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For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. Romans 12:4-5

ANNUAL REPORT

OUR FAITH IN ACTION

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America God’s work. Our hands.

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COMO PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents

____________________________________________________________ Agenda 2 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes 3 Staff and Officers 5 ____________________________________________________________ Committees 6 Parish Report 8 Statistics 9 ____________________________________________________________ Staff Reports 10 President’s Report 18 Resolutions 20 ____________________________________________________________ Committee Reports 21 Bazaar 32 ____________________________________________________________ Trust Fund Report 36 ____________________________________________________________ Como Park Living at Home Block Nurse Report 38 WAPO Annual Report 39 St. Paul Area Synod—Bishop Lull’s Letter 40 ____________________________________________________________ Treasurer’s Report Green Insert

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Como Park Lutheran Church

Annual Meeting Agenda Sunday, January 25, 2015

A. Call to order: Paula Latz, Council President

B. Opening Devotions

C. Approval of Congregational Annual Meeting Minutes

January 26, 2014

D. Approval of Agenda

E. Nominating Committee Report 1. Election of Council Members 2. Conference and Synod Assembly Delegates & Representatives 3. Nominating Committee 4. Trust Fund Committee Election

F. Election of Nominating Committee

G. Financial Report

H. Trust Fund Report

I. Budget Report

J. Staff and Committee Reports

K. New Business 1.Constitutional & Bylaws Reviews for Revisions

L. Continuing Resolutions

M. Installation of Officers & Council

N. Adjournment

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Como Park Lutheran Church

Congregational Annual Meeting Minutes Sunday, January 27, 2014

Council President, Paula Latz, called the meeting to order at 9:36 a.m. The meeting opened with devotions by Pastoral Intern Rufus Kudee. Approval of the minutes of 2013 Congregational Annual Meeting. MSA Approval of the agenda. MSA The motion to remove the Constitution discussion under “New Business” did not pass. Nominating Committee Report: Election of Council members: President: Paula Latz (2nd term) Vice president: Jonathan Lund (2nd term) Secretary: Janice Kragness (2nd term) Treasurer: John Grafstrom (5th term) Melissa Johnson (2 year term – Youth and Family) Paul Winghart (2 year term – Stewardship) Dan Garvin (2 year term – Worship) Carol Kelsey (2 year term – Health and Wellness/Senior Ministries) Conference Assembly delegates: Stacy Hecht Jonathan Nye David Laden (filling in for Curt Loschy who will be in Tanzania on Feb. 8) Paula Latz Synod Assembly delegates: Paula Latz Curt Loschy MSA to close nominations. Motion to approve the slate by acclamation, MSA. Trust Fund Committee: Marc Al Paul Winghart nominated from the floor. Motion to approve the slate by acclamation, MSA. Financial Report John Grafstrom presented the 2013 Treasurer’s report. The report was approved as read. MSA

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Trust Fund Report As enabled by a resolution at the 2013 Congregational Annual meeting, the Trust Fund committee recommends the allocation of $12,000 to the CPLC budget, to be distributed only in the event the CPLC Finance Committee makes a request based on extraordinary needs and/or extenuating circumstances. The committee recommends to the congregation the trust fund distribution of $33,700, representing 3.4% of the trust fund balance as of September 30, 2013. MSA Budget Report Jonathan Lund (chair of the Budget committee) introduced David Laden who presented the 2014 budget based on: Operating Revenue of $575,040 Operating Expenses: Jonathan noted the following: 1) There is a new line in Revenue – Special Gifts: Year Round Stewardship Appeals. In order to address budget challenges and changing patterns of giving, six special giving opportunities will be presented to the congregation throughout the year. 2) $50,000 of non-renewing funds will be used to balance the budget. MSA Staff and Committee Reports All reports are printed in the Annual Report. New Business Constitutional review for revisions. Motion to “table the constitution discussion to the 2015 annual meeting.” MSA Discussion: should we have a forum prior to next year’s meeting in order to better discuss the constitution revision. Motion to amend the prior motion to include two review meetings before the next congregational annual meeting (one for budget, one for the constitution). MSA Continuing Resolutions MSA Installation of Officers and Council The meeting closed with the Doxology.

General Fund Shine Mission Appeal Gredvig Legacy Fund Total

General Expenses $478,330 $ 88,410 $ 8,300 $ 575,040

Programmatic 41,550 14,060 5,100 60,710

Personnel 302,405 34,350 3,200 339,955

General/Admin. 98,150 40,000 0 575,040

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Term Expires January 2015 Jim DeLeo Jonathan Nye David Osterhouse

CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS

CHURCH COUNCIL (Membership and terms of office)

COMO PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH STAFF

Term Expires January 2016 Dan Garvin Melissa Popp Carol Kelsey Sara Peper

Senior Pastor ............................................................................. Martin Ericson Pastoral Intern .............................................................................. Dan Schewe Director of Music Ministry ............................................................ Thomas Ferry Director of Children, Youth & Family .................................................. Anna Morris Visitation Coordinator ..................................................................... Amy Hanson Volunteer & Evangelism Coordinator ................................................. Mary Loschy Parish Administrator ..................................................................... Carole Joncas Sunday School Superintendent ........................................................ Jane Nelson Kitchen Coordinator ...................................................................... Sue Brogger Wedding Coordinator ..................................................................... Sue Brogger Comptroller ...................................................................................David Laden Property Manager .......................................................................... Mark Gagné Sunday Custodian .......................................................................... Brian Molde Joyful Ringers Director .................................................................. Thomas Ferry Children’s Choirs Director .......................................... Jane Nelson & Lori Purdham Notes From Heaven Choir Director ................................................ Linda Johnson Nursery Director ................................................................... Kathryn Willprecht Wednesday Evening Meals ............................................................. Sue Brogger

President ……………………Paula Latz Vice President …….Jonathan Lund Treasurer…………… John Grafstrom Secretary……………Janice Kragness

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YOUTH & FAMILY Doug Hagerman, Chair Juliette Al, Treasurer Dan Duncan Mary Hagerman Mel Hatch-Popp Scott Roste Anna Morris, CYF Minister Pastor Martin Ericson FINANCE John Grafstrom, Chair & Council Rep. David Laden Paula Latz Jonathan Lund Milan Rajacich Pastor Martin Ericson PROPERTY Jonathan Nye, Chair & Council Rep Mark Gagné Kevin Johnson Brian Molde Bob Simon Karen Wennberg (God’s Gardners) Pastor Martin Ericson EDUCATION Jane Nelson, Chair Sadie Fischer David Osterhouse, Council Representative Pastor Martin Ericson ADULT EDUCATION TASK FORCE Stacey Hecht Don Kelsey Vern Weckwerth Pastor Martin Ericson

SOCIAL MISSIONS Sue Brogger (co-chair) Ruth Pechauer (co-chair) Jim DeLeo (council rep) Roy Muscatello Dick Young Pastor Marty Ericson WORSHIP Ken Purdham, Chair Dan Garvin, Council Representative Bianca Brogger Tom Ferry David Harris Stacey Hecht Val Negaard Sara Peper Pastor Martin Ericson SENIOR MINISTRY Carol Kelsey, Chair & Council Rep Joanne Cushman John Grafstrom Amy Hanson Anne Hanson Elaine Ogren Louise Smith Elsie Trapp Janice Vance Pastor Martin Ericson HEALTH & WELLNESS Carol Kelsey, Council Representative Shirley Connelly Ginger Fischer Paula Latz Pastor Martin Ericson STEWARDSHIP Curt Loschy, Chair John Grafstrom, Council Representative Andrew Becker Mark Bly Janice Kragness David Laden Paula Latz Jonathan Lund Pastor Martin Ericson

