february 7, 2016 · first parish church congregational united church of christ...

FIRST PARISH CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

FOLLOWING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

IN THE SANCTUARY

FEBRUARY 7, 2016

To the members of the First Parish Church Congregational

THE FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING

December 31, 2015

First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

United Church of Christ Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

WARRANT FOR ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

February 7, 2016

TO: Active Members of the First Parish Church, Congregational,

United Church of Christ, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

You are hereby notified to meet in the Church on Sunday, February

7, 2016 immediately following the Worship Service, for the

following purposes:

To wit:

ARTICLE I: To accept the report of the Annual Business Meeting

held on February 8, 2015

ARTICLE II: To see what action the Church will take in regard to the

budget proposal for 2016 as submitted by the Board of

Trustees.

ARTICLE III: To hear and act upon the reports of the Financial

Secretary, the Board of Trustees, the Investment

Committee, the Christian Education Committee, the

Diaconate Board, the Missions Committee, the Music

Committee, the Stewardship Committee, and the Vitality

Committee.

ARTICLE IV: To authorize the Board of Trustees to borrow up to

$10,000 from the Endowment Fund if needed to support

the operations of the church and not as a permanent

withdrawal if it becomes necessary during 2016 and

until the 2017 Annual Business Meeting.

ARTICLE V: To authorize the Board of Trustees to allocate donations

not received during church services and for which no

purpose is specified to church operations or to one of the

church endowments as they deem to be in the best

interests of the church.

ARTICLE VI: To hear and act upon any other business of a financial

nature that may come before the meeting.

