laguna presbyterian 2015...laguna presbyterian church annual report 2015 415 forest avenue, laguna...

Laguna

Presbyterian

Church

Annual

Report

2015

415 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 494-7555

(949) 494-0504 (Preschool)

www.lagunapreschurch.org

Presented January 31, 2016

Laguna Presbyterian Church Annual Report 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SENIOR PASTOR - REV. DR. JERRY TANKERSLEY ............................................................................................. 5

SR. ASSOCIATE PASTOR - REV. DR. STEVE SWEET ........................................................................................... 7

Youth Ministry .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Family Ministry ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE – REV. DR. KATHY SIZER ......................................... 9

Adult Education ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Small Groups ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Grief Ministries...................................................................................................................................................... 9

Large Group Presentations .................................................................................................................................... 9

Church Library (Hills Hall) ................................................................................................................................. 10

Congregational Life ................................................................................................................................................. 10

3rd

Friday.............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Board of Deacons ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Health Ministries ................................................................................................................................................. 11

Shortened Pathway to LPC Membership ............................................................................................................. 11

MOPS .................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Book Talk ............................................................................................................................................................ 11

Girls Go Gourmet ................................................................................................................................................ 11

At Home Hospitality Hour ................................................................................................................................... 11

Women’s Retreat ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Other ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12

PARISH ASSOCIATES - REV. JIM MCCLUSKEY & REV. JON MOORE .......................................................... 13

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ........................................................................................................................................ 14

Adult Education – See Associate Pastor’s Report ................................................................................................... 14

Children’s Ministries ............................................................................................................................................... 14


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Sunday School Volunteers and Staff ................................................................................................................... 14

Curriculum ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

Assisting MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ........................................................................................................ 14

3rd Grade Bible Presentation - April 19, 2015 .................................................................................................... 15

VBS (Vacation Bible School) 2015 ..................................................................................................................... 15

Laguna Beach Hospitality Night.......................................................................................................................... 15

Christmas 2015 .................................................................................................................................................... 15

Easter 2015 - Walking with Jesus, Easter Comes to Life! ................................................................................... 16

Music ................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Early Morning Enrichment Preschool Program ................................................................................................... 16

Reading to preschool ........................................................................................................................................... 16

Miracles for Kids ................................................................................................................................................. 16

Family Fun Night ................................................................................................................................................. 17

Book Study .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Laguna Presbyterian Preschool ................................................................................................................................ 17

MEMBERSHIP-FELLOWSHIP-EVANGELISM ...................................................................................................... 19

Membership-Fellowship-Evangelism Committee ................................................................................................... 19

Shortened Pathway to LPC Membership ............................................................................................................. 19

LPC Photo Directory ........................................................................................................................................... 19

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ........................................................................................................................ 19

Women’s Ministries ............................................................................................................................................ 20

GALS ................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Girls Go Gourmet ................................................................................................................................................ 20

Book Talk ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

Men’s Ministries .................................................................................................................................................. 20

Fall Kick-Off ....................................................................................................................................................... 20

Board of Deacons ................................................................................................................................................ 21

3rd

Friday (Formerly Clippers) ............................................................................................................................. 21


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Sunday Morning Coffee Fellowship .................................................................................................................... 21

Outside Greeters .................................................................................................................................................. 21

At Home Hospitality Hour ................................................................................................................................... 21

Board of Deacons .................................................................................................................................................... 22

What Do Deacons Do? ........................................................................................................................................ 22

Special Events...................................................................................................................................................... 22

Deacon Funds ...................................................................................................................................................... 23

Health Ministry Program ..................................................................................................................................... 23

Our Deacon Prayer .............................................................................................................................................. 23

A Note to Our Deacons........................................................................................................................................ 23

Health Ministries Nurses ......................................................................................................................................... 24

Monthly ............................................................................................................................................................... 24

Special Events...................................................................................................................................................... 25

Visitations ............................................................................................................................................................ 26

NOMINATING COMMITTEE ................................................................................................................................... 27

MISSION OUTREACH COMMITTEE ..................................................................................................................... 28

Mission Trips and Educational Activities ................................................................................................................ 28

Local Mission Activities and Projects ..................................................................................................................... 29

Global Missions and Missionaries ........................................................................................................................... 31

Organizations ....................................................................................................................................................... 31

Missionaries ......................................................................................................................................................... 31

PROPERTY AND FINANCE ..................................................................................................................................... 32

Property and Finance Committee ............................................................................................................................ 32

Financial Reports for the Year Ending December 31, 2015 .................................................................................... 33

STEWARDSHIP ......................................................................................................................................................... 37

WORSHIP ................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Worship Committee ................................................................................................................................................. 38

Chancel, Children’s & Handbell Choirs .................................................................................................................. 40


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Worship Leader ....................................................................................................................................................... 41

Weddings ................................................................................................................................................................. 42

A.J. CARSON MINISTERIAL TRUST...................................................................................................................... 43

BOY SCOUT TROOP 35 ............................................................................................................................................ 44

CUB SCOUT PACK 35 .............................................................................................................................................. 44

LAGUNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NECROLOGY REPORT .......................................................................... 46


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SENIOR PASTOR - REV. DR. JERRY TANKERSLEY

Dear sisters and brothers,

2015 was a good year for me, and I believe, for LPC. Throughout the year we taught and preached the reality of the

kingdom of God, present in our hearts and at work in the world.

The first half of the year, we focused on the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The great themes of the gospel of

the kingdom were systematically developed in Paul’s letter. Whenever this letter has been seriously engaged,

spiritual renewal and mission vitality have come to the church. It is such an honor for me to allow the Apostle to

shape the spiritual life and mission of LPC.

In the Fall of 2015, we began a new sermon series on the mystery of the kingdom of heaven present in the world, in

human history, in and through the mission of the church. The texts were the parables of the kingdom in Matthew

13. Jesus was brilliant in his ability to capture the truth of the kingdom in the processes of nature and human

activity. I came to a new depth of understanding and awareness of God’s presence in my life and in our life

together.

During the summer, my study leave to see some of the great religious art of Rembrandt at The Hermitage in St.

Petersburg, Russia, was the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. In preparation, I again read Henri Nouwen’s book, The

Return of the Prodigal. People come from around the world to see this powerful artistic interpretation of the parable

from Luke 15. There is a large room of Rembrandt’s original religious works. His depiction of the Genesis 22

Sacrifice of Isaac stunned and inspired me. Rembrandt’s presentations of the themes of King David’s life were

brilliant.

In the Season of Advent, we reflected upon Matthew’s Genealogy of the Messiah in Matthew 1. We gave special

attention to the four women’s names in the list. The season came to fulfillment in Matthew's birth story of the

Messiah. It was a magical season that culminated in the Christmas Eve worship, with four services filled with those

worshiping the child born as the Savior of the world and of God’s promise. His name is Emmanuel, “God with us.”

My vision of the church is a fellowship of Jesus’ disciples gathered around the Word of God, illumined by the Holy

Spirit, and being transformed to share the fullness of his life within our lives. In this Spirit we have come to both

Font and Table, to welcome his grace into our lives. I have to say that the music of Chancel Choir and Praise Team

have lifted us into his presence, and inspired joy and comfort as we have responded to God’s love. With organ,

piano, bells, and human voices, we have adored the Lord.

Our congregation is blessed with our staff. Each Tuesday morning we gather in my office to review the week and to

share together. My pastoral colleagues, our music leaders, our office administrators, our Christian Education team,

our Pre-School director, and our building maintenance leadership, are each outstanding. What a joy it is to work

with such gifted persons who bless us all.

The Session and the Deacons have provided visionary and committed leadership. Watching how the body of Christ

functions with its many interlocking and interacting parts is amazing. Together, as each member of the body works

together, the body is built up and made strong. Each part is important. Our staffing and program have been

developed in response to the Lord’s guidance. We all know that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build

labor in vain. Truly, the Lord has been building us for the sake of doing his mission in and through us.


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Buildings, properties, staff and programs would not be here without the financial giving of the members and friends

of LPC. We give so that the light of the gospel may shine forth at the center of our city. By God’s grace we finished

2015 with the costs of the mission met. But it was close. Yet, the Lord provided through his people.

As we enter 2016 we are facing major challenges. Keeping the focus on the living Lord and his mission for us will

be important. Allowing his grace to inspire gratitude and generosity within us will be at the heart of continuing

growth. Working and praying for the “Peace, Unity, and Purity” of the church will stretch us and call us to realize

that “we belong to God through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the

communion of the Holy Spirit.”

Thank you for your love, prayers, and many grace gifts.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jerry Tankersley

Head of Staff


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SR. ASSOCIATE PASTOR - REV. DR. STEVE SWEET

I give you a year in the life of these ministries:

YOUTH MINISTRY

Our purpose statement is: "We are committed to: winning, building and equipping youth to be fully devoted

followers of Jesus Christ.”

Logos, our high school group, meets on Wednesday nights. Caravan, our middle school group, meets on Monday

nights. Abby Garcia is our Middle School Director. Sunday School, for 6th

-12th

grade students, meets during the

10am worship service. At these meetings we worship, study God’s Word, meet in small groups, have games, and

fellowship. We also learn how to serve God actively in our community, school, home and church through various

service projects.

In January, thirty of us went to a Lakers game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. We also started the Molokai

Service Trip student and leadership training.

In February, we had a leadership day retreat to plan through the rest of the school year. We had a “Guys and Girls

Night Out" at Sky High and K1 Speed in Irvine.

In March, the high school students continued their training for the Molokai Spring Break Service Trip. We had our

“Choose Your Own Adventure” event. We also took students to a Ducks game.

In April, forty-three of us participated in the week-long Molokai Service Trip, which included painting,

construction, roofing, maintenance, plumbing, and working at a bird sanctuary. Our high school and middle school

students provided gifts for the Youth Shelter for our “Project Easter Blessing.”

In May, both our high school and middle school groups went to Disneyland. Our high school group prepared and

provided dinner for the Youth Shelter. Our Molokai reunion took place.

In June, Abby and I presented our scholarships (Christian Service, ELM and Beal Awards) to the seniors at Laguna

Beach High School. Abby and I also attended various graduations. Logos and Caravan had their beach parties to

celebrate the end of the school year. I was one of the speakers at the high school Baccalaureate service hosted by

Laguna Presbyterian Church. Also in June, our Logos group went on a service trip to San Francisco, to learn about

the inner city. We served at two soup kitchens and helped with food distribution.

In July, Logos and Caravan went to Boomers, an Angels game, Disneyland and Camp Pendleton. Some of our

students and leaders helped as volunteers for Vacation Bible School. We took close to seventy students to Forest

Home Christian Camp for a week of camp.

In August, twenty-five of our high school and college students helped us to put on “Club H20,” a week-long surf

and Bible camp for forty 3rd through 5th grade students at LPC and Doheny State Beach.

In September, we took our leaders to a weekend retreat in the mountains to train and plan for the new school year.

Students helped at our Serve Event, providing meals for the Friendship Shelter and Youth Shelter. The next night,

twenty-five students attended our Action Event by going to Sky High and K1 Speed.

In October, our high school leaders attended the LBHS homecoming football game.


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In November, we helped put on the Family Fun Night. Our middle schoolers had a Thanksgiving celebration

outreach night.

In December, we took students to the Ducks game. Our students prepared and provided gifts for the Youth Shelter

for our “Project Christmas Blessing.” We celebrated with Christmas parties for Caravan, Logos and college-aged

students. Once again we provided dinner for both the Friendship Shelter and Youth Shelter.

FAMILY MINISTRY

In January, our Men’s Bible study started its monthly meetings.

In February, we had a Family Fun Night, in collaboration with our support of our CHOC’s Miracle for Kids family.

