8169 Perry Highway
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2007 Staff and Committee Reports
Christian Education Committee
Annual Report
January 11, 2008
Welcomed Mandi Ritchey as Director of Family Ministries and Contemporary Worship
Budget requested and received - $8,000
Programs:
Sunday School - Children and Adults
Kids Corner
Steps of Faith
Kids of the Kingdom
Additional Programs offered thoughout the year - some are:
Rally Day
Confirmation Class
Bibles presented to 2nd graders
New Advent-ure Potluck and Gingerbread Nativity
Christmas Pageant
Christmas Cantata
Easter egg dying and decorating
Easter egg hunt
Confirmation celebration
Graduation breakfast
Honoring mothers for Mother's Day
Honoring fathers for Father's Day
Sunday School picnic
Vacation Bible School will resume with the hiring of Mandi as Director of Christian
Education
Sunday School is an important program for children, but also for teens, young adults,
midlife and seniors. The Chritian Education committee is very small because of members'
terms ending, members who have ended extended terms and members relocating to other
cities. It is important, in order to continue the projects offered, we must have additional
members because the programs are very important to those attending and to all of us.
Respectfully submitted,
Dottie Phillis
Mission Ministry ~ 2007 Accomplishments
Supported the Weller returned to Ethiopia and Logans returned, after language study in Spain, to Turkey.
Textbooks were purchased and shipped to the Parallel Theological Program in Malawi. Over $6000 outside the mission budget was given to accomplish this effort.
Jim Dixon introduced Northmont to Pine Valley Bible Camp and we donated over $2,000 to the camp program using balance of in the Dwelling House Savings and Loan Assoc. was transferred to them for their work with inner city children and to assist them in becoming a certified camp.
During Adult Middle Hour mission emphasis included speakers from North Hills Youth Ministry, Crisis Center North, Pine Valley Bible Camp, and Missionary to Vietnam.
To welcome Pittsburgh Presbytery to Northmont the Mission Directory was updated and placed in all the pew racks and a new look was given to Mission Ministry bulletin board.
Two food drives were held resulting in over 3000 pounds of food given to North Side Common Ministries food pantry and North Hills Food Bank.
Over and above financial dollars budgeted, the Mother’s Day opportunity for Northmont members to bless Bethlehem Haven resulted in $945, Father’s Day for North Side Common Ministries resulted in $840, and Peacemaking offering of $514 was sent to the Presbyterian churches in Iraq.
Eight from Northmont supported the East Liberty Family Health Care Center’s 25th anniversary celebration fundraiser.
The Orphan Street Program in Malawi was given $1000 enabling that program to continue the balance of the year and part of the next year. In addition $500 was given to Mulanje Mission Hospital in Malawi to support one hospital bed for one full year.
Northmont responded to an emergency by collecting beds, linens, pillows and blankets when a storm caused major damage to Northside Common Ministries men’s shelter.
Mission dollars continue to support youth enabling them to attend retreats and conferences.
2008 Goals
- Set up an e-mail emergency response system for local and family emergencies.
- Investigate the possibility for Northmont to partner with a local struggling small church.
- Help the Weller missionary family in acquiring a vehicle to support their health clinic
program in Ethiopia.
- Involve more people in Northmont’s mission efforts by promoting teams for short term projects.
STAFF RELATIONS
Our year began with Dr. Antonson's retirement, the hiring of Rev. Ewing as our Interim Pastor, and the hiring of Amanda Richie as Director of Family Ministries. With Dr. Ewing’s guidance, we have worked, as a committee, to update all job descriptions, ultimately taking them to Session for approval. Dr. Ewing presented us with a new system for evaluating staff members during their annual reviews. We are currently working with Facilities Management to replace the retiring Colin Baldwin as Custodian.
Worship and Music Committee Report for 2007
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
Betty Fraley, Chair Bill Goff
Suzanne Acker Janet Hoegel
Sylvia Campbell Dave Sartori
Emily Cooper Kathy Wissner
Pat Dosch Joanne Zaletsky
2007 Goals
1) To make the sanctuary more spiritual and festive using banners and other decorations that represent our
traditions and activities.
2) Create different worship environments to set the tone for more spiritual worship and prayerful meditation.
3) Create more opportunities for community outreach through Sunday services and special programs.
