CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

821 South Fourth Street

Louisville, Kentucky 40203

502-587-6011

 

The Rev. J. Edward Morris, Rector

 

Annual Congregational Meeting

January 16, 2005

10:00 a.m.

 

Call to Order

 

Opening Prayer

 

Appointment of Parliamentarian

Election of Secretary

 

Minutes of the 2004 Annual Meeting

 

The Election of the Vestry Class of 2007

 

Reports

 

Resolutions

 

For the Good of the Church

 

Adjournment

 

 

Index of Reports and Materials

Statistics

Rector’s Report

Ministries of Excellence Reports:

  WORSHIP:

     Music: Adult Choir and Orchestra, Children’s Choir and Orchestra

     Flower Delivery

     Ushers

     Tape and Word

     Acolytes

     Altar Guild

     Lay Readers

     Greeters

     Chalice Bearers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers

     Pew Materials

  CARE:

     Senior Warden

     Junior Warden

     Search Committee

     Book Aid

     Hospitality

     Calvary Book Club

     Breakfasts

     Parish Life Explanation

     Softball

     Foyer Groups

     Burial Ground

     Crisis Care

     Refugees

     Building, House, and Grounds

     Intercessory Prayer Group

     Housekeeping

     Habitat for Humanity

  EDUCATION:

     Christian Formation: Children and Youth reports

     Website

     Calvary Connection

  OUTREACH:

     Clothes Shops

     Food Chart

     Food Closet

     Outreach Gifts

Financial Reports

 

STATISTICS

 

  1. From the Register of Services, January 1 – December 31, 2004:

             Eucharists:  121  Other services: 28

            

             Total Attendance:   All Services – 9,625 (9,850 in 2003)           

            

  1. From the Parish Register:

             Baptisms:  6 (6 in 2003)

                  Clare Virginia Martin, Lilian Marie Montilla, William Andrew Frazier,

                  Sean Michael Robinson, Carolina Clay Musselman, May Anderson Currens

              Confirmations: 2 (5 in 2003)

                  Carolyn Hunt Crawford, Linda Griffith (received)

                  

             Marriages:  4 (7 in 2003)

                   Robert Hooe – Caroline Carle

                   Matthew Guffey – Dolly Nichols

                   Carolyn Crawford – William Andrew Frazier

                   Brian Beam – Denise Hornreich

 

              Burials:  6  (11 in 2003)

  Caroline Harvey, Susan Grizzle, Frank Cleaver, Patsy Clark, Charles Gruenberger

  Willis Meigs

  

  1. Transfers In: 4 ( 5 in 2003)

Winfrey Blackburn, Brian Beam, Terry Williams, Gehrig Robinson

 

  1. Transfers Out: 9 (12 in 2003)

                    Stephanie Smith, Sarah Whitsett, Thomas Noland, Vivian Sawyer, Sidney Noland,  

                    Andrew Noland, Tim Black, Laura Black, Kate Black

 

 

WORSHIP

 

 

MUSIC AT CALVARY

   This is the 41st time I have reported on the state of music at Calvary! Before I launch into the various statistics and activities of Music 2004, let me just say how very grateful and pleased both Melvin and I were at the wonderful reception held for us last summer, not only to commemorate my 40 years of service to Calvary, but also to honor Melvin for his 25 years at Calvary. I also want to commend Melvin for his contributions as Calvary choir director! Calvary may be the only church around to have a person of his qualifications for free!   Besides, it’s the only time in our considerable professional and personal life together that I can actually tell Melvin what to do – only as far as anthem choice and rehearsal order, of course!  We both will enjoy the trip to Germany that the Calvary parishioners so generously gave us. Although the time line has to be shoved back a bit from May due to knee surgery (ugh), we will make the trip as soon as Melvin can jump onto the European trains!

  As an inner city church, we have a special challenge to offer unique programs in order to attract people who have to pass four or five other churches to come from all over to get to Calvary, as well as those who live in the neighborhood. We have assessed and met that challenge through ambitious programs in music, outreach, communications, and education. While nothing can, will, or should remain exactly the same, we have a firm foundation on which to build. We look forward to the year ahead working with Father Morris as we continue to strive to offer the best music possible. I also wish to thank Fr. Richard Humke for his enthusiastic support of our music program during his time at Calvary.

