FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SAUGATUCK

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THIRD YEAR

Annual Report 2013

For the Congregational Meeting

of January 19, 2014

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of SAUGATUCK

296 Hoffman St., PO Box 633, Saugatuck, MI 49453 Pastor: Rev. Robert J. Brink

Rob’s Cell: 616-283-5990 Office: 269-857-2929 Rob’s Email: rob@revsmilez.com Office Email: office@1stcongregational.net

Website: www.1stcongregational.net

Loving God, One Another and Our Communities for over 150 years

Congregational Annual Report January 19, 2014

Table of Contents

2013 Annual Meeting Minutes Page 1

2014 Nominations Slate Page 2-3

2013 Minister’s Report Page 4

2013 Moderator’s Report Page 5

2013 Clerk’s Report Page 6

2013 Trustee Board Report Page 7

2013 Diaconate Board Report Page 8

2013 Profit & Loss Statement with Budget Page 9-10

Proposed 2014 Budget Page 11

152nd ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES of the

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of Saugatuck, MI Sunday, January 20, 2013

Moderator Kirke White called the meeting to order at 11:16 A.M. Pastor Rob Brink offered the opening prayer. Clerk Cathy Brockington led the congregation in remembering those who have died in 2012: Erwin R. Kasten Jr. and Lynn Mayer Thomas Betts. The Clerk determined that a quorum was present. Minutes of the 2010 Annual Meeting were approved (Joe Brockington/Peggy Boyce). Passed.

Phyllis Yff, Trustee Representative, presented the 2013 budget totaling $124,494.00 of projected income. Vic Mayer made a motion, seconded by Renna Birkholz, to approve the proposed 2013 budget, and the motion carried.

For the Prudential Board, Moderator White moved three proposed changes to the Constitution: Article III. Election of Officers and Boards 1) Elections:

E) All persons elected as officers of The Church must be members of the First Congregational Church of Saugatuck. (delete “and boards”) 3) Boards:

B) Board Chairs must be members of the First Congregational Church of Saugatuck. (added)

Article IV. Duties of Officers and Boards A) Moderator: The Moderator shall preside over all business meetings of The Church, shall be the

chairperson of the Prudential Board, and shall serve as “year-round Delegate” to the NACCC. He/she shall also… (bold italics denote text addition)

The motion passed.

For the Prudential Board acting as the Nominating Committee, the Moderator moved the names of those who have agreed to serve on the Boards beginning in 2013:

For the Board of Deacons four are nominated: Jennifer Wingard--Worship Deacon, Carolyn Raebel—Congregational Care Deacon, Joan Lamb—Christian Education Deacon, and Cindy Raue—Outreach Deacon.

For the Board of Trustees Steve Borgman is nominated. Sylvia Rudich will serve as the At Large member of the Prudential Board. Peggy Boyce is again

nominated to serve as NACCC Delegate, and Graham Duryee will serve as State and Regional Delegate. (MACCC and WMACCC) This leaves one position vacant on both the Diaconate and Trustee Boards. Peg Boyce moved and Pat Gentry seconded to cast a unanimous ballot to elect those named above. The motion carried. The Business of the Church being concluded, the Moderator offered a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 11:37 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Brockington

Page 1

First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, MI

SLATE OF OFFICERS for 2014 ANNUAL MEETING Nominations being accepted

All Prudential Officers serve 2 YEAR terms. Must be members of 1st Congregational Church. Moderator _____Brad Rudich_______________________________ (Term—Jan 2014 through Jan 2016) Clerk __________Connie Rusiecki____________________________ (Term—Jan 2014 through Jan 2016) Treasurer—Phyllis Yff (Term—Jan 2013 through January 2015) At large Member __________Betty White_____________________ (Term—Jan 2014 through Jan 2016) Financial Secretary __________Janna Rudich___________________ (Term—Jan 2014 through Jan 2016)

Board Positions Available Terms are 3 years positions, except where noted.

