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ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Casey Barton - Senior PastorDaniel Johnson - Associate Pastor

Sarah Barton - Children’s Ministry DirectorLeslie Oliveira - Hilmar Christian Children’s Center Director

The Congregation - Ministers at Large

CHURCH MISSIONARIESRoy & Aleta Danforth - Central African Republic-Fulani

Don & Lilian Dwight - TaiwanHarvey & Linda Lundquist - Alaska Christian College

Kenneth & Adrienne Satterberg - Mosaics Project, Marseilles, FranceMarvin & Fern Wickstrom - Mexico & Zaire (Emeritus)

Hilmar Covenant Church 20056 American Ave. PO Box 340 Hilmar, CA 95324 T: 209-668-0400 F: 209-668-4324 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Hilmar Covenant Church

Congregational Meeting

Sunday May 28th, 2017 in the Family Center

following morning worship

Please bring your Annual Report with you

to this important meeting!

Annual Report 2016 �3


Table of Contents

Church Leadership for 2016 6 Church Records: 2016 8 Ministry Areas and Teams: 2016 10 2016 Ministry Reports Senior Pastor 12 Associate Pastor 19 Youth Ministry 26 Children’s Ministry Director 28 Hilmar Christian Children’s Center Director 30 Church Council 32 Stewardship Team 34 Missions Committee 35 Hilmar Christian Children's Center Year-End Financials and 2017 Budget 38 Hilmar Covenant Church Year-End Financials and 2017 Budget 43



Church Leadership for 2016 Senior Pastor – Casey Barton

Associate Pastor – Daniel Johnson Children’s Ministry Director - Sarah Barton

Church Council

Church Music Staff

Organist/Pianist – Andrew Hildebrand Pianist – Marilyn Fullmer

Church Office Staff

Office Manager – Beth Walker Facilities Director – Sam Postma


Name Year # Term Expires January 1

Rod Jorritsma (2016 Chair) 3 2017

Becky Nyman (2016 Vice Chair) 3 2017

Sam Postma (2016 Trustee Chair) 3 2017

Teresa Wells (2017 Secretary) 2 2018

Rod Avilla (2017 Vice Chair) 2 2018

Bud Farrar 2 2018

Carolyn Ahlem 1 2019

Melissa Ahlem 1 2019

Dale Wickstrom (2017 Chair) 1 2019

Chris Collier 1 2020

Pat Sparks 1 2020

Micheal Beohme 1 2020


Hilmar Christian Children’s Center Director - Leslie Oliveira Bookkeeper - Lucia Silva

Children’s Center Board - As of January 1,2017


Name Term Expires January 1 Church

Art DeRooy (Chair) 2018 Hilmar Covenant

Robert Hirsch 2017 Hilmar Covenant

Adam Komos 2018 Holy Rosary

Clayborne Souze 2018 Hilmar Covenant

Keith Lawton 2017 Hilmar Covenant

Lucas Dias 2019 Holy Rosary

Rachel Correia 2019 Hilmar Covenant


Church Records: 2016 Deaths

• Karl England - Luther & Elvira Englands sons - 1/15/2016 • Bernice Tell - 2/3/2016

• Kaiden Pacheco - 2/18/2016, reception • Nadine Fanelli - 2/26/2016 - Dave Britton had service

• Shirley Yells - 3/24/2016 - Rev. Casey Barton • MaryEllen Oliver - Pastor Dan Johnson, Graveside

• Betty Doine - 4/23/16 - Rev. Casey Baron / Bruce Metcalf • Douglas Hirsch - 7/16/2016 (Bob & Lois Hirsch’s son) Rev. Casey Barton, Pastor Dan Johnson, Pastor Patrick Andrus • Darrell Nelson - 10/29/2016 - Rev. Casey Barton

• Wanda Sharpe - 11/30/2016 reception

Baptisms • Jacob Ahlem - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Reese Ahlem - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Melissa Morales - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Megan Marson - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Janell McCune -3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Christina Chavez - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Harmony Tinley - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Anton Kuchta - 3/20/16 - Rev. Casey Barton

Dedications • Autumn Joy Postma - 5/15/16 - Rev. Casey Barton

Weddings • Kerin and Ken Coe - 2/29/16 - Rev. Casey Barton • Mikayla and Ricky - 5/21/16 - Rev. Casey Barton

Confirmation Class Graduated: Aiden Azevedo, Olivia Peterson, Kayley Souza, Will Tate

New Members: • Ronda Tinley • Josh Rodriguez • Brittany Hernandez



Membership Report:

Membership as of January 1, 2016 243

New Members Joined the Year 3

Members Removed from Rolls 6

By Request or Other Update 2

Deaths 4

Membership as of January 1, 2017 240



Ministry Areas and Teams: 2016 Love (Welcoming and Relationships): We are called to come together seeking healthy

relationships and welcoming others into the family. Frontline Ministry

Coordinator: Ellie Jorritsma Team Leaders: Greg and Melissa Brewer; Paul and Connie Medak; Susan and Carter Azevedo and Karen Tate; Bob and Annette Diliberto; Michael Boehme; Danny and Carla Avila; Dan and Chris Collier; Rod and Norma Avilla Refreshments: Sharon Clauss Sound: Keith Lawton; Dale Wickstrom; Wade Fullmer Media: Peggy Dulle; Gwen and Luke Schulze Bus Ministry: Art DeRooy; David and Kathy Ward; Clayborne and Karen Souza; Wade

Fullmer Visitation: Dan Johnson Hospitality Teams: Marsha Barkhousen; Susie VanFoeken Wedding Coordinators: Susie VanFoeken Prayer Teams: Dan Johnson; Art DeRooy

Word (Biblical Discipleship): We are called to engage in a Biblical discipleship that comes to life in the multi-faceted expression of our faith.

Small Group Leaders: Keith Waterson; Art DeRooy; Dan Johnson; Joell Erlandson; Rod & Norma Avilla; Sam & Cindy Postma; Carolyn Ahlem Discipleship Classes: Casey Barton TILT (Totally Insane Leadership Training): Casey Barton Women Ministries: Marsha Barkhousen; Susie VanFoeken; Teresa Wells; Beth Walker Sunday Worship: God’s people

Mission: We are called to befriend out neighbors, serving them both near and far. Global Missions and Missionary Care: Missions Committee Local Outreach: Dan Johnson Food Distribution Ministries: Dan Johnson; Lee and Marsha Barkhousen; Bob Esposito Highway Cleanup: Bob Diliberto Hilmar Helping Hands: Vicki Humble Partnership with WIC and Salvation Army English Classes: Silvia Vargas; Gracie Rodriquez Persecuted Church and Letters to Prisoners: Dan Johnson



Generations: We are called to love children and youth by finding them where they are and, with intergenerational wisdom and experience, caring holistically for them and their families.

KidSpace: Sarah Barton; Hollie Tinley Youth Ministries: Dedicated Volunteers Hilmar Christian Children’s Center: Leslie Oliveira PowerPlay Dates: Monica Boehme

Kingdom: We are called to expand God’s Kingdom through the generous giving of ourselves to God’s calling.

Council Ministry: Dale Wickstrom Stewardship Team: Art DeRooy Facilities: Sam Postma Special Offerings and Projects



Senior Pastor Pastor's Report – 2016 (May 28, 2017)

In the past year all of us called as God's people here in Hilmar have worked to play our parts in God's great narrative of history. And, as we look down the calendar at another year ahead, we look and listen for how God is leading us into the future of his story. My report here will briefly recount where God has had us, and look forward to see where he is leading us, as we come together as Christ's body, the church.

Identity and Calling: Foundational to all that we do together is our identity as God's people in this time and place in the story. And, out of that identity we are called to particular tasks that God has given to us. He has made us who we are, and out of that, has called us to work in and for his kingdom:

Our Identity : Hilmar Covenant Church is a family of God's patchwork people, rooted together in loving God, listening for God's voice, and serving God's world.