2015 CHURCH COUNCIL

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CONGREGATIONAL COMMITTEES TRUST FUND Marc Al, Chair Mary Loschy Paul McCreight Christine Tuft Paul Winghart Pastor Martin Ericson PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Paula Latz Jonathan Lund Janice Kragness John Grafstrom Paul Winghart Pastor Martin Ericson

AUDIT COMMITTEE John Grafstrom Roy Muscatello Milan Rajacich NOMINATING COMMITTEE Dorothy Alshouse David Harris Jim Johnson Bruce Nelson Heather Quale Pastor Martin Ericson PASTORAL INTERN COMMITTEE Suzy Bergstrom Stacey Hecht Janice Kragness Roy Muscatello David Osterhouse Ken Purdham

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PARISH REPORT Year Ending December 31, 2014

CHURCH ATTENDANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL FALL 2014 Average Weekly Attendance 2013: 200 Age 3—Grade 8 41 Average Weekly Attendance 2014: 197 SS Staff 17 NURSERY Average Attendance 4 MARRIAGES: 0 FUNERALS: 11 ADULT FORUM Average Attendance 25

BAPTIZED CONFIRMED

Membership as of January 1, 2014 641 490 Members received during 2014: By Baptism: Children (15 yrs. and younger) 13 0 By Baptism: Adults (16 yrs. and older) 0 0 By Affirmation of Faith 6 6 By Transfer from ELCA Congregation 2 2 From other Lutheran Congregations 0 0 From other denominations 0 0 Total members received during 2013 21 8 Baptized members confirmed during 2013 __4 ___0 662 498 Members removed during 2014: By Death 9 9 By Inactivity 25 17 Removed by Request 18 15 Transfer 3 3 Unknown Address __9 ___1 Total membership Removed 64 45 Membership as of December 31, 2014 598 453

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2014 MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS

Lois Nelson 01-30-14 Helen MacDonald 01-31-14 Marguerite Lipke 04-01-14 Dorothy Spooner 04-22-14 Eunice Heuer 05-27-14 Marion Abrahamson 08-13-14 Helen Peterson 10-10-14 Merikay Young 12-31-14

FUNERALS

Raymond Smestad 04-01-14

NON-MEMBER FUNERALS

Isaiah Vargas 02-02-14 Claire Becker 03-23-14 Evelyn Love 04-27-14 Vivienne Meggitt 04-27-14 Owen Zilge 04-27-14 Chet Rupp 05-04-14 Ted Chresand 06-29-14 Owen Shromoff 05-18-14 Cecelia Mostad 10-26-14 Daniel Buck 11-09-14 Violet Rowley 11-23-14 Adelaide Johnson 12-07-14 Anders Johnson 12-07-14

BAPTISMS

Brandon Kraemer Kristian Nelson Christian Poser Douglas Weber

CONFIRMATION

Femi Obikoya Mark & Hazel Bly Sara & Owen Guyette Dee Anderson The Johnson Family Erik, Becky, Adelaide & Anders Russ & Carol Shook Alex & Julia Leone

NEW MEMBERS

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Dear Friends, As 2014 comes to a close, it’s important to say thank you to all of the gifted leaders that are part of our ministry together. In 2014 we enjoyed the ministry and passion of Intern Pastor Rufus Kudee, who returned to his final year of studies at Luther Seminary in August. And we welcomed in Intern Pastor Dan Schewe, who ministers with us this learning-year. We also saw change in our Bulletins Publications position as Sara Peper stepped down from this position and Mary Loschy was joyfully hired to work with worship bulletins and volunteer lists. Thank you to all. Our Church Council changes substantially this year as all of the officers; President Paula Latz, Vice President Jonathan Lund, Secretary Janice Kragness and Treasurer John Grafstrom complete their eligible number of terms in those positions. Also leaving Council are David Osterhouse and Jim DeLeo, who have represented Education and Social Missions ministries so capably. Again, our heart-felt appreciation to all for their fine ministry and leadership in this place. We have seen a number of changes this year in some legacy ministries as a generation of volunteers has silently aged out of a number of roles. Our Salvation Army bell ringing, Christmas cookie distribution to senior citizens, and Advent Dinner were all set aside as numbers failed to materialize around them. It was also our first year without a late night Christmas Eve service, where for the past two years the worship leaders and their families outnumbered the other congregants. But we are seeing life in new ministries and innovations also. The number of young families worshipping with us, and the number of baptisms this past year show signs of a changing neighborhood. The upcoming Women’s retreat is well subscribed, and the ongoing worship band (that has emerged from our year of “Kindling Faith” worship and discipleship services) adds a new dimension to our worship and music life. The emerging “I AM” faith exploration curriculum is off to a strong start both for confirmands and for the adult conversation group also. Thank you to Erik and Becky Johnson for their small group leadership with our 7th Graders here and to Intern Pastor Dan for his commitment to writing both for this curriculum and for our Como Evening Prayer service also. This year’s introduction of a midweek Advent worship using Holden Evening Prayer was also well received with 60 or more worshippers on each Wednesday evening. And the newly developing partnership with The Family Place homeless day center offers new opportunities for service and involvement. 2014 also saw successful mission trips to both of our global partners; Itungi Parish in Itungi, Tanzania and San Jose Lutheran Church in Santa Amelia, Guatemala. Each of the committee reports that follows details actions, programs and ministries that truly help us fulfill our mission statement, “Reaching out in Christ to a changing world.”

SENIOR PASTOR’S REPORT

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Our year-end stewardship numbers are also healthy and strong, though our draws against various non-renewing income streams (various gifts, bequests and appeal balances) requires a serious reconsideration of both stewardship and budget practices going forward. Toward this end, a new stewardship committee is being assembled and a contract with Kairos and Associates is being considered to review, restructure and coordinate our various stewardship efforts. Year-round stewardship models and a tool called “Narrative Budgeting” will help us stay in close year-round communication with members about our ministry visions and needs, and a long-term strategy that will bring us to our 2026 Centennial year are all part of our ongoing stewardship conversation. Having mentioned a Centennial celebration just ten years off, I’d be remiss in not noting the 90th anniversary of the congregation’s life coming up in 2016. A committee still needs to be gathered around this ‘nonagesimous’ celebration. If you have ideas or suggestions, or if you’d like to help us plan one large, or a number of smaller celebrations for the year, please talk to me or our soon to be elected Congregational President. Having started with thanks, it’s appropriate to end there also. Pastor John Groettum used to point out in every year’s report that ministry is a team effort. Como Park Lutheran Church is blessed with a strong collegial team, both in program ministries and in the support that makes everything else possible. Please take note of the names of paid staff below, and extend your own thanks to them for all of their ministry on our behalf. Hospitality & Kitchen Coordinator . . . . Sue Brogger Director of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Ferry Property Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Gagné Senior Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Hanson Youth Handbells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Johnson Contributions Secretary . . . . . . . . . . .Rosemary Johnson Parish Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole Joncas Como Evening Prayer Musician . . . . . .Morva Klein Comptroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Laden Worship Bulletins & Volunteers . . . . . .Mary Loschy Sunday Morning Custodian . . . . . . . . .Brian Molde Sunday School Music Directors . . . . . .Jane Nelson & Lori Purdham Children, Youth & Family Ministries . . . .Anna Morris Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . .Jane Nelson Intern Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Schewe Librarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobbie Diane Smack Sunday Morning Nursery . . . . . . . . . . Katherine Willprecht And of course, no ministry would be fulfilled without the active commitment, support and involvement of all of those who worship at Como Park Lutheran Church. It’s a privilege to serve as and share in the leadership of your mission and ministries. To all of you I add my thanks, for your faithfulness in ministry in all that you do. God’s Peace, Pastor Martin R. Ericson

