502-587-6011
The Rev. J. Edward Morris, Rector
The Annual Congregational Meeting
January 20, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
Call to Order
Opening Prayer
Appointment of Parliamentarian
Election of Secretary
Minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting
The Election of the Vestry Class of 2010
Reports
Resolutions
For the Good of the Church
Adjournment
INDEX
OF REPORTS
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
Lectors
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Visitors
Intercessory Prayer Group
Pew Materials
CARE:
Senior Warden
Newcomers
Greeters
Crisis Care
College and Young Adult
Parish Life
Foyer Groups
Hospitality
Time and Talent
Breakfasts
Burial Ground
Property
Long Range Planning
EDUCATION:
Christian Formation: Children and
Youth reports
Website
Calvary Connection
Adult Forum
OUTREACH:
Clothes Shops
Food Closet
Help Ministries
Book Aid
Outreach Gifts
FINANCIAL
REPORTS
2007 Financial
Statements
Stewardship
Finance
Committee
VOTING
STIPULATIONS
BALLOT
STATISTICS
From the
Register of Services, January 1 – December 31, 2007
1.
Eucharists:
197 (143 Sundays, 52 Weekdays)
Other services: 98 (41 private Eucharists, 37 Daily Office, 20 Weekdays)
Total
Attendance: All Services – 12,396 (11,926
in 2006)
Average Sunday Attendance at HE: 176
Average
Attendance at HE - 3
Sunday services: 188
Average Attendance at HE
- 2 Sunday
services: 143
Average Thursday Attendance at HE: 14 (excluding Maundy Thursday)
2.
From
the Parish Register:
Baptisms
8 (3 in 2006)
Allen
Lloyd Bagley, Amy Elizabeth Bagley, Lucy V. Hess, Sergei V. Hess,
Susie Michelle Flatt, Saengdeaune Jessica Mekmaysy, Cameron James Wadell,
Christine Jenness
Martin
Confirmations: 12 (8 in 2006)
Marshall Allen Hess, Mary
Catherine Wright, Griffin Aukai Brown,
Julian Todd Rippy,
Peter Yeates Fulton, Stuart James Ellison MacLean,
Mary Jane Rush Booker, Susie
Michelle Flatt, David Edward Smith,
Saengdeaune
Jessica Montgomery, David John Bos,
Elizabeth Anne Collier Vail
Receptions: 1
Jonathan Craig Cecil
Marriages: 7 (4 in 2006)
John
Hunt Stites III and Martha Kate Meng
Robert Carl Koch III and Adele
Dorothy Smith
Joseph Edward Wilson and
Stephanie Rachel Young
Thomas Wayne Gift, Jr. and Leigh Walton Clark
Jonathan Craig Cecil and Saengdeaune Jessica Mekmaysy
Karl Robert Licht
and Susie Michelle Flatt
Jeffrey Lyle Baker and Shelley Stockett Jeffries
Burials: 5 (9 in 2006)
Donald Jack Allen, James Eugene Tittle II, Hugh John Caperton III
Louise Railey
Senior, Rebecca Coliz
Transfers In: 15 (13 in 2006)
Marsha Leigh Webb, Harriett
Northcutt, Jonathan Craig Cecil,
Thomas Wayne Gift, Jr., Stephanie
Marie Curtis, John Speed,
Robert Perkins Dillard, Roberta
Lou Schaffner, Preston Schaffner
Dillard,
Richard R. Tryon III, Sharon L. Tryon,
Richard R. Tryon IV,
Shelley Stockett
Jeffries, Cecelia Walcek, Eliza Farnsley.
Transfers Out: 9 (7 in 2006)
Stephen
W. Wogaman, Michele J. Wogaman,
Pinkney S. Wiggins,
Emily M. Wogaman,
Deborah A. Wogaman, David E. Smith,
Michael J. Small, Calvin L. Dixson, Naomi M. Cleaver
RECTOR
When I was in seminary, the most practical
and pragmatic courses I took were the four called Pastoral Theology (also known
as PT1, 2, 3, and 4). In short, these classes were about life as a parish
priest. Among other things, I remember my professor, Bill Doubleday, teaching
about the “Honeymoon” period of congregational ministry. The honeymoon is that
time when a priest first arrives in a parish. In most cases, it is a period
when just about everyone is happy and excited about a new beginning. Everyone's
best behavior is on display and all is perfect harmony. The Honeymoon can last
for months or years.
