Annual Report, 2009
Called by God, we are seeking and sharing the love of Christ
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St. Peter’s by the Sea Lutheran Church
1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
San Diego CA 92107
619-224-2894
www.stpetersbythesea.org
St. Peter's by the Sea Lutheran Church
1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
San Diego CA 92107
Church Phone: (619) 224-2894 Fax: (619) 224-3830
Preschool Phone: (619) 224-1689 e-mail: office@stpetersbythesea.org
www.stpetersbythesea.org
Church Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
(Answering machine available at all times to take messages)
2009 Staff
The Rev. Karen L. Marohn, Pastor
Janine Morrow, Office Administrator
Doris DeChenne, Director of Music
Denise Duim, Preschool Director
Carrie Barnes, Youth Director January-May 2009
Jonathon Marroquin, Youth Director June-December 2009
Betty Wells, Health Ministries Coordinator
2009 Deacons
Susan Benson Heide Macbeth
Jennifer Smart Don Snowden
Bruce Wetherby Melinda Wetherby
Opportunities for Worship and Study:
Sunday Services: 8:45 a.m. First Liturgy with Holy Communion
8:45 a.m. Church School for Children
9:45 a.m. Sunday Church School for Youth
10:30 a.m. Second Liturgy with Holy Communion
(nursery care is provided during both services)
Morning Prayer: Monday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.
Evening Prayer: Tuesday and Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Midweek Eucharist Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Healing Service First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Adult Bible Studies: Alternate Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Women’s Study Group: Third Tuesday of the month in the Church Library
Men’s Bible Study: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
Confessions: By appointment with the Pastor
2009 Congregation Council
Executive Committee
Pastor Karen Marohn
Sue McMahan, President (2009)
Jim Grutkowski, Vice President; Preschool (2011)
Gail Bennett, Secretary; Christian Service (2011)
Richard Nielsen, Treasurer (2011)
JT Byrne, Property (2009)
Jeff Cours, Evangelism (2010)
Solveig Fuentes, Worship (2010)
Thom Lutz, Stewardship (2010)
Lisa Lepis, Youth (2011)
Tamra Roddy, Fellowship (2011) - Resigned
Carolyn Irby, Fellowship (2009) - Appointed
Darlene Truver, Education (2011)
Haylee Rea, Youth Representative
2009 Committees
Audit Committee - Bruce Wetherby, chair
Richard Doering, Ned Titlow, Bob Williams
Building Forum - Don Snowden, chair
Denise Duim, Fletcher Miller, Shawn Morrow, Richard Nielsen, Ned Titlow, Bob Williams
Christian Service Committee - Gail Bennett, chair
Joan Doering, Ivy Fancy, Janet Hook, Brenda Johnson, Elaine Lauger, Beverly Mitchell, Mary Lou Peterson, Diane Sherwood, Rosemary Sutter, Lora Thompson, Darlene Thygerson,
Education Committee - Darlene Truver, chair
Colleen Doering, Elaine Lauger, Ellen Schmeding, Terri Webster
Employee Relations Committee - Sue McMahan, chair
Jim Grutkowski, Lynn Hare
Endowment Committee - Bob Williams (2010), chair
Carole Otterstad (2009), Diane Sherwood (2009), Ade Christensen (2010), Dick Irby (2011), Lynn Render (2011)
Evangelism Committee - Jeff Cours, chair
Susan Benson, Don Snowden, Kyle & Jennifer Huffman
Fellowship Committee - Tamra Roddy / Carolyn Irby, chair
Joan Allton, Duane Beck, Gail & Dean Bennett, Christina Fadden, Judith Gerard, Janet Hook, Beverly Mitchell, Diane Sherwood, Lora Thompson, Darlene Thygerson, Betty Wells, Jennifer Zimmermann
Financial Support Committee - Richard Nielsen, chair
Ade Christensen, John Doering, Jane Hanselman, Brenda Johnson, Charles Lauger, Elaine Lauger, Susan Pettit
Health and Wellness Committee - Sandy Chaplan-Eggers, chair
Joan Allton, Tracy Case, Jane Hildebrand, Beverly Mitchell, Patricia Pepper, Rosemary Sutter
Nominating Committee - Ellen Schmeding, chair
Pat Beck, Dean Bennett, Ade Christensen, Darlene Thygerson, Betty Wells
Preschool Committee -Lisa McDonnell, chair
Denise Duim; Jim Grutkowski, Council Liaison; Richard Nielsen, Danielle Willenberg, Sally Brown
Property Committee - JT Byrne, chair
Dean Bennett, Robert Keck, Leon Matson, Don Snowden, Carlos Svendsen, Ned Titlow, Robert Williams
Stewardship Committee - Thom Lutz, chair
Richard Doering, Richard Nielsen
Worship Committee - Solveig Fuentes, chair
Ade Christensen, Doris DeChenne, Jim Grutkowski, Diane Sherwood, Shirley Wallace, Bruce Wetherby, Melinda Wetherby
Youth Committee - Lisa Lepis, chair; Haylee Rea, youth representative
Carrie Barnes, Ethan Gilsdorf, Janine Morrow, Jonathon Marroquin
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation January 24, 2010
Printed copy of the Annual Report available by request of the church office.
