JANUARY 25, 2026
Christ Church, Frederica Annual Meeting of the Parish
AGENDA
1. Welcome and Opening Prayer
2. Approval of 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
3. Junior Warden’s Report
4. Senior Warden’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Report from Head Teller
7. Rector’s Report
8. Closing Prayer and Adjournment
The Rector’s Report
The Very Rev. Tom Purdy
In so many ways, things at Christ Church have never been better. 2025 was an active year with a lot of ministry taking place in our parish, which made the days fly by from my perspective. There were many ongoing ministries to attend to and participate with, as well as some special projects that required additional time.
Major projects this year included a complete redesign of the Christ Church website and shifting our parish membership and financial software platforms. Both were launched on similar timetables, but the membership software proved to be more labor-intensive than we had anticipated. Nonetheless, both processes yielded wonderful results, and we are enjoying the new website and continuing to understand the power of our new parish management system. I am incredibly grateful to Sharon Altenbach for her efforts in both of these areas.
Other special projects included the creation of an emergency planning and response team. The work of that group continues, but we are working to ensure that we have plans in place to manage most things that could disrupt parish life, as well as putting plans in place to be able to respond to the community’s needs after certain events. With the installation of a full-building generator in 2025, we are well-positioned to serve our community in important ways during and after weather and other emergencies. We have a dedicated team of folks who are working on the details, and we are represented at the Glynn County level by Phil Eastman and Uli Keller, who attend the Glynn County Faith Community Emergency Planning meetings.
One project which we’ll say more about through a separate letter to the congregation is the Vestry’s decision to install a solar array and battery storage system on the Parish Hall. We anticipate that we can offset at least 60% of our annual energy needs for the Parish Hall with this system. That will translate into significant savings to our operating budget over the next twenty-five years, in addition to reducing our impact on the environment. I led a small working group of Vestry members through a process to investigate solar options with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, a statewide non-profit organization that helps faith communities explore a number of “green” initiatives. The system will be installed in February or March, and we are looking forward to having additional resilience in the face of power outages, in addition to our generator.
The Vestry also did significant work in 2025 to establish what items are most important to our identity, with an eye towards evangelism and growth. The largest part of that work was working with Mother Helen White to assess and re-imagine our children, youth, and family ministry. We learned that we have much to be grateful for, and much that we can consider for the future. We will be taking some concrete steps based on the outcome of that work in 2026.
I have been delighted at the continued progress we have made in offering high-quality offerings for adult formation at Christ Church. With planning and organizational assistance from Fr. Bill Barton, we have continued to have regular opportunities for going deeper in our faith. Pastor Bob Brown resumed regular teaching on Sundays in 2025, and Bishop Charles Bennison’s and Fr. Bill’s Interpreter’s Table Bible study has thrived. The Wednesday evening programs have had an array of unique opportunities to learn and grow as well.
Related to the growth of formation ministries, The Contemplative Well has been thriving as well. Organized by Deacon Deb Luginbuhl, The Contemplative Well is our umbrella ministry that promotes our regular Centering Prayer and guided walks on the Labyrinth. With our Sunday night contemplative services, the impact and reach of these ministries continues to grow. Related to this, we once again hosted a sold-out icon writing workshop organized by Mother Becky Rowell. It has all been exciting to witness and participate in!
I continued to assist Mother Ashton with the Youth Group in 2025, which is a lot of fun. She is the primary Youth Group leader, but I so enjoy my regular opportunities to get to know your young people. We have fantastic teenagers at Christ Church! We also continue to see “friends” regularly at Youth Group, teens whose families are not regular attendees, but who have found a home among us on Sunday nights. We couldn’t do any of it without Mindy Martin as our faithful lay volunteer for the Youth Group!
I have also enjoyed our regular events for young people and their families. VBS was a blast again this year, and Beth Smith is a wonderful organizer. She turned Jim Broussard and me loose on decorating again, and we turned the Parish Hall into a mountain escape! Katie Williams and Jim Orser-Schwalm did a phenomenal job leading a rejuvenated All Hallows Eve event that reached hundreds of people despite a rainy fall day. We have a lot we can build on for 2026 with that event. Breakfast with St. Nicholas has become a special Sunday morning event, and it would not have happened without Ed and Lynne Turner behind the scenes, and Uli Keller out in front and braving St. Nicholas’ beard!
I have many people to thank, and at the risk of forgetting someone, I’ll try to name as many as I can here. There are dozens of leaders who organize ministry on a regular basis, and hundreds of volunteers who give of their time to make it all happen. Here’s just a partial list of those who have earned my thanks: Our worship is central to who we are, and we continue to be led in our altar and flower ministries by Sherry Bowen, Susan Shipman, and David Lowe. Our Sunday School organizers, Ed and Lynne Turner and team of dedicated teachers. Wednesday night chefs Hector Rosano and Gerard Monte, who continue to volunteer their time most weeks of the program year to cook for us. We have a small group of volunteers who show up week after week to make dinner happen - they know who they are, and I hope the realize how much we appreciate them! Our Pastoral Care lay team, Beryl Blatchford and Deric Tipton, and Ellen Kuehm who organizes our flower ministry.
Others whom I must thank include: Don Baker for the Finance Committee and the Dodge Society; Jonathan Raclin and Jeff Thomas for the Investment Committee; Beryl Blatchford for DOK; Gay Barron for Door Ministry and Office Volunteers; Debbie Holland and Martha Hodge, our Wedding Coordinators; and Sarah and Tony Kreimborg, who handed off Mission Committee leadership to our deacons; Rees Sumerford and Vicki Ream, our Wesley Garden Trustees; and David Blatchford, our Head Teller; Peggy Goad, who led the ECW; and Elizabeth Killgallon, who led the Tour of Homes team again; Kathryn Saunders leads our docent ministry, and Sharon Altenbach chaired our 2026 Annual Fund, which is on track for another great success; Hanna McBride organized our holiday food baskets; and Susan Lawhorne, who chairs our Stewardship Committee; Gail Eskew, who chairs our Newcomers Committee; Diane Ansley continues in her role as our Registrar, and Rip Graham saw us through the completion of our capital projects this past year. Although our choirs are organized by a staff position, I have to thank all of our musicians who give of their time regularly to support our music ministry.
