ANNUAL REPORT 2015
A GLIMPSE OF FAITHFULNESS
A LETTER FROM PETE A GLIMPSE OF FAITHFULNESS Do you see what this means — all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running — and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eye on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
In the pages that follow, your Session and Board of Deacons give a snapshot of the ministry of this congregation during 2015. It has been a challenging year, one of transition in many different forms. Yet, to me, there is one word that captures this year in this congregation’s life: faithfulness.
You, the people of God called together into this congregation, through all that you have faced this year have been faithful. Sure, a beloved pastor was called away. Sure, the Session faced a very controversial decision. Sure, some dear members, out of a struggle with their convictions, moved on from this community. Sure, some others have taken leave as they wait to see what a new era with a new pastor brings. Yet, in the midst of all of this the core of this congregation has been faithful — faithful to Jesus Christ and Christ’s ministry in and through this particular congregation. 2
Hebrews 12:1-2, in The Message, a translation by Eugene Peterson
You who are a part of that core never quit. You have kept your eye on Jesus. You are still running, not letting anything along the way divert you as you race behind Jesus, bearing witness to the reign of God in our midst and around this world. Thank you for your faithfulness. And as you read this report, note the goals for 2016. Myers Park Presbyterian Church is still very much in the race — for the glory of God! Grace and peace,
Pete Peery Interim Pastor
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There is one word that captures this year in this congregation’s life: faithfulness.
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2015 ADMINISTRATION NOTE FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL CHAIR Lee Ives
The Administrative 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.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015 ADMINISTRATION COUNCIL Coordinated issues and projects among our ministry teams.
PERSONNEL
Formed a task group to work through selection, implementation and assessment phases of church management software upgrade.
Conducted a national compensation survey among similar churches.
FACILITIES Made significant improvements in audio, video, and lighting for the Sanctuary to enhance worship, as well as, connecting with others offsite through video streaming. Completed needed repairs and refurbishing of the Sanctuary ceiling and wooden architectural trusses . Improved facilities by joining with the WeekDay School for the creation of a children’s culinary learning kitchen and enlarged dropoff canopy. Replaced a failing rooftop HVAC air handler servicing the welcome center and staff offices. Continuing to study repairs needed for the Sanctuary stained glass and exterior lighting for the campus. Installed a firepit behind the Outreach Center. Upgrade the D b uilding Fire Alarm system.
FINANCE Operated with no external debt. Renewed our line of credit while maintaining a zero balance. Worked with ministry teams to prepare 2015 operating budget. Partnered with Stewardship to better grasp future receipts during this interim period.
Marked the conclusion of Steve Eason’s ministry with us.
Welcomed a new Communications director, Josh Richard. Re-established staff relations teams for senior staff.
COMMUNICATIONS Developed branding and identity for children, youth, and adult faith formation initiatives. Began production of Child and Youth Protection training materials and renewal video. With Outreach, reimagined and rebranded the “Global Gift Catalog” into the “Love Gives” catalog, creating a more inclusive opportunities to give. Implemented live streaming of both Celebrate and Sanctuary worship services. Produced two editions of Journey highlighting the work of God through Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Researched website needs, platforms, and timelines for implementation.
GOALS FOR 2016 ADMINISTRATION COUNCIL
PERSONNEL
Pursue options for a number of church-wide information technology needs.
Review and revise, as needed, the staffing structure for each ministry team.
Re-examine a campus-wide security plan.
Prepare for the expansion of our intern/pastoral residency program.
FACILITIES Make significant repairs and long-term upgrades to the mechanical cooling system for the main campus. Purchase and replace church buses to serve various ministry needs. Collaborate with Administration Council to maintain and improve campus security measures. FINANCE Offer a clear path of communication with all Ministry Teams.
COMMUNICATIONS Work with worship council to refine Live Streaming, incorporating elements of worship and creating anengaging, worshipful experience. Identify, explore, and execute a website upgrade, working to meet the needs of members and ministries. Create spacial elements and displays to communicate the passion and vibrancy of Myers Park Presbyterian to its’ members.
Continue MPPC’s committed track to increase Outreach’s budget in the Gen Fund.
Utilize exterior signage on Providence Road to support ministries on the main campus and at the Outreach Center.
Faithfully monitor receipts and expenses during this transitional phase.