THE PASTOR’S REPORT
This was a year that many people were happy to see go! The economy, H1N1 and other health issues, the ELCA decision to accept a social statement on human sexuality, and other issues all have impacted our church nationally, synodically and locally. The loss of jobs, decreased donations to the church, and an uncertain future helped us decide to put the planned building renovations on hold. While this was a difficult decision, we are certain it is the right one. We said “farewell and Godspeed” to a number of our parish members as they moved from San Diego in search of job opportunities. Six of the twelve people we welcomed as new members in 2009 moved out of town within this year. New members who came and went in 2009 were David & Christina Cusack, Jennifer & Kyle Huffman, Mindy Johnson and Susan Santilena. We happily welcomed as new members Maria Larsen, Keith & Karen Thygerson, Christopher & Kimberley Hansen and Jackie Hysko.
Three infants were baptized here this past year - Mackenzie Beck, Jonah Thygerson and Lena Hysko. What a joy to welcome these little ones to the Body of Christ!
There is a saying that is used in pastoral circles - a wedding is for a day; a marriage is for a lifetime. We are blessed with so many great examples of lifetime marriages! Congratulations to all those couples who have celebrated 40 and 50 and 60 and more years of marriage! We “started out” two couples in 2009 as we celebrated the weddings of Carl and Mindy Johnson and Kimberly (Walther) and Jeff Kierman.
Our Christian faith helps us accept the truth that death is not the end, but that truth is still difficult when we have to say good bye to one we love. We grieved the death of the parents of many of our church members this past year and celebrated memorial services here. We continue to hold in prayer the families and friends of Ron Allton, Patricia Beck, Fay Rockwell, Jesse Macbeth, Harvey Garrett, Charles McGregor, William Hembury and Orlo Horton. I was also able to proclaim the Word of God at several committal services for people who were not church members but had requested a Lutheran presence at the graveside.
2009 was a great year for outreach! Look at the many outreach hours and benevolence dollars that our small church has contributed. You can be proud to see how our hands are contributing to God’s Work in so many places. Let me mention just two. First: We made a commitment to help at TACO once a month. Between 5 and 12 people from St. Peter’s have gone to 1st Lutheran Church to participate in this service to the homeless. Second: 20 church members traveled to Miracle Ranch Children’s Home in Tecate, Mexico for our first mission trip in 2009. We took many bags of clothes and dollars contributed by St. Peter’s. Scott McMahan and several others have continued to go to Mexico week-end after week-end working with a group of Orange County Lutherans to build the girls’ dorm.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Karen Marohn
COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT
As I reflect back on my last year as your Council President, I remember how fortunate we are to have Pastor Karen Marohn leading our church. Our need to gather and worship together in service to our Lord has been more important this year than ever before. We keep in mind those people who have lost their job, their home, their faith, or a loved one. We pray for those among us who are suffering from addiction, living with cancer, depression, or other infirmity/ illness. We pray for our church families who have lost loved ones. We pray for the earthquake victims of Haiti, and for people who do not have a church to worship in.
