NORTHERN LIGHT UNITED CHURCH

Annual Meeting of the Congregation January 29, 2017

Agenda

* Denotes Action Item

Call to Order NW Coast Presbytery Exec. Corey Schlosser Hall

Invocation

Establishing a Quorum (All church members may vote):

*Approval of the Agenda

*Approval of the Minutes from 2014 Annual Meeting and the April 19 called meeting

Denominational Greetings

- Alaska United Methodist Conference

- Northwest Coast Presbytery

Reports from Congregational Entities and Highlights of the Past Year

– written reports distributed in advance of the meeting

*Elections—Nominating Committee Report—

Council, Staff Parish Relations, Deacons, Property Management

*Election of 2016 Nominating Committee

Additional Business to come before the congregation

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Table of Contents

January 11, 2015 Annual Report Minutes…………………….…..1-2

April 19, 2015 Special Meeting Minutes……………………….…….3

Pastor’s Report……………………………………………….……..4-6

Church Council Report……………………………………………..7-8

Nominating Committee Report……………………………………....9

Treasurer’s Report……………………………………………......10-13

Balance Sheet…………………………………………………………14

Budget……………………………………………………………...15-23

Committee on Property Report………………………………….….24

Juneau Youth Ministry Cooperative..…………………………...…25

Staff Parish Relations Committee Report………………………26-27

Committee on Community Opportunities Report……………..28-29

Deacons Report…………………………………………….……..30-31

Deacon’s Financial Report…………………………………….….....32

Community of Christian Women Report…………………………..33

Community of Christian Women Financial Report…………….…34

Native Ministries Report………………………………………...35-36

Library Committee Report……………………………………..…..37

2015 Annual Meeting Northern Light United Church

January 31, 2016

Call to Order

Corey Schlosser-Hall, the Executive Presbyter of the Northwest Coast Presbytery welcomed all to the

annual meeting and then turned the meeting over to Northern Light Council Moderator Anne Standerwick.

Corey Schlosser-Hall from the Northwest Coast Presbytery greeted us from the other Presbyteries in the

Northwest. He explained that the organization will soon welcome more churches to be part of the group.

Phil presented greetings from Carlo Rapanut, District Superintendent, District Superintendent of the Alaska

Conference of the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

Phil reviewed Carlo Rapanut’s “six passions” or challenges for his vision for the United Methodist Church

in Alaska.

Call

Engage

Welcome

Connect

Disciple

Risk

NLUC 2014-2106 Visioning Plan Update

Natalie Norberg, Joy Lyon and Myra Munson have worked extensively on the Visioning Plan. Natalie has

been the prime person who has updated the Visioning Plan for council.

Phil expressed thanks to Jim Becker who had the vision to keep the goals and visioning plans on the

council’s agenda every month.

Natalie prepared a PowerPoint presentation to review the work of the Visioning Plan.

Pastor’s Report

Phil thanked the congregation for support for the time he was away for surgery and recovery, which spanned

two program years. He had three surgeries in a period of three months. He expressed appreciation for all

who stepped up to help during that time.

Phil invited folks to read his report. Phil noted that there has been a bit of a dip in the worship attendance,

and he has been concerned about that.

He shared a statement from Walter Soboleff that, “We can each invite someone to church.”

Phil stated that we are a generous congregation and a financially gifted congregation. We make amazing use

of our financial resources that we share with ourselves and others. We have an abundance of time and talent

that is shared.

Treasurer’s Report

Jim Alter reported from the phone. He asks if there were any questions or comments. He thanked everyone

who is part of our congregation for their incredible financial generosity. Our church is in excellent financial

condition. This is the fourth consecutive year that our giving has met or exceeded our budget. Preliminarily,

2015 was an amazing year: not only did we meet our budget for activity, programs, and staffing for the year,

beyond that in 2015 the congregation gave over $130,000 for “ad-hoc” identified giving during the year.

This was directed support above and beyond what we had budgeted for.

Judy Knight expressed thanks to Jim Alter for all the hours he has put into doing a wonderful job as

treasurer.

Jim is hoping to transition out of the treasurer position so if anyone is interested let him know.

Committee on Property Management

George Reifenstein reported on the work on CPM as the chair, Nico Bus, is out of town.

Celebration of Music

Gail O’Dell led us in a song with “Alleluia” and “Praise Ye The Lord.”

Staff Parish Relations Committee Report

Marianne Mills chaired the SPRC during the past year. She gave a special thanks to Joy Lyon who served as

Vice Chair and to Jim Alter who served as secretary.