Because of who we are, these are the things that God has called Hilmar Covenant Church to do:

1) Love : We come together seeking healthy relationships and welcoming others into the family.

2) Word : We engage in biblical discipleship that comes to life in the multi-faceted expressions of our faith.

3) Mission : We befriend our neighbors, serving them both near and far.

4) Generations : We love children and youth by finding them where they are and caring holistically for them and their families.

5) Kingdom : We expand God's kingdom through the generous giving of ourselves to his calling.

This sketch of who we are and what we do as a church we gather from God's word, and we have discerned together for our lives together. And so we do our best to turn our lives to God in our pursuit of his call.

For 2016 we pursued a ministry theme of Grow Something Together, and we sought to spend more time in community together as God's people. For 2017, we are pursuing depth in our



discipleship with Christ, with the theme Dive Deeper. These overarching themes are worked out through ministry initiatives within our areas of call.

Love: In 2016 we engaged in a number of events that were designed to bring us closer together as God's family. We had monthly meals together after church services throughout the year, an initiative designed to have us simply spend more time together as a community. These events, and others, were designed to improve health in our relationships with one another. As Peter writes to the church : "You are a royal priesthood, a holy people, a people belonging to God," (1 Peter 2.9). A major part of our life together is living into this identity that God says is already ours.

One way that we do this is serving one another. I do believe that nothing draws us together quite like rolling up our sleeves and getting to work on God's kingdom. We do this together especially in ministries like Frontline, where we serve one another on Sunday mornings, and welcome guests into this family; VBS, where we band together to proclaim the gospel to children and their families; youth group, where our volunteers have worked really hard to bring love to our teens; and in our CBE groups, where we serve each other in seeking God in his word together.

Further, in 2016 I saw us take greater strides toward health in our relationships in the church. People were committed to healthy relationships, healthy conflict resolution, and caring for one another. This is what it means to be God's people, to show love to those God puts in our path. I do see 2016 as a year when we have grown in our love for one another.

As we move into 2017, we do not become complacent in our relationships and service. We are, in alignment with our theme, pursuing depth as we Dive Deeper in our relationships. As we organize and formalize small groups in our church, I long for and pray for us to become more vulnerable with those God draws us near to. I believe that we enter into God's heart for us when we are able to trust and give our hearts to one another. In that way we unify in God's kingdom, in alignment with Christ, and in solidarity with one another in all of our pain and in all of our joy. And so, in 2017 I see us moving deeper in our relationships with each other.

Word: 2016 was a year of growing in our reading and knowledge of God's word together. We engaged in scripture reading together – first through the New Testament, and then into the Old. our CBE groups have been a fun context in which to simply read and become familiar once again with the voice of the One who created us and speaks our names. Through all of it we were surprised, frustrated, sometimes angered, and overwhelmed by God's word. And, really, that should be our response to His voice.

Discipleship classes also confronted us with God's word and with God's world. We took up some of the deeper questions that came out of our CBE groups and addressed really big questions such as the role of women in the church (a really big role!), the intersection of God's sovereignty and our freedom (my head still hurts from this one), and the mechanism at work in



the act of Atonement (the cross is from God, for us, and through Christ, removing the sin that separates us from God – remember that one?). We also tackled, or at least began to tackle, some of life's difficult ethical questions: immigration, life, politics, refugees, health care. These were lively discussions, for sure!

As we continue to walk into God's future, we must always retain a commitment to his word. It is what shapes us and forms us. For the follower of Jesus, it is only God's word that has the rightful place to shape and mold our hearts – not political platforms, or ideologies outside of scripture. And so in the coming year we will continue to work on small groups, continue to offer discipleship classes, and preach God's word on Sunday mornings.

Mission: Pastor Dan and our missions committee have continued to work hard for the spread of Christ's gospel both locally and around the world. Dan's report recounts so much of the work done in mission in this past year, and I don't need to recount it all here. I do want to say, however, that I am so proud of the history that our church has had, and continues to maintain, in regards to the missional work of the church in God's kingdom. In one way or another, you, the church, support the missionary work of the gospel – through giving, through going, through praying, through serving those in this community, through repairing benches at the Children's Center, or helping someone out when they find themselves alone and in need. Whether we go on the missions trip to Haiti, to Mexico, or support those trips with our money or our prayers; whether we work locally for the gospel or simply tell a friend about what Jesus is doing in our life; mission is something that we all do, it is something that we are all called to. It is the mandate of the gospel that we have received. "Go into all the world and make disciples," Jesus said before ascending to the Father. And so whether we work abroad, send abroad, and/or work at home, the push of the gospel it outward, to the ends of the earth. This has always been a deep strength of Hilmar Covenant Church. And it will continue to be moving into God's future for us.

Generations: Would all the adults in the church feel badly if I said that this is my favorite area of ministry in our church? I hope not, because in so many ways it is! Over the past almost 5 years we've invested a lot in this area of church ministry. And, if I were to characterize our ministry in this area this year, it would be with the words "transitions," and "incredible."

KidSpace has continued to be a quality ministry that partners with parents and serves our kids weekly on Sunday mornings, providing for them an exciting and age-designed worship service just for them. We continue to view our nursery and toddler classes as more than childcare on Sundays, but as valuable time to invest in the discipleship of our kids from birth. We continue to see discipleship growth in our very young children through the 5th graders in our care. While the number of kids we continue to see on Sunday mornings is encouraging, the true measure of the health of any ministry is the depth of growth of those we minister to. And I believe that we are investing in deep growth in our kids, and that they are growing in Christ. It is our deepest hope that, as we partner with parents for the life of their children, we see kids who grow into mature followers of Christ for the whole of their lives.



VBS is a huge part of this. Again in 2016 we had about 150 kids attend our week of craziness and hear the gospel, and engage in a whole range of activities that reinforce God's love and grace to children and their families. 2017 looks to be shaping up to be every bit as dynamic and exciting as previous years.

The big change in KidSpace this year came with Sarah, our Children's Ministry Director, moving into full-time teaching at Elim Elementary, having been offered a 3rd grade teaching job literally 4 days before school started in the Fall. This proved to be a significant and unexpected change in our children's programs, and yet we have managed well. Sarah continues on directing the overarching ministry, while we hired a college student to manage the day-to-day legwork. Hollie Tinley has done a wonderful job at this. I think that in all of this change, we've maintained an excellent children's program. It must be said, though, that KidSpace and VBS (and all of our ministries, but these especially), do not function without the committed hard and faithful work of our volunteers. We are only able to serve these kids because hardworking people have caught the vision to pass on the faith to a young person, and they put their energy and time and talent and gifts into it all. So thank you to all our teachers and set decorators and crew leaders and storytellers!

2016 saw healthy growth in our youth ministry as Patrick worked to influence the lives of young people in our church and in our community. For all that Patrick did for these kids, for our church, for worship in this community, we are always grateful. And for his friendship, I am especially grateful. We have all prayed for Patrick and Christina in their current journey, and continue to pray, and are thankful for the time that we had with them.

Since September youth ministry has been continuing. Sometimes super organized and awesome. Other times chaotic, and yet still awesome. But then again, that is how youth ministry always is! Our volunteers have been wonderful at keeping this ministry going. And, we still have 50+ kids coming on Wednesday nights.

In recent days we've interviewed and engaged a candidate for the youth pastor position. God willing he'll be called soon and bring leadership to our youth efforts.

In alignment with the theme of transitions, at the Hilmar Christian Children's Center we saw another transition as Ms. Lynn, after over 25 years of ministry serving the children (and eventually, their children!) of Hilmar with the gospel, retired as she battles cancer. It was a difficult transition for a number of reasons. First and foremost because we all love Lynn and love her ministry at the Center. And, because in so many ways she is irreplaceable. It isn't as if you can just go out and find any other Director to fill her shoes. You simply cannot just replace Ms. Lynn. She is a part of the fabric of that place, a part of the fabric of all of our lives. Thank you Ms. Lynn for your decades of love to the children of Hilmar.



