12866 Beadle Lake Road, Battle Creek, MI 49014269-979-4565

www.battlecreeknazarene.orgFacebook: Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene

2020-2021 Annual Report

June 06

2021This document includes a summary of items to note for the Church year between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 for the First Church of the Nazarene in Battle Creek, MI and its corresponding ministries.

Rev. Tanner Griffin Senior Pastor

An opening note to those in attendance to the “Annual Meeting”.

This handbook is presented for you to hear and feel the heart of this Church as we serve our Savior Jesus. You will find here narrative reports supplied by individuals like our department heads, associate pastor, treasurer, and daycare director.

Pastor Tanner serves as the chairman of this meeting and celebration and will ask for a “motion to accept all the reports” together at the conclusion of this annual meeting.

We pray that the Lord speaks to you during this time and your hearts are stirred with anticipation and a new found faith as to what Our Lord will do in the coming days through this group of believers.

1

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

Take a deep breath, and now hold it. Keep holding your breath until you feel the pressure starting to build in your chest. You know you need to breathe in again. You need that next breath of air. But you have to do something before you can take in that next breath. You have to exhale. You have to let that last breath out before you can breathe in again. Go ahead and breathe out if you’re still holding your breath. We don’t need anyone passing out.

Christian life is a lot like this simple exercise of holding our breath and then finally letting it out. We receive something from God; it could be grace, or a call to do something, or any number of things that Holy Spirit might be doing in our lives. We received and we realize that what we received was from God. This is an important gift. It brings peace and joy and purpose to our souls. So, we feel the need to hang on to it as long as we can.

But God’s presence in our lives is a lot like our breathing. We breathe in and receive the very things God has for us today. But we can’t hold that breath in forever. Eventually we have to let it go and take the next breath that God has for us.

A church is exactly the same way. Sometimes we can see the amazing things that God is doing during a season of the Church’s life and we breathe it in. It’s so tempting to try and hold it in, to stay in that season, or simply define that one breath as what God wants for us indefinitely. But a church can only hold its breath for so long before it needs a new breath of the Spirit. The challenge for us as Battle Creek First Church is to trust that when we exhale the previous breath that God gave us, God will give us yet another breath.

Jesus puts it another way in one of his parables. “Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17

A wineskin is like a leather canteen that was used to store wine. As they aged they would lose their ability to stretch and flex to meet the demands of carrying the wine. If you were to put

2

new wine in the old, brittle wineskin, it would not be able to hold the new wine; it would burst and the both the wine and the wineskin would be wasted. But if you have a new wineskin, the new win could be poured in and both the wine and the wineskin would be fine

As we embrace our calling of being a community of believers declaring that Jesus is King with our actions and our words, we may not be comfortable letting that least breath out or retiring that old wineskin that has served us well for so long. We might struggle with that because we remember how God moved and the good things that came with that previous breath. As we look to the future, though, I’m not suggesting that we forget that last breath or the old wineskins. In fact, I’d say that, because we have experienced God doing something in us and through us in the past, we should be all the more confident that God can do it, wants to do it, and will do it again.

God wants to breathe a new breath into First Church. And as long as we embrace the vision to declare Jesus as King, together, as a community of believers, I’m confident that the God who gave us life yesterday will again provide us with the breath of the Spirit today and tomorrow. As a church we celebrate the legacy and the heritage of those who have preceded us; yet at the same time, we embrace the mission that God gives us as we boldly declare today that Jesus is king.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tanner H. Griffin

3

SENIOR PASTOR’S REPORT

To the Members and Friends of Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene,

It truly is a privilege to share my first report as Pastor of Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene. As I sat down to compose this report I found myself struggling for words. The purpose of this report is to summarize my pastoral ministry during 2020/2021. And where even to begin? In a year that shattered our expectations of normal, tested our understanding of community and church, fanned division in the realms of politics, racial relations, scientific understanding, to name a few, we did our best to be faithful to the most sacred calling that Jesus can bestow on a community; the call to be His church.

I don’t need to tell you that it was a messy and bumpy journey. I am refraining from saying that we didn’t always get things right because that assumes that there was a right answer for every situation. But 2020 put us in some situations that forced us to choose between options that we knew would be met with disappointment and disagreement. Yet we had the responsibility of being the church. After all, the world needed the church more last year than other years in recent memory.

