Greetings in the Name of Christ, The other day I completely lost track of time. If it were not for the gentle reminder of my vibrating cell phone I would have failed to remember my earlier agreement to take Tyler to his soccer game that started in fifteen minutes! With one adrenaline-filled motion I scooped everything from the desk into my backpack and rushed home. With the clock ticking and my adrenaline pumping I burst through the door. Seeing Tyler, I asked the question all parents ask when they are in a hurry (although usually I think it’s more of prayer than a question!). With sweat beads forming and pulse racing I asked in one quick, hopeful breath, “Are you ready?” At risk of his own personal demise he slowly moved his head from side to side, communicating his response without a single word. I suspect my response resembled that of a fugitive on the run. As the clock ticked down, my paternal instinct kicked in. Carving a circular pattern in the air repeatedly with one arm, and in a voice attempting to promote expediency, I animatedly reminded him, “We have to go now, the game starts in 10 minutes!” Tyler proceeded to tell me that he could not find his soccer cleats, and in a moment of irrational haste I asked, “Well, what did you do with them?” The confused look on his face communicated the intelligence of the question, although he did respectfully indulge me with the response, “I can’t remember, will you help me look?” In that single moment of articulated need, I took a deep breath and my more rational side prevailed. I said to him, “Okay, let’s retrace your steps.” We scavenged together, checking behind every door, looking underneath every surface, peering inside every closet, and then, as if in direct answer to my silent prayer, we found them hidden on the side of the couch and with two minutes to spare we jumped in the car and headed for the park! This story came to my mind as I read through the pages you now hold in your hand. In a spiritual sense the pages before you retrace our church’s spiritual steps over the last year. Each page represents an important part of our journey towards our mission together to Glorify God, Grow in Faith, and Go into the World. As you scavenge these pages, I pray you would be blessed by what you uncover. Behind every word on the page is the heartbeat of real life ministry. As you retrace where we have been over the last year, I pray you would become even more passionate, committed, and involved in where God is leading us today and in the years to come! In Christ’s Ministry Together, Pastor Rich Davis

Annual Report: Fiscal Year July 2011—June 2012

Table of Contents

Pastor’s Letter ...................................................................................................... Inside cover

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. 1

Director of Congregational Life ............................................................................................ 2

Parish Associate .................................................................................................................... 2

Children’s Ministries ............................................................................................................. 3

Youth Ministries .................................................................................................................... 4

Music Ministries .................................................................................................................... 5

Adult Ministries

Deacon Ministry, Thirsty 30 ...................................................................................... 6

Adult Education, Hospitality, Prayer Team, All-Church Retreat ................................ 7

Stephen Ministry ....................................................................................................... 8

Community Bible Studies

WBS (Women’s Bible Study), Men’s Evening Bible Study ........................................ 9

Statistical Report ................................................................................................................. 10

Nominating Committee, Personnel Committee, Administrative Support ......................... 11

Administration ............................................................................................................... 11-12

Budget ................................................................................................................................. 13

Missions Committee Report ............................................................................................... 14

Missions Budget .................................................................................................................. 15

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Tech Team .................................................................... 16

Facilities, Administrative Support Volunteers .................................................................... 17

First Presbyterian Church of River Forest 7551 Quick Avenue

River Forest, IL 60305

708-366-5822 www.firstpresrf.org

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Prayer & Small Groups: In leading the prayer chain e-mails, I have continued to celebrate the breadth of our internal ministry and external mission by periodically including prayer and praise items from these realms in addition to the personal requests that are the foundation of the prayer chain. During the year, we took time (in the e-mails) to get updates (and therefore some praise for answered prayer) from those for whom we prayed. We had a vibrant prayer gathering for those who were experiencing the need for healing and God’s presence in their lives. We have continued to have over 170 people involved in small groups that meet during the week for Bible study and/or spiritual growth. There continue to be three different programs that use our facilities (and many of our people lead and attend) to offer Bible study and support to people from the neighborhoods around us: Men’s Community Bible Study (on Monday nights), Women’s Community Bible Study (which has two offerings, Thursday mornings and evenings), and Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) (every other Friday morning).

Special Events:

We remembered Lent with our custom of having supper together and then time for round-the-table discussions. This year we heard moving testimonies from five different members (different ages) about what it meant for them to follow Jesus.

Rev. John Hays, Director of Congregational Life

Some Highlights from a Great Year...2011-2012

Rev. Allison Lundeen, Parish Associate

Once again, I thank the congregation of First Pres for the chance to serve our community of believers. My ministry work for July 2011 through June 2012 was varied. It included:

pastoral care, visitation, & counseling all-church retreat pastoral mentor to Mothers of PreSchoolers (MOPS), weekly small group leader worship, preaching, sacraments, weddings, funerals participating in the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in January, as well as Chicago Presbytery assemblies.

I enjoy all of these roles, but particularly those of encouragement, whether through individual relationships or through pulpit delivery. I consider it a privilege to be part of this church family and am grateful that God has put me in His kingdom work here at First Pres. It is such a blessing to see so many hardworking individuals and families contributing to the mission of the church and giving glory to our great God. I am continually inspired by the faith, the passion, and the sacrifice of so many in our congregation, and I count it a privilege to be on a pastoral team with Rich and John.

Missions: Short-Term Service Projects: Once again we saw many college-aged adults give their spring break and/or summer in service projects around our country. A team of parents and kids spent a day of Christmas break packing food for Feed My Starving Children. Three families went together to All God’s Children orphanage in Honduras. In June 2012, I joined our senior-high youth as we ventured for a ten-day service project to a rural, impoverished community on the southern side of Jamaica. We heard from numerous different missionaries, including Lizzie Kovic, Dan McNerney, Greg Brown, and Lisa Alfonsi.

Congregational Care:

With the American economy still in the dumps, we continued to have a growing number of our people unemployed. I have sent over 280 Job Digests to close to 100 individuals from our congregation and beyond. We also had a class for wives whose husbands are not interested in Christ or the Church. With sadness in my heart, I saw God do amazing things in helping college students and young adults gather around the hospice bed of Scott Gianopoulos. We had Spirit-led worship together and I tried to bring comfort to them and his family. His Memorial service in our sanctuary was packed beyond belief and was beamed live around the nation on the internet.

