III. Consideration of the Minutes of the 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting
IV. Motion to Allow Session to Approve Minutes of Today’s Meeting
V. Pastors’ Reflections
VI. Motion to Approve Revised Bylaws
VII. Motion to Fill Vacant Elder Term
VIII. Review of 2025 Year-End Financials
IX. Presentation of 2026 Operating Budget
X. Motion to Approve Pastors’ Terms of Call
XI. Motion to Adjourn
XII. Blessing and Adjournment
Pastor’s Letter
Rev. David Prentice-Hyers Lead Pastor
In the build-up to a cold and busy Advent, when the need was urgent and time was short, our congregation did what those shaped by grace must keep learning to do: we leaned toward one another and stepped out toward our neighbors.
The rapid spin-up of the warming shelter did not solidify through the work of a single person or committee. It took shape through a convergence of staff and parishioners alike, pooling effort and care to offer not only a warm place to rest and survive, but a way of being together that embodies First Pres hospitality. Tables were set. Names were spoken and remembered. Stories were welcomed and held. For a brief season, a shelter became a shared life.
A few weeks later, while hosting the Overnight Rotating Shelter, one of our guests approached a host and quietly asked if an envelope could be found. After some searching, one appeared. The man returned a few minutes later, handing it back, now filled with hard-earned cash and a note of thanks. It was not given in exchange for a bed or a meal, but offered in response to something deeper: the experience of being received, recognized, and welcomed.
The Christian tradition names this shared life koinōnia. Often translated as fellowship, the word reaches further—a community infused by God’s own life and love. Koinōnia is not something we produce through effort or goodwill. It is a gift we receive, a collective love that emerges when we open our lives to one another.
This annual report bears witness to that calling: a people formed by shared life. Again and again, we move toward the needs of our neighbors and toward one another, sometimes haltingly, sometimes boldly, often imperfectly, but always with the faith that God is already at work in the space between us. What follows is not simply a record of programs or numbers, but the story of what it means to belong to one another for the sake of the world God loves.
Brent Ivey Executive Administrator
As I reflect on 2025, I find myself returning to our current stewardship theme: All-In with Loving Hearts, Willing Hands and Open Minds. As I shared at a recent new-member gathering, this is more than a slogan or a theme. It speaks to how we offer our whole selves to God.
With loving hearts, we choose to love generously, because God has loved us first. With willing hands, we show up: serving, worshiping, teaching, singing, welcoming - our shared participation. With open minds we stay curious and faithful. We stay open to growth, to calling, and to what God might do next through us.
Because of your generosity, engagement, and shared commitment, our church remains on solid financial footing. For the past three years, we have concluded the fiscal year without a deficit. We have met our obligations, supported our ministries, and cared responsibly for the resources entrusted to us. For 2026, Session has approved a balanced budget that invites us once again to be “All-In” with our financial contributions so that we can fully support the life and ministry of First Pres for the year ahead. With God’s help, we are making God’s love visible in countless ways and choosing abundance over fear or scarcity.
Our Capital Campaign continues to flourish. Many dedicated and talented people are focused on raising the necessary funds and thoughtfully designing and planning so that we can bring a very exciting vision for our physical plant to fruition. Along with the stewardship of our facilities, the Campaign’s Mission Tithe will support new and existing mission initiatives. In what new ways might our renovated facilities be used for outreach? What is God calling First Pres to do with our abundance?
I am humbled by our dedicated staff. It is a true privilege to work alongside these talented individuals. Day after day, they strive to cultivate and support a community that reflects God’s love and lives into our shared calling. They offer their whole selves in inspirational and transformative ways.
I am grateful to join you as part of our “All-In” community that offers its hearts, hands, and resources in faithful response to God’s abundant grace.
Clerk’s Report
CAROL GOTTLIEBSEN and KATHY HILLIG Clerk of Session
2025 was an eventful year in the life of the Session of First Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Rev. David Prentice-Hyers. Clerk of Session Carol Gottliebsen completed her time as Clerk, and Kathy Hillig was voted to serve as Clerk beginning in November 2025. Kathy had previously served as Assistant Clerk to Diana Gardner ten years ago and is happy to serve Session once again.
During Carol’s term, Session was busy with its work on Capital Campaign plans and was able to hold a special Session meeting to hear about both the critical needs of the church property and plans for how best to use the funds raised to keep our building functional. In addition, the Faith Formation Committee worked hard to better define and support both children’s and adult faith formation activities. One of the joys each year is the annual welcome and hearing of Statements of Faith from our youth, along with the summer music camp for youth.
A well-known Presbyterian consultant, Rev. Susan Beaumont, was brought in this past year to work with staff and Session to improve communication with one another and to build awareness of Session’s critical roles in achieving the goals set by Session committees for our community of faith.
In addition to welcoming our eight confirmands, Session members were pleased to welcome 35 new members and
six affiliates to our church family in 2025. Session is composed of 25 ruling elders. The following elders served as committee chairs in 2025: Susan Whitlock, Worship and Fine Arts; Betsy McAllister, Faith Formation; Nicki Sorter, Congregational Life; Kurt Boeve, Finance; Jeff Taggart, Property; Jim Schaafsma, Mission; Diane Tamblyn, Safety; Ankie Schuitema, Personnel; Dianne Santinga, Integrated Communications; Mark Lindley, Congregational Nominating Committee; and Dan Mitas, Capital Campaign Steering Committee.
I am grateful for the support of Rev. David Prentice-Hyers, Executive Administrator Brent Ivey, and all of the First Pres staff as I worked to record the many ways in which Session—and all in our community—craft new ways to “Make God’s Love Visible.”
At Kathy’s first official meeting after being voted into the position of Clerk, Session called a meeting to discuss use of the building for the Warming Shelter for two weeks in December. This was soon followed by a retreat of Session and the Board of Deacons to welcome the new class of elders and deacons, hear their faith statements, and give outgoing officers time to reflect on their service. This new class of elders and deacons will begin their work in January 2026. Session also began a review of the bylaws, dated 2014. Clerk Kathy Hillig looks forward to the work ahead as we continue, as a church family, to be All In.
Pastor Reports
REPORT
Rev. Melissa Anne Rogers
Associate Pastor
First and foremost, I offer my deep gratitude to this congregation, to our staff, Session, and Deacons. You helped me mark two meaningful milestones this year. I was ordained at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor on October 8, 1998, and reaching 30 years of ordained ministry is a profound personal and spiritual joy. Even more remarkably, my ministry at First Presbyterian Church— now in my role as Minister of Pastoral Care and Congregational Life—began 20 years ago.
Nearly 28 years ago, I walked down the aisle of our Sanctuary to marry Jim Rogers, and just weeks later I was hired as Interim Campus Minister (1998–2000). What has followed has been a beautiful, uplifting, and at times challenging journey. It is you, this congregation, who keep me thriving in ministry. Longevity like this—especially in an associate pastor role—is rare, and it happens only because the relationship between pastor and congregation is a healthy and life-giving one. I give thanks for that bond and pray for many more years of ministry together.
Some of you knew that I had hoped to be on sabbatical during the first third of 2026. While my grant application was not approved this year, I plan to try again next year and trust that the right project and timing will align with available funding. I share this simply to say: I’m still here—and grateful to be so. I look forward to walking with you through the Lenten and Easter seasons ahead.
