2020 Annual Report - St. Mary's Episcopal Church Laguna Beach

SMLB January 19th 2020

Annual Report 2020 St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Laguna Beach

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Agenda St. Mary’s Annual Meeting, Jan. 19th 2020 Call to Order Declaration of Quorum According the By-Laws of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, sixty percent of members present in person shall constitute a quorum.

Appointment of Clerk Minutes of the Annual Meeting of January 2019 Nominations of Vestry Candidates Diocesan Convention Delegation 2020 Reports Report by Senior Warden - Mike Metzler Report by both Jr. Warden's - Pat August & Linda Bratcher Report by Treasurer - Dick Swintek Report by Music Director - Bob Gunn Report by Episcopal Church Women - Julianna Van Den Berg Report by Outreach - Barbara Van Gaasbeek Report by Rector - Lester V. Mackenzie Reflection on Ministry 2019 (Please see written reports)

Thanksgiving to Outgoing Vestry members Adjourn

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The Rector Annual Report to members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Laguna Beach CA. The book of nature tells me what I'm made of, and the book of scripture tells me what I'm made for! I invite you to join me into Serving, Healing and Loving in the light of God. I was born and raised in the Anglican Church of South Africa. One of my favorite hymns continues to be Siyahamba Ngukanyen’kwenkosi, when translated means We Are Marching In The Light Of God. This is a song of joy and hope even amidst uncertainty.

I am so excited to join together and begin to live out our new strategic plan. This is the year we live into our First Sunday Family Fresh Expression(FX). I look forward to inviting more young people to join in serving at the altar. I further see a new Wednesday Night bible study and more consistent Sunday Adult Education. We will continue to grow our current ministries as we launch our new website TODAY! I deeply look forward to continue to take this journey together friends. Let us place ourselves in God's hands. Your will not let me go.

I see a renewed joy as we move forward together in ministry. I give thanks that God allows me to serve you in the name of Christ. I give thanks for the wonderful installation as your rector this previous year! I truly am blessed to have been called to serve in this community. Profound gratitude to every person who gave of their time, talent and treasure for my installation.

Gratitude to all who have been connected to St. Mary's in some way, and thank you for your presence.I give thanks for the love and support of my family.

Wherever you find yourself on your journey of life, know that you and anyone you know can always find a word of hope and love at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

May we always remember the great commandment Jesus invites us to live into, from John 34-35 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” pax et bonum Fr. Lester+

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2020 Vestry Candidates

The Senior Warden’s 2019 Annual Report The year 2019 was a year for renewal for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. With the welcoming of The Reverend Lester V. Mackenzie as our twelfth Rector, it presented to the Vestry the opportunity of creating a new five-year strategic plan to provide a direction, alignment and measurable goals for guiding the church into the immediate future.

The strategy is to grow the engagement and participation of current and new parishioners with two goals: 1. Provide spirited ministry services and exceptional social dialogues.

2. Advocate for St. Mary’s presence through internal and external communications efforts.

With the plan officially launching on January 19th, this year we will concentrate on the execution of the plan. In support of that, we will be creating operational systems, processes and procedures to ensure effectiveness.

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An additional outcome of 2019 was the nurturing growth of relationships among parishioners through existing programs and new events and gatherings. It’s been joyful to witness the caring and giving of time, talent and treasure in living out the church’s vision of “an inclusive community called to Serve, Heal and Love in the Light of God.” With a plan in place and the continuing spirit of our parishioners, the future looks bright.

2019 Junior Warden For Programs Report This position was newly considered this year. It works in tandem with the Jr. Warden for Grounds and Maintenance in support of both the Rector and Senior Warden. The roles of the wardens are to support the vision, mission and goals of the parish, make and implement plans, assess progress and celebrate achievements. Additionally it identifies and give thanks for those things that build community and furthers the mission of the church.

This year Jr. Warden for Programs worked on the following parish wide ministry items: Planning and implementation of the Installation and Reception of Fr. Lester Mackenzie at St. Mary’s Carrying out a study and financial review of the Columbarium. This review allowed for an update and revised planning for this most important ministry of our parish. The study resulted in a new pamphlet being printed with current information and assistance for anyone wishing to learn more about this option for internment at St. Mary’s. Additionally, the vestry approved the appointment of Kathleen Dapper to be installed as Columbarium Custodian. Her role will be to maintain accurate accounting as is required.