George A. Nickless, Clerk

First Parish Church Congregational

United Church of Christ

Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Financial Reports for

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Sunday, February 7, 2016

WARRANT

TREASURER

2016 BUDGET PROPOSAL 1-5

BALANCE SHEET 6-7

FINANCIAL SECRETARY 8

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 9-13

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE 14-16

DIACONATE 17

MISSIONS COMMITTEE 18

MUSIC COMMITTEE 19

STEWARDSHIP 20

VITALITY 21

MINUTES OF ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING 2015 22-25


Proposed Budget 2016

2015 Actual 2015 Budget 2016 Budget

INCOME

OPERATIONAL INCOME

CONTRIBUTIONS

PLEDGE

Pledge Paid Current Year 165,177.17 160,694.00 170,149.22

Pledge Prepaid 37,100.00 41,537.00 32,850.78

Pledge From Prev. Year 3,225.00 0.00 0.00

Subtotal Pledge 205,502.17 202,231.00 203,000.00

OFFERINGS

Offering Plate 18,241.74 20,000.00 18,500.00

Offering SunSch/YthGrp 180.66 300.00 300.00

Offering Holiday Letters 516.00 1,600.00 750.00

Offering Other 103.06 200.00 100.00

Subtotal Offerings 19,041.46 22,100.00 19,650.00

DONATIONS

Donation Special Purpose 3,425.00 0.00 0.00

Donation Sacraments 100.00 300.00 100.00

Donations, Other 4,467.87 0.00 2,000.00

Subtotal Donations 7,992.87 300.00 2,100.00

Subtotal Contributions 232,536.50 224,631.00 224,750.00

RENTAL

CHAPEL/OFC RENT

Magic Yrs Nursery School 8,506.63 8,500.00 8,826.00

Yoga was Move to Music 1,185.63 1,900.00 912.00

Manchester Singers 884.79 900.00 911.00

Manchester Woman's Club 1,400.00 1,400.00 1,442.00

Other Chapel/Ofc Rent 630.00 1,500.00 600.00

Subtotal Chapel/ofc Rent 12,607.05 14,200.00 12,691.00

CHURCH/SANCT INCOME

Church/Sanctuary Rental 11,425.00 3,700.00 2,900.00

Steeple Rental -Antenna 24,171.36 25,500.00 24,400.00

Subtotal Church/sanct Income 35,596.36 29,200.00 27,300.00

Subtotal Rental 48,203.41 43,400.00 39,991.00

INCOME OTHER

Church Fair Income 15,688.79 11,000.00 12,000.00

Steeple Lighting Interest 450.74 0.00 400.00

Income Misc. 1,556.98 300.00 300.00

Subtotal Income Other 17,696.51 11,300.00 12,700.00

Subtotal Operational Income 298,436.42 279,331.00 277,441.00

1

RELEAS TEMP RESTR/EXCH AC

Rel. 300th Anniv Funds 55,000.00 0.00 0.00

Rel. Capital Reserves 1,680.00 0.00 0.00

Rel. Christian Ed Funds 458.83 0.00 0.00

Rel. Mission Funds 600.00 0.00 0.00

Rel. Music Funds 450.00 0.00 0.00

Rel. Misc Funds 1,200.00 0.00 0.00

Manchester CPA Funds 49,750.00 0.00 0.00

Subtotal Releas Temp Restr/exch Ac 109,138.83 0.00 0.00

ENDOW. SUPPORT & INTEREST

Interest on Bank Accts. 336.72 200.00 300.00

Transfer from Main Endowm 35,622.00 35,622.00 36,782.00

Tfr from Meet House Endow 40,000.00 0.00 0.00

Subtotal Endow. Support & Interest 75,958.72 35,822.00 37,082.00

TOTAL INCOME 483,533.97 315,153.00 314,523.00

EXPENSES

STAFF SALARIES

Christian Ministry Coord. 25,934.81 24,570.00 26,000.00

Custodian Chapel 5,733.40 6,500.00 7,500.00

Sexton Church 4,469.54 4,403.00 4,400.00

Sext. Wedding/Funeral/Con 1,050.00 0.00 0.00

Organist 23,349.96 23,350.00 24,000.00

Organist Wedding/Funeral 1,350.00 0.00 0.00

Office Staff 36,999.96 37,000.00 38,000.00

Youth Director 11,006.66 13,260.00 10,500.00

Vacation Bible Program 0.00 3,000.00 0.00

Employer FICA & Medi 8,462.40 9,500.00 9,200.00

Subtotal Staff Salaries 118,756.73 121,583.00 119,600.00

PASTOR

SALARY W/SOC SEC & HOUSIN

Pastor Salary 34,158.96 34,159.00 40,000.00

Pastor Social Sec Salary 3,301.68 3,301.67 3,749.00

Pastor Housing Allowance 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00

Pastor Wedding/Funeral 3,325.00 0.00 0.00

Subtotal Salary W/soc Sec & Housin 49,785.64 46,460.67 52,749.00

PASTOR BENEFITS

Pastor Dental Insurance 945.00 945.00 945.00

Pastor Life/Disabl Insura 1,103.36 1,200.00 1,200.00

Pastor Medical Insurance 9,929.25 9,832.00 8,832.00

Pastor Annuity Premium 9,562.16 9,794.00 10,400.00

Subtotal Pastor Benefits 21,539.77 21,771.00 21,377.00

PASTOR EMPLOY. RELATE EXP

Visiting Ministers 3,850.00 2,450.00 2,475.00

Pastor Books,Cont. Ed. 118.64 500.00 500.00

Pastor Travel Reimburse. 485.70 1,000.00 1,000.00

Subtotal Pastor Employ. Relate Exp 4,454.34 3,950.00 3,975.00

2

Subtotal Pastor 75,779.75 72,181.67 78,101.00

CHURCH/SANCTUARY EXPENSE

CHURCH/SANCT UTILITIES

Church/Sanct Electricity 1,523.53 1,100.00 1,400.00

Church/Sanct Steeple Ele 911.13 0.00 800.00

Church/Sanct Telephone 746.30 400.00 400.00

Church/Sanct Water & Sew 270.84 200.00 200.00

Church/Sanct Fuel 4,801.75 5,300.00 4,000.00

Subtotal Church/sanct Utilities 8,253.55 7,000.00 6,800.00

CHURCH/SANCT MAINT/REPAIR

Church/Sanct Alarm Servi 832.75 400.00 400.00

Church/Sanct Fire Alarm 595.50 600.00 600.00

Church/Sanct Tests & Insp 702.00 500.00 500.00

Church/Sanct Furnace M&R 520.00 800.00 800.00

Church/Sanct General M&R 9,882.91 3,000.00 3,000.00

Church/Sanct Supplies 420.35 300.00 300.00

Church/Sanct Capital Rsrv 0.00 3,500.00 0.00

Church/Sanct Restor/Paint 147,630.00 0.00 0.00

Church/Sanct Misc. 2,000.00 0.00 0.00

Subtotal Church/sanct Maint/repair 162,583.51 9,100.00 5,600.00

Subtotal Church/sanctuary Expense 170,837.06 16,100.00 12,400.00

CHAPEL/OFC EXPENSE

CHAPEL/OFC MAINT & UTILIT

Chapel/Ofc Electricity 4,049.93 4,500.00 4,000.00

Chapel/Ofc Gas 3,006.45 4,000.00 3,000.00

Chapel/Ofc Water & Sewer 957.42 1,200.00 1,000.00

Chapel/Ofc Oil Tank Remo 0.00 2,200.00 0.00

Chapel/Ofc Floor Sanding 1,200.00 1,500.00 0.00

Snow Removal/Sanding 3,425.00 1,950.00 1,950.00

Chapel/Ofc General M&R 6,024.41 4,300.00 4,500.00

Custodial Supplies 1,110.92 1,300.00 1,300.00

Chapel/Ofc License Fee 25.00 500.00 500.00

Subtotal Chapel/ofc Expense 19,799.13 21,450.00 16,250.00

OFFICE EXPENSES

Fees 1,269.03 2,150.00 1,600.00

Office Equipment/Computer 5,631.31 4,450.00 4,450.00

Publicity & Cont. Ed 1,035.63 1,000.00 1,000.00

Postage 945.71 1,000.00 1,000.00

Phone, Internet, Web Site 3,329.00 3,350.00 3,350.00

Office Supplies 2,550.32 3,700.00 2,700.00

Subtotal Office Expenses 14,761.00 15,650.00 14,100.00

PARSONAGE

PARSONAGE MAINT. & UTILIT

Parsonage Electricity 1,497.87 1,600.00 1,500.00

Parsonage Fuel 1,286.89 1,500.00 1,500.00

Parsonage Water & Sewer 1,357.96 800.00 800.00

Parsonage M&R General 6,094.03 4,500.00 4,500.00

Subtotal Parsonage 10,236.75 8,400.00 8,300.00

3

COMMITTEE EXPENSE

Diaconate Expense 1,435.69 2,000.00 1,800.00

Fair Expense 237.17 1,250.00 500.00

Membership Growth Expense 2,446.70 1,000.00 1,500.00

Vitality Coaching Expense 750.00 750.00 0.00

Stewardship Expense 1,457.90 1,500.00 1,500.00

Jazz Sunday Expense 975.00 750.00 825.00

One Night Bethlehem Expen 0.00 500.00 0.00

Delegate Expense 0.00 100.00 100.00

300 Anniversary Celebrate 0.00 0.00 1,000.00

Subtotal Committee Expense 7,302.46 7,850.00 7,225.00

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPENSE

SunSch Program/Supplies 1,466.35 2,200.00 1,800.00

SunSch Curriculum/Educat 632.53 800.00 800.00

SunSch Teacher Appreciat 315.50 300.00 300.00

Subtotal Sunday School Expense 2,414.38 3,300.00 2,900.00

YOUTH GROUP EXPENSES

YthGrp Program/Supplies 590.42 1,150.00 1,200.00

YthGrp Curriculum/Educati 0.00 200.00 200.00

Subtotal Youth Group Expenses 590.42 1,350.00 1,400.00

ADULT EDUCATION

Adult Ed Program/Supplies 2,887.34 4,600.00 2,400.00

Subtotal Adult Education 2,887.34 4,600.00 2,400.00

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OTHER

CE Miscellaneous 1,019.70 300.00 300.00

CE Nursery 390.00 600.00 600.00

Vacation Bible Program 1,865.69 350.00 2,000.00

1stCommunion/Confirmation 603.14 500.00 1,000.00

Passover Meal 313.01 300.00 300.00

Subtotal Christian Education Misc 4,191.54 2,050.00 4,200.00

Subtotal Christian Education 10,083.68 11,300.00 10,900.00

MUSIC COMMITTEE

Substitute Organists 775.00 1,500.00 1,500.00

Organist Cont. Ed. 0.00 230.00 230.00

Guild Dues 153.00 150.00 150.00

Section Leaders 9,265.00 9,600.00 9,400.00

Sheet Music 369.50 400.00 400.00

Music Misc/Supplies 59.66 40.00 300.00

Tuning & Repair 300.00 1,050.00 1,050.00

Subtotal Music Committee 11,322.16 12,970.00 13,030.00

INSURANCE

Property Insurance 10,560.00 9,548.00 12,856.00

