Submitted for the one hundred thirty-eighth annual meeting

westminster congregational united church of christspokane, wa

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The 138th Annual Meeting ofWestminster Congregational United Church of Christ

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Call to Order / Call to Worship

Hymn No. 70(Alt tune: )

Prayer of Gathering / Passing the Peace

Centering Prayer

A Time of Remembrance

Hymn No. 373

Approval of Minutes

Children’s time - “Our Year in Review”

Scripture

Acceptance of Written Reports / Sermon

Anthem

Prayers of the people

Election of Officers and Board Members

Nominations from the Floor

Anthem

Election

Hymn No. 397

Communion

Offering

Hymn No. 386

Benediction / Adjournment

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2017 Annual Meeting Agenda (and Order of Worship) 2

2016 Annual Meeting Minutes 4

2016 Budget Meeting Minutes 5

In Memoriam 6

Clerk’s Report 7

Pastors’ Reports 8

Moderator’s Report 11

Treasurer’s Report 13

Trustees 15

Diaconate 17

Education & Spiritual Growth 18

Music & Arts 19

Pastoral Relations 20

Serving Our Neighbors 20

Hospitality 21

WestCAT 22

Personnel 22

Tree of Sharing 23

Nominations 24

Call to Meeting notice 26

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137th Annual Meeting, February 28, 2016

Opening Prayer

Motion was passed to accept new nominations.

Ballots were distributed and collected for the vote to access 2nd Century Funds.

Jan Gilbert and Alan Mackay to count ballots - (results: 105 yes, 3 No and 1 abstention)

Karen Nielson discussed sustainability for the church.

Jenn Marquis discussed small group ministries, lay pastoral team and communication.

Alan Borgens discussed renovation projects, collecting bids, solar panels and changing flood

lights to halogen in the sanctuary.

Steve Paulson was congratulated on his great job as moderator for the past 2 years. He

officially passed his duty on to Jenn Marquis.

Meeting was adjourned.

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Church Budget Vote, December 11, 2016

Called to Order at 11:40 am by Moderator Jenn Marquis, a quorum is present. Asked for

questions on budget - none raised.

Motion to vote by Karen Wilson-Bell, seconded by Annamarie Walsh.

Vote: Approved - 45, no abstentions.

Recorded by Cathy Gunderson, Acting Clerk ~

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Rae Geraldine McCainJune 7, 2016

Donald Melville HoldawayAugust 15, 2016

Harold Starr FrenchAugust 19, 2016

Dorothy RudolphOctober 2016

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New MembersLizz CraftMegan WeddleHannah KlaassenNick BurtonNova EatonGinny AlexanderBrittany HillebrantZach Hillebrant

BaptismsLizz Craft March 27, 2016Anna Tidwell May 15, 2016Anneke Ferguson May 15, 2016Adelaide Counts June 12, 2016

MarriagesNick CastroLang and Amanda Hunt

Leander Robinson and Troy Hildenbrand

Membership Statistics Membership as of January 1, 2016 114 New Members 8 Removed (deaths) 3 Removed by request 0 Transferred 0 Membership as of December 31, 2016 119

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Pastor Andy’s Report

As I look at the year just past, and as I look to the year ahead, I believe we continue to follow ourWestminster Covenant:

· “To create and hold an open, trusting Christian community…” We continue to strive tocreate a gentle inclusive community here at Westminster. We know that we can learn fromone another in our differences, and support one another, comfort and encourage oneanother, in our diverse ways of living and striving to love God. Our worship evolves as theways of praying and singing evolve. Our varieties of prayer, for study, for growth in faithand love of Jesus grow and change. Whether it is hosting a prayer vigil after the Orlandoshooting, or holding in prayer all those who have died in the transgender communitythrough the Transgender Day of Awareness, we pray deeply. This is part of the work ofChristian community. We continue to discern together what we shall do, how we should

live together as an open trusting Christian community, here on the corner of 4th andWashington.