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Wedding and Rental Agreement were reviewed and revised to provide the most updated information with an eye for clarify, and opportunities available at St. Mary’s.

Two new programs were added, or are in their initial planning phases, they are as follows: Advent Creche Blessing with Cookies to follow during the early weeks of Advent Creation Club will be formed as an extension of the St. Mary’s Campus Garden Club Support.

Respectfully submitted, Linda Bratcher Jr. Warden for Programs at St. Mary’s

2019 Junior Warden For Buildings and Grounds Report It is has been a busy year in terms of maintenance for the church facilities. The following was completed during 2019:

Painting and tenting of the Rose Cottage was completed.

Tenting of the church was completed.

Clean up of no longer needed furniture was accomplished and donated to Salvation Army.

Due to intruder damage to the Guild Hall doors, both sets of doors were replaced, repainted and new panic bars and lock installed.

The rotten wooden fence in the upper garden area was removed and a new wrought iron fence installed.

The Crowther girls began sanding of the handrails in the upper garden and painting of the sign out front. Shauna George is now completing the sign painting and it can now be seen from the street.

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The downspout on the Guild Hall which had been damaged by ivy growth was replaced. Ben Brown volunteered to cut the ivy away from the Guild Hall and did a great job. Not an easy one either!

The weeds in the area on Mermaid were cleaned up by Networks and 30 bags taken to the landfill by Dennis White.

Theft of the hearing devices for the church and the sound board for the acoustic system required replacement of the soundboard. The new soundboard has increased the clarity of the sound.

Hasps and locks were mounted on the closets in the Guild Hall used by our maintenance crew and ECW by Mark Clymer.

Projects coming up in 2020 include estimates on painting the exterior of the church, roof repair on the church, handrails from the office to the path to the church and from the church to the lower parking lot. Property line issues with the owners west of the Guild Hall will be pursued so that a fence between the properties can be safely put up. Masonry repairs need to be made in the upper garden.

My thanks to all the volunteers mentioned above. Also thanks to Mary Hill for her participation on the B&G Committee prior to her move to Idaho. My deepest thanks to Mark Clymer for his work not only on the committee but having repaired more than one thing on the property thus saving the church money.

Pat August, Jr. Warden, Buildings and Grounds

ECW Report – 2019 All women of the church are invited to join ECW and support the church through worship, service, gifts and fellowship.

Fellowship: One of the main benefits of ECW is in developing fellowship with the other women of the church. We meet the second Tuesday of the month in a member’s home. We enjoy a delicious pot luck dinner and enjoy the fellowship while we transact business. For those who don’t like to drive, we offer carpooling as well.

Fundraisers: We have several fundraisers during the year that we hope will promote and encourage the sense of community within St. Mary’s, Laguna Beach, nationally and internationally.

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We had a number of successful Fundraisers this year. These included: • Book Sale • Bingo and Brats • Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale • Cinco de Mayo • Bake Sale Outreach: Every year the proceeds from these various activities are donated to various Outreach programs – locally, in the U.S. and internationally. This past year we were able to donate a total of $3,561 to the following: • Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) • ECW, Diocese of Los Angeles • Friendship Shelter, Laguna Beach • Laguna Food Pantry, Beach • Sally’s Fund, Laguna Beach • Muhangi Church, Diocese of Rwenzori, Uganda • Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Circle, Alaska The two Outreach donations for Africa and Alaska are a result of two of our member’s association with these Churches. The female priest in Uganda, where we have donated money, goes towards building their church. The Muhangi Church is headed up by the daughter of one of our much beloved, but deceased, former parishioners Glenetta and Jim Farrell. We also donate to the Holy Trinity Church in Alaska, with which two of our Parishioners, Will and Mary Crist, are very involved.

Donations to St. Mary’s Church: We set aside money for the Church to help improve and maintain our own Church. Every year we look for ways to contribute to the betterment of our own church, and all around the campus are examples of this commitment. We also purchased the Stole for Father Mackenzie’s installation in 2019.

We thank everyone for their support and encouragement, and look forward to another exciting and successful year.

