Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church Annual Report
January 2016
Agenda Annual Meeting Council Report I. Call to Order (approximately 11:00 Gratitude is in our hearts as your Church Council prepares our am) Paul Lutz annual report. This year we have changed the format of our report. We hope you find this report easier to read. We look II. Opening Prayer Pastor Scott forward to your feedback on this new format. The work of our III. Approval of or Addition to Agenda ministries takes Tracy Jahrling many hands and we are grateful to each IV. Confirmation that a Quorum of 25 of you for your time Members is Present Marje Armstrong and talents you share with us. V. Minutes from January 2014 Annual Colossians 3:15 Meeting and August 2015 Special directs us to be Congregation Meetings Marje thankful so we offer Armstrong (Motion to Approve or our sincere thanks Amend and Vote) Marje Armstrong for all of the amazing things that happened VI. Nominating Committee Report and at TCLC in 2015. We Election of Council Members Tracy are especially Jahrling (Nominations from the Floor, thankful for Pastor Motion and Vote) Tracy Jahrling Scott Howard and his family. But our VII. 2016 Budget Recommendation gratitude doesn’t (Discussion, Motion to Approve or stop there. Amend, and Vote) Bill Nesheim We are grateful to our Council members who led us in 2015. We VIII. Pastor’s Report Pastor Scott are grateful to our Worship and Music Ministry who provide Howard inspiring worship. We are grateful to our Outreach Ministry and the work they do for Family Promise, member care and our food IX. Ministry Summaries and Questions pantry. We are grateful to the Property Ministry and all the work from the Congregation they do to maintain our facility and we want to especially note the fantastic job they did on our parking lot repairs. We are X. Old Business - Synod Approval of grateful for our Hospitality Ministry and for the opportunities for Revised Constitution was Received in fellowship that they provided and all of the efforts and energies November Jean Berube that went into making our International Food Festival a success. We are grateful to our Sunday School teachers and we look XI. Special Congregational forward to our journey to expand this Ministry to a Spiritual Commendation Paul Lutz Formation Ministry. We are grateful for our Stewardship Ministry and the financial gifts each of you share with TCLC. In 2015 we XII. Motion to Adjourn Paul Lutz identified who we are and what our priorities are. What was most remarkable is across all of our different demographic XIII. Benediction Pastor Scott Howard groups we agreed quite strongly on our top priorities. Council has started to lay the ground work to realize these goals but there is a lot more work to do. We are a congregation of high Let’s Give Thanks to Those energy and high satisfaction and we are adaptable. We offer our prayers of gratitude. Who Serve Respectfully Submitted by 2015 Council with Gratitude
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your Pastor’s Report hearts, since as members of one body Have you ever had the experience of you were called to peace. And be meeting someone for the first time, thankful” but feeling as though you had known Colossians 3:15 each other forever? Your spouse, perhaps, or a best friend might elicit … our Staff such a feeling. Some might call it kismet, others providence. After my first interview with the Call Committee at Triumphant Cross, I Pastor Scott Howard told Emily I felt as if I was coming Jeanne and Peter Bedrosian home to old friends. The match felt so good, so comfortable, and so Ann Rowe right. I could see and hear and feel the Holy Spirit at work, and it was Dave Ghuste awesome! … our 2015 Council Members Paul Lutz President Since my arrival as the new pastor in October 2015, I have Tracy Jahrling Vice President marveled at the amazing ministries at Triumphant Cross, and the extraordinary people who come together to be Christ’s own Marje Armstrong Secretary hands and feet and voice in our communities. Each week, Jeannie Cunningham Learning without exception, something or someone has surprised me with a glimpse of the Holy Spirit at work. I am humbled and honored Bill Nesheim Stewardship to be a part of it. Lou Chalifour Property Linda Mele Outreach For over three decades, Pr David Yasenka nurtured a community Ginnie Behan Worship and Music of faith at Triumphant Cross that was not only zealous for the kingdom of God, but supportive of its members and committed Kevin Carney Hospitality to serving our neighbors in need. Pr Yasenka was a faithful Sal Basile Memorial servant of Christ who worked hard for his people. I have come to see faith, hard work, and generosity as the hallmarks of Jean Berube Mutual Ministry Triumphant Cross under Pr Yasenka’s leadership, and I am keenly aware that I have big shoes to fill. … our Sunday School Teachers During the transition, Pr Linn Opterbecke gave Triumphant Cross a remarkable gift, empowering the people to take Nursery- Allie Stift ownership of their ministries, nurturing leadership and Preschool/Kindergarten -Allie Stift discipleship, and paving the way for a new pastor to arrive. and Nathan Maynard Under Pr Opterbecke’s leadership, Triumphant Cross was able to celebrate their history, discover their passions and gifts for 1st/2nd/3rd-Pam Goyette and Steve ministry, and prepare for an unknowable future. The impression Tummino Pr O made in such a short time is a testament to his pastoral 4th/5th/6th -Margie McManus and skill and gifts for ministry. Jeannie Cunningham Confirmation-Marty Claussen And so, I arrived as the newly called pastor of Triumphant Cross Superintendent Steve Furstenau on October 1, 2015. I cannot adequately express my appreciation to the Call Committee and their support, discernment, and encouragement; to the most motivated and professional Council a pastor could hope for; to Ann and all the … our Bell Choir support staff at Triumphant Cross; to the planners and helping hands behind my installation; to the passionate commitment to Karen and Marty Claussen outreach and service through the Bread of Life Food Pantry and Family Promise; and to every person who has been so kind and patient with me as I learn your names and faces, your gifts and … our Interim Pastor quirks. Pastor Linn Opderbecke My overall goal for 2015-2016 is to settle in and learn from you, how you worship, how you lead, what gifts you possess and where your passions lie. So, while there have been a few changes here and there after my arrival, you are still my teachers in the New Year. As we learn together, you can expect a growing emphasis on discipleship (what it means to be a follower of Jesus), stewardship (how we give joyfully in response to God’s blessings), and youth and family ministries (from education to fellowship to worship to support). I am committed to a congregational culture that is collegial and empowers our members for leadership and growth.