In Lynn's absence the Board and Search Committee were tasked with the difficult job of hiring a Director. It was our goal to call a capable and wonderful Director who we believed would come to the task will all excellence in spirit and love for God and children. We believe that we found the exact right person in Leslie Oliveira, who stepped into the role shortly into 2017. We pray for Leslie, and for the ministry of the Center, and are committed to giving this ministry of Hilmar Covenant all that it needs to be a beacon of the gospel for so many kids who need love and peace and Jesus.

I have to say that in all of the transitions in this past year in these ministries that I believe God just might be up to something. Shaking us up and disrupting what we are doing…or, how we have always done it. I believe that God is calling us to change some of the things we are doing, and to reconsider "how we have always done it." God, at times, breaks us down. But he does so only to build us back up. And when he does he usually makes us stronger for His kingdom than we were before. So, stay tuned to what God is doing in our Generations calling, especially to see and hear what God will eventually do with our music ministry in the church. I'm fascinated, really, with the moves God makes.

Kingdom: All that we do at Hilmar Covenant, and in each of our lives, is oriented around the realization of God's kingdom in the world. God's kingdom is coming, and has come. It is to the church to recognize its coming, and to facilitate its appearing in the reality of the world among and between us. And so, all that we do in our church seeks God's kingdom.

This requires a significant amount of formation of our hearts and minds and lives in Christ. After all, in our sin we are not naturally disposed to the emergence of the kingdom of God in the world. Like we said, the kingdom breaks down the world, and that is sometimes painful. At times God takes away from us that which we may value, and maybe we value it more than we value him. But he is a creating God. And he does not leave things formless and void. In the wake of breaking down he forms the kingdom first in our hearts and souls and then through us in our relationships with one another, and through our relationships together he works all things together for the building of his kingdom in the world.

Kingdom, in Christ, is the unifying calling of God for all that we do. We, as God's people, must never seek to build up anything else. All of our effort and possessions go into making the world a place characterized by God's peace and love and grace and forgiveness…a place characterized by Christ.

Into God's Future: As we continue on into the history of our church laid out in front of us, we have some significant challenges ahead. In particular, one question that looms large for me in the immediate present is that of passing faith from one generation to another. We are doing this well in our children's and youth ministries, on the whole. However, I used to think that in a generational church like ours the "ownership," if you will, of the life of the church would be passed in natural progression from fathers and mothers to daughters and sons. But I've noticed that this transition (in keeping with our theme), is more difficult and not as natural as I once



expected. We actually have, as I see it, a pretty big problem that has the potential to significantly influence the future life of Hilmar Covenant Church.

On the one hand, we do have an older generation of faithful, foundational believers who have built this church over the past hundred or so years into what it is today. And, when I say built, I mean built, sometimes with their own hands. These folks grew up with church looking a certain way, with people treating church and the sanctuary in a particular manner, with music that sounded a like organ and hymn, with coffee served only in a particular place. With potlucks. This generation of people, by and large (and I can only speak in generalities here), desperately wants a younger generation to take the reins and guide the church into its future. However, if we're honest, many of them only want the horse to go in one direction, and when we deviate from their idea of the course, it is very hard for them.

On the other hand, we have a younger generation (and, here I'm thinking of young families especially), who may have grown up in the church, but the older style of church is outdated for them. These people may appreciate faster music with (gasp!) drums, bringing coffee into the sanctuary, ministries that align with busy schedules, and community expressed in different and changing ways. Potlucks are kind of a difficulty for them. While they may want to step up and take the reins, it is difficult to do so because of their love and deference to an older generation (their own parents and grandparents, for instance), and the reality that when they've tried to bring change, they have been chastised as irreverent or loud or inefficient or uncaring. Once bitten, twice shy, I think they say (someone says that, right?).

What ends up happening in this dynamic is a stalemate. Two sides either actively or passively pushing against one another, even while all people on any side are committed followers of Jesus and love the church. Stalemates turn into stagnation. And when the church is stagnate, not moving forward into God's kingdom, we abandon our calling and the kingdom sits still.

This is a huge challenge facing the life of our church. It is, actually, the challenge facing our church at the moment. We need to find the way forward that includes loving and honoring the church built by a faithful generation, and yet transforming the church as time marches on into one that serves another generation of people with their own particular needs and loves and gifts and lives. One of our church's greatest gifts and strengths is its inter-generational character. The challenge before us is to harness this strength and all push ahead into God's future together, rather than in competition over the past and the future. If we push against one another, our reality will be that a large number of our family will be aligned with God's past, and a large number aligned with what they see as God's future, and the two will have less and less to do with one another altogether. This is a recipe for a dying church. And that is not what any of us want.

In this context, in this moment of our church's life together, it is our calling to find a way forward together. I believe that the path ahead has to do with Diving Deeper in our discipleship for each and every one of us individually, and for all of us together. I also believe



that the path forward must move past our commitment to Hilmar Covenant Church and its history or ministries or music or whatever (tons of people here are committed); and into the dynamic of life and discipleship characterized by being transformed by the gospel of Christ, and out of that transformation seeking a transformed life together. When we live together in the church as transformed by Christ together, and not simply as committed to the church, I believe it is possible to find a path forward into God's future that honors the past and pushes ahead.

It is my prayer for us to find that path ahead. And I believe that God will, and that God is, leading us there. Sometimes growth is slow, and sometimes the leaf spreads out from the stalk overnight. In all of it God is the one who makes us grow. So, church, in 2016 we endeavored to Grow Something Together. That commitment doesn't end just because the calendar on the year has. It is a calling of His kingdom. And as we move ahead to 2017 and beyond, we carry that commitment with us as we seek to Dive Deeper with God, and with one another.

Pastor Casey Senior Pastor



Associate Pastor “David was greatly distressed…but (he) found strength in the LORD his God.” I Samuel 30:6

2016 was definitely a year of ups and downs. With you, I was greatly disappointed and saddened by Patrick’s and Christina’s abrupt departure in September, just as we were ready to begin a new season of ministry. It took a lot of scrambling – and a lot of prayer – to cover ministry needs. But many good things also happened in 2016: over 100 people studying the New Testament in CBE groups, a fantastic Mexico missions team, 24 hour prayer vigil, etc. Here is how ministry unfolded under my leadership in 2016:

CALLING #1: “SEEK HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS”

The “Frontline Team” ministry proceeded full steam into the new year, I continued to bake small oatmeal bread loaves each month to be included in the Welcome Bags.

Congregational Care has been one of my responsibilities since 2006. Of course this overlaps into many other areas of church ministry. For me, it includes visitation, counseling, crisis assistance, and entertaining (as I’m able). The “Friendship Ministry Team” continued to be a big help in visiting people in our congregation to help us build healthy relationships and better communication within our church. I also took communion to shut-ins when requested. This ministry has 11 volunteers and meets quarterly to choose people to visit.

CALLING #2: “ENGAGE IN BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP”

Prayer Ministry falls under this calling, and prayer was highlighted throughout the year in many ways. The year began with the Covenant Week of Prayer, using the prayer guide provided by our denomination. The Prayer Team ministry continued with seven teams and one individual participating in a variety of ongoing structured prayer activities: team prayer, midweek prayer, all-church monthly prayer meeting, prayer room, prayer and anointing with oil, and prayer focus topics. The prayer chain and prayer card in the bulletin were utilized a great deal, with the church staff praying weekly for the requests that come in each Sunday. I also have responsibility for the monthly prayer calendar in the newsletter. An Ash Wednesday prayer meeting occurred as Lent began, a number of people committed to “30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World” during Ramadan (May/June) and I also organized a special “Prayer for the World” meeting in July in light of the violence happening throughout the world. To begin the new ministry year, a 24 hour “Prayer Vigil” was held in the Sanctuary, with people praying in a wide variety of ways. This was very timely, due to Patrick’s resignation and our need for the Lord’s help and direction.

