2016ANNUAL REPORTS

Annual ReportsFirst Church of God

January 8, 2017

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

PASTORAL REPORT

I cannot believe it is already 2017. It seems like the year has just flown by. The excitement that we feel about 2017 however, far outweighs that wonderment. It is as if God is ready to break through. It reminds me of the passage in Genesis 38 which talks of the birth of Perez. In Hebrew, the name Perez, roughly translates as to break forth. It seems that when Judah and Tamar gave birth to him that he broke forth into this world. I look for the time when God once again breaks forth not only in our congregation but also this community. As far as the future, we do not know what the future holds for us personally but we do know who holds the future and God also holds our hands.

My greatest gratitude and humbleness appreciation must first go to the Holders. Many times, I have felt that I am Solomon to his David. David in the scriptures laid the foundation for the temple by acquiring the resources and training the people in order for Solomon to build it. Bro. Holder has laid deep foundations in this church that God is now bringing forth.

This year of 2016 has been an eventful year for this congregation. We have had over 176 visitors to our services. The Holy Spirit has been present in our midst and evident. We always need his constant presence!

But 2016 has been an eventful year in Mine, Ami and Annie’s life as well. We moved into our new home on Rose St. which has enabled us to host several church fellowships as well as training and services. I also graduated with my Master’s in Divinity and have enjoyed some much needed rest from schooling. Ami has become our prayer minister and is really being used of God to minister to our ladies. And Annie is now being homeschooled and is growing into her teenage years.

I have continued this year to do those extra church related ministries as I officiated or assisted in seven funerals or memorial services: Jim Irving, (June), Tina Wilburth (September), Rev. Elmer Wolford (September), Alfred White, Sr (October), Meredith Reus (November), Jason Gibson (December), and Charles Fuller (December). I also had the privilege to precede over three weddings, Jim and Jennifer Taylor (January), Dustin and Kara Combee (June) and Joe and Kayleigh Strehle (November). I also had the honor of a baby dedication (Elayna Jo).

I also continued this year teaching Sunday School as well as beginning life groups weekly (Burgers and Bibles) as well as leadership training. I am looking forward to next year with the continuing of both of these. I also met monthly with our state leadership for training and fellowship in our monthly cluster as well as with a team of great coaches who continue to pour into me.

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

This has again been a good year for the finances of the church as we have finished under budget. We were able to pay off the property as well as several other items. The narthex was remodeled. Looking at the report of our Treasurer, we find that we have given a total of $128,970.81 and that means our giving averaged $2480.21 each week. When we divide our weekly giving by our average Sunday Morning attendance (93) we find that we have given at an average of $26.67 per person per week. This does not count all of the special projects the various persons have funded. This is tremendous and we give God ALL THE GLORY for it. Take a look at the averages for the last 15 years.

Year S. School M. Worship E. Worship W. Evening Giving/Person2001 34 75 37 20 $27.462002 34 75 35 22 $25.182003 43 85 42 25 $26.982004 41 86 43 20 $26.492005 38 79 37 15 $26.042006 41 85 40 23 $29.682007 43 87 43 28 $28.182008 55 98 57 48 $26.492009 53 94 51 52 $29.722010 47 90 58 61 $33.372011 62 104 61 91 $34.302012 58 104 57 102 $32.672013 42 82 52 76 $39.622014 51 101 52 74 $30.21 2015 51 90 62 66 $34.572016 52 93 46 68 $26.67

Not one of us has any concept of what this New Year will bring. We may be in heaven before the year is over because Jesus has come back or we just went to be with him. We don’t have any idea what circumstances we might face, but this one fact is sure. We can go into the year 2017 with our hand safely holding on to the hand of God, for He is already in the New Year.

Respectfully Submitted,James Irving, Pastor

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

It has been my honor and pleasure to serve on the Board of Trustees for the last 5 years and as its chair for the last 3 years. I would like to thank all those who have served alongside me on the board. We have been challenged in many ways to use the finances God has given us to keep our church and grounds looking good and functional.