Committee on Community Opportunities Report

Melody Millard reported on the activities of the COCO. In addition to the annual report, she reported on the

work of Haven House, which was supported by COCO.

Deacons Report

Kate thanked Margaret Pugh, who served as treasurer, and outgoing deacon Theresa Araki. She presented

the deacon’s annual report.

Celebration of Music

Gail O’Dell led us again in a song with “Alleluia” and “Praise Ye The Lord.”

Community of Christian Women Report

Carol Barril reported on the activities of CCW. The next meeting will be the last Saturday in February. All

women are invited. They will discuss how to use the money earned during the bazaar.

Marion Gotschall reported on one of the projects that did not get into the report. Last year CCW received

patterns and fabric to create hygiene kits that were sent to Guatemala. This project was a big success, with

almost 400 kits given out to girls.

Native Ministries Report

Barbara Searls reviewed the Native Ministries Annual Report. She highlighted the work done with the

Yakutat Presbyterian Church.

Cooperative Youth Group

There is a visual display of the activities of the Cooperative Youth Group.

Sunday School

There is a visual display of activities of the Sunday School.

Council Report

Anne Standerwick highlighted three items with a “show and tell.”

- Map of Southeast Alaska to represent work with other churches

- Stethoscope to represent matching gift for the support of the Front Street Clinic.

- Rainbow scarf to represent NLUC becoming a “More Light” and “Reconciling” congregation.

Anne thanked the council members and asked them to stand.

Phil expressed thanks to Anne Standerwick who in addition to serving as Council Moderator continued with

her work with Sunday School, coordinator of families with young children, and accompanist for the choir.

Celebration of Music

Gail O’Dell led us again in a song with “Alleluia” and “Praise Ye The Lord.”

Elections

Kristy Germain reported on the work of the nominating committee.

Thank you to everyone who has served on committees.

There are two additions for blanks under Staff Parish Relations Committee: Jane Ginter and Maxine Richert

have agreed to serve on SPRC.

M/S/C that nominations be closed and that we cast a unanimous ballot for the slate of names.

Election of 2016 Nominating Committee

We need five members:

Nominated:

Barbara Searls

Marion Gotschall

Linda Miller

Joy Lyon

Bruce Morley

M/S/C that nominations be closed and that we cast a unanimous ballot for the slate of names.

Additional Business to Come Before the Congregation

Mary Becker stated how wonderful it is to have a pastor who is so visible in our community. We owe Phil a

lot for his community activity. She commented on the way that June Degnan and all worked so hard in

making the Haven House a success.

Judy Knight thanks the Men’s Breakfast for setting up the tables for the annual meeting. Thanks to the

middle school Sunday School class who baked muffins and set up the tables for the meeting.

Announcements

None noted.

Closing Prayer

Closed in prayer by Corey at 2:12 p.m.

Respectively Submitted,

Jane McMillan Ginter, Stated Clerk

Minutes of the Northern Light United Church special congregational meeting May 15, 2016

After the required notice being given, on May 15, 2016, a special congregational meeting was held in the sanctuary

for the purpose of filling 2 elected unexpired terms, namely Lay Leader and one position on the Committee on

Property Management. Council Moderator Anne Standerwick called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. A quorum

was present. Representing the Nominating Committee, Joy Lyon reported that Jane Ginter had been proposed to fill

the United Methodist Lay Leader unexpired term and John Norman had been proposed to fill the Committee on

Property Management unexpired term. There were no other nominations from the floor. A motion was made and

seconded to close nominations and to cast a unanimous ballot to elect Jane and John to these positions.

By a voice vote, Jane Ginter was elected to be Lay Leader and John Norman was elected to the Committee on

Property Management. There was no dissent.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:18 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Anne Standerwick, Council Moderator and Clerk Pro-Tem

2016 Council Report to the Annual Meeting

Northern Light United Church

Prepared January 2, 2016

The Northern Light United Church’s bylaws designate the Church Council as the governing body of the

church. The twelve members of the council are elected by the church and serve three-year terms.

2016 Council Members included:

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018

June Degnan Laura Doogan Pat Gorman

Myra Munson Nancy Lehnhart Kelly Henriksen

Natalie Norberg Judith Morley Marianne Mills

Anne Standerwick George Partlow Freda Westman

The NLUC Council had 11 regularly scheduled meetings in 2016, with additional communication as needed

in order to address issues in a timely manner. The council is charged with protecting the mission of the

church, making wise decisions and overseeing the management of church assets.

