2015 Annual Report - St. Anne`s in the Fields

Transcription

2015 Annual Report
February 28, 2016
St. Anne’s in-th e-F ields Episcopal Ch urch
Lincoln, Massachusetts
Table of Conte nts
Annual Meeting Agenda ...................................................................................................................... 3
Minutes of 2014 Annual Meeting ........................................................................................................ 4
Wardens’ Report .................................................................................................................................. 6
Rector’s Report .................................................................................................................................. 11
Assistant Rector’s Report................................................................................................................... 13
Music Director’s Report ..................................................................................................................... 14
Children’s Formation Coordinator’s Report ...................................................................................... 15
Treasurer’s Report ............................................................................................................................ 17
2016 Budget ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Nominating Committee’s Report ....................................................................................................... 22
Parish Organization ............................................................................................................................ 23
Commissions’ Reports
Adult Education .......................................................................................................................... 25
Community Life & Fellowship .................................................................................................... 28
Evangelism & Welcome.............................................................................................................. 29
Outreach..................................................................................................................................... 30
Pastoral Care .............................................................................................................................. 33
Property ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Stewardship ............................................................................................................................... 35
Worship ...................................................................................................................................... 36
Altar Guild .................................................................................................................................. 37
Church Service League ............................................................................................................... 38
Memorial Garden Committee ................................................................................................... 40
Ushers’ Guild .............................................................................................................................. 41
St. Anne’s Hymn ................................................................................................................................. 42
2015 Annual Mee ting Age nda
February 28, 2016
1.
Call to Order and Prayer
2.
Minutes from 2014 Annual Meeting held March 1, 2015
3.
Acknowledgement of Outgoing Vestry Members
4.
Nominating Committee’s Report
5.
Framing Comments
6.
Treasurer’s Report for 2015
7.
Stewardship Report
8.
Budget for 2016
9.
Rectory and Capital Campaign
10. Rector’s Report
11. Wardens’ Report
12. Questions and Answers
13. Adjournment and St. Anne’s Hymn
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Minutes of th e 2014 Annual Mee ting
March 1, 2015
The 2014 Annual Meeting of St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held in Flint Hall on March
1, 2015, after the 9:00 am service. Senior Warden Paul Hoffman called the meeting to order and The
Rev. Kate Malin offered an opening prayer.
The Minutes of the 2013 Annual Meeting were approved as written and the reading of the Minutes
was waived.
Kate acknowledged each of the outgoing Vestry members: Bob Curtiss, Eva Elder, Mary Kitses, Laura
Poisson and Carolyn Clark Pratt.
Nominating Committee Report: Sarah Hubbell, chair of the Nominating Committee, thanked her
fellow Nominating Committee members (Alex Chatfield, Cathy Gronewold, Al Rossiter, The Rev. Kate
Malin), then presented the slate for 2015:
 New members of the Vestry, three-year term: Peter Caswell, Kathie Dufromont, Deb
Howe, Fiona Stephenson.
 New member of the Vestry, one-year term: Lucy Chatfield.
 Diocesan Convention delegates: Nancy Torti, Gretchen Schuler, with Tricia Crockett as an
alternate.
 Concord River Deanery representatives: Elizabeth Creighton, Sandy Creighton, and Bob
Schudy.
 Continuing their terms:
 Officers: Paul Hoffman, Senior Warden; Jon Hart, Junior Warden; John McCluskey,
Treasurer; Anne Fulginiti, Clerk.
 Vestry members: Cheri Geckler, Cathy Gronewold, Anne Jones.
The slate was approved by majority vote.
Stewardship Report: Alex Chatfield reviewed highlights of the campaign as summarized in the 2014
Annual Report. Three broad patterns emerged: 1) the overall number of pledgers continued to
decline, 2) many individual pledgers continue to show an increasing level of financial commitment,
and 3) overall giving is static.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer John McCluskey presented highlights of the 2014 parish financial
results which are contained in the 2014 Annual Report. For 2014, the parish experienced an
operating deficit of $63,941, with income $33,518 below budget and expenses $11,129 above
budget, including unanticipated expenses for rectory maintenance. For 2015, Vestry has approved a
budget with a deficit of $51,000. For 2016, Vestry projects zero deficit. At year-end 2014, the Building
Fund and Parish Fund combined stood at $853,586. In addition, John thanked the members of the
team of parishioners who drafted the financial policies and planning procedures manual for Vestry
consideration.
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Report of the Rectory Steering Committee: Members of the Rectory Steering Committee presented
highlights of their work, summarized in the 2014 Annual Report. They reported on two efforts: first,
near-term remediation work done on the rectory. Second, a longer-term effort to create a path
forward to resolve the rectory. Steps have included a parish-wide meeting on the rectory, series of
small group discussions, a formal survey, and extensive meetings and analyses. The Committee
presented its initial conclusions to the Vestry in January 2015.
Rector’s Report: The Rev. Kate Malin acknowledged the many parishioners who are working so hard
to support the parish and its activities. Looking ahead, Kate is very excited and optimistic about
where the church is headed.
Wardens’ Report: Wardens Paul Hoffman and Jon Hart provided an overview of the state of the
parish, which is contained in the 2015 Annual Report. Some highlights of the discussion include:
 While containing expenses, the parish is experiencing a long-term structural mismatch
between expenses and income that has been building for some time. Vestry has agreed to
keep a significant deficit for 2015 and reach a balanced budget for 2016. Vestry will
engage in active discussions around pledging, new revenue streams, and costs.
 The discernment process around Outreach is ongoing.
 Parishioners Bob Curtiss and Pam Bartter were thanked for their tireless efforts in
managing our campus.
 A review process is ongoing to create a manual that will lay out financial policies and
procedures for the parish.
 The continued formation of young Christians in our parish is a vital part of our mission,
and the planning around teen formation is still being examined for a sustainable solution.
 Worship remains vibrant, with Sunday afternoon services being explored through the
launching of a Come & Grow series, plus Lenten contemplation and post-Easter
Maranatha gatherings.
There was a Q&A session in which attendees asked questions on the following topics:
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Finding a sustainable model for parish outreach
The review process to establish financial policies and procedures
Finding a sustainable model for parish teens
The timing of the rectory resolution
The meeting was adjourned, concluded with singing of the St. Anne’s hymn.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Hoffman, Senior Warden
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Warde ns’ Report
The parish has become increasingly confident and assertive about its size and its ability to deliver on its
mission.