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INTERN PASTOR’S REPORT

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It has been my great honor to be your intern pastor since the end of August. I cannot express enough gratitude for the welcome Alexis and I have received from you. Thank you for welcoming us into your community. We feel like we have been here much longer than these short few months. We are looking forward to our unborn son getting to know you as the year continues! I am extremely thankful for all of the ways you have helped me in my learnings as a not-yet-ordained pastor, and look forward to where this year leads us. It has been wonderful to assist in leading worship at CPLC. I jumped in with both feet my first Sunday and have loved being a part of worship here since. I greatly appreciate all the opportunities I have had to preach and lead worship. I am thankful that you as a congregation continue to help me hone my craft as a preacher and worship leader. I am thankful for all the feedback I receive in these areas. I greatly enjoy working with Pastor Marty and Tom in preparing and leading worship. They have helped me continue to learn how to facilitate worship with a mind toward flow and the life of the community. I also greatly enjoy our monthly services at Eagle Crest and Rose Point. They help me see worship in a different setting. I have also had the opportunity to help write and lead our Como Evening Prayer services. I greatly appreciate the contemplative nature of these services.

It has been a great honor to meet and spend time with a number of our members in their own homes who cannot attend worship regularly for one reason or another. It is a joy to share time together sharing stories, communion, and prayer. I am thankful for the friendships that have been formed on these visits.

It is my joy to start my weeks with the Lutherans and Lattes group on Tuesdays mornings. It is a very consistent conversation group that happens at the Underground Music Café. Our conversations have been on a variety of current event topics including social justice issues, talking about the new pope, exploring different spiritual practices, and the current trends in religious affiliation. All of our conversations have been quite lively, spirited, and considerate. I am very thankful for the wisdom of the group that has been shared with me, and look forward to where our talks will go in the coming year. On the first Tuesday of the month I find myself at Old Mexico enjoying a beverage and sharing conversation with the Theology on Tap group. Our conversations have ranged from the environment to social justice issues and everything in between. While we have not solved all of the issues facing the world today, we have delved into many of them. Our conversations are accented by much laughter. I look forward to seeing just where they will go in the coming year.

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This year Pastor Marty and I have been creating a new confirmation curriculum entitled ‘I AM’. It focuses on ten different identity statements connected with the four major touch stones of confirmation curriculums: Luther’s small catechism, the Hebrew Scriptures, the Greek Scriptures, and our faith traditions. Already this year we have finished the catechism portion of the curriculum and are finalizing the Hebrew Scriptures portion of it. The evening flows with a large group presentation followed by small group discussion. I love how many adults from the congregation who are not connected to confirmation students have been participating in the curriculum. Being a part of this has helped me continue to grow in my writing and teaching skills. I have been working with Anna on planning a summer senior high adventure trip where we will encounter God and God’s creation in new and exciting ways. We will be taking students currently in eighth grade and into early college to Sky Ranch in Colorado to take part in their Rendezvous program; which includes low ropes, high ropes, hiking, service, and white water rafting. Currently we plan on the trip being July 11th – 18th, with an alternative of July 18th – 25th. Anna and I are both looking forward to this trip with our students.

As CPLC looks toward its future and the possibility of a future fund appeal, I have been able to sit in on the interviews and planning sessions. I am extremely thankful to be a part of this process, as I know is something I will be a part of in the future and an area that I have little to no experience in. The conversations have helped me deeply think and rethink about stewardship. I continue to be connected to many groups in our congregation. The Littles and Middles group as they plan activities for our families of young children. I look forward to how these activities draw our community together. The Social Missions Committee as they begin a new partnership with The Family Place. I look forward to serving along with you there and am excited about where this partnership will lead CPLC. Adult forms where we learn with each other about many different aspects of our faith. The men’s bible study on Thursday mornings, where I learn much for the shared wisdom of those present. As the year continues I plan on working on some things in our congregation and community surrounding evangelism — about how we can share the hope and love we all know with those around us. It has been my honor to be a part of this community. I am learning more than I know and can articulate. I look forward to how we can continue to learn together in the rest of my year as your intern pastor.

Shalom, Pastoral Intern Dan Schewe

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DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY REPORT

(To the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas)

12 ringers ringing (bells) 11 liturgists leading 10 instruments playing (Christmas Carols) 9 worship team members 8 orchestra players (playing the Messiah) 7 sopranos singing (with 17 altos, tenors, and basses) 6 hymns a raising 5 brass quintet members 4 organ concerts 3 drummers drumming 2 children’s choir And CPLC praising God in song!

Of course this humorous look at what has gone on this past year can only touch the surface of all the people that participate in the music program here at Como Park Lutheran. That number includes you! Whether you sing in a choir, play bells, play an instrument, sing hymns in worship, or just listen, you are part of the music here at CPLC. Thank you for your support and encouragement both to me and to all who provide musical leadership. A special thanks also to Lori Purdham, Jane Nelson and all the Sunday School children who have made our new Sunday School Worship Teams such a success.

Soli Deo Gloria Tom Ferry Director of music Ministries

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JUST FOR FUN :)

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CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY REPORT

The youth had another great year of memories, relationship building, service and fundraising: another year come and gone in the blink of an eye. It is always hard to see where all that time went at the end of the year, but it seems like it lasts much longer when you are in the middle of it! All of these memories started right away at the beginning of the year with the continuation of Kindling Faith, a Jr. High lock-in, and many individual youth events from choir concerts to band concerts, basketball games to dance performances. By the time we reached February, we were already on a roll with youth events and the lock-ins continued. Sr. High spent the night awake and running! We also had the great opportunity to help out at the Our Saviour’s Shelter again. We brought some delicious meals to serve the community there and got to spend some time talking with them. One gentleman there even had his own 4th Doctor scarf from Doctor Who! Once again February showed that individual youth had plenty going on outside of church, which meant there were lots of opportunities to support and encourage them. ‘March comes in like a lion’ so they say. I do not quite remember if that was the case, but it definitely started off with a BANG as we began Lenten Soup Suppers! The youth were not in charge of all of the soup suppers this year, but we did the first three, starting with Ash Wednesday. This month also brought the Littles and Middles Sock Toss, which was a great success, and a Jr./Sr. High movie night! Super Hero’s to the rescue! Things finally started to slow a bit in April, but only until the Easter Breakfast came around, quickly followed by Confirmation Sunday, where four fine gentlemen were confirmed and became full members of the congregation. May brought the end of Sunday school, Wednesday night youth group, a second Jr. High lock-in, another movie night and even more individual youth concerts!

With the start of summer, came a few Graduations and the 50’s Car Show at the State Fair! We got a little rained out, but it was still a blast! We also continued the tradition of going to Valley Fair and the five of us who went spent lots of time in the arcade as well as in bumper cars.

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The end of the summer brought the busy back to back weeks of VBS and going to Wapo! We had a great turn out of kids and the Wapo counselors for VBS were tremendously fun. We also had five youth go to Wapo for the week and I heard about nothing but fun stories from them!

