The Episcopal Church
of the Transfiguration
Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
Annual Report for 2016 and the
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
January 29, 2017
A Prayer for the Parish BCP 817
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear
our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the
careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our
common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy
Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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2016 Staff Members
Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, Rector
Nancy Day, Parish Secretary
Barry Luedloff, Music Director
Laurie Mercurio, Nursery
Diocesan Delegates
Jennie Kelly
John Purcell*
Claire Reynolds
Cathy Murphy-Maijer, Alternate*
Vestry
Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, Chair
Ron Howden, Senior Warden
Jon Sanders, Junior Warden*
Judy Ducar, Treasurer
Carrie Mares, Clerk and Secretary
Carolyn Giles*
Chuck Laney
Lisa Olson*
Kerry Quinlisk
Kerri Robertson
Peggy Sloan
Kathy Strautz
*Terms Expire
Ministry/Committee Contact Person
Acolytes Jeff Veenstra
Adult Forum Mary Drew
Altar Guild Louise Howden
Bible Study Paul Godt
Book Study Janet Morris
Buildings and Grounds Jon Sanders
Chalice Bearers Rev. Lu-Anne Conner
Children’s Chapel Alice Foster
Coffee Hour Paul & Sherri Richardson
Counting System/Training Bob Daniels
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Rev. Lu-Anne Conner (ex-officio)
Eucharistic Visitors Rev. Lu-Anne Conner
Fall Fundraiser Paul Jokerst
Social Committee (was Fellowship) Jennie Kelly
Finance Committee Judy Ducar
Greeters Rev. Lu-Anne Conner
Lectors Rev. Lu-Anne Conner
Martha’s Ministry Judy Kirby
Men’s Club Steve Ducar
Ministry Scheduling Sherri Richardson
Music Ministries Barry Luedloff
Nursery Alice Foster
Newcomer’s Ministry Terrie Brittingham
Parish Website Paul Jokerst
Prayer Shawls/Knitters Carrie Mares, Janet Morris
Schnucks Escrip Program Judy Ducar
Shepherds’ Ministry(Caring for the Flock) Kerry Quinlisk
Stewardship Committee Bill Robertson
Teen Group Jon Sanders, Carolyn Giles
Ushers Rev. Lu-Anne Conner
Various Outreach Ministries
Bread for Life Rick MacIvor
Community Services Pam Fadler
Episcopal City Mission Pam Fadler
Laundry Love Paul Jokerst
LINC (Love in Name of Christ) Pam Fadler
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Janet Morris, Bette Hammond
Support Our Troops/Patriot Packages Judy Ducar
The Lord’s Table (Motel Meals) Dawn Henry, Tammy Schuster
Third Tuesday for Seniors Pam Fadler
United Thank Offering Diane Cox
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2016 Annual Report to the Congregation of
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
Sunday, January 29, 2017
The mission of the Church of the Transfiguration is to be a Christian
community; Accepting and inviting all persons to share in worship,
witness and service as disciples of Jesus Christ in the world.
Table of Contents
Who’s Who for 2016 (a directory of contact names) 2
Agenda of the Annual Meeting 4
The Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting 5-6
Nominees for Vestry & Delegates 7
Rector’s Report 8-10
From the Parish Register 2016 10
Wardens Reports 11-13
Treasurer’s Report for 2016 14-16
2017 Budget 17-18
Stewardship Report 19-21
Music Ministry Report 22
Ministry/Committee Reports 23-37
175th Convention Report 38
Lines of Communication Chart 39
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Minutes from the 2016Annual Meeting January 31, 2016
The annual congregational meeting for Church of the Transfiguration was held January 31, 2016.
A total of 68 persons were in attendance.
Meeting was called to order by Fr Al Jewson at 10:35 am
Opening prayer: Fr Al Jewson led those in attendance in an opening prayer .
Minutes
The minutes from the 2015 annual meeting were presented to the congregation by Carrie Mares, vestry clerk.
A motion was made by Alice Foster and seconded by Dawn Henry to accept the minutes as presented. With
all in favor the minutes were accepted.
Acknowledgements
Alice Foster thanked the 2015 vestry and diocesan delegates.
A special thanks was given to outgoing vestry and delegates.
Vestry nominations
The nominating committee presented the slate for the vestry and delegates.
Four names were presented for three vestry positions. One name was presented to the congregation as a delegate nomination. One name was presented to the congregation as an alternate delegate nomination.
There were no nominations from the floor. Dawn Henry moved and Bill Robertson seconded the nominations
be closed. With all in favor the nominations were closed.
Ballots were distributed to the assembled congregants. Upon completion of voting, Paul Jokerst and Alice
Foster retired to tally the votes.
Ministry reports
Fr Al requested the members of Transfiguration read the ministry reports included in the annual meeting
package. He reminded the congregants that much prayer and thought has gone into the reports.
No questions were asked concerning any of the committee reports.
No remarks from committees or ministries.
Treasurer’s report
Judy Ducar, treasurer, presented the 2016 budget.
The treasurer made special note of the following items
The budget reflects Fr Al as our interim priest for 6 months and a new rector for 6 months. This is
reflected in the pension and health insurance budget items. A new item in the budget is the Building Mortgage. The mortgage payments will now come from the
general operating fund. There is also now a maintenance fund. This year’s budget also contains the cost for the search committee. This cost has been estimated at
$20,000. Another new expense listed in the budget is sabbatical expenses. This will be a fund for the future priest.
A question was entertained from the floor concerning the possibility of renting the rectory. At present the
rectory is empty and being repaired. Transfiguration was advised to retain the rectory until a new priest is
called.
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Carolyn Daniels asked why health insurance was eliminated. The insurance will be reinstated when a new
rector is hired.
Dawn Henry noted the 2016 Diocesan Convention is out of town and this is reflected in the higher expense
budgeted for convention attendance.
* note to correct to the budget date to 2016
Special presentations
Paul Jokerst made a presentation of our new website. Paul pointed out the exciting new features and
encouraged all members to the look at new website at home. Paul also noted that the Pastoral Care Ministry is now the Shepherd’s Ministry.
Tammy Schuster made a presentation for search committee. Tammy highlighted the parish profile which is featured on our newly updated website.
All search committee updates are posted on the website.
Peggy Sloan made a special presentation to Alice Foster our outgoing senior warden. The congregation
joined in thanking Alice for her service to Transfiguration. Fr Al noted that Alice Foster has been
instrumental in holding Transfiguration together during the past few years. Thank you, Alice!
Rector’s report
Fr Al drew attention to the updated parish records. Fr Al read the job description for the senior warden from the Vestry Resource Guide.
The senior warden is the rector’s warden. Fr Al noted that our outgoing senior warden, Alice Foster,
willingly gave herself to the congregation and as a congregation we are grateful. However, the new
senior warden will follow the Vestry Resource Guide job description.
