Welcome to the web edition of the Trinity Presbyterian Church annual report for the year 2007.
The web version of this report does not include financial information. Please contact the church office for the full print version of this report.
| Membership, December 31, 2006 | 384 |
| Members received | 16 |
| Members transferred by letter | 6 |
| Members deleted by Session | 6 |
| Members moved to Inactive status | 12 |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Baptisms | 11 |
| Weddings | 9 |
| Membership, December 31, 2007 | 381 |
| Affiliate members | 2 |
"I Am The Resurrection And the Life"
O Lord, support us all the day long,
until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed, and
the fever of life is over...
and our work is done.
Then in your mercy...
Grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dorothy Solomon
Margaret Garner
Dorothy Strickler
Arline Thomas
As 2007 draws to a close, we take this opportunity to look back and lift up those times and places where we experienced the power and the presence of God, and we look ahead to a future that God holds and calls us to.
Here are some of the moments in 2007 when I saw God at work in our midst.
Tuesday Evening Bible Study - This past year I led an every other week Bible study at the home of John and Corie Merker. The participants included four Trinity members and three friends of the Merkers-two Catholics and one Lutheran. It was a wonderful time of learning, exploring, and growing.
The ordination of Damayanthi Niles - Damayanthi has for a number of years been a professor of theology at Eden Seminary. She has also been a member of Trinity for most of that time. As a way to fulfill her calling, Damayanthi pursued ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament-a calling which she will fulfill by preparing men and women for ministry. In February, Damayanthi was unfairly and cruelly examined for ordination-questions that were out of bounds and a tone that is not befitting the church were used to derail her ordination. Blessedly the Presbytery voted overwhelmingly to ordain her. But then a faction in the Presbytery worked to stop her ordination. The Presbytery had to vote a second time (just four days before her ordination) to reaffirm its conviction that Damayanthi is indeed fit for ordination-again, the vote was overwhelming. Throughout this time, the Trinity congregation was steadfast in its love and its faith that God's will would be done. On April 14, Damayanthi was ordained in a service the likes of which we have never seen at Trinity. The service was conducted in 8 languages, we had guests from all over the world, it included liturgy and music that came from a whole rainbow of cultures-God was moving in powerful ways!
My mother's death - My mother Joan Little died this past September after a long struggle with dementia. The Trinity congregation uplifted and sustained me and my family with love and grace-it gave fresh meaning to the Apostle Paul's affirmation: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
Mission Fair - The Mission Fair that the Equipping Ministry Team sponsored in November was informative, fun and inspiring. What a wonderful opportunity for Trinity members and our community partners to share their passions for helping to bring about God's Kingdom on earth. I gained a new appreciation for breath and depth of Trinity's impact in the community and the world.
Linda's cancer - I had hoped that my mother's death would be the hard event of the year for my family; however, in November Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer and in December had surgery and started chemotherapy. Again, the Trinity community surrounded us with love and prayers and much needed assistance; with your help we are getting through this. As with my mother's death, through this time I am relearning what it means to be church together-we couldn't do this without the congregation.
These are but a few of the times and places during the year where God's faithfulness and sustaining love have shone through. Every Sunday during worship, whenever we learn together, when we send disciples to new places to live and serve, when we equip the saints for ministry, when we play with our children, when we sit and pray together, God is with us and gives us life. And it is with that assurance that we enter 2008-not knowing what the year will bring; not knowing where God will be moving among us; but knowing that whatever and wherever we are, God will be with us!
One final note: I have said it many times, and I will say it again: the Trinity congregation and I are incredibly blessed to work with such an amazing staff-faithful servants every one. To Julie, Paul, Susan, Liz, Linde, Birty and Nancy: Blessings!
Dan Anderson-Little
The music ministry at Trinity continues sustain the spirit of the congregation and our community in so many exciting ways. This year I have seen a deepening in our work together, especially the way that individuals have shared their musical gifts so generously and so skillfully. Case in point:
Back in early November, I attended the Covenant Network conference in Atlanta, Georgia and returned late on a Saturday evening. Ordinarily, I would have prepared for services late that night or early Sunday as I hadn't thought about worship or sat at the keyboard for several days. However, several individuals in the congregation had responded to an invitation to help lead worship. Karen Coletti, a musician and educator who has shared her gifts so generously over the years, directed the Festival Choir and even arranged an inspiring setting of Shall We Gather at the River? that included the vocal gifts of Vicki Carmichael. Bill Wade, a new choir member who is also a fine organist, prepared all the hymns and service music. The Festival Choir included new and old faces and sang with great skill and enthusiasm.
For the first time since I have served at Trinity, I had the opportunity to sing in the choir and stand with the congregation to sing hymns. It was a joy to see that the music ministry could function wonderfully without me and that ministry was being done by the people of God in this place!
Over the past year I have also:
I am excited and heartened by these glimpses of the Spirit at work among us. I hold out hope that as we deepen our faith and become more focused and intentional about who we are called to be, we will see new individuals become part of this community. Above all, I pray that we will be remain committed to welcoming all into this community, especially honoring the diverse spiritual and musical gifts that others will bring.
May God give us continued strength, imagination and grace as we live into the coming year!