Throughout the summer we also began Wednesday afternoon coffee dates. We met at the Underground Music Café for coffee and catching up. This gave us a chance to see each other and connect throughout a busy summer. When September rolled around, I was more than ready to see the youth on a regular basis again. We started a new round of discussions on Wednesday nights, following the confirmation curriculum of “I Am” statements and learned a lot from each other as we looked at statements like, “I am God’s” and “I am loved” and found where these statements existed in our day to day lives. In addition to these discussions, the month of October gave us a chance to celebrate the Kiwanis Outstanding Youth Leader award which was given to Stella Quale this year. I also had one of the earliest sleeping lock-ins ever! The Jr. High went to sleep around 2:30 in the morning after playing plenty of games and eating lots of snacks! November was a busy month: we had the Littles & Middles Carnival which was a lot of fun for all ages, a Sr. High lock-in that welcomed 15 youth, a trip to SkyZone, and the Thanksgiving Pie Social! We had a great turn out for that, filling about 14 tables in the fellowship hall. Finally, with the month of December we unfortunately had to cancel the Advent Dinner due to low numbers of volunteers. This is something that we will continue to think and pray over for next year. In addition, we all got to enjoy the Wednesday Advent worship services, hearing about volunteer opportunities from the Director of the Family Place (the new shelter we are working with) and we had an Ugly Sweater Party where we watched Nightmare Before Christmas and part of the Santa Clause and ate some tasty treats.

It has been a great year, filled with lots of events and memories. I definitely cannot wait to see what things are in store for this upcoming year! God’s Peace, Anna CYF Minister

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It seems hard to believe that the end of my second term as president has arrived. It has been an interesting and faith building experience. It has given me the opportunity to see so much of how the work of the church gets done – at our congregation level and also at the synod level. So many things seem seamless and just seem to get done that it is hard to realize how many people doing so much work make it happen. I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and talented people in our church and the community. Our staff is phenomenal and does wonders with the resources that we have. We have a true blessing with the interns that we have had and the work they do. Pastor Marty and what he accomplishes is amazing. He is recognized for the support and guidance he gives to interns that makes Como Park a desired site for an internship. His insight and understanding of what is happening in the church at its many levels helps to provide guidance for our congregation and to make what we are doing relevant. The members of our congregation who have served on various committees and on council contribute so much to the function of our church and what we accomplish. Their willingness to look at issues and make thoughtful decisions helps us continue to grow. So much of what we accomplish is the work of volunteers who do much of their work “under the radar”. Many of the outreach programs and ministries we support have been started by people identifying a need and stepping up to meet the need. Our congregation and our activities, ministries and outreach are changing. Several of the “legacy” activities we have supported for many years, including bell ringing for the Salvation Army, cookies to shut-ins, and the advent dinner are not getting the support they have enjoyed in the past and have been discontinued. This is balanced by support for many new activities and new ministries. Over the recent years we have added Theology on Tap, Lutherans and Lattes, a Women’s Retreat, many Littles and Middles activities and Como Evening Prayer. Our outreach programs continue to expand to the schools in our area and in the music programs (Messiah sing, organ concerts) we offer for the community. Some activities have continued but in a different format. We have changed the Children’s Choir into Sunday School Choir and have changed the format of confirmation classes to include adult discussions. While all of this is exciting it presents challenges as we let go of past ministries and take on new.

CONGREGATION PRESIDENT’S REPORT

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Another challenge we have is the financial support of our ministries. Again, some of our “legacy” gifts are running out and not being replenished as they have been in the past. Giving patterns and pledging are changing. We were fortunate this past year to have met our budget but did it through different means then we have used in the past. We continue to look at new ways of giving people options for contributing that better meet their lifestyles by expanding online and electronic giving. Our budget committee is working to provide a budget for the next year that will meet our ongoing ministries. Over the next year you will see and hear changes in our stewardship and budgeting process to provide a clearer explanation of what it takes to support the ministries of our church. The special ministry appeals done this year will most likely continue but in a slightly different format. Options are being explored for a longer term fund appeal to provide funding to continue the wonderful internship program we have been able to offer and to replace the “legacy” funds that are not being replenished. This will involve a thoughtful consideration of where we as a congregation have been over the past ninety years and where we want to be as we move toward our centennial celebration in a few years. Many exciting things are happening in our church family with many opportunities for involvement. As I did last year, I would like to encourage all members to become involved in the many ministries occurring here. Some, such as committee work, may be a longer commitment of time but there are many opportunities for short time or one time commitment. I can truly say that what you will get back will be much more than the time you spend. So as we come to the end of another year I am grateful for the work I see being done here, the wonderful people I have had a chance to work with the and support I have received during my terms as president. Thank you and God’s blessings to all, Paula Anne Latz

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The Continuing Resolutions

of Como Park Lutheran Church

Be it resolved that: 1. The members of Como Park Lutheran Church give thanks to God for the many

gifts of this community and all the blessings it has received and experienced this past year.

2. The members of Como Park Lutheran Church give thanks to its pastors, staff, lay leaders, those leaving their term on the Church Council (Dan Garvin, Mary Hagerman, Carol Kelsey, Sara Peper), the outgoing church staff (Rufus Kudee, Sara Peper, Kate Mendenhall) the outgoing committee members and all who labor for the mission of God within this place for all of the ministries in which we share.

3. That the members of Como Park Lutheran Church affirm their commitment to the mission of Como Park Lutheran Church as expressed in the mission statement: Como Park Lutheran Church, “Reaching Out in Christ to a Changing World” and to fulfill our vision statement to be “A Thriving Community of

Renewal and Growth.” 4. That the members of Como Park Lutheran Church affirm the partnership in

ministry they share with the following bodies: Chelsea Heights Elementary School The ELCA World Hunger Appeal The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the St. Paul Area Synod of

the ELCA Keystone Community Services Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp Luther Seminary Lutheran Social Services of MN Lyngblomsten Care Center The Living-at-Home/Block Nurse Program Our Partner Congregation in Itungi, Tanzania Partner Congregation San Jose in Santa Amelia, Guatemala Plymouth Christian Youth Center The St. Paul Area Council of Churches Wilderness Canoe Base

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WORSHIP COMMITTEE The Worship Committee has three areas of responsibility: Planning worship services for the current liturgical year. Decorating the church and narthex to complement and enhance the worship

experience. Maintaining the physical elements of worship, such as communion supplies

and paraments. The Worship Committee provides guidance and ideas to Pastor Marty and to Director of Music Ministry, Tom Ferry, regarding service planning. The work of the Worship Committee combines planning the annual cycle of worship with discussions regarding potential changes or innovations in our worship life. Every year, the committee reviews upcoming worship events and practices, deciding whether to maintain the status quo or consider changes. Highlights from 2014: New sound system was purchased and installed in the sanctuary. Como Evening Prayer was moved to one time per month on the Second

Sunday. Kindling Faith services ended in May. A Worship Team led service was

created as a replacement. Children’s choirs moved from Wednesday evening to Sunday morning to

support a Sunday school led Choir program. Purchased a new set of Advent banners for use in the sanctuary. Continued to explore designing and creating additional seasonal sets of

banners The members of the Worship Committee in 2014 are Bianca Brogger, Tom Ferry, Dan Garvin, David Harris, Stacey Hecht, Val Negaard, Sara Peper, Ken Purdham, and Heather Quale. Heather Quale resigned from committee membership early in 2014 but continues to help the committee and church in general in many ways. Sara Peper resigned as committee chair in November but continues as an active member of the committee. Ken Purdham was elected to chair the committee. Thank you to Heather and Sara for their leadership and support of the Worship Committee and CPLC. Respectfully submitted, Ken Purdham Worship Committee Chair

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES

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SOCIAL MISSIONS COMMITTEE Many members of CPLC are involved in areas that impact our neighborhood, community and the world. Monetary support and volunteer hours support a variety of projects: CPLC continues to be one of the faith communities’ leading contributors to the Keystone Community Food Shelf. For many years, CPLC members served at Our Saviour’s Shelter in Minneapolis. The committee reviewed alternatives closer to our neighborhood, and selected The Family Place, a day center for homeless families with children, located at 244 10th Street E in St. Paul. Meals are served family style, and groups can volunteer for either lunch (10 – 1) or dinner (3 – 6) on Saturdays or Sundays. Time includes orientation, cooking, setting tables, eating with the families and clean-up. The Social Missions Committee served for the first time on November 9, and Dr. Margaret Lovejoy, Director, spoke at the December 21 Adult Forum. The committee will coordinate meal volunteer dates for 2015. The 14th annual Mission Auction took place April 5th with an ‘Up North’ theme. Local agencies that address hunger was emphasized. We raised $16,086 after expenses, $4,799 more than last year. Local missions received $7,850, regional missions $1,116, and global missions $6,625. Remaining amounts are reserved for 2015 auction up-front expenses.

