ANNUAL REPORT2017

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran ChurchLewisburg, Pennsylvania

Our Vision: Making Christ known as we worship, serve and grow in faith

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be heldSunday, January 28, 2018 in the Sanctuary at noon

following the 10:30 AM service.

Please read the enclosed reports and bring this report to the meeting.Please bring any errors or omissions in this report to the

attention of the Church Office before the Annual Meeting.

Annual Report for the Year 2017Table of Contents

Statement of Mission & Vision.........................................................................3

Church Staff & Congregation Council................................................................4

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting—December 11, 2016: Election of 2017 Council Members & Approval of 2017 Budget..................5

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting—January 29, 2017: Annual Congregational Meeting...................................................................6

Church Staff & Congregation Council Reports: Parochial Report ..........................................................................................9 Staff Report................................................................................................10 Council President’s Report.........................................................................12 Pastor’s Report...........................................................................................13 Pastor’s Statistical Report...........................................................................16 Faith Formation Coordinator Report..........................................................18 Music Team Report....................................................................................21

Committee Reports: Administration & Personnel Committee....................................................23 Altar Guild..................................................................................................23 Archives Committee...................................................................................24 Banner Committee.....................................................................................25 Benevolent Endowment Fund....................................................................26 Cooperative Preschool...............................................................................27 Evangelism & Fellowship Ministries ..........................................................27 Finance Committee....................................................................................29 Implementation Team................................................................................29 Kunkel Trust Committee.............................................................................30 Nominating Committee..............................................................................31 Parsonage/Property Committee.................................................................31 Social Ministries Committee.......................................................................32 Staff Support Committee............................................................................35 Stewardship Committee.............................................................................35 Technology Committee..............................................................................36 Worship & Music Committee.....................................................................36

Financial Pages: Statement of Assets & Equity Balance—December 31, 2017 Treasurer’s Report—December 31, 2017 2017 Fund Activity

2

2014 thru 2017 Budgets vs. Proposed 2018 BudgetChrist’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Statement of Mission

The congregation of Christ’s Lutheran Church, having been nourished by the gifts of Word and Sacrament, is called to:

Be faithful to the Gospel and its proclamation in word and deed;

Worship God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit with devotion, piety and vigor, according to the mandate of the Scriptures and practices of the Church;

Be involved in apostolic works of mercy and love to our community and, through our benevolence, to the world;

Be a community of learning, encouraging one another to become involved in opportunities to deepen our understanding of the Gospel and the faith of the Church;

Be a community whose common life is characterized by understanding, support, fellowship and forgiveness;

Develop leadership for the work of the parish and the wider work of the Church, i.e., Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America;

Grow in our appreciation for God’s good gifts by giving generously of our time, abilities and money;

Proclaim the Gospel to those outside the Church as an invitation to share in the life of Christ’s people;

Love one another as Christ has loved us;

Work and pray for peace and justice in our nation and the world;

Work and pray for the unity of the Church;

Affirm the future as filled with opportunities for growth in obedience to our Lord and His service.

OUR CONGREGATIONAL VISION:

Making Christ known as we worship, serve and grow in faith.

3

Church Staff 2017 Pastor.......................................................................................................The Rev. William HendersonOrganist/Music Coordinator............................................................................................Joanne VaseyCoordinator of Faith Formation...................................................................................Charlene RineerChoir Director................................................................................................................Brandy AguirreSecretary................................................................................................................................Lee TroupBookkeeper.......................................................................................................................Diane ZackerCooperative Preschool Teachers......................................................Bonnie Kelchner & Erinn GramleyCooperative Preschool AM & PM Aides.........................................Stacey Meachum & Kim Batkowski Sexton & Lock-up...................................................................................................................Ruth MullAuthorized Lay Worship Leader...........................................................................................Tom Booth

Congregation Council 2017President.....................................................................................................................Tom StahlneckerVice-President...................................................................................................................Wayne HookSecretary.............................................................................................................................Carol AppleTreasurer.........................................................................................................................Tim EshelmanRecording Secretary........................................................................................................Susan Smalley Assistant Recording Secretary......................................................................................Bonnie MeckleyAssistant to the Treasurer..................................................................................................Bill Bollinger

Terms Expire 12/31/2017 Terms Expire 12/31/2018 Terms Expire 12/31/2019 Laura Adams Rick Faux Carol Apple Julie Albright Wayne Hook Gary Parks Julie Borys Sarah Patte Matt Hepner Tom Stahlnecker

Keith Wain

2017 Parish Committee Chairs/Council RepresentativesAdministration & Personnel Committee...............................Rich Kuczawa / Rick FauxBenevolent Endowment Fund..............................................Tim Apple / Julie AlbrightEvangelism & Fellowship Ministries....................................Betty Hook / Laura AdamsFaith Formation Team....................................................Charlene Rineer / Lori MoyerFinance Committee...............................................................Tim Apple / Wayne HookImplementation Team....................................Rick Slear / Rich Kuczawa / Sarah PatteKunkel Trust Committee....................................................Andy Wargo / Wayne HookProperty/Parsonage Committee.........................................Kevin Baker / Dennis TatarSocial Ministries.................................................................Janet Shuman / Julie BorysStaff Support Committee...............................................Carole Bollinger / Carol AppleStewardship Committee..........................................................Tim Goff / Matt HepnerTechnology Committee........................................Tom Stahlnecker / Tom StahlneckerWorship & Music Committee......................................Tom Booth / Pastor Henderson

Council AppointmentsUpper Susquehanna Synod Delegates.............................Bill Borys / Emma Gearhart / Ron LaniewskiRepresentatives to the Lewisburg Council of Churches........................Julie Borys / Melinda OverdorfRepresentative to the Cooperative Preschool..............................................................Carole BollingerCongregational Representative to Camp Mount Luther.............................................Tom StahlneckerKunkel Trust.......................................................................................................................Wayne HookBenevolent Endowment Fund...........................................................................................Julie AlbrightCouncil Representatives on Nominating Committee................................Laura Adams / Dennis Tatar

4

Lindig Foundation.........................................................................................................Dennis Meckley

5

Minutes of the December Congregational Meeting toApprove 2017 Budget & Elect 2017 Council Members

December 11, 2016

The meeting was opened at 11:35 am by President Tom Stahlnecker with 74 Voting Members in attendance. Pastor Henderson opened with prayer.

Tom Stahlnecker opened the meeting by announcing the names of the Council Members whose terms will be completed at the end of December. They are: Susan Tatar, Ann Sabol, Bill Borys and Carol Apple.

Members remaining on Council for 2017 are: Lori Moyer, Laura Adams, Julie Borys, Dennis Tatar, Rick Faux, Tom Stahlnecker, Wayne Hook and Sarah Patte.

Rick Faux nominated Julie Albright and Wayne Hook nominated Matt Hepner from the floor. Bill Bollinger made a motion to close the floor to nominations and Bill Wagner seconded the motion. Motion was carried.

The new Council Members to be voted on for the four open positions in 2017 are: Carol Apple, Gary Parks, Matt Hepner and Julie Albright. Susan Smalley has volunteered to be Recording Secretary.

New members were invited to the Council Meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2016 to elect executive members and CPIC for 2017.

The Voting Members then voted and while ballots were being counted, Tim Eshelman, Treasurer, reviewed the budget for 2017.

2017 Budgeted Expenses are $3,000, or almost 1% less than the 2016 Budget.

To cover Budgeted Expenses for 2017 giving must increase $38,000 or approximately 10% compared to where we expect to end 2016.

No additional questions were presented on the budget.

Ron Laniewski made a motion to approve the Operating Budget as presented and Ed Thomas seconded the motion. The motion was passed by the Voting Members present.

Upon completion of the vote count the following new Council Members were announced: Carol Apple, Gary Parks, Julie Albright, and Matt Hepner. (Julie and Matt will be voted in by the new Council and will serve one-year terms.)

