New Light
Metropolitan Community Church
Congregational Report
December 2012
Board of Directors Report-Moderator/Vice-Moderator
Twenty-twelve was a year of transition and discernment. It was a year full of excitement, trying new
things and moving forward into uncharted waters. It was a year of growing pains and lessons.
Three committees were established last year to help with church growth. The Steering Committee
reviewed the work accomplished during our retreat on revision of the church Core Values and the
Mission Statement. From those revisions, the Steering Committee worked to create our new church
Vision Statement. With much discernment, it accomplished that function, and the committee was then
dissolved. The Building Committee changed its mission to building maintenance and safety. It was
decided that, at least for now, the acquisition of a new building would be delayed while more funds are
raised for a new worship center. The Stewardship Committee is tasked with and continues its efforts to
plan fund raising events for our building fund.
This past summer, as we were looking into increasing our building capacity, we found out that the way
our church was set up only allowed 50 persons in the sanctuary, according to the Fire Marshall. To be
able to accommodate the congregation and grow the church, Sunday services were conducted at the
Clarion Hotel, however, due to decrease in funds, we had to return to our own building. The Fire
Department was again contacted for creative options, and they stipulated that removing the two stoves
from the kitchen would allow them to certify our sanctuary for 90 people. A group of volunteers
painted, cleaned the church, and fixed the bathrooms. New chairs were purchased using the memorial
money donated by Hal Bitner in memory of his mother.
A satellite church was established in Winchester, VA, with an average worship attendance of 20 people.
The services were conducted at the Lord's Chapel and the church has evolved into an independent
entity.
Also in the summer, we had a leadership retreat, graciously hosted by David Kempton at his B and B.
Over 20 people attended, the main topic was volunteering. Discussions addressed personal
responsibilities, accountability, and attracting new volunteers.
In October Pastor Michael presented his resignation. This was due to his mother's steep decline in
health and his need to be at her side during this time. The Board has been in contact with Rev Elder
Brock and has gotten directives and recommendations for proceeding through the process when a
pastor resigns. During the next year, with her help, we will be working on identifying an interim pastor
to lead us while we find our next pastor. Meanwhile, we are very fortunate in having an experienced
deacon/seminarian who can help guide us through our Sunday worship services until we find the right
interim pastor.
As we are in a process of transition, we are all called to do our duties to our fellow congregants and
remember that all we do is for the grace of God. I exhort you to be true to each other, to use direct
dealing and to be actively involved in the church. I also invite you to come to the Board meetings where
we are conducting church business on your behalf.
Yours in Christ,
Arlene
Secretary's Report: Board of Directors
As a congregation of friends and believers in Christian fellowship, you have all witnessed the changes
and growth in our church this past year. My position as Secretary has allowed me to record these
changes during discussions and reports brought before the Board of Directors (BOD). It continues to be a
privilege to work with such a dedicated, competent group whose effort is to find the heart of Christ in
the decisions necessary to achieve our Church's vision.
In a continued effort to make New Light the best that it can be, your BOD meets prayerfully each month
to discern the needs of the church. We ask God to help us make decisions that best benefit our church
and honor our denomination. Our meetings are open to all members and friends, and we encourage you
to attend and experience the process. These deliberations involve coming together with open hearts
and open minds to seek wisdom around issues important to our church.
Our vision is to continue moving our church forward in both size and in spirit. Expanding our worship
space will allow us to find additional ways to help our members and visitors feel welcome and
encourage participation in our growth, and utilize more of our members' expertise in areas of personal
interest.
A key element of our growth process was the discerning effort of committees working to revise our Core
Values and Mission Statement. These revisions eventually led to the Steering Committee creating a
Vision Statement to help focus planning for future growth. These three statements will be presented at
our Congregational Meeting for adoption. The following are the results of their discerning work:
CORE VALUES
We are a Christ centered, diverse, and affirming community that is scripture based and believes: In
balancing the needs of mind, body, and spirit. In love and relationships. In tithing, shared responsibility,
and social based activism. In support and outreach. We agree that God loves everyone equally and all
are accepted at Christ's table.
MISSION STATEMENT
New Light offers a safe space for worship, learning, fellowship: balancing the needs of mind, body and
spirit.
VISION STATEMENT
By 2017 we will be a church...
...with an average weekly attendance of 100, ...with a trained and empowered leadership, ...actively
supporting the work of UFMCC, ...serving both local and global communities.
I am proud of our congregation's support and thank you for the blessings brought to your Board.
John Foley, Secretary
TREASURER’S REPORT
A year of evolution, adjustment and change is coming to an end. The BOD wants to express their
appreciation for your financial dedication to support New Light’s inclusive mission for Christ. The
approved General Fund budget for 2012 totaled $84K. YTD, October, is $70K, right on target. Projected
year end is $84.4K slightly over revenue budget, fantastic! Several expense line items exceeded
budgeted levels; with a significant overspend in Mortgage, office and alter supplies. The unexpected
overage in the Mortgage category is due to rents paid to hold services offsite both in Hagerstown and
Winchester.
