PARISH OF ST. MATTHEW
JANUARY 27, 2019
2019 ANNUAL REPORT We are a Christian community, and Welcome all, wherever they are in their journey, Nourish all who see unity with God and each other in Christ, and Serve all, striving to do Christ’s work in the world.
A Year in Review at St. Matthew’s St. Matthew’s many programs and ministries flourished last year in dedication to our mission to Welcome, Nourish and Serve. Following is a snapshot of some of their many achievements. more on
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Treasurer’s Report 94% of St. Matthew’s revenue comes directly from pledges. Our pledge total increased from $1,830,037 in 2017 to $1,994,819 in 2018.
Average pledge amount in 2017:
Average pledge amount in 2018:
$4,031
$4,453
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
St. Matthew’s 2018 accomplishments: ! Income exceeded Expenses allowing $100,000 to be added to reserves ! The Vestry approved a balanced budget for 2019 ! An Endowment Policy was established ! A Gift Acceptance Policy was established ! The Investment Committee was reformed
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Parish Leadership The Vestry is made up of 12 elected lay members who serve as the leadership of the Parish. With the Chancellor, Staff of the Parish and others, the Vestry seeks to hold the vision of the Parish even as it seeks to encourage the many ministries of our community. The members of the Vestry for the past year have been Pete Mann, Sr. Warden; Elizabeth Troy, Jr. Warden; Jim Brill, Treasurer; Melissa Rawlins, Recording Secretary; Mary Ellen Kanoff, Chancellor; Terry Bird, Eric Edmunds, Lisa Goldman, Dave Higley, Billy Jones, Sarah Peterson, Charles Simonds and Daniela Winter.
2018 Sunday Services by the Numbers people were needed to make Sunday Services happen each week. Home Eucharistic visits were made. animal crackers were served in child care. donuts were devoured on the patio. More than altar flowers were arranged. communion wafers were consumed. Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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Stewardship Pledge Campaign Committee One quarter of our parish pledging families, new and long-time, joyfully committed time and talent to the success of the Annual Parish Stewardship Pledge Campaign that supports the mission and ministries of our parish that nourish all who seek unity with God and each other in Christ. The yearround planning committee consists of 17 members: Bruce Freeman, Kathy Bitting, Lynne Brickner, Karen Brightly, Patrick Boulva, Kristen Chambers, Andrew Devkar, Lisa Goldman, Nona Greene, Mike Hurst, Eleanor Keare, Peter Mann, Jr., Paul Notaras, Sarah Peterson, Charles Simonds, Jim Brill, and Becky Winding.
Planned Giving Ministry & Legacy Society
At a Glance: 104 23
Volunteers Team Leaders
The Parish of St. Matthew Endowment Fund has been created to receive, invest and administer bequests and charitable gifts to the Parish. This Endowment Fund provides an opportunity for parishioners and supporters to preserve and expand the
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Visitors
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Phone Callers
work of the Parish for future generations by creating a source of income to maintain the facilities and assure their survival. The Legacy Society of The Parish of St. Matthew recognizes those persons who have provided for gifts to the Parish in their estate plans. The Parish gratefully acknowledges the past and
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Sunday Speakers
4
Epistle Writers
200 500
Visits and Emails Phone Calls
future generosity of the members of the Legacy Society. Membership in the Legacy Society is granted when a person notifies the Parish that it is a beneficiary of the donor's estate plan. Members are thanked each year on Legacy Sunday. Legacy Society 2018 membership consists of 224 individuals. Legacy Sunday 2019 is designated for Sunday, June 23. Planned Giving Committee members are Bruce Freeman, Kathy Bitting, Lynne Brickner, Bill Finestone, Lise Luttgens, John Martineau, Paul Notaras and Becky Winding.
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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St. Matthew’s Day & Christmas Faire The Annual September St. Matthew's Day picnic celebrates the launch of St. Matthew’s new program year when the entire parish comes together. Newcomers and all ages are invited to come together in community to celebrate our ministries and fellowship together. This year we also rejoiced as we also welcomed our new Head of School, Edward Kim. Jana Russell once again chaired St. Matthew’s Day in 2018.