I am so grateful to our Vestry for all their hard work, especially our wardens, Gail Manning and Chris Ernst. We have also been delighted to welcome a new Treasurer into that role, as Edward Bland took over for Bonney Shuman, who faithfully served in that role for years. Katie Williams has done a great job as our secretary, keeping us on track through detailed and timely minutes. Rees Sumerford has continued to offer us important advice as our Chancellor.
We welcomed some new faces to our staff this year. We were overjoyed to welcome Lily Packard home to Christ Church as our Communications Associate—she’s been doing a terrific job in a role that became full-time in 2025. Ebonee Moore has become our Bookkeeper and is doing great work in that role. We parted ways with Ada Ramirez and Hawthorn Kirkbride last year, and both have been missed. I will say more about our staff at the Annual Meeting, but I so very much appreciate all of our continuing staff members, who are a joy to work with: Mother Ashton Williston, Glenn Queener, Jim Broussard, and Harry Branch. We are also blessed to be supported by affiliated and retired clergy, including Mother Becky Rowell, Father Bill Barton, Bishop Charles Bennison, and
Pastor Bob Brown. Each of them so graciously share their gifts with us, and I am personally so grateful for their friendship and support.
I continue to serve as the Dean of the Southeast Convocation in our diocese and joined the Diocesan Standing Committee in November. I remain a Trustee for Sewanee, representing our diocese. 2025 brought the completion of nine years on the board of Hospice of the Golden Isles, a bittersweet, term-limited milestone. This year also saw my final year of classes at Sewanee as I got closer to completing my Doctor of Ministry work. I’m now in the writing phase, although I haven’t gotten much writing done yet!
I am so grateful for my family as I reflect on 2025. Donna and I celebrated 25 years of marriage this year, with all but two of those being heavily influenced by life in the Church. I literally can’t do what God has called me to do without her support and understanding. Eva and Calleigh are both incredible gifts in my life, and I treasure the remaining 18 months we have with Calleigh still at home. Life will look very different soon enough, and we celebrate Eva’s excellence at Sewanee, but as many of you have already experienced, it’s a big adjustment to send kids off into the world. One of the things I reflect on from time to time is how grateful I am that Christ Church (notably its people) has been such a big part of their lives. Thank you for helping us along the way.
In a few months, lucky year thirteen at Christ Church will conclude and another year will begin. As I said at the start of this report, in so many ways things have never been better, and I’ve never had this much joy and fulfillment in ministry. 2026 is likely going to follow the same pattern, and I am so thankful for all of you and for all of God’s blessings.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom+
Senior Warden’s Report
Gail Manning
It is a pleasure to bring you the Vestry’s report for 2025 because it has been another very good year for Christ Church! It is mostly due to the hard work of so many people—our wonderful staff, headed by Father Tom and Mother Ashton; their assisting clergy, Mother Becky, Father Bill, Bishop Charles, Dr. Bob Brown, Deacon Becky, and our newest Deacon, Deb, whose beautiful ordination we celebrated this year. Then there is the staff: Glenn Queener, our Parish Administrator, who oversees so much of what happens here; Harry Branch, who excels as our Sexton and Cemetery Superintendent; Lily Packard, our new Communications Associate, who has come in and done a fantastic job for us; Ebonee Moore, who is our new Bookkeeper and is doing excellent work; and Jim Broussard, who adds to our worship with his beautiful music and other events throughout the year to entertain us. There is no way to thank them enough for their time and talents.
In addition, we have our volunteer lay associates, headed by Beryl Blatchford. They are all supported by committees of lay leaders who give unselfishly of their time and expertise.
And then there are our wonderful volunteers who, behind the scenes, are way too many to mention but who truly give of their time and the love in their hearts every day. These unsung heroes are our backbone, and we are extremely grateful for their service. It is said it takes a village to raise a child, but I am here to tell you it takes a small army to run this organization that we call our Church home.
We have had a great Vestry who have been very active this past year. However, we will miss members who will rotate off: Angela Scott, Susan Lawhorne, and Rick Burdick—and I, too, will go. It would be remiss, however, not to mention our Junior Warden, Chris Ernst, who has worked tirelessly to keep these buildings we have been entrusted with maintained in the highest order. She has become a trusted and valued friend as I have watched the many projects she has juggled this year. We all owe her a big thank you for a job well done.
We have been blessed by our beautiful Church, its gorgeous grounds, and the community of faith in which we all participate. As we look going forward, we see nothing but a bright future for our Christ Church, Frederica. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Senior Warden. Thank you!
Gail Manning
Junior Warden’s Report
Christina Ernst
Taking the Junior Warden reins from Uli Keller at the beginning of 2025 left me wondering how I could possibly fill his very skilled and hard-working shoes. But I quickly learned that I was surrounded by support all around in the form of Harry, Glenn, the Building & Grounds Committee (Uli, David Blatchford, James Turner, Doug Lane, Ed Turner), and Senior Warden Gail Manning. Together, we accomplished projects large and small this past year.
The maintenance and upkeep of not one, but two, historical churches with their adjoining campuses, plus our Parish Hall, and two rectories requires the constant attention of all those folks along with loyal volunteers and talented vendors.
As we chipped away on planned projects, unexpected maintenance issues surprised us throughout the year. The Rectory on Serenity Lane received overdue repairs, foundation stabilization, and paint. The exteriors of both Christ Church and the Parish Hall are now freshly painted, and at St. Ignatius, interior walls were extended, new cabinets were installed in the Sacristy, and its old worn red doors replaced with even redder new doors.
New signage and landscaping greatly improved the entrance to our beautiful grounds, with the installation of lamps on the brick pillars to complete this extensive project. Inside the Parish Hall, the nursery was updated, and a refrigerator, stove, hot water heater, and Air conditioning unit were necessarily replaced. An emergency back-up generator, along with a natural gas line to power it, was installed which will allow us to provide a heated/cooled building during power outages for emergency utility workers and anyone in need of power.