This report is a summary of the work of the council in 2016. With the help and advice of various church

committees including SPRC, CPM, Deacons, Native Ministries, Finance, Community Opportunities along

with the church treasurer Jim Alter and our pastor Phil Campbell, the council has worked to advance the

mission of NLUC locally and beyond.

Work continued on the Visioning Work Plan which was developed based on congregational participation

during the 2014 annual meeting. The council has regularly revisited the visioning work plan as we continue

to move forward with efforts in areas which were identified as priorities by the congregation. Natalie

Norberg has been extremely helpful in keeping the work plan up to date and reporting on new developments

in carrying out the work plan.

Highlights in Visioning Work Plan progress this year:

Being a welcoming church: council affirmed our current practice of opening the church to any and all

weddings legal in the state of Alaska and under the oversight of the pastor and the church’s building use

policies. Members of council provided hospitality during Gold Medal week.

Helping each other learn and grow: council supported the work by Teresa Campbell in revising the pre-

school and elementary school Christian education program. We appreciate the work that Teresa and the

teachers have put into this program which is enjoying success. Congregational members participated in

Stewardship training in Anchorage and have been incorporating ideas from that training into our

stewardship program.

Seeking opportunities to serve and lead: council adopted the Earth Care Project pledge this year and

appreciates the leadership of Committee on Community Opportunities in moving forward with this project

which includes many ways we can be good stewards of the earth and environment. In addition, we continue

to work toward bringing the Family Promise project into being in Juneau (churches host and support

families experiencing homelessness). Council is also exploring ways to continue supporting Haven House

Juneau in its important mission.

Sustaining a stable church: council has been working with the Finance Committee and the Investment

Committee to examine our current investment strategies and look toward socially responsible investment

options. In addition, in a more tangible way, much needed work was completed on the manse this year, and

planning continues regarding new lighting in the sanctuary.

Thanks: It has been a pleasure serving as Moderator of the council this year and as a council member for

the last 3 years. Thank you to Pastor Phil Campbell, Treasurer Jim Alter, council members, church

committee members and all of you who give of yourselves so generously to further God’s work through

Northern Light United Church.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Standerwick, Moderator

Nominating Committee Report for

2017 NLUC Annual Meeting

The nominating Committee presents the following nominees for the class of 2019:

Council (4 Seats)

Lillian Petershoare

Debbie Reifenstein

Nico Bus

Marion Gotschall

Deacons (3 Seats)

Kristi Germain

Karen Lipson

Committee on Property Management (CPM)

Richard Doogan

Alan Akiyama

Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)

KJ Metcalf

Karen Dillon

The nominating committee thanks the outgoing and ongoing members for their service:

Council June Degnan 2016

Moderator Anne Standerwick 2016

Natalie Norberg 2016

Myra Munson 2016

Laura Doogan 2017

Nancy Lehnhart 2017

Judith Morley 2017

George Partlow 2017

Pat Gorman 2018

Kelly Henriksen 2018

Marianne Mills 2018

Freda Westman 2018

Deacons Marie Beierly 2016

Kate Burkhart 2016

Jean Overstreet 2016

Bob Coghill 2017

Jenny Purcell 2017

Eric Scott 2017

Susan Bus 2018

Denise Carroll 2018

Wally Marvin 2018

SPRC Joy Lyon 2016

Peggy Metcalf 2016

Su Alexander 2017

Ginny Palmer 2017

Jane Ginter 2018

Maxine Richert 2018

CPM Martha DeFreest 2016

Steve White 2016

George

Reifenstein

2017

Brian Vander

Naald

2017

Margaret

MacKinnon

2018

Pua Maunu 2018

Respectfully submitted by:

Joy Lyon, Chair, Laura Doogan, Linda Miller, Marion Gotchall, Bruce Morley, Barbara Searls, Kelly Henriksen

(Council Representative).

TREASURER’S REPORT

2016

As of the end of 2016, Northern Light is in excellent financial condition. Our day-to-day fiscal operations

are sustainable; we are essentially debt-free; and we have substantial financial reserves. This state of affairs

exists because of the steady and generous fiscal support of the congregation. For that I unqualifiedly say

“THANK YOU!” and encourage all of us to, in appreciative gratitude, celebrate.

The numbers that are the underlying basis of this

report are attached as

a Balance Sheet Report, as of December 31,

2016

the 2017 Budgets (as adopted by the Church

Council on December 8), and

the actual revenue and expenses, by line

item, for the various budgets for 2015 and

2016 (included as part of the 2017-Budgets

document).

