discussion of goals in preparation for our 2017 appeal, giving consideration to the consistency of thought between Stewardship Committee goals and the newly approved Vision and Mission statement approved by Session earlier this year. We shaped the three goals listed below to fit specific elements of that new vision and mission:

Goal #1: Establish and maintain a balanced budget, an annual imperative. Comment: Our first goal for 2016 continued to be our number one goal for 2017. Goal #2: Motivate congregation in continued support of our programs, staff, facilities and core missions. Comment: This is a restatement of our second goal for 2016, with a new emphasis on our responsibility to motivate the congregation. Goal #3: Join in a call of church leaders, staff and our congregation toward justice, hospitality and compassion in our living and giving, supporting lifelong pursuit of our Christian identity through a stewardship lens. Comment: We are all stewards of our Christian identity.

three initiatiVes2017 Appeal for Pledges The message of our 2017 Stewardship appeal for regular, annual pledges was entitled Becoming Church: Learning Love. Those participating memorably and beautifully in the Stewardship appeal, either with letters or by speaking on Sunday morning included: Peter Boumgarden, October 16 letter; John Kershek, personal statement given on Sunday, October 16 at both services; Rev. Chandler Stokes, letter in advance of October 23; Ted and Claudine Duncan, statement made on Sunday, October 23 at both services; Steve, Jackie, Maria and Nadia Sonderfan-Schoon, family statement on Sunday, October 30 at both services. Our appeal culminated with Pledge Sunday, on October 30, when Chandler preached a sermon entitled “Imagination and Love” and members of the congregation came forward with pledges offered as tangible signs of their stewardship commitment. During November and December we vigorously tracked progress towards our goals, communicating with the congregation and following up with members, encouraging more pledges of support for our 2017 budget. Throughout the year we met with each new member class to encourage stewardship pledges, as well as an invitation to pledge in support of MissionMatters, reflecting that our capital campaign is a critical aspect of Westminster stewardship.

2017 Budget Development With initial review occurring at the October Session meeting, the preliminary 2017 budget was subsequently distributed during the October Stewardship luncheon. The contributed income needed to meet our budget drives the level of commitments sought by our appeal. Until we are certain about the income to expect from 2017 pledge commitments, the budget remains preliminary. At the annual meeting in January we expect the final assessment of our appeal results to be incorporated into the details of a credible, balanced 2017 budget.

2016 Financial Results In 2016 we have monitored Westminster’s financial trends, striving for a balanced budget. As of this writing, final results for 2016 results are not known. Historically we receive more financial contributions in December than any other month. In recent years December contributions have been roughly equal to all that is received from June through August. Achieving a balanced budget in 2016 is dependent on receiving the same high level of contributions this December.

in gratituDeThe Stewardship Committee is mindful of our responsibilities and grateful for the gifts of God that have been placed in our trust. We’re honored to serve in this way. Thank you for your faithful support of our ministry together.

Respectfully submitted for the 2016 Stewardship Committee: David Baak, Mary Carrington, Dave Driscol, Mark Eriks, Angelica Zahrt, Roger Nelson (Elder), Chandler Stokes


2017 BudgetWestminsterPresbyterianChurch-Budget2017: January22,2017

2016 2016 2017 CommentsREVENUES Budget Actual BudgetPledges 1,350,000 1,325,408 1,310,000 reductionreflectspledgesreceived

NewMemberPledges 20,000 0 20,000 CombinedwithPledges2016

MemberGifts(whodonotpledge) 64,000 74,219 74,000 Membernon-pledgeincome

NonMemberGifts 27,000 28,941 27,000 flat,reflectsrecent

PlateOfferings 20,000 15,083 20,000 flat

SpecialOfferings 10,000 4,936 10,000 flat

DesignatedGift/MemorialTrust 70,000 65,000 60,000 Plannedreduction

TransfersfromRestrictedFunds 26,400 26,400 16,250 restrictedmissionsupport

OtherIncome 59,829 63,053 91,698 hospitality,specialgiftsyouth/WPAfundraising

TOTALREVENUE 1,647,229 1,603,040 1,628,948 EXPENSESWorldwideMissions* 26,758 26,758 26,758 levelbudget

