parish ministry reportrecommendation of the vestry recreation committee (kevin edwards & ben...

Parish Ministry Report

Presented at Annual Parish Meeting

January 12, 2014

Parish Ministry Report 2013

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Rector’s Report

There were many transitions at Holy Apostles in 2013, particularly in staff changes which resulted in

some restructuring of responsibilities for lay leaders and for staff.

Lizzy Holt joined the staff and began her ministry as Director of Youth Ministry in June. Lizzy’s

energy and creativity is already making a difference in the lives of our young people as they

share in fun, fellowship and faith opportunities.

After a national search, Sondra Tucker was selected by the Organist-Choirmaster search

committee to fill that role after Kristin Lensch resigned. We are blessed to have Sondra and

Roger share their presence and their gifts with Holy Apostles.

Linda Obradovic was promoted to Director of Communications with the additional responsibility

of serving as my administrative assistant. Linda assists scheduling appointments and meetings,

maintaining files and with correspondence.

Richard Spore agreed to serve as the chairperson for the Outreach committee.

Susan Kenny agreed to assist with Pastoral Care in the area of scheduling hospital visits and

homebound visits, expanding the Eucharistic Visitor ministry at Holy Apostles; to serve as a

Eucharistic visitor; and to assist in training additional members to visit.

An Adult Education Committee was formed. They are responsible for planning Rector’s Forum

and other adult offerings; deciding on appropriate topics and curricula; contacting and arranging

for guest speakers; and developing an appropriate budget for this ministry.

The Worship Committee was reinstated and will meet as frequently as necessary in order to

plan liturgy.

JP Hickey has been trained as a Verger and will assist in liturgy as he continues his role as

Acolyte Master. Mary Jane Anderson has also been trained as a Verger and will assist in liturgies

throughout the year.

Susan and Kevin Kenny served as chairs for New Consecration Sunday stewardship program.

Others who assisted were: Carole Hinely, Phil Irish, Kimberly Georgi, Holly McDaniel and Fr. John

Leach.

Recreation: Curtis Finn agreed to serve as our representative with the ESCRA basketball league,

and to be the liaison to teams and coaches using the Holy Apostles PLC. Additionally, at the

recommendation of the Vestry Recreation Committee (Kevin Edwards & Ben Wingfield), we

hired Sam Law to be the “gym manager” on game days during the ESCRA season. In

coordination with Lizzy Holt, Youth and their parents are running a concession stand each

Saturday to raise funds for the Youth Mission Trip.


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Flora Sims joined the staff in a new position to assist on Sunday mornings with Hospitality set-up

and break-down; to clean kitchen and rest rooms; to clean the Nave as necessary; and to do

other housekeeping services as needed. She is here from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sundays during

the school year.

Beginning on January 12th, The Rev. Susan Crawford will serve as Priest Associate. Susan will

assist in services on Sundays, pastoral care and program ministry.

The Rev. John P. Leach, Rector

[email protected]

Adult Christian Education

Adult Christian Education: Bible Study

The Adult Bible Study ministry at Holy Apostles continued to meet during the academic year in 2013.

Weekly attendance averaged between 4 - 5 participants. This small and faithful group meets weekly on

Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.

With new members joining the group this fall, the ministry is not only growing, but more importantly, is

providing both long term as well as newer parishioners alike, a regular opportunity to deepen their faith

through regular reading, study and lively discussion of scriptures from both the Old and New

Testaments.

Readings follow the Revised Common Lectionary and we use the 'Feasting on the Word' adult curriculum

materials provided by the parish. This ministry is an important part of our growth as Christian disciples

and ministers within the parish and throughout our community.

Tom Carpenter, Bible Study Ministry Leader

[email protected]

Adult Christian Education: New Testament Bible Study and Education of Ministry (EfM)

New Testament Bible Study class meets each Sunday morning during the Christian Education hour, at

10:15 a.m., in the Church Parlor. This class discusses a book of the New Testament by focusing on the

themes, characters and the relational aspects of the text. We are currently studying Paul's letter to the

ROMANS.

Education for Ministry is sponsored by The University of the South. This four-year study covers church

history, the Old and New Testament and theology. Those who are interested are invited to enroll each

fall. We currently have one parishioner who will graduate in May, and four others who are in progress.

We will have four openings for new students this fall.

Barry McCrory, New Testament Bible Study Ministry Leader

[email protected]


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Adult Christian Education: Rectors Forum

The Adult Education Committee was established in the fall of 2013 to plan the Rector’s Forums.

Members of the committee include: Tom Carpenter, Matt Stone, Marvin Townsend, Barry McCrory,

Sally Barron, Bill Taylor, and Laura Noeth.

Our mission has been to select topics and speakers to provide a series of lessons that will provide

information on relevant topics with a spiritual focus. We have nearly completed work on the winter and

spring forums and we are excited to report that they promise to do just that.

We will have two, four-Sunday themed series, and one two-Sunday series, and other forums on a variety

of topics.

In January, Fr. John will host a two-Sunday series on stewardship of the environment.

In February and early March, we will begin a four-Sunday series under the theme of “The least of these.”

Topics will include the homeless, the disabled, the hungry and poverty. Among the speakers will be

Dr. Peter Gathje, religion professor at Christian Brothers University and co-founder of Manna House;

and our own John Wasilik, volunteer with the Collierville Food Pantry.

Later in March we will begin a four-Sunday series on the theme of “The Seasons of Life.” The topics will

be early childhood spiritual development, adolescence, marriage and relationships and the elderly.

Among the speakers will be Robin Waters, trainer and teacher for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a

national program for developing spirituality in preschoolers and Dr. Laura White of Holy Apostles.

Other topics this spring will be church architecture and its spiritual meaning, church history, stewardship

of our bodies.

While our priority has been setting up these forums, the committee in 2014 will be looking at other

ideas for encouraging adult spiritual growth. Those could include a Lenten series and summer sessions.

