Christ Church Grosse Pointe Annual Meeting & Report...proclaim a Christ-centered life, all the while...

Christ Church Grosse PointeAnnual Meeting & Report

January 27, 2019

2 | Christ Church Grosse Pointe • Annual Meeting • 2019

2019 Annual Report

Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Rector’s Message: Mind the Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Senior Warden Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Christ Church Community Norms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Vestry Election . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Worship Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Outreach Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Music Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Parish Life Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Adult Formation Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Christ Church Spirituality Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Children and Family Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Youth Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Buildings and Grounds Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Finance and Administration & Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Stewardship 2018: A Journey to Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262018 Pledge Thank Yous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Get Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Stewardship Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Balance Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Financial Summary (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332019 Revenue Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342019 Expense Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Minutes: 2018 Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Minutes: Special Meeting of the Parish (October 2018) . . . . . . . 40Key Dates at Christ Church 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Our Mission

The mission of Christ Church is to bring God and people

together to know and live the good news of Jesus Christ .

The Christ Church Vision Statement

A beacon of God’s love, Christ Church Grosse Pointe is a

welcoming, compassionate and inclusive community

overflowing with activity seven days a week . People of all

ages and all walks of life flock to this Christian center and

become involved in its life, finding themselves spiritually

nourished, educationally enriched, and empowered to

serve as they live the Gospel joyfully . Christ Church

embraces growth, serving the needs of today’s and

tomorrow’s generations while maintaining the glories of its

Anglican worship and traditions .

Table of Contents

2019 Annual Report

Christ Church Grosse Pointe • Annual Meeting • 2019 | 3

Holy EucharistThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Annual Meeting Agenda, Call to OrderThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector, Presiding Officer and Chair

Opening Prayer and WelcomeThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Appointment of the SecretaryThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Appointment of Head TellerThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Approval Of The Minutes: 2018 Annual Parish MeetingThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Report from the Nominating CommitteeMr. Thom Nealssohn, Jr. Warden

Introduction of Nominees and Vestry ElectionMs. Betsy Creedon, Sr. Warden

Acknowledgment of Written ReportsThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Report of the Sr. WardenMs. Betsy Creedon, Sr. Warden

Report of the TreasurerMr. Dan Skedel

AppreciationsMr. Thom Nealssohn, Jr. Warden

The Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Report Of The Tellers (as soon as available)(Additional ballots as necessary)

Closing PrayerThe Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Adjournment and Reception

All are invited to the Undercroft for a Parish Luncheon.

Agenda


2019 Annual Report

Mind the Gap

Fifty years ago, this mindfulness reminder en-tered English vocabulary as a simple prompt to pay attention when boarding or disem-barking a train . Just this past weekend as we marked the 90th birthday of Martin Luther King Jr ., Bishop Wright reminded us that we Christians ought to “mind the gap” between our Sunday faith and our Monday life .

This is the gap that we experience between the faith we proclaim and the life we live . This is the gap between our proclamation that God loves us, each of us, beyond measure; and the shame and inadequacy that we often so harbor within us . This is the gap between our proclamation that we are stewards of God’s creation and the unceasing waste that we produce . This is the gap between the forgiveness we proclaim and the forgiveness we offer to ourselves and to our neighbor . This is the gap be-tween the kindness, mercy, and love that we show to our family and friends, and that which we offer to colleagues at work and strangers we meet along the way . This is the gap between the surrender called for as disciples of Christ, and the autonomy we cherish . Finally, this is the gap between the sacrifice we celebrate in Christ, and the sacrifice we are willing to take on ourselves .

We all have a gap . At times, this gap is revealed in the treatment we afford our neighbor; more often it is a quiet thought within us, that we or someone we have encountered is not worthy of our love and mercy, or God’s . Human though it is, we are called as disciples of Christ to attend to the gap, to work to bridge it, day by day, so that we increasingly reflect to the full love of Christ for ourselves and our neighbor .

Such mindfulness is not easy . On the one hand, to “mind the gap” demands that we see Christ clearly . Too often, the image of Christ we embrace within our heart and mind, is a construct of our own creation; an affirming salve for the life we lead . And yet, Christ is perpetually calling us to new life . Through worship and study, we seek to clarify the image of Christ that we hold within our heart and mind – we receive his grace in order that we may offer grace more abundantly, we experience his generosity for us personally in order that we may live more generously for our neighbor, and we proclaim him Lord in order that he might be-come our Lord in action as well as word .

Even more, however, to “mind the gap” demands that we see ourselves with equal clarity . Try and pray as we might; we are not Christ . The fountain of love that overflows from Christ, too

often is a sputtering spigot in our hands . We proclaim generosity, yet we practice meager-ness; we proclaim brotherhood, yet we speak of aliens; we proclaim love for our neighbor, yet live with fear and anger in our hearts; we proclaim a Christ-centered life, all the while replacing “Christ” with “me .” And so we must also look within . We must confront the real-ity of our own selves and life, in order that the dim image in the mirror may become an ever-clearer image of the Christ within . This is the work of confession and prayer . Through daily

contemplation and prayer – an act of repentance in and of itself – we come to see ourselves with the clarity of Christ, beloved and redeemed, in order that the image of Christ may shine with more clarity .

Finally, to “mind the gap” is to attend with intentionality to the actions of our life as well . We intentionally practice those very things that reflect the life to which we are called as Christ’s dis-ciples . We practice mercy and forgiveness even as we seek a life filled with ever greater and more authentic mercy and forgive-ness . We practice sacrificial generosity, even as we aspire to the sacrificial generosity of Christ . We practice service and submis-sion, even as we strive to submit our life in service to Christ and our neighbor .

At Christ Church, we “mind the gap” together . As a community of authentic disciples, we offer opportunities to worship and study Christ together; we share in prayer and confession and reconcili-ation together; and we practice forgiveness and generosity, ser-vice and submission, together .

Like it or not, there is a gap; there always is . That doesn’t make us good or bad disciples – just ordinary disciples struggling, often stumbling but always striving, toward the love of God . To “mind the gap,” however, is to take our call as Christ’s body seriously, to recognize our humanity and the Christ-like love within us, and to strive to reveal God’s image ever more clearly through our lives, confident that, day by day, that gap will get smaller as Christ’s love grows within us, filling us, and overflowing through us .

So, let’s mind the gap together .

With love and affection,


Palm Sunday, April 14 Holy Eucharist at 8 and 9 am

Concert at 3:00 pm

Holy Monday and Tuesday, April 15 and 16

Choral Eucharist at 7 pm

Holy Wednesday, April 17Service of Tenebrae at 7 pm

Maundy Thursday, April 18Choral Eucharist, Footwashing, and

Stripping of the Altar at 7 pm(incense is used)

Good Friday, April 19Good Friday Liturgy at Noon and 7 pm

Holy Saturday, April 20The Great Vigil of Easter at 7 pm

(incense is used)

Easter Day, Sunday, April 21Holy Eucharist at 7 am

Festival Eucharist at 9 and 11:15 am with the Motor City Brass Quintet

(incense is used at the 11:15 am service only)

Easter egg hunt after the 9 am Service

Guest PreacherThe Rev’d Dr. Julia Gatta

Prayer Labyrinth available after Tenebrae until Good Friday at noon. Simple soup supper available 6 pm Monday - Thursday.


2019 Annual Report

A Message from our Senior Warden

Ten years ago, on January 25th 2009, I addressed our congrega-tion as Senior Warden – with my report at the annual meeting . It had been a year of contrasts, as I pointed out . My term ran in 2008 – remember that year? We had challenges, triumphs and loss . I concluded my remarks as follows .

I asked, “How do we sustain each other; care for one another; celebrate life together?” And I answered as follows:

We weed and dust together.

We worship, pray and study together.

We make a joyful noise unto the Lord. We teach our children, and they teach us.

We stitch comforting teddy bears, listen as Stephen Ministers, and help each other through times of difficult transitions. We set God’s table with reverence, surround it with beautiful flowers and offer healing prayers.

We enlighten through the beauty of our stained glass windows and the sermons of our preachers. We walk to alleviate hunger and find a cure for cancer. We bless pets of every variety and we are going green to be good stewards of the earth.

We support the cycle of life as we reaffirm our baptismal vows with the newly baptized, stand witness to the commitment of love be-tween two people, watch our children become full members of the church at confirmation, and celebrate the lives of friends and loved ones who have died.

We greet friends and strangers alike, and usher folks to their seats. We experience the Bible again for the first time, engage the Word, and have conversations about stewardship.

We look outside our immediate parish family to embrace our part-nership with Church of the Messiah, feed the hungry at Crossroads, help hurricane Katrina survivors rebuild in New Orleans.

Our youth group fed us breakfast and granted micro-loans through KIVA. We enjoy Soaring Sounds in Sacred Places and serve the Dio-cese in various ways.

We come together on Tuesdays, have adventures on Wholly Wednes-days, and gather for prayer, silence and inner reflection on Thursdays. We meet in small groups, dine with our Foyer Groups, and worship together at 5:30, 8:00, 9:00 and 11:15.

We do all of this and more. And, in all that we do, we are supported by a dedicated and faithful staff. We are a community of faith, in re-lationship with God and Jesus Christ – and each other.

We are rich in talent, spirit, and love.

Thank you for all that you do and the promise of what is to come. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Well, Next is here and its has been good, very good . We have weathered a lot of storms in the past ten years and here we are . In my address I noted that the Vestry “pondered changing the Vestry election process to bring to the All Parish Meeting .” Take note of the word “pondered .” Well, ten years later we got the job

done and cleaned up our By-Laws in the process . It took a lot of research, expert advise from our Bishop’s office, the Presiding Bishop’s office and our Chancellor; hard work from a diligent Task Force; and faithful and heartfelt discernment on the part of your Vestry . A parishioner came to me after last year’s annual meeting and said, “Just fix it .” Personally, I pushed to have it done by June . But your Vestry said, Slow down Betsy, we have more to talk about . And so we did and then we brought our recommenda-tion to you – and you listened and supported our work . This meeting is the first test of our new way of doing things – I think it’s going pretty well . Thank you for having faith in us .

We worked really hard to end 2008 with a balanced budget . No joke, there were no funds from our endowment that year . I re-member clearly . Jean Redfield was our treasurer and she deliv-ered the news in June . Well, against all odds we did end with a balanced budget . It wasn’t pretty, but we did it .

And we are doing the same this year – ending with a balanced budget . New tax laws and a bouncing market – lots of uncer-tainty – We always seem to be on the edge . It shouldn’t be this way . Vestries spend an inordinate amount of time on finances . But this year we got to worship together, study together, eat to-gether and discern together at every Vestry meeting . We valued this time; it was important to us and our development as a trust-ing, respectful leadership team .