A motion was made by Melinda Overdorf to adjourn the meeting with a second by Cindy Skelton. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Submitted by Council Secretary,Susan Tatar

5Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Minutes of the January Congregational MeetingJanuary 29, 2017

The meeting was called to order by President Tom Stahlnecker at 11:50 am. There were a sufficient number of members present to conduct business.

Pastor Henderson offered the opening prayer.

INTRODUCTION OF 2017 COUNCIL MEMBERS

President Stahlnecker introduced the 2017 Council members:

Terms Expiring in 2017 Terms Expiring in 2018 Terms Expiring 2019Laura Adams Rick Faux Carol AppleJulie Albright Wayne Hook Gary ParksJulie Borys Sarah PatteMatt Hepner Tom StahlneckerLori MoyerDennis Tatar

Officers for 2017: Tom Stahlnecker, President; Wayne Hook, Vice President; Carol Apple, Secretary.

The terms for six Council members will expire at the end of 2017 due to a technicality. The church By-Laws require that potential Council members must express their interest in serving by the first week in December. Matt Hepner and Julie Albright expressed a willingness to serve later in December. When the problem was realized, Council chose to appoint Julie and Matt to one year terms. They are both eligible to seek election at the end of this one-year appointment.

APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13, 2015 & JANUARY 24, 2016, CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES

There being no questions or concerns regarding the minutes of the December 13, 2015, meeting and the January 24, 2016, meeting, Emma Gearhart moved they be accepted as presented. Tom Livingston seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

REVIEW OF 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

President Stahlnecker went through the Annual Report section by section and asked if there were any questions. In response to a question raised about the suspension of the Cub and Boy Scout troops at CELC, President Stahlnecker responded that the number of boys participating has dwindled. While every attempt was made to rejuvenate the programs, the Scout activities were suspended effective December 31, 2016. Those involved with the troops hope that there will be an opportunity to reactivate scouting sometime in the future.

7

Pastor Henderson pointed out two things in regard to his section of the Annual Report.

1. His report did not focus so much on a list of things he did this year, but tried to place CELC activities in 2016 in context with the bigger picture of what is happening within us and around us. He asked members to please read it.

2. He extended an apology to Amy Kenny who is referred to as a volunteer in his report when in fact she does receive a small stipend and is therefore a staff member.

President Stahlnecker reported that the Financial Report is included; however, the audit report is not. Audit reports are available for review upon request. CELC received a clean audit.

SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS

President Stahlnecker reported that Joanne Vasey, Charlene Rineer, and Pam Baker served as CELC’s Synod Assembly representatives in 2016.

President Stahlnecker asked for volunteers to serve as Synod Assembly representatives in 2017. The Assembly is held Friday and Saturday the third week in June. The following members volunteered to serve: Ron Laniewski, Bill Borys, and Emma Gearhart. Melinda Overdorf moved to accept the three 2016 Synod Assembly volunteers. Bill Wagner seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

President Stahlnecker reported that in 2016 Bill Borys, Carol Apple, Susan Tater, and Bill Wagner served as the Nominating Committee. Typically, there are six Nominating Committee members. Laura Adams and Dennis Tater have agreed to serve as Council’s representatives on the 2017 Nominating Committee. The following four Congregation members volunteered to serve on the 2017 Nominating Committee: Dennis Meckley, Tim Apple, Sue Cox and Judy Bechtel.

AMENDMENTS TO THE MODEL CONSTITUTION

Pastor Henderson explained the Churchwide Assembly meets every three years. Proposed changes to the Model Constitution are considered at that time. Pastor Henderson referred to the Model Constitution approved by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly with additions and deletions highlighted in yellow.

Pastor Henderson explained that the majority of the changes are:

1. To establish a recognizable title for lay professionals within the church.

2. To redefine the title of Pastor.

Prior to the proposed changes, lay people were known by several different titles depending on what church they served. These individuals will now be known by the title “Minister of Word and Service / Deacon.” The title of “Ordained Minister” is changed to “Minister of Word and

8

Sacrament.” Pastor Henderson explained that almost all the revisions appearing in the document are a result of these changes.

According to Section 17.04 of the Constitution, the congregation must receive proposed Model Constitutional changes at least 30 days prior to a meeting where the changes are affirmed. This was not possible, because the proposed changes were not received at CELC until early in January. Following are suggestions on how to proceed:

1. Provide at least 30 days for the congregation to review the Model Constitution and hold a special Congregational meeting to affirm all revisions and changes. If at least 20 congregation members opt today that this is the best way to proceed, the proposed changes will be incorporated into the CELC Constitution and copies of the CELC Constitution will be mailed to all congregation members. After a 30 day review period, a special Congregational meeting will be convened to affirm the revisions and changes.

2. If there are less than 20 people who want to have a 30-day review period and special meeting, action can be taken today to affirm the proposed changes.

3. In response to a question about how Pastor Henderson feels about changing “Ordained Minister” to “Minister of Word and Sacrament,” Pastor responded that the wording does not change the fact that a minister must be ordained to serve a church. He has no problem with the proposed change.

President Stahlnecker asked for a show of hands by those individuals who would like to see printed copies of the CELC Constitution that include the proposed changes made by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly followed by a special Congregational meeting. No hands were raised.

Dennis Meckley moved to affirm the changes to the Model Constitution as proposed by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. Ron Laniewski seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Pastor Henderson noted changes to the CELC’s constitution will be made in the near future and posted to the website. Paper copies will also be available.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no additional business, Pastor Henderson offered the closing prayer. Rick Faux moved for adjournment at 12:25 p.m. Charlene Rineer seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Apple, SecretaryCELC Church Council

9

2017 Parochial ReportAverage Attendance at Sunday Worship2017 Ave. Sunday Worship: 195 2016 Ave. Sunday Worship: 186 2015 Ave. Sunday Worship: 185

Attendance at Special Services2017 2016 2015

Ash Wednesday 97 67 80 (snow)Easter Sunday 375 365 318Christmas Eve 4:30 pm *232 225 209Christmas Eve 7:00 pm *206 211 178Christmas Eve 10:00 pm *NA 91 117*NOTE: Only two Christmas Eve Services in 2017. 4 Advent Service 9:30 am 12/24/17: 101Changes in MembershipBaptized Membership: 12/31/16 736 Confirmed Membership: 12/31/16 592Baptized Members received: Confirmed Members received:By Child Baptism 2 By Confirmation 2 By Adult Baptism 0 By Adult Baptism 0 By Affirmation of Faith 5 By Affirmation of Faith 4 By Transfer from ELCA 3 By Transfer from ELCA 3 By Transfer other Lutheran 3 By Transfer other Lutheran 3 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 4 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 2 Total Members Received 2017 17 Total Members Received 2017 14

Baptized Members Removed: Confirmed Members Removed:By Death 6 By Death 6By Transfer Lutheran 1 By Transfer Lutheran 1 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 1 By Transfer Non-Lutheran 1 By Other Means 1 By Other Means 0

Total Baptized Removed 2017 9 Total Confirmed Removed 2017 8

Baptized Membership 12/31/17 744 Confirmed Membership 12/31/17 598

Ten-Year Statistical Pattern2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Ave. Sunday Attendance

253 237 224 227 228 213 200 185 186 195

Baptized 771 764 755 750 764 759 749 746 736 744Child 121 118 124 120 131 116 102 96 69 67

Confirmed 637 634 620 619 625 616 605 603 592 598Communing(Members)

(All)523 506 514 513 521 505 491

579453588

418668

464773

*Voting 485 469 436 460 466 449 447 409 391 404

*Voting Members are confirmed members who have communed and made a contribution of record during the current year (2017) and the preceding year (2016).