We welcome ideas.

Laura Coleman Noeth, Adult Education Committee Chair

[email protected]

Altar Guild and Flower Guild

The Altar Guild Ministry

What on earth do they do for Heaven’s sake?

If they weren’t there what difference would it make?

If the weekly team should fail or falter

There’d be no silver or linens on the altar.

The flowers at the altar don’t descend from above:

Week after week they’re a labor of love.

We change vestments and hangings from season to season


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Since those different colors are used for a reason.

The lights burn bright in candlesticks

Because we replenish the oil, we fix the wicks.

We launder the linens. We polish the silver.

We give our time and our talents to church decoration.

In fact, we fill needs of every dimension,

Some are large and important, some too small to mention.

We’re seldom noticed, and our rich reward

Is to be Martha and Mary in the house of the Lord.

--Ulele Hamway

Mary Magdalene is often thought of the patron saint of altar guilds. The duty of the altar guild is to

prepare all the things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist or any of the other sacraments and

offices of the church. Members of the altar guild should always be mindful of the high privilege of

serving God in his sanctuary.

Holy Apostles altar guild is made up of four teams. Each team has five to six members, with a team

leader and a designated flower arranger, and linen launderer. Flower arranging and laundering is not a

requirement, only if one feels they have a God-given talent for these duties. We welcomed two new

members to the guild, Carey Mayfield and Carla Myers.

A special thank-you to Rueben and Trisha Thompson: Reuben and Trisha create a beautiful keepsake

Baptismal towel, which is given to the recipient at Baptism.

A special thank-you to Phil Irish: Phil faithfully changes the Aumbry candle each Sunday Morning.

Flower Guild/Our Little Roses Outreach Ministry

Our Little Roses Ministry continues to grow. In 2013 we donated $4,000. We hope to surpass that

amount this year 2014.

In June 2004, the altar guild became involved with Our Little Roses Ministries, an Episcopal program

established in 1988. Our Little Roses cares for homeless, abused and abandoned girls in the Central

American community of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Funded principally from contributions, the ministry

offers about 55 girls a safe place to live, a school and training center for learning, a health clinic for

medical care and a chapel in which to find Christian fellowship.

The parish’s relationship with Our Little Roses broadened in January 2008. A gift from the Outreach

Committee in December 2007 began an annual sponsorship in 2008 of one of the ministry’s girls, 3 year

old Sindy Vanessa Pineda, a sponsorship the flower guild continues to renew each year. Sindy’s

sponsorship is a yearly donation of $750. Plus, we sent $1000 for 30 girls to receive Christmas outfits.

It is through our flower program, we are able to help support this meaningful ministry from your weekly

contributions of altar flowers, Easter Lilies, All Saint’s Mum’s and Poinsettias.


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A special thank-you to Bob and Donna Abney: Bob and Donna generously donate the Christmas greens

each year, along with other flower donations.

A special thank-you to Walter and Nita Dunn: Walter and Nita generously donate flowers once a month

to Our Little Roses Outreach Program.

A special thank-you to Suzanne Hieseman: Suzanne dismantles the altar flower arrangements every

Monday morning. She then creates a beautiful arrangement for Paige Robbins, which she delivers.

Jean Morris, Altar Guild/Flower Guild Ministry Leader

(901) 861-4695 or [email protected]

Building and Grounds

Our committee is responsible for the "physical plant" that houses Holy Apostles. We are supervisory for

the most part, but do many small tasks "hands on" as well. B&G oversees the contracts for maintaining

our lawn and plantings, quarterly service and upkeep of our HVAC equipment, termite inspection and

interior pest control, state safety and fire equipment inspections, alarm system monitoring, etc.

We are involved in arranging things like floor waxing, window washing and other projects that fall

outside the weekly or monthly, normal schedule as well.

Small "emergency" repairs are ours to deal with as well. These sort of items are where the "hands on"

begins, but it extends to include: a several member "informal subcommittee" that cares for the

courtyard flowers, plants and fountain, repair of our cathedral chairs as use and drying glue dictate, and

the ongoing need to rearrange the chairs and tables to support the ever changing, weekly activities in

the PLC.

Participation in our "call out list" is a way to be involved with B&G on an irregular basis which we invite

everyone to consider. It enables us to "step up" whenever needed; to keep Holy Apostles moving

forward. If you would be interested in joining this committee please contact me.

Phil Irish, Building and Grounds Committee Chair


Children

Sunday School (teachers and curriculum coordinated by Kathryn Hickey)

We began the 2013-2014 Sunday School year with the third and final year of our Weaving God’s

Promises curriculum for grades PreK (four year olds) through 4th grade. This curriculum was developed

and written exclusively for the Episcopal Church. It’s titled Weaving God’s Promises after the process of

faith formation in which we learn how God’s promises of salvation are inextricably woven into our lives.

The goal of Weaving God’s Promises is to teach children the way of Christ, not only in the church but

also in the world, and to give them a solid grounding for future youth formation programs, which in turn

will prepare them for Christian adulthood. Weaving God’s Promises provides children with basic


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knowledge of Church teachings in the three elements essential to the practice of our faith. The

elements include: Christian education; Worship; and Service. Each is dependent on the other in order

for the faith to stand firmly. We appreciate the wonderful teachers who spend their time and efforts

teaching the Word of God to our littlest members. They are:

PreK (4) & Kindergarten

Laura Beasley

Taylor Beasley

Emily Bjorkman

Gracson Morris

Lisa Morris

Jennifer Parr

Natalie Price

1st & 2nd Grade

Wheeler Alcala’

Kathryn Kickey

JP Hickey

3rd & 4th Grade

Teresa Davis

Jason LaCroix

Karrie LaCroix

Kimberly Jordan

Children’s Chapel

This continues to be one of our most popular ministries for an enthusiastic group of young children

