Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2015 Annual Report
January 31, 2016
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Congregational Meeting
January 31, 2016
Agenda
OPENING DEVOTIONS
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER - President Tom Salber
APPROVAL OF 2014 MINUTES - January 25, 2015 - Secretary Karen Paulus & 2014 Secretary Jean Graham
2015 CELEBRATIONS SKIT - Executive Committee
NOMINATION REPORT & COUNCIL ELECTION
REPORTS
Pastor’s Report
President’s Report
Vicar's Report
Worship & Music
Administration
Faith Formation
Evangelism
Fellowship & Social Justice
Welcome Home
Property
Finances
PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET
NEW BUSINESS
CLOSING DEVOTIONS
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Minutes of Annual Congregational Council Meeting- Sunday, January 25, 2015
The Annual Congregational Council Meeting was called to order at 11:29 a.m. by President, Tom Salber.
Tom Salber led the opening devotions (inside of annual report booklet).
Minutes of January 2013 Congregational Meeting were read. A motion to accept minutes with correction was made by Karen Roscher,
seconded by Helen Tobin and approved.
2014 Celebrations Skit was presented by Executive Committee- Tom Salber, Pastor Ben Krey, William Strausser, Jane Ferretti and Jean Graham
2015 Election of Council Members and Nominations Report
Four members were thanked: Roberta Caruso, Joan Hummel, Karen Paulus, and Jane Ferretti
The Nominations Committee presented:
Roberta Caruso, Karen Santiago, Joan Hummel
Nominations from the floor were:
Rose DuPree, Karen Paulus
Motion made by Roberta Caruso to close nominations, seconded by Karen Roscher.
Vote on New Vision and Mission Statements by the Retreat Planning Team
Vision- (Who is God calling us to be?):
We are committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Mission- (What God is calling us to do):
Doing God’s Work with Our Hands
Council voted to accept mission statement bringing it forward to congregation for a vote. All in favor.
Review of Smart Goals
Smart Goal #1- Children of God Fun Nights
Karen Paulus made a motion that we make our goal for this year to have 10 new families attend COGFN in 2015, seconded by
Helen Tobin and approved.
Smart Goal #2- Mission Focused Decision Making Process- everything we do needs to be connected to our vision and mission.
Smart Goal #3- Disciples of Learning, Healing, and Christ Centered Connecting- we seek to connect with our neighbors no matter
their race, culture, language, gender or age.
Smart Goal #4- Staff Change to grow Lay Capacity- We hired Stew Millsap! We developed ministries like Book Club and Men’s
Group which are starting in 2015.
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Reports
Pastor’s Reports- Pastor Ben Krey- report filed with minutes.
President’s Report- Tom Salber- report filed with minutes.
Partnership Support and SMART Goals Report- reports filed with minutes.
Worship and Music- Sister Katherine Homburg-report filed with minutes.
Property- Bill Graham and Ray Seddon- oral report given.
Welcome Home- Helen Tobin- reports filed with minutes.
Christian Education- Jean Graham – report filed with minutes.
Women’s Group- Eleanor Roscher- report filed with minutes.
Mature Adults/Senior’s Group- Helen Tobin- report filed with minutes.
Personnel Committee Report- Karen Paulus- report filed with minutes.
Finance and Cost Sharer’s Report- Tom Salber- reports filed with minutes.
Treasurer’s Report- William Strausser-(oral)
Giving is down; cost-sharers, donations we got from ELCA kept us afloat.
Motion to have Bill Graham get an appraiser to investigate details on roof repairs made by Jane Ferretti, seconded by Roberta
Caruso.
Motion to accept all reports made by Karen Roscher, seconded by Helen Tobin and approved.
2015 Budget
Roberta Caruso made a motion to support POWER but not financially, seconded by Joan Hummel.
POWER is a group of 40 congregations interested in education, jobs and making sure people get out to vote- not a charity. Goes
all year round to church groups throughout the city. Faith-based organization to work to bring about change.
14 votes to keep in budget
12 to take it out
Karen Paulus is giving $500 to POWER. It will stay in budget. (Pastor Ben lifted up Roberta Caruso, Joan Hummel, Jane Ferretti for remaining calm when giving their opinion about POWER)
Motion to accept budget made by Karen Roscher, seconded by Eileen Lewie and unanimously approved.
New Business
Synod Assembly is May 8th and 9th
Lenten Devotional Booklet- prayers due by February 1st.
November 22nd- Bishop Claire Burkat will be here at Prince of Peace to preach for our 85 th Anniversary.
Building Campaign- a little over $3,785.
Tom Salber closed meeting with devotions.
Motion to close meeting was made by Roberta Caruso, seconded by Helen Tobin.
Meeting closed by general consensus at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean M. Graham,
Council Secretary
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Council Nominations Committee
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Report
Council Members Whose Terms Expire:
Jean Graham - 1st
Sister Katherine Homberg - 2nd
Thomas Salber - 1st
William Strausser – 1st
Mary Himmelreich – Appointed
Karen Paulus – TBD
Council Members Agreeing to Serve on Council:
Jean Graham -
Term ending 2018
Thomas Salber -
Term ending 2018
William Strausser -
Term ending 2018
Mary Himmelreich -
Term ending 2016
The following individuals have agreed to observe, be mentored to serve on church council, and to be dully elected in July 2016.
Jallah Kormazu – With the intent of filling a term ending in 2018
Gorwyns Giddings –
With the intent of filling a 1 year term as youth rep
There are no nominations for the 1 vacant seat remaining with the term ending in 2016.
We thank all council members, especially the outgoing members for their service.
Sister Kathrine Homberg
Karen Paulus
Joan Hummel
Respectfully Submitted
Joan Hummel
Term Ends 2015
Term Ends 2016
Term Ends 2017
Term Ends 2018
1. William Strauser
1. Kay Hayward
1. Rose DuPree
1. To Be Filled
2. Tom Salber
2. Helen Tobin*
2. Karen Paulus*
2. To Be Filled
3. Katherine Homburg*
3. Joan Hummel resigned
3. Roberta Caruso
3. To Be Filled
4. Karen Santiago
4. To Be Filled
Mary Himmelreich appointed
(Mary needs to be elected to continue)
4. Jean Graham
4. To Be Filled
5. Youth Rep To Be FilledY
3 year terms, may be renewed once
* serving a second consecutive term (may not be reelected)
Y
The Youth Rep position would be a 1 year term, for the year 2016
Respectfully amended,
Pastor Ben Krey & Tom Salber
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Pastor's Report
2015 Annual Congregation Meeting of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Rev. Ben Krey
2015 Baptisms - 8
Victoria Isabelle Ramos - 2/1/2015 (4 y/o)
Bryan Arioste Beauvin - 12/6/2015 (2 y/o)
Sebastian Russell - Easter 2015 (approx. 6 y/o)
David Lumande - Christmas Day 2015 (12 y/o)
Khattab Omar Hameed - 6/28/2015 (33 y/o)
Walter Lumande - Christmas Day 2015 (14 y/o)
Shorash Omar Hameed - 6/28/2015 (31 y/o)
Lobo Costa - Christmas Day 2015 (52 y/o)
Other New Members
There were no transfers of membership to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
2015 Member Funerals - 3
Ed Solem (3/15/1957 - 3/7/2015), funeral at POP on 3/13/2015
Bernice Brownlee (1/12/1923 - 06/16/2015), funeral at Campbell's Richboro 6/20/2015
Betty Jane Anderson (10/15/1923 - 11/20/2015), funeral at Wetzel and Son Willow Grove 12/3/2015
We were also informed by family that Ed Sutch entered the Church Triumphant early in 2015, but were give no other information.
And we have celebrated the life of Rev. Karl Ellis Kretschmer, former pastor of Prince of Peace.
Attendance
According to the usher's book in the back of the Sanctuary, our average attendance in 2015 was 44.3/week. When you include approximately 20 people for COGFN 2x/month (or 10/week), 54 people worshipped with us at Prince of Peace on average each week.