Only Chairs must be members of 1st Congregational Church Trustees Chair—Jeff Baker— Term (Jan 2013 through Jan 2016) Building – Gerrit Sturrus – Term (Jan 2012 through Jan 2015) At large Member _______David Edwards________________________ Term—Jan 2014 through Jan 2015 (1 year term this year only. Next year becomes 3 year term.) Benevolence—Sue Bohlander—Term (Jan 2013 through 2016) Publicity—Steve Borgman—Term (Jan 2013 through 2016) Delegates Delegate to NACCC _____________________________________ (Term—Jan 2014 to Jan 2016) Delegate to State and Western Mich. Assoc. Meetings _______________________________________ (Term—Jan 2014 to Jan 2016)(Mtgs. One Saturday each in September and October.)

Page 2

First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, MI SLATE OF OFFICERS for 2014 ANNUAL MEETING

Nominations being accepted Deacons – new terms are 3 years unless otherwise noted. Chair __________Cathy Brockington___________________________ (former Deacon preferred) (Term Jan 2014 through Jan 2017) Congregational Care ____Terri Borgman_________(Term Jan 2014 through Jan 2017) (3 year term) (Responsible for Assigning Nursery Care, Overseeing Nursery equipment and policies, Overseeing Shepherding Program) Congregational Care ______Renna Birkholz________(Term Jan 2014 thru Jan 2015) (1 year term this year only, next year becomes 3 yr term.) Responsibility for assigning Coffee Hour Hosts, Stocking Kitchen for Coffee Hour. Christian Ed Deacon ________________________________________ (Term –Jan 2014 through Jan 2015) (1 year term this year only. Next year becomes 3 yr. term.) Fellowship Deacon ____________________________________ (Term Jan 2014 through 2017) Coordinating Monthly Family Friendly Events. Work with Mission-Outreach Deacon. (Not responsible for creating new events OR for doing all the work to put them on.) Worship Deacon ____________________________________ (Term-Jan 2014 through Jan 2017) Christian Ed Deacon—Joan Lamb—(Term—Jan 2013 though Jan 2016) Mission—Outreach Deacon—Cindy Raue—coordinates Every Month Matters events and other outreach opportunities for the Church Family (Term-Jan 2013 to Jan 2016) Worship Deacon—Jennifer Wingard—(Jan 2013 through Jan 2016)

Page 3

Annual Report of the Minister – Reverend Robert Brink

Every day I thank God for the privilege of serving as your pastor. It’s been four years now, and

apparently that's about how long it takes for people to start opening up. I'm doing a lot more

counseling, weddings, and funerals than years past. This deepening relationship opens up new

opportunities for growth. Here are just a few of the signs of that growth looking back over the previous

year.

The Congregation stepped out in faith to hire a Sunday School director to support our strong Sunday School program. This is a work in progress, and our many volunteers continue to give while we search.

The newly minted Pilgrim Fellowship planned and led its very first event! I'm excited to see how these kids continue to grow in wisdom and confidence.

When our organist, Patricia Kerr, suffered a family emergency, this congregation gave her the support and freedom she needed. When it became clear that she wouldn't be able to come back, a lay-led team hired David Schout, who has brought our organ music to new heights.

Our existing ministry teams, Women's Fellowship, Shepherds, Sunday School, Chancel Choir, and New Praise all continued their good work, in some cases even navigating leadership transitions without losing focus.

Lay volunteers organized a traveling Bible study, which has now settled down as a stable group in the Fellowship Hall.

The Monday Matters team changed focus away from adding another weekly responsibility to your calendar, toward one big outreach project per month that the whole congregation can support. As I said in last year's report, always relying on the same faithful leaders is a recipe for burnout.

We've seen some of that this year, but the highlights above show healthy responses to those realities.

In 2014, I don't plan to start even one new program. More programs do not mean more people.

