roundhillcommunitychurch.org Round Hill Round Hill Community Church Community Church @395roundhill The News Letter September 2016

PASTOR’S MESSAGE SEPTEMBER EVENTS

On many summer nights of my RALLY SUNDAY childhood, my family and I would September 11 drag some of the patio furniture out to the middle of the open field next Worship at 10:00 a.m. to our home, eat dinner, and talk Picnic and Fun at 11:00 a.m. well past midnight. Those late night conversations under the stars often drifted in the direction of big questions. What’s out there in the star speckled night sky? What in the world are we up to? What makes life worth living? During this past year the Center for Faith Devel- opment at Round Hill Community Church began to wonder how we might form a faith formation pro- gram around one of these big life questions. In that process of discernment, we discovered that the Center for Faith and Culture at Yale University developed for Games Bouncy Castle its students a new class entitled “Life Worth Living.” Round Hill Express Train Rides That captured our imagination: what would it mean Ben’s Ice Cream Truck to examine this theme as a congregation that lives at the intersection of faith and culture? And to do so for an entire year! To design the program, we enlisted the counsel of John Roberto, an outstanding educator who helps communities across the nation with these kinds of endeavors. So this year we will have an opportunity to learn and grow in faith together by participating in a unique educational program that has been designed especially for Round Hill Community Church. Each month we will focus on a theme to help us explore the larger question of a life worth living. Our focus for September will be on gratitude, and in addition to the Sunday sermons on this theme, you can visit our website, roundhillcommunitychurch.org, to access music, book suggestions, artwork, spiritual practices, and readings to enhance our learning. continued on page 2 PASTOR’S MESSAGE CENTER FOR FAITH DEVELOPMENT

continued from page 1 A Life Worth Living We are thrilled with the launch of this year’s faith formation program, A Life Worth Living, and I look “In all affairs it’s a healthy thing now and then to hang forward to learning and growing alongside you as a question mark on the things you have long taken for we delve into this big theme. Please drink deeply of granted.” the resources that we will provide, and just as impor- – Bertrand Russell tantly, share them with your friends and family mem- bers and neighbors at Growing in Faith: Learn, Like, Students at Yale University can select courses from a Share. May our lives become more loving, vital and dazzling array of possibilities, but I wonder if many of compassionate as we strengthen the world by nour- them will be as beneficial as a relatively new offering. ishing our faith. This recent addition is a course entitled “Life Worth Yours in Christ, Living,” and it gives students a way to assess that most Ed important of questions from many religious and ethical perspectives. I am grateful to the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, whose faculty and staff have brought to reality this exciting adventure in learning. Learn This is how their leaders describe the purpose of the • Sunday sermons – Each week the sermon course: will explore one aspect of the current theme. • Website – The yearlong Faith Formation Today, more than at any previous time in history, the curriculum, sermons, scriptures, resources, question of the good life – what makes for a flourishing links, videos, and more are uploaded. (Perfect life – is a pressing one. This question once came pre- for those who like to learn at their own pace answered – by culture, by religion, by tradition – but and refresh their learning periodically) these days, we each have to ask and answer for our- selves: What is the good life? What does it mean to Like live a flourishing life? These are difficult questions that • Facebook – Join the RHCC Facebook page require intellectual muscles we’ve long let atrophy; we by clicking on the Facebook icon on our web- need one another’s help to ask and answer them well. site and then click the Like button. Each week we will be uploading videos and additional re- Starting in September, the Center for Faith De- sources to our Facebook page. This platform velopment at Round Hill Community Church, with makes it easy to share your experience with the full support of the Board of Trustees, is offering your community of friends. a yearlong examination of the question, “What is a life worth living?” Through sermons, classes, guest Share speakers, website resources, art, music, and literature • Email – You will receive a monthly email we will give you many ways of engaging this question: snapshot of the current theme. If you like what with one another, family members and friends, and you are learning, forward the email to your cir- on your own. cle of friends and family. Let’s start a dialogue. We will update you regularly with invitations to start and enjoy this journey of faith, and may all our As we grow in Faith together by listening to explorations help us to deepen our commitment to a sermons, watching videos, and reading scrip- life that is worth living in every possible way! ture, we encourage one and all to share your experience and spread the word. – Ed Horstmann