Attendance in January and February in 2015 was brutally low because of Saturday night snow storms (3 of the first 8 Sundays had
attendance less than 16), and the summer numbers were much lower than recent years (3 Sundays in July were in the 30s). But the
Fall attendance was very good (over 50 almost every Sunday). Interestingly, Easter was great (85), but Christmas Eve attendance
was the lowest since I've been here (59). Strange.
Average Worship Attendance in Recent Years:
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2015
45
39
39
51
59
63
53
63 (includes COGFN)
54 (includes COGFN)
Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) Survey Results & Goals
50 people completed the CAT Survey! That was a wonderful response from a congregation our size! From the results of the Survey, council focused on 2 main areas this year:
#1 - Strengthen the process by which members are called and equipped for ministry
a.
To help us feel called: Christian Education Program on spiritual gifts, vocation
The Stewardship Drive theme and COGFN curriculum were based on spiritual gifts, the 2016 COGFN curriculum is focused on vocation. The men's group did a spiritual gift inventory.
b.
To help us be equipped: Visitation Program with training
We started a 2-by-2 visitation ministry. Helen Tobin, Karen Santiago, Ruth Mecum, and Vicar Lauren Heywood visited members at
least 3 times with Pastor Ben. (Several others did a couple visits, but not the full 3 visits.) On Saturday, November 21st, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Ollikainen led a Eucharistic Minister workshop at Prince of Peace for the Northeast Philadelphia Conference. Helen Tobin, Sister Katherine Homburg, Ruth Mecum, Vicar Lauren Heywood, and Pastor Ben Krey attended from Prince of Peace.
2-by-2 ministry members, Vicar Lauren Heywood and Ruth Mecum
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#2 - Stewardship Education
a.
Finances
This year's stewardship drive was focused on Spiritual Gifts and included 10 different members who led temple talks. A total of 11
pledge cards were turned in. See Stewardship report under Faith Formation for more details.
b.
Focus on current Building Campaign
Approximately $9,000 was raised for the Building Campaign since it began in September 2014. Our goal was $20,000. We have
received donations of floor tiles from Home Depot, so we can replace the floor in the Sunday School Room. The money is available
for the remaining simple renovations of the Sunday School Room - the next step is to organize a group to do the work. Karen Santiago & Kay Hayward plan to sell customized canvass bags to raise additional funds.
Other Outstanding News from 2015
In January, we also suffered a member of the congregation breaking into and stealing from the offices. Cameras were installed and Anthony Russell was caught on video. He has been in the court system since January 2015, and the latest I heard is that
both sides agree he should enter the ARD program for first time offenders. I have been advocating that he enters a work program
so that he has a disciplined schedule for his life and will be able to pay retribution.
On Mother's Day, Jeremiah "Joker" Williford was shot and killed outside of my office on Colgate St. After numerous visits
with the family, and at the family's request, we worked with Heeding God's Call to post t-shirts of people in Philadelphia killed by
gun violence. This was the best public ministry Prince of Peace has done in recent history! It felt like everyone in Lawncrest knew
about these t-shirts. We had scores of visitors from outside the neighborhood come to witness the display, because they were invited by neighbors. There was incredible support from Father Joe Watson and the St. William Roman Catholic community, as two
members from St. William's were memorialized on t-shirts too. Jeremiah's mother, Dorothy "Gumby" Williford, received many loving visits from myself and other concerned members of Prince of Peace, such as Al Pfender, Vicar Lauren Heywood, and Ruth Mecum. Dorothy has connected with Prince of Peace at our Haunted House and the Christmas Eve service. Dorothy's uncle Jeffery
Williford is very active in the discipleship huddle.
Conclusion
2015 was a year full of joys and challenges. The treasurer transition has been difficult, the crime and violence has been painful,
watching 3 great families move out of Lawncrest because of the poor performing schools was heart wrenching, but I am encouraged by the faithful response of this fine congregation. I'm encouraged by the spiritual growth and edification within the discipleship huddle and looking forward to experience the ministry God is calling us to do. I remember the openness to celebrate Taylor's
first communion knowing her family was about to move to Florida. I remember our entire lawn and our neighbor's lawns covered
in T-Shirts shouting out that we are not going to turn a blind eye to the violence in our city and on our block. I remember the tears
in my eyes as I baptized Khattab & Shorash who fled Iraq when their family learned they were becoming Christian. I remember having 17 people preparing for baptism at the same time this Fall. All 17 friends are also minorities in our culture. What a witness we
are to a world that is so divided! Even if they have not all been baptized yet, we are sharing the Good News in meaningful and relevant ways. We are planting seeds that God will cause to grow in God's Own time. What an honor to work in the Lord's vineyard
with you! Even in the midst of challenges - we are still doing great ministry! This annual report is FULL of great ministry we have
done together! And this has not gone without notice. What an honor that we were invited to the Pilot Program for Redevelopers
Training Part III because we have been identified as a successful redevelopment congregation in the ELCA!!!
It is also with great joy to God that we surprisingly received a bequest of over $31,000 from Pastor Karl Ellis Kretschmer. I also
heard from the estate lawyer to expect another $10,000. Thank you to Jean Graham for her diligence in managing this bequest. Thanks be to God for the life of Pastor Kretschmer! Please also remember Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in your will.
Vicar Lauren is our 4th Vicar in a row. She is our first Vicar to be with us for 2 years. It has been a great pleasure to supervise and
minister with her and also to see the love you have shared with her.
May we say, as St. Paul said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2nd Timothy 4:7) I'm
looking forward to the race we will run together in faith in 2016.
In Christ's Love, Pastor Ben Krey
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President’s Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregation Meeting
It has been a wonderful year of ministry at POP. I wish to thank the congregation for their continued support of myself and
council leadership. I thank you most of all, for your prayers especially during my illness. I wish to thank the council for their
dedication and leadership to Prince of Peace. We have had another year of ministry and living out our Mission Statements.
We continue to be an inclusive and diverse congregation. We continue to have our COGFN twice a month under the leadership of Pastor and Helen Tobin.
In January we participated in the Synodical Martin Luther King Service.
In February we held our first Men’s Group.
In March we participated in the conference Lenten Services and prepared three individuals for First Holy Communion.
In April we held a glorious Easter Service and a wonderful Council Dinner.
In May, POP was well represented at Synod Assembly. We had an additional voting member due to our diversity along with
our rostered leaders Pastor Ben and Sister Katherine. At the assembly Pastor Ben, Pastor Marissa and I were elected to the
National Church wide Assembly in August 2016.
In June we celebrated and hosted Interfaith Hospitality. Thanks to Bill Graham and Helen Tobin for your leadership in this.
We had another busy summer: our Congregational Informational Meeting, 4th of July Parade, sending children to Bear Creek
Camp, Vacation Bible School.
In September Sunday School restarted and participated in the conference Men’s retreat and God’s Work, Our Hand’s Sunday.
In October during Pentecost we held our annual Haunted House.
In November we remembered our saints here on earth and those who have gone to eternal glory, the Women of POP held
their annual Fall Festival – thanks ladies – we even had homemade applesauce. We also had an uplifting 85th Anniversary
worship service with Bishop Clare Burkat, followed by a wonderful anniversary dinner. Thanks to Jane Ferretti and her committee for their hard work.
In December we celebrated individuals receiving their Baptism and Holy Communion and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!
We were blessed to receive a bequest from the estate of former Pastor Elis Kretschmer.
We will be receiving our last installment of the ELCA grant in 2016.
Yes it is a good time to be the church here at Prince of Peace. Let us open our hearts and discern what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Salber
President
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Vicar’s 2015 Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Annual Congregational Meeting
As a field education student at Prince of Peace, I shadow Pastor Ben and participate in the ministries of the church. As such, I
have observed Council meetings, led worship, preached, and sung in the choir, in addition to other events. Below is a summary of my year in 2015.
Preaching and Worship:
Over the past year, I have preached and led worship monthly, under the supervision of Pastor Ben and with the helpful feedback of several congregation members. I have also assisted Aaron in the development of the POPsters, and have sung
in the choir. I am always looking for more feedback, so new comments are always welcome! I appreciate the opportunity to
grow in these skills at Prince of Peace.
Pastoral Care:
A significant portion of my ministry has included visiting the homebound and the sick. I took the summer to complete
my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) internship in Falls Church, VA, and have been able to continue to grow in this ministry
with your help. The two-by-two ministry this fall has provided a continuation of that ministry.