Julianna Van Den Berg

President - ECW

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Outreach Outreach Trio, Lent 2019 St Mary’s supported three very worthwhile local causes this Lent, raising a total of $3,235.00. Of this amount, two checks for $1,017.50 each were given to The Teen Shelter and The Community Clinic, both in Laguna Beach. The remaining $1,200.00 was sent to The Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit which supplied 40 pairs of brand new athletic shoes to Carr Intermediate School, Santa Ana. The students at the school face many daunting odds, one of which is having no shoes with which to participate in games after school. The new shoes were greeted with huge smiles when the students received them! A special thank you to Carol White for many hours spent liaising with the school, and contributing her time and talents to see the program through.

Waymakers Teen Shelter Clothing Drive

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From the end of August through the middle of September, St Mary’s generously brought their gently used clothing items for boys and girls to the church. This was to help struggling teens who often arrive at the Shelter with only the clothes on their backs. In September, 23 bags of clothing containing some 200 items were delivered to the Shelter.

Wells Of Life, Uganda, Advent 2019 St Mary’s supported Wells of Life, a nonprofit based in southern California which digs wells in northern Uganda to deliver clean drinking water to impoverished villages. We raised $6,000.00, the cost of a well, thanks to the great generosity of all. This was lifesaving and life changing work, since far too many children in these villages die from diseases contracted by drinking contaminated water. Our efforts were boosted by an inspiring talk given by Nick Jordan, Founder and CEO of this nonprofit, when he visited the church. St Mary’s well will be dug soon and a plaque will be attached to the well naming the church as the donor.

With many thanks to all who helped these programs run smoothly – Mark Clymer, Gary Mangiofico, Helen Meyer, Dick Swintek, Claudia Mellin and Mary Hill. And deepest gratitude to all who so generously and faithfully contributed to these causes. It is truly appreciated. Thank you, St Mary’s, for caring so much for those in need!

Respectfully submitted, Barbara van Gaasbeek, Outreach Chair

2019 HOSPITALITY AFTER 10:30 SERVICE REPORT

This ministry provides an opportunity for people to socialize in the Guild Hall after the 10:30 service. We provide coffee and light food. It is a comfortable environment for newcomers, visitors and St. Mary’s members to interact with each other.

Those who volunteer choose to set up the room and make coffee or bring food and cleanup.

Some members offer to do it all on their assigned date. Assignments are generally scheduled every other month.

The following members made it another successful year:

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Joslyn Aitken, Shanna George, Cristina Calderone & John Lombardo, Leslie Derrick & Tina Tipps, Suzy Horaney, Meeker, Claudia Mellin, Nancy Sellas, Ed Merrilees & Linda Mayer, Barbara & Jim Van Gaasbeek, Carol & Dennis White, Nancy Wallis.

In Gratitude, Julianna Van Den Berg Co-Coordinators

2019 Annual report InReach Men’s Bible Study Men's bible study has continue in 2018, as it has for over ten years, providing fellowship and growth in the understanding of God's word.

The St Mary's Christian men meet in the church parish office on Thursdays at 8:00 am.

This is a very cohesive group with a goal to study scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to teach them what it means for them today. The group opens and closes in prayer.

They do not have a strict format, they read scripture and then pause for reflection. The group is currently studying Acts.

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They read several passages and then pause for reflection.

The group does not actively recruit but welcomes those who wants to join them weekly or just stop by when able.

Afterwards, they enjoy having breakfast together at a local Laguna restaurant. Thursday's 8:00 in church office.

ECW- Episcopal Women’s Group Meets second Tuesday at 6:00 pm, at church or in other women’s homes. Yearly raise money through bake sales, Christmas bazars, and other activities. This section is reported on by Julianna VanDenBerg, ECW President.

Lectio Divina Lectio Divina, literally meaning "divine reading," is an ancient practice of praying the Scriptures. During Lectio Divina, the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible with the "ear of the heart," as if he or she is in conversation with God, and God is suggesting the topics for discussion. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of reading (lectio), reflecting on (meditatio), responding to (oratio) and resting in (contemplatio) the Word of God with the aim of nourishing and deepening one's relationship with the Divine.

Members of our church continue to develop their relationship with our Lord from their discipline of attending Lectio Divina at St Mary's every Monday at 5:00 pm.

Centering Prayer Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.

Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer verbal, mental or affective prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God. Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Christ.

Centering prayer at St Mary's follows Lectio Divina on Mondays at 5:30pm.

TAIZÉ Monthly 1st Thursday, 7:00pm (Sanctuary)

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“Contemplation is nothing more than one’s whole person being seized by the reality of God’s Love.” Roger of Taizé Our Taizé worship involves sung and chanted prayer, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings and the use of candles. We are led by instrumental and guitar musicians, Shauna McFadden and Jay Rechter.