Fr Al announced Ron Howden will be the new senior warden and Jon Sanders will be the new junior
warden. The junior warden will now chair the new Building and Grounds Committee. He will oversee the projects.
Bill Robertson will be the Stewardship chairman. Transfiguration will once again implement the Pony
Express Stewardship program.
Election Results
Fr Al announced the election results.
Cathy Murphy-Maijer will be the alternate delegate. Claire Reynolds will fill the delegate position. New vestry members: Chuck Laney, Kathy Strautz, Kerry Quinlisk
Closing prayer: Fr Al led the congregation in a prayer .
The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Carrie McEachern-Mares
Vestry Clerk
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Report from the Nominating Committee
The 2016 Nominating Committee was tasked with seeking qualified candidates for three
open Vestry seats (3-year terms), one Diocesan Convention Delegate (3-year term), and one
Convention Alternate (1-year term).
Nominees for Vestry
Chad Elledge
Jim Furgason
Tom Modde
Nominee for Diocesan Convention Delegate
Larry Hopen
Nominees for Diocesan Convention Alternate
Cathy Murphy-Maijer
Daniel Smith
Respectfully submitted by the 2016 Nominating Committee:
Lisa Olson
Kerry Quinlisk
Jim Furgason
Craig Curry
The Rev. Lu-Anne Conner (ex-officio)
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Rector’s Annual Report
January 29, 2017
Dear Friends,
New Beginnings
At this time last year I had just begun as interim priest-in-charge at Christ Church in Gardiner, Maine.
Christ Church was in the middle of a rector search, and I was in the middle of a parish search.
Meanwhile, the search committee at Transfiguration was just about to go “live” with its parish profile
and job listing for its next rector. Five months and several interviews later I received a phone call
from Ron Howden advising me that the vestry at Transfiguration had called me as its next rector, and
would I accept? It didn’t take long for me to say “yes,” and at the end of August Kate and I arrived in
Lake St. Louis to begin a new chapter in our own lives and in the life of this great parish.
Kate and I had no idea how warm and deep your welcome would be, which helped us make a smooth
transition into parish life and life in Missouri. While we’re still getting used to some of the local
cuisine, and learning to say “40” instead of “64,” and finding our way around the alphabet of
highways, we remain quite certain that this is the place that God means for us to be.
A Whirlwind of Activity
My first several weeks as your new rector were a whirlwind of meetings with ministry chairs, bringing
communion to shut-ins, spending time with as many of you as possible, and generally getting a feel
for how things work at Transfiguration. I experienced my first-ever Trivia Night, and was impressed
by the time and energy expended by an army of volunteers to make it such a success. A few weeks
later we were blessed with perfect weather as we celebrated the Feast of Francis of Assisi with an
outdoor Eucharist and pet blessing. On November 6th we gathered for All Saints Sunday, and I had
the privilege of baptizing Zachary Darden at the 10:15 service that day. On December 14th the parish
came together to participate in the Renewal of Ministry service, led by Bishop Smith, during which I
was “officially” welcomed as your new rector. During that service we all recommitted ourselves to the
ministry that we share in Christ’s name. Finally, the Christmas Eve services were a delight, including
the magical Christmas Pageant that Barry Luedloff directed at the early service. These are but a few
of the highlights that I will remember from my first few months as rector.
The Daily Life of the Parish
While highlights are important, much of the ministry of this parish is carried out quietly, persistently,
and faithfully from day to day. Whether offering nourishment and fellowship at Third Tuesday
luncheons, knitting prayer shawls, administering the chalice, meeting with teens, singing in the choir,
engaging in the work of the vestry, leading Children’s Chapel, greeting all who come to worship,
visiting the home-bound and those in hospital, delivering bread to those in need, and dozens of other
activities, the people of Transfiguration take seriously the ministries to which they have been called. I
encourage you to read the rest of the reports in this Annual Report, as I’ve only touched on a fraction
of what this congregation does.
Looking Back
I am completing my fifth month as your rector, and while five months is a relatively short period of
time, it has allowed me to make some initial observations about the parish. Transfiguration is a
relatively “new” community of faith, having first met together for services in September 1980; its first
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annual meeting was held on January 25, 1981. Over the past thirty-six years the tasks of the
congregation have changed, from struggling to survive as a small worshipping community, then
acquiring property to build a sanctuary and a later addition, laboring mightily to achieve parish status
in 2009, and more recently undertaking an intensive rector search while continuing to faithfully
worship and serve under the direction of interim rector Fr. Al Jewson.
What’s Next?
The Catechism in our Book of Common Prayer tells us that “the mission of the Church is to restore all
people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP p. 855). All Christians are called to
communicate the reconciling love of God to others, by word and deed, so that our lives point to the
gracious things that God is doing among us, rather than focusing on our own agendas. In other
words, Christians are communicators, and it seems to me that communication needs to be a primary
focus for this particular time in our life together.
Communication
Communication can be thought of in all sorts of ways. For instance, what are we communicating to a
newcomer who has never before experienced Episcopal worship? We will certainly give that person a
warm greeting, but is he or she expected to manage a prayer book, hymnal, bulletin and
announcement sheets while trying to enter into our corporate worship? Perhaps he or she will keep
coming back to learn how we Episcopalians do things, but for many people that is simply too much to
ask. Are there ways that we can be flexible in presenting our liturgy while still maintaining our
identity as a “prayer book people”?
How well do we communicate with one another? How well do we know one another? Conversations
at coffee hour will only take us so far. There are folks who faithfully attend Sunday services at
Transfiguration but are not yet fully integrated into the life of this parish. Could there be intentional
opportunities to gather together in small groups, perhaps over a simple shared meal (kind of like what
Jesus did), where newcomers and those who have been here awhile can get to know one another
better? (Hint: the Rector would like some help with this).
In what ways do we communicate what’s going on in the parish? If you turn to page 39 in this report,
you will see the current Lines of Communication chart that informs the work of the Staff and the
Vestry. The chart is simply a way to organize and understand the many different facets of our
common life. Each Vestry member is assigned to one of the standing commissions of the parish (i.e.
Administrative, Buildings and Grounds, Stewardship, etc.) in accordance with parish by-laws. Each
Vestry member makes a monthly report to the Vestry about what’s happening in their particular area
of oversight. This internal communication helps the Vestry to keep current with parish life, allowing
it to respond more quickly to areas that need assistance.
In his sermon at the Renewal of Ministry service, Bishop Smith shared Archbishop William Temple’s
famous description of the Church: The Church is the only organization in the world that does not
exist primarily for its own sake. In light of this description, the bishop reminded us that our life
together as a parish is not finished until we look around and ask, “What is it in this backyard of ours
that needs Christ’s touch, and ours?” What are the needs that surround us? How might we
communicate through word and action the love that Jesus has for all sorts and conditions of people?
Curiosity, imagination and persistence are required (and will be given by the Holy Spirit if we but
ask) so that we are able to continue asking these questions and responding to what we find.