In May, we had a Family Fun Night.

In July, over eighty people, including students, children, and parents went to Forest Home and enjoyed a week-long

Family Camp.

In October we held our LPC Men’s Retreat in Lake Arrowhead, with the Rev. Tim McCalmont leading our Bible

Study and discussion time. In November, there was a “Family Fun Night.” Over 120 parents and children, from our

church and preschool, ate dinner together, played on a bouncy house and slide, and played Bingo for big prizes.

As usual, I participate in worship weekly; perform weddings and memorial services; and home and/or hospital

visitation. I have opportunities to preach and teach. I attend Christian Education, Mission Outreach, Staff and

Session meetings. I speak at the LBHS Christian Club, and frequently attend games and drama events. I read a

book to the students every Wednesday at our Preschool. I serve on the Community Coalition Response Board for

LBHS (on student drug and alcohol abuse). I attended the Festival of Preaching conference in Denver, Co. This

year, I am on the Los Ranchos Presbytery’s Committee for Ministry (COM), and chair the Validations Sub-

committee. I supervise the Children’s Ministries Directors, Middle School Director, and Summer Intern, who was

Barrett Thornton this year.

Respectfully submitted, Rev. Steve Sweet


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ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE –

REV. DR. KATHY SIZER

ADULT EDUCATION

SMALL GROUPS

For many years the heart of LPC’s Adult Education has been our small group Bible study offerings. We believe that

engaging God’s word in community is often a key environment for adults to mature in their faith. This year we

offered several small group opportunities to coincide with our sermon series. Caroline and Michael Millson

facilitated two weekly groups discussing our sermon series in Romans (winter and spring) and Parables (fall).

C.E. Elder Judy Bell’s Wednesday morning women’s group studied together Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand

Gifts” in the spring, and in the fall, Jan Johnson’s book, “Enjoying the Presence of God.”

This fall a new group of 12 women, in which I participate, is field-testing a program of Ignatian prayer and self-

discovery, “Forty Weeks: the Sacred Journey,” by Fr. Bill Watson.

In addition to these group Bible studies, we continued eight on-going, long-term, weekly Bible study groups,

including a lectio divina group and two “open” groups: Dick Day’s Thursday night Bible study (originally called

“Walking with God”) and Caroline Millson’s Friday morning MOMS' Group. These eight groups choose their

own curriculum.

Other ongoing Bible studies include Jerry’s weekly pastor studies which he leads every Tuesday and Wednesday

morning.

GRIEF MINISTRIES

Each spring, we offer our eight-week “Good Grief” small group. Leaders in 2015 included Rev. Jon Moore and

Deborah Sakach. The group provides a safe place where people from the church and the community can experience

and share their grief as well as receive information and coping skills to deal with their loss. Deborah Sakach and Jon

also offered a November afternoon session - “Dealing with Grief at the Holidays” to help people cope with loss at

this difficult time of year.

LARGE GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Sunday mornings at 10:00am we offered Adult Education events which included:

In April, in coordination with our Romans preaching series, we presented a 3-part series, “Responding to God’s

Mercy.” We were fortunate to have each of these sessions taught by a PCUSA pastor who is not employed by LPC,

but who worships with his family as part of our congregation: (1)Jeff McCrory: “Responding to God’s Mercy with

our Bodies,” (2) Mike Regele: “Responding to God’s Mercy in Les Miserables,” and (3) Craig Williams:

“Responding to God’s Mercy by Engaging the World.”

In June, we showed the award-winning film, “Alive Inside,” about the importance of music in reaching people with

dementia.


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CHURCH LIBRARY (HILLS HALL)

Alice Yensen, June Hubbard, Val Hunt, and Dawn Sheldon serve as our librarians. We continue to add to our 2nd

Floor Library and try to make the library more accessible to LPC Sunday attendees by displaying the library cart on

the church Patio on Sunday mornings. Often used as a meeting room, our Library is open to all church members

during office hours – just call the church office to make sure it is available. All are welcome to check out our books

and DVDs. Watch for a sale of our discards in early 2016.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

In addition to Adult Education, I give leadership to the congregational life of LPC, primarily through the work of

Membership-Fellowship-Evangelism Committee (including Women’s Ministries, Deacons, Parish Nurses/Hoag

Health Ministries, 3rd Friday, and Inquirers’ Class). Membership-Fellowship-Evangelism (MFE) seeks to foster

welcoming warm community for visitors and members, through planned events, on-going groups, and personal

contact. The ordination vows for all PC(USA) ministers, elders, and deacons call us to lead the people with “energy,

intelligence, imagination, and love.” MFE committee answers that call by creating continually more imaginative

ways to connect people with one another and with the life of LPC. Complete details of this work can be found in the

Membership-Fellowship-Evangelism portion of this annual report. In Congregational Life, I advise their committee

and am particularly involved in the following:

3RD

FRIDAY

I work closely with the leadership of this monthly dinner fellowship community to plan programs and to coordinate

their plans with the rest of church life. This group is often the first fellowship opportunity experienced by new

people at LPC. As a group, we are constantly seeking to grow in welcoming newcomers and in fostering additional

leadership. My husband Dave is one of the group’s officers, and we enjoy attending and working at these gatherings

together.

Beginning over 35 years ago as “Clippers,” in recent years, the group’s name has evolved to 3rd

Friday, and the

group has grown to reach over 150 people, with an average attendance of 85. In 2015, our service activities in

support of the church included providing scholarship funds for Molokai students and updating the front wall of

Tankersley Hall with new wall covering.

Under the leadership of Rene Fenwick, 2015 programs included jazz ensembles, Christmas music from Riverside

Poly High School’s madrigal singers, an “Evening in Greece” featuring Anna and George Kefalas and Greek food,

Gary Waller’s account of serving as a pastor in the South during the Civil Rights era, Laguna’s Marine Protection

officers, Cordula Dick-Muelke on a faith-based approach to successful aging, and an account of the Camino de

Santiago pilgrimage from Alice Jensen, Bonnie Changstrom, and Amy Sabala.

BOARD OF DEACONS

I serve as Advisor to the Board of Deacons, which is the caring arm of our church. In addition to attending their

monthly meetings, I work with Deacon leadership, facilitate their monthly organizing and planning, and participate

in Deacon training. Our office keeps parish deacons informed about needs that arise within each parish. Deacons

have assumed leadership for four annual congregation-wide events: Parish Sunday, Mother’s Day strawberries in the

Rose Garden, Fall Kick-off Pancake Breakfast, and Hospitality Night cookies and cider. I work behind the scenes

with deacon leadership in planning these events and coordinating with other facets of our church family.


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HEALTH MINISTRIES

I serve as the church liaison for our Health Ministries. In 2015, this program with Hoag Hospital transitioned its

name from “Parish Nurses” to “Health Ministries.” With Hoag funding and guidance, our own RNs provide free flu

shots, monthly blood pressure checks, and maintenance of an AED machine for emergencies at LPC. They also help

with a free skin cancer screening and our Red Cross blood drives. Our nurses said “farewell” and “thank you” to our

founding Parish Nurse leader, Dianne Baskevitch, and welcomed our new leader, Lorna Hammett. Don’t miss what

our nurses offer!

Through this Health Ministry program, Hoag Hospital provides excellent speakers for churches free of charge. In

May we welcomed the return of Dr. Cordula Dick-Muelke who spoke to Sunday morning Adult Ed on end of life

issues. She also spoke to 3rd

Friday in October about the role of faith in successful aging.

SHORTENED PATHWAY TO LPC MEMBERSHIP

This is the second year for our shortened, 1-hour new members class led by Jerry. This year we welcomed 37 new

members. Along with deacons and MFE leaders, I work to become acquainted with prospective members and new

members to facilitate their involvement in the LPC community.

MOPS

Fall 2015 began our sixth year of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) led by Stephanie Chapell and Liz Black. MOPS

offers a weekly low-key way for women to encounter Christian faith and to be supported in their roles as wives and

mothers. In this group, I serve as a mentor mom for a table of eight women. Women from our MOPS group are

attending worship and family gatherings of LPC.

BOOK TALK

Our book group is one of the ways we involve women and men in community, even if they cannot attend a Bible

study. It has become an open door for new people and those who are not otherwise involved in the life of the church,

as well as for long-time LPC'ers. Sandra Montag leads our in-depth discussions of the selected books for 20-40

people, and Susan McGill provides refreshments themed with the book we are reading. I participate in these

discussions and work with Sandra in selecting books to feature.

GIRLS GO GOURMET

Our cooking classes are another imaginative way we try to involve people with one another. Women new to LPC, or

hesitant to engage in a formal group setting, can enjoy an informal evening and good meal together with other

women. I attend these events and support our MFE leaders in their planning.

AT HOME HOSPITALITY HOUR

This summer we experimented with a new way for LPC'ers to meet one another: At Home Hospitality Hour

(AHHH). Each of our MFE elders hosted an AHHH in their home during the summer. Participants brought

appetizers and beverages to share. Each evening was a great mixer opportunity for both newcomers and those who

have been at LPC for some years.


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WOMEN’S RETREAT

Our annual retreat is one of the most spiritually deepening experiences of the year for many women. I serve as

Advisor to the leadership team, recruit each speaker (this year Patti Pierce), and provide background coordination,

support, and pastoral care throughout the weekend. Retreat Chair Jenn Sweet helped us adopt some welcome

changes to our retreat routine.

OTHER

In addition to the committees listed above, I serve on our Session and on the LPC Worship Committee. As an ex-

officio member of the LPC Nominating Committee, I help the committee members become aware of the gifts of

potential church officers.

I preach about ten times a year, officiate at weddings and memorial services, give leadership in Sunday worship, and

provide pastoral care. Each fall you generously donate hundreds of gently-used children’s books to continue to

“create a reading culture” at Wilson Elementary School in Santa Ana—where I attended elementary school. I again

coordinated LPC’s participation in preparing these books for Wilson students.

In Los Ranchos Presbytery, I have completed my term on Presbytery Council, a planning and decision-making

group which acts somewhat like a session for the presbytery. I also chaired the task force to revise the Los Ranchos

Property Policy and participated in a task force to suggest changes in the format of our quarterly presbytery

meetings.

When I think of things for which I am thankful, near the top of the list is this church. What a wonderful community

of friends you are, so eager to grow and to reach out to others! God bless you!

Submitted by Rev. Dr. Kathy Sizer


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PARISH ASSOCIATES -

REV. JIM MCCLUSKEY & REV. JON MOORE

During 2015, the Parish Associates at Laguna Presbyterian Church have been primarily involved in pastoral calls to

the sick and injured, and bereavement through the annual Grief Group series. The Grief Group had four participants

in the spring and four (one from the spring session) at the Grief at the Holidays session in November.

The number of pastoral calls made by parish associates was greatly reduced in 2015 due to injury and illness

suffered by Rev. McClusky. Due to a heavy travel schedule, Rev. Moore is unable to make pastoral calls with any

regularity. Unfortunately, these limitations on pastoral calls are expected to continue in 2016. The Grief Group will

continue to meet in the spring and fall.

Christians are called to be burden bearers (Galatians 6:2). We pray that LPC will be able to remain faithful to this

important responsibility.


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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

ADULT EDUCATION – SEE ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S REPORT

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Children's Ministries is co-directed by Gail Onodera and Maggie Craig, with Gail working 20 hours a week,

Maggie working 10-15 hours a week and Gerri Machin working 5-10 hours a week. Gerri continues to help with

planning Moppets, updating the bulletin board, Early Morning Enrichment teaching and leading one Sunday a

month.

Our primary goal each year continues to be implementation of age appropriate Sunday school curriculum,

consistently making all families of babies through fifth graders feel welcome and cared for in the Christian

education of their children.