Northern Light’s finances are organized around four

different budgets: Operational, Capital, Native

Ministries, and Music Education.

Operational Budget

The Operational Budget is funded primarily by congregational contributions and covers our “regular”

operating expenses such as office supplies and equipment, day-to-day maintenance, utilities, staff, Christian

education, special offerings, and children’s food programs.

2016’s operational revenue and expenditures followed the same overall pattern of 2015 -- greater revenue

than budgeted and fewer expenses than budgeted, producing an overall positive cash flow for the year.

$-

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

2015Actual

2016Actual

2017Budget

NORTHERN LIGHT'S FOUR BUDGETS(Expenses)

2015 TO 2017

Music

Native Ministries

Capital

Operational

Unlike 2015, “Designated Giving” (money received

for a specified purpose, often times a program that

exists independently from Northern Light but which

Northern Light endorses and therefore “passes on”

to the specified recipient). during 2016 was about a

third of the 2015 amount. The 2017 budget

anticipates about the same designated giving as in

2016. However, since the congregation is so

generous when it comes to special appeals and needs,

it would not be surprising if this number became

much greater than the budgeted amount – in which

case our designated support (see expenses

(designated support)) would also be much greater

than currently budgeted.

Total income for 2017 is budgeted at almost

6% less than what we totally received in 2016.

Since congregational giving –“Offerings and

Contributions”—account for over ¾ of our

operational income and the total amount

pledged for 2017 was less than in 2016, the

budgeted amount for Offerings and

Contributions is less than in 2016.

Operational expenditures for 2017 are

budgeted at 15% more than was actually spent in

2016. This increase is more or less equally

spread across all major spending categories. The

fact that the total expenses in the adopted 2017

budget exceed the total income by $4,600 is

balanced by the indicated use of various

reserve funds in the total amount of $4,600.

$-

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

2015Actual

2016Actual

2017Budget

OPERATIONAL INCOME NLUC

2015 - 2017

Reimbursements/Other

Endowments

Building Use

DesignatedGiving

Contributions

$-

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

$350,000

$400,000

$450,000

2015Actual

2016Actual

2017Budget

OPERATIONAL EXPENSES NLUC

2015 - 2017

Hospitality,Worship,Education

DenominationalSupport &Administration

Service andSocial Concerns

Building andProperty

Staff

Capital Projects

The Capital Budget covers longer-lasting repair and construction projects such as (in 2014) the roof repair

and (for 2016) manse repair. Although in the past we have had special fund-raising efforts for major capital

projects, this coming year we plan to fund our repairs with money from our cash reserves.

A significant amount of repair on the manse was completed in 2016. The remaining, uncompleted work is

budgeted for 2017 as well as the long-discussed sanctuary and fellowship-hall lighting. Other church-

building projects are planned for 2017.

Native Ministries

The Native Ministries Budget is funded with endowment earnings from the Walter Soboleff Endowment

(passed on to Northern Light by the Alaska United Methodist Conference) and focused on projects that

reinforce and grow Tlingit culture and traditions in our congregation and throughout Southeast Alaska.

A variety of activities identified by the Native Ministries Steering Committee will be carried out in 2017,

with the possibility of additional projects added to the list later in the year.

Music Education

Our Music Education Budget supports music education for Juneau children and youth in Juneau. This

budget is funded by earnings from the Anderson Music-Education Endowment Fund. In the past the Music

Education Budget has supported programs such as the Juneau Alaska Music Matters and the Alaska Youth

Choir.

The church Council is currently reviewing proposals from interested individuals and groups for spending

Music Education money. It is likely that funds will remain available to fund additional proposals later in the

year.

JUMPP

During 2016 Northern Light agreed to serve as the fiscal agent for Juneau United Medical Providers and

Parents, LLC. JUMPP is an organization/program that provides mental health help to families and

individuals needing that assistance. As fiscal agent we receive grant money for JUMPP programs and

periodically forward funds to the program’s service providers. This is useful, from a tax perspective, for

JUMPP.

Finance and Investment Committees

As Treasurer, I am thankful for the opportunity to regularly meet with the Finance Committee and

Investment Committee. The Finance Committee has advised me and the Council on matters relating to the

Church’s finances. Its members have been John Pugh, Karen Dillon, Ginny Palmer, Martha DeFreest,

Marianne Mills, Kate Burkhart, and Phil Campbell. Northern Light’s Investment Committee regularly

meets with our financial advisers and recommends investment strategies for Church funds to the Council.