Worker's Compensation 2,106.00 2,200.00 2,055.00

4

Subtotal Insurance 12,666.00 11,748.00 14,911.00

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE

MACUCC Conference Dues 4,665.60 4,500.00 4,000.00

Missions 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00

Miscellaneous 325.00 0.00 0.00

Brokerage Fees 0.00 0.00 0.00

Wire In Fees 45.00 0.00 0.00

Addition to Capital Reser 15,500.00 0.00 5,500.00

Subtotal Miscellaneous Expense 30,535.60 14,500.00 19,500.00

TOTAL EXPENSES 482,080.32 313,732.67 314,317.00

EXCESS INCOME\EXPENSES $1,453.65 $1,420.33 $206.00

5


Balance Sheet

Consolidated - December 2015

Current Year Previous Year

ASSETS

CASH

Cape Ann Savings Bank $87,986.39 $111,578.42

Petty Cash 75.00 75.00

Cash at Main Endowment 21,602.78 0.00

Subtotal Cash 109,664.17 111,653.42

STEEPLE LIGHTING FUND

CD#2-202333 10,000.00 10,000.00

CD#2-201855 8,000.00 8,000.00

CD#2-201856 15,000.00 15,000.00

CD#2-202055 5,000.00 5,000.00

CD#2-202328 23,000.00 23,000.00

SteepleLighting Passbook 1,152.30 1,152.30

Subtotal Steeple Lighting Fund 62,152.30 62,152.30

SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

CD20202572 12,000.00 12,000.00

CD 2-202575 10,000.00 10,000.00

Subtotal Savings Accounts 22,000.00 22,000.00

FLOWER ENDOWMENT PASSBOOK 1,111.18 1,111.18

ENDOWMENT INVESTMENTS

Main Church Endowment 915,888.89 928,493.54

Meeting House Endowment 226,149.58 251,079.81

Payable to Operations -21,602.78 0.00

Subtotal Endowment Investments 1,120,435.69 1,179,573.35

TOTAL ASSETS $1,315,363.34 $1,376,490.25

LIABILITIES

AP, ACCRUALS, ADV PAYMENT

Acct. Pay. & Accrued Exp. $2,000.00 $2,461.00

TEMP. RESTRICTED FUNDS

TEMP. RESTRICTED MAIN

Capital Reserves 27,503.99 12,700.67

Church Rent Prepaid 0.00 600.00

Memorial Funds Misc. 4,343.20 2,368.20

Endowment Contributions 0.00 1,500.00

Prepaid Pledges Operating 32,850.78 41,537.37

Steeple Lights Interest 0.00 -136.11

Steeple Repair 0.00 1,200.00

Weddings - Minister 0.00 675.00

Weddings - Organist 0.00 575.00

Weddings - Sexton 0.00 425.00

Wedding Assistant 0.00 100.00

Men's Club Kitchen Acct. 2,146.58 2,310.08

6

Church Fan 0.00 100.00

Church Bathroom Rehab 0.00 50.00

300th An. Capital Gift 50,000.00 55,000.00

Office Rehab. Fund 0.00 109.08

Seaside Parish Knitters 362.87 280.38

Temp. Restricted CE 293.64 1,926.76

Missions 1,640.58 46.61

Subtotal Temp. Restricted Main 119,141.64 121,368.04

TEMP. RESTRICTED MUSIC

Music Carillons 2,025.66 2,025.66

Music Junior Choir Memori 353.06 353.06

Music Special Music Fund 450.00 499.25

Music Memorial Music Fund 2,286.71 2,692.96

Music Organ Fund 109.42 109.42

Music Section Leaders 340.00 640.00

Music Piano Fund 1,523.90 1,523.90

Subtotal Temp. Restricted Music 7,088.75 7,844.25

Subtotal Temp. Restricted Funds 126,230.39 129,212.29

TOTAL LIABILITIES 128,230.39 131,673.29

FUND BALANCE

Fund Balance $1,187,132.95 $1,244,816.96

TOTAL FUND BALANCE 1,187,132.95 1,244,816.96

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE $1,315,363.34 $1,376,490.25

7


Annual Financial Report of FINANCIAL SECRETARY

December 31, 2015

During 2015, the Financial Secretaries received, recorded and deposited $205,822.62, a

decrease of $66,218.16 from 2014.

Contributions were received for the Memorial Fund in memory of Grace Steward and Barbara

Doane.

In addition to deposits to the General Fund (plate receipts, pledges, Christmas Fair, holiday

offerings, Sunday School collections, and rentals for chapel and church, receipts were

recorded for the following exchange accounts:

Youth Exchange Account (C.E. Committee)

Diaconate Fund

Missions

Pass the Basket

Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals

Miscellaneous Exchange Accounts

Open Door

Heifer Project

Youth Mission Trip

Sound System Donations

Christmas Fair

Prepaid 2016 pledges

Contribution statements were sent out four times in 2015.

Bonnie Benincasa, Shelia Carrassi, Martha Gubbins, and Paul Driscoll made the job of

accounting for funds and receipts as efficient as possible. The flexibility of our team to cover

each other when necessary has been outstanding. We appreciate the Deacons for their help

verifying plate cash after each service. And a special thank you to the Deacons for their help

during. Additionally, managing and securing the collections on Easter and Christmas has a

special set of challenges, and without the help of all involved it could not be accomplished as

securely and quickly. And last but not least, a big thank you to the entire team PLUS Cheryl

Lengieza who stepped up to the plate for the annual Christmas Fair.

Again this year, Nancy Klebart has provided invaluable help to our team and we thank her for

all of her support and work on our behalf. Specifically she has been instrumental in

introducing a more streamlined approach to accounting for contributions. We will be working

throughout 2016 to fully implement the use of Church Plus and the use of an automated check

reader to further reduce potential errors.

Respectfully submitted,

Bruce Warren, Financial Secretary

Bonnie Benincasa, Sheila Carrassi, Paul Driscoll, and Martha Gubbins – Assistant Financial

Secretaries

8


Annual Financial Report of TRUSTEES

December 31, 2015

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR 2015

As has been the case in so many years past, church finances and property maintenance

were the focus for the Trustees in 2015.

Our budget results were better than expected. As voted upon in 2014, we withdraw a

fixed amount- up to 4%- from our endowment. Including a 4% withdrawal in 2015, we

had anticipated a close to breakeven budget. We actually were $15,500 better than

breakeven; all of those monies were added to our capital reserves which will help with

much needed maintenance for our buildings.

The major event this year was the completion of the restoration and painting of the entire

church exterior. A professional assessment of the status of the building was done in

2014, the project started in July, 2014 and the bulk of the work was done during the

summer of 2015. The total cost of almost $190,000 over 2014 and 2015 was largely paid

with monies from the Meeting House Endowment Fund, the Community Preservation

Act, and 300th Anniversary Fund donors.

The parsonage front steps, which were deteriorating, were replaced. The chapel saw

minor electrical and chimney repairs, and gutter repairs due to the severe winter weather.

Our accounting system and practices continue to be updated through the efforts of

Trustees Nancy Klebart (Office Manager) and Joe Alsop.

The Christmas Fair continues to be an important source of revenue and exceeded

expectations by 30% this year! The Trustees thanks all who worked so hard to make it a

success, in particular Nancy Klebart who led the Fair organization.

The Trustees thank the many “Angels” who have donated so much of their time and

talent in supporting the congregation and the upkeep of our buildings. In particular,

George Nickless has done an excellent job in the Chapel, maintaining and repairing

whatever is needed.

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2015

Income in 2015 was $484,000, but operational income was $298,000 if you exclude all

funds from our two endowments, funds obtained from a CPA grant from the town of

Manchester and the use of Temporarily Restricted Funds a/k/a “Exchange Accounts”.

This is $19,000 above the operational income budget of $279,000 and $43,000 above

2014, primarily because of increased pledges and other contributions, for which the

Board of Trustees is most grateful. About $150,000 of the $185,000 in additional income

was used for the 2015 costs of the restoration and painting of the church sanctuary

including the tower and clock face.

We withdrew the budgeted and authorized $35,622 from the endowment (4% of year end

principal averaged over the last three years), as compared with $35,509 in 2014. In

addition, we withdrew $40,000 for the restoration and painting from our Meeting House

9

Fund endowment, where a 4% annual draw of approximately $9,000 accumulates until it

is used for exterior repairs and improvements to the main church building.

