0 Annual Report 2016 - peaceaz.org

18265 North 89th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85382-3000 623-972-6785 [email protected] www.peaceaz.org

Our mission is to share Christ with world and grow disciples for Jesus.

Our Vision is to be a community centered in GRACE, where GENERATIONS reflect God’s love through the GENEROSITY of our actions.

2016 Annual Report

Peace Lutheran Church & School-Peoria 2016 Annual Report Page 2 of 24

Peace Lutheran Church CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Sunday, February 19, 2017, 11:15 am

AGENDA

1) Call to Order and Reconvening of the Annual Meeting of December 4, 2016: Wendy Schulz, President

2) Opening Prayer: Pastor Al Cassel

3) Recognition of Council Members Completed Term of Office: Pastor Al Cassel a) Patti Beltram b) Tony Liguori c) Debra Norum (resigned/moved) d) Rob Schaefer

4) Report from Nominating Committee: Jean Warren Nominating Committee: Kathy Cameron, Gary Jones, Chris Moller, Jessica Newberry, Kevin Staggs, & Jean Warren a) Candidates nominated by Committee for Congregational Council

i) Deborah Mitchell (1st Term) ii) Betty Moller (1st Term) iii) Kathy Neary (1st Term) iv) Rob Schaefer (2nd Term)

5) Elect to Council for Two-Year Term: March 1, 2017, through February 28, 2019: Wendy Schulz C8.02c. Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation. Members of this congregation who have satisfied these basic standards shall have the privilege of voice and vote at every regular and special meeting of the congregation.

6) Recognition of Out-Going Nominating Committee Members: Wendy Schulz a) Kathy Cameron, Gary Jones, Chris Moller, Jessica Newberry, and Jean Warren

7) Election for Two-Year Term on the Nominating Committee: Pastor Al Cassel

C13.02 A nominating Committee of six voting members of this congregation, two of whom shall be outgoing members of the Congregation Council, shall be elected at the annual meeting for a term of two years. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive reelection. They shall nominate candidates for Congregational Council vacancies.

Kevin Staggs continues another year.

a) Patti Beltram b) Tony Liguori c) Mark Schulz d) e)

8) Motion to Elect Nominating Committee: Wendy Schulz

9) Presentation and Approval of the 2016 Financial Report: John Prinz

10) Presentation and Approval of the 2016 Annual Report: Wendy Schulz

11) Approve Changes to the Constitution (in Accord with ELCA Model Constitution) (Document was emailed to members January 27, 2017 via CCB): Georgia Hudak

12) Columbarium Plan (Attachment 1, on Page 3)

13) Preschool Update: Pastor Al Cassel

14) Remarks for the Good of the Congregation

15) Motion to Adjourn

16) Meeting Concludes with the Singing of the Lord’s Prayer



Sunday, February 19, 2017, 11:15 am

Attachment 1

Peace Memorail Garden - Columbarium Update

The Columbarium committee met with the architect, MLA Associates, on Monday, February 6, 2017, at Peace Lutehran Church. Present were Mark Schulz, Dick Stienke, Randy Vossler, Mark Clist and Pastor Al Cassel.

The layout for the columbarium has been reduced in size to contain costs. The pre-sale of niches has generated a fund of close to $40,000. The new rendering from MLA will allow the committee to get bids for the actual cost of construction. If the new construction costs fit into our $40,000 budget, the construction can begin. If the construction costs exceed the budget, then the congregation must decide how to proceed.


PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-PEORIA, AZ STAFF

Pastor Al Cassel A/V Coordinator Matt McNutt Bookkeeper Sue Behrens Children’s Ministry Kimber Govett Children’s Ministry, Assistant Shannon Cassel Custodian, Part Time Raven Benson & Luke Schulz Facilities Manager Randy Vossler Faith Community Nurse Cindy Staggs Music Minister: Accompanist Dwight Brewer & Michael Englsih Music Minister: Choir Michael Miller Music Minister: Ensemble Mark Niemeyer Music Minister: Praise Leader Stephen Smart Office Manager/Communications Director Rita Mae Schaefer Preschool Interim Director Shirley Leistikow Secretary/Receptionist Angie Forquer & Michelle Stadler Youth Ministry Hanah Podshadley

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Wendy Schulz, President Howard Waltz, Vice President

Robert Schaefer, Secretary John Prinz, Treasurer Patti Beltram Mark Clist Tony Liguori Jennifer Stutesman Tony White

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Administration Georgia Hudak Faith in Action Cindy Staggs Hospitality Jerry & Gayle Kingston Library Audrey Harvey

NOMINATING COMMITTEE Jean Warren, Chair Kathy Cameron Gary Jones Chris Moller Jessica Newberry Kevin Staggs OTHER LAY LEADERS

Financial Secretary Joe Peterson

Pastoral Assistants Marlin Besler, Ellen Bookout, Deborah Mitchell, Terry Neary, Dorothy Ritz, & Cindy Staggs



February 21, 2016 - Minutes

1. Call to Order and Reconvening of the Annual Meeting of December 6, 2015, by President Debra Norum. 2. Opening Prayer by Pastor Al Cassel 3. Recognition of Council Members Completed Term of Office: Pastor Al Cassel

a. Mark Clist b. Jessica Newberry (resigned) c. John Prinz d. Wendy Schulz e. Kevin Staggs f. Howard Waltz

4. Report from Nominating Committee by Kathy Neary Nominating Committee members: Kathy Cameron, Susy Hammer, Gary Jones, Chris Moller, Kathy Neary, & Jean

Warren. Nominations to Council: a. Mark Clist (2nd term) b. John Prinz (2nd term) c. Wendy Schulz (2nd term) d. Jenifer Stutesman (1st term) e. Howard Waltz (2nd term) f. Tony White (1st term)

5. Election to Council for Two-Year Term: March 1, 2016 – February 28, 2018 by Debra Norum. Nominations from the floor where opened. There were no nominations. A motion was made by Gary Jones and seconded by George Dreyer to elect Jennifer Stutesman and Tony White to Church Council. The motion passed. A motion was made by Beth Miller and seconded by Jerry Kingston to re-elect Mark Clist, John Prinz, Wendy Schulz, and Howard Waltz. The motion passed.

6. Recognition of Out-Going Nominating Committee Members by Debra Norum Susy Hammer and Kathy Neary 7. Election for Two-Year Term on the Nominating Committee by Pastor Al Cassel Jessica Newberry & Kevin Staggs Nominations from the floor where opened. There were no nominations. 8. Motion to elect the Nominating Committee by Debra Norum. A vote of affirmation for Jessica Newberry & Kevin

Staggs to serve on the Nominating Committee passed unanimously. 9. Presentation and Approval of the 2015 Financial Report: John Prinz. A motion was made by Holly Pederson and seconded by Debbie Jones to accept the 2015 Financial Report. The motion

passed with no nay votes. 10. Presentation and Approval of the 2015 Annual Report by Debra Norum.