The heart of my work at First Pres is pastoral and congregational care. Alongside staff and dedicated volunteers,
I support ministries that nurture faith, connection, and belonging, including Deacons, Stephen Ministry, Helping Hands, Mature Ministries, Congregational Life events, Membership, Prayer and Pilgrimage, Parish Nursing, Adult Faith Formation, Officer Training, and Women’s Small Groups. Above all, I coordinate the pastoral care of the congregation—a task I could not begin to do without the partnership of my fellow clergy, program staff, and the many caregivers who serve faithfully in so many ways.
I am especially grateful for key leaders whose wisdom and commitment make this ministry possible: Parish Nurses Stacey Pakela and Barb DeLancey; Deacon Moderators Ellen Johnson and Anne Andrus; Adult Faith Formation Chair Jane Dutton; Mature Ministries’ “Right Arm to Mel,” Brad Taylor; Stephen Ministry Chair Kathy Wirstrom; and Congregational Life leaders Nicki Sorter, Barb Brewster, and Cathy King. Each of these leaders is supported by dedicated teams whose faithful service sustains their work. You know who you are—and you are beautiful reflections of Christ’s love and light in this church and in the world.
From fast-track sessions and new member classes to New Member Breakfasts; from the fall Ice Cream Social to the spring All-Church Picnic; from the Christmas Stroll to Easter Sunday refreshments—these gatherings are not simply events. They are opportunities to connect people to one another and to God. With each one, we roll up our sleeves, open our hearts, and grow more faithful and more loving together.
A highlight of 2025 was a 29-person pilgrimage along the Dingle Way in Ireland, divided into two groups, with Rev. DPH leading the second group and me leading the first. I coordinated the planning and preparation for the pilgrimage, drawing on the gifts and leadership of the participants themselves. Our theme, The Inner Landscape of Beauty, guided our reflections as we read writers such as John O’Donohue and Padraig O’Tuama. We gathered eight times before the journey to prepare spiritually, build trust, and open ourselves to God’s presence along life’s many paths.
While I was initially anxious about not being with the second group for the entire pilgrimage, I was grateful that both groups experienced deep connection, spiritual growth, and joy. Our guides from Wilderness Ireland played an important role, and the openness and vulnerability of our pilgrims allowed us to see Christ in one another and in the landscapes we traversed. Though pilgrimages can be costly, the Susan Rose Reynolds Pilgrimage Fund makes participation possible for those who might otherwise be unable to attend and supports
staff leadership as well. I am deeply grateful for this fund and for the generosity that sustains it.
Another highlight of the year was welcoming back two former pastors as Adult Faith Formation speakers: Rev. Michael Lindvall (1991–2002) and Rev. Rick Spalding (2019–2021). Both have shaped my own ministry in lasting ways, and it was meaningful to see how their wisdom and pastoral presence continue to resonate within this congregation. I am also grateful for our current staff and for Rev. DPH’s steady leadership, which supports thoughtful formation and makes room for voices from our shared past to inform our life together today.
I treasure this congregation and the relationships that make First Pres a place of grace, honesty, and care. It is a privilege to walk with you in moments of joy and sorrow, growth and change. As we look toward our 200th anniversary in August 2026, I am hopeful and curious about what God is still unfolding among us. Together, may we continue to listen for God’s call—honoring the faith that has sustained us for generations while stepping faithfully into the future God is preparing.
PASTOR REPORT
Rev. Mark Mares
Associate Pastor
“When God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod, they went home by another way.” — Matthew 2:12
This past year in ministry at First Pres has been marked by discernment—by paying attention to where God is at work, noticing when familiar paths no longer lead toward life, and having the courage, when needed, to choose another way.
Discernment is not a dramatic moment so much as a slow, faithful practice. It asks us to listen carefully: to scripture, to one another, to the needs of our community, and to the wisdom that emerges when we are honest about our limits as well as our gifts. Much of my pastoral work this year—across
youth, families, and mission and justice—has been shaped by that posture of listening and responsiveness.
In January, my role shifted in meaningful ways. I stepped out of direct leadership and supervision within children’s ministry, allowing space for new structures, greater clarity around roles and support, and shared responsibility to take root. While change is rarely simple, I am grateful for the opportunity to focus more fully on the areas of ministry where I am most directly called and
positioned to serve at this time. I am also deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Heather Polikoff, our Coordinator of Children & Family Ministries, and I was sad to see her leave.
At the heart of my work with youth, I continue to see discernment as both a spiritual practice and a pastoral priority. Young people are already asking the essential questions: Who am I? What matters? Where do I belong? How do I live faithfully in a complicated world? Our time together—whether in weekly youth group gatherings, on a summer trip, through mission and service work in our community, leading in worship together, or in one-on-one conversations—creates space for those questions to be honored rather than rushed. Again and again, our youth show deep moral imagination, spiritual curiosity, and a hunger for faith that is honest, embodied, and responsive to the world as it is.
In mission and justice, discernment has taken on a public shape. These ministries consistently invite us to ask not only how we help, but how we show up: whose voices we center, whose wisdom we trust, and whether our actions align with the values we proclaim. From partnerships with local
organizations to congregational engagement around housing, hunger, and dignity, this work has required attentiveness, humility, and a willingness to resist easy answers. At its best, our mission and justice work this year has reflected that quieter courage: practicing another way, together.
Throughout this year, I have been reminded that ministry is not about maintaining the same path at all costs, but about trusting that God continues to lead—sometimes by invitation, sometimes by redirection. The Magi did not know how the story would unfold when they chose another road home. They only knew they could not return the same way.
I am deeply grateful for the youth and families, volunteers, staff, and colleagues who continue to walk this road with honesty, courage, and hope. Again and again, I have witnessed God’s faithfulness—not because we get everything right, but because God keeps meeting us on the way.
PASTOR REPORT
Rev. Hanna Richards
Resident Minister
In August, I entered this residency program deeply craving community. After a challenging year of fulltime chaplaincy at University of Michigan Hospital, I found myself missing long-term relationships with people. I am so grateful to say that I have found it here! Since arriving, I have been met with so much welcome, gratitude, and support. This experience is often affirmed by visitors and new members, as well as when people reflect on what brought them to our church the first time. It is so visible that the Holy Spirit is at work here.
As this year draws to a close, I am thinking about the opportunity we have to grow deep as a community, even if you are in a transitional time in your life. When I began my role as Resident Minister, I wondered if I should try to stay reserved for these two years, to protect myself from the pain of leaving when the time comes. Then, when I went to Ireland with Rev. Melissa Anne Rogers,
my fellow Resident Minister, Rev. Sarah Rutherford, and a wonderful group of parishioners, I quickly realized that I would be making a big mistake if I did not fully invest in this community during my limited time here. Because in the end, no matter what stage we are in, it is temporary, so we should cherish it together!
Because together, we can resist the world’s pull to become increasingly divided and isolated. The structure of our church, not the physical building, but the love in action built over decades, offers a sacred place to come as you are, restore your soul, and go out into the world in peace, having courage, holding onto what is good, not returning evil for more evil but supporting the weak, helping those who are suffering, honoring all of God’s people, loving and serving the Lord, and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PASTOR REPORT
Rev. Sarah Rutherford
Resident
Minister
Recently, I have been thinking about call.
This is not surprising; it has been less than a year since I discerned my first ordained call and followed it 1,408 miles to First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. I set out on this one-way road trip only three days after my ordination at which we sang Mary Louis Bringle’s hymn, “God is Calling Through the Whisper” (#410 in our Glory to God hymnals). As the name suggests, the hymn text is all about listening to God’s call in different ways: through the Spirit’s deepest sighs, through the voices of our neighbors’ urgent prayers, and through the music of sublime and human arts. At the end of each verse, the congregation sings: “God is calling – can you hear?”