During 2015, St. Anne’s showed itself to be active and dynamic. The worship experience is strong: the
preaching is superb, the choir is resilient and has really never sounded better, Sunday attendance is
stable and showing signs of growth, and Still your Soul offers our community a third worship service.
Christian formation continues to strengthen, with young children thriving in the catechesis program,
young adults being guided through the Jesus Project and Confirmation, and adult formation occurring
within re:Acts, and men’s and women’s study groups. Service in the community is rich and multilayered, with a wide range of parishioners taking on the responsibility to go forth and serve.
Flowing through all this - and no doubt an expression of the Holy Spirit - are the ever deepening
relationships among parishioners as we go about the work of the parish: from the Altar Guild, to those
discussing environmental policy, to those offering rides, to those thinking about the campus. As we
think about the business of the parish, we keep in mind that the parish becomes a parish not after we
deal with the issues in front of us, but through the process of working through the issues themselves. It
is this deep and continuing engagement by parishioners in the work of the parish that gives the
wardens particular confidence in the parish’s vitality.
Looking Back
Last year at Annual Meeting we talked a lot about a structural gap. We were seeing a long-term
mismatch between expenses and income which had been building for some time. The gap that was
making itself felt was in the order of $50,000, driven by the trifecta of 1) long-term growth in expenses
(in particular health care costs), 2) lack of growth in pledging, and 3) lack of diversity in revenue
streams. This structural gap had been hidden for years by prudent decisions regarding deferred
maintenance, staffing transitions and limited funding of programs. We had already experienced two
years of paying for significant deficits from our cash reserves, so we didn’t want to do that again.
So a year ago, Vestry and the parish faced a stark choice: we could immediately make drastic cuts, or
we could constrain costs and look to additional revenue streams. The Vestry chose the latter path as a
more prudent path to parish vibrancy. So how did we do?
On the expense side, the parish showed restrained spending in 2015, and actually reduced expenses by
$23,000 from the prior year. On the revenue side, the Gala brought in $91,000 and revealed how much
the parish believes in itself. In order to end the year without a deficit, we used a portion of the Gala
funds as they were intended to be used: of the $91,000 available, we used $20,000. So, for 2015 we
experienced a temporary reprieve in the deficit cycle.
Looking Ahead
The parish budget is dependent on pledging for the bulk of its revenue; pledging levels are of central
importance to the financial health of the parish. Pledges – the total number of pledges, overall dollars,
and average pledge – held steady from last year. Pledging for 2016 is at $533,000 - the same as last
year. Pledging for the parish for the past ten years has been generally moving within a range of
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$520,000 to $560,000.
For 2016, Vestry has adopted a budget that constrains growth in expenses:
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Compensation and benefits are held flat, surrounding a staff restructuring
Church programs and building and property maintenance rise to more typical levels
The diocesan assessment goes up $9000
We invest in the music program, by adding $9000 to the budget for choir section leaders
We otherwise constrain expenses, so that the overall gain in expenses over last year’s level is
2.7%.
The largest controllable cost increase is the increase in expenses for choir section leaders. Vestry made
the explicit decision to continue to invest in a part of the church that supports the worship experience
with the expectation of a positive impact on attendance and pledging.
Within revenues, we maintain pledging units and overall dollars, typical plate contributions, maintain
modest rent, maintain modest parish fund contribution, and have a second year using the cushion from
the Gala.
For the first time, Vestry budgets a limited use of restricted funds, i.e., cash gifts made by parishioners
or friends of the parish to be spent according to the donor’s specifications. These funds are not
endowment or capital reserves. The parish is obligated to spend the funds on a timeline that benefits
the parish and for the use for which they were designated. Of the $141,000 in non-Gala restricted
funds, the 2016 budget uses a small portion: $21,000. The purpose of each fund is directed at a line
item in the operating budget, namely outreach or music.
Putting all this together, for the second year in a row, the parish will show no deficit, but the structural
gap is still at work and will reassert itself in 2017 and 2018. The order of magnitude of this gap is
$60,000. Vestry is committed to resolving it in a way that will sustain parish vitality.
In taking on this structural gap, the wardens have been advocating a bit of a mindset change. For years
we’ve wrestled with a theoretical choice between being a pastoral church and being a program church.
Ten to fifteen years ago, the parish generally experienced average weekly attendance near 200. For the
past five years, the parish has experienced lower but stable attendance, with average weekly
attendance in the 160s (with notable growth in attendance during the fall season for the past two
years). The wardens’ approach is that we can fully inhabit the size that we are now as long as we can
come up with a way to sustain it in a vibrant manner.
To maintain vibrancy at our size, the wardens assert that the parish must do several things  Maintain a prudent level of expenses. A prudent level of expenses means continuing to
invest in our worship, clergy, programs and staff, and to maintain a level of staff support to
guard against burning out our clergy. (And we should note that, contrary to
recommendations from the diocese, we do not offer benefits to staff.)
 Enhance the pledging base. Attendance is the first building block here. Then we have to
continue to incorporate newcomers into the life of the parish, and help long-term pledgers
to fully inhabit their place in the pledging pyramid.
 Initiate new revenue streams. New revenue streams could take the form of a gala in a couple
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of years. A new stream for 2018 could take the form of ways of monetizing the building
itself. New income streams could come from a capital campaign for the endowment, or from
planned giving programs.
Vestry is focused for the coming year on implementing this combination of solutions which will make it
possible for the parish to maintain its vibrancy and resilience.
The Campus
2015 was a year that required the parish to address substantial capital needs of our church building.
The record winter snow and cold of 2015 caused extensive ice dams and water damage to the rectory
and church building. The damage included a collapsed bathroom ceiling at the rectory, a broken
window in the stairwell behind the choir, a bent metal railing at the outside rear of the church,
damaged clapboards, roof damage above the rear emergency exit, broken light fixtures and water
damage in several rooms of the church building. The damage totaled $23,190 and was covered by
insurance.
The church roof required replacement this year. The shingles used for the completion of the building
15 years ago were not long-lived. They have been replaced this past November with Certainteed
Landmark Premium shingles, guaranteed for 40 years. The roof replacement cost $167,000 and these
funds came out of the Building Fund.