Supporting Calumet Lutheran The Holy Spirit is indeed alive and active in this place, and it is Ministries awesome. I am home. www.calumet.org/
Calumet Reach the Beach raised over $60,000 for Calumet Scholarships. Being the Church…and a Special Thanks TCLC hosted breakfast thanks to the generous donation of Thrivent and Most often we think about going to TCLC provided a place for the runners church. Or we think about belonging to a to rest. church. But do we really consider the fact that we really “are” the church? You ARE the church according to your baptism and the words of Jesus—and we cannot BE the church alone! Virginia Rowe has exemplified being the church. Virginia, after many years of service in outreach, has chosen to, “take a break” from her long tenured chairmanship of the Outreach Ministry. She will remain active in the daily administration of the food pantry. Virginia has worked tirelessly over the years to minister to those in need through the food pantry, the former racetrack We participated in Calumet’s Women's Ministry senior lunches, Thanksgiving Weekend. It was a wonderful bags and the Antrim Girls Shelter and the weekend for fellowship, relaxation, list goes on. faith sharing, and fun.
We would like everyone to join us in extending our gratitude to Virginia for her service, hard work, concern and generosity. May she enjoy her, “Retirement”! TCLC has been blessed with many people who are the church and it would be impossible to note all the ways each of you were the church during 2015. We have been especially blessed by Marty Claussen in dedicating his educational expertise for 25 years in preparing young people for their confirmation in the Church. We have been blessed by the work that Kristen Flagg has done and continues to do for our food pantry. Kristen was the original chairperson of our pantry. Under Kristen’s guidance as a nutritionist we were able to ensure what we offer is nutritionally sound. Kristen continues to manage the administrative paperwork for our food pantry. Finally, we want to extend a very special thanks to Pastor Linn Opderbecke for Outreach 2015 his wisdom, patience, concern, Ministry and love as our Interim Pastor. Please know that we are grateful to all of you who are the church!
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of Council Highlights mind regard one another as more Members of the parish council have committed to act as a important than yourselves; do facilitating body and adopted a policy of charging the various not merely look out for your own ministries to take primary and more autonomous roles in personal interests, but also for the discharging their missions. We have made considerable progress interests of others. Have this in this area. For example, in the past Council may have taken attitude in yourselves which was also the lead in deciding how to repair the parking lot. Instead, the in Christ Jesus” Council asked the Property Ministry to come back to us with a Philippians 2:3-5 recommendation. Our role was to review and approve their recommendation. Council meetings are now shorter. We are
using teleconferences for some of our meetings. We are working on removing barriers to make it easier for people to serve. Our
updated continuing resolutions allow us to form working groups as the need arises in the life of this congregation. Each working group meets only as needed and is accountable to and treated as part of the Ministry that they fall under. In 2016 will be hosting a “coffee with the council” one Sunday a month after worship to continue to strengthen our communication and collaboration with the congregation. We are hoping that these informal meetings will give everyone an opportunity to dialogue with Council members and result in even greater transparency. In our first coffee hour we will share with you our 2016 goals.
