First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma Annual Report for 2023

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2023

CONTENT Pastor John

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Budget & Finance

7

Congregational Life

10

Deacons

12

Facilities

14

Mission/Outreach

19

Bookkeeper & Office Coordinator

22

Personnel

23

Student Ministries Director

25

Worship

27

Music Director

31

Nominating Committee

36

Session & Statistical Report

38

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Buen Camino JOHN CHASE, PASTOR

My dear friends, “Buen Camino” is a traditional Spanish greeting for those walking the Camino de Santiago. The literal translation is “good road” or “good path,” and it can refer to both a physical and a spiritual path. It essentially means, “May your path be good.” I said and heard it hundreds of times during my sabbatical pilgrimage, walking the 450-mile Camino Portuguese. Two years ago, I could never have imagined taking on such an endeavor, but I’m glad I did. The experience was life-changing, and I returned after my threemonth sabbatical feeling rested and energized.

Walking the Camino, one becomes part of a community of pilgrims, never alone, each one looking out for the wellbeing of others, and all heading in the same direction. In 2023, FPCP went on a 365-day pilgrimage together as a congregation, one in which I witnessed first-hand the love of this community. I witnessed you praying for one another through tough times, the death of loved ones, the loss of jobs, the pain and fatigue of mental illness. And I witnessed incredible joy-filled celebrations, like Virginia Andersen’s 100th birthday party.

I watched you care for one another, sitting at hospital bedsides, preparing and delivering meals, visiting one another, growing and delivering fresh produce to folks at home. You partnered with Petaluma People Services Center and wrote Valentines cards for seniors, collected warm coats for the houseless, and bought Christmas gifts for children who otherwise may have gone without.

This year, some of you pedaled for protein, picked up and delivered prescriptions from the pharmacy, rang chimes as a call for the end to gun violence, and Dan Mulkey organized some of us to Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

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In 2023, you outdid yourselves with hospitality, welcoming newcomers without discrimination, hosting a Presbytery meeting in February, and going out of your way to let our tenants know that we value them and the work they are doing—Open Arms Playgarden Preschool, Bethel Fijian Congregation, Hope Counseling, and Pacific Empire Chorus. The revenue generated from our on-campus partners now generates a significant percentage of our annual budget. Thank you, Steve Crook, for lending your passion and real estate expertise in helping us be good stewards of this incredible campus.

As faithful stewards, this year we took steps to repair the foundation of the Agape House. Thank you Steve and Wayne, Susan and Shawn, for taking the lead on this. It is a costly, but necessary endeavor.

In worship we continued to refine our online worship experience. A huge thank you to Enrique Rojas and our AVL volunteers who help make this possible. Also this year, some of you hung stars and adorned the sanctuary for Christmas. Thank you, Mike Roberts for your hours of ladder work. In worship we welcomed our furry, feathery, scaly companions into our sanctuary for a Blessing of the Animals—dogs, cats, turtles and chickens—and in so doing, found ourselves blessed as well. Mark Sturges continued to be our resident bee keeper, actually capturing a swarm and caring for a colony of bees right behind the Fireside Room. Bee sure to take a peek.

In worship you continued to light candles, pray, and make a joyful noise in song. You hosted a fabulous Christmas Concert and some of you sang with the interfaith choir at this year’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. I was proud to watch our very own Jane Shelly directing that interfaith choir, as well as the fine musicians at this year’s Community Carol Sing. In all that you have said and done and sung, God’s presence has been embodied in the world.

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This year I continued to chair the Presbytery Council, and co-chair the Presbytery Personnel Committee (a bigger job this year with Pam Sommer’s retirement coming up…Congratulations Pam and thank you for a job well done!). My Presbyterian “Fab 5” cohort continued to meet once a month, and I walked Schollenberger Park with some of you (Mark Cooper, they’re starting up again soon, I promise!).

One of my favorites from 2023 was the installation of our temporary seven-circuit labyrinth. Thank you Phoebe, for not giving up on this dream. Labyrinths have been used for thousands of years, and in Christian churches and Cathedrals they have been used in prayer, meditation, and as a metaphor for pilgrimage. What a joy it is to be on this pilgrimage with you. Walking always in the direction of Jesus.

Walking together, sometimes single file, and sometimes side-by-side, but never alone.

Finally, I am tremendously grateful for our wonderful leadership team of Elders and Deacons, and especially Joyce Schipper for her many years serving as an outstanding Deacons Moderator. And, I can’t say enough about our fabulous staff. Thank you Roger, Grete, Jane and Jenny, and Enrique. It is a joy and a gift to work with each of you. When asked if I was worried about the church while I was away on sabbatical, my answer was always “no,” because I trusted you, and your fine leadership.

