8169 Perry Highway
|
Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
|
|||||||
Northmont United Presbyterian Church
2005 Staff and Committee Reports
Pastor - David B. Antonson, D.Min.
Director of Music and Organist – Bill Goff
Director of Family Ministries/Contemporary Worship: Frank Stricklen
Communications – Report Underway
Community Outlook – Report Underway
Facilities Management Committee
Northmont Child Development and Preschool Center
Pastor - David B. Antonson, D.Min.
Writing a year-end report is a good discipline. Most of the time we are so focused on the present and future we don’t take time to look over our shoulder. An annual report forces us to look over the past year and ask questions like “where did I see God at work?” and “what special times and events stand out as key moments of opportunity?”
Some of the high points for me, and perhaps for you, in 2005 have been the following:
On a personal, I appreciate all the support I received when I had hernia surgery in August; I again experienced the loving care and concern of our great congregation. Judy and I rejoiced together in the birth of our third grandson, Jack Raymond, on April 5th. I appreciate very much the three other ministers who often share the load at Northmont – Rev. Alick Kennedy, Dr. Robert Forsythe and Rev. George Depee. I feel very privileged to serve with a wonderful and talented church staff. Many members of our staff have served in their area of ministry for many years, and we need to continue to find ways to thank them for their outstanding work. It’s been a great year and I look forward to 2006.
In Christ,
David B. Antonson
Director of Music and Organist – Bill Goff
Musical Highlights
2005 has been a busy year in the Music Department of Northmont Church. Probably the largest and most important undertaking was the overseeing of the updates to our Moeller pipe organ. This was accomplished with the able help of the Capital Projects Committee, Don Tanner, Chair, the Music Memorial Funds, the Worship and Music Budget, and several anonymous gifts to the organ fund. Since its installment in 1968, our organ has served us well. Now, in the computer age, new technologies exist to have been able to give our instrument new life in the 21st century.
In January, I played a public organ recital at Heinz Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh, and in February, a Scout Band was formed and about 12 instrumentalists from our troop played at both services for Scout Sunday.
During the summer months of 2005, highlights included bringing the touring handbell choir from LaDue Chapel Presbyterian Church in St. Louis in June. In July, I took many of the Northmont Belles to the Area II Conference held at Bucknell University, July 7-10. Also in July, I attended the Presbyterian Association of Musician’s Conference at Westminster College. There are always many new ideas to bring back to Northmont from this conference. In August, I directed the music portion of Junior Camp.
In the fall, I, along with Northmont Church, was host to the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The meeting here on October 24th was wonderful, with about 80 church musicians from all of the Pittsburgh area in attendance, and we were able to “show off” our newly refurbished organ as well as our beautiful choir room and lovely Fellowship Hall. I am grateful to Larry Anderson for his support of this endeavor.
As I write this year end review, I am in the midst of completing a 4 week study of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio for the middle hour adult education class. It is a joy for me to lead the group though much of this masterpiece. And in December, I plan to work again with the NBC group with their annual Christmas program. A team of courageous NBC bell ringers will be formed to play seasonal music and Christmas Carols in the Polley Fellowship Hall on December 20th.
Other ongoing highlights include the continuation of learning new hymns, such as found in Sing the Faith as well as the inclusion of the very familiar hymns which are so near and dear to all of us.
It has been my sincere privilege to lead the musical portion of the worship services this past year at Northmont Presbyterian Church, as we ever strive to use our talents and gifts in praise of the Most High God.
Director of Family Ministries/Contemporary Worship: Frank Stricklen
Drama Ministry:
Our first effort, Godspell was a tremendous success with 537 people attending 4 performances at our church. We actually had reservations that would have put us over 600 if we had not had a severe snow storm on the final Saturday. Our collaboration with Paragon Studios and Debra Loffredi was wonderful, and prompted us to continue working with Debra on the Maunday Thursday reenactment of the Last Supper, scenes from Jesus Christ Superstar on Palm Sunday, and again this year on Joseph. Some of the youth from Paragon have become regular attendees at Northmont’s many youth oriented activities.