We have been working with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light to investigate the use of solar energy to power the Parish Hall and learn about the rebates and incentives available to us. We are moving forward with this exciting project which will result in significant financial savings to the church in the future.
Having always been intrigued by Anson Dodge and fascinated with the rich history of Christ Church Frederica, I am honored to be a small part of the preservation of our historic buildings and beautiful grounds for which we are all entrusted stewards.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christina Ernst
Associate Rector’s Report
The Rev. Ashton Williston
2025 was a year of blessings and growth. We continue to use technology to maximize participation in worship, classes, and meetings. For example, we use Zoom to hold hybrid meetings and classes so everyone can attend. Facebook remains a weekly tool for spiritual connection, while we offer daily Evening Prayer and livestream our 9:15 service. This was a rich year in which members of Christ Church spread the love of God among one another and into the community by being the hands and feet of Christ.
Daughters of the King, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapter, a chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King, is open to all women in the Episcopal Church. Members become part of a lifelong program of prayer, service, and evangelism dedicated to spreading Christ’s Kingdom on earth and strengthening the spiritual life of their parish. Christ Church’s Daughters of the King meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month. These meetings include speakers, service projects, prayer, and fellowship. If you would like to learn more about joining the Daughters of the King, please reach out to Mtr. Ashton or one of the Daughters.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care team quietly continues to support those who are ill or injured and unable to attend church. They visit at the local hospital, hospice, retirement communities, nursing homes, and private homes with warm, caring presence. Every Sunday morning, at least three times a month, our five eucharistic visitors bring communion to those on our home communion list, offering comfort and connection. Our pastoral care visitors provide much-needed companionship for those who are shut-in, offering a friendly face and a caring voice. The Angel Guild joyfully provides meals to families welcoming a new baby, facing illness or surgery, or coping with the loss of a loved one. The Christ Church Comforters lovingly make shawls and lap blankets, prayerfully creating these items to give comfort to the sick or newly baptized. Each blanket is blessed at the altar before being thoughtfully given out. Our Martha’s Guild hosts warm and welcoming receptions for families after a funeral, providing a space for grief and support. Christ Church also offers a bereavement group on the fourth Wednesday of every month, led by a member of Hospice of the Golden Isles. Thank you to everyone who helps keep Pastoral Care vibrant and compassionate. If you’re interested in joining any of these heartfelt ministries, please reach out to Mtr. Ashton Williston.
Flower Ministry
Our flower ministry keeps blooming beautifully, all thanks to our wonderful lay-led team. Every week, we carefully take down the altar flowers and place them in charming bud vases, attaching notes for each person or family. We then lovingly deliver these flowers and notes on Sundays or Monday afternoons. What started with just twelve volunteers has grown into a warm community reaching over sixty people each month. In 2025, our dedicated team delivered more than 500 vases of altar flowers from Christ Church and St. Ignatius to members of our prayer list. Our gracious volunteers—Beryl and David Blatchford, Gail Manning, Leslie Morrison, Jane Thau, Bonney Shuman, Debra Stockton, Kathryn Saunders, Nancy Zell, Becky Dorrell, Gay Barron, along with our coordinator, Ellen Kuehm—also brightened holidays with 140 Easter plants and Christmas poinsettias and brought cheerful vases of flowers to local retirement communities like Addington Place, Magnolia Manor, Vitality, Senior Care Center, and Marsh’s Edge Assisted Living. I am truly grateful for each of these volunteers, whose generosity of time, creativity, and energy make this ministry so special.
Newcomers
The newcomers ministry invites new members of Christ Church into our community. We welcome people by greeting them when they first arrive at our worship services. They are then contacted by one of the clergy and by someone from the Newcomer Committee. Several times a year, we hold a newcomer’s gathering at the Eskews’ home to share hors d’oeuvres and fellowship. These gatherings give the Newcomer Committee, clergy, and
program staff time to connect with people new to Christ Church. Christ Church is growing, and each month we welcome people interested in joining our beloved community. Thank you to Gail Eskew, our committee chair, and the rest of the committee for all your hard work welcoming and connecting with everyone who walks through the doors of Christ Church.
The Financial Assistance Ministry
The Door Ministry is a caring outreach of Christ Church that gently assists individuals with their utility bills during challenging times. Many of those reaching out are hardworking folks facing difficulties due to illness or injury, and they truly value our support. Volunteers warmly interview applicants, who kindly provide proof of identification and the original bill they need help with. Usually, assistance is capped at $250 per person once a year. This year, our Door Ministry has generously contributed $29,931.19 to support our neighbors in need. December was especially busy, with $3,442.00 spent helping 16 families through our ministry. A heartfelt thank you to Gay Barron for your vital role in this meaningful service!
Children and Youth Ministry
It’s truly a blessing to collaborate with our wonderful children and youth. Every Sunday at 9:15 during the service, we joyfully hold Children’s Chapel as part of the Liturgy of the Word. Afterward, the children join their families for the Peace before Communion. Children’s Chapel is led by dedicated lay leaders, with six teams taking turns each week. Our Sunday School is full of lively teachers and eager children, creating a warm, engaging atmosphere. On Sunday evenings, the Youth Group gathers for fun and connection. Some weeks, we stay at the Parish Hall, enjoy delicious dinners, play games, and share meaningful conversations. Other times, we go bowling, play mini golf, or enjoy scavenger hunts around the parish. And of course, there’s always delicious food to enjoy when we come together! A special thank you to Ed and Lynne Turner, whose leadership is absolutely vital to this ministry, and to all the volunteers and parents whose support makes everything possible.
I’m truly grateful to serve as the Associate Rector at Christ Church. 2025 was a wonderful year filled with grace and growth in our ministry! Thank you all at Christ Church for your endless love and support!
Faithfully,
Mother Ashton
Music Ministry Annual Report
Jim Broussard
The Music Ministry of Christ Church exists to glorify God through worship, education, and creative expression. Through the dedicated work of volunteers, our ministry enriches the spiritual life of the congregation and broader community through exceptional music-making, fellowship, and outreach.