For me, this has been a year of hearing God’s calling in all of these ways. When I visited First Presbyterian to interview, my attention was initially attracted to its “music of sublime and human arts.” During a tour of the building, I paged through the sheet music on the handbell tables and was thrilled to discover one of my favorite pieces. Nine months later, it is a joy to be an active ringer in the Sanctus Ringers handbell choir and to witness all the incredible music that illuminates our worship and special concerts.
In November, we listened to a new call as a church “through the voices of our neighbors’ urgent prayers” as we discerned our response to a last-
minute need for a daytime warming center host site. In the end, we stepped up to the task and hosted dozens of our unhoused neighbors in our social hall by providing a safe place, lots of hot food, and even a visit from Santa. As we begin to reflect back on those two weeks, I am overwhelmed by gratitude for our dedicated volunteers and staff who made it possible for us to heed this calling on short notice.
Through it all, I continue to discern where God is leading me through “the Spirit’s deepest sighs.”
In August, I had the distinct gift of joining a pilgrimage to Ireland alongside Rev. Mel, Rev. Hanna, and fifteen other pilgrims. Walking along the scenic coastline of the Dingle Peninsula, we formed connections with each other and deepened our ties with the Holy Spirit. Since then, I have seen the Spirit moving through a multitude of ways and ministries, such as through our refreshed UKirk campus ministry group, pastoral care connections, and preaching at the 8:00am and 9:30am services.
At the end of “God is Calling Through the Whisper,” the last verse concludes slightly differently. Instead of asking if we hear God’s call, we respond: “God is calling – and we hear!” Truly, we have heard God’s calling this past year. May we continue to listen to where God is calling us as a congregation in these coming months and years, trusting that the Holy Spirit remains among us always.
Membership
44
Certificate of Transfer; Youth Profession; Reaffirmation of Faith; Other GAIN
73 By transfer, affiliate membership, death, or deletion/deactivation LOSSES
New Members
AJ Alley
Catherine Archibald
Metty Azar
Hassan Barzani
Stephanie Bentley
Lesa Blackwell
Tim Blackwell
Tom Buchmueller
Amy Bunch
Rick Bunch
Amanda Crandall
Sarah D’Angelo
Mark D’Angelo
Cynthia Duncan
Affiliate Members
Keith Duncan
Elizabeth Herr
Daniel Kaminski
Adele Karas
Rozana Kelly
Alissa Kline
Noah Kline
John Krinitsky
Wendy Krinitsky
Jenna Lee
Margaret Lindauer
Kelly Londry
Dahlia Alert Polkowski
Nasir Richards
1,289
ACTIVE MEMBERS
Abby Samuels
Kim Shannon
Patty Smith
Walker Stanton
Vanessa Stitzlein
Bill Tanner
Erika Viljoen
Hendrik Viljoen
Matthew Widdekind
Affiliate members maintain their membership in their home church while participating in the life of First Presbyterian.
Emily Jackson
Dave Linderman
Confirmands
Wren Finnane
Ellery Geiselman
Josie Hollingsworth
Jean Linderman
Phillip Peddie
Charis Peebles
Blake Peters
Carly Polikoff
Claudia Schneider
Daniel Suh
Philip Suh
Baptisms
Charlotte Armstrong
Eleanor Armstrong
Elizabeth Bicket
Thomas Bicket
Cynthia Colton
Jeffrey Colton III
Natalie Glanda
Bea Haggin
Weddings
Claire Butz and William Smith
Brooke Hawley and Colin Hindle
Lucy Kaminski
Jenna Lee
Charis Peebles
Blake Peters
Eleanor Pipe
James Reynolds IV
Arthur Sawtell
Peter Silbert-Cialdella
Laura Winger-Mitchell and Larry Kramer
In Memoriam
David Anderson
Harriet Brouwer
Virginia Campbell
Jim Cook
Margie Dahlstrom
Joann Freethy
Carole Hendrickson
Myra Larson
Chuck Matthews
Jeannette Middleton
June Ounsted
Jan Riccinto
Machree Robinson
Burt Voss
Henry Zelisse
Walker Stanton
Vanessa Stitzlein
Emerson Tamblyn
Brynn Washabaugh
Leigh Washabaugh
Remy Widdekind
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served Christ's church on earth who now rest from their labors.
Session
Rev. David Prentice-Hyers, Moderator
Carol Gottliebsen, Clerk of Session (January - October)
Kathy Hillig, Clerk of Session (beginning November)
Class of 2025
Jane Dutton
Mel Kesterson
Mark Lindley
Aidan Majorprice
Betsy McCallister
Tom McKarns
Jim Schaafsma
Diane Tamblyn
Susan Whitlock
Class of 2026
Kurt Boeve
Mary Jane Chase
Jeff Colton
Dan Mitas
Lilly Rego
Dianne Santinga
Ankie Schuitema
John Voorhorst
Deacons
Class of 2025
Al Beery
Daniel Bizer-Cox
Bill Black
Nikki Black
Lois Bryant
Anne Colvin
Don Deatrick
Michele Derr
Barbara Dobson
Mark Gehrke
Prudence Heikkinen
Matthew Hulbert
Virginia Koster
Amy Lindauer
Michele Madden
Holly Majorprice
Hank McQueen
Maurine Nelson
Brian Schneidewind
Amy Shepherd
Class of 2026
Anne Andrus
Lisa Danielson
Bill Erben
Marilyn Goodsman
Chris Hayes
Ellery Hendrix
Keanu Heydari
Ellen Johnson
Cathy King
Linda Koos
Chris Larson
Jenna Mares
Mike McQueen
Angie Miller
Karla Olson-Bellfi
Class of 2027
Tom Brandt
Bill King
Diane Knibbs
Mark Ouimet
Sid Smith
Nicki Sorter
Jeff Taggart
Diane Tamblyn*
*Filling one-year vacancy
Class of 2027
Bob Anderson
Al Barber
Ashley Bowles
Leslie Christensen
Barb Concannon
Jim Dickinson
Sarah Glinka
Melinda Haithcock
Ralph Kauffman
Martha Kershaw
Cindy King
John Leduc
Vincent Pakela
Helena Prince
Marcy Schudel
Tara Shantz
Donna V. Smith
Gary Stahl
Staff
Barb DeLancey Parish Nurse
Pat Gilbreath Welcome Center Coordinator
David Hufford Organist
Brent Ivey Executive Administrator
Cathy King Welcome Center Assistant
Mark Mares
Associate Pastor
Joshua Marzan Pianist
Sandra McDonald Resident Ministry Program Administrator
Anna Miller Finance Manager
Merry Muilenberg Welcome Center Assistant
Randall Nicholls Beadle
Stacey Pakela Parish Nurse
Esther Patrick Communications Manager
Shayla Powell Children’s Choir Director
David Prentice-Hyers Lead Pastor
Adrian Prundeanu Facilities Manager
Hanna Richards Resident Minister
Linda Robinson Church Operations Manager
Melissa Anne Rogers Associate Pastor
Sarah Rutherford Resident Minister
David VanderMeer Minister of Music & Fine Arts
Thank You & Farewell
Nathaniel Fryer Resident Minister
Tommy Langejans Resident Minister
Heather Polikoff Children & Family Ministry Coordinator
Ministries & Committees
Worship, Music & Fine Arts
SUSAN WHITLOCK
Worship Committee Chair
SHERYL POWELL
Worship Committee Vice Chair
The Worship, Music, and Fine Arts program at First Pres has the joy-filled mission of enhancing our sense of God’s presence with our congregation and visitors by bringing beauty and creativity into our worship spaces and services, moving us into fuller communion with God as we respond with awe, joy, laughter, and sometimes tears.