This was a great Vestry and I thank each and every one of you . One of the joys of being on the Vestry is the deep relationships that grow with people you probably wouldn’t get to know oth-erwise . It is a privilege and honor to serve on the Vestry . It is also hard work, fun and enriching . This is a blatant request that each of you consider serving on the Vestry . Now remember, you must be a communicate in good standing – you can work on that . But I am here to tell you it will change your life .

OK, back to our year together . Changes were made . We lost the 5:30 Saturday and 11:15 Sunday services . But, we have Evensong every Sunday, unless, of course, there is an amazing concert . We combined the boys and girls choirs - And, we have daily services in the morning and evening, Tuesday through Friday . There’s plenty of opportunity to worship together .

And we tried other things . We replaced Mardi Gras jambalaya with Shrove Tuesday pancakes . Tuesdays Together became Wednesdays at Christ Church where we eat and study and learn together . We gave up golf and the Antiques Show, but carried on with Gifts and Greens and our parish Christmas Party . We still enjoy Foyer Groups and have added Circle Groups with Shep-herds to keep in touch with each other . We continue to bless our pets, Process at Advent, celebrate Holy Week and, of course, enjoy strawberry shortcake . But now we dedicate our offerings at Christmas and Easter to outreach partners . This year we added Thanksgiving – how apt!

So, what is it that we actually do here – in this Christian com-munity?

2019 Annual Report


Well, Bishop Wright boiled it down to words we say every week:

We walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

In Bishop Wright’s words, “God’s purpose in Jesus of Nazareth was to walk in love among us . If that is so, then the purpose of Jesus’ followers, that’s me and you, is to imitate His example and teachings .”

We share our mission: to bring God and people together to know and live the good news of Jesus Christ . We are walking, and the journey never ends . How far can we go?

Rev . Wright described God’s love as “something that has no bottom . Something infinite . Something encompassing and elas-tic .” I love the elastic . He talked about not being afraid to fail – that there is no failure in Christ Jesus – only learning .

At TechTown Detroit where I work we have a failure wall . We ask visitors and staff alike to grab a post-it and answer the question, “What would you do if you were not afraid to Fail?” The wall is covered with hundreds of insightful yearnings .

How would Christ Church Grosse Pointe answer this question?

Well, here’s a thought from a long-time Stewardship leader .

• What if - out of gratitude for all that we have, for all that has been given to us – acting in generosity

• What if we came up with an additional $100,000? What would, what could, we do with it on our journey together?

• What a great challenge for the new Vestry and for you, the Christ Church community .

• Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God .

I ended my report ten years ago saying:

Thank you for all you do and the promise of what is to come . Well, some things never change – I still can’t wait to see what comes next . Dare I say it? I think I’d like to hang around for one more year .

God is good, all the time .

Join the Choir PilgrimageGermany

July 26 to August 3, 2020

A Message from our Senior Warden (cont’d)

Berlin, Wittenberg, Leipzig, Munich, OberammergauHighlights include:

Pergamom Museum, Bonhoeffer House, St. Thomas Church (Leipzig), andThe Passion Play in Oberammergau

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Scott Hanoian, shanoian@christchurchgp .org


COMMUNITY NORMS

T C C W We welcome all whether they are new to our congregation or are from other ministries or faiths.

You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19)

R O We speak our own ideas and make our observations in ways that respect other peoples’ needs, beliefs, and feelings.

We treat everyone in the same manner that we wish to be treated ourselves.Do unto others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)

S S G We seek and see the good in others and take a positive approach in our common life and ministry. We avoid negativity.

Seek Christ in all people.

L We listen to understand what is on the minds and hearts of the people around us.

We do not express our own thoughts without understanding what is important to others.Listen … and be attentive, that you may gain insight. (Proverbs 4:1)

D C We speak honestly, directly, and supportively to others.

When there is a confl ict (we are human!) we go to the person involved, not others.Well meant are the wounds a friend infl icts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy. (Proverbs 27:6)

U A L We use language that honors the other person. We are clear and supportive in our expression.

Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

A J O We are not judgemental.

Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. (7:1)

P A W We participate in the activities and prayers which sustain our life together.

� ey devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)

S V We maintain mutual respect between staff and volunteers,

respecting the unique responsibilities and gifts that we provide..Love one another with mutual aff ection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)

C We respect the confi dences that have been entrusted to us.

…one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confi dence. (Proverbs 11:13)

A t a l l t i m e s , w e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o b e i n g a S a f e C h u r c h f o r a l l .

2019 Annual Report


Vestry Election

Voting Requirements - Who is eligible to vote?Any adult (16 years or older) communicants who has been a Communicant in Good Standing in this parish for not less than six (6) months shall be elibigle to vote at all Parish Meetings [Bylaws 2 .2] .

Who is a Communicant in Good Standing?A Communicant in Good Standing is any baptized member who, during the preceding year, has been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God . [Bylaws 2 .1 .4]

Voting InstructionsVoting for membership of the Vestry shall be by written ballots cast by the eligible voters present at the annual meeting . No ballot shall be counted unless it shall have been voted for the same number of nominees as there are vacancies to be filled on the Vestry .

As required by the Canons of the Diocese of Michigan and the laws of the State of Michigan, no nominee shall be declared elected to the Vestry unless he or she shall have received at least a majority of all the valid votes cast .

If more nominees than necessary to fill the vacancies shall have received a majority of the valid votes cast, the nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected . If fewer nominees than necessary to fill the vacancies shall have received a majority of the valid votes cast, then only those candidates receiving a majority of votes shall be declared elected . Additional ballots shall be taken until all of such vacancies shall have been filled .

If additional ballots are required, a number of nominees equal to twice the number of remaining vacancies to be filled shall be eligible for election . These nominees shall be those individuals not elected on the preceding ballot receiving the highest numbers of votes on that ballot . This process shall continue until all vacancies are filled . If after any ballot a vacancy remains to be filled and a tie occurs, balloting shall continue until the tie is broken .

The 2019 Vestry Candidates

Richard Best

Helen Santiz Beverly Curtiss Walsh

Stephen Fehniger

Sheldon (Butch) Wardwell

Polly Ledyard


2019 Annual Report

The Reverend Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Purpose: At the heart of our common life together stands our common worship . As a community, we gather throughout the week to worship and pray, offering ourselves in common voice to God . In addition to our principal worship services on Sunday morning, a daily commitment to worship and prayer is maintained in Saint Margaret’s Chapel with weekday services of Morning and Evening Prayer, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Wednesday evenings .

Ministries:• Acolytes• Altar Guild• Eucharistic Ministers• Flower Guild• Lectors• Ushers and Greeters• Vergers

People Served:In 2018, nearly 19,000 people gathered at Christ Church for prayer at one of our 217 weekend and special services held at Christ Church . Additionally, over 1,000 people attended our daily offering of Morning and Evening prayer, and countless more joined us as we remembered a loved one who had died or at the wedding of dear friends .

Volunteers Utilized:Worship at Christ Church would be nearly impossible without the countless volunteers that offer their time to support our wor-ship services . From the Altar Guild to the Vergers, Acolytes and Ushers, Lectors and Intercessors, Greeters and Flower Guild, the number of volunteers on a Sunday and throughout the year are staggering . Currently, over 85 people volunteer in the critical worship ministries – at least 15 of whom are volunteering on any given Sunday .

A particular thanks must be shared with Mary Trost, Director of the Flower Guild, and Lynnette Iannace, Director of the Altar Guild, and Deb Champion, Head Verger Together, their quiet leadership of these important ministries assists the prayer wor-ship that we enjoy .

2018 Highlights: • Worship Schedule Changes: With the reduction in staff

and budget, we made the difficult decision to reduce the number of weekend services offered from 5 to 3, which necessitated the elimination of the 5:30 pm Eucharist on Saturday and the 11:15 am on Sunday .

• Christ Church at the Rivers: This past fall we added a Tuesday service of Holy Eucharist at The Rivers . This weekly service gathers residents from both the independent and assisted living communities for a quiet service of prayer and communion . Among the ten (10) to twenty (20) regu-lar participants are life-long members of Christ Church, newer members who have joined us over the years, friends from the wider Episcopal community of Grosse Pointe and Detroit, as well as new friends from the Lutheran, Presbyte-rian, and Roman Catholic communities .

• Worship Participation: While 2018 experienced a marked increase in attendance at our 9 am service, attendance at Evensong has waned . Similarly, after a noticeable spike in 2017, Easter and Christmas attendance returned to normal, while other special services remained on par with previous year norms .

• The Daily Office: The Daily Office continues with a, committed, core community that gathers regularly throughout the week, especially for Morning Prayer . These simple said services continue to provide our community a quiet opportunity for reflection, reformation, and re-connection with one another and with God in our lives .

2019 Priorities:In 2019 we will continue our pursuit of excellence in worship with increased attention to our preparation and volunteer train-ing, turning our attention to growing our core of Adult worship ministers serving as readers, ushers, greeters, or altar guild mem-bers .

Lastly, we will continue the focus we began in 2017 on the devel-opment and deepening of our connections within worship, be-ginning with our 9 am family service .

To Volunteer:If you are interested in volunteering with any of our worship min-istries, please contact Jospeh Daniel (rectorsoffice@christchurch-gp .org) or any member of the Christ Church clergy .

Contact: The Reverend Andrew Van Culin, Rector313-885-4842 • rectorsoffice@christchurchgp .org

Worship Ministries

2019 Annual Report


A Candlemas procession followed by a Solemn Holy Eucharist celebrating the Eve of the Presentation

of Jesus Christ in the Temple.

Feast of the Presentation

Friday, February 1 • 7 pm Combined Choirs

Free and open to the public


2019 Annual Report

Outreach Ministries

The Reverend Andrew Van Culin, Rector

Purpose: Our Outreach Ministries exist to provide intentional outreach opportunities, partnerships and formation that transform the community of Christ Church and those whom we serve .

Ministry Activities: • Backpack supply drive• Christmas Gift Project• Crossroads Soup Kitchen• Outreach funding ministry• Grosse Pointe Memorial Shelter Week Meal• Summer Starters

Highlights:Outreach Commission: Building upon their work with the Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan, the Outreach Commission is currently developing a comprehensive vision for outreach, expanding our scope of care beyond relief efforts (e .g ., soup kitchens) toward transformation such as betterment (e .g . food pantry), empowerment (e .g . urban gardening) and systems change (e .g . policy change) .

