2016 ANNUAL REPORT
This Annual Report details a number of ministry activities that support God’s work both within and beyond our community of faith. Rather than highlight one or several of those ministries or councils, I would like to focus on the biggest news of this past year—the arrival of Joe Clifford as our new pastor. The process of calling a pastor within our denomination is one of discernment and patience. The Pastor Nominating Committee conducted a nationwide search, and a number of very qualified candidates were identified. Through a deliberate process of prayer and listening, one person stood out as the right person at the right time for Myers Park Presbyterian Church, and Joe is that person. As a congregation, we tackled some tough issues during the time between Steve’s departure and Joe’s arrival in September. Many thanks to Pete Peery for serving as our interim pastor and helping us navigate through the transition. We are blessed to have a professional staff that is second to none, and also want them to know how much we appreciate their dedication and leadership. We moved forward with God’s work during the interim time, and will continue to do so as we begin our next chapter together as a community of faith dedicated to God’s transforming work in our city and in the world. As you will see in the following pages, it is truly an exciting time to be a part of Myers Park Presbyterian Church!
Bob McKinney Clerk of Session
Friends, “Only God has read the book of Numbers.” That’s what Walter Brueggemann once said to our Old Testament Theology class. While there are no doubt more than a few folks who have actually read the book of Numbers—we had to as part of Dr. Brueggemann’s class—numbers can be boring. Yet numbers have a way of telling a story, particularly if you take the time to understand what’s behind them. This year’s annual report is filled with numbers; from 1 to 7,857,121. Each number tells a story about some aspect of the life and ministry of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Each area of our ministry has offered a few of their numbers to help us tell our story for 2016. 8 youth from the Charlotte Youth Consortium joined MPPC youth on trips. 24 gathered to watch the first live-stream service at Southminster Retirement Community. 311 live streamed the Congregational Meeting where the vote to extend my call to come took place. 19,875 square feet of vinyl tile floor was stripped and waxed. Behind the numbers we see a story. In the Bible, the book of Numbers details two different generations of Israelites. Chapters 1-25 tell us of that generation that was freed from Egypt, how they murmured against God in the wilderness, how they wandered in the wilderness and refused to take the land. Chapters 2636 tell of the next generation that God led toward the Promised Land. Numbers does not romanticize the wilderness period. Ultimately, it tells a story of God’s faithfulness that extends from generation to generation. As we begin a new chapter in the life of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, may we give thanks to God for God’s faithfulness that brought about the story behind the numbers of 2016. That faithfulness has guided the saints of this community for 90 years. May God’s faithfulness endure for generations to come. Love In Christ,
Joe Clifford Pastor
1
Counting Up
the life and ministry of Myers Park Presbyterian Church through 2016.
new pastor called and installed to serve our congregation.
2
3
4
prestigious awards won by CrossRoads Corporation for their work in Grier Heights.
free health clinics coordinated with the Grier Heights Health and Wellness Team.
guitar strings broken by Chuck Jones and the Celebrate Band.
OUTREACH
PASTORAL CARE
WORSHIP & MUSIC
4
6
Salvadoran communities served through the Building Hope in Ahuachapan project between MPPC, Habitat El Salvador, and Habitat Charlotte.
youth commited to intense Biblical study by taking Adult Disciple Bible Study classes.
OUTREACH
YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES
7
8
8
CROSS interns worked to enable visiting youth groups to build up the Charlotte community.
sextons and housekeepers creating a clean and orderly environment for ministry.
youth from the Charlotte Youth Consortium joined youth from MPPC on trips.
CROSS
ADMINISTRATION - FACILITIES
YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES
8
9
nationalities represented in Hungarian/Refugee Vacation Bible School program in Hungary.
age of the youngest disciple serving the Stewardship Ministry effort.