In Christ's service,
Paul Vasile
Minister of Music
As I look back at the past year, I am pleased and gratified at the progress made in Equipping Ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church, and I especially want to acknowledge and thank the fine Equipping Team. The members of the Team are Dave Nelson, Lisa Bernhard, Rick Jeter, Vickie Jeter, and Norma Vavra. Ann Fischer served on the Team for most of the year, and was recently replaced by John Merker. Without this dedicated team, it would be impossible to put into place all the necessary elements of enhancing and growing the "priesthood of all believers" at Trinity.
Our first task as the Equipping Team was a February planning and visioning retreat, where we discussed and set goals for the year, and formalized the make-up of the team structure. We refined and approved an interview form for use with members, engaged in Team-building exercises and drafted a Team covenant. Member interviews began soon after, as we began connecting people to ministries. The Team began writing ministry description forms for all ministries at Trinity. In addition, all new ministries will be writing ministry descriptions to make clear the goals and hopes for the ministry.
The first large project of the Equipping Ministry Team was Celebrate Our Saints Day, on May 6, which included a special worship service and a fellowship/celebration lunch for all those in our congregation who are 75 and older. The lunch was prepared and served by the Equipping Ministry Team, who also produced 2 DVD'S, one of interviews with our older members, and a second DVD showing many older photos of past events at Trinity. 80 persons attended and had a wonderful time sharing memories of their lives at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
In response to many requests from a number of commissions and individuals in the church, the Equipping Team created a list of priorities for the coming year, 2007-2008. Each project team is facilitated by an Equipping team member, and church members are invited into the ministries of the teams. The priorities and teams include the following:
The Church Has Left the Building Team - To create and maintain one to two mission partnerships a year, such as Doorways or Beyond Housing. We will also work through Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery to monitor possible Presbytery Partnerships.
The Trinity Welcoming Team - To focus on hospitality and greeting visitors and members, as well as including youth and children in hospitality outreach. The team will also include ushering. The team is doing a wonderful job of providing food and the opportunity for fellowship following worship and at other fellowship events.
The Ministry Discovery Team - To contact and conduct interviews ("friendly conversations") with new and existing Trinity members, and turn in interview data for database entry. The 9 members of the team have conducted 34 interviews so far as we week to connect members with service to the church and the community. The goal is to interview every member of the church and connect them to ministry and service.
The Information and Database Team - To customize and implement the new Access ACS database system for use of information recovered from interviews, and to enter information in the database. Information gathered from Ministry Discovery Interviews is logged into the database and made available for ministry placement.
The Mission Fair Team - This team planned and carried out Trinity In Action, an event where a number of representatives from church and community mission organizations shared their ministries and resources with members of Trinity, as we seek to invite members into mission in the church and the community.
The Equipping Team has also been active in assisting the Winger Food Pantry to find new coordinators. All 38 Food Pantry Team members were invited to a brainstorming session to plan for the future of this vital mission outreach of Trinity Presbyterian Church. In addition, the Trinity Equipping Team also took an active part in the first ecumenical CROP Walk in Metro St. Louis, an event that raised over $100,000 city wide for Church World Service.
The essence of Equipping Ministry is connecting persons to the ministries they love, and as this takes place at Trinity, we anticipate that more and more members will feel the call to service as we "equip the saints for the work of ministry to build up the Body of Christ", which is all of us, now, Trinity Presbyterian Church.
The Ministry Discovery Team is probably best known by a title that reflects its task: "The Interview Group." The group of dynamic persons was organized early last fall with the following members: Kim Behrend, Betty Burnett, Sharon Christopher, Lois and Leo Eason, Liz Nelson, Connie Toretta, Norma Vavra, John Wagner, and Sue Young.
These team members have been interviewing Trinity members beginning with those who have joined most recently and working backward, including the confirmands. The goal, in keeping with the concept of equipping, is to explore the gifts, passions and commitments of the members and match them with ministries here at Trinity and outside our walls. The information from the interviews is entered into a database to help the persons and the ministries "find each other."
If you have not been interviewed but are interested in a conversation with someone from the Team, please let Julie March know.
Submitted by Norma Vavra
2007 was the first year for this Team, whose responsibility is organizing and overseeing our biannual Trinity In Action ministry and mission fair. Team members Lisa Bernhard, Rick Hasler, Jim Person, Dave Nelson, Diane O'Brien and Bob Wagner worked with Trinity members and community organizations to put together the first Trinity In Action on November 18, 2007. The event was a huge success with all booths being occupied by ministries and organizations. A big thank you to all who assisted and attended. Look forward to the next edition in the Spring of 2008.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Nelson
2007 marked the first full year for the The Welcoming Team. Our primary responsibilities during the past year were post-worship treats in the Narthex and Dining Room on a weekly basis, providing special food for Sundays on which new members joined, or current members who were moving away were celebrated, and greeting people following worship. Over the summer, Linda Min joined the Team, and we took on responsibility for recruiting and training ushers. We are also looking for suggestions of projects that will help make Trinity an even more welcoming church. A big thanks to team members Cheryl Evans, Keith Fischer, Linda Min, and Jim Person.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Nelson
With the departure of Ruth Cobb from Trinity last year, the need for oversight and direction of floral and other church decorations became apparent. It was also recognized that a single person would not be able to fulfill this mission or fill the large void left by Ruth. Diana Gray had served as apprentice to Ruth during the year prior to Ruth's departure, and she was pleased to try to continue to provide outstanding floral decorations. However, due to her many other roles outside the church, she could not serve alone in this function. She sought help from Dan and Julie. They proceeded to organize a committee. Hence, the Green Team was created. The first team members were Diana, Do Kirk, Luise Hoffman, and Julie March. The Green Team desired to do more than provide beautiful visuals in the chancel and sanctuary each week. The team's objective has been to integrate the vision of this committee with the church's greater mission and with the liturgical (and Trinity's) calendar. The team wished to continue the option of individual families or groups of members ordering flowers or plants for specific Sundays to celebrate events or individuals. Sign up sheets have been provided as in years past. In addition, the team has utilized live plants that can be donated to members or to charitable organizations as much as possible. The team has also tried when possible to utilize sources for plants that are known to operate consistent with a "green" model, meaning that their practices are ecologically sound.
