mount tabor lutheran churchcentralpt.com/upload/311/council/10674_2010annualreport.pdf · mount...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Mount Tabor Lutheran Church
Agenda for Annual Meeting
January 31, 2010
1. Opening Devotion (Inside front cover to Annual Report)
2. Approval of the minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting held January 25, 2009
3. Interim Pastor’s Report
4. Review of Reports
5. Election of new Congregational Council Member (three open positions)
6. Election of 2010 Nominating Committee (Total of four members, with one an
outgoing member of council)
7. Presentation and Approval of the 2010 Budget
8. Unfinished Business
9. New Business
Call Committee Update, Michael King, Chair
10. Closing Prayer
2
Table of Contents
Mission Statement 3
Minutes from 2009 Congregational Meeting 4-6
Pastor’s Report 7
Council President’s Report 8-9
Vice President’s Report 10
Treasurer’s Report and Budget Summary 11-15
Financial Secretary and Social Action 16
Evangelism/Stewardship 17
Natural Church Development 18
Worship and Music 19
Congregational Life 20
Endowment and Memorial 22
Education Report 22
Building and Grounds 23
Youth and Family 24
Women of the ELCA, OAKS and Quilting 25
Membership Report 26
Altar Guild 27
3
MOUNT TABOR LUTHERAN CHURCH
MISSION STATEMENT
Mount Tabor Lutheran Church is a congregation of baptized persons, bound together in
faith by the desire to worship God through the sacraments, the desire to learn and
proclaim the Good News of God’s Word, and the desire to serve in Christ’s name by
meeting the physical and social needs of the surrounding community.
We believe God is calling this church to be a community of Evangelical Lutheran
Mission in the heart of Salt Lake City:
Rooted in God’s Grace
Chosen to proclaim the Good News
Set free to give ourselves in Joyful Service.
To fulfill its mission, this congregation will:
provide regular public worship opportunities to its members and community,
proclaiming God’s Word and administering the sacraments, reaching out to all people
to bring them to faith in Christ;
commit to an active Christian Education Program, providing opportunities for the
study of God’s Word and spiritual growth;
have a special covenant relationship with the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Utah,
support ministry to university students and other campus community members;
nurture a sense of Christian community by encouraging all members to use their gifts
and talents to fulfill their calling as God’s servants;
strive to meet the human needs of this community in specific ways: by providing
community service, and by individual and collective involvement in local
organizations which aid those in need—the poor, the homeless, the sick and the aged;
support the life and work of the larger Lutheran Church;
commit to ecumenism, relating to our ministry to other Utah Christian churches
4
Annual Congregational Meeting
Mount Tabor Lutheran Church
February 15, 2009
In attendance: signature document attached.
The meeting was opened with Prayer and Hymn found inside the front cover of
the ―Annual Report of the Congregation‖ booklet.
I. Casey White, seconded by Barb Cochran, made the motion to approve the
annual meeting minutes for 2008. Motion passed unanimously.
II. Pastor’s Report: Pastor Burke commented on NCD and what it means to
move forward in love. Pastor pointed out that Mt. Tabor’s strongest
factor is loving relationships and our minimum factor is passionate
spirituality. Pastor Burke told the congregation to remember that we
are bound together in love. Please see attached Pastor’s report for
2009 for additional information.
III. Review of committee reports:
a) Lawrence Allred mentioned that there was not a report from
Worship and Music. Lawrence suggested re-evaluating the
different positions for committees/service and what is needed from
the Worship and Music committee to encourage people that want
to serve.
b) Dannie Gavros-Allred recommended that we get another list of the
different positions available to serve on to the congregation.
c) Armand Antommaria, seconded by Dave Warren, made the motion
to have a list printed out by the Worship and Music committee
about the different positions that people can serve on. Voice vote
taken and was unanimously approved.
IV. Election of the New Members to the Congregational Council:
a) There are 5 open council positions. The floor was open to any
nominations.
b) Dannie Gavros-Allred and Leslie Carey mentioned that they would
stay on council if their positions were not filled.
c) Deb Elstad volunteered to serve on council for a 3-year term.
d) The following members were nominated for the 5 open positions:
Nancy Bruns nominated Sarah Lange; Susan Workman nominated
herself; Christine Larson nominated her husband Dave Larson but
Dave was not present at the meeting; Jenny Jensen was nominated
but declined; Christine Larson volunteered herself; and Chris
Jensen volunteered himself.
5
e) Pastor suggested that we could meet after church on Sundays in
order to make the meetings work for those council members that
have children.
f) Dave Warren, seconded by Lee Kreutzer, made the motion to pass
the 5 nominations (i.e. Deb Elstad, Sarah Lange, Susan Workman,
Christine Larson and Chris Jensen) as presented for the open
council positions. Voice vote taken and motion passed
unanimously.
V. Election of the 2009 Nominating Committee:
a) The following names were submitted from the floor for positions
on the nominating committee: Dave Warren nominated Paul and
Barb Moore, Casey White nominated himself, and Dannie Gavros-
Allred nominated herself.
b) Dave suggested that we have a head person on the nominating
committee.
c) Dave Warren, seconded by Chris Jensen, motioned to pass the 4
nominations (i.e. Paul and Barb Moore, Casey White and Dannie
Gavros-Allred) as presented for the 2009 Nominating committee.