Designee Purpose Amount Guatemala - Annual Support $1,000 Baptismal Font $1,100 Leadership Funds $1,200 Tanzania - Annual Support $1,000 Church Pews $1,325 The Family Place - Program Support $1,500 Plymouth Christian Youth Center - Scholarships $1,000 Feed My Starving Children - Global Hunger $1,000 Meals On Wheels - Local Hunger $1,000 Keystone Food Shelf - Local Hunger $1,000 Block Nurse Program - Program Support $1,000 Chelsea Heights Elementary - Books/Balls/Camp/Peace Awards $1,500 Roseville Area High School - Food Shelf Support $1,000 Falcon Heights Human Rights Commission - Community Event $ 500 Children’s Community - Arts Event $ 350 Our Saviour’s Shelter - Meals $ 116 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS: $15,591

CPLC delivers Meals on Wheels to 125 senior shut-ins in the Roseville School District every third Thursday on 9 routes. There are nine dedicated CPLC families that provide this service on a regular basis, and eight families that fill in as needed. At Chelsea Heights & Falcon Heights Elementary Schools, we volunteered in the schools’ reading programs. RAHS included, we also collected school supplies and donated winter clothing. Como Perk Café is run on occasional Sundays throughout the year. The purpose of the café is to offer fellowship, increase awareness and raise funds for various missions of the church. This year’s proceeds went to benefit Our Saviour’s Shelter and The Family Place. Tanzania craft sales in April/May resulted in $1,000 that will go toward Tanzania projects.

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The CPLC men sponsored a meat loaf dinner in the fellowship hall on October 11, serving 133 people. $1,166 was raised and donated to the Block Nurse program. The Tanzanian Mission Subcommittee: We continued to pray regularly for the members and pastoral staff at the Itungi Parish, and all of the affiliated ministries of the Iringa Diocese. Seven CPLC members visited the Itungi Parish, Bega kwa Bega, and the Iringa Diocese in February of 2014. They were: Pastor Marty, David Harris, Jim and Kristy DeLeo, Curt and Mary Loschy, and Dick Young. CPLC members continued their robust support for Tanzanian scholarships. In 2014, members provided funds for: 50 secondary school scholarships, 10 vocational school scholarships, 1 full divinity scholarship, 1 university scholarship, and Nursing students. Extra education funds were provided to support the Agricultural Test Plot initiative, and to provide a one week teacher training program for all of the teachers at the Image Secondary School. Mission Auction funds provided $1000 for church building projects in the Itungi Parish. The Guatemala Mission subcommittee: Ruth Pechauer and Jeff Kragness, along with 4 members from Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR), were participants on the mission trip to San Jose church from March 15-22, 2014. Pastor Karen Castillo and her fiancé, Todd Thompson, accompanied. The concrete floors to the church, guest house and eating area, as well as the 17 latrines that CPLC funded, have had positive impacts on the community. Como Park’s baptismal banner, congregation photos and quilts were delivered. Distributions from mission auction funds were: $3,300 for annual support, leadership training and a baptismal font. Pastor Esther Echeverria provided a welcome greeting at Como Park’s 10:45 a.m. service on December 21. CPLC and LCR send joint quarterly letters to San Jose. RESPONSE REQUESTED FROM THE CONGREGATION AT ANNUAL MEETING: Shine Appeal Funds Use: For Social Missions, the general goal would be to either jointly expand / deepen current partnerships or find new joint venues alongside organizations like the Humphrey Job Corps and one or two other organizations. For today’s annual meeting: Juan Carlos has been identified as a leader at our partner congregation ILA San Jose and requires $2,000/ year for high school education to cover the expenses of education and living away from home. We learned that CPLC and LCR can split the annual support $500/$500, as well as Juan Carlos’ education expenses $1,000/$1,000. The Social Missions committee proposes that $500 of the $1,000 designated Annual Support and an additional $500 from the Trust Fund be combined to support Juan Carlos’ education in 2015. Other Shine Appeal Fund potential uses (please communicate to the Social Missions Committee your support of items on the list below, or to add other ideas to the list): 1. Funding expenses for the Meatloaf Dinner to support the Block Nurse program 2. Meals on Wheels 3. Volunteer T-Shirts 4. Packing lunches for homeless youth at CPLC and then delivering to the supporting organization (LSS, other) 5. Buying books for the Chelsea Heights reading program 6. Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack 7. Day of Service on 2nd Sunday of September 8. Delivering Prayer Shawls 9. Lawn Care for the Elderly 10. The Family Place

Health Kit Assembly for low-income pre-school screening Respectfully submitted Sue Brogger and Ruth Pechauer, Co-Chairs

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25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. 26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. 27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it. 28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:25 - 28 There has been much written recently about churches, of all dominations, experiencing flat or even a drop in giving. While we have seemed to come out of the most recent recession there continues to be lingering insecurities. Demographics and church attendance trends certainly play a big role in giving practices. At Como Park the passing of our older generations has had an impact on our Stewardship programs. I am pleased to say the for a variety of reasons Como Park Lutheran Church, while unable to escape the demographic realities of being a city church, seems to have reached a plateau in our giving program. We have yet to do a final tally while we are waiting for the rest of the commitment cards to come in, but it appears the number of cards and amounts will be very similar as last year. CPLC members continue to return to the Lord what he has entrusted to us. We are truly blessed. 2014 is the last ear of the Shine Appeal. This was a three year appeal with pledges of $235,000. We have upgraded the website and sound system; purchase new a new, high speed color copier and upgraded our outreach efforts. In addition we have increased support for our locals missions and church operations. Thank you all for your support and generosity. I would be remiss in if I left out the fact that we are also blessed by an inspired financial leadership team. The Finance Committee led by Pastor Marty has done masterful job in difficult times. I would also like to thank John Grafstrom for his help on the Stewardship Committee. My thanks to Stacy Hecht, Ed Krum and Jonathan Nye for willingness to share their stewardship stories with the rest of us, and to you who make CPLC the wonderful giving and sharing community it is. Respectfully Submitted, Curt Loschy

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

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PROPERTY COMMITTEE

Buildings & Grounds: $65,000 a year and that doesn’t include staff salaries or all the volunteer hours spent on the grounds, repairs and organizing. This is not a simple building to “keep up.” First, we thank the congregation for your monetary support to keep the building we all use, “up and operating” — functional as well as beautiful. We couldn’t do this without all of you. We thank our Property Manager Mark Gagné and his assistant Brian Molde who take care of the day-to-day needs of cleaning, maintenance and coordinating the many vendors who are required for specific tasks such as snow removal, fire extinguisher service, boiler maintenance, air conditioning and roof repairs to name just a few. Also, we thank the volunteers who with their loving gloved hands “keep up” the landscape and exterior grounds: Co-Coordinators of God’s Gardeners Karen Wennberg, Brian Monson, and Sue Kretsch, their right hand man Kevin Johnson, and crew Kim Beecham and Jenny Larsen. Lastly, thanks to members Bruce Nelson, Bob Simon and Jim Johnson who give extra time volunteering with small projects in addition to being dependable vendors. We thank you!

WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED? -painting throughout building--often just touch ups; -dealt with a pipe break (frozen pipes) that required repairs in the kitchen on both the ceiling and walls; -sold or destroyed several old pews taking up valuable space in large garage, making room to build shelves and move boy scout equipment to garage, which freed up space in Fellowship Hall stage for altar paraments storage; -yews at drive up entrance were pulled out and new Arrowwood bushes planted, as well as buried pots at Hoyt entrance rather than permanent plants; -janitor sink (off sacristy) replaced and plumbing updated; -hot water heater replaced after several unsuccessful repairs were tried -and many others projects too small to mention. Respectfully Submitted, Jonathan Nye

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YOUTH & FAMILY COMMITTEE

(The last Annual report for 2013 left off in the beginning of November).

NOVEMBER: Saturday, November 23rd Anna Morris (current Youth Dir.), had a " Dr. Who" party. A good number of nine youth attended this fun film-going event at CPLC. On Wednesday, November 27th we had our annual Thanksgiving Pie Social with pies donated by the congregation and ice cream and pie served by our youth after the worship service. There was a good turnout. New in November, we had a 'Lefse' making event in the CPLC kitchen where adults and I believe 10-12 youth participated in making 'these creations' for the upcoming Advent Dinner. DECEMBER: On December 14th after the Children’s Christmas Pageant, the youth put on the Advent Dinner. Even though we had fewer youth this year to help staff the event (10-12) (we had some adults help, too). The event grossed $777 including monies made from the Lefse sale. After food expenses we netted between $500-$570! Also in December, for two Sundays we sold items for the Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC) and were able to donate $150 to this worthy cause. Juliette Al, a youth, joined the committee in December & became our treasurer. JANUARY: There was a Jr. High Lock-In from the 17th to the 18th. This event was a success with a total of 13 Jr. High youth attending; nine boys & four girls with six-seven of those being non-members — friends of CPLC youth. FEBRUARY: At the February Leadership Meeting, we welcomed Melissa Johnson to the committee who became our council representative. We had a joint committee meeting with the Education Committee (one of several this year) to talk about and plan for upcoming Vacation Bible School (VBS) which we scheduled for July 28th-August 1st, 2014. On February 16th, five youth along w/Anna and Heather Quale served 20 homeless people at 'Our Saviour’s Shelter' in Minneapolis. MARCH: On the 9th the Littles & Middles had their 2nd Annual 'Sock Toss' where they donated 140 pairs of socks to "People Helping People." They had 60 + people attending this event (20-25 kids + parents) which is at least 20-25 more people than last year! Great! APRIL: At the April Leadership Meeting we welcomed Scott Roste to our committee and had another joint Youth/Education Committee meeting to plan VBS. THE EASTER BREAKFAST: There are currently fewer Jr. and Sr. High youth at our church, so participation is lower than previous years. Because of this, the annual Easter Breakfast on April 20th was a little short on youth helpers to put on this event. The event netted $500 despite the low number of youths involved. We discussed whether to stop holding an Easter Breakfast — or more likely — put it on "Continental Breakfast" style. A Continental Breakfast would mean less work and fewer people needing to be involved. Also in April we met with Kari Logan and Don Kelsey who are members of the "Vision & Performance Team". We discussed the Youth Committee/youth participation. Here are some of the findings: youth are changing and we haven't changed with them, more parent involvement is needed, bonding experiences are a good investment in the future of the church, Littles & Middles groups are doing well, focus on something besides food fund-raisers, get back to the basics of youth — building relationships, let the youth decide what they want to do and plan it so they will take charge and 'ownership' in it rather than being told what they are going to do.

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MAY: In May five Jr. & Sr. High youth attended movie night in watching the second 'Hobbit' movie. They also made "Thank-You Cards" for the May 18th "Mentor Recognition Day" and sold the cards that day. A total of 100 were made and 20 were given out. About $50 was made. On May 28th we had a mass birthday celebration party where seven youth attended. JUNE: On June 6th, CPLC Littles & Middles had their second movie night. Dick Young and The Babu-oons put on a puppet show as well. A total of 20 kids & parents showed up. Also in June, Stella Quale and Anna Morris went to "Back to the 50’s" car show at the Fairgrounds as a youth event. Throughout the summer the youth have been meeting in the afternoons on Wednesdays at the Underground Music Cafe just to 'hangout' and keep in touch over the summer. A good core group of youth regularly attended this. JULY: On the 2nd, three-four Jr. High youth boys went to ValleyFair w/Anna and all had a great time. Unfortunately the youth mission trip slated to go to Grantsburg, WI didn't happen this year due to lack of participation. VBS went well with 35 kids attending and 15 of them were non-members coming from the community around church! AUGUST: In August we had seven youth attend WAPO camp in Amery, WI. SEPTEMBER: This fall season comes the revised Wednesday night schedule: "Kids Klub" on Wednesday nights from 5:30-6:30pm. Anna is averaging five-six youths weekly. Melissa Popp, member of the Youth Committee and coordinator of Littles & Middles became our representative to the church council after Melissa Johnson resigned her position on the council and is no longer worshipping at our church. OCTOBER: This October we had a few events going on. October 24th we had six-seven youth attend the Jr. High Lock-In. Eight-ten attended the Sr. High Halloween Party on October 29th. NOVEMBER: November 2nd was the third annual 'Littles & Middles' Fall Carnival & Potluck where 80 people attended! November 14th-15th was the Sr. High Lock-In where 15 youth attended, four of them being friends from outside the church! Wednesday, November 26th was the Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social served by our youth — and by the looks of it we had a lot more people come down to attend this event — there were definitely a bunch more pies! ADVENT DINNER: Unfortunately the Annual Advent Dinner was cancelled this year due to lack of participation. I talked to Sue Brogger before we chose to chancel the event. Sue mentioned the Woman’s Group used to sponsor the Advent Dinner before the youth took it over. She is confident enough 'others' will be able to take this event over. On a Positive note, the PCYC fundraiser was a huge success!! A base of $300 was raised and with three CPLC donors matching funds, we raised $894!! Report submitted by: Doug Hagerman, Youth & Family Committee Chair