Activity does not equal results. We need stronger teams, supported leaders, and healthier systems so

that our programs are more of a blessing and less of a burden. If we can do that, the growth will

happen naturally.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Pastor Rob

Page 4

Moderator’s Report, 2013

First of all, a thank you is owed to my predecessor Kirke White for chairing the Prudential Board through March of this year and to Cathy Brockington (Clerk) who chaired the board as Moderator Pro Tem during the months of April and May. After a review of activities by the Prudential Board as found in the monthly minutes of board meetings, certain conclusions can be drawn which I will try to summarize as briefly as I can. 1. Our Pastor, Rob Brink has and continues to project himself and our church body into the community and surrounding areas through various means, which should be encouraged and continued. 2. Given an aging congregation, we are confronted by a process of doing at least the same amount of work with fewer participants. As a result, the work load per member (and non-member) has increased and will increase with time. More efficient methods and “working smarter” may help mitigate the problem. 3. Regarding item number two, we may have to re-think the way in which our church body regulates itself. It is becoming clearer that filling board vacancies has become difficult (if we are truthful) which may mean a change to a type of “governing church board” to handle and direct the affairs of the church, eliminating the form of government that we currently try to sustain. We should have serious debate and discussion on the topic. 4. Institution of the Sunday School Director and the resulting program should alleviate the “burn out” factor which those that have taken on the responsibilities have experienced in the past. Parental involvement and volunteers are key to its success. 5. We had decided as a board, in lieu of a stewardship campaign, to institute a “Thanks-living” sermon series (initiated by Rob) which was delivered by him and well received. We also decided to thank everyone this year via letter for their time, talent and treasure instead of the stewardship campaign. 6. Prominent among our successes, we can point to the Shepherd’s program which has been a

valuable tool to reach out and communicate with individual members and non-members alike. Of no

less importance are the Parish Nurse activities, our choirs, bible study group, Sunday School and the

always amazing Women’s Fellowship.

7. Lastly, we are fortunate indeed for the vast talents and abilities of Kathleen, our office manager,

who keeps everything in order and on time. And for David, our organist/accompanist, who has brought

a new, skillful vitality with his music.

We need to be thankful for God’s continual blessings and for all of you who have worked tirelessly on

boards, various projects and functions throughout the year.

Have a happy, healthy and fruitful New Year!

Respectfully submitted, Ralph R Birkholz, Moderator

Page 5

CLERK’S 2013 REPORT

Births—Hank Allen Overway III--born to Hank & Sarah Overway on 8/16/2013 Baptisms- Logan James Sagal, Parents-Joshua & Adrianne Sagal. Baptism 8/4/13 Anna Lynn Birkholz, Parents—Eric & Laurie Birkholz Baptism 10/27/13 Hank Allen Overway III, Parents—Hank & Sara Overway Baptism 11/10/2013 Deaths of Members and Friends of First Congregational Church Marshall Greene 3/05/2013 Rev. Edith Margaret Winter 5/01/2013

Arlene “Buzz” Edgcomb 5/10/2013 Mrs. Forrest (Florence) Doerner 5/18/2013 Kelly Burns-Mack 8/12/2013 New Members--None Marriages - Rocky L. Schippa II and Lindsey Joy Brush on March 2, 2013 Jeremy Charles Laatz and Emily Jane Mayer on July 21, 2013 James Thomas Peck and Alyssa Renae Harris on September 14, 2013 Aaron Ryan White and Renee Suzanne Keeley on September 21, 2013 Mark Andrew Nichols and Kacey Lynne Heuvelman on November 9, 2013

Transfer of Membership- Arlene Edgcomb 3-6-2013 due to moving to Arizona to live with daughter.

After consulting with the Church Secretary and the existing rolls, the Clerk has ascertained that First Congregational Church now has 159 members.