Voice vote taken and motion passed unanimously.
d) Shayna Wyasket, seconded by Dave Warren, made the motion to
appoint Dannie Gavros-Allred as the head of the Nominating
committee. Motion passed unanimously.
VI. Treasurer’s Report/Budget approval:
a) The congregation unanimously approved that Dave Warren
continue to serve for 2 more years as the Financial
representative/Treasurer for the council.
b) Dave explained the $20,000.00 deficit for the 2008 year.
a. Dave made the correction to change the summarization date
from 2008 to 2009.
c) Dave pointed out the following new-line items on the budget:
1. Reduce Mt. Tabor’s giving to the ELCA Mission from 10%
to 7.1%.
2. All salaries were increased by 2% with the exception of
increasing the janitor’s salary by 2.25%.
3. Building and Grounds: have volunteers assist with the yard
work, etc.
d) Shayna Wyasket, seconded by Susan Workman, made the motion
to pass the 2009 budget as approved.
e) Lawrence Allred suggested decreasing the Evangelism and
Stewardship budget to $50.00 for Evangelism and $50.00 for
Stewardship.
i. Armand Antommaria, seconded by Lee Kreutzer, made
the motion to pass the new proposed budget for
Evangelism and Stewardship. Voice vote taken and
motion passed unanimously.
6
f) Armand Antommaria, seconded by Paul Moore, made the motion
to pass the Pastor’s salary with an increase of approximately
$1,000.00 in order to get the Pastor’s salary back to Synod
guidelines. A voice vote was taken and the motion passed with 2
opposed.
g) A voice vote was taken to pass the 2009 Amended budget. The
motion was passed with 1 opposed.
h) Armand proposed a motion to have a quarterly treasury report in
the announcements in order to keep the congregation informed
about the budget.
i. A motion was made by Casey White, seconded by
Armand Antommaria, to have a quarterly treasure
report available for the congregation in the
announcements. Voice vote was taken and motion
passed unanimously.
j. Chris Jensen proposed an amendment, seconded by
Paul Moore, to have information in the Tabor Trumpet
newsletter every month regarding the budget. A voice
vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
VII. Unfinished Business:
a) No comments were made in regards to unfinished business.
VIII. New Business:
a) Lawrence mentioned that the 2nd
survey for NCD is scheduled to
come out in the spring; Lawrence thought that it would be
sometime in April.
b) Lawrence mentioned that the NCD questions he asks the
congregation and the Pastor are from coach.net.
No further business was identified. Any old business will be moved to next year’s
annual meeting of the congregation.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and closing blessing.
Dave Warren, seconded by Lawrence Allred, moved to adjourn the
congregational meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Hall
Church Council Secretary
7
Pastor’s Report
Dear Members of Mt. Tabor,
I have been with you since October 26 and it has been fun and a privilege. Thank
you for your hospitality and your presence here in the city. I have never served a
parish like this in the heart of a metropolis. You are at 2nd
and 7th
in the city for
good. I look at your strengths and see many: worship, especially your singing:
service to and through local organizations like Crossroads, Family Promise, the
Food Bank: adult education, fellowship (like Oaks) and your benevolence. The
list goes on.
It will continue to be my privilege and task to help you celebrate these strengths,
and as your interim pastor, to perhaps consider where you might be transfigured,
so that you might grow for the benefit of the whole community and to the glory of
God. That is your name sake, Mt. Tabor, Mount of the Transfiguration.
Peace,
Pastor Jeffrey Louden
Mt. Tabor Lutheran + ELCA
In the city for good at 2nd
South and 7th
East
8
Report of the Council President
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your God?” Micah 6:8
As a Church Council we are called, as defined in our Church Constitution, to seek to involve all
members to worship, learning, witness and service. We are also called to serve as business
managers – good stewards of our financial affairs, personnel and in support of our ministries.
And we are instructed to be examples both corporately and individually of the style of life and
ministry of all baptized persons.
This year’s council proved to be an outstanding group of leaders throughout the year, not only of
participation as noted in the service, stewardship and example just described, but most notably in
their serious commitment to deal with and understand issues and opportunities that shape the
whole future of Mt. Tabor. Three members of the council retire this year having served their
terms: Dwight Heide, James Nichols and Annie Hall. We thank them and will miss their
contributions. Continuing to serve with me and Pastor Jeff in 2010 are Chris Jensen, Ed
Howard, Robin Eskridge, Susan Workman, Sarah Lange and Christine Larson. Two other very
important contributors to the Church Council are Treasurer David Warren and Financial
Secretary MaryAnn Wagner. David, as Treasurer, attends all council meetings and puts in many
hours each month paying bills and managing the financial accounts. The Treasurer and Financial
Secretary are on-going appointed positions and we owe them our gratitude for their continued
service.
As I look back on this past year, the Council began in an atmosphere of calm – no known
problems to address, no expected big changes or immediate needs identified. We settled then on
emphasizing a renewed focus on Natural Church Development as Tabor was entering its second
year in the NCD process and a time for reassessment through a survey and a thorough review
was requested for mid-year.