Agency Support: It is the charge of the Outreach Funding Minis-try team to identify recipients both for our special appeals and our smaller grants . In 2018, we awarded over $60,000 in grants and support to area agencies . We awarded over $35,000 through our special appeals (Easter, Gifts and Greens, and Christmas):

• $12,000 from the 2018 Easter Appeal supporting Mariners Inn• $12,500 from the 2018 Gifts and Greens sale and event,

supporting programs at the Alternatives for Girls and the Church of the Messiah

• $11,600 from our 2018 Christmas Appeal supporting the Crossroads of Michigan Emergency Services Program

To compliment the special appeals, the Outreach Grants Ministry awarded an additional $16,500 through our general grants process

• $2,500 to The Front Porch• $4,000 to Urban Neighborhood Initiatives• $5,000 to the Ruth Ellis Center• $5,000 to Heart for Homes

Summer Starters: Our Summer Starters initiative provided 3,500 summer breakfasts, costing only $1 .57 per breakfast provided . Designed to “fill the gap” for students reliant on school meal programs, the Summer Starters program provides a weekly breakfast baskets containing seven (7) shelf-stable breakfasts and snacks for children participating in the Crossroads of Michigan lunch program

Crossroads of Michigan - Sunday Lunch: Over 100 Volunteers from Christ Church came together to provide 3 lunches at Cross-roads in 2018, serving nearly 1500 guests . New volunteers are always welcome!

Priorities:In 2019, the Outreach Commission will introduce a new path for outreach ministries at Christ Church to help us become the living and breathing body of Christ in this world, in service to the mission of our church: to bring God and people together to live the good news of Jesus Christ .

Volunteer Teams: Outreach Commission: Lynnette Iannace, Karen Kienbaum, Blair Osborn, Jean Redfield, Kim Sutton .

Outreach Funding Ministry Team: Lynnette Iannace, Colleen Fitzgerald, Ted Hagan, Kim McNulty, Erik Traynham, Kelly Walsh .

To Volunteer:If you are interested in volunteering with our Outreach ministries, please contact Joseph Daniel (rectorsoffice@christchurchgp .org) or any of the Christ Church clergy .

Contact: The Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector313-885-4842 • rectorsoffice@christchurchgp .org

2019 Annual Report


NEXT SERVICE DAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3

YOU’VE BEEN CALLED TO SERVE!!

We will be preparing and serving lunch at Crossroads of Michigan. There are two time slots available to volunteer: 8:30 -11:30 am to prepare, and 11:30 am - 3:00 pm to serve.

Crossroads Ask of the Month: Bring in MEN’S WINER GLOVES for collection in the Church lobby by January 27.

TO SIGN UP GO TO WWW.CHRISTCHURCHGP.ORG/CROSSROADS

For more information contact Joseph Daniel at [email protected] or 313-885-4841, ext. 107.


2019 Annual Report

Music

Scott Hanoian, Director of Music and Organist

Purpose: The principal mission of the music program at Christ Church is to offer, at the highest standard possible, praises to God through leadership in music and liturgy . The program also supports the education of children through intensive musical tuition .

Ministries: • Choir of Men and Boys• Choir of Men and Girls• Christ Church Chorale• Christ Church Schola• Soaring Sounds in a Sacred Space Series of Concerts and

Special Services

2018 Highlights:The choirs have spent the year singing services and concerts at a consistently high level of achievement . With our series of concerts and special services, Soaring Sounds in a Sacred Space, the Christ Church choirs have offered numerous evensongs, a Requiem mass, Advent and Epiphany Processions, and Christmas and Easter Lessons and Carols . The series has also presented four concerts this past year involving the Christ Church Chorale, the Christ Church Schola, and guest musicians from the surrounding area and beyond . In addition, this past season we continued our festive liturgies on the Feast of the Presentation, and the Feast of the Ascension .

Over the summer, The Christ Church Choir was in residence for services at Durham Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral . During the course of their pilgrimage, the choir sang 11 services and visited numerous sites, including Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle, the Holy Island (Lindisfarne), and Dover Castle .

In May, we welcomed three new girl choristers and 6 new boy choristers into the program, and began the Fall season with 7 boys and 25 girls .

2019 Priorities:Our principal thrust for the years to come will be to build the choir community in both numbers and personal connection . We will look for opportunities to come together as a community and foster the formation of our choristers and their families in their discipleship of Christ . As always, we will seek to do this while sustaining our Anglican heritage through genuine, committed musical offerings .

We continue to look for girls and boys with a hearty appetite for singing and a level of talent and commitment appropriate to the musical rigors of the Christ Church music program . In addition, we will continue to offer programs during the coming year which look to energize our current membership roster as well as encourage visitors to Christ Church .

Thank You:Thank you to all of those who sing in the choirs, the families and friends who drive our choristers to rehearsals and services, the ushers and greeters that serve during concerts and special services, our pledging families and concert patrons who donate to and attend the events on the Soaring Sounds in a Sacred Space series .

Contact: Scott Hanoian, Director of Music and Organist313-885-4841 x102 • shanoian@christchurchgp .org


Concerts and Special Services2018-19 Music Season

CONCERTSThere will be a pre-concert lecture before each Concert at 1:30 pm hosted by Scott Hanoian.

SPECIAL SERVICESFree and open to the public

Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019 | 3 pm St. John Passion | Bob Chilcott

Christ Church Choirs with Orchestra

Sunday, May 5, 2019 | 3 pm The Creation | Franz Joseph Haydn

Christ Church Chorale with Orchestra

Friday, February 1, 2019, 7 pmEve of the Feast of the Presentation

Sunday, May 12, 2019, 3 pm

Easter Lessons and Carols

Thursday, May 30, 2019, 7 pmFeast of the Ascension


2019 Annual Report

Parish Life

The Reverend Walter Brownridge, Interim Associate

Purpose:Parish Life includes programs that gather, connect, and care for Christ Church parishioners as a community of faith, bringing God and people together to know and live the Good News of Jesus Christ .

Programs and Events:• Parish Life Commission• Parish Gatherings Cmt• Member Development Cmt• Pastoral Care Committee• Circle Groups• Wednesdays@CCGP• Foyer Groups• Christ Church Bakers• Intercessory Prayer Team

• Funeral Ministry Team• Sunday Coffee Hour• Parish Christmas Party• Parish Fellowship Events• Summer BBQs• Fall Home Coming• The Fall Women’s Tea• Lay Eucharistic Visitors

People Served:Parish Community: Sunday hospitality, the Christ Church Christ-mas Party, Strawberry Shortcake on the front lawn and every other opportunity for fellowship and to make new friends in faith, or to care for a friend in need is an expression of our Parish Life ministry at work .

Highlights:• Circle Groups: Circle Groups were created to address a real-

ity at Christ Church: this is a wonderfully large parish, with a myriad of “affinity” groups and programs . However, some-times it can be too large and the leadership of the parish believed we needed to find a way to make the parish small-er and incorporate as many members as possible . The purpose of a Circle is to deepen the bonds of affection among parishioners, not just among friends, but the broad community of Christ Church . We launched last fall with each of the ten Circles meeting for the first time in at Christ Church . The Rector, the Wardens or I attended each initial gathering . We are grateful to the “Shepherds” for each of the Circles, and to Mark Lorenger and Laura Nealssohn for serv-ing as Co-Leaders of the Shepherds .

• Wednesdays at Christ Church: Wednesdays at CCGP continued the opportunity for faith, fellowship, and forma-tion, the heart of the evening is our community dinner which serves up to 70 on Wednesday evenings . This year we transition to having meals catered for the evening .

• Parish Breakfasts and Celebrations: Every family comes together now and again to celebrate -- and so do we . In addition to our weekly celebration at the Eucharist, we set aside several Sundays (and occasionally a weekday) each year for a parish meal . Often a Parish Breakfast, these meals and gatherings draw us together for fellowship and the expanding of our relationships with one another .

• First Things: Newcomers Class: This fall we re-introduced a newcomers class for new members . This 4 week journey introduces members to life at Christ Church by exploring our life in Communion with Christ, in Communion with one another, and as Commissioned servants in the world .

• Weekly Worship at The Rivers: This fall we began a weekly celebration of the Eucharist with members and friends at The Rivers Grosse Pointe . This weekly service of prayer and communion provides a deepening relationship with long-time members who are unable to be with us regularly today, and to form new friends with other residence there .

• Funeral Ministry: Under the leadership of the Kathy Williams, our Funeral Ministry provided exceptional hospital-ity to grieving families, friends, and guests at over 22 funerals in 2018 .

• Foyer Groups: Our foyer group ministry has transitioned with a change of leadership . After faithfully serving as lead-ers of Foyer Groups for several years, Mike and Mary Bamford have engaged in other ministries in the parish . We thank Mike and Mary Bamford for their excellent leadership . For 2019, we are grateful to Al and Sheila Minetola for agreeing to assume the leadership of the Foyer Groups . Foyer Groups gather are regular but informal dinners, for purely social reasons . The Foyer Groups provide a means to develop new friendships and deepen old ones and are a way to make our sometimes-too-large-seeming parish feel smaller and warmer Please keep an eye out for the next opportunity to join a foyer group!

MInistry Opportunities• The Christ Church Bakers, coordinated by Joseph Daniel,

respond to requests for baking cookies, cakes, or even meals for Parish Gathering events, Funeral receptions and pastoral needs . Jospeh maintains the list of all parishioners who have offered their cooking skills to respond as needs arise .

• The Funeral Ministry team: Under Kathy Williams’ leader-ship, the funeral ministry provides hospitality and care for families of deceased loved ones . When a funeral is scheduled at Christ Church, team members are invited to volunteer as they are able, serving as greeters, family room hosts, and reception hosts . With over 20 funerals a year, new team members are always welcome!

• The Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring Holy Communion to those parishioners who are shut-in or otherwise unable to come to church .

• Cancer Connect is a support group focused on providing support to effected in any way by cancer . They meet month-ly and since the fall of 2018 have offered a variety of programs that offer a sense of hope and healing .

2019 Annual Report


Priorities:• Continue Circle Groups development

• Recruit new volunteers for the funeral ministry

• Explore the need and possibilities for a Senior Adult Ministry Program (First Priority: come up with a good name!)

• Explore and develop a pastoral response to death and loss that extends beyond the funeral .

• Develop an intentional process of welcome and connection to enable new members to quickly join the spiritual life and community of Christ Church .

Thank You:Thank you to all the many ministry team leaders, to the folks who work behind the scenes to clean up and serve, to the folks who coordinate and risk by leading others to serve, to the Holy Spirit who calls us to gather together and be invigorated by Love .

To Volunteer:If you are interested in volunteering with our Parish Life ministries or to participate in a parish life event, please contact Joseph Daniel (rectoroffice@christchurchgp .org) or any of the Christ Church clergy .