· “To accept one another as we seek ways to resolve our differences…” It is a greatchallenge to strive to accept one another and to be open to having one’s mind and heartchanged. It is also an opportunity to practice humility and listening. We seek to do this inour educational opportunities for children and for youth, for adults in the newly createdsmall groups, and adults gathering at the Sunday morning Adult Forum. I include thenewly re-formed Pastoral Relations group to assist in resolving differences, as well as theregular practice of prayerful repentance in our worship. Our multiple ways of using socialmedia to share information, prayer needs, and issues of concern helps us to understand oneanother in our diverse needs and concerns. Our website, our posting of sermons on thewebsite, sharing information throughout the Pacific Northwest Conference and our entireUnited Church of Christ, helps keep us informed and in communication with one another.Differences arise, discord however is not required.

· “To seek opportunities for expression of faith…” The people of Westminster are richlyexpressive of their faith whether it is in our Sunday worship, in retreat, in small groups, orout on the streets of our city. In many ways, these people seek to “love justice, do kindnessand walk humbly with God.” I see evidence of this in the actions we take in concert with theSpokane Alliance, in commitments to support and protect the vulnerable in the LGBTcommunity, the immigrant community, the interfaith community. I see it in the care of ourneighbors inside and outside of the church. Some express their faith in caring for our

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historic building and our dreams for the future of ministry within this building and amongthese people. In all our ways, I see people who want to express their love of God and lovefor neighbor which are the great command of Jesus.

· “To celebrate the power of God’s call and God’s love.” Here is the heart of our identity, incelebrating the beauty and power that come from the knowledge of God’s love, and God’scall. There is hope and healing in embracing the love of God. There is joy and peace inknowing that God calls to your heart and life. The people of Westminster try to live into thishope and joy, peace and healing. No matter how confounding the days we live in, wecelebrate the power and the love of God. We have in the past, we will in 2017.

I am grateful for the powerful and wonderful ministry that we share as a church of Jesus Christ andI thank you for the privilege of being your pastor,Pastor Andy CastroLang ~

Pastor Jan’s Report

2016 – Year of Discovery

It is always difficult for me to decide how to frame my annual report, as it is just generally difficultto discuss an entire church year in one short document. As I look back over the past 12-15 months,here is what I have discovered:

· Through my work as the leader of The Lounge worship service, I have discovered that:o People are hungry for intimate, contemplative worship.o Leadership requires a toughness of spirit, and a willingness to leap off the known

into the deep unknown.o Sometimes a will to succeed isn’t enough, and sometimes saying, “It’s over.” is also

of God.

· Through my work with the Pacific Northwest Conference, I have discovered that:o People are hungry for intimate, contemplative worship.o More work needs to be done with social media if The Church is to communicate with

the world.o Open and Affirming work is a tough, uphill slog, even within the UCC.

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· Through my leadership of the Conference Women’s Retreat, I have discovered that:o People are hungry for intimate, contemplative worship.o There is strength in the community of women that surpasses understanding.o Gathering together as women is still vital, and empowering, and necessary.

· Through the awfulness of Orlando, I have discovered that:o The LGBTQ community is not alone; we have allies who will love us and fight for us.o God is able to speak through me, even when I have no words and no strength to

speak.o The LGBTQ community is stronger than death, able to push through incredible pain,

and stronger than our fears.o And that, yes, people, even scared, angry, desperately hurting people are hungry for

intimate, contemplative worship.

· Through Pastor Andy’s sabbatical, I have discovered that:o Having Andy gone is NO FUN AT ALL!o God sends angels to help me handle the work of the church. There are too many to

name, but know that all of you are a blessing to me.o Westminster is a strong and healthy church.o People are hungry for intimate, contemplative worship. (but it’s way more fun to

plan worship with Andy than without her!)

· Throughout this year, I have discovered that:o God makes me able, even when I feel very unable.o Dealing with depression sucks, but that living a transparent life is healing, and

hopefully, helpful to others.o The joy of serving God at Westminster does not dim with time.o Taking 20 credits per quarter and attempting a double-major, are TOUGH!o I’m tired, but not tired of ministry. The call of God on my life is still what keeps me

going.

I am so thankful to Pastor Andy for her generous and loving mentorship, for the wide welcome thatis the lifeblood of Westminster, and for the gift of serving such loving and committed Christians.