Though it is at times hard to believe, 2025 saw even more growth in our programs, overseen by our committed staff and supported by a large number of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. Our vocal choirs, handbell choirs, and FPC orchestra continue to attract aspiring newcomers while also delighting those who simply listen and watch. All our regular Sunday worship services benefit from the leadership of our music programs.
Summer brought particularly exciting worship opportunities that have now become traditions: two outdoor Sunday services, as well as three Saturday evening Jazz Vespers services—at least one of which really did happen outdoors as planned (weather sent the others inside). Year Three of our annual Music and Fine Arts Camp presented Elijah as the proclamation on August 3. This year, we had 32 volunteers and 35 children and youth in attendance. We welcomed two artists-in-residence, Joel SchoonTanis (visual art) and Steve Simmons (marimbas), along with our own talented staff members Shayla Powell and David Hufford. Organization for the camp was guided by Linda Robinson, Esther Patrick, Brent Ivey, and Dave VanderMeer. It was a joy-filled week for all!
Fall saw the start of a new weekly prayer service, Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Worship, led on Zoom by Keanu Heydari.
Wonderful paraments and baptismal bowls have been added to our liturgical environments. The Social Hall, too, has been graced with gorgeous artwork by various artists—both local and national.
Collaboration, both internal and external, remains key to all that we do. Worship again worked closely with the Safety Committee and Ushers to ensure that our holiday services, at both Christmas and Easter, were welcoming and accessible to visitors. We seek to demonstrate radical hospitality from the moment someone enters our parking lot. Our relationship with
Paul Keller expanded beyond Jazz Vespers this year to include a Jazz Christmas Concert with the entire Keller Orchestra. Worship also facilitates the rental of our sanctuary for “Fever Up” Candlelight Concerts throughout the year, which bring new faces into the beauty of our space and help support the Sacred Music and Fine Arts Fund.
We look forward to an ever-deepening experience as the body of Christ, as music and liturgical art continue to shape and beautify our worship and our church building.
We are grateful to our music staff—David Hufford, Shayla Powell, and Dave VanderMeer—and to volunteer orchestra conductor Michael Haithcock. We also want to recognize Randall Nicholls, FPC’s Beadle, who prepares our worship spaces and works behind the scenes to ensure that our services of worship go smoothly.
Congregational Life
NICKI SORTER Chair
2025 was a busy year for the Congregational Life Committee. We are blessed to be made up of amazing church members who understand the importance of feeling welcome within the church.
The CL Committee plays an active role in welcoming new members. In 2025, many people joined our church family, completing the steps of the joining process within their first year: a Fast Track meeting, a new member class, reception by Session, and celebration through a breakfast and introduction during worship—all organized by CL.
By the numbers, in 2025 we hosted 20 Fast Track sessions, 3 New Member Classes, 2 New Member Breakfasts, and welcomed 39 new members. Each new member enriches our church family, and it is a joy to welcome them.
Sunday fellowship time continues to be an important way our community connects. CL members and volunteers prepare and clean up coffee and snacks each week, coordinate cookie bakers, and ensure hospitality runs smoothly. Special thanks go to all volunteers and to our Beadle, Randall Nicholls, for starting the coffee each week.
The coffee served at fellowship time and at all church events is fair-trade coffee. The CL Committee sells bags of this coffee once a month (usually on the first Sunday of the month). All profits from these sales support the purchase of coffee for fellowship time. The coffee is also available for sale in the church office if you call ahead.
We welcomed several new members to the Congregational Life Committee this year, which allowed us to change how we coordinate events. Each event that CL is responsible for now has a point person from the committee to coordinate it. Events coordinated by CL in 2025 included:
Ҍ The potluck brunch after the All-Church Annual Meeting in February
Ҍ The All-Church picnic in June, featuring music, food, games, and bouncy houses
Ҍ Pride Month dessert potluck after the first Jazz Vespers service in June
Ҍ Pizza dinner after the last Jazz Vespers service in August
Ҍ Annual end-of-summer ice cream social
Ҍ All-Church bonfire at White Oaks Farm in Dexter, coordinated with the Children and Family Committee
Ҍ Strolling reception after the Glorious Sounds of Christmas Concert
In addition to these large church events, the CL Committee began giving First Presbyterian staff members tokens of appreciation to commemorate anniversaries of employment, anniversaries of ordination, and birthdays. Special thanks to Kim Byers-Granito for her candle making, Dory Anderson for her calligraphy and creativity, and the First Pres Card Making Group, led by Jennie Stahl.
The CL Committee is made up of a small group of dedicated church members who work hard to make each of these events run smoothly. None of this would be possible without the leadership of Reverend Rogers.
Faith Formation
BETSY McCALLISTER Chair
Faith Formation provides diverse opportunities for all ages to learn, serve, and grow in faith.
The Faith Formation Committee meets regularly to coordinate, collaborate, and support the work of our three faith formation areas:
Ҍ Adult Faith Formation
Ҍ Youth & Family Faith Formation
Ҍ Children & Family Faith Formation
This year, the Faith Formation Committee experienced meaningful growth and deepened collaboration across its workgroups, including stronger integration with Music Ministry. A major accomplishment was the successful implementation of the new Sunday schedule, which encourages participation in faith formation across all ages during the 11:00–12:00 hour. This schedule supports intergenerational participation, allows staff to take part more fully in faith formation, creates space for families to worship together, and enables both the Lemon
Chapel Singers and traditional faith formation classes to meet weekly for children and youth.
Planning, communication, and the use of technology were strengthened this year, significantly expanding the reach of Adult Faith Formation offerings. All Exploring the Faith sessions, along with select Exploring the Bible sessions, are now recorded and available on the FPC YouTube channel, increasing accessibility for those unable to attend in person. The committee also launched its first Youth Internship and welcomed high school interns Cael Finnane and Will Wood to the Faith Formation team.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and staff. This year, 25 church members participated in Faith Formation workgroups, supported by staff leadership from Mark Mares, Melissa Anne Rogers, Dave VanderMeer, Heather Polikoff, and interim volunteer support from Sandy Talbott.
Collaboration extended beyond Faith Formation to include partnerships with other ministries, strengthening connections across the life of the church.
The year also brought challenges and important learnings. The loss of the part-time Children’s Ministry staff position highlighted the need for a fully resourced, supported, and sustainable ministry for children and families. Ongoing healing work continues as we seek to nurture a culture rooted in Christ’s love and grace. A joint task force from the Faith Formation and Worship Committees gathered congregational feedback on Sunday worship schedule changes. While responses were mixed, the committees made a concerted effort to listen and adapt.
As we move forward, we remain committed to listening, learning, and encouraging all to find meaningful engagement within the many faith formation opportunities available at First Pres.
Adults
JANE DUTTON Chair
Adult Faith Formation continues to offer meaningful and engaging weekly opportunities for learning and connection through Exploring the Faith, Exploring the Bible, and First Friends. Exploring the Faith continues to be livestreamed and recorded, significantly expanding access and participation. Both Exploring the Bible and First Friends also offer Zoom options, increasing accessibility for those unable to attend in person. Participation and enthusiasm remain strong across all offerings.
Youth
BETSY
McCALLISTER Chair
Youth and Family Faith Formation offers a wide variety of opportunities, including:
Ҍ Lemon Chapel Singers
Ҍ Sunday Faith Formation classes.