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Children’s Ministries: Susan Kovic & Lynette Colmey, Co-Directors

We are Committed to Four Priorities: Education – balancing Biblical knowledge with life application

Two Sunday morning programs, 9:00 & 10:30 am Birth – 6th grade Approximately 150 children attend regularly 35 MVP teachers Focus on Bible teaching, worship, fellowship, missions, and service projects Midweek discipleship program for grades 5 & 6 New parent-child Stepping Stones classes for grades 1-6: prayer, Bible, service Christmas Pageant, Darkness Into Light, directed by Chris Hibbert, Ann Bell, and Jennifer Stocks

Evangelism – reaching community children with the Gospel message

Monthly Kids’ Nite 34 outreach for children in grades 3 & 4; 2/3 community kids; led by Jon Gadsby & Mike Butler Monthly Kids’ Nite 56 outreach for children in grades 5 & 6 ; 2/3 community kids; led by Dan Arends, Greg Brown and Bruce Wojack Kids’ Nites offer high-interest, relevant Christian lessons using movie clips; 25 adult volunteers; 400 participants. Vacation Bible School: Son Surf-Bible teaching, crafts, games & music all equal fun! 180 participants: 2/3 from community, 75 volunteers! Although VBS was cancelled on Monday due to no power, by Tuesday we were powered by GOD! (Generators) Missions, led by Peg & Amanda Ebersole, raised $400 for Joni & Friends. Ready, Set, Go: Catch A Wave-Bible teaching, small groups led by high schoolers, field trips all over the city of Chicago! 142 5th-7th graders; 28 high school leaders; 42 adult volunteers. Wednesday’s Make-A-Difference Day raised over $1,300 for our youth mission trip to Kentucky; also collected over 1,100 canned food goods for OPRF Food Pantry. VBS/RSG Closing Program Outreach – over 500 people enjoyed celebrating and ice cream!

Equipping – coaching our volunteers to spiritually nurture our children

Fall Volunteer Training Kick-Off for team building, vision, priorities, and Sunday School planning. Team teaching – new teachers mentored by veterans. Volunteers required to complete training in our Child Protection Policy. Volunteers celebrated an appreciation dinner at the Betkes’ home in the spring. Communicated 2-3 times per month with volunteers via email, phone, and personally.

Encouraging – partnering with parents as they lay the spiritual foundation for their children. New this year: Stepping Stones - Three separate, grade-specific, 4-week parent/child classes. 1st & 2nd graders learned how to pray at home; 3rd & 4th graders learned how to read the Bible at home; 5th & 6th graders learned the Biblical basis for service, and each child selected and implemented a service project. Parentlink, a national newsletter, emailed monthly to parents Family mission opportunity – Feed My Starving Children in December; 50 attended Good Friday and Christmas Eve Family Services designed for families to worship together. Opportunity available on church website for parents to meet Sunday School teachers.

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Youth Ministries: Paul Daly, Youth Director

What a year! It has been a wonderful time to be in youth ministry. Students have grown closer together, crazy games have been taking place, and best of all, we have seen kids grow in their faith. I love having a front row-seat to see students express their love for the Lord. July 2011 saw the high school students embark on what has become affectionately known as the Trifecta. They spent three weeks together—leading Ready Set Go, going to Jekyll Island summer camp, and then off to Cranks Creek, Kentucky, for the mission trip. In June 2012 we went to Jamaica for a mission trip. We had 126 5th-, 6th-, & 7th-grade students participate in Ready, Set, Go along with 19 high school students and several college students leading them in worship, small groups, and field trips. I am so proud to be associated with our high school students who are shining examples of Christ’s love to these young children. The following week, 45 high school students along with 8 leaders boarded a bus heading to Jekyll Island, Georgia. This was our eighth year attending Fun in the Son and, as always, it was a blast. We enjoyed sports on the beach, amazing worship, and challenging talks from the stage that made an impact on all our lives. Thank you to our amazing volunteers, Sean Delbecarro, Ellie Erickson, Scott Gianopoulos, Mike and Lauren Lindberg, and Matt and Jessica Sheehan. Our mission trip was during the last week of July where 36 high school students drove to Cranks Creek, Kentucky to help with various building projects. We worked in a community alongside a local organization. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Steve Compere, Sean Delbecarro, Caley Hague, and the whole Studer family! JAM (“Jesus and Me;” junior high fellowship) and DMI (“Don’t Miss It;” senior high fellowship), our Sunday night programs, continue to pull in

community students. Dodgeball, skits, fun games, music events, and field trips continue to provide a platform for students to invite their friends. I am so thankful for our committed volunteer youth leaders: Steve Compere, Scott Gianopoulos, Mike and Lauren Lindberg, and Matt and Jessica Sheehan. I am so excited that we had small groups for almost every age group covered by some fantastic leaders. This past year I took on responsibility for students who are in 5th and 6th grade. These groups continued through the whole year and started up again after the summer. The leaders meet on a regular basis with their students for group time and also outside of the group time. Special thanks to our small group leaders, Greg Brown, Margaret Brown, Kristen Colber-Baker, Jane Erickson, Sally Gamble, Lynn Hayes, Beth Niewijk, Katie Kramer, Lauren Lindberg, Mike Lindberg, Magdy Milad, Candy Morris, Dan Potter, Matt Sheehan, Jessica Sheehan, Steve Smith, Mary Studer, Terry Studer, and Connie Zyer. Finally, this year we had a large group of high school seniors graduate. We will miss all of those core members of our youth group as they go off to college. We are encouraged by previous senior graduates who go on to college and continue to grow in their faith; we pray the same for this current group. On a personal level, we are entering our 12th year of ministry and can’t believe what God has done in that time. We eagerly await what He wants to do in the future.

Thank you for your continued support.