Education:
Over the last year and a half, I have worked with both the children and adults at Children of God Fun nights, leading
both lessons and worship at different points. This January, we began a new Vocation curriculum, which will run for seven sessions, and which I wrote and am leading, with Pastor Ben’s assistance.
In addition, I worked closely with Rev. David Lembo to lead the adult Baptism and Communion classes this fall. We
used music and conversation to better understand the two sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
Outreach:
While my schedule was less conducive to it this fall, earlier in 2015 I worked with Pastor Ben in our door-to-door ministry, inviting members of our community to Prince of Peace. I also participated in POWER events, learning more about the
community organizing in our city.
Seminary and Candidacy:
I am now in my second year of seminary at LTSP. I received my Endorsement from the ELCA in November, allowing
me to begin my internship this summer. I plan to do my internship in Lehighton, PA, at Trinity Lutheran Church, beginning in
June 2016. I will therefore conclude my time at Prince of Peace on May 22, 2016. I will miss this community and the ministry
we do!
Respectfully submitted,
Vicar Lauren Heywood
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Worship and Music
Reports
10
Worship and Music Committee Report
Prince Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
As I look back I have seen good service by members of the Committee, as well as the Altar guild to congregational worship.
I am grateful for the service and assistance of Aaron Patterson, our organist and choir director, for the special service of our trombonist at
Easter, our harpist, Joan Patterson, at Easter and Christmas, and our adult choir under Aaron’s leadership, as well as our POPster’s
(children/youth) choir under Vicar Lauren Heywood’s leadership.
This year Sue Seddon and I (but mostly Sue) have pursued the purchase of a white altar frontal as well as various linens. These have been
paid for by a memorial to Dot Skari by her family. There are still a few linens needed.
In addition, another memorial grant, in memory of Cora Malloy, paid for the refinishing of our altar candlesticks. Perhaps in the future our
flower vases and cross also may be refinished. Boy does our altar glow now!
While we have a large pall to cover caskets during funeral services, we have never had any linen to cover any vessel with cremains. This
has been made possible by the purchase of the linen. Plaques will be placed at the rear of the church to honor the two deceased members and their families, who have given these memorials.
For several years, I have been aware that John Schug and Aaron Patterson, as well as a professional organ person told me our “box” for
the organ was not working. Somehow, to everyone’s astonishment, the organ still played. This year, repairs were made to the “box” by
Mr. Alan Patterson. As you may have noticed at Christmas, our wonderful organ has a much “stronger” voice.
A very important person is the chairperson of the Altar Guild, Sue Seddon, who arranges for the following persons to care for the Altar and
Altar ware: Roberta Caruso, Bill Graham, Kay Hayward, Mary Himmelreich, Sister Katherine, Karen Paulus, Ray Seddon, and Sue Seddon.
In addition she arranges for all the holiday decorations at Christmas and Easter. We appreciate the gift of a pewter chalice by Mr. William
Graham.
We owe our thanks to all who assist in the Service each week as worship leaders, communion assistants, lectors, ushers, greeters, cross
and candle bearers. We appreciate the added contribution of the choir who have served in the past year: Bernard Bishoff, Janet Bishoff,
Harry Beck, James Hummel, Joan Hummel, vicar Lauren, Al Pfender, Eleanor Roscher, Elsie Staub, and Kathy Woertz.
The Worship and Music committee has a fluid membership but the regular members are Aaron Patterson, Tom Salber, Al Pfender, Sr.
Katherine, and Vicar Lauren.
Besides Pastor Ben, who attends all our meetings, worship at Prince of Peace involves a lot of people using their talents to make our worship services beautiful and meaningful.
Respectfully submitted,
Sister Katherine Homburg
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Music Director’s Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregation Meeting
It has been a productive year in the music department. The adult choir has had an active role in enhancing our services. I am excited as we
have established a more regular schedule. The youth choir also added their voices several times. I hope to establish a more regular schedule with them as well.
It has been my pleasure to welcome guest musicians in the past year. On Easter, a trumpet player helped us to praise God. On Christmas
Eve we had harp music provided by my Mother, a professional harpist. Christmas Eve also featured a vocal solo by one of our own
congregants.
The reservoir on our pipe organ was rebuilt, and the organ was tuned in time for Christmas Eve.
Overall I am pleased with what the past year has brought and look forward to another year of glorifying our Lord through music.
Soli Deo gloria ,
Aaron Patterson,
Music director
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Administration
Reports
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Building Campaign Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Report
The building campaign did not reach its goal by December of $20,000; however, it did reach a total of $10,032. The next thing
the building campaign needs from the finance team is clear statements of expenses from the building fund so we know how
much of the total amount remains. Also, several fund raising activities are being planned for 2016 to help us to reach the goal
of $20.000. We need to set a new timeline for this goal.
Respectfully submitted
Karen Santiago & Kay Hayward
Shared Users Report
We continue to work with our cost sharers in regard to building usage. Roberta Caruso continues to work with outside individuals and groups for the use of Fellowship Hall. Kay Haywood works with Shekinah and Karen Paulus and I work with our
Pakistani congregations.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Salber
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Website (Pastor Ben/John Timson)
80% of Americans check a church's website before they attend their first worship service at that church today. This year, we added many
things to the website so that people will be more likely to want to visit us in person after getting to know us online:

Online giving

Mustard Seed archives

Videos of sermons

Calendar of upcoming events

Information on the Senior's Group, Men's Group, Women's Group, Welcome Home, Children of God Fun Night, and Worship Services
John Timson updates the Mustard Seed page, sermon page, calendar, and includes fresh pictures of the main article on the front page.
Even though the website is designed primarily for people who do not know much about Prince of Peace, there is plenty of fresh information that is helpful for members. For example, just as Prince of Peace once had tape recordings of sermons, we now have videos of
sermons available on every computer with internet access. And just as Prince of Peace has received donations in the mail, we now can
accept on-line donations.
The church's website is: www.popphilly.org
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Faith Formation
Reports
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Christian Education Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Annual Congregational Meeting
We have been averaging 4-5 children in our Sunday School classes each Sunday, although we had a few exceptional weeks
with 10 children. Our classes are for children ages 4-12; the curriculum we use is The Spark Story Bible and the learner
leaflets which accompany each lesson every week. Activities are provided in the leaflets and we supplement with our own
coloring pages and art projects. Sometimes there are more teachers present than students! We are hoping all children who
attend church will come and join us in Sunday School. After our lessons and projects each week, we all proceed to church to
receive communion or a communion blessing and worship with the adults for the remaining part of the service.
Our Sunday School Staff members teach on a rotating basis usually once a month (last Sunday of the month is Family Sunday
and children go to church with their families or interested adult). Our staff members are: Jean Graham, Sue Seddon, Kristen
McKee, Cathy Woertz, Rosemary DuPree, Karen Santiago, Al Pfender.
We are requiring a Child Abuse check for all those working with children in any of our programs.
Our 2015 Comly Street Vacation Bible School (combining forces of Prince of Peace members and Pilgrim Baptist members)
was held from July 23-31; the theme was Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was A Kid. We had 30 children, on average,
attend each evening from 6:00 to 8:15. The kids were enthusiastic, the staff was enthusiastic and it was another cool, positive, great experience. Each evening was broken into 20 minute segments where each group (Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd, 3rd
and 4th, 5th and 6th) traveled to a beginning Celebration, market Place, Hometown Huddle, Snack, Mary and Joseph’s House
and closing Celebration. The children socialized, learned and had fun. The adults did too. The smiles and enthusiasm, once
again, were great indications of our successful accomplishment.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean M. Graham,
Christian Education
Faith Formation – Baptism & Communion Classes
Under the leadership of David Lembo, approved candidate for ministry, he along with Pastor Ben, Vicar Lauren and I worked
with our African friends on instruction in baptism and Holy Communion. Thanks be to God that we are able to do this ministry.
