ANNUAL REPORT
AGENDA ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2024 | 10:30 A.M. 1.
Call to Order/Confirmation of Quorum and Notice
2.
Opening Prayer
3.
Approval of Minutes
4. Leadership Report 5. Election of Officers a. b. c. d.
Elders Class of 2027 Deacons Class of 2027 Stewards Class of 2027 Nominating Committee At-Large Members
6. Presentation of 2024 Budget 7. Approval of Terms of Call for Rev. Katy Shevel 8.
Meeting of the Corporation
9.
Approval of Transfer of Title for The Common Place
10.
Closing Prayer Please join us for brunch in the Chapel for food and fellowship immediately following the annual meeting.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PASTORS’ REPORT ........................................................................................................................... 6 GUIDING PRINCIPLES ..................................................................................................................... 7 CLERK OF SESSION REPORT & CHURCH STATISTICS ............................................................. 8 OFFICE OF FINANCE ....................................................................................................................... 12 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION ........................................................................... 16 CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS..................................................................................................... 18 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION .............................................................................. 19 GOOD SHEPHERD LEGACY SOCIETY ......................................................................................... 20 DEACON BOARD .............................................................................................................................. 20 ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE ................................................................................................... 22 ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE ................................................................................................ 24 WINGS WOMEN’S MINISTRY ........................................................................................................ 26 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY .................................................................................................................. 28 YOUTH MINISTRY ............................................................................................................................ 29 COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE ................................................................ 30 COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE .................................................................................. 32 CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE ..................................................................................... 33 FAITH IN ACTION ............................................................................................................................. 34 NOMINATING COMMITTEE ........................................................................................................... 40 PERSONNEL COMMITTEE .............................................................................................................. 42 STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE ......................................................................................................... 43 WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE ................................................................................................. 44 LETTER FROM THE INTERIM DIRECTOR OF MUSIC ............................................................... 44 STAFF CONTACTS ............................................................................................................................ 46
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PASTORS’ REPORT Dear Wayne Presbyterian Church Family, The end of a year presents an opportunity to review the events of the past twelve (eleven) months. The document you hold presents a detailed catalogue of the situations experienced and actions taken by a vibrant and responsive congregation. You will read reports from our Clerk of Session and the many chairs of our session committees. You will encounter Moderator reports from our Board of Deacons, financial documents, staffing updates, and a report from our newest work team, the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). In short, the 2023 Annual Report is a snapshot of a thriving community that actively pursues the work set before it. What may not be visible in these writings is the structure undergirding this work. Reading the word ‘church’ and beholding an image of our beautiful building provide hints of our identity as a community of faith. Serving with you over the past months, we know there is so much more to who we are and what we do than this Annual Report can document. Several verses from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah made their appearance in our worship, studies, and devotions during the year. But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 18 Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” “1
These few verses offer the identity and describe the resiliency that propelled us through the many challenges and heartbreaking losses of 2023. We are redeemed and called by a God who does not abandon us but makes a new way for us in unexpected places. Our Session has been reading and discussing the book The Great DeChurching by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. This book explores why people from all denominations and backgrounds have left churches and what it will take to bring them back into the pews. We were fascinated to learn that there are three top priorities people are looking for when they are seeking a church home like ours: strong social and mission programs, strong education programs, and plentiful activities focused on fellowship allowing us to make personal connections. Those seeking a new place to worship are not just yearning to hear about the goodness of the Gospel; but rather, to see it, taste, it, feel it, live it, and experience it in real life. We were so heartened and encouraged to learn that we are the type of congregation that people are seeking. At Wayne Presbyterian Church, we offer so much breadth of opportunity for folks to learn and live out the grace and goodness of our faith, to build relationships with one another, and to practice our faith in community far and wide. Whether it is through multi-generational opportunities to read the Bible and pray together, gathering for one, big, bustling congregational meal at our Annual Church Picnic, or the myriad of ways we come together season after season to support our mission partners, there are so many ways we show up for each other in the name of Jesus Christ. Our call as disciples is to continue to be prayerfully present. When we show up for each other in the best of times and the worst of times, that is when we exhibit real, tangible faith… the kind we can reach out and touch. We are the ones called to demonstrate the real and beautiful goodness of the Gospel in the world. After all, we are the ones who can reach out and take someone’s hand just when they need it most. Thanks be to God. Yours in Christ, Rev. Katy Shevel Associate Pastor for Congregational Life 6 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
Rev. Liz Wagner Bridge Pastor
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
WE GLORIFY GOD. WE ARE UNITED IN OUR MISSION TO WORSHIP, LEARN, SERVE, AND CARE. WE LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AND ONE ANOTHER. WE WELCOME ALL PEOPLE WITH WARM HOSPITALITY. WE RESPECT ONE ANOTHER IN ALL OUR WORK TOGETHER. WE ASK FOR HELP WHEN WE NEED IT. WE ACTIVELY REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING. WE ACCEPT AND LOVE THOSE WHO ARE BROKEN. WE APOLOGIZE TO THOSE WE HAVE WRONGED. WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE MADE MISTAKES OR HURT US. WE ARE GOOD STEWARDS OF GOD’S CREATION. WE ARE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE GIFTS GIVEN TO THE CHURCH. WE DEDICATE OUR TIME, TALENTS, AND RESOURCES AS WE ARE ABLE. WE FIX OUR EYES ON THE LOVE AND GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST.
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CLERK OF SESSION REPORT
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Call a permanent Senior Pastor/Head of Staff Grow and Revitalize Membership Attain Full and Aligned Staff Operations Support/Engage Young Demographics; Align to Multi-generational Intention Budget and Staffing/Program Alignment Improve Session Governance and Effectiveness
Task forces included pastors, elders, and members of the congregation. We are pleased to report that each task force established many strong initiatives to address each objective. The significant efforts and outcomes are described throughout this annual report. Session conducted six Visioning Sessions in May to share the strategic framework with the congregation and staff, and to collect detailed feedback. We were grateful for the energy and ideas that came through these conversations, and they informed the final framework and our work that followed. VISION Sharing the ministry of Jesus Christ through worship, learning, serving, and caring. MISSION With God’s help, we pursue relevant, meaningful, multi-generational, and impactful worship, spiritual growth, service, and care for one another. 8 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
some aspects of the call process. The goal of the consultant is to shorten the search process, increase the quality of the candidate pool, and reduce the administrative burden on the PNC to increase the time and energy for discernment. And finally, the PNC is reaching out to our pastor network, including our past clergy and other friends throughout the country. requested that we update the study before initiating a senior pastor search. Our strategic framework, visioning sessions, and conclusions derived from those sessions provided the basis for the Mission Study Refresh. The document also included an outline of the new Collaborative Leadership Model. Upon Commission on Ministry (COM) approval of the church census and Mission Study Refresh, the PNC, which had been elected at a congregational meeting in July, could begin its work. The PNC has been meeting weekly since it was trained in September. It created the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP), a document describing our church and the senior pastor position in detail, which has been approved by Session and COM and posted on the Presbytery’s Church Leadership Connection (CLC), a network that connects job candidates and opportunities. The PNC has also engaged a consultant from CHC to walk alongside the committee and facilitate
STEP 2 CONGREGATION ELECTS PNC STEP 3 MISSION STUDY REFRESH APPROVED BY SESSION AND PRESBYTERY COMMISSION ON MINISTRY (COM) STEP 6 MDP APPROVED BY SESSION AND COM
STEP 1 PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE (PNC) NOMINATIONS
STEP 4 PRESBYTERY’S COM TRAINS PNC STEP 5 PNC COMPLETES MINISTRY DISCERNMENT PROFILE (MDP) STEP 7
STEP 8 PNC RECEIVES PERSONAL D I S C E R N M E N T P R O F I L E S ( P D Ps ) THROUGH CLC, REFERRALS AND SELF-NOMINATIONS STEP 10 VISITS TO HEAR TOP CANDIDATES PREACH
STEP 12 PRESBYTERY APPROVES FINALISTS
STEP 14 TERMS OF CALL NEGOTIATED WITH CANDIDATE AND APPROVED BY COM
MDP ENTERED INTO CLC (CHURCH LEADERSHIP CONNECTION), BROADLY DISTRIBUTED TO PC(USA) NETWORK STEP 9 PDPs reviewed by PNC; candidate research and interviews STEP 11 FINALISTS VISIT WPC AND COMMUNITY STEP 13 PNC SELECTS TOP CANDIDATE STEP 15 CANDIDATE ACCEPTS THE CALL
STEP 16 CONGREGATIONAL VOTE TO EXTEND CALL
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MEMBERSHIP In our visioning sessions, the congregation also expressed significant interest in growing and revitalizing our membership. A task force focused its efforts on two areas of membership: caring for our current members and reaching out to engage new members. Many actions were taken to make our church a more welcoming place, including daily staffing of the welcome desk in the Connector by volunteers, as well as announcements in worship to encourage to visit the welcome desk, which is staffed every Sunday with volunteers offering information about church programs. Visitors who provide contact information now receive automated welcome emails and our 14 new Andrew Ministers are also trained to follow up. Session also created a Membership Committee on Session to focus on the needs of existing members and make sure visitors and new members are welcomed and engaged in the life of the church. This committee will replace the Congregational Care Committee, which was dissolved as their work was allocated to the Deacons and other volunteers going forward. This year, we also made many improvements to our church membership database, with a goal to better connect with our members and visitors. Our Census Task Force and Deacons conducted two extensive outreach efforts to reconnect with inactive members and prevent them from “falling through the cracks.” The Senior Outreach team attempted to contact over 300 members over 70 whom we have not seen. A subsequent Deacon Outreach II reached out to 284 inactive members ages 25-69. These efforts enabled us to reconnect with many members and also remove those from our rolls who no longer wished to be members. Our updated membership data now better reflects our true membership and reduces our annual per capita obligation. This “census” was also a key step required by Presbytery to begin our senior pastor search. LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS The year brought many changes in the leadership of our church. We began the year with a Music Task Force continuing to plan interim leadership of our music program during our search for a new Director of Music Ministries. We were blessed to have Kirsten Santos Rutschman, our Assistant Director of Music, continue in her role of Interim Director of Music during the search. Matt Lista also graciously continued to lead the Chancel Choir, and many others helped complete the interim team. The search committee was thrilled to announce in August that John Grecia, who 10 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
had been serving as Interim Director of the Wayne Oratorio Society, would become our new director in January 2024. Also in early 2023, our Staffing Task Force determined that the church was in need of an operations director on staff. The team determined that the most efficient staff structure would include a Director of Operations and Finance, who would oversee the day-to-day operations and the financial administration of the church. As Liz Wagner transitioned out of her role as Director of Finance to become our Bridge Associate Pastor, a search committee was formed to hire the new leader of both operations and finance. The search committee was delighted to hire John Pitocchelli in March 2023, and he is credited with transforming the workflow and culture of the office staff and improving controls and administration of church operations. Following the departure of Youth Director Austin Ricketts in January, a committee began to search for his replacement. It became clear that we had an ideal candidate already at our church to lead our youth. Kelli Masters, our Director of Children’s Ministry, became Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, supported by assistants Evelyn Widham and Julia Thompson, and intern Mason Cruz. These leaders, along with many outstanding elders, parents, and other volunteers have restored our youth programs to their pre-pandemic vitality. We have been blessed with Kelli’s wisdom, experience, and leadership during this crucial rebuilding period. Our efforts to introduce more multi-generational focus and opportunities are growing through the cooperation of various committees, including Adult Ed and Faith in Action. Read Kelli’s reports for more information. The most significant staff departure in 2023 was the resignation of Transitional Senior Pastor Heather Shortlidge in May for health reasons. The Session worked with Presbytery to review interim pastoral leadership options and concluded that a replacement interim transitional senior pastor would not be necessary. The church would operate under a collaborative leadership model until a new senior pastor is called. This model is based on the collaborative leadership of Bridge Pastor and Acting Head of Staff Rev. Liz Wagner, Associate Pastor of Congregational Life Rev. Katy Shevel, Director of Operations and Finance John Pitocchelli, and ruling elders. This has been a healthy development in the leadership of WPC, as we have transitioned from a pastor-led model in past years to a more appropriate session-led model.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY We achieved our goal of being on solid financial ground as we search for our new senior pastor in 2024. We reported excellent financial performance in 2023, ending the year with a $72K surplus rather than the budgeted $60K deficit, resulting in a healthy $250K cumulative surplus. The operating surplus was driven in part by regular offerings exceeding budget by $30K and exceeding prior year by $86K. Our 2024 budget is supported by a successful stewardship campaign that surpassed its $1.4M pledge goal, with total estimates of giving increasing over 12% vs. 2023, reflecting the dedication and optimism of our congregation. Please see the financial report for details. MISSION HIGHLIGHTS As we go to print, I am pleased to report two significant updates regarding our work in the communities we serve. At our annual meeting, the congregation will vote on a motion to transfer the title to 5740 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA (formerly New Spirit Community Church) to The Common Place (TCP). This transfer will celebrate the 10th anniversary of WPC’s decision to purchase the property owned by New Spirit Community Church for $1, conduct extensive renovations, and help transform it into a faith-based educational outreach center for children and families in the SW community called The Common Place. It was a bold and spiritled initiative involving a major capital campaign and significant investments of time and energy from our staff and congregation. New Spirit Church eventually merged with Grace Christian Fellowship to become Salt & Light Church with a congregation approaching 1,000 worshippers. Many WPC members continue to lead and volunteer at TCP, which has now become a sustainable non-profit organization. Friends, this is an example of what we can do together when we are led by the spirit to serve others.