I want to end this report with the words of a song that is almost always on my mind, and often iswhat keeps me moving forward. “Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You, and through itall, through it all, it is well. Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You, and it is well, withme.”

Pastor Jan Shannon ~

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I think we can all agree 2016 was a busy year, full of the unexpected. As I entered into the role ofModerator, I could not for see what the year would bring; however I brought with me a desire to see thestrategic work of the Sustainability committee go from brainstorming and planning, to implementation. Thecommittee presented our ideas to make our space more comfortable, usable and rentable. We also wantedto explore how we could continue to deepen relationships with each other and our community.

Beyond our goals, we as a community kept responding from a place of love and grace and sharing hope inthe community, where it is so sorely needed. I don’t know about you, but this year has called me to go to myfortress my faith in God, my church and family. From this grounding place, we are able to serve even whenthings seem impossible.

To review our year, here’s a list of some of the things that Council supported this year. At a practical level,we looked at our space and identified where upgrades were needed to make our church more comfortable,usable, and safe. We also looked at what upgrades would help to make our space more rentable to increaseour income revenue stream.

• Supported the Bathroom remodel on the first floor• Upgraded smoke alarms• Added child safety outlets• With the Sustainability Committee, we began the process of evaluating and updating our kitchen so it

may be of interest to rent to outside groups• With Education and Spiritual Growth Taking the lead, we approved a new Safe Church Policy.

¶ A special thank you to Randy and Linda Crowe, John Larson, and Alan Borgens for all thework on the bathrooms and building upgrades. You’ve kept us comfortable, warm, and thebuilding intact!

The Sustainability Committee had also made a recommendation to deepen our connections both within ourchurch community and with the wider community at large. We began the year with some ideas but we couldnot anticipate what would be laid at our feet!

• Encouraged the development of the Small Group Ministry• Applied for grant in coordination with the Deaconate for the Befriender Ministry. This is training to

establish an organized Lay Ministry Program, providing support for our congregation members in timesof difficulty

• Prepared for and supported Pastor Andy on her sabbatical over the summer• Hosted workshop by Rev. Tara Barber; “Healthy Church”• Voted to support Pastor Jan as a Member in Discernment and renewed her Ministerial License• Approved the Be the Church rainbow banner to reflect our values and visually represent our open and

affirming status. It is now hanging up on the East Tower.

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• Established a new committee that supports the pastors, called the Pastoral Relations Committee.• Voted to support our Muslim neighbors during Ramadan and during a time of increased anti-Islamic

rhetoric• Supported new events, to connect with the youth and young adults in the community with Pastor Jan’s

leadership at The Lounge and Pokémon Go!• Sent a letter to Target management, commending them for standing up for transgender rights• We clarified disbursements for the Stevenson Fund, to facilitate a smooth process for disbursement to

programs for needy and food programs.• Agreed to continue our Public Radio Sponsorship• Agreed to support Spokane Transit Prop 1• With Pastor Andy, we began conversations with community members:• Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to be better informed on our neighborhood and to

determine what services COPS may be able to provide for us, such as security recommendations andadvice on safety policies.

• City of Spokane, development and parking representatives• Members of City Council; Principal of Lewis & Clark High School; Rich Eichstadt of Center for Justice.• Supported Pastor Jan who helped organize and lead the vigil after the Orlando Pulse Mass Shooting• Budget approval and passage for 2017.

Beyond the council efforts to support and lead our community, there is so much we are doing to make ourcommunity such a wonderful faith home! So many members of the church came together at candlelightvigils, showed up at marches for justice, city council meetings, community meetings, fundraisers,celebrations, weddings and funerals, ceremonies to recognize new phases in life and identity. When weneeded volunteers, you were there for Pride, for bridal fairs and everything in between. I am proud to saythat Westminster rises to the occasion in joy and in sorrow. Just looking back on the year we’ve traveledtogether, fills me with love and gratitude.

I want to celebrate ALL the committees of the church and every member and friend here. All theseaccomplishments and activities happened because of the committees and volunteers working hard, doingthe work of the church together. I’m blessed to be part of this congregation. We are active within themembership of the church and in our community. We take a stand for our values that come from ourcommitment to our faith and listen for where the Spirit leads, whether that’s standing up for civil rights foreveryone or sharing the peace of Christ with our neighbors.