2007 Accomplishments
Acknowledgements
A special thanks to all committee members who once again worked so well as a team to tackle even the biggest projects and make it look effortless. Thanks to Bill Goff for his support of the committee and all the refreshing new ideas that keep our services so vibrant and inviting. We thank too, Pastor Don Ewing for his contribution to worship and the spiritual life of Northmont and for his support and encouragement for the committee through 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 member, the Third Worship Service musicians, vocalist, instrumentalists, worship leaders and volunteers. Thanks also to Mandi Richey for her enthusiasm and guidance in bringing new life to the Third Worship Service. We would be amiss without a special thanks to Linda Allerton, Rose Dragan, and Collin Baldwin for all their help behind the scenes.
FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR
Through the welcome and generosity of the congregation it feels as though I have been a participant and pastor of the congregation for some time - yet, checking the calendar it has only been 9 months. My thanks and appreciation to the Interim Search Team, officers and members of the congregation for your welcome.
These nine month have been for us a time of transition – a transition unlike folks remember. Although there have been several staff changes over the years, the congregation has enjoyed the stability of a long-term pastorate. And even though changes in staff can create their own anxiety, the church has had the benefit of one pastor through those transitions adding some stability to the life of the congregation.
It was about 24 years ago, however, that the congregation experienced a change in the pastorate. By the way, 24 years is three times the current national PC(USA) average for the length of stay of a pastor. A pastoral change is deeply unsettling and very anxiety producing. We lose a pastor and friend, and for some of us, the only pastor we’ve ever known. Uncertainty is the hallmark of such a time, and the loss of that stability is unnerving.
Recognizing all of the personal, emotional and spiritual dynamics of such a change, the Session and staff have served diligently, and the congregation has responded with faith, generosity, patience and perseverance. There has been some hard work accomplished for the glory of God and the health of the church.
First, we sought God’s grace and peace in this time, touching again the solid ground of our faith in Jesus Christ, who promises to be with us in all times.
Secondly, we studied, reviewed and renewed our mission and ministry, our organization and programs, and our vision. Claiming the promises of our Lord, that ‘behold the new has come, the old is past’, there has been difficult and hard work done to position the congregation for a bright and Kingdom fruitful future amidst the changes in our world, in our church, and in our lives.
I am thankful for the openness and honesty with which the search for God’s leading has been conducted. Not always smooth and effortless, none-the-less folks have shown courage, patience and great faith as we move forward. The work continues, and God will lead us in yet other ways. For now, we move through this time confident of God’s presence and power, seeking His peace and the unity of the church. Thanks be to God.
Annual Report
From Mandi Richey, Director of Family Ministries and Contemporary Worship
June-December 2007
Last year was a great year for both Family Ministries and Contemporary Worship. The third worship service was renewed and continued in new ways and the Christian Education program in the church continued to flourish. The Vespers and Worship in the Wired Worship services began in November and are continuing to receive positive forward motion. The Christian Education program began using the BibleQuest curriculum and had a great time at Rally Day and the New Advent-ure Event.
The year of 2008 is going to be a great year! It will be a transition year as we work toward receiving our new senior pastor. My vision for Family Ministry and Contemporary Worship is to provide opportunities for more meaningful relationships with Christ and each other, faith to be deepened, and spiritual walks to be grown throughout the year.
Looking ahead, our children and families will have plenty of activities to attend in order to be discipled and to deepen their relationships with Christ and each other. A family movie night is in the works for the Spring, Vacation Bible School in the Summer and Rally Day in the Fall, ending up with another great Advent Event in the Winter.
Our third worship services continue to grow and flourish. The Vespers service is a continuing success and we hope to see more and more people grown in their faith through worship. Our Worship in the Wired World series will continue to focus on bringing in different types and styles of worship to Northmont on a monthly basis. The goal of these worship services is to help the Northmont community of believers deepen their relationships with Christ and each other through times of worship and discipleship.
Looking forward to a great 2008!
Musical Highlights of 2007
Northmont Presbyterian Church
January, 2008
The Music Department was busy in 2007, fulfilling our goal of “Praising God with our Talents.” Here are some highlight of the year:
1. Approximately 10 scouts from our troop 335 played their instruments in church on Scout Sunday, February 11th.
2. Many eager children in our Kids of the Kingdom program performed for our annual Talent Show on February 11th.
3. Our wonderful Chancel Choir, soloists, talented Northmont Belles and brass ensemble presented glorious music at 8:30 and 11:00 on Easter morning.
4. Many Northmont people of all ages, including Rev. Don Ewing, participated in our Pentecost Band on May 27th.
5. I attended the PAM (Presbyterian Association of Musicians Conference) at Westminster College, July 8-14th.
6. Our Chancel Choir took part in the combined Thanksgiving Eve service at Ingomar Methodist Church.
7. The Pittsburgh Youth Chamber Orchestra and our Chancel Choir presented a program of Christmas Music in our sanctuary on Sunday afternoon, November 25th.