LIFE EVENTS Our church grew as we welcomed 12 confirmands into membership: Hannah Cameron, Caroline Croke, Ella Deitz, Mason Deitz, Andrew Fairfield, Deacon Golderer, Landon Jones, Nate Merkaldo, Sam Pasles, Matthew Rothkopf, Faith Thuku, and Henry Wisch. We celebrated 12 baptisms and three weddings, and we welcomed 21 new members. Our church has 1,435 members as of December 31, 2023. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.” (Psalm 116:15). In 2023, we mourned the death of 19 members of the congregation: Frances E. Kix, Lois H. Benedict, Ronald D. Ridgway, Gail W. Stewart, Arthur W. Forster, Dorcas Thompson, Patricia Maurer, Matleen Kovacs, Carolyn Gilliland, Joan Carol Wood, Martha Boyd, Del Park, Chip Beaverson, Jr., Robert Fox, Joan T. Narrigan, Jean Andrews, Courtney Schreiber, Ruth Dudt, and Robert Pfaltzgraf, Jr. We lost others, while not members, who were family of members, close friends and dear to us. Respectfully submitted, James H. Galasso, Jr., Clerk of Session
Our Faith in Action team is also pleased to report that we have been certified as a Hunger Action Congregation (HAC) by the PC(USA). This certification celebrates the faithful work of Presbyterians throughout the country who are responding to the call to help alleviate hunger and end its causes. We will continue to make our congregation aware of our many initiatives to help end hunger, and we will initiate a Hunger Action Team to learn about hunger in our community and ways to end it.
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OFFICE OF FINANCE The Office of Finance, under the leadership of the Director of Finance and Operations and the Treasurer, is responsible for overseeing and implementing the financial operations at Wayne Presbyterian Church and its ministries. This year we are pleased to welcome John Pitocchelli as our new Director of Finance and Operations. He has brought valuable insights and experience to our staff and has been a breath of fresh air in our office. We are also fortunate to have welcomed Sara Goldberg as our Church Accountant and Heather Condello as Accounting Associate. They have made significant contributions to the efficient functioning of our finance function. The office of finance works closely with the pastoral staff and members of the Session to insure the sound financial management of the church. Finance also supports the annual Stewardship Campaign and maintains relationships with contributors to the church by recording payments, sending reminder letters and letters of appreciation for gifts, bequests, and estimates of giving. In coordination with the Administration Committee, Finance oversees vendor relationships and maintains all building use permits. The Director serves as the primary administrator for all financial purveyors and systems including banking systems and payroll programs. The Office of Finance prepares and analyzes financial statements for each ministry area of the church. The Endowment Fund reconciliation is handled by the Office of Finance, as is the yearly external review of our financial records. All personnel files are held in this office, along with payroll system, accounting records, and contracts for workers’ compensation, property, and liability insurance. The Director manages the payment of employment benefits. In consultation with appropriate committees of Session and the Facilities Manager, the Director and Treasurer solicit bids from service providers, health insurance providers, and others that service the church to insure cost effective operations. Staff credit card usage and payments are managed by Finance, as are payments to all vendors and contract employees, such as special event musicians, interns, artists, and designers. The finance office issues routine financial reports and periodically prepares financial forecasts for Session. This careful management and monitoring of financial plans and annual budgets helps ensure that the church achieves its mission and vision while maintaining good fiscal control. Respectively submitted, John Pitocchelli, Director of Finance and Operations Vijay Aggarwal, PhD, Treasurer
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2024 BUDGET, 2021 - 2023 ACTUAL Income
2024 Budget 2023 Actual 2023 Budget 2022 Actual 2022 Budget 2021 Actual 2021 Budget
Regular Offerings Pledged Offerings Unpledged Offerings Prev. Yr. Pledge Pymts
$ 1,369,947 200,000
$
1,178,588 252,034 49,342
$ 1,300,000 150,000
$ 1,214,955 144,128 34,677
$ 1,230,000 220,000
$ 1,216,205 186,467 17,751
$ 1,191,627 285,000
$ 1,569,947
$
1,479,964
$ 1,450,000
$ 1,393,759
$
1,450,000
$ 1,420,423
$ 1,476,627
$
20,000
$
30,000 30,000 275,206 58,000 204,212 7,000 1,500
$
$
$
30,000 203,516 7,000 1,000 113,257 2,000 376,773
$
16,831 $ 30,000 558,706 (36,196) 204,212 2,790 1,730 16,150 39,425 833,648 $
Sub Total Other Income Parking Lot Revenue Nursery School PPP / ERC programs Interest Income Endowment Income Presby Per Capita Building Use Revenue Bequests/gifts Misc. Offerings Sub Total Non -Budgeted One Great Hour Alternative Gifts
$
20,000 25,000
16,748 30,000
30,000 209,000 3,000 2,000
76,053 203,516 1,641 2,050 51,383 616 382,007
289,000
10,683 11,300
Sub Total Total Income
$
$ 1,858,947
$
2,000 607,918
$
23,604 20,000 275,206 57,733 190,173 2,665 1,398 6,000 5,985 582,765
15,780 11,110
$
2,372 8,245
26,890
$
10,617
$
40,000 20,000 275,206 38,000 190,173 7,000 1,500 2,000 573,879
$
21,983
$
1,883,954
$ 1,826,773
$ 2,254,297
$ 2,057,918
$ 2,013,805
$ 2,050,506
1,113,110 189,754 73,769 87,720 29,114 9,083 6,455 12,996 34,588 154,526 7,492
$ 1,199,276 149,000 70,000 70,000 28,000 13,000 6,000 24,000 50,000 180,150 10,000
$ 1,202,696 258,790 113,345 118,075 25,289 12,285 5,370 21,064 52,133 175,632 9,036
$
1,125,574 220,500 77,128 86,000 30,500 15,000 10,000 33,000 107,000 188,900 13,500
$ 1,163,024 214,766 87,260 77,413 29,378 11,575 2,354 11,246 76,418 170,341 12,812
$ 1,190,452 205,500 77,128 73,000 30,500 15,000 10,000 33,000 87,000 188,900 13,500
7,298 3,312 3,680 1,732,897
19,500 4,500 3,800 $ 1,827,226
4,567 5,982 4,176 $ 2,008,442
24,900 5,500 4,000 $ 1,941,502
5,017 5,078 4,091 $ 1,870,773
9,500 5,500 4,000 $ 1,942,980
$
$
$
$
$
Expense Personnel Maint. & Utilities Equipment & Repairs Office Music & Worship Children's Ministries Child Care Youth Programs Comm/Tech Committee Faith in Action Adult Education Membership Community Fellowship Pastoral Care Wings Sub Total Other Areas Presby Per Capita Misc. Expenses Stewardship PNC Expenses Session Expense Sub Total Non -Budgeted
1,116,351 184,696 80,429 83,279 30,500 12,250 6,000 23,250 37,500 185,892 10,000 5,000 9,000 5,000 3,800 1,792,947 46,000 400 600 15,000 4,000 66,000
$
54,000 375
$
5,610 59,985
One Great Hour
7,941
Alternative Gifts Sub Total
$
11,300 19,241
$
Total Expenses
$ 1,858,947
$
1,812,123
Surplus/(Deficit) Cumulative Surplus/(Deficit)
$ $
$ $
71,831 250,151
250,151
$
50,800 200 2,000 6,800 59,800
$
$ $ 1,887,026 $ $
68,040 225 1,134 3,334 72,733
1,768 74,197
15,820
$
2,372
10,965 26,785
$
8,245 10,617
146,337 178,320
$
1,300 69,300
69,640 300 2,489
$
$ 2,107,960
(60,253) $ 118,067 $
66,000 2,000
$
66,000 400 2,000 900 69,300
$ 2,010,802
$ 1,955,587
$ 2,012,280
$
$ $
$
47,116
58,217 31,983
38,226
Annual Report | 13
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023 ACTUAL We ended the year with pledged income 3% below 2022 and 9% below budget. However, the favorable trend in unpledged offerings has continued. In December, unpledged offerings of $83K far exceeded the forecast. In fact, in 2023 we saw unpledged offerings at their highest levels for December and for the full year since 2019. As a result, regular offerings exceeded budget by $30K and exceeded prior year by $86K. Other income ended the year above budget by $5K. Some of the negative variance in income from bequests/gifts is attributed to our decision to place undesignated bequests in the endowment and dedicated accounts for Faith In Action and Property rather than the P&L. This was more than offset by an unbudgeted donation from the nursery school of $30K and excellent dividend and interest returns from our nonendowment funds. Not including special offerings, total income for 2023 is $35K above budget. Without the federal support (ERC and PPP) in 2022, total income in 2023 is 11% higher than prior year. Total expenses, not including special offerings, ended the year $94K below budget. Personnel expenses were significantly below budget due to the untimely departure of our interim pastor. For the majority of 2023, we were at a two-pastor staffing model. Maintenance and utilities were above budget by $41K. Although approximately half of prior year, cleaning services were a significant contributor to this variance. Our contract cleaning service has been renegotiated for the last half of 2023 and going forward into 2024. Office expense ended the year $18K above budget. This was predominantly due to delayed billing for telecommunications and the failure of our new copier vendor to fully buy out our old copier contract. Faith in Action also ended the year below budget, primarily due to a reduced spend with CityLights where our partners have thankfully become more self-sufficient. In addition to budgeted operating funds, Session committees made the following expenditures from various dedicated funds in the endowment:
Pastoral Housing, Moving Music Programs Session Retreat Program Building Repairs & Maintenance TOTAL:
$ 11,832.16 $ 97,147.86 $ 8,032.57 $ 32,627.33 $ 149, 639.92
Overall, we ended the year with a $72K surplus, far exceeding our budgeted loss of $60K. With the cumulative surplus from prior years, we ended 2023 with a cumulative surplus of $250K. A great foundation for our 2024 budget planning.
14 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
2024 BUDGET
INCOME The stewardship committee has done an exceptional job and has exceeded our pledged income goal of $1.4M in estimates of giving. Congratulations to Co-chairs Greg Hagin and Nancy Galloway! After allowance for pledges that may not be fulfilled, the $1,370K represents a $191K increase above pledged income in 2023. Special thanks to several members who made extraordinary increases in their estimates of giving this year. Unpledged offerings are slightly lower in anticipation of some routine givers moving to estimates of giving for 2024. Other income is down from prior year partly due to ongoing lower parking lot utilization and the booking of undesignated bequests and other gifts to the general endowment or dedicated funds. The draw from the endowment is up slightly due to the market performance in 2023, however, interest income is budgeted below prior year in anticipation of a lower market performance in 2024.
EXPENSES The personnel budget is approximately the same as 2023 predominantly due to the movement to two pastors with modified terms of call and annual increases to some staff members. Despite the resignation of our associate music director, due to anticipated part-time replacements, the budget assumes the same personnel expense for this position as in 2023. Part-time staffing adjustments for the departure of our youth director are included in the personnel budget. This is in anticipation of hiring a full time director during the year as well as to maintain consistency in reporting versus prior years. Faith In Action spending represents the first 10% of our total income as a tithe. Property expenses which trended significantly above budget in the prior year are budgeted at $265K, a 21% increase in budget and equal to prior year actuals. Office expenses are budgeted at 18% above prior year’s budget and 4% below prior year’s actual. Worship and Music has been increased in anticipation of expenses associated with the transition to new staffing. The Community Fellowship budget has been split between that committee and the newlyformed Membership committee. Other areas include reducing our per capita expense to 1,432 members in line with our current membership roll, and allocating $15K for PNC expenses. Most other program areas have the same budget as in 2023. The draft budget as presented is in balance. Combined with a strong financial performance in 2023 and a growing endowment, our fiscal health is the best it has been in several years.
Annual Report | 15
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE The annual meeting of the Congregation of Wayne Presbyterian Church was held on Sunday, January 29, 2023, in the sanctuary. The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Heather Shortlidge, Transitional Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, convened the meeting following the completion of the 9:30 a.m. worship service.
Elder Slate placed the names of the following persons in nomination for the office of Ruling Elder:
Susan Aggarwal
Pamela Jensen
A quorum of members in attendance was declared. Rev. Shortlidge announced the purposes of the meeting:
Whit Beverly
Sue Metzger
Scott Born
Debbie Rothkopf
• Distribution of the 2022 Annual Report
Doug Bruhns
• Approve the Minutes of the Congregation Meeting of February 6, 2022 and the Special Meeting of the Congregation held October 23, 2022
There were no further nominations and on motion duly made and seconded, the nominations were closed and the nominees as listed were duly elected.