I would like to report that the board of Trustees has been honored to serve the congregation for this last year. God has richly blessed by the support we have received from all of you that have been involved in the improvements all around our church. Many have given of their time and labor as well as their finances which allowed us to do what has been done to improve the appearance of our church. Things like replacing the carpet in the office with new carpet, replacing the carpet in narthex with ceramic tile, painting the offices and narthex. We were also able to replace all the toilets in the restrooms with new high rise, low water use ones. The shrub beds around the church are almost complete with new boarders and river rock adding to the beauty of the outside area. We would like to thank all who have given so much so our church can look as good as it does.We also realize that there is more to be done to bring our church to where all the work that is needed can be completed. Some of the projects that are on the table for next year are; 1st, and most important is the sewer system being tied onto the city system. Approximate cost $30,000. Replace the carpet in the Sunday school hall with tile (we already have the tile, thin set, grout needed) balance needed to install $500. Re-surface and re-line entire parking lot and widen entrance by 5 foot. Cost $3,200, bid in hand. Finish the rock in shrub beds at back of church. Approximate cost $275. Pressure wash and paint church, estimate being obtained.

Please continue to pray for the Board as they work diligently to use what God blesses us with for His Glory and Honor. The Boards prayer is that ALL will come to the reality that it takes ALL our tithes and offerings put together to allow the church to do what God has challenged us to do 

Respectfully Submitted,2016 Chairman Board of Trustees – George Van Hassel

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE

Looking back over the past year, giving thanks for our Sunday School Teachers, Bible Study Leaders and different types of Life Sharing Groups. We have 2 Senior Adult Classes in which Garry Dolin and George Van Hassel, the Teachers of each, demonstrated dedication in preparation for teaching and sharing the Lessons for increased Spiritual growth and Bible knowledge, there is always more to learn, no matter our age. Another class was taught by Pastor James, for younger Adults to assist them in growing and learning more about the Bible and how to apply the lessons of living day by day as followers of Jesus Christ.  We also had 2 Youth classes led by Rex Cook and Dustin Combee to instruct and lead them into knowledge of the Bible and share God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ and how to live day by day regardless of problems and pressures they face.  We have one children's class in which Tonya Guzaliak has been teaching and demonstrates dedication and preparation to assist them in learning the teachings and stories of the Bible. For a few months at the beginning of 2016, we had a teacher for the younger children, Fonda. We owe a great big "Thank you" to all these teachers.  We also have Kayleigh working with Children's Church. Her heart is into leading children.We have many other Groups available- Ladies Bible Study, Men's Bible Study, various Life Groups for different ages and interests for personal and Church Growth.  We have different areas for involvement and we give thanks for all these and the Leaders of them.  The last 2 Quarters of the Sunday School year our Children's teacher, Tonya and Pastor James tried a new curriculum, which they like.  This was developed so parents andtheir children could learn and share lessons together and improving their communication with each other.

For 2017, we look forward to the continuation of the Classes and Groups we have, with some additional goals which include but not limited: 

Teacher for the younger childrenAssistance with children and Youth ProgramsIncreased Sunday School attendanceAdditional Life or Sharing Groups as needed for reaching more people in the ChurchBible Study Groups for Spiritual growth for differing levels of Christian maturity.

I give thanks for the different ministries of our Church and would like each of us to seek God's will and be obedient to God's Plan for our Ministry. After all, Jesus was all about teaching and guiding others to follow Him as God's only Son, the only way to salvation and eternal life with God.

Respectfully submitted Johnnie Van Hassel, Director

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

YOUTH MINISTRY

This year was an awesome year for First Church of God Eustis Youth. Being my first year as official Youth Pastor I have grown and learned so much. Not only that, but have been able to minister to many youth and have been able to see many lives changed. It was a great year and God has definitely taken us through some things. But in the mist of it we've had a lot of fun and built some great relationships with one another.

