christ church grosse pointe annual meeting & report...approved the 2016 resource plan, which is...

2016 Annual Report

Christ Church Grosse Pointe • Annual Meeting • 2017 | 1

Christ Church Grosse PointeAnnual Meeting & Report

January 29, 2017

2 | Christ Church Grosse Pointe • Annual Meeting • 2017

2016 Annual Report

Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Highlights of our Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Senior Warden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Proposed Temporary Amendment to the By Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Vestry Election . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Key Dates at Christ Church 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Worship Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Parish Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Children and Family Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Youth Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Outreach Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Christ Church Spirituality Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Finance and Administration & Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Buildings and Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Get Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Financial Stewardship 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252016 Pledge Thank Yous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Financial Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Balance Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Financial Summary (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302017 Revenue Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312017 Expense Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322016 Annual Meeting Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Our Mission

The mission of Christ Church is to bring God and people

together to know and live the good news of Jesus Christ .

The Christ Church Vision Statement

A beacon of God’s love, Christ Church Grosse Pointe is a

welcoming, compassionate and inclusive community

overflowing with activity seven days a week . People of all

ages and all walks of life flock to this Christian center and

become involved in its life, finding themselves spiritually

nourished, educationally enriched, and empowered to

serve as they live the Gospel joyfully . Christ Church

embraces growth, serving the needs of today’s and

tomorrow’s generations while maintaining the glories of its

Anglican worship and traditions .

Table of Contents

2016 Annual Report


Holy EucharistThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Annual Meeting Agenda, Call to OrderThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector, Presiding Officer and Chair

Opening Prayer and WelcomeThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Appointment of the SecretaryThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Approval Of The Minutes: 2016 Annual Parish MeetingThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Report from the Nominating CommitteeMs. Karen Kienbaum, Jr. Warden

Proposed Temporary By Law AmendmentMr. David Gaskin, Chancellor and Vestry Member

Introduction of Nominees and Vestry ElectionMr. Mark Lorenger, Sr. Warden

Acknowledgment of Written ReportsThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Celebration of Outreach ImpactCrossroads of Michigan: Mary McLaren Honsel, Executive Director

Report of the Sr. WardenMr. Mark Lorenger, Sr. Warden

Celebration of Outreach ImpactCrossover Downtown Outreach Ministry: Craig Leavitt, Executive Director

Report of the TreasurerMs. Amie Sweeney

Stewardship JourneyMs. Betsy Creedon, Member of the Vestry and Annual Giving Committee

Warden AppreciationsMs. Karen Kienbaum, Jr. Warden

Rector AppreciationsThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Report Of The Tellers (as soon as available)(Additional ballots as necessary)

Closing PrayerThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Adjournment and ReceptionThe Vestry will retire briefly to Bicknell Library

Agenda


2016 Annual Report

Highlights of Our Life

Dear People of Christ Church and our Friends,

It brings me great pleasure to introduce this annual report as it provides a picture of the vitality and accomplishment of the Christ Church community as we seek to bring God and people together to know and live the Good News of Jesus Christ .

For most, if not all of us, 2016 was a tumultu-ous and socially difficult year . As our com-munity (local and national) struggled to find common ground, we often retreated into the safety of our affinity groups which strengthen our resolve in the face of opposition, yet less-ened our ability to hear one another, let alone the voice of God speaking quietly through our neighbor .

And so, through it all, Christ Church has striven to be a place where we might see a more perfect truth – that we are, in fact, one; not because we agree on this or that, but because we share a common love by God and a common need for God and for one another . Week-in and week-out, we have left our various tables where we preside, to come together around God’s holy table, to be nourished and refreshed, and to lay aside all that di-vides us to receive the One who makes us one .

Similarly, we have carved out time from within their all-too-busy lives to learn more about this mystery and God’s call . Be it Wednesdays nights as children, youth, and adults gather in vari-ous classes, or our Sunday morning Godly Play classes or Rector’s Forum, or one of the mini-retreat through the Spirituality Center, or an Advent or Lenten Quiet Night – we have created space and time for us to explore the mystery of God’s life and his call upon ours .

We have rolled up our sleeves, as well . Summer Starters and Crossroads Sundays, Mercado Service and Shelter Week meals, Outreach Grants and Easter Appeals, Gifts and Greens and the Christmas Gift Project have all given us opportunities to practice our love for the world! In all these ways and more, we have come together as a community to practice the art of Christian love by loving not only our own, but our neighbor and even the stranger whom we may never know .

But it wouldn’t be enough if we just did good and kind things . To know and to live the Good News of Jesus Christ is also to be a part of his community, to build up the beloved community that he began around an old table with simple bread and wine . And so we have worked as well to become that community . We have gathered around not only this table, but a dozen tables down-stairs for a meals together, not only to satisfy our hunger, but to build up our community as well . Through the lens of Com-munity Norms have explored how we relate to one another and committed to faithful practice as well .

None of this would be possible, however, without the support of countless volunteers and the leadership of our staff .

And so, I as these pages celebrate all that we have accomplished and lay out plans for the year to come, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made these min-istries possible . Thank you to all have rolled up your sleeves to care for our community, to build our community, to help form and lead our community, and who have led us in ser-vice to the world beyond .

Thank you as well, to all of our volunteer lead-ership, to all those members who have taken

up responsibilities within our committees and commissions, and especially to our retiring Vestry members who have served faith-fully and lovingly these past three years: Sandy Baruah, Scottie Knight, Mark Lorenger, Lisa MacLean, Don Sweeny .

Lastly, let me thank our staff who work in all areas, to support, to lead, and to expand the mission and ministry of God in our midst:

Together, we — lay and ordained, volunteer and staff, together — make the mission of God in this wonderful place of Christ Church Grosse Pointe real .

Thank you . Thank you . Thank you .

With love and affection,

The Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

– Areeta Bridgemohan – MaryAnn DeAngelo– Rick DiLoreto– Suzanne Di Piazza – Pat Gordon– James Gray– Scott Hanoian– Vicki Hesse

– Peggy Karson– Tripp Kennedy– Leah Mannino– Jeff Ralya– Ron Spann– Diane Ward– Robert Szadek

2016 Annual Report


A Candlemas procession followed by a Solemn Holy Eucharist celebrating

the Eve of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple.

Feast of the PresentationThursday, February 2 • 7 pm

Combined Choirs Free and open to the public


2016 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

It is a pleasure to be here today first as a member of Christ Church but also as your Senior Warden . Having previously served on the Vestry, not once but twice, I was apprecia-tive to have been asked to be nominated in 2014 by Father Drew and the Nominating Committee . Who can refuse a Rector’s invita-tion! To serve you as Junior Warden and then Senior Warden was truly an honor and a bless-ing . With the Warden’s job has come a greater love and appreciation for our church and all of you, something I will always hold close to my heart .

I want to talk about our Vestry these past three years and our core priorities, which are:

• Stewardship Advocacy• Celebrate the Wins• Connect People• Support the Leadership Team and • Embrace our Community Norms .

We as a Vestry were not there three years ago . I have seen a change in the Vestry over the past three years and one that the entire Vestry should be proud of . We have been open and honest, caring and respectful . We have laughed and we have prayed for one another . We have grown together and now embrace our core values . We have a better understanding of the roles and responsi-bilities of the Vestry then we did three years ago . In addition to our core priorities we are caring and available listeners, facilitate communication within the parish, provide leadership for parish programs and ministries, provide oversight on church finances and facilities . We invite others to worship, support the Model of Sacrificial Discipleship and take ownership of Stewardship . Friends let me tell you if you are interested in getting more involved in a deeper way, please think about the Vestry .

As John Snyder identified at last year’s Annual Meeting, a tremen-dous amount of organizational work had been done in 2015 with the staff on the leadership structure . The roles of the Rector, the Wardens, the Vestry and the Senior Staff were all defined . Almost all Commissions, Committees and Guilds are in place and actively functioning in all ministry areas . Every Commission and Commit-tee has a defined purpose, membership comprised of lay members with specific ministry tenure, and a regular schedule of meeting . Each Commission, Committee and Guild also has identified senior staff leadership with the focus being a sustainable structure of both lay and staff partnerships to help shape our work together . There are well over 200 plus members participating in our Leader-ship For Mission ministries!

Per the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Vestry approved the 2016 Resource Plan, which is aligned with the 2016 Vestry Resolution, which provides provisions for staffing, buildings,

music, program expenses and ministry support expenses . The Resource Plan is funded through current giving and programs, with a strategic 5-year focus on enhanced steward-ship, new member incorporation, the annual endowment draw of 4% or 2%, when a 3-year market performance dictates as authorized through our investment policy, and up to $350,000 from unrestricted assets . The 2014 Vestry boldly approved the Resource Plan and the 2015 Vestry re-affirmed their support for it . Friends, I applaud the faith of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Vestries for their commitment and resolve for supporting the Resource Plan . We as a church have talked about our vision for years, to provide and grow our Christian Educa-tion for our youth to parallel the likes of our outstanding Music Program . Back in the 1990’s

we made a decision to invest in brick and mortar to better serve and grow our church, both internally as well as in the greater community . There was a Capital Campaign to fund this growth . Upon completion of the Christian Education Building we faced a significant cost overrun . The decision was made at the time to borrow approximately $4M from Endowments to avoid a long-term mortgage with a promise to pay back the endowments through bequests . To date we have made considerable headway in paying back approximately $3M of the $4M . Now it is time to support and provide the resources to fulfill our long-standing vision of Christ Church to be a welcoming and inclusive commu-nity, overflowing with activity, 7 days a week .

The newly formed Annual Giving Committee came together beginning in June of this year and, after many discerning and prayerful meetings, the Annual Giving Committee agreed upon and committed to a segmented approach to annual giving based on the different ways in which people give, i .e . Financial Contrib-utor/Fundraising - contributes a gift solely to the Music Program, i .e ., Patron Add in Concert Series; Discipleship Journey - An annual commitment (that is, a pledge) marked by generosity and gratitude, increasing, something less than a 10% pledge; Sacrifi-cial Journey - Commitment and plan to reach a tithe, tithing, teaching, supporting and inviting others; Legacy Journey - Estate plan in place and communicated to CCGP . The Vestry approved and endorsed the Annual Giving strategy in October .

The 2017 programmatic budget was approved with an amend-ment charging the Vestry to address the revenue side of the budget . Friends, it is time that we address our on-going giving shortfall.

We are all disciples of Christ on our spiritual journey together . We are not alone . I want to affirm that I am on the journey with you . My first wife Mary Jo and I came to Christ Church in 1998 . We were welcomed and felt comfortable here . We began to pledge in 1998 and not a lot . We became more connected and each year we made

Senior Warden

Mark Lorenger

2016 Annual Report


a deeper financial pledge . We felt blessed . In 2003, Mary Jo was diagnosed with esophageal cancer . We went to bed that night uncertain of what the future meant and we prayed and asked God for strength . We did not deal with this challenge alone . Our church immediately began providing support and prayers and what we received from you was purely incredible . Many of you here were with with us every step of the way, with prayers, visits, meals and, most of all, your love . God took Mary Jo 16 months later and welcomed her to eternal life . Christ Church continued to be a place of comfort, peace and love for our family . Your love and kindness was transformational - our Christ Church family . It was at this time that I made a deeper financial pledge getting us closer to a tithe . We witnessed God’s love, his grace and yes, his joy in all of you!

