ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - Cathedral Church of the Nativity annual report of the Dean and Rector of the...

The Annual Report of The Cathedral Church of the Nativity

in the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The Twenty-fifth of April in the Year of our Lord 2010

Our Mission: To know Christ, to make Him known, and

to serve all people according to his example

2

Hymn 508 Nova Vita

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Agenda 4 Nominating Committee Report 5 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes 6-7 2009 Year End Treasurer’s Report 8 Treasurer’s Report, March 2010 9 Statistical Information 10 DIT Information 10 2009 Income and Expenses – Actual 11 2010 Budget Income and Budget Expenses 12 Dean and Rector’s Report 13 Canon for Ministry of the Baptized Report 14-15 Canon Missioner’s Report 16-18 Cathedral Music Program 19 Lay Missioner for Children and Youth Report 20-21 Committee Reports Altar Guild 22 Cathedral Jazz Band 23

Cathedral Youth Chamber Choir 23 Daughters of the King 24 Education for Ministries 25 Episcopal Peace Fellowship 26 Eucharistic Visitors 26 History Group 27 Hospitality Committee 27 Men’s AnD (Accountability and Discipleship) 28 Monday Flower Group 29 Nativity Dinner Groups 29 Nativity Youth Camp 30 New Bethany Ministries 31 Past & Present Luncheons 32 Pastoral Visitors 33 Philia Book Club 34 Prayer Chain 34 Property Committee 35 ShareCare Faith in Action 35 Southside Ministries 36 Stewardship Committee 37 Sunday School 38 Third Millennium Fund Endowment and St. Matthew Society 39 Wedding Belles 40 Welcoming Ministry Team 41 Women of Nativity 42 Closing Hymn 43

4

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA April 25, 2010

11:30 a.m.

Call to Order

Opening Prayer and Hymn

Establishment of Quorum

Nominating Committee Report

Judges of Election and Balloting

Capital Campaign Report “Carrying the Vision Forward”

Presentation of Operating Budget

Old Business Recognition and thanks to those who have served

New Business

Adjourn and Lunch

5


Nominating Committee Report for the Annual Meeting on April 25, 2010

The Nominating Committee this year consisted of one member of the Vestry and three elected members of the parish. Martha Capwell Fox served as our Vestry Representative and the elected parish members were Robert Lynn, Eve Campbell and Chip Montgomery. Working with the Dean and the Wardens, the Nominating Committee is charged to discern those people who they feel are most qualified to fill the available openings and to advance the names of those who agree to serve as candidates for Vestry, Delegates to the Annual Diocesan Convention and for the Nominating Committee. This year the Committee is pleased to place in nomination eight highly qualified members of our congregation to fill the five openings on the Vestry. The candidates are: Ted Alling, Pam Bayliss, Garry Bruchok, Barbara Iannelli, Bernie Leroe, Phil Rizzo, Richard Sause, and Marirose Sartoretto. The following members have agreed to serve a two year term as delegates to our Diocesan convention: Ray Arcario, Dr. Edwin Hart, and Richard Woodyatt. Two of these nominations will represent the Cathedral at the Convention and the third will become an alternate delegate. The candidates for the Nominating Committee are as follows: Dick Barsness, George Chapman, Connie Gilbert, Jim Martin, Joy Thiel, Bob Wilkins and Bill Yale. Three of these nominees are to be elected for a one year term. We are grateful for the many talented and devoted parishioners who are willing to share their gifts, their time and their efforts in the service of the Cathedral.

Faithfully, Chip Montgomery Nominating Committee Chair

6


BETHLEHEM, PA ANNUAL MEETING – May 3, 2009

The annual meeting of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity was held Sunday morning, May 3, 2009 immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. Following the singing of a hymn, the Very Rev. Anthony Pompa, Dean and Rector, called the meeting to order with an opening prayer. The Dean’s Address Having established the presence of a quorum, and identified Bill Krueger as a clerk, Dean Pompa addressed parishioners. The Dean recognized and praised the Staff: Canon Joel Atkinson, Canon Mariclair Partee, Canon Precentor Russell Jackson, Mrs. Ann Mickus, our Missioner for Children & Youth Formation, the office staff, Deb Smith, Gail Goshert, Bill Korp (absent), Keith Painton, and Joe Kelly. Nominating Committee Report

• Bill Cauller introduced the committee and thanked them for their hard work – Jeff Bernardino, Chip Montgomery, Dolores Schiesser and Tom Kolepp

• Thanked all the candidates who agreed to run for the Vestry, Convention Delegate or Nominating Committee.

• All ballots received, including Absentee Ballots were taken to be tabulated by the Judges of Election – Laura Drum, Bill Yale and Chip Montgomery.

Vision Committee & Vestry Report – Dean Pompa

• The Dean thanked all who participated in the Vision process. The Vestry has been presented with the results and their respective committees are developing strategies to implement the results. The Dean used a baseball strategy saying that this plan gives the Cathedral sound fundamentals to win/succeed.

• The Dean invited all to the Forums on May 10 and 17 to review the Vision Plan in more detail.

• The Dean advised that we are not taking in enough pledge income to support our programs and maintenance expenses. Your vestry is committed to having a balanced budget by the year 1012 and is discussing ways to make this happen.

• We have challenges, but there are many more opportunities that will carry us forward. We are approaching our 150 year anniversary. The next 150 years will be even brighter because of the foundation established by our founders, our vision, our leadership and our church family that we have in this place.

Interim Treasurer’s Report

• Dee Montgomery, our Interim Treasurer thanked Bill Korp, Ray Vernon, Sally Snyder and Dick Neunzig for their support and help to keep our financial house in order.

• He acknowledged that we are living above our means and suggested that we need more pledge income from new and/or existing members. Current pledge income averages $2,100/year from 248 pledges.

• DIT Practices – Dee explained that when we have a shortfall, it generally comes from the DIT (Diocesan Investment Trust) or the Third Millennium Fund. In 2006 – $31,000, in

7

2007 – $116,000, in 2008 – $50,000, and in 2009 – $52,000 + $90,000. In July 2009, $76,000 was used to handle bills and summer shortages paid it back

• Third Millennium Fund – Most of the funds taken from this fund are for Evangelism. • Diocesan Assessment from 25,000 to 5,000

Jim Phillips asked a question about the Third Millennium Fund process. Phil Schenkel described it in detail. He explained that the Third Millennium Fund is actually part of the DIT. The fund takes requests which are reviewed and makes a decision to approve or deny. All approvals are then reviewed and approved by the Vestry.

The Dean recognized persons who pledged to our church in thanksgiving.