To this end, we delayed our normal March council retreat to August, in order to allow the
council time to study, communicate with the NCD Health Team and evaluate it in light of
Tabor’s mission and goals. The council’s decisions to continue the NCD program and seek a
new coach who is not a member of the congregation were amended later with the announcement
of Pastor Annemarie’s departure from Tabor. The pastor is a critical part of the NCD process
and it is not recommended to continue during an interim period. Although the formal NCD
process has been suspended, the council met with the NCD Health Team in November and will
carry forward some of the initiatives until a new pastor is called and it can be reconsidered. The
emphasis of establishing small groups, for example, was identified as important to our future and
will continue. Once again sincere thank you’s are in order for the service and commitment of the
NCD Health Team members: Lawrence Allred (NCD coach), Stephanie Wilson, Dwight Heide
and Leo Wagner.
I started as Council President this year joking with Pastor Annemarie that I would serve as
president if she agreed to stay as pastor during my term. It was a comment based on the
challenging term as Council President I held a few years ago when Pastor Paul’s call to Tabor
was cut short. Mt. Tabor and the Church Council had much to deal with, months without a pastor
9
and many more months of organizing another call committee and working with an interim
pastor.
Although it was not expected, when Pastor Annemarie told the Council this year she was
accepting a new pastoral call to Louisville, Colorado, it was not met with the same fears or
challenges as before. Once again, the Council has spent extra time organizing a call committee
and working with a new interim pastor.
But this time is different.
Pastor Annemarie’s comments in parting were that she would miss Mt. Tabor, but that she knew
she was leaving a committed congregation in good shape with strong leadership and a great
sense of purpose. As witnessed in these past few months completing the year, I believe she is
right. Tabor’s commitment to worship, supporting our new interim pastor and the call committee
in its work, and our continued high participation and visibility to care for those in great need are
stronger than ever. Our worship numbers are up and our giving is over expectations. Soli Deo
Gloria!
2009 was a tough economic year for the U.S., but a strong one for Mt. Tabor. We continue to
have over 70% of possible pledging units support over 80% of the regular offerings. In fact, we
have ended the budget year in the black caring for Tabor’s ministries, programs, staff and
facilities. As a congregation we continue to be a community leader in supporting Crossroads
Urban Center, the Utah Food Bank, Family Promise and Habitat for Humanity as they work
diligently to manage the growing needs of the hungry, hurting and homeless. We also came
together in support of Deng Hoth’s trip back to his homeland of Sudan giving him thousands of
dollars to travel safely and care for his extended family there suffering from years of war,
political upheaval and severe drought conditions.
As the ELCA struggled to pass a resolution of inclusiveness for the GLBT community, Mt.
Tabor remains a congregation of welcome to all through our affirmation as a ―Reconciling in
Christ‖ church. Additional information has been added to our website in this regard and
important considerations for being ever more hospitable to all are being reviewed.
We’ve welcomed a new interim pastor, Jeff Louden, and enjoy his energy, hearty laugh and
pastoral care. With this new energy comes many years of experience as a pastor and also one
who has served several interim positions. Pastor Jeff has already encouraged the Executive
Committee and Council to consider new paths to preparing our church for growth. His
leadership and assistance with discernment of who we are and can be are valuable assets we will
call on in 2010 until we reach a successful call for a new pastor.
When talking about Mt. Tabor to others, I always use the phrase‖ We have no pew sitters.‖ Year
after year we give thanks to all who serve. Mt. Tabor is a community of volunteers who truly
listen to the Lord’s requirement to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.
Thank you for your support of the Church Council and its members. We are honored to serve.
God’s blessings for the New Year,
Deb Elstad
Council President
10
Vice-President Report
As council Vice President at Mt. Tabor I serve as the head of the personnel
committee which provides oversight and support to our professional staff. Here is
a synopsis from the personnel committee of 2009.
God brought some changes and left continued blessings for the staff of Mt. Tabor
this past year. Pastor Annemarie Burke took a new call in Colorado. Upon her
departure we called Jeff Louden to be our interim pastor as we are now in the
process of calling a new full time pastor. We give thanks to God for the work
Pastor Burke has done with the ministry of Mt. Tabor and for the new energy and
perspective that Pastor Louden brings to us.
Another change in our church staff was in the position of custodian. Rich Wuerch
resigned his position after several years of faithful service and Ed Howard has
taken his place. Both have worked hard to care for God’s house and make it an
inviting setting to give thanks and praise.
Brenda Wardle, Gordon Smith, and Harry Heightman continue to serve in the
offices of secretary, organist and choir director respectively. They have kept Mt.
Tabor humming along both administratively and in our worship. Finally, a
special thanks to Jenny Jensen for serving as our fill in choir director while Harry
took some medical leave this fall.