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Thank-you's
Parish Secretary Nancy Day works hard at preparing weekly bulletins and announcements, and
cheerfully handles so many other tasks that come her way; she has an intuitive pastoral presence
which puts people at ease. Music Director Barry Luedloff is a gifted musician; he and I work well
together, and I have appreciated his advice and suggestions as we continue to plan our way
liturgically through the church year. Treasurer Judy Ducar has been especially helpful in orienting me
to the financial practices and procedures of the parish, and always with unfailing good humor. It has
been a great delight to work with Louise Howden and the Altar Guild; Louise has a rare ability to
combine high standards with an infectious enthusiasm for her work. I have appreciated Jeff
Veenstra’s oversight and training of the acolytes, and his liturgical savvy has been invaluable to me.
Bill Robertson oversaw a successful stewardship campaign; Bill taught us that the words Monty
Python and Estimate of Giving can be used in the same sentence, and to great effect.
Finally, I owe a great deal of thanks to Senior Warden Ron Howden. Ron has gone out of his way to
assure my seamless integration into parish life, and continues to advise me with wisdom and deep
experience. Much of what he does on behalf of this parish is done quietly and behind-the-scenes, and
we all benefit from the skill and dedication with which he watches over so many aspects of our
common life. I am very pleased that he has agreed to serve as Senior Warden for another year.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, Rector
From the Parish Register for 2016
Baptisms Transfers In
Zachary Carl Darden Gary Sanders
Laura Sanders
Faith Collins
Burials Tyler Collins
Brad Young
Sally Ann Millfelt Mary Young
Nancy Rediger
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Senior Warden
January 2017
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration started 2016, the second year of our transition, under the
guidance of a very committed and capable Interim Rector with all knowing that the year would be challenging.
Your Vestry, with 3 new elected members, 1 new Delegate and new Alternate Delegate quickly set to work
ensuring that all required planning was on schedule and committing total support to the effort of the Search
Committee.
Eight Vestry members attended the 2016 Diocese of Missouri Leadership Conference in March at St Martins
in Chesterfield. The topic was “What the Modern Missionary Church can learn from the Book of Acts”. All of
us were pleasantly surprised that the world as outlined in Acts was very similar to our world today. One of the
underlining themes was that “the Church does not need people, people need to hear Jesus”. As follow up to
this conference, a Vestry Retreat was held on April 9th lead by our Interim Rector focusing on clarifying goals
for 2016, orienting leadership members to work as a cohesive team, most importantly planning for a smooth
transition and developing strategies for welcoming a new rector into our parish. The primary goal and outcome
from the retreat was to ensure a seamless and smooth transition.
To support and build on the ongoing Search Committee work, Vestry training was provided by Canon Joe
Chambers for all Vestry members at April’s Vestry Meeting. The role of the Vestry in the interviewing and
final rector selection process was reviewed in detail and how a successful transition would depend entirely on
the Vestry acting as one. As shared before, our Search Committee worked very hard over 10 months to
conduct a search worthy of our parish. The Search Committee shared in May with the Vestry the results of
their search and presented 3 candidates for consideration. The Vestry interview process with all candidates was
scheduled over very compressed 26-day period in June requiring Vestry members meeting with candidates
during a 3-day window during each of those weeks. After much discernment and deliberation, the Vestry
unanimously selected Rev. Lu-Anne Conner and commenced the calling on June 24th. Rev. Lu-Anne accepted
the offer and became our new rector effective September 1st, 2016.
Our parish, with a considerable sadness but anticipation of our future, bid Fr. Al a farewell after his last service
on August 28th. There was a great outpouring of appreciation with more than a hundred parishioners bidding
goodbye to Fr. Al and Deacon Danya, thanking him for his wisdom, guidance and certainly belief in our parish
during the past 18 months.
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This year has not been with some upsets. To the dismay of all, our church was broken into during the late
evening hours of Sunday April 25th. Extensive damage was done to windows, office doors, office furniture
with multiple pieces of computer equipment stolen. The Lake Saint Louis Police Department have an ongoing
open investigation into the incident but no individuals identified and no items have yet been recovered. Repairs
and replacement equipment have been completed in all areas. A church insurance claim was filed, accepted
and all repair expenses reimbursed less the $1000 deductible. The Vestry decided to investigate the feasibility
of a church security system to deter and protect against future occurrences. A Security Monitoring System was
approved by the Vestry and installed to protect critical areas in the church containing valuable assets and vital
information. This monitoring system will provide additional protection against future events.
Also, this year, negotiations were held at the request of St Charles County Public Water District #2 involving a
new city sewer line to be installed across the front our property. These negotiations involved an easement of
church land and reimbursement for disruptions and restoration after construction. Negotiations were concluded
in November with all legal documents signed and financial compensation made to the church. This
construction timing for this project will be either starting mid-2017 or perhaps early 2018.
An ongoing priority of your Vestry has been the continued improvement and strengthening of our lines of
communication between the Vestry and all ministry groups. The key to this communication is the alignment of
each Vestry member acting as a liaison to a group of ministries. This has been a 3-year effort and is shown on
the Vestry Lines of Communication Chart posted on the bulletin board. Every month each Vestry member
submits a written summary to the Vestry summarizing their Ministry’s ongoing activities and future planning.
These reports are becoming much more detailed and comprehensive permitting better coordination for all
functions. In turn this allows the calendar planning meeting to quickly identify and coordinate the scheduling
of all activities in the entire year. I encourage all members to visit the Communication Chart and see which
Vestry member is your important liaison contact.
Transfiguration entered 2016 in a stronger financial position than 2015 due to the positive stewardship
response from our entire congregation with improved forecasted income while balancing projected expenses
through the transition. Although we experienced some unanticipated costs, our financial position ended 2016
with an operating surplus allowing the replenishment of several reserve funds. This is all presented in the
financial report provided by the Treasurer and all parishioner are encouraged to review this important financial
information.
Finally, I would like to recognize and thanks a very dedicated leadership team and the entire congregation for
helping the parish through this final year of transition. Rev. Lu-Anne has worked very hard over the last 4
months, spending countless hours meeting with each ministry, pastoral visits to every home bound member,
guiding the staff and certainly getting to know and understand our strengths and weaknesses. I have shared
before that I believe we are starting a new chapter for the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. I am very
confident of our direction and look forward working with everyone during the very exciting upcoming year.
Faithfully submitted, Ron Howden, Senior Warden
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Junior Warden
The year began with many projects pending, notably the updates and remodeling of the rectory. Paul Jokerst
deserves my great thanks for getting the ball rolling with the rectory project. Paul was able to secure a
discounted rate through Lowe’s for new carpet in the basement. Jeremy Knestaut of The Home Artisan LLC
did a fantastic job on new kitchen tile, new laminate flooring on the main floor, and other projects. I personally
took on the updating of fixtures and door hardware throughout, and the rectory went from a dated 1990s look
to a more modern, brushed nickel and hardwood aesthetic. Peggy Sloan deserves a thank you for coordinating
the cleaning and detailing. Rev. Lu-Anne and Kate are quite thrilled with the rectory updates.
