2017 was a year of growth and change for Firstfruits. God had new plans for this work of his. After six years of Firstfruits’ feast of spiritual opportunities traveling to venues in the Milwaukee area it was time for a permanent home. Through the hard work, prayers and financial support of an incredible number of generous Firstfruits supporters we were able to take occupancy and remodel a new home in the Village Court in Elm Grove last October. We now can offer more spiritual opportunities for women on a regular basis. It is truly a dream come true. The realization of this dream is a strong testimony to the faithfulness and provision of God. We look forward to seeing what he has in mind for this new home. The adventure has only just begun … “Pastoral ministry…seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: ‘We have always done it this way.’ I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.” –Evangelii Gaudium – “The Joy of the Gospel” Pope Francis We “Planted a Seed” at St. Catherine Residence! St. Catherine Residence, located in Milwaukee, seeks to ensure safe, affordable and supportive housing to low-income women of diverse talents and needs who aspire to maximize their personal growth and employment opportunities. Many residents have limited access to affordable housing and this ministry fills a critical need in the community. Thanks to Thrivent Financial, Rob Petri, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother and so many of you, we were able to bring Firstfruits to the women of St. Catherine Residence this September! “Over 25 women participated. From the opening song to the closing prayer the grace of God was so evident. The residents were so appreciative of the opportunity to sing, to share a meal and to learn all together in community. As I was packing up the car one of the women who attended came to me and she told me she felt changed. She said she came away feeling better equipped to face some of her personal challenges. She felt that she was given tools to do that. It wasn’t just a feel-good day, it was a transformational experience. I felt the same way, as did our whole team. We are so grateful for the opportunity to spend a day with these inspiring women.” ~Joan What is Firstfruits? Firstfruits is a non-profit women’s ministry that provides spiritual enrichment for women. We offer facilitated programs, inspirational speakers, breakout sessions, homemade food, fellowship and music at our Elm Grove location and traveling events around the Greater Milwaukee area. Who Does Firstfruits Serve? Firstfruits welcomes and encourages women of all ages and faiths to attend. We are Catholic in tradition and ecumenical in outreach. Firstfruits’ Mission Our mission is to assist women in their spiritual growth by deepening their personal relationship with God and by helping them awaken to their giftedness and purpose – all done in community with other women. Board of Directors Joan Carey Zan Martensson Stephanie Niederjohn Jennifer Schultz Jamee Stanley Bernadette Trucco 2017 Annual Report FIRSTFRUITS www.firstfruits.info [email protected]The Village Court 890 Elm Grove Road Bldg. 2, Suite 6 Elm Grove, WI 53122 (262) 271-7859 Find us on Facebook Executive Director’s Corner By Joan Carey
Transcript
2017 was a year of growth and change for Firstfruits. God had new plans for this work of his. After six years of Firstfruits’ feast of spiritual opportunities traveling to venues in the Milwaukee area it was time for a permanent home.
Through the hard work, prayers and financial support of an incredible number of generous Firstfruits supporters we were able to take occupancy and remodel a new home in the Village Court in Elm Grove last October.
We now can offer more spiritual opportunities for women on a regular basis. It is truly a dream come true.
The realization of this dream is a strong testimony to the faithfulness and provision of God. We look forward to seeing what he has in mind for this new home. The adventure has only just begun …
“Pastoral ministry…seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says:
‘We have always done it this way.’ I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this
task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization
in their respective communities.” –Evangelii Gaudium – “The Joy of the Gospel”
Pope Francis
We “Planted a Seed” at St. Catherine Residence! St. Catherine Residence, located in Milwaukee, seeks to ensure safe, affordable and supportive housing to low-income women of diverse talents and needs who aspire to maximize their personal growth and employment opportunities. Many residents have limited access to affordable housing and this ministry fills a critical need in the community.
Thanks to Thrivent Financial, Rob Petri, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother and so many of you, we were able to bring Firstfruits to the women of St. Catherine Residence this September!
“Over 25 women participated. From the opening song to the closing prayer the grace of God was so evident. The residents were so appreciative of the opportunity to sing, to share a meal and to learn all together in community. As I was packing up the car one of the women who attended came to me and she told me she felt changed. She said she came away feeling better equipped to face some of her personal challenges. She felt that she was given tools to do that. It wasn’t just a feel-good day, it was a transformational experience. I felt the same way, as did our whole team. We are so grateful for the opportunity to spend a day with these inspiring women.” ~Joan
What is Firstfruits?
Firstfruits is a non-profit women’s ministry that provides spiritual enrichment for women. We offer facilitated programs, inspirational speakers, breakout sessions, homemade food, fellowship and music at our Elm Grove location and traveling events around the Greater Milwaukee area. Who Does Firstfruits Serve?
Firstfruits welcomes and encourages women of all ages and faiths to attend. We are Catholic in tradition and ecumenical in outreach. Firstfruits’ Mission
Our mission is to assist women in their spiritual growth by deepening their personal relationship with God and by helping them awaken to their giftedness and purpose – all done in community with other women. Board of Directors Joan Carey Zan Martensson Stephanie Niederjohn Jennifer Schultz Jamee Stanley Bernadette Trucco
2017 Annual Report
FIRSTFRUITS
“It has something for everyone. Very friendly people. Lovely set up.”
The Village Court 890 Elm Grove Road �Bldg. 2, Suite 6
Elm Grove, WI 53122 (262) 271-7859
Find us on Facebook
Executive Director’s Corner By Joan Carey
We Took Root!
I appreciated being able to chose from such an excellent variety of topics. The subject matter was exactly what I needed.
Capital Campaign Financial Report
Traveling Hosts Christ King - Wauwatosa
Holy Angels – West Bend* Immaculate Heart of Mary – West Allis*
Lumen Christi – Mequon* Queen of Apostles - Pewaukee
St. Alphonsus – Greendale* St. Anthony on the Lake – Pewaukee* St. Catherine Residence - Milwaukee*
St. Eugene – Fox Point* St. James – Menomonee Falls*
St. Paul the Apostle – Racine* *2016-17 Season
There is no place like home Firstfruits’ “homebase” is centrally located in the heart of Elm Grove and offers the same contemporary, yet cozy, ambiance that has made our day retreats a place of rest from the busyness of the world. Refresh your spirit, and reconnect with God among a community of women who share your longing! You can connect with your Firstfruits community when you are out and about, in addition to attending scheduled events. There is always someone here with a smile and hot coffee! Our home base includes a quiet room devoted to prayer and meditation, as well as spaces for other
The journey to our new home …
Firstfruits received the keys on June 1st.
God was so faithful in sending us what we needed: • Monetary donations, • In-kind donations, • And the time and talent of so many generous
people!
Thanks to this outpouring of help, we were able to: • Completely remodel the space • Open our doors on October 10th, 2017 • Purchase kitchen cabinetry and collect lots
of furniture - enough to fill the entire space, • Put 12 months of rent in the bank,
Firstfruits is an independent, 501(c)3, nonprofit organization which is sustained by support from participants, parishes, organizations and many, many volunteers. Thank you to those who have so generously shared your gifts. Firstfruits would not be possible without your help!
“The venue is a perfect way for women to enjoy one
another while getting closer to God”
“A time to refill my cup and just relax
with God”
“The thing that touched me
the most about my first time at Firstfruits was the feeling from everyone of being accepted just
as you are. It felt like everyone there just took me in.
It was amazing”
*Note: Income and expenses from Firstfruits’ recent capital campaign are reflected in our 2017-18 fiscal year, which runs from September 1, 2017-August 31, 2018.
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