Spirituality and Prayer Group (Thursday 11:00am):
I began a new weekly Spirituality Group on January 6. Eighteen (18) members of Northmont have attended from time to time and the group averages 8 people each week.
SON (Spirit of Northmont Contemporary Worship – Sunday 6pm):
This year at SON, I sought to have a variety of speakers (particularly in the summer) capitalizing on an upward attendance trend when we announce speakers who teach at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. We have offered special services with a variety of worship styles to try and meet the varied spiritual needs of those who attend. We have added 15 new songs and took a number of songs out of the rotation which had been used since the inception of the service and had lost vitality. Member David Schlag credits this service and the new feel of it for bringing him back to Northmont.
Foundations (Adult Christian Education – Sunday 9:45am):
Recognizing that many new and current members are not well-versed in the essentials of the faith, I created the Foundations course and advertised it as both a refresher course and one good for beginners so participants wouldn’t have to admit their lack of knowledge in order to attend. 40 different members and visitors have attended the class since September and the average attendance is 20.
Sunday school (Youth Christian Education – Sunday 9:45am):
In answer to the desire of teachers to have more resources available, I reviewed all of the lectionary-based curricula available and selected Living the Good News. Teachers are delighted with the curriculum, telling me that they appreciate the abundance of ideas in the material, and are glad to have the additional resources.
Also, due in part to the success of the Foundations course, the average Sunday school attendance is up 26% over this time last year. We also had the blessing of extra volunteers, so we have a team of six substitute teachers.
Library (Studies for Growth in Christ):
With the help of volunteers, we have culled the books from the library which are no longer useful and added over 300 new books. We are changing the library over from the Dewey Decimal system of shelving to a more modern, user-friendly approach of grouping books in a number of frequently used categories. I have also been displaying new books and listing new titles in the Piper. As a result, we recently checked more books out in ten days than in the entire previous year. We have received the okay to purchase a video rack and will soon be adding a number of DVD’s to the library.
Summer Youth Camp:
Junior Camp this summer was a great success, drawing 35 kids, many who were entirely new to the church or who had minimal involvement at the time. We used the Presbyterian Church’s wonderful Around the World in 5 Days curriculum. As a result of the camp and God’s Blessings, some families are very involved in Sunday school this fall.
Kids of the Kingdom:
With an excellent musical for Christmas, leadership by myself, Bill Goff, and Karen Reckless, and new curriculum, children are having great fun, getting a chance to teach the congregation at Christmas and getting a strong dose of Bible teaching.
Steps of Faith:
This year I have elected to spend a great deal more of my time working with Steps of Faith, teaching children about the essentials of the faith, helping them to memorize significant passages from the Bible, and teaching them that the Christian life means living by Jesus’ example. Each week, our children vote for the person who has acted the most Christ-like. From time to time, children get the opportunity to participate in leading worship by singing at the 11:00 a.m. service.
Oasis: (Wednesday Worship, Small Groups, and Youth Activities):
Along with the rest of the program staff, I have been helping to support and improve OASIS through prayers, worship, and devotions.
As Requested:
I have also served as a resource to various individuals and groups in the congregation including Small groups, Nehemiah 6:15, Project D, and Stephen Ministers.
Professional Studies and Development:
My study leave time allowed me to attend two week-long seminars in Spirituality:
I chose to increase my knowledge in the area of spirituality based on the survey by Nehemiah 6:15 which showed “passionate spirituality” as an area for improvement.
Thank you all for helping to grow my ability to minister to Northmont through these learning opportunities.