A motion was made by Debbie Jones and seconded by Beth Miller to approve the 2015 Annual Report. The motion passed with no nay votes.

11. Approve Columbarium Plan and Funding Q & A Q: Did the City of Peoria give an okay for the building of the Columbarium? A: No permit is required for cremains. Q: Was the neighborhood consulted about the addition of the Columbarium? A: It is not mandated by the city to consult with neighbors, so the committee didn’t. Q: What impact will this have on Capital Fund? A: We will only go ahead with the building project when we have enough participants to fund the Columbarium as the

levels indicated in the Annual Report; the Capital Fund will be reimbursed. Q: Has a contractor been selected? A: No. Q: How long will the estimates last? A: There is no time period guarantee on the prices listed in the Annual Report. Q: Are pets allowed to be interred in the Columbarium? A: No. Q: Is there a date when we will abandon the Columbarium plans if the funds are not raised? A: Not really. A motion was made by Bill Trickel and seconded by Jerry Kingston to approve with the Columbarium Plan and Funding. The motion passed with 9 opposed.


Debra Norum thanked Pastor Al for his spiritual guidance, sense of humor, and leadership during the past year and always.

12. Preschool Update We extend our gratitude to Georgia Swing for working hard to stay within the Preschool budget and keep the school open this summer without being a financial drain on the Congregation. The Preschool is currently working on reaccreditation.

13. Remarks for the Good of the Congregation. Q: What happened to the Ministry Teams? Q: Why are the leaders of Ministries being asked to step down after four years of service? Why don’t Ministry Leaders

know about this By-Law? Why didn’t Congregation members know about it? A: The By-Laws states that leaders may serve for 2 two-year terms. Council is going to begin the work of bringing our

Congregation’s practices into alignment with our By-Laws. Q: Why is Hospitality is not listed in By-Laws as a committee? Q: How does the Council appoint Ministry Team Members? Q: Do we need to change our By-Laws in order to have a new Ministry? Q: Where can Congregation members read the By-Laws? A: By-Laws are available in the Church Office. They will be on-line soon. Q: Who decides which Ministries and how to staff/appoint them? Q: Do the By-Laws make sense? Should some of the Ministry teams to be added/deleted? Q: How do we want to proceed with Ministry in the future? A: Council will be working on all of these questions this coming year. Minutes on Council Meetings should be on CCB. Pastor Al thanked everyone for their honest questions and concerns. He reminded all of us that the reason we are in Ministry at all is because we love God and love each other. He also reminded us that when we have a concern, we should take it to the person we have the concern with and resolve it. Or bring the concern to Pastor and he will help guide the process

14. Motion to Adjourn was made by Rich Miller and seconded by Rob Schaefer. The motion passed. 15. Meeting concludes with the singing of The Lord’s Prayer.

Peace Lutheran Church

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING December 4, 2016 – Minutes

1. Call to Order: Wendy Schulz called the meeting to order at 11:20 AM 2. Opening Prayer: Pastor Al Cassel and Meeting attendees sang Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emanuel. 3. Presentation of the 2016 Mission Spending Plan: John Prinz

Plan is based on an income growth of 2% which includes staff wages, Grand Canyon Synod and outreach partner contributions. This addition adds approximately $16,000 to the budget or $3.00 per family per week. Preschool’s last year performance was struggling but this year with the help for Director Georgia Swing and Interim Director Shirley Leistikow and all our staff, we anticipate a positive balance that has not happened for many years. The forecast for Peace Preschool came in at $5,000 surplus in 2017. Motion to approve the 2017 Mission Spending Plan was made by Scott Hammer and second by Chris Clist. Vote was 24 ayes, 3 nays, and 2 abstentions. Motion was passed.

5. Progress on the Columbarium: Mark Clist Mark Clist gave multiple options regarding the next steps for the Columbarium. Motion was made by Kevin Staggs to direct council to research less costly alternative as we look at building the columbarium in stages and to report back to the congregation at our Congregational Meeting in February 2017. The motion was second by Mark Clist. Motion was passed.

6. Recognition of Dale Kvitten-Barr contributing to Peace Lutheran Church Wendy recognized and thank Dale for his service and his many contribution Dale has done while at Peace. Wendy asked the congregation to thank Dale for his contribution and hard work at Peace. Wendy also has a gift of appreciation for Dale. Dale was not at the meeting; the gift will be given to him later.

7. Other Business: Terry Neary asked for money to be entered into the budget for a person to work Sunday morning putting up and tearing down tables and any custodian/maintenance work, along with walking the parking lot as deterrent to crime. Motion was made by Terry to add the $5,000 for custodian care as income and second by Scott Hammer. Vote was taken to enter the $5,000 into the income budget and take out $5,000 in some other program. The vote was taken and the results are: 9 ayes, 16 nays, and 3 abstentions. Motion did not pass.

8. Motion to continue until our next congregational meeting on February 19, 2017. Motion was made by Kevin Staggs to continue until our next Congregational Meeting on February 19, 2017, second by Jean Warren. Motion was passed at 12:23 PM.

9. Close with singing of The Lord’s Prayer.


FROM THE PASTOR

Peace Lutheran Church exists to share Christ and grow disciples. Ten years ago, I asked people, “What does a disciple look like?” Their responses were all over the board. Since that time, we have stepped back to review what is a disciple here at Peace. In 2009 we identified three core values: Grace, Generations, and Generosity. Grace means all are welcome into the family without exception. Generations recognizes the beauty of God’s diversity. Generosity is our response to God’s gracious activity in our lives.

These values are key, I believe, to discipleship here at Peace. In a world that is often fractured between those whom we believe to be ‘right’ and those we discern to be ‘wrong’ we need Grace and Generosity to celebrate the diversity of God’s creativity. These are important values for our time and hopefully a gift we offer in a divisive age.

This past year we imagined where God might be leading us in the deliberations of our 20/20 Vision Team. We were able to affirm both this mission and these values. We took it one step further to acknowledge that the vision by which we implement these is five-fold:

• Fellowship, or the building a sense of community. The church moves forward at the speed of caring relationships. • Discipleship, or the formation of faith. This is more than instruction, but a call to devotional inspired action that reflect

the values of the church. • Evangelism, or the call to reach beyond our walls through compassionate service for the sake of others in our

community and around the world. • Leadership, or the Priesthood of All. We celebrate that God’s gifts are given to all for the benefit of all. • Stewardship, or the encouragement to truly be the blessing in recognition of the blessings that God has shared with us. All this means that we will continue to provide open doors and encourage open hearts for the sake of others. Furthermore,

while we acknowledged that we are a church with a worldwide impact, our immediate focus is the neighborhoods that surround the church. It is our commitment to become as intentional in our witness for those in Westbrook Village as we have been in the Apache neighborhood. This will require us to ‘think differently,’ as we seek to expand our connections, but Westbrook Village was initially intended as the location for this church and the people of this community have been significant partners in the mission and ministry of Peace.