The specific accomplishments of the Green Team for the past year as outlined as follows:
Plans and desires for next year:
We welcome the input and assistance of other Trinity members in fulfilling the vision and mission of the Green Team. We are a bit thin for Green Team members for all the work of this team, especially given Do's knee surgeries last summer and with her possible departure from the church. Currently the only active members of the Team are Luise Hoffman and Diana Gray. Julie March serves as the Equipping Minister to help us arrange meetings, arrange for help with floral deliveries and to try to find other team assistants. Hence, we are hoping to add more members to the team this next year and would welcome the session's help in this quest. We would also like to develop an off-shoot of the Green Team...a small group of Trinity gardeners who would be interested in maintaining the small garden plot or two that we have. We also could use a larger budget in order to continue to supply the lovely visual displays on a more regular basis. An additional $200-300.00 would add significantly for special events, fall harvest themed display etc. There will continue to be the need for extra budget at Advent although this year the large purchase of the trees was taken from the Endowment.
Respectfully Submitted through God's grace,
Diana L. Gray
* Gateway Greening is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community development through community gardening. Since 1984, Gateway Greening has helped transform neglected and abandoned lots in St. Louis into productive gardens and beautiful landscaped areas. Our mission is to provide resources andtraining to neighborhood groups who believe in their communities and want to reclaim them from urban decay. www.gatewaygreening.org
How quickly this year has flown by! 2007 proved to be a busy and rich year for the Christian education ministry at TPC. The unique call of this church toward knowledge and learning has blessed each of us with opportunities for growth and transformation. From our very youngest to our beloved not-so-young-ones, we have gathered to learn and share and fellowship together in pursuit of God's call and claim on every single one of us.
We "partied hard" in honor of our New Orleans neighbors as we celebrated Mardi Gras in early February. All ages were represented in our jazzy parade and no one left church hungry having enjoyed a Cajun lunch.
In May, the CE commission sponsored the all-church picnic in celebration of the end of the program/school year and as a worthy excuse for some (more) great fellowship time. Our fellowship continued to nurture and sustain us as several church families gathered in retreat at Mound Ridge camp in August. We tie-dyed, we sang, we played, we swam, we ate and ate some more, we worshipped and celebrated the sacrament of baptism (God bless Hayden and Tessa O'Bryan!) in the Meremec River.
Trinity generously awarded nine college age students with the Scholin-Weems Scholarship. Each student that applied was awarded totaling over $26,000.00.
Throughout the year, as in years past, Ms. Becca Courtney served the Trinity babies with love and patience and unparalleled commitment. Becca is here each Sunday morning, she is supported by a few loving volunteers but extra hands are never, ever turned away.
In April we began a lengthy discernment surrounding our curriculum. We called a 'CE Summit' to; evaluate several curriculum choices, enter into a conversation about worship scheduling, and dialogue about the presence and role of children in worship at Trinity. These three issues became the major focus for the CE ministry in 2006. After much prayer and reflection on July 11th the session voted to change our worship schedule, include younger children in worship and to equip our children as worship leaders. We also purchased our new curriculum Seasons of the Spirit for all of our Trinity CE classes, pre-school through Adult. This curriculum allows for a smoother thematic flow from education to worship, focusing on a shared lectionary text each week.
We 'kicked off' the program year on Rally Day with an all-church singing, eating celebration in the 'Thicket.' As the new program year began, we bid best wishes to Kim, Mark, and Megan Merritt at the transition of their confirmation ministry. We welcomed our new confirmation ministers, John Pfeifer and Mary McKown to lead the class which, this year, included 6-8 grades.
Our education ministry is possible only through the faithfulness and hard work of our members. Those who have answered God's call to share the gospel story, to donate their precious time and energy, to teach our children, teens, middle-agers and adults the powerful truth and transforming Word have blessed this congregation in immeasurable ways. This critical ministry requires a selfless commitment to the future and present of this church and the larger Church of Jesus Christ. Any person called toward such ministry is eligible and equipped to serve. Those who have answered the call in 2007 are: Jayne Howard, Linda Peterson, Michele Devine, Elaine and Larry Pontious, Sarah and David Hotaling, Julie Bucholz, Traci O'Bryan, Christy and Matt Schindler, David Nelson, Christy Thompson, Joanne Roman, Dayna Carter-Early, Norma Vavra, Tom Peters, Beth Martin, Stacy Shupe, Dan Tilden and Leigh Cummings. Thanks be to God for these ministers and their amazing gifts!