And of course, there’s all of you, my fellow First Presbyterian Church pilgrims, with whom I count it a privilege to minister alongside. After ten years as your pastor, you continue to amaze me. Thank you for your courage to go wherever the path will lead us in 2024 and beyond. Buen Camino!

Your pastor, servant leader and friend, Pastor John

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“We meet Jesus, who is with and for us when we are with and for each other.” - Kara K. Root

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Budget & Finance SUSAN PEARCE, ELDER

Commission members: Commission members: Susan Pearce (Chair), Shawn Dooley (Treasurer), Dan Ellecamp, Eric Goodrich, Dan Mulkey, Pastor John Chase (ex-officio), Staff: Roger Johnson (Bookkeeper) General fund: 2023 experience and 2024 budget: The table below presents the line by line detail of the general fund budget and actual experience for 2023. The Budget and Finance Commission recommended a 2024 budget to Session. The budget will be presented to the congregation at the January 2024 Annual Meeting.

Total giving came in above budget, leading to a surplus in actual giving versus the budget. Rental income exceeded the budget.

Operating expenses were less than budgeted for the year. BFC again commends the commissions for managing expenditures. Per Capita giving was less than budgeted. Investments income was positive this year, a rebound from losses in 2022. Overall, the finances of the church are in great shape thanks to the faithful giving of the congregation!

Ray Swain Building Fund (RSBF): Giving to the RSBF in 2023 totaled $29,965. In 2023, a $100,000 low-interest loan was obtained from the Redwoods Presbytery to fund major repairs to the Agape House foundation. The foundation repairs are nearing completion in early 2024. Many thanks to the faithful givers to the Ray Swain Building Fund in support of projects to maintain our campus. 2024 giving to the Ray Swain Building Fund will provide resources to make payments on the Agape House loan as well as to fund additional projects to improve the campus, such as parking lot improvements and Smart thermostats to reduce utility costs.

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Accomplishments/actions during the year: • Bookkeeper Roger Johnson continued to maintain high standards of accounting.

• In conjunction with the Facilities Commission, Dan Mulkey completed a detailed analysis of gas and electric usage over the last few years. Dan was able to make recommendations to help manage gas and electric spending, particularly during the winter months.

• Eric Goodrich continued to manage the banking team. Many thanks to Dan Ellecamp, Mark Hale, Dan Mulkey, Eric Goodrich, Susan Pearce, and Shawn Dooley for faithfully counting and making the deposits of funds this year!

• Conducted a detailed analysis of pledge giving during the year.

•

Completed and delivered employee performance review for Bookkeeper.

Respectfully prepared and submitted, Susan Pearce, Chair 2023 Budget and Finance Commission

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First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma General Fund Income

2023 Budget

2024 Actual

Budget

Pledge Offering

159,470

165,525

172,530

Non-pledge Offering

10,000

5,928

10,000

Plate Offering

500

333

500

Other Offering

0

0

0

Total Offering

169,970

171,786

183,030

Other

79,445

86,950

92,105

249,415

258,736

275,135

Pastor

102,190

102,239

109,539

Personnel (non ordained)

76,803

64,953

77,217

Facilities

68,100

77,796

88,500

Office

2,550

3,451

2,550

Per Capita (PCUSA)

3,045

2,975

3,205

Mission Pledge (PCUSA)

1,800

1,800

1,800

Budget & Finance

250

32

250

Session

200

277

200

254,938

253,523

283,261

Worship

2,150

1,843

2,150

Congregational Life

1,250

923

2,050

500

28

500

Outreach

1,000

2,022

1,000

Missions Local

2,700

2,700

2,700

Adult Ministry

500

0

500

Stewardship

200

53

200

Total Ministries

8,300

7,569

9,100

Miscellaneous

0

0

0

Total Expense

263,238

261,091

292,361

Excess (Deficit)

(13,823)

(2,356)

(17,226)

Total Income

Expense Overhead

Total Overhead Ministries

Student & Family Ministries

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Congregational Life LEDRA BRADY, ELDER

The year of 2023 was a year of gains and losses for Congregational Life. The mission of the group had pretty much stopped during COVID days because of gathering restrictions. The focus for the year was to rejuvenate the gatherings.

After doing lots of research, some new ideas were put forward. Some flourished and some floundered. Read on! For the first time in the history of FPCP, an official Presbyterian Women’s group was founded with a base group of about 25 women. The women gather monthly in the Fireside Room for Bible Study, fellowship, and support. A project for support will be chosen by the women this year. Officers have been elected and a Moderator and Hostess for each meeting have signed up. The group is open to all Presbyterian Women.

