2016 Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, January 24, 2016

2035 Highland Ave S Birmingham, Alabama 35205 205-933-0790 Website: www.southhighland.org

Dearest South Highlanders,

Dag Hammerskjold was a pioneer leader early Secretary General of the United Nations. He had a deep underlying Christian faith which became all the more evident upon his death when a private journal of meditations he had been keeping was discovered in his desk. Among his memorable sayings in Markings is this brief prayer, “For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.” Such is my prayer for us, South Highland Presbyterian Church.

“For all that has been, Thanks.” What amazing things have been over 127 years of this congregation’s work and witness in Birmingham and out into all the world. Just this week, someone in Korea wrote asking if Charles Davis the South Highland architect who designed a university in Korea was still alive, having seen a story about his work building the HanNam University there. Neil Davis was able to affirm that yes his father had indeed spent a month in Korea designing this school, which continues to enable God’s work to be done in Korea. Thanks Charles!

I think of South Highland like unto The Little Engine That Could. Do you remember that story of the long train that had to be pulled up over a high mountain? Numerous engines are asked to pull the train up over the mountain. For various reasons, they all refuse. The request is sent to a small engine who agrees to try. The engine succeeds in pulling the train up over the mountain while repeating its motto: “I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can.” That is South Highland! You are this little engine that could and can and does. You are this God-inspired, Christ- empowered body, thinking, dreaming, working to do God’s work in this world

2015 was an incredibly full and gratifying year. Restore, Renew, Respond, our Capital Improvement Program to strengthen the core of our ministry operations- our beloved Church home, dominated in so many ways, as you gave sacrificially and generously to bring back the immense beauty of our sanctuary, reception areas, library, conference room and other parts of these buildings. Remember it all started a few summers back, when the boiler blew and we knew that come winter there would be no heat. Amazing how such little crises have a crystalizing effect! You carefully assessed the needs, you made generous commitments, and you followed through. In 2015 most of the work was done. You were patient and loving as we moved into temporary worship space in Davis Family Hall. Then what a joy is was to be back in our majestic sanctuary for worship the First Sunday of Advent. Thanks SHPC!

While building repairs and improvements were ongoing, life around SHPC did not stop. VBS, youth gatherings, outreach to needy folks, AA groups, Circles, Choirs, Bible Studies continued, with an even greater sense of purpose. The special tithe giving of 10% of our capital gifts to a local mission, the new Tuesday SHOP ministry to mentally challenged folks, and an international mission, the displaced boys of Lovemore Home in Zimbabwe who you are helping see through their college or equivalent educations, are testimony to the generous caring band of Christ followers that you are. Thanks SHPC!

This annual report is filled with stories and statistics that reflect your thankful hearts and the ways you are empowering the work of Jesus Christ to develop. Another Habitat for Humanity house, the new Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Chapel, children and youth traveling to retreats at Montreat and the Great Escape, and our own magnificent Presbytery conference center Living River on the Cahaba, where this fall we held our first re-started Fall Family Retreat. So many of you have given of yourselves in so many ways. The Apostle Paul wrote the believers in Corinth reminding them, “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.” (2 Cor. 3:2) Your letters are written all over the place! Thanks!

Thanks and Yes! Looking ahead Yes to all God has in store for us and through us. In that same second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Was I vacillating, do I make my plans according to ordinary human standards, ready to say ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no,’ at the same time? For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you was not ‘Yes and No’; but in him it is always ‘Yes. For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ ” (2 Cor. 1:17-20)

Moving ahead in 2016 this little engine that could says Yes to the marvelous leaders, officers, teachers and staff who are gathered here, called, committed, seeking and doing God’s will. Yes to the seekers and believers and questioners who are searching to discover and live out life’s meaning and purpose here. We minister in a time of massive cultural upheaval, international fears, internal fragmentation, emptying of the center. The Church many of us have known and loved is changing rapidly. Some things are dying. Other things are being reborn. The waters are treacherous. But the journey is exhilarating. And, hear this, hear this, Jesus Christ is still among us and at work through us. Only because of Christ in us is that little ditty, “I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can relevant.

As I was driving down Arrington Boulevard early Tuesday morning after an amazing National Football Championship game late into the night before, driving alongside our stone structure and about to stop at the red light, the beauty of our sanctuary hit me, the little details – scroll work, Victorian twists and twirls, chimneys still beautiful but no longer the means of heating the place, stained glass glittering in the sun, striking declarative cross atop the steeple, stones that has seen two World Wars, the Great Depression, schism, struggle, racial strife, unifying rebuilding, and continuing witness, it all spoke to me in some fresh ways. I felt Yes, Yes, Yes, deep gratitude to you, to those who have preceded us, and to those ahead of us for whom we bear responsibility to convey the light and love of God through Christ Jesus our Lord. That image from 1 Peter came to mind. “Come to Him, a living stone chosen and precious… you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:4,9)

“For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.”

Ed Hurley Senior Pastor South Highland Presbyterian Church

SHPC Foundation Annual Report to the Congregation January 24, 2016

The Foundation completed its 27th year of operation at the end of its fiscal year September 30, 2015. On that date the market value of the Foundation’s assets was $6,147,269. This total includes a $181,900 cash bequest received on May 19, 2015 from the estate of a former member, Mrs. Virginia Jones. Her will specified that the earnings from the bequest be used for scholarships. At its May 7 meeting, in anticipation of the bequest, the Board established the Virginia Handley Jones Scholarship Fund and placed the bequest in the Fund.

In late December information was received that $159,000 was to come into the Foundation near term. The funds are a residual amount flowing to the Foundation from bequests of Gordon and Christine Elsom.

At the Board’s fall meeting the members were informed by the Foundation’s administrative manager, that for the period 2005-2015 cumulative distributions from the Foundation have totaled $1,664,565. Each member of South Highland here should join me in saying “Thank you” to our members who have gone before while continuing their practice of stewardship at South Highland through their bequests under their wills to the Foundation.

The Board allocated 2015’s earnings to: Mission $ 83,482 Scholarships 32,777 SHPC’s general operating budget 54,016 Music 3,304 Other designated recipients 17,977 Total $191,556

One Board member resigned during the year. Jan Lansford was elected to fill the vacancy. Current Board members are: Suzanne Benton, Lee Cooper, Glenn Davis, Mark Ezell, John Goff, Mike Goodrich, Jan Lansford, Kathryn Michael, John Ponder, Mel Robinson, Bill Stribling and Amy Tucker.

A previous comment states the Foundation provides SHPC members a way to give beyond their lifetimes. Members are reminded of the Barnabas Society, a group comprised of individuals who have named South Highland in their wills, or intend to do so, as a way of leaving a lasting legacy for the future of the church. If one desires to join the many SHPC members who are members of the Barnabas Society or would like more information about the Foundation, please contact Dr. Ed Hurley, senior pastor, Dr. Dana Waters, founding member of the Foundation, or any Board member.

Respectfully submitted, John Goff, Board President

Events of 2015 Annual Report to the Congregation

January 4 Capital Campaign First Fruits Sunday

January 11 Officer Ordination

January 16 – 19 Youth Winter Retreat at Gulf Shores

January 23-24 Officer Planning Meeting

January 25 Annual Congregational Meeting

Jan 30 – Feb 1 Winter Presbytery Youth Retreat

February 8 Witness Season begins

February 8 Heart-y Party

February 18 Ash Wednesday Services – noon and 6:15pm

February 22 Mercedes Marathon

Feb 28 – Mar 1 Youth 30 Hour of Famine

March 1 Chapel Organ Dedication

March 6 – 8 Inspirational Series with Dr. Ted Wardlaw, President of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

March 6 – 8 Spring Presbytery Youth Retreat

March 13 – 14 Confirmation Retreat

March 22 – 29 SHPC hosts Family Promise families

March 28 Easter Egg Hunt

March 29 Palm Sunday – Confirmation Class received in the 11am Worship Service

Mar 30 – Apr 3 Holy Week Services

April 2 Maundy Thursday Service – Communion and Tenebrae

April 3 Good Friday

April 4 Easter Vigil

April 5 Easter Sunday April 10 – 11 Spring Presbytery Elementary Retreat

April 12 Youth Sunday with High School Seniors preaching in both services

May 3 Church Picnic at Oak Mountain State Park

May 4 Construction begins at SHPC

May 9 Remembering Mothers Luncheon

May 15 – Sept 8 Rev. Dr. Jim Truesdell on Sabbatical

May 17 Senior Recognition Sunday

May 24 Pentecost Sunday

June 8 – 12 Vacation Bible School

June 14 – 19 Junior High Youth at The Great Escape at Lee University in Tennessee

June 24 Ice Cream Social

July 5 – 12 SHPC hosts Family Promise families

July 12 Guest Preacher – Doug Webster, Beeson Divinity School

July 12 – 17 Senior High Youth at Montreat Youth Conference

July 15 Celebrate America – a Patriotic Evening

July 19 Guest Preacher – Doug Webster, Beeson Divinity School

August 16 2016 Confirmands presented to congregation

August 19 Wednesday Night activities return

August 22 PW Gathering

August 23 Rally Sunday

September 12 Habitat for Humanity build begins

October 3 Church wide Retreat at Living River

October 4 World Communion Sunday – gather with other churches at 5 Points Fountain

October 17 – 18 Fall Presbytery Youth Retreat

October 18 Congregation wide Stewardship lunch

October 18 – 25 SHPC hosts Family Promise families October 25 127th Anniversary; Fall Festival; Sundays @ 4 Concert

November 6 Holiday Market

November 10 – 11 Fall Presbytery Elementary Retreat

November 20 International Students Thanksgiving Dinner

November 29 Return to Sanctuary for 11am service after weeks of construction

December 2 Advent Vespers

December 6 Christmas Together/Night in Bethlehem

December 8 Volunteer Luncheon

December 9 Jazz Ensemble Advent Concert

December 16 Samford String Quartet Advent Concert in the Chapel

December 18 – 19 Youth Lock-in at SHPC

December 20 Sundays @ 4 Concert

December 24 Christmas Eve Services at 5 pm & 7 pm in the Sanctuary, 11pm in the Chapel

Associate Pastor for Discipleship Formation Annual Report to the Congregation

I am grateful to have a share in the ministry as part of the community of South Highland. The gospel calls us to pursue the well-being of our neighbor in all areas of life. South Highland knows that proclaiming Jesus doesn't make sense without a dedication to justice and justice doesn't make sense without a dedication to proclaiming Jesus.

STAIR – Start the adventure in reading is one example of our efforts to balance gospel justice ministry. Each week, about 22 people from South Highland, tutor 11 Second grade children at South Hampton elementary school in Pratt City. Reading is an important part of a child's success in life. We share the gospel in our day-to-day interactions and by inviting children to share in activities at South Highland. Our long term ties to the South Hampton community are growing as a result.

During Lent of 2015, we went through a congregation wide study entitled "Deadly Habits of the Heart". This sermon series, developed by Dr. Hurley around the seven deadly sins, sparked a season of repentance and reflection. I wrote the daily devotional and small group materials. We continue to grow in grace through these focused efforts of common study.

Connections to college students. Many members of South Highland continue to have an important impact through the Let's Talk Ministry. We seek the flourishing of our international students by creating community and teaching conversational English. God also provides opportunities to share our faith. Students from Let's Talk continue to find South Highland to be a place of community and spiritual growth.

This year we have also made an effort to reach out to our college students when they return home on break. Katya O'Leary hosted a brunch and Barbara Wood and I hosted Sunday school classes at the Starbucks coffee shop during Christmas break. Daniel Killilea and I are working with a group of students at UAB to establish a formal Presbyterian campus ministry there. This work is being done in cooperation with First Presbyterian Church, Independent Presbyterian Church, and Edgewood Presbyterian Church.

During the summer, South Highland graciously granted me a sabbatical after nearly 6 years of ministry. This was a gracious gift. I received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to study how coaches help individuals change within community settings. It was a wonderful season of discovery with my family; a season of slow and quiet; a season of learning. I am grateful for Katelyn Nutter’s, middler student at Columbia, capable leadership in my absence.

The fall of 2015 was eventful. Three new areas of outreach and ministry were important. First, I participated in the Kyros prison ministry. This involves extensive training and a full weekend with inmates at the Donaldson prison. A total of seven people from South Highland were involved.

Second, we started a couch to 5K running group. The goal was to improve health and wellness among the congregation and to provide more meaningful connections to our Mercedes Marathon outreach to runners. We have seen lots of personal transformations in this process and I'm excited about new opportunities to share the gospel during the 2016 Mercedes marathon weekend.

Third, we had an unexpected emergency in our neighborhood. On November 4 there was a fire at the Trades Towers apartment building and several of our members were displaced. For almost 10 weeks now I’ve worked with a group from South Highland to help care for the needs of those who have been displaced. It is been amazing to see the church be the church as we care for one another. We hope to have stable housing situations for each person early in 2016.

Respectfully submitted, Rev. Dr. James J. Truesdell Pastor for Adult Ministries and Parish Associate Annual Report to the Congregation

“Ministry is the least important thing. You cannot not minister if you are in communion with God and live in community.” – Henri Nouwen

Henri’s quote is a reminder that ministry is not extra, but an inherent part of who we are and naturally defines us as leaders and members in a community of faith. As we look back and recount the blessings of God as His people here at South Highland, we seek to recall the ministries which occurred. While 2015 was an unusual year because of our challenges with renovation and remodeling, there were growth points that spoke to our vitality and vision as passionate Christians.

It is difficult for me to speak of staff ministry here as work, as I am most grateful for the wonderful privilege of serving with such a warm-hearted group of folks who remain diligent and determined to do God’s work in the midst of an ever-changing secular society.