HUNDREDS of Hot Dogs
ONE New Head of School
$135,000 earned for our Outreach Partners at Christmas Faire
The Parish’s 27th Annual Christmas Faire took place on Friday, November 16, 2018. Chairs Holly Manzo, Whitney Campeau, Whitney Cale Brejcha, Kelly Durbin Peterson and Brooke Toeller Kathrein engaged our community and beyond to benefit the Parish’s designated Outreach Partners. This year’s theme was LOVE. Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in love.” And a lovely evening it was – for all of those who participated in volunteering and giving and also for those Outreach Partners who benefitted from the gifts in support of each of their designated causes. Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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Godly Play
10 years of Godly Play at St. Matthew’s
11 leaders dedicated to our children
Godly Play at St. Matthew’s provides a Montessori-inspired curriculum each Sunday for children from Pre-K through 4th Grade. The stories, based on the Bible, inspire children to put their own relationship to God unto words. We are a village that lovingly raises our younger children into a close relationship with The Trinity. Our Godly Play leader, Nona Greene, reports that she finds God in the Sacred Space of Godly Play, in the Doorkeeper welcoming
100 buckets of Sculpey
our children into our sacred space, in the way the light of the Spirit informs the story being told. The whole experience is like a prayer. Its leadership team also includes Sarah Adams, Peter Dubrawski, Sue Ganz, Kim Iselin, Debbie Tennant, Kathy Bitting, MacKenzie Lee, Nate Russell, Amelia Russell, and Pam Mann.
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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Scouts at St. Matthew’s The Parish of St. Matthew is the proud host and partner of one of the premier scouting programs in the country. We currently work with Cub Scout Pack 223, Boy Scout Troop 223, and Venture Crew 223. Beginning in February 2019 we will also begin to host Scouts BSA Troop 2223 for girls. At that time Boy Scout Troop 223, will also officially undergo a name change to become Scouts BSA
246 registered participants
Troop 223. Cub Scout Pack 223 Cub Scout Pack 223 is led by Cubmaster Charles Curtis, along with 59 registered adult leaders, serving as Tiger, Lion, Webelo and Den leaders. The program has 136 registered youth, who meet in private homes and at the parish on Monday nights.
26 new Eagle Scouts
Boy Scout Troop 223 Boy Scout Troop 223 is led by Scoutmaster Mike Lanning, along with 115 registered and trained adult leaders serving as Assistant Scoutmasters and Troop Committee Members. These leaders also provide tremendous leadership on the District, Council and national level supporting the ministry of scouting across Los Angeles and the United States. The troop currently has 110
199 rank achievements
registered scouts, with approximately 50 new scouts joining the troop in February 2019. Director of Program Ministry, Missy Morain, happily ministers with the scout troops at St. Matthew’s. Scouts gives young people the opportunity to practice and learn the skills they need to become adults. It is a space to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. We are looking forward to new opportunities as
930 merit badges
girls join the program in 2019. Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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The Stern Lecture
Quiet Days
Rector’s Bible Study
Bible Study
150 Psalms
Adult Christian Formation Women’s Retreat
Quiet Days provided opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth: During Lent, “Oh the Ways You Can Pray” with thirteen different prayer stations set up in and around the Church, from playful to artistic to meditative. During Advent, “A Very Pregnant Pause” with journaling, discussion and meditation under the guidance of Rev. Julie Bryant. The Rector’s Bible Study met weekly on Thursday mornings, engaging more of Paul’s Epistles and the Book of Revelation with deep conversation, great coffee and amazing baked goodies. Focused Prayer continues to be a focus of ministry and formation. Centering Prayer met on Monday evenings in the Chapel, moving to the Labyrinth on where there was a full moon. The Rosary Group gathered the first Saturday of each month in the Chapel. The annual Psalmathon was held during Lent. Over two Saturday mornings, participants read all 150 psalms, celebrating their deep poetry and prayer. The Annual Women’s Retreat was held at the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu in January. Facilitated by Greta Ronningen, Prior of the Community of Divine Love, some 35 parishioners learned about the Beguines, one of the earliest women’s monastic orders, reflected, meditated, enjoyed fellowship and ecstatic dancing. What happens at Serra stays at Serra. The Stern Lectures featured Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, distinguished New Testament scholar and internationally acclaimed speaker on the intersection between first century Judaism and the Jesus movement. Kehillat Israel joined St. Matthew’s in sponsoring Dr. Levine’s visit, and the Friday evening session took place in the context of the Shabbat service at KI. The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose will be our 2019 speaker, February 8-10. Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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Emmaus Emmaus groups are living breathing versions of The Parish
Covenants per Year
of St. Matthew. Each covenant we invite and welcome new members into our small group program regardless of their
Weeks We Met Together
faith or spiritual background. Each week we meet in community to pray, learn, share and laugh. At least once per covenant, each group performs outreach of some kind as a group.