Blessings to you all in the next church year. May we hold on tight to each other, nurture each other and BETHE CHURCH for our community, wherever that leads us. I give thanks to God for our community and ourdesire to search for God’s love in the world. May we be continually strengthened by the Spirit.

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The 2016 Church year has ended, showing a net loss for the year of about$87,000. The 2016 Budget anticipated a loss of $58,000, however lowerthan anticipated pledge, non-pledge and loose offerings,($19,000) as wellas significant expenses in building maintenance and improvements($20,000) resulted in the increased loss.

As of December 31, 2016, cash and investments available to pay operatingexpenses totaled approximately $269,000, down $81,000 from last yearsreport. In addition the balance in the Stevenson Fund, which was given tothe church to help the needy, was approximately $114,000 at the end of theyear.

Another cash reserve of the church is the Second Century Fund, which wasplaced in trust in 1978 to serve as a permanent trust fund, and to be usedfor church expenses “only on occasion of extreme financial need.” Thebalance of trust fund as of the end of the year was $701,199.36, up from$675,00 a year ago, the earnings from this trust come to the church on aquarterly basis.

The budgeting process for 2017 focused on the reality of where we wereduring 2016. The pledge income budget for 2016 was $123,000, but lessthan $104,000 was received in 2016. The pledge income for 2017 is$115,000, which the trustees believe is a realistic goal. The 2017 budgetshows an anticipated net loss of $66,154

As of January 31, 2017 we have received 47 pledges totaling $82,890.56,for 2016 we had 74 pledging units for $115,479. If you haven’t made apledge yet, we hope that you would give it prayerful consideration. Thereare pledge cards available in the narthex. And if you have made a pledge,give some prayer about increasing your pledge. As always, thank you foryour support.

Randy G. Crowe, Volunteer Treasurer ~

Continued on next page . . .

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2015Actual

2016Actual

2016Budget

Budget-ActualDifference

IncomeBank Interest 431.88 484.80 460.00 24.80Building Rentals 12,915.00 16,769.28 13,800.00 2,969.28Pledge Income 109,813.00 103,577.56 123,000.00 (19,422.44)Other contributions 159,599.29 24,502.62 25,200.00 (697.38)FUNraiser Income 9,278.56 6,383.66 8,300.00 (1,916.34)Designated Funds Received 7,337.31 33,829.17 25,200.00 8,629.17Investment Income 17,106.77 11,962.54 9,550.00 2,412.54

Total Income 316,481.81 197,509.63 205,510.00 (8,000.37)

ExpensesBuilding Operations and Maint 44,984.87 61,349.47 41,300.00 20,049.47Congregational Support 3,818.90 3,934.15 3,600.00 334.15Diaconate 944.81 851.15 800.00 51.15Education & Spiritual Growth 767.50 1,267.03 1,200.00 67.03FUNraiser 1,264.54 1,085.91 1,000.00 85.91Investments 1,608.82 1,566.22 1,500.00 66.22Music & Arts 2,421.17 1,655.57 5,920.00 (4,264.43)Office 19,297.25 18,573.17 15,000.00 3,573.17Pastoral Ministries 3,203.81 2,803.55 2,700.00 103.55Uncategorized 3,040.17 2,683.00 2,500.00 183.00Payroll Related 169,855.28 173,872.04 171,885.34 1,986.70Designated Funds 26,479.55 14,765.18 16,250.00 (1,484.82)

Total Expenses 277,686.67 284,406.44 263,655.34 20,751.10

Net Income (Loss) 38,795.14 (86,896.81) (58,145.34) (28,751.47)

2016 Income and Expense Compared to Budget

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Westminster Trustees: Karen Nielsen, Chair, Alan Borgens: Vice Chair andBuilding Trustee, Deb Roth, Ondrej DeZarn and Judy Lundgren. Chelsea Tidwelljoined us as a new Trustee but unfortunately for us, moved to Montana. RandyCrowe is now serving as our Treasurer.