Susan Hayes
Interim Minister of Christian Education
This was another year of working closely with the staff and members to support Trinity ministries and communicate information between the office, various teams, the rest of the congregation and the larger community. A number of people have responded to the ministry call of helping with our communication tools-the website, various calendars, and the newsletter (thanks Brian Schroer, Ann Fischer, Do Kirk, Vickie Jeter, Carol and Kathy Kramer, and Sue Young). Others have faithfully assisted with the important office duties of inputting data, folding the bulletin and newsletter, preparing mailings, periodically covering the desk, and other projects (thanks Joy Pipes, Janet Guenther, Genny Richmond, Catherine Klostermeier, Luise Hoffman, Kathie and Mary Ann Cahoon and others).
This was a year of assessment as the building manager. Working closely with our Building & Grounds Caretaker, Birty, and the Facilities Commission, we examined issues related to the broken elevator, aging air conditioning and boiler systems, and continued moisture in the Fred Kirk entryway. And, in an effort to create a proactive long range plan for building maintenance and repair, we asked our contractors, as well as Tom Wilhite, Bob Little and George Sallwasser, to complete a building "physical" to determine the relative health of our aging systems (HVAC, elevator, electric, roof, etc.) and the physical building.They completed a professional and comprehensive 20 page "state of the building" report (attached to Facilities Commission report) that will help us prioritize projects as building use grows and changes over time and as the building continues to age.
I continue to coordinate building use for a growing list of community groups. Trinity now has a reputation as a House of God that has opened its doors to the larger community. Our calendar outside the office-observed by so many people from the community-shows activity almost every day of the week. Groups include: OASIS older adult music groups; bassoon, violin, cello, trombone, piano lessons and Kindermusik classes for the Community Music School of Webster University; Care and Counseling sessions; BJC Hospice widow/widowers support groups; St. Louis Squares gay square dancing group; La Leche League; U City Great Books; and U City Summer Band. Throughout the year, various groups also use our space for meetings and recitals. In many cases, these groups and our community partners donate money or goods to our food pantry or other ministries and consistently comment on how welcome they feel and how grateful they are to be a part of the Trinity community.
Please contact me at the office with requests and suggestions as we strive to provide information, resources and support as God's people respond to God's call.
In Christ,
Liz Nelson
Church Administrator
This past year the financial desk has been relatively stable. Busy, but uneventful as far as adding new procedures. The few new funds such as the Equipping Ministry and the Concert Series are signs of Trinity's growth. The payroll procedure has worked well.
Additional financial reporting is always available upon request. I'd be happy to help any member with their contribution account or commission budget.
For the "Signers" and the "Counters"-as always, your help is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Linde Baechle
Financial Administrator
The purpose of the Adult Education Planning Team is to support the church's mission to develop faith in the lives of adults through programs that foster teaching and learning, community and communion, worship and prayer, proclaiming the Word of God, and service and outreach. The 2007 adult education offerings planned and sponsored by the Adult Education Planning Team reflect these goals.
There were two series of adult education classes offered during 2007. The first was a series on Non-canonical gospels lead by Prof. Stephen Patterson of Eden Seminary. This was followed by a four part series on World Religions lead by representatives of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
The first series in fall 2007 was titled "Faith in the Public Arena" and was lead by elected officials and public servants in the St. Louis area. The second series in fall 2007 was lead by representatives of five different charitable organizations that Trinity has supported over the years.
A second opportunity for Adult Christian Education was also offered. The classes were from Seasons of the Spirit, our current Trinity educational curriculum for all ages. Seasons of the Spirit is lectionary based, and also ties in with the particular sermon for each Sunday. The weekly classes were led by Dan Anderson-Little and Julie March.
Because adults are lifetime learners and want to be responsible for their own learning process, we invite interested church members to contribute to the Adult Education Planning Team's plans or to even serve on the team. We seek to create a learning environment which is affirming and inclusive, where various methods of interactive teaching are used, and a variety of curriculum choices are provided. The 2007's Adult Education Planning Team consisted of George Philips, Karen and Darrell Mayberry, George Sallwasser, Susan Hayes, Matt Schindler and Dr. Dan Anderson-Little.
Respectfully submitted,
George Philips
Trinity Adults participated in two mission trips to New Orleans in 2007 and hosted another group as they traveled on their journey. January 1 - 6 a group of 11 adults traveled to the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church to participate in the RHINO (Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans) project. The team spent the week "mucking out" houses and taking them down to the studs. Everyone was glad to help but disappointed to learn that so long after the hurricane New Orleans was still in a "deconstruction" phase. The last week of October another Trinity team returned to the RHINO project, this time in partnership with a group from Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. The October team was pleased to find that they were finally able to turn from "mucking out" to actual construction. Moving forward at last! The end of December Trinity had the pleasure of hosting a group of 22 mission volunteers from Church of the Master in Omaha, NE as they traveled to and from their own mission trip to the Gulf Coast.
As we look to the new year another New Orleans mission trip is already in the works. Thanks to all who have participated through work and prayer and a special thanks to Lisa Bernhard.
Diane O'Brien
We have continued this year meeting on a weekly basis on Sundays. We met once a month for house worship, "The Gathering", led by Paul Devine. On other weeks we met to explore our beliefs and those of other groups, participated in fellowship activities, and completed service projects. Some of the fellowship activities have included game nights, movie nights, and holiday parties. Service projects this year have included working in the food pantry for the month of February, Christmas cards for a shut-in, college care packages, and sorting donated Boy Scout food.