SUNDAY SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF

Throughout the year, we continued with a parent volunteer method of staffing the majority of our Sunday School

classes (grades PreK/K through 5th). Carmen Aguilar, Marlene Meyer and Liz Appel constitute our consistent

paid nursery-three year old care staff. We have Junior High and High School paid and volunteer assistants fill in as

needed and available. We try to be sensitive to the worship needs of all parents and approach parents and other

church members to volunteer to teach in Sunday School as they feel able.

We continue to email the ‘Sunday School Shout Out’ page approximately twice a month. This contains specific

information and a link to the website where parents can see more detailed information of the Sunday school program

happenings.

CURRICULUM

We utilized the “Holy Moly” curriculum by Augsburg Fortress publishers throughout all of 2015. It has been met

with many positive comments. The black and white stylized cartoon figures are ‘colored in’ as God’s messages are

met with joy. There are no words, just sound,s and even the youngest kids are paying attention! Teacher materials

are very simplistic but thorough. Many people like to volunteer in the large group setting as the major Bible points

and stories are delivered by the CM staff and the small group time extends the points made in a more intimate

setting.

Start in Sanctuary - This typically occurs once a month, when watching the Children’s Choir, OR the performance

of a Baptism, OR a Children’s Sermon, and continues to add a dimension which connects kids to our beautiful

Sanctuary, where their parents worship.

ASSISTING MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS)

The Nursery continues to be well-utilized with the continuance of the MOPS program on campus. 2-6 babies are

cared for in our Nursery on any given Thursday morning. Gerri Machin and Gail Onodera oversee the MOPS

childcare program of 15-20 toddlers to 4-year olds in the Youth Center. Gerri Machin has been pivotal in planning


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each week with Diane Babcock and Darrylin Girvin volunteering their time, and Maggie Craig floating between

the nursery and the youth center.

3RD GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATION - APRIL 19, 2015

We continued this tradition, focusing more on our traditional milestone passages for memory and study. Children's

Ministries distributed age-appropriate Bibles to our THIRTEEN graduating 3rd grade class and they sang our

‘Books of the Bible’ song in the Sanctuary and recited the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a ‘brunch’ and memory book

craft in the Parlor!

VBS (VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL) 2015

We used Group Publishing’s “EVEREST” program. Tankersley Hall was transformed to the base camp of Mt.

Everest (another amazing set was purchased in part from South Shores church) and was home base for our check-in,

opening and closing time. Beth Pinney and other volunteers spent an abundance of time and energy customizing the

set for our space. Our Preschool, Sanctuary and Youth center were also utilized for daily rotations. Church

members/Deacons helped by providing brunch for our parent volunteers. VBS parents volunteered time as rotation

leaders and guides, contributed food/drinks/supplies, and helped set up and tear down. We had approximately 43

teen helpers! This has become an outreach opportunity for us to minister to many teenagers that don’t attend our

church. We require them to fill out an application, sign a community covenant and attend training. This is a great

way for the teens to earn service hours for high school. All in all, approximately 124 children participated. Eighty-

three children paid online via Acceptiva! We again combined efforts with Toby Scott from Little Church by The

Sea. Not wanting to turn any children away, we added a second preschool room that was run by Rhonda Ellis,

Laguna Presbyterian Preschool teacher. Toby was a big help coordinating with Rhonda and incorporating the daily

lessons. Toby planned each day and staffed room 3 and room 4 which had a total of 19 children and followed the

VBS curriculum. The mission project for the week was raising money ($975) for the Chhahari Home in Nepal! We

coordinated with Barbara McMurray to provide us with all the information and visuals to educate the children. Our

Carnival Sunday continued to feature the T.K. Burger Truck serving food ($7 a plate was charged) as well as our

traditional bounce houses. We made snow for the children to play with on the grass!

LAGUNA BEACH HOSPITALITY NIGHT

Children’s Ministries continued to conduct drink sales in Tankersley Hall while people are waiting in line to

purchase tamales made by La Playa women. This is a fundraiser for the monthly contribution to the Sunday school’s

World Vision child, Catherine. 4th

and 5th

grade kids assisted in the sales and families donated the waters and sodas.

We raised $243 for our World Vision account. The MOMS' group again ran their only fundraiser (for childcare

costs) selling hot dogs, chips and drinks outside the Forest Ave. Parlor doors. It is a family event in the Parlor for

that group, as well as their staging area!

CHRISTMAS 2015

For the sixth year, Bethlehem Village, a multi-sensory experience, was constructed, supplied and staffed by church

family volunteers. This was the Sunday school and childcare experience for children attending the Christmas Eve

services at 2 & 4pm. The stations included food, spice grinding, graham cracker house making, crafts, Christmas

traditions and what life in ancient Israel might have been like for a young Jesus. More than a dozen Junior High and

High School children were a big help for these services!


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EASTER 2015 - WALKING WITH JESUS, EASTER COMES TO LIFE!

On April 5th

the children experienced Jesus’ last days on earth as they walked through Palm Sunday, the Last

Supper, and Jesus’ death and resurrection. We celebrated his love for us Easter morning at the 9:30 and 11:00am

services upstairs in room 201 of the preschool. This worked very well and the kids enjoyed the multi-sensory

experience.

MUSIC

Linda White started the year by continuing to support Sunday school students musically by having Children's Choir

practice at the end of the Sunday school hour and after church some Sundays. Music ran from 10:45-11:15, thus

allowing all kids to participate and parents to linger for a few minutes over coffee right after church! All children are

welcomed to come forward when the students sing and perform in Worship services. Those that may be shy can sit

with parents and watch their peers perform! Preparations for a Christmas spectacular, “The Magnificent Manger,”

took place all Fall, culminating in a program at both services December 20th

.We are very thankful for Linda’s

quality programming for our children!

EARLY MORNING ENRICHMENT PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

This is a Christian Education outreach program with an opportunity for preschool children to be dropped off from

8:00am-9:00am each day. The program is managed and staffed by preschool director, Anne Herzog. In addition to

a teacher from the preschool each morning there is a different guest and focus each day. Gail, Maggie and Gerri are

responsible for Tuesday and providing a curriculum that closely mirrors topics covered in Sunday School. In the

third year, this is proving to be well attended and financially profitable. The financials for this program are now part

of a preschool account.

READING TO PRESCHOOL

We began reading to a different class each Tuesday at 11:45. We choose a children’s book and usually read to the

children as they finish their lunch. This has been another way for us to connect with the teachers, children and

parents.

MIRACLES FOR KIDS

Laguna Presbyterian Preschool, Children’s and Youth Ministries chose to be a part of the Miracle for Kids Fund-A-

Family Program. This is a donor-to-family program with the purpose to match a donor with an individual child

battling a life-threatening illness and to provide the child and family with support. We chose the Greco Family.

Nikolai Greco, age 6 at the time, has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He has a mom, dad, brother and sister.

We committed to donate $600 every three months with a total of $2,400 for the year. Troy Medley volunteered to

match any donations we received to insure we reached our goal. The students raised money and donated food,

clothing, household items and gift cards throughout the year. We put together a basket for Easter, Back to School,

Thanksgiving and Christmas.

During Family Fun Night’s we have had a donation box out and have added a percentage of the proceeds to the

Miracle for Kids account #88. The Greco family was able to attend many of the Family Fun Night’s and we have all

enjoyed getting to know them and help however we are able.


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FAMILY FUN NIGHT

On February 7, May 9th

and November 14th

we hosted a family night from 5:30-7:30pm in Tankersley Hall. The

families enjoyed food, bounce houses, cake walk and Bingo. Anne Herzog was wonderful advertising to the

preschool families which helped increase our attendance to approximately 100 people each event. On November 14,

Anne incorporated a fundraiser to paint a tile for $25 that will be installed on the campus. The MOPS moms have

also been included in this event and will occasionally lead the cake walk, with the proceeds from that game going

back to the MOPS program. This event has been very successful and a great way for staff to work together and

families to fellowship together.

BOOK STUDY

The last three years, Steve Sweet has organized a book study between himself, Gail Onodera, Maggie Craig, Gerri

Machin, Anne Herzog and now Abby Garcia. The books have focused on various topics such as resolving conflict,

personality styles and overall coping strategies and dealings when you work at a church. We have meet twice a

month and also used this time to discuss any other matters within our department. This has been a very beneficial

time for all of us as we learn and grow and plan together.

LAGUNA PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Welcome to Laguna Presbyterian Preschool! Ten months out of the year, this side of the church campus is buzzing,

full of joy, laughter and learning!

Our school year runs from September through mid-June (closely following the Laguna Beach Unified School

District Calendar). Each period of time brings with it different activities and events. The new year found us busting

with so many new students, we opened a class and welcomed Whitney Rodriguez to our staff. During January, we

celebrated our annual “Dad and Me Day.” On a beautiful Saturday morning, Dads have the opportunity to

experience preschool through the eyes of their child. They interact with the children, participate in activities,

experience a circle time and play on the playground! January is also a time of child assessment and parent

conferences; followed by fall registration and visits from many community helpers in February. We are blessed in

this community to be surrounded by many community helpers willing to volunteer their time with our children. We

had visits from UPS (complete with practice package delivery), a veterinarian, a military pilot and fire fighters. Not

to mention the many community helpers we visit on our field trips: library, post office, flower shop, fire station,

police station, and grocery store.

During the Spring, we focused on the celebration of Easter and new life, complete with planting seeds and hatching

our very own chicks; prepared for our annual Open House and fundraiser in May; Pajama Days; Parent Orientation;

and our end-of-the-year picnic at Bluebird Park. The Laguna Beach Garden Club partnered with us this year and

donated beautiful new planters to our garden. We have one planter for edibles which includes strawberries, carrots

and tomatoes that the children have used in some of their cooking creations; and a new planter for our butterfly

garden. The majesty of God’s creation unfolds each year as the children watch caterpillars hatch, eat their way

through the garden, create a chrysalis and transform into beautiful butterflies! This year, we extended our regular

school year into June in order to more closely match the Laguna Beach Unified School District calendar.

The Fall brings new life to our campus with excited, smiling children entering their new classrooms and many

entering our gates for the first time. While we bid farewell to long time assistant to the director Connie Magnusson,

Kim Niemann and Barbara Pierce joined the office staff. Along with these changes, we also received new teachers


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this year. We welcomed Ryean Allari, Laurie Guy, Sally Honda, Silvia Kisonova, Kristin Long and Alyssa Verrigni

to our staff! September is an exciting time getting to know one another and sharing our love for the Lord and His

children. In October, things settle in, we take our school pictures, visit our pumpkin patch and celebrate harvest. We

continue to partner with the school readiness team at Laguna Beach Unified School District to provide no-cost

developmental screenings for our families and ongoing support as needed. This is a valuable tool for parents and

teachers alike and was a great success. November brings our Native American Village, the story of the Pilgrims and

Native Americans, lessons on thankfulness and how God provides for us all, and our delicious feasts.

We close the calendar year celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The story of Christmas is taught in the classrooms

and then brought to life in our annual Christmas Pageant in the Sanctuary. There is no better way to see the story of

Christmas unfold than through the eyes of a child. This year we were blessed with the talents of Diane Cullings and

her sewing group. They created new costumes for our pageant, allowing our youngest students to participate. It was

a sight to behold.

The 2014-2015 school year brought significant changes to our campus. We continue to participate in the

“QualityStart OC,” a community initiative led by the Orange County Department of Education. QualityStart OC is

focused on raising the quality of early childhood education programs across the county by defining quality

standards, providing training for educators, raising awareness of the importance of quality, and connecting parents to

quality programs. QualityStart OC, is designed to support and promote quality early learning through assessment

and professional development. We are excited to participate in this program and continue to grow as early

childhood educators.