And so, we took it one step of faith at a time, often unsure how things would work out. We had weeks where the Sunday service was online only. We had hard conversations about race, politics, and Covid-19, not so that any one viewpoint could claim a victory, but because we needed to respond together as a church.

2020 began for Jessica and I with the realization that change was coming. God was moving us. We knew that with high levels of confidence. What we did not know was the details. We did not know that we would be moving to Michigan. We did not know that we would be moving during a pandemic that affected every aspect of our lives. But with faith and a fair amount of trepidation, we took a leap of faith. And not only did you call us to be your pastoral family, you welcomed us immediately. It has been a less than ideal time to develop new relationships and yet you have shown us tremendous care and grace.

4

I kicked off my pastorate here in Battle Creek with a sermon series entitled, “What’s a Church to do?” The point of that series was to acknowledge the challenges we face today in our individual lives and as the church, then determine what a faithful response to these challenges looks like.

As I reflect on my personal experiences this past year and listen to details of life in the church prior to my arrival, I am struck with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation. I know this isn’t a surprise to many of you, but you have a wonderful group of people serving in this church. The board, the ministry leaders, and the volunteers guided us through the challenges of 2020, with a commitment to the care of the congregation and a focus on the mission of the church.

In the year ahead of us, the task before us is contains many challenges:

Reestablishing ministries that were paused or minimized by the Covid restrictions or through normal transitions

Identifying and equipping the next generation of leaders Caring for a growing population of people who are facing serious health

challenges and/or are homebound Focusing our attention on critical needs in the church while simultaneously

increasing our presence and ministry in the community

In response to those challenges, my focus will be:

Prayer; God is up to something here and we need to be good at listening so we can hear and see what God is calling us to.

Not only developing deeper relationships with the congregation, but building ministries that provide care and support to the church family

Developing intentional relationship in which I can encourage, empower, and equip the next generation of church leaders

Aligning our ministries and resources along the lines of our mission so that what we do as a church achieves that which we were called to do

Establishing a stronger presence within Battle Creek that will provide open doors for ministry along with gathering input on the needs of our neighbors.

Clearly defining roles and responsibility for current ministry team members along with inviting others to serve in the areas where we have needs.

Lately I’ve been in several conversations that all came to the same basic conclusion: what we do in the next year or two will shape who Battle Creek First Church is for the next decade or two. It’s an exciting time to be part of First Church. There is a great work ahead of us, but God has blessed us with abundant blessings. My prayer is that we will be good stewards of this ministry

5

that God has entrusted to us. Let us celebrate our faithfulness, lament our losses, and ultimately keep our eyes on Jesus as he calls us to take the next step of faith.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tanner H. Griffin

Board Secretary’s Report - 2020-2021

It was an exciting year to be a part of Battle Creek First! As we began the year, the board was implementing plans to gradually come out of the shutdown brought on by Covid-19. We started with limited in-person worshipping, badges, and sanitization stations. All this went on while the board was still working diligently to find our next pastor. Due to the pandemic, the General Board had decided it was best to “roll over” current boards and suspend church elections. Events were confusing and chaotic to say the least. But God is bigger than all of these things!

We held a special election in July to replace 2 board members and our NMI president. We welcomed Cassie Baker (NMI), Tanya Feight and Annette Olson to the board. Pastor Ray continued to lead our services, and our board through this time of transition. We also worked to “prepare our fields”, as the trustee moved ahead on necessary repairs and maintenance to the parsonage.

Then we received the resume for Tanner Griffin, along with his Philosophy of Ministry. The interview process went very well, and it included a “Meet and Greet” with the Griffin family. Pastor Tanner accepted the unanimous vote by the church board to present his name to the congregation. The church responded with a unanimous vote to extend a call to Pastor Tanner and his family to be our next pastoral family. His first Sunday was September 20, 2020.