The Parish Choir continues its strong presence in worship and special events and is always welcoming to new singers each year. Repertoire is focused on a wide range of sacred music spanning historic and contemporary traditions.
The Children’s Choir continues to nurture young voices in musical fundamentals and faith-filled songs.
Opera Amore, our Valentine’s event, celebrated love through opera and musical theatre songs. It continues to be a favorite and sells out every year.
A spring oratorio was offered last year with The Seven Last Words of Christ and will be offered again in 2026.
The Creative Arts Camp for Children was offered this year and was a wonderful event, incorporating different aspects of the arts for inquiring minds.
The Phantom of the Organ combined theatrical flair and organ performance, delighting audiences with humor and virtuosity.
Finally, our Advent Lessons and Carols is a cherished seasonal tradition. The service brought together all the choirs with instrumentalists for an inspiring evening of the Advent story.
Thank you for your faith, your involvement, and your partnership in ministry. I look forward with hope and excitement to all that God will do through this music ministry in the year ahead.
Deacon’s Report
The Rev. Becky Dorrell
It has been a blessing to work alongside many in our wonderful community. You can find us at Manna House on the fourth Monday of every even month. This year it will be Feb., April, June, August, Oct., and Dec. We also serve at Manna House every fourth Tuesday of the Month, this has been a wonderful added ministry this year. SSI Pickleball group volunteers on the odd months a wonderful way to get all in our community involved. Please reach out if you are interested in helping.
Deacon Deb Luginbuhl and I are the co-chairs of the Mission & Outreach Committee. We are looking forward to embracing all activities and new suggestions this year. We continue to help with outreach programs when needed, examples, helping with food distribution for the Salvation Army and the Well.
Brown Bag for Seniors is at Second Harvest on the second Friday of each month. This team grew this year, and we look forward to the growth of Second Harvest to expand our ministry with them. Helping Susan Shipman with Backpack Buddies has also been such a pleasure. I have enjoyed being a part of Mother Ashton’s book club and look forward to continuing with this.
Lastly, I walked the last 100 miles of the Camino in Oct., and it was a truly magical experience. We had perfect weather and time to contemplate and reflect as I took one step in front of the other. Blessings and I look forward to listening to the Holy Spirit for our 2026 Journey.
Deacon’s Report
The Rev. Deb Luginbuhl
On November 7th, I was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Georgia. Bishop Frank Logue assigned me to Christ Church, Frederica where I work alongside the Rev. Deacon Becky Dorrell in community outreach and in our worship services. I feel blessed to serve at Christ Church where I strongly feel the Holy Spirit is at work leading our congregation on a spiritual path of Love and Grace.
Mission and Outreach 2025 Report
The Mission & Outreach Committee is co-chaired by deacons Becky Dorrell and Deb Luginbuhl and has a committed group of parishioners who meet every month. Regular outreach volunteer opportunities take place monthly at Manna House and Second Harvest, in addition to assisting Backpack Buddies on packing days. Volunteer opportunities within the community are communicated to the committee and the parish, as needed.
M&O has an annual budget to donate funds on behalf of Christ Church to local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations serving various needy populations. The committee has recently begun visiting local nonprofits to learn more about their outreach efforts. M&O also collects clothing and food for The Well and for the St. Athanasius Feed My Sheep Food Pantry.
Stewardship and Development Committee
2025 Report submitted
by Susan Lawhorne, Chairman
Members: The Very Reverend Tom Purdy, Sharon Altenbach, Don Baker, Jim Eskew, Deb Luginbuhl, Angela Scott, Bonney Shuman, and Brooke Sumerford
The Stewardship–Development Committee met monthly throughout the year to review and assess stewardship initiatives in three primary areas:
1. Capital Campaign and Special Offerings
2. Annual Fund Drive
3. Planned Giving – Dodge Society
January 2025
Reviewed results of the Annual Fund Campaign, which were excellent. Total pledging households numbered 197, with $940,204 pledged. Notably, there were 23 households that did not pledge the previous year but reactivated pledging this year, and 20 new households that had never pledged before.
The Dodge Society Committee reported on beginning discussions about a recognition wall. They also began work on a brochure and website presence.
February 2025
The Dodge Society reported interviews with firms to create a permanent donor recognition wall. Don provided a reflection entitled “A Legacy For Us All” for the Lenten Seasons publication. The theme for the 2026 Annual Campaign is being developed.
Father Tom and Bonney reported that their discussions about reducing the debt incurred by our capital improvements have resulted in a number of options being identified.
March 2025
Capital Campaign repayment strategies continued to be developed.
Sharon announced “Joy in My Heart” as the theme for this year’s Annual Fund campaign. Research continued on the donor recognition wall, which will recognize Dodge Society members and also include Capital Campaign upper-level donor recognition. The first Sunday in May was announced as Dodge Society Recognition Day.
April–May 2025
The Capital Campaign reported that signage construction is nearing completion, rounding out the first phase of the master plan.
The Dodge Society completed a new brochure, which was mailed to all members of the parish. Don spoke at each service over the May 3–4 weekend about the Dodge Society and its plans.
August 2025
Sharon reported that the Annual Fund campaign is in the preparation stage. She reviewed goals and achievements of recent years and revealed goals for both pledged income and the number of pledging households. Father Tom reported that pledge and non-pledge income has been strong this year through the first half of the year. Father Tom reported that work continues on nailing down a firm number of indebtedness from the Capital Campaign prior to conversion from a construction loan to a conventional mortgage taking place. Tom and Bonney will make additional calls to prospective Capital Campaign donors.
With the Vestry having approved the concept of a donor recognition wall, the Dodge Society Committee proceeded to secure a contract with Arreya to develop plans for the wall. Angela Scott provided a reflection piece for the fall edition of Seasons magazine.
September 2025
Glenn Queener provided the committee with a semi-annual report on the financial health of CCF. He reported that giving remained strong and that CCF was on pace to achieve the pledge budget and to surpass non-pledge budget targets.