When Sue and I were married she felt that same welcoming and loving kindness . Knowing all that we have comes from God we made some choices on where our giving was directed and in 2010 we proudly became tithers! It took quite awhile to get there, but we did and we feel good about our heartfelt giving to God . What God gave us through each of you was amazing and our giving was now one that came from our heart and was no longer a purely financial one . We witnessed God’s love, we know his love, and we want to live his love .

For some here, I am “preaching to the choir” as many here are faith-ful givers and tither’s already . I encourage all of you to heartfully think about our sacrificial journey and spiritual pathway of giving together . I invite each of you to join us a tither’s or prayerfully commit to a plan over time of tithing to God .

I want to continue to encourage us all to communicate with our Staff and our Vestry for ideas and thoughts that will help us all to continue to fulfill our mission to bring God and people together to know and live the good news of Jesus Christ . We need everyone in our church family to share their Time, Talent and Treasure and it’s not one out of three or two out of three, but three out of three to make sure that we all give our best to God . I believe it will be faith-fulness to Jesus Christ that will bring growth and it will be our love, and fellowship that will welcome and incorporate new members into this parish . Let us be the Christ Church that God called us to be not only today but for years to come.

To me, the success of an organization, or in this case our parish, is dependent upon the commitment and strength of the leadership . I truly want to thank Father Drew for his leadership, his challenging me when I needed challenge but most of all, I want to thank him for his being called here . Drew was called here for a reason and I believe that reason was to awaken and enrich all of our individual spiritual journeys and to challenge us how we live out our faith or not! As Betsy Creedon, wrote to me earlier this year, “as our nation struggles with the open surfacing of hate, prejudice and self-centered collective persona, Christ Church has a deeply faithful guide in Father Drew to help us through .” We are blessed to have such wonderful spiritual leaders in Drew, Vicki, Areeta and Ron . We have a great staff! They continue to make this place, a place we all

call home . Thank you each and everyone of you .

As I reflect on this past year, there are many highlights and each of these was possible only because of all of you!

• Easter Appeal of Water for Flint, $14,212 raised and 500 gallons water donated

• Christmas Appeal, Habitat for Humanity Grosse Pointe Part-ners $16,592

• Christmas Gift Project, 43/Ruth Ellis, 68/Front Porch, 70+ parishioners

• Gifts and Greens: over $16,000 for Crossroads, 1000+ I .D’s• Crossroads - over 300 Summer Starter Bags packed and deliv-

ered this summer providing over 2,000 breakfasts

Thanks to everyone here today for your heartfelt support of these many outreach opportunities, whether that was packing breakfast bags, delivering gifts or opening your wallets - thank you all . I also want to thank each and every Commission, Committee, Taskforce or Guild, as there are too many to mention and too many people to thank individually . Thanks to everyone involved in support of our overall ministry here at Christ Church . Your involvement and volunteerism makes this OUR church . I hope that the list above drives home an important fact: Christ Church has wonderful people . And what we are able to accomplish is done by God’s grace and the outstanding efforts of so many . But let’s not stop here . We still need more Sunday School teachers for our children, additional Ushers, more Adopt-a-Gardeners, Parish Life, Holy Dust-ers, Daughter’s of the King, on and on . Many opportunities to serve .

Thanks to Junior Warden, Karen Kienbaum for her faithfulness, her new friendship and her insight on the many matters that present themselves throughout the course of the year . Being on Vestry presents new relationships, new common interests and some not so common, but Vestry really promotes Christian fellowship on a concentrated level . I would also like to thank my outgoing Vestry class of Sandy Baruah, Scottie Knight, Lisa MacLean and Don Sweeny . I’ve benefitted by getting to know them in a deeper, personal way . I also want to thank my lovely wife Sue for allowing me this opportunity to serve these past three years . I hope she’s ready for more of me - I’m ready for more of her!

It has been truly an honor to serve you as a member of the Vestry and as your Senior Warden . It was my hope and desire to help provide leadership that allows our Church family to fulfill it’s mission in a manner that measures up to the excellence of all Vestry members and Wardens who served before me and beyond .

We have much to be thankful for friends . New families are making commitments to our life and ministry and a number of members have substantially increased their prayerful giving . We can contin-ue to do great things together and we’re all better together .

With gratitude and thankfulness .

Mark Lorenger


2016 Annual Report

Proposed Amendment to the By Laws

(per Article IX, Section 3)

The purpose of the following amendment is to permit the election of five (5) candidates to the Vestry for 2017 from a field of nominees proposed by the Nominating Committee equal to less than twice the number of vacancies, the consequence of which was the inability to present ten nominees forty (40) days prior to the election .*

ARTICLE VI

Nominations and Elections

Section 1

(a) At least ninety (90) days before each Annual Parish Meeting the Rector shall, with the approval of the Vestry,

appoint a Nominating Committee of seven (7) members . The Nominating Committee shall nominate for Vestry

membership no less than as many persons as there are vacancies to be filled and no more than twice as many

persons as there are vacancies to be filled . Names of those nominated by the Committee shall be publicly

announced at least forty (40) days before the day of the Annual Parish Meeting . Additional nominations may be

made at any time before the twentieth (20th) day preceding the day of the Annual Parish Meeting, by submitting

to the Rector a written nominating petition signed by ten (10) persons, all of whom shall be members of the Parish

eligible to vote at such meeting, and none of whom shall have signed such a nominating petition for a greater

number of nominees than there are Vestry vacancies to be filled at that meeting . Names of those so nominated

shall be publicly announced promptly, and at least ten (10) days before the day of the Annual Parish Meeting .*

*This amendment shall expire at the culmination of the 2017 Annual Meeting .

Proposed Temporary Amendment to the By Laws

Voting Requirements: Who is Eligible to VoteEligibility to vote at a Parish meeting, shall be restricted to those Baptized persons of sixteen years of age, or over, who, for six months prior to such meeting, have been regular worshippers at Christ Church Grosse Pointe .

Voting MethodologyVoting on other issues arising at any Parish meeting may be viva voce, by show of hands, or by written ballot, as the presiding officer may direct .

2016 Annual Report


Vestry Election

Purpose• To elect five persons to serve on the Vestry of Christ Church

for a term of three years and until their successors are elect-ed and qualified .

• To receive reports on the finances, mission, and ministry of Christ Church .

• To act upon other matters appropriate to and concerning the life of the parish .

About the VestryMembership on the Vestry at Christ Church is made up of fifteen lay men and women elected for three-year terms at the Annual Meeting in January . Each year five new members are elected from among at least ten nominated by the Vestry Nominating Committee . Additional nominations may be made by petition .

No Vestry person may be elected to succeed himself/herself; however, a former Vestry member who has been out of office for at least one year may be elected for a new three-year term .

The Vestry is called to embody, articulate, and advocate for the vision of Christ Church within the parish and community, and to develop, and be chief stewards of, the resources needed to sustain and expand the ministry of Christ Church . As part of the Leadership Team, the Vestry participates in the discernment, review, and strategic oversight of the corporate vision of Christ Church . Operationally, the Vestry entrusts the administration of Church resources to the Rector and staff .

The Vestry has responsibility for providing the funds necessary to support the activities of the church, including the salaries of its clergy and staff and necessary maintenance and repairs to the physical facilities . Each year the Vestry elects as its officers Senior and Junior Wardens, a Treasurer, a Secretary, assistants to

each of these if needed, and a Chancellor (usually an attorney) to supervise the legal affairs of the parish .

The Vestry meets once a month or as announced . Parishioners are welcome to attend .

Voting InstructionsVoting for membership of the Vestry shall be by written ballots cast by the eligible voters present at the annual meeting . No ballot shall be counted unless it shall have been voted for the same number of nominees as there are vacancies to be filled on the Vestry .

As required by the Canons of the Diocese of Michigan and the laws of the State of Michigan, no nominee shall be declared elected to the Vestry unless he or she shall have received at least a majority of all the valid votes cast .

If more nominees than necessary to fill the vacancies shall have received a majority of the valid votes cast, the nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected . If fewer nominees than necessary to fill the vacancies shall have received a majority of the valid votes cast, then only those candidates receiving a majority of votes shall be declared elected . Additional ballots shall be taken until all of such vacancies shall have been filled .

If additional ballots are required, a number of nominees equal to twice the number of remaining vacancies to be filled shall be eligible for election . These nominees shall be those individuals not elected on the preceding ballot receiving the highest numbers of votes on that ballot .

This process shall continue until all vacancies are filled . If after any ballot a vacancy remains to be filled and a tie occurs, balloting shall continue until the tie is broken .

The 2017 Vestry Candidates

Lisa Baruah Colleen Fitzgerald

Ed White

Richard Best Ann Eatherly

Blair Osborn Helen Santiz

Eric Ash

Thom Nealssohn


2016 Annual Report

The Presentation of our Lord (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Feb

Shrove Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Feb

Ash Wednesday (noon and 7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Mar

The First Sunday of Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mar

Lent Quiet Night (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Mar

Palm Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Apr

Palm Sunday Concert (4:30 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Apr

Holy Week (services at 7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Apr

Tenebrae (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Apr

Maundy Thursday (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Apr

Good Friday Services (12 noon and 7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Apr

The Great Vigil of Easter (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Apr

Easter Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Apr

The Ascension of our Lord (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 May

Pentecost (8 and 10 am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 June

Strawberry Shortcake Festival (11:30 am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 June

Bon Voyage Concert (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 July

Fall Homecoming (10 am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sept

Wednesdays at Christ Church resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sept

The Blessing of Animals (9 am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Oct

All Saints’ Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Nov

All Souls’ Requiem (4:30 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Nov

Thanksgiving Day Service (10 am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Nov

Christ the King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Nov

Gifts and Greens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Dec

Advent 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dec

Advent Procession (4:30 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dec

Messiah Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Dec

Christmas Lessons and Carols (4:30 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Dec

Advent Quiet Night (7 pm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dec

Christmas Eve (4, 8, 11 pm, 10:30 pm concert) . . . . . . . . . 24 Dec

Christmas Day (10 am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Dec

Meet Vestry Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Jan (2018)

Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Jan (2018)

Key Dates at Christ Church 2017

2016 Annual Report


The Reverend Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Purpose: At the heart of our common life together stands our common worship . As a community, we gather throughout the week to worship and pray, offering ourselves in common voice to God . In addition to our principal worship services on Sunday morning, a daily commitment to worship and prayer is maintained in Saint Margaret’s Chapel with weekday services of Morning and Evening Prayer, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Wednesday evenings .

Ministries:AcolytesAltar GuildEucharistic MinistersFlower Guild

GreetersLectorsUshersVergers

People Served:In addition to our weekday services with an attendance of over 2,300 worshipers through the year, over 18,000 people joined in prayer at one of the 234 weekend and special services held at Christ Church in 2016 . Additionally, our Evensong and Special Evening Services provided over 2,250 people the opportunity for quiet reflection in the Anglican choral tradition .

