Round Hill Community Church 2017 Annual Report ROUND HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH

CHURCH OFFICERS ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Joe Huley, Chairman Jake Kommer, Vice Chairman Senior Pastor’s Report 1 Robert Drysdale/Bruce Dixon, Treasurer Associate Pastor’s Report 2 Diane Davol, Secretary Chairman’s Message 4 CHARTER TRUSTEES Charles Lee (2017) Worship 5 Helen O’Malley (2019) Music 6 Michael Sandifer (2021) Bill Herrick (2023) Center for Faith Development 7 Nicole Piper (2025) Children/Youth Christian Education 7 TRUSTEES Outreach 8 Class of 2017 Mary Ann Debnar Communications 10 Jake Kommer Caroline Lazzara Membership 11 Class of 2018 Human Resources 12 Grada Herrick Joe Huley Buildings 12 Jean Jacullo Jenny Rye Finance 13 Class of 2019 Diane Davol Investment 14 Robert Drysdale Stewardship 14 Nancy Mazzoli Christmas on Round Hill 14 STAFF The Rev. Dr. Edward Horstmann, Senior Pastor Round Hill Circle 14 The Rev. Dan Haugh, Associate Pastor Round Hill Cemetery Association 15 Leslie Smith, Director of Music Jenny Byxbee, Director of Children’s Ministries In Memoriam 15 Lynda Kinney, Administrator Annual Meeting Minutes 2017 16 Tania Priatka, Administrative Assistant Ed Knecht, Bookkeeper Nominating Report 16 Stephen Dunleavy, Sexton John Novak, Facilities SENIOR PASTOR’S REPORT extraordinary energy, dedication and great sense of humor have made my work a dream come true. Dan Haugh (Associate Pastor), Leslie Smith (Director of Music), and Jenny Byxbee (Director of Children’s Ministries) represent our program staff, and how for- tunate we are to enjoy their commitment to our vision of growth and their great attention to the details that make growth possible. Lynda Kinney (Administrator), Tania Priatka (Assistant Administrator), Steve Dunleavy (Church Sexton), Chitra Shanbhogue (Communi- cations Director), John Novak (Sexton’s Assistant) and Ed Knecht (Bookkeeper) comprise our admin- istrative support team. They are a force for good who work well as a team and who are completely com- On a winter Sunday at Round Hill Community Church mitted to the flourishing of our congregation. I am I learned just before worship that our Church School grateful for each of these individuals who bring so attendance was likely to be low that day since many much joy and satisfaction to my life, and whose gifts children were ill. But when our Associate Pastor, Dan enrich our congregational life in so many ways. Haugh, invited the children that morning to come for- If the byword for growing churches fifty years ward for the Children’s Message, there were nineteen of them! That did not include the children in our ago was “location, location, location,” today nursery (which often comprises one of our largest it is “communication, communication, classes), and neither did it include the wonderful communication.” team of youth workers that Jenny Byxbee, our Di- rector of Children’s Ministries, has recruited to help In addition to my gratitude for our church staff with the Church School. This was clearly not what I am grateful for the leadership, thoughtfulness, and we would have called a “low Sunday” three years ago! support of our Executive Committee and Board of Round Hill Community Church has enjoyed the Trustees. Their consistent willingness to encourage growth of our Church School, the addition of new new endeavors has given us the freedom to spread members, and the steady addition of programs to our wings, experiment, and see what works best to foster spiritual growth because our leadership and nourish the well-being of our congregation. Because congregation, in partnership with God, have encour- of their leadership and wise stewardship of our re- aged these developments. During this past year we sources, Round Hill Community Church has been continued to follow the course of action laid out in able to find ways to grow membership and have an our Strategic Plan, and by relying on the gifts and tal- impact on the world for good precisely at a time when ents of a dedicated team of staff members, have pro- the mainline church in our country has experienced vided the resources that enable us to deepen our faith an unprecedented period of decline. and strengthen our love for the world. As a result of the work we have done in the past During this past year we made significant strides few years, it feels to me like we are starting to find in the direction of sharing with the wider world the our stride in terms of a schedule of faith formation joy and energy that we are experiencing in our wor- programs that work well for us. Our life together is ship and activities. We launched a new website, added anchored by our experience of weekly worship: that a podcast (Round Hill Radio), created space on our is the one activity that, more than any other, unites website for a blog, and developed a Communications us and draws us ever more deeply into the love and Team to promote each of our events and provide evalu- hopes of God. ation for the programs we are developing. If the byword Second Sundays at Round Hill, conceived origi- for growing churches fifty years ago was “location, nally as a worship service, has now evolved into an location, location,” today it is “communication, educational event that focuses on “conversations that communication, communication.” drive action.” We have an average attendance of thirty I want to give particular thanks to the Round Hill participants, and try to feature speakers who share Community Church team of staff members, whose with us their insights about what it means to live a life 1 that has meaning and purpose. ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S REPORT Our Bible Study, on the third Sunday of each month, continues to work well for those in our con- gregation who seek a deeper engagement with our sacred texts. And we laid the groundwork during this past year to create an online version of this study that will be launched in the autumn of 2018. John Roberto, a professional educational consul- tant who helped our Center for Faith Development committee to embark on a one-year program enti- tled “A Life Worth Living,” has been a great source of support for our congregation in its educational work. One of the highlights for me from this past year was John informed me at the end of 2017 that Vibrant seeing the vision of creating spaces for our growing Faith, an organization with whom he is affiliated and youth program. Thanks to the generosity of the con- that is dedicated to helping congregations develop in- gregation, support from the Buildings committee, and novative programs of faith for all ages, had selected us the tireless effort and creativity of Britt Newman, three to receive a unique grant. Thanks to Vibrant Faith we spaces in our Community House were beautifully are among 24 churches across the country that will renovated and repurposed to support our youth. We be given an opportunity to create for their members “a officially blessed and dedicated these spaces in October, culture of calling.” The grant lasts for three years and and they are being used multiple times each week by will provide us with a stipend ($12,000), a coach, and our middle and high school students. Thanks to the online resources to help us discern how God is calling addition of these new spaces, we have launched a new us, individually and collectively, to be a force for good. after-school program in partnership with Greenwich As I near the completion of five years as your High School and TAG (Transportation Authority of Senior Pastor, I continue to feel so fortunate that we Greenwich). On Mondays, local students board a share together a journey of faith that has stretched, TAG bus and head to Round Hill to enjoy an after- challenged, and fulfilled us in so many ways. We still noon of fellowship. These hours include homework have much growing to do, and the challenges that all time and assistance, group board games, ping pong, churches face as they seek to be faithful and loving air hockey, piano playing, video games, You Tube witnesses of God are not going away anytime soon. viewing, and of course, plenty of snacks! A dedicated But then Jesus reminded his disciples on many oc- team of adult volunteers supervise while, at the same casions and in many different ways that obstacles are time, building friendships with the teens. As the word to be expected. What matters most is that we share a spreads, so does the desire for an increased usage of common passion to follow the Spirit of God wherever it these spaces after school, on weekends, and during may lead, and that we know that we are accompanied school breaks. by God every step of the way. For that companion- Another new ministry this past year was a weekly ship, and yours, I am persistently grateful. Youth Fellowship class. With the growing, consistent number of youth attending Church on Sunday, we saw Yours in Christ, a need to offer a weekly educational class for them. Ed After some research, we selected a terrific youth-centric curriculum called Echo the Story, a 36-session overview of the Bible that helps participants discover meaning and identity in the biblical narrative using a DVD, participant Sketch Journal, and detailed Leader Guide. Our youth are invited into a larger story and use storytelling, creative reflection, and dialogue to ex- perience its fullness. In order to accomplish this vi- sion, a team of adult volunteers were trained to fa- cilitate the lesson plan and lead group discussions. In addition to these classes, youth participate in the monthly Youth Sunday, which provides them an op- Dan Haugh, Leslie Smith, Ed Horstmann portunity to be part of leading worship. 