We also had 4 individuals (Kera McKee, Kaylee Taylor) receive their communion under the instruction of Pastor Ben on Maundy Thursday.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Salber
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Bear Creek Camp (Pastor Ben)
On Sunday, July 19th we dropped off 13 excited kids at Bear Creek Camp. On Saturday, July 25th, we picked up 13 smelly campers who
had a blast and promptly fell asleep in the van on the way home. Thank you to the McKee's for driving the 12-passenger Pilgrim Baptist
van and another vehicle up to the camp on Sunday, July 19th, and for Rose DuPree, Al Pfender, John Capaldi, and Pastor Ben Krey for helping with transporting the children too. On the way back from Bear Creek Camp, we used Tabor Lutheran's 15-passenger van.
The 13 campers were sent off to Bear Creek Camp covered in our prayers and encouraged with our financial support. When the campers
returned, we heard how they learned that Jesus is our teacher, healer, savior, and Jesus is always with us. They also learned many songs
and games. The theme of the camp's dance that week was "Christmas in July."
Many kids have said that this is their best week of the year. How great is it that they are learning about Jesus and His Love during the best
week of year!?!?!
Bear Creek Camp continues to generously give Philadelphia campers "camperships" where they can attend for $50/camper for the week.
(The regular rate is $470/camper.) Your donations cover the transportation costs, necessary camping supplies for the campers, and an
added donation to Bear Creek Camp. Please continue to generously support this ministry by "sponsoring a camper" in 2016.
From L to R: (Standing on top) Riwal, Ken, Raksha; (in the middle) Yahmir, CJ, Derek, Govinda, Gorwyns, Kyra, Bikash,
Nathan, Heman; (sitting on the ground) Destiny.
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Discipleship Group (Pastor Ben)
Disciples are followers of Jesus who make other disciples. Discipleship is not an academic class or Bible Study, but a way of life.
Discipleship goes way beyond what happens inside the church walls - it impacts everything and every part of the disciple's life.
In September 2014, I started meeting with several other ELCA pastors in a huddle with Pastor Ernie Hinojosa every week on a video
conference call. Pastor Ernie discipled us on how to disciple others using the 3DM model. In September 2015, I was able to start a
huddle with 8 members of the community and congregation who are "persons of peace" that God has graced me with. 6 of us continue to learn "life shapes" that help us understand how to live out the life of a disciple. Life shapes are designed to be easy to
teach to others, so that disciples are able to make more disciples.
But you cannot read about discipleship and understand it. It is something you live out. Remember, Jesus spent nearly every hour
for 3 years showing 12 men how to pray, worship, understand the scriptures, and care for others. All of His disciples deserted Him
on the cross or betrayed Him. Yet, in the end, after the Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, leaving the ministry of discipleship to the 11 disciples that remained. Ever since then, disciples like you and me have made more disciples so Christ's Church continues. It was unimaginably difficult for Jesus - why would we expect it to be easy for us?
My goal is that the disciples in the current huddle will be leading other disciple-making-ministries at Prince of Peace in the future.
In the current huddle are
Karen Paulus
Rose DuPree
Lennox Akal
Jeffery Williford
Vicar Lauren Heywood
Lisa Jester
Submitted by Pastor Ben Krey
Stewardship Drive (Pastor Ben)
Martin Luther once wrote that there are 3 conversions: First, the conversion of the mind. Second, the conversion of the heart. And
third, the conversion of the wallet. Stewardship is faith formation! Generous giving is a mark of discipleship! If it was easy, it
would not be worth doing!
The 2015 Stewardship Drive was focused on spiritual gifts. Our theme verses came from Ephesians 4: "The gifts Jesus gave were
that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ."
On August 16th, Ruth Mecum and Helen Tobin gave a temple talk on the gift of shepherding.
On August 23rd, Karen Paulus and Rose DuPree gave a temple talk on the gift of prophecy.
On August 30th, Cooper Giddings gave a temple talk on the gift of apostleship.
On September 6th, Bill Graham gave a temple talk on the gift of teaching.
On September 13th (God's Work Our Hands Sunday), Pastor Ben talked about the gift of working miracles as part of the outside
worship service.
On September 20th (Bring a Friend to Church Sunday),Elsie Staub gave a temple talk on the gift of evangelism.
On September 27th (Try a Tithe Sunday), Karen Santiago gave a temple talk on the gift of giving.
On October 4th, Tom Salber gave a temple talk on spiritual gifts in general.
October 4th was Discipleship Sunday. Throughout the Stewardship Drive, people were encouraged to submit prayer partner cards,
a Spiritual Gifts in Action form (time & talents sheet), and a financial pledge card on Discipleship Sunday. These materials were
mailed to every member in August and handed out on Sundays. We were encouraged to serve others on God's Work Our Hands
Sunday, invite people on Bring a Friend to Church Sunday, and give 10% of our income generously on Try a Tithe Sunday.
A total of 11 people submitted Spiritual Gifts in Action forms and financial pledge cards.
19
Confirmation Class (Pastor Ben)
The word "confirmation" implies that we are confirming something. We are confirming that we actually believe the Lutheran
teachings on faith in Jesus and the Bible. Many people today call confirmation an "affirmation of baptism." Since many children
were baptized as infants, they enter confirmation classes when they can understand what it means that they are part of the Body of
Christ and publically say they believe it.
Prince of Peace has its first confirmation class in many years. Our confirmation class joins other young men and women from other
ELCA congregations in our Northeast Philadelphia Conference. The classes are every other Sunday from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at
Rhawnhurst Turning Point on Castor Avenue. A different pastor in the conference teaches a class following the Here We Stand curriculum from Augsburg Fortress. In October, the students attended a Friday night lock-in at Tabor Lutheran Church before going to
the Synod's Junior High Youth Gathering (JYG).
The confirmation program is two years long. 3 of the 4 students we send to these confirmation classes are Hindu, and are taking
these classes to learn more about Jesus. But since they are not baptized, it would not make sense for them to "affirm their baptism" or be confirmed. But it does make sense that they continue to learn about Jesus and His love in an age appropriate way.
Second Year Students:
First Year Students:
Gorwyns Giddings
Khendra Adhikari
Govinda Adhikari
Raksha Subedi
Conformation students– 2015 Spring at
St. Johns Lutheran Church Mayfair
Ken, Govinda, Raksha, and Gorwyns at Children of God Fun
20
Evangelism
Reports
21
Haunted House
This year's Haunted House theme was the Adam's Family. It was based on Romans 5 where sin entered the world through one
man, the first Adam, and, likewise, the forgiveness of sins came into the world through One Man, the Second Adam, Jesus Christ.
We were intentionally not as jump-out-of-your-skin scary this year, and more focused on just being fun.
Staff included:
Security - Gene Hand (St. John's), Ronnie Bogush, Jeffery Williford (Rising Sun Baptist), Amaka Komlavi
Tour Guides - Vicar Lauren Heywood (also a makeup specialist), Karen Paulus, Sue Timson (neighborhood crossing guard),
Sue Bogush, Vicar Lisa Jester
Lurch - Pastor Ben Krey
Pugsley - Nick Bereziak (friend of John Timson)
Wedding Scene & Coffin Room - John Timson (minister), Stephano (Eddy Munster, lives on Colgate St), Julia (Wednesday Adams,
lives on Colgate St), Jallah (random monster, lives at Lawndale Court), Derek Jester, and other random monsters;
Joan & Aaron Patterson on the harp
Dinning Room Scene - Isabella (Cousin Itt, lives on Colgate St), Gorwyns Giddings (Thing),
Bill Coccagna (Uncle Fester, from St Williams)
Cake Cutting Room - Adam Clarke (Zion Lutheran), and CJ Giddings
Wedding Bubbles Room (instead of rice) - Al Pfender
Candy Room - Helen Tobin, Aaron Patterson, Elizabeth Jefferson, Kay Hayward, Sue Seddon
Special thanks to Pastor Ben, Adam Clarke, and John Timson for spending many hours setting up at all hours of the night. Very special thanks to Al Pfender who worked tirelessly on the decorations and lighting and donated the Adam's Family Hearse 18 foot long
painting to Franklin Elementary School.
The Haunted House was held Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st. 100s of neighbors passed through our doors. We
collected 100 contacts by raffling off a Kindle Fire which was given to the winner, Aaryn, at the following Children of God Fun Night.