OUTREACH
STEWARDSHIP
11
13
14
Sunday morning discipleship classes offered.
weeks of Ballroom Dancing classes provided to residents of Sharon Towers.
ministry mentors working to help members engage in the life of the church.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
WELLNESS
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
20
24
households became Legacy Partners, joining 51 others in including the church in their estate plans.
gathered to watch the first livestream event at Southminster retirement community.
STEWARDSHIP
PASTORAL CARE
27
28
30
personal training sessions for youth from Grier Heights.
loaves of bread given to members celebrating the birth of a child.
funerals hosted at the church, with six disciples offering their hospitality during receptions.
WELLNESS
CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES
PASTORAL CARE
36
42
46
weeks of Restorative Yoga offered for those living with Lupus, MS, and arthritis.
partnerships with nonprofit agencies and programs in Charlotte through CROSS.
Weekday School teachers providing education and building faith with our children.
WELLNESS
CROSS
CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES
50
54
reading and math tutor disciples supporting the educational development of students at Billingsville Elementary School.
new members between 30-49 years of age, with 35 children. 81 total new members in 2016.
OUTREACH
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
54
55
61
members offering their voices as gifts in the chancel choir.
percent of website visitors using a mobile phone or tablet.
full time employees seeking to reflect God’s kingdom on earth.
WORSHIP & MUSIC
ADMINISTRATION - COMMUNICATIONS
ADMINISTRATION - PERSONNEL
62
68
73
percent of active households making a financial gift to the church.
youth joined the church through confirmation.
Bibles presented to third graders.
STEWARDSHIP
YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES
CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES
90 years of ministry in Charlotte and around the world.
95
100
children baptized. 95 Bibles given. 95 congregational promises made to support and encourage those baptized to be faithful Christians through prayer and example.
or more meals prepared for those in need by our Meal Ministry team.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE, CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES
PASTORAL CARE
120
147
Grier Heights residents joined MPPC disciples in fellowship at weekly summer block parties.
members of MPPC participated in CROSS through programs, as meal hosts, or by serving on the CROSS Board
OUTREACH
CROSS
152 164 189 members engaged in Stewardship of Life ministry classes and communications.
flu shots provided at the fall flu vaccine clinic.
pages created for the new website.
STEWARDSHIP
PASTORAL CARE
ADMINISTRATION - COMMUNICATIONS
192 249 288 hours of class time and individual study for Disciple Bible study members.
youth and adults grew in faith and perspective through summer trip opportunities.
light bulbs changed in the Outreach Center gym.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES
ADMINISTRATION - FACILITIES
290
300
hours of sermons watched on Myers Park’s YouTube channel.
visits to older members of the congregation by Deacons and 300 parish nurse consultations.
ADMINISTRATION - COMMUNICATIONS
PASTORAL CARE
311
396
people active live stream users during the congregational meeting to annouce Joe Clifford as candidate for Pastor of MPPC.
condolance notes written.
WORSHIP & MUSIC
PASTORAL CARE
432 674 820 hospital visits by clergy, not including emergency and oncall visits.
likes for a single @MPPCYouth Instagram post.
hours of personal training provided.
PASTORAL CARE
YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES
WELLNESS
829 average weekly attendance, including summer services. WORSHIP & MUSIC
1,612
1,682
hours of group fitness classes provided.
donuts eaten on Commitment Sunday, celebrating the generosity and faithfulness of Myers Park Presbyterian Church members.
WELLNESS
STEWARDSHIP
3,749
3,000
*
Skittles consumed by visitors to Von Clemans’ office.
organ pipes in the Sanctuary.
*estimated
WORSHIP & MUSIC
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
19,875 27,783 square feet of vinyl floor tiles stripped and waxed.
Facebook impressions, encompassing updates, videos, photos, and worship live streams.
ADMINISTRATION - FACILITIES
ADMINISTRATION - COMMUNICATIONS
148,226 dollars invested on upgrades to the church heating and air conditioning system.
ADMINISTRATION - FACILITIES
7,857,121 dollars given to support ministry, outreach, administration, endowment, and special projects. STEWARDSHIP
Looking ahead
to opportunites for growth, deeper faithfulness, and the future of ministry at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.