My Position Summary as Interim Pastor for Adult Ministries and Parish Associate is: To lead in Christian ministry to adults through education, counseling and pastoral care. This position is a rewarding mixture of resource provision, teaching pastor, curriculum oversight, event planner, small group leadership, educational programmer, grief coach, counselor, senior adult support, hospital visitation, and other duties as they are required. As I am part-time, there are limitations, but my goal is to seek to be as viable as possible given the constraints of time.

The summer may have been long and hot, but we did our own part to keep things moving in the ministries of the church. In Jim Truesdell’s absence due to his sabbatical, a number of responsibilities came my way, and I did my best to help fill in some of the gaps. This included extra duties related to administration, hospitals, visitation, worship, preaching, etc. There were many opportunities related to involvement with the Discipleship Team and the Shared Life in Christ (SLIC) team. I had the opportunity to speak several times to the Highlanders group. I was pleased that we were able to offer two grief programs during the year for our members and others in the community. I provided leadership for church participation in The Greater Birmingham Festival of Hope that brought together churches from all denominations for an evangelistic emphasis in August.

The goal for Wednesday Night Live was to offer significant programs that would relate to multiple age, gender, and life stages in the church and community. I believe that was accomplished in the various series that were offered, specifically highlighting – ALL ARE WELCOME: Traversing the Divide of Human Sexuality (4 weeks series including panel discussion by local leaders); THE HEART OF THE CITY: Where Christ, Crisis, and the Church Collide (Sex Trafficking, Winning Our Wages, Violenc/Law Enforcement, and Racial Reconciliation). In addition, a special patriotic celebration was held on Wednesday, July 17 where Lima Foxtrot shared their ministry to wounded veterans. Patriotic music was led by No Longer Strangers. The fall season was highlighted by a 3-week presentation by Dr. Gerald McDermott on “The Other Jonathan Edwards,” a most stimulating lecture/discussion series.

As an extension of my ministry beyond South Highland, I led a ten-week grief support group for widowed adults for Community Grief Support Service in the spring. I shared ministry in several area churches and led a monthly grief group for pet owners. In the fall, I was invited to lead a regional grief conference for 85 ministers and leaders in Essex, England. It was part of an overall Inspirational Weekend for Frinton Free Church in Frinton-on-Sea, England, that included two session All-Church grief workshop, a Healing and Wholeness Service, and Preaching at two worship services. My wife Kathryn contributed as well in several sessions. It was a most rewarding experience and was received very well by the church and community. As well, I enjoyed leading a stimulating session/discussion on grief leadership for the Birmingham Macedonia Ministries group in November.

Lastly, I count it a privilege to serve alongside the staff and lay leadership of South Highland, and look forward to a stimulating and vibrant year of ministry in 2016!

Respectfully submitted, Larry J. Michael, Ph.D.

Children’s Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

We strongly believe in the congregation of SHPC, and wanted to create multi-generational events that inspire and engage all ages. We desired to share opportunities with our congregation and community of visitors to worship together in strong numbers. Additionally, we wanted to be mindful of extending an invitation for our Child Development Center (CDC) to participate in the church services and programs in the future.

Vacation Bible School at SHPC (June 8-12)

The theme this year was Mount Everest – Overcoming Obstacles with God’s Help. We had over 140 children and over 60 volunteers. The week was packed full of fun songs, activities and sharing Bible stories. The CDC children aged three and up participated. This year we included 4th and 5th graders who did service projects outside the church. These projects ranged from working in the Rosedale Gardens with Terry Slaughter to decorating doors at the Hope Lodge. The week ended with a wonderful rock climbing adventure. Thank you again to all our wonderful volunteers and supporters.

Holiday Market (November 6)

With the RRR campaign, the Children’s Library has been moved to the Resource Room off the Gallery hallway and renamed “The Vincent Children’s Center” for Jackie Vincent and her family. Children’s Ministries raised funds for this project through a craft fair; money was collected from vendor fees and lunch. We had 30 booths with crafts including woodworking, paper goods, food items and holiday gifts. We had a wonderful turnout and had excellent participation from the congregation and our neighbors. Work continues on the Vincent Children’s Center.

Christmas Together (Sunday, December 6)

On the night of December 6, we hosted Christmas Together for all ages. We began with a step back in time to the sights and sounds of Bethlehem. Families were immersed in the marketplace of Bethlehem including a live Nativity, spice shop, weaving, woodworking, a visit to the Sea of Galilee and a journey to see how the Wise Men might have traveled. Our census taker (Jackie Vincent) collected socks and mittens for Greater Birmingham Ministries. Next, families were united for a special potluck meal which included a star shaped piñata and a fabulous gingerbread house (made by Diane Cleveland). Finally, we moved to the sanctuary for a special “Hanging of the Greens”/Posada service complete with hymns, Blessing of the Babies, and an interactive message delivered by Dr. Truesdell. Not only was the invitation open to all, but we had special invitations extended to the Presbyterian Home for Children and the S.T.A.I.R. (Start the Adventure In Reading) participants. Our halls were full and buzzing with the excitement and love of the season!

It was big night--but that is just what is intended. This evening creates a time of service and fellowship for all ages. It engages our older adults, youth, children, and community in the mission of serving with a passion of Christ. Our hope is that in learning together, eating together, and telling the story together, we created the awesome opportunity for our congregation and friends to be immersed in the Spirit. Furthermore, our hope is that it provided a multi-generational evening with everyone and every age joining efforts to share in Christ’s love this Advent Season.

Additional Events in 2015:

 Children’s Ministry hosted several CDC partnership events: Cinco De Mayo (May) and “Let Your Light Shine” (October) were programs held during Wednesday Night Live and included many CDC families. We also held a small Ash Wednesday service for CDC parents. We continue to have weekly chapel stories and songs throughout the year.  Children’s Ministry participated in the South Side Faith Community Palm Sunday Procession. Our Easter Egg Hunt was held at home of Suzanne and John Benton this year.  Children’s Ministry participated in our Presbytery’s Spring Elementary Retreat at Poplar Pointe Conference Center (7 children attended and 3 adults). Then we went to our first retreat this fall at Living River (7 children and 2 adults).  Rally Day 2015 was a fun, action-packed “Our God is an Awesome God”. Families and classes enjoyed a pick-up breakfast prepared by Joe Whitley and helpers. We honored Jackie Vincent and the youth led energizers for all.  The Fall Festival sponsored by Daniel Killilea and the youth was a great time for all. We played fun relay races, ate yummy treats, bounced in the Bounce House and basically enjoyed a wonderful inter- generational event.  In 2015, there were 7 infant baptisms.  The Christmas Eve Family Service was a special time in 2015. The children continued the tradition of dressing as Nativity participants. This year, Dina Glass sang “Mary, Did You Know?” accompanied by Stuart Huddleston as the children entered and found their places. It was a moving experience.

I have now been the Director of Children’s Ministry for a year and a half. I love my work with the children of South Highland (including all the CDC children) and I love this church!!

Respectfully submitted, Katya O’Leary

Youth Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

2015 was my first full calendar year heading up the Youth Ministry program, and there is much to celebrate looking back. This church continues to share the gift of love and support for this vital ministry arm, and I can assert without any doubt that the seeds we plant are bearing fruit. Over the past year, our group got closer than I've ever seen it, and we've done an excellent job of reaching out to others in the name of Christ to experience the vitality of the church's mission. We lost a very active senior class to graduation, but I am confident in the ways our remaining youth are finding their voice in the heart of the city.

Major events and activities overseen in 2015 include the following:  Curriculum (some ongoing) o Daily Discussions – Junior-high Sunday school study on lectionary/current events o Naming Religion – Senior-high Sunday school study on world religions and Christian denominations o Catching Fire – Sunday evening study about how we use our words o Faith Stories – Wednesday evening study on local guests sharing about their lives (mentor program founder, videographer and spoken word artist) o Our Story, Our Quest – Wednesday/Sunday evening study on our place in the city o SoulPancake – Wednesday evening study on life's big questions o Credo – Confirmation Sunday school study adapted from a Methodist curriculum  Relationship-building (ongoing) o Attending events in which the church's youth are involved o Visited band, choir, dance team and majorette performances, basketball games, lacrosse matches, charity events, musicals, fire academy competitions, softball games and wrestling matches o Celebrating youth birthdays on social media o Shared lunch  Service projects and volunteering o Valentine's Day cards for senior adults and patients at the VA Hospital o Mercedes Marathon volunteers o Easter Egg Hunt volunteers o Sorting donations at Magic City Harvest o Vacation Bible School volunteers o Dinner servers at Jimmie Hale Mission o Water Bottle Ministry, delivering water bottles to the homeless during summer o Habitat for Humanity Senior-High Workday o Family Promise of Birmingham dinner and fellowship hosts  Fundraising o Heart-y Party in February raised over $2,100 o "Bob's Tigers" t-shirt sales started in July (ongoing) o Babysitting Fundraiser in December raised over $400  2015 Winter Retreat (January 16-19) – "Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitude" was the theme o 7 junior-high youth; 18 senior-high youth; 5 chaperones o 5 keynotes and a Sunday morning worship service o Discussion on our own emotions and what the Bible says about them  The 30-Hour Famine (February 28-March 1) o 11 youth and 4 adults participated in the event, raising $835 for World Vision o 30-hour fast began on Saturday and was broken with Sunday communion o Youth served communion at 8:30 AM and 11 AM worship o Learned about hunger issues around the world through activities/games o Distributed ~150 boxes of food directly to low-income families at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama's Mobile Food Pantry in Tarrant  Spring Break (March 30-April 3) o Informal gatherings of youth and adults during the week to maintain fellowship o Activities included Holy Week services, lunches, a trampoline park, shut-in visit, movie, sports, a service project and canoeing at Living River  Youth Sunday (April 12) – "Spread the Light" was the theme o 21 junior and senior highs led the liturgy of 2 services o Others participated as ushers and choir members o 6 seniors gave sermons (Ella Sykes, Kathryn Cotton, Kemp Featheringill, Lauren Miley, Mattie Williams and Will Kelley) and 2 more were recognized (Kaily Ford and Michael Bonner) o The Youth Band led 7 songs during each service  The Great Escape (June 14-19) – "Quest" was the theme o 16 junior-high youth (5 first-timers); 4 chaperones o High-energy music and multimedia presentation style about the narrative of Christianity o Morning keynote; afternoon recreation; evening worship o Intentional focus on developing group bonds within each church o Program elements build up to Commitment Night, when youth leave the evening worship service for 10-15 minutes of alone time with their thoughts to reflect on God's presence  Montreat Youth Conference (July 11-18) – "This is Our Story" was the theme o 20 senior-high youth (1 first-timer); 7 chaperones o Modern spin on traditional styles of worship and relationship-building o Morning keynote; afternoon recreation; evening worship; evening recreation o Intentional focus on developing individual bonds with strangers o Program elements build up to final candlelight worship service around lake  Presbyterian Youth Fall Kickoff (August 30) – "All Things New" was the theme o 10 youth and 2 adults attended o Sponsored by Independent Presbyterian Church o Dinner followed by music and keynote  2015-16 Youth Council (ongoing) o 10 youth from 9th grade to 12th grade who are leaders in the church; 2 adults o Service term follows school year from September to May o Primary leadership roles for most youth-related events and activities o 1 at-large youth serving on the Presbytery Youth Council (Mary Frances Garner)  2015-16 Youth Band (ongoing) o 7 youth o 2 music leaders (Roy Glover and Randall Griffith) o Singers, guitarists, keyboard players and drummers  2015-16 Confirmation (ongoing) o 5 youth in 6th grade participating this year, each with an elder mentor o Kathy Tracey and Suzanne Cornett co-lead the teaching of the 30+ week course o 2 youth confirmed in separate one-on-one courses (Gus Hill and Annie White) o Gus Hill baptized into the life of the church upon his public declaration of faith  Progressive Planning Dinner (September 27) o 14 youth, 4 adults, 6 sponsors o 3 church families (Craigs, Clevelands and Fowlers) separately sponsored the appetizer, entree and dessert courses o Each house had a theme for planning purposes – study, service and social  Presbytery Fall Retreat (October 17-18) – "Trees of the Field" was the theme o 9 youth and 2 adults o First junior-high/senior-high retreat held at Living River o Discussion on being rooted in God’s Word while responding to the Holy Spirit  Youth Lock-In (December 18-19) o 24 youth, 5 former youth, 4 adults o Celebrated the end of the fall semester and the start of the Christmas break  Christmas break (December 21-January 1) o Informal gatherings of youth and adults during the weeks to maintain fellowship o Activities included lunches, board games, shopping, rock climbing, ice skating, a movie and a Breakout Birmingham game

2016 will be a wonderful new year that will also bring a new set of challenges, culturally and spiritually. As our own Jim Truesdell shared recently, the path to one's goal never fully exposes the twists and turns that are experienced along the way. Still, we are to rejoice in the Lord always, and that is where my attention will be. As I look ahead these next 12 months, I fully intend to create more space for the Holy Spirit to reside within our youth group. My focus will be bringing a sense of simplicity to the message we share with our youth and their families, and I will ensure that we are evaluating each lesson, activity, retreat, service project and more with a discerning eye to keep ourselves centered in that respect. All of our youth have been gifted with the fruits of the Spirit, and I want to more fully develop them as we serve neighbor and stranger without bias. Leadership and character development will be priorities in choosing curriculum topics. A stronger commitment to service – feeding the hungry, quenching the thirsty, inviting the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned – will make its way onto our calendars. A Christian sexual education/sexuality course for teens and a domestic mission trip were not on the books this past year, but both already have commissions of members hoping to change that for this year. I look forward to 2016 with great promise and trust in the divine work taking place all around us!

Respectfully submitted, Daniel Killilea

Administration Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

2015 Administration Ministry Members: Mary Berryman, Suzanne Cornett, Neil Davis, Mark Ezell, Joey Miller, Laura Ray, Bill Stribling, Preston Watts

Staff: Dr. Hurley, Sharon Doggett

With gratitude and utmost respect I wish to thank all those above who serve South Highland Presbyterian Church on the Administration Ministry.