• Elect a new class (2026) of Elders, Deacons, and Stewards
Elder Slate placed the names of the following persons in nomination for the office of Deacon:
• Elect the at-large members of the Nominating Committee
DEACONS – CLASS OF 2026
• Presentation of the 2023 Budget The Call of the Meeting had been stated in the church bulletin and announced from the pulpit on the three preceding Sundays. Bridge Associate Pastor, Rev. Liz Wagner, opened the meeting with prayer. On motion duly made and seconded, the reading of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, held February 6, 2022, and the Special Meeting of the Congregation, held October 23, 2022, was waived, and the Minutes of both meetings were approved as printed in the 2022 Annual Report. Likewise, the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Corporation, as printed in the 2022 Annual Report, were approved. Rev. Shortlidge then called upon Ruling Elder Chad Slate, Chair of the Nominating Committee, to make a report of the Nominating Committee and to present the slate of officers as presented by the Nominating Committee for consideration by the Congregation. Elder Slate recognized members of the Nominating Committee and thanked them for their work. 16 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
ELDERS – CLASS OF 2026
Diana Bacci
Bill Montgomery
Bennett Drake Colesberry, Jr. Bobbie Montgomery Jack Crosby
Bill Nirmaier
Kim Girard
Linda Nirmaier
Robin Herbert
Mike Sieger
Linda Kurtz
Lisa Van Ostenbridge
Connie Layman Liz Walton There were no further nominations and on motion duly made and seconded, the nominations were closed and the nominees as listed were duly elected as Deacons. Elder Slate announced that the Nominating Committee had nominated two Youth Deacons to serve one-year terms. Elder Slate placed in nomination the following persons for the office of Youth Deacon: YOUTH DEACONS – (ONE YEAR TERM) Charlotte Bajus Michael Rothkopf
CONGREGATION Elder Slate deferred election of the Stewards, Class of 2026, with complete nominations thereof to be presented at a future special meeting of the Congregation, to be scheduled as soon as practical. Elder Slate placed the names of the following persons in nomination to serve as at-large members of the Nominating Committee for the period May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024, in addition to Elder and New Co-Chair of the Committee, Scott Born: Leslie Dudt
Terry Jarman
Weezie Duff
Jennie Hagin
Mary Hodge There were no further nominations, and upon motion duly made and seconded, the nominations were closed and the nominees for at-large members of the Nominating Committee were duly elected. In addition to the at-large members and Ruling Elder Slate, ex officio members of the Nominating Committee were noted as Deacon Representatives Debby Vogel and Mike Sieger.
JANUARY 29, 2023
utilities, equipment and repairs, office expenses, and Faith in Action/Mission being the additional major expenses. Turning to the 2023 budget, Elder Clarke noted that, with no additional funds to come from the PPP program, the Church will be reliant solely upon offerings, parking lot revenues, bequests and gifts, and endowment and interest income. Together with budgeted pledged offerings of $1,300,000 and unpledged offerings estimated at $150,000, the estimated total income for the church in 2023 will be $1,826,773. Expenses for 2023 are budgeted to be substantially reduced, as a result thereof, for a total of $1,887,026, of which $1,199,276 is the estimated personnel expense for the church. Elder Clarke anticipates that the 2023 budget will result in a deficit of approximately $60,253, which will be offset by the 2022 surplus of $146,337.
Rev. Shortlidge thereafter gave a brief Transitional Pastor update, noting that she had now been serving as Transitional Pastor for approximately ten months. She noted that the Deacons have done Rev. Shortlidge as Moderator thanked Elder incredible work in holding the congregation of Slate and the Nominating Committee, and the the Church together. Members of Session have Congregation responded with applause. The Moderator also thanked all of the Elders, Deacons, equally done exceptional work, attending not only regular monthly meetings, but several additional and Stewards retiring in 2023 for their service to the Church, noting that this has occurred in difficult called meetings where such meetings were needed to complete the workload. She further noted that times owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. once the Mission Study of 2019 is refreshed and Rev. Shortlidge as Moderator then introduced Ruling approved by the Presbytery’s Commission on Elder Jim Clarke for presentation of the 2023 budget, Ministry, the Pastoral Nominating Committee (“PNC”) will be formed, in late spring or summer noting, however, that the budget is to be approved of 2023. Thereafter, the PNC will be meeting by Session, rather than by the Congregation as a whole. Copies of the 2023 Budget were distributed as weekly in the extensive search process for a new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. additions to the Annual Report. Elder Clarke noted that, with substantial payments from the PPP/ERC program, the 2022 budget shows an actual surplus of $146,337, such that with the prior surplus of 2021 (again, thanks to the PPP program in large part) there is a current cumulative surplus of $178,320. Parking lot revenue for 2022 was substantially reduced (a total of $16,831) owing to the lingering Covid pandemic. Income from the Church Endowment $204,212 in 2022. On the expense side, as always, personnel expenses are the largest component, with maintenance and
Rev. Katy Shevel closed the meeting with prayer and Rev. Shortlidge thereafter adjourned the Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Wayne Presbyterian Church. Respectfully submitted, Fronefield Crawford, Jr. Clerk of Session and Secretary of the Meeting Attest: Associate Pastor Rev. Katy Shevel Annual Report | 17
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MARCH 12, 2023 On Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. (immediately following the 9:30 a.m. worship service) Transitional Pastor and Head of Staff, Rev. Dr. Heather Shortlidge, called to order a special meeting of the congregation of Wayne Presbyterian Church. Due notice from the pulpit and in publications had been provided prior to the meeting, with a quorum of members being present.
over to Ruling Elder Tracy Jarman as Chair of the Personnel Committee, to present and request approval of the 2023 Terms of Call for Rev. Katy Shevel as Associate Pastor for Congregational Life. Tracy presented the following components of the Terms of Call for Associate Pastor Rev. Katy Shevel: 2023 Effective Salary to include a 5% increase;
Rev. Katy Shevel, Associate Pastor for Congregational Terms of Call to include complete forgiveness for Life, offered the opening prayer for the meeting. a loan extended in 2021 to cover moving expenses (said moving expenses customarily being at the Whereupon, Rev. Shortlidge turned the meeting expense of Wayne Presbyterian Church rather than over to Ruling Elder Chad Slate, as Chair of the called pastor); the Nominating Committee. Chad presented additional church officers as nominated by the In 2022, Rev. Shevel received a $6,204 bonus for Nominating Committee as follows: the four months that Wayne functioned without a Senior Pastor. Sally Hudson (to be Co-Chair of the Personnel Committee) – Elder Class of 2025 Thus, the following compensation and miscellaneous Terms of Call were presented for Ken Bajus, Vicki Boettcher, Warren Eberlein, Rev. Katy Shevel for 2023: Lani Fabere, Terry Jarman, Tracy Jarman, Paige McGuire, Bill North, Susan North, Sally Richter, Cash Salary $ 37,050.00 Dee Rush, Elizabeth Ziegler, and Eric Ziegler as Housing $ 31,200.00 Stewards for the Class of 2026. Chad next submitted the following nominees to be at-large members of the Nominating Committee for 2023-2024: Leslie Dudt
Terry Jarman
Weezie Duff
Jennie Hagin
Mary Hodge Chad next requested the congregation to confirm a correction to a misspelling of Robin Herbert (corrected from the 1/29/23 Annual Meeting) as listed as Robin “Jones.” There being no further discussion and no further nominations, upon motion duly made and seconded, the congregation elected Sally Hudson as Ruling Elder (Co-Chair of Personnel Committee) for the 2026 Class of Stewards, the individuals listed above as the at-large members of the Nominating Committee, and the corrected name of Robin Herbert as a Deacon. Whereupon, Heather next turned the meeting 18 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
Other (Loan Forgiveness) Total Effective Salary SECA Board of Pensions Study Leave Allowance Professional Expenses Vacation Study Leave
$ 9,536.00 $ 77,786.00 $ 5,950.63 $ 30,336.54 $ 1,000.00 $ 2,500.00 4 Weeks 2 Weeks Total $ 117,573.17
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the congregation approved the aforesaid 2023 Terms of Call for Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Life Rev. Katy Shevel. There being no further business for the congregational meeting, Heather requested Rev. Liz Wagner, Bridge Associate Pastor, to provide a closing prayer, which she did, and thereafter the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Frone Crawford, Jr., Clerk of Session
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Pursuant to advance notification to the congregation from the pulpit and in church bulletins, Bridge Associate Pastor and Acting Head of Staff Rev. Liz Wagner called to order (and served as moderator) a special meeting of the congregation immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, July 9, 2023. The stated purpose of the special meeting of the congregation was to receive from the Nominating Committee of the Church the slate of recommended members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (“PNC”) charged with searching for a new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff for Wayne Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wagner called upon Clerk, Fronefield Crawford, Jr. for confirmation that the meeting had been duly publicized and that a quorum of members of Wayne Presbyterian Church were present at the stated time. The Clerk confirmed on both counts. Rev. Wagner called upon the co-chairs of the Nominating Committee, Chad Slate and Scott Born, to present the slate of nominees for the PNC. Ruling Elder Chad Slate spoke on behalf of the Nominating Committee, introducing the following nominees: Martin Akram, Salvatore (Sal) F. Ambrosio, Pam Clark, Clyde Diehl, Weezie Duff,
JULY 9, 2023
Mike Dziedziak, Jennie Hagin, Wendy Norman, Kevin O’Nell, and Sarah Ziegler. All nominees were present and then stood as their names were announced, with the exception of Pam Clark, who was unable to attend the meeting. Chad then opened the meeting to questions and/or any further nominees from the floor. There were no questions or discussion, and there were no further nominees from the floor. Rev. Wagner asked for a vote of unanimous consent to approve the nominations for the PNC as presented by the Nominating Committee. The motion passed enthusiastically by a voice vote, with no dissenting votes. Rev. Wagner asked all of the nominees—now members of the PNC—to come forward, at which time the congregation issued a rousing note of applause. Whereupon, Rev. Wagner closed the meeting with a prayer and benediction and the meeting was adjourned (amid thunder claps and pouring rain) at approximately 11:20 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Fronefield Crawford, Jr., Clerk of Session
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION Upon completion of the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Moderator Rev. Dr. Heather Shortlidge called the Annual Meeting of the Corporation to order, calling upon Ruling Elder Jim Clarke, Chair of the Administration Committee, to chair the meeting. Elder Clarke noted that the Church is within the scope of a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. He noted that a quorum of the membership (coinciding with the membership of the church itself) was present, and stated that he did not have further information to submit over and above that which was submitted by him during the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.
Elder Clarke solicited any questions from the congregation, and no questions were raised. Pursuant to a motion to adjourn, which was duly seconded, the membership voted to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Corporation, a benediction from Associate Pastor, Rev. Katy Shevel having been made. Respectfully submitted, Fronefield Crawford, Jr., Clerk of Session
Annual Report | 19
GOOD SHEPHERD LEGACY SOCIETY Established in 2005, the mission of the Good Shepherd Legacy Society is to encourage and enable members to join in living partnership with past, present, and future generations of spiritual friends at Wayne Presbyterian Church, to proclaim the living Christ in their time. A legacy gift can be made in the form of a donation to the Church’s Endowment Fund while the donor is living or by making arrangements for a legacy gift at the time of death of the donor, either through a Will or by other means (such as life insurance, 401k, or IRA direct gift to the Church). In 2023, we are especially grateful to longtime member and friend Betsy Girard for making a very substantial lifetime gift to our Endowment Fund. In addition, we are pleased to add Linda Walters and Lauren Sharp to the existing membership of the Good Shepherd Legacy Society and to acknowledge with thanks the legacy gift under the Will of our former Associate Pastor, Rev. Anne Clark Duncan. We recognize in appreciation the following members of our Church who have made either lifetime donations or arrangements for donations upon death to the Wayne Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund: Susan & Vijay Aggarwal
John & Nancy Galloway
Ron Race
Ellen & George Aman
Jim Gilliland
Lauren Sharp
Dorothea & Ted Behr
Betsy Girard
Craig Standen
Judy & Park Blatchford
Bill Lawrence
Linda Walters
Don Born
Cheryl & Doug McBrearty
Tim Zaro
Frone Crawford If you have already made arrangements for a gift to the Endowment Fund but are not shown on this list, or if you have an interest in doing so in 2024, please contact Frone Crawford, Secretary of the Good Shepherd Legacy Society. Respectfully submitted, Frone Crawford, Secretary
DEACON BOARD At Wayne Presbyterian Church, Deacons act as the hands and feet of Jesus, using their time and talents to serve others while growing in their personal journey of faith. The role of the Deacons is threefold: to care for our members in aspects of life where they struggle, to care for those with particular needs, and to care for a world in need. They aid and comfort not just our church members but the community at large, welcoming and helping others just as Christ welcomed us. Forty-one Deacons and two Youth Deacons dedicate themselves to this work. DEACON BOARD’S CURRENT LEADERSHIP Rev. Liz Wagner Carolyn Lolli Lee Pretz Pastoral Staff Advisor Moderator Co-Moderator Mary Bollinger, Chair Congregational Services Committee 20 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
Craig Stock Treasurer
Anne McCrary Executive Scribe
Dr. Steve Fakharzadeh, Chair Community Services Committee
The current Board of Deacons is divided into two main committees: the Congregational Services Committee and the Community Services Committee. A third committee, the Deacon Compassion Fund, consists of two appointed Deacons and the Pastoral Staff Advisor. CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Congregational Services focuses on serving the Wayne Presbyterian Church congregation via the following:
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Community Services focuses on serving the greater Wayne and Philadelphia community via the following:
EMERGENCY SUPPORT
CHRISTMAS ANGELS & EASTER EGG TREE
Helps members and friends of the congregation in times of need by providing meals, childcare, and/or transportation related to surgeries, illness, unforeseen events, etc. PRAYER INITIATIVE
Provides intercessory prayer, an essential part of our life as a Christian community that loves and cares for one another. BIRTHDAY CARDS
Each month cards are sent to members celebrating 90+ years of age. SENIOR ADULT SERVICES
Various events to serve senior members will be considered as opportunities arise. FLOWER DELIVERY
During Christmas and Easter holidays, flowering plants are delivered to over 70 member residents of nursing, retirement, and private homes. CARE & COMPASSION VISITATION
Organized calls and visits to over 70 senior and homebound members, offering companionship and connection, encouraging feeling a part of the larger church family.