Administration Council The Administration Council seeks to provide a stable, supportive platform from which our various mission and ministry efforts may be delivered. We engage our members and vendors in ways that manifest God’s gifts to us and God’s love for the world. LEE IVES, ADMINISTRATION COUNCIL CHAIR
FACILITIES COMMITTEE: In 2017, the Facilities Committee will complete a comprehensive study of campus exterior lighting. Initial installations beginning in 2017 will provide uniform lighting throughout campus and increased safety. Facilities will also begin evaluating sanctuary improvements to include cleaning and refurbishing of stained glass windows, pew repairs, and cusion replacements.
BILL COWDEN , FACILITIES COMMITTEE CHAIR
FINANCE COMMITTEE: In 2017, the Finance Committee will faithfully review the receipts and expenses of God’s church in light of our budget, all while working to communicate better with each Ministry so we are better prepared to advise as fiscal needs arise. Parallel with structuring next year’s budget, Finance will specifically focus on both Session’s goal of increasing our overall Outreach budget, and manage each of our individual funds with a common goal of self-sustainment. BYRON BROWN, FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: In 2017, the Personnel Committee will: Work with the Transition Team in helping Joe Clifford get acclimated to MPPC; Update the cafeteria plan for staff benefits; Update the Music Ministry staffing study; Conduct a national compensation study to review adequacy of position salary ranges; Review the performance evaluation process to ensure appropriate staff development and communication. ALLEN WOODWARD, PERSONNEL COMMITTEE CHAIR
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: In 2017, the Communications Committee will: Support initiatives and strategies from pastoral staff and ministry councils, bring particularly attentive to the direction and vision of Joe Clifford, our new Pastor; Work to professionalize video content and live streaming; Continue telling the story of Myers Park Presbyterian Church through Connect, Serve & Grow, Journey, website articles, and video while exploring new medium to engage larger audiences. BETSY GANTT, COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Adult Faith Formation Adult Faith Formation helps members of MPPC grow as disciples of Jesus, the Christ, offering a multitude of program opportunities and resources: • • • • • •
In-depth study through long-term Disciple Bible Studies Short-term Discipleship classes on many topics, including on-line classes 8 ongoing adult Sunday School classes Weekly Bible studies, small groups, and book discussions Leadership and theological training for elders and deacons Traditional library as well as digital resources
All of this is to help our members and friends to keep growing closer to Jesus and participate in God’s plan for our world. JIM SHAFFNER, ADULT FAITH FORMATION COUNCIL CHAIR
Children and Family Ministries Children and Family Ministries partners with parents to develop young disciples of Jesus Christ. From welcoming children at birth and baptism, to nurturing faith formation in the Weekday School and in Sunday School, to walking alongside families in our milestones workshops and mission projects, we seek meaningful ministry opportunities with children and their families. In 2017, CFM will: • Evaluate and strengthen our vibrant Sunday School program for Preschool and Elementary children, as we focus on foundational Bible stories; • Continue plans for an updating of our playground facilities, as our population of young families continues to grow; • Seek new and innovative ways for children and families to be involved in worship and service at Myers Park. LIZA SIPPE, CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES COUNCIL CHAIR
Clerk’s Council The ministry teams that comprise the Clerk’s Council handle a variety of activities on behalf of the Session. Near term activities include recommending officer assignments (Assignments), facilitating our relationship with the larger church (Denominational Relations Team), and coordinating the transition in pastors (Transition Team). Longer term activities include developing a residency program for seminary students (Residency/Internship Program Team) and providing strategic direction (Strategic Priorities Team). BOB MCKINNEY, CLERK OF SESSION
ASSIGNMENTS: Match God’s call to ministry for church officers with the needs of our ministry teams.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Provide recommendations for consideration by the Session that are both strategic and actionable. The first such recommendation was the creation of a team to draft a mission statement for MPPC, which was adopted by the Session on January 23. It is available on the back cover.
PASTORAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM: MPPC is committed to a Teaching Church model that emphasizes the richness and variety of experiences for each Resident as they make the transition from theological training to a life of ministry. Joe Clifford is very familiar with Residency efforts nationally and the benefits that this ministry offers to the larger church, the Residents themselves, and to our congregation. We are now targeting late summer of 2018 for the first Residents to start their terms at MPPC. MPPC plans to utilize a rotational model in which Residents are mentored by our excellent staff in the various ministries of this church. We also plan to involve each Resident with ministers in smaller churches, exposing them to situations that are likely to reflect the ministries they might have in their early calls. In addition, there will be opportunities for our Residents to interact theologically with Residents in other churches in our community, providing them with peer relationships that can support them throughout their life of ministry. These three factors all will establish MPPC’s Teaching Church model as a program of excellence.
BILL COWDEN, STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CHAIR
BILL WARREN, PASTORAL RESIDENCY CHAIR
CLERK OF SESSION
DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS: The Denominational Relations Team is assigned the lead role for the Session and MPPC efforts relating to, participating in, and supporting the Charlotte Presbytery and PC(USA) activities of mutual support and governance. In the coming year, DRT will focus on additional MPPC efforts to support the larger church and community of which we are a part. ROB ATKINS, DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS CHAIR
TRANSITION: Provide support and feedback to Joe Clifford on a wide variety of issues as he assimilates as the new pastor.
CLERK OF SESSION
Congregational Life Congregational Life offers hospitality and nurtures community within the life of the congregation. We encourage members to connect with one another to support and care for one another and to serve together in ministry. In 2017 we hope to broaden and deepen the engagement of our church members, whether new members or long-time members who don’t feel connected. We will build and strengthen the sense of community and belonging among our members.
MEREDITH LONG, CONGREGATIONAL LIFE COUNCIL CHAIR
Outreach Through God’s love, relationships with each other and with those whom we are blessed to love and serve grow and flourish. Disciples engaged in Outreach ministry continue to respond to Jesus’ invitation to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. In 2017, we plan to further empower ministry team leaders to help them grow and encourage disciples. Mission is powered by empowered disciples. Outreach ministries will continue to love and support our local and global partners, assisting each with dignity and grace as love builds up a child, a home, a neighborhood, and a world.
BARBARA MERLIE, OUTREACH COUNCIL CHAIR
Pastoral Care Pastoral care is the drawing alongside another person during their time of need. This caring ministry is part of our life together. We are to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Within the Christian community there is also specialized ministry utilizing those with special gifts and appropriate training to provide pastoral care and pastoral counseling. Here at MPPC we are fortunate to have a Board of Deacons, Stephen Ministers and a Parish Nurse to listen, support, guide and encourage those who are facing a variety of care needs. Our hope is to be known as a congregation who cares for one another. ALSTON ROBERTSON VAN DYKE, BOARD OF DEACONS MODERATOR; DEBORAH CONNER, ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR PASTORAL CARE
Stewardship MPPC’s stewardship council and sub-teams equip disciples to practice stewardship of life. In 2017, this ministry will provide educational offerings, small groups, communications, and generosity campaigns—all in hopes that each of us in the MPPC community will intentionally learn Jesus’s teachings and practice these teachings in the home, the neighborhood, the workplace, the city, and the world. New stewardship initiatives planned for 2017 include: • Learning opportunities for those who are interested in being better stewards of their own lives. • A podcast season to help listeners ponder ways to deepen their spirituality. • Gatherings to extend gratitude to those who strengthen our community through their financial support.
HENRY HARKEY, STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL CHAIR
Worship and Music The Worship Council plans to expand its efforts to engage and involve the congregation with meaningful worship opportunities and experiences. We intend to work closely with the Strategic Priorities Team in focusing on our mutually determined goal: To strengthen and engage the congregation in an active and participatory worship experience. We will look at multiple ways to achieve this goal including hospitality, music, tying worship to mission, encouraging more lay involvement, as well as other actions under consideration.