So, what’s next? We will continue to provide basic biblical instruction from our Lutheran perspective for all who will hear. We will continue to encourage the people of Peace to express their faith in individual and corporate actions that reflect who we are in Christ. We will continue to lift up children, youth, and support their families. We will continue to wrestle with God’s call as a congregation and as individual members of this community. We will be specific in our outreach toward Apache and Westbrook. Most importantly, we will not settle for easy answers to the complex issues of faith and of life. We will be a people who will LISTEN, LEARN, LOVE, and ultimately LIVE as a reflection of what we have come to know in Jesus. Thank you for the chance to serve as a part of Peace.

In Christ’s love, Pastor Al Cassel

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Through your gifts of time, treasures, and talents, you have served God through the generations showing His Grace to each other and our community. 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. I feel that Peace is having its own “Re-formation” and that it is good.

Our new Youth Director, Hannah Podshadley, has a degree in Youth Ministry. She is forming strong bonds with our youth while encouraging them to bond with each other and bring their friends! The youth are showing a maturity in their faith by volunteering at the Lutheran Thrift Center as a service project. This also allows them to become eligible to receive grants which they plan to use to reach out into the world with new mission trips and to attend the Western States “Dream Big” Conference. She is also mentoring older youth who wish to become leaders in the church setting. We look forward to this.

Serving at VBS this year really opened my eyes to all that is being accomplished for God with our Children and Families Ministry! Kimber Govett has structured VBS to raise up adult leaders from the Congregation. But the real treasure is how she raises up student leaders! The vast majority of VBS is accomplished through the youth of Peace! As children attend VBS they see that they are led by older youth from Peace. It is well known that when you finish your last year attending VBS, you will lead a group the next year with the help of a seasoned older youth! Over 200 children from our community attended VBS last year! When VBS was finished for the day, the youth leaders stayed in the Sanctuary and discussed with Miss Kimber all that went well and how to address the difficulties they faced that day! As a former school teacher, I was IMPRESSED! And the very next day, the “fixes” they determined were put into place. This process occurred each day of VBS. Miss Kimber does the same thing with the Drama Program. There is now in place, a committee of adult and student volunteers who will be sharing the responsibility for the next production. The children who participate in this program are from our surrounding community as well as Peace. Wonderful faith stories are shared of how these children encourage each other and grow as individuals.

Peace also had its largest First Communion class ever a couple of month ago and the Growing Disciples class was also one of the largest Peace has seen in a while!

Peace Lutheran Preschool has also had a positive year! They ended the year on a positive financial note and were able to


donate that to the general fund at Peace to begin to repay the Church’s generosity over the last few years. Our own Shirley Leistikow is the Interim Director and in April the Preschool will present its credentials to be recertified with the ELEA. Godly Play has been introduced to student Chapel. It is a brilliant way to explain the faith stories of the Bible to pre-literate children! If you haven’t seen Godly Play, Miss Kimber is currently leading a class on Wednesday after supper at 6:00 pm in the Preschool. You are very welcome to attend!

The After School Homework Center is growing as well! Over 20 volunteers help out the children of our Apache Elementary School neighborhood. The children are doing their homework, creating caring relationships with the volunteers, and participating in fun activities such as sewing and cooking. They even help out on Wednesday in the kitchen cutting up fruit for the salad! Shannon Cassel runs a well-oiled machine three days a week in the Fellowship Hall with the children of our neighborhood. She has also started a Bible class after supper on Wednesdays, which the children really enjoy. They tell the kitchen volunteers all about it as they work alongside them.

Faith-Full Wednesday’s are going strong with music lessons, a meal for about 80, then classes for every age group, Confirmation, Youth Group, Bells, Choir, and PAGE (Peace Artisans Guild). PAGE is led by Christina and Andrew Crow-Roberts. It has been providing the Narthex with beautiful liturgical art from artists here at Peace. It is another wonderful Re-formation for God’s church!

Plans for the Columbarium are being re-formed and with the Congregation’s approval we will begin construction soon! We should keep our Staff, Pastor Al, and their families in our prayers as they quietly and efficiently keep God’s church

humming along! I know that there is much more happening at Peace than the groups I have mentioned. Please be sure to read your bulletin,

newsletter, and the screen before service so that you may join in serving our Lord Jesus Christ! As always, Church Council appreciates and covets your prayers for the service we give on behalf of God and Peace. Please

continue to pray that God leads us in all things! Respectfully submitted,

Wendy Schulz

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Per the Continuing Resolutions, “the purpose of the administration ministry team shall be to develop, review or monitor and

make recommendations regarding administrative policies and procedures of the congregation.” Our team members are all volunteers with an interest in business and administration.

Members at the beginning of the year: Georgia Hudak, Bill Johnson, Glen Johnson, Del May, Kathy Neary, Jack Schabow and Jean Warren. Bill Johnson and Del May retired from the ministry team during the year. I am grateful for the time and knowledge that they provided, especially during the annual audits.

Tasks accomplished this year: • Review of the Continuing Resolution that applies to this ministry team (CR3). Kathy Neary prepared a report for the

Congregational Council to consider updating the role of this ministry team. The report was submitted to Council in April.

• Review and comment on the job description for the Assistant to the Preschool Director. • Re-write the Constitution of Peace Lutheran Church in order to conform with the Model Constitution that was updated

by the Churchwide Assembly during the summer of 2016. Members at the end of the year: Kathy Cameron, Georgia Hudak, Glen Johnson, Chris Moller, Kathy Neary and Jack

Schabow. Respectfully submitted,

Georgia Ann Hudak, Chairman

ENDOWMENT MINISTRY This year we made a distribution of $11,000 from the Endowment fund or 5% of the principle. Anyone can make a gift to the

endowment fund. The endowment fund allows us the opportunity to reach beyond our normal budget as we seek to further the mission of the church. If you would like to make a gift that keeps on giving, please consider including Peace Lutheran Church in your estate plans. You may be able to secure life insurance and make the church your beneficiary. You can transfer appreciated stocks and other assets for the purpose of creating a firm foundation for the church.

2016 allotment of funds: $2,000 Peace Lutheran Preschool student scholarships $2,000 Scholarships for Peace Lutheran youth attending the Western States ELCA Youth Gathering $1,500 Support of the Peace Artisan Guild & Exhibition (PAGE) liturgical art projects $3,500 Set aside for assistance to families in need $2,000 Mission Outreach and marketing in Westbrook Village

Respectfully submitted, Pastor Al Cassel


FACILITIES With the help of staff and volunteers, we have been able to keep our campus in excellent condition. • Over 200 shrubs and 15 trees were added. • We replaced and moved the sanctuary projector closer to the screen. • The parking lot was reconfigured with a drop off zone and restriped. • We have installed cameras inside and outside of the education building for added security for the preschool.