Tony thanked those who are completing their terms on the Vestry: James Vorosmarti, Jeff Bernardino, Laura Drum, Chip Montgomery and Sally Snyder. Chip Montgomery presented the results of the election. For Vestry: Lee Snyder, Tom Kolepp, Paul Medeiros, Carl Chegwidden, Tom Brandt For Convention Delegates: Brian Gordon, Jill Rothrock, Judy Doell alternates: Richard Woodyatt, Betsi Strasser Nominating Committee: Bob Lynn, Eve Campbell, Chip Montgomery alternates: Jim Martin and Dick Barsness Following the singing of a hymn, the meeting was adjourned and lunch was served. Respectfully submitted, William Krueger, Clerk of the Vestry

8

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY 2009 Year End Treasurer’s Report

2009 Year End

Treasurer's Report 2009 2009 % of Actual Budget Budget Beginning Fund Balance 1/1/09 $ 19,439 INCOME Pledge Income $ 493,401 $ 530,026 93% Parishioner Non Pledge Income $ 47,438 $ 50,000 95% Investment Income $ 206,347 $ 206,347 100% DIT Principal Distributions $ - $ 51,591 0% Other Sources $ 38,617 $ 30,800 125% Cash Carryover from prior year $ 90,000 $ 90,000 100% Total Receipts $ 875,802 $ 958,764 91% DISBURSEMENTS General $ 671,614 $ 713,499 94% Worship $ 63,734 $ 73,306 87% Renewal $ 86,225 $ 134,656 64% Evangelism $ 39,174 $ 37,303 105% Total Disbursements $ 860,747 $ 958,764 90% Total Excess Revenues/Expenses $ 15,055

Net Changes P/R liabilities & transfers $ (6,064)

Year End Fund Balance 12/31/09 $ 28,430

9


Treasurer’s Report, March 2010

Treasurer's Report - March 2010 3/31/10 2010 % of Actual Budget Budget Beginning Fund Balance 1/1/10 $ 28,430 INCOME Pledge Income $ 164,198 $ 555,000 30% Parishioner Non Pledge Income $ 14,981 $ 45,000 33% Investment Income $ - $ 175,560 0% DIT Principal Distributions $ - $ 41,747 0% Other Sources $ 3,532 $ 28,500 12% Cash Carryover from prior year $ - $ 28,030 0% Total Receipts $ 182,711 $ 873,837 21%

DISBURSEMENTS General $ 164,552 $ 699,167 24% Worship $ 15,915 $ 60,262 26% Renewal $ 22,831 $ 86,820 26% Evangelism $ 4,286 $ 27,588 16% Total Disbursements $ 207,584 $ 873,837 24% Total Excess Revenues/Expenses $ (24,873)

Net Changes P/R Liabilities & Transfers $ 5,127

Fund Balance as of March 31, 2010 $ 8,684

10


STATISTICAL INFORMATION 2009 2008 2007 Average Sunday Attendance * 275 275 296 Total Pledges 247 251 259 Amount of Pledges $530,026 $574,144 $558,691 Actual Received of Pledge Income $493,401 $508,856 $521,768 Actual Non-Pledged Income $ 47,437 $ 51,847 $ 42,470 New Pledges 38 35 43 Amount of New Pledges $48,938 $43,480 $54,250 Total Number of New Members * 49 38 43 by baptism, transfer, request Total Number of Active Members * 31 23 9 who have died or transferred to another parish * from Parochial Report Note: 2010 Total Pledges including New Pledges: 251 – $530,168 2010 Anticipated Amount from Renewing or New Pledges - $24,832 2010 New Pledges to Date: 40 - $42,404 2010 Pledges Not Renewed: 35 - $42,969


DIT INFORMATION

Market Value Market Value Market Value at Year End at Year End at Year End 12/31/09 12/31/08 12/31/07 Total Investments in the Diocesan Investment Trust $3,390,372 $2,976,021 $4,384,621

11

12

13

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Dean and Rector’s Report

The annual report of the Dean and Rector of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity is an opportunity for reflection on God’s workings in and through this Cathedral community. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the faithful ways in which we respond to God’s call in ministry and some of the challenges I believe we have before us. Ministry highlights since our last annual meeting: *Summer Intern Program *Southside Kids Summer Program with children and youth *Nativity Youth Camp *Ministries Kick-off with The Rev. Alf Halvorsen from First Presbyterian Church *Annual Stewardship Campaign inviting our “Response-Ability” to God’s Generosity *Three EFM groups meeting regularly and faithfully *Year of Cathedral Classics, including the premiere of Cathedral Classics Musical Theatre *Women’s Bible Study fall and spring offerings, Men’s AnD groups on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays *Room at the Inn Emergency Shelter, sheltering homeless on Thursday nights *Dean and Sr. Warden strengthening our companion relationship in the Diocese of Kajo Keji with a visit in January *Carrying the Vision Forward Capital Campaign, an outgrowth of our vision process Clearly there are many, many other ministries that are a regular part of our response to God’s call. I am grateful for all of these ministries and celebrate them particularly because they are lead and lived by the baptized of this Cathedral community. Our Challenges: *Engaging in a lively spirit and intentional ministry of sharing God’s love and inviting others to become part of our faith community. I believe it is time to add alternative worship experiences. The task of when/how/and to whom remains to be discerned. *Increasing our ability to be good stewards of our resources, time, talent, and treasure. The care of our properties is vital to sustaining the ministries we carry out in this space. We are living into the third year of a deficit budget. We must be creative and faithful in expending our resources and seeking other ways to increase our financial ability. *Growing deeper with God. Falling in Love with God. Sharing love with one another in God through Christ. Nurturing a deeper sense of spirituality in our individual lives and our corporate life. I believe this actually is the path to meet all of our challenges. I am very grateful to serve as the Dean and Rector of this Cathedral Church. I look forward to discovering with you all a renewed spirit as we live faithfully together. The Very Rev. Anthony R. Pompa Dean and Rector

14

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Report from the Canon for the Ministry of the Baptized

I have greatly enjoyed my first year as your Canon for the Ministry of the Baptized, and am thankful to everyone who has joined me and offered a hand on this pilgrimage of discernment. It has been a joy for me to live through a full liturgical year and to experience all of the wonderful ministries at work in this place. Adult Formation at the Cathedral takes many forms, but the most obvious is the Sunday Forums during the program year. This year, two forums tracks were designed, with one focusing on general Adult Spiritual and Theological Formation- Pilgrims on the Way, or PW- and the other aimed specifically at parents of young children- Faith and the Family, (F&F). PW forums varied between individual speakers, from both within the Cathedral community and without, presenting on one topic to interactive experiences using small groups for Bible study or discussion of a Nooma video, to series of multiple weeks presented by an outside speaker, such as our Lenten series on a Christian response to Islam. F&F presented family oriented presentations including Godly Play for home use, parenting and faith, ethics and charity for kids; and interactive Bible and book studies, including the Lenten series on The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. On average the attendance at the PW forums was around 20, and at F&F laid a firm foundation with a core group of 5-10. In addition to Sunday Forums, the traditional Tuesday Teaching series continued this year. We began in the fall with a twelve week series on Early Christian Heresies, and then moved on to The History of God, using the book of the same name by Karen Armstrong. These formation opportunities featured shared leadership by all members and often lively debate. After and Easter hiatus, this group is considering reforming for the summer, potentially looking at the Reformation or the Emerging Church. In Advent a small group ventured to Holy Cross Monastery in West Hyde Park, NY, for a silent retreat. This was the first such retreat organized through the Adult Formation ministry, and was a great weekend of refreshment and contemplation during the busy rushing of the holiday season. Also in Advent was a Saturday Quiet Day on contemplative prayer and holy silence. Plans are underway for a summer retreat, possibly at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville. Summer of 2009 saw the first Women’s Group, titled Wine (and attractive alternatives), Women, and Psalms. Taking place at various private homes, this four week series blended fellowship, exploration of the Psalms, and informal discussion. This summer we plan to repeat with our topic as the Song of Solomon. The Nativity Women’s Retreat took place during Lent, focusing on the seasons of change in our lives, led by a past director of Education for Ministry. Over 35 women enjoyed a crisp Spring weekend at The Villa of Our Lady in the Poconos, and contemplated change through the lens of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. The Women’s Retreat Planning Committee deserves special recognition for all of the work they put into planning this annual event, and for ensuring that everyone had a lovely time. Finally, the biggest innovation of our Adult Formation at Nativity Cathedral was the introduction of the e-Residency program. Beginning with Cn. Renee Miller for four weeks in Lent, and continuing for five weeks in Easter with Fr. Matthew Moretz, this midweek offering gave Cathedral members the opportunity to experience a wide variety of individual theologians and spiritual folks from around the country via Skype. The technology allowed Canon Miller to