2015 stated goals were as follows: Completing God's Horizon goals Coordinate with construction committee during renovation Address building needs that fall outside the Restore, Renew and Respond project. Continue ongoing work on the building as needs emerge Separate publicity from Administration and aid in formation of new committee as requested.

God's Horizon

In 2011 the 5-year plan, God's Horizon was visioned and implementation commenced. In this the last of the 5 years, three of the eight goals needed emphasis for completion. Following are the three goals and the steps made to complete them:

#28 – Develop a revised budgeting and long-term financial and capital planning process including a recurring communication plan. In 2015 a committee of the Coordinating Council was formed to coordinate all communication, both internal and external that represents all Ministry units of the church. By giving voice to the combined Ministry efforts of the church a unified message can be sent in a clear, unambiguous, effective and efficient way. This committee is chaired by Laura Ray. The budgeting aspect of this goal was completed in past years.

#29 – Evaluate all current technology and develop a plan for upgrade and replacement of all technology, including servers, computers, software, telephone system, copiers and other equipment. Staff has been excellent in this effort. Sharon Doggett, Suzanne Cornett and Brenda Keith along with Cara Ross completed this goal. As part of the fulfillment, the church has switched computer support companies to one that is both less expensive and more responsive. The new company has helped identify weakness and quick to respond to church needs. We have also reviewed all our equipment leases and comparatively shopped at renewal times.

#31 – Develop a plan for potential property acquisition to meet the long-term needs for growth. Growth is assumed in the phrasing of the goal. After evaluating membership trends it was determined we have no need for property to grow. If property comes on the market that is contiguous or desirable for other reasons each will be considered as it becomes available.

Coordinate with Construction Committee or Restore, Renew and Respond Under the leadership of Leland Keller and with the guidance of Davis Architects in the person of Don Cosper, the construction committee was able to not only facilitate planned construction but combined forces to complete extra projects around the building. Acting as an ombudsman for the Administration Ministry decisions were influenced to consider reliability, ease of maintenance and longevity in materials, fixtures and finishes in the building. A more complete account of Restore, Renew and Respond may be found elsewhere in this book but suffice it to say our church is more beautiful for the effort.

Address building needs that fall outside Restore, Renew and Respond Project This year many ongoing building issues were included in the construction project but there were still unplanned repairs that came from the regular church budget. The roof over the youth suite and upstairs elevator lobby were replaced. Since the 25 year old fellowship hall air conditioner was located over the leaking roof and would have to be disconnected and then reconnected the decision was made to replace and relocate it to the kitchen roof. It was a fortuitous decision because just as the work was to commence the system failed. Had the equipment not been ordered before it failed we could have experienced a long hot time without air conditioning in the fellowship hall. Administration Ministry asked for a multi-skilled employee who could repair and maintain the building and reduce our outside trade expenses. This position was approved by the session but did not make it into the 2016 budget.

Separate Publicity and aid in formation of a Publicity Committee See #29 in God's Horizon goals above

An ongoing part of Administration is to work with the other Ministry Units to create the budget and to report monthly progress to the Session and Congregation. Attached are the 2015 and 2016 budgets.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Stribling

Discipleship Formation Annual Report to the Congregation

Elders: Carolyn Ashworth, Cathie Bonner, Janice Cotton (chair), Kellie Troiano Deacons: Mary Baker, Russell Nance, Karen Weeks Congregation Member: Kathy Tracey Staff Liaisons: Daniel Killilea, Larry Michael, Katya O'Leary, Jim Truesdell

In 2015 Discipleship Formation Ministries continued to focus on building disciples of all ages through a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth. Discipleship Formation activities focus on:  Adult Ministry  Children's Ministry  Youth Ministry and Confirmation  Library ministry  Stewardship of time, talent and money

2015 Highlights

Adult Ministry – Sunday School and Wednesday Night Live classes Ten adult Sunday school classes provide Christian education for adults of all ages. All classes provide an opportunity for members to grow in knowledge, to worship, to fellowship and to serve others as a part of a caring community. Members expressed a particular interest in improving Bible literacy, so several classes focused on Bible studies during the year. Dr. Larry Michael supports and capably leads adult Sunday school teachers.

A class for college students was offered during the Advent season. Creating new and continued opportunities for college, single, and young adults with and without children to fellowship together and grow in their faith as a part of our Christian community is a continuing focus of the Discipleship team.

A thoughtful and informative church-wide Lenten study, “Deadly Habits of the Heart”, was written by Dr. Truesdell. This study was well received by church membership as one deadly habit was explored each week through reading, reflection, prayer and discussion. Several Sunday school classes used this study during the Lenten season.

Dr. Michael spearheads planning for Wednesday Night Live programming. Dr. Michael provides a cafeteria of choices that address the interests and needs of our diverse congregation. Bible studies, presentations on mission trips, a painting table, book studies, and technology sessions are a few examples of some of the choices available in 2015.

Children's Ministries Katya O'Leary serves as Director of Children’s Ministry demonstrating a loving approach to children and families and a passion for the work. She created and led multiple opportunities for children from birth through fifth grade to build a strong foundation in the Christian faith through Sunday school, Wednesday Night SPARK activities, and annual and special events.

Five Sunday school classes for preschool and school age children are taught by a committed group of volunteer teachers that use the Spark Christian education curriculum. A team of three dedicated teachers led Wednesday Night SPARK activities.

Children had the opportunity in 2015 to participate in a wide range of activities in addition to Sunday school and Wednesday Night SPARK activities. Some of the children's ministry activities included:  Vacation Bible School  Fall Festival  Elementary Presbytery Retreat  Easter Egg Hunt  Bread and Cup class preparing young children for their first communion  Advent Workshop  Christmas Together and Night in Bethlehem  Birthday Party for Jesus  Children's worship for grades 1-3  Sunday enrichment for preschoolers

In 2015 the Vincent Children’s Center opened. A Holiday Market fundraiser was a big success raising about $1000 to furnish the center including children’s books.

Katya and Dr. Truesdell dedicated time to building connections with families from the Child Development Center during the working day. They also included the children and their families in special Wednesday Night Live activities during the year. One Wednesday night event in May had an attendance of 180 adults and children, providing an opportunity for the membership to welcome and fellowship with CDC families. The Discipleship team views this outreach and engagement effort as an excellent way to demonstrate the love of Christ.

Katya and Gayle Hurley attended a Godly Play Conference during the summer months and upon return shared this engaging and unique approach for teaching God’s work during Children’s Worship. A dedicated group of volunteers use this approach guiding the children during Sunday Children’s Worship.

Youth Ministry Daniel Killilea serves as Director of Youth Ministry. He leads the program with a clear vision and dedication to nurturing Christian relationships with our youth and building their Christian faith. Under his leadership and the guidance of the youth council the youth program is thriving.

A team of advisors and volunteers works with Daniel in teaching Sunday school, working with youth on Sunday night and planning and participating in other youth activities. Curriculum for the youth is derived from variety of sources that are recommended by Daniel and the discipleship team and then approved by the session.

The youth meet most Sunday nights to study God's word, to explore timely issues, to serve others and to fellowship together. They also meet on Wednesday evenings.

In addition to these gatherings, in 2015 the youth enjoyed time together and grew in their Christian faith through activities that include:  Presbytery Retreats for junior and senior highs  Winter retreat in Destin Florida  Junior High Great Escape retreat  Senior High Montreat retreat  Progressive Planning Dinner  Fall Festival  Christmas Together  Holiday lock-in  Small group Bible studies and gatherings

About 40 youth led worship at Youth Sunday, April 12. These youth shared their talents through music and inspired us with their words.

Kathy Tracey continues to prepare the Confirmation class for membership in God's church. Five youth from the 2014-2015 confirmation class presented their statements of faith to the Session on March 23 and were accepted by the Session into membership of the church. Five eager and engaged youth are members of the 2015-2016 confirmation class.

Library Ministry The library space was renovated as part of the Restore Renew Respond campaign. Shelves are freshly painted and the stained glass window from Ensley Highlands Presbyterian Church provides a lovely new focal point. The children's library space has been relocated to the Vincent Children's Center and there are plans to relocate the young adult collection to the youth suite in 2016. The former children's space is now a conference room that will eventually house reference volumes and commentaries. There is a plan to acquire new furnishings for the open library space allowing study and conversation. Individuals continue to check out books with handwritten cards, but all items are being catalogued so individuals can search for books online from a link on the church website.

Stewardship The annual stewardship campaign in 2015 was led by Laura Ray and Mike Coggins. The theme was “Grounded in gratitude, revealed in prayer, lived in faith”. The theme of gratitude was selected because it is through gratitude that we desire to give of our time, talent and treasure.

These leaders joined by Mark Stephens, Stephanie Thompson, Kathy Tracey, Braxton Goodrich, and Randy Wilson planned and implemented a series of Sunday events that reminded the congregation of the blessings offered to us from God and of how the church membership is using their time, talent and contributions to serve God, the community and the needs of others beyond our community. A devotional study was included in this year’s campaign. The sharing of faith stories through cardboard testimonies on Ministry Sunday was a powerful reminder of how God works through the leaders and membership of SHPC.

Respectfully submitted, Janice Cotton

Outreach Ministries Annual Report to the Congregation

Elders: Lu Mahon, Mike Coggin, Mark Stephens Deacons: Jeanne Burton, Fred Esleck, Leslie Lloyd, Jim Price, Susan Simpson, Randy Wilson Congregation: Steve Ashworth, Chris Brakefield, Pam Buck, Alison Cobb, Lee Cooper, Jim Foster, Charles Fowler, Marty Keller, Debbie Perkins, Dean Vandergrift, Cody Watson, Eleanor Wright Staff: Jim Truesdell, Ed Hurley

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Alabama Arise: For 20 years, Alabama Arise, a coalition of religious, community, and civic groups, has worked to promote state policies to improve the lives of low-income people in Alabama. Some issues tackled have been a fair state tax system, un-taxing groceries, and putting an end to usurious interest rates charged by "pay day" loan companies. South Highland supported Alabama Arise with a donation in 2015 and plans to do the same in 2016. (Lee Cooper)

AIM: Assisting Inmate Mothers is a ministry that provides transportation to the children of incarcerated mothers and their guardians to Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka one Saturday a month. South Highland provides the transportation 6 times a year on the second Saturday of every odd month. We partner with Shades Valley Lutheran who drives on the same day. We usually have 14-16 people who go on a regular basis ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers. Some of the children have never seen their mothers in any other setting but prison but they run to the gate to get in and run back to the bus when they are finished with smiles on their faces and arts and crafts in their hands or some project that they have done with their mothers. The drivers of the vans talk with the children and often bring muffins and juice for them to eat on the way to the prison. Lucinda Armstrong is one of the most passionate people to serve this ministry and the children love her. We only drove 4 times this year because one time the Shades Valley driver was able to fit everyone on his bus and one time I could not find a driver from South Highland. This is such an easy and meaningful ministry. It only takes time on a Saturday to give to these families. Thanks to Lu Mahon, Lucinda Armstrong, Cody Watson, Gary Harden, and Jack Perkins. (Debbie Perkins)

Bridge Ministries: Bridge Ministries is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported by local congregations to serve the most vulnerable in our community. Located in Southside, Bridge Ministries focuses on preventing homelessness by assisting people in crisis situations to pay their rent or utility bills or to secure temporary emergency lodging. When families living in local shelters are ready to move to permanent housing, Bridge Ministries can help with security and utility deposits. A number of its clients are referred by local hospitals and hospice services. Bridge Ministries also helps individuals to obtain dental care, eyeglasses, prescription drugs and other durable medical goods. It also maintains a small pantry of non-perishable food and personal hygiene products. Jack Smith has served on the board for Bridge Ministries for several years. Gary Hardin also helps audit the books periodically. A large portion of Bridge's operating funds come from church congregations in Birmingham including from SHPC. (Jack Smith)

Brighter Day Fund: During 2015, Brighter Day Fund provided uniforms for school for twelve children. Brighter Day provided partial tuition for an eleven-year-old boy from Southtown to Cornerstone School. Cornerstone had given him a scholarship with a small amount remaining to be paid. South Highland families sponsored four families for Christmas. Brighter Day provided Christmas for four families in addition to those sponsored by church members. (Jeanne Burton)

Brown Bag Project: Eight bulging bags of pantry staples, designed to feed a family of four balanced meals for three days, are brought from Canterbury Methodist Church each week as an extension of their on-going project. Stephanie Thompson dispenses them on Wednesdays. Most of the people who get a bag are older and must walk to get the food. They are without transportation to go to other places providing food. We have been participating in this program for several years, but this year began paying for half the cost of each bag. Elizabeth Ezell, Jacqueline Giovanelli, Lu Mahon or Wes Thompson have been transporting the bags from Canterbury each week for all these years.

Christian Service Mission: CSM serves communities who are under serviced and under resourced through acts of service by providing spiritual, social, and tangible resources for the purpose of seeing healthy change in the areas served. Through relationship building they connect communities of resource with communities of need, believing that the local church is the key to lasting change. Christian Service Mission exists to bring together people and resources to change the lives of those in need. We have partnered in several of their ministries. In addition to the Mother’s Day Luncheon we also purchase complete Thanksgiving dinner baskets from CSM to give to the students that are tutored through the Stair program, to the people who work with SHPC Child Development, and with the South Highland Center. In a personal thank you for our donation to CSM, we learned, “This year we have built 3 new homes, rehabilitated 8, and are daily working in neighborhoods repairing homes. We also distributed over 1 million pounds of food to those in need including 7000 pounds of fresh produce from our community gardens.” (Debbie Perkins)

Cornerstone School: Cornerstone Schools is an inner-city school providing a uniquely Christian, quality education for underprivileged students. SHPC has several connections, including the sponsoring of a child’s attendance through the Pentecost Special Offering and Brighter Day Fund. Cornerstone School was founded by our own Molton Williams along with area business and community leaders. Cornerstone Schools has served children in prekindergarten through 8th grade for 23 years. In 2014 the school expanded to 9-12th grade students. Cornerstone has two campuses, Woodlawn (elementary school) and Roebuck (middle and high school), where great need is being met with the efforts of talented, certified faculty and staff. Today, the school enrolls approximately 440 children from across the city by offering school choice in a supportive environment focused on student achievement.