Sharon reported that her committee had met for a kick-off meeting, with timeline, logo, and theme in place. The goal for the 2026 Annual Fund was announced: $1.1 million in pledges and 220 pledging households. Dodge Society donor wall creation continued through the fall.
The November 5 Wednesday Night Dinner program was announced as an update on ways of giving that are mindful of tax advantages and tax laws.
Father Tom reported that the construction loan is set to convert to a conventional loan in Q1 of 2026 and that he believes payments can be managed without undue pressure on the annual budget.
October–December 2025
Committee members worked with Sharon to support the efforts of the Annual Campaign. The Pig-Pickin’ in October marked the kick-off of the campaign. Videos, emails, texts, letters, and cards proclaimed the theme of “Joy in Our Hearts” throughout the last quarter of 2025 at CCF!
Adult Formation Report
The Rev. Bill Barton
Christ Church continued to provide a variety of Christian Formation offerings this year. The Wednesday night dinners remain popular with speakers bringing a variety of topics. Authors, Biblical scholars, keepers of traditions, artists, local non profits, protectors of the environment, and neighbors were all represented. Kevin Pullen, a local sculptor brought some of his work, and folks from First African Baptist Church and Harrington came with stories of rich community life. Grace Hamman spoke about how looking at our faith through Medieval eyes can help us to see our own faith more clearly. The McIntosh Ring Shouters came with dancing and stories and we heard of the work being done in our community by SOAR.
On a weekly basis there are study groups for both women and men. Interpreters’ table continues to meet to read and explore scripture. Sunday morning studies are offered seasonally. Additionally, During the year there are special offerings. Aging With Grace as a spiritual practice will be offered for 5 weeks in February and March. Living Compass, a program integrating spirituality and well-being, has drawn folks from within and beyond Christ Church.
The Contemplative Well offers ongoing centering prayer at St. Ignatius, and the Labyrinth offers space and experience for spiritual reflection.
Ongoing, special, and seasonal offerings provide a variety of paths for exploring and living our faith at Christ Church and in the larger community.
The Contemplative Well Report
The Rev. Deb Luginbuhl
The Contemplative Well at Christ Church was launched in January, 2025 and offers weekly contemplative worship on Sundays at 5 pm and contemplative prayer on Wednesdays at noon, both hosted at St. Ignatius. A guided walk is offered monthly at The Labyrinth at Christ Church, which is also open from dawn to dusk for personal walks and prayer.
The Labyrinth Guild at Christ Church is trained to lead walks which give participants a unique opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation. Our New Year’s Day labyrinth walk, facilitated by CCF Parishioner Margaret Bosbyshell, was attended by 43 persons!
In addition to our regularly scheduled events, special programs and contemplative retreats are offered throughout the year.
Special thanks to all who keep this contemplative effort available to our church and community, especially Margaret Bosbyshell, Linda Nelms and Randy Siegel.
Christ Church Backpack Buddies Ministry Report
Susan Shipman
Program Overview
Throughout 2025, Christ Church Frederica’s Backpack Buddies Program continued addressing hunger insecurity among our community’s most vulnerable residents—children—for our 15th year. In addition to increasing food prices and lack of affordable housing, families experienced additional hardship due to decreased SNAP benefits this past year. The need has never been greater.
Backpack Buddies packed and distributed 20,398 weekend food bags to children and families in need in 2025. Receipts totaled $100,737, and expenses were $54,450. The cost per weekend food bag averaged $2.67 per bag, which is largely attributable to our ability to purchase discounted food through Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, along with generous donations of food by parishioners. Our goal for 2026 is to provide more fresh fruit.
Backpack Buddies is blessed that our generous parish and community support of time and treasure has remained very committed to this program throughout its 15 years here locally. We receive NO government grants—local, state, or federal. Our program is funded exclusively by private dollars and operated with 100% volunteer services.
Backpack Buddies volunteers procure, pick up, and unload the food purchases. Other volunteers pack the bags, and others deliver. Our major sources for food include Sam’s Club and America’s Second Harvest, and to a lesser extent Walmart. We have been told by the Brunswick Sam’s Club employees that Backpack Buddies is the second largest purchaser of food behind the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Weekend food bags contain wholesome breakfast and lunch items and healthy snacks for Saturday and Sunday. Averaging around 12 to 13 food items per regular weekend bag, our efforts entail packing over a quarter million food items weighing approximately 92,000+ pounds. Many hands make lighter work!
Regular School Year
Schools and agencies served during 2025 include Safe Harbor’s Street Beat* program; Burroughs Molette, St. Simons, Oglethorpe, Golden Isles, Glyndale, and Sterling elementary schools; Needwood Middle School; and the F.A.C.E.S. Pre-K program. We concluded 2025 serving an average of 500 kids each weekend of the regular school year. Teachers and/or counselors distribute the bags to the students on Fridays, and the bags are taken home for the weekends.
Summer Program
In 2025, Backpack Buddies operated a robust summer program over eight weeks in June and July. We provided weekend bags to elementary students in the June summer school programs at Oglethorpe/St. Simons (combined) and the F.A.C.E.S. Preschool. We continued to provide food bags for Safe Harbor’s Street Beat* program.
Weekend food bags were also provided in June–July to school-aged children participating in the City of Brunswick’s Recreation camps at Howard Coffin Park and Roosevelt Lawrence (a/k/a H Street) Recreation Center. We do not serve these programs during the school year, but many of the elementary-age students attending these camps are Backpack Buddies during the regular school year.
The Lee Street Boys and Girls Club received weekend bags for their summer program kids. An ESL program for kindergartners held at that location also received weekend bags. Glynn Episcopal Ministries (GEM), comprised of parishes in Glynn County, partnered to provide two book fairs for these boys and girls in June and July. An end-of-summer back-to-school festival sponsored by the Brunswick Housing Authority at McIntyre Court featured a book table where children and parents could select multiple books to take home for their own library. All
books were donated by GEM parishioners. Backpack Buddies’ summer program averaged 400+ kids weekly. In total, we distributed 3,400+ weekend bags this past summer.