Volunteers Utilized:Worship at Christ Church would be nearly impossible without the countless volunteers that offer their time to support our wor-ship services . From the Altar Guild to the Vergers, Acolytes and Ushers, Lectors and Intercessors, Greeters and Flower Guild, the number of volunteers on a Sunday and throughout the year are staggering . Currently, nearly 100 people volunteer in the critical worship ministries – at least 25 of whom are volunteering on any given Sunday .

A particular thanks must be shared with Candy Sweeny, Director of the Flower Guild . For nearly a decade now, Candy has not only coordinated and overseen the beautiful work of our Flower Guild, she has quietly prepared and arranged flowers on a near weekly basis behind the scenes . As some may known, Candy has shared that this spring will be her last as the Flower Guild Direc-tor . While Easter will be her last as the Director of the Christ Church Flower Guild, I thank Candy for her years of creation and care for our worship together, and look forward to Candy’s next steps in ministry at Christ Church!

2016 Highlights: • SENIOR ACOLYTE: Katie Trost has exceeded expectation as

our Senior Acolyte, expanding the role through leadership, recruitment, and service . Her commitment to our acolyte ministry has helped to expand our ranks of youth acolytes, building community among our acolytes, and better care fort he vestments of acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers .

• SATURDAY EVENING VOLUNTEERS: Beginning this year, we have opened our Saturday evening worship ministries to

all congregants . Today, the reader, intercessor, and chalice minister all come from within the congregation gathered as an expression of our shared leadership in worship .

• WORSHIP PARTICIPATION: In 2016, several services noticeably expanded or reached peak participation . Our Easter participation was the highest in a decade, our Christ-mas Eve Family Service matched its highest attendance since 2006, and the All Souls’ Requiem far exceeded previ-ous participation . All of these services present our commu-nity with opportunity for members not only to participate in worship ourselves, but to engage guests and new friends among us .

• THE DAILY OFFICE: The Daily Office continues with a, committed, core community that gathers regularly throughout the week, especially for Morning Prayer . These simple said services continue to provide our community a quiet opportunity for reflection, reformation, and re-connection with one another and with God in our lives .

2017 Priorities:In 2017 we will continue our pursuit of excellence in worship with increased attention to our preparation and volunteer train-ing . We are particularly committed to re-establishing a rhythm of ministry training to support current worship ministers and to empower and develop new volunteers .

Our Curate, the Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan, in collaboration with Katie Trost (Senior Acolyte) and Deb Miller (Head Verger) is work-ing to expand our acolyte core through recruitment, training, and community development .

Overall, in 2017 we will be focused on expanding our volunteer corps for worship . It is my hope that all active members of Christ Church will find a way into at least one worship ministry, perhaps as a reader or usher, or as an acolyte, greeter, or altar guild member, in the coming year .

Lastly, beginning in the fall of 2017 we will return our focus to developing and deepening our connections within worship, be-ginning with our 9am family service .

To Volunteer:If you are interested in volunteering with any of our worship min-istries, please contact James Gray (jgray@christchurchgp .org) or any member of the Christ Church clergy .

Contact: The Reverend Andrew Van Culin, Rector313-885-4841 x106 • dvanculin@christchurchgp .org

Worship Ministries


2016 Annual Report

Formation

The Reverend Vicki Hesse, Associate

Purpose: Formation helps members of all ages and their families to grow in their knowledge of Christianity, to integrate Christian princi-ples into their lives and to deepen their sense of themselves as spiritual people, ultimately bringing God and people together to know and live the Good News of Jesus Christ .

Ministries: Children and Families Youth: High School (DIVE)Youth: Middle School (BEYOND)Adult FormationChrist Church Spirituality CenterThe Cloister BookshopSweeny Lecture Series

People Served:Parish Community – we are all in formation around our desire to serve, our call to be good stewards, our questions of faith and prayer and for worship and praise .

Highlights:• Leadership for Mission: During 2016, we began imple-

menting the Leadership for Mission commission and committee structure .

• Children and Families: Under the leadership of Suzanne Di Piazza, our Children and Family Ministries are forming disci-ples and educating our children about faithful living .

• Youth: Under the leadership of Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan, our youth groups have developed strongly and with minis-try/service focus .

Priorities:During 2016, we began implementing the Leadership for Mission commission and committee structure . The impact on Formation area meant we needed to focus our efforts to sustain critical areas (children, youth, adults) and this limited our capacity to both develop a strategic vision and add any new curriculum . The Formation Commission (Cynthia Reich, Sue Lorenger, Karl Boeck-ler, Mil Hurley, Monica Hubbard, Eric Ash, David Redfield and Sarah Bowe) met to learn of its charge, and it enthusiastically supports stronger educational offerings for all ages . This Commission will meet to strategize several times in the upcoming 2017 year .

Children and Youth: During 2016, parish leadership discerned a need to separate the Youth program and Children & Family program . The compelling reason was to improve our impact in two important demographic areas and re-focus resources towards areas that the parish community has identified as priority . When Mr . Christian Hansen departed at the end of June, we recruited Ms . Suzanne Di Piazza as Director of Children and Family Ministries . At the same time, Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan accepted additional responsibilities to lead the Youth ministry programs . Each of these staff leaders report separately for these areas .

The focus of both Youth and Children & Family education is to implement fresh and relevant approaches that maintain, above all, a community of affection and care grounded in God’s love that 1) deepens faith 2) forms and educates, and 3) invites mutual partici-pation with affiliated and neighborhood groups . See separate reports for these areas, written by Rev’d Areeta and Ms . Suzanne .

In the area of Holy Baptism formation, I developed a curriculum for a 4-part Baptism series which was offered through the Rector’s Forum, educating the parish on what it means to “Live a Baptized Life .” Further, I deepened my connection to the Guild of the Christ Child (Kitty Black, Liz Johnson, Eliza Hix, Meredith Hanoian, Kathie vonSchwarz, Sue Harper, Lisa MacLean), to extend their hospitality beyond the day of baptism . More work will continue with this Guild through the efforts of the Member Development Committee in 2017 .

Adult: Strategically, we discerned that we need to solidify and maintain (and not build up or change substantially) the existing “Rector’s Forum” and “Wednesday Nights at Christ Church/Cate-chumenate” formation for adults . For now, these two programs comprise the fundamental offerings for Adults .

The Rector’s Forum consistently gathers 35 to 70 participants for a variety of faith-based presentations during the 10:10 to 11:00 am hour . Wednesdays at Christ Church Catechumenate provides a 28 week foundational course on what it means to be a disciple of Christ and gathers together 25 to 50 participants .

We recognize these two offerings provide some, but not all, educational needs for our community . We anticipate stronger, deeper and more relevant formation options through our vibrant Adult Formation Committee (Susan Mills, Heather Hakim, John Snyder, Dick Trost, Polly Ledyard, Thom Nealssohn, Eric Ash and Monica Hubbard) which is now in place . This committee commits to developing a strategic program that offers clear pathways for Christian Education that forms disciples and deep-ens Christian knowledge and connection with Jesus Christ .

Christ Church Spirituality Center: During 2016, Fr . Ron Spann directed this area, with several exciting workshops and offerings . For 2017, Fr . Ron and I will work together more closely to align these offerings both with team development and community-wide (read: outside CCGP community) offerings of particular spiritual content for inner work . See separate report provided by Fr . Ron Spann in this report .

The Cloister Bookshop: The bookshop seeks a lay member to organize and coordinate it . For 2016 no significant work has been done to build up offerings . This resource will be included in strategic considerations by the Formation Commission . Are you called to coordinate and lead this effort? Speak to me and we can explore how this might unfold .

The Sweeny Lecture Series: This lecture series was not utilized in 2016 and so remains an untapped resource for the Formation Commission to consider in 2017 .

2016 Annual Report


Thank You: Thank you to all the formation leaders with children, youth and adults who have contributed and actively participated to learn-ing about Christ in our midst . Keep asking questions, keep learn-ing, keep opening your hearts and minds, and keep sharing God’s love through life-long learning! Thank you!

To Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering with our Formation minis-tries or to participate, please contact The Rev’d Vicki Hesse (vhesse@christchurchgp .org) or any of the Christ Church clergy .

Contact: The Reverend Vicki Hesse, Associate313-885-4841 x116 • vhesse@christchurchgp .org


2016 Annual Report

The Reverend Vicki Hesse, Associate

Purpose:Parish Life includes programs that gather, connect, and care for Christ Church parishioners as a community of faith, bringing God and people together to know and live the Good News of Jesus Christ .

Ministries:Parish Life CommissionParish Gatherings CommitteeWednesdays at Christ Church Supper SupportFoyer GroupsChrist Church BakersPastoral Care Committee Daughters of the KingStephen Ministry TeamIntercessory Prayer TeamFuneral Ministry TeamLay Eucharistic VisitorsMember Development CommitteeConnection Cards

People Served:Parish Community: Sunday hospitality, the Christ Church Christ-mas Party, Strawberry Shortcake on the front lawn and every other opportunity for fellowship and to make new friends in faith, or to care for a friend in need is an expression of our Parish Life ministry at work .

Highlights:• Funeral Ministry: Under the leadership of Kathy Williams, our

Funeral Ministry Committee provided exceptional hospitali-ty to grieving families, friends, and guests at over 20 funerals .

• Foyer Groups: Our foyer group ministry continues under the leadership of Mike and Mary Bamford . Currently, 8 groups with 62 members are meeting . Keep your eyes open for the next opportunity to join a foyer group!

• Wednesdays at Christ Church: Begun this fall as an opportu-nity for faith, fellowship, and formation, the heart of the evening is our community dinner which regularly serves over 70 on Wednesday evenings .

Priorities:During 2016, we began implementing the Leadership for Mission commission and committee structure . The Parish Life Commission (Lisa Baruah, Ross Kogel, Kathy Williams, Karyn Weir, Mary Bamford, Polly Ledyard, Laura Nealssohn, Colleen Fitzgerald and Butch Wardwell) met to learn of its charge and expressed enthusiastic interest in support of programs to deepen our connection to each other and the Good News of Jesus Christ . The Committees (Parish Gatherings, Pastoral Care and Member Development) also met to learn of the Leadership for Mission and engaged their ministry in response to existing programs and future plans:

The Parish Gathering Committee, under Karyn Weir’s leader-ship, consists of Mary Bamford, Tim Whims, Catherine Ash, Carolyn Wallace, Ann Mason Colman, May Jean Chan, Kathie vonSchwarz and Vesta Dajani . The Ministry Team supported key parish-wide events: the Fall Homecoming (approx . 75), Fall Tea (approx . 40), Parish Baptism Receptions, Christmas Party (approx . . 160), Annual Meeting Parish Lunch, Easter Vigil and Easter Egg Hunt Reception, Strawberry Shortcake Receptions and Summer BBQs (approx . 35 each) .