We started off with a church council retreat in January which was informative and interesting. This year we said goodbye to several faithful council members. I want to thank each on of them for their hard work and sacrifice. We said goodbye to Tamera Roddy and Carolyn Irby who served on the fellowship committee; JT Byrne for property and I ended my council term as well. We said goodbye in May to Carrie Barnes, who lead the youth group. In June, Jonathan Marroquin took over the youth and then he resigned in December. All of these people volunteered their time and did a wonderful job. Most of all I want to thank Gail Bennett for serving as our Council Recording Secretary. She also is on the executive committee and Christian Service Committee. The Recording Secretary’s job takes a lot of time and Pastor and I could not run the meetings without her help. Last, but not least, I owe a large debt of gratitude to the tireless work of our Congregation Council Treasurer, Richard Nielsen. He is at church every week to write checks and reconcile all the church finances. This church would not operate without Richard's hard work.
We are still very fortunate to have Janine Morrow and Elaine Lauger working hard for us in the church office. They are both very helpful and great with people and on the phone.
Our very successful preschool is still under the experienced leadership of Denise Duim. This preschool is a wonderful asset to our community and reaches out to so many young parents with small children who would like to have faith and church in their lives. An extra special thanks to all the teachers and assistants who provide a quality education to these little angels.
While our teen youth group is still small in numbers it is large in sprit. They too reach out warmly to the community to worship with them and have fun on Friday nights at SPY. Thanks to Jonathan and all the volunteers for their supervision and guidance to the youth group.
Our church audit was done this year by Carlton Hills Lutheran Church and our audit committee did theirs. The audit committee provides checks and balances necessary to running a parish.
Every week our worship experience is enhanced by the great music of Doris DeChenne and the St. Peter’s choir. Finally I want to thank Pastor Dale Bringman for providing outstanding sermons when Pastor Karen is absent.
To all, I appreciate everything you have done for me and my family to make my job easier and for your service to St. Peter’s by the Sea Lutheran Church. I have enjoyed working with the council and serving this past two years as your Council President
God Bless You.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue McMahan
Congregation Council President
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
We have a high production office with many publications. We are continuing with our full-format weekly bulletins including a large print version. In addition, we have a monthly printing of the church newsletter, The Fisherman’s NET; several seasonal printings; special projects throughout the year and annual printings including this Annual Report of the Congregation and the Membership Directory.
We continued to have a weekly staff meeting between the Pastor, the Office Administrator and the Preschool Director. This allowed us the opportunity to discuss and coordinate upcoming events and to support each other in our respective positions.
In addition, the office is supported by a Financial Secretary who worked 2 afternoons per week; an office aide who worked 1 morning per week through August when she resigned; and a volunteer office substitute.
After discussion and consideration, it was decided to not hire another office aide and to increase the number of hours allocated weekly for the Office Administrator.
Respectfully submitted,
Janine Morrow
Office Administrator
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
St. Peter’s Preschool is truly blessed to have our classrooms staffed with 5 experienced and qualified teachers and 2 teacher’s aides. Joshua Bernstein teaches our 4’s in the Dolphin class, Jackie Allen teaches our 4’s in the Sea Lion class, Alison Anning teaches our 3’s in the Sea Stars class, Dori Hoadley teaches the 3’s in our Flying Fish class, Rebekah Mack teaches our 2’s in the Otters class, and our teachers’ aides are Bernardita Buehrer and Marquisha Green.
We are full to capacity with 71 children and our waiting list has 95 families waiting for enrollment.
Pastor Marohn plays an active role in our program’s twice-weekly Chapel Service. The children benefit from learning God’s word and of His abundant love for us. They sing songs and share Bible stories. It is a time for the whole school to gather together and creates unity in God’s love.
2009 Highlights:
· New carpet, blinds, and heaters
· Mother’s day Tea
· Father’s day Lunch
· Trike-A-Thon
· All- school field trips to the San Diego Zoo, the Pumpkin Patch, and Sea World
· Annual Halloween Carnival.
· November was filled with trials as we went through the unexpected closure and restoration of the bathrooms due to a water leak and subsequent water damage.
· Annual Christmas Program & Pot-Luck.
· Parent/Teacher Meetings
· Preschool Work Day
Respectfully submitted
Denise Duim
Preschool Director
BUILDING FORUM
Forum Members: Denise Duim; Fletcher Miller; Shawn Morrow; Richard Nielsen; Ned Titlow; Bob Williams; Pastor Marohn; Don Snowden, Chair.