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EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Education Committee supports programs for all ages to be lifelong learners in our community of faith. Our congregation’s educational pursuits include a wide variety of adult education offerings, Confirmation instruction, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, early childhood education, our library, and a new project, Children’s Worship Teams. Intern Pastor Dan Schewe is continuing the Lutherans and Lattes and Theology on Tap groups for members and friends. The groups discuss contemporary issues in Christianity. Adult forums continue during the Sunday education hour, offering the opportunity to explore the intersection of faith and daily life. The seventh and eighth grade Confirmation classes are led by Pastor Martin Ericson and Pastoral Intern Dan Schewe on Wednesday evenings. In addition, students are involved in small group study. Ninth grade students choose an adult faith mentor with whom they will work throughout the year and are confirmed in the spring. "Littles & Middles," Como parents of little and elementary age children, continues to increase and encourage fellowship among families with children in the congregation, led by Melissa Hatch Popp. Its efforts offer opportunities for outreach such as the Sock Toss in the winter which collected socks for those in need. This fall, Littles & Middles hosted a Carnival, with games, food, and fellowship for the whole congregation. They also make special bibs to be presented to the newly baptized. Under the direction of Jane Nelson and assisted by Elizabeth Weber, the Sunday school has continued to place emphasis on knowing Jesus through Word, worship, prayer and sacrament, and shining His light through stewardship, and outreach. Each SCS child is provided with offering envelopes. We have been working to involve the entire congregation in some way with our Sunday School to heighten awareness of our work and to better incorporate all generations in the study and living of God’s Word. The Sunday School outreach projects involving cross generations include a family advent activity, our Christmas pageant, assembling hygiene kits for the homeless in Minneapolis, May flowers for Lyngblomsten and for Seniors and CPLChildren Helping Hands (wooden church banks) which raised over $700 for Feed My Starving Children, and supported a Tanzanian student, and projects in Guatemala. Sunday school families assembled 100+ hygiene kits and provided a generous supply of additional assorted hygiene items, and fleece blankets to local homeless. This fall marked the eleventh year of using the Sunday school’s curricula: Godly Play for the preschoolers, and Seasons of the Spirit for grades K-12 with materials to enrich the adult congregation, through a component entitled Fusion.

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To offer a more balanced classroom for elementary age students, grades 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8 have been combined. We conduct teacher e-meetings, as well as three teacher workshops/Bible studies throughout the Sunday School year. We have also established an e-announcement program to SCS families. A new project in Sunday School this year is Children’s Worship Teams. We have incorporated our Children’s choirs which formerly met on Wednesday evenings into our Sunday school hour and include all Sunday school children p-8. Each Sunday School hour begins with Worship/Music time under the direction of Jane Nelson (p-3) and Lori Purdham (4-8) which gives children the opportunity to hear the Gospel in music as it relates to their lessons and lives, to develop skills and discover talents to express faith through music, and to lead others in a worship experience. The Sunday School music sessions are grouped as Worship Teams p-3rd grade and 4th-8th grade in order to present music appropriate for their age and development. Experiences include singing, and using instruments as means of prayer and praise. It is our goal that, as part of Sunday School, once each month each Children’s Worship Team will assist in the 10:45 worship service immediately following Sunday School. Vacation Bible School was held at CPLC by staff from Camp Wapo, Anna Morris and Pastoral Intern Rufus Kudee with volunteer support from CPLC. About forty children attended, and about half were not members of CPLC. Camp Wapo counselors were housed at Luther Seminary. The Nursery at Como Park Lutheran Church serves 1-8 children per Sunday, averaging approximately 4 children per Sunday. Our library features and displays materials for all ages related to the Church year and educational topics being explored in the Adult Forums. Bobbie Diane Smack and other volunteers keep this wonderful resource current to our congregation’s interests and needs. Respectfully submitted, Education Committee: Jane Nelson, Sadie Fischer, David Osterhouse

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SENIOR MINISTRY COMMITTEE

The senior ministry committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss visitation needs and activities for our senior members. This year we sponsored coffee party/fellowship opportunities for our members at Rose Pointe and Eagle Crest. The pastors lead worship at these facilities monthly, so the parties take place following worship. The party at Eagle Crest is held in February and we bring Valentines from the Sunday school children. A mailing asking for emergency contact information and funeral planning information was mailed to our members ages 60+. Forty-six surveys were returned. Submitted by Amy Hanson Visitation Coordinator and Secretary

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SENIOR FELLOWSHIP

The fellowship hall is alive with laughter, conversation and music as seniors gather for a luncheon on the second Thursday of each month from October through May. Our members are joined by friends and neighbors in the community for lunch and entertainment. In January, Mary Hall sang. In February Clay Christensen, also known as The Bird Man from Lauderdale, spoke about local birds. Jim Berner sang in March. We heard about Tanzania from Mary and Curt Loschy, who had recently returned from their trip. Dale Martell sang to wrap up our season in May. In October we enjoyed the message and humor or ventriloquist Kevin Doely. November brought music from Tom Ferry accompanied by Mike Santoro. Lorene Roste hosted a carol sing in December. Twice a year we take trips. In June we took a boat ride on the Mississippi River aboard a Padelford riverboat. The week after our trip Harriet Island was under water and the cruises were discontinued for a time. In September we ate lunch and watched the musical Ring of Fire: The Life and Music of Johnny Cash. These outings are open to anyone in the congregation. They will now be called Fellowship Outings. Tuesday morning workshops provide a time for fellowship and service. Quilters made blankets this year that were donated to many needy people. Bridging in Roseville gratefully accepted 30 hand made quilts. The Family Place also received a generous donation of quilts. Thank you to the many people who help make our luncheons run smoothly: Sue Brogger and the many kitchen helpers; Dorleen Hagerman and Carolyn Ritchie who call each month, Carole Joncas for making beautiful fliers to advertise the luncheon, Lowell Lundy and Tom Spivey, our ever-faithful bus drivers. John Grafstrom for keeping track of our budget, and Carol Kelsey for jumping in to do whatever is needed. We also appreciate the support of Pastor Marty and Pastoral Intern Dan, who give parish updates, devotions and lead us in prayer each month. Respectfully submitted, Amy Hanson Senior Fellowship Chairperson

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BAZAAR The CPLC Bazaar was once again held in October in conjunction with the annual Block Nurse Fundraising meatloaf dinner event. Thank you to all the volunteers that continue to make this a successful CPLC event through contributions of their time at the bazaar, as well as the donation of handmade items, baked goods, and lefse made by the Holy Roller Lefse team! This year we raised slightly over $1400.00. We will continue to donate scholarships for students in Tanzania, purchase goods for the Mission Auction, and are providing funds for the Women’s retreat in January 2015 for those who need assistance. On January 24th, we are cleaning and organizing the cupboards to review supplies and discuss the strategy and focus for 2015. All are welcome to join us – we need input from CPLC members on the direction of the bazaar, as well as where the funds should be spent moving forward. Respectfully submitted, Meg Duncan & Cathy Gagné CPLC Bazaar Committee

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USHERS

At the two Sunday morning worship services, various families and one team provide the ushers for the first service, and a few families and two teams alternate as ushers for the second one.

We thank all who donated their time to usher at those services and during our special Thanksgiving and Christmas services.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Gall, Chair

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Health and Wellness Committee met quarterly in 2014.

The continuing emphasis was: -Prayer Shawl Ministry -Monthly Blood Pressure Screening -Maintaining the AED in collaboration with the office support staff

Wooden Church Banks, collecting money for Children Helping Hands in support of the Sunday School.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive was held August 13, 2014 in Fellowship Hall. 13 pints of blood were donated. The Red Cross was satisfied with this number in a slow August. The date for 2015 will be discussed with the Red Cross liaison.

Shirley Connelly who does the blood pressure screening, is including a mock AED at the table for people to learn more about how to use it.

In September 2014, Barbara Twisk stepped down as Chair of this committee. We thank her for her service which began in 2007 at the inception of this committee. The committee will make a recommendation to the Council in 2015 regarding the future plan for this committee.