The Wednesdays at Christ Church Support Team, under Mike Bamford’s leadership, with assistance from Mary Bamford, Rosemarie Dyer, and dozens of others, supports our suppers on Wednesday . This teams gives time and care from “behind the scenes” that few recognize . Mike tirelessly supports our caterer, Dolly, in washing up pots and pans, organizing and plating dishes, and generally offering humble and hard work to get the suppers served .

The Foyer Groups, under Mary Bamford’s leadership, gathers for “strictly Social, Strictly Fun” regular but informal dinners, for purely social reasons – to enjoy one another’s company, to strengthen bonds of community, to meet new members and just to get to know other people who share a common interest in Grace but with whom we might not otherwise interact . The Foyer Groups provide a means to develop new friendships and deepen old ones and are a way to make our sometimes-too-large-seeming parish feel smaller and warmer .

The Christ Church Bakers, coordinated by MaryAnn DeAngelo, respond to requests for baking cookies, cakes, or even meals for Parish Gathering events, Funeral receptions and pastoral needs . MaryAnn maintains the list of approximately 30 parishioners who have offered their cooking skills to respond as needs arise .

The Pastoral Care Committee (Polly Ledyard, Hope Hoffman, Dick Beadle, Kathy Williams, Bev Walsh, and Miranda Ferrara) in the Leadership for Mission organization guides our pastoral care efforts . This committee met only once and will re-engage in the spring of this year to refresh and strategize efforts .

The Daughters of the King, under Karen Davenport’s leader-ship, is a community of women seeking to grow in prayer and service while sharing God’s love and light . We meet monthly to study what it means to live a rule of prayer and a rule of service, while expanding our understanding of Christ’s call for us to serve and to love generously . We met every month in 2016 for gather-ings to learn such topics as Anglican Prayer Beading (Pamela Blair), walking the Labyrinth, praying the Celtic evening prayer and now have a committed team of 10 women . All women of the parish are welcome to participate!

The Stephen Ministry team, coordinated by Polly Ledyard, provides high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting . This ministry, while quite vibrant in previous years, is in transition and under consideration for closure . There

Parish Life

2016 Annual Report


To volunteer, contact Rev. Areeta Bridgemohan at [email protected] or go to christchurchgp.org/crossroads

are currently only four active Stephen Ministers who participate in monthly supervision . We seek to know: are you a trained Stephen Minister who would like to refresh your participation? Perhaps the Stephen Ministers might be interested to serve in other ways? Please let us know your thoughts .

The Intercessory Prayer team, coordinated by Dick Beadle, offer private and confidential blessing and prayer with attendees at Sunday’s service: 9 am (during the year) and 10 am in the summer . The team members, speaking and acting in the Spirit, serve to help further the possibility of a deepened sense of the connec-tion between God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the individual coming forward .

The Funeral Ministry team, under Kathy Williams’ leadership, provides hospitality and care for families of deceased . The month-ly “captain” is responsible for receptions following all funerals or memorials during the month, on rotation, and serve an important role to communicate between staff and the lay volunteers serv-ing the family . We had 20 funerals in 2016 and this team offered gracious behind-the-scenes service to welcome family and friends during difficult times .

The Lay Eucharistic Visitors, coordinated by James Gray, bring Holy Communion to those parishioners who are shut-in or other-wise unable to come to church . We have a small team of LEVs in process of re-certifying with the Diocese to serve in this way, including Polly Ledyard, Susan Mills, Peggy Woodhouse, Mary Trost and Dick Beadle .

The Member Development Committee (Ross Kogel, Jill Best, John Snyder, Brendan Walsh, Lisa Baruah, Eliza Hix and Nancy Osborn) is charged with strategizing and developing ways to invite, welcome and connect our member with newcomers, guests, long-time and everyone between . This committee has begun the development of the Connect process based on the important work of Mary Parmer, from Diocese of Texas . Parishio-ners John Snyder and Lisa Baruah joined me at the “Invite/

Welcome/Connect Summit” at Camp Allen, TX in April . We learned about the many ways to intentionally engage our parish with the community through these inspiring approaches .

Several practical ideas are emerging through this Committee: refreshing and re-defining the Greeter ministry, expanding the Guild of the Christ Child’s connection ministry, planning for a “Day at the DIA” with theological reflection, and other ways to deepen our connection with each other and fling wide open the doors of welcome to the broader community .

Our Connection Card Process, facilitated by MaryAnn DeAn-gelo, continues to capture guests’ contact information for our intentional reaching out to new- or recently re-connected parish-ioners . During 2016 we obtained approximately 20 Connection Cards that were distributed among the staff and shared with vestry representatives for contact . This is an area we intend to formalize in 2017 .

Thank You:Thank you to all the many ministry team leaders, to the folks who work behind the scenes to clean up and serve, to the folks who coordinate and risk by leading others to serve, to the Holy Spirit who calls us to gather together and be invigorated by Love . Special shout out to Karyn Weir, Kathy Williams, Lisa Baruah, Karen Davenport, Dick Beadle, Mike & Mary Bamford and Polly Ledyard who have gently critiqued my pastoral leadership and been a faithful companion on this journey with me, teaching me to grow as a better Christian .

To Volunteer:If you are interested in volunteering with our Parish Life ministries or to participate in a parish life event, please contact MaryAnn DeAngelo (mdeangelo@christchurchgp .org) or any of the Christ Church clergy .

Contact: The Reverend Vicki Hesse, Associate313-885-4841 x116 • vhesse@christchurchgp .org


2016 Annual Report

Children and Family Ministries

Suzanne Di Piazza, Director of Children and Families

Purpose: Gather Together, Grow in Faith, and Serve God in the World . The purpose of Children and Family Ministries is to engage with families and volunteers to build relationships, formation programs and events that help children live into the vows made for them at their Baptism .

During 2016, clergy and staff discerned a leadership need to separate the Youth program and Children & Family program to improve our impact and re-focus resources towards areas that the parish community has identified as priority . Mr . Christian Hansen departed at the end of June and Ms . Suzanne Di Piazza accepted our call to lead the C&F ministries, while Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan accepted additional responsibilities to lead the Youth ministry programs .

In C&F, Suzanne Di Piazza, as Director, will provide strategic leadership and creative vision, implementing fresh and relevant approaches that maintain, above all, a community of affection and care grounded in God’s love that 1) deepens our faith through family-oriented connections, 2) forms and educates our children and their families, and 3) invites mutual participation with affiliated and neighborhood groups .

Ministries/Programmatic Responsibilities: (Aug 1 - Dec 31) • Direct and lead Sunday School (3 Years —5th grade)• Direct and lead Wednesday Night Formation (grades 1-5) • Facilitate and guide Children’s Chapel (during 9:00 service) • Supervise and oversee Church Nursery (Wednesday

evening, Sunday a .m . and p .m ., 5 part time staff ) • Coordinate and offer Family Ministry Events • Supervise and oversee Parents’ Day Out (with staff lead Leah

Mannino)• Support and coordinate with Co-Op Nursery (with CNCC

leader Torrie Stackpoole) • Support and coordinate with MOPs (with MOPs leaders Leah

Mannino and Kathleen Wolney)• Strategize and implement fresh approaches with families

and childrenVolunteer Leadership Oversight:

• Godly Play Shepherds 5 (for 3 yr . olds-Grade 1) • Solemn Communion Leaders 2 (for 2nd Grade)• 3rd to 5th Grade Teacher Assistants 2• Additional Sunday school support teams 2 • Wednesday night Teacher Assistants 1• Additional Nursery Care attendants (4 volunteers)

Accomplishments: Preparation of Education Wing and Children’s supplies

• Cleaned, cleared, and organized Chapel in education wing • Organized, staged and inventoried all of the disposable

items in classrooms on 2nd floor • Organized, and inventoried Nursery on 1st floor • Organized, inventoried and prepared my office

Changed out coloring books used during church (seasonally) Design and Implement Curriculum

• Hosted Godly Play Training for the Diocese • Researched and began new curriculum for grades 3-5 on

Sunday (no cost) • Researched and began new curriculum for Wednesday

night formation (no cost) Supervise and oversee lay leadership

• Improved volunteer community by way of connections, meetings, support, and care

• Acquired 3 additional volunteers for Sunday morning and Wednesday night

• Gathered for a series of meetings with Vicki and Areeta to bring structure on how to recruit, train, support and retain volunteers

Support and invite mutual participation with affiliated groups• Supported and affirmed Leah Mannino in her role as staff

PDO director • Began relationship with MOPs, lead them in prayer monthly • Began relationships with Parents’ Day Out staff and families • Began relationships with COOP staff and families

Implemented standards for nursery care and supervised care workers

• Firmed up or developed all aspects of the nursery care provider positions

Implemented Children and Family events• Planned and hosted Fall Homecoming Festival• Helped Areeta organize packing the backpacks for Blessing

of the Backpacks • Sent out children’s board books about Baptism on the 1st

anniversary of child’s baptism • Planned and hosted Pumpkin Palooza • Planned and hosted Saint Francis Sunday • Planned and hosted Advent Wreath Workshop • Planned and hosted St . Nicholas Celebration • Planned and directed Christmas Eve crèche procession

involving 23 children, 4 youth and walkPriorities:

Continue to implement fresh and relevant approaches to maintain a community of affection and care that 1) deepens our faith through family-oriented connections, 2) forms and educates our children and their families, and 3) invites mutual participation with affiliated and neighborhood groups .

Practical priorities: Continue to ask that the position I hold is included, respected, and heard as the collective voice for the importance of building children’s programing, here at CCGP .

Build on and firm up existing ministries, especially formation, discerning what children/parents/families need .

Continue to support Leah Mannino in her roles here .

Continue to bring order to the Church Nursery

2016 Annual Report


Recruit help to lead Children’s Chapel and the Sunday formation class I teach

Takeover, from Vicki, and enhance the mission of the Guild of the Christ Child Ministry

Become more knowledgeable and adept at technology used here by way of informal or professional training .

Thank You: A sincere thank you to:

The team of Sunday morning and Wednesday evening children formation volunteers . All have a true heart for assisting children on their journey of faith .

Rosemarie Dyer, Miranda Ferrara, Judy Gaffrey, Libby Irby, Nancy Osborn, Jocelyn Padden, Jessica VanCulin, Kathie von Schwarz, Kathy Williams, and Kelly Walsh .

To the staff and parishioners who have welcomed me, helped me assimilate, and been patient with my many questions . A

special thanks to Maryann DeAngelo, who has assisted me in any and every way I’ve asked, Rick DiLoreto who has helped me get the word out, the Rev . Vicki Hesse, for her pastoral leadership, and to Leah Mannino for her dedication to PDO and as co-chair of MOPS .

To Mark and Sue Lorenger for being so kind and helpful . From the moment I arrived they have been my ‘go to’ people and helped me settle in my home and in my new role, each in their own way .

And last, but surely not least, to all children, especially those here during the week and on weekends . They bring me joy and remind me that my life’s work is and has been an important one .