January: We focused on the transition of me taking over as Youth Pastor.

February: I took over as Youth Pastor and began to adjust and experiment on methods to minister with incorporated themes for our services.  

March-May: Focused on going through the bible and learning the basics of Christianity and what the entire Word is even about. We had some fun with small activities outside the church like our afternoon in the park trips or bowling and skating. We also were working on raising money for Summer Camp through our Fish Dinners.

June: This was an awesome month because it was the month we got to go to Summer Camp. We took around 20 youth and had an incredible time. Had some older teenagers commit to starting leadership.

July-October: Saw a little decrease in number of youth in our group. Mostly due to the time of the year, but also I believe God was trying to chisel down our numbers to youth who were actually serious about following Jesus. Started going through the book of Matthew and showing Jesus' life and his teachings to us and to show us what it means to be a Christian and how to live. These months we also started up our Home Services and those have been great. 

November: This month we started our Fish Dinners back up again. We also had SYC which is a big deal for our group. Had lots of fun and saw lots of lives changed. Also, we had some change in leadership.

December: Ending the year off with an awesome month filled with messages of the reason for the season and some fun parties. We added some new leadership to our group. Also, we had a super fun Lock-In New Year’s Eve.

This is all that has gone on in our youth group this year. It's been a great transition and starting place for where I believe God wants us go. I thank everyone who has helped in a physical, financial, or spiritual way. You are a big part of this youth group. We are super excited for this next year. Thank you and God bless.

Respectfully Submitted,Bro. Dustin Combee, Youth Pastor

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

The year 2016 has been a very challenging, yet rewarding year for our Children's Ministry. Below are some if the events that took place in 2016 regarding our Children.

-February 14th Mrs. Tonya's class Valentines Day Party-Feb 14th Youth & Children Park & Hearts-February 26th Children's Drive In Movie-March 20th Youth & Children Movie Day-March 26th Children's Easter -August 1-7 VBS and Day Camp-October 31st Halloween Party-November 24-25 Kids Lock In-December 18th Tonyas class Children's Christmas Party-December 18th Children's Christmas

This year my goals are to to seek a teaching area fully dedicated to our children (ages 5-7 & 8-11), to recruite willing volunteers to work in our nursery program and help teach our kids on Sunday Morning and Wednesday nights with an upper and lower elementary class. We have also been hard at work on preparing the nursery to be a safe and enjoyable area for our younger children and babies (ages 0- 5 years). To begin with excellence we need to continue to build a strong and sturdy foundation on which our kids can lean on. We've experienced a time of waiting and trusting God in many areas to do something big and I believe that he has been preparing us for this time. A time to flourish in our Children's ministry and strive to do it with excellence, not only for our church but to ultimately advance Gods kingdom.                                                                                              

Respectfully submitted,

Kayleigh Whitesides

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

CHURCH COUNCILThe Church Council attempted to meet once each month this year to plan and promote the ministry of the church and to give guidance to various activities. This next year we will begin meeting weekly for prayer and planning.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW:JANUARY: On January 3rd, we held our Annual Business Meeting and Carry-In Dinner and on January 8the WCG held its Roast Beef/Baked Chicken Dinner. On January 9 th we had our annual All Ministries council. The Eustis Gospel Sing was held in our building on January 15 and Dane Bailey was here for a concert and auction on January 31.

FEBRUARY: February 7 we enjoyed a concert with the Mattingly Family. The WCG Roast Beef/Baked Chicken Dinner was held on February 12. On Saturday Evening, February 14, couples enjoyed a Valentine outing at Olive Garden. The Dartts were in concert on the 21 as well as installing Dustin as our youth pastor. MARCH: The Jacob Brothers shared in concert on Sunday Evening March 6 with a Gideon speaker that morning. We had the last Roast Beef/Baked Chicken dinner on March 11. On Sunday Evening, March 20 we enjoyed a Concert with Wine Family. The Fish Fry Dinner was held on Friday, March 18 Holy Week began with Palm Sunday on the 20 followed a wonderful Easter the next week.