I continued my music and worship ministry responsibilities with The Choir, Handbells, and coordinating special worship expressions through the creative arts. The Good Friday service had a focus on artistic representations of The Crucifixion. Following a fantastic two day spring retreat with Casey and Patrick, we embarked on the series “Beginning to End,” which will



ultimately take us through the entire Bible when the series concludes at some point in the future. Large letter backdrops, brightly lit crates full of Bibles and commentaries, and creative bulletin covers were just some of the artistic additions to worship last year. The Fall Launch theme, “Dive Deeper,” also had many creative elements to it, but this was postponed till January due to the departure of Patrick.

The Choir presented a wide variety of anthems in the spring, with the Kids Choir, Handbells, and band joining in a number of times. For Christmas, The Choir offered six of our most favorite anthems in a mini-concert that also included the bells and children’s choir. Of course, The Choir was in the loft for “Julotta” on Christmas Eve, singing “Lyssna!” We also sang for the Community Thanksgiving Service, which was held in our Sanctuary this year.

The Handbell Choir continued their important ministry throughout the year. We presented a wide variety of music, played with the choir, and accompanied the congregation on a number of hymns. In December we performed at a special Christmas program at Covenant Village.

When Patrick was away on Sundays, I put on my “worship pastor” hat once again and led the worship team. I also covered for Devyn when he had to be absent in the Fall. Our church hosted the Community Thanksgiving Service in November so I coordinated the other churches and pastors to present a unique celebration that focused on five areas of “Thanks.” I also sought to utilize the musical gifts of others in our congregation, arranging music for saxophone, oboe, flute, and brass. I continue to handle the seasonal changing of the banners in our worship space, and served on the Christmas decorating committee again this year.

On behalf of the congregation, I want to thank Andrew Hildebrand and Marilyn Fullmer for their continued service as organist and pianist for our church. The time and effort they put into playing for us is extensive and I do appreciate all that they contribute to the music ministry of our church.

Apart from music, I was involved in several other biblical discipleship events. I continued to lead three small groups this year (two different high school student groups and a men’s Bible study) and was the CBE group leader for one of the small groups that committed to this study. I thoroughly enjoyed the Discipleship Series that Casey held in the spring dealing with some of the tough moral/ethical issues of our day.

CALLING #3: “BEFRIEND OUR NEIGHBORS”

The longer version of this calling adds: “Serving them both near and far.” This is where much of my time was focused again this year, both locally and globally:

• Missions Committee – quarterly meetings, monthly distribution of mission funds, highlighting the missionaries that our church sponsors and their work, support of all mission-related events and opportunities, and monthly mission displays fall under this committee’s responsibilities. We made our $10,000 Congo Clinic payments to the Paul Carlson Partnership in a timely manner, raising the money through our first “Chili and Cornbread” lunch. We participated in KICY’s annual $1.00 offering and raised $172 for our Alaska radio station. We welcomed four of our



Covenant missionary couples and had them speak on Sunday mornings: Roy and Aleta Danforth, Paul and Sheryl Noren, Ken and Adrienne Satterberg, and Harvey and Linda Lundquist. Before Thanksgiving we once again supported the food ministry needs of the Merced County Rescue Mission and donated $2770 to Pastor Bruce and the Mission. During Advent we also sponsored the Christmas Ornament Scholarship Fund for Alaska Christian College.

• When Roy Danforth was here, he brought an agriculture proposal that he hoped the dairymen from our church would support, one that would raise cattle in the Central African Republic to help heal and strengthen communities that have suffered from the civil war. I contacted various dairies and set up meetings to help further Roy’s desire. It was a three year project. However, the price tag ended up being more than we could commit to. Fortunately, Roy’s CEFA Project continues.

• We continue to have a relationship with the Guimaraes family who are missionaries in Brazil, especially through the “Arts and Transformation” program that is such a positive ministry to young artists and musicians in Rio de Janeiro. Wainer was here in the winter and met with several of us to discuss his work in Rio. Then in July, we were pleased to host the “Arts and Transformation” touring group at a Sunday morning service. Their talent was clearly evident, as was their faith in Christ. The team especially enjoyed their lunch at Hilmar Cheese afterwards! • Hilmar High School Resource Chaplain – I am on campus three days a week with students: at FCA Monday morning prayer time, “Huddle” Bible study on Wednesdays, and during lunch on Fridays. I attend the monthly “SARB” meetings (attendance review board) and I served as an interviewer for Portfolio Day. Serving as a chaplain has been a wonderful way to build a strong relationship with the school district.

• Turlock Gospel Mission “Feeding the Homeless” – From April through October, a team of volunteers provided a monthly dinner to TGM’s homeless community. We also offered a short inspirational message to encourage the people before each meal. In November, we again committed to the TGM Winter Relief Ministry and welcomed the homeless into our church with overnight accommodations. However, this year the Mission asked all churches to continue to bring the evening meals into Turlock on their regular monthly schedule, rather feeding the people all at once for one week. Many people of all ages got involved cooking the food, taking it to Turlock, and being present each morning to give them breakfast. The generosity of everyone who volunteered was fantastic. Special thanks to Annette Diliberto and Rhonda Tinley for organizing the details for the week.

• 2016 Mexico Mission Trip – Thanks to Patrick’s active youth group and his commitment to missions, a strong and well-coordinated team of 25 returned to our sister church in Francisco Villa in June. Many on the team were “first timers” as well and it was a fun, powerful, very relational week of ministry together. Because we are no longer with YUGO, we needed a contact to provide us with room and board – and God came through! Ron and Kristy Strushka



(formerly with YUGO) now have a “Community House” in Rosarito that can sleep 30 and they also provide meals for mission teams coming from the States. The accommodations are excellent and comfortable, and made it easy to worship, pray, and plan ministry each day. The women of Iglesia Bautista-Bethel cooked our evening meals and we had lots of hilarity each night after our worship services eating together. Prior to our mission trip, we held our annual Chicken Barbecue fundraiser, which provided enough money to pay a good share of each team member’s expenses. Thanks to Ed and Allyson Montegue and Robert and Silvia Vargas for all their help in cooking chicken and beans!

• 2016 Haiti Mission Trip – On February 21, five of us from Hilmar Covenant joined eight people from Minnesota to form a fantastic mission team in Haiti. We served with the mission organization, “Healing Haiti,” and had a full, exciting, and emotional week of ministry together. It was only the tenth year since the organization was founded, but they are already involved in a wide variety of ministries: orphanage, school, medical/dental care, elder ministry, water delivery, churches, and a bakery/restaurant business. Healing Haiti has also developed a wide array of connections that gave us many opportunities to serve during our week in Port-au-Prince. Our team: Patrick Andrus, Christina Chavez, Tarynn Goiburn, myself, and Hollie Tinley. Patrick was so moved and excited by our experience that he reserved the 2017 week of Hilmar High School spring break to bring a group of students to Haiti. And our team had a very unique experience: we happened to be present for the dedication service of Hope Church, a sanctuary and school built specifically for Cité Soleil residents that was erected on the site where the public latrines used to sit, right on the edge of the Caribbean! Another interesting fact: nearly everyone employed by Healing Haiti is Haitian! And “Job Creation = Orphan Prevention” in Haiti. In the fall, I pursued Patrick’s dream and advertised to get a mission team together for 2017.

• Spanish Ministry – We continue to reach out to our Spanish-speaking neighbors with English classes at convenient times for those who work day and night time shifts. Gracie Rodriguez taught Monday evening classes and Silvia Vargas taught Thursday morning classes in the spring (15 sessions each). In the fall, the Monday night class went on hiatus until more students can be signed up (only one participated in the spring). Other ways we reach out to Spanish speakers are through open gym nights with members of Iglesia del Pacto, “Fit n Free” aerobics, and through WIC, which uses our chapel on Tuesday mornings for their county services.