10

Staff Report 2017

The following personnel were the paid staff of Christ’s Lutheran Church during the year 2017:

Pastoral Staff:

The Rev. William S. Henderson..................................................................................Senior PastorCalled by the CELC Congregation – April 27, 2008Began service at CELC – June 24, 2008

Program Staff:

Charlene Rineer.............................................................................Coordinator of Faith FormationEmployment: October 2011 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Oversee the Faith Formation program.

Joanne VaseyOrganist/Music Coordinator/Director Parish Peal Handbell ChoirEmployment: May 2011 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Oversee the Music program, act as organist, select hymns, direct Parish Peal Handbell Choir, assists with instrumental ensembles, Children’s Choir, Youth Drumming Ensemble, Orff Ensemble.

Brandy Vasey.................................................Choir Director/Director Youth Drumming EnsembleEmployment: September 2014 – present Duties & Responsibilities: Directs the Parish Choir, Men’s Choir & Children’s Ensemble, assists with the Orff Ensemble.

Amy Kenny......................................................................................... Musical Ensembles DirectorEmployment: December 15, 2011 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Directs the Renew Contemporary Ensemble & assists with various instrumental ensembles.

Support Staff:

Lee Troup.............................................................................................................Church SecretaryEmployment: July 15, 2008 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: receptionist, secretary, computer, edit newsletter, web page, order supplies, produce & print Sunday bulletins, etc.

Diane Zacker................................................................................................................BookkeeperEmployment: September 2005 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Bookkeeping, financial reports.

Ruth Mull............................................................................................................Sexton & Lock-UpEmployment: October 1989 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Clean and maintain the interior facilities, lock-up the facility at night.

11

Preschool Staff:

Bonnie Kelchner ......................................................................................................TeacherEmployment: September 2004 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Lead teacher Pre-Kindergarten class Monday through Friday.

Erinn Gramly............................................................................................................TeacherEmployment: October 2015 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Lead teacher 2 to 3 year old class Tuesday/Thursday and 3 to 4 year old class Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Stacey Meachum...................................................................................Teacher’s AssistantEmployment: October 2015 - presentDuties & Responsibilities: Teacher’s assistant PM classes.

Kim Batkowski.......................................................................................Teacher’s AssistantEmployment: September 2017 – presentDuties & Responsibilities: Teacher’s assistant AM classes

Carole Bollinger..........................................................................Administrator (Volunteer)

12

Council President’s Report

It has been an interesting and exciting year in our congregation’s life. This past year we celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The events leading to and the world wide results of Martin Luther’s stance were a significant part of what we studied in October. Articles about the Reformation anniversary could also found in literature from many other denominations.

Within the life of CELC, we are continuing to implement ideas from our Strategic Plan. This year we introduced apparel with our name and emblem for use advertising our activities and membership. We have seen a growth in average worship attendance and giving, a significant change after declines for several years. I would like to thank all the members of the congregation for assisting in making 2017 such a success. Without your friendly attitudes and generous contributions we could not have made these advances.

I would also like to thank the members of the Church Council and all of various committee members for their efforts and for making my term as president flow smoothly. As we continue into the future I encourage all church members to try to become more involved in our family. There are many behind the scenes jobs, large and small; and many hands help make less work. As we get to know each other better we also have more fun and more success in our mission.

Thank You,

Thomas R. Stahlnecker2017 Council President

13

Report of the Pastor for 2017

2017 was a year in which our congregation engaged with a chaotic world environment of the present, while celebrating a 500th year anniversary of the Reformation. I would like to speak to the present circumstances first.

It did not take long into 2017 to realize that the circumstances of our federal government’s three branches, executive, legislative, and judiciary, were about as divided as any time I can ever remember - including the time of the Vietnam War. And there was nowhere we could run or hide from this; the media accounts of division never ended, from the time of the nomination of a new Supreme Court justice early on to a bewildering election to fill a Senate seat in Alabama near the end of the year.

Why mention this secular government chaos in a pastor’s annual report document? I mention it because I came to the conclusion early in 2017 that Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church would best serve the Gospel if we could provide a “safe haven” for people, where daily governmental division and media controversy would be understood but not dwelt upon. I also concluded it was important for me to be as non-partisan as I was capable of being for the sake of our witness.

To say what should be obviously true: our relationship with the Gospel is something which should transcend politics and be our most powerful affiliation. Yet the reality of this is not obvious to lots of people and is something we must speak to. God’s love is for all people regardless of political affiliation. God’s desire to be the Lord of our lives is true regardless of political affiliation. No one in this society will go out of their way to make these points if we will not do so.

And so, I’ve conducted my ministry with these priorities in mind in 2017. I didn’t bring this as a congregation meeting agenda item, and I didn’t seek Congregation Council approval of my intention. This was about my ministry first, and the tone of ministry I would set. I hope it has been acceptable in your eyes.

That all of this was going on in the year of “Reformation 500”, is a bit of an irony. Dr. Luther’s challenge to the Church of his day came from his conviction that a major “reset” in the behavior of the Church was needed if the spread of the Gospel was to flourish. The Church had become absurdly focused on “works” rather than upon the Grace received through faith. At the core of Luther’s 95 arguments for debate was the understanding we are justified by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. 500 years later, there is still a need for this core tenet of Christianity in a world where everybody is constantly keeping score.

14

Our Worship and Music Committee spent much time this year in deciding how we would focus on October as a “Reformation 500” month. Great music was planned for by Joanne Vasey, Brandy Aguirre, Amy Kenny, and our musical groups. We invited Father James Lease – our local Roman Catholic ecumenical officer – and our own Bishop, Barbara Collins, to participate by bringing sermon messages. I offer my thanks to all of you for the wonderfully accepting welcome you offered to them, and for welcoming Father Lease in particular. There was a time, not so long ago, when a Roman Catholic would never have been welcome to bring such a message in a Lutheran setting. God is working right before our eyes.

2017 was also a transitional year for me in ministry beyond the congregation. I began the final year of five years of service as Conference Dean. That service has been interesting and fulfilling and sometimes, stressful. It will conclude for me with the Synod Assembly of June, 2018, and the installation of a new Dean. Working with colleague pastors and their congregations will always be an honor I remember fondly.

As the year concluded, new invitations came to call. I was invited by Bishop Collins to become a member of our synod’s Candidacy Committee. This is the group which oversees candidates seeking to become Ministers of Word and Sacrament (pastors) and Ministers of Word and Service (deacons). We partner with ELCA seminaries and the ELCA Churchwide office to produce the best possible candidates for ministry. I am just getting started with this service to the Church, but I like what I’ve seen of it so far.

A second request came late in the year, this time for me to join the Board of Camp Mt. Luther. The camping ministry of our synod has always been important to CELC, and I was honored to accept this offer. As many of you know, our own Charlene Rineer has served as the Assistant to the Director for the camp in recent years. From our congregation, Tom Stahlnecker and Dick Jarrett have notably served Mt. Luther, and now it will be my time to help with this vital ministry of our synod.

2018 promises to be an interesting year in its own right. With an Ash Wednesday on Valentines’ Day and an Easter Day on April Fools’ Day, things clearly won’t be boring. Our Implementation Team is seeking some more willing folks to continue the interesting work we’ve done so far. If you would like to be part of a group initiating new ministry ideas, please let me know!

It’s time to offer thanks to our CELC staff. Charlene Rineer, Joanne Vasey, Lee Troup, Brandy Aguirre, Diane Zacker, Ruth Mull, and Amy Kenny in a volunteer role serve our congregation so well. Don and Beverly Harvey ended their time as security sextons before the end of the year, but were such a great support for this congregation for so long. Carole Bollinger on a volunteer basis leads our Pre-school Board with distinction, and we

15

have fine lead teachers and aides. Jackie Goff led our Altar Guild in very important work that is mostly “behind the scenes”.