Contact: Suzanne Di Piazza, Director of Children and Families313-885-4841 x104 • sdipiazza@christchurchgp .org


2016 Annual Report

Youth Ministry

The Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate

Purpose: Gather together, grow in faith and serve God in the world .

Ministries: Confirmation class (DIVE)Youth group (BEYOND)Pizza LunchAcolyte ministry

In June 2015, we were sad to see Christian Hansen leave . After he left, the Children, Youth and Family Ministries were restructured . The Curate became responsible for Youth Ministry and Suzanne Di Piazza was hired to expand and develop Christ Church’s Chil-dren and Family Ministries .

Highlights:Relationship building – Over the summer of 2016, the Curate had many opportunities for relationship building with the youth and young adults in our community, from traveling with the choir in Spain, co-leading the 2016 Mission Trip in Detroit and attending choir camp in August . This time was invaluable to build relationships of trust with the youth, parents and colleagues .

2016 Mission Trip – This year Christ Church joined with the Diocese on their first mission trip to Detroit . We had 8 youth from Christ Church attend the mission trip and who gave presentations on their experience at Rector’s Forum in Septem-ber and at Diocesan Convention in October . The focus was to build a safe and caring community to reflect on issues of racial diversity and social justice and to provide youth with positive experiences of Detroit . Helen Santiz joined us as chaperone on that trip . The mission trip was transformative to all who partici-pated in it and gave us a glimpse of what Christian community can look like .

Team of adult youth leaders – Much of the summer was spent gathering a core of adult youth leaders who possess two main qualities: love of God and love of youth . We have a wonderful team of 9 adult youth leaders who have these quali-ties in abundance: Beth Alltop, Lori and Karl Boeckler, Liz Felix, Colleen Fitzgerald, John Paul Hampstead, Lilly Miriani, Dave Redfield and Brendan Walsh . We have created shared time for the adult youth leaders to reflect on what works and what could be improved and some time for learning together about youth ministry .

Programming – We offer two programs every Wednesday night: confirmation class (we have 9 youth registered) and youth group (we have up to 9 youth attend) . We begin the night together and then break off . The youth group has been focusing on lessons as well as doing outreach projects . They made about 50 breakfast bags which were delivered to Grace Mt Clemens food pantry and to the Front Porch . Confirmation class runs from September to May and will include a confirma-tion retreat in January .

Priorities:To develop a strong and diverse core of adult youth leaders to lead this ministry, and to develop a ‘caring for volunteers’ strat-egy which includes discernment of call, appreciation, training and evaluation .

To offer programs that deepen biblical knowledge and encour-age spiritual development and to include more service and reflection opportunities .

To involve more youth in our programs and to integrate youth into the wider life of Christ Church .

To focus on building pastoral relationships with youth in our community .

To create a model of community based on Christian values, rooted in a living and dynamic faith that engages with the world .

To build an acolyte ministry of children and youth that worship together, grow in faith and in fellowship .

Thank You:To all the adult youth leaders for being responsive, thoughtful and authentic in your relationship with God and our youth .

To all the pizza lunch servers for your faithfulness to this ministry .

To all the youth at Christ Church: you help us see the face of Christ .

Contact: If you have youth that are interested in participating in our youth ministry, are interested in volunteering or learning more about our ministries, please contact the Rev . Areeta Bridgemohan (abridgemohan@christchurchgp .org) .

The Reverend Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate 313-885-4841 x121 • abridgemohan@christchurchgp .org

2016 Annual Report


Outreach Ministries

The Reverend Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate

Purpose: Our Outreach Ministries exist to provide intentional outreach opportunities, partnerships and formation that transform the community of Christ Church and those whom we serve .

Ministries: Back to school supply driveChristmas Gift ProjectChurch of the Messiah partnershipCrossroads Soup KitchenOutreach funding ministryShelter Week Meal

Highlights:Formation of the Outreach Commission – In April of 2016, we held the first meeting of the Outreach Commission . The members of this group are: Beth Alltop, Beverly Curtiss-Walsh, Karen Kienbaum, Blair Osborn, Jean Redfield and Kim Sutton . Christ Church has great potential for living into our call to be the body of Christ in the world . The outreach commission is discerning what key initiatives and strategic directions can help guide us to live into that call .

Appeals – We have earmarked our Easter and Christmas Appeals and Gifts and Greens for outreach, and in 2016 and moving forward, our Outreach Funding ministry selects the recipients . This year we raised $14,212 for the Easter Appeal which we sent to the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan for their water relief efforts in Flint . We also raised over $15,000 at the 2016 Gifts and Greens for the Identification program for Crossroads and we raised over $15,000 for the 2016 Christmas Appeal which will be sent to Habitat Grosse Pointe Partners .

Outreach Funding – In 2016, we awarded a total of $36,300 to 9 groups doing great work in the Detroit Metro Area . We award-ed funds to: Buckets of Rain, Crossroads, Front Porch, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Community Outreach and Development, Mariner’s Inn, The Lakehouse, Ruth Ellis, Wellspring . We have established 3 year terms for volunteers and are expanding the review process to include an additional meeting reviewing the applications received and an evaluation with the recipients .

Expansion of outreach opportunities – As the Outreach Commission gathers and begins to identify strategic directions, staff has taken the opportunity to slowly expand our service opportunities . We served two dinners at Shelter Week this year and have partnered with Grosse Pointe Memorial Church to serve at Mercado, a food pantry in Southwest Detroit . We also organized the first choir service day with Rippling Hope in Detroit in November 2016, where 30+ children and youth in the choir served . We plan to organize a parish service opportu-nity with Habitat for Humanity in Detroit this summer .

Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) – We are using CCDA principles and framework as the biblical and spiritual foundation with the Outreach Commission . This frame-work provides a comprehensive understanding of outreach, expanding the scope beyond relief efforts (e .g . soup kitchens), towards transformation (including betterment (e .g . food pantry), empowerment (e .g . urban gardening) and systems change (e .g . policy change) . The CCDA Annual Conference will be taking place in Detroit from Oct . 4-7, 2017 . Fr . Ron Spann is the co-chair of the host site and the Rev . Areeta Bridgemohan is a co-chair of the workshop group . We hope you will join us at the conference this year!

Priorities:In 2017, the Outreach Commission will synthesise the results of our prayer and deep conversation about outreach and will engage the parish in these conversations, as part of Christ Church’s discernment about our call to outreach . The priority will be to identify clear strategic directions and engage the entire congregation to be the living and breathing body of Christ in this world, in service to the mission of our church: to bring God and people together to live the good news of Jesus Christ .

Thank You: We are grateful for the generous giving of our parish of money for the Easter and Christmas appeals, the donated food for Cross-roads, the backpacks and supplies, and the Christmas gifts purchased . We are grateful for the hours of service from so many volunteers for each of the outreach service projects; from assem-bling the summer start breakfasts, to serving meals at shelter week, or working at the Mercado food pantry . It is only through your generous and joyful offerings of time, talent and treasure that makes Outreach possible .

To Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering with any of our outreach ministries, please contact the Rev . Areeta Bridgemohan (abridge-mohan@christchurchgp .org) .

Contact: The Reverend Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate313-885-4841 x121 • abridgemohan@christchurchgp .org


2016 Annual Report

Christ Church Spirituality Center

The Reverend Canon Ronald Spann, Director

Purpose: “To help persons become fully alive .” To do this, the Christ Church Spirituality Center provides local opportunities for interested individuals, couples or groups to pursue personal growth and spiritual practices that are commonly offered off-site by specialized retreat and conference centers, thus increas-ing accessibility and saving costs . The aim is to help this parish build a culture of intentional spirituality on the part of members and staff, and to attract non-members seeking the same .

Ministries: PRH Education – a personal growth resource from an interna-

tional foundation specializing in adult formation through a holistic approach to spirituality

Workshops led by outside facilitatorsRetreats led by outside facilitatorsSpecial EventsPrayer LabyrinthReferrals for spiritual direction and other resources

Highlights: No PRH activity took place this year . As an endorsed PRH Educa-tor, however, I spent three weeks in France in May-June for a quadrennial international congress of PRH Educators, which involved both ongoing training and business sessions of the PRH Foundation . New materials evolving in the PRH corpus of formation resources will find their way into the Christ Church Spirituality Center’s offerings for 2017 .

Non-PRH Offerings – On August 12-13 Bonnie Edwards, priest/photographer, returned to lead 10 participants in a retreat using photography as a spiritual practice, Spirituality and Nature: Creation and Mercy It included several hours on the grounds of the Edsel/Eleanor Ford Estate . On November 12 nine participants took part in Janene Ternes’ retreat, Journey to the Heart of Mercy . Ms Ternes’ ministry, Prayer-in-Motion, has been an anchor in our offerings . This was the fourth retreat she has led for us . Regrettably, two other scheduled events in March and October had to be cancelled because of under-registration .

As in past years the prayer labyrinth was used on site in Holy Week, and as CCSC director I have been able to refer several persons to prospective spiritual directors during the year .

Priorities: Raise the profile of the Christ Church Spirituality Center’s role at CCGP, especially through new paths of collaboration with the Rector and the clergy and lay leaders in the area of Adult and Youth formation .

Acquire the smaller prayer labyrinth [7-9 circuit design] for which we received a bid in 2016 for use at Christ Church Grosse Pointe by the Christ Church Spirituality Center and other minis-tries of this parish .

Introduce Christ Church Grosse Pointe to the faith-based community development movement, especially to discover the under-appreciated connections of inner spiritual work and the stream of prophetic spirituality that are integral to that movement . In the first week of October Detroit will receive over 2,000 persons attending the 2017 National Conference of the Christian Community Development Association . CCDA is a largely evangelical-populated organization that for almost 30 years has become the face of faith-based community develop-ment as an expression of Christian mission in the USA .

Continue to expand the numbers of participants from both within and beyond our parochial membership

Strengthen the profile of PRH education as a specific track of formation

Thank You: I want to be sure that my staff colleagues at Christ Church Grosse Pointe know that their support has been invaluable . Rick DiLoreto’s tirelessly creative conceptions encourage me as much as they speak to the public that uses them for informa-tion . The professional facilitators who commit to our program-ming find these materials, our buildings and grounds, and the opportunity to share their gifts also echo my gratitude, includ-ing the support of the Rector, Administrator and Sextons .

Contact: The Reverend Canon Ronald Spann, Director313-885-4841 x113 • rspann@christchurchgp .org

2016 Annual Report


Music

Scott Hanoian, Director of Music and Organist

Purpose: The principal mission of the music program at Christ Church is to offer, at the highest standard possible, praises to God through leadership in music and liturgy . The program also supports the education of children through intensive musical tuition .

Ministries: Choir of Men and BoysChoir of Men and GirlsChrist Church ChoraleChrist Church ScholaAntiques, Garden, and Design ShowSoaring Sounds in a Sacred Space Series of Concerts and Special Services

Highlights:The Choirs have spent the year singing services and concerts at a consistently high level of achievement . With our series of concerts and special services, Soaring Sounds in a Sacred Space, the Christ Church choirs have offered 26 evensongs, a Requiem mass, Advent and Epiphany Processions, and Christmas and Easter Lessons and Carols . The series has also presented 6 concerts this past year involving the Christ Church Chorale, the Christ Church Schola, and guest musicians from the surrounding area and beyond . In addition, this past season we continued our festive liturgies on the Feast of the Presentation, the Feast of the Ascension, and Antiques Show weekend .