I have to say that after being here almost nine months, it has been quite the experience as I began the new Journey God has called me on with graduating from college not even a year ago, taking the position here at Northmont, as well as just being newly married. It has been a very exciting nine months and I look forward to what God has in store for me in the coming year here at Northmont. There were many activities, retreats, and programs that were already in place as I started here. At the same time, I had the opportunity of adding to the program some new activates, which I felt would help strengthen the program as well as to add some new flavor. Some of these activities are listed below:
New Wilmington Missionary Conference:
Surf City:
Jeremy Camp Concert:
Phantom Fright Night @ Kennywood:
Laurelville Jr. High Mud weekend:
Summer Small Groups:
Wednesday evening Youth Group:
Sunday evening Youth Group:
These are just some of the programs that have taken place over the past nine months since I have been here at Northmont. With the New Year just around the corner, we are beginning to plan some events that are geared towards discipleship and outreach. We have the 30 Hour Famine coming up in February and in March; we are planning our first Discipleship weekend called “The Next Level”. We are also going to start in January guys and girls small groups, which are geared towards digging deeper into who we are as children of God and how Christ is calling us to rise above the world’s standards to truly live out or Faith so God may be glorified in all that we do.
Mission Direction: Provide Christian Education opportunities and materials for Northmont and the surrounding community.
Membership: Bill Baierl, Sarah Jane Beorn, Janell Butorac, Sue Caputo, Kim Englert, Tom Merriman, Amy Phelps, Karen Reckless, Bruce Sardon, Frank Stricklen, Ed Weaver
2005 Goals: Increase the attendance of adults during the middle hour programs on Sunday mornings; provide outreach opportunities for Christian Education to the community; update the available materials to the congregation in the Library.
2005 Accomplishments:
Communications – Report Underway
No Report Submitted
Community Outlook – Report Underway
No Report Submitted
Mission Direction: Staff to support our congregation for the purpose of meeting our Mission Direction.
Membership: Betty Harris and Carolyn Pearsall (Co-Chairs), Marian Brown, Scott Davis, Judy Ehrhardt, Tom Englert, Hayes Stover
2005 Goals:
2005 Accomplishments:
We have an excellent staff that strives to meet the needs of Northmont members. Thank you to the staff and committee for a good year.
Facilities Management Committee
Mission Direction: Maintain and improve church facilities, grounds and property to meet the mission of Northmont Church
Membership: Larry Anderson, Jean McClymonds, Dick Spahr, Jim Gable, Tom Englert, Norm Voegler, Mary Lou English, Linda Zmuda
2005 Goals: Repair office and sanctuary roofs. Mitigate interior water damage. Revitalize church grounds. Outreach of time and talents to community.
2005 Accomplishments:
Acknowledgements:
A special thanks to all committee members who gave so willing of their time and talents to Northmont Church over the past year. We also wish to thank Bill English and Dr. Antonson for their support and guidance. A heart (and back) felt thank you to all the church members and affiliates who worked so hard on our spring and block party clean ups. And a devoted thank you for all the volunteers who worked regularly to maintain our property and grounds.
Members: Bart Roberts, Chairperson (e), Dave Antonson, Bill Caswell, Fred Beorn, Liz Hamilton,Bob Holtgraver and Leonard Stewart [(e) designates Elder]
Meeting Time: 2nd Wednesday of each month 7:15-8:45 p.m.
2005 Goals:
2005 Accomplishments and Activities:
Provided assistance with planning, organization and conduct of Northmont 2005 Annual Membership meeting.
Planned, organized and conducted 2005 Officer Training Retreat.
Scheduled, organized and conducted April 2005 Inter-Committee Summit.
Conducted October 2005 Opportunity Fair.
Requested Church Committees to provide annual reports for website.
Planning for 2006 Annual Congregation Meeting.
Planning for 2006 Officer's Planning and Committee Training Session.
By Elder Facilitator: Carol Hoover
This year the committee reorganized into small teams that focus on the following areas of interest: Mission Stewardship, Local Missions, Global Missions and Malawi Partnership, and Peacemaking and Social Action. The Mission Ministry Committee meets as a group on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the Malawi room in May, November, and December, as well as on the first Saturday of February as part of officer training. Focus teams meet at their discretion to pursue their separate functions. Committee members participate in activities across teams. The asterisk indicates team leads/co-leads.
Mission Stewardship: Jim Dickson, Ted Mills*, Kathy Sober, Jean Stultz, and Sharon Volpe.