BuildingTrustees worked to implement the 2015 Sustainability Recommendations to makethe church: more energy efficient; rentable; safer; and better serve thecongregation. Approved projects:

· Upgrading bathrooms including new lighting, heating and ventilation.Total remodel of main floor bathrooms. This was a big project with RandyCrowe doing most of the remodeling of the first-floor bathrooms – thankyou, Randy (and Linda)!

· Upgrades to the kitchen including safety mats (purchased), new cuttingboards and a new microwave (yet to be purchased) based on Ondrej andKatie’s evaluation of the safety and functionality of the kitchen.

Trustees decided to pay for these projects with Palmer Toole money rather than2nd Century Funds.

Building maintenance and repairs ran over budget this year with problems withthe elevator, organ and second floor heating. A flood in January sent water downthe walls between the second and first floor. Alan Borgens and caretaker JohnLarson worked late into a Sunday afternoon to divert the water and start thecleanup (thank you Alan & John!). There will be costs in 2017 associated withrepairs from this damage.

Palmer TooleIn 2015, Westminster received over $144,000 from Ms. Ainslee Palmer Toole, alocal philanthropist. Church council had approved that special projects could bepaid for out of this fund. In 2016, $24,567 was authorized by Trustees and Councilfor costs and projects including pastoral coverage during Pastor Andy’s 90-daysabbatical, marketing, and the bathroom upgrades described above.

2nd Century Fund:Upon the recommendation of the Sustainability Team and Trustees, a vote wastaken at the Annual Meeting to determine if the church is in a state of extremefinancial need that could warrant accessing the 2nd Century fund. The Fund can beused “only on occasion of extreme financial need of Westminster Congregational

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Church” determined by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of church members in good standing. A written vote wastaken and the measure passed.

The church faced a deficit and invested in projects but the Trustees were able to take care of these itemswith the Washington Trust investment fund and the Palmer Toole money so no 2nd Century Funds were usedin 2016. Church members will vote on any future expenditures from 2nd Century as designated in thecontract.

Trustees chose two new members of the 2nd Century Committee who are charged with reviewing theperformance of the Fund and reporting to the Trustees. Chris Johnson and Kim Kotlan Steinmetz wereappointed to join Margaret Ennis on the three-member committee.

RentingPart of the Spokane Youth Symphony began renting space on Monday evenings for practice.

Trustees authorized participation in the Bridal Fest to advertise Westminster as a wedding and receptionvenue. Several couples expressed interest and one caterer has scheduled a follow up meeting.

DeficitThe church continues to run a deficit averaging $60,000 a year that is made up with money from ourdwindling Washington Trust Bank church investment account. The deficit continues to be a great concernand Trustees are working with church leadership to implement the Sustainability recommendations toaddress the problem.

Pledge DriveThe Trustees continue to encourage more efforts to create an active yearly Pledge Drive and ongoingstewardship throughout the year.

Partners in Building ConferenceThe UCC Church Building & Loan Fund paid airfare and hotel for Pastor Andy, Ondrej and I to attend thePartners in Building Conference in Long Beach, CA. There were numerous workshops related to buildingprojects, stewardship and the general financial challenges facing churches today. I learned that buildingcommunity within, and with our neighborhood, is crucial for fulfilling our church’s mission. Renting is anecessary source of income for churches with the additional benefit of having more neighborhood partners.The conference was a worthwhile and fun experience and an opportunity to experience the national UCCchurch community.

Karen Nielsen, Trustee Chair ~

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Your deacons regularly assist in worship at Westminster by:

· Preparing the sanctuary for the worship service.

· Greeting worshipers in the Narthex and distributing the service bulletins.During this time the deacons watch for people attending Westminster forthe first time. Often, we are the first to welcome them and we try to drawthe pastors’ attention to the first time visitor.

· Collecting prayer cards and delivering them to the pastors.

· The preparation and distribution of the elements during communion.

· Collecting and counting the offering.

· Managing the recording of the worship service.

· Tidying up the sanctuary following the worship service.

Beyond the worship service duties your deacons assist in other services forWestminster by:

· Serving as greeters and ushers for memorial services.

· Serving as ushers for weddings.

· Visit Westminster’s shut-ins.

· Delivering Poinsettias and Easter lilies to shut-ins.