(approx. ages 3-5). Celebrate the Good News is the year-round, lectionary-based curriculum used for

this program. The weekly 25-minute “sermon” is accompanied by crafts, songs, and play to enhance the

participants’ understanding of the subject matter. Volunteer Children’s Chapel teachers lead the

children out at the Gospel hymn (during 9:00 service only) and they return to rejoin their parents at the

Peace. This vital ministry is led by both adult and youth parishioners:

Teachers

Wheeler Alcala’

Cullen Bull

Kimberly Jordan

Kathryn Hickey

Kristen Litvin

Adam Patterson

Emily Patterson

Will Webb

Robin Webb

Youth Assistants

Virginia Barron

Mary Layne Beason

Miriam Brown

Isabel Dlabach

Lauren Edwards

Chapman Finn

Tracey McDaniel

Elisabeth Squillacioti

Busy Bag Program (coordinated by Cullen Bull)

We continued the simple, but successful creation of “busy bags” for children to use during worship

services. These bags contain quiet toys and activities and help our youngest parishioners enjoy the

worship service as well. Ten (10) new busy bags were added in 2013, including red and blue bags with

gender-specific activities.


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Little Apostles Monthly Newsletter

Starting in August 2013, a monthly newsletter was sent to the youngest members of Holy Apostles (ages

2 through 4th grade). It’s intended to provide entertainment and education to the youngest members,

making them feel like valued members of the church.

Mardi Gras Parade (coordinated by Kathryn Hickey)

As part of the Shrove Tuesday festivities, we continued our Mardi Gras Parade. Children decorated their

trikes, bikes and wagons to race from the PLC to the Nave. We gathered in the Nave to sing out the

Alleluias. Crafts, activities and delicious pancakes prepared and served by the youth rounded out this

fun event!

Family Egg Hunt (coordinated by Kathryn Hickey)

Due to weather conditions, the Family Egg Hunt was held in the PLC this year. Kids of all ages joined in

the fun, hunting for hundreds of eggs throughout the building. The Easter Bunny even made an

appearance! It was a fun time had by all.

Vacation Bible School (coordinated by Kathryn Hickey)

Our Everywhere Fun Fair Vacation Bible School program took the kids to a global celebration with the

look and feel of a world’s fair. They made friends around the world and discovered that God’s love can

be found everywhere, including their own neighborhoods. We had great participation from energetic

students from ages 3 thru 5th grade and several amazing youth and adult volunteers from our parish.

This continues to be one of our largest events involving both parishioners and non-parishioners.

Communion Instruction Class (coordinated by Kristin Litvin)

This class is held for children ages 3 - 10, and is led by Father John in the Nave. Children learn what we

do in Church and why we do it. This year, the children were also able to see how we make our

communion bread, and to take a fresh-baked loaf home with them.

All Hallows Eve (coordinated by Karrie LaCroix)

This year, we celebrated Halloween with our first annual church-sponsored All Hallows Eve celebration.

More than 40 kids of all ages joined in the fun, playing fall festival games, eating a chili dinner, and

reciting the Valley of the Dry Bones liturgy with Father John. This event was a great success!

Advent Festival (coordinated by Cullen Bull)

This year’s Advent Festival took place during the fellowship time between Sunday morning services.

Children, youth and adults came together to begin the season of anticipation. As part of the festivities

we made Advent wreaths, decorated Crimson ornaments and delicious sugar cookies. We had a speaker

tell us about the importance of the season, sang a few carols, and offered some ideas on quick, easy,


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and inexpensive homemade gifts to help parishioners take it easy this season. This event was a

remarkable success due to all the volunteers and participants!

Christmas Pageant (coordinated by Emily Bjorkman)

During the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, children of the parish presented a beautiful story of the

birth of Jesus. Children were able to participate in a variety of roles from angels, shepherds, and sheep

to Joseph, Mary, and the donkey. Kids in all speaking and non-speaking parts did a wonderful job. Many

thanks to our youth and parents volunteers who assisted with direction, costuming and more!

Wheeler Alcala’, Director of Children’s Ministry

[email protected]

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

The purpose of The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of Holy Apostles is to provide the women of the

Church with opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. We support the ministries of the

parish, the Episcopal Church Women of West Tennessee and the Episcopal Church USA. Membership

consists of all women of Holy Apostles interested in the purpose of this organization. Our 2013 year

included the following:

We provided two volunteer teams for Calvary’s Lenten Waffle Shop during Lent, 2013. One group

served meals each Wednesday and our second group worked in the dessert room each Thursday. The

funds we raised were given to the Holy Apostles Outreach committee.

We also made contributions this year to the West Tennessee Diocesan ECW and to the Freewill Shelter

in Humboldt, Tennessee.

Cullen Bull headed up our first UTO campaign. We had a successful ingathering on Pentecost Sunday,

with a total collection of $665.

We provided a lovely breakfast in April, 2013, for our Helping Hands ministry’s mentors, students and

their families. This is one of the few times all have an opportunity to gather and have fellowship, and a

good time was had by everyone.

The Diocesan Annual Meeting was held November 2, 2013 at the Church of the Holy Communion.

Officers were elected for 2014 with our own Jeanette Maddox continuing to serve as treasurer. An

interesting program on the history of women priests in the Episcopal Church was presented and all the

women who have served in that capacity for the West Tennessee Diocese were honored.

The fourth annual Holy Home Cookin’ was held November 17, 2013, and was a great success. We

raised a little over $1,700, and with the addition of monies in reserve, $2,000 was sent to MIFA’s Meals

on Wheels program to continue funding meals for one Collierville Senior for the entire year. Thanks to

Lee Carpenter for organizing this great event and to all who cooked, served and bought!