Continue telling the story of Myers Park Presbyterian Church through Connect, Serve & Grow, Journey, website opportunities, and other medium.
Prayerfully review and humbly provide financial direction for God’s Church.
FINANCIALS 2015 APPROVED BUDGET CATEGORIZED BY: COST OF MINISTRY SERVICES %
EXPENSES
$
6.13
Adult Faith Formation
357,279
8.57
Children’s & Family Ministry
499,239
8.09
Congregational Life Ministry
471,456
5.25
Denominational Support
305,759
29.32
Outreach Ministries
11.45
Pastoral Care Ministry
667,456
6.04
Stewardship Ministry
352,165
16.80
Worship Ministries
979,305
8.35
Youth Ministry
486,919
100.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
1,708,322
$5,827,900
Notes: 1) For purposes of this presentation, all allocations from facilities, program support, and personnel total $4,542,527 of the budget. 2) Statements showing year-end actual results will be distributed prior to the end of the first quarter 2016.
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CATEGORIZED BY: FUNCTIONAL AREAS %
EXPENSES
$
4.88
Administrative Services
1.37
Communications
16.06
Facilities
55.62
Personnel
0.70
Congregational Life
5.24
Denominational Support
305,759
1.34
Children & Their Families
77,800
1.01
Youth & Their Families
58,800
0.37
Adult Faith Formation
21,814
10.32
Outreach
0.68
Pastoral Care
39,800
0.86
Stewardship
50,000
1.55
Worship
89,600
100.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
284,636 80,000 936,650 3,241,241 41,000
600,800
5,827,900
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.
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FINANCIALS 2016 APPROVED BUDGET CATEGORIZED BY: COST OF MINISTRY SERVICES %
EXPENSES
$
5.96
Adult Faith Formation
347,240
8.98
Children & Their Families
523,624
8.44
Congregational Life
492,043
4.83
Denominational Support
281,759
28.19
Outreach
11.42
Pastoral Care
665,887
6.80
Stewardship
396,715
16.52
Worship
963,042
8.86
Youth & Their Families
516,368
100.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
1,643,322
5,830,000
Notes: 1) For purposes of this presentation, all allocations from facilities, program support, and personnel total $4,575,053 of the budget.
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CATEGORIZED BY: FUNCTIONAL AREAS %
EXPENSES
$
5.65
Administrative Services
1.37
Communications
15.76
Facilities
55.68
Personnel
0.69
Congregational Life
4.83
Denominational Support
281,759
1.13
Children & Their Families
76,244
0.99
Youth & Their Families
57,624
0.37
Adult Faith Formation
21,377
10.10
Outreach
0.67
Pastoral Care
39,004
0.51
Stewardship
30,000
2.07
Worship
100.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
330,327 80,000 918,600 3,246,126 40,180
588,784
119,975
5,830,000
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.
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2015 ADULT FAITH FORMATION NOTE FROM THE ADULT FAITH FORMATION CHAIR Jannica Greife From traditional Sunday School classes to online devotional opportunities, the Adult Faith Formation Council creatively offers a wide variety of gateways to nurture the faith and fellowship of our members. Shortterm classes on important current issues as well as ongoing Bible studies offer our members support to keep growing closer to Jesus Christ and participate in God’s plan for our world.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
DEEPENING DISCIPLESHIP
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GOALS
Find a volunteer to coordinate programming geared specifically for retirement age adults.
Continued offering both the first year and continuation studies from the highcommitment
Continue to expand the use of technology
Disciple Bible study series.
to invite speakers from across the country (and even around the world), giving our adult
Offered an educational series regarding samegender
learners the opportunity to glean from their
marriage taught by all of the clergy. Maintained these
theological gifts.
classes online for those unable to attend but wishing to learn more.
Increase awareness and comfort of online Faith Formation opportunities such as Bible
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
studies and devotional groups.
Used video conferencing technology to connect expert speakers to our Adult Discipleship classes. Offered a pilot of online seasonal meditations during Advent. 11
2015 CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES NOTE FROM THE CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES COUNCIL CHAIR Sally Helweg I am grateful to serve in the Children and Families Ministry area, where I am constantly reminded that it is never too early to nurture faith formation. So many wonderful things are happening among our youngest members, and MPPC is blessed to have a growing and vibrant community of young families. I believe these parents value the baptismal vow we take as a church community to help them raise their children – a sometimes daunting task!