Rectory and Capital Campaign
About a year-and-a-half ago, through a series of parish-wide group meetings and survey, the parish
provided a strong sense of its desires about the parameters of a potential rectory project. A devoted
group of parishioners then incorporated those parish desires into its own close analysis of the many
options to remedy the inadequacies of the existing building. This Rectory Steering Committee
presented two rounds of its analysis to Vestry – the first round last winter, and, after Vestry requested
further study, a second round this fall. We hope that you will join us in expressing appreciation to the
Committee for its successful work in preparing such a thorough analysis of the many options for Vestry.
Its clear thinking has made it possible for Vestry and the parish to move forward.
After considering the Committee’s recommendation and input from the parish as a whole, Vestry has
made the decision to test the capacity of the parish for a capital campaign focused on a major
renovation of the rectory. A key component of the decision to move forward with a test of financial
capacity is that the rectory project has been placed in the context of a broader effort around the
parish’s future.
Vestry has made the decision to test the capacity of the parish for a capital campaign to resolve the
rectory for the long-term. Teams of parishioners are actively working on the overall test and the
specifics of each of the components of a capital campaign.
The campaign has three primary components. We will create a long-lasting solution to the rectory
through a major rectory construction project, in a building that we can be proud of for the long-term.
We will enhance our ability to perform our ministries through needed capital improvements to the
sanctuary, the building infrastructure, and our campus. And by enhancing the endowment, we will be
able to increase our commitment to the long-term sustainability of our mission.
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You’ll be hearing much more about the Campaign in the months to come. As it comes into focus, the
Campaign will become a vehicle for community formation, providing a way for us to deepen our
relationships with each other, as we deepen our commitment to the parish.
Parish Governance
The financial affairs of the parish are governed by the Vestry, and managed ably by our Treasurer. For
many years, a group of devoted parishioners has worked behind the scenes to provide support and
continuity to our financial affairs. During 2014 this group presented the wardens with a proposal that
called for extensive and well-crafted policies and procedures around parish finances. The proposal
was well thought-out and comprehensive and raised considerable issues of parish governance.
During 2015, after several review cycles with the wardens to clarify the proposal’s impact on parish
governance, Vestry formally adopted a manual of financial policies and procedures which sets in
place a structure going forward. The primary functions of this structure are: investment management,
audit/control and financial advice. The role of investment management was immediately filled. The
roles of audit/control and financial advice are currently open, and will be filled as parishioners with
renewed energy step forward to inhabit these newly defined roles. The wardens thank the many
parishioners who engaged in the long and thoughtful review process to find an optimal solution for
the parish.
Discernment Around Church Programs
Conversation continued around how the parish can best provide meaningful programs in Outreach
now and in the future. Throughout 2015, Vestry member Anne Jones and The Rev. Daniel MacDonald
led extensive discussions on the continuous evolution of our parish outreach mission. Details about
our outreach programs and their continuing development can be found in the Outreach section of
this annual report.
The continued formation of young Christians in our parish is a vital part of our mission as a church. As
a community, we continue to look for ways by which we can fulfill this mission and duty. In 2015, a
summer mission trip was run by parents of St. Anne’s teens. The Jesus Project continued and Daniel
kicked off a continuing mentorship program which seeks to continue the relationship between
mentors and their confirmands beyond the confirmation years. Teen ministry is an area that
continues to be reexamined closely for sustainable solutions. It is strongly felt that we must include
teens in the mainstream life of the parish, including regular attendance at our morning worship
services.
There were numerous conversations and small group meetings around parish renewal during the
spring and summer. These conversations continue to help inform the evolution of church programs
and community life and worship.
Worship
Kate took a well-deserved sabbatical over the summer, and Daniel handily stepped in to guide the
parish.
Investments were made to enrich the worship experience. These were primarily in the area of music
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and are discussed in the 2015 and 2016 budget section of this report.
The previous year’s exploration of Sunday afternoon services through Come & Grow services received
loving support. Building on the learnings from that experiment, it was decided that a third service be
reinstated in the form of a new series – Still Your Soul. The new service has been warmly received and
attendance is growing with a combination of new parishioners as well as faithful attendees of the
morning services.
On a personal level, let us say how deeply moving we find the worship experience at St. Anne’s to be the engaging preaching, the fine music, the way Kate and Daniel are so intentional in presenting the
liturgy. All this is happening while surrounded by committed spiritual seekers. We find ourselves
increasingly grateful at being able to worship in your company.
Staff
We acknowledge the care and attention provided to the parish by our staff. Decades ago we were a
little parish where several volunteers did many things with minimal support. Today, as necessitated by
the size of our parish and the demographic changes of the last 20 years, we have a set of professionals
who ensure the vibrancy of St. Anne’s. We urge you to get to know them: Sarah, Jennie, Kristina, Beth,
Jack, and our new music director Jay. Together they share the duties of keeping our parish going.
Thank them. We are lucky to have them operating as a fine unit. We could not have a successful
parish without them.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ll take the time to read in detail about what is going on around the parish in the
Annual Report, and that you will join us in expressing your gratitude to the many parishioners working
behind the scenes to make St Anne’s what it is. It is our privilege to spend time with our fellow
parishioners, as well as with our clergy and staff. We see firsthand your talents, your love of the
parish, and your dedication to its work.
Paul Hoffman, Senior Warden
Jon Hart, Junior Warden
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Rec tor ’s Report
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you
may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 2:2
2015 was a year of renewal at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields. Renewal of creative energy as the parish
addressed its structural deficit with our successful “Hearth and Quest” Gala in March. Renewal of
responsible stewardship as our Rectory Steering Committee meticulously discerned how best to resolve
years of deferred maintenance and upgrade the rectory into a comfortable, safe and modern home.
Renewal of our spiritual formation through church programs such as re:ACTS, Still your Soul, the Jesus
Project, the Listening for God Lenten Program, Women’s Bible Study, the Moth Radio Hour, Men’s Bible
Study, and the Women’s Supper Club. And renewal in the form of my 14-week sabbatical, funded by
the Lilly Foundation, entitled “Embodied Prayer and the Art of Evangelism.” My sabbatical was
complemented by a parish renewal program that sought to address areas of estrangement in our
communities and consider how St. Anne’s might be an agent of healing in 21 st century New England
Christendom. All this is to say that St. Anne’s is alive with the spirit and determined to live into our
unique identity as a suburban MetroWest Episcopal destination church in the Diocese of Massachusetts
in 2016!