Supports more than 80 families in need by providing holiday meals through partnership with The Salvation Army in Norristown, St. John AME Church in Rosemont, and Salt & Light Church in S.W. Philadelphia. BIBLE-IN-A-BOOKBAG
Providing school supplies, Bibles and high-quality bookbags to more than 170 Kindergarten through 8th grade students at the Cornerstone Christian Academy who do not have the ability to provide their own. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES
Upwards of six times a year, organizing and welcoming members and the wider community to participate in the drives held in the church building. CAREER NETWORKING
In participation with a national ministry called “Joseph’s People,” helps individuals near and far grow and nurture their professional networks while offering advice and encouragement in seeking new jobs/internships and working through career transitions.
DEACON TREASURY Much of the work of the Deacons is made MEMORIAL/FUNERAL SERVICE RECEPTIONS possible by the financial support of the Wayne Provides a place for a bereaved family to receive Presbyterian Church members. Programs such their family and friends after the funeral or as funeral and memorial reception expenses, memorial service, supplying food and Christmas Angel and Easter Egg food baskets, beverages as requested. Bible-In-A-Bookbag supplies, flower delivery, and the Deacon Compassion Fund all benefit from the generosity of those showing love for all. DEACON COMPASSION FUND The mission of the Deacon Compassion Fund is Respectfully submitted, to offer financial assistance to those in need who Carolyn Lolli, Deacon Moderator are either part of the Wayne Presbyterian Church community or the general public. The goal is not to solve a person’s financial situation, but rather to offer a gift of unconditional love at a time of great need. Annual Report | 21
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Administration Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Church’s physical plant, community relations, the endowment, and along with the Treasurer, the financial records, including the operating budget. Sub-committees include Property (upkeep, safety, maintenance & improvement of the facilities), chaired by Howard Holden; Township Relations, chaired by Sandy Kheradi; and Endowment, chaired by David Webster. Vijay Aggarwal, Treasurer, and John Pitocchelli, Director of Business Operations and Finance, oversaw finance. The Administration Committee meets monthly and reports to the Session. The subcommittees meet at least quarterly and report to the Administration Committee. The monthly Committee meeting starts with a review of the budget, with the last month’s performance and YTD numbers. The review is conducted by Vijay Aggarwal and John Pitocchelli. Vijay and John review the variances of both revenue and expenses and provide projections for the year end results. OPERATIONS & FINANCE 2023 was a year of transition and positive change at Wayne Presbyterian Church. Our support staff elevated our partnership with congregant volunteers resulting in upgraded service offerings, refreshed branding, and improved support for the congregation. This was accomplished while controlling our expenses and delivering improved bottom line results. Our new additions to the team Kate Ligouri (executive assistant to the pastors), Nicole Veith (digital marketing and technology coordinator), Alberto Urbina (part-time facilities manager), and Heather Condello (part-time accounting associate) join Cathy Chandler (church housekeeper), Christina Sacco (events and publications coordinator), and Sara Goldberg (part-time church accountant). PROPERTY Several staffing changes this year brought fresh eyes to our maintenance contracts that included custodial, life safety systems, and grounds. All were bid out and thereby provided significant cost reductions. General projects included repointing the Connector courtyard masonry, repairing the Church and Davidson Hall boilers, improving the lighting in the Sanctuary’s chancel, clearing out years of neglected accumulation in the Sanctuary basement, organizing all construction plans and drawings, and thoroughly stripping and waxing all of Davidson Hall floors after years of neglect. A group of volunteers called the “Toolbelt Gang” has given many devoted hours of attention to a myriad of tasks from painting, light bulb changing, banner hanging, and other minor repairs that, when totaled, save significant funds while keeping the building well lit, attractive, and functional. The property committee is also compiling a list of estimates for major building and equipment repair/ 22 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
replacement projects that are or soon to be reaching their useful life expectancies such as roofing, masonry repair, and major equipment. The intent is to have these needs included in an upcoming capital campaign effort. TOWNSHIP RELATIONS The Township Relations Committee has been in negotiations with Radnor Township regarding a new lease for the Wayne Presbyterian land used for township parking. The existing lease was secured in 1955 and is based upon a percentage of revenue. Present revenue for the church is down 1/3 from pre-pandemic revenue. The demographics of downtown Wayne businesses have changed, from predominately daytime retail use to restaurant use. The evening restaurant patrons use the WPC parking lot for free. The new lease will be a monthly rate based upon this very valuable asset to Radnor Township. The Township has also expressed interest in possibly purchasing and developing the WPC site or working in conjunction with WPC to develop the site. The Township Relations Committee and the Administration Committee will meet with the township to hear their proposal and report to Session. This request from the Township aligns with the “Highest and Best Use” study that was approved by the Session in 2021, then later reviewed and disapproved by the Session in 2022. The Township Relations Committee is also working with Radnor Township Engineering to increase the safety features of the parking lot. New one-way signs and “Do Not Enter” have been added. A defined walkway from our main entrance to the middle parking area will be created to protect pedestrians. ENDOWMENT REPORT As of 2023-11-24, the endowment balance is $5,837,642. As of 2023-10-13, the portfolio is invested in 43% large-cap stocks, 24%
fixed income, 10% cash, 9% mid-cap stocks, 8% international stocks, and 6% small-cap stocks.
SESSION FORMALIZED THE POLICY ON GIFTS, BEQUESTS, AND ENDOWMENTS
The YTD endowment performance is 5.49% versus the portfolio benchmark (70% S&P 500 Price only/30% Barclays Agg Bond Index) of 8.47%. The portfolio drag was in the underperformance of the international and large-cap values, which underperformed their benchmarks. The 5-year returns are 4.99% for the portfolio versus 6.92% for the prescribed index. The drag in these years has been in the active large-cap growth. It outperformed handily in 2019, 2020, and YTD, but the years 2021 and 2022 were tough on performance compared to the benchmark.
Designated gifts Any donation that is made for a specific activity, fund, or program will only be used for the stated purpose from the donor. As needed, designated accounts or separate fund accounting shall be established to track expenditures from such funds.
Large-cap growth is one of the more challenging classes to outperform. When it does, the spread can be wide, as in 2020 when the large-cap growth manager outperformed the index by 31%, but on the downside, the spread between active and passive can favor passive – in 2021, the active manager underperformed the index by -16.4%. Due to the church’s needs and the fact that endowments have a theoretically unlimited time horizon, the committee views that this endowment needs growth. However, to dampen the volatility plus with “the return to a higher for longer rate environment” in mind, the committee revised the large-cap growth to 50% large-cap active/50% largecap growth passive. The EC rewrote a portion of the Investment Policy Statement stating that passive index funds will be used when appropriate, as viewed by the unanimous decision of the committee members. While the S&P 500 is part of the benchmark, the committee is not likely to use this index as the case can be made that it is not a diversified index as exhibited this year when seven stocks as a group averaged 90% return in 2023 thus far. Earlier in the year, the EC eliminated the Goldman Sachs Emerging Market fund due to the current international fund overlap in the emerging market class. The portfolio is generating approximately $111,000 in dividends and interest income bolstered by higher interest rates, whereby the money market has been yielding between 4.8% and 5.4%. The annual draw is expected to be $300,000 for 2023. The difference between income withdrawals and dividend/interest income comes from selling holdings. The WPC Endowment received a gift of just under $215,000.
Undesignated gifts Gifts, bequests, and endowments that are received without designation of a specific activity, fund, or program will be allocated as follows: 20% to Faith In Action 20% to property 60% to the general endowment Funds for Faith In Action and property will be placed in the appropriate designated account for utilization by each committee as they discern the need. The portion that is placed into the endowment shall be subject to the Session approved annual withdrawals as applied to all general endowment funds. GOOD SHEPHERD SOCIETY Unless otherwise designated by the donor’s documentation of the gift (e.g. in a will or trust), all funds received from members of the Good Shepherd Society or funds received that are directed to the Good Shepherd Society shall be placed in the general endowment. These funds will be subject to the Session approved annual withdrawal of funds as applied to all general endowment funds. Historically, this rate has been between 4 to 6%. In the event of a specific designation for the donation, that specific designation takes precedence over this general directive. The WPC Endowment Committee has 3-year terms. The current members are: Frone Crawford start 2/2022
Bonnie Graham start 4/2022
Craig Standen start 11/2022
David Webster (Chair) start 12/2020
Larry Berglund will take over as the Wayne Presbyterian Endowment Committee Chair starting in 2024. The committee added a new member in November 2023 – George Earle, an Investment Associate at Fiduciary Trust International in Radnor, PA. Respectfully submitted, Jim Clarke, Administration Commitee Chair Annual Report | 23
ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE At WPC our Adult Education programs help us to learn more about each other; about the traditions of our Sunday worship and music; about scripture; and about the myriad of issues that affect and shape our lives as Christians in the 21st Century. We learn and grow through Bible Study from introductory classes to more in-depth, multi-week “semesters.” We learn how to love God, serve one another, and serve the “least of these.” We learn to be faithful stewards of God’s good green earth. We learn together. We build connections and community. 2023 was a busy and productive time in the life of WPC. During 2023 the Adult Education program offered a spectrum of opportunities to meet in learning groups large and small. We would like to thank the diligent and creative members of the Adult Education Committee, the WPC pastoral and administrative staff, especially Rev. Katy, Eastern University faculty, and all our teachers, facilitators, and attendees, for their good efforts and dedication to this vital ministry at WPC. The following highlights our structured offerings in 2023:
24 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Modica, Eastern University Chaplain and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, entered his 10th year teaching Sunday Morning Bible Study in the Spring of 2023 with a thirteen-week study of the Letter of James. The Fall session covered highlights and themes from the Book of Genesis in 12 sessions. FELLOWSHIP OF THE BEAN A Sunday morning program which offers facilitator-led discussion of thought-provoking topics, as well as fellowship and good coffee. Our welcoming coffee and conversation style attracts a wide range of ages, points of view, and experiences at WPC. We hope to offer variations of this format for youth and parents in the future.
WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN BOOK CLUB The Book Club meets throughout the year to discuss a variety of selected titles. This year, the group read and commented on The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices by Casper Ter Kuile and The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams. A church or clergy member facilitates discussions and encourages attendees to discuss the topics that interests them.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH WPC celebrated Black History Month with a series centered on Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that segregation of public schools based on race was unconstitutional. Our kickoff speaker was Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of the MONDAY MORNING BIBLE FELLOWSHIP Rev. Oliver Brown, the lead plaintiff in Brown. Monday Morning Bible Fellowship is a memberShe provided both a national and highly personal led group that meets weekly. Mary Nicol and perspective on the history of this case. The second Scott Laird facilitate as the group members share speaker was local historian Penny Washington. their personal insights and reflections on the She summarized the history of the “Berwyn School week’s scripture selection. The pastoral staff lead Fight” of 1932-34, a precursor to Brown that the discussion on occasion. illustrates the need for and importance of Brown in our own community. Finally, we welcomed Constance McAlister, a prominent Philadelphia WEDNESDAY MEN’S BIBLE STUDY educator. Bringing the sobering message that This member-led group meets throughout the many public schools remain separate and year at Nudy’s Café on Swedesford Road in unequal, she urged all of us to work for equitable Berwyn at 7:00 a.m. If you want the opportunity distribution of school funds, to continue to build to study scripture in a small group setting and relationships with our urban partners, and to enjoy fellowship with the men of your church, seek more courageous conversations. Looking then check out Wednesday Men’s Bible Study. back at this series, we reaffirm the need for The coffee’s hot, the company’s good, and the WPC – a predominantly white suburban church discussions are enlightening! – to celebrate Black History Month and renew THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S MINISTRY (TM3) our commitment to the vision of the Beloved Community for all God’s children. TM3 meets weekly from September through June and is focused on relationships, prayer, and Respectfully Submitted, learning. Faculty from Eastern University, WPC Salvatore F. Ambrosio, Elder pastors, and other regional thought leaders lead the classes. In 2023, TM3 addressed a range of topics including history, philosophy, theology, and a host of Bible-related topics. ONE BOOK, ONE CHURCH (OBOC) OBOC is a program designed to be a time for our congregation to gather as a community to discuss, listen, ponder, and build relationships around a book appealing to a large portion of church members. We announced Horse by Geraldine Brooks on December 3, with programming happening in February 2024. Horse won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2022. Annual Report | 25
WINGS - WOMEN IN GOD’S SERVICE WinGS strives to nurture friendships and care through shared fellowship, spiritual growth, care, and service to those in need at home, in our community, and abroad. The WinGS Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., except for June and July. Current members include Jeanne Kauffman, Lee Pretz, Rev. Katy Shevel (Moderator), Angela Tait (Ruling Elder), Linda Teets, and Debby Vogel. All women of WPC are considered members of WinGS, and many wonderful volunteers are vital to the success of our various events. We welcome and encourage anyone who is interested in the Women’s Ministry to join our committee! WORD BEFORE WORK offered a Winter/Spring study on Jonah and Moses: The Reluctant Prophets. This past Fall, WBW explored Sacred Rhythms with the Book of Micah, utilizing selected readings from Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Sacred Rhythms. Bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. WOMEN IN THE WORD opened 2023 with God’s Promise - I AM with You, a Thematic Look at God’s Promise of Presence, and followed with Frappe with Philippians in late Spring. The Book of James was the Fall offering. Weekly on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. LUNCH WITH THE LORD returned in 2023, exploring the Lord’s Prayer using Matthew 6:913. This past semester, LWL studied Ephesians. Weekly on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY This faithful group of talented knitters and crocheters, under the leadership of Linda Teets, meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Library. They purposefully and prayerfully create a variety of shawls, hats, scarves, baby blankets, and balaclavas to support the church’s mission-driven efforts. Many people in our church family and greater mission community have been comforted with one of these gifts and its accompanying prayer card depicting the laying of hands of the women who created it. Mission Partners such as The Common Place and the Mission to Chinese Seamen also benefit from the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The items have been shared with individuals undergoing a difficult medical treatment or long convalesce, those who suffered a loss and are grieving, those who are lonely or displaced, or those welcoming home a new child. Prayer shawls were also available to participants of the Long Night Service on December 21st. Prayer Shawl Ministry items are available in the church office or in conjunction with the Deacon visitation program. 26 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
MOMS (MINISTRY OF MOTHERHOOD) MOMs serves women raising children from birth through high school within our church and the greater community. This ministry offers fellowship, prayer, devotions, practical parental caregiving, marital support, and mission work opportunities. MOMs meets weekly on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. MOMs plans Girl’s Night Out events in and around downtown Wayne for the regular morning attendees, as well as any mom who cannot join on Thursdays. Courtney Bodnar, Pam Clark, Robin Herbert, and Debbie Rothkopf are the energetic and dedicated coordinators of MOMs. WINGS FELLOWSHIP EVENTS WOMEN’S RETREAT Rooted and Renewed in God’s Love was the theme of the 2023 Women’s Retreat. Fiftyone women came to the St. Raphaela Center in Haverford to spend time reconnecting and rediscovering their relationship with God on April 28th and 29th. Amy Shutt from the PRC Kairos School of Spiritual Direction Program in Lancaster, PA was the keynote speaker. Her topic focused on the importance of being resilient, rooted, and nourished by our fellowships. Courtney Bodnar, Betsy Girard, Robin Herbert, Jeanne Kauffman, Sharon Levitch, and Lee Pretz comprise this important WinGS subcommittee. SUNSET SOCIAL In keeping with WPC’s efforts to connect with our greater Township community, we held our event at the Willows Mansion on May 18th. Thiry-eight women enjoyed the view of the pond and park as the sun set while enjoying a light supper and a tasty beverage. Eric Meneely filled the grand entry hall with piano music. The WinGS Board paid tribute to outgoing Elder Robin Herbert. The event also raised money for The Common Place Community Garden.
CHRISTMAS TEA Rev. Laura Colee of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia and the Beacon Church Clergy Consortium told the tale of God’s Unexpected Table to forty-three attendees on Saturday, December 9th. Beacon Church is an FIA Mission Partner. WINTER MULTI-GENERATIONAL EVENT New for 2023 was our first annual multigenerational event - Molded by God! On a dreary January Sunday, forty women and young ladies of all age ranges came together in the Chapel to enjoy pottery, painting, and a pizza lunch. Each participant expressed her creativity in an atmosphere of friendship, joy, and simple fun all revolving around the theme that we are all “beloved daughters of the King.”
FALL GATHERING Our Fall Dinner event, An Evening of Gratitude, scheduled for Friday October 20th was, unfortunately, cancelled due to low registration numbers. The Board is considering whether to return to our more traditional breakfast style format in 2024. MISSION PARTNERS Due to limited funding and resources at this time, the Board voted to pause making financial contributions to our Mission Partners. We hope to re-examine our ability in this situation in 2024. Until then, we plan to collaborate with established FIA partnerships where we can. Respectfully submitted, Angela Tait, WinGS Chair
Annual Report | 27
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY The Children’s Ministry of Wayne Presbyterian Church guides education, worship, mission, and fellowship opportunities for families with children from birth through fifth grade. Our goal is to partner with parents to nurture the faith formation and spiritual development of children and families. We do this through ministries that are Christ-centered and developmentally relevant. EDUCATION Sunday school continues to be the cornerstone of our ministry with children. We met each Sunday throughout the entire year. Our dedicated teachers provide opportunities for our children to learn about God through teaching, singing, interactive games, and thought-provoking conversation. We have 14 teachers who shepherd our children each week. PC(USA)’s Growing in Grace and Gratitude is our Sunday school curriculum.
FELLOWSHIP Finding meaningful settings for our families to connect with one another is a priority in Children’s Ministry. The Advent Celebration was wonderful again this year. Special thanks to the Children’s Ministry committee for their hard work to make this a special night for everyone. The addition of a musical ensemble to lead our caroling was a highlight this year.
Bibles were distributed to our children to provide age-appropriate texts to read at home and study each Sunday. Fifth graders received NRSV study Bibles. First graders received NIV children’s Bibles. Preschoolers received Bible storybooks.
We hosted Sundae Sundays a few times this year. Fun and games, including a chess tournament, and Thanksgiving mission food packing provided great family fun… and delicious ice cream sundaes. These fellowship events are a great time for families to connect and make new friends.
Joyful Noise, our Sunday school opening worship, provides an opportunity for all children in grades K-5 to come together to sing and pray each week. We welcomed the leadership of Ross Fry, who has joined us to lead singing, both in Joyful Noise and in the preschool Sunday school class.
Always a favorite… Dinner and a Movie met several times this year on Friday evenings. The evening includes pizza, snacks, and a movie on the big screen in the Chapel. It is the goal of this event to provide a place for children to bring their friends to experience the ‘fun’ of church together.
A communion education event, Children at the Lord’s Table, was held in October to prepare children to participate in the sacrament on World Communion Sunday. A special blessing was having the children who had attended the class help with the distribution of the elements the next day in worship.
ALSO NOTEWORTHY We welcomed Julia Thompson to the Children’s Ministry staff this Fall. Julia serves as an assistant in all areas of children’s ministry. She is a tremendous blessing as she shares her gifts of organization, creativity, and love for all things related to kids and families.
MISSION Mission continued to be an important part of our ministry. During Lent, children participated in the One Great Hour of Sharing collection by filling their “fish banks” and returning them to worship on Palm Sunday. During the Thanksgiving season, we collected food for the Great Valley Food Cupboard. In addition, children donated toys for our Christmas toy collection for Gemma Services. Our VBS offering was a generous mountain of canned and boxed food for The Food Cupboard. We are grateful to the children and families of the Wayne Presbyterian Nursery School for their participation in these mission projects. 28 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers on the Children’s Ministry Committee – Debbie Rothkopf (Chair), Pam Clark, Laura Koster, Megan Mabe, Katie Sullivan, and Caitlin Werthman. New committee members are always welcome – please join us if you’d like to help bring the love of Christ to children and families! Respectfully submitted. Kelli Masters, Director of Children’s Ministry Debbie Rothkopf, Children’s Ministry Chair
YOUTH MINISTRY It was a year of discernment, transition, and renewal in Youth Ministry. We found ourselves searching for a new youth director after Austin Ricketts departed in January to pursue a new career. The search proved to be very challenging and some creative thinking was called for in order to relaunch the youth program in the Fall. This led to the restructuring of the leadership model for youth ministry. Kelli Masters took on the role of Director of Children’s AND Youth Ministry. Evelyn Widham was hired as a Youth Ministry Associate, and Mason Cruz joined us as an intern for Youth and College ministry. With this stellar team in place, youth ministry has returned with great energy and enthusiasm. EDUCATION Sunday school class for middle school is using the PC(USA) “Feasting on the Word” curriculum. They have a faithful group of students and a tremendous staff of teachers. Thanks to Sharon Levitch, Lori Dziedziak, Carol Deihl, and Elizabeth Castleman for their commitment to these young ones. Confirmation class is being taught by Angela Tait. Twelve students are preparing for confirmation in the Spring. We relaunched a Sunday school class for high school students this Fall. Under the leadership of Mike Dziedziak, the youth have been exploring the Biblical implications of justice and equality using the novel Just Mercy as the springboard for their discussions. This class has at least 10 youth in regular attendance.
MISSION
Our youth have a heart to serve and give generously. Opportunities to shop for gifts and toys for the children of Gemma Services and to decorate Christmas cookies for the teachers at Mitchell Elementary School were embraced with a passion that only a group of wonderful teens can create. It was a joy and privilege to shepherd the youth in these events. Many more opportunities will follow.
FELLOWSHIP Youth group meets every Sunday evening. Many Sundays have over 30 students in attendance. Friends are welcome and many join us so frequently that we no longer call them visitors. Retreats were held for both Middle and High School students this Fall. Several offsite trips were great fun for all who attended these events. Many more opportunities will follow.
We are excited to be back on the growing edge with our youth ministry. Plans are underway for more retreats, summer trips, and discipleship opportunities. Many thanks to our faithful Youth Committee members who help make it all happen – Will Gillespie (Chair), Chris Bernholdt, Mike Dziedziak, Jennie Hagin, Robin Herbert, Sharon Levitch, John Lindsay, Melissa Naiva, Debbie Rothkopf, Angela Tait, Evelyn Widham, and Mason Cruz. Please let us know if you’d like to join our team! May 2024 bring all good things as our youth grow in faith and friendship. Respectfully submitted, Kelli Masters, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries
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COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE The goal of the Communications & Technology and effective communications for our Committee is to support the ministries and leaders congregation and community. of our church as they work to bring the good news of the gospel to our congregation and the world. FACILITY RESERVATION & PUBLICITY PROCESSES It has been an extremely busy and exciting year We continue to refine processes to enable our lean for our committee. We made significant progress support staff to receive requests from program on major goals that provide foundations for leaders, ensure proper facilities reservations, and effective communications and operations. deliver clear, consistent communications. They are already delivering outstanding outcomes, and as COMMUNICATIONS the team settles into their new roles, processes will The communications team manages the overall continue to improve with more proactive planning communications of the church, creating, and outreach. organizing, and distributing an immense amount of information regarding our wide variety of COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN UPDATES ministries and programs. Our communications staff implemented branding refinements and design updates for the News WPC DISCERNMENT & IDENTITY & Views digital newsletter, worship bulletin, This year, church leadership established the Connector slides, social media and bulletin boards Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles, and Strategic that combine our legacy of elegant graphical Priorities of the church as part of the discernment elements with inviting new formats, designs and process leading up to the senior pastor search. colors. Our committee supported the creation and communication of these core elements of identity TECHNOLOGY and purpose. We conducted a series of visioning We continued to improve our technology sessions with the congregation to present the capabilities and performance in 2023. WPC strategic framework, and receive feedback. We presented the feedback to the Session, who SHELBY DATABASE PROJECTS approved the final framework and led task forces • We worked with the Deacon Outreach teams to address the strategic priorities of the church. to collect data regarding individuals in our We assisted the Pastor Nominating Committee database who we have not been seen in a long (PNC) and Clerk of Session in creating the while. The Deacons attempted to contact all Mission Refresh and Ministry Discernment members who have not attended in a number Profile for Presbytery approval, pursuant to the of years to learn whether they need our initiation of the senior pastor search. We installed support, want to remain active members, or our new messaging on the wall in the connector to should be removed from our rolls. This project communicate to all who enter our church who we represented a long-overdue and critical effort are and what we strive to do together. to improve the quality of our membership database. STAFF RECRUITMENT & DEVELOPMENT Working closely with staff and Session leaders, • We resumed and improved the practice of we revised the roles and job descriptions of our tracking all visitors who worship with us. support staff to more effectively and efficiently We now have records of all who sign the pew provide church program support and publicity. pads, and we systematically follow up with Our talented Program Assistant Christina Sacco those who provide contact information. became the Events & Publications Coordinator. Thanks to the task force responsible for We welcomed our new Digital Marketing & improving the visitor-to-member pipeline, we Technology Coordinator Nicole Veith in August now have a visitor desk that collects contact and Executive Assistant Kate Ligouri in October. information as well. The new Andrew Minister This outstanding team continues to settle into new team receives all visitor information, including routines and systems to ensure successful events repeat visitor data, for personal follow up. 30 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
WEBSITE PROJECTS The website is the “front door” to the church, and we recognize it as an essential tool to engage the the community and prospective new church members. Throughout 2023, we implemented improvements to the welcome pages and key ministry pages. We are currently working on a complete redesign of the website to make it significantly more attractive and functional, with anticipated relaunch in March/April 2024.
technology that enables hybrid meetings, so many Bible studies and events are available to those who are unable to attend in person. LOOKING AHEAD In 2024, we will continue to refine processes to provide communications support to all ministries. Our website project and concurrent social media relaunch will be high priorities. Our primary goal will remain to support all of our ministry leaders with communications and event support to achieve the mission of the church.