As tempting as it might be to be lulled into
perpetuating this sweet period, it is not until the honeymoon is over that real
growth in the relationship can happen. Think about a marriage or other kind of
relationship – the telltale signs of its strength, depth, and growth are only
seen through years of being together. Over time, the relationship changes
(typically for the better) as the couple sees more and more of each other and
becomes more familiar with the gifts, habits, tendencies, idiosyncrasies and,
yes, the faults of the other.
This past October (2007), I celebrated my
third anniversary of serving as Calvary's Rector. I can't say exactly when, but
I knew well before then that the honeymoon had ended. I can't recall any specific
event, but somehow after I had celebrated my second Easter Sunday (2006), it
felt like, if not the honeymoon, then, at least a period of transition had
ended.
We find ourselves in 2008, and well into our
fourth year of relationship as parish and priest. The Annual Reports that
follow are filled with details about our relationship. Like all relationships,
we have our strong areas and some areas that could use some attention and
work. Overall, I think you will agree,
that Calvary is a healthy and vibrant church and we continue to grow.
As in all relationships, it takes more than
any one person to keep it growing and strong. I am not foolish enough for a
second to think that our progress and success has been because of my effort
alone. There is an entire congregation of committed and faithful people to
thank and appreciate.
2007 was a tremendous year in many respects.
Some highlights include: Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Supper; Aiding Jeffrey and
Olivia as refugees; Lenten Recital Series; Katrina Relief Mission Trip; Noel C.
and Mrs. P. performance and fundraising event; Calvary Camp Weekend in May
(Friday to Sunday); Adult Forum Lectures by John Hale in January and again in
October and November; Youth Sunday; Confirmation Sunday with Bishop Gulick; Painting of the second floor classrooms and hallway
by parishioners; Vacation Bible School; Calvary-Holy Cross Sunday Celebration
in September; Grant received for refurbishing the South Tower for the Youth;
First Newcomers’ Orientation; Unique
Artique; Construction of Churchyard Fence; and another record setting Every
Member Canvass Stewardship Campaign.
We also celebrated Anita House
(Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant) and Leroy Malone (Sexton) as they moved
from part-time to full-time. Since 2004, we have grown from two full-time
positions to five full-time positions. These additions have helped tremendously
in allowing Calvary to sustain the vibrancy of community life as well as
provide excellent support in many areas of ministry.
We continue to grow in so many ways, but it
is our growth in Christ that is of utmost importance. Our number one reason for
existing is to “praise God from whom all blessings flow.” I am committing
myself to another year of living the life I have been baptized into, namely the
life of Jesus Christ. Our life is praise, so let us do so gladly, and with much
vigor and thanksgiving move forward into the future.
God bless you –
J. Edward Morris, Rector
The following
reports are grouped according to our
FOUR
GREAT MINISTRIES of EXCELLENCE at
WORSHIP
CARE
EDUCATION
OUTREACH
(Finances follow)
WORSHIP
Worship
is the cornerstone of our life together. Through it we are transformed into
people blessed by our experience of encountering God and commissioned to go
forth into the world spreading this blessing through serving Christ in all
people. This past year, we continued our three-service schedule September
through May, our two-service schedule June through the second Sunday of
September, and our Thursday Holy Eucharist throughout the year. We adjusted the
times of our earlier services in order to create a slight window between each
one. The 8:00 service now begins at 7:45, and the 9:15 service commences at
9:00. The 9:00 service continues with music from the U of L Music School
students on the first three Sundays of the month. As Episcopalians we find much
of our identity in what we share together during worship. There are many
opportunities to serve God by serving in some capacity during or in preparation
of worship. Please read through the following reports and choose one or two
that you would like to explore as a way of deepening your faith and enabling
others to deepen their faith through the experience of worshiping in this
wonderful place.