2015 was a successful year for fundraising. Our annual event in 2015 was again held during our Open House in

Tankersley Hall and was a great success! We are thankful for the efforts of Kat Gianesin securing community

donations, and our preschool families for creating wonderful silent auction baskets. With these combined efforts

and incredible generosity, we raised over $8,000! These monies were put to use updating and improving our

playground. We are grateful for these donations and the benefits they bring to our program and the children we

serve.

We are blessed with an amazing staff here at Laguna Presbyterian Preschool. In 2015 our staff included: Ryean

Allari, Suzy Capano, Brittany Carden, Shannon Davis, Felisha Dunne, Rhonda Ellis, Madhavi Foes, Laurie

Guy, Anne Herzog, Sally Honda, Kathryn Inouye, Allison Keefe, Silvia Kisonova, Kristin Long, Connie

Magnusson, Kim Niemann, Barbara Pierce, Whitney Rodriguez, Ann Schott, Olga Simon, Dani Stihl,

Barbara Summa, Allison Thomas, Alyssa Verrigni, Heather Wangler, Caren Wittkop, and Mandy Writer.

Our school is also fortunate to have former teachers returning as substitutes. Thank you, Linda Clemence, Katie

Coffin, Marilyn Johnson, Sonja Roby, and Sue Seybold. LPP is blessed by the gifts of Ray Martin, the full-time

Facilities Manager for Laguna Presbyterian Church. We are grateful for his skills and love for our campus, helping

us to keep it a safe, inviting environment for the children. Juana Sanchez and Orfelinda Delgado care for our

classrooms each day as custodians, working closely with Ray and our school staff to provide quality service. We are

also thankful for the help of Jackie Chamberlin, the Financial Administrator for LPC. With her help, our data base

and accounting system continues to run smoothly, allowing us to better serve our families.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community and the outreach of Laguna Presbyterian Church as your

Preschool Director.

Blessings,

Anne Herzog

Preschool Director


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MEMBERSHIP-FELLOWSHIP-EVANGELISM

MEMBERSHIP-FELLOWSHIP-EVANGELISM COMMITTEE

MISSION STATEMENT:

To be a welcoming community of faith where all people are treated in a friendly, caring and loving manner; where

they will be recognized and warmly accepted; where there is interest shown for their health, growth, and comfort;

where openness to new ideas is encouraged, where visitors can be themselves, share their gifts and ideas, and where

everyone can be moved from being a stranger to being a part of our family in Christ and member of our church

community.

SHORTENED PATHWAY TO LPC MEMBERSHIP

This year, a format for membership which was successfully implemented in 2014 was continued. A one hour class

was offered during the second service and was taught by Rev. Dr. Jerry Tankersley. At the end of the class the

participants took their membership vows. Three classes were held using this popular format, in January, April, and

November. A total of 37 people joined LPC this year. After recording transfers, relocations, moves to Inactive and

deaths, the number of active LPC members at the end of 2015 was 688. For each class, Susan McGill, Debbie

Regele and Terri Shubin, along with New Member Deacons, Gus and Kelly Altuzarra, assisted in providing food

and answering questions. Participants were encouraged to join in all church activities and feel a part of the church

family. The new members’ class was introduced to the congregation and was invited to socialize with all members

between Sunday services. A New Member photo-page was included as a bulletin insert so Directories could be

updated. We are continuing to discuss ways to identify potential members and to follow-up with new members so

they become assimilated into the congregation.

LPC PHOTO DIRECTORY

Gail Onodera, Terri Shubin and Susan McGill, along with Beth Pinney, coordinated the development of a new

church directory. The team worked with Life Touch Photography to schedule times for members and friends to

have their photos taken. The directory was distributed in the Spring of 2015.

MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS)

MOPS continues to be a dynamic program which encourages, supports and nutures mothers with children from

infancy through kindergarten. The program meets once weekly for a Fall and Spring session. Michelle Foley served

as the MOPS Leader for the Spring session and Liz Black and Stephanie Chapel were co-leaders for the Fall

session. This year the theme is “A Fierce Flourishing.” In addition, there are five Mentor Moms: Margie Bell,

Cheryl Beehan, Rev. Dr. Kathy Sizer, Susan McGill, and Debbie Regele. This year, Preschool Director Ann

Herzog has been an important member of the MOPS team. Guest speakers provide information with a Christian

focus which is relevant to the mothers. Approximately 30 moms attended each semester. Moppetts is the childcare

program for the children, which is overseen by Gail Onodera. Two to six babies are in our Nursery on any given

Thursday morning. Fifteen to twenty toddlers meet in the Youth Center where Missy Palino is the lead teacher.

Children are provided with age appropriate activities such as: arts and crafts, indoor play, snacks, Bible stories and

music.


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WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

WOMEN’S RETREAT

This popular annual gathering was held again at The Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Palos Verdes, on March 13-

15. Jennifer Sweet served as the retreat chairperson. The theme was “Grace Matters.” Our speaker was Patti

Pierce, and she talked about the importance of Grace in our lives. Our special guest was Artist Mia Moore. Mia,

who exhibits her work at the Laguna Festival of the Arts, offered a workshop on collage making. This workshop

was very popular. Additionally, many of our own volunteers created a wide selection of extra opportunities for

fellowship through outings around the area. This included Wayfarers Chapel, Point Vicente Interpretive Center,

California Coastal National Monument, South Coast Botanic Garden, and for the first time this year, horseback

riding. There were 53 women at the retreat.

GALS

Claudia Redfern led this group consisting of women of all ages that have lost their spouse. The group meets once a

month and ranges from 8 to 20 women - some from LPC and some with no church affiliation. The group meets for

dinner and fellowship, and will continue to meet as long as there is a need.

GIRLS GO GOURMET

This is a cooking/demonstration class designed to encourage fellowship and connections among women who do not

know one another. We organized one class in October at Debbie Regele’s home. It featured Chef Lisa Pitts

preparing Fall roasted food. Lisa and her husband own Dizz’s Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Approximately 30

women attended this event and everyone LOVED the class. We will continue to schedule classes throughout 2016.

BOOK TALK

This gathering provides an opportunity for fellowship and discussion. Discussions were led by Sandy Montag in

the church parlor.

January: Boys in the Boat; Discussion Group on Tuesday, January 20 at 4pm

May: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks; Discussion Group on Tuesday, May 26 at 4pm

September: All the Light We Cannot See; Discussion Group, Tuesday, September 22 at 4pm

MEN’S MINISTRIES

MEN’S RETREAT

Dr. Steve Sweet organized the Men’s Retreat this year, held October 16 - 18 in Lake Arrowhead. Eighteen men

enjoyed fellowship together and listened to speaker, Rev. Tim McCalmont, Senior Pastor at Presbyterian Church of

the Covenant, Costa Mesa.

FALL KICK-OFF

Deacons under the leadership of Moderators, Margaret Arnold and Sandy Montag, orchestrated the Pancake

Breakfast, which took place on September 27th

. Tickets were $5.00 for adults and $15 max per family. The theme


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was centered around Fall. The morning was a huge success with many individuals and families eating and enjoying

fellowship with one another.

BOARD OF DEACONS

Deacons fall within the Membership-Fellowship Committee of the church. Margaret Arnold and Sandra Montag

were the Co-Moderators. Please reference the 2015 Report of the Board of Deacons.

3RD

FRIDAY (FORMERLY CLIPPERS)

This fellowship group, open to all adult church members and friends of LPC, meets the third Friday night of each

month for dinner, fellowship and a program covering a variety of topics. Third Friday attendance averages 80

people at these events. This group enjoyed monthly meetings Sept-June. Rene Fenwick was the Chair Person.

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE FELLOWSHIP

Membership Fellowship oversees and provides for the coffee fellowship hour after worship on Sundays. A by-

product of coffee fellowship is oversight of both kitchens and their refrigerators. Kitchen storage has again been

reorganized and Darrylin Girvin continues to do an excellent job as our restocking volunteer. We will continue to

find helper/volunteers for 2016 in light of the multiple and varied Membership/Fellowship activities that occur on a

regular basis.

OUTSIDE GREETERS

Terri Shubin organized “outside greeters” for Hospitality Night. This was very well received and people

appreciated the warm welcome and ease in having someone readily available to answer questions. We have

received some input on the pedestrian traffic flow in the rose garden, so this will be addressed for the 2016

Hospitality Night.

AT HOME HOSPITALITY HOUR

This year, Membership/Fellowship implemented a new program called AHHH (At Home Hospitality Hour).

AHHH is an informal time for fellowship at a private home. There were three AHHH events. They were held at the

home of Bill and Terri Shubin on June 28, the home of Mike and Debbie Regele on July 26, and then at the home

of Rockney and Susan McGill on August 23. Attendees brought appetizers and beverages of choice, and enjoyed

the opportunity to foster new relationships with LPC’ers. This was a very popular program which will be continued

during 2016.

Susan McGill, Terri Shubin, Debbie Regele, Elders


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BOARD OF DEACONS

The year started off with the training of four new Parish Deacons and one new Deacon-at-Large on Sunday, January

11, 2015. Officers for 2015 included:

Margaret Arnold and Sandra Montag, Co-Moderators

Kathleen Fay, Secretary

WHAT DO DEACONS DO?

The Board of Deacons is the caring arm of our church.

Parish Deacons keep in touch with, and care for members of their geographic Parish.

Early in the year, new Deacons introduce themselves to each Parish member with an email and a letter and

picture, including a bio of the Parish Deacon and their contact information.

In June, each Parish Deacon reviews the needs of their Parish members with Pastor Kathy Sizer, the

Deacons’ Advisor. A potential “remove from membership" list is developed from these conversations.

July and August, the Deacons have a summer break from meetings, but are still in contact with their

Parishes and the office staff for any needs that arise.

Almost every Sunday, the Deacons sell donuts after each worship service.

At each New Member’s Class, Deacons provide snacks and support for the prospective new members.

The Deacons assist and usher for all memorial services and receptions on the LPC campus, for members

and non-members.

Deacons coordinate sign-ups for flower donations for Sunday services.

We deliver flowers to the ill or shut-in members of our church on Sundays following the second service.

Parish deacons send Easter cards and Christmas cards to each local church member.

Deacons also provide meals to church families undergoing or recovering from debilitating medical

treatments.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our annual Parish Sunday was held on March 22nd in Tankersley Hall with a “Get Involved” theme. It

featured abundant refreshments provided by Parish Deacons and it was a great way for church members to

connect with one another and for Deacons to connect with Parish members.

On May 10th

, the Deacons hosted a Mother’s Day Coffee in the Rose Garden. Mothers were served coffee

and treated with fresh strawberries and cream.

In June, the annual Deacons-Session Potluck was hosted at the home of Gus and Kelly Altuzarra.

On September 27th

, the Deacons worked with other church members to host, cook, and serve the Fall Kick-

off Breakfast.

At a majority of our meetings this year, the deacons were given training in various areas to help us become

more effective in serving our parishioners. Dr. John Fry gave a presentation about helping parish members

going through a divorce. Mieka Bledsoe presented a program to help us understand Elder Abuse. Gayle

Heuser taught us communication skills to implement when someone is dying. Julie LaCroiz gave a

presentation on career planning to share with our members undergoing career transitions. Our own Susan

Abbott shared guidelines for communication when ministering to people in crisis. Kathy Sizer helped us

strengthen our prayer skills. The Deacons are grateful to all of our speakers who gave of their time to

educate us and make us more sensitive to the needs of our congregation.

In December, for Laguna Beach Hospitality Night, the Deacons coordinated and served cookies, hot cocoa,

and cider to all who visited our campus.