In service to God’s Ministry at Mt. Tabor,
Chris Jensen
Council Vice President
11
Congregational Mission Statement
Submitted by David J Warren
Beyond managing the income and expenses of running Mount Tabor, the
congregation has supported both local and non-local missions. This has been
handled both by the congregation’s decision to donate 7.2% of all general budget
offerings to the ELCA, which amounted to $11,186.11 in 2009. Further, through
offerings at special services and directed giving, we donated an additional
$6,846.55 to outside organizations. This amount includes matching funds
provided by Thrivent and gifts provided by our Endowment and Memorials
Committee. A breakdown of this giving is provided below.
Organzation Amount
Crossroads Urban Center 916.17$
Endowment and Memorials 125.00$
ELCA World Hunger 252.88$
Family Promise 350.00$
Habitat for Humanity 1,100.00$
Pastor's Fund 205.00$
Travel Assistance 2,637.00$
Youth 1,260.50$
Total 6,846.55$
12
Treasurer’s Report for 2009
Submitted by David J Warren
Despite the downturn and uncertainty in the economy, the council and the
congregation have shown faithful stewardship in the gifts received and given. At
the last annual meeting, council recommended to the congregation that we not
take on a budget with a large expected deficit, which has been our recent practice.
The congregation concurred and accepted a budget with a modest deficit of
$2,380, which included reducing our mortgage debt by $12,801. We were blessed
this year by receiving significantly more offerings than anticipated, resulting in an
anticipated budget surplus of $4,412.53. Our income ($158,394.10) greatly
exceeded our budgeted income ($150,241.00) and our actual expenses
($153,981.58) were only slightly more than our budgeted expenses ($152,621.00).
At the 2008 annual meeting, the congregation requested inclusion in the
treasurer’s report of expenditures incurred in behalf of congregation by the
Endowment and Memorial Committee and the Youth Committee. I refer one to
the respective committee reports for details on expenditures in support of the
congregation.
At the end of the year, we had a check account balance of $4,518.14, a
saving account balance of $4,133.95, and a petty cash balance of $33.97. Hence,
our total liquid assets were $8,686.06. Our total short-term liabilities were
$4,726.24, $4,060 of which is in a capital reserve account. We have used $4,600
of the $8,660.00 that was in the capital reserve account in 2008 to cover various
expenses. The remainder of our short-term liabilities is $666.24 in fund’s due to
be paid out as of the end of the year but had not yet been done at the writing of
this report.
The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund has a balance of $1,641.70. In 2009, we
move this fund out of a dedicated account contained within the General Budget to
its own checking account, with the pastor having signatory authority.
At the end of the year, we owed $148,384.52 on the building mortgage,
which represents a $12,823.30 improvement over what we owed at the beginning
of the year. Our loan should be paid off in September 2018.
Actual 2009
$158,394.10
$141,158.28
$12,823.30
$153,981.58
$4,412.52
$817.03
$1,669.05
$160,880.18
Mortgage Principal:
Total Expense:
Income less Expense
Total Actual Expense
Reported Non-Monetary Gifts
E&M Gifts Towards General Fund
Actual Expense Costs with Gifts
Total Income
13
Budget Summary for 2010
Submitted by David J Warren
Similar to last year, the council chose not to incur a large deficit budget
for 2010, accepting an apparent deficit of only $406.85. This budget proposal was
accepted by the council after reviewing individual committee’s budgetary
requests and making adjustments by consensus. The 2010 budget for many of the
line items is directly based on the 2009 actual expense and, hence, will not be
further explained here. Line items with large changes, new line items, and line
items deserving explanation follow.
The 2010 estimated giving is based on the 2009 actual giving, but without
the knowledge of the jump in giving observed in December. The council chose to
increase the tithe to the ELCA to 8% of our overall offerings as the first step in
our goal of returning to our earlier practice of at least 10% of our overall
offerings. All salaries were left unchanged, with the exception of the janitor. The
janitor’s hourly wage was left unchanged but the number of hours increased per
the recommendation of the Building and Grounds committee. Additionally, we
are planning on increasing the suggestion donation by outside groups using our
facilities.
Under the Office Administration account, the council shuffled costs but
increased the overall budget only slightly.
Under the Facilities Expenses account, the council shuffled costs but
increased the overall budget only slightly.
Under the Pastoral Ministry account, the council shuffled costs and
decreased the overall budget only slightly. In particular, the council chose to
remove the line items for the Bishop’s Convocation and Theological
Convocation. Instead, these items are to be paid for out of the pastor’s
professional expenses. Further, the cost of the pastor attending the synod
convention is proposed to be paid out of the pastor’s professional expenses.
Combining these expenses as per the synod guidelines.
Finally, the council selected to reimburse the pastor only for reported and
submitted professional expenses, up to the limit of the proposed budget. This
approach, called an accountable reimbursement plan under IRS rules, is
advantageous for the pastor as the pastor does not have to pay taxes on his/her
professional expenses. In the past we have used both this approach and an
approach where the pastor receives a fixed amount without any need to submit
expense reports (non-accountable reimbursement plan under IRS rules, which is
taxed as income). Although the accountable reimbursement plan adds the burden
of recording one’s actual expenses, such a plan is commonly used by most
individuals that are reimbursed for their expenses.