15

present a talk on Desert Spirituality from the cab of a big rig somewhere along the highway, and for Fr. Moretz to talk about disgust and ritual purity from his living room, just hours from a pilgrimage in Israel. Using new technology this way gave the Cathedral the chance to spend extended amounts of time with viewpoints and areas of study otherwise off limits due to travel time, budgets, and busy schedules. Our hope is to open up future e-Residencies to home participation, and to record and archive past e-residents. In the meantime, you can check out Renee and Matthew on our e-Residency blog: www.nativitycathedral-eresident.blogspot.com The Adult Formation Ministry Team is currently undergoing reorganization. If you feel called to help plan and facilitate the Sunday Adult Forums, the Faith and the Family Forums, as well as mid-week offerings, Quiet Days, retreats, and anything else you can think of aimed at empowering and challenging members of this congregation in their relationship with God, you are welcome! Please contact me. In addition to Adult Spiritual Formation and Individual Discernment, I am now overseeing the Guild of Acolytes on behalf of Dean Pompa. On behalf of the Cathedral, I would like to take this chance to thank Tom Kolepp for his service as Acolyte Master for over five years. Tom has given countless hours of his time to training new acolytes, scheduling for all services, and most importantly mentoring and working with the youth of the Cathedral as they take an active role in our corporate worship. His commitment to this role, and the love and patience with which he has carried out his duties, has made an indelible impression on a generation of Nativity Youth. As Tom’s youngest child, Katie, leaves the ranks of our acolyte guild and sets out for college, he is handing the reigns over to Ray Arcario. Tom will continue to serve in the Guild of Vergers. Thank you again, Tom, and thank you, Ray for stepping up as our new Acolyte Master!

16

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Report from the Canon Missioner for

April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010

There are many ministries and people I could write about in my 2010 Annual Report, but homelessness is on my mind tonight. Soon after arriving at the Cathedral in September 1999, I wondered why the churches in Bethlehem with all their heated space did not invite their homeless neighbors out from the cold winter evenings, into safety. After Dean Pompa arrived, he asked what my number one concern was. I said, “Tony, I worry about the homeless without a warm place to go on cold nights.” My prayers were answered in December 2008 when the opportunity to take part in an overnight shelter program arrived. We jumped in with both feet. Wow! Since then, winter Thursday nights has been interesting times. On a recent night a woman arrived as supper ended. She asked me to give numbers of those staying with us according to categories on her work sheet. I rattled off the categories of guests using our facilities. I said, the chronic homeless; the mentally and emotionally ill homeless; the addicted homeless; the recently unemployed homeless; the young and aged homeless; the homeless escaping an abusive situation; the sick and disabled homeless; the homeless abandoned by family and friends and care facilities. More began to occur to me: the inexplicable homeless, the recently released from prison homeless, and those claiming to be homeless to take advantage of the warmth, the food, the safety, and the companionship. She asked me to fill in her worksheet. Looking at her sheet, I could tell she did not understand the complexity of the people using our space because there were not enough categories. It is not that simple! The categories were too few and many guests fit into more than one category. She saw the puzzled look on my face and asked if she could speak to them. “No problem,” I said, “except for one caveat. They must be willing to speak with you. We respect their dignity and privacy.” She left without making any interviews. This encounter brought into consciousness the special nature of those we shelter. Though homeless, they are human beings like you and me. We were challenged by their special needs or by circumstances which occurred, but we always managed to cope. The two big snowstorms both necessitated keeping our guests under the roof of Sayre Hall for two days and nights each time. There were times our guests acted like children and vied for power with one another and the volunteer staff. Our ears will always reverberate with the incessant snoring of the many sleeping homeless and overnight volunteers (thanks be to God for ear plugs). Our noses often cried for the spraying of room deodorant, not only in the room, but upon stinky feet and socks. Many long, rambling conversations were held in the small dining room. At 8:00 P.M., we watched a movie that often turned into a double feature. To our consternation, there was the night a guest decided to wash his feet standing in the men’s toilet. Dealing with the other worldliness of the mentally and emotionally ill often seemed to never to let up (a sense of humor was an absolute necessity). It was a Herculean weekly task to wash and dry and fold and stuff all the plastic boxes necessary for the bed linens, but every Thursday evening, as in the story of the “old shoemaker,” they were neatly stacked and ready for use. It was tough keeping a firm hand on those who came to us having imbibed excessively in mind-

17

altering substances. The wonderful family suppers prepared by our Nativity adults and young people were, without exception, a treat. Working together, St. Andrew’s and the Cathedral made a good relationship even better. Handling transportation to and from St. Andrew’s, their bringing volunteers and meals to Nativity during the two snow storms, and always welcoming your Canon Missioner to supper and breakfast assisted greatly in growing our relationship. One morning when we were snowed in, guys from our 6:00 A.M. Men's Group flipped pancakes for breakfast. Some even stayed around to help prepare a Friday lunch. The appreciation given by our guests for our efforts, whether verbally or through their actions, will never be forgotten. My reflections led me to a deep appreciation of how successfully we have dealt with the unique situations we have faced. There is a feeling of pride in what we accomplished. Holding this thought in my mind led me to think of the opportunities and challenges we will encounter next winter. My guess is we will continue to see the effect of unemployment, the cuts in social services, the lack of medical care, and the expected closing of Allentown State Hospital. The sad news is that because of these and other stresses I suspect the number of homeless will increase next year. The number doubled from the first winter of our Shelter Program to the second. What will happen next winter? Will we be prepared? We must acknowledge our limitations. We are not able to handle chronic medical conditions and the other, often devastating, personal needs of our guests. This year we have dealt with a wheelchair-bound double amputee, a guest with a serious problem of incontinence, and several persons on crutches. Housing unemployed persons with a seemingly unsolvable problem of income and employment adds to the complexity of what we do. Then the perplexity of finding housing for some of our guests when our Shelter Program ends each year confronts us. Unfortunately, recently, the police, hospitals and others have started viewing our shelters as a place to dump persons they need to rid themselves of. Those being dumped are persons who should be provided for in ways other than abandoning them. We are not equipped to cope with many of the problems people brought to us in this manner must deal with. The above challenges do not include the normal problems of dealing effectively with the multiplicity of issues our guests bring with them when our doors open at 6:00 P.M. each Thursday. It is tempting to fly off in numerous directions in efforts to solve everything that has gone wrong. For instance, many who seek shelter have addiction problems. Addiction to alcohol and/or drugs is endemic in our society. We need to do more to provide addicted persons with ways to overcome their problem, but in a rotating shelter program we have too little time and cannot be expected to have a trained addiction counselor. It is difficult, but we must keep reminding ourselves our primary mission is to provide a safe and warm place for our homeless guests on cold nights. We perform a function very much like triage on a battlefield. If we do this well, we will have done our job. Nevertheless, we cannot use this as an excuse to abandon the other needs of the homeless. We must find ways to coordinate with others who seek to care for the homeless, to develop systems when they do not exist, and to be advocates for a more just and equitable society for everyone. All who have worked in the Shelter Program have come to feel their problems lessened and have a growing thanksgiving for the lives we lead. Each week is an adventure and as we have for two winters, we have accomplished our mission. Each week we have learned and each week the number of parishioners involved has grown. In this ministry we have matured as a church and as children of God, i.e. all of which fits very well into our Mission Statement:

To know Christ, to make Him known, and to serve all people according to His example.

18

DATA CONCERNING THOSE WE ASSISTED FROM 4/1/09—3/31/10

The expenditure of monies by your Canon Missioner. Monies used are largely provided from offerings made to the Cathedral at Christmas and

Easter.