• Letters To Prisoners – This special ministry continued throughout 2016. Six of our church women are writing to three Christian men in the Pocahontas State Correctional Center in Virginia, where Harvey and Linda Lundquist’s son, Jason, is also incarcerated. The purpose is to encourage these men who are behind bars in their walk with Christ, and to let them know they are cared for. One of the men has been free for nearly two years and has adjusted well to life outside of prison. I also write letters to Jason and to Brian Garrett. Together our writing team is being obedient to Matt. 25:36!



• “Friends Of the Persecuted Church” Prayer and Advocacy Group – Now in our 19th year of lifting up the plight of persecuted Christians around the world! This team of committed volunteers writes letters, contributes funds, petitions government leaders (in the USA and around the world), and PRAYS on behalf of those who face harassment, prejudice, loss of property, injury, and even death because of their commitment to Christ. Once again we highlighted “The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church” in November. Currently our “FOPC” team numbers 17 – including two elementary school girls: Reese Ahlem and Lilly Brewer.

• USDA Food Boxes/Senior Brown Bag Groceries – A terrific, committed team from Hilmar Covenant continues to offer these two vital food ministries to people in our Hilmar/Stevinson communities. On two Tuesdays each month, five people cover the Brown Bag ministry, driving to the Merced County Food Bank by 7:00 a.m. to pack several hundred bags of food and bring them back to over 70 seniors. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, 8 to 10 volunteers receive pallets of food from the USDA truck, pack the food into boxes, and distribute them to over 70 families. Irwin Continuation School has partnered with us, providing four students each month to help with this food ministry - another important, rewarding connection between our church and the school district. Special thanks to Darlene Carvalho, principle at Irwin, for getting these students to us each month.

• Human Trafficking – This is an issue that is finally receiving more attention and more attempts to halt this horrific practice. In April, we hosted Daniel Lemke, a North Park student who spent 15 months riding his bike around the perimeter of the U.S. to bring attention to the trafficking of individuals here in America and around the world. Daniel spent two weeks in our area, speaking to various organizations and groups, at schools, in churches, in one of our discipleship classes - and he made so many positive connections here that in the fall, Daniel decided to move here and begin working toward his goal of creating job opportunities for persons rescued from the trafficking nightmare. Through Daniel’s connections with the Modesto organization, “Without Permission,” several of us met with the director to see how our church might become more involved in addressing the trafficking issue. However, with the disruptions that came as a result of Patrick’s exit from our church, we were not been able to pursue this lead.

• Journey To Mosaic – This four-day experiential ethnic immersion bus trip explores the historical and present day injustices and challenges in our multi-ethnic society. For many years, our Pacific Southwest Conference hosted these trips each year. However, they have not been available recently, so Casey and some pastors from the Bay Area decided we needed to sponsor one ourselves. My role ended up being “dates and details,” organizing the publicity, housing, transportation, most of the presenters, financial needs, and other aspects of the trip. 15 people participated in this J2M trip. Unfortunately, I could not be part of the “Journey” myself.



There are many other ways that we as a church are involved in “Befriending Our Neighbors” that I am not in charge of. I am grateful for all of you in our congregation who lead these very significant opportunities to obey the gospel mandate to love our world in Jesus’ Name: Adopt-A-Highway (Bob Diliberto), Hilmar Helping Hands (Vicki Humble – and a host of helpers!), and the Merced County Rescue Mission (Bruce Metcalf).

Also, as a church we are very generous in opening up our facilities to the community. We also welcome Clothes For Kids, the Missoula theater productions with Merquin and Elim Elementary, open our gym to a number of athletic groups, and this year helped a group do a fundraising dinner for Matthew Watkins, a child in our community with cancer. What tremendous examples these are of “serving [our neighbors] both near and far.”

ETC.

Many other activities round out my work. I continue to serve as the coordinator for our district’s Covenant clergy cluster group that meets monthly throughout the year. I belong to the Covenant worship ministries group, “Better Together,” where I am informed, challenged, entertained, and able to maintain ongoing relationships with other Covenanters who are serving our denomination throughout the U.S. and Canada. I continue to nurture my prayer life with two prayer partners, my devotional life with the weekly men’s Bible Study, my personal relationship with Jesus through meetings with my spiritual director, Missy Stewart, and I deeply appreciated Casey’s six week discipleship class in the spring. With other instrumentalists from church, I participate in the Hilmar Community Band, which gives me more visibility and connections within our community. My volunteer work with high school students continues to be a joy as well: two small groups of guys, helping to organize the Swedish Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale in October, and assisting in the pie auction fundraiser in November for Hume Lake. I keep up the “Calling #3” bulletin board in the Family Center hallway, which includes the “Prayer Wall.” Together with Carolyn Ahlem and Dale Wickstrom, I have been on the Columbarium/Memorial Walk & Garden Committee to help us consider establishing a final resting place for church members, right here on our church grounds, where so much of our life of faith happens. We hope the congregation will see the beauty and meaning of this project and approve it at our spring meeting. Finally, I continue to be challenged, stimulated, and encouraged through the many interesting and provocative books, articles, online pieces, and conversations that have inspired me and keep me excited about ministry in our congregation and in our wider community.

It is no secret that the upheaval in our staff in September was a difficult, emotional, stressful experience with far reaching effects, even up into the New Year. Losing not only Patrick, but also Lynn and Sarah, changed the dynamic of the office, of staff meetings, of planning – so many aspects of staff ministry. With the departure of Devyn after Christmas, I’ve assumed the role of leading congregational music again, with all of the planning and details that this includes, making my weeks more full and complex. However, I know God has been sustaining



us through this time, helping us to deal with concerns while also preparing us for “what’s next” in the life and ministry of our congregation. As I complete my 37th year at Hilmar Covenant, I pray that my part in what’s to come will still be effective and meaningful.

Dan Johnson Associate Pastor



Youth Ministry 2016 was a year in youth ministry of great gains in ministry followed by the regrettable departure of our loved and very skilled Youth and Worship Pastor. And so God has guided us to a moment in this ministry when we have leaned heavily upon wonderful and committed volunteers to continue to offer the message of the gospel to young lives. By God's grace he is guiding us again, having led to us the person I believe is the right pastor for our young people at this time in the life of our church.

For the first months of 2016 our Youth and Worship Pastor, Patrick Andrus, made a wonderful difference in the lives of young people here in Hilmar. Through ministries such as Winter Camp at Hume Lake, day outings such as paintball and trampoline events, many many hours spent on the Middle School and High School campuses, and weekly Wednesday night youth meetings, Patrick and his youth ministry team cared for students going through some of life's hardest years. During this time our weekly youth meetings grew to a regular attendance of over 50 students.

In September, because of personal and family issues, the church supported Patrick's stepping down from his call at Hilmar Covenant. He was, and is, and will be, missed. We have been grateful for our time with him, and pray for him as God leads him and Christina to the next stop on their journey.

Since that time we've had a sharp group of volunteers who have been committed to keeping ministry to students going. Wednesday nights have continued dynamic meetings marked by games, food, and the message of the gospel. I am so grateful for these servants who have loved and cared for the students God has given to our care.

In early 2017 we formed a search committee to find our next Youth Pastor. At this point we think we've found the right person, the person that God has called to this post. And so we are



confident that 2017 and beyond will bring greater strength to our ministry. As always, the ministry we are called to, we are called to together. We do not hire a Youth Pastor, or anyone else, in order to outsource the work that God calls us to. Our new Youth Pastor, and a new era of youth ministry in which we seek to care for the youth of our church and community, will require the work and commitment of the whole church. This occurs in terms of being a supportive community and in terms of individually serving as disciples of Christ. As we engage in ministry together, please consider where you might serve Christ in the church, and how you might support our new Youth Pastor and the ministry God calls him to at Hilmar Covenant.

Good things are happening with our youth, church. Thank you for your support of this ministry into the lives of teens. This is a time of life when God's grace is extraordinarily important.

Pastor Casey



Children’s Ministry Director KidSPACE Purpose: To provide a safe and inviting space for children to come and learn about Jesus, explore their faith, and grow with their families in their journeys with Jesus.