Our Christmas Potluck Dinner was hosted at the home of Sandra Montag, where nine outgoing Deacons who had

finished their terms were given a gift from the church as a thank you for their service. Susan Abbott was honored as

our Deacon “Superstar” for her outstanding service to the various deacon ministries.


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DEACON FUNDS

In addition to donations from the congregation, Deacons are funded by three sales projects: donuts on Sundays,

flowers for the Sanctuary, and Easter lilies and poinsettias for the Sanctuary at holiday times. These funds are used

for scholarships for the Women’s Retreat, Youth Molokai mission trip, and individual financial assistance to

members.

HEALTH MINISTRY PROGRAM

Associated with Hoag Hospital, is under the ministry of Deacons and the leadership of Lorna Hammett, RN. Please

reference her report.

OUR DEACON PRAYER

Lord Jesus who lived as a servant,

let me serve others as you would serve them, that in doing so, I may serve you.

May I be to others what they need: a body to work when others cannot;

a heart to love those who are forgotten; a listening ear to console those whose soul is in need.

Make my heart like yours, that I may love beyond my own human frailty.

If today I might be the means by which you answer the prayer of another,

may your Spirit find me neither deaf nor defiant, but keen to do your purpose

through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

A NOTE TO OUR DEACONS

As Deacon Co-Moderator I want to thank all of the Deacons for their support, encouragement and prayers this past

year as I served as a Deacon Co-Moderator. Often we called upon you at inconvenient times… to give unselfishly

of your resources…. to lift another up….to provide when others could not… and to show love and compassion when

there was no other to do so. Your acts of unselfish giving and your service to others are a continuous inspiration to

me. It is truly a blessing to be a part of this group. I am also especially grateful for the guidance of Kathy Sizer, and

support and work of two wonderful teammates, Susan Abbott and Sandra Montag.

Margaret Arnold

Deacon Co-Moderator


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HEALTH MINISTRIES NURSES

Health Ministries Coordinators: Lorna Hammett RN, MICN, CEN, BSN Alice Jensen RN, MSN

Parish Nurses: Alice Jensen RN, MSN; Meg Schaeffer RN; Nancy Wade RN, BSN; & Bonaventure RN

MONTHLY

The following activities are provided or performed monthly by one or more of your LPC Health Ministry Nurses.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) maintenance safety checks.

Online report submission to Plus-Trac Vita Support is mandatory every 30 days.

This verifies that our device is safe & ready for emergency use & our contract within legal compliance.

Included in the safety check is the assurance that all emergency equipment is available, & within expiration dates,

is undamaged & inside the zippered kit & functional.

This year it was necessary to order and change battery.

We continue to be unable to transition the on-line service reminders from Dianne Baskevitch, RN which resulted

in many attempts to correct & still need to be resolved.

TARGET GROUP: CONGREGATION/VISITORS

TOTAL NURSING HOURS ..................................................................................................... 20

IN-KIND RN WAGE ......................................................................................................... $900.00

Blood Pressure (BP) Clinics & Health Education/Resource Connection in between services for a total of

exactly 189 Blood Pressures; 10-20 people each BP Sunday.

This service includes logging the heart rate, rhythm, and BP of the parishioner and is kept on file for comparison

each month.

The nurses also provide reassurance, encouragement and act as a resource to discuss health, wellness, nutrition,

medication and other questions that inevitably arise during these encounters


APPROX NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED ................................................................. 60

APPROX AVERAGE OF INDIVIDUALS PER MONTH ....................................................... 12

TOTAL NURSING HOURS ...................................................................................................... 30

IN-KIND RN WAGE ...................................................................................................... $1,350.00

Hoag Health Ministries Luncheons are hosted by Hoag’s Department of Community Health & provide

networking opportunities for all of Orange County’s Faith Community Nurses.

In addition to a guest speaker, often we are offered low or no cost CEU’s on pertinent subjects & given many

valuable resources that we then bring back to our congregation.

TOTAL NURSING HOURS ..................................................................................................... 12

IN-KIND RN WAGE ......................................................................................................... $540.00

Health Ministries Kiosk is a resource for interesting current research written for the lay reader on topics of

interest pertinent to health and wellness for the body, soul and spirit. These colorful materials are free of charge

and are now refreshed monthly.


TOTAL NURSING HOURS FOR 6 MONTHS ........................................................................... 6

IN-KIND RN WAGE ....................................................................................................... $310.00


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Monthly Hoag Health Ministry Reports are submitted by the LPC Health Ministries Coordinator to Hoag

Community Programs/Dept of Community Health, to whom we are accountable. These numbers are reflected in

the monthly reports submitted to the Deacons and to Kathy Sizer and should be readily accessible should you

have any questions.

TOTAL NURSING HOURS .................................................................................................. 14.5

IN-KIND RN WAGE ......................................................................................................... $652.50

SPECIAL EVENTS

The following activities are considered special events and require careful collaboration, planning, and many

volunteer service hours donated by your LPC Health Ministry Nurses.

Skin Cancer Screening is a community outreach provided free of charge to the community by Mission Hospital

& St. Joseph Community Health. In September, 2015, five dermatologists donated 2 hours each to examine 116

people. Most of these people were uninsured and would not have been able to otherwise afford these specialized

services. During our last event the following obvious lesions were diagnosed:

7 Basal Cell Carcinomas

10 Squamous Cell Carcinomas

4 Melanomas

42 Presumptive Biopsy Referrals were made (this means a biopsy was necessary to make a diagnosis, as opposed

to the above which were obvious to the trained dermatologic eye)

The LPC COORDINATOR/RN was provided at this event:

10 Blood Pressure Checks

Printed information from our kiosk on various topics

Provided Flu season education

Friendly ambassadorial outreach

TARGET GROUP: CONGREGATION/COMMUNITY

TOTAL CONGREGATION ....................................................................................................... 15

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS SERVED ........................................................................................... 88

TOTAL NURSING HOURS FOR PREP & EVENT ASSIST .................................................. 10

IN-KIND RN WAGE ......................................................................................................... $450.00

Red Cross Blood Drives LPC Health Ministry nurses are primarily responsible for the registration table and

writing/sending handwritten Thank-you cards to all donors and volunteers in 2015. These implementations have

increased donor participation as well as the overall traffic flow and commutations between the donors, volunteers,

and Red Cross Staff.

Drive # 1 02/11/15 29 Donors 29 Pints @ 229.00/unit= $ 6641.00




TARGET GROUP: CONGREGATION/COMMUNITY

TOTAL UNITS COLLECTED IN 2015 .................................................................................. 110

TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS ............................................................................................ 121

229.00/UNIT “IN KIND” ............................................................................................ $25,190.00

TOTAL NURSING HOURS FOR EVENT & T.Y. NOTES ..................................................... 62

IN-KIND RN WAGE ...................................................................................................... $2,790.00


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Flu Vaccine Clinic was provided free of charge from Hoag Hospital as part of our Hoag Health Ministries

Program on October 11, 2015. This event requires much advance planning including obtaining & properly

refrigerating the vaccine prior to the event, as well as all the necessary supplies, and then returning all the unused

supplies back to Hoag. In addition, several Hoag policies & procedures exist in addition to yearly Orange County

updates & mandates, including legal documentation and HIPPA restrictions to which we must strictly adhere.

These numbers include door-to-door administration of several vaccines for LPC staff or parishioners who missed

the clinic date.

TARGET GROUP: CONGREGATION/LIMITED COMMUNITY

TOTAL VACCINES ADMINISTERED IN 2015 ................................................................... 124

20.00/VACCINE “IN KIND” ........................................................................................ $2,480.00

TOTAL NURSING HOURS FOR PREP & EVENT ................................................................ 39

IN-KIND RN WAGE ...................................................................................................... $1,755.00

VISITATIONS

The following activities fall under Visitations. Several different types of patient/parishioner encounters fall into this

category such as 1:1 phone consultation/advice, hospital, or home visits, providing transportation to and or from

medical appointments, assisting with medications, and performing healthcare navigation as necessary between

patient, doctors and family. Many times these conversations happen “on-the-fly” at church or in our small groups,

and are thus difficult to quantify. These numbers do not include the assistance we provide at or during our other

monthly or special events.

TARGET GROUP: CONGREGATION

APPROXIMATE NUMBER ASSISTED IN 2015 .................................................................... 10

APPROX NURSING HOURS ................................................................................................... 75

IN-KIND APPROX RN WAGE ..................................................................................... $4,500.00

This report is in no way exhaustive of all of the efforts of the LPC Health Ministry. In fact, we at times feel as

though we could do much more to be the hands and feet of our Savior to bring shalom to the Body of Christ.

However, we do as much as time and funding permits, given each of our current situations, fully recognizing that in

order to do for Christ, we must first be with Christ. The harvest is and always has been great, and the workers have

and always will be few. As always, we are grateful for your prayers for this ministry.

Thank you and Be Well,

Your LPC Health Ministries Nurses

Lorna Hammett RN, MICN, CEN,BSN as of 9/2015

Team - Alice Jensen RN, MSN; Nancy Wade RN, BSN; Meg Schaeffer RN, BSN; Bonaventure RN

2015 NURSING HOURS ....................................................................................................... 273.5

2015 IN-KIND RN WAGE ............................................................................................ $12,285.00


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NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The 2015 Nominating Committee of Laguna Presbyterian Church convened on April 14, 2015. The committee was

charged with the mission of choosing for nomination, members of the congregation for Session Elder, the Board of

Deacons, Carson Trust and the LPC Foundation. The committee was compromised of LPC Elders, Deacons,

congregants, and pastors as follows: Jinx Langemak, Chair (Session Elder); Dr. Tankersley and Dr. Sizer, Ex-

Officio non-voting members (Pastors); and the following non-Session Elders: Deborah Sakach, Gail Onodera, Jackie

Pearson, Lorna Cohen, Nancy Wade, Rocky McGill, Tom Girvin. Deacon Moderators Margaret Arnold and Sandra

Montag, completed the committee. Meetings were held weekly from April 14 to June 16, with a final meeting on

October 6, 2015.

The following members were presented and approved for nomination at the congregational meeting on November

15, 2015.

Ruling Elders: Gus Altuzarra, Property and Finance; Cheryl Beehan, Christian Education (2nd term); Ron Hubbard,

Stewardship; Alice Jensen, Mission Outreach; Paul Machin, Property and Finance; Ed Sauls, Property and Finance

(2nd term).

Board of Deacons: Celeste Toro; Kim Friedman Timmins; Chuck and Lori Kollman; Chris Larek; Sandy Katz (2nd

term); Dave Swan (2nd term); Tom Jones (2nd term); Susan Davis; Meg Schaefer; Jackie Proctor (2nd term); Kevin

Herr; Anna and George Kefalas; Polly Hodge; Dave Sizer; Debra Waller; Lindsay Williams.

Carson Trust: Tom Girvin; Dave Sizer.

Laguna Presbyterian Church Foundation: Stan Carmichael; Caroline Millson.

This concluded the work of the 2015 Nominating Committee.

Respectfully submitted by Jinx Langemak, Worship Elder and Chair


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MISSION OUTREACH COMMITTEE

The vision for Laguna Presbyterian’s Mission Outreach Committee (MOC) has been that each and every church

member will find an opportunity to reach out in some way to the local or global community. This could be by

hands-on participation, by financial support of mission projects locally and/or globally, and by prayer support of the

MOC’s mission projects.

“Be doer’s of word, and not merely hearers only......” James 1: 22

Committee members for the year 2015: Stan Carmichael - Elder, Caroline Millson– Elder, Jay Andrus, Cindy

Campbell, Cindy Carmichael, Katie Coffin, Ken Cornelison, Lori Cowman (Kenya Missionary), Rick Craig, Diane

Cullings, Carol Maxwell, Sally Norman, Jim Perkins, Rick Shoemaker, Brandon Sjulin, Steve Sweet, and Gary

Waller.