Respectfully submitted, Randy Vossler

FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE

The Faith Community Nurse Ministry (FCNM) has continued to grow this year. Currently I put in approximately 10-12 hours per week at church, more if necessary. I also participate as a Pastoral Assistant which I consider part of the duties of a FCN. I continue to write a monthly newsletter article on health/spiritual related issues. Approximately twice a month I put out a short message on CCB on health-related issues. I have had positive feedback regarding both types of communication.

This year: • Pastoral Assistant • Blood drive coordinator; 3 drives per year • Counseled members regarding health related matters • Made hospital visits • Made regular visits and provided communion to two members who are homebound • Provided community resources regarding housing, health care • Provided nursing during week of VBS, triage, monitored medications and kids with allergies • Worked and trained preschool staff regarding students with specific health issues • Provide newsletter articles to preschool regarding health related issues of preschoolers • Made myself available as a resource to preschool whenever needed • Became a Certified Wellness Advocate through Living Compass of which I attended training in November of 2015 • Coordinates Faith in Action Team • Worked with refugee family, provided medical counseling and resources • Participated in conversations with other members and Mosaic regarding persons with special needs being welcomed into

the community • Coordinate the Prayer Chain Ministry • Communicate with Duet of Arizona who oversees FCN and congregational wellness and who provides ongoing

continuing education for FCNs • Attended Stephen Leader training for a week in Dallas in anticipation of revitalizing Stephen Ministry at Peace • I have networked with potential mental healthcare providers in the community • Resource to Children’s Ministry in health-related issues Plans for 2017: I will be, on occasion, leading groups on Wednesday evenings on topics from Living Compass such as grief,

aging, wellness for parents and other spiritual/health related topics. I will continue to provide spiritual/wellness care to members of the congregation as well as being a resource for community resources. Nanette Christofferson and I will be overseeing our Stephen Ministry program and doing 50 hours of training for selected individuals. We will then facilitate and oversee the Stephen Ministry program. There will be many more opportunities for growth in our Health Ministries in 2017.

Respectfully submitted, Cindy Staggs, RN

Fatih Community Nurse

FAITH FORMATION TEAM

Adult This past year we have continued to offer a variety of opportunities for adults to deepen our faith. On Sunday mornings, we have a gathering in the Church Library that continues to grow. The topic may be a bible study or a

video series on how Lutherans read the bible. It is a place of deep sharing and caring. On Monday mornings, Pastor Al offers a first look at the text for the upcoming Sunday worship. It is a free-wheeling

conversation as each shares their thoughts on how this text hits home. On Wednesday evenings, we offer three different classes for adult participation at our Faith-Full Wednesday program. We

typically offer a reflection on theology, a bible study, and a class that helps us put our faith into action. Join us for the meal beforehand and enjoy the opportunity to have your body and mind, as well as your Spirit fed that night.

On Thursdays, one of our women’s circles gathers to explore the latest study published by the Women of the ELCA. Again, on one Saturday a month another group of women share in study together.


In addition, there are many small groups that gather throughout the week for mutual support and growth as they seek to put into action what we have experienced as well as learned.

We invite you to consider taking advantage of the opportunities to grow closer to one another as well as to God through a study group. This is a great year to make a renewed commitment toward spiritual growth, as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation as well as the translation of the bible into the language of the people.

In Christ, Pastor Al Cassel

After School Homework Center This past year, the Homework Center has been great! I have a steady group of volunteers, and continue to gain more. As of

right now I have 18 volunteers who are currently serving at the Homework Center. I love seeing the bond that some of these volunteers make with the children, it is truly special. Ellen Bookout is still doing poetry with the children on Mondays. I would say that this is the children’s favorite activity. They love that one-on-one time with Miss Ellen, and the way that she interacts with them is magical. She really does bring out the best in the kids! On Mondays, Donna Waltz sews with the children; they have mainly been making keepsake stuffed animals. Brenda Solaski is still offering a cooking class every Tuesday at the center, which is a favorite for the kids. They have made pizza’s, brownies, lemon bars, pancakes, and much, much more! Also on Tuesdays, I have taken over doing art projects with the kids. We have so much fun being creative and making wonderful projects. I have always had a passion for arts and crafts since I was a little girl, so this is very exciting for me to be able to take over this area, and the kids seem to be super excited about it! On Wednesdays, Ginny Solberg sews with the kids. She has been making tote bags and pillow cases with them. Occasionally I have been asking for volunteers in the church bulletin, but I have found that I don’t really need to, because I have been steadily gaining new volunteers!

I have really enjoyed being able to teach a 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Bible study class on Wednesday nights. The kids have learned so much just in the small amount of time that we have had together. Most of the children who attend my class are from the Homework Center, the majority come from un-churched families. I feel like these lessons are so valuable, especially to these kids who have no idea what God’s love is like! It is nice to be able to choose a lesson that fits in with what we are going through that particular week. I love seeing these children grow a relationship with God.

The Homework Center is somewhere that children can come after school that is a safe place to be. Many of these kids don’t have anywhere to go after school besides the neighborhood park. I have heard the children say many times that the Homework Center is church to them, and I know that many of the parents truly appreciate what we do for their children. When these children get older, I want them to think back on the Homework Center as a blessing. And to think of me and our volunteers, and to know that we truly do care for them. What a blessing it is to be a part of something that is so special here are Peace Lutheran Church. Thank you for allowing me to serve in this amazing ministry!

Respectfully Submitted, Shannon Cassel, Children’s Ministry Assistant

Children Looking back on 2016, I feel our family ministry has been strengthened through the many relationships we have formed. Sunday school: Our Sunday school classes continue to deepen in spiritual ways. Our teachers have become close to each other and I work throughout the year to send them inspirational messages and encourage them along the way. I have seen their friendships with each other develop to the point of socializing outside of church. I believe this is important for our volunteers so they connect with each other on a deeper level. The kids love all of them and look forward to their classes. I have also previously shared our Godly Play story with a teacher new to faith. She has now asked to be lead teacher on a regular basis and her family attends church almost every Sunday! Throughout the year, our children continued learning their Faith Stepping Stones, and started lessons on Martin Luther. Summer 2016: Our Summer Splash was a lot of fun in Sunday school and camps. Drama Camp was awesome and children experienced transformation in confidence and self-esteem. We added a new intergenerational summer camp which actually grew from word of mouth throughout the week. I ended up handing leadership over to Shannon Cassel and Christina Crow-Roberts (who planned the art projects) at the end of camp and they did a wonderful job. Drama Ministry: I believe a highlight for 2016 was our Drama Ministry. So many incredible friendships were formed and our children performed beautifully in November. Youth and adult leaders emerged into a Young Hearts Theater Team. Outreach Events: We saw growth in our Fall Festival event and I’d like to share that we have a new young family who came to Fall Festival last year. A Night in Bethlehem was a wonderful experience having Melissia Hutchette sew costumes all year and many volunteers helped. We have done this event for three years so I feel it is time to put it away and do something new in December 2017. I’d like to bring all these costumes and items back out for Palm Sunday 2018 and hold a Walk Through Holy Week event for our church. This would take place on Palm Sunday after church and people could walk through the events of Holy Week. Looking ahead: Planning has already started for summer programs. This year, I am excited to share that we will be offering three camps: Drama, Art, and Music. Our new Drama Team will lead Drama Camp; Shannon Cassel and Christina & Andrew Crow-Roberts will lead Art Camp; and Karen Miller will lead Music Camp, which will be based on the book Old Turtle. I will be a support staff person for all camps, helping where needed. VBS: I think I am most excited about VBS this summer more than ever before! Our theme is Hero Central and we will spend the week learning how to be heroes for our community and all people. In our mission center, we will be a hero for several organizations and help pack supplies. I have received a teacher supply list from Apache and one day we will pack teacher