2015 saw more staffing changes as our wonderful Music Director Buffy Gray took a new job much
closer to her home. We welcomed Brian Jones to serve as our Interim Music Director from September
through January, while our Music Search Committee reviewed résumés and conducted interviews,
unanimously selecting the talented Jay Lane to join our permanent staff. Throughout this transition
year the parish was blessed to see an increase in choir members and a joyful spirit in worship.
Significant moments of St. Anne’s 2015 program year include the following:
 Our Hearth and Quest Gala was an unqualified success thanks to co-chairs Laura Poisson and
Cathy Gronewold and a marvelous team including Holly Kania, Maria Rose, Doug Stinson,
Laurie Flanagan, Anne Fulginiti, Tricia Crockett, Diane Pagano, Gary Poisson, Kristina
DeFrancesco, and Bruce Smith. We were thrilled to welcome our new bishop, the Rt. Rev.
Alan Gates, and his wife Tricia to the Gala, which raised over $90,000—almost twice its
original goal.
 Our Wednesday Lenten Soup Supper program expanded on last year’s interactive and
experiential focus with a new four-week program called Listening for God.
 St. Anne’s Summer CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) enjoyed a successful third
season.
 Our Climate Justice Ministry grew and expanded its program and witness.
 An Adult Inquirers’ Class was held in January.
 We enjoyed special liturgies for Holy Week, Easter, Blessing of the Animals, Rogation Sunday,
All Saints’ Fauré Requiem, Christmas Eve, and other feast days in our church calendar.
 We launched a new weekly 5pm Sunday worship service called “Still your Soul,” featuring a
rotating schedule of various types of contemplative prayer and music offered in our new side
chapel to the left of the chancel.
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
Teens Nina Haines and Anna Hubbell made a second pilgrimage to Taizé with Kate Malin
and pilgrims from churches in New York and Connecticut.
 We began a year-long study of the Book of Acts in September, meeting each Sunday at
the 9am forum hour.
 We held an instructed Eucharist at both morning services on October 25.
 The Gospel Love Tones blessed us with the gift of music November 22 as we dedicated
and blessed our 2016 pledges.
These are but a few of the ways we at St. Anne’s continued to be formed in faith and fellowship in
2015. Other signs of our new life in Christ include:
 The baptism of Stuart Wood Colhoun, grandson of Al and Selina Rossiter.
 The confirmations of Anya Elder, Sophie Conroy, and William Barton.
 The promise of resurrection as we celebrated the lives and mourned the deaths of Nancy
Daughn, Barton Skeen, Gunther Karl Oelgeschlager, Clifford Clark, Judy Gross, Ed Gilbert,
Carlotta Kerwin, Paul Marsh, and Jane Thankful Smith.
 The ordination to the Diaconate and Priesthood of Charlotte Henning LaForest,
sponsored for Holy Orders by St. Anne’s in-the-Fields.
 New members and families, including a number of faithful former parishioners from Holy
Spirit in Wayland who are making a new home here after the closing of their beloved
parish.
Our hardworking staff continues to serve God and this congregation with joy, skill, and creative
energy. I am especially grateful to the Rev. Daniel MacDonald, Sarah Jennings, Jack Cornell, Kristina
DeFrancesco, Jennie Cook, and Beth Thompson for all they did to keep the church running smoothly
while I was on sabbatical from May through August. Our wardens Paul Hoffman and Jon Hart
continued to offer inspiring leadership and clear, thoughtful guidance as we address our most
pressing challenges and embrace opportunities for new ministries. Vestry members and other
leaders and mentors supported vital new programs and modeled for one another what it means to
be a thriving church, alive to God and open to change.
Once again, we journey through the wilderness season of Lent trusting that the Holy Spirit is with us.
I thank God for this community of St. Anne’s. We are a people transformed and empowered to
proclaim the good news. We are a church determined to be an agent of healing and renewal. We
are about our Father’s business.
The Rev. Kate M. Malin, Rector
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Assistant Rec tor ’s Report
2015 was my third full year as Assistant Rector at St. Anne’s. It is a privilege to serve at this parish
and I continue to grow in my priestly ministry. During 2015 I shared in the responsibilities of
preaching, leading worship, providing Christian formation, and offering pastoral care with Kate.
This program year I continue to teach a 7th grade formation class called the Jesus Project. Six kids
are enrolled in the class which meets every other Sunday at 9 am. I teach them about the different
roles of Jesus in the Gospels – Jesus the teacher, the prophet, the healer, the savior. The class
plans to make a final presentation to the parish in the season of Easter, showing off the various
projects they have worked on throughout the year.
I have also been teaching 8th grade Confirmation which meets bi-weekly at 5:30 pm on Sundays.
Our class of nine students has embraced the material with real enthusiasm and they are looking
forward to the Pre-Confirmation retreat in March, sponsored by the Diocese.
In the spring of 2015 I completed teaching last year’s Confirmation class and from that class three
8th graders chose to be confirmed into the Episcopal Church.
In the summer I continued to be the staff support for the Summer CSA Suppers at St. Anne’s.
These occasional suppers offered a seasonal feast of freshly-picked vegetables from the Food
Project CSA.
I continued to support the Men’s Group, a Bible study fellowship that meets Wednesday mornings
to discuss the coming Sunday’s Gospel text.
This fall I began to co-teach a parish-wide study of the Acts of Apostles with Kate. This Bible study
meets at the adult forum hour of 9 am on Sunday mornings in Flint Hall. We are reading through
the book chapter by chapter, one each Sunday. The study began in September and will finish with
the final chapter of Acts in June. Overall, we are trying to understand what the apostles
represented to their world and how the Holy Spirit is leading us – individually and as a church – in
new apostolic witness in present day.
The Rev. Daniel MacDonald, Assistant Rector
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Music Direc tor ’s Report
My responsibilities at Organist & Director of Music began the week after Labor Day last September
and, although I was originally scheduled to conclude on Christmas Eve, I remained on the staff through
the month of January in order to fill the position until Jay Lane, St. Anne’s new Music Director, could
begin in February.
Since retiring from Trinity Church, Copley Square a decade ago, I have filled many interim positions, all
of which have been interesting and enjoyable. Lincoln was certainly one of the best, and everyone has
been helpful, generous, and more than welcoming at every turn.