Worship and Music It has been an exciting year for TCLC! We have been filled with enthusiasm with people attending services, and with more members coming forward to help in our weekly worship duties. We hope our changes have been good through the various suggestions and guidance that
Pastor Linn Opderbecke, our interim pastor, shared during his time with us. And now, we have been blessed with our Let’s continue to serve others, new pastor, Rev. Scott especially those within our Howard, who came to us communities who are in need or officially the first Sunday in otherwise economically, culturally, October. He, too, is brimming domestically or socially over the top, with new ideas disenfranchised. Let’s keep in mind that we will continually the example cited by Bishop introduce as the year Hazelwood during his visit and continues. prepare to step outside the comfort zone of serving others within our own environment and to become active participants in activities outside the Greeters have become a regular part of our service. Families parish and in those roles act in the are welcoming everyone through the doors and the smiles we manner of Jesus. see are certainly noticeable. We are also encouraging members to wear their name tags each week. This is helpful to Pastor We want to thank those who serve: Scott and to so many others that ‘remember the face but not the name’. We continue to introduce more current hymns and Family Promise music regularly. We are offering gluten free wafers for health purposes. We continue to offer both chalice and individual cups Bread of Life Food Pantry at communion. We are using bread that Pastor has been baking for most of our services, since his arrival. We are encouraging Salem Family Resources bread bakers to come forward and take a turn providing the delicious bread we break together. Large print copies of our ELCA Advocates for Social Justice liturgy are available when requested. During Lent, the Holden Evening Prayer Service was used for the first time and very Salem Family Resources well received by the many attending the Thursday service. This is a meditative service full of music and response. Palm TCLC continues to support Salem Sunday children processed down the aisle carrying palms and Family Resources. This organization placed then at the altar. Very good reviews for Easter. Reports has been an advocate for young of excellent music, good nursery coverage and excellent children and their families since 1994. attendance. 13 people attended the early morning service at the The Learning Cooperative is a unique Memorial Garden but too bad the weather was not good to us preschool that engages and empowers last year. For summer worship we used ‘Now the Feast and parents in their child's most critical Celebration’, an uplifting, more current liturgy filled with learning years and provides a wealth singing and response. October 21st, we had an opportunity to of children’s resources for Salem have Dr. Karoline Lewis, a noted ELCA theologian at Luther residents. Studies show that the Seminary, St. Paul, MN, speak on “The Gospel of John”. We biggest gains in brain development hope to provide more speakers when they are available. A wine come before age 5! Approximately and cheese reception was held before the program. Sunday, one third of students are subsidized October 4th Pastor Scott Howard arrived for his 1st official by this not for profit organization. Sunday as our new pastor. A coffee hour followed welcoming Without this subsidy may of the the whole family. November 1st, All Saints Sunday, names of families could not afford pre-school. members who had died during the year were remembered on Programs include: this Sunday. Following the service we gathered at the Memorial Garden for additional prayers and remembrance of other loved Parenting and Play Groups ones lost to us. Pastor’s Installation was November 15th and the Worship Ministry was busy doing our part in preparing for this Enrichment Programs exciting service. A light Reception followed. Advent began Sunday, November 29. The trees and decorations were in place, Ready…Set…Go free workshops in advent candles waiting to be lit. The decorations were done by cooperation with the Salem School the Ministry and any good helpers we gather in. The worship District bulletin changes have been made using a new program called Sundays and Seasons. This includes liturgies, liturgical music, http://salemfamilyresources.org/ lectionary texts, prayers, artwork, children’s bulletins plus the ability to download hymns and song and includes the license from Augsburg Fortress to reproduce pages from the hymnal. Beginning in 2016 we look ahead to try three new changes to Spiritual Formation 2015 the service by 1: Having a family usher together with their children. 2: Having more young people reading the lessons. 3: We will also launch the Pew Pals program for children in our
pews Sunday mornings. It is our hope that these pals will bring comfort during worship and provide a welcoming gesture to families with small children. As always, we thank the talented people who lead us in music, worship and provide the outstanding Ministry our weekly worship provides. Thanks to Paul Lutz and Bob Elliott for leading us when our pastors were not with us. Thanks go to the altar guild, preparing the linens, and setting up for communion each week. Then, there are so many who give generously as communion assistants, greeters, lectors, acolytes, special musicians, and those who serve on the Worship Ministry. I am always excited with the love and care we give each other as we worship and serve every week. We truly are blessed to be a part of God’s work here at TCLC. Please join our Ministry; we always want you with us! Peace to you, Carolyn Birr, Worship Chairman For the Ministry members: Peter and Jeanne Bedrosian, Carl and Betty Tonnesen, Joy Kimball, Ann and Virginia Rowe, Ginnie Behan, Betty Gay, with leadership from Pastor Scott Howard.
Hospitality Highlights 2015 May We thank our volunteers! May Fellowship with Redeemer June Progressive Dinner June Pancake Breakfast Spring Game Night Summer Pool Party July Fisher Cats Game August Meet & Greet Pr. Scott August TCLC Golf Tournament followed by TCLC church picnic at the Maripuri home. We also acknowledged and thanked Pastor O and his family for his superior service and support provided to us during our time of transformation in our congregation. Plenty of food and laughs was enjoyed by all. September International Food Festival enjoyed by the community at large. October We welcomed Pastor Scott and his family with cake and fellowship. November Installation and Reception. The sign-up sheets for food and set up were filled and celebration and fellowship filled Fellowship Hall. November/December Several events for our youth and children and shut-ins were organized by other ministries with great participation and they provided wonderful fellowship opportunities.