LIVE STREAM PRODUCTION Our technology team continued to do extraordinary work in 2023. The sophisticated video cameras, We would like to thank every member of the microphones, and production equipment in the Communications & Technology Committee for sanctuary enable high-quality live streaming and their extraordinary work this year, and we invite recording of worship services, concerts, memorial anyone with a passion for our mission to join our services, and weddings. None of these technologies great team! would work without our dedicated volunteers who never miss a service. Mike Burnham Angela Tait
SHAREPOINT FILE SHARING PLATFORM Frank Caruthers Frank Tait We expanded the use of SharePoint among staff and volunteers to archive and share documents Mark Fabere Nicole Veith and data. This is an essential and overdue transition to support efficient operations and maintain Christina Sacco Eric Ziegler historical records. Respectfully submitted, VIRTUAL & HYBRID EVENT TECHNOLOGY Elizabeth Castleman & Sue McFarland Metzger Many rooms in the church are equipped with Communications & Technology Committee Co-chairs
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COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE At Wayne Presbyterian Church, we focus on four key elements in a life of faith: Worship, Learning, Serving, and Caring. We care for one another and our community by fostering warm, caring relationships. We seek to welcome one another just as Christ welcomes us by providing: •
Friendly greeters to welcome everyone at the church doors each Sunday
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Coffee hour fellowship between services inviting conversation and connection
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Andrew Ministers to engage with visitors and new members, making them feel welcome and connected to the church
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New member classes and receptions to create community among newcomers
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Small group gatherings to provide dinners and activities which encourage deeper connections and friendships
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Outreach during the Radnor Fall Festival to connect us with our Wayne neighbors
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Church picnics, potluck meals, and other activities that bring us together to strengthen caring and community.
WITH DEEP RELATIONSHIPS COMES DEEP CARING Our fellowship programs provide opportunities to love, support, and carry one another throughout life’s journey. Our shared faith enables us to learn and walk together in ways unlike any other community. Our outreach programs help to inform those in need that our church is open to them. We extend our deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Beth Brake and David Robinson who led the work of this committee through 2023. To all the many committee members, hosts, greeters, and lay ministers—we thank each of you for your tireless work and commitment to the WPC family throughout this past year. In 2024, to better serve our church members, the work of this committee will be divided into the Membership Committee, under the leadership of Pamela Jensen and Mary Ellen Smith, and the Fellowship Committee, to be led by Marian Hollingsworth and John Lindsay. We look forward to an exciting year of new opportunities to strengthen and build relationships together here at Wayne Presbyterian Church. Respectfully submitted, Marian Hollingsworth & John Lindsay, Community Fellowship Co-chairs
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE & MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEES The Congregational Care Committee’s goal this year was to reevaluate all of the past working initiatives and sub-committees. After multiple meetings and discussions, the decision was made to reallocate both the leadership and the members to other critical committees. With great need for assistance for new members and existing membership, a new Membership Committee under Session was formed. This committee will work along with Session and their committees to care for the needs of existing members and will put great emphasis on the needs of new members and their families to fully engage in and embrace the church. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHARTER The charter for this new committee has been finalized and submitted to Session. We expect to be up and running at the start of 2024. PURPOSE To welcome visitors, seek new members, and encourage current members to fully engage in the life of the church of Jesus Christ. TASKS
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Greet visitors and members personally on Sunday mornings
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Staff the information desk in the Connector during Sunday coffee hour
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Follow up with every visitor via phone, email, or as appropriate
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Work with Andrew Ministry Team to help every new member become integrated into the life and fellowship of WPC
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Update membership lists regularly and be sure they are accurate
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Assist the Associate Pastor for Congregational Life in organizing and conducting new member classes on a regular basis
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Assist in organizing new member receptions during worship and coffee hour
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With the Fellowship Committee, plan and organize social events to encourage new and long-time members alike to build a strong community of faith
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Schedule and train office volunteers to staff the desk in the Connector during regular hours Monday – Friday
With the changing needs of our church and leadership, we expect to have vibrant participation from members. We also will clarify and fine tune our response to prospective members and new members and walk with them as they explore all the many programs, services, and committees available in our church. The leaders of this committee will continue working hard for the church and are looking for prospective new members. If you have a passion for bringing new people into the church family, exploring our work, or offering ideas, please contact Mary Ellen Smith at mesmithrn@comcast.net or Pamela Jensen at jens0581@umn.edu. Many thanks to all our committee members and our Pastors for their discernment while making us better representatives of our church and Jesus Christ. Respectfully submitted, Mary Ellen Smith & Pamela Jensen, Membership Committee Co-chairs Annual Report | 33
FAITH IN ACTION Faith in Action is the Session’s Mission Program for our church. We are inspired and guided by Scripture: Luke 4:17-21 & 10:27, 28; 1 John 4:20; Isaiah 58:6-7; Psalm 24:1-2; and Matthew 5:16. For the past 10 years, our outreach has been in the following areas: Local Mission (Neighbors Helping Neighbors); Urban Ministry to The Common Place, CityLights and Broad Street Ministry; Global Ministry; Social Justice Advocacy; Construction (Hammers With Heart); and Connectional Church (Presbytery and General Assembly). Three years ago, we covenanted with PC(USA) as an Earth Care congregation. 2023 has been a year of prayerfully and responsively discerning the direction and shape of the mission program in 2024 in anticipation of calling a new Senior Pastor. Faith in Action’s steering committee holistically began a year-long review and re-evaluation of each focus area of the program as compared to past (mainly pre-pandemic) support of mission partners. We began by updating and refreshing the Faith in Action and Earth Care pages on the WPC website. At each monthly meeting, we focused on the scriptural basis and level of partner support (financial and volunteer involvement) of only one FIA subcommittee ministry. The collective review was used to identify the structure and extent of the FIA program to fit our tenuous budgetary strength. In 2024, the congregation will see and hear about new and existing directions to its mission outreach. In 2019, FIA bestowed a grant to the Southwest Community Development Corporation (SWCDC) in Kingsessing from the Shalitta Bequest of 2017. The purpose of FIA’s grant was for SWCDC to acquire three abandoned homes in its neighborhood, rehabilitate them, and market them to qualified low-income families. This year, the second house was completed, and construction starts on the third one in winter 2024. The full story is told in the December issue of the Wayne Press. In the year-end report below, our mission outreach this year, although slowly regaining its strength after the pandemic hiatus, has accomplished a lot in each of our ministries. Looking at the mission landscape of our community at large, God’s Kingdom work is active thanks to WPC’s faith in our Lord, and the “serving” efforts of our volunteers as witnesses for Christ in ‘Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). We were ably led by the subcommittee chairs/liaisons Doug McBrearty and Buff Barnes (TCP); Susan Aggarwal, and Rev. Cean James of Salt & Light Church (CityLights); Carol Diehl (Global); George Aman (Social Justice Advocacy); Bill Nirmaier and Kevin Blackney (Hammer With Heart); Pamela Jensen (Earth Care); and Scott Laird (Local). Respectfully submitted, Scott Laird, Faith in Action Chair Susan Aggarwal, Faith in Action Co-Chair CONNECTIONAL CHURCH A portion of Faith in Action’s budget supports the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the Synod of the Trinity, and the PC(USA) General Assembly. FIA also encourages annual support to PC(USA)’s One Great Hour of Sharing.
Ministry, which was a beneficiary of our 2023 Alternative Gifts program. We attended Presbytery’s special conferences in October (Fall Fest: Public Witness and Response) and November (Thriving On The Vine, Strengthening the Branches).
In 2023, FIA donated $15,000 to the Presbytery of Philadelphia to support their missions in the city, Respectfully submitted, which includes The Common Place, Presbyterian Scott Laird, Connectional Church Chair Historical Society, National Black Presbyterian Susan Aggarwal, Connectional Church Co-Chair Caucus-Phila. Chapter, and West Kensington 34 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
LOCAL MISSION Inspired by scripture, Local Mission (Neighbors Helping Neighbors) helps disadvantaged neighbors in the Wayne area by providing financial support to mission partners. In 2023, volunteers serving these mission partners approached pre-pandemic levels — an encouraging indication of our church’s discipleship. This year’s mission partners include: BAKER INDUSTRIES for hard-to-employ adults who are disabled, experiencing homelessness, recovering from substance abuse, or are on probation or parole. GREAT VALLEY FOOD CUPBOARD (together with Wayne Methodist Food Pantry) for families in all age and racial ethnic categories experiencing chronic food insecurity. MAIN LINE MENTORING (together with the Radnor Township Civic Association) for economically under-resourced needing academic, social, and cultural mentoring and life skills coaching. An emergency shelter program for local families (households with minor children) experiencing homelessness. GEMMA SERVICES for the healing spirits of children, families, and communities broken by trauma including violence, neglect, addiction, racism, and other societal problems. FAMILY PROMISE OF THE MAIN LINE An emergency shelter program for local families (households with minor children) experiencing homelessness. MISSION TO CHINESE SEAMEN for foreign seafarers docked in the Port of Philadelphia and restricted on board ship experiencing emotional and spiritual loneliness.
WPC hosted families on campus for five (5) weeks this year! Our three coordinators: Nancy Monahan, Leslie Dudt, and Susan Hirschman skillfully planned and organized the hosting weeks with great cooperation from the church staff and Dana Arranz of the WPNS. Again, St. Katharine of Siena was a supporting congregation. Executive Director Allegra Cressman shared a Minute For Mission in worship which helped familiarize congregants with the program’s impact effectiveness and its volunteer needs in a given week. There are many ways to help, and a few
more are desired. In April, FPML honored Marty and Scott Laird for 25 years of service to this partner at WPC. The Philadelphia region experienced a surge in refugees this year, and Local Mission responded in several ways. As a steering member of the Main Line Refugee Resettlement Committee, we continued supporting our young Afghan refugee, Fitrat Sultan Khaliqi, to assimilate in life on the Main Line, after his 2022 graduation from Radnor High School. Through the auspices of a pro bono attorney, we helped him apply for and be granted asylum in October. We also responded to requests for help in our community from a Chinese mother and teen-age son and a pair of Zambian sisters, and a request for clothing by the West Kensington Ministry working to help address immigrants bussed into Philadelphia from the southern border. Surrey Services for Seniors honored WPC as founding contributors to the Jeanne LaRouche Founders Society in June. Our church has not only supported Surrey financially in the past decade, but many church members both individually and via Faith in Action have volunteered at the Devon location. Mission to Chinese Seamen originated by WPC members John and Janice Hill 57 years ago. Their granddaughter, Hillary, became the president when Janice stepped aside. Sadly, this year marked their final year of the mission when Rev. Byeong Lee’s ministry at the Port of Philadelphia, himself a former seafarer, came to a close. The number of persons who directly and indirectly heard the Gospel message through this ministry is legion. Thanks be to God! In 2024, we look forward to continue serving in our community, and there are numerous ways for the WPC congregation to participate. Members who served in Local Mission include Marty Laird, Nancy Monahan, Leslie Dudt, Susan Hirschman, Craig Stock, Rose Phipps, Kevin O’Nell, Lei Cochran, Sara Chen, Tim Zaro, Jamie Bankert, and many volunteers during IHN hosting weeks. My grateful thanks to all. Respectfully submitted, Scott Laird, Local Mission Chair Annual Report | 35
THE COMMON PLACE (TCP) The Common Place provides holistic support to children and their families in SW Philadelphia through educational programs, food sovereignty, community collaboration, and welcome. TCP envisions a community where reviving the spirit of hope transforms lives. TCP is celebrating its 10th year of dedicated service in Southwest Philadelphia. A decade ago, Wayne Presbyterian Church embraced a vision that has since evolved into an anchor institution— a haven of love and safety for the children and families in their community. TCP remains committed to education-based programming, addressing the profound inequities in education for the children across Southwest Philadelphia. KEY HIGHLIGHTS TCP embarked on its journey with an annual budget of $350,000, dedicated to supporting essential components such as the TCP Scholars' program, facilities maintenance, and exceptional staff. Over the years, they have experienced significant growth, now operating with a budget exceeding $700,000. This financial expansion mirrors the growth of their programming, increased facility usage, and the creation of numerous employment opportunities, underscoring TCP's commitment to making a meaningful impact on the community. WPC has consistently been a faithful and unwavering ministry partner throughout this transformative journey, embodying its calling to provide love and support to the people of Southwest Philadelphia. We participated in their annual Hope Fest workday in September.