In February, we held our first Family Football Night and Silent Auction. The fellowship night and auction raised over $3,000 towards mission trip and Montreat. Without the generous support of this congregation we would not have been able to go on our mission trip with Re-Member to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota or attend Montreat Youth Conference in Montreat, North Carolina. Both trips allowed us to explore our own faith and the beliefs of others by meeting new people and experiencing first hand how others live. Planning for the 2008 mission trip is on the way and we are planning on going to Urban Mission Camps through Government Street Presbyterian Church in Mobile, Alabama. Other upcoming events include the Family Football Night and Silent Auction and attending the 2008 Montreat Youth Conference.
Local and national outreaches are prominent ministries of Trinity. In our outreach efforts we seek to allocate funds to agencies that will benefit from our financial support, as well as to partner with agencies that resonate with our mission and vision as Christians in our local and larger community. The financial contributions of Trinity are amplified many times by the hours of volunteer time contributed by Trinity members. This year the Commission members have designated these core missions for continuing support: Care & Counseling, the Trinity Food Pantry the Senior High Mission Trip, and the Minister's Discretionary Fund. Some new discovery of new local missions is a goal, and well as many other agencies that deserve support extended for the current year. The following account is an invitation to Trinity members who feel led to contribute to a particular mission with their time, talent and funds.
The head of the Local Mission Funding is Bob Wagner, with an advisory team of Diane O'Brien, Jim Person, Pat Gibbons, George Philips and Sandy Norkaitis. This year the group made an in-depth analysis of Trinity's mission funding goals, and designated four Trinity Core Mission for high priority funding in the future: Care and Counseling, the Trinity Food Pantry, the Trinity Youth Mission Trip, and the Minister's Discretionary Fund. Other agencies and organizations supported this year included: Beyond Housing, CSC Charities for Children, Doorways, Hi-Tech Charities, Independence Center, Interfaith Partnership, The International Institute of Saint Louis, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), the Presbyterian Covenant Network, St. Vincent Home, Sojourners Peace and Justice, the Women's Safe House, The team's recommendations were approved by the Session. A full financial statement for 2007 is attached, with allocations made in 2004-2006 included for trend indication. A brief description of all organizations supported is also included.
Winger Food Pantry had a very busy and good year. January started with the pick up of 25 cases of Boy Scout food. We continued to pick up food from the St Louis Food Bank through March this year with a total of 100 cases since our last report. Jack Lawrence and Bob Wagner assisted Jane Gibbons and Sandy Norkaitis with the monthly pick ups. Sally Dunn prepared and served a wonderful Souper Bowl luncheon to benefit the Matthew 25 Fund for hunger relief in the Presbytery. Trinity receives half of the money collected.
During April we received over 3000 personal care items from the Girl Scouts. Trinity is a drop off site. Meleia Carter, Dayna Early, Alec, Lauren and the twins pack the personal care items for distribution.
Each month during 2007 showed an increase in the number of families served. Our biggest Wednesday was November 14, where we gave away 73 turkeys to 170 people/86 families. The congregation donated $785 to purchase turkeys and with the number of donated turkeys, we have given 83 turkeys to our clients during the holidays. Our clients really had a wonderful holiday because of everyone's efforts. Thanks to Jane Gibbons, George Salwasser, Meleia Carter and Sandy Norkaitis for picking up the purchased turkeys. This report is being prepared on Dec 5, after only one Wednesday distribution in December being counted. However, so far 1886 people from 834 families have be given food. For those of us who work on Wednesday, our clients are more like our extended family where we hear their joys and problems each month but the one thread that runs through each person who comes is their thanks and appreciation for our congregation and the food they receive at Winger Food Pantry.
Their are many volunteers in addition to those mentioned above who donate their time to Winger Food Pantry. The shoppers keep groceries on the shelves for three months. The shoppers this year were Jane Gibbons, Stacey Carmen, Sally Dunn and Vickie Jeter. Vickie is a new volunteer and we are so happy to have her join us. The baggers put the groceries in the bags for distribution. This must be done weekly. The baggers this year were: Joanne, John and Zach Roman, Rhonda Dunbar and the Senior Highs, Emily Kelton, Polly Brown, Lynn Beck, Kirk and Jyll Swearingen, Tina, Larry, Joanna and Isaac Newberry, Dave and Liz Nelson, Lois and Leo Eason, Luise Hoffman and Peg Redelfs, Christy Thompson, John Pfieffer and the Confirmation Class and Linda, Brian and Brianna Min. Wednesday volunteeers distribute food each week to our clients. This year's volunteers included Jane Gibbons, Nancy Wagoner, Jerry Royce, Sally Dunn, Birty Hodgson and Sandy Norkaitis.
Each volunteer brings their enthusiasm, love and compassion to their job. They are a wonderful group of committed people who I enjoy working with. I can not thank each of them enough for the work they do in the Pantry. The food pantry would not be successful without their participation. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Another big thank you to our congregation who participate with their cash donations and meal-a-month donations.
I am going to remain working with Winger Food Pantry on Wednesdays next year but have elected to step down as the coordinator. It has been a wonderful experience blessed by the many volunteers who never said "no". Thank you very much for your love and support during these last, I am not sure how many years. Let's all of us keep up this caring ministry at Trinity.