MUSIC
AT CALVARY
This is the 44th time I have
reported on the state of music at Calvary! As an inner city church, we
have a special challenge to offer unique programs that attract people who have
to pass four or five other churches to get to Calvary, as well as ministering
to those who live in our neighborhood. We have assessed and are meeting that
challenge through ambitious programs, including music. While nothing can, will,
or should remain exactly the same, we have a firm foundation on which to build.
I thank Father Ned and Father Humke for both appreciating and supporting that
foundation as we continue to strive to uphold our tradition of musical
excellence, and I thank them for their interest and cooperation in understanding
the importance of liturgy and the role that music can play in fitting all of
that together.
The Calvary Adult Choir consists of
a loyal group of about 35 singers who provide music every Sunday, even in the
summer. For the adult choir, it means a commitment for the whole morning EVERY
SUNDAY, for we rehearse an hour and a half before we ever get into church. On
occasion, we also hear various instruments played by members of Calvary,
including flute (Julio and James Racine, Elyse Hensley), violin (Judy Wilson,
Marie Montilla, Marsha Webb, Anne Marie deZeeuw, James Racine, Mary Gail Richardson, Haley Hensley,
Kelsey Hensley)), viola (Beth Rudwell, Nina Racine),
cello (Judith Hamilton, Cynthia Racine Tran, Anne Richardson), and harp (Julia
Richardson). We are especially pleased that some of our young strings are now
advanced enough to also play in the “big” orchestra! And do not forget our
bagpipers, Anne Marie deZeeuw and Larry Frederiksen. The 9:00 service music continues our project of
reaching out to music students at the University of Louisville. A
flute-clarinet-bass trio provides music on the first and second Sundays, while
trumpet (sometimes with organ) does the third. So that our children know what a
pipe organ sounds like, I take the fourth Sunday, and anything goes for the
fifth. Our volunteer choir director Melvin Dickinson deserves much thanks for his expertise and
dedication. I would also like to thank Jim Barnes for his Herculean
efforts to keep the music library in order and to provide CDs to keep tabs on
it all. Special events in 2007 for which the adult choir sang
included Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, All Saints’ Day at Christ Church
Cathedral, the wedding of Adele Smith (daughter of choir member Jon), and
Christmas Eve.
The
21st 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. A total of 376 people
attended the five Wednesday concerts played by John Bryant, Margaret Dickinson,
Julia Richardson, Michael Tunnell, and the Redden
Family Singers. The recitals generated donations of $1328. This amount was
given to help the Mississippi victims of Hurricane Katrina and to support the
mission of the Calvary people who spent a week at Camp Coast Care. Other
concerts and recitals included two by the Louisville Bach Society (one in April
narrated by Dr. John Hale to a packed church of children) and violin recitals
by students of Judy Wilson, as well as various musical offerings in Parker Hall
on the new grand piano that was completely funded by donations from the people
of Calvary – one piano key at a time!
As
to what I do … for six days a week, I try to balance a vital music program and
all it entails with tons of other things: running the
food program; coordinating the daily volunteers; serving as board member for
the Help Ministries; composing and printing the weekly bulletins, the
newsletter, posters, and other mailings and chasing after people who don’t like
deadlines; coordinating weddings; coordinating the Lenten Series, serving as
cook, organ recitalist and troubleshooter; and enjoying the new computer that
does more than I know how to do. I even manage to practice now and then! 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
We
are grateful to Elyse Hensley, who led this group for this year’s Pageant and
other events earlier in 2007. We are looking at ways to expand their role – and
to try to find the 25th hour in a 24-hour day so they can rehearse more. WHEN
is the big problem, not Talent!
MLD
The Calvary Youth Strings Ensemble
The
Calvary Youth Strings Ensemble has played for special services throughout the church
year, including the Christmas Pageant.
Members of this group have also played in smaller ensembles,
and as soloists for services. Some of
the more advanced musicians played for the 9:30 Christmas Eve service this
year. Our members are made up of young
people whose ability runs from beginner to advanced. This means that on occasion you will hear
the entire group, such as the Christmas Pageant, and at other times, just the
advanced players will participate. All
levels are encouraged and appreciated.