2 The monthly “Friday Night Live” youth group It has been a privilege and blessing to work along- continues to flourish. This program has attracted side our Church committees and Board of Trustees middle and high school students from our congrega- this past year as we work to fulfill the work and mis- tion and local community. In total, over 35 different sion of Round Hill Community Church. The year youth have participated with an average of 18 at- brought to our congregation many new families and tending each gathering. Students also enjoyed social children thanks to the support of our Christian Edu- events including paintball, Beach Day, movie night, a cation Committee and the leadership of Nicole Piper trampoline park, laser tag, mini-golf, bowling, snow and Ginger Drysdale. As I’ve said, the growth, both in tubing, a ropes course, pizza nights, game night, and numbers and spiritually, of our children would not be Six Flags amusement park. I am grateful for the sup- possible without Jenny Bxybee. It has been an honor port and commitment of our youth ministry leader- and joy to work with her as we continue to seek God’s ship team and the parents who consistently bring plans and promises for the growth of our children and their children and help provide meals. young families here at RHCC. Once again, our youth participated in service op- portunities like volunteering on Saturday mornings at Neighbor to Neighbor, serving meals at the Inspirica Pacific Street women’s shelter, volunteering at Greenwich Green and Clean paper shredding day, making meals in our Community House for the Pacific House Shelter, and volunteering weekly at the Inspirica Teen Center. Additionally, in partnership with the United Way, I per- sonally began serving as a Reading Champion at Park- way School and the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. Upon returning from our amazing summer ser- vice trip to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reser- vation with Simply Smiles, five students from the AVID program at Greenwich High School expressed a sincere desire to volunteer locally and have since None of this would be possible without the tre- done so on a personal basis and with RHCC in all mendous support provided by all of you, who believe of the above mentioned organizations. These youth in the future of our congregation and have made sac- have also officially joined our Church youth group rificial decisions and giving to enable us to build for and are now volunteering on Sunday mornings as the future. Serving with such wonderful colleagues part of our Children’s Worship team. as Ed Horstmann, Lynda Kinney, Leslie Smith, Jenny Under the direction and leadership of Jenny Bxybee, Steve Dunleavy, and Tania Priatka, among Byxbee, our Children’s Ministries have grown in re- other gifted and passionate support staff and com- markable ways. In 2017 we received 48 registrations mittee members, has been a highlight for me in 2017. of children for Church School. We also expanded our In this past year, Ed has worked to prepare me ministries to included monthly family events. On av- personally and professionally for an increased role erage, 22 children from birth to fifth grade participate in leadership during his upcoming Sabbatical. The in our programs on Sunday morning. For the Christmas Pageant there were over 40 children leading our con- Executive Committee and Board of Trustees have gregation by retelling the story of Christ’s birth. been very helpful in providing resources, continuing Looking ahead, we are excited about having three education, leadership opportunities, and encourage- wonderful students enrolled in our Confirmation ment in preparation, and I owe a debt of gratitude for program and are planning to take ten local youth their continued support. with us for our summer service trip to South Dakota. Together, may we continue to be inspired and I am grateful for the continued support of the con- empowered to be a church where faith, hope, justice, gregation and Human Resources as we expanded our and love are valued. Youth Ministry Internship position to include Chris- Grace and peace, tiana Rota serving on the team. She is an excellent Dan Haugh addition and has already gained the respect and favor of students, parents, and leaders. 3 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE discussions led by Ed. • Special events included speakers that informed and Before I talk about the wonderful provoked conversations on faith. In September the things that have happened and Second Sundays service format shifted to an inter- are happening in our Church this active interview-style forum to encourage lively con- year, I would like to thank some versation at the Crossroads of Faith and Culture. Our of the people that have helped first guest, Mark Miller, shared his hope and vision make my first year as Chairman of how music can change the world in a positive way. a little less intimidating, and a lot David Rabin, of the Greenwich United Way, engaged more successful. First my exec- our group in a discussion of how we can all be a force utive committee, Jake Kommer, for good in the community. Kathrine Switzer inspired Vice Chair and Diane Davol, Secretary. They make the audience with stories of her ground-breaking run in great teammates! Their insight, creative approach to the Boston Marathon and subsequent work to increase problem solving, their willingness to jump right in opportunities for all women in sports. Craig Hatkoff, and work, and their good humor, make my job much co-founder of the Tribeca film festival, discussed his easier and a lot more fun. Ed Horstmann with his un- children’s books, which react to world events. canny ability to sense when I need extra help, and • TheMusic Ministry has continued under the leader- to lend a hand when I need it most. And of course, ship of Leslie Smith who has been here over a year, and Nancy Mazzoli. Nancy is often my first call when I’m continues the enrichment of our ministry. We all have faced with a new challenge. Having not been on the felt her effect. We’ve had two Music Sundays, the first executive Committee before becoming Chairman, I on Mother’s Day, and the most recent “With Praise rely on Nancy’s experience, wisdom, and common and Thanksgiving” in November. Metropolitan Opera sense when the path ahead is not clearly marked. radio host Mary Jo Heath spoke to the group and en- This year, we’re continuing our path as outlined by lightened us on what goes on backstage and how op- our Strategic Plan for Growth. era continues to build an audience through innovation • Our Children’s and Youth programs continue to and outreach. Adam Jackson, a local 13-year-old piano grow with (45+) pre-K through 5th grade registered prodigy, gave an outstanding performance. for Church School and 20+ area youth participating • Volunteering has been encouraged and inspired in events like “Friday Night Live.” Our youth have by our special speakers including Sister Rosemary, participated in discussions and in a myriad of outreach who is doing so much to help women and families in activities such as helping at Neighbor to Neighbor, col- Uganda with life skills after they have endured horri- lecting for food drives, serving at Inspirica, and help- ble atrocities; and Jonathan Kozol, who has dedicated ing to fund-raise for the new re-purposing of the his life to helping children in our inner cities. Volun- Community House classrooms and stage. teers from Round Hill are helping tutor after school • We continue to support our Young Families with at Inspirica, and a group from our congregation, programs such as the five-part series on Posi- along with AVID Students from GHS, traveled for tive Parenting that took place in February and ran the fourth year to the Lakota Sioux Reservation on through April. We held a Blessing of the Backpacks a Simply Smiles service project. This year we worked in September, and held the Harvest Supper on Sunday on building dorm rooms and spent the afternoons night instead of midweek to reach a broader audience, helping run a summer camp. including families with young children. Our Advent • Stewardship has been increasing as the needs of the Workshop attracted Church as well as local families Church community have been growing. Many mem- with 50+ children participating. The Christmas Pag- bers have increased their donations significantly. Our eant included the return of the creator of the Nativity stewardship committee, chaired by Jake Kommer, is scene, Ann Winston, 97 years young this year! continuing to raise the bar to accomplishing our goal • Our focus is ministering to all members of the of increasing our pledge income to support 60% of Church. This Fall Ed completed the sermon series “A our operating costs. We’re looking for all members Life Worth Living,” and we completed a Journey with to increase their pledge by10% this year. St. Paul – exploring his letters and his legacy. Our • Our Christmas on Round Hill fundraiser was a monthly Bible study, “People of the Book,” con- tremendous success! It took place in December with tinues in popularity and participation with great a new format, chaired by Diane Davol with support 4 her enthusiastic committee. Those who attended enriches all our lives. I am so fortunate to have the were provided with a delightful party and superb