2009 Number of transactions requiring monies

$ Credit Card Checks Cash April 713.08 11 14 10 May 676.50 6 24 2 June 866.70 7 19 2 July 485.52 2 11 4 August 928.77 13 10 10 September 841.34 17 15 7 October 631.11 13 12 7 November 877.83 16 19 5 December 1,180.67 19 19 7

2010 January 1,883.71 21 43 8 February 670.42 9 15 5 March 956.49 10 24 8

Total 10,812.14 144 235 75

With the monies expended, we have assisted people in many ways such as: rent payment, automobile gas and repairs, purchase of medicine, bus tickets to cities and surrounding regions, Lanta tickets, cell phone time, urine test, court cost, ID cards, PPL bills, birth certificates, clothing, food, etc. Each of the 454 persons listed above received counseling, as well as many not assisted with monies.

The Rev. Joel Atkinson, Canon Missioner

19


Cathedral Music Program

THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR The choir is a large group of dedicated volunteers who give a great amount of their time and energy, some traveling many miles each week to sing together. And not only to singing, but also to helping with fundraisers, providing receptions for the concert series, and contributing to many other areas of cathedral life. We have a group of Choral Scholars (presently three) from Moravian College, which provides a good bolster for the Cathedral Choir, and also gives the students some liturgical experience in aspects of church music. It further strengthens the link between Moravian and the Cathedral where Russell Jackson teaches Organ and Organ/Choral literature. THE CATHEDRAL CHORAL SOCIETY OF BETHLEHEM/CATHEDRAL PLAYERS The Choral Society presented its 46th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. They were joined by the Cathedral Choir, with professional soloists and instrumentalists. In addition to the Choral Society and Cathedral Choir a new group has been formed which is an outgrowth from the two: The Cathedral Players, who produced their first staged musical production “Bad Habits” in March. CATHEDRAL CLASSICS The concert series is now in its twelfth year and continues to play a significant role in the musical life of the Lehigh Valley. Highlights from last year include the astonishing Cameron Carpenter who gave the Celebrity Organ Recital, the Cathedral Chamber Singers who presented their first concert, and a combined performance of the Duruflé Requiem with the Choirs of St. Stephen’s Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes Barre and Nativity. As always we strive to produce something of beauty and worth which draws together people from this church, other congregations, and the surrounding communities.

Respectfully, Russell Jackson

20

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Report from the Missioner for Children

and Youth Christian Formation

Continuity and transition would be a good theme for 2009 in the area of Children’s and Youth Ministries. Most areas remained the same, but there were some changes in 2009. During the summer of 2009, Nativity hosted the Bishop’s Day for Kids (Grades 1-5). Bishop’s Day for Kids is a program presented by the Diocese. Tammy Gordon turned the direction of the nursery over to Sonja Pesavento, who continued the tradition of quality childcare with trained and dedicated caregivers. Mary Ann Lynn completed another year as Sunday School Superintendent for Grades preK-6. This year was marked by growing enrollment and enthusiasm. Two new teachers were added this year: Tammy Gordon is teaching in the preK Godly Play classroom, and Dana Whedon replaced Becky Berkenstock in the Grade 3-4 classroom. One of our veteran teachers, Tracey Eisenreich, completed the training to become a Certified Godly Play Instructor during 2009. The structure and time for Sunday School changed for 2009. The start time for the lower school remained the same, 9:00 am, but grades 1-6 started their day in the Good Shepherd Chapel with song under the direction of Becky Berkenstock. At 9:15 the students proceed to their respective classrooms, and classes end at 10:15 am, which is 15 minutes later than previous years. The children showed their skills during the Christmas Pageant, which was performed in January because of snow on December 19. The pageant was directed by Pam Bayliss. Grades 1-6, under the direction of Becky Berkenstock, will also sing during the 10:30 Pentecost service. The Good Friday Way of the Cross was presented by the children and youth, under the direction of Barbara Iannelli and Mary Ann Lynn. The Children’s Liturgy of the Word, offered for children ages 3-7 during the 10:30 am service, continued this year with parents volunteering on a monthly basis. Thanks to karaoke Bible songs recorded by Ed Gamber, the kids have learned the words to seven songs, since there is no way to “sing along.” The children have compiled their own songbook, learned the Our Father, participated in several stories, and are experts at the Peace. Grades 7-12 are completing the second year of their J2A class and will move up in the fall of 2010. The Rite-13 class (Grades 7-8) had an active year under mentors Judy Doell and Ed Boksan. In the fall they assisted the Grounds Committee in a spruce up of the Church grounds, planting flowers, mulching, and weeding, and raised over $500 through sponsorship of their walk in the CROP Walk. In the spring they were active in cooking for the Emergency Shelter, and presented the congregation with a sample of their work at two Adult Forums in late January. On February 7, 2010, the formal Rite 13 liturgy was held. The J2A class (Grades 9-10) under mentors Tori Aitchison and Ron Heneghan completed their fundraising efforts for pilgrimage with hard work and dedication. They instituted a Musikfest Parking fundraiser, which was very successful. Ten members of the class and four chaperones will go on pilgrimage in July to San Francisco.

21

The YAC class continued to grow into their adult roles in the church with service opportunities as readers, ushers, Vestry, and assistance to the lower Sunday School with music when needed. In the fall, the class planned and executed a Halloween party for the youngest members of Nativity as a way of service. Outreach activities for children and youth included the Thanksgiving Basket preparation and distribution headed by Bob and Mary Ann Lynn, the adoption of families for Christmas organized by Dana Whedon and Bob Lynn, and the Heifer Project for Lent. Soon after the earthquake in Haiti, Lucy Kitch-Peck, a member of the 3-4th grade Sunday school class organized a Bake Sale which raised more than $1,000. Lucy was assisted by adult, Julie Heneghan. The youth were seen with soup pots collecting on Souper Bowl Sunday. Stephen Yale and Isaac Martin are Nativity’s representatives to Diocesan Youth Council. Both helped plan the Diocesan Christophany event, and helped organize the collection of Hygiene items to be packaged and distributed at three shelters in the Diocese.

Respectfully submitted by Missioner Ann Mickus

22


Altar Guild

The Cathedral Altar Guild currently consists of 50 members, divided into 12 monthly teams, and all give to this ministry in a faithful and generous manner. We prepare the church and chapels for all worship services (primarily Holy Eucharist) for: Saturday evenings, Sundays, daily Lenten and Christmas seasons, mid-week, Saint’s days, ordinations, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Chrism mass, etc. Officers and Directing Committee members are:

Directress Dolores J. Cauller Treasurer Ruth Paul Secretary Joan Bray Sacristan Jean Montgomery Flower Guild Kit Hower We welcomed three new members who have been trained this year: Catherine Alling, Tracey Eisenreich, and Jean Rich. Resignations were received from: Anne Day, Pat Ditmars, Mary Jane Rauch, Betty Roach, Martha Rossnagel and Connie Strohl. Our special thanks and appreciation go to all the above ladies. Our last annual Altar Guild meeting was held on October 24, 2009, and began with a Eucharist in Church, followed by refreshments and a business meeting in Sayre Hall. We continue to have four local florists furnish our altar flowers, along with our own Flower Guild responsible for Easter, Christmas and other special days. The flowers are recycled into small arrangements on Mondays and taken to Nativity patients in the hospital by another group of flower volunteers. Our Sacristan, Jean Montgomery, continues to take loving care of all our altar linens, both large and small. A new Fair Linen for the Chapel, four small purificators and corporals (for new Lay Eucharistic Visitor kits), and one Pall were purchased and donated in honor of Altar Guild members past and present. Other Altar linens were purchased by Bonnie Kuronya in memory of her daughter, Frances. Fabric was purchased for a cover (made by Mary Mulder) for the free-standing altar now used at the Saturday 5 PM services. Once again our members worked in the kitchen and served a meal at the Lenten Pot Luck suppers. The wedding committee (Wedding Belles), which assists brides and their families, is chaired by one of our members, Joanne Beinner. We are very blessed at Nativity to have the devotion of all our Altar Guild members who serve in this ministry with such loving spirit. Dolores J. Cauller, Directress

23


Cathedral Jazz Band

During 2009, the Cathedral Jazz Band led the congregation in two successful Jazz Eucharist services. The band also performed at the spaghetti dinner and the car wash. In addition to providing occasional worship music and entertainment, this inter-generational group offers musicians of the parish and our community the opportunity to gather together for musical fellowship. The band is open to members of the Cathedral and friends. We are currently looking for trumpet and trombone players. Interested musicians should contact Carol Yale. Psalm 150 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! I thank the Cathedral vestry and parish family for supporting the jazz band.