Much work has been done to welcome the Griffins, help Pastor Tanner settle in, and continue moving forward in building God’s kingdom here in Battle Creek. We continue to immerge from the effects of a virus and shutdown, welcoming more regular members back to worship even as we welcome in new people. As improvements are made to our worship setting, kids center and other facilities, we also look ahead to new ministry opportunities.

6

With new leadership comes new goals and vision. Pastor Tanner continues to work with the board to see where God is leading our church. But the main emphasis is still the same: Seek the lost, share the Gospel, make disciples, and grow God’s church in our community!

Respectfully submitted,

Paul S. Baker - Board Secretary

Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene

SDMI 2020-2021 Annual Report

This past year was filled with challenges and changes that affect the annual reporting. The church did not meet in person for several weeks out to the year, including Easter. We switched back and forth from counting in person attendance to live stream views. Sunday School was shut down for all ages during a significant part of the year. We did open one adult class in the sanctuary and began live streaming the class. In the fall we restarted Junior Church and Kids Sunday School.

Attendance numbers have jumped around through out the year, but since our reopening of in person services we have seen an average of 62 in Sunday Worship and 30 in Sunday School.

While there were several events and activities that were lost to Covid related restrictions, we were able to host a Trunk and Trunk for Halloween. Most trick or treat opportunities in the community were canceled due to Covid, we are able to provide a place for families to come, dressed in costume and ready to celebrate. Our parking lot was full of volunteers and the streets were full of cars waiting their turn. Thank you to all those who helped. Conversations about doing it again this year have already begun.

As we move farther away from the Covid restrictions, we again turn our focus on discipleship and Christian Education; especially for children and youth. We know in the year to come that we have needs to address in our children’s ministry. Not only are these children and youth the future of the church, but they are part of the church today.

Thank you to SDMI Board, Children's Church and Sunday School teacher's for your commitment and service this year.

God bless,

7

David DakeSDMI President

NMI President Report 2020-2021

This church year has been an exciting year for Missions.

We did not host any missionaries this year due to COVID. To make up for this, we blessed our LINKS missionary family, the Gonzalezes, with a gift of $250. This is the usual amount we would give missionaries for deputation.

We collected Alabaster offering in September and February and raised over $700 for building and land needs on the mission field.

Our District Project offering that we collected in May received a total of $421.66 for technological upgrades for Africa Nazarene University in Kenya. In the past, this offering has brought in around $100.

We collected the Easter offering for World Evangelism Fund in April and received almost $700.

The teens have continued having a missions lesson night on the second Wednesday of every month. They also have actively participated in the offerings collected for Alabaster and the District Project.

Thank you to everyone for all the support of the Global Church of the Nazarene through Missions.

Respectfully submitted,

Cassandra Baker

8

NYI Annual Report, 2020-2021

LOCAL EVENTS

June 2020

● We had several teens attend the church’s regathering service on June 14, though teen Sunday School & our Wednesday evening gathering continued to be hosted via Zoom.

● During June the Teen Ministry was meeting virtually using the Zoom video chat platform. Unfortunately, we were hacked during one meeting & strangers gained admittance to the chat. They were removed quickly & the meeting was secured, but during their time on the chat they shouted insults, slurs, & obscenities at our students. This situation led to an important conversation between the students & me. We discussed what happened & they expressed their anger at the words spoken to their fellow students. I understand this anger; during the ordeal my hands were shaking & I was livid. However, I also made certain to discuss the importance of not fighting hate with hate because we serve a God of love. During our prayer time, I prayed for these enemies of ours. I pray they learn better. I pray they one day understand the pain that their words & actions cause. I pray God sends them people to teach them what it means to treat others with kindness & respect instead of hate & aggression.

July 2020

● Teen Sunday School began meeting again in person on July 19th. Initial meetings were designed to be relaxed & simply allow it to be a time for teens to reconnect & enjoy being back to a “normal” schedule.

● We also began meeting in person again on Wednesdays in July. Our first Wednesday back was mostly social with a closing activity where each student received a helium balloon & a Bible. In short, we sucked helium & read Bible verses together. I’m glad we sat on the floor because I’m sure we all would have fallen out of our chairs laughing.