Sandy Norkaitis
As in previous years, a group of Trinity members attended the 2007 dinner of the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis in September. The Interfaith Partnership promotes peace, respect and understanding among people of all faiths. We hope to participate in this meeting on an annual basis. Those interested in more information about this organization can go to the website, www.interfaithpartnership.org.
Trinity, in its varied ministries, provides us all with many opportunities to be missionaries in Christ. May our congregation continue to grow in love and in service.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Wagner, Chair
Beyond Housing provides decent, secure housing, as well as a supportive environment to low-income families in order to maximize their potential for improved family life. This year their focus was on community building in Pagedale, and other communities, bringing new hope to declining neighborhoods with new construction and rehabilitation of older homes. In September members of Trinity joined 300 other volunteers for a day of Build-a-Playground sponsored by Beyond Housing.
Care and Counseling is a pastoral care agency that partners with clergy, teachers, physicians and other professionals to make mental health services accessible to people of all walks of life. 40% of the agency's client base is at or below the poverty line. Care and Counseling maintains a satellite office at Trinity. The current counselor there is Dale Chavis, Trinity member., and Ann Fisher serves on the Board.
CSC Charities for Children provides personal care items and school supplies to disadvantaged children, such as those in shelters for homeless, or in shelters for abused and neglected children. This charity is managed by Charlotte Landrum and Spirit Sorenson of Trinity.
Doorways is an interfaith program that provides housing options in the St. Louis area for people living with HIV/AIDS related illness. The Residential Program and the Own Home program support those with financial hardship, and the Supportive Housing Facility provides for those unable to live independently. Trinity member Terry Crowe currently serves as the Board Chair.
Hi -Tech Charities is a non-profit corporation based in St. Louis city. Their ministry is to rehabilitate inner city youth whose lives have been devastated due to a dysfunctional family situation, negligent parents, or bad social influences. Hi-Tech provides a strictly managed professional curriculum ranging from GED programs to Community College accredited courses in computer skills and business management, which help to place these youths in the economic main stream with job placement resulting from their new career skills. In 2007 Hi-Tech will graduate more than 60 students from their three year program.
Independence Center provides a non-traditional approach to help those recovering from severe psychiatric illness to become functioning participants within their own families, with friends, and in activities of daily life. The Center provides a place where members can go during the day to interact with others and to share in planning activities, providing meals, and publishing a newsletter.
Interfaith Partnership is made up of denominations, congregations, and individuals from thirty faith communities. The mission of Interfaith Partnership is to "promote peace, respect and understanding among people of all faiths" through dialogue, education, and social outreach programs. George Philips coordinates our participation with this interfaith group.
The International Institute of Saint Louis, a member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, has provided a broad array of social services for new Americans since 1919. Its programs, including teaching English, finding jobs, and providing adjustment services to help newcomers overcome language and cultural barriers, are designed to move refugees and immigrants quickly from overwhelming dependence to productivity and self- sufficiency. Trinity member Matt Schindler is employed with the Institute.
Minister's Discretionary Fund allows Pastor Dan to respond to individual requests for emergency financial assistance. This has been identified as one of Trinity's Core Missions.
National Alliance for Mentally Ill (NAMI) provides support, education and advocacy services for those with mental illness. NAMI serves as a resource for individuals, families, and professionals involved in living with and treating mental illness.
Presbyterian Covenant Network is a national organization that works for the full inclusion of all people in all offices of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The organization provides educational conferences and materials, judicial services, and advocacy at the regional and national level. Dan Anderson-Little is a member of the Network's Board of Directors.
St. Vincent Home for Children is a residential treatment center that provides care (housing, meals, clothing, and therapy) for abused and neglected children, ages six through thirteen, with moderate to severe emotional problems, behavior disorders, and/or learning disabilities. Trinity member John Merker has worked with this organization for many years.
Sojourners Faith & Justice is a national congregational network with a mission to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. We hope membership in this network will provide resources to enable Trinity to expand programs in this area. Trinity members Bob Wagoner, Diane O'Brien and Jim Person are active in this network.
Trinity (Winger) Food Pantry stocks non-perishable food for those in need, and provides four days worth of food each visit. The pantry is staffed by Trinity volunteers and funded by our local mission funds, donations from the congregation, food drives sponsored by the Boy Scouts or schools, and on occasion low-cost purchases made at the St. Louis Area Food Bank. In addition, Trinity members donate turkeys and chickens for the Food Pantry to distribute at Thanksgiving. Sandy Norkaitis manages the pantry at Trinity. (See annual report above).
Trinity Senior High Youth Mission Trip went to Re-Member to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Women's Safe House shelters women and their children in the St. Louis City and County areas. The program is he only shelter in St. Louis that can house all minor children of the abused mother. The shelter also offers extensive follow-up to their clients, including therapy, financial aid, and independence skill development.
The Corporate Affairs Commission is expected to provide ongoing financial, budgetary, investment, and general corporate guidance to the Session. The members this year were John Pfeifer, Chair; Keith Fischer; Joanne Roman, Church Treasurer; Henry Biggs, and Mary Nielsen.
The Commission oversaw the Budget for 2007. The total budget for 2007 was $$. The expected shortfall of income over expenses is $$, a decrease of about $$ from that of 2006.