Total actual expenses were $482,000, but excluding the church restoration were $332,000

versus the budget of $314,000. This variance is mostly explained by the addition of

$15,500 to our capital reserves versus the $3,500 budgeted. These reserves allow us to

better absorb any investments associated with our buildings, where much still remains to

be done, and now stand at over $27,000 versus under $13,000 one year ago.

We received another very generous gift from a member to further the restoration of our

church sanctuary and potentially our chapel/office. We anticipate further capital gifts to

renew and maintain our buildings and potentially add to our endowments and/or reserves.

That gift and the prepayment of 2016 pledges are the reasons for our strong year-end cash

position of approximately $110,000, which includes some funds left temporarily with our

endowment manager.

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK FOR 2016

The congregation previously authorized that each year up to 4% of our endowment

principal (averaged over the three prior year ends in order to smooth out fluctuations) be

withdrawn from the endowment and used in operations or added to reserves.

The 2016 budget submitted for approval by the congregation contemplates operating

income of $277,000 plus a draw from the endowment of $36,782 and total income of

$314,000 before the utilization of any reserves in Temporarily Restricted Accounts to

fund further investments in our buildings. It contemplates operating expenses equal to

the same $314,000, including a long deferred compensation increase for our pastor and

further additions to our capital reserves.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE (Jack Abbott Chair; Steve Carhart and Rick Wilk)

2015 was the second complete year of investment management by Congress Asset

Management for the Endowment and the Meeting House Fund. For the year,

performance for the Endowment was +1.47% and +1.08% for the Meeting House Fund.

The benchmark average was +1.26%.

The Investment Advisory Committee monitors Congress Asset Management through

monthly reports and Committee Meetings. Congress Asset Management presents their

investment results and strategies to the Board of Trustees at least once a year.

2015 was a volatile year in the securities markets and many active investment managers

had difficulty. Fortunately, the Investment Advisory Committee instructed Congress

Asset Management to sell all high yield and emerging markets securities well before their

downturn.

2016 has started lower for the equity markets. Fixed income is holding its value even as

the Federal Reserve is expected to continue raising rates. We expect the Chinese

economy to have a significant effect on world markets.

INSURANCE (Trustee in Charge: Richard Smith)

The Board of Trustees has reviewed the insurance coverage for church, chapel, and

parsonage. While the current policy was overall both comprehensive and appropriate, the

coverage for the church building itself was limited to 1.5 million dollars in past years.

This is considerably less than the true replacement cost of our church building, and so for

10

that reason coverage on the church was increased to 3.5 million dollars. Of course

increased coverage raises our insurance rates. In order to minimize the increased

expense, we also altered the per-incident deductible for property damage from $2,500 to

$25,000. Overall, these changes give us much greater coverage in the event of a

catastrophic event such as a serious fire at the church, but on the other hand they leave us

exposed to as much as $25,000 for a property damage incident whereas in the past we

were limited to $2,500. Total property and liability insurance next year will increase

from $9,548 to $12,856.

MEETING HOUSE ADVISORY BOARD (Trustee: John Round)

The annual meeting of the Board was conducted in July. Restoration and painting of the

exterior of the building, which started last year, was completed. Work got underway in

early July. The project ($183,200) was funded with CPA grants ($83,200), church

donors ($55,000), capital reserves (est. $5000) and $40,000 from the Meeting House

Endowment Fund, nearly all of the monies that were available. It was the first time that

monies were withdrawn in several years. The contractor was George Burgess, the

Steeplejack who worked on the bell in 2014.

The Board voted to release an additional $9890, adding to the $30,581 that was available

at the end of 2014. It gave us an available total of $40,471, nearly all of which was spent

on the restoration.

CHURCH BUILDING (Trustee in Charge: David DeMoura)

The Main church building in 2015 has made progress on restoration issues.

The sexton position has transitioned from Tyler Duda (who has gone to college) for the

first half of 2015 to David Reid for the remainder of the year and into 2016. The

transition has gone smoothly and David has done a wonderful job maintaining the

cleanliness of our sanctuary.

The most significant issue this year was restoring the exterior of the building. It was

painted and final restoration of the very top of the steeple was completed. Work got

underway in early July.

In 2014 we restored the bell level inclusive of ;

1. A new bell cradle

2. A second (small rope) driven bell striker was made operational

3. Replacement of the thresholds of all three front doors and replacing the utility

entrance door panel on the right side of the building.

4. Front Entrance iron hand railings at each door

This year - 2015 we continued restoration of the building exterior inclusive of

1. The bell level - the wagon wheel operator via the large rope was completed.

2. Carillon level – repair and reinstall of the wooden railing

3. Replacement of the storm window near the ramp entrance

4. Removal/Reinstallation of each of 8 large storm windows in order to repair

caulking of the window exterior glass glazing as well as paint the exterior.

5. Painting of the main church body and repair/ replacement of a few rotten wood

clapboards. The contractor was George Burgess, our Steeplejack whose fine

workmanship is much appreciated.

11

6. Painting of the Steeple – all levels

7. Interior work included

a. Replacement of the hot water heater in the ladies room

b. Upgrade the chandelier lighting with LED lamps

8. Henry Lapham replaced the small striker pulley system to allow it to function

better

9. Replacement of the Front wooden entrance steps

Through several donors, the church has raised monies to finance the project along with

usage of Manchester Community Preservation Funds for the Bell and Clock level

restoration.

Further, a report of the building's overall condition, conducted by Commercial

Construction Consulting (C3) was completed. The report was a donation. It is generally

positive, stating that the building is "adequately maintained and is in reasonably good

condition".

Several interior issues remain to be done for which more funding is needed;

1. Repair of the Narthex plaster ceiling and repainting

2. Upgrade of both men and ladies restrooms

3. Shelving for the balcony closet for Christmas decorations

4. Furnace room upgrade with possible oil to gas conversion

5. Upgrade of the interior recessed door mats

6. Crawl space plastic sheeting to mitigate ground moisture into the structure.

7. Miscellaneous electrical upgrades

PARSONAGE (Trustee in Charge: John Round)

We invested in the parsonage in 2015. The front steps have been settling for several

years and cracks had appeared in several places. The steps were dismantled and rebuilt in

the fall at a cost of $3800. Several treads were replaced and new brick was used on the

sides. The center was filled with gravel and sand, replacing the soft loam which had

compacted over the years and was a major cause of the steps’ deterioration.

We cleared ice dams from the roof last winter (a problem many local homeowners

experienced), resolved a squirrel infestation problem, and repaired a leak in the plumbing

system.