Building on our Purpose:

This past Fall there was a major shift as I, Sarah, transitioned into full-time work at Elim Elementary. Hollie Tinley has worked since August on a part time basis (apx. 10 hours a week) maintaining the weekly needs of the ministry, ensuring KidSPACE still happens each Sunday for HCC families. Sarah continues to oversee the larger events that occur throughout the year as well as make curriculum decisions and schedule planning. She and Hollie work together to organize these aspects of the ministry.

KidSPACE 2016 Goals

Early in 2015 I developed a series of goals, each with the intent of fulfilling the purpose of KidSPACE. Each goal was crafted carefully, in order to ensure it was realistic and achievable, but also purposed to move the ministry forward. Below, I will list each goal and the current status of that goal:

1. Continue to cultivate an environment where kids are part of the body of the church - In Progress • During these services, kids come forward and receive a blessing from Casey. • Going forward, kids will begin to be active participants in the service, leading prayer

and reading times. • Kids also serve with their families on Frontline ministries.

2. Create a safe and organized environment where kids consistently hear a biblical message and are given hands on experiences to explore their faith – In Progress

• Every week our classes run with healthy ratios between adults and children.



Classes and small groups are structured and run in such a way that the gospel message is communicated each week, to all ages.

3. Outreach opportunities and events – Complete and In Progress • VBS!! 2016 was amazing…again! We welcomed 130 kids and had plenty of

volunteers. Once again, we met our budget – many thanks to Mike Schultz, Pam Esposito, Teresa Wells and Chris Collier who somehow build entire worlds out of what seems to be nothing!

• VBS will be held the same week (3rd week in June) this year. The theme has been chosen and the curriculum has been ordered and received. There are currently 140 kids on our registration list. Our theme will be: Maker Fun Factory!

• After VBS last year, we held two fundraising events for the entire purpose of lowering the cost for families to attend VBS. The fireworks booth continues to be profitable, but is a ton of work. It is in question whether we will run the booth again this year due to a lack of someone able to take on the responsibility. KidSPACE also hosted, “Cave Quest Game Night”. With the generous donations of those who attended, combined with profit from the fireworks booth, we are hoping to offer VBS for free or little cost again this year.

• Trunk or Treat keeps going strong! This year, due to not having a volunteer to take on the event at our site, it was held for a second year in a row at Holy Rosary. Sarah, Hollie and Casey worked at the event, helping Holy Rosary volunteers make the event successful. This needs to be re-evaluated this year as to whether this is a viable ministry of our church at this time.

• The 5pm family Christmas Eve service continues to be a success! Over 100 people attended again this year. Rylen Dickey continues to help organize the birthday party portion. We will continue this event in the future.

• Monica Boehme continues to lead our Mommy and Me group that meets every Tuesday from 10am-12pm. During this time, moms with infants and toddlers meet either in the church nursery or at the Boehme home for a play date and time of worship.

Sarah Barton Children’s Ministry Director



Hilmar Christian Children’s Center This past year the ministry of the Children’s Center has seen more change and associated challenges than any year for quite a while. Our dedicated Staff and hardworking Board of Directors have risen to these challenges with barely a visible ripple to those we serve, the community of Hilmar. There are four points to highlight.

Ms. Lynn:

Last year, spring of 2016, Ms. Lynn shared with a small group of Board Members her concern for her health and her energy to direct the business of the Center. The Board granted her the opportunity to take a 2 month sabbatical to re-energize and renew. During the course of the sabbatical she became aware of health issues that would require her full attention. After 25 years of dedication to this community and the ministry of the Center, she notified the Board of her intent to retire in order to take care of herself. The Staff and the Board at the Center took on the responsibilities of running our programs and from the sidelines Ms. Lynn continued to have a positive influence on the Center’s operation.

Search for a new Center Director:

In September of 2016 the Children’s Center Board of Directors selected a Search Team of 5 members to find a new Center Director. This involved creating a job description for a position that had been held by the same person for 25 years. Most importantly we wanted a person who loved children and Jesus as much as Lynn. We found this person after searching and receiving applications from all over the country right here in Hilmar. Leslie Oliveira stepped into the position on April 1st and is as excited to be our new Center Director as we are to have her. If you haven’t met Leslie yet please drop by the Center to say hello. You will find her office right off of the front entry.

Pre-Kindergarten:

The State mandated Pre-Kindergarten (TK) program started full operation at the elementary school this past August 2016. This directly affected the Center’s attendance of preschool aged children. It was difficult to predict the impact to the Center’s budget and staffing needs of this unprecedented event. Fortunately the Preschool side of the ministry has recovered and already has a waiting list. No staffing layoffs resulted. The biggest impact is we are now serving a younger group of children at the Center and we have a very tired group of 4 year old students getting off the bus in the afternoon.

Minimum Wage Increases:

Over 2/3’s of the Center’s operating expense is labor. The recent and continuing increases in the minimum wage are having a direct and profound impact on the Center finances. The Board is currently working on a structured wage scale to insure staff is paid according to



experience and responsibility while anticipating minimum wage requirements. Future tuition increases are being planned in anticipation for the continuing minimum wage increases.

New Board Members:

The Children’s Center Board had a large number of members leave last year due to “timing-out.” We are thankful for the folks who have stepped into the vacant seats. In order to reduce the possibility of this happening again there are short term positions in place to insure timely Board turnover. In the meantime the Past Center Chairperson is continuing to attend meetings to help with continuity.

Ed Montague For the HCCC Board



Church Council The Church Council is a unique ministry in the life of the church. It is, by its nature, the only ministry in the church that is responsible for all areas of church ministry. In this sense, it is a big ministry, and the 10 of us called to this ministry (9 elected Council members plus Pastor Casey), do our best to work as a team, approaching the call with an attitude of integrity to God, respect for his church, and community with one another and all of the church's members. Council is a ministry of leadership and cooperation for the purpose of planning and equipping the church to accomplish the work to which God has called us all together.

Ministry in 2016 saw Pastor Casey and Rod Jorritsma, our Chair, work closely together to lead the Council towards tightening our ministry together around teamwork and community in our Council team and in all of our ministry teams. This occurred through our monthly meetings in which we both managed the business of the church and sought to lead our church forward in God's call, as well as through dedicated planning retreats and meetings.

In September we were faced with the sudden departure of our Youth and Worship Pastor, Patrick. At this time we, as leadership, pulled together to care for Patrick and Christina, and to sort out youth and worship ministry, and all church ministry, going forward. We put into place some temporary ministry solutions, and made longer term plans for our church's life together. One of the pieces of the puzzle was to meet with a church consultant who has worked with our church many times before in order to seek advice about ministry and staffing into the future.

In December all Council members, including those newly elected to this ministry, met with Covenant Pastor and church consultant Doug Stevens. Out of the weekend spent with Doug, his conversations with the Council, with numerous church members, with staff, and with Pastor Casey, 4 recommendations were made. These were:

1) Pastor Casey and Council should continue to work towards healthy and productive communication in all areas of ministry in the church. Doug gave us practical and very helpful guidance for the team relationship between Pastor and Council, staff and Council. We work together as a team, and primary for that to work in an effective and healthy manner is clear communication. Some of the areas we've worked at since this recommendation include structuring our meetings in such a way as to balance ministry and church management in a healthier way, and to take a more purposeful approach in equipping the church for ministry.

2) The church must find a way to engage 30-50 year olds in such a way to move this generation toward taking greater ownership of the life of the church moving into the future. Right now we have a generation of church-goers committed to the church, but for a variety of reasons inconsistently present in both attendance and service. There are cultural and local reasons for this, but the calling for the church is to engage this generation beyond



commitment into transformation for the long-term life and health of God's people here in Hilmar and the spread of the gospel into the community and world.