A series of Cottage Meetings, to describe the plans for renovation of our facilities, was completed early in the year. These meetings were attended by approximately 70 people. The majority of those who expressed their opinion about the planning believed that it was sound and well thought-out . Concern was expressed, however, about our ability to fund such a renovation project (estimated to cost 1.4 million dollars) in the present economy while still maintaining support of our regular budget. Taken as a whole it appeared that there was large support for what has been planned.
The Building Forum recommended and the Congregation Council approved that we proceed with evaluation of several stewardship services, recommended by a Building Consultant with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund, to lead us in a capital fund appeal to provide funds for renovation. This evaluation resulted in the recommendation that we contract with the Stewardship Key Leader program of the ELCA to support a capital campaign. This was approved by the Congregation Council and the Congregation.
As we proceeded with the initial planning for the campaign, some comments were received which indicated previously unexpressed lack of support for the proposed renovation project. These, taken with similar comments which were made at the Congregation Meeting which approved moving ahead, led us to question whether or not we were on the right path. To seek the Lord’s guidance all Congregation members were invited take part in a Holy Hour of Prayer in December. This time of prayer evidently led no one to previously unexpressed doubts about going ahead, but perhaps of greater significance, there seemed to be no reassurance that we should definitely carry out the renovation as planned. As a consequence it was concluded that we should not attempt to go ahead at this time with the proposed capital campaign to support a major renovation.
The Building Forum will hold future meetings to consider the possibility of carrying out significantly smaller projects to address some of the needs identified in the Cottage Meetings. Such projects which could be reasonably funded would enhance the utility and attractiveness of our facility.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Snowden
Building Forum Chair
CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE
Annual Fund Raising Brunch: The annual Christian Service Committee brunch was held on June 21. All donations made at the brunch and proceeds from the sale of leftover bowls from the Empty Bowls soup lunch fundraiser in May were designated for the Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) headquartered at First Lutheran Church in downtown San Diego. A total of $1,528 was raised, which included $382 in matching funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Church Mice: The Church Mice meet most Tuesday’s of the year and work on various Christian Service projects. Women that participate are: Dora Aja, Bonnie Bloom, Mary Bringman, Sally Byrne, Joan Doering, Rose Engleman, Ivy Fancy, Gerry Hoffner, Elaine Lauger, Mary Miller, Gena Rasmussen, Ann Rossell, Joan Russell, and Elizabeth Sjokvist. This past year they made 47 quilts and assembled 7 sewing kits and 19 school kits (collected from donations from the congregation during the year) that are put in bags sewn by Rose. Cancelled stamps are trimmed by the Mice and then sent to the local Sons of Norway, who then ship them to an organization run by the Norwegian Health Association. Church Mice also participate in a prayer chain and send cards for various occasions.
Angel Tree Project: Under the leadership of Janet Hook, the Angel Tree Project experienced another successful year! Sunday School and Preschool families donated gifts for children at three organizations: 56 gifts were delivered for children of the Hispanic Outreach Program based at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in North Park; Sue and Scott McMahan delivered 38 gifts for children at the Miracle Ranch Orphanage in Tecate, Baja California; and 18 gifts were delivered for the children living at Julian’s Sanctuary, a transitional program for battered women in our Ocean Beach neighborhood. In addition, Mary Lou Peterson put together gifts bags for the 10 mothers at the shelter.
Empty Bowls Project: Lynn Render sits on the organizing committee of this community-wide effort that supports TACO. This year’s event was held on May 9 at La Jolla United Methodist Church. In addition to the money raised at this event, unsold bowls were offered for sale at the annual Christian Service Committee brunch.
Loaves and Fishes: Loaves and Fishes is a food bank headquartered at Holy Trinity Parish on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. St. Peter’s is one of the local Point Loma churches that support this program; Ivy Fancy serves on their board of directors. Darlene Thygerson coordinates food drives each April and October; over 120 bags of groceries were donated. Monetary offerings collected during Lent also go to Loaves and Fishes. The Church Mice prepare plastic tableware and gather other items for the homeless.