Evangelism: SHPC partnered with The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in its Birmingham Christian Life and Witness workshops beginning in April 2015 and culminating in August 2015 with The Festival of Hope featuring Franklin Graham though our participation, support, and funding. Larry Michael and several members of the congregation attended workshops before the event. Many members attended various sessions of the Festival of Hope in August. SHPC sponsored a water station for the Mercedes Marathon again this year.

Family Promise of Birmingham: We hosted families for Family Promise of Birmingham three times this year: March 22- family of 4, July 5- 2 families 9 people, 7 kids, and October 18 family of 4. During the school year, the children receive breakfast and lunch at school, and dinners provided by generous members of the congregation. We were able to decrease the budget with more careful grocery shopping. We continue to serve this ministry with the same dedicated people over and over again. I would like to see some new faces this year. It's pretty easy to prepare and serve a meal. Perhaps some Sunday school classes could get together and share the meal preparation. Many thanks to Daniel Killilea and the youth group share their space with the families and make their beds on the Sunday they arrive. Also thanks to Preston Watts who gets up early and brings his truck to move the beds on Sunday morning. The overnight hosts are the most difficult to find but Lee and Diane Cleveland, Steve Ashworth, Tom Gester, Joey Miller, Bart Lloyd and family, Cody Watson, Jim Price and Chris Brakefield are always there to help. Thanks to the dinner hosts who really put together some great meals for the families. This is so important because the families get healthy meals and less junk food. Our dedicated dinner hosts are Mary Baker, Mary Margaret Vick, Mary Margaret Yeilding, the Kellers, Pam Buck, Cathie Bonner, the Hardens, and Sarah Sykes. And last but not least, the laundry and that can be a big, big job especially in the winter with all of the blankets but Polly Edwards, Katya O'Leary, Lucinda Armstrong, and Carolyn Ashworth do it with a smile on their face. In 2016 we will host families on January 31, May 15, August 28, and December 11. This will be one of the first times that a holiday is not on the schedule! Looking for those willing to serve in 2016! In addition to hosting the families, Chris Brakefield has volunteered to serve on the board for Family Promise helping to address the needs of the families, the funding and budget, networking with other members from other host churches and coordinating with me. It is great to have someone who is an active host who knows the process to be on the board. One of the two fund-raisers that support Family Promise of Birmingham is the Christmas Wrapping at Brookwood Mall. Each host church works one-day wrapping gifts starting 12 days before Christmas. South Highland has always been involved with the gift-wrapping but this was my first year and I was very nervous about it. The manual did not provide a lot of detail on just how it works when people bring in their gifts to be wrapped, keeping track of whose-gift-is-whose, pricing, choices of wrapping paper, etc. Turned out that I had nothing to worry about because I had lots of volunteers who had been involved in previous years and they showed me what to do. South Highland wrapped on Friday December 18 and raised $658 for just one day. Multiply this by 12 and almost $8000 is raised from this event. I'm sure the day is right before Christmas produced even more on a daily basis. Thanks to our experienced staff: Tom Gester, Lee Cooper, the Kellers, Lu Mahon, Mary Frances Yeilding, the Hardens, Kathryn Cotton, Mattie Williams, Cody Watson, the Michaels, Pam Buck, Genie and Jim Deason, Wendy and Hollan Chapman, 3 of Hollan's friends, the Bonners, and Bill Stribling. And a little secret...Bill Stribling is a wrapper and bow maker extraordinaire! (Debbie Perkins)

Firehouse Shelter: The Firehouse Shelter serves more homeless men than any agency in the state of Alabama and operates the broadest, most comprehensive continuum of services for Birmingham's homeless. At the heart of our mission are chronic hard-core homeless men, 90% of whom come from the Birmingham metro area. We meet immediate food, shelter, clothing, and the personal hygiene needs for men who find themselves in crisis mode. Once we are able to determine what caused this particular homeless episode, we work very diligently and patiently to assist these men to achieve housing stability and their full potential as a person. The Firehouse Shelter has grown considerably over the years. Today we operate 16 different sites, 15 of which provide housing and specific programs to previously homeless men trying to put the pieces of their lives back together again. CORE VALUES  Treating all guests with respect and dignity  Providing accessible, safe, and clean facilities  Nurturing and caring for all of our guests  Empowering all guests to achieve their life goals  A recognition that our ministries are part of a larger community  Being a faith-based community that provides opportunities for spiritual growth The faith and spiritual formation of the men who walk through our doors is important to us. Daily worship, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and the study of God's Word and The Holy Bible we feel are vital elements of ministering to the homeless. FIREHOUSE SHELTER PROGRAMS:  THE EMERGENCY SHELTER  STOP (STREET OUTREACH)  PROFESSIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT  DAY SHELTER  MEALS PROGRAM  CLOTHES CLOSET  TEAM (PRE-TREATMENT ADDICTION PROGRAM)  LITERACY & GED PROGRAMS  COMMUNITY GARDEN (SMITHFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD) HOUSING PROGRAMS:  (NASHAMAH) TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (59 BEDS @ 2 SITES)  (SAFE HAVEN) PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (24 BEDS)  (THE PHOENIX PROJECT) PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (62 BEDS)  (CDM) PERMANENT HOUSING (18-20 BEDS)  AFFORDABLE LOW INCOME HOUSING (9 PROPERTIES) As a partner church, FHS asks us at South Highland to: 1. Pray for us, our mission, and the homeless men we serve. 2. Send volunteers on a regular basis to one of our sites or programs to meet the needs of the homeless men we serve. Most churches send volunteers 1X/month. A few churches provide volunteers quarterly. (Volunteer opportunities listed on website) 3. Nominate and appoints a church member to serve as a representative for The Firehouse Shelter. 4. Allocate a portion of the church budget to be donated to the ministry at The Firehouse Shelter. The most important thing financially is that it becomes a regular, consistent, budgeted mission line item. Sending a check monthly helps us greatly with our cash flow. In the past, congregations have donated anywhere between .25%-1% of their annual gross budget to The Firehouse Shelter.

IN ADDITION TO ABOVE, RECENT & UPCOMING INITIATIVES The CHAPLAINCY initiative involves meeting the spiritual needs of all of our men at all of our sites 24/7/365. We currently offer Bible Studies and transportation by bus (BUS PROVIDED BY SOUTH HIGHLAND) to local church services on a limited basis at all sites but desire to greatly expand our reach in this area. If your heart is led to witness, share your faith, and lead struggling men to deepen their faith, this is a calling you shouldn't ignore. The ELI PROJECT mentoring group flips the switch on our traditional mode of case management whereby we have one case manager meet with 12-35 guests/week. With the ELI PROJECT, six to eight mentors surround one individual to discuss the accomplishment of his life goals on a weekly basis. This intensive, weekly, face-to-face contact will allow the homeless men we serve to develop deep, long-lasting relationships and a trust bond that hopefully transforms his life and the lives of our community as a whole. The COMMUNITY GARDEN (SMITHFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD) is used to reach out to many of our men suffering from addiction or mental illness in a therapeutic way. These men visit the site 2X- 3X/week to weed, water, plant seeds and/or harvest the recent crop of fruits and vegetables. The vegetables are them prepared and served to the men at the shelter satisfying the workers need to give back to the homeless ministry. COTTON AVENUE PROJECT – We are working hard to dedicate a new home for homeless fathers by the end of June 2015. The home was recently donated to The Firehouse Shelter and countless volunteer hours have been spent refurbishing the home.

Currently, there is no shelter in Birmingham that provides an opportunity for these men to visit and care for their children. Our primary goal for this home is to provide homeless fathers with a place of residence to visit with their children if they have visitation rights. We hope that the reunification process allows these men to build strong relationships with their children as they move forward in seeking to overcome their current life situation that has caused their homelessness. The ministry is in the midst of a fundraising campaign for a new building to comply with the new regulations for federal funding. A large part of the budget comes from federal grants and without them the Shelter will not be able to operate as they have on the past.

Other Firehouse info: http://www.firehouseshelter.com/what_we_do/ http://raycomgroup.worldnow.com/story/27682995/firehouse-shelter-provides-homeless-a-place-to-spend- christmas?config=H264 Amy Tucker and Fred Esleck are on the Board of Directors of this ministry. In addition to a monetary contribution, The Builders Class contributed almost 100 pairs of socks in December. Please feel free to contact me for any more information. - Fred Esleck 205-531-3333

Good Samaritan: The Good Samaritan Fund served over 125 community members during 2015. Assistance was given for food, utilities, rent, prescription medications and hospital bills. There was one occasion where help was given for a fine and court costs for an elderly client when she was unable to complete payment leaving her vulnerable to being arrested and serving time in jail. Another client was helped with a medical alert device that would enable him to continue living independently. Good Sam was involved with the Lighten Up Program through Gateway and Alabama Central Credit Union. Good Sam assisted a client in qualifying for this loan program where his loans were repaid to the predatory lenders and then combined so that he had one payment through the Credit Union at a low interest rate. Good Sam will continue to work in advocacy with other agencies in Birmingham to get Alabama laws changed that allow predatory lenders to charge interest rates in excess of 400%. The Lighten Up Program was actively opened in July 2015 but was originally begun several years earlier through the vision and efforts of Dr. Hurley. Clients in the community received help with finding resources for housing, jobs, mental health and medical care as well as disability applications. Good Sam has worked with the Bridge Ministries, MPower Clinic, Birmingham Healthcare, Urban Ministries, Greater Birmingham Ministries and Community Furniture Bank to help clients get their basic living needs met. Good Sam has also worked with Southern Poverty Law Center to effect change and social justice for clients who become caught up in the judicial system. There is work being done to make inroads into the public housing arena to help community members with fair housing practices. Good Sam takes a holistic approach to helping by trying to look at all the systems a client is involved in and the sum of its parts rather than focusing on just one issue. This Outreach Ministry has five volunteers. There is a prayer ministry led by Jim Price and food ministry led by Wes Thompson. After over four years of distributing the Brown Bag Project through Good Sam at no cost to South Highland, a decision was made by the Canterbury Foundation to begin charging for the 8 bags given to Good Sam on a weekly basis. Brown Bag was then separated into another ministry. It will be continued as it has been for the past several years. During 2015, 50 Bibles were ordered by Outreach to be distributed to community members. To date, 25 have been given out and the remaining box will be given to members of the community in the upcoming months. (Jeanne Burton)

Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM): The Presbytery and SHPC have been involved with GBM since 1971, which makes us one of the earliest faith communities to support the mission of “Serving People, Building Communities & Pursuing Justice.” SHPC contributes to GBM through Foundation distributions. Our Angel Tree supports GBM families each Christmas. GBM continues to do good work in regard to direct services and systems change. Kelly Ross-Davis has been a board member for several years and now Jim Truesdell is also a board member. He has been active in WOW – Winning our Wages, http://gbm.org/pursuing-justice/wage-theft/ For more about GBM, visit www.gbm.org

Habitat for Humanity: This year, 2015, SHPC sponsored a house in partnership with the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley. This is SHPC’s 23rd Habitat house. Construction began on September 12th. The house was completed over an 8 week period and dedicated on Sunday, November 8th. We benefited from good weather with no lost workdays. The house was built for Shamika Nail and her family: Jessica (age 21), Kamaria (age 6), Keviuna (age 6) and Kamaryon (age 5). The address is 1923 Colonial Cove, Birmingham, AL 35235. The house is in the Vernon Glen subdivision in the Clay-Chalkville area. It is a single story house built on a slab and has four bedrooms. Three workdays a week, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, were reserved for volunteer workers. Contract work (e.g. electrical, plumbing, roofing, dry wall) was generally scheduled for other days of the week. SHPC provided volunteer workers on Thursdays and Saturdays. Additional volunteer workers were provided from numerous other organizations and the homeowner. The SHPC Thursday crew consisted of retirees and others who have schedule flexibility. Participants included Jim Harpenau, Leland Keller, John Butcher, Larry Clark, Steve Collier, John Benton, Cody Watson and Steve Ashworth. The Saturday crew included various SHPC volunteers, with Berry Dumas, Carolyn Ashworth and Steve Ashworth working multiple Saturdays. Of special help, Daniel Killilea organized the SHPC Youth to work on one Saturday. Thanks to Diane Cleveland and Caroline Martin for volunteering to provide Saturday lunches at the worksite whenever we had five or more workers. Elsa Holaday and the Presbyterian Women performed a “pantry pounding” to fill the cupboards and pantry of the new home with food items. The pounding was highly successful to the extent that food items were also provided to the Habitat house that was built next door at the same time. Both homeowners were extremely grateful. Our house was dedicated along with the Habitat house next door in a joint ceremony. South Highlanders performed the majority of the roles in the ceremony. Julia Jones of SHPC provided an original angel painting for presentation to the homeowner of our sponsored house; this has been a SHPC tradition over many years. As has been the case for many years now, it is difficult to recruit meaningful numbers of workers from our congregation for each construction workday. However, we usually have a good and faithful Thursday crew of fairly experienced workers who play a significant role in the construction process. In any event, the Habitat organization is able to provide large numbers of workers from other organizations to keep the project on schedule. Comments I hear from our congregation make me believe that our involvement has widespread support and is a worthwhile ministry. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of our continued involvement is securing and managing sustained funding over the years for future houses. (Steve Ashworth)

Highland Manor Bible Study: The Highland Manor Bible Study had another successful year. We continue to meet every Tuesday at 1:00pm on the top floor of the building and our participation remains at approximately 12 members. We continue to study the Old Testament with the help of an Old Testament study guide which was purchased by funds from the church. Upon completion of the Old Testament we will continue our studies into the New Testament with a similar study guide. When the Thursday SUSTAIN service reopened we began attending once a month in support of that ministry. In addition to the Old Testament studies, the Bible study celebrated each member’s birthday with cake and a small gift also purchased from the funds available. We had several special parties including a 4th of July celebration, a Thanksgiving Dinner celebration and a Christmas Dirty Santa party. I would like to thank the Deacons who have helped throughout the year during these times. For the Thanksgiving dinner we opened the invitation to the entire building and fed approximately 30 people. To show our appreciation to SHPC the members of the Bible study made Mason jar candles for the entire staff at South Highland. The Highland Manor Bible Study is a vital part of the residence’s life. (Randy Wilson)

Horizons School: For 24 years, the Horizons School, a UAB School of Education Program, has provided young adults with a college-like experience as they live away from home, develop a group of lifelong friends and work in the community. The Horizons School offers a non-degree transition program specifically designed to facilitate personal, social and career independence for students with specific learning disabilities and other handicapping conditions. Several members of the congregation work volunteer at the Horizons School and the staff is comfortable working with SHPC. For instance, last April Mark Pratt and Cody Watson drove the bus and van for Horizon students to the Vestavia Bowl to celebrate the students’ hard work with fundraising for their Hearts for Horizons event.