Thanks to all who participated in the spring cleanup days. Work was undertaken on the interior and exterior of
the church, and over thirty bags of leaves and overgrowth was hauled away to the St. Peters recycling center.
The church was also, unfortunately, the scene of a burglary in May. Unnamed scalawags broke a window in an
unused Sunday school room and absconded with computer equipment, televisions, and other items. Insurance
paid for the damage, which included the replacing of windows and doors. After this break-in, the vestry
decided to leave the exterior lights on overnight and investigate an alarm system.
Thanks as well to the volunteers who ensure the bedding plants and memorial garden are watered in the
summer.
In the fall, Hoff Heating and Cooling installed a new exterior air conditioning unit.
Renovations to the downstairs restrooms were begun to better suit the needs of parishioners and guests with
disabilities.
Several future projects await the new Junior Warden in the coming months. The mailbox post is cracked and in
need of replacement. The secondary ramp by the sacristy needs to be replaced as the wood is in disrepair and
spongy. Even though we have ADA-compliant access via the narthex, we are required to have a second access
point from the parking lot. Finally, Norm Fadler, Transfiguration’s resident wood artisan, has crafted wooden
racks for the prayerbooks. These need to be assembled and stained, a project a hardy group of handy people
could tackle on a Saturday.
It has been my honor to serve on this Vestry for the last three years and this year as Junior Warden. I am
indebted to Ron Howden for keeping me apprised of ongoing needs and offering his organizational magic. I
will continue to offer up my time and talents as a member of the congregation. I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve this church.
Faithfully,
Jon Sanders
Junior Warden
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“The one who sings . . . prays twice…” (St. Augustine) Looking back at 2016 . . . September 2016 marked the beginning of my 10th year as your parish’s
Music Director. It also marked the beginning of working with our new Rector, Lu-Anne. What a blessing
both of these things have been to me personally.
Of course, my thanks to each of you, for singing from the seats in the congregation! KEEP SINGING
so we can continue to make a truly “joyful noise” into the many coming years!
Our Parish is blessed to have each wonderful musician gracing us with their gifts of music. MY PERSONAL
THANKS… to those who have offered their musical gifts this past year , to each and every per son who
has participated in providing special music.
MUSIC GROUPS & MUSICIANS: Adult Sanctuary Choir / Ecumenical Choir (adults & students 18 years and older)
Adult Hand Chimes Ensemble (adults & students, now 12 years and older)
Children’s Chapel Choir (children attending Children’s Chapel or the 10:15am service)
Celebration Choir (adult singers who gather , rehearse and sing at specific celebrations)
Special admiration… to our very dedicated r ingers Sally Klaskin and Judy Kirby (and thanks to Dana
Delibovi for volunteering to sub when needed)!
Along with this, my thanks to John Hess and Joe Hess for offering their piano and organ skill at various times
this past year. Please encourage these two as they develop and offer their gifts of music to our parish.
STATISTICS:
Transfiguration’s adult Sanctuary Choir sang during10:15am Mass throughout the year. They participated
in this year’s shared Thanksgiving Eve service at Trinity – St. Charles, combining both vocal choirs.
The Ecumenical Choir of Lake Saint Louis (the Ecumenical Choir) sang the National Anthem at the final
home game of the St. Louis Football Club (Soccer), to the largest crowd the franchise had ever experienced
(+ /- 8,000).
Several of our younger parishioners offer their musical gifts during various worship services.
Thanks to the participating children and youth of the Christmas Eve Pageant for a great job in sharing the story
of Christ’s birth at the 4:30pm Christmas Eve Mass! A special treat was including “visiting” children as the
multitude of “fluttering” Angels! My thanks to all the adults backstage who helped the children and youth
present the pageant. This never works without each of the adult volunteers.
NON-PARISH RELATED MUSIC:
We continue to offer use of our facility to the Concert Arts Association, both for regular rehearsals and for
concert venues. Transfiguration’s facility is their weekly rehearsal home, Monday evenings during September
through May.
I would enjoy speaking with anyone who is able to contribute to our Music Ministry, so if you have any
questions, please see me! Meanwhile . . .
. . . be healthy, and remember to sing, pray and praise! See you at the next rehearsal!
Barry K. Luedloff – Music Director / [email protected]
Music
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Ministry Reports
Acolyte/Servers
The ministry of acolytes exists at the heart of our worship services. The ministry itself, the vestments, the
titles, and the duties they perform in assisting a priest to prepare for Holy Eucharist are directly tied to almost
two thousand years of history. Thank you to everyone who has served in the ministry over the last year.
Bob Daniels
Mary Drew
Pam Fadler
Alice Foster
Carolyn Gordon-Giles
Dawn Henry
Ann Ivory
Kaleik Jokerst
Paul Jokerst
Judy Kirby
Paul Kirby
Abigail Robertson
Bill Robertson
Jack Robertson
Jon Sanders
Jack Taliaferro
Renick Taliaferro
Jeff Veenstra
Mary Wagner
Altar Guild
In 2016, seventeen parishioners were part of the Ministry of the Altar Guild including our new member, Dawn
Henry. Each week these dedicated and responsible members have prepared all things necessary for the
Celebration of the Eucharist and, if needed, for any other Sacraments and Offices.
Under the guidance of our new Rector, Rev. Lu-Anne, came some changes in the preparation for the Worship
Services. Each team on the Altar Guild was eager to adjust to these new guidelines and preparations were
done without a glitch.
A welcoming change came for the Clean Up of our Worship area and the polishing of the Silver and Brass.
These tasks, which are done twice a year (Christmas and Easter) in the Nave and Sanctuary areas were divided
among the parishioners who signed up to help the Altar Guild. The response was heartwarming and a big
“Ah! Ah!” moment. Again, thank you to all of you who made these tasks so much easier. Same can also be
said for the Hanging of the Greens, couldn’t have done it without you all!
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This year the Altar Guild added the weekly responsibility of preparing the Communion Kits for the Eucharistic
Visitors. A special thank you to Alice Foster who although not a member of the Altar GuiId, prepared kits
during my absence in the summer months. In addition to the Communion Kits that were donated, three more
were purchased using the Altar Guild Special Funds. Speaking of which, 2016 was a great year for our Annual
Fundraiser, we sold seventy-seven (77) Gift Certificates to Daniel’s Farm for a profit of $385. We use these
funds for “extraordinary” expenses related to the Altar Guild. “Extraordinary” like cleaning of the chairs in
the Nave, purchasing Communion Kits, linens and/or any articles needed for the Worship and other
Sacraments and are not part of the Altar Guild regular budget. We hope to get all your support in 2017 as we
already know that we will rely on these Special Funds to replenish and beautify our Church. On a last note,
please know that Daniel’s Farm has also been a contributor to all our Church wide fundraisers efforts for many
years.