Ҍ Sunday evening Youth Group
Ҍ Confirmation : Spring of 2025 we welcomed 8 members: Wren Finnane, Ellery Geiselman, Josie Hollingsworth, Blake Peters, Carly Polikoff, Claudia Schneider, Daniel Suh and Phillip Suh. Fall of 2025 has another 8 youth engaged.
Ҍ High School Internship
Ҍ Summer Middle School Youth Conference
Ҍ Book studies and family mission opportunities
These offerings continue to support faith development, leadership growth, and community connection among our youth and families.
Children
BETSY
MEADE and MEGAN WOLFE
Chair
This year brought significant transition and growth. We said goodbye in February to our talented and dedicated part-time staff member, Heather Polikoff, who graciously offered to remain in a consultant role through April. We are deeply grateful for her continued support during that time. In response to her departure, a creative and committed interim team—Sandy Talbott, Dave VanderMeer, Diane Tamblyn, and Megan Wolfe—stepped in to provide safe, welcoming nursery care and engaging faith formation experiences for our children at the start of the 2025–2026 program year.
Seventeen families participated in Amazing Stuff, our five-week Healthy Sexuality class for children and parents. Feedback was positive from both youth and adults.
Family-centered events such as Peeps and Pizza, Advent Happening, and the No Rehearsal Nativity remain perennial favorites.
A new Parent Lounge now offers a warm space for coffee, conversation, and connection among caregivers during the Sunday morning hour.
As we continue the search for our next Minister/ Director of Children and Family Ministries, we are holding this season with care, creativity, and joy for our children and families.
Resident Ministry
TOM BRANDT Chair
DAVID PRENTICE-HYERS Program Director
SANDRA McDONALD Program Administrator
The purpose of the RPWG is to support the Resident Pastor program in its work, and support the Resident Pastors before, during, and after their time here.
Overview of 2025
2025 was a year of transition - we said goodbye to Nathaniel Fryer and Tommy Langejans and said hello to Hanna Richards and Sarah Rutherford. Nathaniel has accepted a call from the First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, NJ, to be its pastor. Boonton is a small town about 25 miles northwest of Newark. Tommy has accepted a call from the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, MI, to be its Associate Pastor.
Hanna and Sarah began their time with us in August, and both have jumped right into the life of the church. They have preached and led worship at the 8:00am and 9:30am services and at Glacier Hills, are meeting regularly with college students, were key in planning and implementing the warming shelter in December and are participating in a great many other areas of our church.
Resident Pastor Ministry Rotations
As part of our ongoing commitment to the professional and spiritual development of our resident pastors, we have established a structured rotation program. This initiative is designed to immerse each resident pastor in all the major ministries of our church, allowing
them to gain firsthand experience and deepen their understanding of church works. Hanna has recently completed her rotation in Christian Formation and is now focusing her efforts in the area of Congregational Life, further broadening her skills and relationships within the church community.
Sarah has finished her rotation centered on Mission and is currently engaged in the Worship and Music ministry, exploring new facets of leading and supporting congregational worship. The rotation schedule is dynamic and responsive to both the needs of the church and the learning goals of the residents. The next rotation shifts are planned for the beginning of February, ensuring that each resident pastor continues to benefit from a well-rounded experience across all ministry areas.
Key Accomplishments
Ҍ Interviewing and calling the current cohort of residents.
Ҍ Implementing a comprehensive rotation plan for resident pastors during their time here.
Volunteer and Staff Contributions
The entire committee worked hard during the recruitment and interviewing process. Lisa Pjasberg played a key role in planning and implementing the interview process, and Sue Cares did a fantastic job with planning and carrying out hospitality events for the candidates. Sandra McDonald is doing great work in taking care of all the administrative details of the program, while David PrenticeHyers is continuing his mentorship of the residents and working with the committee on planning the upcoming recruitment cycle.
Mission & Justice
MELISSA KESTERSON, DIANE KNIBBS (LOCAL MISSION), JIM SCHAAFSMA Co-Chairs
The Mission and Justice Committee and the First Pres mission community seek to go and bear witness to Christ Jesus in love, justice, peace and reconciliation. Our mission is God-called, Christcentered, and Spirit led.
Overview
In 2025, the recently renamed Mission and Justice Committee welcomed several new members who injected new perspective and energy into it. Among other steps, they proposed the name change that Session approved in November. The new name reflects the committee’s (and church’s) determination to more actively respond to God’s call, as embodied in Scripture and Reformed theology, to seek and pursue justice and confront injustice. The committee’s new Statement of Purpose provides further justification for this change.
To complement the dynamic work of the Local Mission Work Group, the committee is discerning and evaluating mission partnership opportunities at the national and global level. On this and any other mission matter, the committee welcomes congregational input.
Local Mission Work Group
In 2025, First Pres lived out its mission through deep and varied partnerships across our community. Monthly Friends in Deed Circle Dinners continued in collaboration with Elders, Deacons, Music and Fine Arts, and Youth and Family Ministries, strengthening relationships across the congregation.
Seasonal giving efforts supported neighbors in need through donations of coats, blankets, pajamas, underwear, school supplies, and pet supplies, benefiting partners such as Presbyterian Women, Ozone House, and the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
During the Christmas season, the Family to Family Christmas and Fostering Futures programs provided gifts to 77 families and distributed 140 gift cards, thanks to the longterm leadership of Julie Morrison. Support for Alpha House expanded through three host weeks of meals, pantry items, and childcare, completion of a major garden project, assistance with bunk bed assembly, and donations for the new Alpha House East shelter.
Hospitality efforts included hosting the Washtenaw County Shelter Association’s Rotating Shelter and daytime Warming Shelter, made possible by generous volunteer and donor support. Congregants also served through Habitat for Humanity builds and home projects, painting apartments for Avalon Housing, remodeling a bathroom at Cass Community Services, and volunteering with Food Gatherers— donating nearly 3,000 pounds of food.
Additional highlights included collecting 20,000 pounds of food through the Feeding Our Neighbors program, donating 110 Thanksgiving meal bags to Hope Clinic, awarding grants to 13 local human service nonprofits through the Local Mission Grant Program, and hosting March Mission Madness with Presbyterian Women, featuring nonprofit engagement and interactive activities.
Presbyterian Women
BONNIE HUGHES
Moderator
Presbyterian Women (PW) hosted a Retreat for Busy Women, “Consider the Lilies,” on April 5th last year. We offered a day of warmth, refreshment and creative expression, with child care provided and a box lunch for fortyfive women who lead very busy lives. We also continued our longtime Horizons and Barclay Bible study groups and our Spiritual Writing group, all of which continue to be well attended by church members as well as by some who participate remotely beyond Ann Arbor.
PW’s ministry to First Pres also included spiritual support for the Youth Group’s annual service project, distribution of orange ribbons for Gun Violence Awareness Sunday in June, and in monthly service through Sanctuary Guild. We also contributed support to the SOS food program, the Warming Shelter in December and the Rotating Shelter in January. Presbyterian Women shared our gifts of hosting through memorial service receptions, a Valentine’s
Sunday Coffee Hour in February and a Thanks for Giving Coffee Hour in November, coffee and muffins for parents and staff of the July Musical Arts campers, and desserts for the First Pres Strolling Christmas in December.
We have continued our commitment to House by the Side of the Road through our Undercover Operation drive in the fall for new underwear and pajamas for adults and children, and our Justice and Peace program included support of West Willow’s PEACE organization in their Ascension reading program for grade school children in Ypsilanti’s West Willow neighborhood.PW also continued our longtime annual scholarship for the Episcopal University of Haiti Nursing School (FSIL). This program strengthens Haiti’s healthcare system, uplifts communities and inspires hope for those living in Haiti’s dangerous and impoverished country. We are grateful to the women of First Pres who are faithful contributors to this scholarship.