Our 2017 Congregation Council worked hard and handled many decisions this year. My thanks to Council President Tom Stahlnecker, Vice-President Wayne Hook, Secretary Carol Apple, and Treasurer Tim Eshelman. Together these were an excellent Executive Committee! Sue Smalley and Bonnie Meckley deserve our thanks for their work in the challenging task of Recording Secretary during our Council meetings.

I am also grateful for those who assist me in a pastoral service role. Pastors Bill Petry and Dale Biesecker, and Authorized Lay Worship Leader Tom Booth bring me with great confidence in times when I’m away from you.

Lastly, I am grateful to all members of CELC for your participation in our congregation’s life, from worship to service to financial support of our ministry. Many of you served on congregational committees and task groups, and you’ve all been a blessing to us. We couldn’t do it without you; without you there is no Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. I can’t wait to see where God takes us in service to the Gospel in 2018!

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Pastor Henderson

16

Pastor William S. Henderson2017 Statistical Report

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

During 2017, the following events and “pastoral acts” were recorded:

Received as Baptized Members by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

Lily Mae Reich August 13, 2017Lennox Lee White November 5, 2017

Received as Confirmed Members by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism: none in 2017

Received as Baptized Members by Transfer or parents’ Affirmation of Baptism:

Jillian Sullivan December 17, 2017Landon Tillson December 17, 2017Lilley Tillson December 17, 2017

Received as Confirmed Members by Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation):

Elijah Robert Adams June 4, 2017Bailee Paige Lauver June 4, 2017

Received as Confirmed Members by Transfer or Affirmation of Baptism:

DeeAnn Gravenstein April 30, 2017Dietrich Gravenstein April 30, 2017Robert Lamparter April 30, 2017Robert Soper April 30, 2017Violet Soper April 30, 2017Andrew Jones December 17, 2017Julianna Jones December 17, 2017Roberta Laboy December 17, 2017Tess Mordan December 17, 2017Kelley Nittinger December 17, 2017Tricia Sullivan December 17, 2017Nathan Tillson December 17, 2017

17

Removed from Membership due to Transfer or other action:

Steven Overdorf January 16, 2017(transfer to St. Andrew’s UMC, Milton)

Matthew Ruiz (removed at request) November 7, 2017Alexander Apodaca December 12, 2017

(Transfer to St. Mark’s, Spokane, WA)

The following were received into the Church Triumphant and Funeral or Memorial services held:

Name Date of Death

The Rev. John M. Vought, Jr. January 11, 2017(memorial service held March 18, 2017)

L. Patricia Dye March 17, 2017Ruth C. Cian April 23, 2017Kitty Zearfoss (non-member) June 11, 2017Thomas A Thompson June 25, 2017 Venetta G. Bilger July 15, 2017

(no service held)Beverly A. Wetzel August 22, 2017

(service led by Pastor Dale Biesecker)June Booth (non-member) November 18, 2017

(service held by the Rev. Bill Petry)Mildred I. Keister December 11, 2018

The following Baptized Members received their first Holy Eucharist:

Derek Asche April 16, 2017Ella Koontz April 16, 2017Harrison Patte April 16, 2017Grant Rowe April 16, 2017Isabel Veloz April 16, 2017Chase Crawley (non-member) September 10, 2017

2017 Marriages

Britt Marten and Tyler Long (non-members) September 9, 2017

18

Membership Summary: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017

Baptized Members 736 744

Confirmed Members 592 598

Communing Members 418 464

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. William S. Henderson

2017 Faith Formation Coordinator Report 

2017 was an extremely busy year for Faith Formation at Christ’s. We added many special activities for REFORMATION 500! Sunday school classes continued to be held for all ages. The preschool and elementary classes continue to use the SPARK material from Augsburg that follows along with the Lectionary. The junior high students participate in Confirmation lessons using the Here We Stand material from Augsburg. The high school students use a variety of materials to help them connect their faith to their daily life. As part of their Sunday school the students collected an offering for God’s Global Barnyard. In 2017 they purchased 2 goats and 2 pigs for families in need. We had many special combined Sunday school classes, one being on Reformation Sunday! The two adult classes continue with their Lectionary study and their video series/discussion classes. Thanks go to all the faithful Sunday school teachers that helped make this crucial faith-forming activity happen; Sarah Patte, Amy Coleman, Elissa Koontz, Colleen Nevil, Keith Wain, Bailee Lauver, Maggie Henderson, Dennis Tatar, Pastor Henderson, Joe Keller, and Ann Yoder. For the summer, since we do not have Sunday school for the children, I put together Faith Fix boxes. These were boxes with devotions, crafts, and other activities to learn more Bible stories and strengthen their faith. The themes were Creation, God’s is Love, and Serving. Other faith-enhancing Bible studies and events for adults also happened this year. Thanks to Kim Eshelman who continues to lead the women’s group on Thursday mornings and evenings. In the early part of the year I lead studies using the movie curriculum God’s Not Dead 2, and book 90 Minutes in Heaven. As I stated at the beginning of my report we did many things for Reformation 500. We started by showing and discussing the Rick Steve’s video: Luther and the Reformation. The Lenten

19

devotionals, Free Indeed, reflected on the Small Catechism, and we gave out special devotionals in October for reformation about Martin Luther. In the fall we focused on the Reformation 500 by looking at our Lutheran Faith by using the book Together by Grace: introducing the Lutherans. I lead the discussion for a Sunday evening class and a Monday afternoon class. Then in October we also viewed and talked about the movie Luther.

A big portion of what is being done for Faith Formation is work with youth of all ages. The goal was to have at least one activity a month for each group, and some combined events. I also strive to keep everyone informed of all the activities that are happening through various methods; church and youth newsletters, bulletins, and bulletin boards, posters in classrooms, e-mail, and Facebook. The groups were kindergarten through fifth graders, sixth through eighth graders, and the high school students. Some of the events were game days, movie nights, lock-ins, theme events, service projects, craft activities, and sports’ days. Of course they both end the year with their annual Christmas parties. The third Sunday Youth afternoons or evenings continue for the middle school youth. The middle school youth use that time fellowship over a meal, to meet with Pastor for Confirmation lessons, and to spend time with Brandy and Joanne drumming. In the fall they changed back to evenings to better accommodate the families. For youth of all ages and other adults we also held Mini Mission Mondays. The projects included care packages for college students and service personnel, Fleece Blankets for Project Linus, M & M container prep, ornament making, Christmas and Valentine card making, and Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes. Another service project that the youth help with is the Souper Bowl collection. The Souper Bowl of Caring offering was a collection of cans of soup, other canned food items, and money. The money went to the Union County Food Bank and the food went to the Emergency Food Pantry.

Families who are forming their faith together is one place where I put some focus by planning and leading events for families. These events included movie nights, game nights, walking the CROP walk together, the Ard’s corn maze and hayrack ride to the pumpkin patch, bowling, and the Christmas decorating with the Advent activities for children and youth. So in that vein for summer instead of the traditional VBS we held our first FAMILY FUN FAITH FESTIVITIES. We held this for three evening in June. We started the evenings with dinner, then an activity, and ended with a little time of worship. The activities we had this year revolved around the Reformation. On Monday we painted Luther Seal’s or made or own faith seal. On Tuesday we held the Amazing Grace Race. On Wednesday we hosted Kate and Friends.

20

In summer other ministry did not stop. In July we held a Children’s Mission Week where children from first through 5th grade were invited to come and participate in many service projects. The theme for the week was “Keeping the Earth”. The service projects that they did included packing lunches for the Summer feeding program, making fleece blankets, picking up trash and cleaning up the park, planting grass seed, pulling weeds around the church, and cleaning the toys in the nursery. Many of our children/youth also went to Camp Mount Luther and we supported them in that - both financial and in prayer. Also 8 youth and 2 leaders took a mission trip to Massachusetts in July. Through the year we spent some time earning money for the trip, and learning about the Bible themes for the event. Thanks for all your support! A huge thank you goes to Trace Nevil for co-leading this with me.