Paul & Dana Daly

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Music Ministries: Jane Holstein, Director of Music Ministries

It’s exciting that First Pres continues to offer two distinct worship styles on Sunday mornings – and that both traditional music and contemporary music are valued here as musical expressions of our faith. At any of our services, you’re likely to find a genuine mix of people — all seeking meaningful ways to worship God. If you have the flexibility, you might consider occasionally attending the opposite worship style from your personal “norm,” and see what the “other” is all about, plus have the opportunity to meet even more people who worship on a regular basis at First Pres. This past year started with a search for a qualified pianist to assist at the 9:00 worship, as we said farewell to Joel Raney in May of 2011. During the summer months, a search committee was formed and interviewed several capable candidates. It was an answer to many prayers when the position as Worship Pianist was offered to Diane Duncan. She comes to us with many years of church music experience, having grown up in the church and in a musical family. Diane has been a tremendous asset to our traditional worship, as she faithfully accompanies the choir and creatively supports congregational song from the piano. We are grateful for her abilities and talented gifts. Especially noteworthy this year was a concert on December 18, when the Chancel Choir presented a church and community event, Sing Gloria. A concert like this takes many capable people volunteering effortlessly behind the scenes. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize some of these individuals again, and by doing so encourage others in the congregation to get involved

with us in the future. First, and foremost, the Chancel Choir, who sang for the event and put in countless hours of rehearsal time to perfect every note and movement. I appreciate their talented efforts every week, but especially during the busy holiday season. Kudos to each of you! Our narrator for the evening was Tim Gamble, who is a long-time member of the congregation and joyfully participates in the music program. Our support staff included: Mark Whiteside for providing sound; Maryellen Betke, Kris Bick, and Jane Erickson for decorating the sanctuary; Janelle Barclay for the program design and publicity design; Lynn Hancock as usher coordinator; and Margaret Horstman for overseeing ticket sales. Lastly, I am grateful to Scott & Jean Kirk for opening their home for a beautiful post-concert reception for our guest musicians and sponsors. It was a lovely evening of music and community building. Music in worship always begins with the song of the congregation – the music of the believers — lifting voices together in praise. The choir and worship team, the handbells and brass, and even youth choirs are only present on Sunday mornings to support and encourage singing, while enhancing the message of the day. When we ALL gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing, worshiping God through music, great things can be done! To God be the glory. Respectfully submitted, Jane Holstein

The last year has been a blessed year for the Praise Team and the Contemporary Music ministry. We are in a constant cycle of mobilizing new volunteers and leading and fine-tuning the efforts of those already involved. It is always exciting to see who God will lead to our ministry. It is also exciting to work with those people to find the best way for them to use their gifts and talents to glorify God. One of our goals is to play, sing, and lead to the best of our abilities. Another goal is to be sensitive to how God might lead in a service. We know that in order for hearts and minds to connect with God and one another in worship, we need God’s help. We saw some people leave this year for college and other opportunities. We have also seen new people get

involved and minister. We have expanded our volunteer technical teams in the last year. We have continued to use our new recording system and invite you to go to the ‘sermon’ page on our website to listen to our latest live recording of “Love Knows No End” with Tom Zyer and Christina Wudijono singing. I intend to add a number of songs from the new Hillsong Live album into our pool of songs. Many of these songs fit in line with what we are trying to accomplish: Christ-centered praise and worship thanking God for His grace, love, goodness, compassion, and forgiveness, with a contemporary style.

Mark Whiteside: Director of Contemporary Music

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4:23

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Our Teams:

The Special Needs Care Team is composed of three coordinators with distinct responsibilities. These coordinators rely not just on deacons in meeting the needs that arise, but also the members of the congregation. Deb Monson Flight was ably assisted by Connie Jordan and a host of member volunteers in planning receptions for memorial services and celebratory receptions. Judy Shelstad, as Kitchen Samaritan coordinator, arranged for 70 meals for 16 different families. Judy introduced the use of an online program to efficiently recruit and schedule volunteers for the required meals. This service benefits families following births and health-related or other crises. Caring members of the congregation contribute to the success of meeting the needs for these families. Mike Lindberg served as coordinator for Sunday driver assignments. The primary role of this initiative is to match driver volunteers with members wanting to attend church but who no longer drive.

The Fellowship Care Team focuses on nurturing and building community which it does through assisting with all-church social events. Co-leaders for this team were Lucy Kreider and Mike Grant. Planned events were the September Fall Fest, October Chili Chow Down during a Sunday Bears game, January Family Game Night, a March Lenten Supper, and June Church Picnic.

The Visitors and New Members Team led by Cindy Shea provided leadership in shepherding and assimilating fifteen people in the fall and eight in the spring through a kickoff meeting followed by a series of seven class sessions. This busy team also held a new-member mixer in January and two visitor coffees.

Bobbie Gregg led the Senior Care Team. Names of 55 members and active church participants age 70 and over are distributed among the deacons on this team. Each deacon makes a commitment to contact those they are assigned at least monthly by phone, e-mail, one-to-one contact at church, or a home visit. This serves as an extension of the pastoral staff and assures that those who are homebound have a communication link with the church. In addition to the monthly communication, birthday cards crafted by Cristy McInerney and holiday cards are sent to these seniors.

In addition to team responsibilities, deacons had more than 575 opportunities to serve as ushers and greeters for Sunday and holiday services. Dan Lundak coordinated the usher scheduling with the introduction of an online tool. With assistance from the elders, deacons deliver flowers weekly, poinsettias and Easter lilies to the homebound, and are available on Communion Sunday to help in serving communion to the homebound.

The Deacon Board took seriously the charge outlined in the Bylaws in extending the ministry of the church. The congregation is blessed with many capable and committed volunteers.

Respectfully submitted, Jeanette White

This Sunday morning fellowship time took place every Sunday in the social hall between services from 10:00-10:30 am. It involved purchasing pastries, goldfish crackers, and juice (sometimes cakes were served to celebrate special events), and coordinating volunteers to set up, serve, and clean up each Sunday. Many individuals, families, youth groups, and Bible study groups volunteered to help make the fellowship time possible. To be a part of Thirsty 30, one can contact the church office, or contact the coordinator directly.

Thirsty 30: Laura Huseby

Adult Ministries Deacons: Jeanette White, Moderator

The Board of Deacons: The Bylaws of the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest state that “the Board of Deacons shall serve to extend the ministry of the Church to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress.” This serves as a report on the activities of the deacons in meeting that charge during the year from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. The Board of Deacons was composed of 21 members this year. Officers included Jeanette White, Moderator; Dan Lundak, Vice Moderator; and Nancy Kiel, Secretary. The Board members were assigned to one of four areas to fulfill the deacon-related ministry. John Hays served as pastoral staff advisor.