CommunityMissions* 24,500 23,705 24,500 levelbudget

FoodPantry 33,000 33,000 33,000 levelbudget

CampHenry* 4,500 4,500 4,500 levelbudget

ChildDevelopmentCenter 30,000 30,000 30,000 buildreserve/staffwageincrease

Denomination/Presbytery* 68,500 68,500 41,500 significantdecrease

NextChurch 7,000 7,000 9,000 slightincrease

Subtotal-DirectMission 194,258 193,463 169,258 11.9%ofbudgetrevenue

ChurchSupportofMission 189,774 186,506 202,900 allocactionofstaffwagestomission

YouthTrips 7,000 21,580 23,000 budgetreflectsfundraisingbyyouth

PresbyterianPerCapita 33,777 33,733 36,400 reflectsstablemembershipnumber

Subtotal-MissionSupport 230,551 241,819 262,300 16.1%ofbudgetedrevenue

TotalMissionGiving 424,809 435,282 431,558 28%ofbudgetedrevenue

Personnel* 855,580 849,635 841,890 includesstaffwageadjustment

Pastor'sDiscretionary 1,000 1,450 1,000 levelbudget

PastorNominatingCom(PNC) 0 0 0 notactive

Music* 24,500 26,301 24,500 levelbudget

OlderAdultMinistry* 3,940 7,969 8,000 budgetreflectsfundraisingbyWPA

Worship* 3,500 1,165 3,500 levelbudget

MemberGrowth&Dev* 2,400 2,365 2,900 slightincreaseforhospitality

Hospitality 16,000 17,189 14,000 slightdecrease

Education-Children* 3,800 4,057 3,800 levelbudget

Education-Family* 4,000 3,776 4,000 levelbudget

Education-Adult* 3,200 543 3,200 levelbudget

YoungAdults 3,000 458 1,000 decreasereflects2016spending

Youth* 13,500 25,301 13,500 levelbudget,incomeshown

ChurchOperations 74,500 101,478 70,500 2016includedexceptionalexpenses

ChurchFacilities 213,000 209,039 205,500 basedoncurrentyeartracking

Subtotal-Westminster 1,221,920 1,250,725 1,197,290

TOTALEXPENSE 1,646,729 1,686,005 1,628,848 SURPLUS(DEFICIT) 500 -82,965 100 BREAKEVENACHIEVED

*reflectsspecificelder-ledministryareas.Elderareaswithoutspecificbudgetsareclerk,nominatingandstewardship.


Westminster balance sheetAssets

CashC002 Payroll 706.80C003 WPCChemicalBankCkg 418,585.49C008 WPC-SancutaryChoir 2,561.90CashTotal 421,854.19

ReceivablesC023 ManseLoanReceivable 62,731.78C045 A/ROther 472.37C047 PledgesReceivable 1,222,806.04ReceivablesTotal 1,286,010.19

FixedAssetsC030 Building&Improvements 4,882,430.56C035 Buildings&Improvements-A/CDepreciation (2,257,967.12)C040 Land 322,000.00C042 Equipment&Furniture 587,770.69C043 Equipment&Furniture-A/CDepreciation (240,167.32)FixedAssetsTotal 3,294,066.81

AssetsTotal 5,001,931.19

TOTALASSETS 5,001,931.19

LIABILITIES

LiabilityCurrentLiabilitiesC050 FICAW/H 709.61C051 FederalW/H 50.57C052 StateW/H (1,397.55)C053 GRCityW/H (602.86)C056 Pension-EmpContributions 705.45C060 FlexSpendingAcct 185.78C061 LTD/LifeIns. (77.43)C062 AccruedPayroll 27,853.50C064 AccruedETO 55,960.96C070 PrepaidPledges 31,109.40C074 Weddings 3,431.49C075 InternalFunds(MISC) 7,141.44C080 GreatHour,Peace,Christmas 34.97C090 ChurchLineofCredit 349,021.80CurrentLiabilitiesTotal 474,127.13