   This is the sixth year that the Calvary Adult Choir has been joined on occasion by the Adult Calvary Orchestra, consisting of members of Calvary who play flute (Julio and James Racine), violin (Judy Wilson, Marie Montilla, Marsha Webb, Anne Marie deZeeuw, Cassandra Brosvik, James Racine), viola (Beth Rudwell, Nina Racine), cello (Judith Hamilton, Cynthia Racine Tran), clarinet (Jorge Montilla), and harp (Julia Richardson). And do not forget our bagpipers, Anne Marie deZeeuw and Larry Frederiksen. I would also like to thank Lynn Thompson for volunteering to conduct the Calvary choir on Bach Society Sundays, and Jim Barnes, for his Herculean efforts to keep the music library in order and to provide CDs to keep tabs on it all. Thanks be to all!

   We have joyfully watched as our small ones have become good enough to form a children’s orchestra and further develop a children’s chorus, thanks to the continued efforts of Judy Wilson and Elyse Hensley. We appreciate the dedication and expertise that the music brings to the services at Calvary; this is a true application of time and talent! For the adult choir, it means a commitment for the whole morning EVERY SUNDAY – all year long - for we rehearse an hour and a half before we ever get into church. That is a lot, and we are grateful to each and every member for that kind of loyalty.

   Special events in 2004 for which the adult choir sang included Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, the Celebration of a New Ministry on December 10, and Christmas Eve. We all have Christmas Eve tales to tell as to how we got to Calvary! I am especially grateful for all those musicians who made special efforts to be there (even for an 8:30 rehearsal!) despite 10 inches of snow that had forced cancellation of the previous evening’s rehearsal and choir dinner. We will have the choir dinner when we are sure of no snow!

  The 18th Annual Lenten Listen and Lunch Series this spring was again a real community effort, with excellent recitals and luncheons prepared by more than 40 Calvary volunteers. Over 340 people attended the five Wednesday concerts. The recitals generated donations of $1,186 that were used to buy food for the needy who come to Calvary’s doors every day. Other concerts and recitals included one by the Louisville Bach Society, violin recitals by students of Judy Wilson, and various tour demonstrations. A special highlight was the annual Bach Society Children’s Concert on May 3, when Calvary was filled with children in a production narrated by John Hale.

   We said a reluctant farewell to Michele and Steve Wogaman, although Michele comes back from time to time, and we welcomed Cassandra and Steve Brosvik and family.

   As to what I do …. for six days a week , I continue to try to balance a vital music program and all it entails with tons of other things: running the food program; coordinating the volunteers; serving as board secretary for the Help Ministries; composing and printing the weekly bulletins, the newsletter, posters, and other mailings and chasing after people who don’t understand deadlines; coordinating weddings; coordinating the Lenten Series, serving as cook, organ recitalist and troubleshooter; cooking lunches for rector candidates; fighting with the computer and the copy machine especially; cooking up jobs for others to do; and performing all sorts of janitorial tasks. I even manage to practice now and then! The interim period has presented special challenges of time, talent, and patience for me, and I thank all who have made special efforts to be of help for the day to day operation of our ministries.   The involvement I have every day with the people who have much less than we do is a never-ending source of humbleness for me, and I am grateful that, through our many ministries, we can make a difference for them. May we continue to be uniquely supportive of each other and those to whom we minister. We live in challenging times!

                                                     Margaret Dickinson

 

                          The Children’s Choral Ensemble

This group meets almost weekly at the end of the Church School hour. We sing four or five times a year at the 11:00 service. We have contributed to the services on such occasions as Palm Sunday, the Christmas Pageant, and the Institution of the Rector. Our singers range in age from nursery to high school! We welcome children of all ages to sing with us whenever they can.                                                                               

                                                                                                Elyse Hensley

 

 

 

The Calvary Youth String Ensemble

   Our group keeps growing and now includes at least 11 young musicians.  On some occasions, we have participated in the service with our more advanced players, and at other times, such as the Christmas Pageant and the 4:00 Christmas Eve service, most or all eleven members of the ensemble have played. 

   I would be remiss if I did not recognize Cassandra Brosvik as an additional leader for this ensemble.  Cassandra is a wonderful musician and teacher in her own right and she has been invaluable to me this past year.  Having her here has enabled us to play some more complex pieces with our advanced players.

   I would also like to pay tribute to Elyse Hensley, who has very often written out cello parts for us.  All of the parents of these young musicians should be thanked for getting them to lessons, making certain that they practice, and getting them to rehearsals.

   Our Calvary Youth orchestra has gotten better and better! We have played a number of times, including the pageant and the 4:00 service on Christmas Eve, where everybody showed up. Considering that the congregation only numbered 68 due to the snow, these young string players and their parents made up a good percentage of those attending. The Hensleys deserved the prize for effort, as they had 20 inches of snow and still made it! Musicians who have performed with us during 2004 include Mary Jane Booker, Alexandra Brosvik, Mary Gail Richardson, Anne Richardson, Haley Hensley, Kelsey Hensley, Audrey Hensley, Rosemary Wilson, McKenna Webb, Katherine Gruneisen, and Elizabeth Walton. We keep growing and improving.