Lutheran Social Services: Diane Sherwood coordinates the food drives for Lutheran Social Services during the months of January and July of each year. Over 60 bags of groceries were delivered to the LSS food bank in Spring Valley.
Lutheran World Relief: Joan and John Doering coordinate donations of layette items for Lutheran World Relief. During the year they collected recyclable items to get cash to buy layette items, especially diapers. Members contributed additional items during Advent. A total of 133 layettes were assembled during 2009. The Men’s Breakfast Bible Study group packed up the layettes, quilts, blankets, sewing kits, and school kits assembled by the Church Mice and transported them to Clairemont Lutheran in October. They are ultimately shipped to Lutheran World Relief for distribution.
Navajo Lutheran School: Melinda and Bruce Wetherby provided support for one student at the Navajo Lutheran School in Rock Point, Arizona throughout the year. One of the quilts sewn by the Church Mice was included in the Christmas gift box for this child. She will graduate in 2010, and the Wetherby’s hope to be able to support a younger sister in the coming year. The mission is a wonderful opportunity for the students to get an education plus the gospel. The Church Mice also collect and trim Campbell’s soups labels, and send them to the school which helps in the acquisition of needed supplies.
Peninsula Shepherd Senior Center: Beverly Mitchell served on the Board of Directors in 2009. A luncheon was held at St. Peter’s once a month. The Christian Service Committee also contributed $2,000 from their annual budget to support Peninsula Shepherd’s Senior Center.
Ralphs Community Program: Elaine Lauger informed congregation members how they could shop and use their Ralphs reward cards so that a percent of purchases would go toward contributions to St. Peter’s. Rebates will be sent to Loaves & Fishes.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Bennett
Christian Service Committee Chair
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
We finished the year with our annual Christmas play on December 20th at the first service. The Sunday School children did a wonderful job in telling us the Christmas Story. This year several of the SPY members joined us as the Rhythm Choir. The play was wonderful, the children really did a great job, and without the wonderful adult helpers we couldn’t make this happen.
Teachers are continuing with Sunday School and are welcoming an average of 6-10 students per week. The following individuals have been faithful Sunday School teachers for many years and have continued into the 2009-2010 school year: Terri Webster, Jim Grutkowski, Colleen Doering, Ellen Schmeding, and Darlene Morrow-Truver. We are grateful for our shepherds for the year which include Lenny Olson, Ethan Gilsdorf and Elaine Lauger. We have also had assistance from Jessica Trosper, Holly Lutz, and Quindy Sammler.
We had a good turnout for Vacation Bible School during the week of July 27th. Darlene
Morrow-Truver along with Ellen Schmeding and Colleen Doering led the VBS this
year and we had a large number of volunteers that helped throughout the week.
We had over 35 children participating and all involved had a wonderful time.
The theme for the year was "Discovery Canyon”. We also collected money
for a service project for the Lutheran Navajo Mission School. VBS raised over
$100.00. Several members from SPY joined us, Breann Bartholomew, Laurel Haas, Annalise Blair and Haylee Rea helped lead a very enthusiastic singing time and the children did
a great job on the final day singing the songs they learned. In addition,
Pastor Marohn and Youth Director, Jonathan Marroquin provided Chapel services;
Megan Hanna was in charge of the fun and exciting games; Janine Morrow
handled snack duty and registration; Ellen Schmeding and Marlene Morrow held
story time; and Colleen Doering along with Dora Aja managed all the wonderful
crafts. Others helped lead the various age groups, helped with games or
wherever needed - so a big thank you to Lindsey Haas, Marlene Morrow, Adrienne
Morrow, Tia Farnsworth, Terri Webster, Tracy Case, Gigi Ramos, and a few preschool
moms. Without their help we couldn’t have supported the number of children we
had. Video crew throughout the week and miscellaneous duties as assigned, were
Bryce Truver and Devin Peugh. They also produced a video enjoyed by all on the
final day.
The Education Committee sponsored the well-received Easter Event for the St. Peter's children on April 11th. Again volunteers helped with cookie making, craft tables and egg dying. We had more than 20 children in attendance, all of whom enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt and then a joint pizza lunch with those decorating the church in the afternoon. SPY participated by filling the plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt.