Contact:The Rev’d Walter Brownridge, Associate313-885-4841, ext . 116 • wbrownridge@christchurchgp .org

Spring 2019 Rector’s Forum Series

Holy CurrenciesThis series explores The Rev’d Eric Law’s six “cur-rencies” for sustainable ministry. Participants are

encouraged to read the related chapters of Law’s book Holy Currencies.

February 3: Wellness

February 10: Money

February 24: Time and Place

Wrestling with GodA 7-part series tackling fundamental questions of

faith. Participants may prepare by reading the corre-sponding “Little Book of Guidance” by the same title.

March 10: Why Go to Church?

March 24: Why are we Here?

April 7: What does it Mean to Be Holy Whole?

April 28: Why Suffering?

Parish Life (cont’d)


2019 Annual Report

Formation for Adults

The Reverend Walter Brownridge, Interim Associate

Purpose: Formation helps members of all ages and their families to grow in their knowledge of Christianity, to integrate Christian princi-ples into their lives and to deepen their sense of themselves as spiritual people, ultimately bringing God and people together to know and live the Good News of Jesus Christ .

Ministries: • The Catechumenate• The Emmaus Journey: Seasonal classes deepening the

understanding and practice of faith for adults• The Rector’s Forum• Advent and Lenten Quiet Nights• Christ Church Spirituality Center (See separate report)• The Daughters of the King• The Sweeny Lecture Series

People Served:Parish Community – we are all in formation around our desire to serve, our call to be good stewards, our questions of faith and prayer, and for worship and praise .

Highlights:• Wednesdays at Christ Church: Wednesdays at CCGP

continued the opportunity for faith, fellowship, and forma-tion, the heart of the evening is our community dinner which serves up to 70 on Wednesday evenings . This year we have expanded to offer 2 evening and 1 afternoon class .

• The Catechumenate: Through conversation and reading, The Catechumenate continued to provide a opportunity for new and life-long Christians to deepen or renew their under-standing of who God is and who they are called to be as disciples of Christ .

• Emmaus Journey Classes: Fr . Brownridge has helped to expand our programs for Adults by establishing a second track of evening classes within the umbrella of the “Emmaus Journey .” These classes, which may be taken as short courses as a year-long program, will help to deepen our understand-ing of the life of Christ to which we are called .

• The Rector’s Forum has developed into a substantive opportunity for parishioners and guest to explore faith and to live into their commitment to lifelong Christian Forma-tion . This year we have featured an important book on becoming a more missional people of God . The book is Holy Currencies by the Rev . Dr . Eric Law . We have also introduced an insightful series of “Little Books of Guidance” that we have described as our “Wrestling with God” series . Each book is written by a different author .

Priorities and Opportunities:• Adult Formation: With the addition of the Emmaus Jour-

ney building upon the foundation of the Catechumenate, our attention in 2019 will turn to the development and

expansion of our lay teachers -- “Catechists” as they were once known . The ministry of teaching is a both sacred and essential, and if you believe you may be called to this holy work, please be in touch with Fr . Walter .

• The Daughters of the King, under Karen Davenport’s lead-ership, is a community of women seeking to grow in prayer and service while sharing God’s love and light . The DOK meets monthly to study what it means to live a rule of prayer and a rule of service, while expanding our understanding of Christ’s call for us to serve and to love generously . All women of the parish are welcome to participate!

• The Sweeny Lecture Series: This lecture series was not utilized in 2018 and remains an untapped resource for the Formation Commission to consider in 2019 .

As your associate clergy, I continue in unceasing prayer for all of you and in the wider Christian community . I hope that my preaching, teaching, sacramental ministry, pastoral care and collaboration with the Rector and other Sr . Staff will aid you in that process .

Thus my priorities and vision for 2019 is to facilitate growth in several area of Christ Church’s life together . My hope is for our community to grow spiritually and as life-long learners of their Christian faith . I anticipate that in 2019, in collaboration with other staff and the Lay Leadership, that Christ Church will become more effective in this area and as we strive “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ .” (Ephesians 4:12) . It is my deep prayer and desire for you is that the Apostle Paul’s call to the Church in Ephesus becomes our call as we seek to be Christ’s head, hands and heart in Grosse Pointe and beyond .

Thank You: I am grateful for the ministry of Susanna Muzzin (an old friend from our days at St . Peter’s Church in Ellicott City, MD) in the area of Christian Formation for Families, Child and Youth . This includes Baptismal preparation for Infants and children . It has been a plea-sure assisting and filling in for Susanna and working with the Guild for the Baptism of Children

To Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering with our Formation minis-tries or to participate, please contact Jospeh Daniel (rectorof-fice@christchurchgp .org) or any member of the Christ Church clergy team .

Contact:The Rev’d Walter Brownridge, Associate313-885-4841, ext . 116 • wbrownridge@christchurchgp .org

2019 Annual Report


Christ Church Spirituality Center

The Reverend Canon Ronald Spann, Director

Purpose: “To help persons become fully alive .” To do this, the Christ Church Spirituality Center provides local opportunities for interested individuals, couples or groups to pursue personal growth and spiritual practices that are commonly offered off-site by specialized retreat and conference centers, thus increas-ing accessibility and saving costs . The aim is to help this parish build a culture of intentional spirituality on the part of members and staff, and to attract non-members seeking the same .

Ministries: • PRH Education – a personal growth resource from an inter-

national foundation specializing in adult formation through a holistic approach to spirituality

• Workshops led by outside facilitators• Retreats led by outside facilitators• Special Events• Prayer Labyrinth• Referrals for spiritual direction and other resources

2018 Highlights: • Non-PRH Offerings: On the evening of August 14 Christ

Church Spirituality Center hosted a sequel to its 2015 and 2017 commemorations of Jonathan Daniels, “Magnificat in Selma”, and “Magnificat in Motown,” and centered respec-tively in the 50th anniversaries of Daniels’ death as a martyr and civil rights worker, and of Detroit’s 1967 Riot/Rebellion . 2018’s commemoration was in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr .’s death in 1968 as martyr and civil rights worker . It used the same format of Eucharist, Agape Meal, Video and Sacred Conversation . The Rev’d Bill Wylie-Kellerman, a United Methodist minister, writer and theologian was present as a Witness to Gospel non-violence . He helped facilitate the evening’s Sacred Conversation component . Interestingly, some 53 pre-registered participants from SE

Michigan took part, consistent with the two previous events . Karen Davenport, Mary Trost, Mike and Mary Bamford, and Jackie and Seth Spann, lent invaluable volun-teer help in sacristy, flower arrangements, and meal prep and kitchen clean up . Angels of Mercy!

• Prayer Labyrinth: The reduced-scale prayer labyrinth was back in Miller Hall for Holy Week, 2018 . It was lent out to St . Michael’s, Grosse Pointe Woods, for use at their New Year’s Eve watch night observance, and is finding more use by other Christian formation activities here in the parish .

2019 Priorities: • Raise the profile of the Christ Church Spirituality Center’s

role at CCGP, especially through new paths of collaboration with the Rector and the clergy and lay leaders in the area of Adult and Youth formation .

• Continue to expand the numbers of participants from both within and beyond our parochial membership

• Strengthen the profile of PRH education as a specific track of formation

Acknowledgements and Thank You’s: I want to be sure that my staff colleagues at Christ Church Grosse Pointe know that their support has been invaluable . Rick DiLoreto’s tirelessly creative conceptions encourage me as much as they speak to the public that uses them for informa-tion . The professional facilitators who commit to our program-ming find these materials, our buildings and grounds, and the opportunity to share their gifts also echo my gratitude, includ-ing the support of the Rector, Administrator and Sextons .

Contact: The Reverend Canon Ronald Spann, Director313-885-4841 x113 • rspann@christchurchgp .org


2019 Annual Report

Susanna Muzzin, Director of Children and Family Ministries

Mission: Gather Together, Grow in Faith, and Serve God in the World .

Purpose: The purpose of Children and Family Ministries at Christ Church is to engage with children, families, and volunteers, build relationships, and lead programs that help children live into the vows made for them at their baptisms .

Ministries:• Christ Church Nursery

• Sunday School (3 years – grade 7)

• Wednesday Evening Formation (Grades 1-5 and Confirma-tion)

• Family Ministry Events (Advent Wreath workshop, Creche Procession, Family Game and Service Nights, etc .)

• Parents’ Day Out (many thanks to our wonderful Director, Leah Mannino)

• Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

• Vacation Bible School (with St . Paul and First English Luther-an Churches)

• Liaison with Christ Church Cooperative Nursery (CNCC)

People Served: Children and families of the parish community, as well as the wider Grosse Pointe Community (through Parents’ Day Out, Christ Church Cooperative Nursery, Mothers of Preschoolers, and VBS); those in need (through service projects) .

Volunteers: We have so many people who gladly give their time to our children and youth, leading Godly Play lessons, teaching Sunday School and Wednesday Evening, assisting with classes and Confirmation, volunteering with service opportunities . We are especially thankful for all the parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and friends who bring children to church and formation classes, and assist when needed .

2018 Highlights: • Sunday School Classes: We added a 6th-7th grade Sunday

morning class this year; many thanks to Jessica Van Culin and Erika Davis for leading this . We are expanding the Communion Enrichment class to a two year Enriching the Sacraments class; we are so grateful to Libby Irby and Nancy Osborne . Our Godly Play class has welcomed some new families and volunteers: many thanks to Kathy Williams, Kathie vonSchwarz, Lisa and Frank Niscoromni, and Betsy Hall for their help and dedication . Thanks to Kelly Walsh for being able to substitute teach! The Sunday School classes continue to be full of energy and we are building strong relationships!

• Confirmation Classes resumed in the fall of 2018 after a year’s break; we have twelve Confirmands who meet most Wednesday evenings with Susanna Muzzin . Many thanks to Colleen Fitzgerald for assisting with this class!

• Wednesday Evening CCKids: Susanna Muzzin taught this class in Winter/Spring 2018 and Miranda Ferrara took it over in Fall 2018 – many thanks to her! Children explore Bible Stories through crafts, art, storytelling, and movies .

• Children’s Chapel: We welcome 10-20 children each Sunday morning to chapel, where we light candles, sing a new hymn each season, hear a Bible story, read a psalm, and pray together . Children participate in carrying the Children’s cross and taking the Children’s offering .

• Nursery: We have hired several new nursery workers as others have retired or taken other jobs . Nursery is offered on Sunday mornings and afternoons, Wednesday afternoons and evenings, and for special events and services .

• Vacation Bible School: Partnering with First English and St . Paul’s Lutheran Churches, we offered VBS this year at Christ Church . We had over 90 children in attendance, with close to 40 volunteers . A full day of activities was offered to children and it was a great success!