Respectfully Submitted by Kevin M Carney Hospitality Council Liaison
Learning Curriculum: The Sunday School uses the Spark curriculum as a foundation for the lessons which follows the Lectionary. The teachers incorporate crafts and plays into lessons to bring fun to the classroom. The children are also being taught the Ten Commandments, The Apostles Creed and The Lord’s Prayer. Vacation Bible School: On June 22-25 Triumphant Cross joined forces with Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Manchester for a four evening Vacation Bible School experience that was a blast. The theme was “The Rain Forest,” and every day was filled with songs, games, crafts, stories and Bible learning about this part of God’s creation. On the last day we were treated with live animals from the rainforest. Petting a boa constrictor was awesome. Thanks to Donna Tupper, Tracy Jahrling and Linda
Mele for volunteering. Halloween Party: On November 1st the children and youth were invited to come into the AA room for Halloween fun during the fellowship hour. There was cookie decorating, pin the facial feature on the monster head, toilet paper mummies and bobbing for donuts. Many of the older youth helped with activities as well as joining in. This activity provided a fellowship opportunity for mixed ages with even a few adults dropping in. Santa Lucia: Santa Lucia Day, December 13th was remembered during worship with a telling of her story by Pastor Scott during the children’s sermon. Noelle Goyette was Lucia and led a procession of costumed attendants carrying the communion bread while the choir sang. Thanks to Linda Mele, Margie McManus and Jeannie Cunningham for Property 2015 organizing. Christmas Pageant: On the Sunday before Christmas, the Sunday school children performed a short play during the service. The play, “God’s Gift to Us” was about an encounter of tired, disgruntled shoppers meeting up with some Christmas carolers and discovering that Jesus’s birth is the best gift of all. Thanks to Linda Mele for helping organize. Thanks to all of the Sunday school teachers and parents that helped the children to prepare and to perform. Thanks to Jeanne Bedrosian for playing the carols. Youth Group: Sarah Klingler, our youth group leader, took our confirmands to Calumet on June30th-July4th for confirmation camp. The youth came back with great stories of their camp experience. Sarah organized a sled party for the youth at the Cunninghams’ house that provided fellowship for both the kids and their parents (who watched the sledding from the warmth of the house). Sarah kept a tradition alive with a Christmas party for the youth at the Claussen’s house. Evening Soup and Discussions: Tracy Jahrling led two separate series of adult forums that had church members eating yummy soups while “As each has received a gift, use it to discussing pre-determined topics on Thursday nights. The first serve one another, as good stewards series ran during Lent. The second series ran during November of God's varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 and December. The latter forum had members watching and discussing Bishop Hazelwood’s “Understanding the Faith” series We are grateful to the Property of YouTube videos. Both forums were well attended and Ministry and all of the sweat equity provided fellowship as well as inspiration. Adult Sunday they put in to maintain our facility. School: Pastor Scott has started an adult forum during the Please consider signing up for our Sunday school time. This adult Sunday school forum started in property work days. December. The meeting room was filled with members interested in this study. Pastor Scott will continue this into the new year on pre-determined Sundays. Respectfully Submitted by Jeannie Cunningham
Memorial We want express our heartfelt thanks to Sal Basile who has managed our Memorial Garden for the past several decades and continues to lead this Ministry. In 2015 we expanded this Ministry so that we can do a better job maintaining our memorial garden and disseminating our memorial funds. Wally Arndt, Jean Berube and Satish Maripuri are now working with Sal. This year each council liaison was asked for a list of memorial project items. Using memorial money to fund a memorial project requires a request from or the consent of the family or donor of the funds. If the family or donor is no longer active our Church Council can provide consent. This year we hired a landscaper for some much needed Memorial Garden maintenance and we will be planting two new lilac bushes in the spring. Going forward we will collect a fee from families that will be used to fund the landscaping contract we entered into to maintain the memorial garden and we invite those with love ones interred in the garden to contribute to the maintenance fund. 2015 Memorial Fund Expenditures—We purchased a new
lawn mower which makes it much easier and faster to mow our lawn. We hired a landscaper to remove poison ivy, cut overgrown brush, mulch, install new plantings, and provide some much needed Memorial Garden maintenance. The landscaper will now maintain the garden. We are in the process of replacing our 34 year old front doors with energy-efficient Anderson doors, thanks to the Arndt memorial monies. Our TCLC Memorial fund is a way in which persons can honor friends and family at the time of death or to commemorate a special event such as a baptism, anniversary, or birth. Any memorial money donated to the fund will not be used to pay existing church debts or routinely budgeted expenses unless requested to do so by the family or party making the donation. Current Memorial Fund balances are being reported by Stewardship. The items being considered by the Memorial Ministry in 2016 include: additional home communion sets; a portable Bluetooth microphone that can be used in both the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall; a sound system for Fellowship Hall; and an audio visual system for the sanctuary. The Calumet Hospitality 2015 Scholarship monies received in memory of Amanda will be sent
“And they devoted themselves to the to Calumet. apostles' teaching and the fellowship, This year as funds are received we are formally acknowledging to the breaking of bread and the the receipt of the gift and we will work with the families to direct prayers.” Acts 2:42 how funds received will be used. Respectfully submitted: Jean Berube
A Year of Transitions and New Beginnings … or Thanks Be to God!