All church programs, including music and worship, requested more budget
than they utilized in 2009 with every program providing a detailed list of their
proposed expenditures. Given that programs are the lifeblood of an active church,
the council generally accepted all requests for increases or held the budget at the
same level as 2009. The only areas with decreases are the cost of attending the
synod convention, with the decrease due to the pastor’s attending the convention
coming out of his/her professional expenses, and Natural Church Development,
which is on hold while we pursue calling a new pastor.
14
15
16
Financial Secretary Report
I want to thank all of the volunteers for their time after services this past year of counting and
depositing the offerings. They are as follows:
Nancy Elstad Chris Jensen
Sarah Lange David Larson
Barbara Moore Jennifer Miller-Smith
Stephanie Wilson
Some may be moving or not able to count for other reasons and I can always use more interested
volunteers to help out. If you are interested please see me and I can explain the procedure to
you.
Thank you again,
MaryAnn Wagner
Financial Secretary
Social Action
2009 has certainly been a year to remember. The unemployment has caused many problems.
Soup Kitchens, Food Banks and Homeless shelters have been strained all around the country.
Mount Tabor has certainly been in the forefront of contributing food, clothing, and financial aid
to those in need. Our commitment to Crossroads Urban Center has been very successful this
year with close to 5,000 pounds of food donated. We have also given clothing and financial
assistance as well.
The Utah Food Bank has received our support once a month from volunteers sorting food.
Family Promise received our support with Mount Tabor volunteers helping serve meals when
needed. The Quilting Group for making quilts to go to Family Promise.
The list goes on; Habitat for Humanity, The Food Co-op, Financial support to ELCA World
Hunger.
One very important item is the warm welcome we give to strangers who come through our doors
every Sunday.
On behalf of the Social Action Committee we thank each of you for your participation in giving
of your time, food, clothing and financial aid. I am proud to say ―I am a member of Mount
Tabor Lutheran Church. That is the church with the members who live the Lord’s word by
giving to the Salt Lake Community through his love.‖
May the Lord bless each of you in 2010.
Submitted by Ed Howard
17
Evangelism Stewardship Committee Annual
Committee Members in 2009: Barbara Cochran, Deb Elstad, Jaye Magda, Christine Larson,
Committee Chair Lawrence Allred.
As a start I want to personally thank Barb, Deb, and Jaye for their commitment to the
Evangelism Stewardship Committee in 2009, their contribution has been great. All three have
chosen to step aside or go on a new path here at Mount Tabor. I know the new path that these
people will be going on in 2010 will still be a great contribution to Mount Tabor Lutheran
Church. Again thanks for all your work.
Looking back on 2009, we have successfully separated our Stewardship drives in four different
areas: First, financial; Second, Stewards of the Earth; Third, Education, prayer, and spirituality;
and Fourth, time and talent. Thanks brothers and sisters for contributing to these events -- it was
a great success. Currently we have a few small groups that have been meeting in the year 2009.
For example, we have Bible study on Sunday before service along with ―Living the Questions,‖
a Bible study group that meets on every other Wednesday. We also have a nature group that did
some hiking, weather permitting, during the summer and last but not least, a beer brewing group.
Don’t forget that Mount Tabor’s web site www.mttaborslc.org has a link to past sermons from
2009.
In 2010 we are looking forward to:
February 14 potluck, when we will be reevaluating our time and talent sheets. Along with this we
will be focusing on Environment awareness along with the Energy audit of Mount Tabor.
May 23 is the Stewardship drive to look at financial contributions.
September 12 is Rally Sunday and we will be looking at how we can be more spiritual or in a
closer relationship with GOD. Also we will be introducing education and prayer and how that
can contribute to our relationship with God.
Sometime in November we will discuss Environment awareness.
Something new to 2010 is our newest member to the Evangelism Stewardship committee,
George (Guy) McHendry. We welcome him with open arms. Also in 2010 in our committee we
will be working to find ways to lay out a map of sorts for visiting and introducing potential
members to what is going on here at Mount Tabor Lutheran Church. We will also be looking into
adding a blog to Mount Tabor’s web site. We also will be refocusing on how we are using our
resources ie. time and talent, advertising.
Looking forward to 2010!
Written by Lawrence Allred.
18
Natural Church Development Annual Report 2009
Mount Tabor continued with Natural Church Development (NCD) in 2009. With Lawrence
Allred as NCD Coach, we continued conversations on how to further develop our Spirituality as
individuals and as a congregation. We also were able to begin Holistic Small Groups.
The Health Team polled the congregation regarding Holistic Small Groups. Conveners
in each group were asked to contact those who showed interest and organize initial meetings.
The result was the formation of Bible Study, Nature/Hiking, and Beer Brewing small groups.
The Goal for our Holistic Small Groups is:
To give people the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and each
other in a smaller, more intimate setting. Small Groups are able to use scripture, share together
in prayer and have a sense that God’s presence is a real part of the group’s life.
The second NCD survey was conducted in June. Results were very favorable. (See
graph below.) Passionate Spirituality showed a dramatic increase, as did all 8 factors.
Fall of 2009 brought changes for the Congregation at Mount Tabor and its NCD process.