supplies to distribute to Apache classrooms. One day will focus on Habitat for Humanity and I am working with First Things First to connect with Crisis Nursery on their needs. First Things First has a very large amount of resources we can use to pack items such as books, baby onesies, oral care packets, and new mom teaching tools. We have super heroes coming to make an appearance for the kids and I am working with Hannah Podshadley to have our youth share stories about when they were a hero for someone or saw someone being a hero. If any of our leadership would like to share a story, please let me know! Drama Ministry Team: I am excited to share that this team held their first official meeting January 22, 2017, and they started their own planning. They decided they want to grow this ministry and want to meet every Sunday, year-round. I was excited about their enthusiasm and dedication! They want to work on several projects and start taking some performances to our Sun City churches. We chose our play for 2017, Beauty and the Beast, and they are also looking at smaller plays to take on the road! This team includes adults and teens and the teens are being encouraged to take leadership! Children’s Ministry Team: My goal is to have a team formed by the end of this school year. Homework Center and Miss Shannon: The Homework Center continues to grow in children attending and people volunteering. Miss Shannon Cassel continues to grow in her leadership and ministry. I am very proud of her, her willingness to grow and learn, and the relationships she is building here.

I am looking forward to this year and discovering new ideas to reach out to our community. One of my goals for 2017 is to continue to empower our volunteers and also work to offer different kinds of events. I don’t want to offer the exact same things every year! Another goal is to strengthen our relationship with First Things First and learn new ways we can connect with services through them.

As always, I am honored and grateful to be in ministry at PLC and PLP and hope that I continue to grow in my own leadership. Thank you for this opportunity to be working in a grace-filled faith community and thank you for your support!

Respectfully submitted, Kimber Govett, Children’s Ministry

Youth

2016 was a year of transition and change in youth ministry. After coming on in September of 2016, I was able to get to know the youth and build community through youth group, service projects, and other various events. I have seen a growth in the youth since I started, and some have brought their friends from school as well. Hannah Meyer and Tyler Stanley have been helping out as interns to the youth ministry program, and there will be a couple more youth taking on a more leadership role as well in 2017.

This past year the youth attended different camps and events to build community as well as strengthen their faith. I started meeting with different youth at Starbucks on Saturdays to get to know them better and help them get to know me as well since trust and respect is a two-way street. Youth have started bringing friends from school along with them to talk and do homework. The Thrift Shop has proven to be a great way to build fellowship as well as serve the community. We have had anywhere from three to eight youth show up for Thrifting Saturdays where we help on the truck and in the shop since it is a 100% volunteer run organization. In the future, we are attending the Western States Youth Gathering and holding more events for the youth to further explore their faith and what it means to them. The confirmation students will also be going back to Mt. Cross in the summer for confirmation camp.

The internship program was passed on to me and there has been a great deal of interest from the younger youth who would like to be interns in the future. Interns help plan different aspects of youth group and are peers that can set the example of being a follower of Christ for their friends. Hannah Meyer and Tyler Stanley have been a great help for me in this transition time.

Youth group has been going great, and I have seen an influx in numbers since my arrival. There are a lot of younger youth who are wanting to dig deeper and ask questions, and it has been really great when I receive messages from the youth asking further questions about the week’s lesson and how it may apply to something they are currently dealing with. Some of the youth have started bringing friends from school, some who are previously unfamiliar with church and youth group.

I look forward to further growing this program and building up a place for youth to come and ask questions about their faith and how it applies to their everyday lives.

Respectfully submitted, Hannah Podshadley, Youth Ministry

FAITH IN ACTION At Peace, we speak of one of our core values being generosity. This is seen week in and week out in the ways in which this

congregation serves one another as well as the needs of so many in the world. A chief means by which we offer care for those outside our walls is through our support of the ELCA. Our gifts support

mission and ministries around the world. Through the ELCA we indeed fulfill Christ’s call to care for the least, the last, the little, and the lost.

Another means of support for those in need is through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. As the ELCA is a part of a larger world-wide communion of Lutherans we are able to make resources available to those in need at a fraction of the cost if we were simply to do this on our own. Your generosity feeds those who are truly hungry.

In addition, we support as part of our on-going budget the work of Lutheran Campus Ministry, Lutheran Social Services, Spirit in the Desert (Lutheran) Retreat Center, Missionary in Senegal, ELCA start-up congregations, and more. We have a very diversified portfolio of agencies and ministries we support on a regular basis due to the generosity of the people of Peace.

Then we throw in on top of this the special offerings we take, the work of Loaves and Fishes, the people who volunteer at the


food panty, the Crisis Center, and more, and perhaps we can begin to appreciate that 15 cents out of every dollar given is handed on to those who are serving the least of these. Thank you for your generous support, and please keep it up!


HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

The Hospitality Ministry volunteer team for 2016 was composed of one Cursillo group, high school youth, and 15 faithful family units.

Café Peace refreshments are served after both the 8:30 and 10:00 am Sunday worship services from September through June. Service is suspended in July and August because of the high temperatures.

Coffee, water, and lemonade (in the summer) and church-purchased cookies have been served each Sunday. Frequently, Café Peace volunteers make or buy additional treats, which are served along with the church-purchased cookies. We also have been fortunate to serve cake, provided by family members, in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, and other joyful celebrations. Café Peace volunteers prepared and served ice cream in celebration of Father’s Day.

Café Peace volunteers continue to see an increase in socialization among our members and guests. Donations received at Café Peace this past year were $876.94, a slight increase from the previous year. The net cost of

hospitality services to the 2016 budget was $1,112.15. Becoming a member of the Café Peace Team is a great way to meet other members of the congregation, both old and new.