All the members of the Altar Guild deserve a special thank you for all they do during the year. In 2016, we
were also very grateful to Judy Ducar, Alice Foster and Judy Kirby for their seamstress skills in sewing linens
for our Worship Services and Communion Kits. Thank you also to Mary Ruth who stepped back this year but
is always willing to lend a helping hand. Fay Wehmeyer continued to support our Ministry with her
knowledge as she has done over many years.
The members of the Altar Guild are deeply committed men and women dedicated to serving our Lord. The
work is done efficiently and reverently by all to make this Ministry run smoothly. We would welcome new
members to be part of our Ministry: if you like to be part of a team (total 2 or 3 members) and divide the work
the best way that fit your schedule, prepare for the Worship Services, once or twice in a three-month period
and prefer the “quietness” of serving, this most important Ministry is for you. If you are interested please talk
to Rev. Lu-Anne, Louise Howden or any member of the Altar Guild. You can also indicate your desire to do
so on the Stewardship Time & Talent sheet. Training is provided and you will be part of a team. Also, if you
are interested in doing only the Set Up or the Clean Up for the Worship Services, because of travel or schedule
but not all the steps, do not hesitate to talk to us. We are always in need of helping hands.
Thanks to you, members of the Altar Guild, your commitment and desire to serve and help at all times makes
this Ministry so special.
Faithfully yours,
Louise Howden
Members of the Altar Guild 2016
Rosemary Bagin Roxane Jablonski Sherri Richardson
Theresa Brittingham Judy Kirby Carol Rushing
Margaret Chopra Sally Klaskin Jennifer Rushing
Carolyn Daniels Carrie Mares Janice Trendley
Dawn Henry Karen Modde Jeff Veenstra
Louise Howden Paul Richardson
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Bible Study
We meet on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm at the church. We use the lectionary scriptures for the coming Sunday as
a guide. On the beginning of the church year, the First Sunday of Advent, we started Year A of The Revised
Common Lectionary. All are welcome. Rev. Jim Erdman, Fred Tiliinski, Mary Ellen Antonio, Mike Wiejacz
and Paul Godt make up the group. We keep Mary Ellen in our prayers as she cares for her husband John.
Paul Godt
Bread for Life Ministries
The Bread for Life Ministry has been an ongoing ministry for about 7 years and is a small outreach program
that touches lives with bread and pastries that are picked up at the Panera Bread Company Community Café in
Clayton and then distributed to the following facilities: Our Lady’s Inn, Defiance, MO (a home for abused and
unwed mothers and their children); The O’Fallon Senior Center; Church of the Transfiguration as needed;
Local fire fighters and public service personnel in the Defiance/New Melle area. Note: Some of the bread
supplied to Our Lady’s Inn is redistributed by them to other Our Lady’s Inn facilities.
Because of the efforts of all the volunteers, we are able to provide bread and pastries that are picked up at the
Panera Bread Company Community Café in Clayton and then distributed to these groups. We incorporate a
rotating schedule to divide up the responsibilities throughout the year. Bread is picked up on an every other
Monday schedule.
It is a joy and a blessing to know that our efforts are helping a broad spectrum of need.
Big thanks goes out to the volunteers; Steve Ducar, Dawn and Bill Henry, Don and Bette Hammond, Bob
Stewart & Bud Jablonski, Carolyn Giles, Marty Mares and Rick MacIvor. Thanks to all who have volunteered
their time and resources to help with this ministry.
If you feel you would like to offer your time to assist in this ministry, please contact Rick MacIvor for
additional details.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick MacIvor
636-398-5251
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Camp Phoenix
Transfiguration sent 8 campers to Camp Phoenix the week of July 24th--July 30th. Once again it was a
wonderful experience where the campers enjoyed several new activities this season along with our regular
program. This year (2016) Camp Phoenix hosted 88 campers & 33 staff members.
Available funds to help defray cost for parents was $1728.00. The parents of our campers & Camp Phoenix are
deeply grateful for our continued support of this wonderful ministry. The breakdown of where the money came
from is as follows:
Pancake supper- $631.00
Mouse Race allocated- $500.00
Car wash- $464.00
The goal each year is for the church to provide one third of the cost per camper. The camper should provide
one third of the cost by holding fundraisers & the parents are responsible for the final one third.
Mark your calendars for next year's week of camp, July 30th - Aug. 5th. Campers be sure to tell your family
and friends how much fun you have at camp & invite them to attend in 2017.
A note to our grandparents. Did you know your grandchildren that do not belong to Transfiguration are
welcome to attend camp at the same reduced cost as our campers? For discount eligibility campers are required
to fundraise. Pam Fadler
Children’s Chapel
This has been a year of transition and growth for Children’s Chapel. Although several of our leaders from the
past few years stepped down over the summer due to other commitments, we had several new volunteers from
last year’s Ministry Fair, so we have still been able to maintain full coverage. Our current Chapel Leaders are
Bob Daniels, Mary Drew, Alice Foster, Karen Modde and Tammy Schuster, and our Assistants are Cathy
Murphy-Maijer, Kelly Murphy-Maijer, Sue Stabenow, Marsha Thompson and Jan Trendley. (It should be
noted that Karen Modde and Sue Stabenow regularly attend the 8:00 service and then come back to help with
Chapel on their assigned days!) We would also like to acknowledge Kari Cornelius, Jennie Kelly and Claire
Reynolds for their work as leaders and assistants from January through May.
The best news, however, is the recent growth in attendance of the children. With 3 children having “aged-out”
of the nursery during the year and a new family now attending quite regularly, we actually have 10
Transfiguration children eligible for Chapel, and in the past few months our attendance has been ranging
between 4 and 7 each Sunday – and we actually have had 9 of them here a few times. This is an encouraging
scenario as opposed to the usual 1 – 3 children we experienced at the beginning of the year. I have been told in
the past that a church goes through “cycles’ of age groups in terms of their youth programs, so hopefully we
are at the beginning of a new “cycle”.
We also offer a special thanks to the parents for making this a priority in the spiritual development of their
children!
We intend to set up a meeting with Rev. Lu-Anne and the Chapel volunteers after the Ministry Fair to discuss
the “curriculum” portion of Chapel moving forward. Alice Foster
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Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour is a ministry of hospitality. It has been a weekly event for people to gather, to visit and to indulge
in coffee, tea and a light snack after the second service each Sunday morning. In 2016 the Coffee Hour
ministry was expanded to include the first service, and now first service attendees also enjoy meeting for
coffee and conversation afterwards in the Narthex. All members are encouraged to sign up to lighten the load
for the current volunteers.