After much soul searching, discussion and prayer, Mount Tabor’s church council decided to
continue with NCD, but to return to its original intent by proceeding with a coach from outside
the congregation. Being a congregation in Utah, it was understood that it may take some time to
obtain another coach. In September, Pastor Annemarie Burke resigned to accept a call from a
congregation in Colorado. Given these developments, it was decided to put the NCD process on
hiatus until a new pastor was called.
We were able to formally celebrate the service that Lawrence Allred so freely gave as
Coach during a worship service before Pastor Annemarie departed. We are also deeply grateful
for the commitment and service of resigning Health Team Members, Dwight Heide and Leo
Wagner. We are indebted to Pastor Annemarie Burke who introduced us to the process and
helped to get it started. Thanks also to Chris Jensen, Council Vice President, who served as
NCD liaison.
EL-Empowering Leadership GBM-Gift Oriented Ministry PS-Passionate Spirituality ES-Effective Structures
IWS-Inspiring Worship Service HSG-Holistic Small Groups NOE-Need Oriented Evangelism LR-Loving Relationships
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephanie Wilson, NCD Health Team Chair
19
Worship and Music Annual Report 2009
The Worship and Music Committee was composed of Harry Heightman; Choir Director, Gordon
Smith; Organist, Dannie Gavros Allred, Stephanie Wilson, James Nichols; Council Liaison, and
Pastor Annemarie Burke.
The Committee met monthly to select hymns and liturgies while exploring new
possibilities in Worship style. We hoped to provide meaningful and faithful worship experiences
for the congregation and its visitors.
Two services of note were the 2009 Worship in the Park and the service for Pentecost
Sunday. Worship in the Park was held at Sugarhouse Park in August. The theme was Baptism
and included hymns, music and a sermon that reminded us of our Baptismal Journey. Worship
included a glass font containing clear water from a mountain canyon (Refreshing and cleansing,
yet always moving, changing and alive.), and a water fight for God’s children of all ages after the
service.
Pentecost Sunday brought lively worship with Confirmation in the midst of dozens of red
helium-filled balloons tied to weights and pews throughout the sanctuary. Thanks to the camera
of Pastor Jeffrey Louden, our uniquely round worship space decked in red was featured in that
week’s edition of the Rocky Mountain Synod E-Newsletter.
October brought the arrival of Pastor Louden as our Interim Pastor. We had just enough
time to plan for Advent and Christmas. We rounded out 2009 with our annual Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service with the liturgy set to the Christmas Carol melodies and a Christmas Carol
Service the last Sunday of the year.
We look forward to working together in 2010 to create exciting opportunities for
Worship at Mount Tabor with an eye to our traditions while being open to new things. As we
discussed at our first meeting with Pastor Jeff, our worship needs to be catholic, truth-telling and
hospitable with a commitment to excellence. Jenny Jensen and Bill Germundson have agreed to
join us in the New Year.
Many thanks go to the committee and Pastor Jeff Louden as well as Harry Heightman
and the Choir for enhancing our services throughout the year. Thank you to Jenny Jensen who
conducts the choir when Harry can’t. Thanks to Gordon Smith for his amazing expertise at the
Organ (or any keyboard we put in front of him). Thank you to Bob Brown for accompanying
worship in Gordon’s absence and also for mentoring our musical youth as special musicians
including but not limited to (please forgive any omissions.) Bobby Brown, Phillip Allred, Kyle
Brown and the Sunday School Singers.
Most of all, Thanks be to God for the Congregation at Mount Tabor that is open to
anything they find waiting for them on Sunday Mornings from a new hymn or liturgy to 100 red
balloons.
May we continue to praise and worship God in wonderful and faithful ways.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Wilson, Member
Worship and Music Committee
20
Congregational Life Committee
Mt. Tabor had a good but challenging year in its congregational life. The committee was
responsible for coordinating soup suppers during Lent. As in previous years, it was somewhat
difficult to recruit volunteers, so we offer big thanks to those who did.
This year the Congregational Life committee took on the additional responsibility to prepare and
serve the Easter breakfast on April 12. Thanks to the Thrivent members who volunteered, we
were able to receive matching funds.
Casey White, Lawrence Allred, and a team of others made the annual rafting and camping trip a
great success for all who attended on July 31st to August 2
nd.
As usual, Leslie Carey coordinated the Worship in the Park, followed by the annual
congregational picnic at Sugar House Park on August 30.
Oktoberfest had over 100 attendees, and the Salzburger Echo band was a great hit as always. For
the first time in several years there was a profit, which is being used to purchase some much
needed cookware for future Oktoberfests, as well as other church events. Thanks to Leslie Carey
who volunteered dozens of hours in planning, and food preparation. Without her leadership,
Oktoberfest would not have been the highlight of our congregational life. We’re very grateful to
the host of others who offered their time and menu items for the event.
We wrapped up the Church Year by sponsoring a social hour after each of the midweek Advent
services. We thank those who hosted, and donated wine, cheese, and other goodies.
This year’s committee consisted of Leslie Carey, Lawrence Allred, Dannie Gavros, Sarah Lange,
Paul Moore, Barbara Moore, and Nancy Bruns. Thanks to them for all their hard work, and to all
those who volunteered for the activities that comprise Mt. Tabor’s congregational life.