Those members are Don Gotschall and Christian Veliz.

New Treasurer

At the risk of pre-maturely announcing this: I am delighted to report that Barbara Searls has agreed to

succeed me as Northern Light’s Treasurer, starting this year. Northern Light could not have a more

competent and knowledgeable person filling the position. We are truly lucky to have her assuming this

responsibility.

I have enjoyed being Treasurer over the past few years and have felt incredibly lucky to have worked with

such a generous and caring congregation and staff. Thank you for your support and compassion

Although I will not be at the Annual Meeting in person, I hope to participate telephonically. If there are

questions or concerns about anything in (or not in) this report that I might be able to answer, please contact

me at once either by email at jimjeanalter@hotmail.com or by phone at 808-269-4330.

Jim Alter, Treasurer

Staff Parish Relations Committee

2016 Annual Report

The NLUC By-laws include the following functions for the SPRC:

● Conferring with the pastor and staff regarding their relationship with the congregation and the

priorities to pursue;

● Evaluating the pastor and ensuring staff evaluations occur, including recommending each year

whether the pastor should be retained;

● Ensuring that the pulpit is appropriately staffed each Sunday; and

● Evaluating and presenting to the Council the budget needs for staff salaries, allowances and fringe

benefits.

The SPRC performed all of these functions over the course of its regularly scheduled and special meetings

in 2016, with specific focus on the following efforts:

Church Staffing and Budget Issues

The SPRC:

● Regularly consulted with the Pastor regarding specific staffing issues, including working hours and

job duties.

● Reviewed the janitorial and building needs and made the decision to move to an outside contractor

for cleaning services rather than a staff position. The committee secured bids from several

contractors and worked with Council to contract with Mari’s Marine Cleaning.

● Recommended 2017 budget compensation levels for church staff, including the pastor, church

administrator, janitor, youth group leader, nursery care giver, accompanists, choir directors, and

pulpit supply.

● Worked with the pastor to ensure that the pulpit was filled in his absence.

● Reviewed our health insurance policies in light of staff needs and Affordable Care Act requirements.

Family and Children Ministries

The SPRC:

● Conducted safe sanctuary training in the spring of 2016 and discussed, at our meetings, issues

related to our safe sanctuary policy and procedures.

● Advised the Pastor regarding support for the youth program and Melissa Engel’s family leave. As

pastor of Douglas United Methodist, Melissa has continued to serve as inter-church youth group

leader and is compensated for the additional ¼ of her job by Northern Light, with some anticipated

financial help from the other 5 congregations participating in the youth program.

Pastor’s Evaluation

● The SPRC completed the Pastor’s annual evaluation and heartily endorses the retention of Pastor

Phil Campbell.

In addition to our appreciation of Pastor Phil Campbell, the SPRC wishes to express our thanks to our

current church staff members for their service to Northern Light, including Church Administrator Christina

Maddox, Youth Director Rev. Melissa Engel, Nursery Care Giver Olga Lipson, and Accompanists J. Allan

MacKinnon and Jacque Farnsworth. A very special thanks to Teresa Campbell, for serving as a volunteer as

Sunday School Coordinator, in addition to teaching middle school and high school Sunday School in

addition to all her many other contributions to NLUC. And we offer appreciation and gratitude for the many

years of service Leonard Johnson contributed as custodian for our congregation.

The 2016 SPRC included the following members (term ending dates indicated in parentheses):

-Joy Lyon (2016), Chair

-Jane Ginter (2018) Secretary, AUMC Lay Delegate

-Peggy Metcalf, (2016), co-secretary

-Susan Alexander (2017), Vice-Chair

-Ginny Palmer (2017)

-Myra Munson, Council and Presbytery Liaison

-Maxine Richert, (2018)

-Phil Campbell, Pastor (nonvoting)

Respectfully submitted,

Joy Lyon, Chair

Committee Of Community Opportunities 2016 Accomplishments and Vision for 2017

Working for Justice to Create a More Peaceful Community and World

The Committee of Community Opportunities (COCO), which is recognized by Council as an established

NLUC program has been active and engaged in a number of justice, peace issues and actions in 2016 and

actively planning a 2017 program.

Following are the highlights of 2016:

Family Promise - A national interfaith hospitality network program to better serve Juneau's families

without homes. NLUC is a hosting church and will provide housing for up to 14 family members

from 7pm to 7am for two two-week segments during the summer. In the morning families will be

transported to a day center which has computers, showers, laundry facilities and childcare services.