opportunity to work with Ed on so many areas of our music, food, dancing, a silent auction, raffle prizes, church life and I am continuously amazed by how and special baked treats and living greens for sale. much Ed accomplishes on a weekly basis to enrich • Summer on Round Hill, a BBQ, kept our church our spiritual journey. community connected during the summer months Last, but not least, I want to thank all of you for your – and was chaired by Jake Kommer with the help of support this year. I would like to thank the Trustees for many dedicated volunteers. It was thoroughly en- their support and counsel, and for all their time and joyed by all who attended. hard work. I appreciate the service of Bob Drysdale • Our Campus saw many upgrades and improve- who served as Treasurer, and Bruce Dixon as inter- ments. An incomplete list includes much needed air im Treasurer, and finally Nancy stepping in to fill this conditioning of the Classroom wing and replacement important position in 2018. and upgrading of the Sanctuary air conditioning. And It has been an incredible year, and guided by the lastly, the renovation and re-purposing of the Com- Strategic Plan for Growth, 2018 should be even better! munity House classrooms and stage were completed. Thank you, I would like to thank our amazing staff of clergy Joe Huley, Chairman, Board of Trustees and administration. Tania Priatka has continued to be an important part of our office staff. She has joined in WORSHIP our Church’s mission by spearheading our collection of backpacks for children in Ukraine. Steve Dunleavy Mission of the Worship Committee as stated in the and his team continue to support our events and ac- By-Laws, published November 9, 2014: tivities and do the much-appreciated work to make “Worship will oversee the order of service, the liturgy, our campus look fantastic. Lynda Kinney has been a and the overall worship experience, supporting our constant and steady force in keeping the business of clergy and staff to accomplish excellence in the our church running smoothly. On a personal note, worship life of RHCC.” Lynda has been a tremendous help to me as she has Activities of the committee in 2017 continuously supported my and the whole Executive committee’s work through her tireless and patient • In January 2017 the Order of Service was changed guidance. in the sequencing of the Pastoral Prayer, the Church Jenny Byxbee, our Director of Children’s Min- Prayer, and the final Hymn. The purpose was to give istries, continues to lead our Church School in a a smoother flow to these important parts of the end positive way. Jenny along with Dan and the Church of the service. The change went smoothly and was School staff and volunteers, has attracted and main- well received by the congregation. tained a continuous growth of new and returning • Throughout 2017 the worship committee has Church families. worked closely with the clergy to prepare for Ed’s Leslie Smith, as our Director of Music, has con- Sabbatical, which is scheduled for April 29 through tinued in her second year to inspire and enrich our August 29, 2018. This involved the following: journey of faith with music. She has led our choir of – Researching guest ministers suggested by Ed volunteers and section leaders in an inspiring way as and Dan, as well as many members of the Church. we attempt to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Each suggestion was thoroughly researched: creden- Dan Haugh, with us for over two years now, has tials were considered, videos of the guest minister’s continued to work closely with our staff, volunteers, preaching were viewed, and any connection a mem- and especially children and young families to create ber had to one of the suggested guest ministers was a culture of inclusiveness, generosity, and fun. Dan explored. These suggestions were reviewed at many has been preparing to ably fill in during Ed’s coming meetings throughout the year, and the final selec- sabbatical in 2018 with a carefully thought out plan tions were made by Dan and Ed, with approval from of continued spiritual growth, so that Ed can take his the worship committee, in October. much-needed Sabbatical confident that we will be in – We will use guest ministers for seven of the good hands. eighteen Sundays that Ed will be absent from the Ed Horstmann continues to be an amazing spiri- Church. This decision was based on Dan’s work load, tual leader. His leadership of our staff and volunteers Dan’s desire to preach, and not wanting to over- 5 burden Dan. Two ministers to cover Pastoral and MUSIC Emergency care were also selected and approved. We had an exciting array of musical events at Round – A Sabbatical Brochure listing the names and a Hill Community Church in 2017. brief biography of each of the seven ministers will be • Easter Sunday included music of Bach, Beethoven, distributed to church members in March 2018. Ed and Handel, as well as a string quintet and Andy Kemp will hold a Q+A at that time to discuss what he will on trumpet. be dong on his sabbatical. • The Worship Committee met with the Music Committee twice during the year to form a closer bond between the two committees so that a service of excellence could be delivered to members. Plans are underway to have another joint Music and Worship Committee meeting in 2018. • The institution of thePassing of the Peace of Christ was instituted at Communion in December. This practice will continue every time we hold Com- munion at Round Hill. • The committee provided and preparedCommunion at nine services in 2017, which includes buying the • Music Sunday was May 14, when Leslie and the bread, cutting it and preparing it on plates, filling the Choir delighted us with a special concert in which they chalices with nonalcoholic wine, and placing the ele- performed Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C Major, joined by ments on the Communion table prior to the start of guest musicians on strings, bass, and timpani. the service. • Adam Jackson, who was 13 years old, gave a piano • The committee reviewed the clergy’s plans to change recital on May 21. His virtuosity and maturity on the the Second Service to Second Sundays at Round Hill. piano delighted all who attended, and we look for- The decision to try the new format was prompted by low ward to following his exciting career. attendance at the Second Service, while attendance at the morning service grew substantially instead. There • A Conversation with Mary Jo Heath, happened on was an opportunity to initiate a new format of speakers October 1, which was a unique opportunity to get to talking about issues at the crossroads of faith and culture. know our very own member, Mary Jo, who is host of the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts. Leslie Smith moderated the event, and we learned about • The worship committee Mary Jo’s exciting job and got a real behind-the- initiated honoring Ann scenes look at one of the world’s great opera houses. Winston on Pageant Sun- We also got to see video previews of the new season. day 2017. The committee • Music Sunday, With Praise and Thanksgiving was reached out to Ann’s fam- our second Music Sunday of the year on November 19 ily to arrange for her to at- and included music of Franck, Karg-Elert, Corfe, tend the event. Ann’s good Cruger, and Lehman, along with guest string and friends from years ago trumpet musicians. organized the coffee hour • Christmas Eve, during the afternoon service the and plaque that would be children were invited to participate by playing Silent sent to Ann. Night with colored bells. The later service featured a rich • The worship committee did not add any new mem- and beautiful music tradition of Lessons and Carols and bers in 2017, but in 2018 the we will welcome Karla included excerpts from the Messiah, a special women’s Carpenter and Hillary Kaufman. ensemble, and favorite Christmas hymns, as well as guest soloists, a string quartet, and trumpet. Submitted by Jean Jacullo, Chair • In addition to holding our own committee meetings, Worship Committee: Charles Lee, Becky Jasperson, we also met several times jointly with the Worship Harold Kuplesky, Nicole Piper, Kathryn Payne Committee, in order to ensure open communication 6 and understanding between music and worship. variety of topics – from examining scripture lessons • TheGreenwich Chamber Players continue to hold to interviewing some of our Second Sunday speak- several Sunday afternoon performances in our sanc- ers. Round Hill Radio can be accessed at our website tuary. While the Music Committee is not directly in- or via iTunes. volved in this, we like to ensure that our church cam- • CFFD continues to offer Bible Studies on the third pus is a place known for its vibrancy of musical events. Sunday of every month between September and May. The Music Committee continues to work with On average, 12 to 15 people participate in what is church leaders and the congregation, and works always a lively and educational discussion. In the hard to bring new and exciting musical events to our past year we’ve explored St. Paul’s Love Letters and church and community. We are committed to con- the lives of diverse biblical characters to gain a sense tinuing the tradition of a strong musical experience of how their struggles, accomplishments, and trans- at Round Hill. formations may help us strengthen our own faith, in- Respectfully submitted, crease our love for one another, and help us to be a Jenny Rye, Music Committee Chair force for good.