Catherine B. Brockington, Clerk

Page 6

2013 Trustee Report

MEMBERS

Jeff Baker, Chairman Sue Bohlander, Missions Steve Borgman, Publicity Gerrit Sturrus, Building and Grounds

REPORT

Missions supported in 2013 included our own Rachel Shields’s trip to Uruguay with Collegiate Ministry; Remember; Bread of Life Ministries; One Great Hour of Sharing for relief in the Philippines; Indian Trails Mission in Bisbee, AZ; Sylvia’s Place in Allegan; the Housing Resource Center of Allegan County, CROP Walk, and Vespers Cruise; Christian Neighbors; and the Love Fund. Thank you to all who supported these missions with their generous donations of money, goods, time, and effort. Special thanks to Sue for researching mission needs and our ability to address them. Building and grounds were a consistent topic of attention for the Trustees. Special thanks to our custodians, Janet Hanscom and Amy Faber, for keeping the place looking good for everyone’s use and enjoyment. Imagine the amount of “regular” maintenance a building the age of our church requires! If you’re wondering who to thank for taking care of things that need installing or that stick, leak, or don’t go up and down as expected, it’s a safe bet that Gerrit had something to do with it. We’ve had elevator inspections, fire inspections, and heating/cooling/electrical issues on which Gerrit happily took the lead. Publicity was implemented in our traditionally understated style. The many offers of special advertising yielded to a modest budget and low-key media style. Thanks to freshman Trustee Steve for fielding the many requests and for his consistent thoughtful contributions to the board’s efforts. In 2013, the Board approved the then-proposed creation of a paid Sunday School Director position. This proposal was later adopted by the Church body at a special meeting. The Board looks forward to staffing this position and supporting the renewal of a truly extraordinary Sunday School program. The Board has submitted a proposed 2014 budget totaling $132,221.00. This is a $7,727.00 increase over 2013. The 2014 budget includes a line item for the newly created position of Sunday School Director. The budget increase was held to a minimum by holding the line on increases and cuts were affected through adjustments based on 2012 actual expenditures. The budget process made possible by the efforts of our perpetually cheerful Treasurer, Phyllis Yff. Great thanks to Phyllis for always being prepared with monthly financials and a positive outlook. It would be impossible for this ragtag group of part-time amateurs to see to the business of the Church without the unfailing professional support of our Office Manager, Kathleen Slawson. Thanks to Kathleen for seeing that we’re all in the same room at the same time with all the information we need to make good decisions. She’s also pretty handy with a screwdriver! Thanks again to all my fellow board members. I appreciate their time and dedicated efforts in service to the Church.

Submitted on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Jeff Baker, Chairman

Page 7

Board of Deacons Annual Report 2013

The Board of Deacons continues to be short-handed, shy one worship deacon and one congregational care deacon for most of the year. However, the jobs get done, thanks to those who step in when needed. Christian Education (Linda Kinnaman and Joan Lamb) The numbers have dwindled in the Sunday School this year, so the elementary and pre-school groups are together again, while the Donut Club continues for 6th graders and up. The Heifer Project received enough from our Sunday School offerings to buy two water buffalo. The proposed internship at Hope College for an assistant to Sunday School Superintendent, Jesse Brink, did not pan out. The Diaconate voted in August to recommend advertising for a Sunday School Superintendent, a paid staff position. That has not yet been filled so others are helping to relieve Jesse. The Lenten soup supper series this year focused on prayer and prayer partners. Congregational Care (Renna Birkholz) The Congregational Care deacons are responsible for the Shepherds, parish nurse and nursery schedule.

In February Renna and Terri Borgman organized a “Celebration of Love,” which included an opportunity for couples and singles to have dinner together, to share wedding pictures and renew vows, if they wished.

In September the Flu Clinic and outdoor picnic brought in more people from the community than previously.