The Adult Choir was a joy to work with, and they have been incredibly patient, supportive and open to
new ways of doing things. We provided music for two notable occasions, in addition to offering two
anthems and leading the service music each Sunday morning. On November 1st, we offered the Fauré
Requiem, as well as other appropriate All Saints/All Souls music at the 10 am service, and were
delighted with the turnout, reported to be over 300 people. Fifteen members of my Boston-based
group The Copley Singers happily joined us, together with a harpist, violinist, and guest organist. On
the fourth Sunday in Advent we offered Lessons & Carols at the 10 am service, again attracting a very
large congregation. The idea of offering special music services in the morning time frame appears to
work very well.
The Children's Choir has been run for a limited time this fall by two of the professional singers, Chad
Putka and Meghan Zuver, from the Adult Choir; I hope that will continue on as the year progresses, in
whatever form.
When I first discussed coming to St. Anne's for this interim position, I expressed to Kate my opinion
about the organ and a few of its shortcomings, most notably in bass stops for the "Choeur" division
over the altar. When that division was installed (at the time the church sanctuary configuration was
moved 180 feet), several bass ranks were eliminated at the last moment in order to save money. This
led to a woeful lack of bass tone in the instrument. A generous parishioner came forth and gave a
sizeable donation to remedy this, and we were able to schedule the work last summer through an
unusual combination of circumstances: what could have taken at least a year was achieved in a few
months! The result adds a great deal to the sound of the organ, especially for hymn playing, as well as
for anthem accompaniments, preludes, postludes, and other service music. I hope that future funds
could be allocated to do a few more alterations and slight additions to the organ to make it into an
immensely more versatile instrument.
I want to affirm with the greatest enthusiasm the appointment of Jay Lane: I'm sure he will be a great
addition to the staff! And I look forward to following the progress of your wonderful parish. My thanks
go to Kate, Daniel, Senior Warden Paul Hoffman, and everyone else on the staff and in the
congregation. It has been a great privilege to serve in such a wonderful community and I wish you
God's peace and every blessing in the years to come.
Brian Jones, Interim Director of Music & Organist
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Ch ildre n’s Formation Coordinator ’s Report
Status
We continue to maintain active Catechesis, Jesus Project, and Confirmation programs with excellent
parent assistance and enthusiasm each week. I have only rarely had gaps in parent coverage as helpers
in the Atrium ,and on occasion we even have “too many” adults! New catechists Sue Vollaro, Christy
O’Brien, and Melanie MacFarlane have all helped to build a flexible and well-prepared team for our
Catechesis program, joining Patrice Barton, Jennifer Varney, and me. Materials are still in development
for the Level III Atrium, People of God.
Meanwhile, our focus - the children - also continue to grow in friendship with each other and
enthusiasm for their understanding of liturgy, scripture and faith.
Programs
Nursery: Nursery care continued on the Terrace Level in an LCD classroom with a staff of seven high
school students, supervised by Sarah Jennings. Four new students were hired (Ellen Jennings, Blake
Thomas, Jane Greenaway, and Shannon Pruyn) and Charlotte Marshall was hired as regular staff. Anna
Hubbell, Maggie Hronicek, and Nina Haines graduated high school in May. Seven children, 2-3 years
old, visited regularly, with continued average weekly attendance of four to seven children.
Catechesis: Four atria (Good Shepherd, Mustard Seed, True Vine, and People of God) continued to
provide religious education. The catechists were Jennifer Varney and Melanie MacFarlane (GS), Christy
O’Brien and Sue Vollaro (MS), Patrice Barton (TV), and Sarah Jennings (PoG). A total of 54 students
registered for the new school year beginning in September. Program details are available on the
website and we always welcome new catechists, assistants, and volunteers.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Training: Level I trainings (ages 3-6) are held monthly here at St.
Anne’s, June 2015 through October 2016. The Formation Leader is Carol Godfrey, and there are twelve
students enrolled from seven different Episcopal and Catholic parishes. Level II trainings (ages 6-9) are
held monthly, from May 2015 through June 2016, at various parishes. Sue Vollaro and Christy O’Brien
are attending. St. Anne’s will host two of these Saturday classes (February and May, 2016). Level III
training (ages 9-12) was completed in June 2015 at Trinity Episcopal, Melrose.
Welcome Back Sunday/Registration
September 13 was our Registration Day and Parent Meeting to welcome back returning families with
activity stations in Flint Hall; three students joined the 7th grade Jesus Project, and three students
returned to Sunday School for the 8th grade Confirmation class.
New Music
In addition to our gifted Youth Choir (run by Buffy Gray through to April and then by Adult Choir section
leaders, Chad and Meghan, from October through December) beginning in the winter of 2015, Jon
Small joined our Sunday School as a visiting music teacher. Once a month Mr. Small visits each atrium
and teaches the students songs from their Catechesis songbooks. On Blessing of the Animals Day,
October 4, Jon led the students in the 10 am service with “Thank You Lord” as they held up cards
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naming their pets and favorite animals of God’s Creation.
Children’s Chapel
Daniel and Kate offered Children’s Chapels during the gospel/sermon on the winter weekends
Catechesis did not meet (January and February).
Kids’ Event During Annual Meeting, March 1
Animal Adventures! of Bolton, Massachusetts is a favorite entertainment for our current student group.
We are in our third year of offering a one-hour program in the Youth Room to approximately 39 kids,
followed by snacks, while their parents meet in Flint Hall for Annual Meeting.
Good Shepherd Sunday
Kate and Daniel invited me to preach on the parable of the Hired Hand on April 26. We give
considerable atrium time to the Paschal lessons of the Good Shepherd, Found Sheep, and Hired Hand,
along with the Eucharistic Presence connection to these works. There was much to share about what
our children say and ponder about during these presentations of our Good Shepherd.
Catechists Lunch/Recognition Sunday
Pam and Jon Small decorated and ordered lunch for our catechist team for May 31, Recognition
Sunday. We thanked our catechists during both services, as well as with a few words and gifts from the
children at the 10 am service. Lunch in the Library was beautiful – thanks to the Smalls!
Acolyte Training
We had a large group new acolytes (9) trained on June 7 to start of the fall with a sizable group of 19
students in rotation! We finished training with acolyte-shaped cookies with white icing – a mustrepeat! A full slate of three acolytes at almost every 10 am service made for encouraging new student
participation in Fall/Winter 2015. Acolytes are now scheduled by Claire Stinson, after a successful
season of volunteer scheduler Tricia Crockett (thank you both!)