• Special Events: Several Family Game Nights were held (in March and June), and more are scheduled for 2019 . Pancakes and Palms was attended by many parishioners on Shrove Tuesday, and the Easter Egg Hunt, although cold, was great fun for all! During Holy Week, children created bouquets to give out to Church of the Messiah, and they also handed out carnations to mothers on Mother’s Day . 30 children took part in our St . Nicholas party on the night of the Parish Christmas Party! The Creche Procession was beautiful and deeply meaningful for the children and their families . We have participated in several service projects: making cards for shut-ins and blankets for homeless teens . The Palm Cross Workshop was enjoyed by many in the parish, as were the games and animals at the Parish Homecoming and Blessing of the Animals .

• MOPS: Christ Church assumed responsibility this year for the childcare portion of monthly MOPS meetings .

• Pizza Lunch: We serve 90-100 students most Thursdays of the school year . Father Walter has been joining us occasionally to interact with students and offer a pastoral presence .

Children and Family Ministries

2019 Annual Report


2019 Priorities: • Establishing a Children’s and Family Committee and a Youth

Committee to advise and assist, evaluate curricula, recruit volunteers, and plan for the 2019-20 program year .

• Working with First English and St . Paul’s Lutheran Churches on Vacation Bible School 2019, to be held at First English Lutheran Church .

• Continuing to send out occasional CYF e-newletters .

• Introducing an opportunity for High School students to join together for relationship building and formation .

• Introducing services for children on Ash Wednesday and during Holy Week .

• Continuing to work with teachers, parents, and families to strengthen our opportunities and programs .

• Offering semi-monthly Family Game/Service/Movie nights .

• Discerning ways to make connections with MOPS, PDO, and CNCC families .

Thank You:• To all the families, children, volunteers and staff who have

made Christ Church such a wonderful place to serve!

To Volunteer: We welcome volunteers, especially for Sunday morning and Wednesday evening! If you feel called to volunteer with our chil-dren, youth, and families, please contact Susanna Muzzin .

Contact: Ms . Susanna Muzzin, Director of Children and Family Ministries313-885-4841 x104 • smuzzin@christchurchgp .org

Children and Family Ministries (cont’d)


2019 Annual Report

Youth Ministry

Susanna Muzzin, Director of Children and Family Ministries

Mission: Gather together, grow in faith and serve God in the world .

Ministries: • Confirmation• Pizza Lunch

Highlights:• Confirmation Classes resumed in the fall of 2018 after a

year’s break; we have twelve Confirmands who meet most Wednesday evenings with Susanna Muzzin . Many thanks to Colleen Fitzgerald for assisting with this class!

• Vacation Bible School: Partnering with First English and St . Paul’s Lutheran Churches, we offered VBS this year at Christ Church . Several of Christ Church’s youth volunteered to lead classes and activities for the week .

• 2018 Mission Trip: Together with youth from the Diocese and Christ Church Cranbrook, Rev’d Areeta Bridgemohan, Rev’d Manisha Dostert (Cranbrook), and Susanna Muzzin traveled to Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Texas for a week to work in their CUSE (Cathedral Urban Service Experi-ence) program . We stayed on site at the Cathedral, and trav-eled each day to different work sites associated with post-Hurricane Harvey service . We cleaned brush with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and saw firsthand the effects of the flooding, packed and served lunches to the homeless, assisted with a free produce market for the food insecure, chopped vegetables and did laundry for the homeless at the The Beacon, and worked with other Episcopal youth from around the country to pack weekend meal kits for food insecure elementary children . We traveled most days using the city Metro light rail . We also met twice with youth at Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo, a local church devastated by the flooding from Hurricane Harvey .

• Pizza Lunch: We serve pizza to 90-100 students from Grosse Pointe South most Thursdays of the school year . Father Walter has been joining us occasionally to interact with students and offer a pastoral presence . Huge thanks to all our volunteers who so faithfully serve our local youth . We have been told by a teacher for students with special needs that their students in particular look forward to Thursdays, because we provide a safe space for them to practice paying for items, interacting with others, and playing games .

Priorities:• Establishing a Youth Committee to advise and assist, evalu-

ate curricula, recruit volunteers, and plan for the 2019-20 program year .

• Recruiting volunteers for a High School Youth Group; intro-ducing an opportunity for High School students to join together for relationship building and formation .

• Building pastoral relationships with youth and their fami-lies in our community .

• Confirmation in June 2019 .

Thank You:• To the adult volunteers and parents who offer their time

with love and devotion to our youth .

• To our youth for being present, authentic, faithful, and responsive to the Gospel .

To Volunteer: We welcome volunteers, especially for Wednesday evening! If you feel called to volunteer with our youth, please contact Susanna Muzzin .

Contact: Ms . Susanna Muzzin, Director of Children and Family Ministries313-885-4841 x104 • smuzzin@christchurchgp .org

2019 Annual Report


Diane E. Ward, Associate Finance and AdministrationRoss Miller, Chair

Purpose:To review the comprehensive annual repair and maintenance needs for all Christ Church properties, and to recommend necessary capital improvement and additions .

Buildings and Grounds Ministries:Conservation Trust Projects Columbarium Virginia Brush Ford Rose Garden

Membership: • Betsy Creedon • Ross Miller • Thom Nealssohn• John Woodhouse

• George Sutton • Kit Tennyson• Diane Ward• Tim Whims

2018 Highlights:• Rectory Stucco/Wood Trim Replacement – Phase 3• Installation of Chair Lift at Rectory• Foundation Leaks at Church Fixed• Neff: Painted Exterior Wood • Neff: Replaced Front Porch • Radnor: New Water Heater • Church Kitchen: Garbage Disposal Replaced• Exterior Doors Refinished: Neff, Miller Hall, Rectory, Exit

Door by Rectors Office • Development of Christ Church Crew

2019 Priorities:The following list is an unofficial list of potential projects; pending approval by the Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Vestry and the Conservation Trust .

• Church Kitchen Door - Water Drainage by Kitchen Door - Repair Limestone around Kitchen Door - Refinish Kitchen Door

• Development of Long-Term HVAC/Boiler Maintenance • 3 Year Rotation for Exterior Door Refinishing • Development of Long-range Landscaping Plan

Acknowledgments and Thank You:We want to thank all of members of the Guilds who combined have contributed many hours of service this year . Adopt a Garden, Inventory Management, Holy Dusters, Set-up, and Organizing Crews!

Contact: Diane E . Ward, Associate Finance and Administration313-885-4841 x111 • dward@christchurchgp .org

Buildings and Grounds

7 am - Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes in St. Margaret’s Chapel.

12 Noon - Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes and Congregational Hymns.

7 pm* - Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes. The combined Choirs will perform at this Service.

Ashes will also be available at 5 pm Evening Prayer.

*Childcare will be provided for the 7 pm Service.

ASH WEDNESDAYMarch 6


2019 Annual Report

Finance and Administration & Stewardship

Diane E. Ward, Associate Finance and Administration

Purpose: Finance and Administration Commission provides support and advice for all administrative and operational needs relating to the daily operation and management of Christ Church including Human Resources, Financial and General Management and Administration .

Ministries Involved:

Administration Commission:The Administration Commission provides support and advice for all administrative and operational needs relating to the daily operation and management of Christ Church, including Human Resources, Financial and General Management and Administra-tion, Communications, and Capital Improvements .

Committees:Finance Building and GroundsConservation Trust DeHaven Trust

Conservation TrustAnnual Giving Fundraising Major Gifts

Ministry Guilds:TellersCountersPrograms and Events

Gifts and Greens SupportAdopt a Garden

Programs/Events:Gifts and Greens Support Adopt a Garden

Stewardship Committees:The Stewardship Commission assists with the development, implementation, coordination and review of the comprehensive stewardship programs of Christ Church . The goal is to build a community of disciples for Christ through their financial giving .

Programs/Events: Annual AppealSeasonal AppealsPlanned Giving

Gifts and GreensFocused Fundraising

People Served:The parish community by ensuring we are good stewards of all resources: physical, financial, and human .

Highlights:• Administration Commission: In 2018 the commission

provided advice and guidance for the 2019 Budget around salary increases and reviewed the Health Care Policy, reaffirm-ing the policy established in 2018 . The policy approved provides Consumer Driven Health Plan 20 as the base plan at 100% cost to the Employer . Employees can choose any plan offered, however, if the premiums are higher, the employee will be responsible for the difference . The difference will be paid through a pre-tax payroll deduction .

• Finance Committee: Under the leadership of our Treasurer ,Dan Skedel, provided monthly review and guidance on the

financial performance of the community . Finance Committee Members are: Dan Skedel (Treasurer), George Nicholson, Betsy Creedon, Thom Nealssohn, Dan Bowen, Gretchen Knoell, Blair Osborn, George Sutton, and John Snyder .

• Investment Committee: The investment committee, under the leadership of Bruce Greening, provided quarterly review of the investments of Christ Church . Investment Committee Members include: Bruce Greening, George Nicholson (Emmeritus), Ann Eatherly, Betsy Creedon, Thom Nealssohn, Jeffry Smith, John Snyder, and Brendan Walsh .

• Buildings and Grounds: The buildings and grounds commit-tee, under the leadership of Ross Miller, provided advice, guid-ance and oversight to the conservation trust projects . The gardens and grounds were well maintained this year through numerous volunteers who adopted a garden . The holy dust-ers helped to prepare our Nave for Easter . Committee Members: John Woodhouse, Ross Miller, George Sutton, Tim Whims, Kit Tennyson, Betsy Creedon, and Thom Nealssohn .

• Conservation Trust: The Conservation Trustees provide over-sight on the approval of conservation trust dollars to the trust documents . The trustees meet twice a year to review the performance of the investments (managed by Investment Committee), and the spend ing of the dollars approved . Trust-ees are: Peter Huebner, Butch Wardwell, Gar Knight, Ross Miller, Betsy Creedon, Thom Nealssohn, Fr . Van Culin, and Dan Skedel .

• DeHaven Trust: The Dehaven Trustees provide oversight on the approval of DeHaven dollars to the trust documents . The trustees meet twice a year to review the performance of the investments (managed by Investment Committee) and the spending of the dollars approved . Trustees include: Betsy Creedon, Daniel Skedel, John Stroh, Laura Huebner, Patsy Gotfredson, and Fr . Van Culin .

• Annual Giving Committee: The committee continued the hard work of focusing on giving to Christ Church as a spiritual journey in our walk as Christian disciples . Disciples give as a form of worship, disciples give because God is the Giver, and disciples give a tithe (tenth) back to God as a form of our grat-itude for all he has given to us . Committee members include: Peggy Beadle†, Betsy Creedon, Thom Nealssohn, Amie Swee-ney, Mark Lorenger, and David Redfield .