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The Out to Dinner group, coordinated by Bonnie Barnes ([email protected] ), continues to

enjoy a meal together once a month at various area restaurants. All women are invited to join the fun

evening of food and fellowship. Watch for announcements in the weekly emails, ACTS and service

bulletin for date and location.

The Mothers with Young Children have been very busy with a number of exciting activities. They have

had a monthly Moms Night Out, including painting at Paint a Piece and Painting with a Twist, Game

nights, and dinner out at local restaurants. They also gathered to make a 40 quart pot of soup and

donated it to the soup pot ministry. They have hosted family events that include moms, dads and the

children, including pizza in the park, and a Christmas Celebration that involved a small service project.

For more information contact Karrie Lacroix ([email protected]) or Kristen Litvin

([email protected])

Marianne Waszilycsak, ECW Co-Chair

[email protected]

Alicia (Lee) Carpenter, ECW Co-Chair

[email protected]

Finance

2013 Finance Committee Members: Richard Finch (Chair), Cary Barnes, Walter Dunn, Kevin Edwards,

Mark Harris, Phil Irish, John Leach; added in December and continuing into 2014 are Taylor Beasley,

Adam Patterson, and David Umsted.

Note: Monthly Treasurer’s Report, Balance Sheets, and Committee Reports are available in the parish

office for you review.

2013 Financial Performance

In 2013, Holy Apostles ended the year with a surplus of $10,000*, as expenses came in well below the

budget, primarily due to the loss of our curate as well as general cost controls. Receipts totaled

$667,000* compared to $675,000* for 2012. “Loose plate” giving outpaced budget by $42,000*. We

had 127 pledging units, up from 118 in 2012, and 114 in 2011. Of the 127 pledging units, 32 exceeded

their pledge, 54 met their pledge, and 41 did not meet their pledge. With the departure of the curate,

the associated financial support of the diocese was correspondingly discontinued. As noted above,

expenses were generally kept under budget. However, building maintenance exceeded budget by

$10,000* due to replacement of two air conditioning compressors and addition of four phase monitors.

The latter was funded from the Aggregate Operating Reserve, which was subsequently replenished at

year-end. The reserve ended the year at $180,000* compared to $130,000* at year-end 2012 having

been increased by vestry thanks to 2012 net positive receipts versus expenditures.

A table of the 2013 Parish Financials can be found on page 22 of this report (last page).

* All dollar figures rounded to the nearest $1,000.

Cary Barnes, Treasurer

[email protected]


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Hospitality

The year 2013 saw many changes to Hospitality. Holy Apostles grew in size with new parishioners and

outreach programs.

Thank you to Judy and Clint Bratton, and Marianne and George Waszilycsak for your continued and

unwavering support to the Hospitality Set up Teams. Your friendship and love for Holy Apostles has

seen us through some difficult months.

With help from several Vestry members and Father John, Holy Apostles hired Flora Sims to begin work

on December 1st. What a huge help Flora has been with cleaning the kitchen, doing all the set up among

other tasks.

Parishioners continue to volunteer to bring homemade or purchased food items. Each member of the

food team brings enough food for 50 to 60 people.

The Hospitality Committee also coordinates food service and setup for special celebrations, such as a

visit by the Bishop. For these events, we reach out to all members of Hospitality and members of the

Parish to assist in preparing a variety of foods and desserts for the occasion.

The Hospitality budget, paid by the church, covers coffee/lemonade and miscellaneous items such as

plates and utensils.

If you would like to participate in this ministry please contact me. We are trying to schedule each

volunteer once every three months. Hospitality is a fun, recipe swapping event every Sunday.

Trisha Thompson, Hospitality Ministry Leader

[email protected] or (901)351-1168

Men's Group

In 2013 we focused on the following events:

Men's Group fellowship breakfast, 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.

Manly movie night, 1st Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Malco, Collierville

Tuesday night basketball, at 7:00 p.m.

Completed the bridge to the playground

Support/participation in the tailgate challenge for the youth group

Glenn Hopper, Men’s Group Ministry Leader

[email protected]


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Newcomers

The Newcomers committee is comprised of two chairpersons and about ten active committee members.

Our committee is responsible for making church visitors feel welcome, providing information about the

church, and introducing new members to other parishioners in an effort to get them involved in church

activities. We accomplish our responsibilities by:

Providing welcome bags that have a loaf of our wonderful communion bread, a current

newsletter, and a welcome brochure that has information on the church. These bags are

distributed by the ushers to visitors as they leave the church.

We have 2-3 receptions each year at the home of John and Lisa Leach where newcomers are

invited as “guests of honor” and encouraged to get to know the Vestry, Newcomers committee

members, and Fr. John.

Updating our “New to our Flock” picture frames with pictures of our new families so that

parishioners are able to put a name with a face.

In 2013, we had 2 Newcomers receptions: January 31st and September 24th. Updated pictures are

placed in the frames in the hallway after each reception. The receptions are great ways for everyone to

get to know the newest members of our church, and possibly find out they have something in common!

Our church is blessed with friendly parishioners who go above and beyond in welcoming visitors – it

makes the Newcomers committee’s job much easier! Keep up the good work!

Emily Bjorkman, Newcomers Committee Co-Chair

[email protected]

Alice Finn, Newcomers Committee Co-Chair

[email protected]

Music Ministry

The Music Ministry continues to flourish. I am most happy to be here at Holy Apostles, and am

immensely grateful for the warm welcome I received when I started work here in the summer.

1. Parish Choir

Wednesday night rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Leads the 9:00 a.m. Sunday service, and on 3rd Sundays, leads the 11:15 a.m. Sunday service.

Includes on staff, singer Sarah Ford.

2. The Boy and Girl Choir

Sunday night rehearsals, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sings regularly with the Parish Choir, and occasionally alone.


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3. Schola Cantorum

A group of six singers, all from the Parish Choir, selected because of their voice blend

Rehearses as needed, and sings once per month in worship

4. Brass Ensembles

We have six brass players in the congregation who like to play when available.