In November we welcomed a new deacon, Terri Borgman, who will help Renna in Congregational Care. Worship (Jennifer Wingard, sometimes accompanied by Junior Deacon Amber Wingard) Mainly devoted to coordinating all aspects of the worship service, this job includes assigning Scripture readers, overseeing the Worship Team Coordinator, finding substitute pastors when Pastor Rob is vacationing, organizing the decoration of the church at Christmas, changing paraments, banners, etc. Upon the resignation of Patricia Kerr, the deacons recommended hiring David Schout as our new organist. In October Jennifer assisted in the baptism of Anna Birkholz, infant daughter of Eric and Laurie Birkholz. The deacons chose the Love Fund as the offering for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Mission/Outreach (Cindy Raue) This position has been filled by a very enthusiastic and reliable deacon, who meets with Pastor Rob regularly to come up with ideas for service to the community. Fellowship (Linda Dine and Janet Hanscom)

This position now includes coordinating Family Friendly events, assigning Fellowship Hour hosts and restocking the kitchen. Respectfully submitted, Betty A. White, Chair

Page 8

Page 9 First Congregational Church – 2013 Profit & Loss Statement with Budget

Jan - Dec 13 Budget

$ Over Budget

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Church Usage 580.00 0.00 580.00

Contributions 88,343.95 105,000.00 -16,656.05

Money Market Transfers 26,000.00 15,894.00 10,106.00

Parking Lot 3,554.00 3,600.00 -46.00

Total Income 118,477.95 124,494.00 -6,016.05

Expense

Church Maintenance & Operations

Delegate Travel NACCC, MCCCC 800.00 500.00 300.00

Advertising 1,066.91 1,000.00 66.91

Building Improvement 2,070.00 4,000.00 -1,930.00

Custodian 5,640.00 5,640.00 0.00

Dues / Assoc. Fees 1,318.00 1,325.00 -7.00

Elevator 1,046.66 1,000.00 46.66

Information Technology 624.17 1,000.00 -375.83

Insurance Premiums 3,977.60 4,100.00 -122.40

Maintenance 4,807.22 5,000.00 -192.78

Office Manager 13,156.00 13,156.00 0.00

Postage/Box Rent 676.60 800.00 -123.40

Refuse Pick-up 130.79 140.00 -9.21

Supplies 2,022.61 2,500.00 -477.39

Utilities

Electric 3,095.88 2,900.00 195.88

Heating 3,928.00 6,000.00 -2,072.00

Telephone 1,241.92 1,260.00 -18.08

Water / Sewer 830.18 800.00 30.18

Total Utilities 9,095.98 10,960.00 -1,864.02

Total Church Maintenance & Operations 46,432.54 51,121.00 -4,688.46

Diaconate

Christian Ed Supplies 193.51 1,000.00 -806.49

Fellowship

E.M.M./Community Events 176.38 500.00 -323.62

Youth Programs 41.68 200.00 -158.32

Total Fellowship 218.06 700.00 -481.94

Publications 141.06 100.00 41.06

Supplies 768.68 700.00 68.68

Worship Coordination

Guest Pastors 500.00 500.00 0.00

Instrument Maintenance 260.93 300.00 -39.07

Organist 4,644.29 7,000.00 -2,355.71

Special Music 0.00 150.00 -150.00

Substitutes 1,050.00 300.00 750.00

Total Worship Coordination 6,455.22 8,250.00 -1,794.78

Total Diaconate 7,776.53 10,750.00 -2,973.47

Missions 0.00 0.00 0.00

Pastor Expenses

Cell Phone 681.27 1,100.00 -418.73

Health / Dental Insurance 12,701.97 12,000.00 701.97

Housing Allowance 16,800.00 16,800.00 0.00

Retirement 5,705.04 5,705.00 0.04

Salary 23,045.00 23,045.00 0.00

Travel & Publications 2,277.92 2,000.00 277.92

Total Pastor Expenses 61,211.20 60,650.00 561.20

Payroll Taxes (Employer) 1,793.18 1,973.00 -179.82

Reconciliation Discrepancies 0.00 0.00 0.00

Tax

Federal 0.00 0.00 0.00

Medicare 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other 0.00 0.00 0.00

Soc Sec 0.00 0.00 0.00

State 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Tax 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Expense 117,213.45 124,494.00 -7,280.55