Backpack Buddies is grateful beyond words to our Christ Church Frederica family and friends for the generous support you provide our community’s youth through this program.
Respectfully submitted with immense gratitude to this parish,
Susan Shipman, CCF
Backpack Buddies Coordinator
* Safe Harbor’s Street Beat Program is a street outreach program for unhoused youth ages 14–21. Street Beat provides homeless youth with emergency services and referrals they need to find safe housing solutions; provides skills to increase their safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency; and helps them build permanent connections with caring mentors. Backpack Buddies provides nutritional food to these vulnerable, at-risk youth year-round.
Docent Ministry Report
Kathryn Saunders
You never know what you might get to be part of when you are a Docent! This year one Docent in our historic church was unexpectedly host to a surprise marriage proposal (including family hidden in the choir pews) and another witness to a quiet renewal of marriage vows! Docents welcome individuals, families and entire busloads of visitors to our historic churches (mostly Christ Church, but also St. Ignatius by appointment). We regularly open the church 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, daily except Mondays, plus other times for groups by appointment. Schedules are set monthly to fit the availability of team members.
In 2025 our Docents welcomed many visitors and helped raise notable funds for the charities that benefit from the Tour of Homes/Cookbook grants:
Visitors welcomed: 14,183
Buses and Trollies: 232
Church Donations (Alms) received: $ 6,418
Beneath the Oaks Cookbooks sold: 427 $ 17.080
CCF History booklets sold: 206 $ 2,060
Serving as a Docent is a rewarding way for members of our parish to support the hospitality for which we often pray on Sundays, that visitors will find love and welcome here. Join us!
Kathryn
Saunders Docent Ministry Team Lead ksaundershome@gmail.com
Overall
Cemetery
Superintendent’s Report 2025
Harrison Branch
There was no hurricane-related damage. During the ice storm on January 22, some fruit trees and azaleas were lost.
Burials: 37
Lots remaining: 36 in Section F (new section)
Niches remaining: 181
We started to look into opening lots in the old section and we’ve initiated spaces for use.
We installed the new road from the back of the church to the front of the parish house and it has made Christ Church more accessible.
We integrated new Cemetery software, called Cemsites. (exp. $2280.00 per year)
Almighty Tree Service: Almighty Tree Service generously donated their services to remove the cross from the top of the church to allow for necessary repairs. After the work was completed, the cross was reinstalled.
Cross Repairs: The broken crown was repaired and the cross was repainted.
Grace Lawn and Irrigation: Grace Lawn and Irrigation has, to date, done a great job. We have a strong working relationship with them, and they continue to provide excellent service.
We extend our thanks to the youth program for their assistance throughout the summer, and to Bruce Bland for his help in the cemetery, including cleaning headstones, painting, and removing dead plants and bushes.
Cemetery Superintendent
Harrison E. Branch
2025 President’s Report for Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
Peggy Goad
2025 WAS ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!
The 2025 Tour of Homes took place on March 21, 2025.
Christ Church Frederica has been so very blessed to be able to raise money for the many non-profits in Glynn, Camden and Darien, GA.
Many thanks to the Tour Chair- Elizabeth Killgallon, and Tour Chair Emeritus- Sharon Altenbach, and over 300 Volunteers. Kathryn Saunders continues her excellent diligence with TOH ticket webpage. The majority of the 2025 tickets were sold online. 2025 TOH was another huge success! The gross amount raised was over $150,000, and over $140,000 went to the charities (non-profit organizations) who applied to receive grant money.
A ToH Celebration at CCF was on April 29, 2025, where Father Tom, Elizabeth Killgallon, and Lesie Morrison awarded the Grant recipients their various amounts of money.
The 2026 Tour Of Homes is in full swing for March 14, 2026. Go to the CCF website and check out the 2026 ToH information!
Beneath the Oaks is another huge cookbook endeavor! Ellen Kheum is the chair. Another excellent reason to check out the CCF website.
2025 Mother’s Day. Father Tom Blessed all the 90 plus moms, (and all moms) during the May 11, 2025, Sunday Services.
The mission of the ECW, which includes every woman in the Christ Church, Frederica Parish, is to support the efforts of all members in Christ Church, Frederica in order to help people find Christian community through worship, study, and service.
We encourage and appreciate all volunteers or interest in ECW Outreach. If you are interested in Christ Church, Frederica ECW, please email Peggy Goad, peleanorlong@gmail, or contact any member of the ECW Board.
Blessings,
Peggy Goad
Newcomers Committee Report
Gail Eskew
The Newcomers Committee had a busy year in 2025. We updated our visitor cards in the pews, and we had quite a few visitors either complete the new visitor cards or use the QR code to reach out to us. Each person who reached out was contacted by a member of the committee, welcoming them to Christ Church. We hosted several events throughout the year, including small social gatherings at a parishioner’s home and First Sunday coffee hours in the tent by the Lych Gate. These gatherings gave visitors the opportunity to meet other parishioners, committee members, clergy, and staff in more intimate settings. All visitors were personally reminded of social events at Christ Church, such as Wednesday dinners and Opera Amore. All events were positively received by visitors, and many made the decision to join Christ Church.
Gail Eskew Chair of the Newcomers Committee
Treasurer’s Report
Edward Bland
I want to start by offering thanks to the many volunteers that assisted with our financial management. First, Don Baker provided great leadership of our Finance Committee. He was assisted throughout the year by Mark Chitty, Con Holland, Thomas Lawhorne and George Ragsdale who also served on the Finance Committee. In addition, there are many devoted members of our church who serve as Tellers. We are thankful for our Head Teller; David Blatchford and for those that served on this team with him: Beryl Blatchford, Lee Dyson, David Boland, Paul Salter and Ed Turner.
Many, many thanks to Jonathan Raclin for taking on the leadership role of the Investment Committee in 2023 and for his continued leadership this past year. His dedicated committee of Tim Costello, Leon Freese, Litt Glover, and Jeff Thomas, the Investment Committee Chair, did a fabulous job of overseeing our treasures with great returns that were realized.