CHAPEL BUILDING (Trustees in Charge: Nancy Klebart beginning 2015, Jeff Parker

end 2015)

Snow removal was a major issue at the Chapel in early 2015. An “angel” donation

(Donation Special Purpose) allowed us to hire James Dudley to come in and widen the

driveway by clearing snow, this eased congestion for rental and staff parking. Many

thanks to George Nickless and the Duda family for snow removal throughout the early

months of 2015. Repair of the chimney and gutters also took place because of the

difficult winter. The circuit breaker was updated in the Sunday School wing after an

inspection for the Nursery School failed and relief valves and movement of an emergency

shut off switch took place after a Boiler inspection failed. Another focus of 2015 was

tightening security in the building. Locks were rekeyed. Lighting was updated in the

parking lot. A motion detector spotlight was set up on the back entryway. A flood light

12

was installed and set to light the playground throughout the night. The Chapel floor was

sanded and finished in May. The Christian Education office was updated with paint and

furnishings in the spring. The Financial Office was reorganized and made more

accessible in the fall.

While both the Chapel and Sunday School buildings have continued to serve us well,

providing both a gathering place for our youth and fulfilling the needs of adult activities

from both our Church and community, it has become clear that this set of buildings are

suffering from some deferred maintenance. The first item which must be addressed for

both safety/security reasons and energy conservation is the replacement of approximately

seventy badly deteriorated windows and two doors. The trustees are unsure at this time

how this project will be funded but will try to keep everyone informed as a plan is

developed.

OFFICE AUTOMATION AND EQUIPMENT (Trustee in Charge: Nancy Klebart)

The Chapel building experienced many problems with internet and phone service through

2015. We worked closely with Verizon, our provider, to target the problem areas and

have successfully improved connectivity throughout the building. Verizon updated wiring

inside and out and replaced the office router which has improved speed and reliability.

Extenders for the Chapel router were purchased and installed and access to the internet

throughout the Chapel building has been achieved. Our Financial Team came

successfully together this year and discovered areas that can be improved through

automation such as access to online banking, acquiring a Check Reader and preformatted

deposit slips and learning where we can improve data entry and reports through our

software, Church Plus. Many thanks to Bruce Warren, Cheryl Lengieza and Joe Alsop .

TRUSTEE MEMBERS We welcomed a new Trustee this year- Jeff Parker- who comes to us with years of

experience in the same role in his previous church. Welcome Jeff! Thanks to Lance

Walker who left the Trustees this past June. We thank him for his service and in

particular his help with the recently instituted PayPal technology. A special thanks to our

Assistant Treasurer Cheryl Lengieza who helps to balance our bank accounts every

month (it is a challenge). Thank you to all of the Board Members who served this year,

and in particular to Dave DeMoura who supervised the restoration of our church building

this year, the largest undertaking of our congregation in many, many years. Their support

has contributed greatly to our success.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Round, Chair

Joe Alsop

Dave DeMoura

Nancy Klebart

Paul Lengieza

Jeff Parker

Richard Smith

13


Annual Financial Report of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

December 31, 2015

The Christian Education Committee meets one evening monthly during the Sunday

School year, typically the 2nd

Tuesday of each month. We currently have 6 members:

Julie Tosi (Co-Chair), Sara DeOreo (Co-Chair), Allison Moir-Smith (Secretary), Tammy

Bothwell, and Jen Powers. Jessica Skidmore (Youth Director), and Priscilla Duda

(Christian Ministry Coordinator) also attend these meetings to provide program feedback

and updates.

Budgeted Funds Available for 2015: $11,300.00

Expenditures:

Sunday School: $2,414.38

Communion/Confirm. Class: 916.15

Youth Group Expenses: 590.42

Adult Education: 2,887.34

Vacation Bible Program: 1,865.69

CE Miscellaneous 1,409.70

Total Expenditures: $10,083.68 (-$1,216.32)

Christian Educations Committee Exchange Accounts and Sub Accounts

The Christian Education Exchange Funds/Accounts represent accounts holding money

given or raised by the CE Committee, Sunday School, Youth Group and Confirmation for

a specific purpose, which is held in this “Temporarily Restricted Account” until used.

This account currently has a balance of $293.64 that includes: $51.83 for CE Enrichment,

$219.27 for Star Island Scholarship and $22.54 for All Church Retreat.

The Christian Education Committee would like to thank everyone for their continued

support!


Sara DeOreo and Julie Tosi, Co-Chairs

Sunday School Report (Priscilla Duda) First Parish continues to offer an excellent

Sunday morning program for children ages 1-13 divided between a Nursery and three

classrooms. The program offered is the Montessori based look at the many Bible stories.

We are happy to report that our numbers are the same as last year and have attracted four

new families since September to the program.

Due to the conflict we experience with skiing and winter sports we have added bi-

monthly Sunday school during the week. We will offer the program on 2/10 2/24, 3/2,

3/30 and 4/6 from 5-6:00pm - parents seemed thrilled with the option and pleased that it

is a way to keep their children involved.

This year we held a VBS program in June which was a huge success. The program

“Everest” attracted 34 SS age children from FPC, neighboring churches and the

community. The feedback was very positive and a wonderful outreach program that

showed FPC in a very positive light.

14

In November we participated in the Boot/Coat Drive with Missions providing 60 articles

of clothing to children in need. In addition, some of our students helped to deliver the

items to the families. In November we provided 28 generously filled baskets for

Manchester’s COA. We continue to offer our Heifer International Talent show in which

the children share their talents all proceeds go to Heifer International. This year we hope

to visit the Heifer International farm in Rutland Mass and participate in a work day.

We currently have six full time teachers and two part time teachers of which four have

completed the Godly Play training. We have one paid Nursery provider and three junior

helpers. The nursery has six children currently registered.

Annie Greenleaf works with the children weekly for a music portion of their lesson

followed by a complete Godly play lesson, craft and feast. We continue to bring the

children to their parents in the sanctuary which has been very well received. Our parents

continue to be involved with volunteering and offering feedback.

Nursery Report (Priscilla Duda) Nursery has two children regularly attending each

Sunday. Holly Potter is the nursery supervisor and has done an excellent job of making

the children content and offering age appropriate activities.

Adult Education (Priscilla Duda) Adult Education continues to be successful with a

variety of programs that we hope meets the needs of many.

Rev. John Hughes leads a Bible Study group on Friday afternoons from 4-5:30 pm

examining scriptures that will be used the following Sunday during worship.

Each Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 FPC offers an hour of Tranquility for our community,

anyone can stop by for spiritual music, meditation and candle lighting at their leisure.

The FPC book group meets on the second Monday of the month and has had great

participation – all that attend enjoy the fellowship and sharing of opinions on the most

recent selection.

Soup and Conversation has been a huge success with turnouts of 45 plus members at each

program. We offer this on selected Sunday mornings following worship at 11:30.

We currently have the following programs scheduled: January 31st Mr. and Mrs. Richard

Smith will present “Courage and Light “and on March 13th

Rev. Lelly Smith will present

“Pilgrimages” for us. TBD we will offer Jen Powers sharing “Growing up in Saudi

Arabia”.

We continue to explore and identify topics our members are interested and look forward

to several successful programs in the future.