In the fall we have started to work on fundraisers for this coming summer youth trip which will be to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston. We appreciate all your support in buying the gift cards. Weis and Giant cards are sold every Sunday and throughout the week. Other gift card orders are taken a few times throughout the year to support the youth trips. I also did a play on words with a fundraiser entitled 95 envelopes on giving when I posted 95 envelopes on a door on Reformation. There are still a few envelopes left if anyone wants to get involved. Youth have also started to delve into the theme of the event – “This Changes Everything”.

To this list I could add congregational events, power points for contemporary worship, up-keeping the Facebook page and announcements for the big screen, helping with the various implementation team projects, children sermons, combined Sunday School classes, helping with the Cooperative Preschool, scheduling volunteers, going to youth’s programs and sporting events, the Summer Youth Feeding Program, and helping lead Synod and camp events. I also went to Louisville for continuing education at the Youth Ministry Network Annual Extravaganza and have been working on the Gathering by being the synod gathering coordinator and synod day director. Needless to say it has been a busy year and I want to thank the Faith Formation Team, Lori Moyer, Beckie and Tom Stahlnecker, and Melinda Overdorf, for all their help in making everything possible. Thank you also to all the staff and Council members for all their support. As I look to 2018 I know it is going to be just as busy with lots of opportunities for everyone to strengthen their faith. Charlene RineerCoordinator of Faith Formation

21

2017 Music Team Report

The year commenced and ended with the following persons entrusted with the leadership of the choirs/ensembles indicated:

Brandy Aguirre: Men’s Choir; Parish Choir; Children’s Choir; Youth Drumming Ensemble; Festival Choirs.

Amy Kenny: Renew Contemporary Ensemble; Orchestra and/or Instrumental Ensembles.

Joanne Vasey: Coordinator of Music Ministries; Organist; Parish Peal Handbell Choir; Instrumental Ensembles.

Summation – Sampling – Highlights of 2017

Traditional worship continued to be offered at both services on the first, third, fourth and fifth Sundays of the month (October through May). Traditional worship was offered at both services June, July & August.

Contemporary worship continued to be offered at both services on the second Sunday of each month (October through May).

Set choir rotation schedule allowing all choirs/ensembles to share their music ministry with the 8:00 am & 10:30 am congregations (Sept. through early June).

Monthly participation of Children’s Choir (color-coded bells, rhythm instruments, singing, etc.) October through May and for special services such as Christmas Eve.

Monthly participation of Youth Drumming Ensemble October through May and for special services such as Christmas Eve.

Bi-monthly participation of Men’s Choir and Parish Choir September through early June; participation in special services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday.

Good Friday Cantata/Tenebrae – included all interested singers.

Monthly participation of Renew Contemporary Ensemble October through May – vocalists and instrumentalists – Contemporary Worship Team Planning Sub-Committee.

22

Monthly participation of Parish Peal Handbell Choir September through May for both services; full handbell choir accompaniments for Christmas Eve, Easter, Reformation Sunday; occasional handbell accompaniment with Men’s and/or Parish Choir anthems; 12-Bell Ensemble for Christmas Eve & summer music.

Festival Choir for Easter Sunday, Anniversary Sunday, Reformation Sunday, Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Orff Ensemble organized for Fifth Sunday in April and for 4:30 pm Christmas Eve worship; occasional use of Orff instruments with Renew Ensemble.

Brass Ensemble organized for Easter Sunday, Reformation Sunday, 7:30 pm Christmas Eve worship.

New and/or returned choir members in all choirs/ensembles except Men’s Choir.

Holden Evening Prayer during Lent.

Introduction of new hymns, songs and anthems both traditional and contemporary in style.

Variety of musical styles and ages for summer music and pre-service Christmas Eve music; vocalists and instrumentalists.

Involvement of college students during summer months and semester breaks.

Renew Ensemble and friends leading music for “Rejoicing Spirits” worship at St. Paul’s UMC – ended in May.

Special services and music emphasis for Reformation 500.

Continued updating of music library and spreadsheets.

Usage of a variety of liturgical settings and psalm-tones throughout the church year.

Continued rental of the Sanctuary on Tuesday evenings by the Susquehanna Valley Chorale.

Joanne VaseyMusic Ministry Team Coordinator

COMMITTEE REPORTS23

Administration & Personnel Committee

Chairperson: . Members: Pastor Henderson, Bob & Shirley Sauers, and Rick Faux, Council Representative. The A & P Committee is responsible for our Personnel Manual. This detailed manual contains many policies and procedures for all members of Christ’s Lutheran Church. Several copies are in the Church Office for reference by members of the congregation. The Policies and Procedures Manual was formed and copies given to each committee. This manual helps committees know what actual policies our congregation has in place that may impact their work. The review process has been streamlined for the committees by having reviews take place every other year. New policies and significant changes to current policies must be approved by the Church Council. A & P will keep the congregation posted on all of these changes. This committee assists the Pastor, as needed, with staff evaluations and advises the Council Executive Committee with personnel issues, if requested. Members of this committee are also available to hear other issues from congregation members that may be pertinent to administration and/or personnel matters of Christ’s Lutheran. If there are questions regarding the A & P Committee, please feel free to contact any of the members.

Altar Guild

The responsibility of the Altar Guild is to make sure the Sanctuary is ready for any and all services.

The teams are responsible for setting up for Communion, baptisms, changing the seasonal colors, delivery of flowers (including seasonal Easter Flowers and Christmas flowers) as well as the weekly Sunday service flowers and laundering the linens. Many hands make this all possible.

There are currently three teams which alternate months throughout the year. All teams share in the duties during Easter and Christmas.

Altar Guild Committee members are: Jackie Goff, Chairperson, Beverly Harvey, Co-Chair. Members: Shirley Wittes, Marian Thomas, Mary Yarger, Lois Diehl, Bev Hopp, Jane

24

Williams, Carol Lewis, Trudy Cardellino, Angie Stackhouse, Pat Pritchett, Joyce Beck, Patti Faux, Doris Nash, Joyce Campbell, Kathy Gibson, Cindy Reed, and Diane Miller. Sub: Charlotte Winter.

We had several people help in preparing the Sanctuary for Christmas Eve Services: Jackie and Tim Goff, Elliott Goff, Torey Reichenbach (Elliott’s girlfriend), Beverly and Don Harvey, Ian and Jay Warner, Kathy and Paules Gibson.

Gloria Walters coordinates the weekly flower delivery. Barb and Dave Hollenbach coordinate the seasonal flowers (Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias). Flowers are usually delivered to homebound members or nursing homes. On occasion, the person sponsoring the flowers for a particular Sunday will take the flowers.

Even though the teams are functioning well, there is always a need for more help especially after the 10:30 am service. Also, extra hands are needed during January and February as many people head south for the winter.

Supplies (wine, bread, cups, candles, etc.) are ordered by Jackie Goff and Beverly Harvey.

Submitted byJackie Goff

Archives Committee

This Committee retains copies of Sunday bulletins, prayer lists, Good News for the Pews, monthly newsletters, Council records, CD’s of radio broadcasts and any documents, programs or newspaper articles pertaining to the history of Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

We continue to research archival information for people. Requests have come from the Lloyd family and Union County Historical Society. We sent copies of several photos of Reverend John Vought to his family members.

As a part of the 500th Commemoration of the Reformation we arranged a display in the Archives showcase. It includes information on the Reformation Window, Martin Luther’s life, his travels, hymns he wrote, his wife Katharina Von Bora, the Luther Seal and more. There also is a pen and ink drawing of Luther done by Charles Frederick Lindig and information on Lindig’s legacy and a Bible he donated to our Sunday School on Reformation Day, 1905.The Committee is working on the reorganization of the Archives with computer-generated listings of the materials contained with the CELC Archives.