From there adults travel to job interviews, job services or go to work; children will attend school or

remain in daycare.

Non-hosting support churches will provide some of the volunteers needed. Training will be provided

for volunteers and an on-call Family Promise staff person will be available at all times.

Fundraising events have been successful and there are more organizations within the community that

are interested in partnering with Family Promise. This program has been very successful in other

communities; hosts/hostesses and guests have so much to learn from each other.

Glory Hole - soup kitchen and temporary housing. NLUC continues an on-going support program of

financial assistance, purchasing/preparing/serving two meals a month, providing warm weather

clothes, kitchen equipment and Pastor Phil provides a role of on-call pastoral support.

The GH continues to struggle with financial support, ending CY 2016 some $30,000 short. This is

on our list of priorities for 2017.

Summer Food Program - a five day a week hot lunch meal (FDA food program) for the Geneva

Woods housing complex for poverty level children up to 18 years old. NLUC provide the food

(some financial assistance from FDA), prepares in our kitchen, delivers and serves a hot lunch and

supervises learning and skill games to supplement the nutritional needs.

School weekend food program breakfasts, lunches and snack - purchase, store, package Saturday

and Sunday breakfast, lunch and snack foods for over 80 River

Bend students.

Non-Violent (NVC) Communication book study – Speak Peace – In A World of Conflict, by

Marshall Rosenberg. An effort to better equip folks with the NVC philosophy and techniques of

engaging in conversations within our faith community and wider community on controversial issues.

Haven House – Transitional housing for recently released felon inmates is a key component of

successful community re-integration. The Haven house is a faith-based house for women that has

struggled to be accepted in a neighborhood and become sustainable. COCO has put a priority on this

vital community effort to help assure it is successful. We have generated some personal donations to

help cover on-going expenses and are looking for ways to explore with Haven’s board of directors

strategies for sustainability.

Earth Care Congregation - Being certified as a greener church. A process through the Presbyterian

USA to survey how energy efficient and how our program and uses are environmentally supportive

of a healthy world. The Council has agreed to pursue the self-evaluation in 2016 and from that

survey we will be able to discuss methods and timing for us to proceed towards certification.

Sponsoring Parents Support Group – A monthly parents group meets at NLUC and we provide

space, child-care and a meal. This past year a number of family support programs have been dropped

by a Juneau NGO and our sponsorship was an effort to be certain this critical support for families

remained available.

Collaboration with Juneau People for Peace and Justice (JPPJ) - JPPJ meets weekly at NLUC

and we as a church generally and COCO specifically collaborates on many educational and outreach

actions. Of note:

o Muslim Exchange Students - Three students sponsored by the State Department are placed

with host families and enrolled in high school for a 10 month Juneau experience. JPPJ

coordinates and supports these amazing Muslim ambassadors as we all learn to better

understand and value their culture and gifts and they ours.

A NLUC family is serving as a host family for one of the exchange students.

o Never Again – A public gathering to remember the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and

Nagasaki and a call for total nuclear disarmament.

o Emanuel Jal – Internationally known hip-hop and rap peace activist was sponsored (by a

number of local organizations, including NLUC) for presentations in Juneau high schools

and a public performance. Emanuel was enthusiastically received by students and his story of

being a “child soldier” and his struggles to survive and be successful resonated with youth.

There are follow-up efforts to build on Emanuele’s visit.

Programs we participate in and hope to emphasis in 2016 as energy allows, in addition to our ongoing

involvements:

Camp Champ - A four day summer camp for youth at risk and/or with incarcerated parents.

FASD Camp – A three day intense FASD training and week-long camp.

Prison re-entry programs.

Haven House sustainability.

Glory Hole fund raising.

Housing First – to be opened spring/summer 2017.

Promoting Juneau Refuge City status.

Promoting non-violent communication and demonstrations on peace and justice issues.

Northern Light United Church

2016 Native Ministries Committee Report to the Annual Meeting of the Congregation

Mission Statement. The mission statement of the committee is:

“Celebrating and sharing the ministry, healing, unity, diversity, music, and languages of Alaska’s First People.”

Members. The committee members include Barbara Searls, Chair, Pattie Adkisson, Freda Westman, KJ Metcalf,

Jane Ginter (recording secretary), June Degnan, Lillian Austin, Clay Antioquia and Pastor Phil Campbell. Meetings

are open and other church members are welcome to attend meetings.