3) In terms of staffing, Doug recommended to be deliberate about staffing into the future for the church. He was very clear that Pastor Dan is a valuable and essential part of the staff dynamic here at the church. While Dan will come to a point of retirement in the next few years, we should treasure his wealth of knowledge, experience, and his heart for this community and for the world. Another recommendation here was to hire a youth pastor in the immediate future. And, if we could not find one with worship leading skills this is understandable. However, make plans for how to handle contemporizing worship moving forward. All in all, staffing is based on the needs of a church at any particular moment, and what type of staff a church is able to and willing to support. The Council has taken action on hiring a youth pastor, and making a plan for worship going forward. This has included engaging with Dan about his future plans. We continue to work hard at this as a top priority moving forward.

4) Continue to consult with evaluations of the church from the past (McIntosh and Veritas, especially) for the value of their honest assessment and suggested direction for the church, and yet focus on the present moment of the church and how to shape its future in alignment with the vision God is giving us now.

One area that we will push into in 2017 will be formalizing the structure and function of ministry teams. Our bylaws, based on sound and effective ministry practices and structures, lay out for us a ministry structure characterized by teams. Pastor Casey has made a proposal for how to structure and care for teams and volunteers in a more streamlined fashion. These are continuing conversations and implementations we are working hard on.

As Christ's church, we are all called to serve one another. The Council is a team of regular church members who God has placed together to serve the church by planning and implementing God's plan for our church in this time and place. In this sense, we serve you, church, in equipping all of our people for life together as we work towards God's Kingdom within our hearts, in our community, and throughout the world.

Thank you for your participation in Christ's gospel,

Hilmar Covenant Church Council, 2016



Stewardship Team - 2016 Hilmar Covenant continues to be well served by a dedicated corp of volunteers dedicated to “keeping an eye on” finances and facilities. My thanks to Andy Danbom, Lloyd Erlandson, Sam Postma, Dick Clauss, and Keith Waterson. A special thank you to Sam who oversees needed repairs and maintenance while performing most himself and to Clayborne Souza who monitors our vehicles and keeps its passengers safe. The church continues to be well served by our outside accountant, Mike Kambel.

Overall finances are seeing slowing falling offering (3% lower in 2016) while spending is continually reevaluated especially in the area of staffing. 2016 budget vs actual had expenses 4% lower offsetting 3% lower giving. The church’s savings and “rainy day” funds continue to be in strong position.

Equipment needs are met and rectified as they occur. Maintenance projects included gym floor bubbling repair, pigeon roosting mediation, FC kitchen air curtain install, and HCCC parking lot resealing. All commitments to denomination, conference, and missions were met.

May God continue to bless us with His amazing provision.

Sincerely,

Art DeRooy Stewardship Team Chair

The word of God came to Solomon saying, “About this Temple you are building—what’s important is that you live the way I’ve set out for you and do what I tell you, following my instructions carefully and obediently. Then I’ll complete in you the promise I made to David your father. I’ll personally take up my residence among the Israelites—I won’t desert my people Israel.” I Kings 6:11-13 MSG



Missions Committee Funding for the following people and/or organizations comes from the missions committee. February: Harvey Lundquist March: KICY April: Paul Carlson Partnership May: Alaska Christian College June: ECC - Danforth’s CEFA Project July: Brazil – Waiver & Magui Guinaraes “The Bridge Covenant Church” August: ECC - Karl & Mary Noren September: Merced County Rescue Mission October: ECC - The Great Open Door (Bibles for China) November: MGF in Turlock

Prison Ministry - Writers are Deanna Barnes, Karen Souza, Deanna Raya, Norma Avilla, Gwen Schulz, Joell Erlandson & Dan Johnson. The men appreciate hearing from the faithful letter writing team.

English Classes - Silvia Vargas has morning classes of 5 women. The Monday night class led by Gracie Rodriquez, had only 1 student, so it has been stopped until there are more students signed up. Christina Chavez was helping with child care and used the funds she earned towards her Haiti Mission Trip.

Mexico Mission Trip - This year’s Mexico Mission trip was held June 18-24. Since we no longer partner with YUGO, we have connected with the Strushkas in Rosarito, for hosting the mission teams. The limit is 28 people for transportation and stay in their new dorm, minististry site. The purpose is to give high school and college age students an experience in cross cultural missions at a very afford price. The Chicken BBQ was held May 21 and they raised $4,916.00 Thank you for all your support!! Everyone was fully engaged in ministry throughout the week, there were more “first-timers” and high school students than in past years. Turlock Covenant donated $1,500 to the team so there was more than enough funds for the trip.

Paul Carlson Partnership – January started our 3rd year of supporting the Ngbonge Clinic in the village of Bogbomana (pop. 4472). The staff is made up of 5 men and a male guard. (It has 2 nurses and 3 nursing assistants, plus a guard (all males). Sunday, March 15th, after worship we held a “Chili Fundraiser Lunch”. We received nearly $4,000 in donations, we since added to our total and we were able to send our pledge of $5,000!! Thank you!!

Berea Lutheran Food Ministries – This continues on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month. We are constantly serving over 60 seniors Brown Bags and over 70 families with USDA food boxes.



Students from Irwin High School continue to assist with packing food when school is on. There is always a need for more volunteers to pack. Turlock Gospel Mission – We continue to provide dinners for Turlock Gospel Mission, every third Wednesday of month, beginning in May. Volunteer help is important, to help cook, serve the meal, and clean up. Marilyn Fullmer is the contact person. Annette Diliberto and Ronda Tinley handled coordinating the details for the “Winter Relief” overnight ministry that took place Nov. 27 – Dec. 3. We provided dinner, breakfast and an overnight place for the homeless women and children. Thank you to all who volunteered.

KICY - Each year each Covenant church is asked to take a $1.00 door offering after service in October. This year October 25th we donated $171.00 for them. Thank you one and all for sharing.

Haiti – Our California team joined with the Minnesota team and they experienced ministry in indescribable ways and were challenged and pushed way past anyone’s comfort zone. A door offering of $3,750 came in and was an incredible blessing. “We received more from the Haitian people than we provided them”.

School Chaplaincy – Pastor Dan continues to be on the Hilmar High campus, 3 days a week for a total of 2 hrs. He also attends the student’s attendance review board meetings. These are intense meeting with delinquent students and their parents. Dan also volunteers as an interviewer on Portfolio Day. In October, Melissa Ahlem became the Hilmar High Counselor and Turlock Chaplaincy representative to discuss implementing the program that is working with great success in Turlock: “Character Coaches”. Hilmar Unified School District officially terminated their relationship with Merced Col Sheriff Dept. and is working under the Turlock Chaplaincy Program. Anyone can become a chaplain, not just clergy.

Salvation Army Satellite Office - The Salvation Army started coming to our church the same Tuesday as the WIC and food ministries to provide easier and more convenient service to Hilmar/Stevinson residents. They are here 9:00 am to noon to help with utility payments, housing issues, legal concerns, etc.

Alaska Christian College - In December at our monthly Mission Focus area, we made available to all a chance to support the ACC Scholarship Fund. A card and picture of individuals were made to take home with you. It is meant as a prayer reminder and support for the college.

Missionary Visits – Paul & Sheryl Noren, from Congo, gave a sermon and presentation in March about their work in Congo. The civil war in the Central African Republic is over now, a new president has been elected, democratically and there is healing. In April, Ken & Adrine Satterberg spoke of their work with the Muslins in Marseille, France with those rescued from human trafficking. Harvey & Linda Lundquist visited in April speaking of their work in Alaska



and provided a “Alaska Lunch” for us after worship. Roy & Aleta Danforth were here the last of April with his “Project/Proposal” with several of our dairy people. It is an ambitious & costly project and requires broad commitment. There was definite interest in helping Roy but the $250,000+ amount is a goal that will require more participation than from just those who were here. It is a timely project that would do much to heal & improve lives there, so we can pray about God’s will and direction.

Journey to Mosaic – At the the Midwinter Conference, Pastor Casey and Dan met with 2 Bay Area Covenant Churches organize our own J2M experience. The dates were July 21-24. It was an intense, deeply moving and insightful cross-racial experience. This ended up being a powerful experience for 12 people. Deeply meaningful for those that went, eyes were opened to the real life experiences that people of color face in our society through history as well as now. There was a Big Thank You to those of the Missions Committee that provided the Saturday night meal for the J2M group.