(We would have collected more contacts, but the security guards did not know how to restock the raffle tickets.)
22
Community Cookouts
Free Hot Dogs! Free like God's Grace!
One of the ways we work to reach our neighbors with the Good News of Jesus Christ is by inviting them to eat free hot dogs as they
fellowship with us. We held several Community Cookouts this summer. Whether we meet any new neighbors or not, we have a
great time hanging out by the grill ourselves! But, at least a couple new friends visited every time we set up. We give out Prince of
Peace brochures along with the free hot dogs and drinks. Special thanks to Helen Tobin for providing many of the hot dogs, rolls,
and drinks; and the Seddons for doing much of the grilling and setting up! Thanks to all who helped hand out the hot dogs, conversed with our new friends, and made the old friends laugh!
Children of God Fun Night
Children of God Fun Nights are the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. We begin at 6 PM in the chapel with a worship service
with a learning moment for the day's theme. Then we have dinner in Fellowship Hall. And then we break into groups of the youngest kids, the teenagers, and the adults for age appropriate activities.
Vicar Lauren wrote a curriculum in the Spring on the subject of Who Jesus Is (Healer, Challenger, Savior, etc.). In the Summer and
through the Fall, we used a spiritual gifts curriculum written by Pastor Ben (Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Shepherd, Evangelist). The
last few COGFNs were just plain fun. In 2016, we will begin a new curriculum by Vicar Lauren on Vocation.
Attendance varied greatly over the year. The lowest attended COGFNs had about a dozen people, the largest COGFNs had over 40
people. Our average was in the 20s. New friends who visited COGFN at least twice this year include: Dora, Helen & Jonathan, Jallah
(Gorwyns & CJ's friend), and our friends from Palmetto St, Linda & Patsy's family (+ 2 kids), and Santiago family members. Our goal
from the 2014 congregational meeting was 10 new friends to visit twice, and we met that goal!
Additional Friends from Welcome Home who came to COGFN multiple times include:
Ernest & Erna & 3 kids (David, Water, Eudoxie)
Costa & Gorgette & 1 child (Rebecca)
Shorash & Khattab (brothers)
Special thanks to Pastor Ben, Vicar Lauren, Tom Salber, Bill Graham, Rose DuPree, and Al Pfender for leading various break out
groups throughout the year. Also thank you to John Timson for taking pictures and running the AV equipment each week, as well
as helping supervise and play with the youngest kids in the breakout sessions. And special thanks to all who helped in the kitchen,
like Elizabeth Jefferson, Nubia Santiago, William Strausser, Eloisa Morales, Karen Santiago, and most especially Helen Tobin who
was always bringing the goods!
Children of God Fun Night on October 7th, 2015
the people are happily waiting for dinner!
23
Fellowship & Social Justice
Reports
24
Fellowship & Social Justice
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Report
Several times a year Roberta Caruso, William Strausser and I organize a coffee hour. After the coffee hour several people help with clean
up: Sue and Ray Seddon, Joan and Rudy Hummel, Eleanor and Rudy Roscher, Sister Ruth Mecum, Kay Hayward, and Karen Santiago just to
name a few.
April 1st we had a well-attended Seder Dinner with delicious food and good fellowship.
During the summer we have the hotdog lunch. This is one Saturday a month during June, July and August. It is held outside of the church
on Comly Street. We have good conversations with our neighbors and others that are driving by and stop as well as the people Karen Paulus invites as she stands at Rising Sun and Comly. This is what attracted William Strausser, Jim and Tina Schultz to Prince of Peace.
With Sue Seddon’s help we collected good clean clothing for Lydia’s Closet located at St. Petri-Hope.
Some of the victims from the Linden Avenue Apartment Complex fire received help from St. David’s and Lydia’s Closet. Tom Salber helped
a family who were victims of the fire.
Our Sunday School children planted vegetables and flowers in P.O.P’s Garden. Neighbors, some members of P.O.P and the squirrels enjoyed the fruits of the children’s labor. Govinda and Khagendra Adhekari spread the stones in the garden to help control the weeks. People are always needed to water and assist in the garden.
Once a month, after church service during the summer months, our children (of all ages!) go down to the playground for fun, games and
refreshments Once again, Prince of Peace took part in the annual Lawncrest 4 th of July parade and celebration along Rising Sun avenue.
Also in July we sent about 12 children to Bear Creek Camp. They had a wonderful time and are looking forward to going again. The theme
was “Jesus Is”.
Prince of Peace also had the T-Shirt Memorial and prayer service. The shirts were along part of Colgate Street and Comly Street. This was
for all Philadelphians killed by gun violence.
On Sunday September 13th P.O.P, participated in God’s Work Our Hands service project. Some people went to Franklin School and painted the games in the school yard, others went to St. Tim’s and assembled meals for Aid for Friends.
Amaka Komlavi continues to do God’s Work with his hands as he continues to paint Fellowship Hall, the kitchen, bathrooms, hallways and
offices.
Due to the generosity of our Congregation we collected school supplies and back packs and distributed them to the children of P.O.P and
neighborhood children.
We continue to sponsor ESL class on Monday morning 10 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
We also have Children of God Fun Night the 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Dinner is served. Adults have a Bible Study and discussion and the
children have Bible Study and crafts. This is all preceded with a short service in the Chapel. About 15 people attend. Almost all the food
is donated.
In November, P.O.P. celebrated our 85th Anniversary. Bishop Burkat presided at our Service. This was followed by a coffee hour and then
a dinner at The Cottage Green. Jane Ferretti and her committee did a wonderful job arranging it. The food, fellowship and entertainment
definitely would deserve an A1 rating.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Tobin
25
Fellowship & Social Justice
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregation Meeting
Men’s Group – Fellowship
A men’s group has been formed to focus on service, learning and fellowship – averaging 4 – 12 at each meeting. We have
served at Feast of Justice and at Prince of Peace. We have learned things through Bible Study, a conference retreat, about
our spiritual gifts and our diversity. We have fellowshipped with food and learned about our community at the Ryers’ Museum.
Social Justice – Ingathering
The Ingathering is a Synodical Social Ministry Event. POP again collect soap and wash cloths for the Seaman’s Institute and
blankets for Lutheran World Relief.
Kencrest
We again under the leadership of Helen Tobin collected toys for children at Kencrest at Christmas.
Interfaith Hospitality Network Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
We had three families stay with us in June. We had a successful month with our friends who are
going through a little rough period in their lives; as I said, “there but for the grace of God go we”.
We had a few minor problems during their time with us but they were quickly taken care of by Bob
Byrne and the staff at Interfaith.
This is a very worthy ministry of Prince of peace along with twelve other congregations. Our friends
will be back next June and I hope we get more volunteers from Prince of Peace to cook a meal or
two and maybe even spend a night with our friends.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Graham
26
Power and LIVE-POP Report
2015 Annual Congregation Meeting
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Karen Paulus
POWER: Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild
Prince of Peace is a founding member of POWER.
Here are some of the highlights of activity from POWER.
During this past year, 2015, POWER has provided opportunity, in an open setting, to come together and discuss racial justice. People from diverse backgrounds, Latino, African American, Asian and White came together with the same goal: as people of faith to
work for Racial Justice.
From this forum, members of Prince of Peace and Living Water United Church Christ, Oxford Circle, held a discussion on race.
Within POWER, a Race Action Consciousness Education (RACE) committee was formed. They meet the 3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY
MONTH AT 5:30PM AT THE POWER OFFICE. A WHITE ALLIES TEAM HAS FORMED AND WILL BE PROVIDING A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ADDRESSING WHITE PRIVILEGE.
As part of POWER, you are working on changing policies and structures that have marginalized and impoverished too many of our
brothers and sisters for too long.
January 1, 2016, marked the start of a new living wage standard for thousands of workers on city subcontracts. When this new
wage standard came under attack from a multinational firm who tried to pressure City Council to grant them an exemption; you
came to the rescue of those workers who would've been pushed back into poverty, and Council upheld the new law. The new $12/
hour starting wage for city subcontracted workers will help lift many out of poverty.