Finally the Education Committee participated in the first church rally day in September with a booth for the Education Committee. We signed up children for Sunday School, had a couple of games for the children to play, and brought baked goods to share as part of fellowship time.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene Truver
Education Committee Chair
Evangelism Committee
Ocean Beach Street Fair
· This year we scattered seeds literally as well as figuratively. At the Street Fair, we gave away herb seed packets with information about St. Peter's printed on them.
· We also planted some of the seeds ahead of time. A few lucky folks got to take home basil plants.
·
As always, the
bubbles were a huge hit. This year we had a new and improved bubble juice
recipe.
Fall Fest
- We tried something new with Fall Fest, having it in the parking lot off Sunset Cliffs, by the bus stop. To avoid as many conflicts as possible, such as with Point Loma Nazarene's Octoberfest and TACO's Sunset by the Sea, we held it on a Sunday and made it an hour earlier.
- Unfortunately, attendance by the congregation was light, possibly because of a conflict with Ocean Beach's Octoberfest.
The new location was a big hit
with the neighborhood: several people came by who had never visited the
church before.
Literature about St. Peters
- We wrote a new handout to help people understand the meaning of the word “Evangelical” in “Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”
- We circulated questionnaires about St. Peter's, and the congregation gave us a tremendous response, though most responses seemed to come from longer term members. “Friendliness” came through as one of the main themes.
Christmas Caroling
- About a dozen people sang, but we had trouble getting people to open their doors, even though it was during the day: the Chargers were playing the Bengals and many were watching the game!
Respectfully submitted by Jeff Cours, Chair
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
The Endowment Committee serves as the custodian for St. Peter’s by the Sea Endowment Fund. The Committee’s function is to invest the funds and distribute the fund income according to parameters spelled out in the church constitution which include four areas: Mission and Programs grants, Outreach grants, Education grants and Building grants.
During 2009, grants were made to numerous organizations such as Tecate Orphanage, TACO, Lutheran Social Services and SDSU Campus Ministry; Loaves & Fishes and ELCA Youth Event; Youth Scholarships and Seminary support; Furnishings and Equipment for the church.
The Committee accepts written requests for “matching funds” from church members up to $100.00. We were able to fulfill all matching requests this year.
The 2009 members of the Committee included:
Ade Christensen Lynn Render(Treasurer)
Dick Irby Diane Sherwood(Secretary)
Carole Otterstad Bob Williams (Chairman)
The committee wishes to thank Carole Otterstad & Diane Sherwood for there service over the past three years.
In 2010, Colleen Doering & Ken Thygerson will join the committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Williams
Endowment Committee Chair
FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE
Fellowship Committee Members: Joan Allton, Gail & Dean Bennett, Christina Fadden, Janet Hook, Carolyn Irby, Beverly Mitchell, Diane Sherwood, Lora Thompson, Betty Wells, Jennifer Zimmermann..
Many thanks to the above members who supported the efforts of the committee during the year. The elected fellowship chair, Tamra Roddy, was unable to complete her chairmanship due to an auto accident. In March, Carolyn Irby took over for the remainder of the year. Betty Wells is returning as the Fellowship chair for 2010.
The Fellowship Committee is responsible for recruiting volunteers for the weekly Fellowship time between worship services and for providing this information to be included on the monthly responsibility sheet in the Fisherman’s NET. A special thank you to Betty Wells and Bob Williams who coordinated the once a month Birthday cake to honor birthdays of members and their families and to Gail and Dean Bennett who shopped for supplies needed for Fellowship Time. Thank you to all those who have volunteered to help make Fellowship Time a warm and inviting time for both members and visitors.
Diane Sherwood and Gail and Dean Bennett hosted the Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Many thanks to Diane, who is stepping down this year as co-coordinator and to Gail & Dean who will continue as coordinators, for their years of faithful service. On Maundy Thursday, the committee worked with the worship committee for the Last Supper/hand washing Worship Service.
Thanks are due also to the many volunteers who helped with the two Easter Brunches served at 8:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Easter morning.
The Reception Committee hosted memorial service receptions for William Hembury, Charles McGregor, Charles Ronald Allton, Fay Rockwell, Doris Thygerson, and John Doering. Thanks to those individuals who helped in this ministry.