Thank you to all those who served in this ministry in 2016:
Rosemary Bagin Mary Drew Alice Foster
Jeanette Hollman Larry Hopen Jennifer Kelly
Matt Munro John Purcell Claire Reynolds
Paul Richardson Sherri Richardson Carol Rushing
James Rushing Jennifer Rushing Tammy Schuster
Peggy Sloan Dan Smith Kathy Strautz
Tom Wagner Henry Wasmer
The Lord’s Table
Six years ago, we approached the Vestry for their approval and blessing to begin a new ministry that would
have us bringing a hot meal to homeless individuals at the Budget Inn in Wentzville on the second Monday of
each month.
Seventy-three second Mondays and over 2,300 meals later, we have come to the realization, after much prayer
and reflection, that this ministry has served the purpose God intended and it is time to listen and be open for
the direction that the Holy Spirit is moving us toward next.
We are celebrating the gifts this ministry brought to so many and feel fortunate that we are members of a
church that encourages living the gospel out in the world.
Thank you again for supporting this ministry through food and money contributions, helping hands and
prayers.
Dawn Henry & Tammy Schuster
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Fall Fundraiser
We brought back Trivia Night for our Fall Fundraiser in 2016 after trying our hand at Mouse Races for the
previous two years. The event was held on September 16th, and thanks to the planning team, the volunteers at
the event, and all those who attended, we experienced a fun-filled and very successful event. We sold 28
tables, provided 30 raffle items, and raised $7601.72!
We also added something new to the event this year. After seeing the success of the Plinko Board that had
been supplied by the Mouse Race company the year before, Mark Schuster and George Kirby built one for us
that is now the property of Transfiguration for use at future events.
The Trivia Night planning team consisted of Terri Brittingham, Jessie Clawson, Chad Elledge, Alice Foster,
Carolyn Giles, Louise Howden, Paul Jokerst, Cathy Murphy-Maijer, Jennifer Rushing, Becky Trier, and we
congratulate them for a well-planned and very successful event. We also wish to offer a special thanks to
those who volunteered at the check-in table, as judges and emcees, as raffle ticket sellers, as managers of the
technology or running the games and Plinko; and a special thanks goes out to all of you who did such a great
job of recruiting friends and family to join us for the event; it really made a difference!
So –believe it or not - it’s now time to start working on our 2017 Fall Fundraising Event. The hall has already
been secured for Friday, October 13th (no we aren’t kidding) so get it on your calendar now! If you would
like to be part of the planning process, please contact Alice Foster. We will start enlisting volunteers for the
2017 committee at the Ministry Fair and will plan an organizational meeting early in February to determine
our co-chairs and the type of event. One thought has been to alternate years between Trivia Night and Mouse
Races, but we have also heard some people say we should try something totally new. So if you have any
ideas to contribute, then watch for announcements soon to attend an initial planning meeting. We can always
use new hands on deck and new ideas! See you then!
Respectfully submitted by the 2016 Fall Fundraiser Team
Laundry of Love
Please accept this report regarding the Laundry Love Ministry for the 2016 Annual Report.
This new ministry has continued to grow since we first received the grant for this joint venture with Trinity
Episcopal Church in St. Charles. The first Tuesday of every month, one or two members from each church
gathers at the StarCrest Laundromat located in St. Charles where we wash and dry the clothes of those who
may need a little assistance. This ministry is not only designed for the homeless but those who may be
struggling to make ends meet.
Laundry Love is a ministry that began at an Episcopal congregation in Ventura, CA and slowly but surely,
it’s spreading. Now more than 70 churches, mosques and synagogues around the country have adopted the
practice and we are proud to be a part of this ministry.
To date, we have washed and dried almost 400 loads of laundry for those in need. Each month this ministry
continues to grow and we are currently looking to expand to a laundromat in the Lake St. Louis area. This
will allow us to help those in St. Charles as well as Lake St. Louis.
Faithfully,
Paul E. Jokerst III Tammy Schuster
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Martha’s Ministry
From time to time, needs arise in the congregation for help in preparing food, such as following surgery,
injuries, births or deaths in the family. It is the call of our Martha’s Ministry group to provide such help.
If you request a reception for a funeral, contact Rev. Lu-Anne Conner and she will contact Martha’s Ministry
to prepare for the funeral reception.
How You Can Help: Currently, the Martha’s Ministry has approximately 19 volunteers ready to help but they
are always looking for new volunteers. Volunteering would include helping provide the support mentioned
above and would be based on an individual’s schedule and availability.
Rosemary Bagin Dorothy Harrell Darci Hillyer Fran Caradonna Ann Ivory
Jodie Sanders Roxane Jablonski Carolyn Daniels Joan Schmidt Bette Hammond
Terri Brittingham Judy Ducar Fay Wehmeyer Deb MacIvor Pam Fadler
Karen Modde Margaret Chopra Judy Kirby Janet Morris
Men’s Group
The Men’s Group was organized to serve the Church family and community while strengthening our faith,
learning and enjoying our fellowship as men in the church. Our aim was to encourage the men of the
congregation to come together in fellowship and service. Over the years we have struggled to foster growth,
attract new members and determine who or what we want to be. We have not folded our tent and gone
away. We are in a period of reassessment and our service projects will be on a case by case basis, as needs
arise, and dependent on the availability of volunteers.
During the past year Mother’s Day flowers were sold and the Star Spangled BBQ was a huge success. Our
service project was to assist a parish family moving.
Steve Ducar
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Newcomers Ministry
Welcoming new individuals and families is the responsibility of our Newcomers Ministry. We do that by
providing them with information about the many activities and ministries at Transfiguration. In addition we
include other information on the Diocese of Missouri, the Episcopal Denomination and the Anglican
Communion.
During 2016, we made visits with the following eleven families.
Lisa Smith, sons, Jacob and Joey
Diana Shaw
Michael McKenna and Chad Elledge
Earlene Clapp
Brad and Mary Young
Michael Mendenhall
Gayle Jennison
Dorothy (Dot) Weimer
Michael Wiejaczka
Patricia (Trish) Dunn
Tammy and David Wasem
It is good to report that a number of these new members are active participants in a variety of church activities.
Last Fall I decided it was time for someone new to lead this ministry. I am happy to tell you that Terri
Brittingham stepped forward. I plan to continue working with her and the other members of our Newcomers
Ministry which includes:
Carole Price
Andrew Bartlett
Kari Cornelius
Jeanette Hollomann
Jessie Clawson Rosemary Bagin
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Various Outreach Ministries
This is the thirteenth (13) year for a formalized Outreach Program.
Food Pantry
Transfiguration supports the pantry located in the LINC St. Charles County facility, in Wentzville. We chose
to collect items not covered by SNAP/Food Stamps. Working with their management we identified eleven (11)
items required for good hygiene. Tooth paste, toothbrushes, floss, laundry soap, dish soap, body soap,
shampoo, diapers, razors, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products. Each month we collect an identified
item for that month and one of our twelve (12) volunteers deliver the items.
Our Lady’s Inn in Defiance
For Thanksgiving we donated gift cards for staff to shop at their local store of choice. This year was our 3rd
year helping with their Thanksgiving.