The 32nd and final Antiques, Garden, and Design Show occurred June 3-5 . The show offered beautiful antiques from more than 20 dealers from around the country and featured Antiques Evaluation Days, a continental breakfast and behind-the-scenes show tours as well as a lecture by Lindsay coral Harper . Revenue was generated through advertising, a silent

auction, parties, special events and ticket sales . The net profit for the Show was over $55,000 which was allocated to the Music and Outreach Ministries per Vestry direction .

In June, we welcomed 6 new choristers into the program (1 boy and 5 girls) and began the Fall season with 10 boys and 25 girls .

Priorities:Our principal thrust for the years to come will be the recruitment of girls and boys to the choirs . In addition to adding choristers to fill the available slots in the choirs, we look for girls and boys with a hearty appetite for singing and a level of talent and commitment appropriate to the musical rigors of the Christ Church music program .

In addition, we will continue to offer programs during the coming year which look to energize our current membership roster as well as encourage visitors to Christ Church . Through our rigorous advertising with our local classical radio station, WRCJ, and through social networking sites and local media, we have reached an ever-growing market of interested patrons in southeastern Michigan . We have seen the positive results in our attendance at special services and concerts as we welcome more and more visitors to Christ Church .

Thank You:Thank you to all of those who sing in the choirs, the families and friends who drive our choristers to rehearsals and services, the ushers and greeters that serve during concerts and special services, our pledging families and concert patrons who donate to and attend the events on the Soaring Sounds in a Sacred Space series .

Contact: Scott Hanoian, Director of Music and Organist313-885-4841 x102 • shanoian@christchurchgp .org


2016 Annual Report

Finance and Administration & Stewardship

Diane E. Ward, Associate Finance and Administration

Purpose: Finance and Administration Commission provides support and advice for all needs relating to the daily operation and management of Christ Church including Human Resources, Financial and General Management . The Stewardship Commission assists with the development, implementation and coordination of the steward-ship programs of Christ Church . The goal is to build a community of disciples for Christ through their financial giving .

Finance and Administration Ministries: CommitteesFinanceBuilding and GroundsConservation Trust

DeHaven Trust Investment

Guilds Tellers CountersBookshop

Christ Church CrewHoly Dusters

Programs/Events Volunteer Days (4)Gifts & Green Support

Adopt a Garden

Stewardship Commission Ministries:CommitteesAnnual GivingFundraising

Major Gifts

Programs/Events Annual AppealSeasonal AppealsPlanning Giving

Gifts and GreensFocused Fundraising

People Served:Parish Community by ensuring we are good stewards of all resources: physical, financial, and human .

Highlights:Administration Commission: In 2016 the commission focused on advice and guidance around the employee handbook, purchasing versus leasing of copiers, revisions to the pension plan for lay staff, and general guidance for financial policies and the financial review . The decision to purchase vs . leasing copiers will save the organization upwards of $100k over the five years .

Finance Committee: Under the leadership of our Treasurer Amie Sweeney, provided monthly review and guidance on the finan-cial performance . Provided advice on the implementation of improvements from the 2015 review which included imple-menting tamper proof cash banks, additional internal controls, and the creation of income statements for vestry designated and temporary restricted funds .

Investment Committee: Under the leadership of Bruce Green-ing, the Committee provided quarterly review of the invest-ments of Christ Church . The committee also established a

taskforce to begin a “Request For Proposal” process to evaluate potential investment managers strategies .

Buildings and Grounds: Under the leadership of Mark Lorenger, provided advice, guidance and oversight to the conservation trust projects . The gardens and grounds were well maintained this year through numerous volunteers via Adopt-a-Garden . The holy dusters helped to prepare our Nave for Easter and Christ-mas . Finally, under the leadership of John Woodhouse, we have begun the task for verifying all inventory in the Church .

Conservation Trust: Provide oversight on the approval of conservation trust dollars to the trust documents . The trustees meet twice a year to review the performance of the investments (managed by Investment), and the spend of the dollars approved .

DeHaven Trust: Provide oversight on the approval of DeHaven dollars to the trust documents . The trustees meet twice a year to review the performance of the investments (managed by Invest-ment Committee) and the spend of the dollars approved .

Annual Giving Committee: The Committee has established a segmented approach to our financial giving . Segmenting those who give based on their area of interest (Fundraising) and those on the journey to be a disciple of Christ . Disciples give as a form of worship, disciples give because God is the Giver, and disciples give a tithe (tenth) back to God as a form of our gratitude for all he has given to us .

Priorities:Looking forward to 2017 we will continue the strong steward-ship of our financial, physical, and human resources . Below are some highlights of Goals for 2017:

• Ensure all properties are to code per city occupancy regulations • ACS and Membership database review to maximize our

knowledge and use • Complete required revisions to the Lay Pension Plan to

follow National Church requirements • Complete the 2016 Financial Audit by September 15 • Continue to be strong stewards of every dollar used to free

more for ministry work; including providing support to other churches in the community .

• Continue the work of the Annual Giving Committee for build-ing a segmented approach to our financial stewardship

Thank You: To all of our Commissions, and Committee members . Very large thank you to all who help us count the money, the ballots at Annual Meeting, answer our phone, dust the church, trim the roses, plant the mums, and of course all who maintain the grounds .

To Volunteer: To join any of the administration guilds/programs, please contact MaryAnn DeAngelo at mdeangelo@christchurchgp .org .

Contact: Diane E . Ward, Associate Finance and Administration313-885-4841 x111 • dward@christchurchgp .org

2016 Annual Report


Robert Szadek, Facilities DirectorDiane E. Ward, Associate Finance and AdministrationMark Lorenger, Chair

Purpose:To review the comprehensive annual repair and maintenance needs for all Christ Church properties, and to recommend necessary capital improvement and additions .

Ministries:Columbarium Virginia Brush Ford Rose Garden

Membership: Gaylord Creedon Karen Kienbaum Mark Lorenger Ross Miller George Sutton Robert Szadek Diane Ward John Woodhouse Drew Van Culin

Highlights:• Refinished Exterior Doors:

- Main Church Doors - Cloister Doors - Reception Doors

• Cement Repair on Campus• Asphalt repair Driveway/Parking Lot• Parking Lot Drains Repaired (2)• Rectory Stucco/Wood Trim Repair – Phase 1• Rectory Gutter Replacement - Phase 1• High Efficiency Boiler Replaced • Tuck Pointing of Church• Slate Repairs on Roof of Church and Rectory Roofs• Refreshed Radnor for new staff

Priorities:The following list is an unofficial list of potential projects; pending B&G, CT, and Vestry approval .

• Code Compliance for Fire System in Kitchen• Continue Repairs for COO for Rectory • Inventory Records Updated• Storage Organization • Review Workshop Potential

Thank You:We want to thank all of members of the Guilds who combined have contributed many hours of service this year; Adopt a Garden, Inventory Management, Holy Dusters, Set-up Crews and Rose Garden .

Contact: Robert Szadek, Facilities Director313-885-4841 x109 • rszadek@christchurchgp .org

Buildings and Grounds


2016 Annual Report

Get Involved

Name Today’s Date

Contact Email

WORSHIP MINISTRIES PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES

Altar Guild

Acolytes

Eucharistic Ministers

Flower Guild

Greeters

Lectors

Ushers

Vergers

Other...........................................

Christ Church Cooks

Christ Church Bakers

Daughters of the King

Eucharistic Visitors

Foyer Group (Participant)

Foyer Group (Captain)

Funeral Reception Team

Parish Gatherings Team

Stephen Minister

Wedding Coordinator

Women’s Dinner Group

Other.........................................

OUTREACH MINISTRIES CHILDREN / YOUTH MINISTRIES

Outreach Funding

Service Projects

Habitat Projects

Crossroads Soup Kitchen

Christmas Gift Exchange

Shelter Week Meal Team

Other...........................................

Middle School Youth Program

High School Youth Program

Mission Trip Volunteer

Pizza Lunch

Sunday School Teacher

Children’s Chapel Leader

Soccer Camp Volunteer

Guild of the Christ Child

MOPs Ministry Team

Other...........................................

ADULT FORMATION MUSIC MINISTRIES

The Catechumenate

The Spirituality Center

Cloister Bookshop

Adult Formation Classes

Adult Formation Advisory Cmt.

Other...........................................

Boys Choir

Girls Choir

Schola

Christ Church Chorale

Antiques Show

Music Advisory Committee

Other...........................................

STEWARDSHIP AND SUPPORT MINISTRIESBuildings and Grounds

Adopt-a-Garden

Christ Church Crew

Rose Garden Volunteers

Financial Administration

Finance Committee

Audit Committee

Investment Committee

Tellers

Communications

Graphic Design

Production Support

Website Maintenance

General Admin. / Support

Receptionist

Mailings

Other............................................

Phone (Cell)Phone (Home)

Want to get involved at Christ Church? Please indicate which ministries you are interested in knowing more about or volunteering with and a member of the staff or ministry will contact you shortly . After filling out form please submit to MaryAnn DeAngelo at the Reception Desk .

2016 Annual Report


Financial Stewardship 2016

Mark Lorenger & Betsy Creedon, Annual Giving Committee

As Christians, we all want to grow in our spiritual journey as disciples of Jesus Christ . There are several components to our journey . We come together regularly to worship; we embrace Christ-like love as a core foundation of our values; we find our area of service both in the church and outside the church; and we become generous, joyful sacrificial financial givers . The Annual Giving Committee, Mark Lorenger (Sr . Warden), Karen Kienbaum (Jr . Warden), Andrew Van Culin (Rector), Peggy Beadle, Stephen Chan, Betsy Creedon, Patsy Gotfredson, Scot-tie Knight, Thomas Nealssohn, Nancy Osborn, David Redfield and Diane Ward, invested time this year on identifying what the Stewardship journey looked like for financial givers .

We started by reflecting on the historic teaching from within The Episcopal Church nationally and Christ Church locally . Specifically, we recalled the long-standing affirmation of The General Convention of The Episcopal Church of the “tithe as the minimum standard of giving for Episcopalians” (most recently in 2009) . Similarly, we recalled our own Vestry’s Statement on Tithing adopted April 1 1991:

The Vestry and Clergy of Christ Church Grosse Pointe affirm the basic Christian need to give generously to God and His Church as an expression of gratitude for God’s gifts to us, including our redemption through Jesus Christ . We prayerfully affirm tithing as the Biblical standard of giving of our time, talents and money . We believe that tithing involves joyful and sacrificial giving of our first fruits to our Lord and His Church . We commit to giving an ever-increasing portion of our income to our Lord, His Church and His purposes, in the hope of eventually reach-ing a tithe of 10% of our income . The Vestry and Clergy invite all parishioners of Christ Church Grosse Pointe to join in our affirmation and commitment to tithing .