Another first was Lenten Suppers on the Wednesdays of Lent. The suppers were held in the Fireside Room from 5:30 to 6:45. The hours were selected to give choir members time to come, eat and get to practice. The attendance went from 10 or 12 on week one to 24 on week 6. The food was simple…mac and cheese, tacos, soup and salad and ended with a dessert like ice cream bars or cookies. The vibe was fun and congenial. An Easter breakfast was discussed but fell by the wayside due to normal life issues with time.

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We also had a barbecue in early fall and a Thanksgiving luncheon the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Both were well attended by 50-60 people. Again they were both warm, fun, happy, congenial events.

There were other ideas that didn’t get acted on, but are in the mix for 2024. You will read about them next year at this time.

Who did all of this work? The members, 18 folks, of the Commission ranged from our youngest volunteers, Sophie and Tim, to our older ones. People were happy to step up to help, but the one caveat was no one wanted to have to attend monthly meetings. So, for the first time ever, we had a Congregational Life committee that held no meetings, and we found that we didn’t need them.

All communicating was done by email!

It was a good year and we have a solid base to build on for 2024.

Ledra Brady, Elder, Congregational Life

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Deacons JOYCE SCHIPPER, DEACON MODERATOR As 2023 comes to a close, Deacons look back on what we have accomplished during the last year and also celebrate the future as they continue to minister to our church family. During 2023 we coordinated one memorial service and supported Session with the September Sunday Fall Bounty & BBQ Shindig and Thanksgiving Day Luncheon. The Widows Grief Support Group met monthly until November when the small group decided to informally meet in homes. We purchased four more lightweight round tables for Koinonia. Deacons also hosted and organized a Women’s Gathering at Westminster Woods in October that was attended by 11 ladies. It was a special weekend focused on getting to know one another and many new friendships were forged. The Deacons are responsible for the following: Communion: Marcille Roth, with the help of Nelda Roberts, recruited and instructed servers and saw that it all took place smoothly in coordination with Pastor John. Communion is generally served on the first Sunday of every month, in addition to Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (when it falls on a Sunday.)

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Prayer Chain: Jeannette Anglin led this ministry during 2023. There were 71 prayer requests and currently 60 people who receive prayer request emails.

Jeannette spent extra time after initial emails as some prayer requests merited follow up.

Transportation: Amy Dooley coordinated this ministry. There were 20 rides given in 2023 as well as 12 rides/support for shut-ins who needed help with errands. Rides were coordinated for church attendance as well as other activities and appointments.

Kitchen: Dianne Trumpy and Troy West worked to keep the kitchen clean and tidy, often cleaned out the refrigerator and freezer, deep-cleaned the coffee pots and kept our supplies well stocked. They single-handedly cleaned the entire kitchen during the year and cleaned out cupboards, drawers and closets. In addition, we finally went through all the tablecloths, taking inventory, discarding unusable cloths and purchasing new ones.

Connections: Victoria Ellecamp led her team including Cretia Horn, Amy Dooley and Kate Glose during 2023 and they accomplished the following with the help of the entire Deacons team: Calls – 217, Cards – 108, Ecards – 175, Visits – 15 In addition, 11 flower Valentine arrangements were delivered in February.

Benevolence: Joyce Schipper oversaw our benevolence ministry, helping provide basic areas of service and financial assistance for those in need. 10$50 gift cards were given to the office to share with those in need.

Support Services: Nelda Roberts took charge of this position which includes the medical supply lending closet, meals to families and helping provide for other needs as they arose. 5 meals were delivered in 2023.

Treasurer: Dan Ellecamp kept our finances up to date, in good order and procedures for reimbursement and payments were followed. With Dan’s monthly accuracy and attention to details, Deacons are financially sound.

Moderator/Secretary: Joyce Schipper filled these positions during 2023. She planned and facilitated Deacons’ meetings, distributed the minutes, coordinated the memorial services with the deacons’ team and families, attended session meetings and offered support as needs arose for our congregation.

Deacons are grateful for the monetary and emotional support from the congregation. Our team can truly depend on each other whenever called upon.

We are looking forward to a rewarding 2024 with a new moderator, Jeannette Anglin, as we continue our wonderful ministries together.

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Facilities WAYNE ROBERTS, ELDER

Facilities Commission Members Wayne Roberts (Facilities Elder), Karyl Crook, Steve Crook, Dan Ellecamp, Chris Olson, Mike Roberts, Troy West, Pastor John Chase (exofficio) Major Challenges 2023 started out with major challenges. The Agape House foundation had settled to the point that something had to be done to save the building. The office drive turned into a lake after heavy rains, water was getting into the underfloor heating ducts in the Sanctuary, dry wood termites were discovered in a Sanctuary beam, Agape House conference room ceiling was damaged by water from a cracked shutoff valve in upstairs apartment, numerous potholes populated the parking lot and driveway, the Sanctuary needed painting and 2 of the support timbers had dry rot damage. An additional major challenge was the campus needed to be spic and span for the Fijian Church convention in July.