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Prayer Team: Gail Tittle

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. I Peter 3:12

God has called our Church to be a house of prayer. Certainly we need the Lord’s help for salvation, healing, and forgiveness. God is looking to us to seek Him for ourselves and each other. O Holy Spirit, give us wisdom to live godly lives in our troubled world. We thank Pastor John for his leadership of the prayer team and for God’s increasing desire for us to pray together in our church prayer meeting from noon to 1:00 pm every Wednesday. We need more to join us. Do come and pray with us. Also Sept. 28-29 are national days of prayer for our country. O Lord, let us hear your voice and learn a deep obedience to your way.

All-Church Retreat: Nancy Nicholas

Our annual fall retreat was held at Lake Geneva Youth Camp and Conference Center (LGCC) on November 11-13. The 157 attendees included 27 children, 48 teens, and 82 adults. This relaxed environment blended young, old, singles, and families in a variety of engaging activities. Our speaker was Doug Swink of Winning At Home, a family based ministry from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He led us to examine our relationships within our families and our communities. Knowing God’s love for us and His trustworthy nature gives us the basis we need for how we live. We discussed how trust and love make a huge difference to growth and intimacy in our relationships with others. LGCC has a full-sized gym where we played volleyball, basketball, and other games. Saturday afternoon included paintball for our teens and adults, the giant swing ride, outdoor sports and games, informal hikes and boating, and time to rest and have conversations with new and old friends. We enjoyed campfires both Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday morning included worship and communion before we headed home. Our 2012 Retreat will also be held at LGCC, but the date is one week earlier on November 2-4, 2012.

Adult Ministries Education: Don Tittle

There were 26 separate classes conducted in the period of 9/11/11 to 8/26/12. Class length ranged from one week to eight weeks. No fewer than 26 teacher/leaders were involved. Typically classes run at 9:00 am and at 10:30 am. More people seem to attend the 10:30 am classes while people at 9:00 am seem to participate more in discussions. Here are some descriptions of classes held:

Episodes from “That the World May Know” series - videos bases on Holy Land tours and led by Ray Vanderlaan who taught lessons related to the location of the tour. Heather Radzinski and Jane and Rodney Jacob led the discussions.

Ministries of the Messiah The Promised Land Prophets and Kings Death and Resurrection

Marriage – Based on a humorous as well as realistic book entitled “One of Us Must Be Crazy, and I Think It’s You”. Chuck and Wanda Foster handled this last year and Chuck and Jennifer Cozette led it in the fall. Parents of Teens – This was a seminar type of meeting led by Sue Arends Advent – Jack and Kathy Stockman returned for a single Sunday class on the wonderful things for families to do to enhance the true meaning of Christmas.

Hospitality Team: Connie Jordan

This team includes deacons, elders, and many other support people from the congregation. From July 2011 to June 2012, the team consisted of Christie Hunt and Connie Jordan with assistance from many volunteers of all ages for many receptions and events. These included memorial services and farewell receptions, and other special occasions. Planning, serving of the food and beverages, set-up, and clean-up are all part of the wonderful hospitality our church is known for and does so beautifully. I cannot thank everyone enough for their help during these events. The fellowship found in the kitchen is an added blessing to a day of rewarding work. To assist at special occasions, contact Connie Jordan at 708-848-3236, or jordan6221@sbcglobal.net.

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Challenges in past year: 2 Stephen ministers were without care-receivers 1 additional Stephen minster will be without a care-receiver next year due to circumstantial changes Low congregational requests for Stephen ministers

Goals for next year: Increase awareness in congregation and leadership of Stephen ministry to increase referrals for interested care-receivers and Stephen minister Continue bulletin board displays periodically highlighting different aspects of Stephen ministry Develop a written one-page summary for use by leadership and at poster board displays outlining what Stephen ministry is and what a care-receiver can expect and what benefits are possible. This may help potential care-receivers have a more informed choice, as it seems some refuse due to lack of familiarity with the program. Add 1-2 women as Stephen ministers Have all Stephen ministers paired with care-receivers at some time during the year.

We all go through difficult times in our lives. Friends and family are often affected by the difficulty and cannot provide the level of support that we really need. Sadly, we often don’t seek the help that we need, perhaps because we don’t want to bother anyone else, we are too proud to admit our need, or we are “too busy” to take the time to help ourselves. If you know someone who could benefit from meeting with a Stephen Minister, please urge them to receive this gift of grace. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving care from a Stephen Minister, please contact John Hays (708-366-5836 x226).

Adult Ministries Stephen Ministry: Candy Morris and June Oliver, Stephen Leaders

Our congregation was blessed this year by the service of seven Stephen Ministers who ministered to members of our congregation who were going through difficult times. These Stephen Ministers were: John Erickson, Sally Ivaska, Francis Kwakwa, Ken Moffatt, Sheryl Moffatt, and Terry Studer, who completed the training in May. June Oliver came on as a new Stephen leader, replacing Susan Purdie who retired. Candy Morris continues to serve as a Stephen Leader. The Stephen Ministry at First Pres provides one-to-one confidential support to members who are going through difficult times, such as illness, divorce, bereavement, caring for an ill family member, financial difficulties, family problems and others. Our Stephen Ministers “walk alongside” our members to care for them and be channels for God’s love and healing. They are special people in our congregation who have been called to this ministry and have been trained to offer help in a Christ-centered and confidential manner.

Positive outcomes this year: 2 care-receivers participating in regular meetings w/ Stephen minister 1 care-receiver participating at intervals w/ Stephen minister 1 new Stephen minister added 1 new Stephen leader added Continuing education at biweekly meetings studying the book When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd Poster board displayed twice between services highlighting what Stephen ministry is and how to participate Stephen ministry section on the church website and messages in the bulletin

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Women’s Bible Study (WBS) completed its seventh year of programming in 2011-12. Again this year we had over 120 women from the surrounding communities come together on Thursday mornings and evenings to study God’s Word, grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Word and how it applies to our daily lives, and experience Christian fellowship with a group of women coming from a diverse population. Participants come from not only Oak Park and River Forest, but also from Forest Park, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Riverside, Lawndale, and Chicago. The women are of all ages and a diverse number of churches.

This past year we studied the book of Hebrews using the curriculum Holding On in Faith: a Study of the Book of Hebrews, which was written by our own writing team. Each week the women met first in small groups to discuss their answers from that week’s homework.