   I like to think that we are contributing to Calvary's mission to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord."                                                                              Judy Pease Wilson

 

           

FLOWER DELIVERY

There are currently 24 families involved in the flower delivery ministry.  We are very grateful to each of them and would love to have any others who are interested.  If you speak to any of the current deliverers, you will hear them say it is mostly a very rewarding experience.  Currently these people are delivering flowers after the 11 o'clock service:  Nancy Anderson, Nick and Susan Baker, John Bugbee and Huyett Hurley, Sandra Cherry, John Cunningham, Art and Jean Dietz, Beverly Dugan, Larry Frederiksen and Anne Marie deZeeuw,  Dean and Linda French, Marshall and Whitney Hardy, Michael and Elyse Hensley, Barret Hill, Ralph Hirsbrunner, Shirley Leach, Ted Mussler and Louisa Henson, Alex and Mary Redden, Ruth Robins, Harold and Marion Six, Harvey Turner, Clyde Warner, Ken Wempe, Robert and Norma Weaver, and Judy and Rosemary Wilson.    If you would be interested in joining this group, please speak to either Mike or Wilma Wilson.   You only deliver the flowers two times each year in addition to helping with the Christmas poinsettias and the Easter lilies.

                                                                                    Mike and Wilma Wilson

 

 

 

USHERS

 

Thanks to all of you who served as ushers and as alternates in 2004.  Due to attrition, most of our four-person teams were short handed this year.  Fortunately, others from the Congregation volunteered to fill in as needed.  I was pleased that several new members of Calvary served as ushers and that several of our youth participated (Thanks Brennan, Sarah, and Britt).  If any of you would like to try your hand at ushering please contact me. 

                                                                        Jerry Lyndrup

 

 

 

TAPE AND WORD MINISTRY

 

 

The year 2004 marked the 22nd year of the Tape Ministry. We have distributed over 1,957 tapes to people who are not able to attend Calvary for reasons of absence or illness. We also tape all weddings, funerals, and baptisms and give them as gifts to the families involved. We also have a duplicating machine, and are able to make copies of services. Just bring us a tape, and we'll do the rest.

 

            The sermons are a weekly offering on our web page and are also available in printed form at the west end of the nave. The current Calvary Connection is on the web as well, and past editions are in the library. Bookmarks describing our many Calvary programs are also available, as well as bulletins (that seem to be mini newsletters each week!) from way back up to the present.

 

As stated, we continue to tape each service. You are invited to check out tapes of services back to 1981, if you wish! We are very grateful to Joyce Tichenor, who has taken on the monumental task of cataloging and rearranging service tapes clear back to 1981. In addition, she has cleaned up and catalogued all of the bulletins, and continues to monitor those each week. (They are now all in the library bathroom!)  You can also check out books in our library. Do remember, however, if you check out a book, to return it!

                                                                                    Margaret Dickinson

 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CONGREGATION: ACOLYTES                   

 

The acolyte program continues to prosper, despite the lack of seniors in the current lineup.  Bedrock performers like Tori Long and Haley and Kelsey Hensley are anchoring nearly every 11:00 service, with regular participation as well by Mary Jane Booker, Griffin Brown, Audrey Hensley and Rosemary Wilson.  This solid experience base has helped sustain the program, and its contribution to the Calvary experience.  With the installation of Father Morris, acolytes are eagerly adapting to new leadership and service routines, and looking forward to renewed recruiting efforts and training opportunities. 

The usual two-team structure is still in place, following the rotation that suits most participants best: serving every other week.   The heroes who serve every week simply belong to both teams.  Levels of participation and enthusiasm remain solid, and with these factors at work, proficiency has advanced.

Acolytes can still plan their service with a frequency and choice of specific dates that best meet their needs. Some serve every week, some once a month, and anywhere in between.  The schedule is composed every quarter to take on the latest preferences, and avoid conflicts.  It balances the number of people slated for each service, and gives a basis both for bulletin listings, and for regular team reminders.  We are now at the stage where all serving acolytes have access to email, so Saturday reminder notices to the next day’s team are an integral part of our routine.

Charts are posted in the vesting room each Sunday morning that lay out individual acolyte positions in the procession and roles during the service.  Last-minute decisions on who does what only need to be taken when changes are needed to cover absences or unscheduled add-ins.

Acolytes have taken on the full range of their traditional roles and responsibilities.  Processing with the full appropriate range of celebratory gear, deploying to help people move in and out of the chancel and sanctuary during communion, and participating in special services are some of the ways acolytes have worked to enhance their contribution to the dignity and order of the liturgy.  As we are able to resume regular practice sessions, we can expect to polish our performance.