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1. The transition is now behind us
and exciting times are ahead under the leadership of Pastor Scott. It is important to note that there was overwhelming consensus in our Congregational Assessment (CAT). Our Ministry Site Profile which was based on our CAT results, is the foundation of our covenant with Pastor Scott. We are looking to build on our strong music and worship and social outreach ministries. We look forward to making the necessary changes to attract families with children to our church. We are committed to establishing a stronger youth Ministry. We are looking for ways to offer more activities for fellowship. We are making progress on strengthening our communications so we reach every member of the congregation. We are exploring ways to motivate our members to step up their stewardship commitment. Our members are busy and over-extended but we will look for ways to make it easier for our members to share their time and talents with TCLC. There was a lot of work that went into preparing for our transition and we thank everyone for their numerous contributions. Our ministries updated their documentation to make it easier for our new pastor. We updated our Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions. At the November meeting of the New England Synod our Constitution was reviewed and accepted. The transition team hopes and prays that as you read this year’s Annual Report you will give thanks for the many ways that God has shown up at TCLC. God’s timing has blessed this community of faith in amazing ways in the past year. He has Blessed us in times of transition under the leadership of Pastor O. He has Blessed us through the hard work of the transition team. He has Blessed
us through our Call Committee. He has Blessed us in times of joyful welcome as new opportunities for mission and Ministry are revealed to us under Pastor Scott’s leadership. The Season for TCLC is one of new beginnings and Mission and Vision new blessings. The Father calls us and gathers us. Christ challenges us to grow in faith Respectfully submitted, Jean Berube and stewardship. The Holy Spirit empowers us and sends us out to serve Nominating Committee Property During the first quarter of 2015 members of the Property Ministry spent countless evenings and weekends working to We want to thank our Council remediate issues caused by snow and ice. Ice buildup on Members who have served us well and sidewalks had to be removed to enable safe passage and are stepping down. provide adequate emergency egress. Snow and ice had to be Lou Chalifour Property removed from the roof to minimize snow loads and prevent ice Linda Mele Outreach dam buildups. For three consecutive weekends the crew met to climb ladders, pull back snow from the roof and then clear the Kevin Carney Hospitality sidewalks. Sal Basile Memorial At times it seemed like a losing
battle. At one point a professional crew had to be brought in on an 2016 Council Nominations emergency basis to assist. All in all Amanda Claussen the efforts paid off in that the Jim Moffat structure suffered very little damage. Spring brought a new Scott Slade challenge. Water seepage under the parking lot caused a partial collapse of the parking area in front Delegates to New England of the service driveway on the right side of the building. Synod Convention
Marje Armstrong Members of the Property Ministry scoped the repair project, got Ginnie Behan bids, and provided general contracting services to ensure coordination of activities between the fuel supplier, paving contractor, landscape contractor, and utilities. Included in the Ministerial Acts project was the installation of drainage to mitigate the potential 11 Baptisms for future damage and to protect the integrity of the leach field. 3 Confirmation (which was moved The project was completed for $2000 below initial estimates. to January 6, 2016) Lawn care is an annual challenge. This year a commercial lawnmower was purchased which reduces the time that volunteers from the Property Ministry spend mowing the lawn Baptisms each week from 4+ hours to about 2 hours per week. Property Jonah Francis Kraics also maintains the power equipment – oil changes, tune ups, blade sharpening and other routine repairs for power equipment Alexandra Kimberly White are handled by volunteers on the Property Ministry. This results Destiny Rose White in savings of $300-$500 per year to the church. Materials for maintenance and fuel for the power equipment are donated by Mason Robert McCarthy members of the Property Ministry. Jewliette Nicole Martinelli Members of the Property Ministry routinely transport and Finn Charles Cappannari properly dispose of hazardous waste items from the church. During the past year a number of electronic items, several Keil Ryan Cappannari boxes of fluorescent tubes, motor oil, gasoline, paint, and Henry Isaac Fleischmann insecticide where all removed and disposed of at appropriate hazardous waste facilities. Clara Elizabeth Sears During the summer the Property Ministry developed a plan to Aleena Taylor Severino repaint classrooms and hallways in the building. To date three Jenna Mary McCready classrooms have been painted. Funds to re-carpet those classrooms were donated by the family of Shalini Maripuri, we
have finalized a bid for the installation of the carpet and expect to have the project complete shortly at which time those classrooms will be dedicated in remembrance of Shalini. Confirmands (January 2016) During the fall we took steps to prepare for winter. Once again Jackson Neeb we were up on the roof clearing leaves from drains and gutters, and clearing downspouts. The new drainage was kept clear of Alexander Stift leaves and debris. Going into the winter our plan is to use a Steven Tummino snow rake following each storm to clear troublesome areas of the roof in an effort to prevent ice dams.