Tlingit Gospel Singers. NMC continues to support the ministry of the Tlingit Gospel Singers (TGS). The

congregation continues to sing "This is the Day" in Tlingit as part of the service (a recommendation from the

visioning of NLUC) and part of the mission of NMC.

The Tlingit Gospel Singers sing at community events and for the second year sang at the Glory Hole annual memorial

service officiated by Pastor Phil. TGS also led Christmas Carols in Tlingit at the Juneau Cooperative Church Council

Advent Luncheon hosted by our church on December 22. As community interest in the Tlingit language expands,

there will be more opportunities for TGS to extend their influence beyond our current congregation.

Yakutat Presbyterian Church. We continue to provide support and encouragement for Yakutat Presbyterian

Church. In the summer of 2016 the Yakutat church was served by a student pastor from Austin Presbyterian

Seminary. Pastor Phil was the student’s site supervisor, communicating with her regularly by phone. We will look

for additional ways to partner with the Yakutat church in 2017.

In addition, NMC, working with the Yakutat church paid travel expenses for Rev. Paul Beran to travel to Yakutat and

preach two Sundays in 2016.

Methodist Women’s Conference. NMC paid travel expenses for June Degnan to attend the Methodist Women’s

Conference held in Wasilla, Alaska.

NMC Finance Report. NMC proposed a $50,000 budget to NLUC Council which was approved. This included

$25,000 for grants and $25,000 for NLUC programs.

The NMC received $17,424 from the Methodist Missionary Conference and expenses of $1,105 were incurred in

2016.

The NMC ended 2016 with approximately $250,000.

Community Outreach. NMC explored options for bringing outside speakers to Juneau in 2016. Although it did not

happen in 2016, NMC is working on this for 2017.

Church Building Usage. NLUC continues to open the church for meetings of Glacier Valley ANS/ANB Camp 70.

ANS Camp 2 and Douglas Indian Association have been holding meetings at the church as well.

2017. NMC plans to meet and review the mission and goals of the committee, elect a chair and have regularly

scheduled meetings throughout the year.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Searls

NMC Chair

Pastor’s Report

The ministry of Northern Light United Church continues to be a source of illumination for its members and

for the Juneau community. We are a gathering place not only for our members but for an ever expanding

cross section of the city and borough. There is little that happens in Juneau with regard to serving those in

need, social justice advocacy, interfaith cooperation, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and supporting

community betterment that does not involve our church. I am grateful to have served among you for over

six years.

For the past three years, our Church Council has overseen and implemented our ministry goals (embracing

diversity, serving the community and beyond, stewarding our resources, and promoting learning, worship,

fellowship, and growth) that were adopted in 2014. At this year’s annual meeting, the congregation will

have the opportunity to update and extend our work in these four areas. The Council’s regular review of our

goals has proven to be a good process that serves as an effective way to turn our intentions into action, and I

am glad we are continuing it. I am grateful for the oversight Natalie Norberg has provided for the Council’s

efforts.

These four areas are also a helpful way for me to reflect on our year together.

Embracing Diversity.

- As an extension of our More Light/Reconciling identity, the Church Council clarified our congregational

commitment to offer all rites and services of the church without regard to sexual orientation. In particular,

this means that I have the Council’s support for officiating at same gender as well as heterosexual weddings,

and that the sanctuary is available as a venue for all weddings.

- I spoke at a Borough Assembly meeting in support of the CBJ Equal Rights Ordinance.

- I was a speaker at the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil at the University of Alaska Southeast

(UAS).

- I presented my research on the closing of Memorial Church and the institutional racism of the Presbyterian

Church at a Cooperative Church Council Lenten Lunch.

- I led a workshop on white racial socialization at the UAS Power and Privilege Symposium.

- I facilitated the discussion after one of the performances of Wrestling Jerusalem, a one person play about

the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

- I wrote a “My Turn” column for the Juneau Empire regarding national anthem protests and racial justice.

Serving the Community and Beyond

Our church building continues to be well used for a wide array of community groups and events including

Mudrooms, Concerts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, 12 Step groups, Interfaith meetings and services, ANS

meetings, Family Promise and Haven House board meetings, Reentry Coalition strategy sessions, Juneau

People for Peace and Justice, Climate Action meetings, the Flats Neighborhood Association, and much

more. We continue to cook and serve summer lunch for children, bag weekend food for elementary students

during the school year, and cook twice a month at the Glory Hole year round. Our Households with

Children group filled ten five gallon bucket with cleaning supplies that were shipped to flood ravaged areas

down South.