You also get to know where things are in the kitchen. New Team members are always welcome. Respectfully submitted,

Jerry and Gayle Kingston

LIBRARY The Peace Lutheran Church Library circulation inventory consists of 1,426 items: 1,174 books and 252 DVDs. Bibles and

Reference books are also on the shelves for use in the library. Some items were purged due to wear and age. The 2016 circulation totals are as follows: 52 adult books, 72 children/youth books and 78 DVDs.

A golf cart was donated to the library for the purpose of selling it and the proceeds to go into the Library Designated Fund. These funds are to be used for updating the computer software and purchase of books and supplies. Income from the sale of the golf cart was $2,300. Expenditures were as follows: $19.50 for golf cart registration; $801.54 for software and update; $35 for books; $258.15 for shelf displays and computer printing supplies.

Because of the drastic decline in the use of the library items by adults, mainly fiction, a decision was made to re-purpose the library, focusing on the youth of our community which includes the After School Homework Center children. Fiction and biographies are being removed. Children, youth, non-fiction, reference books, Bibles, and DVDs will remain on the shelves.

There were no special library events held during 2016. Respectfully submitted,

Audrey Harvey

PASTORAL ASSISTANTS We are blessed to be able to extend our pastoral care to those who are homebound or hospitalized through the caring attention

of our Pastoral Assistants. At the heart of Martin Luther’s reform of the church was an understanding that the Holy Spirit works in all of us, and that each of us is gifted in unique ways to share in Christ’s mission for the sake of the world. Our Pastoral Assistants are gifted and trained in the art of compassionate care and have offered assistance to many in our congregation. Their work will augment the future work that will be provided as we raise up new Stephen Ministers in 2017.

We give thanks to Nurse Cindy Staggs, Terry Neary, Ellen Bookout, Dorothy Ritz, Marlin Besler, Deborah Mitchell, and Debbie Jones. If you are interested in discerning whether this is a gift that you might wish to share, please speak with Nurse Cindy or Pastor Al Cassel.

PRESCHOOL

The Preschool has finished 2016 with a profit of $15,868.90. We operated year-round with a summer school program and we were open through the weeks of Christmas vacation and spring break. Our parents are grateful for us being there for them when they are working. Our director Georgia Swing united the staff and church council into a team who worked hard to accomplish this goal. Working closely with the church council and the Preschool subcommittee the school has a new competitive tuition schedule that is working. The Council and the staff have also cut costs and come up with new creative ideas to continue to provide quality services for our children and their families.

The school staff, families, and the church have all worked together to provide a scholarship fund for families to send their children to Peace Lutheran Preschool. We currently have seven children receiving partial scholarships to help with their tuition. Once a month for almost a year staff, family, and church members have had dinner together at a local restaurant to fundraise for scholarships for Preschool students. A different restaurant hosts each month and provides a percentage of the evening’s sales to the Preschool in the form of a check. The school has received $1,205 to fund scholarships for our students. The fundraisers have


provided a monthly event for church and preschool families to come together for fellowship. Local businesses have also been made aware of Peace Lutheran Preschool, increasing community awareness without incurring any expense to the school.

The school has an active parent teacher group who meets once a month. This group of volunteers advises us on Preschool matters and plans and carries out special events and fundraisers. They are the coordinators of our two successful bake sale fundraisers.

The Preschool is continuing to strengthen bonds with the church. The Preschool participates in the Fall Festival and A Night in Bethlehem events. The school is also joining with Kimber Govett to work more closely together in VBS and the annual children’s drama. Many past and present Preschool families volunteer with us and attend these events. Some of our students at the Preschool have come to us through the church After School Homework Center and some of our families attend church and Sunday School. We are in the process of setting up a volunteer team in the school; it will be open to church members and families to spend volunteer time in the school.

We are continually updating our online information for parents and keeping our social media exciting and current. Visit our Facebook page to see pictures of the Preschool’s current weekly activities.

The school has four teachers and four teacher assistants. Each staff member has a prayer partner from the church who regularly sends cards and prays for them. We covet those prayers and love, as well as all the love and prayers from our Peace family. One of our goals is to become closer to our Peace family in the next year as well as strengthen and build Peace Lutheran Preschool. Thank you for supporting, loving, and praying for us.

In His love, Shirley Leistikow, Interim Preschool Director

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

This past year our theme was Challenged, Changing, Church! It was born out of our understanding that the church is indeed experiencing dramatic change and this leads to challenges as we adapt. Yet there is the confidence that the church is as much needed as ever and it is a gift that we offer to the world.

Our goal is for each family in this the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation for each giving unit to make it their goal to give $500 more. If we were each able to give $500 more the church would be able to make specific expansion in ministry. One would be our youth ministry and the ability to provide more support to our youth. Another would be to expand our children’s ministry through training of volunteers and the development of curriculum. Another would be to fund greater outreach into the communities we serve. Finally, we would make some much-needed investment into our campus.

We invite everyone to give generously, because we have a God who has generously given to us. We do not expect equal gifts from all, but we hope that all will give due consideration toward the value of this community that gathers to worship, but lives to serve.


WORSHIP & MUSIC

Peace continues to offer three services each weekend, each with their own style and culture. Saturday night is a simple service of spoken liturgy and hymnody that includes all the things we hold dear such as the Apostle’s Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and Communion. Our early morning liturgy includes the vocal leadership of our gifted choir and bell choir. The Praise Service continues to be led by one of our three bands as we celebrate God’s continuing vitality in his people. We are grateful for the leadership of Michael Miller, Stephen Smart, Mark Niemeyer, Karen Miller, Dwight Brewer, Michael English, Georgia Swing, Matt McNutt and all our volunteers.

This past year the choir performed their Easter and Christmas cantatas and they were well received. We invite anyone who would love to join in this 20-voice choir to come out on Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm for rehearsals.

The Bell Choir is a great way to make beautiful music for those of us who are not gifted with vocal talent. They meet at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays to rehearse.

Our praise bands are always interested in finding a place for musicians to make use of their talents. Just speak with Stephen Smart about the opportunity to try out.

Karen Miller has done a marvelous job of training our Sunday school children to not only make a joyful noise unto the Lord, but to appreciate the reason behind which they sing. We are grateful for her and her volunteers faithful service as they train up our youth.

This past year we continued to make use of the Narrative Lectionary (this is the fourth year). The Narrative Lectionary attempts to make a clear connection between the promise of the Old Testament and the grace revealed therein, with the fulfillment of this promise in the New Testament. The purpose is to see the over-arching sweep of God’s gracious activity throughout all the Bible and all of history. It is hoped that we can find our story in the midst of THE story.

Just a note, that at this time we are exploring options for the accompaniment of worship at the liturgical service. Our accompanist has concerns regarding the performance of the organ and we are evaluating what direction would be best as we move forward. We will seek to keep all informed and involved.

Submitted by Pastor Al Cassel


ANNUAL AUDIT

The annual audit of Peace Lutheran Church & School’s financial statements and supporting documentation was conducted on Saturday, February 6, 2017. The audit committee members are Georgia Hudak, Kathy Cameron, Kathy Neary, and Janet Atkins. A report of their findings can be found on Page 24 of this Annual Report.