Feedback from parents and other parishioners is as critical as ever.  Suggestions, ideas, recollections, and reassurances that have come from so many sources have been a welcome affirmation that people care what acolytes do, and see their contribution as a meaningful one.

Most of all, acolytes continue to enjoy the satisfaction of playing an important part in worship.  In its essence, acolyting is a coming-of-age thing.  These are people who are learning the liturgy first-hand, committing themselves to helping smooth its practice, and making themselves active participants.  This is a group, in short, from which the Calvary congregation can take justifiable pride.

Thanks, everyone, for all the wonderful support this past year.  See you in church.

Respectfully,

Dorn Crawford

 

 

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the Altar for Communion for each Sunday service. This includes purchasing and arranging flowers, sweeping and dusting the Altar area, and setting out the “instruments of Communion” for each service.  The flowers donated by the congregation are selected and arranged by the some of the Altar Guild team members while other members go about the business of preparing the Altar for Communion.

 

Two members of Calvary’s 2004 Altar Guild could no longer serve on the committee, Michele Wogaman and Ruth Robins, but we were blessed with two new members, Roberta Dickson and Mary Fewell. The other team members are Lea Davis, Corky Sachs, Hildegarde Temple, Nancy Anderson, Glenna Harris, Meg Scharre, Deborah Stewart, Kathy Hendon, Larry Brown, and myself.  With a new rector in place (praise be to God!), a few changes may be in store for us in 2005, but they will all be good. One suggestion made by Father Ned is to have more than three members to a team. Sounds good – anyone want to sign up? Call me.

 

I want to thank all of my Altar Guild members for all that they do and assure them that neither I, nor Calvary, could manage without them.  Thank you and God bless.

 

                                                Lynne Lyndrup, Chair, Altar Guild

 

 

 

LAY READERS MINISTRY

 

PURPOSE

 

At the core of the Protestant movement, historically, was the belief that lay persons should have access to both the liturgy and the scripture in their own language.  This belief is reflected in the language of The Book of Common Prayer:  “In all services, the entire Christian assembly participates in such a way that the members of each order . . . fulfill the functions proper to their respective orders, as set forth in the rubrical directions for each service.”  For the service of Holy Eucharist, lay readers are specified for the two lessons preceding the Gospel, and for the Prayers of the People.

 

GENERAL GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

 

·         Formal organization and scheduling apply only to “11 o’clock” readers; selection of readers for the earlier services is done by arrangement with regular attendees of those services.

·         Draft schedules covering roughly half of the church year are distributed near Advent 1 and Pentecost.  Readers may request changes before the final schedule is printed.  If a schedule conflict arises later, one of the co-chairs should be alerted as early as possible, so that substitute readers may be found and correct names may appear in the bulletin.

·         The first name listed reads the lessons, and the second reads the Prayers of the People.

·         No special garb is required for lay reading.  Choir members who read usually just wear choir vestments.  Members of the congregation are welcome to simply walk forward from the nave for reading.  If the (non-choir) reader wishes to be part of the procession, however, the appropriate dress is black cassock and white surplice, and a supply of these is found in the acolyte vesting room on the second floor.  It is helpful if readers planning to walk up from the congregation make their presence known to one of the co-chairs before the service.

·         Readings should be prepared in advance.  It helps to own a Prayer Book and a copy of Eucharistic Readings.  For listeners to understand the lesson, the reader must understand it, so if you do not, consult with the rector, or someone else who is knowledgeable about the scripture.

·         Read clearly and plainly, with appropriate emphasis.  Do not rush; do not “drag.”  Try to tell a clear story or make a clear argument.

·         Scripture readings are open on the lectern from the start of the service.  It is a good idea to carry the bulletin insert with you, to double-check where you start, and as a back-up in the event (which has never happened!) that the lectern book is turned to the wrong page; but you will find it easier to read from the book itself, as the print is larger and it tells you what to say before and after the reading.

·         For Prayers of the People, the reader needs to pick up the card listing people to be prayed for, from the small bulletin board opposite the kitchen, and prepare the Prayers with names inserted in appropriate places.  (A copy of the card is also on the lectern.)  Items from the Anglican and Diocesan cycles of prayer are usually read at the beginning, and places to insert names of the sick and the departed are fairly apparent.  In Rite II, the lay reader is given more latitude in arranging the insertions; however, it is best to avoid (in Forms III and V) inserting names at the end of a petition, when the congregation is expected to respond.  The reader carries a Prayer Book to the lectern.  The form and page numbers for the Prayers should be announced in Rite II, but NOT in Rite I, where the service is continuous.