This year, I concluded a three year term on the AWARE board. I continue to participate on the steering

committee of the Juneau Violence Prevention Coalition, and I have begun involvement with the Male

Engagement subcommittee. As a part of the prevention efforts, this fall I helped coach the I toowú

klatseen/Boys Run program at Mendenhall River Community School, and I have conducted interviews with

men about male involvement in domestic violence and sexual assault prevention.

I continue to participate in the Juneau Interfaith Council, I have supported the formation of the Juneau

affiliate of the climate change group, Interfaith Power and Light, I served on a Northwest Coast Presbytery

task force to develop new criteria for covenant mission partnerships, I am member of the Nominating

Committee and the Professional Ministries Unit of the Alaska United Methodist Conference, and I was the

field supervisor for an Austin Seminary student who pastored the Yakutat Presbyterian Church this summer.

Stewarding Our Resources

In February, John Pugh and I attended an Alaska United Methodist sponsored stewardship training that

informed this year’s “Celebrating Generosity” approach to our successful stewardship drive. Our Finance

Committee oversaw the effort, I wrote some of the interpretive materials, and John, June Degnan, and Ginny

Palmer spoke about generosity during November worship services. Financial support for the core budget

and special appeals remain exemplary, and many give freely of their time and skill to further our church’s

ministry. Thanks to all who so generously support our church!

Staff Parish Relations and Church Council continue to explore staffing needs for the church, and our

property committee continues to provide needed upkeep and improvement for our facilities. A change that

was made this fall that is going well is a move to contract with a custodial service for the cleaning of

building.

Fostering learning, worship, fellowship, and growth

Last spring’s Lenten study of Brian McLaren’s book, A New Kind of Christianity, gave participants helpful,

more progressive language for expressing their faith.

This fall we began using a lectionary based curriculum, Feasting on the Word, that ties our education

ministry together with our worship. It is being used by children and youth, and this spring, the adult Bible

class will also begin using the curriculum. The time of children’s education has shifted to the latter portion

of the worship hour – we worship together through the children’s time, and then children go to their classes.

This appears to be a well-received change.

Worship and special services are central to our church’s mission. I am grateful for the worship leadership of

many who sing, play, read, greet, usher, speak, share, and serve communion! Participation remains strong

but attendance has dipped to a weekly average of 91 worshippers. I have been intentional in communicating

with those whose attendance patterns have changed, and I have learned of ongoing support and no

disaffection from the church.

Regarding special services, I officiated at four weddings: Valerie Ni hEideain and Chuck Jenkins; Yvonne

Grate and Joelene Goldman; Rebekah Howard and Alex Coronel; Rachel Searls and Jonathan Jeans. I

baptized three brothers: Jake, Leo, and Daniel Brown. I officiated at memorial services for five persons,

Mark Canul, John Borbridge, Linda Borbridge, Kimberly Williams, and Gary Eddy. We give thanks for

their lives, and also the life of church member Alfredo McKinley, and we remember their families in prayer.

Our time of fellowship includes refreshments after worship during the school year, breakfast after worship

in the summer, a neighborhood cookout at the beginning of summer, and a picnic at Sandy Beach near

summer’s end. Thank you to all who cook, serve, and provide refreshment – you strengthen the bonds of our

community!

We began the year with 200 members and end with 202, in addition to many other friends of the church – all

of you enrich our common life! We lost Alfredo McKinley and Jon Borbridge to death, and Rachel Sanders

transferred to a church in North Carolina. Michele Thompson, Lori Posey, Martha Mallot, Andrea Brown,

and Matthew Nakamura joined in 2016.

I am grateful for all who serve our church and make ministry possible. I offer deep appreciation for our

staff: Christina Maddox who has been our Church Administrator for nine years, Melissa Engel who has lead

our youth group for four, and J. Allan MacKinnon and Jacque Farnsworth our keyboard musicians, and

Olga Lipson our nursery attendant. I also thank Leonard Johnson whose eight years as church custodian

concluded as we shifted to a custodial service for church cleaning. I am also grateful for the lay leadership,

elected and otherwise, that guides our ministry with dedication and skill. The Nominating Committee report

lists elected leaders whose terms are concluding as well as those whose service continues and begins. In

particular, I thank Anne Standerwick for two years as church moderator, and Jim Alter for _ years as church

treasurer. Gunalchéesh!

- Phil Campbell