25

We have generated a listing of the recent weddings, funerals and concerts held at the church. As well, Bibles, catechisms and hymnals within the Archives are catalogued. Records pertaining to the Boy Scout Explorer Post 2509, Edna Sheary Sunday School Class, the Lutheran Youth Ministry, and the Golden Age Club have been abstracted. Protective Mylar has been acquired, thanks to approval of Church Council, and was used in part to encapsulate a scrapbook's pages (which are flaking due to high acid content) of the Church's history (created and kept by Grace Pursley). Several acid-free boxes and Mylar sleeves for the arrangement and storage of photographs have been donated.

Donations of any “treasures of our church” you may find in your home that you wish to add to our Archives Collection are always appreciated. If you leave photos in the Archives church mailbox, please include the names, dates and events on a separate note. Please do not write on the photos themselves unless a soft pencil is used. Also please include your name so we know who to acknowledge.

Gloria and I would like to thank Gary Parks for joining us in helping to preserve the history of this congregation. His insight and experience is appreciated beyond words.

Gloria Slonaker, Gary Parks & Charlotte WinterCommittee Members

Banner Committee

Chair: Vicki Heberlig. Members: Emma Gearhart, Marian Jarrett, Gloria Slonaker.

The Banner Committee hangs seasonal banners appropriate to the liturgical year in the worship space. It also is responsible for keeping the banners in repair, and designing and constructing new banners. In addition the committee makes the small baptism banners for each child on their baptism.

Benevolent Endowment Fund Committee

26

The Benevolent Endowment Fund (BEF) Committee was established in February, 2007, to oversee the yearly distribution of proceeds from the Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church BEF. All undesignated bequests and gifts of whatever amount received from estates of persons who have named our church will be placed in the Benevolent Endowment Fund for Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is managed by the ELCA Mission Endowment Pooled Trust account. The BEF should not be confused with the Kunkel Trust Fund. The purpose of the BEF is to enhance the mission outreach of Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church apart from the general operation of the congregation. The BEF Committee consists of seven members: the Pastor, the President of the Church Council, the Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer, and three at-large members who serve three-year terms. The Committee meets as necessary for requests up to four times a year. Available distribution amounts are determined annually and are calculated by a percentage of the assets of the Fund. The funds will be distributed through a review of applications submitted by members or committees.

The Committee places 4.25% of the total Fund value in a local disbursement account in quarterly installments each year. Disbursements are awarded through an application process, which are accepted anytime. Brochures are also available in the church Welcome Center. The brochure provides a description of the fund, the application process, and the means to make a gift or bequest to the Fund.

In 2017 there were two grants issued: $1,200 to Kingdom Kidz, Inc. and $5,000 to the Lewisburg Children’s Museum for a total of $6,200.

Unused funds will be retained for future disbursement, or reinvested in the Fund at the discretion of the BEFC. The amount available for disbursement in 2018 will be approximately $17,000.

The BEF balance as of 10/31/17 was $191,094. The ELCA Mission Endowment Pooled Trust account also manages the Ernst Fund with a balance of $11,518 as of 10/31/17. The Ernst Fund is restricted to specific uses and is not managed or disbursed by the BEFC. 2017 Members: Pastor Henderson; Tim Eshelman (Treasurer); Tim Apple, (Finance Committee); Tom Stahlnecker (Council President); Julie Albright (at-large 2017); Dennis Meckley (at-large 2018) and Gregg Wetzel (at-large 2019).

The Cooperative Preschool

27

The Cooperative Preschool program provides socialization and school readiness activities for children aged two to five years. The program involves the development of all aspects of the child—physical, emotional, social and intellectual. Its purpose is to foster an understanding of the child’s self, others and the world. Because the school is a cooperative, parents participate by helping monthly in the classroom and donating items when requested by staff. In addition, field trips and classroom visitors are scheduled throughout the year.

The school currently has 40 students enrolled for the 2017-2018 school year. Due to the resignation of Pam Contri, Erinn Gramley now teaches the Tuesday/Thursday classes of two and three year olds and instructs the three to four year old children in the Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes.

Bonnie Kelchner now teaches the Monday-Friday pre-Kindergarten class. Kim Batkowski is the teacher’s aide in the AM classes and Stacey Meachum is the aide for the PM class.

It was becoming difficult to get parents to take charge of the fundraisers so the board decided to offer a stipend to a staff person if they would be in charge of fundraising. Stacey agreed to take over the fundraising duties. We are blessed to have a great staff who go above and beyond their duty to the school and parents who are willing to do their part to make the preschool a success.

The preschool remains under the charter of the congregation of Christ’s Lutheran Church as a valuable ministry. The Preschool’s income and expense numbers are included in the total church report found in the back pages of the Annual Report.

Carole BollingerAdministrator

Evangelism & Fellowship Ministries Our Mission: To lead the members of the congregation in spreading the love of Jesus to current and prospective members of Christ’s Church and to enrich and encourage growth in faith and discipleship to all people. Matthew 28:19—“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The Evangelism and Fellowship Team was busy with many ministries and events this past year. Areas the team is responsible for are as follows:

28

New Member includes new member orientation, new member sponsors, giving a loaf of bread to each new member, and taking a photo to add to the new member bulletin board.

Card Ministry recognizes those members celebrating significant anniversaries or birthdays.

Anniversary Sunday is always held in September and those members who have been members for 50 or more years are acknowledged.

Homebound Card Ministry involves sending cards to our homebound members on Valentine’s Day, Easter, and other times throughout the year to let them know their church family is thinking of them.

Transportation to church services and events is coordinated by the team for any person needing a ride to a service or event.

Name tags are coordinated through the Welcome Center. All members are encouraged to wear their name tags so everyone gets to know fellow church members and guests.

Helping Hands Ministry provides luncheons for the families of deceased members following their Celebration of Life service.

Photographs are taken at baptisms to add to our new member bulletin board. The Greening Event is coordinated by the team each year and provides an

opportunity for much fellowship while decorating the church, inside and outside, for the holiday season projects.

During the past year the Evangelism Team organized the Winterfest Dinner and Bingo for February, Soup and Salad for the Lenten Dinners, Mother Day flowers, and hosted Father’s Day. We decided to have the annual summer picnic in August at the Lewisburg Park. In September we hosted Anniversary Sunday and kicked off Coffee Hour. December we hosted the Greening Event with lunch and we hosted Buffalo Valley Conference Pastors’ meeting. A special thank you to all members of the congregation who were involved in helping with any of our projects. We are hoping for many more activities in the upcoming year and hope that we can open our doors to the unchurched and take the Gospel into our community. The Team meets the second Tuesday of each month and welcomes new members at any time. Team members are: Judy Bechtel, Jackie Goff, Lisa Veloz, Betty Hook, Fred & Jackie Schaeffer, Heather Martin, Sue Cox, Jackie Cvik, and Laura Adams.

Finance Committee

29

The mission of the Finance Committee is to oversee the budget of the church, to monitor the financial position of the church and to recommend appropriate action to the Church Council for consideration.

Members of the Finance Committee for 2017 included Pastor Henderson, Council President Tom Stahlnecker, Church Treasurer Tim Eshelman, Finance Chair Tim Apple, Dennis Meckley, Andy Wargo, Wayne Hook, Al Seidel, Ron Laniewski and Bill Bollinger.

The committee meets the Sunday before the monthly Council meeting.

The 2017 budget and proposed 2018 budget are printed on the pages at the end of the Annual Report.

Respectfully submitted,Tim Apple

Implementation Team

The Implementation Team has completed another year of addressing the recommendations developed by our Strategic Plan originally begun in 2015 through our consultant Pastor David Daubert of 8 Day Strategies and our Facilitation Team. Using the Guiding Principles that were agreed upon, the team completed additional recommendations. Below is a list of the results of their efforts during 2017.