Human Trafficking – Daniel Lemke spent 15 months riding his bike around the outline of the U.S., to raise awareness about the terrible issue that is rampant throughout the world. Pastor Dan invited him to our area to hare this message and to raise money for his foundation. He came in April to speak in Turlock, Ripon and here. Trafficking is happening in towns near by and maybe even here in Hilmar! We invited the whole community to come, hear about this timely and relevant global issue. He made a presentation at the Sunday night discipleship class, that was well attended and there was interest for us as a church to do something to help make a difference. Because of his experience here, he is hoping to return and settle in Turlock to continue his desire to help rescue those already trafficked and stop this evil practice. This issue is so vast and complicating, the ways to respond require a wide array of resources. Merced Co. has nothing in place to start combating trafficking in any form. Pam Esposito, Chris Collier & Dan met with Debbie Johnson, who leads “Without Permission” in Modesto, to help us find ways that we can begin to address this human evil here. In the summer, Chris & Dan Collier, along with Dan met with the Forts in Atwater to consider ways to get county leadership organized to better combat human trafficking in any form. They want to get a large number of local leaders, educators, pastors, etc. along with county law enforcement, justice officials, social services, etc, to see our concern, support and strong desire to work on this issue in a serious and focused manner. Dan emailed HUSD administrators and board members, suggesting this plan in order to move forward and they are whole-heartedly behind it. Daniel returned to our area early fall to begin his mission to help victims of trafficking to heal and get rehabilitated back into normal life. He is pursing his idea to open an aqua-ponics farm that will offer employment to victims. He built a small garden in our back entry way to show what it will look like. Daniel has been volunteering as one our youth leaders, during our time without a youth pastor.

Joell Erlandson Missions Committee



Hilmar Christian Children's Center – Year End Financials


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INCOMETUITION $442,332.00REGISTRATION FEES $9,600.00FUNDRAISERS $3,000.00INTEREST INCOME $120.00LATE FEES $8,400.00MISC INCOME $72.00

TOTAL INCOME $463,524.00

EXPENSESPERSONNEL EXPENSESWAGES $334,448.00PAYROLL TAXES $25,475.00MEDICAL BENEFIT $600.00STAFF CHILDREN TUITION $9,600.00WORKERS COMP INS $11,154.00

TOTAL PERSONNEL EXPENSES $381,277.00

VARIABLE EXPENSESBANK CHARGES $0.00BAD DEBT EXPENSES $2,000.00DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS $591.00EDUCATION & SEMINARS $0.00FAMILY ASSISTANCE $15,000.00LAUNDRY & UNIFORMS $1,800.00SNACKS $15,540.00SPECIAL EVENTS $700.00FACILITY SUPPLIES $10,800.00EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES $2,000.00MISC EXPENSE $499.00OUTSIDE SERVICES $12,600.00REPAIRS & MAINT. $2,043.00UTILITIES $12,000.00

TOTAL VARIABLE EXPENSES $75,573.00

FIXED EXPENSESLIABILITY INSURANCE $5,464.00TAX, LICENSE & PERMITS $1,210.00

TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES $6,674.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $463,524.00

NET PROFIT $0.00

HILMAR CHRISTIAN CHILDREN'S CENTER BUDGET 2017



Covenant Church Year-End Financials



HILMAR COVENANT CHURCH 2017 Budget Proposal v4

11/30/2016

2015 Actual

2016 Budget

2016 Estimate

2017 Budget

IncomeBudgeted Income

5010 · OFFERING ENVELOPES & CASH 611,380 635,277 606,096 605,856Total Budgeted Income 611,380 635,277 606,096 605,856

Expense 6% 0% over est

7000 · Salaries 6% 5% below bud

Pastor salary 69,072 72,462 72,462 73,186Assistant Pastor salary 59,109 59,016 59,016 59,607Youth/Worship Minister salary 43,371 49,980 41,169 49,000Children's Ministry Director 30,206 37,788 26,592 13,162Youth Ministry Assistant 1,055 3,120 7,865 12,000Secretary 31,998 34,964 34,964 35,314Office Assistant 12,106 13,133 11,680 0Custodian/Maintenance 3,515 3,500 3,500 3,535Instrumentalists 15,181 16,059 16,059 16,219

TOTAL SALARIES 265,614 290,021 273,307 262,023

7100 · Staff expenses7065 · STAFF/COUNCIL MISCELLANEOUS 4,956 3,500 3,744 3,5007070 · DELEGATES STAFF 6,777 4,600 4,600 4,6007080 · DELEGATES LAY 0 1,000 0 1,0007060 · CON'T ED 2,965 4,000 3,042 3,0007050 · PENSION FUND 20,801 22,682 22,682 22,7247040 · INS - EMPLOYEE HEALTH 44,648 46,551 47,781 47,8807030 · INS - WORKERS COMP 1,889 2,126 2,126 2,1267020 · TAXES - PAYROLL 7,090 6,809 7,206 6,138

TOTAL STAFF EXPENSES 89,126 91,268 91,181 90,968

7200 · Church maintenace and utilities7185 · EQUIPMENT PURCHASES 20,538 4,000 4,000 4,0007420 · INSURANCE - VAN & AUTO 1,666 3,800 4,034 4,0347410 · INSURANCE - CHURCH 15,060 15,032 15,032 15,3327540 · TAXES - PROPERTY 477 500 500 5007242 · OUTSIDE SERVICE- MISC 440 480 480 4807241 · OUTSIDE SERVICE- JANITORIAL 18,333 17,936 17,936 17,9367240 · OUTSIDE SERVICES-LAWN MAINT 24,259 22,235 22,235 22,2357150 · PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SVS 13,899 13,158 13,158 13,1587140 · PIANO & ORGAN MAINT 693 500 1,019 5007130 · VAN & AUTO 9,263 9,382 7,374 8,3827120 · CHURCH MAINT & SUPPLIES 34,198 22,000 23,000 22,0007110 · UTILITIES 43,314 42,450 41,450 43,523

TOTAL CHURCH MAINT 182,140 151,473 150,218 152,080



HILMAR COVENANT CHURCH 2017 Budget Proposal v4

11/30/2016

2015 Actual

2016 Budget

2016 Estimate

2017 Budget

7300 · Worship and educational expense7211 · GUEST SPKERS MUSIC & PROG 8,800 4,900 10,775 2,9007192 · POSTAGE 2,702 2,200 2,200 2,0007190 · OFFICE EXPENSE 24,209 24,000 24,000 24,0007160 · COVENANT COMPANION 4,230 2,400 0 2,4007170 · COVENANT HOME ALTAR 202 400 400 400

TOTAL WORSHIP AND ED EXPENSES 40,143 33,900 37,375 31,700

7600 · Church Practical Ministries7610 - GENERAL MINISTRY & EVENTS 1,950 0 0 07620 - WELCOMING & RELATIONSHIPS 1,550 0 0 07630 - BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP 2,650 0 0 07640 - YOUTH 4,270 5,200 5,200 5,2007645 - CHILDREN 3,895 4,600 4,600 4,6007650 - WORSHIP/MUSIC 2,448 1,000 1,000 1,0007680 - MISSIONS/CMJ 5,800 5,800 5,800 5,800

TOTAL CHURCH MINISTRIES 22,563 16,600 16,600 16,600

7400 · Church Mission responsibilities7341 · ALASKA MISSION 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,0007320 · PACIFIC SOUTH WEST CONF 14,333 15,672 15,672 15,8287310 · COVENANT COMMITMENT 28,665 31,343 31,343 31,657

TOTAL CHURCH RESPONSIBILITIES 47,998 52,015 52,015 52,485

7900 · Interest Expense 272 0 0 0

Total Church Expense 647,856 635,277 620,696 605,856

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