International Programs with UAB: a. We sponsored our annual Thanksgiving dinner with over 125 attending. b. The Let’s Talk Program is going well with classes taking place on the first and third Wednesdays. We have anywhere from 10-15 participants. Also we have tutors to allow us to have one on one tutoring. Greta and Corky Clark are structuring the programs. The regulars are Marty and Leland Keller, Lere’ Harper, Greta and Corky Clark, Chris and Glenn Davis, Cody and Talulah Watson, Jim Truesdell and Janine Hagan. c. We have hosted our Let’s Talk folks at summer events in homes and also Janine and Don Hagan hosted our annual Christmas party this year. d. A number of our participants have expressed an interest in Christianity and some are attending South Highland regularly. Others are going to the Chinese church in Pelham. e. The International Program at UAB will undergo major changes in 2016 and we will see an increased number of internationals attending the University. There has been a significant drop in numbers over the past three years. (Corky Clark)

Kairos Prison Ministry International: Kairos has had a wonderful, fruitful year of ministry, and we are blessed with the multitude of positive impacts through the ministry. While we continue to grow, we are thankful for the many hours of service of every volunteer, and we also pray for each person who will come to serve in the future. During 2015 South Highlanders served on Kairos inside teams at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility and Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Fred Esleck was the Lay Leader for #62 at Donaldson in October and Rev. Drs. Hurley, Truesdell and Watson served on the spiritual team for the Weekend. Those who couldn’t serve on the inside teams served by baking cookies, giving financial support, and by participating in the 72 hour prayer vigil. Sunday school children participated by making colorful place mats that were used during meals for the inmates.

Low Interest Loans: The low interest loan program Lighten Up has been funded by Greater Birmingham Foundation and is administered through the Gateways Consumer Affairs Program and local credit unions. These loans are an alternative to the payday loans that are such a hardship on the poor. Gateway Foundation, through their Financial Freedom Program, completes pre-referrals for people who may come to our congregations looking for help. Qualified individuals are referred to the Alabama Central Credit Union for loans. These will have a 15% annualized interest rate.

Living River: 2015 –A Banner Year of Firsts South Highlanders participated in a year of many firsts at the Presbytery’s new Retreat Center - Living River, A Retreat on the Cahaba: · Planting and Dedication of the Garden honoring the bequest of Bette Wilson, which made possible major portions of the construction of the Youth Camp; several South Highlanders honored family members with trees for the garden · 1st Presbytery Spring Youth Retreat – SHPCers attending: Mary Myers Huddleston, Mary Frances Garner · Dedication of the Robert Hay Youth Camp facilities, Youth and Adult Chapels, Trails, and the Meeting/Dining Facility was attended by many SHPCers. · 1st Presbytery Summer Camps and staff · Completion of construction and hiring of staff of the Cahaba Environmental Center (CEC) at Living River · Opening of the CEC which served, during the fall term, more than 4,000 students · Meeting of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley · SHPC Fall Day Retreat enjoyed by many South Highlanders, young and old · A Women’s Bible Study small group overnight led by Molly Clark · Fall Presbytery Youth Retreat attended by 119 youth from around the Presbytery · Veteran’s Day Presbytery Elementary Retreat – SPCers attending: Maggie Smith, Ellen Jenkins, Branum Lloyd, Owen and Henry Harrell, Henry Gilchrist, Katya O’Leary, Jody Gilchrist.

Check out these websites: www.livingriver.org Living River website; www.cahabaec.org Cahaba Environmental Center at Living River website; http://www.cahabaec.org/events.html teacher training opportunities (Marty Keller)

Mother’s Day Luncheon- May 9, 2015: This is the 3rd year that we have partnered with Christian Service Mission in providing a special luncheon honoring women who serve women in ministries citywide. We served over women representing Pathway, Greater Shiloh Church, Restoration, Bethany Homes, Dannon Project, Antioch Baptist, Urban Minstries, New Rising Star Church, New Creation Church, Holy Trinity Church, Mt. Zion and Bethel Church. Grace's Kitchen catered the event and CSM set up a program of dancing, songs for mothers, Janice Vickers speaking about the important role of the mother, helping one another and the community. Special recognition was given to Pashion Lewis from Restoration UMC and Martha Boyer. Volunteers from South Highland Presbyterian Church, Church of Brook Hills, and a couple of other churches helped set the tables, plate the food, and serve the guests. The Davis Family Hall was decorated with white tablecloths, beautiful centerpieces, china and real silver ware to give the appearance of a restaurant. South Highland had 12 servers who gave up a Saturday to participate in this special event. (Debbie Perkins)

Presbyterian Home for Children: This year SHPC supported the Presbyterian Home for Children financially through the Christmas Eve offering and donations through Outreach Ministries, Presbyterian Women and many individuals. In addition, PW Circles participated in the decorating for Christmas and providing Christmas presents for families. For several years, SHPC has been their largest contributor, but the need is still great as the Home transitions. In addition to caring for children in foster care, the Home has begun addressing the problem of Alabama’s homeless children by opening the Secure Dwellings and Transition to Adult Living programs with the same focus - to provide a strong foundation of faith to young people who need us the most. They have reopened the Thrift Store, utilizing it as a venue for training the young women and mothers/caregivers of the homeless children that are now living on campus, as well as an income generator. The census has grown from 25-30 up to 70, which is great in terms of utilization of the facilities, staff and program. There is a waiting list for the homeless families. The Home still also has day students in the campus school, Hope Academy. This new model offers great hope for the continuing ministry of the Church to children in need, not to mention the individual futures of these young people and children. Most of the families and children enjoyed Christmas Together with our church family. Their behavior and performance were impressive!

Sav-a-Life: Sav-a-life is committed to helping men and women embrace the Truth of God's Word as they make life-affirming decisions about their unborn child. This is accomplished by offering free services and programs that meet the physical needs of our clients and their families who are facing a crisis or unplanned pregnancy. As Sav-a-life meets those needs, the spiritual condition of the person is also addressed. We are grateful for your support of this ministry. The Pregnancy Test Center was established in 1980 to address and assist with sexual promiscuity, unplanned pregnancy and abortion on demand. Clients are welcomed in a loving, non-judge mental environment that represents a safe haven for many. Our comprehensive programs meet the health, emotional and spiritual needs of our clients by offering them access to free doctors, nurses, and trained peer counselors so that they are fully equipped to become better individuals, spouses and parents. There have been more than 8,400 lives touched by this ministry in 2015. SAL medical clinics - Often clients return for additional assistance including prenatal assessment, STD testing, parenting classes, and more. This year we will serve more than 3,100 clients in this area. The Pregnancy Test Center is supported by many doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other volunteers who selflessly give valuable time and resources to provide free medical clinics. We were able to host 174 medical clinic days during this year where we served almost 700 clients through one of the more than 475 ultrasounds, 250+ STD tests, or 60+ prenatal assessments. For many clients, it's the only means to ensure a healthy beginning to their pregnancy. Family Education Services - We love this opportunity to encourage the more than 2,800 moms and dads this year to build a strong spiritual foundation for their family while they are learning strong parenting skills. We saw a 25% increase in the clients participating in these programs. Over 1,200 fathers have been engaged through classes and programs in 2015. This leads to stronger families and children who have a greater chance for success. Part of our mission and central to what we do is sharing the gospel with every client if possible. We know His Word will not come back void even if we don't have the privilege of seeing the results of our efforts. In late 2015, we began a partnership with Samford University to utilize their mobile medical clinic to extend our services to areas of greater Birmingham that are underserved. Ministry Goals for 2016 With God's guidance our ministry goals for 2016 include: -Hire a part-time sexual health educator to address abstinence and purity among middle school, high school and college students. Imagine what could be if we educate students before they need our services. -Implement an updated incentive program to motivate education clients to be consistent in family education programs. Imagine what could be if clients have a stronger spiritual foundation as parents. SAL annual income in 2015 – Individual/corporate $409,700; churches-$82,700; Other-$1,250. Annual income- $493,650 SAL expenses in 2015- program $164,250; Fundraising-$88,600; General & administrative $231,175; Annual Expenses. $484,025 (Pam Buck)

South Highland Center: SHC is an adult day care center designed to meet the special needs of individuals with mild to severe cognitive impairment- Alzheimer's disease, Stroke-related Dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntingdon's Disease, and other dementing illnesses. Participants attend daily or part time. The center promotes stimulating, enriching, and fun life experiences in a safe, nurturing home-like environment. SHC is one of the few remaining nonprofit organizations serving the growing population with dementia related disorders. Outreach Ministries provides scholarships for clients and thanked the staff with Thanksgiving meals from CSM.

South Highland Child Development Center: The CDC has been a part of SHPC since 1971, providing a quality, Christian, full day care for children of working parents from six weeks though five years old. Outreach Ministries helps with scholarships for some of the children. The full time rates vary from $955 per month for infants to $825 for four-year olds. CDC is unique in that it arranges part time care by partnering a three-day and a two-day child, thus maintaining the full classroom. There are about 145 children at CDC, around 10% church members, and a long waiting list. Several joined after their children came to CDC and we have a number of parents visiting SHPC. The children participate in Vacation Bible School and have provided entertainment at Wednesday Night Live. Outreach Ministries thanked the staff for their dedication with Thanksgiving meals from CSM.

South Highland Mental Health Outreach Project- SHOP: (Capital Campaign Tithe) Just a year ago we were meeting with thirteen (13) UAB School of Nursing, students and their instructors who would be our partners on a journey of faith as we developed a curriculum for South Highland’s Mental Health Outreach Project. We are grateful for SHPC member support which made it possible for SHOP to develop partnerships with the UAB Schools of Nursing, Psychiatric Medicine, Public Health, Dentistry, The UA School of Social Work, Dr. David O’Leary, New Horizons Eyecare, The Firehouse Shelter and Pack Health. SHOP also developed a Supported Employment Program to assist SHOP participants. SHOP has met weekly since September 9, 2014, with weekly Bible Study. Class segments have covered, art therapy, hygiene, coping, stress and anger management, resume writing, job interview skills, proper attire, medication information and compliance, personal boundaries (including spiritual, physical, and emotional) and socialization skills. In addition to the regular class segments, facilitated by UAB School of Nursing Students, we have had programs provided by the Alabama Department of Advocacy, UAB School of Psychiatric Medicine, Rev. Dr. Larry Michael, and classes by Fellows from the Horseshoe Farms Project. Already, many of SHOP participants have started to engage in regular volunteer work or paid employment, attend AA and NA classes, attend local community events and classes, return to Church, move to more independent living, and reconcile with family members. SHOP members have been working at the church helping the contractors with the remodeling, answering the phone, helping with sexton duties during the day and night, keeping the bus and van clean, refinishing the court yard door and planting flowers. Planning for a garden on the property facing 20th street is underway. SHOP volunteers are helping the participants with independent housing, legal work, job placement, and transportation to the program and to medical appointments. Volunteers also support the participants with weekly phone calls, texts, and notes, and attend special events with them. SHOP members have participated in field trips to Railroad Park, East Lake Park, Birmingham Museum of Art, The Southern Museum of Flight, and Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Annual Conference at Shocco Springs. The partnerships formed through this ministry are helping SHOP participants have a better quality of life and the students are getting experience and developing skills that will help them with the challenges facing community public health care. Many thanks to the entire SHPC Staff, through their assistance and attitude of flexibility, SHOP participants were made welcome and felt like they belonged to the SHPC family. We are so thankful for the volunteers and all those who supported SHOP in numerous ways this year. It is wonderful to see so many people working together to serve to make a difference in people’s lives for Christ. We ask for your continued prayers and support in this new community outreach ministry and invite you to consider becoming a SHOP volunteer by contacting Jim Price 205-296-5188, [email protected] or Mark Stephens 205-585-5734, [email protected]. We are thankful for the opportunity and for the responsibility God gives us to share His love and hope with those impacted by mental illness. (Jim Foster)

Special Offerings: SHPC participated in four special offerings with PC(USA) Pentecost Offering – helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, and also address the needs of at-risk children. The 40% retained by SHPC to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community was put toward the tuition of a “Good Sam” child to attend Cornerstone School. Peacemaking Offering, Peace and Global Witness Offering, World Communion Sunday- supports a range of ministries devoted to peacemaking and reconciliation. This includes bearing witness in communities of conflict around the world, hosting education programs to raise awareness, driving local peacemaking efforts, offering catalyst support to our mission co-workers, and much more. The 25% retained to sustain local peacemaking ministries was sent to The Wellhouse to help in the rescue and recovery of women who are being sexually exploited. Christmas Joy- helps provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families and also enables deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools. This offering is received by the PW at SHPC’S Christmas Together event and in PW circle gatherings One Great Hour of Sharing- enables the church to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed through these programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) –Our presbytery applied for and was resourced by PDA to be a PDA VOLUNTEER site following the April, 2011 tornadoes. PDA responds to national as well as international disasters, such as the current refugee crisis in the Middle East. Presbyterian Hunger Program - programs implemented in the US and internationally Self Development of People – both national and international grants. Our presbytery has utilized this grant-making program to fund multiple projects, especially in Wilcox County. Christmas Eve Offering (SHPC) – in 2015 was sent to the Presbyterian Home for Children.