2015 acolytes are: Christian and Graham Bateman, Stephen and Thomas Creavin, Lila Parker, Reily
Scott, Hayden and Ellen Jennings, Jane and Phoebe Greenaway, Sam Hoffman, Blake and Ben Thomas,
William Stinson, Grace Stephenson, Deven Verma, and Abby, Olivia, and Madeline Mueller.
Crop Walk
Students and families were invited to join in the annual Crop Walk for Hunger in Concord Center on
Sunday October 25th. Despite heavy advertisement, only Ellen Jennings and three adults walked,
though St. Anne’s parishioners generously sponsored us with $950.
St. Anne’s Care Packages
Pam Small and Sarah Jennings packed and mailed parcels to nine St. Anne’s college and first-year
boarding school students this year. We also included five other young parishioners we thought could
use some extra “cold weather cheer” before the holidays.
Sarah Jennings, Children’s Formation Coordinator
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Treasurer ’s Report
For 2015, there are three items of interest:
 Our operating account, at year-end, showed a surplus of $26; that is, income minus expenses
equals $26. More on how we got there explained below.
 Our expenses were, in round numbers, $17,000 less than what we had budgeted and
$23,000 less than last year. Kudos, here, belong to the staff who continue to demonstrate
focus, dedication, energy, and commitment. We can’t praise them enough. You go Staff!
 Our investment accounts (building and endowment funds) at the end of 2014 totaled
$853,500 in round numbers. At the end of 2015 these accounts totaled $879,500, an
increase of 3%. And we paid for a new roof ($180,000) as well.
The Details:
 To get to an operating surplus of $26 we did two things: annually, we take from the Parish
Fund (endowment) a sum that is derived by a formula applied to the value of the
endowment. This year we took $21,435 and applied it to expenses. Additionally, as you may
recall, the Gala provided approximately $91,600 to be used to balance our operating budget.
In 2015, we applied $20,000 of the $91,600 toward balancing our 2015 budget.
 As I mentioned above, we had budgeted expenses at $644,500 but had actual expenses of
$627,500. Property maintenance costs both for the church buildings and the rectory were
significantly below budget this year. Other savings were scattered throughout the budget.
Total income, before the addition of the two credits mentioned above, was $586,200,
compared to last year’s income of $580,000.
 We have four investment accounts: two with Fidelity Investments, and two with the
Diocesan Investment Trust. In both cases, one account is labeled “Operating/Endowment”
and the other labeled “Building Fund.” Our two operating/endowment funds total $643,339
and the two building funds total $236,110. As mentioned above, the overall total invested
has increased 3% from what was reported to you last year, even with the withdrawal of
$180,000 to pay for our new roof.
The Future
What I have presented above is pretty good news, but a Treasurer has to be a little bit dour.
Consequently, we have been blessed with fabulous results from our Gala get-together; the Gala funds
have and will continue to support our daily operations for the next couple of years. Unfortunately, it
won’t last forever and reminds me of the fellow who falls out of a 70-story office window: as he passes
the 40th floor, a colleague asks him, “How are you doing?” and the fellow responds, “So far, so good!”
We will need to apply ourselves to replacing this source of necessary income; fortunately, our parish is
filled with energetic, dedicated, and thoughtful people who will help solve this problem.
Thomas E. Black, Treasurer
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For a true copy of the 2015 Treasurer’s Report,
please email Jennie at [email protected]
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For a true copy of the 2016 Budget,
please email Jennie at [email protected]
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Nominating Committee
January 28, 2016
The Nominating Committee is pleased to submit the following
slate of Officers, Vestry Representatives, and Delegates:
OFFICERS (One-Year Term)
Sr. Warden: Paul Hoffman
Jr. Warden: Sarah Hubbell
Treasurer: Tom Black
Clerk: Tricia Crockett
VESTRY MEMBERS-AT-LARGE (Three-Year Term)
Tom Vollaro
YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE (One-Year Term)
Lucy Chatfield
DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATES (One-Year Term)
Nancy Torti, Gretchen Schuler, Tricia Crockett (Alternate)
CONCORD RIVER DEANERY REPRESENTATIVES (One-Year Term)
Elizabeth Creighton, Sandy Creighton, Bob Schudy
Current Officers
Paul Hoffman
Jon Hart
Tom Black
(Open)
Current Vestry
Cheri Geckler
Fiona Stephenson
Kathie Dufromont
Cathy Gronewold
Anne Jones
Nancy Torti
Deb Howe
Peter Caswell
Lucy Chatfield
Senior Warden
Junior Warden
Treasurer
Clerk
Commission
Adult Education
Children & Youth
Community Life & Fellowship
Evangelism & Welcome
Outreach
Pastoral Care
At-large
At-large
Youth Representative (non-voting 1-yr term)
Nandy Black, chair
Nancy Torti, Pete Foley, Jon Hart, The Rev. Kate Malin
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Term Expires
2017
2018
2018
2018
2017
2016
2018
2018
2016
Parish Organization 2015
Diocesan Leadership
Bishop
Suffragan Bishop
The Right Reverend Allen McIntosh Gates
The Right Reverend Gayle Elizabeth Harris
Clergy & Staff
Rector
Associate Rector
Director of Music
Director of Children’s Formation
Ministries Coordinator
Finance Manager
Parish Administrator
Sexton
The Reverend Kate M. Malin
The Reverend Daniel K. MacDonald
Jay Lane
Sarah Jennings
Kristina DeFrancesco
Beth Thompson
Jennie Cook
Jack Cornell
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2015 Commission Reports
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Adult Education Commission
Mission: To provide parishioners with opportunities to learn more about the Christian faith, to
explore the social and cultural issues that affect our lives as Christians, and to enhance a deeper
understanding and love of God.
Commission Members: Brenda Fingold, Cheri Geckler, Mary Kitses, Gary Poisson, Lois Tetreault, and
clergy advisor The Rev. Kate Malin.