The annual women’s Christmas Tea was held December 12th with nearly 80 women in attendance. Many hands prepared delicious luncheon food and the Bell Choir from Pt. Loma Community Presbyterian Church provided wonderful entertainment. Thanks to all who helped make this a special event.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Irby
Fellowship Chair, appointed
HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE
Sandra Chaplan-Eggers, chair; Joan Allton, Tracy Case, Jane Hildebrand, Beverly Mitchell, Patricia Pepper, Rosemary Sutter, Betty Wells
The Health and Wellness Committee met monthly during 2009, provided informative health-related articles for the Fisherman’s Net throughout the year, maintained the onsite AED device purchased in 2007, and conducted blood pressure checks during Fellowship Hour on the last Sunday of each month.
While members of the Health and Wellness Committee offered blood pressure checks at St. Peter’s booth at the Ocean Beach Street Fair during the summer, it was noted that this activity was not well received in that particular environment. The general consensus was that the Committee should choose a different health-centered activity for next year’s fair.
During the first quarter of 2009, the Committee followed up on the proposal submitted at the end of 2008 to re-staff the vacant health outreach position created by the resignation of Cynthia Cadwell in May 2008. The Committee reviewed the job description and revised both the qualifications and duties of the position to better meet the needs of the congregation. Betty Wells was hired in February as Health Ministry Coordinator on a part-time basis (10 to 15 hours/wk). Her activities are directed and guided by the Pastor and the Health and Wellness Committee and include facilitating access to medical and social services, as well as home and hospital visits to members of the congregation on an as-needed basis.
A main focus of the Health and Wellness Committee has been to work with Sue and Scott McMahan in spearheading the service/mission trips to Miracle Ranch Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. Several trips were made throughout the year bringing clothes and volunteering services to help build a girls’ dormitory, to assist with cleaning and repairing the campus, and to provide a caring presence and ‘helping hands’ ministry in God’s Name.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Wells
Health Ministries Coordinator
MUTUAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
According to the St. Peter’s Constitution, a Mutual Ministry Committee was formed in 2007. The purpose of this committee is to strengthen our parish ministry by ascertaining the pastor’s expectations and needs and by sharing the congregation’s expectations of the pastor. This Committee shall support with prayer and love the ministry of the pastor and the ministry of the congregation. This Committee shall also evaluate the pastor’s ministry and shall designate the pastor’s salary and benefits for inclusion in the annual budget, subject to the approval of the Congregation Council and adoption by the congregation. The following members have been active: Pastor Karen Marohn, Gail Bennett, Jane Christensen, and Jim Grutkowski.
We met several times in 2009. At our February meeting we used the ELCA Congregational Leader Series book, “Pastor and People, Making Mutual Ministry Work,” and discussed the subject of “developing ministry goals.”
The remainder of the year focused on development of a Sabbatical Leave Policy for St. Peter’s. Policies from several ELCA synods and churches were reviewed during this process. The Congregation Council approved the policy as presented at their November meeting, and the parish members ratified that decision at the special congregation meeting held in December.
Members of the Mutual Ministry Committee also made a recommendation to the Congregation Council regarding the compensation package for Pastor Marohn as part of the 2010 budget process.
We will continue to meet in 2010.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Bennett
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
In February, Don Snowden and Bob Williams worked to find and repair the leak in preschool classroom #4 when it rains. During that month, one of the preschool toilets was repaired by Carlos Svendsen and JT Byrne.
In March, Lloyd’s Pest Control was hired for kitchen and exterior church perimeter monthly treatment. During the month one of the toilets in the Woman's bathroom was repaired by JT Byrne.
In April, the deadbolt on the organ pipes room door on the roof was replaced by Don Snowden., Carlos Svendsen, and JT Byrne.
In May, the lawn watering regime was reviewed by JT Byrne and Leon Matson for compliance of new watering restrictions. Due to broken valve and water leak, GroundWorks replaced 3 valves that were in the box by the bird of paradise next to the parking lot. The charge is $445 (discounted from $675)
During the summer there was some graffiti tagging on the organ chamber on the roof of the church and east wall behind dumpsters. Carlos Svendsen and JT Byrne removed the graffiti. Special thanks to Carlos for repainting the walls.
In October, Leon Matson and Bob Williams replaced a sprinkler timer in the palm planter box.