CENTER FOR FAITH DEVELOPMENT The Center for Faith Development (CFFD) is com- mitted to developing programs that support RHCC members and the broader community to inspire and nurture spiritual growth at the crossroads of faith and culture. Through various media and programs, CFFD strives to develop content that touches the human spirit and engages our faith in a discussion about the world we live in, which will allow us to participate in conversations with one another and connect with the community. • In 2017, CFFD took responsibility for planning and coordinating Second Sundays at Round Hill. We • Finally, we held a special Friday Night Lecture in sought to introduce speakers who were living lives of October, with Marci Alboher of Encore.org. meaning and purpose that would touch us and help Marci encouraged over 30 members of the audience drive conversations and inspire action in our broader to be inspired to find ways to get involved and men- community. Each Second Sunday attracted an aver- tor others in our broader community. Encore.org is age of 30 guests, a combination of RHCC members mobilizing individuals over the age of 50 to help our and guests from the community. The speakers in younger generations thrive. Local non-profits also 2017 included: participated in this event and offered members op- portunities to get involved in our local community. – Singer/Songwriter Kristen Graves – Composer Mark Miller Chairs: Dr. Alexandra Heerdt, Mary Ann Debnar Committee: Dr. Caroline Adkins, Mirella Hajjar, – David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way Ken Hammond, Bon and Becky Jasperson – Katherine Switzer, Athlete and first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon CHILDREN/YOUTH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – Children’s book author Craig Hatkoff, Co-founder For the past several years we have been focused on of Tribeca Film Festival & Tribeca Film Institute how to attract young families to Round Hill. With the hard and dedicated work of both Dan Haugh and • In November, we launched Round Hill Radio, a Jenny Byxbee, we now have over 45 young families series of podcasts that inspire, teach, and reach out engaged at the Church, along with 10 to 15 teenagers to RHCC and our broader community. In each who are involved with Youth Fellowship, Confirma- podcast, the Rev. Ed Horstmann and Leslie Smith, tion, and/or Round Hill Youth Activities, on and off Director of Music, have a conversation exploring a campus. 7 • Church School Attendance can be as high as 45 • There were Activities designed for families through- children, as low as 8, and is normally around 20. For out the year, including movie nights and a family that number of children, we need to be prepared to brunch. We also offered opportunities for children to have two adults in each classroom and have a growing be involved in service activities to help them under- group of Church volunteers (both parents and others) stand the power of generosity. along with high school students who act as “helpers.” • In conjunction with the Worship Committee, The cost for the students is relatively low; the return we welcomed families with children to partake of for them and us is tremendous. Communion beginning in June. Children leave for Church School after the Children’s Message and come back to the Sanctuary, if they wish, and take Commu- nion with family and the rest of the congregation. • Dan Haugh and a small group of enthusiastic volun- teers have continued to nurture and develop strong relationships with a growing group of teens. In Sep- tember, the youth curriculum Echo the Story was in- troduced to Youth Fellowship on Sunday mornings. This occurred as we were opening our newYouth Rooms in the Community House. They are used for Friday Night Live once a month, Monday after- noons by request of the youth, and Sunday mornings for Youth Fellowship meetings during the Worship • In February, we began using the Whirl Curriculum in service. It has been a joy to see this group grow and Church School. It has worked well and includes: 1) thrive with all of us at Round Hill. Engagement: participation by children, 2) Education: Bible study and key relevant concepts and values for children, 3) Enjoyment: children having fun and wanting to come back each Sunday and bring friends, 4) Empowerment of Volunteers: easily accessible for new volunteers and teachers as we build up our base, 5) Inclusive: intentionally inclusive and accessible for all children regarding learning styles, attention spans, religious backgrounds. • Throughout 2017, Dan and Jenny added valuable content to the Church website relating to the theme Chairs: Nicole Piper, Ginger Jewett for the year: A Life Worth Living. The content is Committee: Diane Davol, Leslie Gregory, still available in the Programs section of the LEARN Lauretta Haugh, Janet Huley, Nancy Mazzoli heading on the website. OUTREACH “The church exists by mission as a fire exists by burning.” – Emil Brunner In 2017 I acted as the Outreach Committee facilitator. Those serving on the committee included Dick Bergstresser, Diane Davol, Helen Dixon, Louise Hoffman, Joe Huley, Josh Jewett, Roland Kistler, and Michael Sandifer. I am grateful to all of these individ- uals for their support and commitment to the out- reach ministries of our congregation.