In this service of song, silence and prayer there is time for you to receive the laying on of hands and anointing for healing and wholeness for you or on behalf of another, as well as time for prayers at the cross.

Join our community as we worship in the style of Taizé.

Nancy Sellas

HEALING SERVICE AND HOLY EUCHARIST Weekly, Tuesday at 10:00am “Jesus says, ‘Come to me all you are troubled and I will give you rest.’ So come. Your who are burdened by regrets and anxieties, You who are broken in body or in spirit, You who are torn by relationships and doubt, You who feel deeply within yourselves the divisions and injustices of our world. Come, for Jesus invites us to bring him our brokenness.”

We gather in community each Tuesday morning at 10 for a prayer service, Gospel reading, laying on of hands and anointing, passing Gods peace, and Eucharist.

Please join us as we pray for healing for ourselves and others, for our churches, for this country and for this world.

Nancy Sellas ALTAR SERVERS AND CHALICE AND READERS Sunday 10:30 The schedule of servers and readers is made up on a 3 month calendar and is posted in the Narthex and the church website. The Prayers of the People readers are asked weekly. Please contact Nancy Sellas if you would like to serve or to read.

2019 Music Report

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We continue on to have the privilege of singing together some of the most beautiful sacred music ever written under the guidance of our remarkably gifted, loving and dedicated musical director Bob Gunn.

We have grown to become a truly remarkable choir. We are very grateful for the dedication and service of: Sopranos: Joslyn Aiken, Carrie Joyce, Shauna McFadden, Jane Riedel, Tina Tipps, and Stephanie Metzler Altos: Shanna George, Pat Kollenda, and Karen Zfaty Tenors: Will Crist, Tom Davis, and Rebecca Lyles Basses: Bob Gunn We welcome to our choir family all who would come to help us lead worship. As I always mention, there are many reasons we are drawn to sing in St. Mary’s Choir, including: 1. The opportunity to accomplish something together that none of us can do alone: to sing together - in harmony – to the glory of God. 2. The opportunity to serve God and to serve our parish family.

3. The opportunity to prepare for and glimpse heaven’s choir singing along with us.

4. The opportunity to read, hear, sing and meditate on words of truth, love, peace, joy and hope. In rehearsal, as we hone each passage, the repetition moves those words into the deepest parts of our souls – and they reside there with us throughout our lives, reminding us of God’s unfailing love for us.

5. The opportunity to experience and participate in the art of beautiful poetry, melody and harmony.

6. The opportunity to exercise our intellects – singing requires both sides of the brain simultaneously.

7. The opportunity to be part of a close family within the parish family. Working and worshiping together for four hours each week draws us close. We rejoice together and bear each others’ burdens.

8. The opportunity to leave the stresses of life behind by such focus that everything else fades away, and, then, to return calm and energized.

Our choir is privileged to do all of these things under the direction of our very gifted, dedicated, loving and funny Musical Director, Bob Gunn. Bob demands excellence in the gentlest, most humorous ways. He leads us to sing better than we really can. His beautiful piano improvisations during communion and other moments in the service lead us into intimacy with God. As every choir member would tell you, we are extraordinarily blessed to be able to make music and serve our parish under his direction.

As we prepare for the music of Sunday mornings – hymns, responses, psalms, offertories, and communion – and as we prepare for special seasons and feasts – Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, we sing with joy and gratitude and we look forward to moving into this new year singing God’s praises! Please consider joining us!

Karen Zfaty, Choir President

Laguna Beach Interfaith Council The Interfaith Mission Statement is: Annual Report, Page 14

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Our purpose is to further communication and cooperation among the faith groups of Laguna Beach and the community social service organizations to serve the needs of this community, especially the needs of the poor, the sick and the disenfranchised.

The Interfaith Council is most appreciative of St. Mary’s hosting the Blue Christmas Service in 2019. We also welcomed the Orange County Jewish Collaborative during December 2019. A gift to continue to be part of our Laguna Beach Interfaith Blessing of the Artists.

Communications Task Force Local Media Feature Articles Laguna Beach Independent, 6/21/2019, St. Mary’s Donations to the Laguna Beach Community Clinic and Waymakers Teen Shelter, including photographs with the Rev. Lester V. Mackenzie with Dr. Jorge Rubal (Medical Director, Community Clinic) and Chelsea Burch (Volunteer Coordinator, Teen Shelter). The article emphasized St. Mary’s long tradition of outreach to those in need locally, nationally, and internationally, especially in response to natural or manmade disasters.