STAIR/ Pratt City Youth Development Fund: STAIR is an after school reading program for second graders begun in New Orleans and brought to Birmingham by IPC. SHPC sponsors the group at South Hampton Elementary School on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Several SHPC mentors also work with STAIR through Westminster Presbyterian at Booker T. Washington on Tuesday and Thursday. Twenty-four mentors finished the 2015 school year, and twenty-two, plus subs, began this year, including many friends of SHPC members. Each tutor commits to one day, about two hours, but the students go both days (one student has two tutors). Students and mentors bond over sharing favorite books, the directed lessons and outside activities - and the healthy snacks Joe packs. Last April, we had a field trip to the Botanical Gardens, a new experience for most of the kids. SHPC provided each family a complete turkey dinner at Thanksgiving through CSM. Two students came to SHPC for VBS last summer- and came back for their second Christmas Together. Students and their families loved joining us at Christmas Together where the kids participated in Walking through Bethlehem and received a children’s Bible. STAIR builds relationships as well as the skill and love of reading. The IPC visiting leaders were impressed that every one of our students had family at Graduation, not to mention both tutors in most cases. As part of the continuation of the PCYD, SHPC volunteers Leland and Marty Keller were seriously involved in the planning and building a new KABOOM playground for South Hampton K-8, provided in large part by a grant from Medical Properties Trust. The playground build day was Saturday October 17 with preparation days on Thursday and Friday. Many students, teachers, families and community leaders participated in building the playground.

Story-telling Ministry: Cody Watson, Melinda Harden and Jim Foster continue with the story-telling particularly at Sunday Club. Cody constantly encourages sharing the Gospel through story-telling as fully one-third of the world cannot read, including a large number of people in the US that are functionally illiterate. He would like to see more training and participation in the coming year. Check the website Simply the Story.

Sunday Club: For the past 29 years, this vital ministry continues to serve and help those in our community living with mental illness because of the support and participation of church members, church staff and other volunteers. VOLUNTEERS  20+ Regular Sunday Club Support people from SHPC who volunteer weekly/monthly  8 Regular Sunday Club support people from other area churches who volunteer weekly/monthly MEALS  1,976 meals served, averaging 38 per week  31 different groups provided meals  352 volunteers prepared and served meals  10 NEW meal providers, including 2 service organizations: Kiwanis Club and Masons TEAM LEADERS  5 rotate from week to week BUS DRIVERS  5 regular bus drivers who rotate weekly and 3 substitute drivers BIBLE STUDY  Presented weekly and led by 7 volunteers who rotate MUSICIANS  11 rotate with an average of 5 weekly  2 new musicians this year UAB School of Medicine personnel have attended Sunday Club meetings to explore ways to get their medical students involved. Officials from the Alabama Dept. of Mental Health have visited Sunday Club. High school and university students have attended Sunday Club for community service hours. The volunteer base for Sunday Club continues to grow through community group and individual involvement. (Jim Foster)

Trades Tower: Over the last few years, SHPC has worked to build relationships with the management and residents of Trades Tower. The calamitous fire precluded the planned Christmas Party for the residents. The already considerable spiritual, emotional, physical, and nutritional needs of the residents have certainly been exasperated. The money budgeted for the support of Trades Tower residents was used instead for emergency expenses of SHPC members who were residents of Trades Tower. With rent and other immediate expenses, the financial needs of these people are huge. Many members of the congregation have stepped up to provide food and support, both monetary and emotional, for these former residents of Trades Tower.

UAB 1917 Outpatient Clinic/ Aides Ministry: The Alabama Heartsong Retreat, coordinated through the UAB 1917 Outpatient Clinic since 1993, affords persons with Aides to the opportunity to attend a three- day retreat at Camp McDowell, located near Jasper. The Retreat is an interfaith spiritual retreat for adults living with HIV and AIDS, for those who work in the epidemic and for caregivers. Studies have shown that attitude is a crucial factor in the long-term survival of any serious illness, especially HIV disease. A person's spiritual journey or awareness of God and others can positively impact attitude in ways that build hope, strength, and peace in one's life. The 2015 theme is Hope Help Heal. Outreach Ministries provided full or partial scholarships for several attendees.

Other Ministries Under Our Roof: AA: Saturdays at 8:15 am Al-Anon: Wednesdays, 12-1. Dance Lessons: Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30. They charge a small fee for the instructions that is donated to the SHPC’s Disaster Relief Fund. Harp Circle: Mondays, 4-5 pm Prayer Shawls: Shawls are knitted or crocheted for distribution to those in need of a loving a hug. Sharing Group: Sundays, 6:00pm in the church parlor. Jesse Stinson host this ministry, a follow up to the Sunday Club offering support to persons coping with emotional challenges.

Small groups throughout SHPC as well as individuals contribute time, talent, and money to many, many other causes in the Birmingham area and throughout Alabama (and beyond). This list would go on and on. Members of South Highland Presbyterian Church truly live our mission to serve with the passion of Christ!

GLOBAL OUTREACH Democratic Republic of the Congo: South Highland provided emotional and financial support to six missionaries in the Congo through contributions to salaries and thorough cards and e-mails. A large part of our work in Congo is done through the Congo Partnership Team of Presbytery which maintains a partnership with Nganza and Tshibashi Presbyteries in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo and which is active in the denomination wide Congo Mission Network. $14000 was given in 2015 to assist in the building of latrines for use by girls at two high schools, one in Nganza and the other in Tshibashi Presbyteries. Pictures of the completed latrines were posted on a Congo bulletin board. $1000 was given to the presbytery to support the work of the Congo Partnership Team. Funds were used to print informative materials which were distributed at South Highland. Some of the funds assisted in sending a member to the Network meeting. Members gave further aid through the Necklace Project which told the story of the needs of Congo’s children for education. The necklaces were made by members and taken to many churches, nursing homes, and made available through individuals. Thousands were collected. The exact amount will be available soon from the presbytery financial secretary. 100% of the money collected went for education in the Congo, some for the latrines and some for tutoring children rescued from the streets and placed in a home. Stamps were collected and sent off to be sold, the proceeds to go to the production of Christian Education Curriculum in the Congo. Our missionary, Bob Rice, has benefited from these funds and prepares material for distribution. (Dean Vandergrift)

DIG- Development In Gardening empowers communities to develop sustainable community gardens improving the nutrition and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans, pregnant women and other vulnerable populations in Africa. DIG was started by former Peace Corps volunteers Steve Bolinger and SHPC’s Sarah Koch during their service in Senegal West Africa. Today, DIG has projects in over seven countries and continues to refine and expand its work but have kept the grassroots focus and direct community involvement at the core of operations. Sara Koch, the administrator and coordinator, keeps us informed about this ministry. Jim Truesdell, Sonya and Emma Grace spent time with DIG this summer. Sara often returns to Birmingham to visit and for an annual fund-raising informational event.

Disaster Assistance: SHPC sent funds to PC(USA)’s PDA - disaster assistance- for the survivors of the Nepal earthquake and for Syrian refuges. Several individuals from the congregation have also contributed to the Syrian refugee assistance. Members of Outreach are researching other ways to help refugees from the Middle East, including the possibility of sponsoring a family in Alabama.

Honduras Eye Surgery: Doctor Diego Mejía continues to run his low-cost eye care clinic, Centro de la Vision Doctor Douglas Perry, in conjunction with his for-profit clinic, Optilens, which pays most of the bills. SHPC's Witness Season funds have helped Diego attend the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting over the past several years. This is the premier ophthalmology meeting in the western hemisphere, and it helps keep Diego aware of the many yearly advances in the increasingly complex world of ophthalmology. Jim Kimble spent a week with Diego on two occasions, consulting on patients with difficult retina diseases. Jim also enjoyed teaching three young doctors, including Diego's daughter Pamela who has completed her first year of ophthalmology residency. Jim got to help her do her first two laser surgeries for diabetic retinopathy. (Jim Kimble) Lithuania: Rev. Tom Boone began work at Lithuania Christian College (now LCC International Univ.) with an interest in continuing the work in Lithuania of Jane Holslag, our missionary who retired in January. He became the Interim Chair of the Theology Department (which Jane had headed). With students coming from all over Eastern Europe, including the troubled Ukraine, LCC is in an amazing position to be a witness to God’s love. Tom and his wife Joy brought three students to Atlanta with them for the summer. The girls worked quite successfully at Chick-fil-a, one was even promised a managerial job there if she would return after graduation. After Tom returned to LCC, Joy and two girls visited SHPC in August just before their return to Lithuania. Tom and Joy are among the missionaries we support.

Lovemore Boys: (Capital Campaign Tithe) I returned to Harare, Zimbabwe on September 1, mainly to chick on the Lovemore boys and to try to insure that all of SHPC's Capital Campaign tithe was and will be used for the completion of their secondary school and some college support. All of the boarders I met with - Munashe, Tichaona, Hastings, Millan, Brandon and Simbarashe - are doing fine, and will start new year in boarding school in January 2016. Hassan Ibrahim finished high school in November (took his A level exams) and is waiting for exam results to help him determine what he will study in college. Four of the six boys who were replaced in new orphanages when Lovemore Home was closed in January 2015, are doing quite well. Nyasha Runodada, who was placed in a Catholic home, has excelled in school, has completed the 7th grade, and will go to boarding school next year. Tinashe Mujacachi and Shingarai Sibanda ran away from their first new orphanage and were subsequently placed in a government-run, substandard orphanage. They were made to repeat the 6th grade. I had several good visits with them, and they have promised to do well in school and be well- behaved so that they will be eligible for boarding school in January, 2017. Trust Karikoga, a 20 year old former Lovemore boy, visits them and takes them out of the orphanage periodically. Trust is awaiting results from having taken his O Level exams in October and November. Ian Busu, who graduated from college several years ago in Hospitality and Hotels has not been able to get a permanent job. He taught in the Harare public schools for 3 semesters, and we are currently paying for him to study to obtain his permanent teacher's certificate. The Presbytery of Zimbabwe ministers who oversaw the running of Lovemore Home (which the Outreach Foundation funded entirely) remain obstructive and misleading. None of them has visited any of the boys since the closing of Lovemore Home. Their main objective is to try to obtain SHPC or TOF funds for their own personal use, which they have done for years. With no missionaries or other personnel in Harare to oversee their actions, I fear this dishonesty is the price we must pay to educate the boys. I was overjoyed to see the boys often during my 7-week stay, and to be reassured that they are still doing well emotionally and in school. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been with them, and will endeavor to see that our tithe is used to educate them. (Lee Cooper)

Missionary Support: SHPC supported the following missionaries in 2015 and regularly receive newsletters and other information about their missions. Presbyterian Mission Agency, PC (USA): Nancy Dimmock - Malawi and Lesotho, now Missionary in Residence, Louisville Jeff and Christy Boyd - Congo Bob & Kristi Rice - Congo Dan & Elizabeth Turk - Madagascar (to visit SHPC January 29-31) John & Gwenda Fletcher – Congo The Antioch Partners (TAP): Tom and Joy Boone, Lithuania, replacing retired Jane Holslag; Joy visited SHPC in August with two of their students Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF): Cody Watson

The Outreach Foundation: The Outreach Foundation Partners with Presbyterian Churches across United States and around the world, "engaging Presbyterians and global partners in proclaiming the good news." They help support PCUSA missionaries and local Pastors such as Nedson Zulu in Mozambique to strengthen local congregations and help them grow. Projects such as supporting college and seminary students, enabling pastor and lay leader conferences, building new churches, encouraging displaced Christians and other refugees in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, are among the efforts our congregation supports around the world. Lee Cooper has maintained close ties with orphan boys from the Lovemore Home in Zimbabwe whose education we are overseeing through our capital gift for international mission. Ed Hurley is chair of the board of trustees for 2016. (Ed Hurley)

Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF): We just finished our PFF staff retreat and Connecting Mission Leaders conference in Tulsa, OK two weeks ago. Now we are gearing up for an exhibit at the Urbana 2015 Mission Conference in St. Louis where they expect 18,000 college students. 42 years ago I was at Urbana 73 where I was first challenged to cross cultural mission. For an overall view of Bihar when we began work there in 2000 there were only churches in about 500 villages. Now there are house churches in 5000 of the 45,000 villages of Bihar but less than 1% of the population follows Jesus as Lord and Savior. Local elections in Bihar were favorable as the radical Hindu party loss and a secular party won the majority. On the economic front GE is building a plant to build locomotives. From Chandan in Bihar “We are training over 400 disciple making catalysts in 26 groups, 40 master Trainers, in 2 groups. This year we began partnering in 6 new districts in Bihar, and also began training in Jharkhand and West Bengal.” His empower Believers network is also helping establish a similar network in Nepal. Chandan is really in to empowering others. From Ponraj: Please pray for the new government which is committed to “secularism” and freedom of religion. Pray for the Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar and his Cabinet team and the government officials. Please pray for the Special Christmas Outreach in over 50 villages for two weeks. We hope to reach over 10,000 people through these programs. Please pray for our plan to do special outreach among the Musahars who are very receptive to the gospel. Pray for the 22 Tuition Centers that we have opened among the Musahar children. M.K. was recently in the USA for Finishing the Task in California sponsored by Paul Eschelman who used to head up the Jesus Film Ministry. He brought his brother Manoj to the States for the first time. Recently PFF’s new director Richard Haney visited the work of Chandan and M.K. along with two of our board members. M.K. also represents Literacy and Evangelism International which is based in Tulsa and where we held our PFF staff meeting. He just sent this a moment ago:

No. of Leaders 115 No. of Helpers 652 Gospel Shared 557972 No. of People Who accepted Christ 86819 No. of Baptisms 6384 No. of Trained Disciples 1734 No. of House Churches 1564 Name of people groups 141

From India Richard traveled to the Middle East where he met up with fellow staff person Dan McNerney. There they met with over 200 leaders of the underground church from Iran. Exciting things are happening in the growth of the Church that does not get in the press. Sasan Tavasoli reported on such when he spoke last year. Bill and Marty Stewart are key to the training we are supporting for Persian pastors in the diaspora. This is a new area for PFF in frontier mission. We have already been connected with the Church in Egypt. In a previous newsletter I wrote about a worship service of 45,000 at Tahir Square in downtown Cairo. The largest Protestant church in the Middle East is adjacent!!! Last November they celebrated 150 years of the seminary in Cairo begun by Presbyterian missionaries on a Nile River boat. Light of Hope is the ministry we focus on in Ethiopia which SHPC has helped with for $2000 a year. Urgessa Biru and Telile Fikre on our staff are from the Arrsi Oromo people group. There are 5 schools ready to be begun. Twenty-six schools are now up and running. The NT was recently dedicated in the Arrsi language. There are 8 million Arrsi who are Muslim but open to the Gospel through education. For the first time I missed the Sudan network meeting in Louisville but Denise of our staff was there along with Eleanor Wright and Bill Andress who spoke at SHPC last year. PFF is funding outreach among two people groups in Darfur. Frank Dimmock was also there along with Hunter Farrell. Denise reported that S Sudan is in a monetary crisis as nobody will accept the S Sudanese currency. Because of that businesses are closing due to no currency being available. There are 10,000,000 people in S Sudan and 1 million had to flee. Apparently there will be a long term humanitarian crisis and the North is still bombing and attaching the Nuba Mt. area. That was the area I visited with Trinity Presbytery in 2003. Peter Gai of the S Sudan Council of churches was also there and reported on a lack of trust among the tribal leaders but also stated that the Church of Jesus Christ was the prime source of hope. Eleanor Wright could give a much more thorough report. As for Presbyterian (PCUSA) World Mission Hunterand Nancy Calvacante reported on a looming financial crisis in 2017. Denise wrote this: Mission co-worker support – previously relied on two sources of income: 1 endowments - Use to be about 48% of mission money. Today only 6%. New generation not giving in the same way. 2. General giving – 1/3 use to go world mission. Presbytery’s getting majority of general giving now. This is one reason I support the motion Jim proposed recently that we redirect more giving from Presbytery to Louisville. I am planning a trip to Israel and the West Bank in March 2-15. At the center of the trip will be a conference called Christ at the Checkpoint at Bethlehem Bible College. Right now I have only one other person confirmed to go. Two others from SHPC have expressed interest. If no others join me I may try to visit the refugee camps in Jordan. Todd Peavy who attended the last Perspectives course I coordinated in 2010 is now serving in Jordan. I have sent him a query. In November Lord willing I plan to take another trip to N India. Again thank you for the prayers and support of the work in N India. Still ½ of the unengaged people groups of the world live in India. And India is also the country with the second largest population of Muslim peoples. I would ask prayers for Urbana 2015. God has done a mighty work in the past through Urbana in raising up laborers. As Jesus said in Matthew 9:35-38 “the harvest is still plentiful and the laborers are few.” PRAY THEREFORE TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST THAT HE WOULD SEND FORTH LABORERS. May God use Urbana to stir this new generation. A few of you have received the book “NO PLACE LEFT”. I hope to have more in the future if you would like one. Let me know what you think. It ties in to some training that Jim Truesdale, Daniel Killilea and I attended in July 2014. (Cody Watson)

South Sudan: South Highland (with PCUSA World Mission) has worked for many years with Presbyterians in South Sudan to reduce intertribal conflict through our support of RECONCILE, the Resource Centre for Civil Leadership. South Highlanders Eleanor Wright and Cody Watson have participated in the South Sudan Mission Network for 15 years. South Sudan, independent since 2011, is still experiencing conflict in many areas. This is why we support RECONCILE's peacemaking work. Last year, we added an education component through the South Sudan Education and Peacemaking Project (SSEPP), which also encompasses trainings conducted by RECONCILE. SSEPP's education component promotes a new "complete, recognized and harmonized" school curriculum, necessary capacity-building for teachers and Presbyterian education leaders, and assistance to local communities committed to building and supporting a school in their area. In the last year, SSEPP has built a women's dormitory on the RECONCILE campus, a primary school in the Murle area, and a 3-day ethnically diverse women's peace-building forum in the capital city of Juba. SSEPP is a force multiplier, a catalyst that inspires South Sudanese with hope for the future. SHPC's Witness Offering supports this work. (Eleanor Wright)

Tete Province: Tete Province, Mozambique is the poorest of Mozambique provinces in terms of natural resources, ways to make a living, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In the early 2000s, it was identified as an area ripe for Christian evangelism and economic assistance. The Tete Province Holistic Evangelism Project was undertaken by The Outreach Foundation. Leadership in Mozambique was ably provided by Pastor Nedson Zulu, and Public Health Nurse Sebber Banda. Berry Long, a Trustee of TOF has taken yearly trips of US Presbyterians to Tete to see the progress which has been made. South Highland Witness Season funds have aided this effort for over 10 years. Our past area of concentration was the village of Mawira, where our funds have been used to dig a badly needed borehole, construct a school and housing for the school teachers. More recently SHPC has been instrumental in building a church in the village of Mameme 2. In 2015 with some extra funds in Witness Season, we contributed $2,500 to purchase bicycles for evangelists (elders and leaders of local churches) for their outreach efforts. We have also helped with the construction of a medical clinic, and provided equipment and materials to Sebber Banda as she trains the local women in midwifery. Nedson Zulu and Sebber Banda have visited South Highland several times, to keep us abreast of progress in Tete, and we celebrate with them the way God is using them and local leaders to further God's kingdom in Mozambique. To avoid our inclement weather in February, Nedson and Sebber will visit South Highland in the fall of 2016.

ZZM Network: The ZZM Network is a group of PC(USA) individuals and staff from World Mission, The Outreach Foundation, etc, who have involvement in these 3 African countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, and either Mozambique or Malawi), or are interested in what is happening in them. The network has not met in several years due to lack of leadership. Occasionally there is a conference call to share information. We do not contribute any funds to the ZZM Network. The head of the network has historically come from the Denver Presbytery, which has a partnership with the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa, Presbytery of Zimbabwe

Each year a mission emphasis season showcases missionaries and speakers to educate South Highlanders in being Global Christians through personal participation. Much of SHPC’s Global Outreach activity is supported in part by the annual Witness Season Offering.

International Witness Season 2015: The Biblical theme for our Witness Season was: But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith Jesus to his disciples, the harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:36-39 KJV We began at WNL on February 4 by showing the movie “The Good Lie.” Attendance was very good and members appreciated it. On Sunday, Bill Andress, former missionary and head of PC(USA)'s South Sudan Network preached about progress in that new, but turbulent, country. At WNL on February 11 we discussed “The Good Lie” and Dean Vandegrift described the work of our PS&L partnership with Congo. The weekend of February 13 we welcomed Dr. Sasan Tavakoli, a convert from Islam to Christianity, and an expert on the Middle East with The Outreach Foundation. We had a workshop on Saturday morning and Dr. Tavakoli preached on Sunday, February 15. The weekend of February 20 Dr. Diego Mejia, an ophthalmologist from Honduras, told the congregation, during the Sunday school hour, about eye surgeries for premature babies in Honduras born with sight-threatening conditions. The Global Witness Season 2015 goal was $122,100. $49,000 was asked of the congregation, with $50,583 received from the South Highland Foundation, and $22,200 in funds not used in 2014. Within two or three months we met our goal, and all funds were disbursed as promised. Praise the Lord for the fine effort by SHPC!

Upcoming Events:

International Witness Season 2016:

Witness Season Theme: Ps. 96:3 “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the people”

Jan 29-31- Poverty - Nancy Warlick, retired PC(USA) missionary to Congo and Zimbabwe, and Elizabeth and Dan Turk, PC(USA) missionaries serving in Madagascar Feb 6-7 – Education - Hunter Farrell, head of PC(USA) World Mission Jimmy Shafe, on staff with Living Rivers of the World and frequent mission worker in Congo Feb 27-28 – Evangelism - Marilyn Borst and Dr. Sasan Tavakoli serving with The Outreach Foundation specializing in the Middle East

Respectfully submitted, Lu Mahon

Personnel Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

Members: Glenn Davis, Brad Hale, Dave O'Leary, Braxton Goodrich, Jay Patton, Gillian Goodrich, Mel Robinson

After serving as the interim director, Daniel Killilea was employed as Director of Youth Ministries.

Tony Humphrey, sexton, retired after many years of service.

Michael Hughes hired as replacement sexton.

Dr. Jim Truesdell completed his sabbatical leave during the summer.

Katelyn Nutter, student at Columbia Theological Seminary, served as our seminary intern.

Approved 2016 personnel budget, which included a 4% salary increase for the South Highland staff.

Respectfully submitted, Glenn Davis

Publicity Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

During early 2015, the Publicity Ministry of South Highland was created to serve as a conduit of communication as it flows from the ministry teams to the members of South Highland, visitors and to the community. Publicity focuses on streamlining internal and external communication to tell the stories of South Highland. The ministry drives the communications in a framework that focuses on the following:

 Membership Growth  Ministry Growth  Member Involvement  Outreach Opportunities and Developments

The Publicity Ministry team is composed of a member of each ministry of SHPC (Shared Life, Admin, Personnel, Discipleship Formation, and Worship), SHPC Communications Director Suzanne Cornett, and volunteer members of the congregation.

Throughout 2015, the Publicity Ministry continued to define itself, the goals at hand and the talents among South Highland members to serve actively in this focused Ministry. While growth of the Ministry continues, in the first year the group was able complete some key projects. These include:

 Alongside the Worship ministry, we developed and installed signage inside and outside of SHPC for the transition from the Sanctuary to the Davis Family Hall. Signage that remained in place 24 hours a day and 7 days a week was installed at each entrance to the Sanctuary. In addition, 9 signs are placed on easels each Sunday throughout the church to direct visitors and members to worship in the Davis Family Hall.  Restore, Renew, Respond progress updates were frequently loaded to the SHPC website.  Invitations and letters were sent announcing the Ensley Highlands Organ Dedication and Concert.  Signage to promote the Inspirational Series was developed.  Flyers were placed around Birmingham detailing the guest preachers of the noon Holy Week services.  In partnership with the Child Development Center, additional South Highland signage is planned for around the playground area.  A focus on increasing social media presence with more frequent intentional postings  Developed the plans and vision for Information kiosks devices to be installed in SHPC and we are currently engaged with a Digital Signage company for the next phase.

The Publicity Ministry moves forward to 2016 with a heavy list of projects in process and constantly looking for ways to share and tell the story of South Highland. Our work remains Fully Alive with the Passion of Christ.

Respectfully submitted, Laura Ray

Shared Life in Christ Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Ministry members: Suzanne Benton, Membership Chair; Bob Hunter, Diana Gester, Janet Perry, Wes Thompson, Tim Chandler, Jan and John Bell, Mary Margaret Yeilding, Berry Dumas, Kristy Miley, and Stephanie Thompson, Chair.

Staff Liaison: Rev. Dr. Larry Michael

During 2015, SLIC continued to address the Action items from God’s Horizon. With special note are the areas of:

Membership: SLIC members have a plan in place to welcome visitors and assimilate and retain members. Isabeth Gannon contacts visitors and the church continues the practice of sending welcome letters. Brochures are available that outline the various ministries of the church and are available near entrance points. Jan and John Bell lead the Discovery Class along with Josh and Mary Margaret Vick. Discovery Class is a basic introduction to the ministry and history of South Highland Presbyterian Church. The Discovery Class leaders are utilizing a one Sunday class which begins at 8:15am and features lunch with the ministers and worship together at the 11:00am service. Attendees appreciate the one day class. Visitors have an opportunity to meet the staff and some of the leaders of the congregation. It helps each person understand church membership in the context of his or her faith journey. Classes for 2015 met three times during the year on Sundays April 19, July 19, and October 11 with 12 new members joining SHPC. Ministry team members make contact with those members who have become inactive or not attending worship services and are encouraged to become active members. Suzanne Benton maintains the membership rolls and prepares the Presbytery reports. Our membership rolls conform to the membership definitions in the Book of Order. See the membership report.

A new updated Membership Directory was made available for purchase in the fall. It is also available online at the church website.

Wednesday Night Live provides dinner and programs for the entire family. Book studies and special speakers, The Painting Table led by Gayle Hurley and a Parent Time facilitated by Jennifer Coggin have remained popular. Let's Talk meets every other Wednesday WNL. Dr. Larry Michael continues to lead grief support groups as a part of our programing. An ever popular favorite of all ages, The Ice Cream Social was held in June to welcome new members who joined our church within the year. During July a special patriotic WNL was held with guests and speakers from Lima-Foxtrot.

Church Wide Day Retreat: Living River was the site of a one day, Saturday, October 3, church wide retreat. Guest speaker was Rev. Adam Mixon. Fun activities were planned for all ages with more than 60 members attending. Kristy Miley is the chair of this event.

The Card Ministry is utilized to reach out to members and friends when needs arise.