Then the whole group came together for worship and a lecture on the week’s text. All of the lecturers came from the WBS group. For our summer session this year we offered The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Author and speaker Beth Moore, who delivered each week’s lectures via DVD, wrote this study. In September we will begin a study of the book of John. We will be using a study written by Kathleen Buswell Nielson called John: That You May Believe. We will again be offering our Kingdom Kids program in our morning session. This is a Bible-based program available to children birth to age five whose mothers are attending WBS. For further information, contact Connie Zyer at 708-366-4600; or visit the Women’s Bible Study page on the church website. There you will find a link to our weblog where our participants have access to the audios of the weekly lectures and an opportunity to continue the discussion of our weekly study.

Last year a bunch of enthusiastic men (about 35 total with 25 average attendance) enjoyed a scripture-rich study of what Jesus might have said to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Starting at 7:30 pm with great hymns and contemporary worship, we then broke into small groups for discussion and questions, and finished with deep consideration of the Scriptures involved taught by Bob Ramey, well known and fine Bible teacher. The 2012 year started on September 10 here at First Pres. The topics for study are three of Paul’s Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. There’ll be an introduction evening for each book. For anyone who longs for a “fun” group and better understanding of God’s Word, this group is for you. Contact any of these men: Larry Williams, 708-383-0998; Ken Moffatt, 708-848-3091; or Don Tittle, 708-366-7800.

Community Bible Studies WBS (Women's Bible Study): Jane Erickson

Men’s Evening Bible Study: Don Tittle

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From July 2011 through June 2012, the following people passed on to the church triumphant: Margaret Even, Scott Gianopoulos, Robert Gordon, Burt Hudson, Bernarr Wixon, Don Heppes (July 2012)

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,

we have a building of God-eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

Session Records 12 months 6 months Jan-Dec 2011 Jan-June 2012 Beginning Membership 526 565 Additions Confirmation 31 0 Profession, Reaffirmation 23 5 Letters of Transfer 2 0 Total gains 56 5 Losses Letters of Transfer 5 1 Other 10 0 Deceased 2 3 Total losses 17 4 Net Gain/(Loss) 39 1 Ending Membership 565 566 Children Baptized 4 1 Adults Baptized 6 0

7/11-6/12 Officers of the Corporation President Dan Browne Vice President Robert McAdam Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Dianne Dinkel

2011-2012 Nominating Committee

Greg Golz, Elder (Chair)

Pete Trantow, Elder Ann Bell, Deacon

Tom Peterson, Deacon Congregational Members

Jim Hartzler Rick Hibbert

Don Neag Sharon Oates

Jason Pope Jessica Sheehan

Special commendation and thanks to those who have

served well and are leaving the boards as of June 30, 2012

Elders

Joe Baker Mike Butler

Frances Kwakwa Bruce Wojack

Deacons

Amy Erickson Ron Krause

Deb Monson Cindy Shea

Class of 6/2014 Jim Betke Carol Browne Mike Butler* Greg Golz* Matt Sheehan

Class of 6/2012 Joseph Baker* Paul Harris Francis Kwakwa* Dorothy Peoples Bruce Wojack

Class of 6/2013 Wendy Donaghue Lynn Hancock Connie Mead* Steve Smith* Pete Trantow

Elders

Class of 6/2012 Amy Erickson* Ron Krause* Lucy Kreider Dan Lundak Deb Monson Cindy Shea

Class of 6/2014 Grace Angelos Maryellen Betke Chuck Foster Nancy Kiel* Kristen Schumacher Judy Shelstad Gary Sullivan*

Class of 6/2013 Ann Bell Bobbie Gregg Mike Grant* Margaret Jones Michael Lindberg Tom Peterson Sandy Stevens Jeanette White*

Deacons

* serving 2nd term

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This past year, we have been blessed to have every staff position filled. At the end of last summer, Rick Sutton was hired as our Facilities Administrator. Many of us already knew him as the regular guitarist for the Praise Team. Next, Mike Kochevar, a member of our congregation, stepped up to fill the Sunday Custodian position. Then, Diane Duncan auditioned and was hired as the Worship Pianist for the first service. We had the opportunity to support our pastor, Rev. Rich Davis, through a four-month family leave-of-absence. Through that time, we greatly appreciated how our staff, led by Rev. John Hays, pulled together to keep the ministry of our church moving forward. In April, Lynn Hayes stepped down from the Personnel Committee after many years of service. We thank her for her endless energy and the tremendous contribution she has made on behalf of our church staff. Carol Browne, Lynn Hancock, Kevin Murphy, and Rob McAdam

Early in the calendar year, the congregation is asked to recommend members to serve as deacons and elders for the next fiscal year. The Committee uses these recommenda­tions to begin a list of nominees. Officers who have completed their first three-year term are asked if they want to serve a second term. Some­times officers resign before their term is complete. Having determined the openings that need filling and using the names from the congrega­tion as well as their own recommen­dations, the Committee meets to pray and decide on candidates, contact them about serving, and present a slate to the congregation for election at the Annual Congrega­tional Election Meeting held in May or June. The Committee also

Session Nominating Committee, Greg Golz, chair

nominates 6 congregation members to serve on the next Nominating Committee. There are 3 yearly classes of 8 deacons to total 24 and 3 yearly classes of 5 elders to total 15. It’s comforting to know that the gifts and calling that any person has can and do get put into action whether or not that person is on one of the boards. A strong congregation is one that has many people who serve in various capacities and that is a characteristic of First Pres. The com­mittee uses Biblical criteria and their prayerful discernment as well as recommendations from the congre­gation to prepare the list of nominees. We have capable and called people who are joining the respective boards. You can be glad

Personnel Committee: Carol Browne

they are in leadership, and they will need your prayers and encouragement. The Nominating Committee is made up of two elders chosen by the Session and two deacons chosen by the Deacon Board. The remaining six come from the congregation. Greg Golz chaired the committee for 2012, and Pete Trantow, who will be the Chair next year for continuity, was the vice-chair. Other members of the committee for 2012 included Ann Bell, Tom Peterson, Jim Hartzler, Rick Hibbert, Jason Pope, Don Neag, Sharon Oates, and Jessica Sheehan.