LiabilityTotal 474,127.13

TOTALLIABILITIES 474,127.13


Westminster balance sheetFUNDBALANCES

RestrictedFundsTrusteeManagedAccountsC1030 Columbarium 20,956.86C1090 MemorialGifts 2,401.00C1120 TrusteeDiscretionaryFund 25,958.89C1160 JohnWagnerfund 46,102.38C1180 EndowmentWorkingTrust 54,240.19C1240 SteeplePerpetualCare 7,987.16C1270 DesignatedHoldingFunds 99,942.51C1350 Peace&JusticeCoalition 5,419.09C1390 Community/WorldwideMissions 57,755.24C1500 OlderAdults(WPA)/BEHL 65,138.26C1510 AlmaScholarship/BEHLFund 58,395.23C1560 MusicGifts 30,123.90C1800 Holding/TransferFunds 3,765.00C9000 WPCCapCampaign (751,355.78)TrusteeManagedAccountsTotal (273,170.07)

WPCMinistryC1300 Pastor'sDiscretionaryFund 2,189.44C1570 SanctuaryChoir 3,686.47C1650 SrHighMinistries 2,014.77C1680 JointYouthFundRaising 6,969.70C1900 FoodPantry 6,929.25C1910 RacismFreeSynodGrant 2,671.65C1920 WCDC 100.00C1940 CampHenry 4,489.67C1950 Deacon'sFund 12,438.18C1955 Molhoek/McPheetersMentalHealthFund 63,650.30C1980 PastorContEdfund 1,276.45WPCMinistryTotal 106,415.88

RestrictedFundsTotal (166,754.19)

EquityFixedAssetsC200 Bldg/Land/Equipment 3,294,066.81FixedAssetsTotal 3,294,066.81

OperatingCRES Reserves_WPC 1,371,294.57GAAP FundBalancetoGAAPconversion 116,824.93GEOP GeneralOperatingFund(WPC) (87,628.06)OperatingTotal 1,400,491.44

EquityTotal 4,694,558.25

TOTALFUNDS 4,527,804.06

TOTALLIABILITIESANDFUNDS 5,001,931.19


Westminster Operating Fund2016 YTD AnnualBudget Actual %ofBudget

IncomeRegularReceipts

Pledge&Giving 1,502,000.00 1,453,352.86 97%OtherIncome 127,229.00 134,325.68 106%BEHLFunds 18,000.00 15,361.91 85%

RegularReceiptsTotal 1,647,229.00 1,603,040.45 97%

TotalIncome 1,647,229.00 1,603,040.45 97%

ExpendituresMission

WorldWideMinistryDirect 26,758.00 26,758.00 100%DirectMission/CommunityMinistry 24,500.00 23,705.10 97%DirectMissionDenominational 75,500.00 75,500.00 100%MissionSupport 101,277.00 101,232.71 100%

MissionTotal 228,035.00 227,195.81 100%

Personnel

MissionSupport 25,025.00 26,031.07 104%AdministrativeStaff 78,011.00 81,952.17 105%FacilityStaff 118,750.00 112,974.74 95%ProgramStaff 376,018.00 369,702.23 98%Other 124,540.00 126,250.07 101%

PersonnelTotal 722,344.00 716,910.28 99%

PastoralSupportTotalSeniorPastor 162,829.00 159,365.59 98%ExecPastor 79,481.00 78,568.42 99%AssocPastor 80,700.00 79,300.87 98%Pastoral-Other - 1,994.50 0%

PastoralSupportTotal 323,010.00 319,229.28 99%

ProgramPastor'sDiscretionaryFund 1,000.00 1,450.00 145%OlderAdultMinistry 3,940.00 7,968.80 202%Worship 3,500.00 1,165.12 33%MembershipGrowth&Development 2,400.00 2,364.66 99%Hospitality 16,000.00 14,124.12 88%MinistryforAdults - 3,064.71 0%

ProgramTotal 26,840.00 30,137.41 112%

EducationMinistriesMinistryforChildren 3,800.00 4,057.15 107%MinistryforAdults 3,200.00 543.00 17%MinistryforFamilies 4,000.00 3,775.75 94%