Outreach Event per Group
St. Matthew’s Emmaus Coordinator Cindy Davis says, “During sign up periods, I love to stand at the table after Sunday services and meet new people looking for
Times we Met and Prayed Together
community and finding it right there. This past year, my group welcomed a brand new member of the parish, also a new mother, recently relocated from Texas to the Palisades. She told me that she feels as if she has known us
Urns of Freshly Brewed Coffee We Drank
for years and that St. Matthews feels like home.” Between 85-100 participants were led by the expertise and care of Robin Darrow, Mary Yoder, Betty-Jo Tilley, Jana Russell, Cindy Davis, Carl Freeman, Henry Weaks, Pam McGranahan, Sarah Adams, Nancy Von Oeyen, Karen Grigsby and Chris Schetter.
Digital Data
188
Instagram followers
372
Facebook followers
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
354
Sermon downloads
10,545 Website visits
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Pancake Supper
Foyer Dinner Kick-Off
Advent Ornament Party
Fellowship Easter Vigil
Fellowship hosts six events for the entire Parish during the year, and this year Fellowship also hosted two welcome receptions for the arrivals of Stefanie Wilson and Dwayne Milburn. We hold six planning meetings during the year and we typically have 15-25 people in attendance. Heather Hilterbrand, who co-chairs Fellowship with Holly Manzo, explains that “St. Matthew’s is a very close community and, in my experience, we embrace anyone who wants to be a part. Fellowship in particular I think helps strong bonds to form in our community, as we work together on behalf of others. God is always evident in the true generosity of the members of our Parish, with countless acts of selflessness in our interactions with our community at large and within our Parish.”
250 strawberries dipped in chocolate for the Easter Vigil
12 trips back and forth to the Parish Center to set up each event (in heels)
Pentecost Sunday Reception
ZERO punch bowls despite serving punch at every event (Kathy Bitting always comes through)
COUNTLESS friendships
Eastertide Brunch
made every time you volunteer Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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Pastoral Ministries
1,734
birthday calls
In Pastoral Ministry we witness to the steadfast, compassionate love of God through basic caring, connecting and serving one another. During the past year, thanks to the work of many generous and gifted ministers in this community, all of us have been nurtured and strengthened in a variety of ways. Anointing / Prayer Ministry – offering up to God our prayers of joy, thanksgiving, petition and contrition, every Sunday during Communion in the Chapel. David Landau and Lizzy Tooke, Coordinators Birthday Callers – sending good wishes to members on their special day, every day of the week, all year long. Daniela Winter, Coordinator Flower Delivery – delivering a dose of color – flowers from the Altar – every Sunday after services. Heather Crawford, Coordinator
144 home Eucharistic visits
Helping Hands – delivering love through meals at the perfect time: new baby, recovering from illness, time of bereavement, throughout the year. Lindsey Hansen, Lissa Purdy and Kelly Sullivan Peterson Home Eucharistic Ministers – bringing Holy Communion to those confined at home, sent out from both 8 am and 10:15 services, every Sunday. Cyndy Ufkes, Coordinator Intercessory Prayer Team – praying daily and diligently for others, those in need and in thanksgiving for life’s blessings. Fred Simmons, Coordinator Lay Pastoral Visitors – sharing the journey and offering spiritual support in committed regular visiting relationships. Rob Wood, Coordinator; Julie Nichols and Elizabeth Troy, Coaching Support
(only)
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dollars to have lunch with a fascinating monthly speaker
Saints Alive – gathering for fascinating speakers, engaging conversation and delicious luncheon, October through May. Jane Anderson, Bob Harter and Susan Sutton, Coordinators. The Pastoral Care Commission, comprised of Ministry Coordinators and chaired by Daniela Winter, has met quarterly to share experiences, brainstorm strategies and support one another.
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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Liturgical Ministers and Altar Guild Lectors, Ushers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Oblation Bearers, Acolytes, Chalice Bearers, Donut Providers, Greeters, Coordinators and more work together to help services run smoothly every week – and every time St. Matthew’s hosts a wedding or funeral. The Altar Guild plays a particularly unique role in the smooth operation of services. It’s members include René Buchanan - Directress, Team III Captain; Lynne Brickner - Weddings and Funerals Captain, Treasurer; Maida Hastings and Merelie Whited - Team I Co-captains; Katie Sanders - Team II Captain; Melanie Dwight - Liturgical Supplies Steward; Annette McCarthy - Fair Linens Steward; Jane Anderson - Sacristy Supplies Steward. René shares, “I believe this very special ministry helps welcome all who desire Christ, no matter where they may be in their journeys, by lovingly preparing Christ’s Banquet, during which we all become one Body as we share one bread and one cup. God’s flows through my body as I help prepare Our Lord’s Table for The Sacrament of Holy Communion. Simultaneously, God is all around me... in the stillness of our church, in the sunlight streaming through the stained glass, in the rustle of the leaves just outside the North Doors, in the serenity and peace I feel deep inside my soul, and in the vessels which have been lovingly cared for by all who came before me. The first time I helped with preparing the Altar for Holy Communion was when became real for me. While it seems like a lot of work, being an Altar Guild member is a very joyous activity!”