In regard to our financial operations, I have wonderful news to report. Thanks to the generosity of our Parish family and wonderful expense management by our staff , we ended the year with a budget surplus of $156,882. We exceeded our budget for both pledge and non-pledge income more than $100,000. We do continue to allocate financial reserves for unexpected maintenance for the church and the various properties that we own. These balances are shown on our “overview” page.
We continued to support our community with gifts through our Mission Committee, along with the impactful ministries of Backpack Buddies, our holiday funds and our Rector’s Discretionary Funds. We are thankful for the generous response to our Annual Fund for 2025 and we will continue to encourage our parishioners to generously support our programs and ministries throughout the coming year as they are able.
Our year-end endowment statements report net gains in the General Fund and the Cemetery Fund as shown on the overview page. We did once again take a 4% draw to support our operations and capital improvements. Our 2026 budget maintains this pattern.
Last, we said goodbye to Ada Ramirez Joaquin, and had Ebonee Moore join us as our Part Time Bookkeeper. She has been a wonderful addition! And, naturally we are incredibly grateful for the outstanding work that Glenn Queener provides to our church operations (among the many hats that he wears).
Respectfully,
Edward Bland, Treasurer
Glenn Queener
Christ Church, Frederica
CCF 2025 Non-Operating and Special Funds Report
LHR - Locally Held Reserves 2025 Expenditures Opening Balance $41,149
Revenue $100,000 Date
04/23/25 14,630 Bathrrom Repair - Serenity Lane - Complete
04/15/25 9,538 Stabilize Floors - Serenity Lane - Complete
04/16/2025 1,601 Painting 102 E, Commons - Complete
6/4/25 26,435 Balance of Painting at Serenity Lane - Complete
9/18/25 25,000 Painting Parish House - Complete
9/26/25 20,000 Painting Christ Church - Complete 10/30/25 1,200 Painting Nursery - Complete
11/15/25 4,190 Deck Repair - E. Commons - In progress YTD Expenses $102,594
Balance $38,555 Prior Year's Surplus Opening Balance
01/01/25 4,000 Memorial Fund to bring to even - Complete 01/01/25 5,000 St. Cecelia fund to Fund additional musicans - Complete 12/9/25 7,500 Wesley Memorial Garden - In progress
25,000 Loan Reimbursemeint - Complete
100,000 LHR - Complete
25,000 Diocesan Strategic Plan - Complete 30,000 Arreya Donor Wall - In progress 14,909 Gas Line for Generator - Complete 65,909 Generator - Complete 219,639 Sunpath Solor - Parish House Solor - $54,909.75 pd on 12/31 YTD Expenses
08/01/25 100,191 $ 9/1/25 50,000 $ 10/1/25 50,000 $ 11/1/25 50,000 $ YTD Drawdown 250,191 $ Remaining Drawdown $0
1-50001 3941 3941 We prepaid our new church management software (One Church) for the year. This is what brought is overbudget for the year-to-date figure.
1-50005 Equip. Lease/Maint/Support 2825 2825
This included December's copier usage. We will see it come into line with Budget to date as the year progresses.
1-50009 Office Supplies 1334 1334 We purchased consumables (paper, etc.) in advance. We should not have as high of office supply expenses for a while.
1-50019 General Insurance 7963 7963 This is a quarterly insurance bill, but budgeted monthly. 1-50020 Grounds 7608 7608 This includes clean up after the ice storm
1-50105 Serenity Lane Maintenance 947 947 This includes $690.93 for bathroom repairs done in 2024
1-50052 VBS 329 329 Purchase leader kit for VBS
1-50035 General 1358 1358 Tickets for the Les Mis Trip -- Account has been renamed Parish Outings
1-50295
Christmas Eve musicians were paid with the credit card, and that was expensed in January. Fr. Tom and Glenn have spoken about this and will ensure that this will not happen again.
1-50105 Serenity Lane Maintenance $5,058 $6,005 Includes $4780 for bathroom remodel that should have been charged to LHR, will be corrected in March
1-50005 Equip. Lease/Maint/Support $4,078 $9,879 Copier use remains high, we hope to see this come down during the summer months
$12,265 $20,228 Quarterly Billing, it will balance out 1-50040 Shrove Tuesday $1,523 $1,523 Expenses were higher than expected, as was income (1,432.
1-50052 VBS
$892 $1,220 More VBS Purchases, this line will be out of budget for the year
1-50105 Serenity Lane Maintenance -$4,398 $1,607 We transferred the initial primary bath remodel to LHR in March.
1-50232 Sexton March reimbursement from Cemetery will be done later this week
1-50422 Assistant to the Admin - FICA -$500 $35 There was a posting error in February and was corrected in March.
Various Electric - All locations January and February bills were paid in Feb and March's in March. All three months hit on the same credit card statement, this is why the first quarter's bills all show in March. Electric bills remain higher than budgeted, Will have to check on all locations to try to learn why the increase from previous years.
1-50286 Telephone
1-40000 Pledge Income
1-50006 Communications
1-50052 VBS
1-50005 Equip/LeaseMaint/Support
1-50023 Repairs & Maintenance
$1,372 $4,345 We are working to secure another vendor who has better pricing.
$79,856 $324,533 Moved $20,000 from Prepaid pledges to cover monthly deficit
$5,648 $5,972 $4,441.01 is expenses by the ECW during Tour of Homes and paid from OP by mistake. These were voided in May and will show up on next month's P&L.
$977 $2,197 More items needed for VBS.
This is our portion for the annual maintenance costs.
$4,325 $17,151 $3538.36 in color copy fees. This is due to Easter and Holy Week. We will see this line come down during the summer
$4,263 $10,635 We had an AC unit go down which took two days to repair
Monthly Lawn Maintenance was this month's only expense
$3,121 Supplies for VBS, the budget over-run will be made up by the Chisholm fund 1-50232 Sexton $5,864 $20,514 The May reimbursement for the Cemetery Super. has not been made.