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2016 GOALS
NEW OFFERINGS Developed a new ministry team focused on welcoming new
Support our Tapestry special needs ministry with renewed
members with children, called Family Friends.
leadership and volunteer engagement.
Launched a new ministry for families of young children
Continue to expand our Milestones program, with a prayer
(under 3), for fellowship and support.
workshop for 2nd graders and their parents.
BUILDING UP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
Develop plans for an updating of our playground facilities, as
VBS successfully moved to a June schedule, with increased
our population of young families continues to grow.
attendance and staff participation. Invite new leaders into our vibrant ministry with children and Third Grade Bible Milestone refreshed with an increase in parent involvement and a deeper emphasis on a lifelong love and use of the Bible. Continued to offer enriching outreach opportunities for children of all ages through Mission Kids and Sprout Outreach. WEEKDAY SCHOOL The Weekday School helped complete a “kid’s kitchen” in Providence Hall for hands on learning. It is used by the 12
Weekday School and Sunday School classes.
families, as a way to deepen their own faith.
“Myers Park Presbyterian Church is blessed to have a growing and vibrant community of young families.� -Sally Helweg
2015
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2015 CLERK’S COUNCIL NOTE FROM THE CLERK’S COUNCIL CHAIR Vicki Garrett The ministry teams of the Clerk’s Council work on behalf of the Session to coordinate transition activities, recommend officer assignments, facilitate our relationship with the larger church, and look ahead as we establish a Residency/ Internship Program and Long Range Planning Team. It is an honor and a privilege to be called to serve with the devoted disciples of this community of faith, and during this time of transition, we are reminded that our church family is a strong one and that God is at work among us! Thanks be to God!
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015 ASSIGNMENTS Assigned Ruling Elders and Deacons to ministries and recommended individuals for the Pastor Nominating and Officer Nominating Committees. DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM Formalized seminary scholarship guidelines; created a role document defining how our church supports inquirers and candidates; supported Katherine Atkins, inquirer studying at Austin Theological Seminary; oversaw the Presbytery and General Assembly relationships; worked on behalf of the Session to facilitate the same gender marriage discussions and overall process. RESIDENCY/INTERN PROGRAM Task Force developed a program model utilizing the strengths of MPPC Ministries and Staff and presented the initial phases to Session for approval. Funding for the initial phases of the Residency program, which will be the flagship of the Teaching Church model, has been secured, allowing MPPC to move forward with development and implementation without relying on Annual Budget funding. TRANSITION TEAM Worked on behalf of the Session to plan the Easons’ farewell events, to provide oversight of the interim pastor search process and coordinate the Peerys’ welcome events, and to provide input and support regarding matters such as the same gender marriage decision, pastoral transition activities, and Personnel matters. VISIONING TEAM Held ten congregational listening sessions; collected insights, considered common themes, and created a report to present to the Session which included a word cloud reflecting guiding principles – community, discipleship, mission, service, faith, love, diversity, forgiveness, fellowship, inclusive, open, serve, Jesus, faith, open, call, prayer, spirit, grace - all pointing to a Christ-centered community that creates faithful disciples; Session adopted all recommendations, submitted the report to the Presbytery as our PNC Mission Study for the Pastor Search, and communicated the results to the congregation.
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“The common denominator is that we all seek to glorify and further God’s kingdom on this earth.” -Vicki Garrett, Clerk of Session
2016 GOALS
ASSIGNMENTS Assign officers to ministries, create a Long Range Planning Team, and establish search committees with a goal of matching individuals with God’s call to ministry. DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM Continue to support Katherine Atkins (inquirer), and inform the Session and congregation of events and current issues of the greater church, in particular the 2016 General Assembly. RESIDENCY/INTERN TEAM Form a Residency/Internship Program Team to carry forward the work of the Task Force and assist in the recruiting and hiring of a Program Coordinator in August, 2016. During the first term (August 2016 – August 2017), the team and coordinator will work with existing staff to further develop the structure of the program, and recruit candidates for the initial two year terms for two residents starting in August, 2017. TRANSITION TEAM Continue to prayerfully consider matters during this time of transition, making recommendations to the Session, ensuring oversight on approved actions, and facilitating appropriate communications across the Session, Diaconate and congregation. LONG RANGE PLANNING TEAM Session will incorporate the congregational themes into planning and activities, continue the congregational listening process, and establish a Long Range Planning Team to develop more specific recommendations.