Respectfully submitted by Dwight Heide
21
Endowment and Memorial
CY CY CY CY
INVESTMENTS: 12/31/06 12/31/07 12/31/08 12/31/09
UNRESTRICTED:
ELCA Loan Fund $7,500.00 $7,500.00 $7,500.00 $7,500.00 Wells Fargo-money market 43,445.90 136,946.72 138,275.26 56,934.32 Wells Fargo-checking 103.99 241.11 1,092.92 1,721.96
$51,049.89 $144,687.83 $146,868.18 $66,156.28
RESTRICTED:
US Treasury Bond 5/15/14 (market value) $106,938.00* $102,016.80* $94,092.30* (Called) -0- *
US Treasury Bond 8/31/06 (market value) -0-^ -0-^ -0-^ -0- ^
US Treasury Bond 8/15/07 (market value) 69,020.00^^ -0-^^ -0-^^ -0-^^
US Treasury Note 9/15/09 (market value) 48,285.00# 50,261.50# 51,062.50# -0- #
US Treasury Note 6/15/12 [$100,000] (market value) 101,094.00
US Treasury Note 5/31/14 [$75,000] (market value) 74,490.00
US Treasury Note 5/31/16 [$50,000] (market value) 50,207.00
$224,243.00 $152,278.30 $145,154.80 $225,791.00
* $ 90,000.00 (face value) Called 3/15/09
# $ 50,000.00 (face value) Matured 9/15/09
^ $ 50,000.00 (face value) Matured 8/31/06
^^ $ 70,000.00 (face value) Matured 8/15/07
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL $275,293.89 $296,966.13 $292,022.98 $291,947.28
ACTIONS IN CY 2009
Mt Tabor Distributions:
Scholarship 1,000.00
Youth Retreat 500.00
Quilting Supplies 400.00
Augsburg Fortress (The Lutheran) 469.05 (2009)
461.10 (2010)
Toward Deng Hoth’s Trip 500.00
Toward purchase of lawn mower 700.00
Lutheran Social Services of Utah 600.00
Salt Lake Mission 250.00
Habitat for Humanity 500.00
Crossroads Urban Center General Fund 750.00
Food Co-op Subsidy 750.00
Total $6880.15
22
Education Committee Annual Report
2009 has been an exciting year for education at Mt. Tabor. In addition to the ―traditional‖
Sunday morning education opportunities (Sunday School for children 3 years – 6th
grade;
Confirmation class for junior high students; a high school group; an adult Bible Study; Kid’s
Church during worship) and Martha Circle (women’s Bible study), we have made some exciting
changes. We now offer a second adult class on Sunday mornings called Living the Questions,
and another adult Bible Study group now meets Wednesday evenings (7:00pm). Living the
Questions is a discussion-oriented group focusing on the questions that come up as we live our
faith. The Wednesday evening group, similar to the Sunday morning adult Bible study, is a more
traditional Bible study, focusing on different books or themes in the Bible. All are welcome to
join any of these education opportunities. Please join one!
In addition to the new groups, we have taken advantage of the new publications from the Book
of Faith initiative. This includes a new children’s Sunday School curriculum, new Bible study
materials for adults, and new Bibles for several different age groups. As part of the new
curriculum, children under age 8 will receive a Story Bible filled with vibrant pictures and
interactive opportunities when they begin Sunday School, and we continue to present a more
advanced Bible to children on their 8th
birthday. Many members have purchased and use the
ELCA’s new adult Study Bible. We encourage all ages to bring their Bibles to church every
Sunday and then take them home for further exploration.
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to all those who contribute to education at Mt.
Tabor. Our Sunday School teachers: Dannie Gavros, Stephanie Wilson, Sarah Lange, music
leader Lee Kreutzer, and outstanding pianist Bob Brown; Casey White and Robin Eskridge for
leading the Confirmation and high-school classes; all those who take turns leading the adult
groups; and everyone who participates in an adult class and/or brings their child to church each
Sunday.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Lange
23
Building and Grounds Annual Report
The Building and Grounds committee had a busy 2009 with many projects completed and
forward thinking/progress towards Mt. Tabor’s future maintenance. Our goal is to maintain the
property in excellent condition while saving as much money as possible. Even though Mt. Tabor
has a strong core of volunteers helping with its repairs and maintenance there is necessary costs
to invest in that will allow it to run smoothly.
Without listing all of the projects completed in 2009 a few of the larger items to mention are as
follows:
1. In the beginning of 2009 we made the decision to discontinue our lawn service. Currently Mt.
Tabor members volunteer to perform all the lawn care including mowing, trimming and pruning.
With a failing lawn mower it is essential for Mt. Tabor to invest in a new one that is user friendly
and fits in our storage shed. We have half of the money to purchase a mower that fits our needs
and will work towards the remainder of the funds to have the new mower by the spring of 2010.
2. An energy audit by Utah Interfaith Power and Light was completed on July 29th
. The B & G
committee will work towards implementing the changes they suggested that are attainable and in
the long run should help to save us money.
3. Our janitor resigned and one of our members, Ed Howard, took over the position. Ed has
been doing an excellent job and is more keenly aware of the time it takes to clean Mt Tabor,
when this is most beneficial during the week, and of the extra jobs that make a difference to our
church’s care.