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, POWER and its allies convened more than 7,000 people for one of the largest MLK marches in the
country aimed to reclaim the civil rights leader’s radical vision of justice.
In June, POWER prayed, fasted, occupied the steps of the state capitol, convened hundreds of people of faith from across the state
to come to and talk with our legislature in Harrisburg, and exposed the historic racial bias in the distribution of state education dollars. This prophetic witness helped produce a full, fair funding formula for Pennsylvania public school children and the first proposed education funding increase in more than 4 years. The proposed funding formula and $350m increase in Basic Education
Funding, when fully implemented, will mean thousands of poor children and children of color will get a better shot at equal opportunity.
During the Papal Visit, POWER led hundreds of faithful from across the country, on a march through Center City, to spotlight the
marginalization of the poor and those mistreated by the criminal justice system in Philadelphia. Within the Philadelphia Roman
Catholic Archdiocese, twelve city and suburban parishes are participating in the Year of Encounter with Pope Francis program,
which encourages Catholic parishes to look through the eyes of faith at social realities that marginalize many and hurt all: poverty,
immigration policies, criminal justice practices, racism.
Much of this information is taken from POWER resources.
Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and young will
fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run
and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Paulus
27
Women of Prince of Peace Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
This group numbers approximately 12 women who meet the 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 11 A.M. We bring our lunch and the hostesses
supply the beverage and dessert.
In September we set up a tentative calendar of projects for each month. These projects include:
Fall Festival preparations
Preparing meals of Aid for Friends
Preparing breakfast bags for Aid for Friends
Pot Pie Sales
We also have a luncheon at Christmas and at the end of the year in June.
In the past year we have made donations to the following:
Replace Office Doors
Bear Creek Camp
St. Williams Church (Madeline Campbell)
Connell’s Window Treatment (Drapes)
Naradi Subedi (Cleaning Fellowship Hall)
Amaka Komlavi (Painting)
Helen Tobin (Floor Cleaning Supplies)
Jimmy Schultz (Waxing & Cleaning Floors)
Amaka Komlavi (Painting)
Christmas Donation
Protestant Home
Philabundance
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
Aid for Friends
LCFS
Heifer International
Smile Train
Seaman’s Church Institute
Ronald McDonald House
Wounded Warrior Project
$1405.00
$500.00
$100.00
$300.00
$135.00
$250.00
$243.70
$600.00
$250.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$100.00
Total - $4333.70
If anyone would like to join us on any 2nd Tuesday, please come out, we can always use the help.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor Roscher
28
Grasshoppers Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
The Grasshoppers meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at 11 A.M. from September through the first week in June.
The dues are $10.0 per year and $2.00 each meeting to defray the cost of the coffee and cake. Some meetings we have pizza
another hoagies and still another pot pies. Our Christmas Luncheon is the first Thursday in December and the Spring Luncheon is the first Thursday in June. We have informational speakers as well as musical entertainment. Some meetings we just
like to socialize and share stories and experiences. We also collect breakfast items and assemble Breakfast Bags for Aid for
Friends. In 2015 we assembled 307 Breakfast Bags. We also collect metal tabs from cans for Ronald McDonald House.
Roberta Caruso schedules Day Trips which are planned in the Spring and Fall. Joan Hummel sends greeting cards
when necessary.
Evelyn Flaherty, Mary Mielock, and Marion Pacillio set up the coffee, etc. and cleanup. Jane Ferretti is the Treasurer. Betty
Rabenstine is in charge of contacting people who are interested in joining our friendly group. Word of mouth is how Betty
knows who to call. Mary Himmelreich tests our brains or lack of, with Trivia. Elsie is in charge of devotions. Cathy Menzel
and Carol Evans make sure we pay our $2.00.
All are welcome, so come and join us and have an enjoyable time. “Make new friends, keep the old one is silver the other is
gold”.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Tobin
President
29
85th Anniversary Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
To commemorate our 85 years of service and fellowship, a special service was held on Sunday November 22, at 10 am. Bishop Clare Burkat was our special guest pastor conducting services and giving an inspiring sermon.
Invitations were sent to membership, guests and former Pastors of the congregation. Following the service a reception was held in the
auditorium at which time all had occasion to meet and greet our Bishop and other guests. That afternoon a formal luncheon was held for
a total of 60 individuals at the Cottage Green in Northeast Philadelphia. The program included welcome remarks from Bill Graham,
greeting and remarks from Pastor Krey, Tom Salber, and Jane Ferretti. A blessing from Rev. Patricia Davenport, assistant to the Bishop,
was given prior to lunch being served.
All enjoyed a most delicious luncheon and fellowship with some we had not seen for some time.
Jane Ferretti, along with Tom Salber, Bill Graham, Jean Graham, Helen Tobin, Karen Paulus, Roberta Caruso and Betty Rabenstine served
as the committee to arrange this event.
Anniversary Committee Chairperson, Jane Ferretti, thanks all who participated in making this a memorable occasion.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Ferretti
30
Welcome Home
Report
31
Welcome Home
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Report
In the past year (2015) there were nineteen adults and ten children a total of twenty-nine people that stayed in Welcome
Home.
See attached list.
In July Khattab and Shorash brothers from Iraq who were Muslim but converted to Christianity causing them to flee for their
lives were in Welcome Home and were baptized at Prince of Peace in June. They now reside in Northeast Philadelphia.
From October 28th to December 17, 2015 Georgette, Costa and Rebecca were in Welcome Home. Costa was baptized Christmas Day at Prince of Peace. They now reside in West Philadelphia. We were also blessed with a family from the Congo,
Ernst, Erna and their children. Their sons, Walter and David also were baptized on Christmas Day at Prince of Peace. They
continue to worship at Prince of Peace. They live in the Castor Gardens section of Philadelphia.
Pastor May Knopka resigned as our development coordinator. The board will come up with a plan for a volunteer development coordinator. Pastor Ben will be happy to work with a volunteer.
For financial information see attached.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Tobin
32
Welcome Home Families
Calendar Year 2015
Family #
Names
Number
Country of
Origin
Iraq
Date of Arrival
28
Samira Alakabi,
Wesam Yosif,
Yousif Hussein,
Samra Hussein,
Basmah Hussein,
Fatimah Hussein
Abel Adungy,
2 adults + 4
children
2 adults + 1
child
Congo
2/25/2015
1
Afghanistan
3/24/2015
4/10/2015
Daryoush
("Darius" in English) & Farzaneh
Navaie
Tesfay Gebrebrhan
Hobtom
2
Iran
4/21/2015
4/24/2015
1
Eritrea
5/7/2015
6/4/2015
NSC, Jess - case
worker
LCFS, Amina Goheer
- case worker; relocated to Houston,
TX
LCFS, Kelli
1
Eritrea
5/18/2015
6/4/2015
LCFS, Kelli
34
Osman Idris Ahmed
1
Eritrea
6/22/2015
7/21/2015
LCFS, Anima
35
Khattab Omar
Hameed & Shorash Omar
Hameed
Ernest Lumande
(44), Erna Paar
Vumilia (42),
Yanick Mangubu
(23), Deogratias
Assani I. (19),
Salima Lumande
Eudoxie (17),
Walter Lumande
(14), David Lumande (11)
Georgette
Bonavingi (47),
Costa Lobo (52),
Rebbeca Neema
(13)
Shaffaar Feroz
Ahmed (30),
Areej Futima (6)
2
Iraq
7/22/2015
8/29/2015
NSC, Beverly, brothers baptized at POP
6/28/2015
7 (4 adults + 3
children under
18)
Congo
9/2/2015
10/26/2015
1st family of 7,
Christelle's family
(Family #29). Caseworker is Amanda
from NSC
2 adults + 1
child
Congo
10/28/2015
12/17/2015
LCFS - Kadrie, no
English upon arrival
(French and Kiswahili), Christian
1 adult + 1
child
Pakistan
12/17/2015
29
Christelle
Mangubu
30
31
32
33
36
37
38
Telonga, Adungy
Hamid Akbury
01/09/2015
Date of Departure
2/14/2015
Notes
LCFS, Kadrie Haxhiu
- case worker; family moved to Chicago
for better education
for the kids
NSC, Rachel Libros case worker
LCFS - Hagos Tecle very good English
2015 Totals: Families: 11 People: 29 (19 adults, 10 children) Countries: 6 (Iraq, Congo, Afghanistan, Iran, Eritrea, Pakistan)
Before 2015: 86 people lived in Welcome Home (not counting the 10 Adhikaris)
Grand Total: 115 people
33
Welcome Home Financial Report 2015
January 1 - November 31, 2015
Descrption
2015 budget
Total Actuals YTD (Jan 1 Nov 30)
INCOME
1001
Family Contributions ($50/adult)
$1,200.00
$500.00
1002
Individual Donors - on-line
$1,500.00
$760.00
1003
Individual Donors - cash/check
$1,500.00
$600.00
1004
Congregation/Organization
$6,000.00
$630.00
1005
Grants
$15,000.00
$0.00
1006
Thrivent Choice
$2,000.00
$200.00
1007
Misculaneous Income
$30.65
1008
interest
$3.97
Total
$27,200.00
$2,724.62
$1,200.00
$900.00
EXPENSES
Staff
7101
Development Director - reimbursed to POP
Program
7201
ESL materials, Food, Copy Paper, Postage, etc.