Calvary is very lucky to have such talented young musicians willing to
share those talents in service to God.
Calvary Youth Strings Ensemble:
Violins:
Mary Jane Booker, Haley
Hensley, Kelsey Hensley, Eli Perryman, Liam Perryman, Mary Gail Richardson, Elizabeth
Walton, Lily Walton, Rosemary Wilson
Cellos: Pauline Hamilton, Anne Richardson, McKenna
Webb
Judy
Pease Wilson
FLOWER
DELIVERY
Delivering
flowers to the sick and shut-ins of our parish is a warm, fuzzy gift we share
with others in bringing Christ’s love and a sense of community to those at home
or in the hospital. This ministry of
visitation with a floral arrangement warms the heart and soul of both the giver
and the receiver. I am very thankful for
people who serve as flower deliverers and the good will and cheer you bring to
others. Taking flowers and the service
bulletin to the sick is a way those at home can share in the lessons and
prayers offered that Sunday. I have enjoyed setting up the yearly schedule for
the church for the last two years, and will be turning this over to someone
else at the end of 2008. If you are
interested in heading this vital ministry, please let Fr. Ned or me know of your
interest.
Sandra Cherry
USHERS
Thanks
to generous, dutiful, and knowledgeable volunteers, ushering at all services
was accomplished in the past year without fanfare or glitches. To all who might
be tempted to serve Calvary as ushers, I recommend it as a really easy task,
and very gratifying. I am ending my term as chairman after two years, and am
grateful to all who made it easy.
Jack Reisz, Usher Chair
TAPE
AND WORD MINISTRY
The year
2007 marked the 25th year of the Tape Ministry. We have distributed over 2,000
tapes to people who are not able to attend
ACOLYTES
The acolytes have been doing an outstanding
job this year. As you may have noticed,
we have added the management of two dove kites to our duties and the high
school students who maneuver these kites do it beautifully. You will see those on Festive Sundays and
high holy days, such as Christmas Eve.
Last May, Tori Long graduated from high school
and from the ranks of our acolytes. She
faithfully served Calvary in this capacity for a long time and we all thank her
for that service.
It has been two years since I have taken
over as Chair of the Acolyte Committee, therefore, I
am stepping down and handing over the reins to Dorn Crawford. He has asked me to stay involved, since there
are times when he cannot be here and I am glad to do so. Fr. Ned has made this
position very easy because he has been very involved in guiding me and the acolytes
as to what to expect each Sunday. He has
been at all training sessions to help the acolytes learn new skills and hone
their regular duties. Since Fr. Ned has
arrived, the acolytes have added more duties to their regular Sunday
tasks. I believe that giving these
young people more responsibilities has made serving as an acolyte more
appealing and that is why we have so many of our young people serving. The youth involved are doing a wonderful job
and take their role in this important ministry quite seriously. I would like to express my appreciation to
Jim Barnes and Ned Reiter for their knowledgeable advice and support. It has
been my distinct pleasure to work with our acolytes and I look forward to
continuing to be involved in the future.
Here is a list of Calvary's Acolytes:
*Lead
Crucifers: Torch
Bearers:
Haley Hensley Abby
Belknap
John MacLean Prescott Dillard
Kelsey Hensley Brennan
Fewell
Griffin Brown Audrey
Hensley
Harvey Fulton Emily
Redden
(Also serve as
Clergy Crucifers) Rosemary
Wilson
Clergy Crucifers: McKenna
Webb
Mary Jane Booker
Haley
Webb
Peter Fulton
Stuart MacLean
Submitted
by Judy Pease Wilson
ALTAR
GUILD
The
Calvary Episcopal Church family never ceases to impress me. I am writing
this report on Epiphany, the day the Altar Guild depends on the goodness of
others to help in the de-greening of the church. With a modest
request for help in the Sunday bulletin, the church filled with volunteers
dressed in their Sunday best, willing to stuff dried wreaths and magnolia into
garbage sacks; return seven-day candles to their proper storage; distribute
poinsettias throughout the social hall and disassemble the Advent Wreath and
carry to the sacristy. In addition, children and their parents took to the tree
and the many ornaments were plucked and stacked into boxes in no time. It was gratifying which is the word my yearly report
must reflect. Whether it was setting the altar for weekly services or
special moments such as Christmas Eve, Easter, Good Friday, Maundy Thursday,
baptisms, funerals, weddings or Thursday healing services, the quiet splendor
of Calvary never ceased to include those who came to worship. The Altar
Guild had the honor, indeed the blessings of preparing the church for worship. Our Altar Guild members have washed and ironed linens
used weekly. They have arranged flowers, polished silver, set the altar and
given from their hearts of their time and talent. It’s been a personal
privilege to know and work with each of them and the many others who make
belonging to Calvary such a blessing.