This history reminds us of the call and challenge to become tithers ourselves . To help us, the Annual Giving Committee developed, and the Vestry affirmed, a three-fold path of giving in faith:

The Discipleship Journey: As members and disciples of Christ, we are called to first make an annual financial commit-ment, that is a pledge, that is rooted in generous gratitude to God for the great gift of love through Jesus Christ .

The Sacrificial Journey: As Christian Disciples, we are also called to shape the totality of our life (time, talent, and trea-sure) on the sacrificial love and life of Jesus . And so, finan-cially, we are called to the Sacrificial Journey which is marked by a formal commitment and plan to become a tither .

The Legacy Journey: Finally, we are called as well, to live for others, and so we continue to the Legacy Journey . As Legacy Givers we commit not only to this generation but genera-tions to come by making an estate gift that maintains our annual commitment in perpetuity .

The question is where are you on this discipleship path?

On your 2017 pledge card, the Annual Giving Committee encouraged each Christ Church member to further your spiri-tual journey in Christ:

Step 1: Complete the Discipleship Journey — make an unrestricted financial contribution (that is, a pledge) rooted in gratitude to God .

Step 2: Begin the Sacrificial Journey — make a commit-ment and plan to reach a tithe in annual giving . We recom-mend beginning with 2% of your gross annual household income and increase your contribution by 2% each year; in 5 years, you could be a tither .

Step 3: Join the Legacy Journey — Once you have complet-ed the Sacrificial Journey to become a tither, we encourage you to look to future generations through a legacy gift .

For those of you who have made your pledge for 2017 and committed to the Sacrificial Journey to become a tither –Congratulations! For those who turned in a pledge but may not have identified your commitment to this journey, it is not too late! You can pick up a blank pledge card and update the information for the business office at any time .

If you are only beginning this journey — do not worry! Begin-ning the Discipleship Journey as a generous and grateful giver to God is a critical step in one’s spiritual life and as a follower of Jesus .

If you have never given before, we encourage you to join us on this path of faith by beginning the Discipleship Journey . A pledge card can be completed at any time!

For those turning in their pledge cards after the annual meet-ing, please make your plan for reaching a tithe .

2016 PledgersChrist Church is grateful for the generous hearts who fulfilled their 2016 pledge as of 12/31/2016 .

Committed Actual Difference

Exceeded Pledge . . . 69 . . . . . 289,820 . . . 313,341 . . . . . 23,521

Met Pledge . . 102 . . . . . 242,155 . . . 242,155 . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Partially Met Pledge . . . 53 . . . . . 109,976 . . . . 68,986 . . . . (40,990)

No Fulfillment . . . . 9 . . . . . . . .6,650 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . (6,650)

Total Pledges 233* 648,601 624,482 (24,119)*One pledge forgiven due to death

Foundations** . . . 11 . . . .164,435 . 164,435 . . . . . . . . . .0

** IRS regulations do not permit donations from Donor Advised Foundations to be recorded as pledges. Unrestricted foundation contributions are a different way to being a generous and joyful giver. The discipleship journey includes all who give a planned unrestricted gift through a foundation.


2016 Annual Report

Mrs . Miriam AbdullahMrs . D . Luanne AhlbrandMr . & Mrs . Tony AltovillaMs . Katherine AnslowMs . Lynn AnslowMr . Joel AnyimMrs . Barbara ArrigoDr . & Mrs . Eric AshMr . & Mrs . Nicholas BachandMr . & Mrs . Michael BamfordMr . F . Lewis BarrollMr . & Mrs . Sandy BaruahMr . Jeffry BauerDr . Richard Baumgarten & Dr . Cheryl WesenMr . & Ms . Richard Beadle# Ms . Lois BendlerMr . & Mrs . John BensonMr . & Mrs . Richard BestMr . & Mrs . Bruce BirgbauerMr . & Mrs . Brad BlaineMr . & Mrs . Michael BlairMr . Karl Boeckler & Mrs . Lori Mouton BoecklerMs . Antoinette BookMr . & Mrs . Michael BoweMrs . Elizabeth BoyntonDr . Jerry BrackettMr . & Mrs . Bruce BradleyMrs . Constance BrowningMiss Libby CandlerMr . & Mrs . David ChaklosMr . & Mrs . Stephen ChanMr . & Mrs . William CollisonMr . & Mrs . Harry ConstantMrs . Ann CooperMr . & Mrs . Gaylord CreedonMr . & Mrs . D . Kerry CrenshawMr . & Mrs . William CudlipMr & Mrs Paul D’AngeloMr . Henry DarlingtonMs . Karen DavenportMs . Mary Jean DavisMs . Diane De SantisMr . Michael DeFillipi & Mr . David GerdisMr . & Mrs . D . Frederic DeHavenMr . & Mrs . John DinkaMr . & Mrs . Edwin DyerDr . Ann & Mr . Ken EatherlyMr . Steven FehnigerMr . & Mrs . Peter Ferrara

Mr . & Mrs . Ed FitzgeraldMr . & Mrs . James FitzgeraldMr . & Dr . James Flom, Jr .Mrs . Martha F . Ford Mrs . Shirley FortuneMrs . Hadley FrenchMr . David GaskinMr . & Mrs . Edward GasparMr . Charles Gibson, Jr .Dr . Richard GibsonMr . & Mrs . Edward GotfredsonMrs . Carol GoveMr . & Mrs . Bruce GreeningMr . Stuart GriggMrs . Heather HakimMr . & Mrs . Richard HallMrs . Stephanie HamptonMr . & Mrs . Scott HanoianMrs . Elizabeth HardwickMs Susan HarperMrs . Ruth HatcherDr . & Mrs . Joseph HealeyThe Rev’d Hesse & The Rev’d McCulloughMr . Mark Higbie & Mrs . Gretchen KnoellMrs . Laurence B . HigbieMr . & Mrs . Mark HighMr . & Mrs . Michael HixMs . Hope HoffmanMr . & Mrs . Patrick HopperMr . & Mrs . Henry HubbardMr . & Mrs . Julius HuebnerMr . & Mrs . Peter HuebnerMr . Daniel HughesMr . & Mrs . Matthew HurleyMs . Lynnette IannaceMr . & Mrs . Walter JacquesMr . Basil JohnsonMr . & Mrs . Robert JohnsonMr . & Mrs . A . David JonesMr . & Mrs . Ian JonesMr . & Mrs . Brian JuergensMs . Barbara KennedyMs . Karen KienbaumMr . & Mrs . J . Peter King Mr . & Mrs . Charles P . KontulisMr . Robert Kingscott & Mrs . Susan MaraMrs . Judith KlingMr . & Ms . Garland Knight, IIIMs . Doreen Kohr

Mr . & Mrs . Michael LabadieMrs . Mary LedyardMr . & Mrs . Keith LeibbrandMs . Lynda LochMr . & Mrs . Jason LorenceMr . & Mrs . Mark LorengerMr . & Mrs . Terrance LynchMr . & Ms . Keith MackenzieMr . & Mrs . Edwin MacKethan, IIIMrs . Alexandra MackeyMr . Brian & Dr . Lisa MacLeanMr . & Mrs . Thomas MacMillanMr . & Mrs . George MaghielseMr . & Mrs . Roger MasonMr . & Mrs . Charles Mathews# Mrs . Marion MaurerMr . & Mrs . Joseph Maycock, Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Ted McConnellMr . & Mrs . John McCormickMs . Bonita McCoyMr . & Mrs . Kenneth McIntyreMrs . Helen McKnightMrs . Jeanne McLeodMrs . Lucinda McMahonMr . & Mrs . James T . McMillan, IIMs . Kim McNultyMrs . Joseph M . MengdenMrs . Maxine MetzenElizabeth NardineMr . & Mrs . Thomas NealssohnMr . & Mrs . John NelsonMr . & Mrs . Robert NewtonMr . & Mrs . George Nicholson, IIIDr . & Mrs . Peter NicklesMs . Wendy Niven & Mr . Anthony SperlingMr . & Mrs . Theodore OldhamMr . & Mrs . Frederick Ollison, IIIMr . & Mrs . Blair OsbornMr . & Mrs . Dennis PartridgeMr & Mrs Robert PayneMr . & Mrs . Brian PeabodyMr . & Mrs . William PeattieMr . & Mrs . David PerezMrs . Ursula PersidskisMr . Jeremy PetersMrs . Elizabeth PethickMr . & Mrs . George PortMr . & Mrs . Ronald PorterMrs . Sara Ralph

2016 Pledge Thank Yous

We thank the following members for participating on the Christian journey through their annual pledge.

“If ye love me, then keep my commandments” (John 14.15)

2016 Annual Report


The Christian Journey for Financial Stewardship

Discipleship Journey: Annual Pledges rooted in generosity and gratitude for God’s gifts to us, including our redemption through Jesus Christ

Sacrificial Journey: Annual Pledges with a commitment and plan to achieve tithe in annual giving Legacy Journey: Annual Pledges with a commitment to future generations through an estate gift

that maintains an annual commitment in perpetuity .

Mr . & Mrs . David RedfieldMr . & Mrs . Michael ReichMr . & Mrs . Bruce RenaudMr . & Mrs . John RenickMr . & Mrs . Paul RentenbachMr . & Mrs . Ross RichardsonMr Bruce RockwellMrs . Bonnie RomerMr . & Mrs . Brendan RossMr . & Mrs . Burton RudolphMr . Charles RuifrokMs . Helen SantizMrs H . R . SchemmMrs . Lynn SchneiderMr . & Mrs . Alfred SchrashunMr . & Mrs . Matthew SchuetzeMr . & Mrs . Lloyd SempleMs . Penelope SloughMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey Smith Mr . & Mrs . Leonard W . SmithMr . John SnyderMr . & Mrs . John SpainThe Rev . & Mrs . Ron SpannMr . & Mrs . James SpicaMr . & Mrs . Conrad SquitieriMr . & Mrs . Michael StallingsMr . Samuel Stanley

Mr . & Mrs . Jan StarrMr . & Mrs . Frank StellingwerfMr . & Mrs . George SuttonMr . & Mrs . Theodore Sweeney, Jr .Mr . Theodore Sweeney, IIIMr & Mrs Donald N . Sweeny IIIMr . & Mrs . Joseph SwickardMr . & Mrs . Christopher TennysonMr . & Mrs . David TobbeMr . & Mrs . Allan TorpMrs . Geri TouscanyMr . & Mrs . Richard TrostMiss Katherine TrostMr . & Mrs . Charles TurnerMr . Edward TurnerMr . & Mrs . Jud UtleyMr . & Mrs . Robert ValleeThe Rev’d & Mrs . Andrew Van CulinThe Rev’d Samuel Van CulinMr . & Mrs . John Van OsdolMrs . John Van ZileMs . Charlene VickersMr . & Mrs . James VogtMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey vonSchwarzMr . & Mrs . Robert WachterMrs . Beverly WalshMr . & Mrs . Brendan Walsh