The Outreach Committee was responsible for a budget of $36,000 in 2017. These funds were to be 8 spent in accordance with the Strategic Plan as follows: At the beginning of the year our committee un- Use Outreach funds to support the vision of Round dertook a series of benchmarking exercises in order Hill Community Church. to be clear about the outreach work of other faith communities in our region. This process will help us • Use Leadership Grants, which are one third of the to avoid duplication of services, may open possibil- Outreach budget, to provide seed money for pro- ities for partnership, and gave us some ideas about grams that will foster transformative change in the how to be more of an impact in our work. community. • Use one third of the budget for programs impacting Ongoing Programs That Involve Direct Service Children and Youth in our community in support of • Each month volunteers prepare and serve food at the the Church’s Youth Ministry initiatives. Inspirica Shelter for women and at Pacific House. • Use one third of the budget to continue to support My gratitude goes to Sandy Motland and Roland Kistler Local Organizations that align with the Church for their leadership of these programs and also to the mission. volunteers who take part in these ministries. • If an exception to these points needs to be made, • Each week two adult volunteers offer direction and the Outreach Committee will present to the Board assistance at the Tuesday afternoonYouth Center at for consent. Inspirica in Stamford and are frequently assisted by • Organize an annual Mission Fair to introduce the three members of the Round Hill Youth Group. congregation to local organizations and needs in the community. Leadership Grant Available Funds: $12,300 Grant Recipient: Greenwich United Way, Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions $12,300 Other Grants Available Funds: $12,300 Grant Recipients: Greenwich YWCA: $1,000 Meals on Wheels: $1,000 Beach Day: $2,364 Pacific House/Inspirica: $2,070 Haiti Relief: $2,000 • For the fourth year in a row a team of volunteers trav- Discretionary Fund $1,760 eled to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in La Plant, South Dakota, to deepen connections with Youth Outreach the friends we have made there and to deepen our collaboration with Simply Smiles. Volunteers direct Available Funds: $12,300 a daily youth camp, serve meals, spend time getting Grant Recipients: to know residents of La Plant, and are involved in a Simply Smiles Scholarships $8,300 variety of building projects. Ten individuals made Food Cards (Norwalk Families) $2,000 this journey in 2017, and did extensive work on a Greenwich Boys and Girls Club $2,000 bunkhouse that will provide living accommodation for others who will collaborate with Simply Smiles in the future. Other Outreach Related Expenditures • Beach Day once again took place in August as we Special Offerings welcomed families from the Little Sisters of the Church World Service: $5,300 Assumption in New York City. Volunteers, led by Roland Kistler, made it possible for residents from 9 the city to enjoy a beautiful day of respite and renewal COMMUNICATIONS in the beauty of Tod’s Point. Communications oversees all internal and external • In December, a group of volunteers traveled for an communications of the Church for both our mem- annual visit to children at the after-school youth pro- bers and others who may be seeking a new church. gram at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in the Bronx. It publicizes events or programs at the Church or the The program’s goal is to change lives and provide a safe Community House through the use of technology, place for children after school when their parents are printed ads and fliers, posters, signs, the Newsletter, still at work. One hundred children decorated hous- and any other media that will get out the good word es and during that time Mother Martha Overall (the of Round Hill Community Church. rector of St. Ann’s) dropped by to check in on their Highlights of 2017 progress and fun. This year there were 20 kindergart- • Chitra Shanbhogue continued her work with us as a eners joining in for the first time. Roland Kistler, who consultant and helped with the launch of the updated organizes the event and provides the houses and dec- website, content calendar planning, social media co- orations (financed by Outreach funds), was awesome. ordination, and strategies for increased outreach to Thanks to Alison Kistler, Jan Ziemba, Bunny Prokop, community and congregation. Sandy Motland, and Julia Boysen. We are blessed to share this adventure with amazing children and thank Round Hill for their support and love. (Report of St. Ann’s trip shared by Alice Fisher.)