Trumpet: Mike Marshall

Trombone: Tom Carpenter, Steven Sharp, Bruce Watson

French horn: Jim Heiserman

Tuba: Roger Tucker

5. Cantors and Special Music

Cantors lead the Psalm singing each week at the 9:00 a.m. service.

Soloists from the choir and instrumentalists roster provide offertory music at the 11:15

a.m. service.

6. Friends of Music

An active committee runs this ministry. Spring 2014 concerts include: Joby Bell, organist, in

January; Choral Evensong and organ recital in February; Choir Follies in May; and the Agape

Ringers of Chicago in June. Additional concerts are being planned for Fall 2014.

7. A team of musicians leads the 5:15 p.m. Bluegrass Mass weekly.

8. Enhancing worship on Christmas Eve was a professional string quartet, with a trumpeter for the

late service. A brass quintet has been secured for Easter 2014.

Sondra Tucker, Organist-Choirmaster

[email protected]

Music: Friends of Music

Friends of Music came into being at Holy Apostles in August 2012, with the purpose of supporting the

music program at Holy Apostles. During the 2012-2013 "school year", we hosted receptions for the

Men's Chorale, organist John Schwandt from the University of Oklahoma and a joint concert with the

choir of St. George's called the Benjamin Britten Birthday Bash. We began and continue to accept

donations for our future musical offerings. We plan to fund-raise as the need arises. So far for this year,

we have planned an organ recital by Joby Bell, a well-known organist from Appalachian State; a Lenten

choral evensong; the Choir "Follies"; and a concert by the Agape Ringers, a touring hand bell choir.


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Members of this team are: Sondra Tucker, Carole Capra, Nita Dunn, Lynn Fauser, Kevin Kenny, Mike

Marshall, Phil Morris, Trish Spore, Marianne Waszilycsak and Sue Balogh.

Sue Balogh, Friends of Music Committee, Chair

[email protected]

Outreach

Holy Apostles’ recurring Outreach ministries such as More Than a Meal, Knitting for Need, Page Robbins,

MIFA Meals on Wheels, Soup Pot Ministry and Helping Hands were active throughout the year. Special

projects and seasonal ministries peaked during the summer months with Operation Backpack, the book-

drive for the Jail East literacy program, and the Saturday of Service. Fall was primarily spent working on

transition issues associated with the departure of Mother Dorothy, who chaired the Committee prior to

leaving. The Advent season was again a very active time for Outreach, with Holy Apostles’ parishioners

participating in Holy Home Cookin’, the Collierville Food Pantry, Operation Joy, and the More Than a

Meal Christmas Drive.

2013 Highlights:

Over 300 books were collected for the Jail East literacy program, coordinated by Donna

Baldridge.

Tuesday Morning Devotionals and multiple summer cook-outs were held at Page Robbins Adult

Daycare Center, with a number of Holy Apostles’ parishioners participating, and food delivered

for the cook-outs by Nita Dunn and Cary Barnes.

67 Holy Apostles parishioners participated in the Saturday of Service in August, working at three

houses in Collierville.

Mac McCarroll’s Soup Pot ministry delivered its 500th quart of soup during the summer and

continues at full speed.

A Lenten food drive for Collierville Food Pantry was coordinated by Carole Capra.

Care packages for troops were packed during the summer.

Helping Hands, coordinated with the Emanuel Center, was active throughout the year, led by

Lisa Leach.

Holy Home Cookin’ was a big success in November, coordinated by Barbara Olive.

Holy Apostles members volunteered at the Collierville Food Pantry for three Thursdays in

December, coordinated by John Wasilik.

Through Operation Joy, Holy Apostles parishioners adopted, and provided gifts for 25 “angels,”

coordinated by Bonnie Barnes and Jane Harris.

More Than A Meal Christmas Drive for warm socks, hats and gloves, and personal supplies was

coordinated by Diane Reddoch.

Last but not least, the Outreach Committee Tailgating effort was led by Barbara Olive, with the Outreach

Committee crushing (in a loving way) other Holy Apostles groups to win first prize for “best food” under

the leadership of Grillmeister McCarroll.


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2014 Planning and Goals: The Outreach Committee will hold a strategic planning and goals setting

session in late January or early February to plan for 2014. As part of that process, the Outreach

Committee will evaluate existing supported ministries and projects as well as potential new ministry

opportunities, with a focus on supporting ministry initiatives in which Holy Apostles members are active

and making a difference.

Richard Spore, Outreach Ministry Leader

[email protected]

Outreach Grants

In 2013, the following Outreach Grants were distributed, as budgeted:

Church Health Center $2,000

Collierville Food Pantry $500

Collierville Literacy Council $250

Emmanuel Center $1,250

Episcopal Relief and Development $500

Grace-St. Luke’s: More Than a Meal $500

Happening in West Tennessee $250

MIFA $1,000

Page Robbins Adult Daycare Center $500

West Tennessee Haiti Partnership $1,000

Holy Apostles: Meals on Wheels $250

Holy Apostles: Helping Hands $1,000

In addition, the following grants were distributed from the Parish Ministry Fund:

Seminary of the Southwest, Gathering of Leaders $250

St. Columba Conference & Retreat Center $500

Pastoral Care

At Holy Apostles, the Pastoral Care Committee is a team ministry including clergy and parishioners

working together. This committee is all about supporting one another during life transitions: births,

deaths, major surgery or illness. Support includes prayer, preparing and/or delivering food or flowers,

sending cards or notes, phone calls and visits, providing transportation to church services or doctor

appointments, and supporting the Eucharistic visitors (see Susan Kenny report below).

Our Pastoral Care Committee is comprised of over 30 parishioners who are available to meet pastoral

care needs of the parish. Fr. John provides the committee input on who may need assistance.

Additional input on needs within the parish can and should come directly from fellow parishioners.