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Agape House Restoration After an initial assessment, we signed a contract with Sonoma-Marin Construction for Partial Foundation Replacement knowing that additional work such as replacing dry rotted structure, plumbing, etc. would be covered by Change Orders. The dry rot and termite damage was extensive at the back of the house. The back and side entries had to be removed and will be replaced. Some changes are being made on the first floor to create a separate 2-room rental unit. We plan to have this new rental unit ready for occupancy in March. The Change Orders for the additional work and material are adding up to nearly as much as the original contract.

Water Problems We managed to keep the driveway lake down enough with our portable sump pump to use the handicap parking spaces. Roto-rooting the drain line 100 ft plus did no good. This problem has not resurfaced so far this rain season. By using the same sump pump to periodically pump the water out of the heating ducts, we managed to keep mold off the Sanctuary walls.

Mold was a problem during some prior years.

The damaged ceiling in the Adobe conference room was repaired as good as new.

Parking Lot The pothole debris was manually removed to enable pothole repair. We were not sure it was good enough. We arranged to have Recology sweep the parking lot to finish the job. We learned that there are different sweeper heads. One picks up gravel, another picks up leaves and litter. The Recology street sweeper with the leaf/litter head tore additional material loose and scattered it. We were back where we started and that ended the 2023 effort with one exception. A driveway pothole was patched to eliminate a trip hazard in the handicap parking.

Termites The termites were eradicated and there was no significant damage to the structure. Praise the Lord for an easy one.

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Spic and Spam Campus The sanctuary exterior painting and support pillar replacements, the courtyard overlook relandscaping, the repair and repainting the outside wood and metal benches and chairs, painting the courtyard steps, staining the office entry steps, and building new entry steps to Pastor John’s office were among the maintenance work completed before the midJuly Fijian convention. There was also a lot of janitorial work (sweeping, moping, dusting, washing, scrubbing and sanitizing), and a lot of yard work (mowing, raking, weed-eating, trimming and pruning) that was done for the convention.

More Significant Accomplishments Wi-Fi extended to Koinonia Hall, CE, and Fireside Room.

Sanctuary entry door hardware repaired. They now close and latch properly.

Koinonia Hall door closure and lock repair.

Security increased by adding push button locks with controlled access to additional entry doors.

Numerous plumbing problems resolved. Includes new faucet and drain on kitchen counter sink, new float on CE preschool toilet, repairs to office toilet, unplugging CE counter sink, …

Keeping up with the routine janitorial and yard tasks. Almost!

Coffee stains are still on the Sanctuary carpet, gophers are still in the lawn, rats are still in the yard…

2024 Facilities Commission Goals Complete planned restoration of Agape House Install monitored thermostats in Sanctuary, Koinonia Hall, and Agape House Repair/replace siding on back of Fireside Room Install support post at end of Koinonia Hall Make temporary repairs to parking lot and driveway asphalt Repair Koinonia Hall & CE Pillars Replace structure on overhang over steps between Sanctuary & CE Paint office and Koinonia Hall exterior Install camera system to improve campus security 16

Repair or replace office and Koinonia Hall windows Remove large tree in courtyard, plant slow growing tree Remove tree between storage sheds Landscape Sanctuary front entrance Establish a plan for the future of the Discovery Room Repair/replace flooring in kitchen and Koinonia Hall Install solar lighting on church sign Repair Lending Library in front lawn Carried over from 2023 Goals The goals are a partial list of what needs to be done on our facilities. Most of the 2024 goals are carried forward 2023 goals that were not done due to lack of resources (manpower & money). We will again try in 2024 to do the best we can with available resources but probably end up with similar carryover. The Facilities Commission welcomes input to any and all facility issues and will welcome volunteers. Please feel free to contact any member of the Facilities Commission.

Wayne Roberts I Facilities Commission Elder

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We are a Christ-centered community, committed to encountering God through— • Scripture, prayer, sacrament and song • Welcoming all • Breaking bread together • Caring for creation • Serving the community • Offering our lives as a witness to God’s love and justice in the world (FPCP Mission Statement adopted by Session April 25, 2019)

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Mission/Outreach SUE CARSON AND PHOEBE ANTONIO, ELDERS

This year Mission and Outreach were combined into a single commission co-led by Sue Carson and Phoebe Antonio. Ledra Brady, Bob Heyman, Jack Schipper, and Pascale Webb served on the commission, and we’re grateful for their support. Other members of the congregation helped with specific projects, and we worked in conjunction with the Deacons, the music ministry, and other commissions.