In the fall we were notified by our furnace contractor that the
areas in the attic where the furnaces are installed do not meet minimum OSHA standards. Flooring would have to be installed around the furnaces before they could be serviced. The area over the choir room was completed in October and the area over the crying room was completed in December. The Memorial Ministry provided assistance to Property this year by coordinating several projects including the installation of energy efficient lighting in the sanctuary. To complement their efforts the Property Ministry has installed LED lighting in the Narthex which will on an average Sunday result in a savings of 3.5 kilowatt hours of electricity. We have also installed thermostat covers and door sweeps in an effort to reduce heating costs. Reprogramming of the thermostats to further reduce building temperatures when the building is unoccupied is expected to reduce heating costs by up to 7% Funerals The Memorial Ministry also undertook efforts to have a landscape company perform a refresh of the beds and the Karin Baierlein (member moved to Memorial Garden. CA) On a monthly basis members of the Property Ministry perform Vern LaCrosse (member moved to routine maintenance and repair to church facilities, mostly with FL) materials that are donated by the individuals completing the Debbie Shaw Newton repairs. These tasks include repair of misaligned door hardware, monthly maintenance of the water softening system, and Robert J DeRosa (not a member) trimming of exterior shrubbery and clean-up of brush, repair of Amanda Marie Winnett plumbing fixtures, and other tasks as needed. It is not unusual for Property to respond to the church to assist with urgent Myra C Ragust needs such as water leaking through a roof, fire alarms, or doors that will not lock properly. We are a very busy and hardworking team, grateful for the support and assistance that International Food Festival we receive from the congregation. Respectfully submitted, Craig Cunningham
Outreach The mission of the Outreach Ministry is to lead this congregation’s efforts to address the social, economic, and emotional needs of people both within this congregation and in the community at large. The Outreach Ministry of Triumphant Cross is our attempt to follow God’s command to care for each other. September 19, 2015 was the night of our 2015 International Food Festival. The Bread of Life Food Pantry has been under the direction of There were ten countries represented Kristen Flagg for many years and as of April 2015 she has and countless cooks, servers, “retired” as the coordinator. Kristen, along with Lauren Spear cleaners, ticket sellers and collectors, and Joanne Hoefler, started the food pantry in 1997. At that sponsor ad and raffle procurers to time it served 20-25 families per week. Kristen will still be make this an unforgettable year. involved as she continues to prepare the USDA reports, and is Thank you to all for your dedication to available to answer my questions. I have served in the pantry this endeavor which has become one since 2000 and have learned a lot from her over the years, now of the highlights of Salem Fest – a I’m trying to fill her shoes. Now it is my turn to schedule the celebration of all the non-profits in volunteers for the food pantry which is open Mondays 10AM-12 town. It was through all your hard Noon. Thank you, Kristen, for being dedicated to a position that work that we earned a bit over entailed coordinating lots people for many food pantry deliveries $10,000 which more than half was and pickups. from the sponsor placemat ads. We will be using these placemats all year, Support for the food pantry comes from many sources. and be sure to mention where you Triumphant Cross members are first as their support is never saw their name if you go to any of our failing. Other sources of support come from Saint David’s sponsors. Episcopal Church, the Boy Scouts, the US Postal Drive, North Salem Elementary School, Salem Contractors Association, Salem Shortly after the IFF some of us met Market Basket customer donations, Salem Exchange Club (new for a think-tank kind of meeting. We in 2015), USDA provisions (Rockingham and Hillsboro County will be looking for a task force in the Health and Human Services), and many other individuals and spring if we decide to do this again in groups. During the late summer and early fall, we receive fresh 2016 so the organizational work will vegetable donations from Salem’s Pete’s Farm Stand. be spread out more. Some ideas we Also, AA is very supportive of our pantry, as they are always discussed were to combine “some” helping unload the vehicles of food items from a USDA pickup. countries and offer regional tables. “The Food Donation Connection,” a project started in 2006, continues to pair Triumphant Cross with fast food restaurant Again, we