The Commission also developed a proposed budget for 2008, which was approved by the Session on January 9, 2008. The proposed budget for 2008 is $$. Expected revenue sources to fund this budget include the following:
| Pledge gifts | $ |
| Loose offering/non-pledge gifts | $ |
| per capita payments | $ |
| Interest from investments | $ |
| Endowment contribution | $ |
| Building use fees | $ |
| Designated reserves | $ |
| Vitality Grant; Equipping Ministry | $ |
| Fundraising proceeds | $ |
| Community Music School fees | $ |
This totals $$, leaving a deficit of $$ to be taken from Church savings (which totals approximately $$ at this time).
The Corporate Affairs Commission wants to extend special thanks to Ms. Linde Bachele, our Financial Administrator, who does such a superb job in monitoring church finances and keeping accurate books. The Commission also recognizes Ms. Liz Nelson, current church administrator for their hard work in supporting our Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
John Pfeifer, Acting Chairperson
The members of the Evangelism Commission during 2007 included; Kim Martin, Cathy Smith, Jim Person, Beth David and Keith Fischer.
During 2007, the Evangelism Commission struggled with defining its' mission as the Equipping Ministry "took off" and many welcoming and outreach activities were performed by emerging small groups. As the year closes, the ongoing role of this commission is a subject of reflection.
A new photo directory has been completed for Trinity, and we give thanks to Ginny Richmond, Janet Guenther, Virginia Sallwasser, Joy Pipes and Sue Young for their gifts of time and talent. Additional thanks to those folks who acted as hosts and hostesses during photography sessions. As this goes to print, we are anticipating delivery of our directories. We also took the opportunity to produce a new brochure which will be used to welcome visitors and guests to Trinity during the coming year.
Jim Person, or "Chef Jeemie" as he is best known, with his partner and "chef in crime" Dave Nelson, greatly expanded the hospitality focus of this commission. New members were welcomed and greeted during an informal hospitality time in the Sanctuary immediately following worship. It was very gratifying to note the difficulty people seemed to have leaving due to the many folks enjoying small bites of delicious food and getting better acquainted.
The "welcome bag" mission gave way to a mailing for visitors leaving a mailing address. This letter from the pastor emphasized Trinity's inclusiveness, social justice commitment and equipping focus. We hope that this outreach will provide visitors with a broader view of what Trinity is and an interest to experience more.
Church Administrator, Liz Nelson, has been an unfailing source of support, wisdom, humour and "can do" enthusiasm and it has been my privilege to work with her in this mission. I think that Trinity Presbyterian Church has become an even friendlier place to worship this past year, and I give thanks for every smile, hug and "peace be with you" that has passed between us during 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Martin, Chairperson
A Guatemalan proverb says, "Everyone is the age of their heart".
This could be said about the life and ministries at Trinity.
The building on Washington Ave. was built in 1922. For 85 years, the Church has provided sanctuary, learning, growing, recovery, experiences, broadening, and more.
Our church is showing the vitality of the growing years. Our ministries are expanding; the building is a community resource, our congregants are reaching out in new and exciting directions.
Our building is showing the 85 years of ministry and service. While keeping the mechanical and physical components of the building operational, the facilities commission took a long-range position for planning the enhancements and renovations to the building. This year an extensive physical evaluation was done on the building and its components. The evaluation allows Trinity to identify, act and preserve the infrastructure of the building. A special appreciation and thank you goes to Bob Little, George Sallwasser, and Tom Wilhite for their professional expertise and gifts.
From the evaluation, the facilities commission is able to move forward and plan the repairs and maintenance needed to keep "Trinity the age of it's heart". Working with other commissions and ministry groups, the facilities commission is striving to the objective of keeping pace with the church. Our resource plan is to evaluate where the church will be in the future and provide the physical environment to meet these needs.
The Trinity Building Repair Recommendations spreadsheet is available as a separate document to be found with the 2008 Annual Report. It is also available on the Trinity website: http://www.trinityucity.org/RepairRecommendations.html. There will be opportunites for Trinity members to identify projects or repairs with which they are willing to help.
The Personnel Commission was actively involved with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Session in the budget process for 2008. We also completed the Pastor's evaluation and had input into the evaluations of other staff members. The Commission conducted an exit interview with Karen Coletti when she resigned and provided consultation on the hiring of a new interim director of Christian education. Many thanks to members Tom Cobb, Terry Crow, Sandy Norkaitis Pat Gibbons and Kitty Underwood for their thoughtful work throughout the year. Margy Brown, Chair.
This year held much newness for the Worship and Music Commission. Firstly, we added many newcomers to our group: Luise Hoffman, Elaine Pontious and Lori Luchtman-Jones joined ranks with me, Diana Gray, Nancy Wagoner, Liz Nelson, Dan and Paul to help tackle the tasks and challenges put to the commission this year.
The biggest challenge we faced, along with the session and congregation, was that of researching and implementing the new worship schedule adopted by the congregation this past September. We also saw the development of a new schedule for and literature about baptisms at Trinity. New, too, are the more environmentally-friendly and hypo-allergenic artificial Advent/Christmas decorations which were assembled and placed by so many members of the congregation who joined in our first ever "Trim the Trin-i-tree" Chili Cook-Off.
Thank you especially to the members of this commission for:
Thank you all for your faithful service. It has been a great year in worship together!
Respectfully submitted in love and service,
Vicki Carmichael
Trinity's Endowment Fund was created in the mid-1950s to provide fiscal support for Trinity Presbyterian Church and to help the church meet its responsibilities and new challenges in an ever-changing world. The purpose has remained constant throughout the years.