• Fundraising Committee: The committee continued the hard work of discussing how to fundraise within a worship-ping community . The community agreed that the first ask of parishioners is to be on the spiritual journey to support the mission of the Church . Fundraising will focus on the commu-nity who are friends and supporters of Christ Church first and foremost . The committee focused on Gifts and Greens and has begun to outline a fundraising calendar for the year . The Fundraising committee is looking forward to 2019 and grow-

2019 Annual Report


ing our support of the ministry of Christ Church with a target of 50k new dollars from fundraising .

Priorities:Looking forward to 2019 we will continue the strong steward-ship of our financial, physical, and human resources . Below are some highlights of Goals for 2019:

• Ensure all properties are to code per city occupancy regulations • ACS and Membership Database Review to maximize our

knowledge and use • Continue to be strong stewards of every dollar used to free

more for ministry work; including providing support to other churches in the community .

• Continue the work of the Annual Giving Committee for build-ing a community that supports God’s work through Christ Church by giving generously with a financial gift on a journey towards the tithe

• Execute a fundraising strategy within a worshiping community .

Thank You: Thank you to all who participated in the Commissions, and Committee members . Very large thank you to all who help us count the money, the ballots at Annual Meeting, answer our phone, dust the church, trim the roses, plant the mums, organize rooms, run the vacuums, help with gifts and green and of course all who pick weeds and trash from our lovely grounds .

To Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering for any of the administration guilds/programs, or have questions concerning the financial administration and stewardship for Christ Church, please contact Diane Ward .

Contact: Diane E . Ward, Associate Finance and Administration313-885-4841 x111 • dward@christchurchgp .org

Finance and Administration & Stewardship (cont’d)

Upcoming gUest preachers

the rev’d dr. gary dorrien

Guest Preacher and Speaker

March 17, 2019The Rev’d Dr . Gary Dorrien, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University and acclaimed author, join us today as the Guest Preacher at the 9am service . Following the service, Dr . Dorrien will join Fr . Drew for the Rector’s forum as we explore his recent book Breaking White Supremacy: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Social Gospel.

the rev’d mtr. JUlia gatta

2019 Holy Week PreacherApril 18 — April 20

The Rev’d Mtr . Julia Gatta, author of Life in Christ: Practicing Christian Spirituality joins us as our guest preacher for the Triduum (the “great three days”) services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter .


2019 Annual Report

Stewardship: A Journey to Generosity

The journey to the heart of Christ touches all aspects of our lives: from our conduct toward our neighbor near and far to the inter-nal care for ourselves as the very body of Christ . When we are looking outward toward a friend or stranger we are called to reveal not only God’s love for them, but our own love as well, for in them we see not a stranger, but a sister or brother beloved of God . So, too, when we turn our attention inward, to ourselves and to our family, we strive, I pray, to reflect the abundant love of God for us, who calls us each “Beloved .”

In all things, we are called to reflect our love for God and our neighbor, and to work to do God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven .”

In all things . . . even the use of money we possess . Well-earned as they are, even our financial resources are part, part-and-parcel some would say, of our journey to the heart of Christ . Some, of course, dismiss any discussion of money as simply fundraising for the church and, no doubt, that has been our past (I’m sorry for that) and the resources we receive make ministry possible .

But to dismiss the conversation is to miss the great value we may find along the way . In American society, our money represents so much more than just dollars available to spend . Our wealth and income often signifies our value to society (to one another) and the quality of person that we have become . Similarly, our society constantly proclaims that, no matter how much money you have, you don’t have enough and that what you do have is meant solely for your pleasure and personal use (which extends to our family, but no further) .

And therein lies the journey . Am I of value to you my friend, or to my neighbor, or to God because of what I earn? Our faith proclaims NO! We are valued because we are beloved by One who calls us by name . And so we give as a proclamation of faith – I am good and loved, not because I am wealthy, but because I am of God . At the same time, by giving up a portion of our wealth, we proclaim to the world, to our neighbor and friends and strangers that money is not their worth either .

We give also as an expression of gratitude – first, to God for the mystery of God’s love that has loved us all since before time, but also for the immense trust that God has in you and in me, to embody his love in the world . Imagine that, God so trusts you that you have been called to share his love in the world, to be the

very embodiment of his divine love for all his people . Finally, we give with gratitude because we have to learn that, in spike of what we earn, we are first and foremost recipients of the grace and generosity of God and one another . And so we give thanks .

But the journey does not end with gratitude and proclamation, venture further up and further in (as C .S . Lewis would say), and we see that our giving has become a form of commitment to God’s mission in the world . As our financial gifts makes possible the mission of the church – our worship of God, our formation of our children and ourselves, our care for one another, and our service in the world – our financial commitment is a commit-ment to the very work of God in the world . In worship and formation and care and service, we proclaim not only the love of God for the world, but we make the means of God’s remarkable grace and transforming blessing available to all . And so our gift comes to reflect our commitment to Christ .

Even here, we go on . Take another step in Christian giving and we will see, as if from another peak, that our wealth is not, in fact, meant for our consumption alone . We will come to see, I pray, that our wealth – and our lives – are meant not merely for our pleasure, but the care and love of our neighbor, ensuring not only their survival, but, even more, their knowledge of God’s love and grace for them . And so our giving, becomes an act of care and love for our neighbor who comes to hear of God’s love through worship, to learn of God’s love through study, to experience God’s love through our care, and to embody God’s love to their neighbors in the world .

And yet, the journey goes on . When we give freely, without expectation or demand, we begin a journey of surrender . We pray each week that “thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” and yet, we often live life with the expectation that our priorities will be met, our expectations will be fulfilled, and our desires satisfied . To follow Christ is to surrender our will to his, to surrender our heart to his, to surrender our lives to his . And so we give as an act and practice of surrender to the One we call Lord and God .

The journey takes us further still . When we choose to make a sacrificial gift, not just a latte-a-week gift, but one that brings struggle, that causes real choice in our life and home; when we begin to live without in order that others can live and hear the

2019 Annual Report


Stewardship: A Journey to Generosity

Good news of God’s grace for them; then we begin to participate in the sacrificial love of Christ who sacrificed all for the world .

And that is the heart of the journey, to so embody the love of Christ for ourselves and our neighbors that we participate in the sacrificial love of Christ in all ways and at all times .

Our giving matters . It matters, of course, for the church and the ministry of Christ here at Christ Church . It matters, even more, as a pathway for you into the very heart of Christ for the world .

And so we, the Stewardship Committee, invite you to journey on . Wherever you are today, celebrate . Celebrate the proclamation and gratitude you express through your gift; the commitment you make and the love and care you extend through your pledge, the surrender you have made and the sacrifice you offer through your tithe . Celebrate where you are, but don’t stop .

If haven’t before, pledge . If you’ve pledged for years, but have no idea what that represents of your income, do the math on your giving and intentionally increase your gift to Christ Church by one percent (1%) of your household income in gratitude for God’s love and commitment to God’s mission . If you’re already an intentional, proportional gift, trust further, and make a 5-year plan to reach a sacrificial gift of a tithe (10%), surrendering yourself to God’s grace and participating in his sacrifice love for the world .

The journey to the heart of Christ touches all things, even our financial resources . Thank you for your generosity and, even more, may God bless you on your journey to the heart of his love .

Vision StatementTo be a beacon of God’s love, Christ Church Grosse Pointe is a welcoming, compassionate and inclusive community overflowing with activity seven days a week. People of all ages and from all walks of life flock to this Christian center and become involved in its life, finding themselves spiritually nourished, educationally enriched, and empowered to serve as they live the Gospel joyfully. Christ Church embraces growth, serving the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s generations while maintaining the glories of its An-glican worship and tradition.

Mission StatementTo bring God and people together to know and live the Good News of Jesus Christ.


2019 Annual Report

The Estate of D . Luanne AhlbrandMs . Katherine AnslowMs . Lynn AnslowMr . Joel AnyimMrs . Barbara ArrigoDr . & Mrs . Eric AshMr . & Mrs . Nicholas BachandMr . & Mrs . Michael BamfordMrs . Barbara BangsMs . Martha BangsMr . & Mrs . Sandy BaruahMr . Jeffry BauerDr . Richard Baumgarten & Dr . Cheryl WesenMr . Richard BeadleMr & Mrs John BensonMr . & Mrs . Richard BestMs . Alesia BicknellMr . Bruce BirgbauerMr . Karl Boeckler & Mrs . Lori Mouton BoecklerMr . & Mrs . John Booth, IIMrs John L . BoothMr . & Mrs . Michael BoweDr . Jerry Brackett & Ms . Karen KienbaumMrs . Ruth BradfieldThe Rev’d Areeta BridgemohanMs . Libby CandlerMrs . Lynn CarpenterMr . & Mrs . David ChaklosMs . Deborah ChampionMr . & Mrs . Stephen ChanMr . & Mrs . Patrick ChestertonMr . & Mrs . William CollisonMr . & Mrs . Jonathan ColmanMr . & Mrs . Gaylord CreedonMr . & Dr . D . Kerry CrenshawMr . & Mrs . William CudlipMr . Henry DarlingtonMs . Karen DavenportMs . Mary Jean DavisMr . Michael DeFillipi & Mr . David GerdisMr . & Mrs . George Detwiler

The Estate of John DinkaMr . & Mrs . Edwin DyerMr . Steven FehnigerMr . & Mrs . Peter FerraraMr . & Mrs . Ed FitzgeraldDr . R . Michael Flores & Mr . Michael FournierMrs . Shirley FortuneMr . & Mrs . John FowlerMrs . Hadley FrenchMrs . William Clay FordMrs . Margaret GarbarinoMr . David GaskinMr . & Mrs . Edward GasparMr . & Mrs . Edward GotfredsonMrs . Carol GoveMr . Stuart GriggMr & Mrs H .T . Hagan, IIIMr . & Mrs . Scott HanoianMs Susan HarperThe Estate of Ruth HatcherMr . & Mrs . Milton HenkelMr . Mark Higbie & Mrs . Gretchen KnoellMr . & Mrs . Mark HighMr . & Mrs . Michael HixMrs . Audrey HolleyMr . & Mrs . Henry HubbardMr . & Mrs . Julius HuebnerMr . & Mrs . Peter HuebnerMr . Daniel HughesMr . & Mrs . Matthew HurleyMs . Terri Lyn HustonMs . Lynnette IannaceMr . & Mrs . Robert JohnsonMrs . Heather JonesMs . Barbara KennedyMr . Robert Kingscott & Mrs . Susan MaraMrs . Judith KlingMr . & Ms . Garland Knight, IIIMr . & Mrs . Charles P . KontulisMr . & Mrs . Michael LabadieMs . Susan Larsen