MISSION TRIPS AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Tamara John, Hope for Life Chapel, RV Ministry

Tamara was our guest speaker on March 8th and she described to the Committee, and to guests who attended the

committee meeting, her Hope for Life Chapel ministry. Her chapel is located in the RV Park in Huntington Beach,

and she lives in her RV with the chapel space at the rear of the RV. She shared details of her ministry, and thanked

us for our financial and prayer support. As she ministers alone to many hurting and struggling people, our support

as a committee and church is vital to her ministry. Jerry Tankersley, Terri Shubin and Gail Onodera serve on her

Administrative Commission, which acts as her "session."

Guest Speaker: Jocelyn White, IJM

Jocelyn gave a very informative presentation on May 3rd about IJM’s anti-trafficking casework and what it is doing

in different parts of the world to secure justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of violent

oppression.

Sally Rapuana of the La Playa center joined us on October 6th to talk to us about La Playa and the work done there.

It was a very informative talk and we learned about the program, which Sally has been leading for 20 years. LPC

has given more in contributions than any other organization in Laguna Beach. Tamales made and sold at

Hospitality Night is their fundraiser for childcare provided to the students.

The trip to Molokai was “sold out” with 43 going April 6th

through the 12th

.

William Mziwerwa of the Legacy Mission and his wife Ebralie, of The Outreach Foundation, gave a presentation on

June 7th

at which we learned about the Rwanda genocide and their personal story following this tragic event. Ebralie

works for The Outreach Foundation with primary responsibility in Africa, and William assists refugees arriving and

integrating into American society.

Sushma Ramswami, an International Peacemaker from India, gave a presentation on October 4th

, speaking about the

church's work amongst the Dalits (the untouchables) in Indian society.

Monica Prado was a guest speaker at MOC on November 3rd. She talked about the operations of the Community

Clinic and answered questions. The clinic is open 7 days a week and has connections with other LB organizations.


30

Tim McCalmont, the pastor at Community Presbyterian, Costa Mesa, who is on the PCUSA Task Force for Syria,

together with a Syrian couple from Homs who are members of his congregation, gave a presentation on November

1st.

Gary Jennings, a member of our congregation who works for World Vision, attended our MOC meeting on Nov 3rd

and spoke to us about the work of World Vision amongst the refugees and the children who are living as refugees in

camps in the Middle East.

Lori and Gary Cowman, missionaries with Wycliffe, who receive financial support from LPC, gave a presentation

on November 22nd

to share with us part of what they do and how the Bible is shared in Kenya where they minister.

Ken Cornelision, a member of the MOC and our congregation, traveled to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya together

with others, including Ebralie from The Outreach Foundation, in October/November. In Kenya, he visited Bernard

Muindi who receives support from LPC, and the Tumaini Home, some of whose orphans are supported by LPC

members. Ken gave a presentation and pictorial show of his travels on December 6th

.

Rubens Muzio of SEPAL in Brazil, gave a presentation to LPC on December 13th

. Rubens has received financial

support from LPC for many years and when he comes to Orange County he enjoys sharing his experiences with the

churches who support his ministry.

Donations totaling $1,625 were received for the victims of the Nepal Earthquake Disaster.

"One Great Hour of Sharing" in March resulted in a collection of $3,068, the largest sum we have collected for this

special event.

LOCAL MISSION ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS

Supported with hands-on work and financial resources by LPC members through the Mission Outreach Committee:

MOC supported The Homeless Ministry at the city owned Alternate Sleeping Location on Laguna Canyon Road by

preparing and serving hot dinners. This was done in three teams totaling 50 or more members of the LPC

congregation. These LPC volunteer teams cooked and served 3 to 4 nights per month - 2nd

, 3rd

, and 5th

Tuesday and

the 2nd

Friday, insuring that the homeless have at least one hot, nutritious meal those days.

In May and October, LPC participated in a city-wide Food Drive collecting non-perishable foods for the Laguna

Relief and Resource Center food pantry. Our congregation’s response to these food drives was a great help to the

Center in helping the poor population in our area with food distributions. MOC also makes monthly contributions to

operating expenses through the MOC budget.

The Dress Makers Group made dresses for African girls and shorts for the boys. They have sent hundreds of dresses

and pairs of shorts to organizations and orphanages in Africa which in turn distributed them to children in need. Ken

Cornelison carried dresses and shorts to Rwanda in October. This group welcomes members to join them in this

clothes making project. Contact Diane Cullings.

Comfort Knitters created hand-knitted afghans to give to those in our Church community who could use a little extra

love and care when words might not be enough. This includes shut-ins, the grieving, and those recovering from

illness or a hospital stay. Knitting together as a group, the Comfort Knitters wove their prayers into the afghans they

gave away. Each square became an opportunity to translate faith into an active, concrete, small group ministry. New

knitters are welcome. Contact Bonnie Changstrom-Simon or Katie Coffin.


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Members of the MOC prepared and served dinners quarterly at the Friendship Shelter. In addition, MOC has made

monthly contributions to operating expenses through the MOC budget.

Hope for Life Chapel RV Ministry started receiving financial support from LPC in 2015. This ministry, headed by

Rev. Tamara John, reaches out to the desperate, unloved, de-churched and un-churched at an RV Park in Huntington

Beach.

Members of LPC worked on “Love Thy Neighbor” projects throughout the year, helping others complete home

projects.

MOC helped organize a Christmas party for La Playa students and their children held at LPC in Tankersley Hall on

December 16th. Children enjoyed a piñata and gifts, donated by the LPC congregation, from the Giving Tree, while

adults enjoyed lunch. Additional financial support was given to La Playa through the MOC budget.

Susi Q Senior Center and Age Well Senior Services received financial support from LPC through the MOC budget

as they accomplish their mission of providing activities and special services to seniors in Laguna Beach

Sally’s Fund also receives financial support through the MOC budget which they use to provide transportation and

other services for seniors in Laguna Beach.

The Laguna Beach Youth Shelter is included in the MOC budget and received financial support to provide short-

term crisis intervention for youth, with the goal of reunifying families. Steve Sweet and the LPC Youth prepare

evening meals a few times per year.

In early November, LPC members and friends donated $1,470 for “Friends of San Onofre Marine Families” for

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

In August, MOC efforts raised $1,900 and several boxes of printer paper to supplement school supplies for the

school at Camp Pendleton.

During the Christmas season, the Mission Outreach Committee organized the Giving Tree, providing members of

the congregation the opportunity to donate gifts for the Friendship Shelter and La Playa children.

On Hospitality Night December 4th

, and during December, Katie Coffin and the MOC sell gifts from the Heifer

International catalogue. These purchases are given as gifts in the name of someone and help support Heifer

International projects throughout the world.

The annual Homeless Christmas Breakfast on December 12th was co-ordinated by members of the Mission

Outreach Committee. Gifts, including sleeping bags and backpacks, were purchased with funds from Mission

Outreach Committee and donations from LPC members. Many other volunteers from the community participated,

including local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

The Mission Outreach committee participated in the local “Laguna Beach Interfaith Council Group.” This group

brings the local churches together to work collectively on community problems, projects, and challenges.

The Mission Outreach Committee maintained the church’s mission pledge to the Presbytery of Los Ranchos through

the year.


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GLOBAL MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES

Through the Mission Outreach Committee, LPC provides monetary and prayer support to the following

organizations and missionaries:

ORGANIZATIONS

AMEXTRA: Founded in Faith, works to improve living conditions by providing micro finance programs, tutoring,

self-esteem and nutrition classes, dental services and childcare, in Mexico.

Chrysalis Ministries

A Christian Leadership Training ministry in Eastern Europe, Asia and US. Their mission is to equip, empower and

encourage existing and emerging Christian leaders and teachers to become more effective in their ministries.

International Justice Mission: An organization dedicated to eradicating injustice in all its forms, especially the

enslavement of the young, poor and powerless, and seeks to bring hope, courage, freedom and justice to victims of

human trafficking and militias which force children to become soldiers.

Vellore Christian Medical College (CMC) India: Located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, the Vellore CMC&H

provides outstanding health care education, research and services in the state of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to the

Christian spirit of service, the Vellore staff of over 5000 work with people in villages and rural areas, bringing

health care and outreach programs to those in need. Patients who cannot pay receive free treatment; no one is turned

away. Its influence extends throughout the nation, southern Asia and beyond.

MISSIONARIES

Gary & Lori Cowman - Wycliffe Bible Translators: Kenya, Africa.

Rev. Bernard Muindi: Director of an orphanage in Kenya assisting street children of Kenya, Africa, with housing,

food, and education.

Rubens Muzio OC Intl: Evangelistic Service and church planter for Latin America, Brazil.

Brett & Shelly Faucett: Missionaries in Thailand providing ministry in areas of HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and

disabled children.

Karen Kilbourne Young, CRM: Proactive therapy with missionary families and singles, on-site and crisis care when

needed.

Kai & Lauren Pottenger: On staff with Campus Crusade for Christ Ministry organization.

Luta & Jeremy Garbat-Welch: Mission Co-Workers serving with partner churches in Malawi, Zambia, Democratic

Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

John & Carol Dettoni: Chrysalis Ministries exists to equip, empower, and encourage existing and emerging

Christian teachers throughout the world to become more effective in their various God-given ministries.


33

PROPERTY AND FINANCE

PROPERTY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Our church was once again blessed in 2015. When the call went out at year end to help close the gap between our

operating expenses and our operating income, many faithful heard the call and responded with generous hearts,

allowing us to finish the year well.

We also continued to make some progress on reducing the building loan balance.

At the beginning of the year, our loan balance was approximately $2,308,000. By the end of 2015, it was

approximately $1,900,000. We look forward to working with Stewardship to reduce this balance still further in the

very near future.

In addition to the financial operations overseen by P&F, the committee was also busy with a host of other issues

ranging from routine facilities use and maintenance, to church and preschool staffing, to extraordinary facilities

work growing out of the earlier church renovation.

Among the largest and most costly of our projects this year were those related to former operations of our tenant dry

cleaners. And this work will definitely continue and increase in 2016 as we continue to work with state and local

agencies to assess and perform remediation associated with both water issues and soil issues arising out of the

former dry cleaning operations. (Currently, there are no dry cleaning operations on our site as the current tenant is

merely a storefront drop for dry cleaning operations now performed elsewhere.) In addition to requiring substantial

additional costs in the coming year, the related corrective action will necessitate relocating activities out of the

parlor building to other facilities for an indeterminate amount of time.

This past year was also a time of challenge for the office staff, with substantial turnover in our financial staff. This

required substantial extra work for both our Business Manager, Leah Emerson, and our Treasurer, Christy Miller,

and we are deeply indebted to both of them for seeing us through this challenging time. We are also delighted to

report that Jackie Chamberlin returned as our Financial Administrator at year end, and trust that her return will usher

in a new period of stability in this arena. Please give her a warm welcome back.

As always, there were many things needed to improve and maintain our property. Our Director of Facilities, Ray

Martin, continues to work tirelessly to ensure the campus is in great shape.

We are thankful for the time and energy of all the Property and Finance Committee members: Throughout 2015,

Virginia Grogan acted as our President. Ed Sauls acted as Secretary and as principal overseer of the facilities

issues related to the former dry cleaner operations. El Hathaway was vice president and chair of Personnel (and will

be president of LPC in 2016). Russell Cheek was Vice President and primary overseer of the use of our facilities by

third parties, as well as the committee member who worked most closely with Ray Martin on facilities issues. Our

wonderful Treasurer, Christy Miller continued to provide invaluable service and continuity.