As of September 30, 2007, the most recent period for which figures are available, the value of the Endowment Fund stood at $$. The value of the fund has increased by 8% since September 30, 2006.
During 2007, the Endowment Fund took the following actions:
The Endowment Board is overseen by a board of up to thirteen directors, including four from each of three annual classes and the Pastor, Doctor Dan Anderson-Little, who serves as an ex-officio member of the Board. At the October 14, 2007 meeting with the full church, the church membership elected the following slate of Endowment Board Officers: Henry Edmonds - President; George Sallwasser - Vice President; Keith Fischer - Treasurer; and Terry Crow - Secretary. The church membership also elected existing Board members Terry Crow, Barbara Santoro and Susan Rava to serve new three-year terms ending in 2010. Other Board members are Beth David, Kim Martin, George Philips, Ray Scholin, and Bob Klostermeier.
The assets of the Fund are professionally managed by Fox Asset Management Inc. of Little Silver, New Jersey, which has been instructed to pursue a conservative balanced investment approach, investing in a mix of stocks, bonds and cash. The Board is assisted by a St. Louis company, Fiduciary Consultants Inc., which provides regular evaluations of Fox Asset Management's performance. Fox Asset Management has successfully met its objectives, generating an above average return on investments compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
The Board gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who have given gifts and bequest to the Fund throughout its history.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry M. Edmonds, President
The ministry of the Deacons in the Presbyterian Church and particularly at Trinity is one of compassion and care, particularly for those with special needs.
The year was marked by our continuing efforts to reach out to others, to identify needs and to provide "sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ," as outlined in The Book of Order.
Those serving as active Deacons in 2007 were Doyin Afuwape, Lynne Beck, Cricket Gordon, Debbie Henry, Art Platt, Joanne Roman, George Sallwasser, Jean Sallwasser, Cathy Smith and Sue Young. We also are blessed at Trinity with many others who regularly reach out in love and support, serving as "informal" but no less valued Deacons.
Areas of activity for the Board of Deacons in 2007 have included:
Prayer Ministry - We help maintain, with the support of church administrator Liz Nelson, equipping minister Julie March and pastor Dan Anderson-Little, lists of members with joys and concerns to be lifted up in prayer. This information is shared, as appropriate, with the congregation through the Sunday bulletin, the Trinity website and Trinity News.
Visits and Notes to Homebound Members - Deacons periodically visit homebound members, including accompanying the pastor to assist in serving Communion. We also send notes and birthday cards, supplementing the faithful note-writing ministry of the Presbyterian Women.
Missing You Communications - This relatively newer ministry involves contacting members whose attendance has declined, based on information from the weekly Sunday attendance sheets (pew pads), to let them know they are missed and to learn if there are transportation or other needs that we can help with.
Meals - Deacons often volunteer to bring meals to members experiencing challenging situations, including changes in family situation such as births or deaths. A few frozen dinners typically are kept on hand at the church, and other members of the congregation are invited to help provide meals as needed.
Transportation - Information is published regularly in the Sunday bulletin and in Trinity News, encouraging those needing transportation to/from worship to let us know. Rides also have been provided to other church events, including the Presbyterian Women's quarterly salad dinners.
Advent Booklet - In 2007 Joanne Roman took responsibility for soliciting Trinity members to contribute their reflections for the yearly Advent Booklet, and the booklets were collated and labeled for mailing at the November Deacon's meeting.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Board of Deacons,
Cathy Smith
FEAST (Fellowship, Eating and Sharing Together) has made a variety of modifications this year in an effort to better meet the needs of Trinity's 20- and 30-somethings.
In 2007, we held a smaller number of successful potluck dinner/discussions. As a result of numerous conversations the previous year, we decided to move our meetings from participants' homes to Trinity. Our hope was that this format would encourage increased participation. One advantage of "hosting" potlucks at Trinity was that we were able to offer childcare, allowing the parents in the group to fully participate in discussions. Another was providing an opportunity for individuals or couples with small places to serve as hosts in a space that could accommodate numerous participants. This also took some of the pressure off those in the group with houses!
Though the regularity of our meetings fluctuated in 2007, everyone who attended was enriched by the time spent together in community. FEAST friends are there for each other and support each other through good times and growth times. What a joy to see God at work in each others' lives!
In 2008, we hope to meet more regularly for dinner and discussion, as well as expand our offerings to include movie and game nights. We encourage anyone of FEAST age looking for a small group community to come to one of our events. If you have suggestions for how FEAST might grow to more fully meet your needs in the coming year, please contact Carissa Gigliotti or Liz Nelson.
Respectfully submitted,
Carissa Gigliotti
The Presbyterian Women of Trinity brown bag it each Tuesday at 11 o'clock for prayer, sharing concerns of our church, family, friends and our community. We write notes and send cards to our homebound and sick people the second Tuesday of each month. We held a few Presbyterian Women's Friendship Salad lunches and dinners in 2007. All ages from the 20's to he 90's were represented during these times for women to gather and fellowship with each other. We would like each of you to join us at our weekly gatherings, as well as these special fellowship events in 2008.
The retirees are gathering again for fun and fellowship. We have a trip planned in January or February to St. Stanislaus Church; details to follow! Please join us.
Respectfully submitted,
Genny Richmond