Administration Committee: Nancy Nicholas, Business Administrator

Finance – Operating Ministry Fund pledgers were able to fulfill 95% of their commitments and we received $46,001 in additional gifts. Our fiscal 12-month Operating Ministry revenue was $987,357. Operating expenses were $1,023,922. Net loss before transfers was ($36,565). During the fiscal year, we received $74,338 in designated gifts and $4,240 for the Capital Fund. $2,500 was used to pay Capital loan principal. We received Memorial gifts of $22,047. Our Scholarship Fund earned investment interest of $350. The Endowment Fund had no income. Total 2011-12 fiscal year revenue was $1,090,832. It has been six years since we ended our 3-year Capital G.I.F.T. Campaign. We are carrying a debt of $909,318. We have put on hold our plans to complete the construction of the Master Plan Projects and are looking into ways to pay off the current debt. We trust God to faithfully provide the monies needed to keep operating all His ministries for the church and community, as well as upgrade and improve our building. We are grateful for the faithful financial support from our congregation.

(Continued on page 12)

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Stewardship for 2012-13 - As of August 15, 2011, we have received 143 pledges totaling $725,568 for the 2012-13 fiscal year. It is encouraging to see people committing their financial resources by faith that God will provide. The budget for 2012-13 approved at the August 15, 2011 Session meeting shows $933,840 in expected revenue, $1,054,900 in expected expenses and $121,060 unidentified revenue needed for a balanced budget. It will be presented to the congregation at the September 19 Annual Meeting. The only increase in recommended budget expenses is for personnel costs. We have faith that God will enable His people to meet the financial needs of His church. We are looking forward to the work God will continue to do through our staff and congregation with these resources. At June 30, we have $8,609 in prepaid pledges, which will be income for July 2012. The Investment Accounts are money market and brokerage accounts in the Operating Fund used to receive donations of stock and to hold designated funds, reserves and operating cash so they can earn interest until they are needed for operating purposes. When needed, transfers are made into the Operating Checking Account. Designated Funds are donations received or set aside by the session, which are designated for specific areas of ministry. Dedicated Funds were a type of Designated Fund to hold accumulated reserves for future specific ministry operating expenses. As of June 30, 2012, Session has allocated these to the General Fund and ended this procedure. The Capital Fund is the Designated Fund established to receive and disburse monies for the Master Plan construction projects. At June 30, we have a 4.25% loan with Forest Park National Bank of $919,318, payable/renewable by November 1, 2014 , and $237,000 is due to our Endowment Fund. Capital Fund balance is $2,212. Session established a separate Building Committee to oversee the Master Plan construction projects. Plans for completion of the last two phases are on hold. The Memorial Fund is used to hold donations given in memory or honor of someone, which have not yet been designated for specific expenditure. They are moved into Designated Funds upon determination of their use, either by the donor or by the Session. Monies received for the Memorial Garden plaques and maintenance total $15,805 and designated donations of $530 remain in the fund. Undesignated Memorials total $7,003.

The Manse Fund must be used for pastoral housing, including loans to pastors. The balance is $59,348. The Kanelos-Robertson Scholarship Fund was established with memorial gifts to offer scholarships to those seeking higher Christian education. Only the interest or new designated scholarship income is used for this purpose, and the Mission Committee determines eligibility. One scholarship totaling $1000 was distributed. The Fund has a balance of $40,509, and so $1,209 over the $39,300 principal is available for scholarships. Donations may be made to the fund and used for scholarships also. The Mission Committee has established a Higher Education Fund for advanced Christian training, i.e. seminary or PhD degrees. This fund has a balance of $0. The Endowment Fund, established for Session-approved use of investment proceeds for building needs, had an original principal balance of $250,000. Specific investment guidelines have been established. Upon approval of Session, $237,000 was loaned to the Capital Fund at no interest. The current net fund balance is $13,014. The Benevolence Fund, established by Session in 2004, is for special needs of people within our church family, and is distributed confidentially under oversight of the pastors and Administration Committee chairperson. $17,675 has been donated and $17,316 has been distributed this year. Balance is $11,863 at June 30, 2012. The Disaster Relief Fund was established in 2005 after receiving special offerings to help victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita who were evacuated to the Chicago area. There was no activity this year. Balance is $0. Building and Grounds / Facilities has proceeded with regular repairs and maintenance, but much focus this year has been put on cleaning, reorganizing, and painting. Drawing funds from our Capital Loan, we repaired or replaced all the building roofs to end the many leaks that had occurred over years. Our Director of Facility Operations has prepared a separate, detailed report.

Administration Committee (continued)

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Annual Financial Report 2011-2012 Balance Sheet Assets 6/30/12 6/30/11 Cash Flow Statement Cash General Operating 99,940 113,459 Fund Balances 7/1/11 2,957,926 Designated Operating 215,624 262,855 Designated Manse 59,348 62,287 Sources of Funds Designated Capital* 2,212 224 Operating Income 990,982 Designated Memorial 23,338 13,013 Investment Income 2,703 Restricted Scholarship 40,509 41,149 Non-recurring designated 81,894 Restricted Endowment 13,014 13,014 Events 129,815 Total Cash 453,985 506,001 Restricted 350 Increased Liabilities 240,863 Fixed Assets 2,451,925 2,451,925 Loan Proceeds 212,700 Other Assets 5,067 _ - Transfers between Funds 426,297 Sub-total 2,456,992 2,451,925 Total Sources 2,085,604 Total Assets 2,910,977 2,957,926 Uses of Funds Operating Expenses 1,030,250 Liabilities & Fund Principal Non-recurring designated 283,711 Liabilities Events 137,925.56 Withholdings, Accruals (520) 3,555 Restricted 1,000 Prepaid Pledges 8,608 17,340 Decreased Liabilities 253,370 Loan Payable FP Bank 909,318 696,000 Transfers between Funds 426,297 Total Liabilities 917,406 716,895 Total Uses 2,132,553 Fund Principal Net Sources (Uses) (46,949) Operating Funds, Designated 215,624 262,535 ________ Operating Fund, Undesignated 96,919 92,874 Fund Balances 6/30/12 2,910,977 Capital Fund, net of loans (907,106) (695,776) Memorial Fund 23,338 13,013 Scholarship Fund 40,509 41,159 Endowment Fund 13,014 13,014 Manse Fund 59,348 62,287 Fixed Equity Fund 2,451,925 2,451,925 Total Funds 1,993,571 2,241,031 Total Liabilities and Funds 2,910,977 2,957,926