August 2020

● On August 16th we hosted 19 teens & adults on a river kayaking trip at the En Gedi campground in Leonidas. After returning to camp students relaxed at the campground beach for ice cream & social time. One student council member reported that several teens wished for a longer event so they

9

could spend more time together, but also liked that we did something different from normal. All in all, probably our best event of the year.

September 2020

● September was a quiet month as we continued gathering in person & eased into the new school year.

October 2020

● On Wed, Oct 21 we hosted 13 teens grades 5th-12th for our Autumn outreach party. While the weather didn’t permit us to have a bonfire outside like we’d planned, we were still able to toast marshmallows indoors with tiny portable camping flames (I promise it was perfectly safe!). Abbie Baker was a big help with the teens & the majority of the youth group dressed up & participated in the costume contest. Isaiah “Spidey” Cole won the contest with a homemade Robin costume.

November 2020

● The modular building boardwalk was renovated throughout October & November. Thank you to all who came to help make our space safer!

December 2020

● On Sat, Dec 12, 7 teens & 2 adult leaders gathered at the church for a Polar Express interactive movie Christmas party. Thank you to Pastor Hanna for taking extra time to come in & help us get set up on the new TVs. The teens really seemed to enjoy the experience & said they’d like to do it again. Abbie Baker is developing plans for a Saturday afternoon Movie Ministry to begin this autumn.

January 2021

● January was a quiet month as everyone recovered from the holidays & the NYI council met to plan upcoming Spring events.

February 2021

● In February we re-started a monthly Missions Night with the teens on the 2nd Wednesday of every month led by Abbie Baker. During these lessons the teens learn about global missions projects & missionaries from the Church of the Nazarene.

March 2021

● In March the teens participated in the filming of a skit used by Pastor Tanner during Lent.● The Teen Ministry opted to postpone our annual Dessert Auction fundraiser in favor of a church-

wide fundraiser for new sanctuary chairs, as well as to wait for a time when more people will be able to gather safely & comfortably.

10

April 2021

● During April the Wednesday night gathering worked through a special series about mental health & mindfulness. We discussed the importance of prayer, & Christian community, as well as practiced stress-relieving activities such as meditation, laughter yoga, & crafting.

May 2021

● May has been a quiet month as students prepare for the end of the school year. The council is currently in the process of planning our Summer Kick-off party, where we also celebrate this year’s 2 high school graduates: Elizabeth Hillman & Azariea Benard.

DISTRICT EVENTS

● Most District events during the 2020-2021 church year were canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Going forward, plans for the 2021 summer camp are planning to go through, though no other events (such as Celebrate Life or the district lock-in) have provided details as of yet.

GENERAL NOTES

● One of my favorite parts of Wednesday night Bible study continues to be our prayer time. We usually spend the first 30 minutes of our time taking prayer requests & hearing what’s on each other’s hearts, then praying together. I love to use this time as an opportunity to key in to what is important to each teen. Many of them ask for prayer for friends or family & others talk about things happening at school. They often bond over life happenings & comfort each other’s stresses. I love seeing the support that they give one another.

● Our total attendance of teens this past year was approximately 28 teens who attended a Teen Ministry event at least once. We also had the assistance of at least 14 adults throughout this year. Thank you so much to everyone who has given their time, talents, and treasures to furthering God’s kingdom in the hearts of the youth here at Battle Creek First Church.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Jones,

NYI President

11

2020-2021 Annual Report for First Kids Learning Center Ministry of Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene

First Kids Learning Center provides growth and learning through the love of Jesus Christ. We endeavor to enhance and facilitate the learning and development of the whole child; spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, the cognitive, and social. FKLC is influencing the next generation for Jesus and making a positive impact in our community. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Covid has made this a difficult year; with reduced enrollment, increased restrictions, classroom quarantines, remote learning, and many staffing issues. Even with all these challenges God has supplied our every need and so much more! Our God shines in the midst of difficulty and His glory is revealed in a good challenge.

This past church year, First Kids Learning Center, had a total enrollment for the whole year of 167 children from birth through Junior High. We started out in June 2020 with just 52 students and ended the year on May 27, 2021, with an enrollment of 135 students. The center has 7 classrooms, 29 teachers and staff. I want to give special recognition to our church volunteers; Nancy Dake, and John Albert, who come help us at the center by playing with our children and making friends with our staff.