• Redesigned Website went live in October, with new features (including welcome video) and responsive design so that it is functional on tablets and smart- phones as well as computers, Round Hill Radio pod- casts, and monthly Pastor’s blog. • Once again the congregation enthusiastically sup- • Weekly placements in Greenwich Sentinel that ported the Angel Tree for families in Norwalk by highlight upcoming events at the Church. providing fifty gifts. Gift cards were underwritten by the Outreach Committee for families in the Norwalk Now that we are regularly active on social media area to enhance their celebration of Christmas and (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), our next challenge offer additional support for their loved ones. is to have the congregation become more active with sharing and commenting. We are working with ex- I am deeply grateful to the Outreach Committee perts on best ways to accomplish this. for their support of these initiatives and to our con- We also know that no matter how good our print gregation for creating a culture where service and and electronic publicity is, word of mouth for events, care for the world around us is at the hub of our faith personal invitations, and good buzz about events that and life together. have happened are the most effective ways to spread Respectfully submitted, the word. Our congregation can be a valuable part Edward G. Horstmann of the “Communication Team” by reaching out to

10 friends and neighbors to tell them about what’s hap- • We act as advisers to the various church committees pening at Round Hill Community Church. who are seeking new committee members, and help Chair: Nancy Mazzoli to target individuals with like-minded interests who Team: Rhona Johnson, Chitra Shanbhogue, could be approached to join them. Lynda Kinney, Tania Priatka, Leslie Smith, • Another task we continue to work on, with the Dan Haugh, Ed Horstmann Church Office, is keeping theDirectory and mailing list updated with information on new and existing MEMBERSHIP members and friends. The Membership Committee continually works on ways to draw in new Church members. We greet and welcome newcomers warmly at church, and intro- duce them to the ministers and members of our con- gregation at the coffee hour. If they are interested, we ask for their contact information for inclusion in our mailing list for event notifications, and we encourage them to join in our activities. • We work closely with the ministers in developing Outreach Plans and Membership Events with a broad focus on recruiting young families and mem- bers of all ages and spiritual backgrounds. We pride ourselves in being an open congregation where all people are welcome. • Our Membership Team includes Jenny Rye, Heidi Morrison, and Samira Loschiavo. We attend as many Church events as possible to help with greeting guests and asking them to sign in at the door. We believe We are happy to report that 18 new members have that being a welcoming presence and a familiar face joined our church in 2017: for newcomers helps to foster a sense of camaraderie Sara Cabral (Devin, Jake) and hospitality. Kiersten Fredriksen (Keira) • We host a number of Small Circle Suppers through- Monica Fredriksen out the year for new and existing Church members. We encourage our guests to share their thoughts and Eileen Fredriksen spiritual journeys with us in a casual and open set- Theresa Stallings ting. These events have achieved what we set out to Eleanor Sheils accomplish by opening a joint conversation in an in- timate atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Child- Marcus Suppo (Ben, Matteo, Oliver) care is available, if necessary. Alan and Karine Yantorno (Juliana, Lucien, Elida) • Our Membership Team often hostssmall dinners, Julie Stewart lunches, or coffeesoutside of the Church in order to Kathy Currie get to know newcomers better, and to answer ques- Roger and Lindsay Griesemeyer (Cody, Sloane, Bodhi) tions they may have. Of course, we’re always mindful about keeping things friendly and casual without any Leslie Gregory (Jack, Frances) pressure. Steven Leininger (Max, Thomas) • We organize New Member Sundays when we re- Milton and Jennifer Koenigsberger (Milton, Paige) ceive new members into our church family. Name Mary Pat Schroeder (Michal) tags are created and every new member is presented Respectfully submitted, with a white rose as we celebrate this special day and Grada Herrick, Chair of Membership introduce them to the congregation.