Carol Yale, director


Cathedral Youth Chamber Choir No report submitted.

24

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Daughters of the King

The Daughters of the King is an Order for women of the Episcopal Church and churches with the historic Episcopate, and was organized in 1885. Every Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism, dedicated to the extension of Christ’s kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. By the reaffirmation of promises made at confirmation, every Daughter undertakes a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. Chapters are organized within parishes, missions and institutions with the consent of the priest, chaplain or bishop with as few as three communicant women, who serve a three month training period of membership. Chapters may not raise money in the name of the Order, but rather seek to assist wherever possible with prayer and service. The Cathedral has a chapter instituted on May 24, 2009. Three members were admitted to the Order at that time. Our chapter name is Mary, Favored Daughter. We have two daughters is training at the moment. If you are interested in joining Daughters of the King, please contact Sarah Norwine (610) 954-8052.

25


Education for Ministries (EfM)

“All baptized Christians are ministers” is the basic premise of the Education for Ministry program offered by the University of the South. At Nativity, we are fortunate to have three opportunities to participate in this four year theological study. Our Wednesday morning group has three mentors, Cathy Bailey, Diane Krueger, and Beth Vorosmarti. We have eight students representing five churches from our diocese. Year one students study the Old Testament while year two students study the NT. Year three students study old church history while year four study recent church history and issues. The Wednesday morning group has four year one students, two year two students and two year three students. Beth and Diane are both graduates of this group which meets in the Goodwin Room from 9:45-12:15. Jenifer Gamber continues to mentor an EFM online group with seven members from five states and three time-zones. They meet on the internet using a program called Black Board, which allows posting questions and comments about the readings during the week and to meet together at one time on Sunday nights in a virtual classroom. Jenifer’s co-mentor is Kay Flores from the Diocese of Wyoming. This year, Kay and Jenifer have welcomed Lexa Shallcross, Rector of St. Margaret’s in Emmaus, as an additional mentor. The group has one first year student, two year two students, three year three students and one year four student. Amy Pontello will graduate this year and has completed four years in our group online. Six people gathered together in late September and committed to participate in a pilot program of EFM. This program is called EFM Outcross and combines components of the traditional seminar group as well as the online experience. The group is mentored by Jeff Bernardino and Janet Kolepp with Betty Isaacs, Jeremy Joiner, Jodi Porterfield, Phil Rizzo, Carol Yale and Bill Yale as participants. They meet on Sunday mornings twice monthly from 8:45-10:15 AM for Theological Reflection and post commentary and questions via the Blackboard weekly. Students commit to this four study one year at a time. These three formats can accommodate most any schedule or lifestyle. Groups form in September but it is not too early for you to consider enriching your faith journey by becoming an EFMer! If interested please contact an above-mentioned mentor.

Respectfully submitted, Diane Krueger with much input from Jenifer Gamber and Janet Kolepp

26


Episcopal Peace Fellowship

The Nativity Chapter of Episcopal Peace Fellowship meet on the third Sunday of each month in the Goodwin Room after the 10:30 or 10 (in summer) AM service. For 70 years EPF members have committed to Do Justice, Dismantle Violence, and Strive to be peace makers in our parishes, dioceses, communities, our nation, and our world. We pray, connect, act for peace, and to renounce, as far a possible, participation in war, militarism and all other forms of violence. We live out our baptismal covenant to strive for peace and justice respecting the dignity of everyone. New members are always welcome at our meetings.


Eucharistic Visitors

Since last year, the number of visitors has doubled! We now have 10 visitors who will be visiting our parishioners in the local hospitals. We also have two new wooden kits for our use, given in memory of Lala Leach. These kits are fitted with a chalice, paten, small flask for wine, a ciborium for wafers, and two purificators. Each also has a memorial plaque with Lala’s name on it. It makes the heart glad that we have so many who are willing to share in this ministry of service to the Parish. These are our Eucharistic Visitors. Please keep us in your prayers. Cathy Bailey Lynn Jago Dolores Cauller Jean Montgomery Laura Drum Sarah Norwine Jeanie Earich Judi Painter Kit Hower Beth Vorosmarti Jean Montgomery

27


History Group No report submitted.


Hospitality Committee

The Hospitality Committee works with the Cathedral clergy, staff and other committees, and the Diocesan staff to plan and serve food for parish and diocesan functions. This encompasses coordinating all aspects of meal planning, including identifying hosts and hostesses, scheduling workers, menu selection, soliciting food donations when appropriate, food purchasing, providing floral arrangements and table settings, and supervising the preparation, serving and clean up of assigned meals. Events of the last year include Diocesan Ordination Reception, Diocesan Chrism Mass Luncheon, Bishop’s Visitation Reception, Presiding Bishop Visitation Luncheon and Reception, Advent Dinner, Christmas Pageant Reception, Epiphany Celebration, Lenten Pot Lucks, Easter Brunch, Capital Campaign Kick-Off Brunch, Annual Meeting Luncheon and Summer Sunday Lemonade. Thanksgiving to God for all of you who hosted, planned, cooked and served, for it is only through the efforts of many parishioners that so much can be achieved. Kitchen ministry yields special fellowship and blessings.

Sally Snyder Chair

28


Men’s A & D (Accountability and Discipleship) Group Our men’s A & D has added two opportunities for study, fellowship, and service to the Cathedral this year. Our longstanding Friday AM, 6 to 8 is attended by 12 to 15 men, mostly Cathedralites, but with some outside responders to our invitations. One of us is the designated opener followed by prayers for people we are aware of and often provide specific assistance. The food dude is responsible for coffee and carbs or healthy stuff followed in the next hour is spent by small 3-4 person relationships, including recorded accountability plans for the next week. Knowing that you are facing your concerned peers next week is an additional personal peer pressure force. The last half hour is usually about individual comments concerning our readings for the week, 10 to 20 pages or so. Then the closer prays us off into the wide-wide world. OUR NEW A & D’S, Wednesday evenings 7 to 9 pm (3-5 men) and Sunday morning 8:50 to 10:20 (2-4 men) involve those who drive distances to daily work or are only available weekends. We even have an alumni group of 12 (magic number) that wish to be informed of our activities. During the very cold last 4 months, many men stayed overnight and/or provided transportation to the Bethlehem Library Friday morning after A & D and pickup from St Andrews to bicycle repair or the library on Saturday morning. Many reasons for homelessness were evidenced by on-going transporting and monitoring relationships over the winter. One individual remarked that his brother is crazy to volunteer at a library after he retired from the same library. The homeless man has a car, but no dwelling. He is retired from various jobs and this means, to him, he should do nothing. One older woman asked me if I belong to Nativity. She then thanked me, AND ALL OUR MEMBERSHIP, on behalf of all who we assisted. Praise the Lord! WE are now discussing THE REASON FOR GOD (Belief in an Age of Skepticism) by Tim Keller, this past week on Chapter 10, The Problem of Sin. He ends with “Everybody has to live for something. Whatever that something is becomes “Lord of your life”, whether you think of it that way or not. Jesus is the only Lord who, if you receive him, will fulfill you completely, and if you fail him, will forgive you eternally.” How many times have you been asked to join? I said no or ignored the first eight asks, until about 5 years ago. Consider this your ninth request. Shared advisory opinions of life choices, unemployment moral support, physical assistance, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, hands on praying and rejoicing are awaiting your part of our “way below the surface” relationships. Eben Sales

29


Monday Flower Group

The Monday Flower Group has proudly completed (35) thirty-five years of providing sunshine and compassion to hospitalized parishioners and the offices of our clergy.