EducationMinistriesTotal 11,000.00 8,375.90 76%


Westminster Operating FundMusicMinistry

Music 24,500.00 26,301.40 107%

MusicMinistryTotal 24,500.00 26,301.40 107%

YouthSrHigh 9,000.00 24,144.08 268%MiddleSchool 3,000.00 5,073.85 169%YoungAdult 3,000.00 457.65 15%Other-Youth 8,500.00 17,663.40 208%

YouthTotal 23,500.00 47,338.98 201%

Administration<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories> - 15.00 0%Office 15,000.00 21,008.95 140%Technology 21,500.00 38,244.12 178%Communications 1,000.00 46.00 5%Stewardship 2,000.00 2,659.37 133%Equipment 30,000.00 37,394.91 125%OtherAdmin.Expenses 5,000.00 2,109.16 42%

AdministrationTotal 74,500.00 101,477.51 136%

ChurchFacilitiesInsurance 18,000.00 19,785.58 110%Maint/Repair 81,000.00 93,865.85 116%Utilities 114,000.00 95,387.97 84%

ChurchFacilitiesTotal 213,000.00 209,039.40 98%

TotalExpenditures 1,646,729.00 1,686,005.97 102%

Over/Under 500.00 (82,965.52)


The Memorial TrustExtent of Westminster’s EndowmentsThe endowment funds for which the Memorial Trust Committee has some responsibility include four funds and two “sub-funds” for which the Committee’s role encompasses investment oversight and pay-out policy. In addition, the Committee monitors the receipt of monies from three “external” funds for which the Committee’s responsibility does not include matters related to investment and pay-out policy. The total amount (corpus) in these nine funds is now over $2.6 million dollars and the pay-out from these funds in 2016 totaled just over $365,953. Of this amount, $74,000 was transferred to the Trustees; $21,000 to Camp Henry; and, $270,965 in Session authorized funding was distributed for Columbarium, Communications, Mission, and Education projects, and the MissionMatters campaign.

The purpose, pay-out policy, corpus, pay-out amounts in 2016, plus the responsibilities of Session and/or the Trustees of Westminster are described on the following two pages. It is hoped that this will help provide a more complete explanation of Westminster’s resources.

Changes in the Memorial Trust AgreementOn June 26, 2016 the congregation formally adopted changes in the Memorial Trust Agreement to change the trustees of the Memorial Trust from the bank holding the funds to the Memorial Trust Committee. Following is the language that changed:

1. The Memorial Trust Committee (composed of church members) will become the Trustee, in the same way that is serves as Trustee of the Westminster Church Endowment Fund and as Trustee of the Camp Henry Endowment Fund. Up until now, a bank corporation separate from the church (presently Chemical Bank, succeeding Old Kent Bank) has served as Trustee and the role of the Memorial Trust Committee has been to oversee the Trustee and handle requests for Fund Distributions.

• In line with this basic change, a number of provisions incompatible with the Memorial Trust Committee serving as Trustee have been deleted or revised.

• For example, the Resignation of Trustee and Compensation of Trustee sections will be eliminated, as will the section directing the Trustee to prepare annual fiscal year-end reports for the Memorial Trust Committee.

2. The amended Trust Agreement will clearly affirm that “Title to all property held in the Fund shall at all times be vested in Westminster Presbyterian Church and Society, subject to terms and conditions of this agreement.”

A special thanks to Ken Tiews for his advice and work on this change.

Gifts Received in 2016The endowment funds of Westminster benefitted from a gift in 2016 from the estate of Phoebe H. Phelps of $25,000.

Members and friends of Westminster Presbyterian Church are encouraged to consider gifts and bequests in their wills for the Memorial Trust’s Endowments. Questions may be directed to the Chair of MT or to one of the pastors.