all thank you for all your “Long John Silver.” The pantry still receives donations of excess hard work. TCLC has earned quite a frozen food (fish, chicken, shrimp, fries, hush puppies). Jim reputation for our cooking expertise. Moffatt continues to make a pickup every Sunday morning and brings it back to put in the food pantry freezers. Christmas Caroling Also from another donor, Jim also picks up from “Heavenly The dozen or so TCLC carolers Donuts” and brings back their “goodies” to put in the pantry gathered on December 13th at 1PM freezers. and carpooled to the first stop – Lorraine Parhaila. Jean Berube found During the summer of 2010, we started purchasing food from some music with four parts so the the NH Food Bank in Manchester. This food comes with a variety harmony was fabulous and the Pastor of pricings, some priced per pound, which is discounted (such as shared a prayer at each house. frozen meats), some priced at “regular” prices, and some items Lorraine gave them a brownie to go are free, such as fresh vegetables and fruits when available. Jim and they headed to stop number 2 – Moffatt places an order to the food bank, then he, Dave Ghuste Dorothy Powell. She was so pleased and/or Rick Hartung take turns making “the run” to the food that the carolers came all the way to bank to pick up and bring back the orders. Haverhill. The next stop was Karen Rick Hartung has coordinated a drop off of bread, rolls and Hall and some of her neighbors. They “sweets” – originally from a distribution center in Plaistow which were so excited and joined right in. served many soup kitchens and food pantries in the area. Now The next stop was to surprise the distribution is handled by the Hillsboro/Rockingham County Christene Hecox who was recovering HHS – but Rick makes sure our pantry receives a delivery. from a broken leg. The songs certainly This year with donations from Salem Lion’s Club, the pantry was lifted her spirits. The final stop was able to purchase two new industrial type freezers. We can now the Cunningham’s for refreshments. purchase more frozen food from the NH Food Bank and USDA. Thanks Craig and Tracy. The carolers (Thank you Salem Lion’s Club). I have so many members to were home before dark with a thank for their continued support of the food pantry. First to all wonderful feeling of spreading the the members that served in the pantry. This is not work in a Christmas spirit all afternoon. sense – it is a labor of love. This is all volunteer – not a requirement. This is a Ministry the church people do very well. We have grown from 2-3 women in 1997 to 11-12 women and men who work the Monday hours plus make scheduled and last minute pickups! (Virginia, Ann, Jim, David, Rick, Bill H., Emily N., Diane C., Linda M., Judy K., Barbara I. & Paul) There are many others that help when a call goes out for help to off load a vehicle on Sunday. I am always looking for more volunteers to serve in the pantry.
In 2014 The Bread of Life Food Pantry served a total of 1,896 families. In 2015 the pantry served 2,103 families (up 207), Stewardship which includes 53 “new families” added during the year.
This year Council boldly approved a C.R.O.P. Walk (Community Responding to Overcome Poverty) faith-based budget. Our faith at TCLC The 2015 C.R.O.P. Walk was held Sunday May 24. Diane Hardy has never been stronger. was Triumphant Cross’ representative to the organizers of the walk. Proceeds from this event are shared with World Hunger We thank everyone who has given to and local food pantries in the area, including our own. The TCLC this year and we ask each of C.R.O.P. Walk is an annual event in our area, and is usually held during the month of May. you to support our faith-based budget. The congregation donated a total of 65 Thanksgiving Day meals. Each bag contained a breakfast item, as well as, the Thanksgiving Day main meal complete with a dessert. We were able to receive turkeys, fresh vegetables, and fruit from the NH Food Bank, and plenty of (additional) cranberry sauce from the USDA delivery to supplement the items donated by the congregation. All this made the 65 dinners extra special for so many in need. With the assistance of Tracy Jahrling (and The Biggest Gift of All Thrivent) we had $250 in gift certificates for the “small” families that did not want large turkeys. One day Jesus was in the temple court, watching people come and go. Once again Lorinda Rausch coordinated the collection of Thirteen big collecting-boxes stood Christmas gifts for foster children and families. She delivered nearby so passers-by could drop their them to the Concord, NH, office in early December to be coins in. The money that was distributed to the families. Thank you to all who purchased gifts collected paid for the temple and wrapping paper. The children and families are very expenses. appreciative of all that is done.