· Serve as a sounding board for the pastors regarding the worship service.

· Meet with prospective new members and introduce them to thecongregation prior to their joining, or in some cases, joining throughbaptism.

This year the Diaconate is sponsoring a training for the leadership regarding therecommended course of action for our members to take should we be faced withdisruptive intrusion into our worship service or the church. We will be getting thistraining through the support of the Spokane Police Department.

All in all, being a deacon is fun and a great way to be of service to your church.If you think you would like to be a deacon, please contact Steve Paulson.

Steve Paulson, Diaconate Chair ~

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Goal set for year (3.16.16): To complete writing and implementing the ”Children and Youth Safe ConductPolicy” recommended by the Insurance Board. And to fulfill the plans for educational and spiritual growthprograms in the church for all ages, our role with the church. Here is a list of the year’s work completed.

1. Request to Church Council to hire second caregiver for Church Nursery or Activity Room, so that wemeet the requirement to have 2 caregivers present in all our care and classroom settings. Screeningprocess in place for the hiring of 2nd Nursery Caregiver.

2. Standards set for volunteers who work with children and youth regarding length of church member-ship, screening, and personal responsibility code; Adult to children ratio set for programs. The“Children and Youth Safe Conduct Policy” was completed, and distributed by September 2016 forthe start of the new program year.

3. Thank you gifts for Teachers; Story Bibles for 3rd graders, Full Bibles for 6th graders and Graduationgifts for HS Seniors in May, 2016.

4. Plan timely and engaging themes for the Adult Forum series; and second educational option foradults (Lectio Divina Bible Study). Winter/Spring 2016 focused on “Meet the Neighbors” Series ofconversations with visitors/friends of different faiths – Muslim, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Hindu, plusorganizing a picnic in park to share food and culture.

5. Provide programming – Sunday Bible Study/Discussions for Youth Group; coordinated the recruit-ment and training for four sets of teachers for the Church School class for children in Kindergartenthrough 5th grade.

6. Organized annual Family Camp weekend, September 9-11, 2016, at N-Sid-Sen.7. Ed&SG Program Focus for 16-17 Program Year to have two-prong focus:

a. Planning and equipping the congregation for greater service to the downtown area andthose healing from trauma and high needs populations within our midst.

i. Befriender Ministryii. EWU Social Work Intern possibility

b. Strong thematic discussion programs to engage members and attract new members: Livingthe Questions Series: “Paint The Stars”, “The Jesus Fatwah”; visit from Michael Dowd re:Ecological Christianity.

8. Plan a review of Youth programming with survey of families; and family survey regarding timing ofchurch school class (before church or during church service) for the spring of 2017.

Lorna Kropp, Chair Education and Spiritual Growth Board ~

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Provided guidance and support for Westminster's choral and bell choirs, altar and sanctuary decorations,and worship planning especially around the Christmas and Easter seasons. Invited guest performers forvocal solos and instrumental performances throughout the year.

We are the primary group to decorate the church during the Christmas season. In 2016 that also includedthe fabrication of four banners to be on display during Advent, returning to the use of the stable, and a newstar was purchased.

Involved in tuning and maintenance of the pianos and organ. Obtained music scores and otherequipment/supplies as needed to advance the artistic experience and musical performance.

In December we hosted a concert entitled "A Taste for Talent" which showcased a variety of individual andgroup performances by church members of Christmas and other musical numbers, the culinary talents ofchurch members providing recipes from our cookbook, and a free will donation to the bell choir who will beattending a workshop in Lewiston, ID in 2017.

Jane Baker, Chair ~

Verne’s Report

The Music Department at Westminster continues its dual mission to provide great music for the church aswell as serve the artistic and participatory needs of its members. The bell choir is a recent significant suc-cess story. Under the leadership of Pastor Jan and Deb Roth, it has grown into a warm and supportive groupwhich continues to make great strides in competence and artistry.

Our chancel choir is essentially a chamber ensemble of very experienced singers who are able to make greatmusic on very little rehearsal. It is a joy to me how responsive they are in finding “deep spiritual meaningthrough inspiring music.” One aspect of this is the ownership they take in what they do. As a group they puta lot of thought and care into both the Why and How of church music.