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2015 CONGREGATIONAL LIFE NOTE FROM THE CONGREGATIONAL LIFE CHAIR
Marcy Choate
Through the involvement of the Congregational Life Council, our membership has continued to support our partner ministries. We have been strengthened by programs designed to encourage us in our discipleship with a healthy complement of both outreach and in reach efforts. This is the core of our membership: encouraging outreach, in reach, wellness, hospitality, and growth in faith as we proclaim Jesus Christ as our Savior.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2016 GOALS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015 20s MINISTRY Began a new ministry with members and friends in their 20s with summer gatherings. Hosted two educational opportunities each month this fall. WELLNESS Launched the IMPACT basketball league to improve the experience of players and coaches as well as decrease facility costs and improve overall budget outlook; reached out to new church members to encourage their connection to our Wellness Ministry. MEMBERS’ MINISTRY Assigned new members to our ministry mentors to encourage their connections to the life of the church; helped connect and encourage disciples on our 170 ministry teams; surveyed lay leaders and partnered with outreach and adult education ministries to better equip them; cohosted discipleship classes; collaborated with session and staff on Emmaus Ministry launch to inspire lifelong member engagement. Said farewell to Beth Bell, Members’ Ministry Coordinator, who resigned to pursue 16
another opportunity.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015 NEW MEMBERS Welcomed 120 new members, 61% of whom are between the ages of 30-39. New member team supported these new members as they become engaged in the life of the congregation. TRINITY Grew in faith and fellowship with individuals in their 30s and 40s. Participated in several service projects with Grier Heights and Urban Ministry HOSPITALITY Staffed the reception desk on Sunday mornings, assisting members and guests as needed. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Hosted the second annual Women of Faith luncheon with 250 attendees; led 12 year-long circles/small groups; hosted special events such as the staff appreciation luncheon, the annual 2015 women’s retreat, the Sharon Towers social, Christmas Communion and the consignment sale; and donated the consignment sale net proceeds of $9,800 to six partner ministries. Emmaus A new ministry whose purpose is to reach out to members who have been inactive, but are on our rolls, the intention of which is to walk with them on their faith journey. This encouraging ministry is in early stages, but is increasing in awareness.
GOALS FOR 2016 20s MINISTRY Continue support for this growing demographic of church members through fellowship and small group gatherings. Encourage leadership from the group for their ongoing sustainability. WELLNESS MINISTRY Develop plans and programming to broaden the outreach efforts of this ministry, supported by endowed funds. MEMBERS’ MINISTRY Hire a staff person to focus on Disciples’ Engagement, encouraging all members to be connected and engaged in ministry. NEW MEMBERS Create the most welcoming and inviting atmosphere for new members, leading them to engagement in our church family. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Create fellowship and service opportunities to reach the changing demographic of the women of the congregation. 17
2015
OUTREACH NOTE FROM THE OUTREACH COUNCIL CHAIR Barbara Merlie
Helping a child learn to read in Charlotte or in the Congo, providing loving support to a homeless family in our community or in Hungary, or assisting neighbours as they come together in Grier Heights or El Salvador, MPPC members respond to Jesus’ invitation to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. Through God’s love we seek to build and nurture relationships with each other and with those whom we are blessed to serve. Love builds up a child, a home, a neighbourhood and our world.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOALS
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
J
GOALS
The Benevolence Funding Team became the Outreach Funding
Further developing Outreach platform of Love Builds Up,
Team in Summer 2015.
through communication and discipleship engagement.
BFT was the team that reviewed requests for funding from
Emerging Leaders: Lead five month missional leadership class
Capital Campaign funds. OFT inherited that responsibility and
for Emerging Leaders called “Commissioned.” Class will provide
now handles all outreach funding requests, regardless of the
mission field experience as well as class time.
ultimate funding source. Guided by priorities approved by Session, the one team approach provides consistency for all
To build, support and shepherd healthy discipleship teams for
ministry partner finding requests and disciple participation.
MPPC’s local and global ministry partners. Focus on leadership development for each team.
OFT also doubled its membership to 11 ministry disciples – five holdovers from BFT and six new members... a blessed mix of
Host Appreciation day for local ministry partners. Inviting
fresh eyes and experience.
author Christopher Heuertz to lead a day retreat at MPPC.