11 HUMAN RESOURCES BUILDINGS The increase in members and attendees at our Sunday The Strategic Plan for Growth states that there should services and our programs brought a very busy year be an “…audit of the integrity of our buildings and for our staff. Human Resources continues to try to dedicate necessary funds.” adjust to that growth while fulfilling the Strategic Plan and remaining within budget. As noted in last year’s report, a survey of all Church We sincerely thank all our staff for their very buildings was undertaken and our efforts over the hard work, dedication, and the flexibility they have past couple of years have been to prioritize the rec- brought to supporting our growing community. We ommendations in the report. In addition, there are particularly thank Lynda Kinney, Tania Priatka, and always unexpected repair items that crop up that take Steve Dunleavy who have all met the increasing work an even higher priority. The good news is that we are of managing the church and campus throughout the slowly whittling down the list. year with energy and dedication. Many of the projects completed during 2017 are not visible, but were necessary to keep the infrastruc- ture functioning. Following are a few of the Committee’s major ac- complishments in 2017: • Air conditioned the classroom wing of the Church • With the able guidance of Dan Haugh and Britt Newman, renovated the two Youth Rooms and Office Space (currently being rented) in the Community House • Installed a vapor barrier in the crawl space under the Community House to reduce damaging humidity • Jenny Byxbee, Director of Children’s Ministries, has continued to increase the number of children and • Replaced the boiler and gutters at the Sexton’s Cottage families coming to the church in numbers we could • Cleaned the duct work in the Community House not have anticipated a year ago. This requires a growing • Replaced a compressor in the system that provides number of volunteers and hourly workers to staff the air conditioning to the Sanctuary (you may recall a nursery and support and teach the ever larger classes few warm Sundays while repairs were underway) each Sunday. In 2018 we will add an intern for a few hours each week to help with her increasing admin- • Replaced the rotting and unsafe deck on the istrative duties. Community House • Leslie Smith, Director of Music, has completed her These were the major items. While all this was first year and brings new repertoire and beautiful being accomplished, with the invaluable assistance music to our Sunday services. She has brought in new of Ralph Bosch of Auburn Landing Contractors, our soloists for several concerts during the year. professional consultant, Steve Dunleavy and John Novak took care of multiple maintenance and repair • Dan Haugh, our Associate Pastor, has built an ener- items, several of which were emergencies. getic Youth Group that meets for different activities And Lynda Kinney has been integral to our activ- each month—for outreach projects, discussions, and ities, both because of her institutional knowledge and some fun outings. He also has a core group of youth in keeping the projects moving administratively. who attend Bible study and/or participate in services We are a long way from catching up, but we are each Sunday. We were also able to add a Youth In- making good progress thanks in large part to the sup- tern for a few hours each week to assist Dan with the port of the Trustees. Youth program. – Bruce Dixon, Buildings Chair • We are very happy that Diane Davol has joined the Steve Dunleavy, Lynda Kinney, John Novak HR Committee and that Amy Minella remains on the Ex-officio, Ralph Bosch, consultant committee with wise and active engagement, even if it is from afar. Chairs: Jan Kudrnac and Rhona Johnson 12 FINANCE This year marked the second of the three-year plan for Contributions make up the bulk of our revenue but growth as outlined in our Strategic Plan. The Board of are still not at the level we need to sustain the growth at Trustees approved withdrawals of up to $200,000 (New the Church. In 2017, contributions accounted for 43% of Initiatives Endowment Transfer) for each of three years the total revenue (due in part to a bequest), better than in to support the goals of the plan (available to read 2016, but our plan is to get the number closer to 60%. on the Church website). We hired a consultant in 2016 to help us to be The principal goal of the plan is to increase the more effective in our efforts to increase revenue. We participation and engagement of our congregation know that we need to spend more time educating our and, therefore, insure its long-term health. We have congregation about the importance of their pledges and added key staff members who have developed pro- donations and we are planning small group meetings grams to address all age groups and we have seen a with members for the fall of 2018. healthy addition of young families as a result. With 100% participation, we can achieve the The Finance Committee made a decision in 2017 goals we have determined to insure the health and to use our Restricted Funds, which were given to vitality of Round Hill. the church for specific programs (Education, Music, Respectfully submitted, Grounds), for targeted new initiatives like Round Hill Nancy Mazzoli, Chair Radio Podcast and a newly created Cherub Choir. We Committee: Doug Conn, Bruce Dixon, Don Gaston, felt the donors would want to see their generosity put Ben Kaufman, Randy Motland, Hooker O’Malley to good use for the future of the Church.

REVENUE Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Budget 2018 Contributions 407,000 37% 525,000 43% 430,000 36% Campus Rentals 257,000 23% 265,000 22% 270,000 23% Annual Endowment Transfer 302,000 27% 281,000 23% 245,000 21% New Initiatives Endowment Transfer 120,000 11% 120,000 10% 160,000 13% Restricted Funds Transfer 61,000 5% Event Income 25,000 2% 23,000 2% 24,000 2% Total 1,111,000 1,214,000 1,190,000 EXPENSES Personnel 642,000 57% 673,000 58% 762,000 64% Buildings and Grounds 107,000 10% 148,000 13% 138,000 11% Administration 105,000 9% 102,000 9% 83,000 7% Worship/Music 83,000 8% 72,000 6% 85,000 7% Outreach 113,000 10% 54,000 5% 45,000 4% Faith Formation: Adult, Youth, Children 40,000 2% 59,000 5% 45,000 4% Communications 27,000 2% 28,000 2% 8,000 1% Events 18,000 2% 22,000 2% 24,000 2% Total 1,120,000 1,158,000 1,190,000 2017 REVENUE 2017 EXPENSES Personnel Budget distributed to areas of ministry

43% Contributions 30% Administration

23% Annual Endowment Transfer 20% Buildings and Grounds

22% Campus Rentals 18% Worship Adult 8% 10% New Initiatives Endowment Transfer 18% Faith Formation Youth 5% (Second of three-year Board-approved transfer) Children 5%