The staff and volunteers of First Kids Learning Center care for children Monday thru Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, 52 weeks of the year. This is 260 days a year and over 2970 hours of care. What an incredible amount of time to influence a generation. Research has proven, that the first 5 years of a child's life can shape their destiny. By the age of five, 90% of the brain's capacity has already developed. A child's brain is more receptive to learning during the first five years of life than at any other point in time. Information learned as a child is literally imprinted on their brains and it does not really go away.

12

2 Timothy 3:15 NLT tells us “you have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus”. The ministry of First Kids plants the seeds of the Good News of Jesus. The average number of children receiving weekly Bible lessons this past year was 120. All of our pre-school children participate at least weekly, with most receiving daily Bible stories and activities. The school age children attending our Before School Program receive daily prayer and devotions before getting on the bus for school each morning. The students attending our After School Program receive Bible lessons twice a week and students attending our summer program participate in a weekly “Bible School” with a different theme for each week of the summer. All our center children enjoy Praise and Worship weekly with Pastor Hanna in our church sanctuary. Again this year, God is answering the prayers that we have prayed and continue to pray; that our children will accept Christ as Savior early in life. In Mrs. Cindy’s four-year-old Bear class, all 17 students believe in Jesus and are trusting in Him as their Lord and savior. Mrs. Tabitha, our School Age Program Director, had the privilege of leading 7 of our center students to Jesus and had 10 students recommit their lives during morning devotions. We praise God for His faithfulness.

God is so incredibly good and continually displays His love for us, covering us in His tremendous grace and protection. He provides all that we need. Since the center remained open during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide care to families of essential workers, we were

eligible to receive a total of $ 147,026.30 in State and Federal COVID Grants: $59,537.30 was used as tuition reimbursement to our FKLC families and $87,489.00 was awarded to the ministry of FKLC.

This year First Kids Learning Center was able to complete the expansion of our infant and 30- month-old toddler classrooms giving the center more useable open space and allowing us to care for 12 more children. More families.....more opportunity for children to fall in love with Jesus!

God has blessed and entrusted us, this congregation with the ministry of First Kids Learning Center. I want to thank each one of you for your faithful prayers and support. Praise God...He has been faithful and much has been accomplished for His Kingdom, but there is more to be done. This upcoming year, pray as we continue to look to expand the size of the center so we can care for more children. Continue to pray that all who enter the center will sense the presence of Jesus, being drawn to salvation. Pray for protection from spiritual warfare. Pray for the families and marriages of our day care staff and center families. Pray that staff and children will continually hear, study and know the relevant power of God’s word. Also be in prayer as we move out of Covid restrictions and can return to center outreach events; as we work to build relationships, for families to come to Christ and be active in church community.

13

Cindy DentonFirst Kids Learning Center Administrator

HIS HANDS COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIESThe virus has His Hand doing things alot different, more work, thank God for good volunteers.On Tuesday mornings Dan and Ruth Roberts, Jim and Kay Schragg, Ken Sackett, Ray VanLith, Nancy Dake and Scott and Mary Simmons come to the church and we pack boxes of food for the next day. We also set up the church foyer with tables for the food boxes, bread ,meat, juices, beans and laundry so we are ready for clients at 9:00 Wednesday morning. With the virus clients stay in their car and we take the boxes to them. That way everyone is safe no one has gotten sick. Praise God.  Jim Schragg is still picking up our boxes from a grocery store. Scott and Mary are still picking up our food from the Food Bank. When we have a food truck come in to the church we always seem to have enough volunteers to unload. If the school children are at the day-care they come and help. In May His Hand gave them pizza for all their help.Menard once again gave us toys for our families for Christmas. Jill Albert made a beautiful Christmas bulletin board for the names of our children so the congregation could chose a child's name and buy a gift for them. Menard

14

also had a food drive and give us the food they collected. His Hand has been blessed that Menard chose us.We have been much lower on our client count. Young people are getting more money from the government. Most of our clients are seniors, our count has been between 15 and 25. That's about half of last year.