Mrs . Mary LedyardMr . & Mrs . Mark LorengerMr . & Mrs . Terrance LynchMr . & Mrs . Edwin MacKethan, IIIMr . Brian & Dr . Lisa MacLeanMr . & Mrs . Charles MathewsMr . & Mrs . Joseph Maycock, Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Ted McConnellMr . & Mrs . John McCormickMr . & Mrs . Kenneth McIntyreMrs . Helen McKnightMrs . Lucinda McMahonMr & Mrs James T . McMillan, IIMr . & Mrs . James MillsMr . & Mrs . Albert MinetolaMr . & Mrs . Thomas NealssohnMrs . Dorothy NelsonMr . & Mrs . Robert NewtonMr . & Mrs . George Nicholson, IIIDr . & Mrs . Peter NicklesMr . & Mrs . Frank NiscoromniMr . & Mrs . Blair OsbornMr . & Mrs . Dennis PartridgeMr . & Mrs . Brian PeabodyMrs . Ursula PersidskisMr . James Quinlan & Ms . Margaret LoomisMr . & Mrs . David RedfieldMr . & Mrs . Michael ReichMr . & Mrs . Bruce RenaudMr . & Mrs . John RenickMr . & Mrs . Brendan RossMr . Charles RuifrokMs . Helen SantizMrs . Carol SchrashunMr . & Mrs . Matthew SchuetzeDr . Cathryn & Mr . Daniel SkedelMs . Penelope SloughMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey SmithMr John SnyderMr . & Mrs . Ronald SolterischMr . Samuel Stanley

2018 Pledge Thank Yous

We thank the following members for participating on the Christian journey through their annual pledge.

“If ye love me, then keep my commandments” (John 14.15)

2019 Annual Report


Mr . & Mrs . Frank StellingwerfMr . & Mrs . George SuttonMs . Kimberly SuttonMs . Amie SweeneyMr . Theodore Sweeney, IIIMr & Mrs Donald N . Sweeny IIIMr . & Mrs . Joseph SwickardMr . & Mrs . Christopher TennysonMr . & Mrs . David TobbeMr . & Mrs . Allan TorpMr . & Mrs . Richard TrostMiss Elizabeth TrostMiss Katherine TrostMr . Edward Turner

Mr . & Mrs . Jud UtleyMr . & Mrs . Robert ValleeThe Rev’d & Mrs . Andrew Van CulinMr . & Mrs . John Van OsdolMrs . John Van ZileMs . Charlene VickersMr . & Mrs . James VogtMr . & Mrs . Brendan WalshMrs . Beverly WalshDr . & Mrs . Kenneth WaltersMr . & Mrs . Jonathan WaltonMr . & Mrs . Sheldon Wardwell, IIMr . & Mrs . Benjamin Warren, IIIMr . & Mrs . John Warren, Jr

Mrs . Constance WatermanMr . & Mrs . Adam WaughMrs . Lynda WebsterMs . Karyn WeirMrs . Sally WheelerMr . & Mrs . Timothy WhimsMr . & Mrs . Edward WhiteMs . Kathy WilliamsMrs . Margaret WoodfordMr . John Woodhouse, Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Patrick Worrell, Sr .Mr . Donald Wray, Jr . & Dr . Arlene RozzelleThe Estate of Helen YoungMrs . Mary Anne Zinn

2018 Pledgers in thousands

Families Dollars Committed Actual Received1 DifferenceExceeded 88 $449 $479 30

Met 19 53 53 0

Partially Met 46 158 116 -42

No Fulfillment 10 8 0 -8

Total Pledges 163 $669 $649 -$20

Other Gifts Families Budgeted Actual Received DifferenceGifts w/o Pledge 146 75 110 35

Foundation| Grants 13 185 176 -9

Total Unrestricted Contributions 322 $929 $935 $6

1Note: These are dollars received towards commitment – some dollars may be received in year other than current fiscal year . Thus the dollars will not flow to the financial statements .

2018 Pledge Thank Yous (cont’d)

Thank you for your support!


2019 Annual Report

Altar Guild

Acolytes

Eucharistic Ministers

Flower Guild

Greeters

Lectors

Ushers

Vergers

Other...........................................

Learn More and Get Involved

Name Today’s Date

Contact Email

WORSHIP MINISTRIES PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES

Christ Church Bakers

Christ Church Cooks

Christ Church Drivers

Circle Groups

Daughters of the King

Eucharistic Visitors

Foyer Group (Participant)

Foyer Group (Captain)

Funeral Reception Team

Parish Gatherings Team

Wedding Coordinator

Other.........................................

OUTREACH MINISTRIES CHILDREN / YOUTH MINISTRIES

Outreach Funding

Service Projects (Local)

Habitat Projects

Crossroads Soup Kitchen

Mission Trips

Christmas Gift Exchange

Shelter Week Meal Team

Summer Starters

Other...........................................

Middle School Youth Program

High School Youth Program

Mission Trip Volunteer

Pizza Lunch

Sunday School Teacher

Children’s Chapel Leader

Soccer Camp Volunteer

Guild of the Christ Child

MOPs Ministry Team

Other...........................................

ADULT FORMATION MUSIC MINISTRIES

The Catechumenate

The Spirituality Center

Cloister Bookshop

Adult Formation Classes

Adult Formation Advisory Cmt.

Seasonal Classes

Quiet Nights

Other...........................................

Boys Choir

Girls Choir

Schola

Christ Church Chorale

Evensong and Concerts

Music Advisory Committee

Other...........................................

STEWARDSHIP AND SUPPORT MINISTRIESBuildings and Grounds

Adopt-a-Garden

Christ Church Crew

Rose Garden Volunteers

Financial Administration

Finance Committee

Audit Committee

Investment Committee

Tellers

Communications

Graphic Design

Production Support

Website Maintenance

General Admin. / Support

Receptionist

Mailings

Other............................................

Phone (Cell)Phone (Home)

Want to get involved at Christ Church or learn more about a program? Tell us what interests you and a member of the staff or ministry will contact you shortly . After filling out form please submit to Joseph Daniel, in the Rector’s Office or simply return to reception desk .

2019 Annual Report


Stewardship Financials

Stewardship Summary (in thousands)

2016 2017 2018 2019*Revenue Detail Actual Actual Actual Committed

Member Giving (Pledges/Non-pledge Contributions) $767 $803 $707 $449

Foundations & Grants 164 177 176 174

Total (Pledge/Foundations/Grants) Revenue $931 $980 $863 $623

2016 2017 2018 2019Commitments Received 234 192 163 106

Pledge Commitments received $709 $687 $669 $448

New Pledge Commitments 29 19 21 19

Total New Dollars Committed $30 $21 $30 $22

Renewals in Process 43 61 49 76

Value of Non-Renewals/Outstanding Renewals $74 $74 $63 $243

Average Pledge $3,028 $3,580 $4,104 $4,229

* As of 1/24/2019


2019 Annual Report

Balance Sheet

Assets (in thousands)

2016 Audited

2017 Review in Process

2018 Un-Audited

Cash and Cash Equivalents 396 417 379

Investments 9,860 10,689 9,503

Total Assets $10,256 $11,106 $9,882

Liabilities and Fund BalancesTotal Current Liabilities

Vestry Designated (unrestricted) 4,750 4,949 4,350

Donor Restricted 5,171 5,762 5,130

Undesignated (unrestricted) 246 345 293

Interfund Copier Loan 53 41 29

Accrued Pension Obligation/payroll withholdings 36 9 80

Total Liabilities $10,256 $11,106 $9,882

Fixed Assets: Property and Equipment 17,447 17,447 17,507

Total Liabilities and Assets $27,703 $28,554 $27,389

2018 Investment Portfolio (in thousands)

Beginning Balance 1/1/2017 $ 10,619Additions (donated funds) 135

Withdrawals -360

Year-to-Date Change in Value -816

Portfolio Value End of 12/31/2018 $ 9,444

Total Portfolio Year-to-Date Return (net of fees, w/d and adds) -9 .11%

Composite Blended Benchmark -3 .98%

S&P 500 Total Return -4 .38%

2019 Annual Report


Financial Summary (Unaudited)

2018 Actual Results NotesRevenue Variances:

• Member Giving was ~$100k less than budget . Prepayments in December 2017 did not reoccur in 2019 . Stewardship conversations with those members are underway

• Net asset release were below budget based lower Choir Trip/Mission Trip expenses, fewer conservation trust projects, and not drawing the $100k supplemental draw approved .

Expense Variances• Compensation/Health insurance below budget by 57k due to vacancies• Travel and Meals: $92k - Lower participation in Choir Trip/Mission Trip and Staff delaying development• Conservation Trust Repairs $93k• Professional Services $61k below budget• Food/Supplies $50k below budget

2019 Budget NotesRevenue:

• Member Giving increased by $72k [makeup of $50k of budget reserve and a $22k increase]• 4% Draw plus $100k supplemental if needed• No Choir Trip - less by $110k

Expenses• Diocesan Apportionment Increased by $16k - moving towards a tithe• Health Insurance increased by $10k• Salary adjustments for staff by $10k• No Choir Trip less by $120k• Utilities/Insurance increased by $12k

In thousands ACTUALS BUDGETS2016 2017 2018 2018 2019

Revenue In thousands in thousands

Pledges, Contributions, & Grants $932 $980 $883 $1,000 $1,022

“Transferred Funds (Endowment Draw/Net Assets Released)”

$1,006 $770 838 1,011 918

“Member Giving Shortfall (Funded from Reserves)”

465 384 45 100 100

Programs and Services 166 234 183 191 200

TOTAL REVENUE $2,569 $2,369 $1,949 $2,303 $2,240

ExpensesCompensation and Benefits $1,316 $1,291 $1,015 $1,072 $1,095

General Expenses/Insurances 694 584 555 691 733

Travel, Meals, and Lodging 305 225 199 292 171

Professional Services/Communications 254 209 180 248 242

TOTAL EXPENSE $2,569 $2,309 $1,948 $2,303 $2,240

Net Revenue Less Expense [not in thousands] 60 139


2019 Annual Report

2019 Revenue Budget

2019 Annual Revenue: $2,240,370

2019 Annual Report


2019 Expense Budget

2018 Annual Expenses: $2,240,362By Department

By Ministry


2019 Annual Report

2018 Annual Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Annual Meeting January 26, 2018

The meeting was called to order at 10:45 by our Rector, Drew Van Culin, who also offered the opening prayers.

