2011 Annual Report

Dear Members:

This year has been a busy one as we have gathered together in worship services, Bible studies, educational and fellowship opportunities, and in small and large group discussions. Even amidst the financial uncertainty of our times, we have supported local and worldwide missions with our generous financial contributions as well as many “hands on” volunteer hours. I have had the privilege of attending all of the Ministry Board Meetings at some point throughout the year and am amazed at the commitment and dedication of their members on our behalf. I hope you will read through their reports and learn about all the various activities and programs here at Community Church. We are an active and engaged congregation!

Our challenge this year has been to continue to support the ministries, programs, activities, music, and worship experiences at the same high caliber we have come to expect, while still in the midst of economic uncertainty. Staff and leadership have been committed to keeping expenditures within budget without sacrificing our various ministries and mission of the church. We have been successful in this endeavor and actually spent less than was budgeted. Nevertheless, we continue to rely on the pledges of our members as well as our general offering to provide the revenue for our “operating budget.” Please familiarize yourselves with the operating budget and support the church's ministries and programming.

This year we recognized the need to address structural repairs and renovations to our Grace Chapel. Cracks in walls, mold and mildew, water intrusion, rotten wood, and a bowing chancel floor necessitated the immediate attention or the Chapel could no longer be used. The historic sacred space has long been utilized for early morning worship service, and for more intimate celebrations and gatherings such as weddings and funerals. Leadership felt compelled to move forward and preserve the sacred space for generations to come. Repairs and renovations are currently underway. It is our hope the work will be completed this spring.

A Ministerial Search Committee was formed this fall after learning of Carol Trax's plans to retire the end of April 2012. The search committee reviewed several resumes and interviewed two highly qualified candidates. An offer was extended to Joel Reif, Senior Minister of First United Church of Christ in Orlando, Florida. Joel and his wife, Cindy, accepted the offer and will be joining us on Feb. 1st. Please extend a welcome to them as we embrace them into our church community.

I would like to express my gratitude to the entire staff here at Community Church. They work tirelessly on our behalf, serving our members and the community. I would also like to thank all of the board members and their chairs, as well as all of you who have volunteered, financially supported the church, or just reached out to one another or to a member of our community. A special thanks to outgoing Member-at-Large, Tom Richards, outgoing Treasurer, Bill Vallar, and outgoing clerk, Kim McCorrison. Dedicated staff, leaders, and the members of our congregation keep our vision and mission of Community Church alive and active!

May God continue to bless Community Church!

Jeannie Saver

Please click HERE to view/download the full Annual Report.

(For addendum to Mission's Report, click HERE)