Our combined commission is responsible for activities and projects that involve the wider community. In 2023, that meant partnering with local organizations, contributing to local nonprofits, and welcoming the public to events on and off our campus.

Church Garden Jack Schipper continues to serve as our gardener extraordinaire. He plans the garden layouts, repairs boxes, installs fencing, and purchases plants, soil and amendments. He coordinated two planting days, one in the spring and another in the fall, and Sue provided lunch to the workers. Each Sunday during harvest season, Jack and his team set up a veggie table in the back of the sanctuary and collect a pay-what-you-wish offering to fund plants and supplies for the garden.

If you’d like to join the garden team, please contact Jack directly. We’d love to have you help plant, weed, and harvest as your time permits.

Visitor Welcome We designed a new brochure about our church that ushers give to visitors on Sunday mornings or at events. Also, since the Deacons again put attendance books in the seats, Pascale followed up with all visitors who left contact information.

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Labyrinth At last, we have a labyrinth on our campus. The team installed a temporary 7-circuit Chartes-style labyrinth in the spring, and we’ll evaluate interest before moving ahead with a more permanent structure. Meanwhile, a sign invites passersby to walk, and literature in a covered box provides basic instruction.

We lit the labyrinth with tea lights for the Maundy Thursday and Longest Night services, and many people walked the path. Our commission would love to have more people help with labyrinth maintenance and planning, so let us know if you’d like to be involved.

Longest Night Our church has offered a Longest Night contemplative service at the end of Advent for over a decade. It’s especially comforting to those who find the season difficult, and since other churches in Petaluma don’t have such a service, it gives us an opportunity to minister to our neighbors. Phoebe and Bob have been especially involved over the years.

Music Ministry Support The Mission and Outreach team worked on three music ministry events that are popular with both FPCP members and the public. Sue and the team helped Jane and Roger advertise both the spring and Christmas concerts, ushered, and recruited volunteers to bring cookies.

Sue also worked with Jane to promote and manage volunteers logistics for the annual Community Sing in Walnut Park.

We decorated, supplied songbooks, and set up tables of Christmas treats.

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Partnerships with Petaluma People Services Center We collected coats and other cold-weather gear the entire month of October for distribution by PPSC. Our congregation is small, but was able to make a significant contribution. In late November, we put a giving tree in the sanctuary decorated with requests for toys. Again, our congregation really came through with gifts to be distributed by PPSC to needy children in our community.

Other Community Outreach Sue and Phoebe, along with Deacons and other interested members of the congregation, attended introductory Blue Zones meetings in 2023. We look forward to seeing how our church can contribute to this transformational activity once the goals are announced in the spring of 2024.

Teams from our church rang the Salvation Army bell downtown in early December, as they have in previous years.

The commission also matched member donations to local charities, a Christmas tradition.

Matching Gifts Recipients for 2023 Agency

Member Gifts

Matching Gift

Total Giving

Hope Counseling

750.00

650.00

1,400.00

COTS

105.00

50.00

155.00

Community Matters

50.00

50.00

100.00

Salvation Army

50.00

50.00

100.00

Totals

955.00

800.00

1,755.00

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The Office ROGER JOHNSON, BOOKKEEPER & OFFICE COORDINATOR

It’s been a year of change and also of constancy. I moved offices to accommodate our new office partners. During Pastor John’s sabbatical it was necessary to work with several guest preachers, who helped to bridge the gap while he was away. I appreciate that as a group they were so accommodating and attentive to our needs during his leave.

But there was consistency in the weekly routine. I am not very good at embracing change so having consistency made things better. Thanks to Wayne Roberts, Troy West, Diane Olsen, Steve Crook, Dan Mulkey and especially Eric Goodrich for their frequent visits and conversations.

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Personnel MARK STURGES, ELDER

The final sabbatical plan for Pastor John was approved by the Personnel Commission and sent to Session for final approval early last spring. Pastor John submitted a plan for substitute pastors to cover his absence from April 11 to July 5, 2023, the approved dates of his sabbatical. Many thanks to all the substitute pastors, staff and church members who assisted during our Pastor’s absence last spring and summer. We are so glad to have him back!