In November, there was a water leak in the Preschool office/janitor closet/bathrooms. It turned out to be a major problem with the Preschool having to close for the week while a construction crew repaired a leak in the wall and the damage it caused. Insurance will pay for the repair with the exception of ~$2800 for asbestos testing and removal and $1000 deductible.
In December, Leon Matson and Bob Williams worked on the sprinkler timers.
Throughout the year, Don Snowden made many repairs throughout the church and preschool.
Respectfully submitted,
JT Byrne
Property Committee Chair
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
This year our congregation participated in a stewardship program entitled “MAKE IT SIMPLE.” We watched a series of brief videos on this theme during October as we prepared to make our personal commitment of giving. If you missed these videos you may view them on line at www.elca.org/makeitsimple. Just click to begin and then click on the video tab.
A Stewardship emphasis gives us the opportunity to reflect about the choices we make in our daily lives. It is biblically centered to help us grow in faith and our daily living as a disciple of Jesus. When you see the motto on your money - “In God We Trust” - it can be a reminder that your trust is in God!
Last year 52 member households pledged their financial support. We ended the year “in the red” as we did not meet our projected income. 54 households have pledged to support in 2010 and in December we were able to present a balanced budget for congregation approval.
St. Peter’s mission motto states that “Called by God, we are seeking and sharing the love of Christ.” Thank you for your faithful support of our congregation that allows us to be God’s hands in the world.
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee meets to coordinate ministries of altar care, lectors, greeters, acolytes, ushers, worship assistants and the choir.
The committee plans and reviews seasonal liturgies and special celebrations. We continue to explore the resources in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book.
Worship Committee is responsible for planning meaningful worship for the congregation. With emphasis on the celebration of Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas.
We work with other committees Fellowship, Shipmates, Education and Evangelism to coordinate special events.
Due to the H1N1 concerns the recommendation from the ELCA encouraged the use of Hand Sanitizers as a practice during the passing of the peace and communion. We have done so with the placement of hand sanitizers in the pews.
There is a lot of behind the scenes help to make our committee work and I want to thank those who served this year
Ade Christiansen
Doris DeChenne
James Grutkowski
Diane Sherwood
Shirley Wallace
Bruce Wetherby
Melinda Wetherby
Pastor Karen Marohn
A special Thank you to those who are not on the committee and always pitch in.
Respectfully submitted,
Solveig Fuentes
Worship Committee Chair
YOUTH COMMITTEE
The youth committee meets monthly with members, Laurel Haas, Haylee Rea, Annelise Blair, Janine Morrow, Lisa Lepis and Youth Director Jonathon Marroquin and Pastor Karen.
The year 2009 was a fun and exciting year for the youth at St. Peter’s. It brought some changes as we said good-by to Carrie Barnes as Youth Director in May, and hello to Jonathon Marroquin in June as the new Youth Director.
Friday night SPY was well attended all year. Fun games were played and thoughtful bible studies were held. In June a “Summer Survival” blow-up obstacle course was a huge hit with fun games and prizes awarded. Other fun activities were a night at Ultra zone playing laser tag and a bonfire at the beach.
Sunday morning bible studies were held between services. Girls Bible Studies were also held.
The youth held a pancake dinner on Fat Tuesday and a Spaghetti Dinner in March to raise funds for the triennial youth event, Jesus, Justice, and Jazz that was held in New Orleans in July. The youth also participated in the Chili Cook-Off. Five girls attended the Youth Quake in Irvine in April. A meet and great was held in June for the new youth director, Jonathon Marroquin. Two of St. Peters Youth, Laurel Haas and Amy Lepis attended the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Pastor Karen accompanied the Youth as their chaperone. This was a fantastic experience for all. Their service project was “Reading Matters” and they helped elementary school students with reading and writing. Other activities the youth participated in were preparing and serving dinner at the Interfaith Shelter at Christ Lutheran in Pacific Beach, a pumpkin carving contest and a Creepy Canned Food Drive to support Loaves and Fishes. The youth also signed a Youth Ministry Covenant and after signing placed their hand-print on a surfboard hung in the youth room.
The youth look forward to another exciting year at St. Peter’s
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Lepis
Youth Committee Chair