30+
500
4
years that some members have served
palm crosses made with Troop 223
meetings per year
150
500
candles made with Troop 223
purificators laundered
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
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St. Matthew’s Choir Under the direction of Dwayne Milburn, Music Director and with the accompaniment of Haesung Park, Parish Organist, the Choir at St. Matthew’s provides choral/instrumental support for Sunday services and special services (weddings and funerals) in the parish as well as two choral evensongs and two major performances with the St. Matthew's Chamber Orchestra.
St. Matthew’s Music Guild The mission of the Music Guild includes the presentation of concerts by the critically-acclaimed Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s and guest artists, and engaging in outreach activities that include mentoring young players and presenting them in performance, commissioning and premiering new works from both established and lesser-known young composers, and offering performances to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area. The Music Guild’s Board President, Tom Neenan, offers informative talks about the music prior to each concert.
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
Choir members Music Guild Concerts and “Liner Notes” Chamber Orchestra members Seasons at St. Matthew’s Evensongs World Premieres of new compositions
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25,000 pounds of food collected for WSFB
10,000 miles traveled to Africa by GAIA volunteers
Outreach at St. Matthew’s is led by John Carrick, Jackie Ehlers, Jocelyn Cortese and Bruce Freeman who shepherd the Outreach Grants and run multiple hands-on Outreach opportunities throughout the calendar year with 11-15 Commission members. Outreach is a critical component of Christ's work in the world and we see God in every individual we serve, and in our partner organizations, who are Christ's hands in the world.
Outreach Commission Angel Interfaith Network
1,000
incarcerated Communicants via lay ministers
Chrysalis
7,500 meals served at Bread & Roses Cafe
CLARE Foundation Episcopal Urban Intern Program GAIA (Global Aids Interfaith Alliance)
375
people in need “adopted” for Christmas
Hollygrove / Uplift Family Services
2,500
school supplies donated to PRISM
1,250 meals cooked and served to SPY youth
Jubilee Consortium Neighborhood Youth Association Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness PRISM / Restorative Justice Safe Place for Youth St. Joseph Center The People Concern
Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
Westside Food Bank
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babies provided new strollers through AIN
1 Special Golden Sparkplug Award given to Dede Vlietstra 14
St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop The St. Matthews Thrift Shop is led by a Board of Directors. This year’s roster includes, Diane Elander, Diane Hogsta, Heather Jones, Vesta Kia, Richard Kuhlenschmidt, Mary Naef, Jamie Madden, Tracy Metzger, John Phelps, Patricia Platt, Alexandra Roosa, Claudia Vallon and Stacy Santos. In 20182019, Alex Roosa serves as Board Chair, Richard Kuhlenschmidt and Jamie Madden serve as Past Board Chairs. David Higley serves as our Vestry Representative and Bruce Freeman, our Rector, serves as our ministry advisor. Major events for the Thrift Shop are the annual Volunteer Dinner, the biannual Volunteer Coffees, the Ski Sale, and Christmas Faire. We host an annual picnic and pool party at St. Matthews for the children from Las Familias del Pueblo. And we also support the Parish PRISM Picnic, under the leadership of Shop volunteer Zena Bartholomew, by hosting a Shop boutique where all items are free to attendees. As our mission statement clearly states, the Shop is called by God to do Christ’s work in the world by reaching out with compassion and assistance, providing goods, services, and resources to those in need. We see God daily at the Shop whether one is working with or in conversation with fellow volunteer, or one is helping a customer. Sometimes a customer is in need of a specific item (for example, the teen on a very limited budget looking to score a cool top) other times, they are just lonely and looking to engage in conversation with our volunteers. Our ministry is a very “hands on” ministry. Our volunteers know not only many of our customers by name, but also know about their lives. We all feel so grateful that we have been given this opportunity to serve. The Shop is truly a welcoming place, its volunteers and its customers live “in community” together. Parish of St. Matthew Annual Report 2019
62 years in operation 137,500 dollars in grants to our partner agencies
2,100 shifts worked by volunteers
10 carloads of donations transported to SMTS per week
5200+ total carloads
Our Partner Agencies: Venice Family Clinic, Airport Marina Counseling Center, New Directions for Vets, Las Familias del Pueblo, St. Margaret’s Center, and The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation. We also provided critical funding for the Westside Food Bank, SPY, (Safe Place for Youth), St. Joseph’s Center, and OPCC – The People Concern in conjunction with the St. Matthew’s Outreach Commission. 15