In addition to annual requests, the approved allocations in 2015
To engage and encourage disciples to participate in global
included funding: to support CrossRoads projects ongoing in
mission trips.
Grier Heights, to purchase/upfit a permanent location for The Learning Collaboration, to add two classrooms and a latrine at a
Fully fund the annual financial requests of our ministry partners
school for girls in Congo, to expand the Men’s Shelter, to support
and bridge the financial gap created by the completion of capital
a refugee resettlement program in Hungary, to provide a
funding.
leadership grant to support Presbyterian mission coworkers worldwide, to support a partnership with World Vision in El Salvador, and to complete construction and upfit of a new facility for The Harvest Center.
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2015 PASTORAL CARE & DEACONS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015 TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY Provided transportation for nondriving members who live at Sharon Towers, The Cypress, and Southminster retirement living centers. PRAYER MINISTRY Held a 52 hour Lenten Prayer Vigil from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday; Hosted a contemplative prayer event focused on Centering Prayer; Weekly praying through the names in the church directory; Offered weekly centering prayer in the prayer chapel. Meal Ministry Shared compassion and meals with individuals who were experiencing illness, disability, or a death in the family. Church Friends Fostered intergenerational friendships to keep those unable to attend services connected to the church. Helping Hands Assisted senior adults, single parents and less mobile individuals with small indoor and outdoor household projects through this membertomember ministry. Built planter boxes for the Weekday school garden. Health Ministries Hosted a flu shot clinic, a CPR training class and a successful blood drive; provided Billingsville Leadership Academy first aid and other supplies and educational programs for parents and children; and offered free medical equipment to church members with physical needs. Deacons Participated in Sunday worship, serving communion and offering the prayer of dedication; provided fellowship opportunities for older members at The Cypress, Sharon Towers, and Southminister; conducted weekly visits to nursing facilities, assisted living and private homes of our less mobile members. Stephen Ministry Provided confidential support to members and others in the community; trained and commissioned new Stephen Ministers in partnership with another local church; attended funerals and assisted in compassionate care to grieving families prior to worship services.
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2016 GOALS
NOTE FROM THE PASTORAL CARE & DECONS CHAIR David Cunningham
GOALS FOR 2016
The Deacon Ministry provides on going care and support to our congregation by sharing the love and compassion of Christ to anyone in distress.
Plan and implement a program to build community in retirement centers using the new worship service streaming capabilities. Continue to offer prayer, compassion, and support for those who are in need of a positive relationship with God in our church and community. Reach out to those in need of spiritual healing and support.
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2015
STEWARDSHIP NOTE FROM THE STEWARDSHIP CHAIR Henry Harkey
Stewardship is the management of everything God has given to each of us- body, mind, spirit, and strength. In Luke 12:48, Jesus is quoted as saying “from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required...” During this period of transition, our congregation is blessed with many opportunities while strengthened in confronting many challenges. Together, let’s make a faithful response to God’s grace.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOALS
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
GOALS
Inspire members young and
BUILDING A LEGACY
old to practice the teachings of Gained new legacy partners (church members who have intentionally included
Jesus through intentional acts
the church in their will).
of simplicity, generosity, and contentment.
Gathered legacy partners for a November dinner and to hear a presentation on the topics of the church endowment outreach ministries.
Increase the number of legacy partners for the second year in a
DEEPENING FAITH
row.
Designed and offered the stewardship of life class titled What is Enough?: How to
Develop financial resources to
follow Jesus in a consumeristic society.
support new ministry opportunities in outreach and faith formation.
CONVEYED IMPACT Narrated the multiple ways church giving changes lives, through mediums such as the annual stewardship campaign. Inspired funding to enable sanctuary improvements and internet live streaming opportunities.
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from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.
Luke 12:48
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WORSHIP & MUSIC
NOTE FROM THE WORSHIP CHAIR Alan Lewis
Worship at Myers Park Presbyterian entered a new era in 2015 with the funding and implementation of the Worship Enhancements project. New lighting, sound systems and audio visual technology improved the on-campus worship experience and accelerated our Worship Outreach through live streaming and archival access of our services. The use of visuals and video within both Sanctuary and Celebrate worship services will continue to evolve as appropriate for each along guidelines and policies currently under development in Worship Council. 2015 also witnessed excellence and innovation from our Music Teams, both in worship and through special concerts. And our Strategic Initiatives Task Force completed a monumental effort of research and brainstorming, culminating in a list of recommendations to Session.