The major work of the Personnel Commission (PC) is to conduct work reviews of staff and to review and update, as needed, all position descriptions. Following is a list of FPCP staff positions: Pastor, Music Director, Organist/Pianist, Student Ministries & Events Coordinator (formerly Sunday School Director), Bookkeeper, and Office Coordinator. In 2023, all work reviews for 2022 were conducted and completed by the end of March 2023. In the process, all position descriptions were reviewed. The Organist/Pianist position was updated and approved by the PC. The Sunday School Director (now known as Student Ministries & Events Coordinator) position was reviewed and significantly revised then approved by the Session upon the recommendation of the PC. The Office Coordinator position description remains under review for needed revision. All annual work reviews of staff, including the Pastor, were completed, signed, and filed as required. As we look forward to our work for 2024, we plan to have all position descriptions updated as appropriate.

In December 2023, we completed our 3rd year Agreement with Enrique Rojas, our Audio-Visual Lighting Coordinator (AVLC). The AVLC is not a staff position for the church.

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Finally, our commission is saddened to include in our report the passing of a distinguished member of our commission, Mike Glose. Mike faithfully served the congregation in this capacity for the past 10 years. We will miss his wisdom and counsel, and his cheerful willingness to help with any task set before him.

Respectfully submitted, Mark R. Sturges Personnel Commission Chairman and Elder Eric Goodrich Personnel Commission member

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Student Ministries GRETE HANSEN, STUDENT MINISTRIES & EEVENTS COORDINATOR

2023 was a year of growth for our Student Ministries program. While we did say goodbye to a few of our kiddos who have moved on to Junior High, we had the honor of welcoming numerous new friends this year. They all bring such wonderful energy to Sunday morning!

We participated in several of our favorite annual church activities: Souper Bowl Sunday Our gracious offerings allowed us to make another donation to Una Vida, an organization near and dear to my heart.

First Presby Annual Egg Hunt The weather was beautiful and the eggs were plentiful!

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Blessing of the Animals A highlight every year. What’s not to love about spending worship time surrounded by turtles (and kitties and puppies).

Children in Worship We got the opportunity to be more involved and take part in worship service on Sunday mornings. The kids were greeters several Sunday mornings throughout the year and really enjoyed getting to say hello to our members and share the bulletins. We learned that the kiddos enjoy singing and they got the opportunity to show off their talents twice this year! Some of our kids are volunteering to help with the offering and greeting on Sunday mornings all on their own. It is wonderful to see their hearts of service.

This year, as we entered the season of Advent, I learned that several of our new Sunday School friends were not familiar with the meaning and why we celebrate. It was really powerful to share the Journey to Bethlehem story each Sunday morning in December with new and excited eyes and ears.

I’m excited to see what 2024 has in store!

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Worship PAM SOMMER, ELDER The Worship Commission is tasked in the Standing Rules with: Evaluating and recommending improvements for the worship ministries and activities of the congregation Planning seasonal celebrations of the church Overseeing and supporting ministry teams, including, but not limited to the AVL Team, Choir and Worship Ensemble Preparing annual budget request and overseeing the spending of the commission’s budget The members who served on the 2023 Worship Commission: Marcille Roth; Debby Sturges; Rony Kurniawan; Jenny Smith, Pianist/Organist; Jane Shelly, Music Director; Pastor John Chase, ex-officio; Pam Sommer, Worship Elder.

2023 Goals Opportunities for children to participate in leading worship Before Advent meet to plot out music, artwork, etc., for Christmas Eve, Epiphany, etc.

Blessing of the Animals in October Highlights Audio Visual Lighting Coordinator worked on training volunteers to help run the equipment.

Bouquets and paraments artistically arranged/coordinated throughout the year, including a hanging quilt of a piano donated by Ledra Brady.

Choir singing and bell choir ringing throughout the year.

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Grete Hansen leading children participating in worship as greeters.

Three young people have been added to the 2024 Greeters List: Timmy, Sophie, and Tyler.

Involvement of the children in the service included: Timmy and Sophie participating in bell choir but also ringing “solo” for “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” The children bringing in the banner for Gaelic Heritage, Sophie ringing on All Saints Day during the commemoration of those who have passed, Sophie and Timmy reading the prayers before the lighting of the first candle during Advent.

Blessing of the Animals during worship service in the sanctuary was well attended and appreciated, October 22.

Purchase of new Nativity scene characters used for interactive purpose involving children during Advent worship services.

Process implemented for securing Worship Leaders and Greeters.

Expanded Greeter/Attendance person to include processing the offering/prayer request plate during the singing of the Doxology.

Planned Worship Planning Protocol for use while Pastor John was away on sabbatical.

Added the donation by the Carson Family of a prayer bench under the prayer table with light from the stained glass providing a warm glow and comforting opportunity for those who light candles and pray.

The congregation enjoyed the Advent & Christmas star flakes liturgical art installation all year.

Advent & Christmas Worship Planning, with a soup/bread lunch, Saturday, November 4, in the Fireside Room.