Respectfully Submitted, Carol Kelsey

LEAF—Lutheran Educational Aid Fund Scholarships awarded in 2014: Astri Duncan, Concordia College, St. Paul Lars Ericson, Gustavus Adolphus College Siri Ericson, St. Olaf College David Pellegrini, St. Olaf College David Zalk, Luther College

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The CPLC Trust Fund was established in 1987. It was initially funded by a significant bequest from a member of the church and over the years it has grown through additional gifts and Fund earnings. In keeping with the donor’s intent, the Trust Fund’s purpose is to receive and invest gifts, and to generate income to maintain the Fund’s principal so that it serves as a perpetual source of Funds for outreach and special expenditures approved by the congregation outside of normal operations. In support of this mission, the committee’s principal activities during 2014 included regular review of the Trust Fund’s asset allocation, monitoring the performance of the Fund’s investment portfolio, and reviewing gift requests. In 2014 the Trust Fund committee approved the continued management of the Trust Fund assets by Compass Capital Management, Inc. As of September 30, 2014, the end of the Trust Fund’s fiscal year, the total market value of the Fund was $1,077,747.72, which represented an increase of $85,014.72 or more than 8.56% from the $992,733 balance reported as of September 30, 2013, the end of the Trust Fund’s last fiscal year.1 The September 30, 2014 balance represents a $175,029.72 or 19.39% increase over the $902,713 balance reported as of September 30, 2012. While the Trust Fund value has decreased very slightly between September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2014, in what can only be characterized as a volatile end of the year, the Fund’s performance in the 2014 fiscal and calendar years was very favorable, especially given the fixed income component of the Fund. It should be noted that the September 30, 2014, balance reflected $31,350 in distributions during 2014, which was the amount of gifts approved by the congregation at the January 2014 annual meeting, minus the $2,350 scholarship for Katie Johnson, and $10,476 in management fees. Omitting distributions and costs, the Fund’s overall performance for the 2014 fiscal year was 12.78%. The asset allocation as of September 30, 2014, was 64.7% equities, 32% fixed income, and 3.3% cash and cash equivalents.

CPLC TRUST FUND

______________________________________________ 1 As of December 31, 2014, the Trust Fund’s balance was $1,072,474.38, an increase of $27,472.20 or 2.62% from the Trust Fund’s December 31, 2014, balance. In comparison, the portfolio asset balance as of December 31, 2011, was around $849,000, the balance as of December 31, 2012, was $908,600, and the balance as of December 31, 2013, was $1,045,002.18.

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______________________________________________ 2 Excluding the reallocation of the previously-approved $2,350 Johnson scholarship, the proposed distribution is 3.994% of the September 30, 2014, Trust Fund balance.

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In developing a recommendation for distributions from the Fund, the committee is guided by the Fund’s governing documents, which generally indicate, but are not limited to, a total annual distribution of up to 3% of Fund assets, provided there is sufficient income to maintain and/or grow principal in keeping with the perpetual nature of the Fund. This limitation helps ensure continued distributions of a meaningful amount without depleting the Fund’s principal balance, so that it can continue to grow and support the congregation’s giving in perpetuity. A historical practice of the committee has been to distribute approximately 1/3 internally and 2/3 externally, although this is not a policy contained within the Trust Fund Resolution. As modified at the January 2013 annual congregational meeting, the Trust Fund Resolution provides that “the purpose of the Trust Fund is to enhance the work of CPLC in a manner which generally is additional to and apart from the general operation of the congregation, and the usual and ordinary expenses incurred in connection therewith, but that, upon considered request of the CPLC Finance Committee and a showing of extraordinary need and/or extenuating circumstances, the Trust Fund Committee may recommend to the membership of CPLC that a percentage of the annual distribution, if any, be allocated to the recognized ministries of the congregation, such percentage not to exceed 50% of the annual distribution except as otherwise approved by the membership of CPLC.” To support CPLC’s needs and avoid unnecessary budget stress with its affiliated consequences on programming and staffing, the committee again recommends the allocation of $14,500 to the CPLC budget, to be distributed only in the event the CPLC Finance Committee makes a request based on extraordinary need and/or extenuating circumstances. In the absence of such a request, the Funds would remain allocated to CPLC, but would remain in the Trust Fund until such a request would be made, thus building up a congregational reserve. Considering the above, considering the significant growth of the Trust Fund in the last few years, and considering the needs presented to the committee, the Trust Fund committee respectfully recommends to the congregation the following Trust Fund distribution, representing 4.212% of the Trust Fund balance as of September 30, 2014 (including reallocation of $2,350 approved for distribution last year, but not distributed)2:

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* Available upon CPLC Church Council disbursement request, but held in trust for investment return until such Council disbursement request. Respectfully submitted, Marc Al, Chair January 7, 2015

CPLC TRUST FUND (continued) Proposed Recipient 2014 Distribution

Luther Seminary, General Sponsorship, signaling the continued relationship and importance of the Seminary to CPLC and vice versa

$2,000

Divinity student sponsorship-Tumaini University, Iringa, Tanzania $2,300

Keystone Community Services Basic needs program provides food and other necessities

$4,100

Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp (WAPO / Wilderness Canoe Base), directed to equipment costs (repair, replacement, and new purchases)

$2,000

Hiawatha (Voyageur Ministries) (2 camps) $1,000

CPLC Women's Retreat (speaker fee of $425, plus $20/pp sponsorship for overnight event costs) $1,000

Augsburg College (3-year sponsorship) (year 1) $2,000

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church (startup Hmong church) (3-5 years from being financially self-sufficient)

$2,000

Roseville Meals on Wheels Program Gift provides around 238 meals/year

$1,000

Lutheran Social Services, fund raising dinner at $1,000/ table for 9-10 people, plus $250 for the CPLC-appointed table representative (year 2). Connect with and learn what LSS does and promote giving from CPLC individuals (commitment for 3 years at $1,250 per year)

$1,250

Reallocation of the Luther Seminary internship support approved in January 2014, to Joel Nye (Jonathan Nye’s son)

$2,350

“Gathering” program run through Lyngblomsten Structured activity program held twice a month for people with cognitive disorders. Side benefit is providing respite care for caregivers

$400

Santa Amelia leadership education $1,000

CPLC – emergency reserve * $14,500

CPLC – LEAF Scholarship Fund $3,000

CPLC – Youth $2,000

CPLC – Music Fund $1,000

Ad hoc distribution, to be reserved and used if an important and urgent interim request is made, to be voted upon by the Trust Fund Committee

$2,500

TOTAL $45,400

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Living at Home Block Nurse Program Dear Neighbor, Como Park-Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program is your local non-profit organization with the mission of helping seniors remain safe in the home and community they love. Winter arrived early this year and we are very grateful that so many of our neighborhood seniors have weekly Volunteer visitors. It is remarkable how much joy and practical support volunteers bring to their senior friend with each visit. Four part-time staff and 50 committed volunteers provide the crucial support, care, and resources seniors need within a humble annual budget of $100,000. Each month more than 150 seniors access our services, and it is important to note that 90% of the seniors we work with donate every year to our organization. As you will see below, we provide direct care that is focused on improving the quality of life for seniors and their loved ones. “I love my volunteer. She visits with me every week and brings me dinner. It means a lot to me to have dinner with someone who enjoys my company as much as I enjoy hers!” Wilma, Como Park senior.

2014 Highlights *provided at no-cost to seniors*

• 4,500+ volunteer hours spent visiting with seniors 24 community blood pressure clinics 30 home health assessments by our staff nurse 200+ rides to medical and dental appointments 2,000+ hours directed to helping seniors, including, chore support,

transportation, and yard work “I am so grateful for all the rides I have gotten especially in the winter! It is so nice to have door-to-door service.” Elaine, Falcon Heights senior. On behalf of the seniors who benefit from our services and your generosity, we wish you a joyful holiday season. Kind regards, Jody McCardle Executive Director

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