1-40000 Pledge
$133,527 $560,769 Moved balance of $104,638 from Prepaid pledges to cover monthly deficit
$20,725 New copier has been leased, and we have reduced our "per click" rate. This line will still be over budget for the year, but we have reduced that roughly $1250 per month
Quarterly Billing, it will balance out
$6150 to replace an irrigation well pump that had stopped working. Half of this amount will be
The final VBS expenses have been accounted
The June and July reimbursements for the Cemetery Super. have not been made.
1-50005 Equip. Lease/Maint/Support $ 8,046 $
- Historic
1-50020
This includes the ($4000) buyout of our previous copier, I am checking on this. I do not recall this being mentioned.
$ 1,115 $ 7,190 All utilities continue to run high, due to increased usage, and cost. Will work with Junior Warden and Rector to see what we can do to bring it down.
Tree removal at St. Ignatius. A tree fell during a storm, this was an unbudgeted expense.
1-40035
1-50001 Dues and Subscriptions
1-50005 Equip/LeaseMaint/Support
1-50009 Office Supplies
1-50019 Grounds
1-50023 Repairs & Maintenance
1-50105 Serenity Lane Maintenance
1-50000 Wednesday Night at Christ Church
1-50061 S&D - Communications
1-50023 Repairs & Maintenance
1-50286 Telephone and Internet
6,000 $ 6,000 Additional funds to the BDA to be more inline with one Sunday's "loose offering" per canon
Painting of St. I door and Nursery, it was misallocated and will be corrected in November.
-$401 This is an incorrect posting from April, will be corrected in December. Should have been an expense
We discussed stopping the draw for November, but decesion was made too late and the draw went forward as
$3,490 Communion wafers, fair linens, etc.
I am not sure what was purchased for VBS in October, but will check with the person who mae the person. It is possible it was not coded properly
$3,061 $16,744 This is the time of year when our annual subscriptions are due. We will not have have as mnay next year, due to One Church
$784 $28,744
While we are still over budget for the year, this is a lower monthly rate than we were seeing eariler in the year.
$2,261 $7,807 This should have been the last office supplie order of the year
$5,403 $61,451 This is our monthly grounds bill, nothing out of the ordinary this month.
$13,428 $56,289 We another AC unit installed for $11,000
$3,183 $8,572 Typically, I would suggest any budget overage in this line be covered by LHR, however, since we have such a robust surplus, I would suggest we leave it
$2,615 $17,282
This program was only budgeted for the first season (Jan-May) and was very popular, and was brough back in the fall.
$420 $2,637 Higher costs than expected as it relates to printed material with the annual fund campaign
$4,966 $61,255 $2,504 - Carpets cleaned in both churches and parish house, $1,393 - refrigeration repair
$3,902 $27,672 We have switched internet companies to reduce cost Dec-25 Nov-25
Date Range: Dec 1st 2025 - Dec 31st 2025 | Filtered by: Fund, Core Account
Date Range: Dec 1st 2025 - Dec 31st 2025 | Includes Open Transactions | Filtered by: Fund
Fund: Capital Campaign
Revenues
GenerGeneralIncomealIncome
40014 Gain (Loss) From Sale of Stock
Total General Income
Capital Campaign Income Campaign
49001 Cap Camp Pledge Income
49002 Cap Camp General Income
49006 Cap Camp Legal Fee Recoup
Total Capital Campaign Income
Total Revenues
Expenses
LLocally Held Reserv ocally Reserves(VR)es(VR)
50074 Prop Maint Res - Simonton Way (VR)
Total Locally Held Reserves (VR)
Capital Campaign Expenses Campaign Expenses
Cap Campaign Admin Cap
59003 Cap Campaign Loan Interest
59012 Legal Fees
Total Cap Campaign Admin
Construction
59020 Project Manager Fees
59022 St. Ignatius Project
59024 Labyrinth
59025 Parish House Renovation
59027 Backpack Buddies Project
59029 New Sign Project
Total Construction
Total Capital Campaign Expenses
Total Expenses
Net Total
$179,703 )$69,987
Date Range: Dec 1st 2025 - Dec 31st 2025 | Includes Open Transactions | Filtered by: Fund
Fund: Cemetery Fund
Revenues
Cemetery Income Income
40052 CEM General Donations
40054 Inc from Perpetual Care Fund - TRF
40056 Distribution from Lot & Niche Sales
40057 TRF from R & M Reserves
Total Cemetery Income
Total Revenues Expenses
PPersonnelersonnel
PP/TSe/TSextonxton
50234 Sexton - Pension
Total P/T Sexton
SeSexton Support xton Support
50024 Sexton Support
Total Sexton Support
Cemetery Superintendent
50321 ACS - STD
50324 ACS - FICA
50325 ACS - Pension
50326 ACS - Health Insurance
50329 ACS - Cell Phone
50331 Cemetery Superintendent
50342 ACS - Weddings/Funerals
Total Cemetery Superintendent
Total Personnel
Buildings & Grounds
Buildings
Buildings and Grounds Grounds
Christ Church, Frederica
Accounts
50017 Traffic Safety
Total Buildings and Grounds
Total Buildings & Grounds
Cemetery Gener Cemetery General Expenses al Expenses
Other Expenses Expenses
50304 New Equipment
50305 Cemetery Lot/Niche BuyBacks
50306 Plaques & Burial Markers
50313 Tree Maintenance
50314 Utilities
50315 Grounds Maintenance
50318 Irrigation Maintenance
50319 Repairs & General Maintenance
50320 Cemetery Superintendent Support
50391 Cem Dues and Subscriptions
Total Other Expenses
Total Cemetery General Expenses
Total Expenses
Net Total
Statement of Finanical Position
6moCD (11/18/25) $20,882.04
6moCD (12/15/25) $20,000.00
6moCD (1/6/26)
6moCD (3/24/26)
6moCD (4/21/26) $20,803.35 $20,803.35 $20,803.35
2026 Budget
Christ Church, Frederica Budget - Operating Fund
50000 Wednesday Night at Christ Church
50035 Parish Outings
(Fr. Tom Purdy)
Associate Rector Salary & Benefits (Mtr. Ashton W.)
Parish
(Jim Broussard)
(Glenn Queener)
Communications
(Lilian Packard)