25TH ANNIVERSARY – CAPITAL FUND FINAL REPORT The congregation was indeed generous in the fulfillment of our campaign to spruce up our church. $102,548 was given

as we were able to address several areas of concern. • Wereplacedthecarpetinthesanctuary,officesandtileintheNarthexaswellasconstructinganAVbooth.

DONE• Weupgradedourtechnologyacrossthecampuswithnewcomputersforouroffices,school,andhomework

center.DONE• Wereplacedinfrastructure,includingthereplacementoftheroofandmanyACunitsinourFellowshipHall

andEducationBuilding.DONE• Weaddedtoourpatioandprovidedlandscapinginfrontofthechurch.DONE• WemadeimprovementstoourEducationBuildingtoassistourPreschool.DONE• WereplacedcarpetingandupdatedourNursery.DONE• WetithedtoministriesandmissionsoftheEvangelicalLutheranChurchinAmerica.DONEAll projects and more were completed, except for the enclosure of the courtyard patio. This proved to be far costlier

than estimates we had received, and it was deemed to be too costly for the benefit received. We are grateful for grants received from Thrivent, the ELCA Mission Fund, and the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop

to assist us in our tasks. Over $110,000 was secured through grants and gifts. Many members of Peace have supported this endeavor through their gifts to Peace through Thrivent Choice.

At the end of 2016, the close of this account, we had remaining $35,170. There are two pending draws from this account prior to the close of the year. One is for our new projector in the Sanctuary, and the other is for permanent tables in the courtyard for our activities. These will reduce the account by approximately $10,000. This will leave a remainder of nearly $25,000, which will be placed in an unencumbered capital account for future projects of the church.

Thank you to the people of Peace for your generosity and support of the mission of this congregation.


2016 CHURCH FINANCIALS BY MONTH

TotalIncome TotalExpenses NetIncome YTDNet

Jan $67,925 $77,685 $(9,760) $(9,760)

Feb $57,636 $61,473 $(3,836) $(13,596)

March $56,137 $57,611 $(1,475) $(15,071)

April $65,514 $59,983 $5,531 $(9,540)

May $67,842 $61,577 $6,265 $(3,274)

June $52,023 $59,699 $(7,676) $(10,950)

July $76,492 $60,613 $15,879 $4,928

Aug $54,786 $58,060 $(3,275) $1,654

Sept $53,288 $81,666 $(28,377) $(26,724)

Oct $66,544 $65,318 $1,225 $(25,498)

Nov $56,304 $57,657 $(1,353) $(26,851)

Dec $88,012 $60,759 $27,254 $402

Total $762,504 $762,102 $402

$(40,000)

$(20,000)

$-

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

TotalIncome

TotalExpenditures

NetIncome

YTDNetIncome


2016 PRESCHOOL FINANCIALS BY MONTH

TotalIncome TotalExpenses NetIncome YTDNet

Jan $21,228 $22,516 $(1,288) $(1,288)

Feb $25,812 $18,820 $6,991 $5,703

Mar $27,955 $17,948 $10,007 $15,710

Apr $26,169 $20,797 $5,372 $21,082

May $23,640 $20,033 $3,607 $24,689

June $13,750 $18,120 $(4,369) $20,319

July $16,878 $17,116 $(238) $20,082

Aug $12,771 $17,315 $(4,544) $15,537

Sept $23,421 $31,285 $(7,864) $7,673

Oct $24,356 $21,032 $3,324 $10,997

Nov $24,825 $23,085 $1,740 $12,737

Dec $21,452 $18,320 $3,132 $15,869

Total $262,257 $246,388 $15,869 $15,869

$(10,000)

$(5,000)

$-

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

$35,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

TotalIncome

TotalExpenses

NetIncome

YTDNet


Peace Lutheran Church BALANCE SHEET As of December 31, 2016

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking Accounts

Checking - (Church) BNC Bank 35,009.32

Checking - (PS/Ed) BNC Bank 11,182.77

Total Checking Accounts 46,192.09

Savings Accounts

Savings - (Church) BNC Bank 43,844.89 Savings - Columbarium 39,213.30

CD's - BNC Savings 40,000.00

Thrivent Investment 52,258.15

Mission Plus Checking 35,820.02

Savings Accounts 211,136.36

Endowment Funds

ELCA Endowment Fund A 198,452.13

Endowment Mission Plus 1 Yr 16,714.00

Endowment Missions Plus 2yr 17,060.15

Endowment Money Market (9788) 4,721.06

Endowment Funds 236,947.34

Total Current Assets 494,275.79

Fixed Assets

Buildings & Land

Land 300,000.00

Buildings 1,455,000.00

Building Improvement 26,051.00

Buildings & Land 1,781,051.00

Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and Equipment 61,583.00

Vehicle/Bus/Trailers 15,757.61

Total Furniture and Equipment 77,340.61

Total Fixed Assets 1,858,391.61

TOTAL ASSETS 2,352,667.40

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Liabilities

Credit Cards 2,607.47 Columbarium Receipts 39,202.00 Payroll Liabilities 67.50

Capital Campaign Funds 60,044.96

Designated Funds 25,339.65

Total Liabilities 127,261.58

Equity

Equity Balance 2,225,405.82

Total Equity 2,225,405.82

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 2,352,667.40


Peace Lutheran Church 2017 MISSION SPENDING PLAN

DESCRIPTION 2015 Actual 2016 Plan 2016 Actual 2017 Plan

FAITH FUNDS Tithes & Offerings 668,775 700,000 687,984 720,000

Mission & Outreach 68,661 70,000 64,273 67,000 Misc. Income 22,658 22,800 10,248 20,000

TOTAL FAITH FUNDS 760,094 792,800 762,504 807,000 Reserve Funds - - -

TOTAL FAITH FUNDS + RESERVE 760,094 792,800 762,504 807,000

EXPENDITURES OUTREACH & BENEVOLENCE

Grand Canyon Synod 54,464 56,000 51,315 57,200 Mission Partners 17,400 18,000 17,775 18,400 Outreach 1,260 3,000 3,000 2,000 Misc Benevolences 30 1,000 1,000 200 Outreach & Benevolence 73,154 78,000 73,090 77,800

9.62% 9.84% 9.59% 9.64%

PROGRAM EXPENSES Worship & Music 20,998 31,050 21,128 29,400

Children & Family Ministry 17,876 21,000 19,418 26,000 Youth Ministry 9,614 12,800 8,761 13,500 Adult Ministry 1,215 3,000 1,101 2,500 Faith in Action 3,365 6,040 2,291 1,500 Mission Opportunities - - - -

53,070 73,890 52,699 72,900

GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES Administration 63,238 54,250 62,995 59,200