APRIL: On April 3 Barbara and Doris shared in a concert. But the highlight of this month was Bro. Ron and Barbara’s retirement diner. It was a wonderful time and it was an honor to celebrate their 40 years of ministry here. MAY: Our ladies enjoyed a Mother/Daughter Banquet on Thursday, May 7 th and Our men hosted the Mother’s Day breakfast for our ladies on May 8. We enjoyed a Concert with the Gibbs Family on May 1 and with the Vander Veens on May 15. On May 29, our ladies led in our annual Spiritual Birthday Celebration and Linger Longer. Also, May 29 was our Sunday to remember those who passed away during the last year:

JUNE: Our ladies fixed breakfast for the men for Father’s Day on Sunday (19 th). Sunday evenings, June 5 & 19 we enjoyed a concerts with the Pure Heart and the Crossfire Quartet. After Youth Camp, on Sunday, June 26 we witnessed another baptismal service.. Pastor James started a series of messages entitled “Crazy Faith, the life of Abraham”

JULY: We held a Patriotic Service on Sunday, July 4 with Garry Dolin speaking. On Sunday Evening, July 10th, we enjoyed our annual Talent Night with many of our church family persons participating followed by the Ice Cream Social. The McMillian Family held a Concert on Sunday Evening, July 4.

AUGUST: Our VBS was held August 1-5 with the VBS program on Sunday, August 7th.. The Groves Family sang a concert on Sunday Evening]. Pastor James continued his summer messages on Crazy Faith..

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

SEPTEMBER: We enjoyed Sunday Evening, September 11 with “a Night of Hymn Praise”. The New Floridians sang in our monthly Concert series on September 18th. We started our home services on the 4th Sunday night of the month.

OCTOBER: . There was a Pastors Wives Appreciation Luncheon on Sunday, October 8 th. We held our monthly concert on October 2 Trust in Him. We had a church wide picnic on October 23 at Brother Don Mckenzie’s home and we ended the month with a home service..

NOVEMBER: The State Youth Convention was held in Orlando. November 6 th was our Veterans Day Service with Lt. Col. Garry Dolin speaking November 6 was our monthly concert Hearts of Faith were with us. On November 20, we enjoyed our annual Church Family Thanksgiving Dinner and finished the day with an afternoon service.

DECEMBER: December 4th the Bynum’s were in concert and on the 11 th the Irvings had their annual Open house.. Our children had a special Sunday with activities in the afternoon and a Service with Saint Nick (Rob Baird) 0n the 18th. The WCG held their first Roast Beef/Baked Chicken Dinner was held on December 9th On Sunday Morning, December 25, by a we enjoyed a Christmas Breakfast which was followed Christmas Service that included receiving our Christ’s Birthday Offering with over $2200 being given. Our Candles and Carols service was enjoyed by all who came on December 21. We had a lovely time of celebration on December 23 at our Christmas Dinner at Blackwater Inn. We ended the month with year end Prayer time of December 31.

APPRECIATION: When we have as many people involved in the ministry of this congregation as we do, it becomes difficult to hand out bouquets of appreciation and not miss someone. But each person, in his or her own way, has contributed to our worship experiences or our ministries. Thanks go those who have chaired the worship services, those who have spoken or prayed, those who have led the music or played the instruments, those who have sung specials or sung in the choir, those who have cared for children in the nursery or Children’s church, those who have ushered or assisted with the P.A. system, those who have served as greeters, those who have scheduled the greeters, and those who have greeted visitors on their own. All of you have contributed to the end that we have had one tremendous year.