Net Ordinary Income 1,264.50 0.00 1,264.50

Other Income/Expense

Other Income

Designated Funds Activity

Building Improvement 0.00 0.00 0.00

CE / PF Funds 297.69 0.00 297.69

Love Fund -919.64 0.00 -919.64

Memorial Fund 2,355.00 0.00 2,355.00

Music Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00

Parish Nurse Funds 0.00 0.00 0.00

Women's Friendship Circle 1,200.39 0.00 1,200.39

Total Designated Funds Activity 2,933.44 0.00 2,933.44

Investment Income

Dividends 10,089.94 0.00 10,089.94

Fees -4,295.05 0.00 -4,295.05

Gain/Loss 67,087.35 0.00 67,087.35

Transferred Funds -26,000.00 0.00 -26,000.00

Total Investment Income 46,882.24 0.00 46,882.24

Special Collection Activity

Collections 3,983.50 0.00 3,983.50

Disbursements -3,988.00 0.00 -3,988.00

Total Special Collection Activity -4.50 0.00 -4.50

Total Other Income 49,811.18 0.00 49,811.18

Other Expense

Non-Budgeted Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Other Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00

Net Other Income 49,811.18 0.00 49,811.18

Net Income

51,075.68 0.00 51,075.68

Page 10

First Congregational Church of Saugatuck – Proposed 2014 Budget Page 11

Description 2013 Budget 2014 Budget Inc (Dec)

Income

Contributions $105,000.00 $98,000.00 ($7,000.00) Money Market Transfers

$15,894.00 $30,721.00 $14,827.00

Parking Lot $3,600.00 $3,500.00 ($100.00)

Total Income $124,494.00 $132,221.00 $7,727.00 Expense

Church Maintenance & Operations Advertising $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 Building Improvement $4,000.00 $2,000.00 ($2,000.00) Custodian $5,640.00 $5,640.00 $0.00 Dues / Assoc. Fees $1,325.00 $1,325.00 $0.00 Elevator $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 Information Technology

$1,000.00 $800.00 ($200.00)

Insurance Premiums $4,100.00 $4,100.00 $0.00 Maintenance $5,000.00 $4,500.00 ($500.00) Delegate Travel $500.00 $500.00 $0.00 Office Manager $13,156.00 $13,156.00 $0.00 Postage/Box Rent $800.00 $800.00 $0.00 Refuse Pick-up $140.00 $140.00 $0.00 Supplies $2,500.00 $2,300.00 ($200.00) Electric $2,900.00 $3,000.00 $100.00 Heating $6,000.00 $4,500.00 ($1,500.00) Telephone $1,260.00 $1,260.00 $0.00 Water / Sewer $800.00 $860.00 $60.00 Total Church Maintenance & Operations

$51,121.00 $46,881.00 ($4,240.00)

Diaconate / Music Choir/Music Direction $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 CE Director $0.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Christian Ed Supplies $1,000.00 $800.00 ($200.00) Fellowship EMM/Community Events

$500.00 $400.00 ($100.00)

Youth Programs $200.00 $200.00 $0.00 Publications $100.00 $100.00 $0.00 Supplies $700.00 $700.00 $0.00 Worship Coordination Guest Pastors $500.00 $500.00 $0.00 Instrument Maintenance

$300.00 $400.00 $100.00

Organist $7,000.00 $7,000.00 $0.00 Special Music $150.00 $150.00 $0.00 Substitutes $300.00 $200.00 ($100.00) Total Diaconate / Music

$10,750.00 $20,450.00 $9,700.00

Pastor Expenses Cell Phone $1,100.00 $800.00 ($300.00) Health / Dental Insurance

$12,000.00 $13,800.00 $1,800.00

Housing Allowance $16,800.00 $16,800.00 $0.00 Retirement $5,705.00 $5,705.00 $0.00 Salary $23,045.00 $23,045.00 $0.00 Travel & Publications $2,000.00 $2,000.00 $0.00 Total Pastor Expenses

$60,650.00 $62,150.00 $1,500.00

Payroll Taxes (Employer) Total Expense

$1,973.00 $124,494.00

$2,740.00 $132,221.00

$767.00 $7,727.00