·         First-time readers should familiarize themselves with the lectern a week or two before they read.  There is a footstool you may choose to stand on or to push aside.  The sound system is activated by pulling the switch toward you AND directing your first syllable straight into the microphone.  The co-chairs are happy to walk you through any of these procedures.

 

 

GREETERS

 

A friendly group of parishioners are part of the “greeters’ ministry.”  They arrive 20 minutes before the 11:00 Sunday service, don a greeters badge and a smile, and welcome you to Calvary.  They can be found at the main entrance and the north entrance of the church.  If you are new to Calvary they ask you to sign the guest register so that you may be sent a card acknowledging your presence and inviting you to worship with us again.  If you are a regular member, you are also welcomed with a “good morning” and a handshake.  Greeters also remain after the service to invite worshippers to “coffee hour.”  It takes only a few minutes to be friendly and welcoming, but may make a lifetime of difference to those who enter our red doors.  If you would like to be a part of this vital and worthwhile ministry, please contact Sandra Cherry, chair.

 

 

CHALICE BEARERS AND LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

 

The Chalice Bearer cycle is from the Second Sunday of Easter through Easter Day. During the 2004 cycle, the following persons served as Lectors/Chalice Bearers at the 8:00 service:

Carla McCarty, Willem Wiese, Terry Williams. At the 11:00 service, Chalice Bearers included: Sarah Baker, John Cunningham, Art Dietz, Mary Fewell, Beverly Haverstock, Lynne Lyndrup, Meg Scharre, Don Snow, Clyde Warner and Judy Pease Wilson. We were delighted to have their services at the Altar Rail and in the Nave. The Chalice Bearers also chaliced at special worship services, including the Celebration of the New Ministry of Ned Morris.

 

During the same period, Jim Barnes, Art Dietz, Carolyn Snow and Ned Reiter served as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, taking Holy Communion to several confined or hospitalized members of the congregation. Jim Barnes continued as Lector/Chalice Bearer at burial services during the year. Carolyn Snow and Jim Barnes served as substitutes when needed as well as schedulers and coordinators of the program.

Jim Barnes and Carolyn Snow

 

 

PEW MATERIALS COMMITTEE

 

This committee’s duties include making sure pencils, prayer cards, and Welcome to Calvary brochures are provided in the pews, and keeping the rack at the rear of the church supplied with Calvary Connections, church history, booklets, information, and tour brochures. We will be working closely with the vestry and Father Morris as new materials are generated, rethought, and published.

 

If anyone has any suggestions that they feel might fit in with this committee, please contact me. Thank you.

                                                                            Larry Brown

 

 

 

 

CARE

 

SENIOR WARDEN

 

   In reviewing the events of this past year, I can truthfully say that it has been a year of peaks and valleys.  At the beginning of January, we were anticipating the arrival of a new Rector only to find out that he would decline the position in early January.  This dilemma led to re-convening the Search Committee to once again begin the Rector search process.  As we now know, the Holy Spirit had someone else in mind for us.  My thanks to the Search Committee and to Chairperson Sally Reisz for a job well done.

 

   At the Vestry overnight in February, the Vestry prioritized programs, activities, and events that would allow parishioners to enjoy fellowship with other parishioners other than on Sunday mornings.  It was decided to form foyer groups, a book club, continue with the softball team, and to have an art fair.  Except for the art fair that is scheduled for sometime this spring, all other planned events and/or activities have been implemented and are ongoing.

    

   The spring of 2004 brought with it the sad news that our Vestry Secretary, Ginger Grizzle, was terminally ill.  The outpouring of love and concern for her and her family during the last weeks of her life, once again, demonstrated the character, strength, and resolve of this congregation.  May Ginger rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.

 

   Where would we be if it had not been for the leadership and dedication of the Reverend Richard Humke?  In April, the congregation of Calvary Episcopal Church showed their esteem and love for Father Humke by presenting him with a new car.  We were truly blessed by Father Humke’s steadfast commitment to seeing us through the search for a Rector.

 

   In June, the Vestry called Jonathan Edward Morris to be its 16th Rector.  Ned accepted and Calvary welcomed the Morris family on October 1st.  As Senior Warden, it has certainly been a pleasure getting to know Ned better and working with him over the past few months.  Under his leadership, I feel certain that Calvary will grow spiritually and our congregation will grow too.

 

   In July, the congregation honored Margaret and Melvin Dickinson for Melvin’s 25 years of service as Calvary Volunteer Choir Director and Margaret’s 40 years of service as Director of Music, Outreach, and Communications.  The congregation, through a parish wide appeal, presented them with luggage for a trip to Germany at an anniversary reception prepared by the Hospitality Committee.  Thanks to them and a stellar choir, Calvary continues its outstanding music tradition.