We have not had any outreach because of the virus and the state shut down. Hopefully that will change once the state opens up..His Hand is so grateful for all the helping hands, donations and most of all, prayers. The Lord has keep all of us safe ( clients and congregation). May the coming year we have the honor to help those in need and reach out to our neighborhood.

    God Bless all of you,                                                              God's servant and yours,                                                                   

Peggy  May

Church Year 2020/2021 STEWARDS REPORT

We started out our church year still in search of a lead pastor and still under the dreaded COVID restrictions. After reviewing what seems like tons of resumes and doing several interviews (socially distanced, of course) God finally led us to Pastor Tanner.

During the time of searching for a pastor and transition of Griffins coming aboard we carried on. Communion was served, board meetings were held, pastoral birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas were celebrated with cards and gifts, we remembered and honored our pastoral staff during Pastor Appreciation month, flowers were provided and meals were planned for funerals.

Due to COVID and its restrictions we started a Driving Ministry. Every couple of months volunteers would drive to the homes of congregants to deliver encouragement and bags of goodies, being sure to keep a “social distance”.

15

We had the honor of helping with a 100th birthday party for George Wentz. A few months later we provided a funeral dinner for his family. He is greatly missed.

As COVID restrictions are slowly being eased we are still busy ministering to each other and reaching out to the community around us.

As I said last year, there is a ministry for every person here. I will end this report with a quote from last year’s report:

Do you have an idea or see a hole that needs filling? Do you have a talent or a hobby? Talk to our lead or associate pastor to see how that can be worked into a ministry. There is a place for EVERYONE to serve, and most are simple things but have a huge impact on our church and spiritual well-being.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

In His Service,

Jill Albert – Head Steward

District Licensed Minister Report: Pastor Tabitha Fisher

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This last year has been an interesting year to say the very least. For three fourths of the year we found ourselves living in unprecedented times. I do not need to recover everything that took place last year because each of us know exactly how COVID-19 impacted the world both as a whole and on an individual level. In many regards my world did not change much, I still had a job, a place to live, food on my plate, an amazing husband and daughter, a church body to worship with, good health. For those things I thank God.

March of 2020 everything as far as ministry was turned upside down. I went from running a before and after school program to running a full day program where I had to facilitate the education of 10 students from 5 different elementary schools all on different daily schedules. Though this time was difficult with God’s help he was able to provide me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to the children and families of the daycare.

16

June of 2020 brought the summer program. I had to reorient myself again and figure out how to navigate a summer program where we would have to change how we do our daily activities as well as how we go on field trips. On top of this I still had to oversee their Bible lessons. Over the summer we had 10 kids who gave their life to Jesus and another 15 kids who rededicated their lives to Jesus. I also had the added stress of tensions between me and the other teacher and myself and a parent. Though this time was difficult with God’s help he was able to provide me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to the children and families of the daycare.

September of 2020 brought yet another new chapter. Instead of doing the before school program, my ministry shifted to 2-8 middle school students all day everyday. While I miss the mornings being able to invest in relationships with those kids, I am loving how God is working in the lives of the middle school students as they are here. Daily I am helping them with their school work but more importantly I am teaching them about God and I am journeying with them in a very difficult season. Though this time was difficult with God’s help he was able to provide me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to the children and families of the daycare.

After Thanksgiving, the schools went completely virtual for 2 weeks. This was pure chaos, unlike the virtual learning in the spring this round we had 35 kids that we had to get into classes on time as well as help make sure they completed all of their schoolwork. That round of virtual learning I was so grateful to have 2 other teachers and 2 volunteers come in to help with the schooling part of the day. Though this time was difficult with God’s help he was able to provide me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to the children and families of the daycare.

While this season has not been easy from a ministry perspective, I have seen God at work in me as I have better learned to manage my time. I have also seen him stretch me in my leadership abilities and in my ability to let go and allow someone else to step in and help. I really saw this during the virtual learning days where I was able to not only help the kids in front of me but also to help me delegate the work in front of me out to the other teachers and volunteers.