We try to use our young musicians as we can and as they’re available. It is inspiring to see their artistic andpersonal maturity through their music making.

We have an effective keyboard team in Janet Hubbard and her regular substitute, Megan Weddle. Janet ismoving toward making a greater part of her life and career centered around Westminster’s needs.

Verne Windham, Choir Director ~

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Westminster UCC has a Pastoral Relations Committee

What is a Pastoral Relations Committee? Well, Westminster is a family. Disputes occur sometimes infamilies. We have had disputes in our Westminster family in the past. Often, but not always, these disputesarise out of miscommunications. The Pastoral Relations Committee is a tool that could be helpful inresolving those disputes which involve our pastor. Our committee is made up of Doris Holdaway, AllanBonney, and Steve Paulson. We believe that it is the responsibility of all of us to develop, maintain, or ifneed be, restore healthy relationships here at Westminster.

If a dispute arises, the Pastoral Relations Committee will work with the parties to try to find a solution thatis acceptable to those involved. To accomplish this, we would ask the parties to agree to openly meet witheach other. If either of the parties refuse to try to work out a solution the Pastoral Relations Committee ispowerless to do anything about the dispute. If the parties agree to meet in seek of a solution, the PastoralRelations Committee would help to facilitate the communications as the parties work toward finding amutual resolution. The Pastoral Relationship Committee is not a body for making a judgement in anydispute. The proceedings of any meeting facilitated by the Pastoral Relations Committee will be held instrictest confidence by the committee. Record keeping will be minimal.

We encourage anyone to contact any one of the three committee members to get further information aboutthe workings of the committee or to seek the assistance of the committee.

Steve Paulson ~

● Investigated Disaster Preparedness● Collected tabs for Ronald McDonald House● Collected box tops and soup labels for education● Supported CROPWALK● Discussed different organizations that could receive support through the Stephenson Fund.● Provided church information tables during Fellowship time after worship to get information out

regarding the work of Catholic Charities and Transitions.● Winter homeless donation drive of socks, gloves, hats, scarves and coats (items delivered to House of

Charity, Anna Ogden Hall, Crosswalk Youth Shelter).● Ongoing support of Meals on Wheels delivery downtown● Ongoing support of Family Promise Spokane

Mimi Escandón ~

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Karen Wilson-Bell coordinated our Hospitality Ministry at Westminster for 7 years.Karen began in this ministry because she wanted to get to know more people, andin 7 years, I think she has come to know just about everybody! Karen steppeddown after serving graciously and joyfully this long time. We are still in need ofsomeone to be the coordinator of this labor of love that so deeply affects ourcelebrations of our common life together.

There is a team of workers who support one another in this ministry. Perhaps youwould be willing to join them in coordinating the hospitality team’s work in 2017?The calendar has already been created that will see us through June. Thecoordinator would be assisted in creating the ongoing calendar with the help ofPastor Andy. Maybe you are the one to ponder this work and step up to keep ourloving, fun, welcoming ministry going strong?

Please, take this into prayer and contact Pastor Andy (998-7204) if you havequestions and interest!Thank you

Hospitality Chair Tasks:● Coordinate with Pastor Andy to prepare Hospitality Schedule (in August &

January)● Send schedule by e-mail to all committee chairs, members of Hospitality

Committee, Pastors and Andrea● Prepare sign up list for summer hospitality and encourage people to sign up● Send completed list to Andrea● Prepare sign up lists for All Church Thanksgiving Dinner and Easter Brunch-

this task will be led by Randy and Linda Crowe● Write articles for Witness and encourage people to sign up● Work with committee(s) and John Larson to assist with set up, serving, and

cleanup from these big events● Provide/help with hospitality for "Friends of Westminster" Sundays (first

Sunday of each month) and Christmas Eve● Encourage and recruit members of the Hospitality Committee● Write an annual report to the church

Pastor Andy ~

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WestCAT stands for Westminster's Christian Action Team. Our membership is open. Folks float in and out,our members currently are; Roger Stephens,Cathy Gunderson-co-chairs, Margaret Ennis, Hannah Klaassen,and Pastor Andy.We are a socially active group working on issues affecting the greater Spokane area.The 2 year effort topass an Earned Sick,Safe Family Leave Ordinance was approved by the city council prior to the statewideinitiative. Thousands will now stay home when ill,or in a risky domestic situation without the threat oflosing their job. This was an issue internally but could not be tackled alone. We also examined the StateOperating budget for greater understanding how it affects School funding. The issue continues.Joining together with other churches,unions,& civic organizations gives us a powerful voice to addressmutual issues.Stand with us for the greater good,outside the pews.