The Senior Adult, Highlanders, meet monthly enjoying a variety of activities. This included a Valentine Celebration with a concert by the Warblers on Sunday afternoon, special youth created valentines and a special Valentine lunch meeting; Volunteer Stephanie Thompson coordinates these activities. This ministry team continues to work closely with the Deacons. Jennifer Slaughter furnished 10 of her specially decorated Christmas trees which were delivered along with a fruit basket to our more home bound seniors by the Deacons. The Highland Manor Bible Study led by Randy Wilson meets each Tuesday for Bible study and fellowship.

The Sunday morning coffee pot and cookie celebration continues to be a gathering place for members and visitors to enjoy coffee and conversation.

The Annual Picnic was held in the spring at the Dogwood Pavilion at Oak Mountain State Park. The picnic is coordinated by Bob Hunter. Over 200 hamburgers and 150 hotdogs were grilled by Wes Thompson and Bobby Waite. South Highlanders provided pot luck side dishes for this fun intergenerational event.

Take me out to the ballgame was the Tuesday night chant of a group of dedicated fans of all ages who found their way to Hoover East field to watch the SHPC Men’s Softball team play. This outstanding group of men posted an awesome season batting their way to the title as Church League Champs for the first time in church history.

FEAST groups continue to provide small group fellowship and friendship as friends eat share and together.

Respectfully submitted, Stephanie Thompson

Church Membership Statistics Annual Report to the Congregation

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 12-31-2014 730

ADDITIONS +20 Profession of Faith 8 Reaffirmation of Faith 4 Restored from the Inactive Roll 1 Transfer of Church Letter 7

LOSSES -44 Deaths 5 Deletions 26 Transfer to the Inactive Roll 2 Transfer to Other Churches 11

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 12-31-2015 706 Residents 645 Non-Residents 61 Females 404 Men 302 Children 105 Affiliates 6 Active members (706) + (105) = 811

BIRTHS 03-02-15 * Sheppard James Posny, infant son of Drake & Jenna Posny 03-04-15 * Elliot Charles Wachter, infant son of Josh & Chace Wachter 05-29-15 * Joseph Marion Hurst, infant son of Brian & Christina 07-31-15 * Mary Ruth Colburn, infant daughter of Jeff & Mary Kathryn Colburn 08-20-15 * Elizabeth Francis Turnbull, infant daughter of Brett & Dawn Turnbull

BAPTISMS 02-22-15 * Willa Kathryn Nichols, infant daughter of William & Robyn Nichols 03-05-15 * Sheppard James Posny, infant son of Drake & Jenna Posny 04-19-15 * Augusta Grace Hutchison, infant daughter of Andrew & Kati Hutchison 05-31-15 * Emma Catherine Maurer, infant daughter of Chris & Elizabeth Maurer 06-28-15 * Elliot Wachter, infant son of Josh & Chace Wachter 11-08-15 * Joseph Marion Hurst, infant son of Brian & Christina Hurst 11-15-15 Gus Hill, son of Richard & Susan Hill 11-29-15 * Mary Ryan Colburn, infant daughter of Jeff & Mary Kathryn Colburn

(* - non-confirmed children)

MARRIAGES 04-11-15 Melissa Siragusa & Chris Chafin 04-25-15 Sydney Holaday & Casey Lunt (NM) 05-02-15 Melissa Mays & Robert Kadish (NM) 06-20-15 Brandon Hawkins (NM) & Kellie Harrington (NM) 06-20-15 Randy Wilson & Shannon Clark (NM)

(NM – not a member of South Highland)

DEATHS 01-19-15 Bette Waters 01-23-15 Bill Jones 03-06-15 * Sheppard James Posny – (non-confirmed child) 05-20-15 Nell Baird 08-05-15 Ben Gibson 08-18-15 Ruth Seadler

Worship Ministry Annual Report to the Congregation

The Worship Ministry Team gratefully thanks South Highland’s congregation, Martha’s Guild, along with our Elders/Deacons for their continued support, with serving communion, preparing communion linens, to lending out a helping hand and their gracious giving of time and talents. We thank the church staff, kitchen staff and our sexton’s with their tireless efforts to keep us ALL connected and on target with any task at hand.

This year, the Worship Ministry began detailed plans for our extensive move from the Sanctuary, into the Davis Family Hall for worship during extensive church renovations. We measured the Davis Family Hall stage in order to place two lecterns, the communion table, the baptismal font, the choir and the paschal candle for worship. It was a tight fit, but it worked. We also measured the Davis Family Hall’s main floor in order to place four equal sections for the congregation to sit, making room for a main isle, along with secondary isles. Making sure that each isle was 5’ wide for proper accessibility. These isles worked well in order to have four communion stations, plus two sections for wheel chairs to be placed during worship. The sacristy was successfully moved into the bride’s room, housing all needed communion pieces. Our communications/sound team did a splendid job keeping our ministers and choir plugged in and properly working. We purchased 4 library carts, which were filled with blue hymnals, bibles and red hymnals, located at four entrances to the Davis Family Hall, which the sextons rolled out each Sunday. Our Team checked the entire Davis Family Hall set up to make sure each item of worship was properly placed and ready prior to each Sunday’s service.

The Flower Guild did a splendid job adjusting to being displaced during the renovation and moving into the Small Dining room to house their supplies. They also made sure we had beautiful floral arrangements for each Sunday’s worship, but also made sure that the arrangements were taken down after each service, giving the flowers to our Deacons for the shut in’s and also to those in the hospital. A job well done! Worship Ministry served over 32 communions with only a few glitches to speak of. As long as all were served, we did our job.

Our Lent Holy Season was successful last year. Our ministers planned and lead our congregation with special Lenten Series, as well as Wednesday evening services in our Chapel, serving communion at mid- day and evening services. These services were well attended and pray this continued success this coming Lent Season.

Katya O’Leary is leading two generations of parents along with their children that are re-energizing the life of South Highland. These families are committed to God and the life of our church family. They are involved with teaching Sunday school, Wednesday evening classes, VBS and our CDC. She has also included the Stair Program children with great success!

Steve and Heidi Messier graciously head up the children’s Acolytes and Bible Bearers for Sunday 11:00am services along with special services and schedules for the year.

We are also going to rethink and regroup how the lay readers schedule is to work. We are in need of more communication and updating of names this coming year, we hope with good success. We did add more scripture available to our lay readers for our worship services.

Phillip Copeland and Jamie McLemore along with our Adult and Children’s Choir, Soloists and Special Brass ensemble, kept us connected to our worship with wonderful music. Our sound techs, work effortlessly connecting us with our Radio Mission and sound system on Sunday’s and Special Events.

Our Usher Director’s and many ushers do a splendid job welcoming familiar faces and go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcomed to SHPC.

Worship Ministry decided two years ago to invest in our tired but timeless Communion pieces. We entrusted Alpha Church Supply and their dedicated staff and artisans with the task of ironing out all of the dings and dents on all of our silver these past two years. They also re-silvered these pieces, which came back looking brand new. We purchased silver storing bags for each communion piece to keep it from tarnishing, but also keeping them from denting and scratching. This is a well spent purchase.

We have re-modeled our communion instructions to fit the particular Special Communion Service, always keeping God first and foremost in our service.

Once our RRR campaign and renovations were done, Worship Ministry Team and many of our congregation and sextons’ helped successfully move us in. We still have several key pieces that are being restored, but hope to be fully completed before long.

We pray to have another successful year with your help!

Respectfully submitted, Elsa Holaday

Board of Deacons Annual Report to the Congregation

The Board of Deacons for 2015 consisted of: Eleanor Garner, Lucinda Harpenau, Russell Nance, William Nichols, Karen Weeks, Randy Wilson, Mary Baker, Jeannie Burton, Fred Esleck, Braxton Goodrich, Faye Mills, Jim Price, Wende Berryhill, Berry Dumas, Ethan Lewis, Lesley Lloyd, Susan Simpson and Mary Margaret Yeilding.

The Deacons of South Highland are the “servants” or “caregivers” of our congregation and at all times are seeking ways to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Each deacon developed relationships throughout the year with our members who are rarely able, if ever, to make it to church. Visits, flowers, fruit and communion were shared with these members during the year. Updates on announcements were shared with them and the deacon was available to assist them with any need they may have had. We have approximately 40 members who were served through this important ministry.

On Mondays, deacons often distributed the flowers from our Sunday service to members on the prayer list or members that just needed a reminder of our love.

The deacons were able to be a supportive presence to our members who experienced illnesses, hospitalization or surgery during the year. Many hospital visits were made and prayers shawls were distributed as a tangible gift of comfort. As needs arose during the year many deacons provided rides to appointments and other assistance such as collecting prescriptions and serving our members in whatever way that was needed. Meal schedules were coordinated when necessary and many meals were delivered to those in need by the deacons.

Our SHPC Deacons continue to serve our neighbors at Highland Manor. Randy Wilson led a bible study each Tuesday and continues to develop strong relationships with the residents who attend. Deacons assisted with several luncheons during the year and enjoyed the fellowship of this group.

Plans were being made to assist with an event at Trades Towers when the fire occurred. Support and care has been shown by many of our deacons to those affected and continuous efforts are ongoing.

In 2015, Lucinda Harpenau represented the Board of Deacons on the Nominating Committee.

The Deacons hosted Sunday Club twice during 2015. It is always a joy to participate in this meaningful ministry. These meals were coordinated by Jim Price, Eleanor Garner and Mary Margaret Yeilding.

Each deacon participated as a reader for the 5:00pm Wholeness and Healing Service on Wednesday evenings. Efforts were made to advertise this special service at hospitals around the area and extended-stay facilities such as Ronald McDonald House.

Lucinda Harpenau organized a dinner at Ronald McDonald House and many deacons were able to serve and extend hospitality to the patients and families living there. Meaningful conversations and relationships were formed as we shared a delicious meal with those weary from extended time away from their home while their child was undergoing medical treatment at Children’s Hospital.

During July of 2015, Faye Mills and Jeannie Burton organized two luncheons at retirement communities that are home to many of our members. Luncheons were held at Brookdale and Galleria Woods. A great time was had by all who attended including the residents, their deacons and our ministers.

Lesley Lloyd led the card ministry for our group. Cards were sent to members on behalf of the Deacons to show our love and prayers during difficult times of illness or loss of loved ones and joyous occasions such as births and baptisms.

The Board of Deacons hosted a luncheon on All Saints Day in support of those SHPC members who had lost a family member during the year. Approximately 50 people were in attendance and prayer and fellowship was enjoyed with brief words from Larry Michael about dealing with grief. It is something we would like to continue as it was a lovely celebration honoring the memory of those special to our members. Wende Berryhill and Lucinda Harpenau organized the very successful luncheon.

The annual Angel Tree project was led by Lucinda Harpenau and former deacon Debbie Laws. They coordinated with Greater Birmingham Ministries, set up Christmas trees around the church, collected the gifts and delivered them in order to make Christmas very special for many local families.

The Deacons provided the rose in the sanctuary to commemorate the birth of new SHPC babies throughout the year. The rose was then delivered along with the bulletin and a meal to the family in honor of the joyous occasion.

One of the most important things our group did during 2015 was PRAY for our members, friends, ministers and staff. It has been an honor to lead this active group of servants and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the life of SHPC. Mary Margaret Yeilding will joyously lead the group into 2016 with a hopeful heart for the opportunities for the Board of Deacons to serve our congregation.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Weeks

Presbyterian Women Annual Report to the Congregation

All Women at South Highland are AWASH in the Spirit witnessing to the reality of God’s presence in our lives. We are blessed to build an inclusive caring community of women who have opportunities to worship together, share blessings and concerns, fellowship, serve others in our community, grow in our own faith journey and support missions of our own faith.

God calls us to go into the world and share the good news. With our mission gifts, time, and talents we offer support: around the world – Lovermore Home, Frontier Fellowship, Living Waters, Columbia Friendship Circle: locally we support Good Sam and Brighter Day Fund, Family Promise, Sunday Club, First Light, Presbyterian Children’s Home and scholarship funds.

Joining other Presbyterian Women across our nation, we are studying Come To The Water, written by Judy Record Fletcher along with Larissa Kwong (both teaching Elders). During our monthly circle meetings which meet during the day and in the evenings. In addition many South Highland women join Westminster friends for study and fellowship. In May 2015, we had the great privilege of honoring Mrs. Beverly Goff, Stephanie Thompson and Wes Thompson as the Honorary Lifetime Members.

On August 22, 2015, South Highland hosted the Presbyterian Women of Sheppards and Lapsley Birmingham East/West Clusters Fall Gathering, where women came together for learning and fellowship during a day retreat led by our own Dr. Rev. Larry Michael. Larry gave an over view of our Come To The Water Bible Study. We heard from the PWPSL Coordinating Team, PW Missions from Dean Vandergrift, a Re-Affirmation of Faith, Special Music, Remembering Carolyn Jordan by Zoe Powell and a Benediction. Special thanks to Mary Margret Yielding, Joan Lowe and Allie Brascho for the beautiful music that day. It was wonderful where women were enriched while focusing of faith, forgiveness, and grace. Also thank you to our sextons and Sharon Doggett for their continued help and support. We also remember the passing of our own Ruth Seadler on August 18, 2015, loved by all.

The hands of Presbyterian Women can be found all across South Highland. On October 12, 2015 a pounding was held for the Habitat House for Shamika, Jessica, Kamaria, Keviuna and Kamaryon, where Circle members gather together to provide food and other much needed supplies for the new home owners. Meals have also been provided for SHPC Sunday Club. We furnish casseroles, the food of love and caring, for our Deacons to take on their visits. We assist in the kitchen in times of celebration and sorrow. We organize and provide the Tablescapes for Christmas Together and serve as the hostesses for Children’s Home and STAIR children during this church wide potluck supper. Our time and talents are given with love to every ministry team, outreach and committee that has roots in our church community. AWASH continues to serve our faith family and every corner of South Highland.

Respectfully submitted, Elsa Holaday PW Moderator