 

   During the past year the Investment Advisory Committee and the Vestry have worked together to set up a repayment schedule for renovation monies borrowed from the Endowment Fund in 1998.  An amortization schedule for the loan repayment was developed and payments back to the Endowment Fund began in June 2004.  Upon the recommendation of the Investment Advisory Committee, the Vestry voted to pay off the Parker Hall construction loan with funds that were in the Parker Hall Endowment Fund #6.  In July, the loan of $194,736.24 was retired and the balance of $5,654.87 was deposited into the Endowment Fund #1 account.

 

   During the past year, the Vestry discussed the present condition of the Church’s physical plant, only to discover that there were structural issues that needed to be addressed immediately.  One such issue was that the stones on the building needed to be re-mortared.  This project was started in late October at a cost of approximately $57,000.00 and is still underway.  Only after the water leaks have been repaired can the much-needed plastering and painting projects begin.  Any financial support toward the major maintenance of the Church would be greatly appreciated.  If you are willing to financially help with these projects, please contact Father Ned or the Vestry.

 

   My report would be incomplete if I did not take this opportunity to thank the dedicated staff and the many volunteers who have helped to keep Calvary on course during the past year.  They have assisted me in many ways this year and for that I am most grateful.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Vestry and the congregation for putting their trust in me to serve as their Senior Warden.  It has truly been an honor for me to serve you in this capacity and one that will not soon be forgotten.  Thank You!                                     Art Dietz, Senior Warden

 

 

JUNIOR WARDEN

 

   What a busy year it has been at Calvary Episcopal Church! We started out with the news that our search for a new Rector would continue. How can we ever thank the Rev. Richard Humke for remaining at Calvary for nine more months this year after he thought he was finally going to be able to really retire?  His commitment was one of the many blessings we received this year. Dick's spiritual guidance and practical leadership were invaluable.  Through the efforts of our devoted, dedicated staff, Music/Outreach/Communications Director Margaret Dickinson, Director of Christian Formation Callie Hausman and Bookkeeper Susan Watts, the day to day operations of Calvary and its programs continued uninterrupted.

 

 Despite our continued state of flux, much was accomplished by the Vestry this year under the able leadership of our Senior Warden Art Dietz. At an excellent Vestry retreat at the All Saints Retreat & Conference Center in February, the vestry and staff charted a course for Calvary which demonstrated the dedication and vision of the lay leadership of our parish. We reviewed the bylaws, redesigned the committee structure with liaisons to the Vestry for each committee, and set a few attainable goals for the year, most of which have been accomplished. Our parish life was enhanced by another season of Calvary Chosen softball, a successful Foyer program of informal gatherings of small groups of parishioners, and a book club was formed. New Marketing & Public Relations, Newcomers and Diocesan Relations Committees were created. Marshall Hardy & Clyde Warner were appointed as co-chairs of the Audit Committee.

 

   Calvary's Vestry and Investment Advisory Committee took a hard look at the finances of the church this year and the Vestry adopted a plan to repay the monies from the Endowment Fund which were used for major renovations of the church plant in the 1990s.  The Vestry continues to look at ways to fund our operating budget through pledges and to wean ourselves from a dependence on Endowment Fund income. With major maintenance being a constant issue in a fine old church such as Calvary, the Vestry authorized a long overdue tuckpointing, or remortaring, project which will then make it practical to repair the damaged plaster in the interior of the church. While the Endowment Fund, created by gifts from past parishioners and others, is truly a blessing for Calvary, we need to use the fund wisely and within strict guidelines so that this special place can continue to be preserved and improved for future generations.

 

   The major blessing of the year was the arrival of our new Rector, Ned Morris, his delightful wife, Ellen, and two precious sons, Halstead and William.  Ned has demonstrated a warm and caring approach to getting to know each and every member of Calvary and learning what makes Calvary the unique community of faith that it is.  He has confirmed, in his short time with us, that we are in the hands of a superb spiritual leader who will challenge us all to grow in faith and carry the message of Christ into the world.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ned during the final quarter of 2004 and look forward to a new year which will bring more blessings to Calvary than we can even imagine.

 

   The Holy Spirit was definitely at work at Calvary Episcopal Church in 2004, albeit sometimes in mysterious ways!  I appreciate the opportunity to have served as your Junior Warden this year. As I have said before, it was definitely a faith strengthening experience for me.  I look forward to serving the final year of my Vestry term and to many more years among the "people" of Calvary Episcopal Church through whom the Holy Spirit is obviously working on a daily basis.