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FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015


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36


37


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STEWARDSHIP

In 2015, member and non-member donations totaled $1,189,895, a decrease of approximately $8,000 from the past

year. Your generosity, combined with cost savings in certain areas, allowed us to meet our 2015 expenses and finish

the year with a modest surplus. Throughout 2015, Laguna Presbyterian Church struggled to keep up with our

operating requirements, but as in years past, we prayed and asked for our Church to find a way to close the

December gap, which this year was $240,000.

In addition to contributions to the operating fund, our members and friends continued to support the effort to repay

the debt incurred in connection with the restoration and preservation of our sanctuary, transformation of the youth

center, and related projects. The loan we took out on completion of the project in June, 2010 was for $7 million,

repayable over a 10-year period with an interest rate of 4.5%. The current balance of the loan is $1.9 million and our

monthly payments are $42,000. One of our primary financial goals in the coming year will be to look for ways to get

this indebtedness "Paid In Full" as promptly as we can. We need all of your support and prayers for this endeavor.

This year we launched our new pledge campaign: "Trusting < > Together." The campaign is designed to raise our

awareness that, just like a crewing team, we need to trust and pull together over the long course if we are to cross the

finish line. As of mid-January, we have received 150 pledges totaling $677,000, which represents about 55% of the

$1,225,600 budgeted for member and non-member contributions in our 2016 Operating Budget. This shortfall will

need to be made up from non-pledge giving and, again, we will be scrambling to meet our expenses at the end of the

year, unless those 'undecided' take the next step and pledge soon. It's still not too late to turn in your pledge for

2016.

We appreciate the great giving and the overt showering of God's love through this Church's tithing. These funds are

used for God's work inside our Church, locally in the community, and throughout the world. We hope, by better

understanding this Church's unique needs and giving habits, we can find a way to touch the membership to pledge

and give more consistently throughout the year. Your spiritual and financial gifts will allow this good and sturdy

boat LPC to successfully cross the finish line Trusting < > Together in 2016.

Your Stewardship Elders,

Tom Magill

Ron Hubbard


39

WORSHIP

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

Session is charged with responsibility and accountability for worship. (W-1.4000)

What is Christian Worship? Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune

God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to

God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship, the faithful

offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world. (Book of Order, W-1.1000)

As your worship committee––comprised of Jerry Tankersley (Pastor), Kathy Sizer (Pastor), Beth Pinney (Worship

Leader), Linda White (Director of Choirs), Chelsea Williams (Elder through 08/15), Margie Bell (Elder beginning

09/15), Jinx Langemak (Elder), and Lorna Cohen––we are charged with the responsibility to provide for worship

and to encourage the people to participate fully and regularly, making provision for the regular preaching of the

Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, corporate prayer, and offering of praise to God in song. (W-1.4004)

Worship services at LPC are intentionally planned around a four-fold order of Worship: Gathering Around the

Word; Proclaiming the Word; Responding to the Word––which includes the Sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and

Baptism; and finally, Bearing and Following the Word into the World.

To that end: the Worship Committee meet every Wednesday morning throughout the year (with the exception

being December 24th

and December 31st) to pray, to plan, to discuss sermon themes, to set communion and baptism

dates, and to plan/design special worship services or special worship-related events (e.g., concerts, etc.).

Sermon Series and Worship Highlights

Sermons from January through August were focused on Paul’s Letter to the Romans, specifically Chapters 6-13;

from September to November they were centered on the Parables of Matthew’s Gospel, Chapters 10-13; and our

Advent sermon series, A Legacy of Grace, was an unusual, in-depth look at the women in Jesus’ lineage, as recorded

in Matthew 1.

There were 8 mid-week worship services in 2015. We began the season of Lent, Following the Way: A Season for

Renewal, at the Ash Wednesday Worship and Communion on February 18th

at 7pm. Holy Week worship services

included Maundy Thursday Worship and Communion on April 2nd

at 7pm, and Good Friday on April 3rd

at 7pm.

Christmas Eve Services were held on Thursday, December 24th

at 2pm, 4pm, 7pm and 9pm; we concluded the year

with our informal service at 5pm on New Year’s Eve, with worship and communion. We were blessed to have Rev.

Dr. Craig Williams and Rev. Mike Regele preach in August.

Lay readers were incorporated into Sunday worship services throughout the year and mid-week worship services,

specifically Good Friday and the 1st Sunday of Advent. Good Friday readers included: Rick Hume, Brian and

Jackie Pearson, Terri Shubin, Lindsay Williams, and Gary Waller. Readers for the 1st Sunday of Advent

included: Venetia Ellis, Jake Onodera and Delaney Cooper. The Worship Committee hopes to offer a workshop

in 2016 for all interested in being a lay reader in worship at LPC.

Approximately 17 members of the congregation participated in worship throughout Advent/Christmas in the lighting

of the Advent Candles and the Christ Candle. We were blessed to welcome 1,300 worshippers at our four Christmas

Eve services. Each services concluded with the traditional candlelight singing of Silent Night, Holy Night in the

Rose Garden. Thank you to our Ushers who handed out over 1,000 candles that evening!


40

Sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was celebrated 15 times in worship services on-campus and twice off-

campus at our annual women’s retreat (Spring) and men’s retreat (Fall). World Wide Communion Sunday was

celebrated October 4, 2015. We were blessed to have 19 congregants, each dressed in ethnic clothing and

representing 13 countries around the world, presenting the bread for the Lord’s Table, and reminding us that we too,

are from many nations, but are one in the body of Christ.

Thank you to the Communion Committee: Denise Marquette and her team of Lindsay Williams, Chelsea

Williams, Margaret Arnold, and Marsha Cates who faithfully prepared the elements and set the Communion

Table.

The Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated 10 times in worship. Those baptized included: Gavin Carlin

Rosenberg, Vivian Carr Podolec, Wyatt James Niedosik, Finnegan Wallace Easley, Kinley Storm Symmonds,

Cole David Westenhaver, Jackson West Penry, Jr., Shabnam Penry, Rein Deanston Maki and Sutton Fenn

Maki.

Worship Education & Mission

Beth Pinney (Worship Leader) formally began her Doctorate of Worship Studies program. A part of her coursework

was to “reintroduce the Psalms as sung response as a part of the Sunday morning worship of LPC.” The Purpose:

"to reintroduce the rich history of Psalm singing in our Reformed Tradition and to aid in spiritual formation intended

by the use of the Psalter in the life of the worshipping church.”

Linda White’s (Director of Choirs) participation, under the auspices of Global Missions, in a world-wide music

missions project to Cuba in March 2016, was approved by Session in 2015.

Ushers

We are grateful for the core team of Bud Schaefer, Peter Cologrossi, Larry Laird, and Michelle Luna for their

devotion to the congregation of LPC. They served at more than 100 services, as well as memorials and concerts. Mr.

Schaefer organized larger teams of ushers for Easter and Christmas to accommodate extra services.

The committee also requested an emergency plan from Property & Finance be put into place to protect the

congregants, employees, campus volunteers, etc. from potentially dangerous behavior. A plan was immediately put

in place which included the dissemination of emergency and non-emergency phone numbers to the ushers, pastors,

elders and staff members.

Chancel Committee

Committee head, Nancy Wade, and her team, kept the sanctuary in order with friendship pads, pencils, prayer cards,

Bibles, hymnals and general tidying of the pews every Sunday.

Services of Worship and Number of Worshippers

We held a total of 113 worship services, not including 6 weddings and 5 memorial services, with a total worship

attendance of 20,000. We had the largest number of worshippers in attendance on Christmas Eve. 150 new

friendship paper pads were ordered due to need.

We rejoice in the unfolding of the Word and the Spirit in the hearts of our congregation.

Respectfully submitted, Jinx Langemak and Margie Bell, Worship Elders 2015


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CHANCEL, CHILDREN’S & HANDBELL CHOIRS

In community, we sing, ring and speak: to nurture, teach, serve and share.

Our Chancel Choir sings at most worship services, supporting the preaching message of the morning and the season.

Our Section Leaders, an indispensable source of consistency, musical expertise and leadership, help our less

experienced members to be a successful part of this community, while allowing us to present more challenging and

inspiring music, and providing us with a core of beautiful solo and small ensemble singers. In May, we traveled to

Long Beach to participate once again in a mass choir event led by the inimitable Carver Cossey, and we continue to

work weekly through the Successful Sight Singing program, allowing all our members to gain more confidence in

reading the language of music.

Our Hand Bell Choir is an inter-generational community comprised of ringers with widely different levels of music

and bell experience. We provide accompaniment and color to choir anthems and congregational singing, as well as

offering music of praise and worship for Sunday worship and special Holy Week and Advent services. We rang in

the annual Spring Ring festival, ringing along with many other local church bell choirs.

Our Spring Concert this year featured the choir and bells singing and playing the Gospel message with our own LPC

Bluegrass musicians, and for our December concert everyone - choir, bells, trio and organ - played, sang and rang

pieces with our guest harpist, to convey in different voices, the story of Christmas.

This summer our campus was host to the annual convention of the National Association of Church Musicians, an

organization of church choir directors and organists, for which I served as President and Convention Co-

Coordinator. For three days we gathered ideas and inspiration from our headliner, Dr. Robert Istad, from specialty

session leaders, and from each other, singing through stacks of new music as we each planned our coming choir

seasons. We attended an evening of the Pageant of the Masters, music-directed by NACM member John Elg. Our

own LPC choir formed the core of a performance choir which was conducted by Dr. Istad and by myself,

demonstrating new music ideas. Ending with a worship service, our members were blessed to have an opportunity to

learn, fellowship and rejuvenate on this beautiful campus.

This is our third year of providing a weekly music experience at LPC’s Preschool as well as Sunday School,

teaching children songs and lessons about our Christian faith, and allowing them to be a valued part of worship.

This fall, the culmination was our children’s Christmas program, “The Christmas Pageant,” which not only taught

our children traditional Christmas Carols, but brought family and friends into our worship space to hear their story

of God’s saving love.

Our beloved organist/choir accompanist, Sookyung, continues to prove herself a valued leader in worship,

searching, choosing, and playing inspiring and relevant preludes, postludes and hymn accompaniments, and often

playing organ as a member of the Praise Team. Her talent and cheerful willingness is much of the reason we can

provide inspiring and stirring music in a wide variety of styles.

With the church’s support, I attended conventions, publisher-sponsored reading sessions, and instructive webinars,

learning new ways to keep our music fresh and relevant.

Thus, as we provide nurturing communities of music, with God’s help we are enabled to support and lift up our

congregation, to provide a welcome atmosphere and place of peace, hope, edification and renewal for visitors and

our congregation, preparing ourselves and them to minister and take the Gospel our into our world.

God’s blessing to all – to God be the glory!

Linda White, Director of Choral and Hand Bell Music


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WORSHIP LEADER

Be still and know that I am God! – Psalm 46:10

As a part of my own growth and deepening in the area of worship, I felt called to begin a Doctorate in Worship

Studies at the Robert Webber Institute for Worship (IWS). This program began in January of 2015 and I am part of

the Class of 2018. The goal of this program is to form servant leaders in Christian worship renewal. In 2001, the

Worship Task Force of LPC was assigned to read Robert Webber’s book, Worship Is a Verb. It was Webber’s book

that challenged us to embrace a more narrative understanding of Sunday morning liturgy as the Gospel in Motion.

On Sunday morning we walk the Road to Emmaus with Christ. Christ opens to us the Scriptures as we proclaim

God’s Word, as we celebrate the Sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism, as we sing, and as we pray. The

Holy Spirit is at work and our lives are transformed, both collectively as the Church, and individually as disciples.