MARK de CASTRIQUE, WORSHIP COUNCIL CHAIR
Youth and Their Families Youth and Their Families will continue to provide an intentional Christian community where authentic faith relationships can flourish. With the addition of two youth ministry staff, Patty Arcia and Lindsey Adams, Youth and Their Families will offer deeper relationships with our young people and increased engagement in their lives. In 2017, we will focus on leadership and faith development of young people as we: • Equip and train youth in servant leadership by partnering them with a major event coordinator. • Create a SALT leadership team to train middle school and high school youth through bible study, guest speakers and hands on leading. • Explore social media and technology as a way to teach, learn and share the good news of the gospel. • Evaluate our milestones and build new rituals for rising 5th graders and our rising 9th graders. • Train and equip our youth leaders, mission trip chaperones and parents who accompany our young people along this journey of faith.
DEBORAH HULLINGER AND JACKSON SIPPE, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES COUNCIL CHAIRS
2017 Approved Budget $5,900,500
1.2%
CATEGORIZED BY COST OF MINISTRY SERVICES $
INCREASE FROM 2016 TO 2017
CATEGORIZED BY FUNCTIONAL AREAS
%
$
%
Adult Faith Formation
349,520
5.92%
Administrative Services
Children & Their Families
524,593
8.89%
Communications
Congregational Life
557,496
9.45%
Facilities
1,013,600
17.18%
Denominational Support
190,259
3.22%
Personnel
3,305,410
56.02%
Outreach
330,827
5.61%
84,000
1.42%
1,630,925
27.65%
Congregational Life
40,180
0.68%
Pastoral Care
670,404
11.36%
Denominational Support
190,259
3.22%
Stewardship
381,446
6.46%
Children & Their Families
76,244
1.29%
18.28%
Youth & Their Families
57,624
0.98%
8.77%
Adult Faith Formation
21,377
0.36%
100.00%
Outreach
600,000
10.18%
39,004
0.66%
22,000
0.37%
119,975
2.03%
Worship Youth & Their Families TOTAL EXPENSES
1,078,092 517,765 5,900,500
Pastoral Care Notes: 1) For purposes of this presentation, all allocations from facilities, program support, and personnel total $4,733,837 of the budget. 2) Statements showing year-end actual results will be distributed prior to the end of the first quarter 2017.
Stewardship Worship TOTAL EXPENSES
5,900,500
100.00%
Financial statements are prepared by our professional staff, overseen by the treasurer, and routinely examined by the finance committee. Audited statements are available upon request. Detailed discussions may be scheduled by appointment. Contact Amy at ahock@myersparkpres.org.
Average Attendance by Month 2500
2016 Streaming
2016
2015
2000
1500
1000
500
2016
2016 Streaming
% Change
January
1097
693
45
-58.30%
February
1169
815
39
-43.44%
March
1258
927
55
-35.71%
April
1752
656
65
-167.07%
May
847
621
93
-36.39%
June
646
513
85
-25.93%
July
536
526
90
-1.90%
August
575
585
153
1.71%
September
720
1,354
130
46.82%
October
760
914
93
16.85%
November
825
987
116
16.41%
December
650
1,363
100
52.31%
AVERAGE:
903
829
89
-8.93%
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2015
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Ja
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0
Does not include streaming data
Mission Statement Claimed by the Love of God in Jesus Christ, we are called into this community of faith living out our Love for God in worship, study, and service, loving and supporting one another as we join God’s transforming work in our city and in the world.
This mission statement was adopted by the Session on January 23, 2017. The language was developed through stories shared by leaders in the church about life changing experiences they had had through our church’s ministry. It builds on the work of the visioning team which conducted listening sessions designed to take the pulse of the congregation in preparation for calling a new Pastor. Our Reformed tradition is reflected in that we are claimed by God, called into community to live out love, and join God’s transforming work.