LINC St. Charles County
Gift cards were purchased & distributed through LINC allowing the recipients to purchase items they
would like to prepare for their Thanksgiving dinner. Our gift combined with other contributors allowed
LINC to help 85+ families celebrate Thanksgiving.
In June we purchased food for lunches to help feed the children out of school for the summer.
We also made a monetary donation to this program.
During July & August our church collects school supplies and delivers the items before school starts.
Before Christmas we delivered 56 hats, 4 head bands, 102 gloves/ mittens, 22 scarves, 41 pairs of socks, 12
pairs of slippers for a total if 237 items to be distributed by LINC for the local children in need.
Episcopal City Mission (ECM)
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) - On the second Tuesday of each month, our RIF volunteers went
to the Lakeside Detention Center & gave the students a choice of two or three books. See RIF
report.
Birthday Party- This was our eighth year for the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) to sponsor
the birthday party in June for the kids in detention.
Christmas in July- This was our first year for trying this concept, our gift to ECM was $677.00.
Chaplains Request- Each month we collect current calendars, playing cards, and journals to be
issued by the chaplains upon request from the kids.
Gift Wrapping- Several volunteers attended the Christmas Gift Wrapping party.
Community Support
Lake St. Louis Lions Club donated $1500.00 to our Outreach Program to be used at our discretion.
Services Hosted by Transfiguration for Members & Community
Identified items are collected to support our troops ( see report)
Life Line Screening scheduled 2 events in our facility this year. We have been working together since
2008.
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Be Fit Health Service Inc. 17 members took advantage of this service and received their flu shot
in September.
Third Tuesday- A free lunch is served along with three hours of social time for our seniors in
our church & the community. ECW sponsors this ministry. See Third Tuesday report.
Coat Drive- This was our 7th year for participating in this program held in January each year.
Laundry of Love- Transfiguration shares this ministry with Trinity in St Charles. See Laundry of
Love report.
Within Our Church Family
In addition to our Outreach, we also assisted members of the parish with their Thanksgiving
dinner.
The Rector used discretionary funds to assist members with their financial needs.
Patriot Star Packages—Supporting Our Troops
In 2016 we were able to ship over 1500 military appreciation packages to our deployed military around the
world. In March we also did a packing of over 400 dozen cookies to send to our deployed men and woman.
We received many emails thanking us for all we send.
With the support of the Missouri National Guard and the cooperation of Scott Air Force Base, Ft Leonard
Wood and Jefferson City, we have been able to send packages to various deployed units from Missouri and
Illinois. This year we have also received several requests from Unit Commanders to send packages to their
units. These are young men and women away from home in a foreign country, many risking their lives for our
freedom. These packages show we care, appreciate, and support them.
Although many items were donated, we rely on grants from businesses and donations from individuals
to cover the cost of shipping. Grants were received from Boeing and Express Scripts. Donations were
received from Harmonie Church in Innsbrook and Transfiguration. We also held our 2nd annual fundraiser
with Sam's Club that provided about 90% of the food items that are shipped.
The American Legion of Missouri unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Patriot packages as the one
organization to receive support from its 44,000 legion members and auxiliaries.
At Transfiguration we began selecting a specific item needed each month and posted it in the weekly bulletin
and monthly newsletter. Many items were generously donated, enabling us to pay for postage to ship to more
units.
We will continue supporting these men and women in 2017. How can someone help?
Volunteers to pack are always needed. We meet usually the second Friday of the month at the National Guard
Armory in Warrenton from 9 am to about 10:30 am.
Seamstress – all our items are placed in a simple draw string bag to be mailed. All materials and instructions
are provided.
Donations – our website patriotpackages.org lists all the items we send. Items can be left in the bin in the
narthex. Cash donations can be mailed or made on our website.
Judy Ducar
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Transfiguration Prayer Shawl Ministry formed in 2016. This is a ministry of quiet service; we knit shawls,
the shawls are blessed, and then we trust that the spirit will lead each shawl to the person they are intended to
embrace. The prayer shawl ministry had fifteen prayer shawls blessed during 2016.
Knitting is love, looped and warm. Each prayer shawl is a gift. A gift of our love, time and prayers for our
fellow parishioners. The prayer shawls we knit are simple; however, each shawl contains almost 14,000
stitches. Each stitch a prayer filled with hope and love for our church family members. Shawls are distributed
to parishioners as a warm, tangible reminder of our prayers for them.
The prayer shawl ministry always has room for new members. We meet the first Sunday of the month between
services for a knit a long. We use this time to knit together; weaving together a community with our hearts,
hands and yarn. Whether you knit, crochet or would love to learn we will enjoy having you in the
Transfiguration Prayer Shawl Ministry. Carrie Mares
“You created every part of me,
knitting me in my Mother’s womb.
For such handiwork I praise you.
Awesome this great wonder.”
Psalm 139; 13-14
RIF Report
On December 21, 2016, Lakeside Detention Center closed their doors and the young people who were living
there have been relocated to other facilities or have returned home. Our last RIF distribution was on Tuesday,
Dec. 13, and we were able to place five books in the hands of each of the twelve students who were awaiting a
return to their homes on Dec. 21. The remaining books will be distributed by the Lakeside Reading Specialist,
to the students who were placed at Marygrove Children's Home in Florissant.
At the present time there are not any concrete plans for a RIF distribution at the new facilities. Any remaining
2016 Transfiguration budget dollars donated to Episcopal City Mission for RIF, will be used for the students
as Episcopal City Mission chaplains see fit. A very special thank you to everyone from Church of the
Transfiguration who donated books, calendars, playing cards and helped distribute books at Lakeside
Detention Center over the course of the years we were affiliated with this very special ministry.
Janet Morris and Dawn Henry
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Sshnucks Escrip Program
Since 2007 we have been a participant in the Escrip Program. In 2016 we received $249.61.
It is a very easy way to donate to Transfiguration. Simply present you card to be scanned before checking out.
We receive from 1% to 3% of your grocery purchases with no additional charges added to your bill and
payment can be made with check, cash or credit/debit cards without affecting any cashback or air miles
normally earned.
The earnings from Escrip have been used for our music program and to help with some repairs in the church.
If you do not already have a card, consider picking one up at the local Schnucks store. Invite friends and
neighbors to sign up also. And remember to scan your card each time you shop. You will be donating to
Transfiguration each time you do.
Judy Ducar
Shepherd’s Ministry
The mission of our Shepherd’s Ministry is to coordinate compassionate caring to the Transfiguration
community through prayer, action, and encouragement; respecting the dignity and confidentiality of those we
serve. Some of the services we will help with are providing meals, making calls, respite care, transportation,
resource referral, and grief support.
The primary duties of the team leaders, or “shepherds,” are to keep in touch with each family, and pass their
needs along to the appropriate ministry leaders, then follow up with the family to make sure that needs are
being met.