Presbyterian Women Giving
Board of Deacons
ELLEN JOHNSON Moderator
We all know how important it is to take care of our families. At First Pres, Deacons take care of our church family: we are 54 members strong! In 2025 we were led by Ellen Johnson, Moderator, and Anne Andrus, Vice Moderator, and guided ever so faithfully by our indefatigable Associate Pastor Melissa Ann Rogers.
Deacons reach out to church members who are elderly and cannot leave home, ill or recovering from illness or surgery, those grieving a loss or carrying a heavy burden. We reach out to keep church members informed about events ordinary and special. We connect in person, by phone and email, with visits, and through prayer.
You’ll see us at the Care Card table in Social Hall, where all church members are invited to sign cards for four or five of us who need solace, comfort, or celebration. You’ll see us at the Welcome Center, offering a smile and a hello to all, and navigational help to those unfamiliar with our church’s layout. Every first Sunday, you’ll see several of us serving communion. And you may be one of the four church members that each week will see us at your doorstep, delivering flowers gathered from the worship service; over 200 during the course of the year. Lillies or tulips at Easter and poinsettias at Christmas touch over 300 homes.
We have special tasks too. This past year (typical of each year, to be honest!), we
Ҍ Welcomed our two new Resident Ministers, Sarah Rutherford and Hanna Richards, with generous gift baskets
Ҍ Welcomed 18 new deacons and thanked those whose service has ended
Ҍ Met and welcomed new members at early Sunday morning breakfasts
Ҍ Helped staff the blood drive
Ҍ Met for food and fellowship at the home of Peggy Hodgson and locally for the annual officer retreat
Ҍ Hosted delightful appetizers in Monteith Chapel for the Strolling Reception following the Christmas concert
We welcome, and give support, but we also get loads of support and guidance from Pastor Mel Rogers, Parish Nurses Stacey Pakela and Barb DeLancey, Operations Manager Linda Robinson, Deacon List Guru Polly Pan, and tireless help from Facilities Manager Adrian Prundeanu.
Our mission of care rolls into 2026 with Karla Olson-Bellfi stepping into the Moderator role, Ellen Johnson moving to Vice Moderator, and both fresh and renewed deacons ready to serve.
Parish Nurses
Barb DeLancey and Stacey Pakela celebrated our 5-year anniversary as First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor’s (FPC) Parish Nurses on January 21, 2026. Parish Nursing is a unique and impactful offering at FPC designed to support the health and well-being of our congregation and staff. Here is a brief summary of our service:
Ҍ Pastoral Care: The parish nurses are available every day to offer medical, emotional, and spiritual support through home and hospital visits, phone calls, texts and emails. We support Rev. Melissa Anne and all the pastoral and program staff in providing this care. We also coordinate with Stephen Ministers, Deacons, Elders and church leaders to address the needs of the congregation
Ҍ Health and Wellness support of the Congregation:
1. Stacey continues to lead a monthly Caregiver’s Support group
2. Barb serves as primary liaison for the Safety Committee
3. Both attend large church gatherings and services to respond in emergency situations.
4. Both plan and assist in hosting the American Red Cross quarterly blood drives at FPC
5. Participate regularly in Monday morning Prayer Team gatherings and lead when necessary.
6. Provide assessment and resources for members who need support at home, maintaining a list of home care providers, medical equipment, community agencies and other contacts.
7. Continue to assist in providing training as well as updating medical and emergency equipment and procedures at FPC, including the AEDs, First Aid Kits and other safety equipment.
Barb and Stacey serve in a combined 15-hour paid staff position and continue to feel blessed in serving our FPC family, it is a full time calling in our hearts. We are grateful for the support of the congregation and pray for continued guidance in our work.
Property
JEFF TAGGART Chair
At the beginning of 2025, a 47-item punch list was created of potential projects in publicfacing areas of the church such as the social hall, meeting rooms, sanctuary, restroom, building entries, corridors, etc. Using this list, a dedicated “Fix-It Squad” of volunteers (mostly non-committee members) tackled a range of improvements, both large and small over the course of the year. The efforts of this group, which includes Jeff Taggart, Kent Palmquist, Don Redding, Dan Mitas, Downs Herold, Gary Stahl, Dick Stuber, Frank Petrock, and others, have enhanced the appearance and functionality of our building and grounds in ways both small and large.
Montieth Hall was extensively updated to improve appearance and acoustics. The sounddeadening panels were removed, the walls repaired and painted to great acclaim. The very worn carpet was removed and replaced with wood-grain luxury vinyl flooring. As many will attest the acoustic has come alive, enhancing worship and other uses of the room.
Major areas of the church have been painted, including:
Ҍ Both resident minister offices
Ҍ All Curtis Room walls and wainscoting
Ҍ Hallway to the Handbell Rehearsal Room
Ҍ Hallway to French Room
Ҍ Both level one exit vestibules
Ҍ Hallway to Monteith Hall
Ҍ The lower level of the south enclosed stairs
Ҍ The walls of both exit stairs from the Social Hall to the Narthex
Ҍ Exterior painting includes selected black metal railings and all Social Hall window frames.
The Fix-It Squad spent many hours uncovering and polishing the brass handrails on our main stairwells.
There are too many smaller, interior painting and repair projects to list here. Individually they may not be that significant; taken together their completion has greatly improved the building.
The signature exterior achievement in 2025 was the opening of the revised west parking lot traffic pattern, a revisiting of the original layout. This change allows individuals to be dropped off immediately adjacent to the building and the anticipated new barrier-free ramp that will lead up to the front doors of the Narthex.
All eight of our aged gas boilers are functioning thanks to the efforts of Adrian Prundeanu, Facilities Manager and “boiler whisperer.”
Each month Adrian reports to the Property Committee on his many activities to keep our building and grounds functioning and beautiful. In December his efforts facilitated the two-week warming shelter at First Presbyterian, for which the committee is grateful.
Safety
MARY JANE CHASE Chair
The Safety and Hospitality Committee’s purpose is to serve as the place for conversations and projects as First Presbyterian tries to find our spot on the continuum between perfect openness and perfect security. It’s a creative endeavor and a perpetually shifting goal in response to the needs of the present and the future life of our church.
2025 was a busy and productive year for our committee. We were especially happy about the increased collaboration and support both given and received from all areas of the church. This resulted in better and more regular safety training and drills, cooperation with Property in implementing new handicapped parking solutions, planning for new missions (e.g., Warming Shelter), more targeted use of professional security for large outside events, a new design for handicapped access to the sanctuary and more! The committee wants to thank everyone who helped make this happen,
with a special shout out to Brent Ivey who joined the committee this year and facilitated critical communication with staff and other committees.
This year also marks our first Interfaith Gatherings around the topic of creating safe and welcoming spaces in our buildings. 60 individuals representing 13 different faith institutions attended and we had a large contingent from First Pres. Thanks for coming! Our speaker, Brian Uridge, Senior Director of Public Safety and Security at Michigan Medicine was terrific. By concentrating on the parts of safety we can influence, he encouraged us to be prepared but not scared. The world is not as the media portrays it, but it’s not without its dangers that we can lessen. We agreed to hold a follow-up meeting on February 12 focusing on the “Power of Hello” as a tool for both welcoming visitors and addressing possible concerns.
We welcome people to join us in all our activities designed to make First Pres more hospitable and safer for everyone.