Guiding Principles:
 Place Christ at the center
 Prioritize activities that allow people to “go deeper” and expand beyond surface
understanding and surface feelings
 Deliver programming that creates richer community connections; to find ways to help
parishioners learn from each other
 Bind learning and community in a variety of ways
 Offer opportunities beyond the Sunday-based Adult Education forums
 Increase the experiential quality of adult formation, e.g., expand beyond the lecture
format
 Produce opportunities and experiences that are particularly meaningful to parishioners,
such that they are excited and inclined to invest increasing amounts of time and energy
into their spiritual formation
Sunday Forums:
January 25: A History of St. Anne’s Building Project (Brenda Fingold)
February 1: Rector’s Sabbatical (Kate Malin)
February 8: Peaceful Passage at Home: Caring for our Own after Death (Peg Lorenz)
February 15: 2015 Budget Forum (Wardens Paul Hoffman and Jon Hart)
February 22: Introduction to 2015 Lenten Program and Lenten Booklet
March 8:
Choir Forum (Buffy Gray and members of the Choir)
March 15:
Pre-Gala Forum (Gala co-chairs Laura Poisson and Cathy Gronewold, and committee)
March 22:
Haiti Forum (Anne Jones, Tricia Crockett, and Carol Enright)
April 19:
Poetry (Bruce Smith)
April 26:
Community Supported Agriculture: St. Anne’s CSA (Daniel MacDonald)
May 3:
Jerusalem Forum (Kate Malin)
May 17:
Life Together Interns (Elizabeth Marshall)
During May and June, the parish held Parish Discernment and Renewal meetings with teaching,
formation, and conversation facilitated by a team of parishioners to complement the rector’s
sabbatical.
Beginning in the fall, our Adult Forum took a different turn as we offered a program called re:ACTs,
a year-long experiential exploration of the entire Book of Acts. Focusing on what the text actually
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says and then expanding our learning to meet our modern experience of this new Apostolic age, we will
look to the Book of Acts and the earliest days of the Christian Church for a deeper understanding of
what it means to be in and do for a community of believers in Jesus in a post-modern, post-Christian
age.
September 27:
October 4:
October 11:
October 18:
October 25:
November 1:
November 8:
November 15:
November 22:
re:ACTS 1
re:ACTS 2
re:ACTS 3
re:ACTS 4
re:ACTS 5
re:ACTS 6
re:ACTS 7
re:ACTS 8
re:ACTS 9 and Advent Wreath-Making.
The Second Annual St. Anne’s Moth Radio Hour was inspired by a National Public Radio production of
the same name, and brought to our attention by committee member Gary Poisson. The intent was to
use a format similar to that of the NPR show to hear “real stories from the heart” by parishioners who
expressed interest in sharing. Three presenters were scheduled each week, structured only by a
particular theme. In the remaining time each week, forum participants were invited to share their
stories. Our theme this Advent was “Holy Ground,” and built on our fall study of the Book of Acts.
November 29:
December 6:
December 14:
December 20:
The Moth Radio Hour 1: “Holy Ground: New Beginning and New Life.” Storytellers
made a connection between God’s doing something new in their lives and the
geographical location where it happened.
The Moth Radio Hour 2: “Holy Ground: The Natural World.” Storytellers spoke of
times when Heaven and Earth came together to make worldly spaces sacred.
The Moth Radio Hour 3: “Holy Ground: In the City.” Storytellers talked of
experiencing sanctified space in an urban or populated environment.
The Moth Radio Hour 4: “Holy Ground: Sacraments.” Storytellers told of finding the
incarnate Word in our worship and sacramental life.
Lenten Booklet 2015: This year’s booklet was edited and compiled by members of the Women’s Bible
Study with special thanks to Kristina DeFrancesco. The theme of “Christian Community” was chosen to
guide submissions by parishioners. Members contributed to the 56-page volume that was produced
and made available to the entire parish.
Lenten Wednesday Night Soup Suppers: The theme entitled “Listening for God” was chosen and the
four sessions reflecting on different aspects of that theme were held on Wednesday evenings in Lent
after a light soup supper.
February 25:
March 1:
March 11:
God is Speaking: Can we Hear Him Over the Din? (Brenda Fingold)
Letting Go of the Hot Coal: A Mindful Approach to Healing Old Hurts (Joe Pereira and
Elisa Pearmain)
The Sacred Art of Healing (Kate Malin, Kristina DeFrancesco, Mary Kitses, Brenda
Fingold.
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March 18:
Holy Listening: Listening to God Through Others (Mary Kitses)
“Dealing with the Holidays Before They Deal with You” was offered on Sunday, December 6 to any
member or friend of St. Anne’s who has suffered a loss, either recent or from long ago, that surfaces
during the holiday season when the rest of the world seems to be experiencing joy. Mary Kitses led
this program of resource-sharing and spiritual reflection.
St. Anne’s Library: The library, located on the first floor of the parish house, has over 1500 items
available for borrowing by St. Anne’s parishioners. Items include books on a wide range of topics,
such as scripture, theology, psychology, history of the Church, religions of the world, spiritual health,
parent/teacher resources, biography, fiction, and reference.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cheri Geckler, Vestry Liaison
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Community Life & Fellowsh ip
Members: Kathie Dufromont (Vestry Representative), Jackie Snelling, Diane Pagano (through
December 2015).
Mission: To promote and foster fellowship within the parish. Social activities planned and sponsored
by CL&F provide opportunities for parish life to grow beyond liturgy.
During 2015 CL&F helped organize or host the following events:

The Weekly Coffee Hour enables parishioners to mingle, catch up with old friends, and
make new ones. Tasty, wholesome snacks, as well as coffee, tea and juice, await
parishioners in Flint Hall after the second service each Sunday. To the small army of
volunteers who provide all the goodies - Diane Pagano, who was responsible for the weekly
scheduling through 2015; and, Jackie Snelling, who continues to keep our kitchen wellstocked, we offer a heartfelt, “Thank you!”

Our coffee hour on April 26th also served to celebrate a baptism and bid a fond goodbye to
our choir director Buffy Gray.

An extra special coffee hour followed the annual Christmas Lessons & Carols this year,
hosted by Alex Chatfield and Tricia O’Hagan.

The Easter Vigil service of April 4 was followed by a tasteful prosecco, sparkling water and
chocolates reception in the foyer. Thanks go out the Snellings who helped that evening.