Local Missions: Debbie Balbo, Rick Balbo*, Jessica Carlton Humenik, Barry Harris.
Global Missions and Malawi Partnership: Jean Drumheller, Sarah Flemming*, Ann Karayusuf, Elaine Peters and Tom Snaman*. Tom Merriman is an associate member.
Peacemaking and Social Action: Carol Hoover and Judy Marshall*.
Goal: We will serve as a catalyst to increase congregational support for and participation in local and global missions.
Objectives:
Ongoing Accomplishments and Activities:
Special Accomplishments and Activities:
Special Plans for 2006:
Stewardship and Finance Committee
Members: Kip Campbell (elder), Jerry Fisher, Bob Holtgraver, Lee Karayusef, John Paul Raphael, Daryl Scott, Jim Sober.
Regular Meetings: The committee meets regularly on the 2nd Thursday of every month and additionally as needed.
2005 Mission / Objectives / Goals and Discussion:
The committee monitors detailed financial reports monthly, and reviews variances in financial procedure brought to its attention. The committee contracted with an external firm to audit the controls and statements starting for the 2004 fiscal year. The contract was awarded through a process of Request for Proposals, evaluation of proposals, and a recommendation to Session. The auditor’s report for 2004 is available at the office, and contained no major issues. Among the Auditor's recommendations adopted:
- The financial statements were restructured for current non-profit practice by a newly selected External Auditor.
- Some improvements in control were suggested and enacted in segregation of duties.
As of end of Year, Net Income was negligible, as is the goal of a non profit organization.
The committee also reviews requests for project funds and expenses not budgeted. Policy and procedures for this do not exist for these. We plan to develop for policy and clear procedures for approval by Session in 2006.
A new approach and source of materials was adopted this year.
Piper articles have been submitted occasionally. A committee member has recently restarted this.
Team members are providing close communications with CDPC and Staff Relations (newly started this year). Cross representation with Memorial has been through Session meetings this year
We provided a good brochure for the area and John Raphael gave a congregation explanation about the opportunity to contribute this way. We are considering this area for focus in 2006..
2005 Accomplishments and Activity Highlights:
2005 Areas and Volunteers:
Special thanks to our Northmont Church Treasuror, Lynn Merriman, who continues to provide timely and accurate reports, adccounting insight and leadership, and communication to Northmont's spirtited staff and Committee leaders.
Mission Direction: Expand our efforts to satisfy the spiritual needs of our members and community with vibrant and meaningful services with special emphasis on reaching out to bring others into the church family.
Membership: Brenda Raphael, Chair, Bill Goff, Janet Manning, Peggy Meister, Jane Nicola, Dave Sartori, Judith Shifrin, Joanne Zaletski
2005 Goals:
2005 Accomplishments:
Acknowledgements:
A special thanks to all committee members who work so well as team to tackle even the biggest projects and make it look effortless. Thanks also to Bill Goff for all his support of the committee and all the refreshing new ideas that keep our services so vibrant and inviting. Thanks to Dr. Antonson for his contribution to worship and spiritual life at Northmont and for his patience and unwavering support and encouragement for the committee throughout the year. We would also like to thank all the guest ministers and speakers, lay readers, assisting elders, communion servers, ushers, greeters, choir members, SON Service band members, vocalist, instrumentalists, worship leaders and volunteers. Thanks also to Linda Allerton, Rose Dragan, and Collin Baldwin for all your help behind the scenes.
By Cheryl English – Chair
Members: Paula Davis, Kim Englert, Cheryl English, Jill Gable, Judy Harrison, Bob Koehler-Memorial Committee Representative, Mary Ann Morrone, Karen Reckless, Kathy Spitz, Kathy Zink-Session Representative
Youth Ministry meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 PM in the youth lounge.
Mission Direction: Provide Christian Education of the Bible, emphasizing our fundamental beliefs for spiritual formation.