During the past year, we have developed twelve flocks which hopefully include all families in the parish. We
will be doing some rearranging of these lists, to assign new church members and hopefully bring new
shepherds onboard, in the near future.
You should have been contacted by your shepherd at least once during the past year. If you have not, or do not
know who your shepherd is, please contact Kerry Quinlisk, and we will make sure you are on our lists! With
the growth of the parish family, some people may not have been assigned to a flock, and we want to make sure
everybody is included!
Kerry Quinlisk
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Social Committee
The Social Committee (formerly known as Fellowship Committee) had a very busy year! Luckily, we have
many people on the committee (thanks to last year's Ministry Fair) so many hands made mostly light work! In
February, we helped Bob Daniels and some kids with the Pancake Supper to help raise funds for Camp
Phoenix. This summer, the Social Committee donated funds to help with sprucing up the flower beds and rock
area outside of the church! After all was completed, the curb appeal of our church was greatly improved! Then
in August, we had a Farewell Celebration for Father Al - many folks were present to help thank him for all he
did for Transfiguration Church during our Pastoral Search. Next, in September, we had a Welcoming
Celebration for our new priest, Lu-Anne, and Kate. We had another great turn-out as everyone was excited to
welcome our new rector!
Next, in October, the Social Committee hosted the Blessing of the Animals with a Mass on the Grass. Treats
were served, animals were blessed and tails were wagging! We started the New Year with our annual
Christmas Brunch on Epiphany Sunday since it had to be postponed in December due to weather. Over 80
people enjoyed the food and beverages. Sweet treats were brought by many parishioners and everyone seemed
to have a great time socializing and eating in spite of the cold weather outside! Although the year has been
very busy, it has been rewarding and enjoyable! Jennie Kelly
Social Media
Transfiguration had a lot of material to work with over the last year: a packed Lent/Easter schedule, the last
stages of the Rector Search, Father Al’s final weeks with us, our big fall fundraiser, Rev. Lu-Anne’s first
weeks with us, Social Media Sunday, the Blessing of the Animals, Rev. Lu-Anne’s Renewal of Ministry and
several Advent/Christmas posts.
Our Facebook page has 279 followers (do YOU follow us on FB?). We were not as actively engaged on
Twitter and Instagram as in years past, but we plan on correcting that in 2017.
Paul Jokerst continually updates our website. Please remember two important areas on our website: a prayer
request section and an online giving section.
As always, Jon Sanders and Carolyn Giles will be posting a variety of things on social media, and we’re happy
to include your pictures and stories.
Carolyn Giles
Teen Group
The Teen Group’s regular 3 members meet once a month with the group leaders. Our philanthropic project
last spring involved donating books to the children at Our Lady’s Inn and making a monetary donation to RIF.
On October 30th, the teens visited the St. Louis Islamic Center’s Open House. We had a terrific tour of the
facility and some interesting discussion on the way home.
We anticipate finishing the final chapter of My Faith, My Life: A Teen’s Guide to the Episcopal Church
during our January meeting. At that point, the group leaders will meet with Rev. Lu-Anne on how to move
forward with the group.
Carolyn Giles
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Third Tuesday
In 2016 we hosted 326 guests. This was our thirteenth year feeding & entertaining seniors in our congregation
and community. We cancelled two events due to weather and voting. Our average monthly attendance is 33.
Our guests continue to support this ministry with monetary donations, homemade desserts and bingo gifts.
Because of their generosity and the volunteers donating some luncheons each year, we have been
self-supporting for the past couple of years.
Volunteers are listed by years of service:
Pam Fadler- 11
George Kirby- 10
Judy Kirby- 10
Paul Kirby- 10
Hank Wasmer- 10
John Purcell- 9
Larry Hopen- 9
Mary Ruth- 8
Rosemary Bagin- 7
Terri Bringham- 3
Linda Long - 3
Anna Scorsone - 2
Cathy Murphy- Maijer- 2
Chuck Laney - 1 alternate
Chad Elledge - 1 alternate
This ministry is supported by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
Pam Fadler
United Thank Offering
It has been a very good year for UTO! For the Spring ingathering we collected $674.14 and for the Fall we
collected $904.00. This brings our 2016 total to $1578.14. Many good deeds can be done with this kind of
thankfulness!!
Thank you one and all. Diane Cox
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Website
2016 saw a few changes to our website that the congregation can take advantage of. We launched an online
donation capability which is designed for all monetary donations to the church such as supporting outreach
ministries, memorial donations, and special categories which are outside the normal pledges. Membership also
has access to an online Prayer Corner. Through this section of the website members can post prayer request so
that anyone who wishes can answer the request with prayers for our fellow family members.
There has been numerous improvements to the scrolling communication screens on our church monitors which
draws information directly from the web site, a more user friendly reading format, and added information to
keep our congregation current on upcoming events. The large parish hall wall monitor has been activated to
allow the same messages as the upper level monitors.
There will be a lot more coming in 2017 for our church website and suggestions, concerns and questions are
always welcome. If you have a question or comment about the website please contact Paul Jokerst.
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The 177th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri took place on November 18 and 19, 2016.
The entire Convention was held at the Doubletree in Chesterfield, Missouri.
The theme for this Convention was The Dying and Rising Church. The Rev. Canon Elizabeth (Liz) Easton,
Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Nebraska, was present to help frame honest conversations about
challenges facing all our congregations—and the hope and new possibilities available to us.
The convention went very well. Bishop Smith began the convention talking about how the church typically
does not involve itself in politics but we do get involved in public policy. He put out a call for us to be more
active in these challenging times - have a voice, be more active and stand up to hatred, bigotry and
intolerance and to not be afraid to ask for help when we need it. We can not be passive. He talked about
declining attendance to Sunday services, financial stress in the diocese, and declining number of clergy but he
also spoke of positives happening in our diocese including a new church building in Eureka, Deaconess Anne
House, lots of food ministries, our partnership with the Diocese of Lui and South Sudan and 12,000
Episcopalians making a difference in Eastern Missouri.
To read his speech, go to www.diocesemo.org/news/2016/11/18/dying-and-rising-allow-honesty-and-hope-
cross-and-resurrecti
The Rev. Canon Liz Easton of Omaha, Nebraska gave 3 speeches in which she told stories about her own
diocese and the churches and parishioners overcoming struggles and celebrating successes. She talked about
facing keeping lines of communication open in our churches even when there are “hard truths” that need to
be discussed and dealt with.
We voted on 2 resolutions (minimum wage of $15/hour for diocesan employees and a minimum clergy
compensation - both resolutions passed). Both of these resolutions were passed with the understanding that
congregations are “strongly encouraged” to implement these resolutions. However, some of the smaller
congregations who may not be able to afford the salaries that come with these 2 resolutions were reminded
that these are simply encouraged, and congregations will not be forced to implement these.
Jennie Kelly
177th Convention
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MISSOURI
November 18 and 19, 2016
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