James E. Morse, Chair


Westminster’s Internal Endowment Funds

THE MEMORIAL TRUST FUND*

-To support a wide variety of special projects--capital and program-Project requests must be approved by Session and the Board of Trustees-Distribution policy: Can spend 1/3 of the Fund’s assets in a single year-Created in 1973

Asset Value on 12/31/16 was $691,415Pay-out in 2016 was $270,965

WESTMINSTER ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND*

-Primarily for maintenance and improvement of church properties plus benevolence-Board of Trustees can recommend but Session must decide-Distribution policy: Can spend net income and 1/2 gains in a given year or hold in a Working Account-Created in 2004


CAMP HENRY ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND*

-Help defray Camp costs for those in need--minimum 10% of funds available annually-Help defray capital and program costs-Help defray summer personnel costs-Decisions by Director and Camp Henry Board-Distribution policy: Net income and 1/2 of net gains allocated to purposes above-Created in 2007


PORTER HILLS SUBFUND*

-Subfund of The Memorial Trust Fund-To facilitate an individual(s) admission to Porter Hills-Session must approve each case

Asset Value on 12/31/16 was $77,374No pay-out in 2016

JOHN DELOS WAGNER SUBFUND

-(Same purposes as the Endowment Trust Fund)-(Same distribution policy as the Endowment Trust Fund)


WESTMINSTER CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER FUND*

-To offset Westminster Child Development Center tuition and fees for those in need-Decisions by Westminster Child Development Center Board of Directors-Distribution policy: Net income available annually


MARY DEYOUNG SUB-TRUST SCHOLARSHIP FUND

-For scholarships for seminary students and lay persons pursuing ministries-Application go to and decisions by Session-Net Income and capital gains available as defined by DeYoung Trustee--NOT Westminster-Created in 1972


*Funds to which gifts can be directed.


Westminster’s External Endowment Funds

JAMES R. JEANNETTE C. WYLIE FUND

-Help defray operating costs of Westminster-Quarterly distribution by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation--NOT Westminster-Funds received monitored by the Memorial Trust Committee and administered by the Board of Trustees

Asset Value on 09/30/16 was $69,303.31Pay-out as of 09/30/16 was $2,235.51

MINNIE LOUISE BEHL TRUST FUND

-For scholarship to Alma College, young people’s work, and support of aged members-Applications go to the Board of Trustees-Net income and capital gains defined by the Trust’s designated Trustee (bank)--NOT Westminster

Asset Value on 12/31/16 was $1,098,459.82Pay-out in 2016 was $32,596.98


The Memorial Trust balance sheet


AssetsCashC002 CHPayroll 1,737.24H016 ChemicalBankOps/Restricted 506,048.71CashTotal 507,785.95

ReceivablesH045 A/ROther 352.00ReceivablesTotal 352.00

FixedAssetsH020 Buildings&Improvements 3,694,005.44H021 CampEquipment 127,702.26H022 ChallengeCourseEquipment 42,231.47H023 Computers&OfficeEquipment 19,875.48H024 Furniture&Fixtures 19,064.00H025 KitchenEquipment 54,669.27H026 Land 212,424.00H027 LandImprovements 440,857.17H028 Vehicles&Boats 133,910.20H030 Buildings&Improvements-A/CDepreciation (1,315,595.80)H031 CampEquipment-A/CDepreciation (95,290.88)H032 ChallengeCourseEquip-A/CDepreciation (18,388.66)H033 Computers&OfficeEquip-A/CDepreciation (15,800.52)H034 Furniture&Fixtures-A/CDepreciation (19,064.00)H035 KitchenEquipment-A/CDepreciation (49,909.74)H037 LandImprovements-A/CDepreciation (222,948.86)H038 Vehicles&Boats-A/CDepreciation (83,535.02)FixedAssetsTotal 2,924,205.81

AssetsTotal 3,432,343.76

TOTALASSETS 3,432,343.76

LIABILITIES

LiabilityCurrentLiabilitiesH050 FICA/Med 43.02H051 FedW/h (87.11)H052 Statew/h (81.21)H053 Cityw/h 19.62H057 403b-Emp.Contributions (709.99)H060 FlexSpendingAccount (339.99)H061 LTD/LifeIns. (15.15)H062 AccruedPayroll 10,383.95H063 YearAroundProgramDeposits(FS) 145,150.19H064 AccruedETO 28,218.72H068 AccountsPayable (23.25)CurrentLiabilitiesTotal 182,558.80