Building & Grounds 39,620 43,400 42,899 48,000 Utilities 33,649 34,750 37,593 36,200 Reserves

- - -

Bus 5,689 5,200 914 4,400 General Operating Expenses 142,197 137,600 144,401 147,800

WAGES & BENEFITS Pastoral Salary & Benefits 126,318 128,633 130,928 131,296

Staff Wages & Benefits 330,213 365,023 354,918 365,870 Contract Labor 6,878 8,500 6,067 7,000

Total Wages & Benefits 463,410 502,156 491,913 504,167

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 731,830 791,646 762,102 802,667 TOTAL INCOME 760,094 792,800 762,504 807,000

28,264 1,154 402 4,333


Peace Lutheran Preschool 2017 MISSION SPENDING PLAN

DESCRIPTION 2015 Actual 2016 Plan 2016 Actual 2017 Plan

EDUCATION INCOME Registrations 11,080 12,000 10,148 10,500

Tuition 201,723 210,000 228,555 250,000 Extended Day Programs 2,767 2,700 4,478 3,300 Donations & Fundraisers 14,701 16,200 19,076 22,200

Education Income 230,272 240,900 262,257 286,000 Reserve Funds - - -

TOTAL EDUCATION INCOME + RESERVE 230,272 240,900 262,257 286,000

EXPENDITURES Administration 11,071 10,168 12,062 15,000

Student Expenses 5,747 5,450 5,093 9,200 Insurance 1,131 1,900 1,474 2,000 Building & Grounds 2,780 1,850 4,891 6,600 Utilities 7,620 7,000 7,215 8,500 Staff Wages & Benefits 189,496 195,208 193,022 212,254 Support Staff Wages & Benefits 25,748 22,085 22,631 27,000 Expenses 243,593 243,661 246,388 280,554

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 243,593 243,661 246,388 280,554 TOTAL INCOME 230,272 240,900 262,257 286,000

(13,322) (2,761) 15,869 5,447

2016 ADDITIONAL MISSION OUTREACH AND DONATIONS Peace Lutheran Church is blessed with a wonderful Congregation. They help the church achieve our mission by their

generous donations of their time, talents, and treasures. Your contributions supported the special programs and ministries listed below. They are all above and beyond those included in the Mission Spending Plan.

• Souper Bowl of Caring: $1,316, donated to the local food pantry. • Lenten Offering: $5,427 donated to Pan De Vida Lutheran Church. • Thanksgiving Offering: $1,868 split between ELCA World Hunger and Food Bank. • Youth Ministry: received almost $5,000 in donations and from Thrivent Choice Dollars used to support activities. • Child and Family Ministry: almost $1,000 used to support VBS and other special activities. • Loaves and Fishes Ministry: contributions of almost $1,800 used to pack thousands of meals • for local food banks. • Social Concerns received contributions of over $2,000, used to support Grace Church Pancake Ministry, St John’s Food

Pantry, local service for the homeless, and various worldwide needs. • Over $1,000 in emergency assistance provided to individuals or families in need. • Barnyard Ministry Program received almost $2,000 to donate to this concern. • Habitat for Humanity received donations of almost $1,000 Your additional contributions supported all these extra ministry services to our local and worldwide community. Peace is

blessed to have such generous and caring members.


TREASURER’S REPORT Peace Lutheran Church

Peace is blessed to have a wonderful, caring and supportive congregation. Your support throughout the year and especially in December helped the Church finish the year with a net income of $405. This was the second consecutive year we finished with a positive balance. This allows us to maintain and rebuild our reserves that have helped support our ministries the last few years.

Peace is also blessed with a talented, hardworking, and creative staff. The program staff continues to expand our ministry programs while keeping expenditures consistent with last year. The designated contributions, gifts, and grants that help support these programs are much appreciated. The administrative and operations staff kept expenditures consistent with prior years even as the cost of supplies and services continue to rise. The increase over budget was due to unanticipated expenditures for contracting bookkeeping, increased rates for workers’ compensation and technology needs. Our facility in excellent condition and this year we made significant improvement in our landscaping and parking lot as well as less visible projects on our three buildings.

The 2017 budget increases the allocations for Outreach and Benevolence and for Program Ministries to expand the reach of our Mission. This allows us to share Christ with ever greater numbers of individuals in our Congregation and our community. The budget also demonstrates concern for our staff with small increases for all staff members recognizing their efforts to support our Mission and maintain our facilities.

We know the congregation believes in our Mission and recognizes its importance in today’s world. Your participation, comments, and support show that you value our ministry programs. This budget is designed to increase our ministry outreach while maintaining essential services. All our programs and services rely on contributions from the Congregation. The 2017 budget projects a small (1.7%) increase in total contributions. We appreciate the ongoing support of the Congregation and look forward to working together to continue to share Christ with the world and grow disciples for Jesus. Peace Lutheran Preschool

Congratulations to the Preschool staff and leadership as they ended the year with positive balance for the first time in many years. The Net Income of $15,869 reflects a significant improvement in the financial operation of the Preschool. We anticipate the Preschool program continuing to operate at a fiscally positive level, providing a quality program and replenishing the Church reserves that were used to cover operating losses.

In 2017 the Preschool plans to repeat the positive results of early 2016 throughout the entire year. The trend of losses in the summer was reduced this year but still puts a drain on the overall budget. Council is working very closely with the Preschool and Advisory Team to stay within, and ideally exceed, this budget. We have already developed a new tuition schedule and operating schedule that began this fall with positive results.

The Preschool Director and staff recognize the keys to success are increased enrollment and maintaining staffing levels that are balanced to enrollment and income. Council will continue to work with the Preschool staff and monitor finances to ensure we continue in a positive direction. We recognize that the Preschool is an outreach ministry of our Church and desire it to have long and successful future. Working together we will strive to achieve that goal.

Please note some totals do not add correctly. This is due to rounding error adjustments.

Respectfully submitted, John Prinz, Council Treasurer


2017 OUTREACH AND BENEVOLENCE

Mission Partners

Campus Ministry – UA/ASU/NAU $ 4,140 Desert Streams Lutheran – Surprise $ 1,200 ELCA Missionaries: Rev. Kristin Engstrom $ 1,800 Haitian Timoun Foundation $ 800 Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) $ 1,200 Lutheran Social Ministry of the Southwest (LSM-SW) $ 3,000 Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) $ 2,400 Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center $ 1,200 Total Mission Partners $15,740

Synod Contributions

Grand Canyon Synod $57,200 ELCA World Hunger $ 2,000 Social Concerns $ 3,000 Pastoral Care Resources $ 1,000 Total Synod Contributions $63,200

Total 2016 Outreach & Benevolences $78,940 This represents 10.14% of budgeted income for General Giving & Mission Outreach.


Nominations to Congregational Council For the Term March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2019


Nominations to Congregational Council (continued) For the Term March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2019


Documents

0 Annual Report 2016 - peaceaz.org