Developed guidelines for identifying and utilizing sponsors for new members.

Using the new logo, the team created t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies and made them available for sale at two different times of the year.

Coordinated the church’s participation of the Veteran’s 4th of July Parade.

Updated the church information pamphlet to increase its usefulness as a handout to visitors and prospective members.

Investigated the opportunity to organize a serving team to participate in the Dinner by the River meal program at the First Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg. This plan was approved by Church Council and team training was completed during the year. Our first opportunity to serve will be in January of 2018. We will serve meals on four evenings during this year.

Provided and served a Wednesday Lenten meal on March 22.

The Implementation Team continues to seek additional participation from the congregation. They are also in need of a chairperson to lead this effort in 2018.

30

Sincerely Submitted,Rich Kuczawa

Kunkel Trust Committee

The purpose of this committee is to screen applicants for funds from the income generated by the Joseph Kunkel Trust. The committee recommends action to Church Council who can authorize monies to be paid to the approved applicant. The trust was established in 1982 for the benefit of Christ’s Lutheran Church. M & T Bank controls the principal amount of the trust, while the income from their investments is paid semi-annually to the church. The trust currently generates about $28,000 for annual income. Our church is very fortunate to have such a fund which benefits not only our church, but the community of Lewisburg as well. The committee consists of seven members. The church constitution designates four members: Pastor, President of Church Council, Treasurer, and the Chair of the Finance Committee. Council appoints three other members. The 2017 appointees were Andy Wargo, Al Seidel and Wayne Hook. The committee meets once a month to consider requests for referral for the next Council meeting. The committee also meets yearly with representatives from M & T Bank to review the investment strategies; however, because of the terms of the trust, the bank has control of investment decisions.

Kunkel Trust fund applications are available in the Kunkel Trust Form mailbox. The form can be filled out and placed back into the Kunkel Trust mailbox for discussion by the committee at their monthly meeting, Sunday morning prior to the Thursday evening Council meeting. If approved by the committee, it will be sent to the Council for the final decision.

Respectfully submitted,

Wayne HookChairperson

Nominating Committee

31

The 2017 Nominating Committee consisted of Council members Dennis Tatar and Laura Adams, and congregational members Dennis Meckley, Sue Cox, Tim Apple, and Judy Bechtel. The 2018 Nominating Committee will be determined at the January Congregational meeting.

Parsonage

The Parsonage is being leased out to Transitions (formerly Women in Transition). Transitions provides advocacy, empowerment, and education to victims, survivors, families, and communities to end patterns of violence and abuse. They have been leasing the parsonage since 2009 and will continue with periodic reviews of the lease agreement. Transition uses the parsonage strictly for office space for their staff. The agreement includes general maintenance and upkeep to the parsonage. This has been a great benefit to Christ’s Church as otherwise it would be unoccupied and require maintenance and other expenses.

Transitions has made several improvements to the parsonage over the course of the lease. These include painting of the first floor, redoing the floors, renovation of the first floor bathroom, repair of the entry door, painting and repairing the front porch and patching the front steps. There are many areas of the parsonage that need continuing repair or improvement that cannot be currently funded from the operating budget. Part of the lease agreement includes continued improvements by Transitions with approval from the Property Committee and the Church Council. This has been a mutual and beneficial agreement between Transitions and Christ’s Lutheran Church.

Property Committee

The property committee oversees the maintenance of the church and Parsonage. This committee is served by a small group of volunteers who have a large responsibility to keep everything ‘running’ smoothly. We are always looking for additional volunteers to help in any way.

This year’s projects included the replacement of a heat pump in the education wing. Additionally, we had the gutters cleaned and found a section of rubber roofing that needed replacing. The carpet was replaced in the Atrium, on the stairs leading to the Choir Room and also the stairs to the Lower Church Hall. This year we rented a 40-foot lift to access and replace all of the spotlights in the Sanctuary. Many were not working so we took this opportunity to replace all of them.

32

Ongoing, we take care of daily maintenance issues as they occur. We also coordinate annual outdoor tasks such as mulching, weeding, trimming, grass mowing, and leaf raking. We contract for snow removal during the winter season.

Thank you to everyone who serves on this committee and those who assist with the property committee work.

Kevin BakerProperty Committee Chairperson

Social Ministry Committee Report

“We look to the future of our church and respond to the needs of the worldwith confidence in God’s grace”

Committee members: Fran Baker, Emma Gearhart, Beverly Harvey, Joe Keller - Secretary, Fred Kraus, Janet Shuman - Chairperson, Sandie Smith, Shirley Wittes, and Council Representative Julie Borys.

There are many volunteers and donors who support our programs. They do not attend regular meetings. We do not express our thanks to them as often as we should, but we could not function without them. The Social Ministry Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month except during the summer and in December. Meeting times may be 1:00 pm or 7:00 pm. With warm hearts and hands, we aim to serve others. We have a number of programs that are ongoing throughout the year and others that run at specific times during the year. The year-round programs include:

Healing Dinners – when needed, meals are prepared and delivered to individuals or families with temporary health problems (just out of the hospital, short term incapacitating injuries or illness). There is a basic list of about 40 volunteers who are called on a rotating basis to provide and deliver these meals.

Emergency Food Pantry, Supplemental Food Program, Soup & Scripture, and Transient Program are all Lewisburg Council of Churches programs that we support. CELC dues for that organization are paid from our budget. Our representative to the Council of Churches is Julie Borys. Julie is also the Director of the Emergency Food Pantry that is located in our building. She and Don Harvey are on call for distribution. Through the first eleven months of 2017, 19 calls were received with 31 adults and 23 children being fed from our shelves.

33

Holy Sew ‘n Sews (also known as the Sewing Ladies) – Fran Baker, Audrey Baylor, Joyce Campbell, Trudy Cardellino, Helen Clever, Emma Gearhart, Beverly Hopp, Margaret Irwin, Lena Shannon, Janet Shuman, and Mary Yarger - meet on Wednesday mornings in the Lower Church Hall. Emmy and Fran coordinate the making of quilts and walker bags. Thanks to those who donated fabric to be used in projects. Food and miscellaneous items were also given to Transitions and Haven Ministry as available.

Lutheran World Relief – contributions are solicited March through September from the congregation to fill bags prepared by the Sewing Ladies and assembled into Health Kits. Twenty-seven health kits were prepared and shipped this year. Shipping was provided by Zartman Construction. Because of acute need after Hurricane Harvey, 64 full size quilts were shipped to Texas. Revival Tabernacle in Watsontown provided the shipping for those quilts. Nine quilts also went to the Lutheran World Relief. Twenty-five walker bags were donated for congregational and local use. Transitions also received nine full size and five child size quilts.

The Kitchen Krew works to clean cupboards, defrost the freezer, and tries to keep outdated and unclaimed food items out of the downstairs refrigerator. An inventory of kitchen equipment is maintained. All groups using the kitchen are asked to follow the posted guidelines.

Medical Equipment Loan Program – donations of usable equipment are stored in an upstairs closet. Items may be signed out in the Church Office for use as needed.

Prayer Shawl – led by Emmy Gearhart, this ecumenical group of knitters makes and prays over shawls given to persons recovering from illness or mourning the loss of a loved one. Three baptismal shawls were presented and 32 regular shawls have been distributed through October.

Delivery of Bulletins – weekly bulletins and Devotional Guides are taken by a committee member to friends and members in assisted living and nursing care facilities in the area.

Remembrance Sunday – carnations were purchased and distributed to families and a candle on the altar was lit for this year’s six deceased members on November 5. A central candle was lit when remembering other departed saints named silently or aloud. Shelf 3A on the north wall in the library is designated for books dealing with grief and bereavement. Anyone may sign out these materials. Memorial flowers are placed on the Altar on the first anniversary of a death within the congregation.