Once we are aware of a pastoral care need, a committee member reaches out to the parishioner to let

them know we are praying for them, and asking what specific support we can provide. We recognize


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that during difficult times, it is hard to know what others can do, but we want folks to know that we are

ready to help.

It is only natural for us to be most comfortable asking for help from someone we know. Therefore, the

pastoral care committee engages other committees and groups across the church (dinner groups, choir,

outreach committee, the sewing group, etc.) to help us understand an individual’s need for assistance.

If someone is in need and is already participating with a group from Holy Apostles in another ministry,

we draw upon the connection to most effectively provide support.

During 2013, the Pastoral Care Committee reached out to over 45 parishioners during times of need. In

addition, we came together in fellowship and prepared casseroles to keep “on hand” in support of this

ministry. Mother Dorothy Wells organized and led a wonderful service to bless the hands of our

Pastoral Care team this year, actually concluding the service with “washing” and anointing the hands

with oil. This service was an opportunity to acknowledge the spiritual foundation of the work that we

do, while renewing our passion and energy for this important ministry! I would like to offer a special

note of thanks to all the pastoral care team members who make this ministry successful. They are the

helping hands reaching out to the Holy Apostles family with specific prayer, care and support.

Betsy Leslie, Pastoral Care Ministry Leader

[email protected]

Pastoral Care: Eucharistic Visitors

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all

consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any

affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God, for just as the sufferings of

Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.” II Corinthians 1:3-5

The church is a community of people united by their faith in Jesus Christ. Wherever that community

gathers, whether the church building, a home, hospital, nursing home, or hospice, the church exists.

In December, 2013, eight members of our parish were commissioned to serve as Eucharistic Visitors

(EV). EVs represent the church to those we visit as a living reminder that even though they are unable

to attend church, they are integral parts of our community, which is the Body of Christ.

We carry the love, care, and concern of the Parish to those we serve. We also carry the body and blood

of Christ out into the community to include all of our church members. We commune with those who

are unable to worship with the larger body of Christ in regular Sunday worship, on their birthdays and

on holidays.

We work closely with Fr. John and the Pastoral Care Committee. Requests may also come directly from

fellow parishioners. If you would like a visit, please call the church at 937-3830

Susan Kenny, Eucharistic Visitor Ministry Leader

849-9090 or [email protected]


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Saints Alive!

Saints Alive is a wonderful opportunity for the adults of Holy Apostles to gather for good food, great fun

and meaningful fellowship. 2013 proved to be another great year for Saints Alive! We held one of our

most popular events "Trivia Night" in February. In March, we hosted a potluck dinner to kick-off our

small group supper clubs entitled "Saints and Sinners Dinners." We also held events at the homes of

Elaine Sanders and Jeff Dlabach in April, Lee and Tom Carpenter in September, and a festive advent

celebration at Lisa and John Leach's home in December.

Back by popular demand, we will have "Trivia Night" in February. Please check the service leaflets in

weeks to come for more details. Parishioners are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert and beverage of

choice. Guests are always welcome and teams are chosen by random selection. The church will provide

paper products and soft drinks.

Courtney Dukes, Saints Alive, Chair

[email protected]

Stewardship Ministry

We were so very honored and privileged to be part of an energetic and hard working group of friends

who comprised our “Consecration Sunday” team. Following Fr. John’s vision, and based on Herb Miller’s

New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program, our team embarked on a new approach to raising the

funds necessary to finance the ministries of our parish.

A new emphasis was placed on giving as a personal spiritual growth decision, and each parishioner was

invited to attend the worship services on Consecration Sunday when our pledge commitments were

received as part of the worship experience. The results were overwhelming, as we received the most

pledges and the most pledged dollars ever!

More importantly, we pray that each pledge reflects a deeper commitment to God through the work

and mission of our parish. Thank you, one and all, for your generosity and spirit.

Kevin and Susan Kenny, Stewardship Ministry Co-chairs

[email protected]

Worship Ministries

Worship: Acolytes

The Acolyte ministry gives the children and youth of our Parish the opportunity to play an instrumental

role in our worship life. Our typical Sunday Acolyte team consists of a Crucifer who carries the cross and

leads the processions, two Torch Bearers who carry the torches, and a Gospel Book Carrier who carries

the Gospel Book. Additionally, we incorporate the Church Banner on special occasions and have a

crucifer-aged Acolyte carry it. In addition to being a part of the Sunday morning processions, Acolytes

also perform various duties during the service. The Crucifers assist the Rector while preparing for the


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Eucharist, the Torch Bearers light and extinguish the altar candles, and the Gospel Book Carriers help

with the Gospel Book Procession.

At Holy Apostles, the Acolyte ministry is alive and thriving. We have a great group of young people that

are dependable, professional, and respectful of the services and duties that they perform. While we did

lose some great Acolytes in 2013 to college, we also had some fresh new faces join us. However, we

need approximately 50 Acolytes in order to staff the services appropriately and to accommodate each

family’s busy schedule outside of church. Today, between our regularly scheduled Acolytes and our list

of substitutes, we have 47 positions filled: 18 Crucifers, 19 Torchbearers, and 10 Gospel Book Carriers.

That is up from the 39 we had at the same time last year. Ideally, we need 3 to 5 more children/youth

to sign up – especially in the 2nd through 6th grade age range.

The Acolyte ministry is a vital service to the church. It not only gives our youth an opportunity to be an

integral part of the Sunday morning services, but it also provides them the foundation of experience,

knowledge and fun that will hopefully keep them engaged in the church long into their adult years. All

children and youth who are in the first grade or older are welcome and invited to be a part of the

ministry. Holy Apostles would like to expand the Acolyte ministry, not only for needed current positions,

but also to more regularly include other positions, such as Banner Carriers.