This spiritual mission was started by Canon Charles Shreve in 1974. Canon Shreve’s idea was to put the use of Sunday’s Alter flowers to bring cheerfulness to the family of The Cathedral.

Each Monday a member of the Flower Group creates a small arrangement expressing love and hope. This expression is then delivered to the hospital along with a greeting and friendly visit.

We welcome new volunteers and their ideas at any time, no experience is required. Please call or email me so we can discuss this ministry on how you can contribute to building a spiritual relationship and meet new friends at The Cathedral.

A sincere thank you note and appreciation to all our members and office staff who devote themselves to this special ministry.

Pam Calabrese, chair 484-767-6846 cell 610-398-9270 hm [email protected]


Nativity Dinner Groups

This year Nativity’s Dinner Groups are going strong. We started the year in September with a “kick off” hors d’oeuvre reception in Sayre Hall and the results were such that we plan to repeat this event next year. We have well over 90 participants not including clergy and with additional guests being invited our numbers must top the one hundred mark. This program has a long standing with Nativity and provides an excellent opportunity for fellowship and connection with our church family. Chairpersons are Karyn Arcario, Diane Krueger, and Beth Vorosmarti. Plans and ideas for next year include adding lunch groups and groups for those who wish to include their children.

Respectfully submitted, Diane Krueger

30


Nativity Youth Camp 2009

In support of Nativity Youth Camp we held our annual Spaghetti Dinner in February. As always, the food was fabulous, the service impeccable, and the fellowship heartwarming. The entertainment gets better every year with the incredible talents of many parishioners and our awesome Jazz Band. In May we held our Car Wash and Nativity Café, where we were all delighted by another performance from the Jazz Band. Everyone had fun; there were plenty of bagels, doughnuts, hamburgers, hotdogs...and lots of beautifully cleaned cars. Mark your calendars for May 15, 2010. We promise you'll get a clean car and enjoy yourselves while you're waiting. You may even get inspired to join in the fun and festivities. We hope so. In June, 55 youth and over 20 adults came together at Camp Lackawanna in Tunkhannock, PA for a week of togetherness. We sing, play, dance, worship, eat wonderful food, make beautiful arts and crafts, treasures, pray, swim, study, talk, listen and love with one another. And that was just the first day. Nativity Youth Camp is for all youth of the Cathedral who have completed second grade up through those that have just completed high school. The youth that are in high school make up the corps of counselors as they assume significant responsibilities for running camp. The younger youth are in very good hands with our counselors. The adult staff is made up of 20-25 volunteers from our parish. This is a tireless group that works in preparation for months leading up to our week in June. The support for this ministry by our entire parish; your prayers, financial contributions, physical work, is ever present with all who participate in Nativity Youth Camp. This looks and sound a lot like a ministry for just our youth but it is in fact of all of us. We look forward to another wonderful camp this year and are grateful for the love and nurturing support of our parish that makes this legacy ministry possible. Raymond Arcario Camp Director

31


New Bethany Ministries

Submitted by Diane Elliott, Executive Director

As the unemployment rate in 2009 in the Lehigh Valley rose to 9.8 percent, the highest since the early 1980s, the services offered by New Bethany Ministries became more crucial than ever. At the same time New Bethany Ministries experienced a transitional period that was aptly and seamlessly handled by Acting Executive Director Jeffrey Miller and Board President Robert Wilkins and the staff. New Bethany Ministries was assisted by the Cathedral through the ministry of Canon Joel Atkinson who provided pastoral care to the poor. As a result, in 2009 New Bethany was able to provide to our neighbors:

• 39,933 meals through our hospitality center (an increase of more than 9% over • 207,045 meals through our food pantry (an increase of 25% over 2008) • Low-income housing for 51 families and 35 individuals in five facilities • Financial management for 132 people through our Representative Payee

Program (an increase of more than 9% over 2008) This was due in no small part to Cathedral Church of the Nativity. In 2009, for the third year in a row, the Cathedral was our top financially contributing congregation. During the calendar year, New Bethany Ministries received a total of $25,589 from various funds and offerings of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. The Cathedral also played a critical role through its Sunday food collections, permission to use the Shawnee Building for food storage, and a generous incentive grant from the Third Millennium Fund for our annual Spring Hunger Campaign. In addition, many members of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity donated their resources and their time, regularly serving meals at our Mollard Hospitality Center. New Bethany Ministries’ goals are to increase available attractive and comfortable housing for transitional and permanent singles and families; provide meals and client services to an increased number of people in an upgraded facility; and improve administrative systems to collect and analyze data, evaluate physical space and its use, increase development efforts and improve the ability to communicate with stakeholders. To accomplish this New Bethany Ministries has purchased Grace House in Allentown, which will provide permanent housing to more than 10% of the city’s chronically homeless beginning in August. Furthermore, over the next several months, New Bethany Ministries will purchase Our Lady of Pompeii Church on 4th Street in Bethlehem and convert it to the new pantry and hospitality center, allowing us to seat 200 of our visitors at one time, compared to our present capacity of fewer than 50. After the move, New Bethany will construct additional housing at the present site. None of this would be possible without the support of The Cathedral Church of the Nativity. We are very appreciative of the difference its contributions have made, and will continue to make, for the 175 people who eat in our hospitality center every day, the 400 families who receive groceries from our food pantry every month, and the residents living within the walls of New Bethany Ministries. Thank you!

32


Past & Present Luncheons

Our vision for this ministry is to bring people of all generations together in fellowship, to give a sense of belonging and inclusion to members who have not had a chance to be active in parish life, to open new doors for people through the breaking of bread, fun and conversation. We have a vision of older members sharing with younger ones. Our goals for the coming year are to continue as we have, hoping to add some new faces along the way. We will continue to have a short program followed by lunch. We put out a basket for donations, but do not charge for the lunch. Our programs are aimed to entertain and enlighten our guests. We have done programs about the history of the church, had an antique appraiser, and clergy. We hope to continue having a variety of programs. We plan to meet every other month, usually on a Friday. We plan a total of four luncheons this year.