2 ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE

All over the Western world, there is our second year of life and ministry here at Round the annual ritual of people returning Hill Community Church and I am beyond excited to to their normal lives at the end of the see what the new school year brings. Our boys, Jack Summer – from school children, to of- and Blake, will begin attending the Round Hill Nurs- fice workers, to politicians. Lauretta ery School five days a week (exciting for them and for and I experienced a very unique ver- Mom and Dad) and a host of programs and minis- sion of this in France, known as la tries resume in September. rentrée. Every September there emerges a renaissance after the August shut-down, a new beginning after long holidays on the coast and slow summer days at rural retreats. In the blink of an eye, life in France changes. Children go back to school, people return to work, and the rhythm of day-to-day life resumes. This isla rentrée – with all the optimism and oppor- tunity this time of year brings. Streets become busy once more, restaurants pull back the shutters to wel- come back the crowds, and a new calendar of cultural events begins. In many ways, life in Greenwich mirrors this ex- Our Youth Group will relaunch “Friday Night perience as summer camps cease operations, schools Live” on September 16 as middle and high school begin opening, and families hustle back from vaca- students from local towns come to our campus for tions and summer homes to “re-enter” the often fren- a fun evening of games, activities, music, relevant zied pace of life here in town. There is an air of opti- discussions, and food! Additional monthly meetings, mism and opportunity in Greenwich, and certainly social events, and meaningful service projects are here at Round Hill Community Church. planned for the start of the school year as well. The Contrary to the typical French experience, life did children’s ministries are also gearing up for a year of not slow down here during the lazy days of summer. growth as we anticipate the arrival of a new Director Far from it! Our summer at Round Hill saw the first of Children’s Ministries this fall. of “Friday Night Live” youth group gatherings; three Our plans will be guided this year by our church “On the Lawn” community events – Graham Clark theme “A Life Worth Living,” and September’s focus concert and two movies, with all three events averag- is on Gratitude. Youth will explore this topic through ing approximately 75 guests; youth group trips to Six discussion, testimonies, activities, and through our Flags and Mini-Golf; our annual Beach Day at Tod’s website at roundhillcommunitychurch.org/youth. Point, where we welcomed close to 100 friends for a Similar content for young parents, grandparents, and day of summer at the beach; our summer service trip children is avialable at roundhillcommunitychurch. to the reservation in South Dakota; and two search org/families-children. committees working hard to ensure the continuation I must acknowledge that summer has come to an of our amazing music and children’s programs. end and September is already upon us. However, let These exciting events and programs helped us us keep these words in mind from Helen Hunt Jackson; extend a warm welcome to hundreds of guests and “By all these lovely tokens September days are here, friends over the summer. In addition, thriving and With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best dynamic worship continued each Sunday and five of cheer.” Thank you for the wonderful summer we new young families began to attend Church. What a shared together and as our tans begin to fade, may summer we have had indeed! our hearts remain full of summer’s cheer and antici- We are now fully entering a new chapter in our pation of an incredible year ahead! journey together. Lauretta and I are thrilled to begin – Dan Haugh 3 CHURCH SCHOOL AND FAMILIES “A child is not a vessel to be filled but a lamp to be lit.”