8. On December 16th, the Children of the Kids of the Kingdom and the Kuyimba choirs presented the musical, “The Tiniest Christmas Star.”
9. Also in December, the men NBC handbell choir took part in their annual Christmas program.
10. December 23rd, Chancel choir, Northmont Belles, soloists, percussion and narrators, told the glorious story of Christ’s birth through word and song.
* * * * *
Professionally, I continue my work on the Program Committee and the Organ Artists Committee of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In addition, my credentials as a Certified Church Musician (CCM) in the Presbyterian Church have been recently renewed.
I must add that I can not do the work of music ministry without all of the talented and dedicated people of the Chancel Choir, the Northmont Belles, those who work with the Kids of the Kingdom and the Kuyimba Choir and the many talented soloists and instrumentalists in our church. The names are just too numerous to mention here, but please know that I appreciate each and everyone of you, from the bottom of my heart. You are great! I likewise want to thank the Worship Committee, headed by Betty Fraley, for their enthusiasm, encouragement and zeal in striving to provide meaningful worship for all of us here at Northmont.
As the great composer and church musician, Johann Sebastian Bach, so often ended his compositions, “Solo Deo Gloria,” or “To God be the Glory!”
End of The Year Report
Sean Kelly
Youth director
This was both a challenging and rewarding year for us here at Northmont. Gods hand was definitely at work and it is amazing to see the fruit that continues to come forth with all He is doing. My hope is that we as a church will continue to look to the Lord as He guides us through this transition in the life of the church.
This past year has been amazing for the life of the youth here at Northmont. At the beginning of the year, the youth participated in the 30 Hour famine raising about $2,500.00 to go towards helping world hunger. Through their contributions, 85 kids were able to eat for a month, 10 kids were able to eat for an entire year. That is amazing! We also participated in weekend events at the Teen Quest Ranch (Jr. High Retreat) and the Next Level (Sr. High Retreat) held at Camp Allegheny. It was awesome to be a part of kid’s lives at they continue to grow in their faith. One of the big events that take place yearly here in the life of the church is Summers Best Two Weeks. This program is aimed at kids entering 3rd grade through 8th. We had an amazing time, camping out under the stars, competing in the many different sporting events, learning the Word of God in new and exciting ways, and meeting some amazing people. This year we had twenty-seven campers. We also took the youth group on a Cedar Point trip. We managed to pack 45 kids into a Lenzner bus for a day of fun and great fellowship. Our summer trips consisted or the New Wilmington Mission Conference (Sr. High) and Surf City (Jr. High) located in Michigan. We had tons of fun learning what it means to have purpose and meaning through various mission projects, worship, and relationships. The Jr. High on the other hand had tons of fun surfing the dunes, riding wave runners, tubing on Lake Stony, and learning what it means to have a real relationship with Christ through Word and Devotions. As the summer came to a close, it was time to say goodbye to our seniors as they headed off for college. Though it was sad to see them go, the new 6th grade class managed to fill in the gap. This past fall consisted of weekend retreats to Laurelville and Jumonville, crazy movie nights, some awesome fall and winter celebrations with everything from carving pumpkins to our white elephant gift exchange. Gods hand was definitely at work. It is a real blessing to be a part of kid’s lives as they transition from children to young adults.
With 2007 behind us, I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2008. We have a lot of amazing things planned such as the 30 hour famine in February, our Jr. High retreat to Teen Quest, our Next Level Sr. High retreat, our Sr. High mission trip to West Virginia, Summers Best Two Weeks, and Surf City just to name a few. Most importantly, I look forward to being a part of kid’s lives teaching them that though we live in a broken world, that there is a God who loves us so much that He died so we his children may experience the life He intended us to live.
Northmont Child Development and Preschool Center 2007 Annual Report
The CDPC is in its 28th year of 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 and 29 families: of these, 6 families are members of Northmont Church. We employ 8 full-time and 7 part-time care givers. We continue to enjoy the good fortune of having an experienced and loyal staff. Five staff members of the Center, have been employed at the CDPC for 19-26 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: Karen Kowalski, Judy Marshall, Larry Wichterman (Session representative), Jerry Fisher (Stewardship and Finance representative), and Linda Anderson. Margot Plant and Shannon Jones 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 of CDPC performance and salaries on an annual basis, and will approve all other salary recommendations and hiring/termination decisions. The assistant director was reviewed by the director in August 2007.
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 records for the CDPC through the office of the Church Treasurer.