2005 Goals
We started the year with what has become our annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser, our annual spring flower sale, our Octoberfest fundraiser dinner, our 6th annual Welcome the Holidays craft show, and various other fundraising activities. Thank you for your support, we couldn’t do it without you.
The Secret Pals project was run in the spring with over 30 adults and youth participating and getting to know one another.
Brian Wallace has begun a Bible study on Monday evenings specifically to reach young adults (including those who think young)
2005 Accomplishments
2005 saw a successful search for a new Youth Director, names Sean Kelly. Sean has brought some wonderful new ideas and places to go for the youth, as well as keeping with some of the traditions that the youth love so much
We sent college packets to our college students in the spring and the fall, just in time for finals, all donations from the congregation are greatly appreciated and the students just love getting packages in the mail.
The Youth attended the Gateway Clipper dances, went to the 100th New Wilmington Missionary Conference, participated in the 30 Hour Famine, as well as various other activities. Scholarships to all events are always welcome and appreciated and help defray the costs for our youth.
Along with the Christian Education, we again, hosted a Senior Brunch on Senior Recognition unday.
DEACON REVIEW 2005 CO MODERATORS Diane Goff and Karen Nootbaar
DEACONS OF 2005
Lisa Baierl, Mary Lou English, Jerry Fisher, Diane Goff, Sandy Guckert, Dick Krotzer, Pat Krotzer, Cathy Koehler, Carol Lee, Jack Marko, Jeff Morris,Karen Nootbaar, Elaine Peters, John Raphael, Chris Sartori, Joan Shore, Sharon Volpe, Christy Wenger
2005 OBJECTIVES/GOALS
Continue to perform and improve upon the responsibilities of the following committees: Concern and Visitation, Ushering, Greeters, Social/Reception, Coffee, Flowers, Pleasant Valley Shelter, Blood Drive, Winter Frolic, Summer Charity Event, Angel Tree Christmas Party, Summer Church Outing
2005 ACCOMPLISHMENTS/ACTIVITIES
The Deacons continued to perform many duties which we believe help to make Sunday morning worship even more enjoyable. We made sure that coffee, tea and cocoa were available for the middle hour from September through June. Cathy Koehler took the flower orders, and on a weekly basis assured that there were flowers to beautify the sanctuary. Deacons delivered donated flower arrangements to homebound members and nursing homes. Jack Marko handled the flower orders for the special Christmas and Easter services. Pat Krotzer handled the greeters for the Sunday morning services. Jerry Fisher continued doing a great job of revamping the usher teams and filling vacancies. Chris Sartori handled the ushers for the SON service. Carol Lee headed up the concern and visitation committee whose responsibility is to send notes and cards to those members who were hospitalized or were members of special concern. Again this year we had the cards for the congregation to sign each Sunday. At each of our monthly meetings, we straightened up the sanctuary. restocking the pews with giving envelopes, friendship registers, and pencils. Karen Nootbaar did an outstanding job of organizing the receptions the Deacons hosted throughout the year for new members and the Confirmation Class.
The Deacons also organize many special projects and events throughout the year. These include serving two dinners at the Pleasant Valley Shelter (March and September) and serving lemonade on the lawn one Sunday in the summer months, as well as receptions for the new members several times.
One of our major projects is the organizing of the church’s annual blood drive. The drive was organized by Sandy Guckert and Diane Goff. We held the drive again this year in August because the Blood Bank has a large need for donations in the summer months. Despite everyone’s busy summer schedules, the drive resulted in 23 collected pints. This was up from last year, and the Blood Bank was very pleased with the turn out. We hope to do better this year.
For many years the Deacons have organized the church-wide Winter Frolic at the North Park Skating Rink in February. Again this year, there was good food, fellowship and Bingo and other games for entertainment. As in past years, we also organized a summer church outing to a Pirate baseball game at PNC Park. On a Friday in September, 56 members attended the game and had a great time.
For the third year, the Deacons arranged for a summer charity project, a pool party at North Park. Allegheny County Parks gave us a discounted rate for the abused women and children of the Crisis Center North. All of the Deacons worked hard to provide the kids and their mothers with a good lunch and a great time.