Back to School Belongings RHCC Welcomes New Director of Children’s Ministries: Jenny Byxbee “How was your summer vacation?” “What did you do for summer?” These are often the two most asked questions by children on the first day of school. Ev- eryone wants to know where their friends went and what they did. There is a tangible level of excitement in sharing the news of trips to the beach, summer travels, adventures, fun camps, and time away from SCHOOL! But alas, just as all good things must come to an end . . . so does summer. Growing up, I vividly remember the last days of summer and trying to squeeze the most out of every Dear Families of Round Hill Community Church, single waking hour. I remember the feelings of both nervousness and excitement as the first day of school It brings me such joy to welcome our families to approached. What usually helped me with this tradi- Round Hill Community Church for the 2016-2017 tion was taking a shopping trip to the local store to school year as I have humbly accepted the role of Di- purchase my new school supplies. Every few years it rector of Children’s Ministries. As Connie Blunden would be a new backpack and lunchbox, but every steps down, (who happens to be a dear friend and year I was able to buy new note books, “trapper keep- mentor of mine), I know there are big shoes to fill. ers” (that dates me just a tad!), pens, pencils, cray- While I learn the ropes, please feel free to reach out ons, erasers, and more. Of course, now some students to me any time with any thoughts or ideas to make only need to update their software on their laptops the children’s program the best it can be. It truly does before heading back to school. As each new supply take a village. was purchased, I would proudly write my name on it. In the children’s ministry this fall, we will be do- This label provided both a sense of ownership and se- ing lots of exploring of faith, fellowship, and fun for curity that was helpful as the new school year began. our young people. Our goal is to help all of our chil- When we head off to school or start a new adven- dren to feel and be a special part of our church com- ture, it’s important for us to know that we belong to God. munity while enjoying some fellowship with their In much the same way that we mark things that belong peers. Every Sunday children will hear a story from to us, God has marked us with God’s Spirit. So children, the Bible brought to life with props and movement. I hope you remember to put your name on all the new We will share our thoughts about what we just heard school supplies that belong to you. I hope you will also and bring some personal reflection and meaning to it remember that you belong to God and God will go with through an activity, art, or play. you to school and always be by your side in the class- We kick off the program year this Sunday, Sep- room, hallways, cafeteria, and sport fields. tember 11, with Church School at 10:00 a.m., fol- Pray: God, thank you for the great summer that lowed by a wonderful picnic with lots of treats and we had and the wonderful experiences we get to maybe a couple of surprises in store. Please extend an share with others, and memories that we will have invitation to any family or friends who would like to forever. Thank you for the many things (especially join the fun. The more the merrier! our new school supplies) that belong to us. Thank Feel free to contact me any time. I can be reached you, too, for the fact that we belong to you and you at [email protected]. Looking have marked us as yours. Thank you that you will forward to meeting many of you soon! watch over us and help us live for you during this new Warmest regards, school year – in Jesus’ name, Amen. Jenny Byxbee – Dan Haugh

4 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OUTREACH: FAITH IN ACTION

Graham Clarke on the Lawn 2016 Beach Day

In June we had our summer kick-off concert on the lawn featuring Graham Clarke and his guitar “friends.” Go to our website to see more photos.

As in years gone by, the sun was shining brightly as our friends from Little Sisters of the Assump- tion arrived at Greenwich Point from Harlem. Sev- eral RHCC members were there to warmly welcome about 90 big and little folks with cold ice pops. Food was spread on picnic tables to greet the swimmers on their return. Volunteers and families ate heartily and laughed together as we got to know each other.

This event that has gone on since the 1970s is very special for those of us who have been involved over Blessing of the Backpacks those many years. Again we thank Roland and Alison Sunday, September 11 10:00 a.m. Kistler for their wonderful participation and long- standing leadership. We all settled in the shade of We are sending students back those large stately trees where Roland spoke to every- to school with our prayers and one in English and Spanish. Time was spent meeting blessings. Children in preschool the families before going down to the water’s edge. through college are invited to Pastor Dan amused everyone with a very large bring their backpacks and school horseshoe crab. Children giggled with delight as they bags with their new supplies to felt the cool water come in and out over their little worship on Rally Sunday. Educators and school feet – their joy was felt by all. administrators are encouraged to bring their See more photos at roundhillcommunitychurch. briefcases. Join us for this special time of blessing org/album/beach-day-2016. as we kick off the new school year. – Helen O’Malley