Deborah Stewart, Chair
LECTORS
Last
year’s recruitment drive succeeded beyond all expectations! We began 2008 with
36 Lectors for the 11:00 services and six for the 7:45 services, with ages that
seem to represent every decade of a normal human life-span. It is wonderful to
hear the voices of the laity in such rich variety, and we are grateful to all
who contribute to this ministry. Jonathan Smith
EUCHARISTIC
MINISTERS
A Eucharistic Minister (a.k.a. Chalice bearer
or Chalicist) is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements
at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. The EM cycle is from January 1 through
December 31; however, persons wishing to serve as an EM may be trained and
added to the rotation at any time. During the 2007 cycle, the following
parishioners served as Eucharistic Ministers (having a dual role as Lectors/Chalicists) at the 7:45a.m. service:
Gerry Barker, Jamie Hendon, Linda Klein, Lincoln Lewis, Willem Wiese, and Terry
Williams. At the 11:00 service, Eucharistic Ministers included: Sarah Baker, Jim Barnes, David Bos, Michele Bos, Harvey Fulton,
Callie Hausman, Glenna Harris, Elyse Hensley, Haley Hensley, Tessa Long,
Victoria Long, John MacLean, Sandy MacLean, Jack Reisz,
Sally Reisz, Meg Scharre,
Carolyn Snow, Don Snow, David Stewart, and Clyde Warner. Each Sunday at
least one EM is assigned to administer both bread and wine in the Nave. Calvary
may be very proud of these lay volunteers – Carolyn and I certainly are. Jim Barnes and
Carolyn Snow, Co-Schedulers
EUCHARISTIC
VISITORS
A
Eucharistic Visitor (EV) is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated
Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to
members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable
to be present at the Celebration. EVs
quietly go about their service to the members of Calvary Church in rain, snow,
sleet, cloudy conditions, and sun. The EV cycle is flexible, and persons
wishing to serve as EVs may be trained and added to the rotation at any time.
The following parishioners served as Eucharistic Visitors during 2007: Jim Barnes, David Bos,
Michele Bos, Linda Griffith, Sandy MacLean, and Ned
Reiter. If you know of or become aware of any parishioner who is unable to be
present at a given Sunday Eucharist, please let Fr. Morris, a member of the
Calvary lay staff, or me know so that the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ may be taken to them. Jim Barnes, Scheduler
INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP
The
Intercessory Prayer Group (IPG) is an anonymous fourteen-strong group of
parishioners who daily give of their time to pray for persons (parishioners and
non-parishioners alike) who have requested that they be placed on the IPG
prayer list. The list of those for whom prayers are offered is updated monthly
and whenever someone requests to be added to the list. If you
know of or become aware of any parishioner who wishes to be added to the IPG
prayer list (for whom you wish prayer offered), please let Fr. Morris, a member
of the Calvary lay staff, or me know so that daily
prayers may be offered for them. Jim Barnes, IPG
Coordinator
PEW
MATERIALS
In
2007 Anna Havrilesko and Athans
Adoki were responsible for checking the pews weekly
to make sure pencils, prayer cards, and "Welcome to
Calvary" brochures were provided. They also kept the rack at the
rear of the church supplied with "Calvary Connections," church
history, booklets, information, and tour brochures. At the end of 2007, I began
helping with these tasks, as well as clearing the pews of outdated materials,
such as envelopes for special offerings, and of temporary children's
artwork. This is a quiet task offering time for prayer or meditation and
the satisfaction of helping to keep our worship space orderly and welcoming to
visitors. If you would like to help with these tasks, please let me know
so I can work out a schedule. Linda Klein
CARE
SENIOR
WARDEN
Before
giving a review of the past year I have to relate the wonderful experience I’ve
gotten on serving on the Vestry of Calvary.