2% Event Income 9% Outreach

5% Communications 13 INVESTMENT tributions at least by 10% this year. Please note that The role of the Investment Committee of the Church the Giving Page on our Website has been updated to is to oversee the investment management of the En- make it easier to pledge by giving periodically or all dowment and Pension Funds. Since 2009 the Com- at once. mittee has employed Fidelity to manage the invest- There is so much to be proud of at Round Hill ments of both the Endowment and Pension accounts. Community Church but we need your support to In recent years, both accounts have been invested continue the growth of our programs, membership, conservatively with approximately 60% allocated to Christian Education, youth activities and outreach. equities and 40% to fixed income. In order to obtain Respectfully submitted, diversity, Fidelity invests primarily in stock and bond Jake Kommer, Chair funds rather than individual securities. • As of 12/31/2017, the valuation of the Endowment CHRISTMAS ON ROUND HILL Fund was $4.7 million and the Pension was $1.3 million. Christmas on Round Hill fostered a culture and sense of community among Church members. We also • For the year ended 12/31/17, the Endowment ac- reached out to our friends, not just members, and in- count at Fidelity showed a capital appreciation of cluded them in our celebration so we fostered a rela- $301,293 or 6.8% net of all fee. This increase oc- tionship with the greater Greenwich community. The curred despite the regular withdrawal of $268,429 event served as a fundraiser and raised over $13,000 and an additional $120,000 withdrawal for new to support the preservation of the Round Hill Com- Church initiatives. munity House and local organizations that make positive change in people’s lives. • The Pension account showed a capital appreciation of $164,644 or 13.9% net of all fees. This amount to- ROUND HILL CIRCLE gether with benefits paid out of $23,521 led to an ap- preciation of the pension account of $188,164. In 2007, Round Hill Commu- Respectfully submitted, nity Church established a way C. Hooker O’Malley, Chair for long-standing and committed Committee: Nancy Mazzoli, Mark Baran, members to leave a bequest toward Randy Motland, Charles Zoubeck the fiscal health of the Church; it was called Rock of Ages. Those of you who pledged STEWARDSHIP support feel a love for this church and greatly appre- We continue to make progress in our 2018 Steward- ciate what it has contributed to your lives — a deep ship Campaign toward our goal of becoming fiscal- spirituality, both intellectual and social, which has ly healthy. To help achieve this goal a meeting of the been meaningful in all kinds of ways to you and your congregation was held to discuss our path to fiscal families. Everyone agrees this church is a very special health. At the meeting a thoughtful discussion took place. place with many questions and suggestions as to how The founding members of the Church were gen- best to achieve our goal. In order to become fiscally erous and forward thinking when they established an healthy we need: annual contributions of approxi- endowment and built a new church debt-free. Such mately $600,000. generosity came from a spirit of community and a As of the end of 2017, our 2018 pledges total belief that the Church would benefit and nurture $365,200, which is approximately the same as last future generations. year. There are still some members who have not With our Strategic Plan for Growth, established pledged to contribute for 2018 and if you have not in 2015, developed four strategies to ensure our long- done so now is the time. If you have already made a term viability, one of which is to secure the Church’s pledge and are able to increase your pledge to help us fiscal health. To implement these strategies, which reach our goal please do so as soon as you are able. are clearly working as we moved through 2017, we We do not expect to reach our final goal all at once have had to “borrow” funds from the endowment, but we want to continue the growth of annual con- but would now like to begin to build that account back up. 14 There is more information on our website under • The year also included the bi-yearly inoculation of Donate at Legacy Giving. If you would like to talk to American Elm tree fungicide into the three specimen, someone about a gift, please contact the Church majestic trees of over 100 feet, which are prominently Office. visible from our cemetery and located on immediately We wish to recognize and thank the following mem- adjacent lands. We have been doing this pro bono since bers of the Round Hill Circle who have so generously 1977, to protect the few remaining American Elms, all remembered the Church in their estate planning. of which are likely to eventually succumb to the Dutch Elm Blight, as have over a dozen untreated American Mr. and Mrs. Banks T. Adams, Jr. Elms within a half mile of our cemetery in the last Anonymous fifty years. Marshall Clark • We are grateful for the Summer Rain Company’s Molly Cummings Cook pro bono installation and maintenance of the sprin- Everett Fisher kler system. And we were thankful for a gift by a Mr. and Mrs. Richards F. Ford neighbor to our endowment fund. Alecia Hardell • Each of our two churches continues to supply three Amy Minella members of each congregation to be the operating Joan Warburg Board of the Round Hill Cemetary Association, Inc. Elizabeth Yule Our Treasurer, Amy Minella, retired after many years of faithful service, for which she received our thanks ROUND HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION and gratitude. Her replacement as Board member and Treasurer is Libby Cryer. The other members Our tiny burial ground at the corner of John Street representing RHCC are Molly Cook, Judge Charles and Round Hill Road, jointly owned and operated by Lee, and me, as President. Round Hill Community Church and the First Church of Round Hill, had eleven plots purchased in 2017 by Respectfully submitted, four of our Church families. And there were six in- G. Lynton Kaufman terments of ashes, Cremains only being a limitation required by our Regulations.

IN MEMORIAM We celebrate the lives of the following members and friends of Round Hill Community Church who have died in the past year.

Jo Ann Adams Marshall Clark James W. Cobbs Peter Serge Gagarin Elizabeth Anne Galt Doug MacSwan Joan Melber Warburg

• Maintenance included replacement of laurels along the John Street border with evergreen taxus. Also, on the western property line, the evergreen hedge was topped off by four feet to minimize chances of future wind damage, and dogwoods were pruned. 15 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES Class of 2020 December 10, 2017 Mary Ann Debnar Jake Kommer The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Ginger Jewett Caroline Lazzara Joseph S. Huley, at 11:38 am. A quorum of 42 peo- ple was present. Joe Huley asked that the meeting be B. Officer Positions opened with a prayer led by Ed Horstmann. Minutes Chair: Joe Huley of the November 13, 2016 Annual Meeting were ap- Vice Chair: Jake Kommer proved without changes. Nancy Mazzoli presented Treasurer: Nancy Mazzoli the nominations for Church Leadership positions Secretary: Diane Davol (see below). There were no nominations from the C. Committee Chairs floor. The presented slate was approved unanimously Buildings: Bruce Dixon by those present. Joe Huley presented his Chairman’s Grounds: Mary Hull Report for 2017. Campus Life: Joe Huley, Jake Kommer The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am. Center for Faith Development: Mary Ann Debnar, Alexandra Heerdt Respectfully submitted, Children/Youth Christian Ed: Janet Huley, Meeting Secretary Nicole Piper, Ginger Jewett Church Activities: NOMINATING Harold Kuplesky, Maria Montalbano Nominations for Church Leadership for 2018 Finance: Nancy Mazzoli A. Board of Trustees Positions Communications: Nancy Mazzoli Charter Trustees Human Resources: Rhona Johnson, Jan Kudrnac Helen O’Malley (2019) Bill Herrick (2023) Membership: Grada Herrick Michael Sandifer (2021) Nicole Piper (2025) Music: Jenny Rye Class of 2018 Outreach: Ed Horstmann Grada Herrick Jenny Rye Worship: Jean Jacullo Joe Huley Jean Jacullo D. 2018 Nominating Committee Class of 2019 Nancy Mazzoli (Chair), Ward Davol, Nancy Mazzoli Charles Lee Grada Herrick, Julia Boysen, Ginger Jewett, Diane Davol Manit Rye, Michael Sandifer, Caroline Lazzara

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Round Hill Community Church 395 Round Hill Road Greenwich, CT 06831 roundhillcommunitychurch.org 203-869-1091