Current Fiscal Year Prior Fiscal Year Operating Fund 7/11-6/12 7/11-6/12 7/10-6/11 7/10-6/11 Revenues Actual Budget Actual Budget Pledged 711,375 757,520 721,683 757,520 Additional Gifts 74,026 75,140 101,448 75,140 Unpledged-Identified 152,362 160,000 130,920 160,000 Plate-Unidentified 7,164 7,240 8,603 7,240 Other Income 9,726 4,000 10,795 4,000 Investment 2,704 3,500 2,588 3,500 Transfers 30,000 46,000 46,000 46,000 Total Income 987,357 1,053,400 1,022,037 1,053,400 Expenditures Personnel 630,975 635,000 610,356 635,000 Adult Ministries 6,210 9,500 6,413 9,500 Youth Ministries 14,725 14,725 13,375 14,725 Children's Ministries 7,125 7,125 7,125 7,125 Worship & Music 5,225 5,225 5,144 5,225 Mission 126,588 135,850 134,877 135,850 Session 113 475 195 475 Administration 71,241 66,500 70,392 66,500 Building & Grounds 131,720 133,000 147,937 133,000 Capital Loan interest transfers 30,000 46,000 46,000 46,000 Total Expenses 1,023,922 1,053,400 1,041,814 1,053,400 Net Income (Loss) (36,565) 0 (19,777) 0

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At First Pres, we are committed to helping fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by supporting Christian missionaries both locally and globally. In 2011-12, our church Mission budget was $135,850. We used these funds to support 25 different missions and missionaries, to encourage three individuals pursuing full-time Christian ministry, to assist four individual mission trips, to provide one college scholarship, and to encourage four college students in summer missions service, and many other activities. We also support several PCUSA works.

It has been another exciting year! We have enjoyed seeing God work in and through our church. This year we refined our new Mission Priorities and held many activities to communicate and educate ourselves on global mission issues. Our 3 Mission Priorities were communicated through a new brochure, church website enhancements, and a three-week sermon series. These three priorities are:

Empowering the World’s Poorest: 1.29 billion people in the world live on the U.S. equivalent of less than $1.25 a day. These are the poorest of the poor, living in extreme poverty. One of our priorities is to empower people to rise above their extreme poverty and to show Christ’s love to them. Embracing the Most Unreached: 2.79 billion people around the world have little, if any, access to the Word of God. Due to persecution and closed borders, many of these people don’t know Christ. We focus on these unreached people through relationship-building and showing Christ’s love. Becoming a Serving People: We are also focusing our efforts on our congregation serving beyond the walls of our church. These are opportunities for us to give time and serve missions in the local Chicago area, the greater U.S., and internationally.

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Financial Stewardship and Mission Partnerships We were pleased to add budget support for three of our church members who are or are becoming career missionaries: Krista DeBoer with MB Missions in Burkina Faso; Greg Brown with Navigators in Chicago and Africa; and Lisa Alfonsi with Antioch Partners in Peru. We continued partnerships with about 22 other missions and missionaries and provided one-time support for Teen Challenge Ranch in Florida.

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Congregation Engagement During the year, we had the joy of supporting many of our church in their personal mission involvement:

Spring/summer break trips for Caroline Hays, Paraguay; Nick Gadsby, Guatemala; and John Hays, Jamaica Four college students serving as summer staff with Son

Missions Committee: Connie Mead, Chair Servants: Sam Hutchins, Will Kemper, Brendan Maher, and Kate McCole Steve Browne and Terah Studer as they prepare for one year mission assignments with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) Continued support for Lizzie Kovic as she pursues a second year internship with CRU “Back to School” drive for supplies for New Moms Christmas “Giving Tree” for two Chicago-based missions (Circle Urban Ministries and New Moms) Supporting Operation Christmas Child program spearheaded by Melissa Hammer.

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Communication and Education This year, we were privileged to sponsor notable activities geared toward increasing our awareness of missions and how we can individually and corporately help:

“Ghetto to Gold Coast” tour of Chicago with narration of the social, economic, and political factors that together affect those with the least power in the inner city, narrated by the late Glen Kehrein of Circle Urban Ministries (September) Tour of New Moms ministry headquarters and their social enterprise candle-making company (October) Service Day, helping Circle Urban Ministries create a new food pantry (October) Activities at the All-Church retreat (November) “Beyond a Cup of Cold Water” workshop led by Greg Brown (April) “We’re on the Move” 3-week sermon series by Rev. Dan McNerney and Rev. John Hays (April) Missions Book Table offering six relevant books for our education (April) New missions brochure, enhancements to missions section of church website, and mini-survey on becoming a serving people Throughout the year, hosted lunches and gatherings with missionaries we support Current, summer book discussion group on “Radical” by David Platt, which challenges us to live a life fully abandoned to Christ (July-August)

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We were pleased to complete some portions of the re-visioning process we began in August 2009. There is much more to do and we await God’s infusion of wisdom and discernment as we progress next year. We are very excited to see how God will use each one of us for missions outreach in this coming year. Please pray and consider how God might want you to be involved. To share your thoughts and ideas, contact any Missions Committee member: Tim Gamble, John Hays, Toby McCalister, Connie Mead, Jeff Morris, Jill and Steve Smith.

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Mission Budget July 2011-June 2012

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MOPS provides a Christ-centered outreach ministry to more than 50 mothers of infants and preschoolers from River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, North Riverside, and other surrounding communities. Our goals are to:

Provide opportunities for fellowship along with educated speakers on various parenting topics for moms throughout the year (average attendance of 35 moms). We include craft days, monthly book club meetings, and other social events as tools to build relationships amongst the mothers. Offer an informal Bible study for inquirers and maintain a constant dialogue about Christ in our daily lives in hopes that personal relationships are fortified throughout the homes and families. We also strive to emphasize Christ’s love as a main solution to the daily struggles of life with kids. In addition, the First Pres location offers direct access to church for those families who are not church attendees to start attending. Provide age-appropriate Christian education program for approximately 60 “Moppets” (preschool and nursery-aged children), again in hope that the early seeds of faith will be planted, also feeding into the First Pres children’s ministry and VBS programs. These children are taught by paid Christian teachers hired by MOPS moms. Provide meals for families with new babies or emergency needs. Collect shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Raise funds through the Oak Park Farmer’s Market Bake sale (Funds raised are needed to pay for childcare teachers’ costs of over $400 per meeting, craft and Moppet supplies, and speaker fees).