Integrated Communications
DIANNE SANTINGA Chair
This year, the Communications Team has made significant progress in how we connect, inform, and engage our community. Below are some highlights of our achievements.
New Communications Software
Ҍ We rolled out Microsoft Teams to staff. The staff uses Teams every day for communication, collaboration, project organization, and worship planning.
Ҍ We implemented Notebird as our pastoral care software. This secure database allows our pastoral and program teams to keep track of seminal events in the lives of our members, including illnesses, hospitalizations, births, marriages, and deaths. The app allows our staff to access and document these events on the fly through their smartphones.
Ҍ We installed more robust email security software to catch incoming spam and phishing emails.
Appreciation for the Sunday Tech Team
We are grateful for our dedicated tech team, Bill Hall, Roland Kibler, Alvin Rockhey, Jen Day, Bryan Magnuson, and Brent Ivey, who faithfully serve each Sunday to ensure seamless worship experiences. Their expertise and commitment enable us to deliver high-quality audio and visual support, enhancing both in-person and livestreamed worship services as well as adult Faith Formation classes, memorial services, and other events.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, we plan to implement a new membership database. This program will provide better email capability, secure access to an online church directory, and online rosters for groups such as deacons, the choir, and Presbyterian Women.
We will shift our applications from a local server to the cloud, a process that is almost complete.
We will continue to roll out Microsoft Teams for the use of Committees and Workgroups.
We will investigate ways to use our software more strategically so that we can phase out obsolete and time-consuming practices.
Building on what we have achieved this year, we look forward to making further strides in fulfilling our mission to increase engagement among our members and connect with others outside of our community.
By the Numbers
Congregational Nominating Committee
MARK LINDLEY Chair
Your Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) concluded its main work in September 2025. Our new class of Elders and Deacons has been installed into service. We are excited to see them use their many talents and gifts in their work. Please join us in supporting them.
Your nominations are very important to our success. You know people - worshipping together, serving together, learning togetherand who would be good future leaders. We need you to share their names with us. You help us identify new candidates we otherwise would not know. Please begin to consider nominations for the upcoming cycle. Yes, the new cycle is on us, and the 2026 committee is already beginning its work.
This year Marty Gehrke, David Kershaw, Michelle Madden, and Kathy Wirstrom completed their terms, with my profound gratitude for their service. Marita Servais and Deacon Representative Jim Dickinson will continue their service. They are joined by Beth Gerwig, Prue Heikkinen, and Randall Nicholls.
I have completed my term on Session and will hand over the chair to Margie Reynolds. Margie is a very capable force, for those who do not know her. She is a newer member but has a long resume of service in leadership in her former church home. We are fortunate to have her lead us in the vital work of the nominations process. Thank you for the support you have given me, and I know you will give the same to Margie.
Personnel
ANKIE SCHUITEMA Chair
The Personnel Committee supports a healthy, faithful, and sustainable staff culture at First Presbyterian Church. Our work is rooted in care, clarity, and collaboration, supporting staff and leadership so that our shared ministry may flourish.
In 2025, the Personnel Committee focused on strengthening systems that support staff wellbeing, improving communication and efficiency, and accompanying key staffing discernments with care and patience. Much of this work has been steady and behind the scenes, carried out in close partnership with staff leadership.
The search for the Children and Family Ministry position is ongoing. The committee, in collaboration with staff leadership, continues interviews and dialogue with well-qualified candidates and remains encouraged by the depth of interest. We are committed to a careful, hopeful discernment process and will share updates as next steps become clear. Please pray with, and for, us as we continue the search.
A revised Personnel Committee Manual is nearing completion. This update aligns our values, policies, and procedures more closely and supports clearer communication and more
efficient processes, including electronic systems for time-away requests and reservations for use of the church facility. It also introduces a more developmental, collaborative approach to staff evaluations, conducted in partnership with the Lead Pastor and Executive Administrator.
We are in the search process for an administrative assistant to provide further support to our staff. We expect to have the position filled in the near future.
At the request of the congregation, the Personnel Committee is bringing forward a report and proposal to align Melissa Ann Rogers’ job title, description, and compensation more closely with her experience and leadership role within the church.
Looking toward 2026, the Personnel Committee remains attentive to our responsibility to provide a living wage and to support sustainable ministry practices, in ongoing partnership with Finance, Session, and staff leadership.
We give thanks for the dedication, professionalism, and adaptability of our staff, and for the volunteers who support and strengthen our shared work in generous and faithful ways.
Finance
KURT BOEVE Chair
Financial Stewardship is responsible for overseeing investments and spending, counting offerings, leading the annual giving campaign, proposing the annual operating budget and promoting the legacy giving program.
We participate in the strategic planning process, collaborate with committee chairs to establish the annual budget, track and report monthly income and expenses, and determine when adjustments are required based on monthly progress.
Overview of 2025
2025 Operating Budget
We expect to end the year with a small surplus. Income (pledges and contributions) are slightly higher than budgeted, property expenses higher than budgeted, and personnel expenses lower than budgeted.
Our goal is to have a balanced budget each year. There will always be some level of surprises along the way, and our church has been able to successfully navigate through them. This can be attributed to transparency, the continued generosity of our congregation, and to the stewardship commitment of our staff, church leaders, committee members and many volunteers.
Endowment & Special Gifts (ES&G) Funds
We started the year with a balance of about $9.6 million and ended the year with about $10.78 million. Of these funds, about $4.98 million is in endowment capital funds (generating earnings but not available to be spent).
Legacy Partners
We celebrated the addition of 5 people to the list of those who have informed us they have
included the church in their will, bringing the total to 219 partners (124 families).
Key Accomplishments
Making stewardship a year-round focus has been a priority, and the results are beginning to show in pledge commitments, pledge fulfillment and other contributions throughout the year. These enable us to confidently budget for the upcoming year. The array of programs and services our church provides is extensive and impressive. We have the capacity to do even more. The number of pledge units has been about 500 over the past three years out of a potential 900 units. Imagine the impact with pledge commitments from all.
In addition to stewardship, our committee highlights include:
Ҍ Strong collaboration with the Capital Campaign committee
Ҍ Quarterly investment reviews with Bank of Ann Arbor, ensuring adherence to our investment policy
Ҍ Monthly committee meetings reviewing financial reports and highlighting and addressing any significant budget variances
Ҍ Weekly offering counters and volunteers providing daily administrative support to our finance office
Ҍ Supporting financial requests from Session/ Committees beyond what was budgeted, e.g., warming shelter
Volunteer & Staff Contributions
During 2025 we had the support of 18 volunteers and two staff members, Finance Manager Anna Miller and Executive Administrator Brent Ivey. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of the church, they are instrumental in the financial reporting and annual budget planning processes, collaborating with staff and committee chairs. Volunteers mainly assisted in the finance office, counted weekly offerings, and helped with the annual giving campaign.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Ҍ Warming shelter task force: representatives from Mission and Justice, Safety, Property and Finance joined together to plan, organize and support this community service. A model to emulate for future opportunities.
Ҍ Capital campaign collaboration: four members of our Finance committee are directly involved in the capital campaign initiative. Monthly updates are provided along with reviews and approvals for financial distributions.
2026 Operating Budget
The 2026 operating budget reflects a 7% increase over 2025. An increase in personnel expenses is planned for the new full-time position for Children & Family Ministries, and for a 3% cost of living increase for all staff members.
Our overarching goal is to enable the work of our church and not only control what can or cannot be done. With thoughtful, creative and engaged committee members and volunteers, and the continued generosity of our church community I am confident we can do even more in 2026.