Visitation Ministry and Lay Eucharistic Ministry – Kathy Kaufmann co-ordinates 12 volunteers who give Communion to home bound members and visit members in hospitals, personal care facilities, the homebound, and during the first months after people have returned to their homes following health problems.

34

Ladies Night Out/WELCA – Melinda Overdorf is the group leader. Beckie Stahlnecker is the treasurer. The annual Holiday Dinner was held at Carriage Corner in Mifflinburg on December 5. There are informative and entertaining meetings on the fourth Tuesday of most months. Guests are warmly welcomed and any lady of the congregation is invited to attend the regular meetings.

Pinochle Club meets the second Wednesday afternoon of the month and has been the scene of many spirited exchanges.

Other programs have specific dates. They include:

Friendship Luncheon – 1st Saturday in January. We prepared and served lunch for 13 people plus staff on January 7 at the Area Agency on Aging.

The February Meat Project was in Lewistown again in 2017. We collected $1,945 including a Kunkel Grant.

The Annual Service Dinner was held May on 17. Thirty-four meals were served. Joanne Vasey led an enthusiastic hymn sing that was enjoyed by all.

During Lent, our committee served 66 people at the March 22 luncheon of the ecumenical Soup & Scripture program held weekly in the Lower Church Hall. We solicited donations for our “Lutheran Fruit Salad”.

Lenten Supper – on April 5, the committee served the final Lenten Supper of soup and salad to 72 people.

The Annual Peace Pole Service was held during the final Sunday School sessions before summer hiatus on May 28.

The Summer Youth Lunch Program included 474 extra food bags for 53 qualifying families during summer vacation. CELC packed the extra bags and helped with distribution on June 2. Lunches for the program were packed by the Mini Mission children and distributed to sites June 10-13 from our kitchen. Four hundred and eighty lunches were distributed in 2017. Thanks to all volunteers and donors in this program to meet the needs of local children.

Blanket Sunday – envelopes were provided for contributions for purchase of blankets to be sent to Lutheran World Relief. In October, we sent off $1,100 including a matching Kunkel grant.

CROP Walk on October 15 - our walkers were Charlene Rineer, Lori Moyer, Julie Lentz, Pastor and Maggie Henderson, Sarah and Harrison Patte, Gillian Sullivan, Roberta and Nina Laboy. They collected $1,480 including a matching Kunkel Grant.

35

The Annual Christmas Collection of clothing for local distribution from Eastern Union County Supplemental Food Program sent 83 items and a gift card to children for the holidays and beyond.

The committee sponsored God’s Global Barnyard as an Advent Project again this year. It is an ELCA program to provide essentials and food where needed in the world.

We welcome new members and visitors to the committee at any time. Committee service can be selective with no obligation to attend a regular meeting. Contact any listed committee member for details.

“In everything we do, we try to show that we are true ministers of God.”2 Corinthians 6; 4 Living Bible

Staff Support Committee

Committee Members: David Heberlig, Pam Souders, Kathy Gibson, Melinda Overdorf, Beckie Stahlnecker and Carole Bollinger.

The Staff Support Committee met quarterly in 2017 and discussed any issues that may have arisen with the support staff of CELC. There were no issues that required out-of-committee action.

Carole BollingerChairperson

Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee meets at least nine times per year. The members carry out activities throughout the year. In February-March work is done to prepare for the Lenten season. April-May we work on recruiting new members for all the church committees. This year we hope to have a Temple Talk in the hope to get more members to become more involved. July-September there is a garden table that has seasonal fruit and vegetables to share with the congregation. The money from that table goes to World Hunger. September-October we order new envelopes and prepare them to be mailed. We donate to the Benevolent Care for residents at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village who are unable to afford the cost of services. This year we gave healthy snacks to our school students that are picked up and taken at our church. This activity was connected to the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Church.

This year’s members are: Tim Eshelman, Marian Jarrett, Dennis Meckley, Bill Wagner, Matt Hepner, Tim Goff and Pastor Henderson.

36

Tim Goff, Chairperson Technology Committee

The church has about 10 computers, desktops and laptops, that the Tech Committee maintains and keeps updated. There is also the Wi Fi networks, with modem and multiple routers. Jason Baker has recently restructured this network to get stronger, more seamless coverage throughout the building. He also serviced and maintained several local “back-up” printers that were having performance issues. The Sanctuary projection system is slowly progressing, but it occasionally takes a backseat to other maintenance issues and our personal schedules and availability. Anyone interested or with tech skills is encouraged to join us. We have committee meetings on the second Tuesday of every other (odd) month. Please contact Tom Stahlnecker (570-743-7371) or tstahlnecker@verizon.net if interested. Respectfully submitted,Thomas R. Stahlnecker, Chairperson

Worship & Music Committee

Committee members: Tom Booth, Chairman, Pastor Henderson, Joanne Vasey, Brandy Aguirre, Barb Baylor, Beverly Harvey, Vicki Heberlig and Amy Kenny.

2017 was another busy year for the committee, especially with the 500 th anniversary celebration of the Reformation. As always I want to thank everyone on the committee for all their hard work, help and support. As a result we accomplished a lot this past year. I believe we again met our goal of providing quality worship experiences. We believe that the worship environment here is a positive one, especially in the area of music. As always, we are grateful for Pastor Henderson and our excellent music staff. They are great to work with and work tirelessly to insure that our worship services and programs are the best possible.

Again in 2017, one of the positive aspects of worship here is that we offer something for everyone in worship. We offer traditional services, contemporary services, Quiet Communion, and variety in our worship settings. We pray that this provides inspiration and spiritual growth for everyone who attends.

In 2017 our choirs continued to provide quality and variety in music. The Lord has blessed Christ Church with so much talent and especially musically. The music during our regular worship services, special services, Lent and Easter, the summer music program and Christmas Eve were excellent. With everyone’s busy schedules, one of the challenges

37

with the choirs is scheduling. Many thanks to our music team for all their work and especially their flexibility with scheduling and their commitment to make use of the talents God has given this church. Great Job!

Other events at the church this year included, special services for the Reformation during the month of October, and the annual Christmas concert by the West Branch Barbershop Chorus and Musiccraft on December 8th to benefit the local food bank. This concert raised $1,955.00. Special thanks to Joanne for all her work with the Reformation services.

In 2016 worship attendance at the 8:00 am worship service was our most attended service. However in 2017 we saw worship attendance change once again. Some months the 8:00 am service had higher attendance and some months the 10:30 am service had a higher attendance. Again in 2017 our average worship attendance increased. Attendance at our Quiet Communion services seems to be growing. This service is providing worship for those who are unable to attend our regular Sunday morning services.

Our Lenten and Easter programs were once again a success. Our thanks to everyone who participated in any way.

Our summer music program was also a success. We had a good variety of music. Thanks to everyone who participated.

With Christmas Eve on Sunday we had only two services. Both were well attended. At 4:30 pm we had a children’s service, at 7:30 pm we had our more traditional service. Excellent job by everyone who helped with these services in any way!

This year three members applied and received Worship Arts Scholarships: Orissa and Ellis Reed for middle school music camp at Central Oak Heights for one week, and Grace Kenny to attend Brevard Music Center Summer Institute for seven weeks.

The Susquehanna Valley Chorale continued to use our facilities for their rehearsals this year.

As always, I would also like to thank all of you who help out with the services in any way. Whether you are a greeter, usher, Communion usher, Communion pourer, worship assistant, do children’s messages, lector, acolyte, sound technician, Altar Guild, take care of the nursery, take care of the banners, delivered the CD’s for the radio, or delivered flowers, we couldn’t do it without your help.

Respectfully Submitted,Tom Booth, Chairman

38