COUNCIL MEMBERS: Those who have served on the Church Council this year include: Dennis Davis, Theresa Davis, Jane Hayes, Harry Guzaliak, Rob Kinnan, Ami Irving, Johnnie Van Hassel, Les Slauter, Pastor George Van Hassel, Dustin Combee, Christopher Fulton and Kayleigh Whitesides, Jerry Walter, and Pastor James Irving

Respectfully submitted,James Irving, Chairman

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH OF GOD(CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION)

Our ladies’ ministry (WCG) was blessed financially this past year. We sent support to silent Blessings (a deaf ministry), 3 children abroad, Agape Ministries in Eustis, and Linen Chest (supply personal needs of missionaries). We hosted the Spiritual Birthday Celebration (donation to national office) and participated in the Christ Birthday Offering. We helped buy the tile for the kitchen floor and are in the process of buying new table coverings. We also provided financial aid to members of our church family who were in need. Although we had the Baked Potato Luncheon in April, Fruit, etc. Bar in August, and Soup and Salad Luncheon in September, the majority of our funding came from the roast beef dinners. All praise and glory to God for his financial blessings!

We hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in July, inviting ladies from ours and other church families. We had an enjoyable afternoon with some of our guys participating in a fashion show for us. We also hosted a dinner at Olive Garden for our pastors’ wives. We thank God for these times of fun, laughter, and fellowship.

Our goal for 2017 is to build stronger relationships between all ladies in our church family from the oldest to the youngest so that each one will know they are useful in God’s work. We also want to encourage the building of relationships with others outside of our church family so that if they do not know Christ, they will be drawn to Him.

Plans are to start a card ministry, establish regular nursing home visits, visit those we no longer have at our services due to health problems, set up in-home visits with ladies who are not part of our church family. If we remain in the will of God, we know that he will enable and bless our undertakings. We do not want to shine so that others can see us, but to shine so that through us others can see Jesus.

We wish each of you peace, joy, and happiness this year. God bless you!

Respectfully Submitted,Jane Hayes, President

Our current officers are:President: Jane Hayes Vice President: Shirley RowenSecretary/Treasurer: Barbara Holder Devotions: Johnnie VanHasselMembership/Enlistment: Miriam Stephens and Lynn SlauterPrograms/Event Coordinator: Sarah Aleshire

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

WORSHIP ARTS

The future looks bright as we move into 2017. We want to usher in an atmosphere of praise and worship. As the church grows, I am excited to be the one God has blessed to lead you into a heart of worship.

Music Dept.We are blessed to have Barbara and Doris on our piano and organ and Barb

Mashman has joined our team. I want to thank them for their continued service and obedience to the Lord. We will be building our Praise Band as those called to play arrive and we grow!

Sound/VideoI want to thank Rob Kinnan for the great job he is doing over our sound and video

department, and especially Jeremie and Sarah Aleshire who are always here and ready to operate the equipment when needed. They have a servant’s heart! We will be training those who are called in this area too.

ChoirI will be sending out a notice soon on when we will be building our choir as God

leads those who have good vocals and want to sing praises to the King. I know you are out there! I hear you singing every Sunday.

Drama TeamThis area is especially exciting. I will be putting together a team soon to do skits

and plays to music and to act out (speak) parts later. This area is special. There will be songs that touch the heart of God and the congregation.

I will be looking forward as we march into the battle with the Lord leading us to victory and as our worship and praise teams grow!