                           Sally Reisz, 2004 Junior Warden

 

 

2004 CALVARY SEARCH COMMITTEE

         

The Calvary Search Committee resumed its work in January 2004 after receiving news that a call issued the previous fall could not be accepted. This wonderful group, having already spent almost a full year at the process, simply took a collective deep breath, said many prayers and went back to work.  That continuity was invaluable in making this year's search as efficient as possible. Each member added his or her own unique talents to the group but with a common desire to do what was best for the future of Calvary Episcopal Church.

 

Jim Barnes, Anne Marie deZeeuw, Art Dietz, Downey Gray, Lynne Lyndrup, Meg Scharre, Jeff Webb and Michele Wogaman are to be commended for agreeing to extend their commitment until the search reached a successful conclusion and a Rector was found for Calvary.  John Bugbee, who had chaired the committee most ably the previous year was unable to continue serving since his consulting business had taken a back seat to his almost full-time volunteer job and needed his undivided attention.  He also had some family commitments to which he needed to tend. We all owe him our deepest gratitude for the wonderful job he did which laid the groundwork for a smooth search process this year.

 

After comprehensive interviews and visits to a number of candidates, the Calvary Search Committee made its recommendation, as charged by the Vestry, at a special Vestry Meeting held June 12.  The result was the issuance of a call by the Vestry to The Reverend Jonathan Edward "Ned" Morris, the then Associate Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia.  The call was accepted on June 15.  It is with great pleasure that I can report that Ned Morris assumed his duties as Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church on October 1 and was instituted as its 16th Rector in a beautiful service held at Calvary on December 10, 2004.

                                                                                     Sally Reisz, Chair

 

 

BOOK AID
Calvary members, the Buechel Woman's Club, and friends have helped us with a total of 2,420 books in 2004.  (Your special help obtaining 1,100 new children's books for the House of Ruth helped enormously.  These 2,400 books were delivered to:  St. John's Center, a homeless shelter; Wayside Christian Mission, a homeless shelter; Glade House, for male HIV patients; House of Ruth, for women and children with HIV or Aids-related problems; and to other men suffering with Aids.
 
 
The Seamen's Church Institute has moved its receiving depot to Paducah, so we unfortunately have had to drop them from our giving.
  
Since Book Aid of Calvary's inception in 1990, our grand total is 32,513 books.
 
Thank you, Calvary, for your great support! These books mean a lot to our clients, and there is no doubt Book Aid is a vital part of Calvary's Outreach Program.  I'm told our clients light up when they see our books out on a table.
 
David Webb, Chair (wdavid178@aol.com)   
 

 

CALVARY BOOK CLUB

 

The Calvary Book Club (CBC) was organized in November, 2004. Its first chairperson is Lavinia Swain. The club meets on the fourth Monday of each month in Parker Hall at 7:00 p.m. There are currently ten members, and new members are welcome. The CBC has met twice. The first book reviewed was The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, and the second was The Rosewood Casket by Sharon McCloud. The January selection is A Taste of the Sweet Apple by Jo Anna Holt Watson of Louisville. The CBC has very few rules and regulations – it is extremely flexible, with no rules as to the type of book to be reviewed. Each month’s reviewer (a voluntary position) may choose the book to be reviewed, and may or may not provide refreshments. There is a discussion period following the review that tends to be wide-ranging and very interesting.

                                          Corky Sachs, filling in for Lavinia Swain, who is out of town

 

 

BREAKFASTS AT CALVARY

 

As of September 2004, the breakfast contribution to the Calvary Food Closet is $1,184.27 from 17 breakfasts, or $69.66 per breakfast. Seventy dollars to the food closet can make a lot of people happy through the gift of food and caring, and that same happiness is given to our wonderful Calvary family, the gifts of caring and sharing each Sunday morning as you greet each other and enjoy our prepared breakfast. The cost of the food and our time is our gift to Calvary.

 

The breakfast really has a life of its own: Our family time spent preparing the meal for our Calvary family, welcoming everyone each Sunday morning and seeing your smiling faces, enjoying the family time with each other while eating breakfast. We really look forward not only to the food but more importantly to the warmth of the fellowship. And for everyone who enjoys the breakfast we enable another family through your donations to the food closet to enjoy food and the warmth of family and fellowship. Thank you!

                                                         Laina Brown (with Griffin and John)

 

 

PARISH LIFE

 

At the vestry retreat in February, 2004, the committees of the church were restructured somewhat, and the former PPV (Personnel, Planning, and Volunteers) no longer exists.  The Parish Life umbrella encompasses those programs of the church which broadly have a social or fellowship component.  Laina Brown and Sandra Cherry are the co-chairs of the Parish Life Committees and report directly to the vestry the activities of these committees.