I believe I can speak for all the Class of 2007 – Nancy Anderson, Downey
Gray, Corky Sachs, David Stewart and myself – that our three-year terms have
been very rewarding. The goals of our
clerical leadership of looking both within and outside 821 S Fourth St. have
been contagious. Vestry membership has also expanded our awareness and
appreciation of what our staff and volunteers do for the benefit of the whole
congregation:
- the growth of member participation-
youth and adults – thanks to Callie Hausman’s
direction of Christian Formation;
- the long term foundation of
outreach, music (with Melvin’s inspiration) and communication led by
Margaret Dickinson;
- the added source of help and
information from Anita House;
- our newly filled position, Sexton
Leroy Malone, has undertaken many projects. Be sure to pass on a “thanks”
to Leroy when you come in the North entrance any given Sunday;
- and the continued service and
moral support of Fr. Richard Humke.
Some
of the events of 2007 to remember include a group’s trip to Mississippi and
help given to Katrina victims, the cabaret presentation of “Noel C. and Mrs. P.,”
the “Unique Artique,” the introduction of a weekday Morning Prayer Service, the
wonderful Adult Forums, the coming of “Be Moved,” the congregational support of
a new piano, the fencing of the Church yard, food and clothing distributions,
“First” Sunday’s breakfasts, and every Sunday’s Hospitality Hour….Whew!!! All
of these have been undertaken by volunteers who I hope all of us will follow in
continuing to build the Calvary community. Jamie Hendon
CALVARY
BOOK CLUB
The Calvary Book Club (CBC) was organized in November, 2004. In 2007, the CBC underwent various changes. The first half of the year, the club continued to meet at Calvary on the fourth Monday of the month. Since this was the same time as Bach practice, it was voted to change the day so interested choristers could participate. Subsequently, to breathe new life into the CBC, it was proposed that the group begin meeting in private homes in order to enhance warmth and congeniality. We have met at my house and are meeting at Callie Hausman’s home in January and Nancy Anderson’s in February. Please join us. Check the bulletin and the newsletter for dates and book title. We need your participation and we would love input on good books to read. Glenna Harris
CALVARY
COMMUNITY
Callie Hausman,
Director
Newcomers: The Newcomers’ Committee meets
several times a year to help prepare visitor packets, plan events, and host
orientation sessions. During 2007, there were three events, with the Fultons and Bookers hosting two of them. The Baker family
will host the next one this month on January 28 from 5:00 to 6:30. We have
welcomed approximately 50 newcomers in the past two years.
Greeters: In 2007, Barret Hill and Susan Baker co-chaired this
committee of approximately 30 members.
Each team of Greeters assists one Sunday a month greeting people before
and after the service at either the library entrance or the main entrance. Procedures and guidelines are available and volunteers
are welcome. Plans for 2008 include a weekly greeter to help with nametags.
Shirley Leach will be the chair for 2008.
Crisis Care: We are most grateful to Michele Bos and Nancy Anderson for the leadership they have given
over the past year for Crisis Care.
Cards are sent and meals are delivered to those who are in need during a
crisis, such as hospital care, etc. This
ministry is a very caring way to reach out to others, as well as a very
practical means of helping our friends in need.
Please see Michele Bos, Nancy Anderson, or
Callie Hausman if you would like to be included on the list of volunteers who
may occasionally be called on to provide a meal, or if you know of somebody who
needs a meal.
College & Young
Adult: Throughout
the year, college students and young adults have met monthly to share
conversation and fellowship, as well as theme-related discussion. We thank
Lilly Cary, who has hosted two events, and Ruth Robins, who assists.