I have also sensed a major shift in my calling. For much of my life I have known God was calling me to ministry. Somewhere I knew that I would end up in pastoral ministry. 7 years ago I told my kids that I would be here until I was ordained. Well, in this year leading up to what could be my ordination year I have really felt God moving and preparing me for a senior pastorate ministry. In 2020 I have had the opportunity to preach twice at BC 1st CotN and I have been asked to be pulpit supply at 2 churches in Lansing. Though this time has been, difficult with God’s help he is providing me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to those that I am ministering to.

One thing that I have always wrestled with in my calling is that my own father has always told me that he did not believe women should be pastors unless it was only to other women. This was a struggle because I knew my call but I also knew that I did not have the support of my earthly father. In August 2020 I had the opportunity to preach in Lansing and it so happened that the Sunday I preached would be the Sunday my parents were in town. I was nervous knowing my dad would be there, but many people including myself were praying for the Holy Spirit to do a work in my father. I found out later that my father was in tears. He told me he was proud of me for doing what God has called me to do, and that he knew that this was my calling. That was just one more affirmation of God transitioning me from children’s ministry to pastoral ministry. Though this time was difficult

17

with God’s help he was able to provide me with the tools necessary to provide people with a message from God and through that message show them the love of God.

October of 2020 I really felt God calling me away from children’s ministry at the church. While this was a difficult decision Pastor Tanner and myself really felt as though this was the best decision for me to make as I prepare to move forward into senior pastoral ministry. Though this time has been, difficult with God’s help he is providing me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to those that I am ministering to.

I want to thank all of you for your prayer and support in my ministry at First Kids Learning Center and for your support in my call to ministry. I know that if it were not for God and for you I would not be able to have made it through the ministry changes of 2020. Though this last year was difficult with God’s help he was able to provide me with the tools necessary to provide the love of Christ to the children and families of the daycare and the church. I am so blessed to have been part of this church and the ministries here. I know that as God moves me forward in ministry that Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene is instrumental in helping me to achieve my calling.

Love Fearlessly,

Pastor Tabitha Fisher

Pastor of Worship and Engagement Report

This past church year was filled with the challenges of navigating of how to worship and be the church through a pandemic, but through it all God has been with us and has blessed us.

We had a new outreach start when our church building was closed right before Easter 2020. What had started as a response to congregational care during a shut down, lead to a driving ministry with many wonderful volunteers who about every other month would visit each household of our congregation. Now, as our church has opened up, with many people able to return to in person worship, that ministry has transformed into an outbound communion team lead by Pastor Tanner.

A huge blessing this year was being able to update the technology in our sanctuary. We started with livestreaming, and have been updating our technology for both our in-service and online service needs. We replaced two headsets, added a switcher (switches between multiple camera views), and installed OBS software (livestream format programming). Another update was getting rid of the projector that was beginning to fail and install the TVs in the front of the sanctuary, one in the back,

18

and updating the one in the foyer. Our team has recently begun our next update with the installation of the digital mixer, working on improving our overall sound in the sanctuary and online. There are so many people who have been a tremendous help during all of these changes. A special thanks to our media team that has been learning how to operate with our new technology and helping us look and sound good to share the Good News: thank you Dan, David Dake, Malachi, Sarah, and Tom.

Thank you to Chris Spence who lead and directed our Christmas choir this year. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate Christmas at church together, along with the added additional of some special lighting along the inside of the sanctuary walls. During the season of Lent, we had special elements each service leading up to Easter, with guided prayer, special songs, the teen’s skit video, and children’s Bible verse video. It was wonderful to involve our teens and kids ministries in our Lent season this year.

This has been a year of changes. We’ve added two new members to our worship and media team. I’ve enjoyed working with Pastor Ray during our time of transition and look forward to continuing ministry with Pastor Tanner in my new role as Pastor of Worship and Engagement. During time at home earlier this church year, I joined a worship leaders coaching group online back when almost every church was closed on Sundays to gain insight and learn from their experiences. It’s been a blessing to continue working with our NMI District council, and I am working on completing my education for ordination in 2022.

Looking ahead at this coming year, our team is continuing forward with completing our current projects, and looking into additional improvements for online and in-person. As the community around us continues to open up again, we’re excited with the possibilities for outreach to partner with our community, share the Good News, and make Christlike disciples.

To God be the Glory,Rev. Hanna George

19