Laguna Beach Independent, 9/6/2019, announcement of the upcoming installation of the Rev. Lester V. Mackenzie as the 12th Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Laguna Beach, including a recent photograph of Fr. Lester. The article included a biography of Fr. Lester including his education and previous postings, as well as his responsibilities in the Los Angeles Diocese and the National Church.

Laguna Beach Independent, 9/13/2019, description of the installation of the Rev. Lester V. Mackenzie as the 12th Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Laguna Beach, including pictures from the day. The article outlined the attendees and details of the service which was presided over by the Right Reverend John Harvey Taylor, Bishop Diocesan, Diocese of Los Angeles.

Stu News Laguna, description of the installation of the Rev. Lester V. Mackenzie as the 12th Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Laguna Beach, including pictures from the day.

Local Media Advertising

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Laguna Beach Independent, 4/12/19 and 4/19/19, Holy Week Services dates and times Laguna Beach Independent, 5/10/19 and 5/17/19, Our Sisters’ Keepers Photography Exhibit LA Times OC Weekly, 5/12/19, Our Sisters’ Keepers Photography Exhibit Stu News Laguna, 10/15/19 and 10/18/19, ECW Brats and Bingo Fundraiser Stu News Laguna, 11/29/19 and 12/3/19, Christmas Fundraising Event Stu News Laguna, 12/13/19 and 12/20/19, Christmas Services dates and times Laguna Beach Independent, 12/13/19 and 12/20/19, Christmas Services dates and times Laguna Beach City Guide, mid-June, 2019 Annual Edition Social Media Activity St. Mary’s Facebook page, regularly posted announcements of upcoming activities and events, and post event documentation including photographic images. Focused on an internal audience of Facebook users who “like” the St. Mary’s Facebook page.

St. Mary’s Instagram page, regularly posted engaging image driven posts and inspirations posts

by Fr. Lester Mackenzie. Focused on both an internal and external audience of Instagram users who “follow” the St. Mary’s Instagram account.

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Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL) Ministry

The city of Laguna Beach established the Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL) in 2009 to provide overnight shelter for homeless persons in the city. They contracted with the Friendship Shelter to operate the facility.

Since its inception, teams from religious communities and civic service organizations have supplied an evening meal to the people staying at the ASL. At a recent Friendship Shelter meeting celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ASL, it was reported that for the last decade not a single night has gone by without a meal being served to the homeless.

The teams purchase the food, prepare it and serve it at the ASL. St Mary’s has had five teams involved in this ministry – two provide meals on the second Thursday of each month (alternating between even and odd months), and two more teams provide meals on the third Thursday of each month (alternating between even and odd months). The fifth team provides meals in those months that have a fifth Thursday.

While the membership of the teams has changed over the last decade, the willingness to serve the Laguna Beach homeless community has continued - heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our teams and our team leaders.

Jim van Gaasbeek St Mary’s ASL Liaison Annual Report, Page 17

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ALTAR GUILD - 2019 A big thank you from Altar Guild to everyone who donates flowers during the year and at the two festival seasons of Christmas and Easter. These donations enable us to decorate the church and enhance our celebration of Jesus’ birth and resurrection. We are also grateful to the volunteers from the congregation who help decorate and clean up after these celebrations.

And speaking of flowers; a special thank you to Claudia Mellins, Linda Bratcher and Carrie Joyce. These ladies regularly pick up the flowers for the church, saving the church the delivery fee and allowing the donated flower money to go farther in the budget.

Our members make sure that the proper Eucharistic set up is ready for every service during the year; that the vessels and linens used during the Eucharist are lovingly hand washed and returned for use, the silver is polished, the altar linens changed. This is a quiet but wonderful ministry. If

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you are interested in becoming part of this ministry, please speak to Father Lester or me. We have several openings and would love to have you join us.

The current members of Altar Guild are: Susan Jones, Pat August, Claudia Mellins, Carrie Joyce, Helen Meyer, Nancy Sellas, Linda Bratcher, Carol White, Mark Clymer and Spence McIntyre.

Our special thanks goes out to both Spence and Mark for their continuing and dedicated help at the 8 am service.

Pat August, Altar Guild

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