Sarah Norwine Pam Bayliss

33


Pastoral Visitors

In recent weeks and months we have heard and read so much about natural disasters, violence and strife. Accompanying these events there are always cries for help, for mercy, for care. In recent weeks we have also read in the Daily Office about how the crowds always sought and found Jesus, the Great Healer, asking Him to have mercy on them and to heal their infirmities. These circumstances and readings remind me that all around us there are those who are lonely, afraid, sick, or in distress, needing someone to help them, to visit, pray, comfort and encourage them. Mother Theresa once said, all around us there are people who “hunger for love, for care, to be somebody; experiencing that homelessness that comes from, having no one to call your own.” As Pastoral Visitors we strive to be carriers of God’s love to those parishioners who cannot get to church, strengthening their connection to our community of faith. We visit, listen, laugh and cry with them, and take Eucharist when they desire it. (Last year we took Eucharist over a hundred times.) There are eighteen of us, and among us we visit thirty-five households, attempting to have each person visited once a month. Beverly Craul takes her therapy dog with her, which is a special treat for those whom she sees. At Christmas we deliver flowers, and cards and ornaments made by the Sunday School children. At Easter we deliver flowers from the altar. In the last year twelve of those whom we visited have gone on to the greater life. They were dear friends, and we too have experienced by their departure a void in our lives. But our Lord sends us new friends to visit and to learn to love. If you feel called to share in the life of a parishioner who needs a visitor, please consider volunteering, letting the clergy or me know of your desire. You will always be renewed and transformed. Both you and the one you visit will surely have an opportunity to see Jesus in each other as carriers of His love. Laura Drum April 3, 2010

34


Philia Book Club

The Philia Book Club meets once a month on the third Thursday at 11:30 AM. Tea and coffee are provided, bring your own lunch. Everyone is welcome for one book discussion or for all of them. The books vary in interest and all suggestions are considered. Please join us. Margo Cox, chair


Prayer Chain

We have a chain of six people. When a request is called in to any member of the chain or the church office – they call it on to the next person and that person calls it on to the next person, etc. Prayer requests are passed on in a timely fashion. We pray for two weeks unless a longer period of time is requested. Our BIGGEST responsibility is confidentiality. We all commit to that and do not reveal any requests. The prayer chain is a rewarding service to the church and the community. We will pray for anyone – friends, neighbors, family – as well as our Nativity family. Our chain consists of the following:

Bev Craul 610-838-2288 Dolores Schiesser 610-797-5898 Dolores Cauller 610-759-4318 Susan Harrington 610-866-2419 Sally Snyder 610-867-6049 Jan Beer 484-851-3374

Please call us for prayers and consider joining in this rewarding service. Bev Craul

35

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Property Committee

No report submitted.

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY ShareCare Faith in Action

ShareCare Faith in Action is a faith-based network of volunteers who provide one-on-one care giving assistance to people in need in our church and in the community. At this time, we mainly provide assistance to our own parish family. Members of the Cathedral currently volunteer hundreds of hours each year to serve members of the Cathedral in need. Thank you to all of our care giving volunteers. In 2009, Anne Day stepped down from her position as our Parish Coordinator. Thank you to Anne for her dedicated service. The coordinator position is currently open. Many members of the Cathedral participated in fund-raising activities that provide operating expenses for the local organization. This year we participated in three major fund-raisers to benefit ShareCare: Musikfest port-a-potties, Celtic Classic port-a-potties, and the Bowl-a-thon. Thank you to all of our fund-raising volunteers. ShareCare Faith in Action provides an opportunity for volunteers to live into their faith. Jesus tells us that we should help the sick, the poor, the needy, and the lonely people in our midst. ShareCare provides the opportunity for volunteers and persons in need to find each other. Volunteers are currently needed to help with transportation. For more information on becoming a volunteer or for aid in requesting assistance, please call Carol Yale, 610-559-5959, or e-mail [email protected].

36

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Southside Ministries

On Sunday, November 22, 2009, Southside Ministries celebrated its first 25 years and looked ahead to ministry in the future. The celebration event had been planned for over a year. Both those who currently serve through SSM and those who were active in the past were invited, along with local political dignitaries and guests. The Coordinator did a lot of research and wrote the history of the organization. Souvenir magnets were ordered, displays developed, pictures gathered, and a reception planned. The date arrived and St. Peter’s was filled with worshippers. At 3 PM, the Coordinator invited all founding clergy to rise. Ed Dufrense was there from Massachusetts. Bob Schenkel was also present. Former Coordinators Sue Bergman, Anne Evans, and Judy Neunzig attended. Then those serving or who had served in every ministry were invited to rise. Finally, all those who had come to celebrate the work of SSM and to praise God rose. As the entire congregation stood, the Coordinator spoke of the great cloud of witnesses and prayed that God would continue to raise up people to do the work of Southside Ministries. The congregation received greetings from Representative Samuelson, Mayor Callahan, Congressperson Charlie Dent, and Guillermo Lopez, chairperson of the US-222 Anti-Gang Task Force. Then worship began. The clergy from the four SSM congregations led worship and the choir from each congregation sang an anthem. Pastor Gary Langensiepen was the preacher and songs of Thanksgiving filled the Nave, thanking and praising God. At the reception, old friends reconnected and everyone enjoyed the food and took time to look at the displays. It was a wonderful time to reflect on the past and to launch SSM into the future, committed to serving our neighbors in the name of Jesus. And that’s what we continue to do:

• “Friday Fun Nights” happen at Holy Ghost. • Through the Southside Ministries “KIDS” summer program at Nativity, adults and youth

explored the Wonder of the Word in “Discovery Canyon.” • The Community Festival at Holy Ghost was enjoyed by children and youth as they shared

pizza, games, and the ever-popular prize walk. • The Thrift Shop distributed an amazing amount of clothing. An “Evening Crew” worked twice

a month to sort clothes to be of help to the day shifts. • As Coordinator, I’ve had the opportunity to represent SSM by serving on the US 222 Anti-

Gang Task Force. Those are just some of the ministries that happened in 2009, and as Coordinator, I thank all who participated. “THANK YOU” to the members of the Directing Council for the support, leadership and guidance; the SSM member congregations for providing financial support and the use of their buildings; the children, youth, and adults of our neighborhood who trust SSM to provide quality programs in a safe environment; and the Volunteers who enable Southside Ministries to serve our neighbors in the name of Christ. In 2009, we celebrated the past and served those present among us. Now, as we enter 2010, we remain grounded in faith and committed to serve all people through SSM. May God continue to bless Southside Ministries and all those who serve and who care for one another through its ministries!

Barbara Taylor Southside Ministries Coordinator

37


Stewardship Committee

Our Stewardship Ministry Team accepts responsibility for conducting a Fall ingathering or pledge campaign when parishioners make financial commitments to support the ministry and mission of the church. This is a primary goad and concern of our team. It is our hope and belief that, over the past few years, the stewardship effort goes beyond financial giving for the needs of the church to a more spiritual approach of the need of each of us to share a meaningful percentage of our income for God’s purpose. At our Fall ingathering this year, 255 pledges were received for a total of $550,000. Parishioners are encouraged to make contributions annually through the pledge system which benefits the budgeting process. However, many contribute to the church regularly but choose not to pledge. Contributions received in this manner account for approximately $45,000. We are grateful for each gift, large and small. We believe gifts made to the church are an expression of thanksgiving and a commitment to responsible stewardship. A further goal of our stewardship team is to promote planned giving through the St. Matthew Society. Many parishioners (more than 75) have made known that they have remembered Nativity in their estate plan. It is a significant way to ensure that the ministry and mission of our church will continue for generations to come. It is easy, responsible and fulfilling to make a gift through your will, a charitable annuity, a gift or stock or insurance, etc. Please speak to the clergy or a member of the stewardship team. The Stewardship Team: Pam Calabrese, Carl Chegwidden, Terri Miller, Karen Norelli, David Beinner, and Bill Cauller, Chairperson

38

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Sunday School

As we continue in our Easter season and watch the children bring forward their arks for the Heifer project we are reminded of the growth in our church and Sunday School. The lower grades, preK-6, are bustling about as usual. We are using the Godly Play curriculum for the 3-5 year olds and the first and second graders. The third and fourth graders are using the curriculum ‘All Things New’ and learning more about the Heifer project. The fifth and sixth graders are also using the same curriculum. All you have to do is come down and stand in the hallway and you can hear singing, story telling, laughing and excitement in the air. We are bursting at the seams using every room possible in the Lower level. The upper school continues with the Journey to Adulthood program. This is the second year of a two-year cycle. This means most of the students in our Rite 13 class are now full fledge teenagers. The youth in the J2A class are preparing for their pilgrimage and some of the youth in the YAC class are getting ready to go off to college. I have watched many of them grow up and it will almost be as hard sending them off to college as it was with my own children. All this personal growth could not be possible without the dedicated Sunday school teachers and mentors who have given their time, energy and love to the children of Nativity. Our programs continue to grow and prosper because of these devoted people. Many thanks to all who support Nativity Sunday School.