JP Hickey, Acolytes Ministry Leader

(901) 305-6474, (773) 301-6044 or [email protected]

Worship: Bread Bakers

Early in its history, under the direction of then rector John Rice, Holy Apostles began using handmade

bread consistently for communion. It was considered a living thing because of the yeast, and “natural.”

The bread was prepared by women who knew how to make bread. Recipes were tried and adjusted.

When Father Bob Allen arrived at Holy Apostles in the late 70’s, he brought with him the recipe we

currently use, and a small team of women was formed to prepare the weekly communion bread.

In the 80’s, under the rectorship of Robert Certain, we began preparing and using visitors’ bread. Many

people have been welcomed to Holy Apostles through this bread. When Holy Apostles hosted its first

diocesan convention, each delegate went home carrying a loaf of our visitors’ bread, close to 200 loaves.

We have continued in the tradition of handmade communion bread to this day. Currently, we prepare

bread for communion and visitors for services year round as well as for occasional other needs.

Over the years, many have helped prepare the bread - men, women and families. Currently, ten

communicants prepare the bread for the congregation. They are: Maggie Beason, Clint Bratton, Cheri

Brittain, Carole Capra, Gaylann Hicks, Kathryn Hickey, Mike Marshall, Raeleen Roberts, Reuben

Thompson and Sue Balogh.


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We are pleased to announce that O’Hara Keszler and Kathy Krieger will soon be joining our ranks. We

thank all of them and their predecessors for sustaining one of the first traditions of Holy Apostles.

Sue Balogh, Bread Baker Ministry Leader

[email protected]

Worship: Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Master of the Bread

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) and Masters of the Bread (MOB) assist the Priest/celebrant in the

administration of the consecrated elements (Body and Blood) during the service. Each has been trained

and is licensed by the Bishop. With additional training a LEM may also go from a Sunday Eucharist, or

other principal celebrations of the Eucharist, to share the sacrament with members of the congregation

who were unable to be present at the celebration because of illness or infirmity. All those who perform

this invaluable service play a critical role on our Ministry Team and in our Parish.

Scheduling of LEMs is based on ones preferred service (9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 5:15 p.m.) and

availability. Typically, two Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled to serve at each Sunday morning service.

At the Sunday evening Bluegrass Mass, one Eucharistic Minister is scheduled. This person also serves as

the Lector and Intercessor, and assists the priest in setting the table.

We currently have eighteen (18) Lay Eucharistic Ministers covering all three Sunday services. Eight (8) of

these also serve as Master of the Bread as required, and four (4) of whom who volunteer to take

communion to the home-bound. Consequently, each individual is scheduled to serve from one to three

times per month based on desire, need and the availability of others. Training is provided for all who

enter this fulfilling Ministry.

Please consider joining us; you will most definitely find it rewarding and a service that brings you closer

to God!

Bob Bennett, LEM/MOB Ministry Leader

[email protected]

Worship: Greeters/Ushers

We have a great group of Men and Women who serve every 4-6 weeks. The more we have the less

everyone has to serve. For newcomers it's a great way to get to know your fellow parishioners. If you

let me know in advance I will always accommodate your schedules. Thanks so much to the team and

especially the "Ones" that are always there to help at 9th and the 11:15th Hour! Please come and join

us!

John Anderson, Greeter/Usher Ministry Leader



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Worship: Lectors/Intercessors

Thank you to the 20+ volunteers who are members of the Lector and Intercessor Ministry at Holy

Apostles. This group joyfully takes on the task of providing illumination to the reading of God’s word.

This year we have added 5 new team members to the team.

As a review, an Intercessor is a member of the congregation who reads the “Prayers of the People.” A

Lector is a member of the congregation who reads the Old Testament, Psalm, and Epistle readings

during church services. Every Holy Apostles’ Lay Reader is strongly encouraged to practice their

readings in advance. For those difficult Biblical personal and place names, a pronunciations guide is

linked to the church website. The RCL or Revised Common Lectionary link is also available on the Holy

Apostles’ website. Anyone who wishes to know the readings for an upcoming week need only click on

this link to find them.

Our Lectors and Intercessors are a diverse dedicated group whom many also serve Holy Apostles in

other capacities, from serving on the Vestry to singing in the choir to participating in other critical

ministries. They are our own liturgical “saints,” and they provide lay participation and engagement to

our worship services.

“You can meet them in school, or in lanes or at sea, in church, or in trains or in shops or at tea….” We

encourage all who are interested to be one too.

Robyn Sharp, Lector/Intercessor Ministry Leader

[email protected]

Youth

Sunday School

9th – 12th grade: This August, Sunday school returned with Making It Real and Relevant as our

curriculum for high school, which has been used since the fall of 2010. This curriculum integrates the

lectionary with movies and media from the past few years to help engage the young people and see the

relevance of the morals and stories today. Classes are led by Ben Wingfield and Lizzy Holt.

7th – 8th grade: This vivacious group is led by Kathy Krieger and Laura White. The curriculum for 7th and

8th graders is God Talks!, which has themes in conjunction with media. These themes are in three to five

week blocks with lessons such as “Who is God?”, “Who Am I?”, “Preparing the Way (Advent)”, and so

on.

5th-6th grade: This energetic bunch of fifth and sixth graders is led by Jenny Boals, Jane Edwards and

Kevin Edwards. For Sunday School they continued using Live It!, which is a tween resource designed to

help tweens face today’s issues with a real understanding of how their faith impacts their lives every

day. Live It! will help tweens develop meaningful relationships with family, friends, and most

importantly, Jesus Christ. It will also help them develop the skills they need to make godly decisions in

today’s world.


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Episcopal Youth Community

Jr. & Sr. EYC: We meet each Sunday to have food, fellowship and fun! Some of our activities have

included Super Soaker Sunday with a giant waterslide, a Labor Day pool party, movie night, Minute to

Win It games, charades, a Tacky Sweater Christmas gathering, making care packages for college

students, and more! Jr. & Sr. EYC traditionally meet in their individually age groups, Jr. being 7th-8th

grade and Sr. being 9th-12th grade or depending on the activity the groups will combine.