Confirmation (Priscilla Duda)

During the 2015-2016 program years, fourteen students are participating in bi-weekly

Confirmation Class meetings following “Affirming Faith” as a guide. In addition to

classroom work the group will visit Church’s in our Community, Hospice and The

Beverly Hospital chaplaincy program. The students planned and ran the Epiphany

vespers service will participate in Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services, and

will attend a Confirmation Retreat in Craigsville, MA with other confirmands from the

MACUCC. We look forward to Philip Cicala, Elizabeth Dolan, Connor Duda, Nathan

Duda, Zachary Edwards, Heather Holly, Elizabeth Klebart, Natalie Koopman, Andrew

Milne, Megan Peterson, Grace Porter, Victoria Potter, Nico Rerisi, and Colton Tosi all

15

celebrating their Confirmation and Affirmation of Baptism on June 5, 2016. The next

confirmation class will begin fall 2017 and will meet for one program year with students

from grades 9 and 10.

HS Youth (Priscilla Duda)

Over the summer, 10 high school students served and gained community service hours

while working on the Everest VBS program. The students planned, set up, broke down

and acted as counselors during the week – it proved to be a wonderful bonding

experience for all involved. We are currently looking into a mission/social event that will

involve the HS students.

MS Youth Group (Jessica Skidmore) - Middle School Youth Group (grades 6 to 8)

meets on Sunday mornings from 10am-11am and at least once monthly for fellowship or

service related programming. During the Fall/Winter 2015/2016 Middle School Youth

Group program attendance averaged 8 students each meeting. Programming includes

Sunday lessons with themes from curricula (Journey 2 Adulthood and re:form), as well as

social outings (movie nights, bowling, cookie decorating, game night) and service

programming (MECT Trail clean up with the missions' committee, sorting food

donations for The Open Door, The Wellspring House holiday store, collection for the

troops) plus regular participation in church-wide programming (including worship, the

Christmas Fair, the tree lighting, Soup and Conversation).


Sara DeOreo(Co-Chair), Julie Tosi (Co-Chair)

16


Annual Financial Report of DIACONATE

December 31, 2015

The Diaconate has two areas of financial impact on the Church Budget. The first area is the

accounting to the membership of the Diaconate Fund. The Diaconate Fund consists of a

NOW checking account and a newly established NOW debit account in September. In 2015

the checking account for Diaconate Fund contributions increased by approximately $1,000

over 2014, while debited check withdrawals increased by $938. Note, however, that $1,000

in debited check expense involved capitalizing the new NOW debit account at CASB;

factoring in the new debit account $1,000 with the current Diaconate checking account, the

overall Diaconate account has remained stable in 2015. The checking account remains the

main vehicle for contributions from members, and for offsetting checks written at the

Pastor’s request to support those in our community who are in need. However, the new debit

account offers the Pastor flexibility in cases when commercial establishments do not take

checks, or an immediate debit is needed by those in need. The debit account balance remains

at $1,000; there has not been a draw on the debit account, and less than $1.00 in interest has

accrued.

The second area of the Diaconate financial statement is the expenditures of the Deacons

related to the liturgy and to church fellowship. Diaconate expense tracking continued in

2015 and this enables us to determine more accurately the costs of consumables, support for

special services, and expenditures for replacement of liturgical supplies and the rental of

Tuck’s Point for the June service. The beginning 2015 balance was $2,000, expenses totaled

$1,435, and the closing 2015 balance is $564.31. A balance of $175 remains on the payment

for Tuck’s Point in June, 2016.


John Feuerbach, Diaconate Treasurer

Christiane Alsop

John Feuerbach

Linda Griffiths

Janet Groth

Paul Gudonis

Eleanor Harris

Janet Marshall

Shawn Newman

Ralph Smith

Wendy Smith

17

First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Financial Report of THE MISSIONS COMMITTEE

December 31, 2015

Zimbabwe Project: $2,326.21

Open Door: $1,968.68

Plummer Home: $1,107.06

Grace Center: $500.00

International Relief Fund: $500.00

Operation Troop Support: $500.00

Wellspring: $500.00

UCC: $500.00

Heifer International: $200.00

Emilia: $212.99

Gingerbread Cookie Day: $91.09

Total: $8,406.03


Deborah Rouine

Jim Brennan

Kim Gendron

Lelly Smith

18


Financial Report of THE MUSIC COMMITTEE

December 31, 2015

Special thanks go to Donald Dunn, our Organist and Choir Director, and Rebecca

Shrimpton and Paul Knox, our Section Leaders, for this past year’s music program that

was able to offer wonderful performances on Sunday mornings at First Parish Church,

Congregational. The Senior Choir and Sunday School Choir were all major participants

in our Sunday services. Due to limited interest there was no Junior Choir during Lent or

Advent.

The 2015 budget was similar to the 2014 budget except that the line item of

compensation for the Section Leaders included monies ($200.00) to be paid to the

soloists/section leaders for an additional service in 2015. The First Parish Church

Congregational hosted the Good Friday Service in 2015. The 2016 budget returns the line

item of compensation for the Section Leaders to the usual 47 services, but now includes a

line item for some monies ($300.00) for instrumentalists.

In 2015 the Music Committee used funds from the Memorial Music Fund exchange

account to purchase new sheet music during the year in order to maintain the level of

music anticipated by the congregation. Funds used from the Memorial Music Fund

exchange account in 2015 amounted to $406.25. There were no gift donations to the

Memorial Music Fund exchange account in 2015. In 2015 with funds not budgeted for

instrumentalists we used funds from the Special Music Fund exchange account. Funds

used from this exchange account in 2015 amounted to $450.00. There was a gift

donation of $400.75 to the Special Music Fund exchange account in 2015. In 2015 the

Music Committee used funds from the Section Leader exchange account for additional

soloist voices to strengthen the choir for Rev. Hughes’ 35th

Anniversary Service

celebration. Funds used from this exchange account in 2015 amounted to $300.00.

We were fortunate this past year that no major repairs were required for the organ or

pianos. Minor repairs to the organ were related to the pedals and various adjustments.

We remain hopeful that this will be the outcome for the upcoming year. The Music

Committee, however, has ongoing concerns about the condition of the organ blower. It

has required minor repairs in past years, but because of its age and condition, it could

require replacement at any time.

Finally, many thanks to the Music Committee listed below for their support in making the

music program happen and also to our choir members for their dedication.

Respectfully submitted by

Margaret Michael, Chair

Lauren Gudonis

Mary Kirby

John Round

Shirley Wilkinson

19


Annual Financial Report of THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

December 31, 2015

The Stewardship Committee has had an incredibly busy year! We continued to work with Paul

Nickerson to improve our methods of fundraising and outreach.

The Annual Fund Drive continued for the second year with success. We received 108 pledges totaling

$203,000.

In the 2015 budget we had expenses for offering envelopes, guest minister fee, hospitality and flowers at

church, New Members Sunday, Pledge Party, Top Givers gathering, office costs ( stamps, special paper, and

envelopes.

Thank you to all those making a financial commitment supporting our church in 2015. Your time,

talents, and treasures make us this wonderful church community!

We look ahead to 2016 and our 300th Anniversary with great enthusiasm!