5 OUTREACH: FAITH IN ACTION

Greenwich Teens Make Life-Changing Trip a third world environment. They don’t have the re- to Reservation in South Dakota sources to improve their quality of life, and they don’t by Tom Renner for Greenwich Daily Voice have many people advocating for them.” Education is particularly challenging. Children Six teenagers from Greenwich stepped outside their don’t aspire for academic achievements. “They see comfort zone this summer for a week to help change no benefit of graduating high school,’’ Haugh said. “It’s the lives of residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux shocking. We asked them ‘What do you want to be?’ Tribe Reservation in South Dakota. In doing so, they They said nothing. Education is not a prized attribute.” changed their own lives as well. In a recent partnership, Fairfield University of- The students are members of Greenwich High fered high school graduates from the reservation a School’s AVID program, or Advancement Via Indi- full scholarship. The first student from the reserva- vidual Determination. They partnered with Round tion is expected to attend the college this year. Hill Community Church, Boys and Girls Club of The hardships endured by residents of the reser- Greenwich, and a Norwalk-based organization, Sim- vation impacted the Greenwich students, who came ply Smiles, to spend a week on the reservation. home with a renewed appreciation for their sur- Pastor Dan Haugh, who served as one of the roundings. “Our students had two main takeaways,’’ chaperones, said the students worked at homes on Haugh said. “One, they realized how much they take the reservation doing painting, light carpentry, flooring, for granted. The education, the resources and the op- and restoration work. They also led camp activities portunities they have here. They have the support of for 30 to 40 children, ranging in age from 4 to 16. Ac- family and teachers who care about their education. tivities included crafts, sports, and traditional sum- That was an eye-opening lesson. mer activities. “Secondly, they realize these are stories that need The students also lived for the week in a “com- to be shared. There’s a real need to help these people munity house,” spending nights in sleeping bags in through community service.” a room that included the entire travel party. There The students’ communities in Greenwich could were nearly 35 in the house, including chaperones be the ultimate winners from the trip. Haugh believes and Simply Smiles workers and volunteers. the students returned from the trip motivated to vol- “Our slogan at the church is we want to be a force unteer in their communities for good,’’ Haugh said. “We discovered that Simply “We’re hoping to create student leaders,’’ he said. Smiles is doing just that on the reservation. We wanted “They saw the impact one week could have. They to embed ourselves on the reservation for a week. We made people smile. But imagine what impact they ate what they ate and tried to live to like they live for can make in the local community if they could do it one week. The hard part was knowing that after one every week.” week, we’d be back in our comfort zone but the peo- ple we fell in love with would not be coming home with us.” On behalf of the students and all participants in the Haugh said living conditions on the reservation trip, I would like to thank the Outreach Committee and were dire. The homes were dilapidated and broken other members of the RHCC congregation who made down by neglect and harsh, extreme weather. this life-changing trip possible for the six Greenwich “There’s a 150-degree difference between sum- High School students. mer and winter,’’ he said. “The houses are not insu- – Dan Haugh lated for that and not maintained well.” Education is minimal and health issues, such as diabetes and obesity, are rampant. “It was eye-opening,’’ See the GHS students’ “takeaways” from their trip at Haugh said. “Where they are living is very much like roundhillcommunitychurch.org/simply-smiles.

6 OUTREACH: FAITH IN ACTION

Reflections from LaPlant, South Dakota ner for everyone. Ten-year-old Ava came up to me, gave me a big hug and asked me to be her pen pal. A “My friends, how desperately do we need to be loved heart warming, loving feeling. and to love. When Christ said that man does not live by bread alone, he spoke of a hunger. This hun- ger was not the hunger of the body. It was not the hunger for bread. He spoke of a hunger that begins deep down in the very depths of our being. He spoke of a need as vital as breath. He spoke of our hunger for love. With it we are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice for others.” – Chief Dan George

This sums up how we felt the week we spent on the We were also impressed with the students who reservation. Spending a week with children that need were selected by RHCC. They did an amazing job of desperately to be loved and have hope for the future working with the kids on a number of projects. We is an unforgettable experience. Hope is the big red think this experience had a profound impact on these school bus that picks up the kids and brings them to students that they will carry for the rest of their lives. summer camp Monday through Friday. Love is what Dan did a superb job of facilitating group discussions the Simply Smiles staff and volunteers give to the kids among the students about their experiences. each day with crafts, games, and outdoor activities.

Each of the volunteers from RHCC has their own It is very hard for us to describe in writing the story to tell. For the last three years we have met and emotions that we feel while being on the reservation. worked with Kee who has full use of only one arm. There is a great beauty and peace to the plains even The first year we worked with Kee at the community though we are experiencing extreme poverty and center, where he was mixing cement with one hand continued injustice to the Lakota people. They are and helping pour a handicap ramp. The second year largely forgotten and their voice needs to be heard. he was helping us unload the materials for the house Simply Smiles is truly keeping hope alive for the that was going to be built for him and his niece. This Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. year we actually put up a wall in his kitchen. One morning we had a sewing class for women in – Jenny Rye and Linda McGough the community center. We taught them how to sew a pillow case but most importantly we listened to and For more reflections go to: laughed with them as we heard their stories. The last roundhillcommunitychurchblog.wordpress.com. night we spent in LaPlant, we had a community din- 7 OUTREACH: FAITH IN ACTION