Opening Remarks: Father Drew offered some opening reflections for the community which included: acknowledgment that we are all on a spiritual journey, not just our kids and youth. Father Drew highlighted the Vestry’s focus on the spiritual journey this past year by spending time in study as a Vestry team, by focusing on worship and prayer both at Church but also at home. As a community, we are all on the spiritual journey, and we want to focus our expansion on the 9 a.m. family service. Working critically to connect not only with those of us who are here, but those who are not, in order that families through the Grosse Pointe, and even beyond, can know the grace of God and the care of this community that we experience here.

Father Drew highlighted the ministry teams that he hopes to expand, and install in the coming year to help our spiritual journey as a community. Amongst those are: Christ Church Bakers, Christ Church Cooks, Driver Ministry, Take a meal Ministry, and Circle Groups. Father Drew shared how Circle Groups would work. The highlights include:

• Circle groups will be randomly formed from among our members . . . and new members willsimply be added as the join our community

▪ Circle Group is meant to last a life time even . . . you don’t join or quit a Circle Group, you’resimply included – participation, of course is up to you!

▪ Circle Groups will offer Easter House Masses▪ Circle Groups will offer Summer BBQs▪ Circle Groups will offer Harvest Home Suppers▪ Circle Groups will have a Vestry representative on the group – there as a Vestry member. Yet,

Vestry Members will be members of their own group where they are not the Vestryrepresentative.

Father Drew closed by stating he would roll out the Circle Groups once he had aligned all those who agreed to help shepherd a Circle Group. And his hope was to have them place by end of March.

Father Drew then highlighted that the reduction of the budget and staffing will impact our worship schedule as we go forward. Father Drew provided the new worship schedule would be 8 a.m., 9 a.m., and Evensong which will now be at 3:00 p.m. Father Drew provided the rational for the change, and acknowledge the change was a sense of loss for some. While change is hard, by having the community all together in fewer services he hoped would generate more connections and relationships.

Appointment of Secretary: Father Van Culin appointed Mike Hix as Secretary of the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Approval of Minutes: Annual Meeting 2017

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2018 Annual Meeting Minutes (cont’d)

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A motion was made and seconded to dispense with the reading of these minutes. A motion was made and seconded to approve these minutes. Both motions were approved.

Appointment of Head Teller:

Father Drew asked Karen Kienbaum if he could appoint Erica Davis to be the Head Teller for both the by-laws count as well as the Election Count should one be held. Karen approved, Erica Davis was appointed Head Teller.

Temporary Amendment to By-laws

David Gaskin, Chancellor of Christ Church Grosse Pointe, introduced the required amendment which addresses the two components of the by-laws not met which will allow the vote to move forward. (See Attachment for amendment) The amendment was presented, Karen Kienbaum moved to accept the amendment, and Betsy Creedon seconded the amendment.

The floor was opened to questions for clarification on the amendment.

There were comments offered from the floor but none that modified the motion.

A member requested the question be called to vote on the by-laws amendment. The motion was seconded by many, and placed to the community if the discussion should close and move to the motion at hand. The motion to close discussion was passed.

Father Drew requested Erica Davis to pass out the by-laws amendment ballot. The Ballots were collected, a subset of Tellers was assigned to count the ballots and return the results when completed.

Head Teller returned after the presentation of the Outreach Highlight presentation. The by-laws amendment was passed with more than 2/3rd approving the amendment.

Recognition of Written Reports

Father Drew thanked all involved in Ministry and recognized the written reports in the annual report. Father Drew highlighted that all the work of the church can only be done with support of the volunteer work that supports each Ministry.

Celebration of Outreach

Hearts for Home was the named recipient of the fundraising receipts from our Gifts and Greens program. Richard Canon spoke to the mission and need Hearts for Homes was addressing and how the gift would be used. He thanked he community for their generosity.

Vestry Candidate Votes

Betsy Creedon acknowledge Erica Davis as Head Teller for the Vestry election and introduced the seven candidates for this year’s Vestry election:

▪ Mike Bamford ▪ Polly Ledyard


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▪ Paula Labadie ▪ Helen Santiz ▪ John Snyder

▪ Amie Sweeney ▪ Cheryl Wesen

Betsy reviewed the eligibility rules and requirements for voting, the ballots were marked and collected by the tellers who retired to do their tallies. A note of gratitude was shared that this year we have our youth serving as tellers for the second year.

Senior Warden Comments

Karen Kienbaum shared her comments with the community. Karen thanked Father Drew for his leadership, and most importantly as our Spiritual Leader. Karen noted, that the Vestry agenda format established by Father Drew has included study time of God’s word together. By starting with a focus on God, it has improved our cohesiveness as a Vestry. Karen noted that she personally has felt it has improved our work as a Vestry. Karen highlighted the work the Vestry has taken on around stewardship and important it is for us to connect our stewardship to our spiritual journey.

Treasurer Report

Dan Skedel, Treasurer of Christ Church Grosse Pointe, then presented the financials for 2017. Dan started the presentation by addressing erroneous concerns about the state of our investment and endowment portfolio. Dan emphasized the differences between endowment investments, and investments that were either temporary restricted or vestry designated investments. In summary, Endowment Investments have grown in value over the last three years by 23% or 1.3 million dollars. Funds used to support our operations over the last three years has remained relative flat with a slight decline in value of 64k. or 2%. When combined, our investments have increased by 1.24 million dollars and 13%. Dan hoped this would provide comfort to the parish that the finance committee and Vestry have been good stewards of our resources.

Dan then proceeded to highlight status of our stewardship, performance to budget for 2017, and budget for 2018. Dan Highlighted, the tough decision the Vestry made to reduce the budget of the church in 2018 by 300k which resulted in the reduction of staffing. However, we continue to have giving shortfall of 150k and Dan encouraged everyone to reflect on their ability to support the God’s ministry and their sacrificial giving.

2019 Annual Report




2019 Annual Report

Minutes: Special Meeting of the Parish (Oct 2018)

Special Meeting of the Congregation Sunday October 14, 2018

Summary of Action Taken

By a super majority (two-thirds) of the parish, the by-laws for Christ Church Grosse Pointe were amended as presented. Call to Order: Father Drew Van Culin acknowledged that we had a quorum, seeing that there were fifty (50) qualified voters of the Parish present, and called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m.

Opening Prayer: Offered by Fr. Drew Van Culin

Opening Matters Fr. Drew appointed George Sutton as secretary to the meeting, then introduced the meeting and identified the purpose for our gathering. Father Drew outlined the format for the meeting would be Presentation, Questions of Clarification, Discussion and Decision. We need to accomplish this within the 90 minutes we have scheduled to honor those members with families.

Father Drew acknowledged the Vestry Members present, and introduced those who would be presenting: Betsy Creedon, Sr. Warden; Thom Nealssohn, Jr. Warden, Eric Ash Vestry Member, and Lori Boeckler, Vestry Member.

Father Drew also acknowledged the taskforce members who had worked on making the recommendation to the Vestry: Blair Osborn, Mark Lorenger, John Woodhouse, and special note to David Jones, and Peggy Beadle who are no longer with us but were passionate about the need for change in our By-laws.

Presentation

All members were presented with hard copies of the amendment changes before the meeting electronically, or by hard copy if requested, and in hard copy at the meeting. The changes were presented as follows:

Presentation of History and Background: Thom Nealssohn

Article 2: Membership Definitions Lori Boeckler

Article 3: The Vestry Betsy Creedon

Article 4: Vestry Duties Betsy Creedon

Article 5 No Changes

Article 6: Nominations and Elections Eric Ash

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Minutes: Special Meeting of the Parish (cont’d)

MOTION MOVED:

Betsy Creedon, Sr. Warden moved the motion to the floor: Friends, on behalf of my fellow vestry members, I move for your approval the amendments to the By-Laws of Christ Church Grosse Pointe as recommended by the Vestry.

Motion Seconded by Amie Sweeney, the floor was open to clarifying questions. Summary of the clarifying questions included:

Clarification Questions

Question: Article 2.1.1 Baptized and duly recorded here. What if I come here but may not be baptized here? How would I know if I am recorded here?

Answer: Father Drew explained there is a process to ensure that anyone who attends and wants to be a member can follow to become a member of Christ Church. If you are not sure you can call us and we can verify for you.

Question: Please clarify what faithful in corporate worship means.

Answer: The canons are clear that the expectation is that we have a duty to have weekly remembrance of Christ. Our way of measuring is more along the line that we miss you when you are not here, versus when you are here we say wow we are glad to see you.

Question: The duty of the vestry to be a personal example of stewardship – does that include a financial gift threshold? I have heard that members are not allowed to run for Vestry because they do not give enough?

Answer: Again, the canons are clear that the expectation is a pledge and the biblical standard, the diocesan standard, and our Vestry has affirmed that a tithe is the expectation. So, there is no dollar threshold, but the expectation that we are moving in the direction of a tithe within a reasonable period.

Question: Why are we limiting the nomination by petition to just one per member?

Answer: We support nomination by petitions, but also respect the discernment of the nominating committee. By limiting each member to one we prevent a small group from superseding the nomination committee work.


2019 Annual Report

Minutes: Special Meeting of the Parish (cont’d)

Following an opportunity for discussion Father Drew introduced our two tellers Frank Stellingworth and Ed White. Father Drew re-announced the motion and asked members to hold up the green card in their packet for the tellers to count. Followed by asking members to hold up the red card if they did not support the motion.

Decision: a super majority of two-thirds approved the motion.

Closing Prayer: Offered by Fr. Drew Van Culin

Adjournment Fr. Drew called the meeting to a close at11:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by:

Submitted by: Approved by:

Diane E. Ward George Sutton Associate for Finance and Administration Vestry Secretary

Documents presented: Recommended Changes to the By-Laws of Christ Church Grosse Pointe

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• Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 27

• The Feast of the Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 1, 7 pm

• Shrove Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 5

• Ash Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 6

• The First Sunday of Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 10

• Palm Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 14

• Palm Sunday Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 14, 3 pm

• Holy Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15 - 19, 7 pm services

• Tenebrae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 17, 7 pm

• Maundy Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 18, 7 pm

• Good Friday Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 19, Noon and 7 pm

• The Great Vigil of Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 20, 7 pm

• Easter Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 21, 7 am, 9 am, 11:15 am

• Pentecost with Confirmation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 9

• Fall Homecoming Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 8

• The Blessing of Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 6, 9 am

• All Saint’s Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 3

• All Souls’ Requiem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 3, 3 pm

• The Feast of Christ the King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 24

• Advent 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 1

• The Advent Procession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2, 3 pm

• Christmas Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 8, 3 pm

• Christmas Lessons and Carols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 22, 4:30 pm

• Christmas Eve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 24, 4, 8 and 11 pm

• Christmas Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 25, 10 am

Key Dates at Christ Church 2019

61 GROSSE POINTE BLVD . GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI 48236

313-885-4841 WWW .CHRISTCHURCHGP .ORG

Date post:	26-Aug-2020
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