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Worship services/activities during the year: Gaelic Heritage Sunday May 14; Voices of Spring Concert April 30; Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Elim Lutheran Church November 20; Christmas Choir Concert December 10; Longest Night Service December 21; Community Carol Sing December 23; Christmas Eve Services in the morning and evening December 24.

The Worship Commission is grateful for and would like to thank everyone involved in participating in meaningful worship experiences this year!

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“You who created them and called them good: bless again these creatures who come to us as a blessing fashioned of fur or feather or fin, formed of flesh that breathes with your own breath, that you have made from sheer delight, that you have given in dazzling variety.

Bless them who curl themselves around our hearts, who twine themselves through our days, who companion us in our labor who call us to come and play.

Bless them who will never be entirely tamed and so remind us that you love what is wild, that you rejoice in what lives close to the earth, that your heart beats in the heart of these creatures you have entrusted to our care. Amen.”

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Music Ministry JANE SHELLY, MUSIC DIRECTOR 2023 was a big year for the music ministry and for me personally. We were just coming out of Covid and getting used to singing on each Sunday and I am very proud of the resilience our music ministry demonstrated as we figured out how to move forward!

As part of the worship commissions goals, the music ministry was given a mandate to incorporate the children in the worship service more. Our children need to know how very important they are to this congregation.

In the spring, Sophie and Timmy became regular members of the bell choir. On Gaelic Heritage Sunday, they were joined by Ethan, Philip and Jilly to bring the banner of tartans into church.

Speaking of Gaelic Heritage Sunday, we were pleased to celebrate it on Mother’s Day. We did not have the bagpiper, the dancers and the elaborate reception with scones and shortbread as we had pre-Covid but it was fun nonetheless. Thank you, Karel Crook for helping me find the tartans!

In April, the Music Ministry collaborated with the Fijians to present a concert. We sang half the concert and they sang half the concert, ending with the two groups singing a song partly in English and partly in Fijian! We split the contributions three ways, with one third going to Petalum’s SAFE Team, a part of Petaluma People Services Center.

One of things we recognize in the music ministry is that we have very talented musicians—not just singers but also composers. We commissioned and then performed Pam Sommer’s “The Lord’s Prayer.” In the fall, the men’s quartet

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performed Andrew Schipper’s setting of Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus.”

A highlight of the music in the spring was the choir’s presentation of Buxtehude’s “Jesus, Priceless Treasure,” complete with two flutes and cello accompanying us!

Between the proceeds of the April concert and a generous donation from Pam Sommer and Homer Johnstone, we were able to have the piano get some much-needed tender loving care over the summer.

The fall had many special moments. For the choir’s first appearance in the fall, we invited Sophie, Ethan and Phillip to join us on “Inch by Inch.” Then, for the Blessing of the Animals Sunday, we were joined by those three plus Tyler and Emily.

Timmy and Sophie continued in the bell choir but also played “solo.” Sophie rang the bell during the All Saints’ Day commemoration liturgy and Timmy and Sophie rang the bells during the singing of “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” on both the Christmas concert and on Christmas Eve. Another highlight for me was the collaboration our choir had with Elim Lutheran Church and the Unitarian church at the Interfaith Thanksgiving service held at Elim. Pastor John said that he was pleased to see me conducting—the REAL story to that is that Elim’s music director (Lauren Haille) gave me the choice of 32

playing piano or conducting. I assured her I have zero keyboard skills and that determined it! Our choristers loved singing in the larger choir as did the Unitarian choristers. We all loved it so much that we really want to find more ways to get our choirs together—stay tuned on that idea!

Our Christmas concert was a huge success.

Our theme was Christmas Traditions—carols that people may know but never get to sing.

The audience was very enthusiastic and we raised a significant amount of funds. Our current fundraising project is to refurbish the bells; something that has not happened in many years. We are now more than half way to that goal!

The Community Christmas Carol Sing was a lot of fun. Many thanks to all of you who pitched in to help! Enrique, Sue Carson, Phoebe Antonio, Shawn Dooley, Roger (Santa Claus), Diane Trumpy, Dan and Victoria Ellecamp and all those who baked cookies, helped set up and tear down. This event really “takes a village.” So many, many thanks to all of you!

The small groups, worship ensemble and bell choir add a wonderful dimension to our music making. The women’s trio gave their first performance on December 17 with “Breath of Heaven” and the Men’s quartet contributed immeasurably with Andrew Schipper’s piece and the Boar’s Head Carol at the Christmas concert. Many thanks to Dan Ellecamp, Bob Heyman, Pam Sommer and Shawn Dooley for your year-round commitment to the Worship Ensemble!