$500.00
$364.93
7202
Giving Fire
$650.00
$476.30
$10,200.00
$8,500.00
Rent
7301
552 1/2 Alcott St ($850/month)
Utilities
7401
electric
$500.00
$625.13
7402
water
$200.00
$213.29
7403
gas
$1,600.00
$1,660.78
Maintenance
7501
Service (grass, snow, cleaning between families)
$350.00
$359.15
7502
Cleaning Supplies
$100.00
$0.00
7503
household supplies (e.g. lightbulbs, batteries, fire alarms, etc.)
$150.00
$137.36
7600
Misculaneous
$200.00
$256.50
Total
$15,650.00
$13,493.44
Net
-$10,768.82
TRANSFERS
Savings to Checking
$
7,100.00
Checking to Savings
$
50.00
Overdraft Protection (savings to checking)
$
1,121.58
Balances as of Dec 7, 2015
checking
$2,853.83
savings
$7,587.84
total
$10,441.67
34
Property
Report
35
Property Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
A very busy year:
Doors on church office and Pastor’s office were replaced due to the break-in earlier in the year.
The church roof was replaced due to continual water damage; this was covered by our insurance along with some interior damage.
We used an insurance adjuster to help us with our claim however, due to this claim we were dropped by our insurance company.
We were fortunate to be picked up by one of our previous companies, Church Mutual.
Mr. D’s did work on our heating system during the year; it included:
Zone valves replaced
New trap and blower
Repairs that the yearly state inspection had mandated that we do.
Our central air was repaired (circuit board).
These were expensive repairs due to the age of the building.
Amaka did painting around the building during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Graham and Ray Seddon
36
Finance
Reports
37
Finance Committee
The finance committee meets quarterly to focus and discuss the Church’s finances, submit/recommend a budget and submit/
recommend to the Council the use of our POP Charities’ monies.
Many thanks to those who serve on the committee: Roberta Caruso, Jane Ferretti, William Strausser, Karen Roscher, William Graham,
Karen Paulus and Pastor Ben.
Much tanks to William Strausser for his service as treasurer and continues to serve as assistant treasurer.
We welcome Ronald Martin as our treasurer.
A heartfelt word of thanks goes to Karen Roscher as financial secretary and memorials’ chair.
Thanks to our dedicated counters: Eleanor & Rudy Roscher, Joan & Rudy Hummel, Betty Rabenstine, Sue & Ray Seddon, Jean & Bill
Graham, Jane Ferretti, Rose Dupree, William Strausser and Tom Salber. Thanks to Eleanor Roscher for training and scheduling the
counters.
Cash Transactions Review
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
Grace and peace to my brothers and sisters at Prince of Peace! I am writing to communicate my review of the financial records last spring.
At the request of Tom Salber and Pastor Ben, I reviewed the cash transactions from the time William took over the treasury duties and the
subsequent year and a half. My review consisted of comparing the transactions recorded on the bank statements to those of the check
book and Quick Books System. My review did not find any material mistakes in the recordation of the transactions.
There were some communication issues during the transition to William and prior period bank reconciliations were not available. There
was also a difference in the cash balance in Quick Books and the balance on the check book and bank statements. We have reviewed and
adjusted the balances to their proper amount. Some of the passwords needed to pay the payroll taxes on line were not available for William and resulted in these payments being made much later than their due dates. To the best of my knowledge, this has been resolved.
Going forward, I would recommend that bank reconciliations are prepared monthly within a few weeks after the statements are received
and are reviewed by Pastor Ben or the Council President to insure the accounting work is being preformed in a timely manner. I also recommend that the mail is periodically opened by the same people so that outstanding balances may be checked to determine all debts are
being paid as they are incurred.
May this New Year bring you joy and good health! Thank you for your commitment to the church and the ministry at Prince of Peace!
Blessings,
Respectfully Submitted
Vicar Lisa Jester
Memorial Fund Year End Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
For the period January 1 – December 31, 2015 the total donated to the Memorial Fund was $31,589.73 in memory of the following:
Betty Jane Anderson
Bernice Brownlee
Christa Capaldi
Estate of Pastor Kretschmer
Edward Solem
Meditation booklets were the only items purchased during this period from donations to the Memorial Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Roscher
Financial Secretary
38
Financial Secretary’s Yearend Report
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting
OPERATING
2015 TOTAL
2014 TOTAL
CHANGES FROM
2014
Regular Envelopes
Initial Offering
Ash Wednesday
Lenten Wednesday
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter
Pentecost
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Plate
New Years Eve Service
SUBTOTAL
$47,544.00
$159.00
$275.00
$388.00
$137.00
$115.00
$950.00
$245.00
$340.00
$1,775.00
$8,567.00
$0.00
$60,495.00
$48,976.00
$140.00
$216.00
$913.00
$128.00
$175.00
$967.00
$162.00
$325.00
$1,070.00
$6,797.75
$66.00
$59,935.75
($1,432.00)
$19.00
$59.00
($525.00)
$9.00
($60.00)
($17.00)
$83.00
$15.00
$705.00
$1,769.25
($66.00)
$559.25
Cost Sharing-Indo Pak Baptist
Cost Sharing-Pak Presbyterian
Cost Sharing-Schekinah Ministries Church
Rental Fee Income
COGFN
LCFS
SUBTOTAL
$4,500.00
$4,500.00
$16,625.00
$2,400.00
$383.00
$650.00
$29,058.00
$4,115.00
$3,475.00
$16,600.00
$2,225.00
$313.00
$600.00
$27,328.00
$385.00
$1,025.00
$25.00
$175.00
$70.00
$50.00
$1,730.00
$0.00
$180.00
$180.00
$0.00
$180.00
$180.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$89,733.00
$87,443.75
$2,289.25
Office Supplies
City of Phila-Voting
SUBTOTAL
TOTAL OPERATING
2015 TOTAL
2014 TOTAL
CHANGES FROM
2014
NON-OPERATING
Bulletins
Flowers
P.O.P. Charities
Memorials
Contingent Fund
Investment Interest
Bazaar (Fall Festival)
Weather Bucket
Welcome Home
Contingent - Property
Sale Proceeds from Hymnals
Contingent-Vicar's gift
ELCA World Hunger
LCFS Reimbursement-Welcome Home
Contingent-Haunted House
VBS
Contingent-Bear Creek Camp
Retreat
Synod Grant
Mission Grant
Contingent-John Schug
Hillyard Reimbursement
Contingent-Wedding
Tee Shirts
Building Fund
Cannon Refund
Music Fund
Reimbursement-Hoagies
Contingent-Amazon
ADLA Donation
Thrivent
Anniversary Luncheon
GWOH
Eucharist Minister Training
Air Conditioner Repair
Tee Shirt Memorial