Camp Henry balance sheet


Camp Henry balance sheetFUNDBALANCES

Restricted-CampHenry<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories>H103 DeferredProgramEquipment (13,487.47)H111 GRCFEndowmentFundholding 3,130.00H113 NewConstruction 17,211.00H115 DeferredMaintenance 16,415.75H117 Reserves 96,500.00H119 GordonChapel 18,350.00H140 Music/AudioVisualEquipment(FS) 340.12H142 School/OtherScholarships(FS) 3,540.35H145 SummerScholarships 12,250.69H158 MemorialFund(FS) 7,721.25<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories>Total 161,971.69

TemporarilyRestrictedH101 Boat/Vehicle(FS) 6,034.31H109 ClimbingTower 184.41H198 RenewableEnergy(FS) 40,000.00TemporarilyRestrictedTotal 46,218.72

Restricted-CampHenryTotal 208,190.41

Equity<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories>H200 Bldg/Land/Equipment 2,495,963.05H220 RetainedEarnings(FS) 156,160.51<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories>Total 2,652,123.56

OperatingCHOP OperatingBudget-CampHenry 389,470.99OperatingTotal 389,470.99

EquityTotal 3,041,594.55

TOTALFUNDS 3,249,784.96

TOTALLIABILITIESANDFUNDS 3,432,343.76


Camp Henry operating fund2016 YTD AnnualBudget Actual %ofBudget


Program-YrRoundPrograms 265,000.00 319,958.89 121%ProgramSummerCamp 684,000.00 808,517.80 118%ProgramStoreIncome 55,000.00 70,491.00 128%MiscIncome 7,000.00 2,377.91 34%OtherIncome 1,000.00 2,190.72 219%

RegularReceiptsTotal 1,012,000.00 1,203,536.32 119%

ScholarshipsSchoolScholarships 2,500.00 2,500.00 100%SummerScholarships 100,000.00 107,121.23 107%

ScholarshipsTotal 102,500.00 109,621.23 107%

GeneralContributionsDesignated 3,000.00 2,550.00 85%Undesignated 5,000.00 8,500.04 170%ProgramSpecialEvents 15,000.00 2,000.00 13%Endowment 10,000.00 - 0%

GeneralContributionsTotal 33,000.00 13,050.04 40%

TotalIncome 1,147,500.00 1,326,207.59 116%

Expenditures

Personnel 482,236.00 517,531.69 107%ProgramStore 44,000.00 50,880.20 116%SummerPrograms 104,600.00 126,992.75 121%FoodService 114,000.00 135,699.57 119%Maintenance 100,750.00 93,924.69 93%

AdministrationOffice 18,500.00 18,902.01 102%Insurance 54,250.00 61,718.12 114%Technology 9,750.00 16,071.27 165%Communications 15,700.00 17,118.27 109%Equipment 1,400.00 (49.11) -4%OtherAdmin.Expenses 10,900.00 12,866.36 118%

AdministrationTotal 110,500.00 126,626.92 115%Prof/ContractFees 13,000.00 20,198.65 155%Utilities 110,500.00 92,954.29 84%Promotion&PublicRelations 34,000.00 30,485.64 90%

TotalExpenditures 1,113,586.00 1,195,294.40 107%

Over/Under33,914.00 130,913.19


WCDC balance sheetAssets

CashC002 WCDCPayroll 1,781.83D001 ChemicalBankckg 160,564.10D003 ChemicalBankReserveWCDC 150,431.50CashTotal 312,777.43

ReceivablesD020 TuitionReceivables 23,544.52ReceivablesTotal 23,544.52

AssetsTotal 336,321.95

TOTALASSETS 336,321.95

LIABILITIES

LiabilityCurrentLiabilitiesD050 FICA/Med 1,229.78D051 FedW/h (64.24)D052 StateW/h 75.38D053 CityW/h 50.54D056 EmpCont-Pension (368.36)D060 FlexSpendingAccount (163.99)D061 LTD/LifeIns. 833.08D062 AccruedPayroll 15,759.21D065 MiscLiab 96.58D070 AccruedETO 5,233.04CurrentLiabilitiesTotal 22,681.02