TCP has recently broken ground on an outdoor play space for the upcoming Little Scholars Preschool. This initiative reflects their ongoing commitment to creating enriching educational environments for children at every stage of their learning journey. COMMUNITY IMPACT Over the past year, TCP has welcomed thousands of individuals through its doors, serving as a versatile and dynamic hub for the community. This space has been utilized for a myriad of purposes, including community gatherings, graduation ceremonies, worship services, and emergency response for local schools. TCP is also the Southwest Center for Spiritual Direction under WPC’s Buff Barnes who directs individual and group sessions plus Mornings of Holy Rest for women in the SW community three times a year.
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES TCP remains steadfast in running its flagship TCP Afterschool Scholars' Program, along with the Southwest Arts and Technology Camp. These programs have been extended to include essential components such as nutrition and urban agriculture-based education. Recognizing the pressing issue of food disparities in Kingsessing, TCP formally integrated food sovereignty into their mission. This marks a long-term commitment to addressing food inequities and enhancing health education. Their garden program has expanded with the launch of a new venture in hydroponics farming within their nutrition lab.
Operating seven days a week, TCP stands as an open and inclusive haven, responding to diverse requests and needs. It remains committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming space infused with love, embodying its mission to be a pillar of strength and inclusivity in the community.
In alignment with their mission to provide holistic support services, social and emotional learning continues to be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of all the experiences offered. This ensures a comprehensive and nurturing environment for participants.
Doug McBrearty & Buff Barnes, TCP Liaisons Rev. Christopher Holland, TCP Executive Director
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As they celebrate a decade of service, they are not only reflecting on their accomplishments, but also actively discerning their steps for the next 10 years. TCP is dedicated to fostering positive change, empowering their community, and continuing to be a beacon of hope and support in Southwest Philadelphia.
CITYLIGHTS We are celebrating our 28th year serving in the Kingsessing neighborhood of SW Philadelphia. Under the leadership of Rev. Cean James, relationships with our partners are solid and are moving to a new dynamic in the neighborhood, particularly because of the devastating mass shooting that occurred on July 3, 2023 where five residents were killed and another family wounded. The shooting happened just two blocks from Salt & Light Presbyterian Church and The Common Place. Through our partnerships in SW Philadelphia, CityLights was able to help cover the cost of three of the funerals, assisting the families with these unexpected expenses. We are also working with state and federal agencies from Homeland Security to secure funding to establish a Resiliency Center in Kingsessing to help the residents deal with the long-term trauma they have suffered. KEY HIGHLIGHTS CityLights has been working with the University of Pennsylvania, The Urban Health Lab, and The Fairmount Park Commission on a project called Deeply Rooted. The goal is to increase the tree canopy in West and Southwest Philadelphia and to provide those communities with the myriad of health and community benefits that come with increased trees in the neighborhood. Primarily, this project seeks to not only plant more trees, but to educate residents about their benefits and how to maintain their presence. CityLights also remains a consistent partner with the Food Distribution program at Salt & Light. Along with The Food Share Program, we are distributing food to over 75 families every week. As the price of food has increased recently, we have noticed a marked increase in the number of individuals and families who are in line every Saturday to receive groceries. Southwest Community Development Center (SWCDC). As mentioned previously, WPC has provided funding for a housing initiative through a bequest given to the mission of the church by Martha Shalitta. Our CityLights partner, SWCDC has rehabbed two of three houses which were given to them by the Philadelphia Housing Authority for a qualified low-income family to buy to counter increasing gentrification in this neighborhood. Additionally, thanks to your support, WPC supplied funds for 50 fans/air conditioners for SWCDC to distribute during the summer. Emerging from the pandemic, Neighborhood United Against Drugs (NUAD), under the leadership of Joe Pernell, has begun activities in SW Philadelphia engaging young people with the goal of stemming the tide of violence that increased with the pandemic. CityLights has
worked with NUAD in hosting activities at Salt & Light that provide young people a safe space to strategize around peace on the streets. Cornerstone Christian Academy (K-8) began another school year in August, serving 140 students in Southwest Philadelphia. WPC member Meg Born is on staff at Cornerstone, and many WPC members serve as Teammates to 6th through 8th grade students, supporting scholarships and providing encouragement throughout the year. Mitchell School: A new principal heads the school and is eager for our support. Tutors are working each week with 4th and 5th graders in math. Students are eager to learn and definitely need help. K-3 classes are regularly visiting the library which is run by WPC member Rita Fisk. Thanks to those who donated to the Mitchell Chess teams which allowed the team to travel to tournaments expanding experiences for these dedicated students. WPC member Susi Bruhns headed up a team of bakers to deliver Christmas cookies to teachers. We have strengthened our relationship with Outley House, a men’s shelter, by continuing to serve in their kitchen periodically. We also provide the residents with small Christmas gifts such as hats and gloves. Because of your generous contributions, for Thanksgiving we provided 120 meals though SWCDC and The Common Place. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Aggarwal, CityLights Chair
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EARTH CARE MINISTRY This year (2023) marks the fifth year of WPC’s recognition as a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation. Our major initiative of the year was to engage the services of Mother Compost to pick up organic waste from WPC, including all leftover food (dairy, meat, bones, fish included); coffee grounds; used paper cups, plates, and napkins; and bamboo cutlery. During the early summer church-wide picnic, we generated 150 pounds of compostable material – and kept it out of the landfills! Instead, the organic waste is industrially composted at Linvilla Orchards in Media. We purchased a triple-bin disposal unit, with separate bins for compostable waste, items for recycling, and landfill waste, to aid our members and visitors in determining where to discard their single-
use items. Sustainability of our practices at WPC is an important factor in decision making, e.g., we have increased the use of WPC’s collection of china plates and flatware in place of single-use items, and our dishwashers are maintained with quarterly service for efficiency and safety. Our pollinator garden, now in its fifth year on the east side of the church, has matured and continues to thrive. Members of the Earth Care Ministry Team (Pamela Jensen, Janet Haufler, and Georgia Hogeland) and continue their outreach to local ecological organizations and public decision makers. Pamela Jensen, Earth Care Ministry Chair
SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY Psalm 82:3 “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” “Social Justice Advocacy has been defined as organized efforts aimed at influencing public attitudes, policies, and laws to create a more socially-just society guided by the vision of human rights that may include awareness of socio-economic inequities, protection of social rights as well as racial identity, experiences of oppression, and spirituality”. [Penn State Educational Equity] 2023 has been a year of active advocacy by this subcommittee. EDUCATION In May, we met virtually with our State House Representative for Radnor, Lisa Borowski. We told her our desire to see public school funding equity pass the House. As she advised, we wrote to State Sen. Scott Martin in June urging appropriation for public school funding in the 2023-2024 budget. In November, we wrote to the state Basic Education Funding Commission urging substantially increased education funding to public schools as recommended by various studies. This issue was further supported by partnering with The PA Council of Churches.
ENDING GUN VIOLENCE In response to the horrific mass shooting near Salt & Light Church/ The Common Place, we attended a vigil at the church for those killed and wounded. Pastor Cean James called on the church community supporters to help pay for funeral and cemetery costs for the families, in response to which Faith In Action contributed. We also supported our partner, Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence.
RACISM Though we were not ready in 2023 to plan service projects for MLK Day of Service, we attended a worship service at Mt. Zion AME church in Devon on that Monday. During HUNGER AND POVERTY We shared Black History month in February, we attended our concerns about food insecurity in our the annual worship led by the Philadelphia community and Philadelphia with Rep. chapter of the Black Presbyterian Caucus, our Borowski in May. In June we wrote to committee partner. We attended Presbytery’s Sen. Robert Casey urging him to defend Fall Fest on social justice response keynoted supplemental nutrition assistance programs by our partner, PC(USA)’s Office of Public from federal government budget cuts. We Witness and contributed WPC’s advertisement to continue to count partnering with the work of NAACP-Main Line’s annual lunch in October. Bread for the World. In December, we wrote to Racism manifests itself in many ways, and our congressional representatives and senators to subcommittee tries to focus on “undoing” it in our restore planned cuts to the WIC program. own community. MEMBERS: George Aman (Chair), Pamela Jensen, Betty Surbek, Les and Sue Dewis, Scott and Marty Laird, Rutger Boerema, Elisabeth and Gavin Slate, Melissa Fender, Carol Klauss, and Beth Greenwood 38 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
HAMMERS WITH HEART CONSTRUCTION MINISTRY HWH is a Faith In Action Ministry started by the church about 15 years ago to provide assistance to non-profit groups that help with construction-related projects. In addition to construction work, HWH provides financial assistance to its partners. The funding comes from the WPC’s Mission Ministries. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Over the years, the group has provided assistance for Hurricane Disaster Relief for Katrina, Habitat for Humanity, WPC’s Youth Mission Trips, Cornerstone Christian Academy, The Common Place, and other organizations in SW Philadelphia that WPC supports such as CityLights, Mitchell School, and others. In recent years, members of the Committee have developed relationships with other non-profit organizations that we have been able to help, such as Good Works (GoodWorksInc.org) and Rebuild Together Philadelphia (RebuildingPhilly.org). In addition to partnering with Wayne Presbyterian Church, HWH’s current partners include:
Dry projects for folks that are in need. CCA and TCP are Mission partners of WPC that often need construction improvements to assist in their Mission. One of HWH team members has been the liaison with each group. The liaison works with the partner to scope out and schedule projects. Once the construction is scheduled, team members assist as needed. The work schedule tends to be one time a year for each partner. WORK SCHEDULE Going forward, next year HWH will limit the number of partners to four (4) primary partners with the potential of secondary partners as the need arises.
Rebuild Together Philadelphia | The Common Place If you have a spiritual gift for constructing, and Cornerstone Christian Academy | GoodWorks would enjoy serving partners in need, consider Habitat for Humanity | Presbyterian Relief Fund volunteering on one of the projects being planned in 2024. Your participation is welcomed. CONSTRUCTION PROCESS With the exception of CCA and TCP, each partner Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Blackney, HWH Chair is an organization that organizes Warm, Safe, and GLOBAL MINISTRY In 2023, WPC’s global mission team was thrilled to host representatives from four of our five global mission partners to give updates through Minutes for Mission. Pastor Haitham and Mayada, recently retired from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Kirkuk, Iraq told us about the transition to the new pastor and the successful kindergarten that the church runs as outreach to the predominantly Muslim community. A representative from GROW, the ESL program to immigrants and refugees in NE Philadelphia, invited us all to join the ministry for the monthly conversation cafes, which are opportunities to speak English to the ELL adult students in a relaxed classroom setting. A number of our members volunteered at the conversation cafes. Water is Life Kenya’s founder, Joyce Tannian, spoke with us about the well drilling projects in SE Kenya that will bring clean water to a community and transform life. WPC members enjoyed shopping the handcrafted bead items made by Massai women in the communities served.