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2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
IMPROVING WORSHIP TOOLS
WORSHIP ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Sanctuary Steinway grand piano restoration
Utilized the new Audio/Visual technology and
Hosted traditional and contemporary music
completed and dedication concert featuring
initiated live streaming.
concerts from Laura Story, Darrell Evans, Tony
Michael Adcock, pianist, with Chancel Choir
Deblois and others. STRATEGIC INITIATIVES TASK FORCE
and full orchestra.
Adopted a focus on “Welcoming and New “Glory to God” hymnals dedicated with
Validated attendance data, studied worship
Dr. Mel Bringle, guest preacher.
trends, modern
Moved
communion
preparation
to
the
and
defined
world.
“worship”
Presented
in
the
findings
and
recommendations to Session.
kitchen off the Welcome Center, providing
Greeting” with our greeters and ushers. Continued Flower Ministry, delivering recycled flower arrangements from events to members in senior living facilities.
larger cabinet space and work area for our preparation teams.
Led A Season of Transition, A Season of Prayer daily prayer initiative through Steve Eason’s departure.
2016 GOALS Implement new strategies for increasing
Host The Raleigh Ringers (professional
worship attendance.
handbell choir) in August.
Evaluate longterm staffing needs for AV system;
Procure new paraments for Celebrate
solicit new volunteers; fund additional staff as
worship services.
needed. Finalize Audio/Visual policies and guidelines Host The American Boy Choir in February. Develop appropriate video content for Performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s ELIJAH
worship.
in May by Myers Park Presbyterian Chancel Choir and Sardis Presbyterian Chancel Choir,
Make worship powerful!
accompanied by full orchestra. 25
2015 YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES NOTE FROM THE YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES CHAIR
KB McIntyre The Youth Group of today is a dynamic, spiritual and community building entity within MPPC that has the overwhelming majority of our children engaged. The Youth Council is lead by adults in partnership with our youth members ranging from middle school to high school. They ensure the formation, organization and execution of best in class events such as The MPPC annual Chicken Pickin fund raiser, youth mission trips to places like Cuba and El Salvador, along with Sunday night youth dinners - all providing an opportunity for today’s church youth to engage with the church, cultivate their spirituality, and build a nurturing community.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015 CONFIRMATION Confirmed 78 8th graders, welcoming them into the life of the church and ministry together. Began a new class this fall with 70 students and 27 small group leaders. SUMMER TRIPS Increased our summer trip participation and had 286 youth and adults participate in 7 opportunities this year. Grier Heights youth were incorporated into every trip and conference. WELCOMING 6TH GRADERS Welcomed our largest class of youth this year, providing educational opportinuties for parents new to youth ministry, participating in 5th grade sexuality weekend retreat and having face to face visits to welcome this new class. STOP HUNGER NOW Expanded our mission with Stop Hunger Now, creating an intergenerational experience and packaging over 30,000 meals. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH AS LEADERS ON CONFIRMATION RETREAT Established an annual confirmation retreat to end the year. High School youth served as small group leaders establishing partners who could make the transition to high school easier. INTERNATIONAL MISSION Established a Cuba Mission experience over the Christmas break with our first youth exchange and 2nd youth exchange. Over the summer, we had our final mission trip with the Community of Getsemeni in El Salvador, celebrating the completion of homes in this community and a 6 year partnership with youth mission trips.
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GOALS FOR 2016 Launch the Bridge, a new program to welcome 5th graders. Create a leadership structure that offers parents the opportunity to actively engage in youth ministry. Develop a comprehensive youth ministry internship program that begins with summer internships for college students. Train youth ambassadors in cultivating a culture of friendship. Introduce a spiritual pilgrimage into the summer trips for high school along with a 3 year plan for future pilgrimages. Launch an annual pilgrimage for high school youth focused on faith formation and cultivating spiritual disciplines. Create a Senior Leadership Team of youth, cultivating leadership skills and offering the opportunity to be an integral part of youth ministry. Establish a visitor program to welcome youth and their families from the moment they arrive at church and continue until after they join.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2015
MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2501 OXFORD PLACE CHARLOTTE, NC 28207
w w w . m y e r s p a r k p r e s . o r g