Diocesan activities: Holy Apostles EYC has also participated in a variety of diocesan activities

including the DYC Fall Kickoff, a Square Dance, trip to the Corn Maze, and Bishop’s Bash. A

Diocese of WTN Ski Trip is being held over Martin Luther King weekend, and ten young people

from Holy Apostles are expected to attend. We had five young people from Holy Apostles

participate in Happening in the fall of 2013 and hope for similar participation this February for

the next Happening weekend.

Club 56: This group has met once a month for EYC activities so far this year, like a Water Day to kick off

the fall involving lots of water games outside, More Than A Meal, and Operation Joy shopping.

Youth Ministry Committee

The Youth Ministry Committee has met monthly since the summer of 2013, to discuss planning for EYC,

fundraising, and more. They take into consideration what has worked well in the past or what needs

improvement and bring new ideas to youth ministry to enrich the lives of Holy Apostles youth. They

have been fantastic as a resource for the year. The wonderful members of the Youth Ministry

Committee are Laura Adkins, Maggie Beason, Jenny Boals, Lee Carpenter, Teresa Davis, Courtney Dukes,

Julie Farrell, Susan Squillacioti, Stephanie Tancredi, and Claudia Ziegler.

Intergenerational Activities

In 2013, with the help of Wheeler Alcala, Director of Children’s Ministry, we had multiple

intergenerational events at Holy Apostles that were very successful. The first was the Ministry Fair in

August that involved the reintroduction of our ministries at Holy Apostles. The lighthearted atmosphere

of a fair and the dunk tank (with young people having the opportunity to dunk Father John) made for a

tremendous event. The event second was the All Hallows’ Eve Celebration which allowed families to

come together for fellowship, dinner, and a short service and also provided our little Apostles with an

opportunity to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat around the church. Finally, our first fundraiser of

2013 was a hit for all ages as well: the All Saints Sunday Tailgate Challenge (see Fundraisers section

below). All of these opportunities for fellowship for the entire parish were immensely successful.

Fundraisers

In the fall of 2013, we held the first ever (and hopefully annual) All Saints Sunday Tailgate Challenge.

The event was filled with food, fun, competition, and prizes for Holy Apostles members of all ages, with

proceeds benefiting the EYC fund and our trip next summer. Items that parishioners won included

dinner for six cooked by Fr. John, a reserved parking spot, a reserved pew on Christmas Eve, gift cards to


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local businesses, and even a 50 inch flat screen TV. Currently as the basketball season is underway,

gracious families of Holy Apostles are volunteering a few hours each Saturday to sell concessions at

basketball games to raise money for the EYC fund as well. This began in December and will continue

through early March. We look forward to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and other fundraising

opportunities in 2014!

Confirmation

Seven young people are going through the Confirmation process at this time to prepare for the Bishop’s

visit in February. We continue to use the program Keeping the Promise, which is a mentoring program

for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. This unique program pairs each perspective Confirmand with

a Confirmed adult mentor who gives the Confirmand caring support throughout the learning process.

With Christians of different ages together, the common inheritance of the Christian Faith can be fully

explored on a personal basis. Teenagers connect with the traditions of the Episcopal Church and with

the mentors, who create an environment that is relaxed where confidence can grow and learning can

occur. Each young person connects with a mentor, attends More Than A Meal, attends a learning

segment with Father John and the other Confirmands, and meets with Father John to discuss what they

have learned prior to Confirmation. Youth are eligible for Confirmation in 9th grade.

Service & Learning Trip

In 2014, we are planning a trip for youth to visit Washington DC. This service and learning trip would

allow youth to give to the community of the DC area as well as see the National Cathedral and other

places special to us as Episcopalians and United States citizens. More details about this trip will become

available closer to the summer.

Lizzy Holt, Director of Youth Ministry

[email protected]


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HOLY APOSTLES

PARISH MEETING FINANCIALS

January 12, 2014

RECEIPTS: 2013 BUDGET 2013 ACTUAL 2014 BUDGET

Pledge $570,000 $539,698 $629,144

Plate/Non-Pledge $60,000 $102,325 $60,000

Prior Year Pledge $5,000 $2,600 $2,500

Interest Income $30 $36 $36

Curate Support $26,974 $22,483 $0

RECEIPTS TOTAL $662,004 $667,142 $691,680

EXPENSES:

Facility & Property Maintenance:

Landscape Service $15,815 $13,639 $16,265

Building Maintenance $11,953 $22,484 $12,980

Janitorial Services $9,200 $7,374 $11,520

Utilities & Security $55,070 $48,528 $55,070

Mortgage Principle & Interest $93,744 $93,744 $93,744

Insurance $7,000 $5,558 $7,000

Total Facility & Property Maintenance: $192,782 $191,327 $196,579

Office $22,533 $21,740 $25,430

Staff $342,534 $332,163 $330,573

Programs

Outreach Expense $11,150 $11,379 $12,916

Youth & Children $13,573 $11,256 $14,150

Music $18,440 $16,114 $22,040

Hospitality & Fellowship $8,640 $10,247 $9,920

All Other Programming $3,560 $2,751 $3,240

Total Programs: $55,363 $51,747 $62,266

W. TN Diocesan Pledge $55,749 $55,234 $67,144

Seminary Support $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Stewardship Campaign Expenses $1,000 $3,530 $1,000

EXPENSES TOTAL $670,961 $656,741 $682,075

$9,688

NET CHANGE IN

OPERATING ASSETS ($8,957) $10,401 ($83)

Replenishment of

Aggregate Operating Reserve

parish ministry reportrecommendation of the vestry recreation committee (kevin edwards & ben...

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