Cathy Gunderson, Co-Chair ~

The Personnel Committee is made up of Sara Weaver, Cathy Gunderson, Amanda Braley and RogerStephens, Chairperson. Our tasks are to answer various questions regarding the interpretation ofWestminster’s Personnel Policies and Practices manual, to insure the completion of staff evaluations and toevaluate Pastor Andy. Additionally, the Personnel Committee works with the Trustees on all staff salariesand benefits for Council approval. This year, the Personnel Committee recommended that the ChurchCouncil reestablish the Pastoral Relations Committee and that the Committee write up their duties andreport those to the Council for agreement. Finally, Pastor Andy has requested that Personnel bring thePersonnel Policies and Practices manual up to date and make it more user friendly.

Roger Stephens, Chair ~

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In 2016 we once again have the opportunity to thank the members of our founding Sponsor, WestminsterCongregational UCC for their support. We benefit from the use of church facilities, members volunteer

hours and monetary donations. This was our 34th year of providing gifts for our often forgotten Spokanecommunity members. This year 7456 gifts were requested by 57 agencies who provide services to childrenof all ages, parents in need, military veterans, other adult men and women, homeless individuals and elders.We added 5 new agencies and received approximately 600 more requests than in 2015. Gift tags were takenand gifts returned by mall patrons and our 25 generous business partners. Four new businesses joined ourefforts this year. The total gifts returned was just under 7000. Volunteer shoppers used about $6,000.00 ofdonated funds to fill the gap between gifts returned and those not chosen or taken and not returned. A fewgifts were not filled. They included unusual items, requests that were too expensive and a number of giftcard requests. We gave some agencies cash to fill there unfilled requests. Other agencies were able to covertheir own gift needs.

The Tree of Sharing found itself in need of a new primary sponsor this year. Due to the diligent efforts ofKREM staff, Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters agreed to sponsor the Tree with advertising support, staffvolunteer time, special promotions to encourage gift returns, useful ideas about future campaigns andinfusion of much welcome enthusiasm to this year’s campaign. Monetary donations were up this year. Webelieve this is the result of promotion by Thomas Hammer and increased advertising by KREM. We plan tomaintain a long association with our new sponsor.The Washington Air National Guard provides the invaluable service of transporting gifts returned to the malland a few large business partners to the warehouse each year. They make two trips per week nearly all the7,000 plus gifts to be sorted and ready for pick up by the receiving agencies. In addition to the Air Guard’smilitary missions, they are tasked to provide support for needed community services. We are very grateful tobe supported by the Washington Air National Guard. In addition to the Guard, the Tree needs to pick updonated gifts from many of our business partners. This year Westminster members Mary and Frank Whitecollected about half of our smaller business donor pick-ups. They did this with efficiency and good humor.We hope they can help again next year.

Each year it seems we are faced with an unexpected challenge. This year was no different. We werefortunate to find a large centrally located warehouse with the help of another Westminster member DeliaThurber. Unfortunately some vandalism and theft put us at risk of loss of gifts and personal safety. Thequick action by several employees of Avista Development the building’s owner, Securitas their securitycompany, Spokane “Cop Shops” and the Spokane Police department enabled us to complete our missionunharmed in any way. Many people did lose a little sleep over the situation however. Once again we learnthat we have support we didn’t know about and friends we have never seen.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, business partners, participating agencies, friendswe have met and have not and most of all our approximately 7,000 gift recipients that were not forgottenthis year, we thank Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ for 34 years of support for the Treeof Sharing. We look forward to many more years of providing for Spokane’s often forgotten with yoursupport.

Carl and Joan McConnell, Tree of Sharing Coordinators ~

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Submitted by Francie Light ~

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