On December 4th, the Deacons held their annual Angel Tree Party. Our church members provided gifts to the women and children, many of whom would receive no other gifts at Christmas. We again provided a lunch for the women and children instead of just snacks. There was cookie decorating and crafts again this year. Each mother (and/or grandmother) received a small poinsettia given by the Deacons. This year we added a table of Christmas Decorations that members of the church donated and also donated books (over 1700!) for the families to take home. This was very well received There were many happy mothers and children that day and we thank the congregation for their wonderful response to this project. Bill Goff again played Santa Claus and did an amazing job. The children were amazed to see that Santa could play the piano!
2005 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We had 18 Deacons this year Each and every one of them was so giving with their time and resources. There was almost 100 percent participation in every activity that we undertook.
We continued to make the “members of concern” a top priority. Each Deacon has one (in some cases, several) member of concern who we try to check on each month. We visit, call and send cards as needed. We want these special people to know that Northmont is very concerned with their well being. Our meetings are begun with a report on our activities with these people and we discuss any special concerns. We’ve also begun to then have a time of prayer during our meeting to hold these people up to God. In addition to the member of concern list we have begun to include a “People to Remember” list. These are people who have short term concerns that we need to keep in our prayers and/or visit, call or send cards to We also continue pray for the service men and the college students of Northmont. Each month every Deacon receives a note card with the names of a “person to remember”, 4 or 5 college students and a serviceman. We are encouraged to keep these names in our prayers each day for the month and then at the next meeting we get a new card with names to pray for. This way we have many people from the committee praying for those persons in our congregation.
This year we continued to collect items to send each month to our servicemen who are overseas. We have incorporated many of the groups of the church into this project. We sent out letters to several groups inviting them to collect items and write notes of encouragement. Each group was given a certain month in which to do this. We are very pleased with the response from the church. Several groups also included money to help us with the postage. Thank you from the Deacons and the servicemen. We discontinued the collection of coupons during the year. We thanks all the members who sent them in to us.
MODERATORS’ COMMENTARY
In sharing the moderator duties this past year, we have found it to be a positive way to work around busy schedules and still complete and even improve upon the objectives of the Deacons.
Northmont Child Development and Preschool Center
In August, 2006, the CDPC will celebrate 25 years fulfilling the need in our community for quality Christian child care. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing Christian environment for the children in our care. We are currently caring for 38 children and29 families: of these, 5 families are members of Northmont Church. We employ 8 full-time and 4 part-time care givers. We continue to enjoy the good fortune of having an experienced and loyal staff. Six of the 8 full-time staff have been employed at the CDPC for 18-24 years. The Center is open year-round, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In October 2005, the session approved the use of the curriculum, The Church Cares for Children, which was developed by the Presbyterian Church USA. The curriculum is an early childhood educational program which integrates Christian principles into the daily activities.
Currently all six NCDPC board members are members of Northmont Church. They are; Lisa Behm (parent representative) Karen Kowalski, Judy Marshall, Kathy Zink (Session representative), Jerry Fisher (Stewardship and Finance representative), and Linda Anderson. Margot Plant and Diane Croyle serve as non-voting members whose role is to provide support and assistance to the Board as needed.
The Session, through its Staff Relations Committee, continues to review the Director and Assistant Director of CDPC performance and salaries on an annual basis, and will approve all other salary recommendations and hiring/termination decisions.
CDPC continues to be totally self-supporting. All CDPC personnel costs and CDPC’s allocated share of Northmont overhead costs, as determined annually and jointly with the Stewardship and Finance Committee, are paid solely from tuition and other CDPC program revenues. Revenues, if any, in excess of expenses and a two-month operating cash reserve will be credited to Northmont’s general fund. Consistent with past practice, Northmont continues to maintain the only financial accounting books for CDPC through the office of the Church Treasurer.
CDPC, with the help of a $1750 grant from the PA Keystone Stars Program, paid the cost of painting and re-carpeting the Center. The total cost was $9,900.