Parish Life:
FOYER GROUPS
For
the last four years, members of Calvary and some “mystery guests” or friends
have met together for the three “F’s”: food, fun, and fellowship. We have met
in people’s homes for pot-luck feasts, or in restaurants chosen by the host of
the month. We have gotten to know each
other in a relaxed setting and each year have met new people with whom to share
friendships. I am happy to report that
this fifth year, the FOYER Groups, Phase V, is being coordinated by Ruth Robins
and Susan Baker. Sandra
Cherry
HOSPITALITY
For
another year Hospitality Hour after the 11:00 am service, has provided a time
for our congregation to linger, visit, and have a light repast. Almost forty
individuals and families have generously contributed to this effort and all
agree that it is fun and rewarding! Hospitality Hour can be cheese, crackers,
cookies and muffins and, of course, coffee and juice. Guidelines are posted on
the bulletin board by the kitchen. Some contributors were inspired to serve
fruits, vegetables, delectable sandwiches, Biblical foods and even soup! All
offerings are gratefully received! It's also a way to share birthdays,
anniversaries, graduations and special events with our church family; all of
which occurred this past year. If you haven't helped out and would like to,
please sign up on the form posted by the kitchen. Anyone on the Hospitality
Committee will assist you. To the many who contributed this past year, thank
you! And don't forget to sign up for 2008. The Hospitality Committee also
assisted with special events church wide during the past year. Thanks again to
all who participated this year. Susan Baker, chair; Donna Duvall, Louisa
Henson, Sallie Reisz, Marion Six, Laina
Brown, and Meg Scharre, members.
Susan Baker
TIME
AND TALENT
With an ever-expanding list of opportunities
to participate in worship and programs at
Brochures were available at the Time &
Talent Fair so that each parishioner could update his or her contact
information for the church database and indicate the committee(s) on which they
would like to serve in 2008. We had a large number of brochures with pledges of
Time & Talent for 2008 turned in on that day indicating a high level of
support for our programs for next year.
We
would still like to have anyone who has not completed and turned in a 2008 Time
& Talent brochure to do so at your earliest convenience. Even if you wish
to serve on the same committee(s) you have served on for years, your 2008
pledge of service will let the committee chairs know of your interest and help
keep our computer records current. The 2008 Time & Talent brochures are
available at several locations around the church and in your folder. They can
be submitted at any time to the church office or in the alms basins on Sunday.
Thank you to the committee chairs who have
agreed to serve in 2008 and to everyone who has made, or will make, a pledge to
serve Calvary in some way in the coming year.
Sally Reisz and Callie Hausman
BREAKFASTS
In 2007, the attendance for breakfast is an average of 35-40 parishioners, families and visitors, which is a testament for our early morning Sunday community. The experience of Calvary breakfast is quite heart-warming. Beginning February 4, 2007, the breakfast was offered only on the first Sunday of each month, and was prepared by Laina and Griffin Brown and Jeff Webb. Thank you for all your support of Calvary Breakfast. Laina Brown
BURIAL
GROUND
The interment of Don Allen’s ashes was the only interment for
2007. There are brochures in the church office and in the tract racks on the
west wall of the nave that explain the policies and cost of this ministry.
Fairleigh Brooks (SUNDOG) has maintained this ground by pruning, weeding, watering,
and fertilizing. No replacement of plantings was needed in 2007. From March 9
to November 9, he was paid $682, leaving a balance in the account of $1123.00.
Now that the south lawn has been secured, a non-locking gate was added at the
top of the steps into the Burial Ground. This might be the time to consider
some appropriate type of bench for this area.
Whitney
Hardy
HOUSE
GROUP GATHERINGS
During
the fall, 2007, by popular demand, I was able to host the Dr. John Hale DVD
lectures on the Classical Archaeology of
Ancient Greece and Rome. There were several members of Calvary, along with
others, who came to my house as a community home group to enjoy fellowship and
spell-binding learning, as we watched two half-hour video lectures each
Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. No homework, no pop quizzes or tests,
no parking lot jams – what a delightful way to learn and share. We were also
excited by a visit from John Hale in November. We averaged from eight to 15 people
for the first 18 video lectures. We began again on January 17 to cover lectures
19-36. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me at 253-0001.