Jesus watched the rich people Parish Nursing Ministry was organized in 2003 by Nancy Neeb. throwing in large sums of money. During this year the Parish Nursing will have a name change Some slipped their gold coins in (yet to be determined). This program continues to minister to without fuss; others counted them out the members and friends of Triumphant Cross. There is still a noisily, so that everyone would see Parish Nursing bulletin board (in the hallway before the Nursery) how many gleaming coins they were with informative information that is maintained by Christene giving to God. Hecox. Blood pressure screenings had been taken during Fellowship Hour by RN’s – we hope to see this Ministry revised. Then a shabbily dressed woman came New for 2015, any member interested in bringing our “shut-ins” along. She was a widow, with no one communion will be instructed by Pastor Scott. (If interested see to earn money for her. She dropped Ann in the office - then Instruction time(s) TBD) two tiny copper coins into the big treasury-box. Christene Hecox coordinates the volunteers who send out Caring Cards. She also helps maintain the Prayer Concern list along with Ann in the office. Jesus pointed her out to the disciples.
“Did you notice that widow who put Meals have been prepared by congregational members for our two small coins into the box? She members in their time of need. Meals have been lovingly shared gave more to God than all the wealthy throughout the year. The members of the congregation are people, however many gold coins they always ready and will to help each other. The latest member poured in.” was Christene Hecox. I posted the schedule and Ann sent out an email – and it was done! Thank you. The disciples couldn’t understand that. Jesus’ words didn’t make sense. They Outreach is a very important Ministry of Triumphant Cross as knew enough arithmetic to figure out this congregation helps each other, the community, and the who had given the most money. Then world with compassion, caring, support, giving, and sharing Jesus explained. God’s Grace and sharing the Good News by thought, word and deed. “The rich people gave God what they could easily afford. It didn’t cost them This will be my last report as Outreach Chair. I have held this anything to part with those gold coins. position since 2003. It is time, maybe past time, I step down or They still had plenty left for aside. I will change from chairperson to oversee The Bread of themselves. That widow gave all she Life Food Pantry. This is where I want to serve. This is a great had. She kept nothing back for Ministry of the church. This is what we do best! herself. That’s what God calls the God’s Work, Our Hands. biggest gift of all.” Respectfully submitted Stewardship is our grateful response Virginia Rowe Outreach Chairperson to the amazing, no-strings-attached LOVE that God has for each of us.
We respond to this incredible LOVE by Stewardship being good stewards of God’s marvelous Creation. Triumphant Cross was blessed in 2015 by the continued generosity of our members as we took on the additional We are truly blessed by the responsibility of calling a new Pastor. During the past year the community we call TCLC. There are congregation contributed $177,350 towards our day-to-day many opportunities for Stewardship. operations. We also received significant contributions to designated funds, including $20,093 towards driveway repairs, Let us pray. “Lord, by your grace we $6,179 for the Food Pantry, $3,361 for specific property eat and drink, by your grace we live. projects, $2,000 for the memorial garden and $1,835 for Help us this day to share your love by Pastor’s discretionary fund. how we serve and give. Amen. “ Operating Fund support was received from a total of 112 individuals and/or families, with 75% of the total amount contributed by 35 families.
We have also seen a small but steady year over year increase in
the number of families making larger average contributions.
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
# of contributors 115 113 118 114 112
< $10. / week 53 55 61 51 47
$10 - < $20 / week 13 18 13 14 12
$20 - < $30 / week 21 13 20 19 18
$30 - < $40 / week 8 8 7 11 11
$40 - < $50 / week 2 1 2 3 4
$50 - < $60 / week 5 4 3 0 5
$60 - < $75 / week 5 3 2 5 3
$75 - < $100 / week 2 5 5 6 7
$100 - < $125 / week 2 1 1 2 1
> $125 / week 4 5 4 3 4
Over the course of the year Operating fund giving showed minor seasonal variation with a fairly typical year-end up-tick. Thanks to all of our members for your continued support of all the ministries of Triumphant Cross.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriumphantCross
Website: http://www.triumphantcross.org
New England Synod: https://www.nesynod.org The Stewardship team has taken steps to make sure that all contributions to the Ministry of the congregation are ELCA: appropriately acknowledged. If at any time you feel that we’ve https://www.elca.org missed something, please let Bill, Craig, Gene or Stella know.
Thrivent: Expenses for 2015 were generally in line with expectations with https://www.thrivent.com the exception of the emergency repairs required for the driveway. Thanks to the generous response from our members Thank you! Thank God! Let the Peace more than $20,000 of this $22,900 project has been raised of Christ rule in your hearts in this through the end of the year. Due to our having a part time new year. May God hear our prayers transitional Pastor for much of the year we were able to of thanksgiving and may God hear our continue to rebuild our Operating Fund balance, ending the year prayers of thanks and gratitude. with more than $55,000. The congregation is entering 2016 with a substantial cash position of more than $105,000 that provides us with a solid foundation to build and expand our Ministry in the coming year. Our thanks to everyone who helped out as offering counters, and a special thanks to our Treasurer, Stella Skoropowski and our Financial Secretary Gene Nettleton for their dedication and diligence. Detailed treasurer’s reports are available monthly and are posted at the church.
Respectfully submitted, Bill Nesheim – Council Stewardship Liaison