MOPS meets semi-monthly from 9-11:00 am on the first and third Fridays. Childcare is available. New mothers of infants and preschoolers are always welcome. For more information visit our website at www.oakparkmops.com. Highlights from the 2011-12 year:

Slugs and Bugs Kid’s Concert in September 2011 which helped to promote our local chapter and encourage the families who attended with the love of Jesus! Bake sale which raised nearly $1,000 for MOPS! Continued support (including an increase in support) from First Pres (Missions and Church). THANK YOU! Continued benefit from some of our very own entrepreneurial moms who bless us with their non-profit donations from the sale of Melaleuca!

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers):

Danielle Kott, Co-Coordinator

Tech Team: Kim Tenhor, Chair

The purpose of the Technology Team (Tech Team) is to provide guidance, expertise, and coordinated volunteer effort for any technical aspect of the church. Efforts for the sanctuary sound and audiovisual are reported separately by Mark Whiteside under our Contemporary Music Ministry. The Tech Team is made up of staff and volunteers. Members include Janelle Barclay, Toby McCalister, Nancy Nicholas, Kimberly Tenhor (team lead), Mark Whiteside, and Larry Williams. As technological productivity increases in our church, so does our need for qualified volunteers to help manage it. Please contact the office if you are interested in serving our church in a technical capacity. Based on the First Pres Strategy Plan that was developed by the Tech Team in February of 2010 (a copy of the Strategy is available by contacting the office), the following tasks were addressed from July 2011- June 2012:

Continued to assist in weekly services, special services, and special events as needed. Consulted on various technical issues within the church throughout the year. Team members mentored and worked with staff to develop online registration using our website for Ready, Set, Go and Vacation Bible School in April. Provided opinions on the purchase of new technology or services, such as switching from AT&T to Comcast for our phone systems in June, and a couple of replacement recommendations for end-of-life computer assets. Installed a security camera at the parking lot entrance. Built and installed a new PC in balcony to address some operating system issues. Implemented the ability to broadcast a funeral service to the basement, the social hall, and on YouTube (thanks to JP Erickson’s assistance), simultaneously for large attendance services. Successfully used these new abilities for Scott Gianopoulos’s funeral service in May.

The staff is grateful to those who volunteer for the Administration and Facilities Ministry. Although not always visible, they provide essential support for all the ministries of First Pres. We praise God for their servant attitude. The help of these volunteers can be seen in the following areas:

clerical, computer, and website support; buildings and grounds maintenance; worship service support; fellowship event support; prayer chain; set-up and take-down for events; decorating

Dale Rider assists weekly with the offering as does Mike Butler with editing of the bulletin and special publications. Adrienne Allen, Sarah DeHaan, Gloria Engstrom, Christie Hunt, Barbara Kadlec, and Lois Starbuck volunteer their time to assist the staff with projects such as stuffing bulletins, organizing files, and entering data. These hours are not just helpful, but depended upon. The church office would not function nearly as well without them. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Danele, Janelle, or Nancy in the church office. We are flexible and will happily work with your schedule.

Administrative Support Volunteers: Danele Butler, Administrative

The annual carpet cleaning of the entire church is underway, and other targets for deep cleaning are being scheduled to keep the building up to par. A regular weekly schedule of cleaning is in place, with detailed cleaning of each area being done as needed. Painting projects are also being scheduled as time allows and our goal is to have the basement hallways, old bathrooms, and peeling wooden ceiling in hallway as well as many other areas completed by this time next year. There are many little things that get done regularly, listed on a detailed schedule hanging in my office, too many to mention in this report, but we are looking very good for the upcoming year now that the roof is done. There are some minor electrical issues to be fixed by an electrician, however I’m confident that we can handle most of the repairs in house with our own people. Thank you to Mike Kochevar for his faithful work as Sunday custodian. In conclusion, I just want to say that it is an honor and privilege to work for God and his people here at First Pres and I am looking forward to the upcoming year and events.

Facility: Rick Sutton, Director of Facilities

Starting in August 2011, upon inspection of interior building wall damage due to roof leaks, I began a scrape & paint rehab, beginning with the narthex, nursery, balcony (both north & south walls), and the preschool and kindergarten rooms. Most areas are still in good shape, except where there was some water damage before the roof repair was completed. Other areas of painting rehab included: Scout room walls and floor (now known as activity room) in the basement, Ministry Resources room 1, sections of hallway by youth room, hallway outside kitchen, music office (also boarded up old lights and installed new since ballast fire). We did a complete remodel of the basement tandem room and built a wall of shelves for new class supplies, and it is now the Children’s Ministry Resource Room. All roof repairs were done this year including the bell tower, which may have caused the leak in the window and wall behind the organ in the sanctuary. Special thanks to Pete Trantow for heading up the roof and sidewalk projects and just being available for help. A special portable ramp was built to accommodate the scissor lift to go onstage and be used to change lights and work on window wall repairs, which are still underway. Some sidewalk repairs were done on Quick Avenue. Other potential trip hazards will be addressed soon. A major basement cleanout took place in the spring with many volunteers helping. This effort enabled us to clear out many rooms and storage areas. Susie and Lynette were moved into a new office and their old office was transformed into the current copy room. The old copy room has been cleared and painted, allowing it to be used as a VBS workroom and is now available as a classroom. All safety inspections were completed with some repairs to fire sprinkler lines, and all backflows passed inspection as well. Fire extinguishers have been inspected. A monthly inspection including updating each tag and replacing expired ones is now in place. Since just knowing where the extinguishers all are is important, a list has been created and is in the maintenance office. Elevator inspections and repairs are current with Otis and a new certificate is posted in elevator. (Adjustments were made to slow the door down a little.) The pipe organ motor to the blower is being repaired and pipes have been tuned. The Steinway has been re-worked (the entire action removed and re-done) as well as regular tunings. It is also on the maintenance list to be refinished as the hand-rubbed finish is sensitive to polishes and fingerprints and is nicked and scratched.

(continued)