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2024 will be another year of growth and exploration for the music ministry, so please consider joining us! We rehearse every Wednesday evening at 7:00 for an hour (except in the lead up to a concert). We strive for perfection but our goal is to make a joyful noise and enhance the worship experience of the congregation.

We are flexible because we know that everyone leads busy lives and cannot always make it to rehearsal or a Sunday.

My Annual Report would not be complete without a major tip of the hat to our Jenny. Jenny is my go-to person to make sure the hymns I suggest are known to the congregation. She works tirelessly to assist the choir, women’s trio and men’s quartet. She has made recordings of individual parts of the anthems, accompanies the choir and small groups and is very creative in her preludes and hymn accompaniments. I would encourage you to listen carefully to Jenny’s hymn accompaniments on the organ. If you do, you will hear that she changes stops (timbres) on nearly every verse. Her preludes are always well thought out and performed impeccably. I don’t tell her often enough how very talented she is and how blessed I am to have her as such an essential part of the music ministry at First Presbyterian!

Thank you all for the support you show to me and to our marvelous musicians!

Signed, Jane Shelly

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“…so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.”

- Romans 12:5

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Nominating Committee PAM SOMMER AND LEDRA BRADY, ELDERS The members who served on the Nominating Committee: Lonna Mulkey, Debby Sturges, Amy Dooley, Members at Large; Jeannette Anglin, Deacon Representative; Phoebe Antonio and Pam Sommer, Session Representatives; Pastor John Chase, ex-officio Our task was to identify and ask candidates to serve as Session Elders, Deacons and the Nominating Committee members at large in 2024. The following members were presented and approved by the congregation to serve during the November 19, 2023 meeting: Deacons Dorothy Teply – Class of 2025 (1st term) Pascale Webb – Class of 2025 (1st term) Dan Ellecamp – Class of 2024 (half of 3rd term) Victoria Ellecamp – Class of 2024 (half of 3rd term) Marcille Roth – Class of 2024 (half of 3rd term) Elders Shawn Dooley – Class of 2025 (1st term) Meagan Dowdall – Class of 2025 (1st term) Charles Fulton – Class of 2025 (1st term) Debby Sturges – Class of 2025 (1st term) Nominating Committee (members-at-large) Two open positions

Deacons Continuing Amy Dooley – Class of 2024 (1st term) Jeannette Anglin – Class of 2024 (2nd term) Dianne Trumpy – Class of 2024 (2nd term) Troy West – Class of 2024 (1st term) 36

Elders Continuing Susan Pearce – Class of 2024 (1st term) Wayne Roberts – Class of 2024 (1st term) Phoebe Antonio – Class of 2024 (1st term) Sue Carson – Class of 2024 (1st term) Deacons Outgoing Nelda Roberts Joyce Schipper Elders Outgoing Ledra Brady Pam Sommer Mark Sturges The Nominating Committee is grateful for these members who have said yes to serving the congregation and others.

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Session & Statistical Report SHAWN DOOLEY, CLERK OF SESSION

Session Meetings

Statistical Information

January 19 February 16 March 16 April 19 (no mtng) May 17 June 21 (no mtng)

Membership — 12/31/22

89

Additions: Confirmation of Faith Reaffirmation of Faith Certificate of Transfer Total

0 0 0 0

Subtractions: Deceased Certificate of Transfer Removal of Membership Total

1 0 0 1

Membership — 12/31/23

88

Infant/Child Baptisms Teen/Adult Baptisms

0 0

Holy Communion was served times: Weddings

12 0

July 20 August 17 September 19, 21 October 19 November 16 December 14

Congregational Meetings January 29, November 19

Those preaching the Word of God during worship in 2023 Rev. John Chase: January 8,15,16,22,29; February 5,12,19,26; March 5,12,19,26 April 2,9; July 2,9,16,23,30; August 6,13,20,27; September 3,10,17,24; October 1,8,15,22,29; November 5,12,19,26; December 10,17,24 Paul Slaikeu: April 16, June 25 Rev. Eric Beene: April 23 Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt: April 30, June 4, June 18, December 3 Rev. Judy Slater: May 7, May 21 Ariel Mink: May 14, June 11 Rev. Dr. Nancy Martin-Vincent: May 28 Linda Dragoo: January 1, December 31

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FROM WHERE WE ARE TO WHERE YOU NEED US…FROM THE SECURITY OF WHAT WE KNOW TO THE ADVENTURE OF WHAT YOU WILL REVEAL…TO REFASHION THE FABRIC OF THIS WORLD UNTIL IT RESEMBLES THE SHAPE OF YOUR REIGN…

JESUS, NOW LEAD ON.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PETALUMA 939 B STREET, PETALUMA, CA 94952 I 707.762.8269 I PETALUMAFIRST.COM