To keep everything on track the BOD voted not to allocate the budgeted $8.4K to the Building Fund
which afforded us additional funds to help cover these unanticipated costs. This and the resignation of
Pastor Michael leave a projected actual net of $6K for calendar year 2012.
The above net, along with budget planning will assist with the recruitment and additional cost
associated with securing Pastor Michael’s replacement.
The BOD wishes our talents afforded us the ability to express how heartfelt our gratitude is to all the
members of our New Light Community for your stewardships over this past year. We’re certain that the
unknown ahead will be eased by your continued support and prayers. Thank you all for your shared
blessings.
Serving you in Christ
DanStewart
Dan Stewart
Treasurer
New Light MCC
2013 Budget
Item
Propos ed Budget
2012
2013 Budget
INCOME
Regul a r Gi fts
$
Income
97,650
$
84,000.00
a nd Ti thes
EXPENSES
Expenses
Admin. Salary
Altar Supplies
Choir
Cleaning
Electric
Guest Speakers
Insurance
Licensing
Mortgage
Office Supplies
Oil
Parking
Pastor Benefits
Pastor Expenses
Pastor Salary
Pastor Recruitment
Pest control
Security
Water & Sewer
Total Expenses
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,200
1,500
500
1,800
5,000
5,200
2,100
400
5,100
4,000
2,600
600
5,000
1,500
40,000
3,500
800
500
350
$
80,450
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
$
$
$
$
600 Fixed
11,700 Fixed
3,600
1,300
Total Accruals
$
17,200
Total Accruals &
Expenses
$
97,650
Variance
Total Fixed Expenses
$0
$ 29,750.00
$
1,200.00
cl ea ni ng
$
1,400.00
conference
$
1,500.00
Educa ti on &
Accruals
UFMCC Pension
Tithes
Conference
Educ/Sabbatical
Al ta r Suppl i es
Sa bba ti ca l
$
1,500.00
El ectri ci ty
$
5,000.00
Gue s t Spea kers
$
300.00
Ins ura nce
$
2,000.00
Li cens i ng Fee s
$
500.00
Mortga ge
$
5,600.00
Offi ce Cos ts
$
4,000.00
Oi l
$
2,000.00
Pa rki ng
$
600.00
Sa l a ri es
$
34,000.00
Pa s tora l Expens es
$
2,500.00
Pes t Control
$
850.00
Securi ty
$
500.00
Wa ter & Sewer
$
400.00
TOTAL
$
64,650.00
13% Ti the
$
9,828.00
10% Bui l di ng Ti the
$
8,400.00
GRAND TOTAL
$
82,878.00
va ri a nce
$
1,122.00
Budget Q & A
Q:
What is the difference between "Pastoral Expenses" and "Altar Supplies"?
A:
Altar supplies are whatever is needed in worship. For example: candles, communion
elements, music, ribbons for World AIDS Day, Palm crosses for Palm Sunday, etc. Pastoral
expenses in hosting guests and any other church expenses incurred for church business (lunch at
HARC meetings, Interfaith retreat expenses, etc.)
The entry "Education and Sabbatical" used to be called "Continuing education". Why the
Q:
change?
A.
The BOD decided that the continuing education fund would be capped at $1,500. When
that figure has been reached, the allocated funds will be put into a sabbatical fund to ensure that
any extra expenses incurred by the church during the pastor's sabbatical (visiting preachers, an
interim, or sabbatical expenses) may be easily met.
Q:
out?
A:
Why are tithes to the denomination calculated after the building fund tithe has been taken
UFMCC does not require us to tithe on money allocated to the building fund.
Q:
What are "office supplies"?
A:
Telephone costs, printer supplies, paper, internet costs; anything required to run the
church office and associated business.
Q:
What is "UFMCC Pension"?
A:
This is a quarterly contribution to the denomination's central pension fund (for elders and
denominational staff) and is calculated on our current membership. It is not a pension for the
pastor.
Lay Delegate Report
It has been an interesting year. We have been through many changes and will be going through more.
As we start our Pastoral Search Process in 2013 there will be challenges and I know we are up to the
task. I encourage everyone to be involved in this process by educating yourselves about the process,
giving input to church leadership, and attending Board of Directors and other church meetings.
I have been involved in the Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship (LEAD) program since our last
Congregational Meeting. I have learned much about UFMCC, it's history, governance and vision. I
believe this will add to my journey as your Lay Delegate. Thank you for your support and input over the
last year.
As we move forward, continue to pray to be open to what God is calling us to be.
Namaste+
Bruce
Stewardship
The Stewardship Team is involved in many aspects of New Light MCC. Encouraging
Congregational Giving is a focus of our team. That includes not just our financial gifts and
tithes, but also the giving of our time and God-given talents. This is seen in our many out
reaches, such as Food and Friends Delivery, Food Pantry, Deacon’s Pantry, Cameo House,
Pictures with Santa, special offerings, and all the other many activities we are involved with.