Sunday School Staff

Catechesis Tracy Eisenreich, Tammy Gordon, Kim Spotts-Kimmel Grades 1-2 Barbara Iannelli, Bonnie Kuronya Grades 3-4 Pam Bayliss, Dana Whedon Grades 5-6 Mary Thomas, George Samuelson Rite 13 Judy Doell, Ed Boksan J2A Tori Aitchison, Ron Heneghan YAC Beth Vorosmarti, Tom Brandt, Bob Lynn

Mary Ann Lynn, Superintendent Ann Mickus, Missioner for Children and Youth Formation

39

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Third Millennium Fund Endowment and St. Matthew Society

The Cathedral Endowment for the Third Millennium was created by a Vestry Resolution adopted on October 15, 2001 to enable the Parish to enhance its mission by initiatives beyond those possible in the annual operating budget. The Resolution established the Endowment Fund Board to serve as Custodian of the Fund and make recommendations to the Vestry regarding the use of the distributable income. The St. Matthew Society is an honorary legacy society established by Bishop Marshall to recognize and thank all those who have provided for the future life and work of the Parish through planned gifts and bequests to the Third Millennium Fund. Members are recognized with their names on a plaque in the Slype. Gifts and bequests made or pledged through the St. Matthew Society may be made in any amounts. This Planned Giving Program will help Nativity to accomplish its mission in future decades. The principal of the Third Millennium Fund is invested in the Bethlehem Diocesan Investment Trust (“DIT”). Income based on this principal is distributed quarterly by the DIT. The financial crisis and recession that hit the American economy in 2008 and 2009 have significantly reduced the value of endowment funds in the DIT, as well as the amount of income generated. For example, the value of the Third Millennium Fund peaked at $1,149,615 in January, 2008, then declined sharply to $776,464 in June, 2009. DIT distribution of income from DIT endowment funds is based on a three-year rolling average. Thus, the annual income of $60,028 received by Nativity’s Third Millennium Fund in 2009 will decline to approximately $45,000 in 2010. In accordance with the original Vestry Resolution, the principal of the Third Millennium Fund shall not be invaded, but income can be used in the following areas: 1) Capital Needs of the Parish, 2) Outreach Ministries, 3) Education and Training, 4) Projects of the Episcopal Church at home and overseas, 5) other purposes specifically designated by the donors. The Third Millennium Fund Board meets quarterly. It considers petitions for funding both from within and outside Nativity. Board decisions are recommendations to the Vestry, which retains official authority over the allocation and expenditure of funds. During the past year the Board recommended approval of a wide variety of projects including support for New Bethany’s Spring Hunger Campaign, Family Ministry, Adult Ministries, Youth Pilgrimage, Youth and Urban Issues Program, Nativity Youth Camp, Evangelism Advertising and Communications, and 21st Century Web Presence. During the past year Bruce Swan completed his term on the Board and was succeeded by Peter Hilgert.

Board Members:

Dick Barsness - Chairperson Phil Schenkel Kit Hower Chip Montgomery Betsi Strasser Andy Warner Eben Sales Kim Plyler Kelly Watkins-Smith Peter Hilgert

40

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY The Wedding Belles

Our mission is to provide hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere for the bridal party, family and guests. We make every effort to understand the presiding clergy's expectations, as well as the bride's and groom's desires and help to bring those expectations to fruition. Our present committee is: Barbara Appleton, Karen Boksan, Marlene Malloy, Janet Martin and Cid Spillman. In 2009, we served at one wedding rehearsal and wedding. Joanne Beinner, Chairperson

41

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Welcoming Ministry Team

OUR WELCOMING MINISTRY

I would like to start with a special thank you to Cid Spillman for her ministry to this parish and to the Welcoming Ministry. She has chaired this committee since its inception and has formed the vision of what we are today. Cid has stepped down as Chairperson but, thankfully, will continue to work with this important ministry. When visitors are asked why they return to Nativity, they invariably answer, “Because everyone is so friendly.” A big thank you to all of you for reaching out to those new in our midst! Remember the “Three Minute Rule”: spend the first three minutes at the close of a service talking to someone you do not know. The Welcoming Ministry Team oversees the shepherding of new people into the parish. We make ourselves visible by wearing a large pin that says “Visiting? Ask me.” These pins point to us as resources for any visitors/newcomers. There are visitor cards and a pencil in each pew available to anyone looking for more information to complete and place in the collection plate or hand to an usher. One of our team delivers a small gift of a coffee mug, with the church insignia on it, along with information about our parish, to each person expressing interest in our parish. We try to maintain some contact with that person/family with a phone call and an invitation to an upcoming event. A newcomer social event is held at the Dean’s home several times each year to help the newcomer get to know some members of the parish on a more personal level. After a year of work, we have completed the Parish Ministries Booklet. This is a comprehensive list with a short description of all the ministries ongoing in the parish. Our hope is to make newcomers aware of all the wonderful things going on here and may spark some interest in one of them. What will the next year bring? Hopefully some more team members. We are always looking for help with delivering gift bags to people’s homes and making contact with those interested in our parish. We have tried to make sitting at meetings a minimal part of this ministry, so we are meeting every other month for an hour to plan and review our work. Please consider this ministry. Cathy Bailey Welcoming Ministry Team Chairperson

42

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY Women of Nativity

Women of Nativity Annual Retreat March 19-21, 2010 Planning Committee Nell Brandt Tracy Eisenreich Jenifer Gamber Connie Gilbert Julie Heneghan Janet Kolepp Beth Vorosmarti In Anne Kitch’s book, One Little Church Mouse, the story is told of how a whole congregation grew when one little church mouse invited another and the two invited more and so on. In 2002 one woman invited five other women to attend a women’s retreat in Virginia. The next year the first annual Women of Nativity Retreat was held at Spruce Lake Retreat Center with 23 women attending. This year more than 35 women from Nativity, the diocese and friends gathered for prayer, study, fellowship and creative outlets at Villa of Our Lady in the Poconos at the 8th annual Women of Nativity Retreat. We experienced the true spiritual gift of hospitality from the sisters of Our Lady. Each year the weekend always seems to be filled with fellowship and praise, laughter and tears, singing and worship. Our guest speakers over the years have been varied. We’ve enjoyed bible study with Virginia Wiles, chant with Ana Hernandez, story-telling with Tracy Radocevich, spiritual direction from Barbara Crafton, a journey of the soul with Suzanne Guthrie, and finding God through the transitions of our lives with Sissie Wile and Hailey Allin. The retreat, the weekend continues to be truly touched by God. We invite you to mark your calendars and plan to attend the 9th Annual Women of Nativity Retreat in March, 2011. You will be blessed!

43

Hymn 525 Aurelia

Hymns 508, 525 from The Hymnal 1982, © Church Pension Group used by permission

Date post:	29-May-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	duongtuyen
View:	213 times
Download:	0 times

ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - Cathedral Church of the Nativity annual report of the Dean and Rector of the...

Documents