 

SOFTBALL

 

This past year was Calvary’s second in the Diocesan Softball League.  Lasy year, you may recall, we came in last place in the Episcopal League, but we were proud of our spirit, fellowship, and fun; not to mention our large trophy!  This past year, the Episcopal League joined other metro leagues and played all games at Tom Sawyer Park. They provided umpires, line coaches, and scorekeepers for a hefty registration fee.  We studied a 100-page rulebook for our coed recreational team (which in a nutshell had the men bat off-handed and genders had to alternate placement, and homeruns became anathema after the first one).  We got rained out every Sunday the first month, and had to double up and sometimes triple up the rest of the season.  We actually won one game this season, but didn’t get any trophy.  We did have a lot of fun, and certainly represented the church showing good sportsmanship.  So that another Episcopal-Lutheran Church would not have to forfeit a game due to lack of female participants, we lent two of our very best players who donned their tee-shirts and helped them win!  Speaking of tee-shirts, we sold over 50 Calvary shirts this year to help defray our registration costs.  They were proudly worn by our ever-faithful cheerleaders and friends.  Thanks to Alex Redden for coaching.                  Sandra Cherry

 

 

Foyer Groups

 

Foyer Dinner groups at Calvary began for the first time last April and ran through October with 40 people participating.  Historically, the concept of foyer groups began in England after World War II when Anglican Churches needed to find a way to rebuild a sense of “community and fellowship” following the ravages of war and the rebuilding process.  At Canterbury, fellow clergymen met for dinner to discuss how to get their churches to gather for dinner and fellowship, and hence a movement was born out of this need.  In this diocese several Episcopal Churches have formed foyer groups to respond to the need of “food, fun, and fellowship.”  We had 40 parishioners gather in our Phase I groupings, and have 47 parishioners and friends signed up for Phase II.  We began this past Friday, January 14th, with a “kick-off” dinner in the Parish Hall.  We were assigned our color-coded groups (red, yellow, blue, green) and met and scheduled our gatherings at our rotating hosts’ homes for the future months.  All groups should be finished by June or July of this year.  Most groups had the pot-luck format.  Discussion at dinner was usually lively and sometimes of a political nature.  A great time was had by all!!

Sandra Cherry, chair

 

 

 

BURIAL GROUND

If a parishioner is interested in learning about the Burial Ground, there are brochures available in the church office and in the tract racks on the west wall of the nave. This explains the policies and procedure for interment of ashes.

 

Although we have not had an interment since 2001, like any cemetery or burial ground, this dedicated area must always be well maintained put of respect for those interred.

 

The money in the Burial Ground account, which comes from donations or money prepaid by those arranging interment, is spent for maintenance. Fairleigh Brooks, whose company is called “Sundog,” has been paid $370 from this account, and that covers May through November of this year. The account is rather low ($224), and needs contributions, especially since one of the holly bushes looks “poorly” and may need replacement. I thank all those who have shown interest in and served on this committee.

                                                                           Whitney Hardy, Chairman

 

 

CRISIS CARE

 

During the past year, Nancy Anderson and Jean Dietz have functioned with a very small committee. Therefore, Crisis Care meals have been limited to people who are truly in need. At Jean’s suggestion, she contacts the church office every Wednesday to find out who is in the hospital or otherwise in crisis. Jean then has sent notes to people or called upon Nancy or others to deliver a meal, if that is the appropriate response.

 

The main goal is to keep in touch with members of the congregation who are suffering or lonely. Won’t you please join us as we endeavor to hold this wonderful group of people called our church family together through this time of crisis for all of us?

                                                            Nancy Anderson and Jean Dietz

 

 

OUR REFUGEES

THE SHERIFI FAMILY: As you all know, Calvary adopted a Family from Kosovo on September 3, 1999. The report booklet for 1999, as well as various Calvary Connection articles, contain detailed descriptions of the arrival of Ridvan, Maki, Dita, and Teuti Sherifi and the contributions of more than 65 Calvary parishioners as we settled them in their new country.

 

The year 2004, therefore, marked their fifth complete year in Louisville. We celebrated their fifth anniversary last September with a gala coffee hour hosted jointly by the Sherifis and Lou Henson, who continues to have a close relationship with the family.

 

LILAMANI PERERA: Lilamani can’t exactly be classified as a refugee! (She has always eluded classification!) As you know from the summer of 2003, Calvary was responsible for procuring and furnishing an apartment for Lil. Subsequently, however, it was deemed best for her to return to Sri Lanka to be with her family. That was accomplished, and she was very happy to be back, after some 30 years in America. Recent events with the Tsunami have made drastic changes in the lives of the Pereras, although they themselves survived, as did their homes. Our prayers are with them all.

                                                                                  Margaret Dickinson

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