Respectfully submitted,Bro. Jerry Walter, Worship

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

2016 Actual Expenses and Proposed Budget 2017

Staff Support 2016 Budget 2016 Actual Expenses

2017 Proposed Budget

Pastor Holder 8616 8616 0Pastor Irving Total 46420/40444 40,444 Salary 17,936

Housing 17,000Travel 3500

Insurance 8000Retirement 4200

Youth Pastor 9100* 9100 10400Worship Leader 4550* 4550 5200

Children’s Director 2600Custodian Gross 6094.49 7800

SS Withheld 411.51Custodian Total 6,506 5595.72Social Security

(Paid 2 yrs.)500 459

Assoc. Pastor (George)

1200 1200

Staff Support Totals 82198/75952

69964.72 77836

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

Church CouncilConventionAllowance

1000 0 1500

Discipleship ComSS Curriculum 2000 1423.17^ 2000

Leadership Training 0 225 250

Youth Ministries ^OP/Supplies ^ 700

Mentoring Develop 300SYC

Children’s Ministries(Nursery, CC, Wed PM)

^

OP/Supplies 450 1000VBS 100 12.94^ 1000

Curriculum ^ 625

Men’s Ministry 300Men’s Life Groups

Women’s Ministry 300Women’s Life Groups

Fellowship Com. 6500 3623.79^ 4000

Music/Drama/VideoBatteries/Supplies @ 350

Operational 500 71.92^ 500Pulpit Supply (including

Concerts)100 500

Ushers/GreetersVisitors/Gifts/Follow up 500

Living Link 960 880 960

Church Council Totals

11610 6236.82 14785

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

Board of TrusteesOffice 4282.31^

Newsletter 2608 1000Supplies 4392 1000Postage 1436 600Copier 4200

Bldg. & Prop. Main. 4518Designated 3500 3037.95 3500

SpecialSupplies (bulbs, etc) 1400

InsuranceBuilding 12000 11620.09 12000

Vehicle (Bus/Van) 1300 1723 2000Workman’s Comp

(6/7 Person’s)1000 1520 1000

UtilitiesWater 600 645.85 1000

Electricity 7500 6416.48 7500Telephone 1900 2066.72 1900

Trash Pick Up 300 264.76 300

Lawn MaintenanceLawn Co 3400 2640 3400

Dennis Davis(fuel and maintenance)

1200 1200

Vehicle ExpenseBus/Van Fuel 5000 1660.83 2500

Bus/Van Maintenance/Repair

2500 1610.13 2500

Janitorial Supplies 1200

SavingsCapital 2% - 2622.74 3% -

3934.11

Board of TrusteesTotals

53640.74 38324.12 52134.11

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

OutreachChog Ministries

Budget6556.85 6347.07 7237.76

Chog Special Offerings

Fl Chog Ministries 3278.43 3173.85 3618.88Warner University 3278.43 3173.85 3618.88Special Offerings

ConcertsBenevolence

ChildrenYouth

FlooringAgape

Outreach Totals 13113.71 12694.77 14475.57Total

Expenses/RequestsStaff Support 82198/75952 69964.72 77836

Church Council 11610 6236.82 14785Board of Trustees 53640.74 38324.12 52134.11

Outreach 13113.71 12694.77 14475.51Total 160562.45

154316.45127320.43 159230.62

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2016ANNUAL REPORTS

BALLOT FOR 2017 OFFICERS on January 8, 2017

Vice Chairman of the Corporation (Vote for 1) (One Year Term)_____ George Van Hassel_____ Les Slauter

To Be Ratified By the CorporationCorporation Secretary (One Year Term)

Sarah Aleshire _______Yes ______ No

Church Treasurer (One Year Term) Jane Hayes _______Yes ______ No

Discipleship Chairman (One Year Term)Johnnie Van Hassel ______ Yes ______ No

Board of Trustees (Vote for 4)Two Regular Terms (Three years) - Highest And 2nd Highest

Number of votes1st Alternate (One year term) - 3rd Highest Number of

votes2nd Alternate (One year term) - 4th Highest Number of votes

_____ Jeremie Aleshire_____ Ronald Holder_____ Barbara Mashman_____ Melanie Brooks_____ Rex Cook_____ ____________________ _______________

BUDGET VOTE:_____ Yes, I approve of the 2017 Budget as proposed._____ No, I do not approve of the 2017 Budget as proposed.

Reasons (If desired)________________________________

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