4. The committee has done its best job to establish a budget for the upcoming year
understanding that there are failing systems (such as main level toilets, basement sinks, concrete
repairs outside, windows, canopies, etc.) that will need repairs. They will do their best to
prioritize these issues as they have in the past. It is important to mention that the multiple groups
that meet at Mt. Tabor during the week significantly affect the maintenance of the building. The
B & G committee feels it is only natural that some of the money our church receives from these
groups be directed into our budget to help pay for the upkeep on the church and have requested
to the council to consider allocating some of these funds.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers that have helped Mt. Tabor’s building and
grounds function throughout the year. We are certainly blessed to have involved members that
understand the importance of taking care of our church.
In Christ,
Sue Workman
24
Youth and Family Annual Report
We started out the year by sending some youth to the Middle School Gathering in Colorado
Springs. This was followed by a family outing to go tubing in Park City. We were joined by the
youth at Shepherd of the Mountains.
In June we held a yard sale to raise funds. We shared the proceeds with the Building and
Grounds committee. It was quite successful with both groups raising about $500. In August we
went to Raging Waters and a good time was had by all.
The fall months meant participating in the Fall Leaf Haul. We raked leaves at the homes of two
members of Mount Tabor and then had lunch at Litza’s Pizza. We had nine youth in attendance
along with members of their families. In November we took our senior high youth to the youth
gathering in Estes Park, CO. We were honored to hear Bishop Mark Hansen speak and came
back inspired to collect $1000 for mosquito netting to be sent to Africa.
On December 6 the youth and family committee held a spaghetti dinner after church to raise
funds for our youth and family ministries. We rose over $200 and received matching funds from
Thrivent. All in all we had a busy and successful year.
Respectfully submitted by
Robin Eskridge
25
Women of the ELCA
Mount Tabor has one women’s Bible study called, Martha Circle. Martha Circle meets at 1:00
pm every second Thursday of the month for study and fellowship. All the women of Mount
Tabor are invited to attend circle meetings.
Women of the ELCA Financial Report for 2009
Balance on hand at the end of 2008 $95.27
CIRCLE OFFERINGS:
Martha Circle $282.00
Memorial & Endowment 400.00
$682.00
Disbursements for 2009
Fabric for Quilts ($335.42)
Women of ELCA circle offerings ($300.00)
($635.42)
Balance on hand at the end of 2009 $141.85
OAKS
Older Adults Knowing Strength
We meet on the 4
th Wednesday of each month (excluding June, July & August) at noon for lunch
and fellowship. Elaine McDonald, Alvina Wall and Marilyn Eskridge are the OAKS committee.
Please feel free to join us anytime. All seniors are welcome. Cost of the lunch is $2.00. You’ll
never find a lunch with fun fellowship anywhere for that.
QUILTING DAY
The group ties a quilt seven months out of the year on the third Thursday of the month at 10:00
am. Please come and join us anytime. You will come once and you will be hooked. We donate
the finished quilts to Family Promise.
26
MEMBERSHIP REPORT 2009
Active Members Baptized Confirmed
End of 2008 279 203
Deaths:
Transfers Out: -8 -8 Removed: --Removed due to inactivity: -110 -45 Became inactive: Confirmations:
Adult Affirmations: +5 +5 Adult Baptism: +0 +0 Child Baptism: +2 Adult Transfers: Child Transfer: Restoration:
End of 2008: 168 155
Total Membership: 168
2009 Average Worship Attendance: 74 Year: 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08* 09
Total Members: 282 296 286 289 270 260 261 269 279 155
Avg. Sunday Attendance:
144 145 115 98 95 83 77 74 75 74
*through December 2009
27
Altar Guild
Saturday Duties
o Place the scriptures on the lectern.
o Replace the eternal candle.
o Fill 12 to 15 communion cups with grape juice.
o Pour wine in flagon about ½ full.
o Fill wafer container with wafers and one large host wafer.
o Refuel candles on altar.
o Replace hymn numbers on hymn board.
o Water plants in the narthex.
Sunday Morning
o Place flagon on stand in front of altar.
o Place chalice 2/3 full of wine and place a purificator over it.
o Place wafers on a silver tray in the container.
o Place a purificator on the altar with three empty cups above it.
o Pour a small amount of water in the baptismal font.
o Turn on sound system
o Light candles on altar
Sunday After church
o Clean up communion
o Turn sound system off
o Blow out candles.
I want to thank Pat Mize for helping me each Sunday to clean up after church.
Purchases during the year
o Two cases of Christian Brothers Ruby Port Wine. (each case cost $25.00)
Currently I am the only one that can purchase it at cost because I have a liquor
permit.
o Wafers and candles are purchased at Mancusos Christian Store on State Street.
o Purchase good linen fabric to make linens for the altar and hand sew baptismal
napkins.
All the linens for the altar and all but two banners hung in the sanctuary have been made by me.
Also as the seasons of the church year change so do the banners, and the sanctuary décor.
Anyone interested in assisting with altar guild, please let me know directly.
I love serving my church and my God.
Elaine McDonald