Generous giving is giving without expecting to receive anything back. We are giving
back or sharing the gifts that God has given to us. We want to share with the congregation where
our financial gifts are being used, and where our gifts will be used in the Church's future. We
want to ensure that the Church is moving in the direction the congregation desires. To move
forward as a congregation, we need to have the financial means to do so.
We are a generous and giving Church. Our tithes and gifts show the generous Spirit that
is with us and will assist us in moving forward in our Church’s growth.
We hope that you will continue to share the gifts that God has bestowed upon you, so that
we may continue to make strides towards growing our church.
Yours in Christ,
Ti m o t h y H o t t
New Light Ministries
These are some of the New Light ministries that you might like to be involved in. The contact
person's phone number is included.
Choir: Led by Deacon Drew Catrow 304 886-1897
The choir meets as needed. On performance days, the choir will meet from 9-10 AM.
Additional rehearsals may be arranged for holidays. All are welcome.
Queer Library: New Light MCC maintains a LGBT themed library. We have fiction, nonfiction, and reference books also available. If you'd like to borrow a book, please feel free to do
so. If you have a LGBT themed book suitable for the church library that you would like to
donate please see the pastor.
Food Pantry: Led by Deacon Elaine Lyon 717-597-7348
Gives out groceries to those in need or referred to by the Dept. of Social Services, once their
New Light MCC application for assistance form has been accepted and approved. Alternate
Saturday mornings from 9 - 10 AM. Volunteers are scheduled in rotation; currently around six
times per year. All are welcome.
Food & Friends: TBA
Delivers groceries to persons debilitated by the effects of HIV/AIDS. Alternate Saturdays in
conjunction with the food pantry. Drivers needed. Volunteer drivers are scheduled in rotation,
presently once every six weeks. All are welcome.
Liturgists: Led by Lay Delegate Bruce Brooks 240-527-1253
The liturgists are responsible for organizing each Sunday's worship volunteers. Volunteers are
scheduled in rotation, currently around six times per year.
Sound Team: Led by Bill Thurston 304-263-0228
Responsible for the sound system, especially during Sunday worship. Volunteers are scheduled
in rotation, currently once every five weeks.
Prayer Team: Led by Lay Delegate Bruce Brooks. 240-527-1253
Meets alternate Monday evenings, 7:30 PM, at the church. Membership is for one year. Please
feel free to submit prayers by calling the team directly or emailing the church.
Web Ministry: Harold Gress 717-860-0434 David Brechbiel 717-816-9946
Web site, sermon upload, Facebook page, Your4State, newsletters, etc.
Hospital and sick visits: Deacon Charlie Kline 240-527-1189
Visits the sick and homebound when needed or requested. Please speak to either Charlie or the
Pastoral Team if you'd like to arrange a visit, or volunteer to be on the visiting team.
Educational programs and Bible studies: These are arranged by the Pastor, although many of
them are lay led. The needs of the community range from Bible study, and spiritual care to
financial workshops and craft collectives.
Additional Ministries:
In addition to the ministries already mentioned, there is the Board of Directors, the Pastoral
Team, Building Team, and Stewardship Team. Board members are voted in by the congregation
during the annual meeting each December.
The deacons (Pastoral Team) and members of the Stewardship Team are called rather than
chosen. Those considered for the pastoral team are faithfully involved in an accountable
ministry, are regular worship attendees, tithe to the church, have a strong prayer life and walk
with God, are sought out by church members for advice and assistance, and have the full support
of their peers.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
New Light MCC runs two community aid programs. The Deacon's Pantry Fund provides funds
to deal with a financial emergency. The Food Pantry supplies groceries and is open every other
Saturday morning from 9:30 - 10 AM. Application forms are available from the church office.
Supported Ministries:
N.A. meets Friday evenings at 8 PM and Saturdays at 6 PM in the social hall.
NAMI meets the first Saturday of the month at 12 PM in the social hall.
Food & Friends food delivery - alternate Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM
New Light MCC Board of Directors
Acting Moderator/Vice Moderator- Arlene Leon, Clerk- John Foley, Treasurer- Dan Stewart
Facilities Mgr- Terry Schildt, Lay Delegate - Bruce Brooks
New Light MCC Pastoral Team
Charlie Kline, Elaine Lyon, Drew Catrow, Colleen Foley, Howard Dunn, Harry Brubaker
Prayer Team
Crystal Huff, Bruce Brooks, Elaine Lyon, Charlie Kline, Eugene Smith, James Coates, Matt Dove,
Rich Harris
Stewardship Team
Tim Hott, Charlotte Ashton, Dan Stewart, David Brechbiel, Vivienne Jensen, Howard Dunn,
Kelli Summers, Kris Pike
Building Team
Terry Schlidt, David Kempton, Charlotte Ashton, John Foley, Susie Hardy, Bruce Brooks
Volunteer Staff
Administration Assistant- David Brechbiel. Choir Leader - Drew Catrow. Musicians- Don Cook, David
Kempton. Sound Engineers - Bill Thurston, James Coates, Howard Dunn, Joe LaRocca, Julie Feron.
Preacher's Circle - Colleen Foley, Harry Brubaker, Drew Catrow.