FUNDBALANCES

RestrictedFundsMiscGrantAwardsD105 Grants/Fundraisers 25,610.28D106 TuitionAssistancefund 23,480.57MiscGrantAwardsTotal 49,090.85

UndesignatedD100 Reserves-Ops 160,775.12UndesignatedTotal 160,775.12

OperatingCDOP WCDCOperatingFund 103,774.96OperatingTotal 103,774.96

RestrictedFundsTotal 313,640.93

TOTALFUNDS 313,640.93

TOTALLIABILITIESANDFUNDS 336,321.95


WCDC operating fund2016 YTD Annual

Budget Actual %ofBudget


TuitionReimb 563,616.00 602,249.25 107%OtherIncome 40,415.00 47,265.33 117%

TotalIncome 604,031.00 649,514.58 108%

ExpendituresPersonnel

AdministrativeStaff 76,487.84 76,769.86 100%LeadTeacher 344,186.00 331,563.68 96%Other 107,008.57 89,898.40 84%

PersonnelTotal 527,682.41 498,231.94 94%

Program 43,470.00 45,459.28 105%Maintenance

BuildingMaintenance 15,300.00 24,142.57 158%

MaintenanceTotal 15,300.00 24,142.57 158%Administration

<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories> 1,000.00 2,788.41 279%Office 18,000.00 18,053.27 100%

AdministrationTotal 19,000.00 20,841.68 110%Promotion&PublicRelations 1,320.00 695.81 53%

TotalExpenditures 606,772.41 589,371.28 97%

Over/Under (2,741.41) 60,143.30


Downtown Food Pantry balance sheetAssets

CashC002 FoodPantry-Payroll 673.06P006 ChemicalBankFoodPantry 49,969.78P010 MoneyMarket-WPCPantry-LMCU 19,835.94CashTotal 70,478.78

CurrentAssetsP021 PrepaidExpense 19,519.81CurrentAssetsTotal 19,519.81

AssetsTotal 89,998.59

TOTALASSETS 89,998.59

LIABILITIES

LiabilityCurrentLiabilitiesP050 EmploymentTaxes (68.57)P060 FPFlex (28.97)P062 AccruedPayroll 1,315.63P063 AccruedETO 4,530.24CurrentLiabilitiesTotal 5,748.33



RestrictedFundsUndesignatedP100 Reserves_FP 72,715.66UndesignatedTotal 72,715.66

RestrictedFundsTotal 72,715.66

EquityOperatingFPOP Operating-FoodPantry 11,534.60OperatingTotal 11,534.60

EquityTotal 11,534.60

TOTALFUNDS 84,250.26

TOTALLIABILITIESANDFUNDS 89,998.59


Downtown Food Pantry operating fund2016 YTD Annual

Budget Actual %ofBudgetIncome

RegularReceipts<AccountsWithoutSub-Categories> 110,450.00 124,468.94 113%OtherIncome 25,700.00 23,131.90 90%

TotalIncome 136,150.00 147,600.84 108%

ExpendituresPersonnel 48,621.00 48,097.22 99%Program 87,277.00 100,098.90 115%Administration 3,060.00 2,554.88 83%

TotalExpenditures 138,958.00 150,751.00 108%

Over/Under (2,808.00) (3,150.16)


In Memoriamthe following Saints of our Westminster Family passed on into the fuller life of the Church Triumphant in 2016:

George Cope Mary Esch

David Bolton Barbara Draigh

Ann Owen Jeanne Jones

Richard Miller Elizabeth Auwers

Phoebe Phelps Robert Wilson

Nancy Tietema Richard Fryer

Patricia Waddon John Hendricks

Jack Bowie Forrest Tarr

Isabel Babb

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

revelation 22:21


Closing Hymn

For All The SaintsSINE NOMINE

William Walsham How, 1864 Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1906

For all the saints who from their labors rest,

Who thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

2016 annual and financial reportwestminstergr.org/uploads/documents/2016_annual... · the pastoral...

Documents