Heeding Gods Call
Refund Office Supplies
Banking Fees
Utility Donation
POWER
Fouth of July
$125.00
$1,605.00
$1,653.50
$31,589.73
$0.00
$0.00
$50.00
$330.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$300.00
$0.00
$41.00
$1,350.00
$0.00
$0.00
$16,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$10.00
$6,247.00
$0.00
$50.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$500.00
$1,325.00
$10.00
$26.00
$527.00
$314.00
$1,168.00
$14.89
$65.00
$500.00
$500.00
$150.00
$185.00
$2,041.00
$1,686.50
$1,940.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$610.00
$200.00
$0.00
$438.44
$645.00
$22.00
$700.00
$500.00
$156.42
$2,794.00
$985.00
$1,000.00
$22,000.00
$905.00
$111.45
$600.00
$150.00
$3,785.00
$49.25
$100.00
$292.72
$100.00
$100.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
($60.00)
($436.00)
($33.00)
$29,649.73
$0.00
$0.00
$50.00
($280.00)
($200.00)
$0.00
($438.44)
($645.00)
($22.00)
($400.00)
($500.00)
($115.42)
($1,444.00)
($985.00)
($1,000.00)
($5,500.00)
($905.00)
($111.45)
($600.00)
($140.00)
$2,462.00
($49.25)
($50.00)
($292.72)
($100.00)
($100.00)
$500.00
$1,325.00
$10.00
$26.00
$527.00
$314.00
$1,168.00
$14.89
$65.00
$500.00
$500.00
$150.00
TOTAL NON OPERATING
$64,951.12
$42,096.78
$22,854.34
$154,684.12
$129,540.53
$25,143.59
GRAND TOTAL
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Roscher
Financial Secretary
39
2016 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
5001
5002
5003
5101
5102
5103
5104
5105
5107
5004
5005
5006
5007
5008
5201
5202
5203
5204
5205
5206
5207
5208
5209
5210
5211
SALARIES & PAYROLL TAXES
Pastor - Base Salary
Pastor - Furniture Allowance
Pastor - 1/2 Soc. Sec. ( ~ 0.7% base salary)
Supply Pastor
Organist
Supply Organist/Special Music
2015 Budget 2015 Actuals Proposed 2016
$32,000.00 $30,000.00
$35,000.00
$1,500.00
$1,499.94
$1,500.00
$2,240.00
$2,983.50
$2,310.00
$500.00
$150.00
$500.00
$7,750.00
$7,601.04
$7,750.00
$200.00
$0.00
$200.00
$9,360.00
$9,360.00
Congregational Admin $12/hr,3 days/wk@5 hrs/day $9,360.00
Sexton $10.88/hr, 10 hr/wk
$5,657.00
$6,079.10
$5,657.00
Payroll Taxes
$2,000.00
$6,138.29
$7,000.00
Treasurer
$0.00
$2,400.00
Total Salaries and Taxes
$61,207.00 $63,811.87
$71,677.00
BENEFITS PASTOR
Pension and Health Insurance
Housing Equity
Automobile Allowance
Education Allowance
Book Allowance
$11,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,200.00
$750.00
$250.00
$20,449.41
$0.00
$1,100.00
$0.00
$0.00
$16,500.00
$1,000.00
$1,200.00
$750.00
$250.00
Total Benefits - Pastor
$14,200.00
$21,549.41
$19,700.00
$800.00
$350.00
$1,500.00
$200.00
$350.00
$100.00
$250.00
$325.00
$700.00
$1,000.00
$1,127.59
$226.94
$2,191.48
$0.00
$242.48
$216.88
$0.00
$384.46
$689.28
$0.00
$1,000.00
$350.00
$2,000.00
$200.00
$350.00
$100.00
$250.00
$400.00
$700.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$5,575.00
$109.45
$5,188.56
$0.00
$6,350.00
ADMINISTATION
Office Supplies
Postage
Office Service Contracts
Audit
Offering Envelopes
Bank Service Fees
Advertising
One Call Now (1 yr paid Oct '12)
Quick Books On-line Accounting Software
Quick Books Payroll Services
Other (donations towards bulletins, bonuses,
WH director)
Total Administration
40
2016 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (Continued)
2015 Budget 2015 Actuals
5301
5302
5303
5304
5305
5306
5307
5308
5309
5310
5311
PROPERTY - Regular Expenses
Gas-Church
Gas - Parsonage
Electric - Church
Electric - Parsonage
Phone + Internet - Church
Phone - Pastor's Cell
Water/Sewer
Real Estate Tax
Insurance
Janitorial Supplies
Other (weather bucket donations)
5401
5402
5403
5404
Building Service Contracts
Building Service Contract (exterminator)
Building Service Contract (landscaping)
Building Service Contract (snow removal)
Building Service Contract (fire extinguishers)
5501
5502
5601
5602
5603
5604
5701
5702
5704
5705
5706
5707
5708
Proposed 2016
12,000.00
$2,000.00
$6,000.00
$800.00
$1,500.00
$600.00
$1,500.00
$1,600.00
$10,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$37,000.00
$7,703.09
$2,440.57
$4,364.94
$514.71
$1,053.18
$550.00
$2,070.52
$1,119.33
$2,975.98
$505.16
-($202.00)
$23,095.48
$15,000.00
$2,500.00
$6,000.00
$800.00
$1,500.00
$600.00
$2,000.00
$1,600.00
$9,500.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$40,500.00
$300.00
$200.00
$750.00
$100.00
$1,350.00
$285.00
$9.70
$640.01
$455.00
$1,389.71
$300.00
$200.00
$750.00
$100.00
$1,350.00
$6,000.00
$2,000.00
$8,000.00
$46,350.00
$4,116.64
$395.00
$4,511.64
$28,996.83
$6,000.00
$2,000.00
$8,000.00
$49,850.00
MINISTRIES & COMMITTEES
Worship & Music
Worship Supplies
Music Supplies
CCLI permit
Other (flowers - flower donations)
Sub-Total
$1,000.00
$100.00
$150.00
$0.00
$1,250.00
$767.10
$100.00
$125.00
$564.00
$1,556.10
$1,000.00
$100.00
$150.00
$0.00
$1,250.00
Evangelism
Haunted House
Community Cookouts
4th of July Parade
Brochure Printing
Banners/Advertisements
Children of God Fun Night
Other
Sub-Total
$500.00
$100.00
$125.00
$120.00
$200.00
$955.00
$0.00
$2,000.00
$172.72
$0.00
-($25.00)
$383.00
$0.00
$411.23
$129.20
$1,071.15
$500.00
$100.00
$125.00
$150.00
$200.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$2,075.00
Property Repairs
Church
Parsonage
Sub-Total
Total Property
41
2016 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (Continued)
Community Ministry
5801
POWER
$0.00 personal donation
5802
Lawncrest Ministrium Dues
$120.00
$0.00
$120.00
5803
Northeast Conference Dues
$30.00
$0.00
$30.00
5804
Other
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$150.00
$0.00
$650.00
Sub-Total
$500.00
Social Justice
5903
POP's Garden
$200.00
$0.00
$200.00
5905
Interfaith Hospitality Network
$200.00
$60.00
$200.00
5906
Other
Sub-Total
$0.00
$73.00
$0.00
$400.00
$133.00
$400.00
Fellowship
Coffee Hour
6001
Fast Nacht
6002
Congregational Retreat
6003
Anniversary
6004
Other Fellowship Events
6005
Sub-Total
($15.00)
$97.17
$200.00
$82.17
$200.00
Faith Formation
7001
Adult Education/Bible Study
7002
Sunday School/Children's Chapel
$176.34
7003
Vacation Bible School
$293.22
7004
Kids' Klub
7005
First Communion
7006
Confirmation
7007
Youth
7008
Children's Sermons
7009
Mentoring Program
7010
Stewardship Drive
7011
Other
$45.00
Sub-Total
$700.00
$514.56
$1,000.00
Total
Ministries & Committees
$4,700.00
$3,356.98
$5,575.00
8000
Benevolence
$7,200.00
$3,114.22
$7,200.00
(12% from Offering, 0% from building income)
SYNOD Events
9001
Synod Assembly
9002
Bishop's Convocation
9003
Other Synodical Events
$580.00
$40.00
$250.00
Total Synod Events
10000
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Total Budget
42
$1,200.00
$870.00
$1,500.00
$250.00
$250.00
$250.00
$140,682.00
$127,137.87
$162,102.00
43
44