Volunteer Opportunities Haiti and Mission Grandbois Summer Camp

The Outreach Committee continues to collect Last year, we had 85 children in camp. This year the Clothing for St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in the number grew to 135! Days often started at 6:45 a.m. Bronx. We recently received a special request indicat- and one day ended at 9:00 p.m. That night everyone ing a high demand for men’s dress clothes and shoes, was on edge expecting a visit by Delta Airlines em- in particular. Please bring clothing (laundered and ployees, Belle Esprit, and Change the World, with do- pressed) on hangers. nated school supplies. They were late arriving but the If you have any questions please contact Caroline wait was worth it! We distributed 140 backpacks full Lazzara or Alice Fisher. of basic school supplies – note pads, pencil sharpen- ers, crayons, pencils, and of course, erasers! The next Please join us this year in the Inspirica Youth Center. day was the last day of camp and each child received Volunteers are needed every Tuesday starting Sep- toys and other goodie bag gifts as well. As Margarett tember 6 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Children arrive off Alexandre said “We can’t get the kids to go home – the bus, have some free time, are fed a hot snack, and often beginning each day at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. – so we then work on homework. must be doing something right.” Camp ended at 4:00 Please talk with Jenny Rye or Caroline Lazzara if p.m. daily. you are interested. Mornings were devoted to breakfast followed by classes in basic subject areas for each age group. We are looking for meal providers for Inspirica’s Early There were also 22 children, ages 3 to 5. How did we Childhood and Parenting Program [ECPP] beginning do it? Our 22 camp counselors were volunteers from in September. The program runs Tuesday, Wednes- our scholarship students teaching younger kids in the day, and Thursday nights with the meal being served morning and supervising play and games in the after- at 7:00 p.m. You can either cook on site or drop off noon. a prepared meal, whatever is easiest for you! Please Five of our kids took the sixth grade national look for available dates that you would be able to fill exams and all passed. Margarett recently received a at inspiricact.org/meal-calendar/. Caribbean Health Care Award from Caribbean Life Magazine. Our eight solar panels were stolen from our main camp building; this theft is being investi- Neighbor to Neighbor gated by the police. We are sending this year 32 chil- dren to school, some for the first time, from outside the Grandbois village area because they are diligent in With school back in full swing, their studies and need support as well. We are look- we are initiating a special Lunch- ing to conduct hearing tests for two students and will box Collection in September. seek a hearing aid for one. We continue to explore Please help fill lunch boxes (and a closer relationship with Grace Children’s Hospital hungry tummies!) with healthy and nutritious ele- in Port au Prince around healthcare delivery to our ments such as granola bars, single serve boxes of rural community. Political life in Haiti remains mud- dried fruit, 100% real fruit juice boxes/pouches, dled with little prospect for progress. We are reaching fruit roll-ups, peanut butter or cheese crackers, out to other churches in the Greenwich area that have beef jerky, pouches of trail mix, fruit or pudding an interest in Haiti and its people. cups, etc. Also, canned tuna is a welcome addition Connect with Mission Grandbois on Facebook for sandwich fillers. Please leave donations in the and see photos from camp at facebook.com/Mission- food wagon located in the Narthex. Grandbois-249310961585/. – Michael Sandifer

8 MUSIC AT ROUND HILL LES BEAUX ARTS GALLERY

Christopher Kabala Positive Outlook Landscapes by Yukio Ishizuka

August 28 was Christopher To open the season, Les Beaux Arts Gallery will fea- Kabala’s last Sunday on ture a collection of landscapes and drawings by Yukio the bench conducting the Ishizuka. The exhibit opens Sunday, September 11 and choir at Round Hill. It was runs through October 19. a bittersweet morning that Dr. Ishizuka, a Harvard trained psychiatrist, was filled with the glorious brings to the art field a fresh, positive outlook on sounds of organ, choir, and landscape painting with vivid bold colors. As for his strings, all beautifully con- drawings, they are masterful and painstakingly de- ducted by the maestro. tailed. He has already left to do Dr. Ishuzuka was born in Japan and in 1965 left what he loves – travel the for the United States to complete his medical studies. world – but before he got He has been a member and a resident artist of Salma- away, Jenny Rye offered gundi Art Club in New York City since 1976. some heartfelt sentiments to him during the service – Mirella Hajjar, Gallery Curator that morning:

“Chris, it is very difficult to put into words how we MEDITATION/STRESS REDUCTION are feeling. How do we even begin to express our gratitude for all the joy you have brought to our lives September 15 and then every other Thursday through music? Like many others I know, I was drawn 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Meeting Room to this church because of the music, because of you. You have given us two decades of extraordinary music every Sunday. Your enthusiasm and passion for achieving the highest levels of excellence in music have enriched all our lives. It will be with great dif- ficulty for many of us to look up in the choir loft and not see you there, but part of you will always be here. Part of your energy will always remain here in this sanctuary. The Meditation Group will meet every other Thursday As we go forward, your dedication to the music evening from 6:30 to 7:30 starting on September 15. at Round Hill will live on in future programs. Your The group seeks to draw men and women closer to God spirit will always be here with us. In celebration of through spiritual studies and the practice of “mindful- all the times we have shared together, the recitals, ness,” as we study works by authors on meditation, phi- concerts, lectures, musical trips in to the city, and so losophy, poetry, and the world’s great religions in the many other things, we have a photo book of some context of Christianity. We take turns reading, sharing, of those memories to give to you. I want to extend a and discussing meaningful passages. During our hour special thank you to Suzy Simpson and Lynda Kinney together we spend some time in silent meditation and for spending many hours in putting this together. discuss the physical and mental health benefits of this Chris, on behalf of the congregation, and from practice as a way of life. As we move forward, our plan is the very bottom of my heart, we are grateful. Thank to invite various guest leaders to share their insights with you for the joy, and thank you for all the music.” us. All are welcome. – Grada Herrick

9 WOMEN’S GATHERING STEWARDSHIP

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Women Leaders

Livvy Floren, CT State Representative

Nancy Mazzoli, Board Chair, RHCC

Leslie Lee, Board Chair, CT Fund for the Environment

Come one, come all – women, men, and guests – to hear S tew 17 these outstanding women of our church talk about their ardship 20 experiences as leaders. Followed by an open discussion. Having selected a stewardship consultant this sum- Reception: mer, the committee has begun its work for the coming Wine and delectable goodies in the Parlor year. The annual giving campaign will be known as RSVP Church Office by October 17 Heritage and Hope using the logo you see here. In a Cost: $10 changing and challenging climate, we hope to honor our heritage by funding our future . Program Chair, Helen O’Malley The process will include opportunities for edu- Reception Chair, Carolyn Gilbert cation about the state of our finances and why it is important for everyone to be a steward of the Church.

Key dates: REMEMBRANCE October 30: Stewardship Vision Awareness Three Stewardship Journeys Susanna Nielsen November 6: Stewardship Journey in Worship Ministry Celebration It was with great sadness that we Pledge Cards mailed learned at the end of August that November 13: Stewardship Journey in Worship Susanna Nielsen had died. She Pledge Cards due and her husband, Kristian, had Thanks for Giving luncheon moved to Washington state in There will be updates on our progress throughout the 2013, and had been members of season. Please take this opportunity to become more Round Hill from the early 1990s informed about the needs of our church and how we until they relocated to be near are all vital to the future here. If you have any ques- family. There will be a memorial service to celebrate tions, please feel free to contact any of us. Susanna’s life on Saturday, September 10, at their home. Nancy Mazzoli If you would like to contact Kristian and his Phoebe Ford family, their address is 251 Sprague Landing Road, Bruce Dixon Stevenson, WA 98648. Josh Jewett Jake Kommer Leslie Lee