The Stewardship Committee,

Mary Ellen Cook, Co-chair

David Lumsden, Co-chair

Katrina Cicala

Martha Elder

Barbara Smith

Bruce Warren

20


Financial Report of THE VITALITY COMMITTEE

December 31, 2015

The Vitality Group worked with coach Rev. Paul Nickerson in 2015, putting into place

many of his suggestions for outreach. In 2016, we will pause our coaching relationship

with him, continuing to implement his ideas and focusing on the year-long 300th

celebration.

In May, we hosted a Spiritual Inventory group for prospective members, and later that

month, 4 new members joined our congregation.

In August, we hosted a sidewalk chalk art event during the Manchester Arts Festival, in

which 50+ artists, young and old, joyfully drew chalk scenes on the pavement in front of

the church. We handed out balloons and information about FPCC.

In October, we celebrated Rev. John G. Hughes’ 35th

anniversary as pastor of FPCC with

a special service followed by lunch on the town green. There was extensive outreach and

publicity of this wonderful celebration, including Proclamations by state senators.

Throughout the year, we hosted the Hour of Tranquility, opening our church to the

community each Wednesday evening when there was not Vespers.

In 2016, we have more outreach events planned, including a Valentine’s Day bell ringing

for couples married when the steeple bell wasn’t working; Membership Sunday in April;

a 4th

of July float celebrating our 300th

anniversary; sidewalk chalk at the Arts Festival;

cheering on the half-marathoners running by our church in October; caroling on our

church steps when the Festival of Trees are being decorated and during the Christmas

shopping evening.

An additional goal for 2016 is to host in-home “normal life” events (watching sports, spa

day, book club), with 3 FPC members inviting 3 guests to get to know each other in a

non-church environment. This is one of Rev. Nickerson’s central ideas to creating vitality

in churches.

Vitality Group is in need of members, and we are looking forward to the Nominating

Committee’s help with this.

Our budget request for 2016 is $1,500.

Mary Ellen Cook and Allison Moir-Smith/Co-Chairs

21

of 4


United Church of Christ

Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts MINUTES OF ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING February 8, 2015 Moderator Dan DeOreo conducted the meeting and at 11:25 a.m. declared a quorum with approximately 43 members

present (25 would be a quorum) and called the Annual Business Meeting to order. He offered ground rules and introductory

remarks outlining that the meeting would follow Roberts Rules of Order that it involved only the financial affairs of the

church, and concluded by stating microphones are available at various stations. Anyone wishing to discuss or ask a

question should stand and await a mike. The meeting was recorded.

The Moderator then requested The Rev. John Hughes to lead us in prayer.

At the Moderator’s request, the Clerk, George Nickless, as is the custom read the six articles of the Warrant noting that in

Article IV, the dates should be “2015 and until the 2016 ABM”. (not 2014 to 2015).

Prior to the warrant articles being discussed, the Moderator asked if there were any changes to any of the submitted

reports. There were none. We then proceeded to the Articles.

ARTICLE I: To accept the report of the Annual Business Meeting held on February 9, 2014.

Dave Lumsden made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the 2/9/14 ABM, seconded and voted

unanimously. Dave then made a motion to accept the 2/9/14 ABM report as printed in the pass outs, seconded and voted

unanimously.

ARTICLE II: To see what action the Church will take in regard to the budget proposal for 2015 as submitted by

the Board of Trustees.

The Moderator allowed John Round, chair of the Trustees, to speak with an overview prior to a motion being made. John

said that for the past 6 to 8 years, putting it in context we would come in breaking even. We would be in the negative each

year, but then end the year we wound up in the breakeven area. The last couple of years, we have deferred maintenance,

programs, and salaries which we have now started to address. In 2013 we did some capital improvements and took

$16,000 from endowment. In 2014 $11,000 was taken out of endowment over and above interest and dividends of some

$20-25k. We replaced a boiler in the chapel as well as other improvements. There was major restoration to the bell and

belfry, and a new sound system was installed in the church. Several repairs were made to the parsonage. In 2015 we are

addressing a lot of deferred items—salaries, programs by C.E.to reach more people, maintenance---we have already

replaced the thresholds in the church with CPA help. Our budget is a breakeven budget but is trending in the right direction

and we feel it is the best budget in quite a few years. This budget is in no small part due to the efforts of the Stewardship

committee.

John said Joe Alsop has filled in with preparing the budget and helping with financial activities. The Moderator then thanked

the Board of Trustees for all their work and also to Nancy Klebart and Joe Alsop for working with Mark Decker in

transitioning from a spread sheet plan into the PC program.

The Moderator then said he would read the headings in the budget, and requested that if any were to be discussed, they

should put a “hold” on it as it is read. Held items were 1) pg 1, Rental Income; 2) pg 1, Miscellaneous Income; 3) pg 2,

Pastor; 4) pg 2, Church (Sanctuary) Expense, and 5) pg 3, CE Expenses (stated that it should be CE Other Expenses).

Paul Driscoll made a motion to accept the article with the exception of the five (5) held items. The motion was seconded,

and approved.

Held: Rental Income. Paul Driscoll inquiring noted that it appeared that Magic Years is $2,000 in arrears. Nancy Klebart

said a check had been received, but it was dated wrong. It has now been received properly and deposited. Paul made a

motion to approve the item, seconded and passed.

22

Minutes of Annual Business Meeting 2/9/2015 (continued)

Page 2 of 4

Held: Miscellaneous Income: Jeff Bodmer-Turner inquired as to the budget item for 2014 of $8,098 for “miscellaneous

income.” Nancy Klebart said they had applied for and received a tax credit form Small Businesses covering the year 2012,

13, and 14. This is a one-time item. Jeff said that last year we voted that all donated undesignated funds would be put into

endowment, but he doesn’t see any item that reflects such income and transfer. Joe Alsop said that he was adventuring

into a nonprofit accounting system, and said Nancy Klebart had initiated this tax credit request and was responsible for

this tremendous contribution. He noted that on the back page there are listed weddings, funerals with monies to the

Pastor, organist, sexton, and he believed a small amount to the office administrator. He didn’t know this had to go to

endowment. He also did not know of any special gifts received during the year, so nothing went into endowment in 2014.

Jeff said that monies to the church specifically for weddings and donations for baptisms was the intent of the motion.

Nancy said they had simplified the budget and money for weddings etc. is counted under “donations.” They had received

$300 in 2014 for donations. Joe Alsop said their emphasis was on operating expense, and beyond that, what was to be

taken out of endowment and what was put into capital reserves for building needs. Overall he felt we were in pretty good

shape, but we are not ready for major work that needs to be done except for that received from Vin Terrill of $50,000 in

memory of his wife in an exchange account to be used toward the painting of the church when the weather improves. In

the long term, much work is needed, but we are improving. John Round said that occasionally people do make donations,

and they are asked where they wish it to go. The numbers are up for “outside” people using the church.

Vin Terrill said that the fund he donated to has a name but he couldn’t find it. Joe Alsop said it is listed on page 5 under

300th Anniversary Capital Gift with $55,000 designated. Nancy Peterson moved the item “Miscellaneous Income, seconded

and passed unanimously.

Held: Pastor: June Nickless referred to the item “Pastor Wedding Funerals”. $1,975 is not an expense to the church.