FINANCE
Capital Campaign Steering Committee
DAN MITAS and DEANNE WOODRUFF Co-Chairs
The Capital Campaign was envisioned in the First Pres StrategicThe First Presbyterian Strategic Plan approved by the Session in October 2021, envisions a renovation plan to transform our facility to accommodate contemporary methods of worship, mission, faith formation, and compassionate care while addressing deferred maintenance, life safety building requirements, and mission-driven initiatives.
In 2025, the Capital Campaign Steering Committee and its work groups made significant progress to make this dream a reality.
Ҍ The first phase of renovations will be the construction of an exterior accessibility ramp to the church narthex, located between the handicapped parking lot and the front doors to the sanctuary, and replacement of our aging boilers with a modern system that includes building-wide air conditioning and ventilation.
Ҍ Fundraising continued with engagement of Church leadership and early lead donors. This phase of the campaign is very active as we close out 2025. To date, the campaign has received over $4,000,000 in pledges and donations.
Ҍ We expect to launch the church-wide fundraising campaign in the Spring of 2026.
Ҍ For the exterior access ramp, Session has approved a contract with Ann Arbor Architects Collaborative (A3C) to develop detailed construction drawings and support the approval process with the City of Ann Arbor. We anticipate commencing construction in the first half of 2026, if all goes smoothly with the City.
Ҍ Design work and project conceptualization continued for the building-wide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The final budget and design choices will ultimately be determined by the amount of funds that are raised by the campaign.
Ҍ For the balance of the aspirational renovations to the building, conceptual designs were completed to establish a basis for prioritization of projects and budgeting as we continue to seek funds.
We eagerly anticipate significant progress in the coming year. We express our gratitude to the Session and all those in our church community who have collaborated with this committee to shape the future of First Pres.
(The Annual Meeting of the Congregation, immediately following the 9:30 service was conducted in-person.)
Notice of the Annual Meeting of the Congregation as required by the Book of Order (G-1.0501) was given to the congregation on two prior consecutive Sunday’s in accordance with the By Laws of First Presbyterian Church.
Rev. David Prentice-Hyers (Moderator) welcomed all who were in attendance in the Sanctuary, and reminded that our policy dictates that only members may vote. He summarized the agenda of the meeting.
Call to Order: Rev. David Prentice-Hyers called the Meeting to order at 10:46 a.m.
Recognition of the Clerk: The Moderator introduced the Clerk of Session, Carol Gottliebsen, to serve as Secretary for the Annual Meeting. The Clerk declared a quorum was present.
Opening Prayer: Rev. Melissa Anne Rogers offered an opening prayer.
Consideration of the Minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Congregation. The Moderator opened the floor to address any questions or comments regarding the Minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting listed in the Annual Report. No Comments were presented.
Opening Remarks/Agenda Overview of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Congregation.
Rev. Prentice-Hyers announced that, as directed by the vote of the 2024 Annual Meeting, the minutes of that meeting had been approved by the Session at its February 2024 Stated Meeting. Those minutes were printed in the 2024 Annual Report.
MOTION: To allow Session to approve minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting
Member Chris Dahl moved that Session be allowed to approve the minutes of this meeting, seconded by Sandy Herold. The motion carried.
2024 Year-End Financials
Rev. David Prentice-Hyers invited Kurt Boeve, Chair of the Finance Committee, to present the 2024 YearEnd Financials and the 2025 Operating Budget.
Kurt Boeve noted that he had very positive news to share regarding the 2024 Financial report. He thanked Anna Miller, Finance Manager, and Brent Ivey, Executive Administrator, and the many volunteers who assist with day-to-day operational activities of the church. He also thanked the congregation for their ongoing stewardship and reported that First Presbyterian Church ended with a surplus of over $106,000. Our net pledge receipts totaled $1,914,264, a 97% collection rate. We ended 2024 with an increase in the endowment balance. Overall, 2024 was a very successful financial year.
Presentation of the 2025 Operating Budget: The meeting resumed with a presentation of the 2025 Budget, led by Finance Committee Chair, Kurt Boeve. Elder Boeve was pleased to thank the congregation for their ongoing stewardship and reported that First Presbyterian Church ended with a small surplus.
Terms of Call
Rev. David Prentice-Hyers announced that Resident Minister Rev. Tommy Langejans would serve as moderator for the portion of the meeting dealing with the Terms of Call for the installed pastors. He invited Ankie Schuitema (Chair, Personnel Committee) to present her report and the installed pastors (and families) excused themselves. Elder Schuitema presented a motion from the Personnel Committee to approve the terms of call for First Presbyterian Church’s called pastors as presented, including a 3% cost of living increase to their base salary. Executive Administrator Brent Ivey discussed the elements of the terms of call:
Elder Schuitema announced that Rev. Dr. Sandra McDonald has been hired part-time to serve as Program Administrator for the training of our Resident Ministry Program.
Ms. Schuitema then reviewed the Terms of Call for our ministers, Rev. David Prentice-Hyers, Rev. Melissa
Anne Rogers, and Rev. Mark Mares, and presented a motion from the Personnel Committee to approve the terms of call for First Presbyterian church’s called pastors as presented including a 3% cost of living increase to their base salary. Executive Administrator Brent Ivey discussed the elements of the terms of call:
Ҍ A 3% cost-of-living allowance applied to the base salary
Ҍ Mandatory adjustments for medical, pension, death & disability per the Board of Pensions, and Social Security
Ҍ Additional Supplemental benefits
Ҍ Individual adjustments for Reimbursed and Other Expenses to the church
The Terms of Call, as presented can be viewed upon request from the church office.
Brent Ivey explained the itemized terms of call for each of the above and then opened the floor for questions before a vote.
The presentation was followed by a very lengthy discussion regarding Rev. Rogers’ base salary and the need for a staff -wide salary survey.
Member Bob Laverty, with support by Marty Reineman then introduced a motion from the floor:
MOTION: To amend the Personnel Committee’s motion by adding $20,000 to Rev. Rogers base salary in recognition of the experience and amount of work she does.
Motion failed: 55 in favor, 71 against
The question of the Personnel Committee’s original motion was called.
Moved by Ankie Schuitema on behalf of the Personnel Committee, no second needed.
MOTION: To Approve the Terms of Call for Revs. Mark Mares, Melissa Anne Rogers and David Prentice-Hyers with the apportionment of the housing allowance to be approved by the Executive Administrator, Brent Ivey, in compliance with IRS requirements.
Motion Passed: 156 in favor; 4 against.
Moved by Sheryl Powell, Second by Angie Miller
MOTION: The Personnel Committee will do an intensive salary study for the whole staff, with specific attention to Pastor Roger’s compensation
Motion Passed: 154 in favor; 6 against
Pastor’s Remarks
Rev. Prentice-Hyers resumed as moderator and thanked the congregation for suggesting that attention be given to Rev. Rogers’ compensation. He noted that the staff was now notably smaller, and that all were working very hard. He listed each staff member individually and thanked them for their work.
Motion to Adjourn
Rev. Prentice-Hyers asked for a motion to adjourn, it was seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 1:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Gottliebsen Clerk of Session
Your Support
During 2025, we gathered for worship, prayer, and fellowship; worked for love, peace, and justice; and welcomed all ages and backgrounds to come together to explore, nurture, and deepen their faith. Your financial support has helped make it all possible. Thank you.
Please continue to support the ministries and mission of First Pres. Give online with a one-time gift or pledge commitment. To support the 2026 Stewardship campaign, scan the QR code below or visit fpca2.org/give.
1432 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 fpca2.org