God’s Precious Children, Liberia is headed by Executive Director Sarah Hostetter who shared with us about the ministry of school sponsorship and the January 2023 mission trip to Liberia by Rev. Andrew Hostetter and some WPC young adults. The Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo, Egypt went through transition in 2023 as the President left and new one started. They were not able to join us in person, so we pray we can host them in 2024. All our partners thank God for the support they receive from WPC and the opportunities they have to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have not heard. Thank you to all who financially support the WPC annual budget to make these partnerships and ministries possible. Respectfully submitted, Carol Diehl, Global Ministry Chair Martin Akram, and David Webster Annual Report | 39
NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELDERS CLASS OF 2025
CLASS OF 2026
CLASS OF 2027
Will Gillespie Greg Hagin Sally Hudson (two-year term) Angela Tait Linda Teets John Lindsay (one-year term)* Chad Slate (one-year term)*
Susan Aggarwal Whit Beverly Scott Born Doug Bruhns Pamela Jensen Sue Metzger Debbie Rothkopf
Lee Billmyer Jen Galasso Laurie Gerner Funk Marian Hollingsworth Sharon Levitch Mike Packer
DEACONS CLASS OF 2025
CLASS OF 2026
CLASS OF 2027
James Barnes Cam Billmyer Mary Bollinger Hans Coetzee Amy Barnes Elliott Steve Fakharzadeh Debbie Gillespie Carol Klauss Kristin Laws Margie McPherson Wendy Bostwick Norman Bill Pentz Craig Stock Lani Fabere (one-year term)*
Diana Bacci Bennett Drake Colesberry, Jr. Jack Crosby Kim Girard Robin Herbert Linda Kurtz Connie Layman Bill Montgomery Bobbie Montgomery Bill Nirmaier Linda Nirmaier Mike Sieger Lisa Van Ostenbridge Liz Walton
Bernie Clark Jennifer Conklyn Amanda D’Ascanio Brian Dudt Leslie Dudt Jan Eberlein Bebe Forster Addison Frazier Bill Gillespie Beth Greenwood Susan Hirshman Wendy Mercaldo Susan O’Rourke Lee Pretz
YOUTH DEACONS, CLASS OF 2025 Sarah Bernholdt
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Grace Clark
Ben O’Nell
STEWARDS CLASS OF 2025
CLASS OF 2026
CLASS OF 2027
Brooke Cheston Judie Elliott Rita Fisk David Hollingsworth Marian Hollingsworth Farokh Kheradi John Marsh Jane Martin Gayle Orczyk Lee Pretz Bill Riggs Connie Riggs John Rosecky Avis Rueger Chuck Rueger Mary Ellen Smith Steve Smith
Ken Bajus Vicki Boettcher Warren Eberlein Tracy Jarman Paige McGuire Bill North Susan North Sally Richter Dee Rush Elizabeth Ziegler Eric Ziegler
Josh Cady Julie Cady Chris Carlton Bernie Clark Pat Donnelly Weezie Duff Lani Fabere Mark Fabere Wendy Bostwick Norman Angela Tait Frank Tait Deb Wissel Paul Wissel
2024-2025 NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Tom Evans Kim Ferroni
Alice Hood Jeanne Kauffman
Marty Laird Elisabeth Slate
Annual Report | 41
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE The Personnel Committee is appointed by and operates at the behest of the Session. The Mission of the Personnel Committee is to provide an orderly, focused, and considerate way for the Session to build a healthy work environment; to recommend to the Session policies, procedures, and practices that anticipate outcomes before they happen; to provide counsel and support for clergy and staff; to develop shared expectations and to provide a place where issues can be addressed before they become personal situations (Adapted from “Guidelines for Session Personnel Committees: A statement of the functions and accountability to the Sessions of a Personnel Committee,” a PC(USA) publication). Wayne Presbyterian Church is blessed to have an amazing team of talented professionals. We enter the new year fully staffed for the first time since the pandemic. New members of our church staff in 2023 include the following: HEATHER CONDELLO Accounting Associate
MASON CRUZ
Youth Ministries Assistant
JOHN GRECIA
Director of Music Ministries (as of 1/2024)
KATE LIGOURI
Executive Assistant to the Pastors
JOHN PITOCCHELLI
Director of Finance and Operations
NICOLE VEITH
Digital Marketing and Technology Coordinator
JULIA THOMPSON
Children’s Ministries Assistant
EVELYN WIDHAM
Youth Ministries Associate
There were some unexpected changes that took place in 2023. We said goodbye to Rev. Heather Shortlidge and several staff members. We will always be grateful for the time they were with us and their service to our church. Throughout the year, the Personnel Committee assisted with hiring staff, re-instituted Pastor and Staff liaisons, worked alongside the task forces, and updated forms, policies, and the Employee Handbook. We began assisting the Pastor Nominating Committee in any way needed as we search for a senior pastor. In October we honored Cathy Chandler for 25 years of service and Kelli Masters for 15 years of service to our church. Many joined the celebration in the Connector to express their gratitude to Cathy and Kelli. We sincerely thank our Pastors and Staff for all that they do for the church. Their hard work has made a tangible impact on the Wayne Presbyterian Church community. What they do each and every day is instrumental in shaping the future success of our church. And many thanks to the members of the Personnel Committee who serve our church, including Tracy Jarman, Carol Burnham, Anne McCrary, and Brian Clapp. Respectfully submitted, Sally Hudson, Personnel Committee Chair 42 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE ROLE AND PURPOSE OF THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE The Stewardship Committee manages the annual giving campaign for Wayne Presbyterian Church, as well as ongoing communication regarding the impact of donor support. Donations enable the church to fulfill its mission to share the ministry of Jesus Christ through worship, learning, serving, and caring. Members of the Stewardship Committee: Nancy Galloway, Co-Chair
Park Blatchford
Bill Lawrence
Ron Race
Greg Hagin, Co-Chair
Elizabeth Castleman
Derek Pimlett
Craig Standen
Craig Stock, Vice-Chair
Mark Fabere
John Pitocchelli
Liz Wagner
Vijay Aggarwal REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST YEAR AND THE 2024 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN Our theme for the 2024 Stewardship Campaign is “Let your light shine before others,” and we know that God intends for us to bring light to a dark world. We pray that it brings you joy and fulfillment to share your gifts in service of God and others, and you will continue to support our ministries in 2024. We are planning an exciting year ahead, when we will continue our robust programs that support worship, learning, serving, and caring. In addition, we plan to call our next senior pastor, making this a particularly pivotal and exciting time in the life of our church. As of January 12, 2024, we are blessed to share that we have received pledges for $1,427,159, exceeding our $1.4 million goal. This expression of faith and generosity shows the shared commitment of our congregation to our mission to share the ministry of Jesus Christ. THANK YOU TO THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE I am grateful to all the members of the Stewardship Committee noted above who have contributed their time, talent, and treasure in support of our collective effort to help Wayne Presbyterian Church continue the good works that make a difference in our community, city, and world. Our dedicated committee is focused on meeting our financial goals and importantly building a culture of generosity at our Church. THANK YOU TO THE STAFF Your individual and collective support of the Stewardship Campaign enabled Rev. Liz Wagner and Rev. Katy Shevel to minister to our community of faith and the people and communities we serve outside the four walls of Wayne Presbyterian. Special thanks to John Pitocchelli for his substantial support as Director of Operations and Finance. THANK YOU TO THE MEMBERS To date, 244 pledges have been committed for an average pledge of nearly $6,000, a 24% increase over 2023. The generosity and optimism of our faithful community are inspiring – thank you! If you are still considering your pledge of support, please submit even a small commitment to help us reach our participation goal of 300 pledges. Every contribution matters. We all have a role in our mission to bring the light of Christ to the world. Respectfully submitted, Greg Hagin & Nancy Galloway, Stewardship Committee Co-chairs
Annual Report | 43
WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE blessed to receive God’s word from Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him Sam Armstrong, Adam Bernholdt, Gavin Slate, and Lily Thompson on Youth Sunday. with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1-2 NIV
“1 2
When the Session and church leaders met to discern the vision that would lead us into the near future earlier this year, the first component mentioned was worship. Worship not only provides us an opportunity to praise God and offer thanks for the many blessings we have received from the Divine Creator, it also strengthens the bonds of our community and nurtures our faith as a congregation and as individuals. By aligning with the natural cycles of creation, the liturgy of the church year guides us to the scriptures so that God’s word might strengthen us for the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. Through worship we celebrated Baptisms, gathered at the Lord’s Table in Communion, welcomed new members, received confirmands, ordained officers, called a Pastor Nominating Committee, recognized scholars, distributed Bibles, and said good-bye to beloved congregants and family members. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:1-2 KJV
“1
The activity of worship was supported by many faithful servants. Pastor Katy and Pastor Liz shared the opportunity to bring God’s word to the community with Rev. Tim Pretz, Rev. Christopher Holland, Rev. Don Lincoln, Rev. Brenton Thompson, and Diana Butler Bass. We were also
Members of the Worship and Music Committee enhanced our worship services with voices from the congregation. Jim Rush scheduled countless liturgists who led prayers and read scripture. Our elders, deacons, and committee members shared glimpses of the WPC vision statement, “Sharing the ministry of Jesus Christ through worship, growing, serving, and caring.” In Moments for Mission, we heard from many partners about our support in their projects. Craig Stock led teams of ushers to gather us in and receive our offerings. Lani Fabere and Angela Tait coordinated the Chancel Committee who decorated our sanctuary for special seasons. Mike and Carol Burnham, Frank Caruthers, and Frank Tait ensured that worship could be heard and shared beyond the walls of our building. Looking forward, Chad Slate is our incoming 2024 Worship and Music Committee Chair, making for a vibrant, dynamic, and innovative Worship year ahead. To learn about the many ways we glorify God through music, please read the separate report that describes the activities of our outstanding Music staff and volunteers. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Elizabeth Wagner, Bridge Pastor
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Music is a focal point of the worship experience at Wayne Presbyterian Church. Choral, instrumental, and organ music intertwine with congregational song as we experience the deep truth of the saying attributed to St. Augustine: “The one who sings prays twice.” 2023-24 marks the 75th-anniversary season of the Wayne Oratorio Society, a ministry of our church since 1992. In November, a long-awaited project became reality, when the Society—with 150 choral 44 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
singers, 2 soloists, 44 professional orchestra members, and 10 bell ringers—presented the world premiere of the oratorio Creation by worldrenowned composer Dan Forrest, commissioned in honor of the occasion. The performances on November 4th & 5th filled the Sanctuary to standing room only (and overflow in the Chapel) with sounds of creation, from light and sky to the music of the spheres, from animals of the air and sea and land to humankind. The Society’s other concerts this year presented Beethoven’s Mass in C and Will Todd’s
Mass in Blue (April) and Handel’s Messiah (December), all under the leadership of John Grecia. Many thanks to BettieAnn Brigham and the Leadership Team for much behind-thescenes work. Choral music continues to be central to our Sunday-morning services. The Chancel Choir sang weekly in one or both services, joined by the professional Quartet (Melanie Sarakatsannis, Ruth Bailis, David Price, and Josef Samargia) and the Choral Scholars, an ensemble of young adult singers (Kayla MacKinnon, Dan Maguire; Ava Pressman left in May to study abroad, and Olivia Grier joined in September). From late June through August, Summer Choir offered the opportunity to sing in worship on a drop-in basis; many new voices not previously connected with our choirs joined in – and several new members have consistently joined the Chancel choir this Fall.
Academy Orchestra Program in SW Philadelphia hosted three concerts this past year: the Pyxis Piano Trio (January), the Arcadian Trio (February), and the Whirl Wind Quartet (November). Recordings of the concerts are available on the church’s YouTube site. In addition to playing service music throughout the year, Kirsten Santos Rutschman played an organ recital at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne as part of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organist’ Tuesday Noon Recital Series in March. She also presented a pair of recitals for the Bellingham Music Club in Bellingham, WA, in June, and attended Year Two of the Chorister’s Guild Institute in Richmond, VA in July as part of her continuing education.
As 2023 draws to a close, we thank Matt Lista for his leadership of the Chancel Choir during this past year, and the steady continuity he has provided during a time of transition. Paul During the program year, the Westminster Choir Fleckenstein assisted at the organ from January (youth in grades 6-12) led music once or twice through May, and Melanie Eberhard, Ken Lovett, a month. Many singers are active in the Youth Program and other areas of the church as well, and and Andrew Hauze have also assisted on several occasions throughout the year. We eagerly four graduating seniors delivered eloquent and anticipate the arrival of John Grecia as Director heartfelt messages in their co-sermons on Youth of Music Ministries beginning in January 2024. Sunday in April. This Fall, the youth choir has John’s decades of experience as a church music grown with several new singers. The Children’s Choirs (grades 1-5) are gradually re-gathering, with director, his extraordinary musical abilities, joyful singing in worship on Palm Sunday. Children management skills, and love of people promise to continue the great tradition of music at WPC also currently have the opportunity to sing weekly and rejuvenate the music program at all levels and during Joyful Noise as part of Sunday School, as with all generations. well as during Vacation Bible School in June. Wayne Presbyterian is blessed with several instrumental ensembles. The Wayne Presbyterian Chamber Orchestra is truly inter-generational, from retirees on down through high schoolers (at least when school marching bands are not in session). In a new opportunity this year, several orchestra members and other instrumentalist friends from the congregation helped lead the caroling during the Advent Family Event after Thanksgiving. Two handbell ensembles, Te Deum and Selah, regularly play separately during Sunday morning worship and together on Bell Sunday in June. Members of both bell choirs also played in the world premiere of Creation, the oratorio commissioned by the Wayne Oratorio Society.
Respectfully submitted, Kirsten Santos Rutschman, Interim Director of Music
The Music Transforms concert series benefiting music students in the Cornerstone Christian Annual Report | 45
STAFF CONTACTS WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | 610-688-8700
PASTORS REV. LIZ WAGNER Bridge Pastor & Acting Head of Staff Ext. 226 | Liz@waynepres.org
REV. KATY SHEVEL Associate Pastor for Congregational Life Ext. 219 | Katy@waynepres.org
STAFF DANA ARRANZ Director of WPC Nursery School 610-688-9696 | Dana@waynepres.org
BUFF BARNES Director of Spiritual Direction Ext. 212
MIKE BURNHAM Broadcast Specialist Broadcast@waynepres.org
CATHY CHANDLER Housekeeper Ext. 245 | Cathy@waynepres.org
HEATHER CONDELLO Accounting Associate Ext. 210 | AccountingDept@waynepres.org
SARA GOLDBERG Church Accountant Ext. 241 | Sara@waynepres.org
JOHN GRECIA Director of Music Ministries Ext. 227 | JGrecia@waynepres.org KELLI MASTERS Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries Ext. 226 | Kelli@waynepres.org
KATE LIGOURI Executive Assistant to the Pastors Ext. 212 | Kate@waynepres.org JOHN PITOCCHELLI Director of Business Operations & Finance Ext. 216 | Operations@waynepres.org
CHRISTINA SACCO Events & Publications Coordinator Ext. 225 | Christina@waynepres.org
ALBERTO URBINO Property Manager Ext. 236 | Alberto@waynepres.org
NICOLE VEITH Digital Marketing & Technology Coordinator Ext. 220 | Nicole@waynepres.org
EVELYN WIDHAM Youth Ministries Associate Ext. 237 | Evelyn@waynepres.org
46 | Wayne Presbyterian Church
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