Weddings and funerals are prepaid by the principals and therefore belong in exchange accounts. Joe Alsop said expenses

are received and recorded in some income line.

Paul Driscoll said income for fees for Pastor/Organist/Sexton should be recorded as income for renting the church and it is

not obvious in this report.

Martha Farmer wished to have the line “Employment Related Expense” explained. It was said that this covers items

related to the Pastor such as visiting ministers, travel, expenses and books.

The Rev Lelly Smith said that with our Pastor being provided with 14 Sunday’s off, we are paying for many visiting Pastors

and we are paying less than the going rate. The ‘norm’ is higher than what we pay. John Round said this is on the agenda

for the Board of Trustees to discuss.

Vin Terrill made a motion to accept this held item, seconded and passed unanimously.

Held: Church (Sanctuary) Expense: Bruce Warren asked why, if we spent $9,144 for church utilities, are we only budgeting

$7,000? Nancy Klebart said that at the end of December the railings of the church were repaired and we paid for repairing

the three thresholds at the church. This was taken out of maintenance. The utilities expenses are going down and a gas

delivery in December should last until February. Bruce moved to accept this item, seconded and passed.

Held: CE Other Expenses: Penny Lapham said she could not find where the CPA funds came in and went out. John

Round said this was discussed in the Trustees report. It’s a cash flow issue. The work is performed, we send an invoice

to the Town, and they pay it. $35,000 is needed to fix the bell with $33,000 paid at this point. There is more work to be

done. Penny noted that nothing is listed under Meeting House Transfer. John round said nothing was transferred in 2014.

Paul Driscoll said CPA funds should show up somewhere since we got money and spent money. Joe Alsop said the

exchange account should show it and it was an oversight on his part to not have it. The money comes in and goes out.

Nancy Klebart prepared an exchange accounting report of December’s account activity which reflects$18,450 received from

the Town of Manchester (CPA money) and paid to George Burgess. Paul Driscoll made a motion, seconded, that this

exchange account report be added to the minutes. The motion carried. Nancy Peterson then made a motion to accept

this held item, seconded and passed.

With this, the budget was then approved.

23


Page 3 of 4

ARTICLE III: To hear and act upon the reports of the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Board of Trustees,

the Investment Committee, the Christian Education Committee, the Diaconate Board, the Missions Committee,

the Music Committee, the Stewardship Committee, and the Membership & Growth Committee/Vitality

Committee.

The Moderator stated there is not a Treasurer’s report as it is contained in the Board of Trustees report, and we would

proceed to take the rest of the reports listed in order.

Pg 7. Bruce Warren moved to accept the Financial Secretary’s Report. The motion was then seconded, and passed.

Pg 8 - 12. Paul Driscoll moved the Board of Trustees report, seconded, and approved.

Pg 10: Investment Advisory Committee : Jack moved to accept the report, seconded and voted unanimously.

Pg 13 - 15: Nancy Peterson moved the Christian Ed report, seconded, and it was approved.

Pg 16 - 18. Jeff Bodmer-Turner moved the Diaconate report, seconded and passed unanimously.

Pg 19 - 20. The Rev Lelly Smith moved the Missions report, seconded. The committee chair, Alice Eastland requested

the following be read in her absence. “The Missions Committee completed its first year under a fixed budget and is poised

to work within the proposed 2015 Missions budget as the fiscal year begins. An unusual aspect of the 2014 Missions

budget is that the year began with a surplus carried over from 20133. The surplus was used in large measure to support

the successful Zimbabwe container project. Our first priority was to fund any projects that would enable FPC members to

participate in hand-on projects. Another goal was to support youth and community service projects and so we worked

closely with our Youth Director Emelia to identify these needs. The Orland Maine H.O.M.E.S. mission trip is a good

example.”

“Activities and projects that had been paid for in past years by soliciting donations from the congregation were instead paid

form the mission’s budget. This included all the open Door community meals, Thanksgiving Holiday Baskets, and the UCC

One Great Hour mission. Other donations were made to local organizations with a preference for those that are faith-

based. Many of these charities also provided opportunities for FPC adults and our youth members to be personally

engaged in volunteer activities.”

Lelly Smith said it seems weird that $10,000 is for missions when the total budget is in the $279k area. But then, she

stated, there are so many hours of volunteer service being provided. John Round said we set Missions budget at 5% of the

pledge level and the amount is likely to go higher when all is calculated.

Lelly moved the article which was voted and approved.

Pg 21. John Round moved the Music Committee report, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Pg 22. Dave Lumsden moved the Annual Fund Drive (Stewardship) report, seconded. Dave wished to thank the

committee for their efforts and an extremely high response. Paul Nickerson has helped them as well as Mary Ellen Cook,

Barbara Smith, Bob Smallman, and Bruce Warren who all assisted in putting it all together.

Penny Lapham asked if the annual Fund Drive has replaced the Stewardship Committee, and if so was surprised at the

name change. Dave will discuss this with Mary Ellen Cook as this would not conform to the by-laws. The motion was

brought to a vote, and passed unanimously.

Article IV: authorize the Board of Trustees and Treasurer to transfer up to $10,500 from the Endowment Fund to

the General Operating fund if it becomes necessary during 2015 and until the 2016 Annual Business Meeting.

Nancy Peterson made a motion to approve, seconded. No discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

24


Page 4 of 4

ARTICLE V: To authorize the Board of Trustees and Treasurer to borrow up to $8,000 from the Endowment Fund

to the General Operating Fund on a temporary basis solely for cash flow issues and not as a permanent

withdrawal and only if it becomes necessary during 2015 and until the 2016 Annual Business Meeting.

Paul Driscoll moved to accept the article, seconded. No discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

ARTICLE VI: To hear and act upon any other business of a financial nature that may come

before the meeting.

Martha Farmer said we are approaching the 300th anniversary of our church in 2016 and felt there should be much activity

and planning towards that end. Joe Alsop said some things are being planned, and thanked Marty for volunteering. The

Moderator said he would put it on the agenda of the Church Council.

Rev Hughes said 1) they will be providing the history of the church twice a month with pass-outs, and 2) he attended a

clergy luncheon where they were amazed at the work of our Trustees. One said “we don’t compliment them.” He said

that he and all of us appreciate the remarkable work done by the Trustees. (All applauded.)

Penny Lapham asked again about the 2016 celebration, and should we not be putting something into the budget to fund

activities of the celebration. The Moderator said we could re-open the budget.

Paul Driscoll made a motion that “the Trustees return at the Annual Meeting in June 2015 with a report advising us of any

budgetary needs for funding the 2016 celebration.” Marty Farmer said there ae a number of items in the exchange

accounts, and some might go in that direction. The motion was seconded, brought to a vote and passed unanimously.

The Clerk, George Nickless wished to thank the Moderator, Dan DeOreo for his efforts in preparing and running this, his

first Business Meeting. (All applauded).

There being no further business, John Round motioned to adjourn, seconded, and voted unanimously at

12:30 p.m.


George A Nickless, Clerk

25

february 7, 2016 · first parish church congregational united church of christ...

Documents