This definition of liturgy, as the Gospel in Motion, protects us from seeing ourselves as initiators of worship and

clarifies that it is God who calls out to us, and we respond as partners with God, in God’s mission to reconcile all the

world through Christ.

In worship we remember that the content of worship is God’s story and that the Christ-event (the life, death,

resurrection and exaltation of Christ) stands at the center of this story and is the key to this story. We are a story-

telling people. Sunday worship is the place where spiritual renewal and transformation first take place. Sunday

worship, is for the disciple, the first day of the week, the day of re-creation, and every Sunday a celebration of

Resurrection Sunday. The lost are found! The blind see! The deaf hear and the lame walk!

I’m so grateful to work with Sookyung Bang and Linda White. They give tirelessly and graciously, and I know

they bless you by their music and their gifts. We welcomed Amanda Noel-Johnson this fall as our Praise Team

Keyboardist. Thor Fay became our Sunday morning percussionist starting in June of 2015.

I’m so grateful for such a wonderful group of musicians throughout 2015. Vocalists included: Andrea Galante,

Abigail Garcia, Mila Kellum, Jeff Nagel, Dawn Orr, Michael Saxon, and Linda Wells-Sholick.

Instrumentalists: Jesse Hughes (bass); Doug Miller (violin); Brooke Sadler (electric guitar); Jeff McCrory, Gil

Orr, and Craig Williams (guitarists); Christopher Payne (drums); David Galante and Tom Fay (sound

engineers). Special thanks to keyboardists: Sookyung Bang, Sara Chun, Junko Cheng, Sohyun Hahn, Judy

Mangan, Jacob Mann, and Dan Reckard for leading in worship at various times throughout the year, for special

services, and Sunday morning services.

It was a special treat to have Greta and Mark Hanson (Grammy-Award Guitarist) with us on April 19 both on

Sunday morning and in concert that evening. We also welcomed Doug Smith (Grammy-Award Guitarist) on

Sunday morning, May 17 in both services. On Sunday, May 3 we welcomed Rick Muchow, Worship Leader to join

with the Praise Team in leading worship. Who can forget Rick’s arrangement of How Great Thou Art!

I traveled to IWS for my first Doctorate of Worship Studies from January 6-14, and completed my first class,

Biblical History and Foundations of Worship. I traveled to IWS for my second DWS course, Renewal of Sunday

Worship, from June 9-17. Dawn Orr and Tamara John joined with me, and together we led worship at our Annual

Women's Retreat in March 2015. It was a privilege to be able to preach on Sunday, August 30 and to have Junko

Cheng lead in worship. This year’s VBS Everest was such a great experience for so many of our youth leaders who

took on major roles in skits, games and in teaching. Special shout out to Ray Martin, Dave Sizer, and so many

others, for helping to build Mount Everest in Tankersley Hall. This fall, as a part of my DWS program, I began the

Psalm Project - reintroducing Psalm singing as a part of Sunday morning worship. This project will continue again

beginning Lent 2016.


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I also spend part of my week working on and updating LPC’s website in the area of graphics, audio of Sunday

services and weekly PDF’s made available to you for worship. It is always a privilege to work with Leah Emerson in

publishing our weekly eConnections. We hope you will find these resources helpful to you. Check out our FaceBook

and explore the our website: www.lagunapreschurch.org. Subscribe to our weekly podcast through iTunes!

Blessings in Christ, Beth Pinney

WEDDINGS

1 Member Wedding

5 Non-Member Weddings

6 TOTAL CEREMONIES

INCOME: $13,900

EXPENSES: ($274.74)

SALARIES: ($7,647.79)

BALANCE: $5,977.47

http://www.lagunapreschurch.org/


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A.J. CARSON MINISTERIAL TRUST

Alex J. Carson (aka Alex J Mc Carson and Alexander J Carson) passed away in 1954. Mr. Carson, although not a

member of our church, was acquainted with a young member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Laguna

Beach needing financial assistance to pursue a ministerial education. In his will, he left stock and cash to establish a

ministerial scholarship fund for church members. The will stated that only income from the fund could be used for

the bequests. On July 8, 1955, the Superior Court of Orange County established a Trust to handle the funds. In the

beginning, the fund had a cash value of $19,000.00 and 900 shares of preferred stock. The Trust value was stated as

$58,000.00

Currently, the Trust has paid our $552,595.53 to 33 different students pursuing ministerial educations consistent

with the stated objectives of the Trust and had a value of $598,934.23.

As of December, 2015, the Trust is providing financial support to two church members pursuing doctorates, and has

paid out $27,000.00 in the calendar 2015 year. One is pursuing a Doctorate in Ministerial Studies at the Robert E.

Webber Institute for Worship Studies and the other is pursuing a PhD in Theology at Princeton Theological

Seminary. It is anticipated that this support will continue through the completion of each of the two programs over

the next few years.

As of December, 2015 the Trust committee members were Brian Pearson (Chairman), Jack Bell, Mary Cannon,

Rick Craig, Steve Donner and Lindsay Williams. Marv Drew continues to serve as financial advisor to the Trust.

The new chairman for 2016 is Jack Bell.


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BOY SCOUT TROOP 35

In 2015 the Troop membership held steady at 32 scouts with 9 adults in supporting roles. Currently the Troop has

19 high school boys and 13 middle school boys; all eager to participate in the many activities that only scouting can

offer! In 2015 our Troop qualified as a Gold Level in scouting’s Journey to Excellence ranking. Our boys took part

in community service, camping, leadership, and life skills, all rolled up in one continuing grand adventure.

Our Troop dedicates many hours to Community Service. In 2015 the Scouts participated in setting up the cones

along the Patriots Day Parade route, leading the flag salute at the annual Memorial Day celebration in Heisler Park,

a conservation project at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina island, participating in Zero Trash Laguna, volunteering

with the Harvest Food Bank and finishing the year with the Homeless Breakfast at the church.

Camping is another highlight for the Troop. Summer camp at Emerald Bay was the highlight of the year, with 7

days away from home, getting an opportunity to swim, hike, learn safe shooting, archery, and more. The troop also

went on their annual ski trip to Big Bear, a family camping trip at Blue Jay campground with a hike up to Los Pinos

Peak in the rain, back packing in Crystal Cove, and camping at San Onofre. In addition, of course, is the annual

Camporee, where they compete with other troops throughout Orange County in everything from fire starting and

knot tying to night games.

Scouts gain leadership skills in biannual elections, running for positions within the troop like Senior Patrol Leader or

Historian. They gain many life skills like first aid, CPR, cooking, fitness, citizenship, and money management, by

attending meetings, campouts, and merit badge days.

2015 saw four boys achieve the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest honor offered to Boy Scouts and one that only 4%

of all scouts ever achieve. Eagle Scout candidates must demonstrate that they have mastered all the scout skills, have

participated in required activities, earned over 21 merit badges, held various leadership roles and orchestrated a

project that benefits their community. We congratulate Tanner Flagstad, Bobby Briggs, Zachary Spitz and Grant

Miller on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Including our three Eagle Scouts, 24 rank advancements were

achieved by our Scouts in 2015. We are proud of our future leaders and their commitment to Scouting.

Troop 35 welcomes all boys aged 11-18 to join us! We meet every other Thursday in Tankersley Hall. Contact

Scoutmaster Erik Ranabargar at [email protected]. Troop 35 is chartered by Laguna

Presbyterian Church and is extremely grateful for the support of the staff and clergy!

Submitted by Erik Ranabargar, Scoutmaster.

CUB SCOUT PACK 35

We take pride in reporting that Laguna Beach Pack 35 has been highly active this year. Our group has prospered

and thrived by getting involved in indoor activities, camping, hiking, service projects, and many educational

experiences: all either traditional or new to the pack. The pack includes 42 boys with high-level support from

parents. Our leaders have a combined experience of 50 plus years as scouting volunteers and have been recognized

for volunteer service at Scouting's highest levels. Taylor Greene continues at his post of Cubmaster and Kimberly

Leeds is our new Committee Chair.

In January, we held our annual Pinewood Derby, one of Cub Scouts’ most anticipated and exciting traditions, where

boys design and build their own cars and race them down an inclined track. We received a lot of media attention this

year from local press on this event, also outlining the church’s sponsorship. Tom Fay, our charter rep, announced

the event and wore his Ferrari racing suit!

mailto:[email protected]


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In February, we held our annual Blue and Gold Banquet, where we recognize advancement of the scouts to the next

rank. The event includes an international theme pot luck, with a great variety of foods from around the world.

Our March was highlighted with the annual Patriots’ Day parade where Cub Scouts, as well as Boy Scouts, march as

a group through the town.

In April, we kicked off our recruiting season with a pack meeting featuring a mobile planetarium that allowed the

scouts and new recruits to view the night sky and identify planets, stars and a variety of constellations. Additionally,

we attended Scout-O–Rama, an annual carnival of scouting for all of Orange County, held in the foothills of the

Santa Ana Mountains.

Our highlight pack activity in May occurred on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, as we performed our

Annual Memorial Day Flag service project at Pacific View Cemetery in Corona Del Mar. This was our 13th year

participating, where scouts planted flags on the graves of all those who served our country in the Military. In May,

we also had our annual award ceremony where scouts earned their rank award for their year of scouting

achievements and “graduated” to the next rank of cub scouting.

Our traditional end of the school year gathering takes place at Aliso Beach, where we have a start of summer Bar-B-

Que and a flag retirement ceremony, where old American flags are properly retired from service by being laid to rest

in the fire.

In September, we kicked off the school year with a recruiting meeting that attracted twelve new members. It was a

“carnival” theme where the scouts participated in traditional carnival style games in the Youth Center. Our added

recruitment publicity, which included promotional "banners" posted at both local elementary schools, helped attract

many new faces to our meeting.

In October, we had an annual weekend pack outing, again at Casper's Regional Park. The park finished renovating

the entire water system, which meant we had to bring our own water. We had a water conservation presentation for

the scouts to help raise awareness of the drought and how to increase water use efficiency. Our own naturalist/

teacher, Kimberly Leeds, also led a gentle interpretive hike that was great learning for all the families who

attended. To wrap up the month of October, we had a presentation by local Native American, Jackie Nunez. Jackie

provided an informative overview of our relationship with our community and natural environment, and how to

balance our modern needs while respecting and protecting the natural world.

In November, several Pack 35 scouts helped organize non-perishable food items at the Laguna Food Pantry. This

was part of the month long Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, and we received some great press

coverage. Our November/December Pack meeting (held Dec 2), featured Tom Trager, head of the Lifeguard

Department in Laguna Beach, who discussed marine safety. Tom fielded dozens of questions.

We ended the year in December with our annual participation in Hospitality Night, where the Cub Scouts helped

Laguna Presbyterian Church welcome visitors that gathered at the corner of Forest and Second Street by giving out

cookies and hot cider.

We appreciate all the assistance and support the church provides to us. Thank you to everyone at Laguna

Presbyterian Church, and to our charter representative, Tom Fay. We consolidated the pack storage items into the

Blue House, and now the beautiful church archway feature is accessible along 2nd Avenue.

Our Pack leaders this year were: Taylor Greene, Cubmaster, and Clay Leeds, Assistant Cubmaster. Kimberly

Leeds served as Committee Chair. The den leaders were: Michael Franc, Kimberly Leeds, Taylor Greene, and

Corrin Brubaker, Lisa Jensen, John Hovanesian and Meldie Moore.


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LAGUNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NECROLOGY REPORT

Louise Buckley DOD: 4-3-2015

Tom Judy DOD: 4-22-2015

Jack (Raymond) Schirm DOD: 1-26-2015

Phil Trautman DOD: 9-22-2015

laguna presbyterian 2015...laguna presbyterian church annual report 2015 415 forest avenue, laguna...

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