Mr . & Mrs . Kenneth WaltersMr . & Mrs . Jonathan WaltonMr . & Mrs . Sheldon Wardwell, IIMr . & Mrs . Benjamin Warren, IIIMr . & Mrs . John Warren, JrMrs . Constance WatermanMrs . Lynda WebsterMs . Karyn WeirMrs . Sally WheelerMr . & Mrs . Timothy WhimsMrs . Harriett WhitakerMr . & Mrs . Edward WhiteMr . Walter White, Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Colin WilkinsonMr . James WilliamsMs . Kathy WilliamsMrs . Katharine WilsonMr . Thomas WilsonMr . & Mrs . Peter WongMrs . Margaret WoodfordMr . & Mrs . John Woodhouse, Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Patrick Worrell, Sr .Mr . Donald Wray, Jr . & Dr . Arlene RozzelleMrs . Helen YoungMrs George H . Zinn, Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Luther Zinn


2016 Annual Report

Financial Stewardship

2015 (as of 12/31/2015)

2016 (as of 12/31/2016)

2017 (as of 1/20/2017)

Revenue Detail Actual Actual BudgetedMember Giving (Pledges/Non-pledge Contributions) $ 799,933 $ 767,374 $ 815,000

Foundations & Grants 163,800 $ 164,435 185,000

Total (Pledge/Foundations/Grants) Revenue $ 963,733 $ 931,808 $ 1,000,000

2016 2016 2017(as of 1/20/2016) (as of 12/31/2016) (as of 1/20/2017)

Commitments Received 192 234 136

Pledge Commitments received $ 644,619 $ 708,561 $ 609,530

New Pledge Commitments 23 29 9

Total New Pledges $ 24,619 $ 29,746 $ 6,060

Renewals in process 69 43 108

Value of Non-Renewals/Outstanding Renewals $ 116,209 $ 73,725 $ 136,951

2016 Annual Report


Balance Sheet

2016 Unaudited

(as of 12/31/2016)

2015 Reviewed

(as of 12/31/2015)

Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 395,909 $ 569,712

Investments at Baird 9,776,784 9,435,630

Other Investment Assets* 83,090 90,999

Total Assets $ 10,255,783 $ 10,096,341 *(Copiers/Opportunity Resource/Money Market/Chase)

Liabilities and Fund BalancesTotal Current Liabilities

Vestry Designated (unrestricted) $ 4,750,201 $ 4,364,207

Donor Restricted 5,170,770 4,990,798

Undesignated (unrestricted) 245,775 691,783

Interfund Copier Loan 53,269 -

Accrued Pension Obligation 35,768 49,553

Total Liabilities $ 10,255,783 $ 10,096,341

Fixed Assets: Property and Equipment 17,447,328 17,367,205

Total Liabilities and Assets $ 27,703,111 $ 27,463,545

Baird Investments as of December 31, 2016

Beginning Balance 1/1/2016 $ 9,435,630

Additions (donated funds) -

Withdrawals (659,369)

2016 Increase in Market Value 1,000,523

Portfolio Value End of 12/31/2016 $ 9,776,784

Total Portfolio Year-to-Date Return (net of fees, w/d and adds) 10 .94%

Composite Blended Benchmark 8 .13%

S&P 500 Total Return 11 .96%


2016 Annual Report

Financial Summary (Unaudited)

2016 Budget

2016 Actual Variance

2017 Budget

RevenuePledges, Contributions, & Grants $ 1,055,000 $ 931,808 $ (123,192) $ 1,000,000

Programs and Services 161,369 156,405 (4,964) 167,650

Other Revenue/Investment 9,000 9,997 997 83,000

Transferred Funds (Endowment Draw/Net Assets Released)

1,224,790 1,005,885 (218,905) 754,616

Member Giving Shortfall (Funded from Reserves)

343,446 464,798 121,352 584,577

TOTAL REVENUE $ 2,793,605 $ 2,568,893 $ (224,712) $ 2,515,143

ExpensesCompensation and Benefits $ 1,340,148 $ 1,315,653 $ (24,495) $ 1,393,859

Travel, Meals, and Lodging 483,024 305,491 (177,533) 295,443

Professional Services 233,250 230,383 (2,867) 206,966

Insurance: Liab . / Workers Comp 39,719 39,657 (62) 40,662

Communication 34,050 23,404 (10,646) 20,150

General Expenses 663,414 654,305 (9,109) 558,063

TOTAL EXPENSE $ 2,793,605 $ 2,568,893 $ (224,712) $ 2,515,143

Net Revenue Less Expense $ - $ - $ - $ -

2016 Actual Results Notes:

Revenue Variances: • Member Giving was less than budget by $123k; • Choir and Mission Trips had lower expenses than budgeted, therefore Net Asset Release was below budget

Expense Variances: • 24k less than budgeted in compensation and benefits . Budgeted for higher benefit selections than actual plan selec-

tions by staff for the year • 177k less in travel due to fewer participants in Choir Trip, and Mission Trip stayed domestic/local rather than international • Other savings are negligible

2016 Annual Report


2017 Revenue Budget

Annual Giving$1,000,000

40%

Program Revenue$167,650

7%Other Income

$8,3000%

Endowment Draw/Tannahill$405,072

16%

Temporary Restricted

Funds$179,583

7%

Choir Trip $110,000

4%

Conservation Trust (TR)$59,961

Member Giving Shortfall Funded From Reserves

$584,57623%

2017 Annual Revenue: $2,515,143


2016 Annual Report

2017 Expense Budget

Worship$86,521

3%

Outreach$152,948

6%Christian Formation

$232,828 9%

Parish Life$37,320

2%

Music$417,895

17%

Choir Trip$176,950

7%Clergy Offices$516,129

21%

Stewardship$9,500

0%

Communications$142,839

6%

Administration$349,250

14%

Buildings & Grounds$333,000

13%

Conservation Trust$59,961

2%

Worship$561,478

22%

Outreach $362,685

15%Christian Formation$701,768

28%

Parish Life(includes

Choir Trip)$527,932

21%

Administration$361,279

14%

2017 Annual Expenses: $2,515,143By Department

By Ministry

2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 10:35 by our Rector, Drew Van Culin, who also offered the opening prayers .Father Van Culin appointed Ed White as Secretary of the Annual Meeting .Approval of Minutes: Annual Meeting 2015A motion was made and seconded to dispense with the reading of these minutes . A motion was made and seconded to approve these minutes . Both motions were approved .Report by the Nominating CommitteeMark Lorenger, Junior Warden, shared a high level overview of the activities of the Nominating Committee highlighting the following points:The committee began its work in SeptemberDetermined the qualifications they were seeking in Vestry Members would include –Models for Christian discipleship .Active in at least one church ministryChristian stewardshipThe committee evaluated candidates against the above qualifications and narrowed the list down to 42 members to be invited to answer the call7 members answered the callThe Vestry and Rector recognize that two critical by-law requirements have not been meet which include:Number of candidates accepting nomination by the Nominating committee was 7 (not 10)Candidates were not announced 40 days in advanceTemporary Amendment to By-lawsDavid Gaskin, Chancellor of Christ Church Grosse Pointe, introduced the required amendment which address-es the two components of the by-laws not met which will allow the vote to move forward . (Proposed amend-ment follows these minutes) . The amendment was presented, Karyn Weir moved to accept the amendment, and Jeremy Peters seconded the amendment .The question was then called by Father Drew for a vote . The vote required two-thirds majority in favor of the motion and the motion was passed .Vestry Candidate VotesJohn Snyder then appointed Mary Trost as Head Teller, and introduced the seven candidates for this year’s Vestry election:Lori Mouton Boeckler, Sarah Bowe, Betsy Creedon, Colleen Fitzgerald, Thom Nealssohn, Dave Redfield, and George Sutton . John reviewed the eligibility rules and requirements for voting, The ballots were marked and collected by the tellers who retired to do their tallies .Ministries HighlightsFather Drew recognized all the ministries and activities at Christ Church and requested all involved in ministries to stand . At the end of this reading virtually everybody in Christ Church was standing .Two outreach partners shared their appreciation and impact of Christ Church Gifts which included:Mr . David Sampson, Executive Director of Mariners Inn .


2016 Annual Report

2016 Annual Meeting Minutes (cont’d)

Mr . Mark Erwin-McCormick, Director of Development at the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit .Treasurer ReportMs . Pat D’Angelo, Treasurer of Christ Church Grosse Pointe, outlined the 2015 financials and a high level over-view of the budget for 2016 . The full report is available in the Annual Meeting Report .Vestry Election ResultsThe following candidates were elected: Lori Mouton Boeckler, Sarah Bowe, Betsy Creedon, Dave Redfield, and George Sutton .Recognition and AppreciationsRecognition and appreciation remarks of the outgoing Senior Warden, John Snyder was offered by Mark Lorenger, Junior Warden . Mark then gave his heartfelt thanks to outgoing Vestry Members Nancy Osborn, Tracey Torosian, Fred DeHaven, and Ed White for their service to Christ Church as Vestry Members for their three years of service .Father Drew then recognized exemplary service by four parish members: George Sutton, Pat D’Angelo, Ben Duame, and Penny Soby . It was with saddened hearts that we said goodbye to Ben and Penny this past year but we greatly appreciate the years of service they provided our ministries . Recognition to the staff of Christ Church was offered . On behalf of the parish, Father Drew offered his heartfelt thanks to these people .Adjournment of MeetingFather Drew thanked all seven members who had stood for election at this meeting .A motion was made, seconded and the meeting was adjourned . Father Drew offered closing prayers .

Respectfully submitted, Approved by:Edward L White Michael HixVestry Secretary (CY 2015) Vestry Secretary (CY 2016)

2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Meeting Minutes (cont’d)

2015 Annual ReportProposed Amendment to the By-Laws(per Article IX, Section 3)The purpose of the following amendment is to permit the election of five (5) candidates to the Vestry for 2016 from a field of nominees proposed by the Nominating Committee equal to less than twice the number of vacancies, the consequence of which was the inability to present ten nominees forty (40) days prior to the election .

Section 1ARTICLE VINominations and Elections(a) At least ninety (90) days before each Annual Parish Meeting the Rector shall, with the approval of the Vestry, appoint a Nominating Committee of seven (7) members . The Nominating Committee shall nominate for Vestry membership no less than as many persons as there are vacancies to be filled and no more than twice as many persons as there are vacancies to be filled . Names of those nominated by the Committee shall be publicly announced at least forty (40) days before the day of the Annual Parish Meeting . Additional nomina-tions may be made at any time before the twentieth (20th) day preceding the day of the Annual Parish Meet-ing, by submitting to the Rector a written nominating petition signed by ten (10) persons, all of whom shall be members of the Parish eligible to vote at such meeting, and none of whom shall have signed such a nominat-ing petition for a greater number of nominees than there are Vestry vacancies to be filled at that meeting . Names of those so nominated shall be publicly announced promptly, and at least ten (10) days before the day of the Annual Parish Meeting .

61 GROSSE POINTE BLVD . GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI 48236

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christ church grosse pointe annual meeting & report...approved the 2016 resource plan, which is...

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