10 FINANCES AS OF JUNE 30, 2016

Financial Performance Six Months Ended Where Does the Church Spend Its Money? June 30, 2016: A Church in Transition The Church incurs fixed costs that are predictable and re- curring each year, and variable costs that are discretion- Round Hill Community Church, like many religious or- ary. Fixed costs include personnel costs for salaries, hous- ganizations in the country, and especially in the Northeast ing, health care, benefits, and taxes that are budgeted to U.S., is in transition. The Church’s founders were able to total approximately $730,000 or 60% of annual operating build the Church without debt, support a ministry and costs in 2016. music program that formed a spiritual haven for back- Other fixed costs include utilities, insurance, repairs country families, and fund a modest endowment to en- and maintenance on the Church, the Parsonage, and the sure the Church’s financial security. Community House, as well as weeding, pruning, and Today, RHCC continues to deliver inspirational snow plowing, and are budgeted at $270,000. preaching as well as beautiful music. The Church is for- The Church’s variable expenditures include the cost of tunate to have exceptional ministers in place and is work- music soloists and guest musicians budgeted at $60,000, ing to add a dynamic music director to ensure its musi- planned outreach giving of $90,000, a portion of which cal heritage continues. A core group of supporters give is funded directly by member contributions, and in 2016 their time, energy, and financial resources to the Church. $94,000 was earmarked for special initiatives in support of However, each year, this group gets smaller as members the Strategic Plan. age and move away from Greenwich. The Church has not Results of Operations for 6 Months Ended June 30 been able to replace the same level of pledges that its de- For the first six months of 2016, the Church has incurred a parting members provided in prior years. deficit from operations of $40,800 versus a budgeted defi- A number of strategic initiatives have been approved cit of $45,100. Pledges and other member contributions by the Board of Trustees to reverse declining member sup- are lower than budget by $32,000, reflecting the fact that port of the Church. The Strategic Plan for Growth was many pay their pledges in December, whereas the bud- adopted in 2016, and sets forth a vision of supporting the get assumes pledges flow in equally each month. For the ministry and programs that our longtime members desire first six months of 2016, the Church has drawn down the as well as identifying new programs and missions that will endowment by $46,100 less than budgeted because many attract young families seeking greater spirituality in their of the special initiatives will be rolled out in 2017. As a lives. The Church also recently hired a consulting firm to result, spending on these initiatives is under budget by help with the stewardship program. $35,000. Outreach giving, while presently under budget, is expected to increase to amounts budgeted by year-end. How Does the Church Pay Its Bills? All other fixed and variable expenses are running at bud- In 2016, the Church has budgeted annual operating ex- geted amounts and are projected to do so for the balance penses totaling $1,240,000. This year we received pledges of the year. from 90 of our 150 active members. These pledges and other contributions are budgeted at $401,000 and will Challenges Ahead cover approximately 32% of the annual operating expen- RHCC must add new members to remain a viable and ditures. We need to grow the membership so that pledges relevant institution. We have begun to put in place the cover at least 60% of annual expenditures. This year bud- people and programs that we believe are appealing to geted expenses not covered by pledges are to be funded by longtime members as well as attractive to new members, rental income of the Community House ($122,300) and including young families. Success is occurring but this is the Cell Tower ($192,000) as well as drawing down the a multi-year program. It is the job of all members to be endowment ($510,000). ambassadors of the Church and to introduce our friends At June 30, 2016, the endowment totaled $4,800,000. and neighbors to this special place. The Church for many years has relied on the endow- The Board of Trustees has recently hired Hewett Con- ment to fund approximately $240,000 (about 20%) of its sulting to help our leaders develop a more effective model annual operating costs and benevolence giving. In 2016, of annual stewardship and other giving with the goal of the Board of Trustees approved a budget whereby an ad- raising member contributions to cover 60% of annual ex- ditional $270,000 in the first year would be used to pay for penditures. This will reduce our dependence on the en- our new Associate Pastor and programs to be developed dowment in the years to come. in support of the Strategic Plan for Growth, the mission We hope you will participate in a deeper dialogue of which is to double our membership over five years. A about how you can assist the stewardship program of the total of $600,000 of supplemental spending has been ear- Church. Your comments and guidance are welcome. marked over a three-year period. – Craig McKibben, Finance Chair

11 Round Hill Community Church 395 Round Hill Road Greenwich, CT 06831

SEPTEMBER 2016 AT ROUND HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 In Les Beaux Arts Gallery 6:30 p.m. Meditation/ Positive Outlook Stress Reduction Landscapes by Yukio Ishizuka

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10:00 a.m. Worship and Labor Day, Church School Office Closed Ed Horstman 4-6 p.m. preaching Volunteer at 8 p.m. Choir Inspirica Rehearsal

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 RALLY SUNDAY 10 a.m. Wor- 3 p.m. Music 4-6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. ship and Church Committee Mtg. Volunteer at 5-9 p.m. Meditation/ 6 p.m. Friday School Inspirica Stress Reduction Ed Horstman Alliance Night Live preaching Francaise Community 7:30 p.m. Board 7 p.m. Outreach Cocktail Soiree 8 p.m. Choir Youth Gathering 11 a.m. Picnic of Trustees Mtg. Committee Mtg. Rehearsal and Fun, lawn 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10:00 a.m. Worship and Church School Ed Horstman 3 p.m. Cooking 4-6 p.m. preaching for Inspirica Volunteer at 8 p.m. Choir 3 p.m. Blessing 11:30 a.m. Sim- Inspirica Rehearsal of the Animals ply Smiles stories set-up 25 26 27 28 29 30

6:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 4-6 p.m. Meditation/ Blessing of the Volunteer at Stress Reduction Animals Inspirica Community 8 p.m. Choir House Rehear