Send-off reception for our pastor, Kate, took place on Sunday, May 17. Flint Hall was
packed with well wishers as Kate prepared to depart for a sabbatical. A catered luncheon
was staffed by many members of the Women’s Bible Study group including Dolly Curtiss,
Carole Enright, Linda Foley, Emily Lovering, Natalie McEnerney, Tara Mitchell, Joan Perrera,
Pam Small and Nancy Torti. John and Jackie Snelling also did yeomen’s work in the kitchen.

Welcome Back, Kate! Our pastor was warmly welcomed back to St. Anne’s on September
20 with a festive brunch in Flint Hall. Parishioners were thrilled to hear a bit about Kate’s
enriching weeks of renewal, while enjoying fellowship and delicious food. Again, the
Women’s Bible Study group helped set up, serve and clean. Martha Pickett joined the group
and lent much assistance in the kitchen.
Kathie Dufromont, Vestry Representative
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E vangelism & Welco me Commission
This past year was one of significant growth at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields. New members were
welcomed from many surrounding towns, as well as Lincoln, and included individuals searching for
a new church home or were previously-unchurched. We hope they all have found renewed hope
and vigor within our parish.
We hosted two Welcome Events for our newest members. One was a Cocktails with the Clergy
Party at the Gronewolds’ and the other was a Post-Service Sunday Brunch held in the Parish
Library and hosted by the E&W Committee. Both gatherings were well-attended and their spirit
each underscored the importance welcoming plays in our church life.
A major boost for both evangelism and welcome was manifested through our highly-successful
Gala Auction on March 27, 2015, at the Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord. The evening brought
together our newest parishioners with long-standing and even former members of St. Anne’s. The
aura of robust parish life was evident as we all pulled together to support St. Anne’s and solidify
our relationships as a parish family.
The E&WC continues to identify and greet new members by visiting them at their homes and
delivering flowers and welcome packets. We also communicate closely with the clergy and parish
staff regarding new visitors and inquirers who fill out pew cards or sign our guest book.
It is important to remember that reaching out to, and sustaining ties with, potential members is an
all-parish endeavor! Each member of St. Anne’s is essentially deputized to represent our vibrant
and evolving parish in the larger world. It is through our example and our deep and abiding interest
in the lives of others that we will continue in expanding our singular congregation. Thank you to all
of you who reach out into the community and invite friends and family to join us. You are doing
God’s work.
Cathy Gronewold, Chair, Evangelism & Welcome Committee
Committee Members:
Tricia Crockett
Laurie Flanagan
Scott Kozak
Natalie McNerney
Pam Small
Clergy Representative, Daniel MacDonald
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Outreach
From St. Stephen’s to the new Climate Justice Ministry, Outreach initiatives at St. Anne’s in 2015
ranged from supporting our long-term partnerships to exploring new opportunities and building on a
discernment process, begun in 2014, to review how we may best serve others and ourselves.
In January, the Rev. Daniel MacDonald and Anne Jones led a forum summarizing the discussions of
our Advent series based on the book, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting
the Poor and Ourselves by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. Companion videos from The Chalmers
Institute were watched followed by an engaging discussion. A follow-up meeting was held to
continue working on guidelines for approaching Outreach at St. Anne’s.
2015 Outreach Highlights
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, South End, Boston
We continued to support the Youth Program of St. Stephen’s with the following initiatives:
 Providing one hot lasagna meal a month to the after-school program (thanks to Tricia
Crockett for organizing and her legions of lasagna makers).
 Providing over 40 bag lunches for a field trip to Farrington NaturLink in Lincoln (thanks to
Jane Tierney and her team).
 Supplying “Back to School” kits to over 100 elementary and middle school students. (Thanks
to Sarah Jennings for leading this effort and to all the parishioners who donated a box of
supplies).
 Christmas book gifts for St. Stephen’s middle school kids (thanks to Jane Tierney).
 The Christmas Giving Tree (thanks to Steve Creavin for organizing and to all who donated a
total of $728).
B-SAFE Summer Camp Program, July 20-24th
Under the energetic, seasoned leadership of co-chairs Diane Pagano and Patrice Barton, St. Anne’s
hosted another successful week of summer camp for 175 campers + staff in the B-SAFE (Bishop’s
Summer Academic and Fun Enrichment Program). Highlight of the week was an all day trip to Crane’s
Beach in Ipswich. A note of special appreciation for the dedicated lunch captains: Patrice Barton,
Diane Pagano, Sarah Blum, Susan Verma, Sarah Hubbell, Maria Rose and Nancy Marshall in addition
to all the many volunteers who helped on site each day or dropped-off food and paper goods.
Haiti
St. Anne’s continued to support the work of Partners in Agriculture (an offshoot of Partners in Health)
and the people of Haiti’s Central Plateau with several ongoing initiatives designed to assist in keeping
with their motto “A hand-up, not a hand-out.”
 In January, Tricia Crockett, Anne Jones, and Carole Enright presented a forum with updates
on our original CFFL vocational school scholarship students (who have now successfully
graduated), the new students we are currently funding, and the development of several
programs in the Cange/Corporant area.
 Additional scholarship funds were designated in 2015. We are again applying for a Mission
Tithe Matching Grant from the Diocese with Christ Church, Andover to maximize our
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financial assistance.
We held several meetings with Christ Church, Andover to explore another joint trip to
Haiti in 2015. Although the trip did not happen for a variety of reasons, plans are now
being discussed for one in 2016 and we are actively seeking interested parishioners.
Tricia Crockett, Carole Enright and Anne Jones attended Diocesan sponsored meetings of
The Haiti Network.
The Square Foot Garden by our main entrance had another successful growing season
based on sustainable practices we learned in Haiti.
Carole Enright and team sponsored a CSA Thursday night dinner.
We raised an additional $1156 in our Goats for Haiti campaign to give goats to families as
part of the Family Assistance Program sponsored by Partners in Agriculture. (Thanks to
Tricia Crockett for leading this effort).
An annual art sale was held in December of art made by artisans from both Cange and
Matenwa to help support their families.
Climate Justice Ministry
The Climate Justice Ministry (CJM) provides dynamic programming and fellowship for those
concerned about climate change and environmental social issues. In addition to presenting a
monthly film series and discussion, the CJM also held a Forum on Rogation Sunday in May,
sponsored a special Still Your Soul prayer vigil on the eve of the Paris climate talks, rebroadcast Pope
Francis’ address to the US Congress, and participated in climate change rallies. Two of the top
events of the year were:
 A book signing and celebration for parishioner Wen Stephenson’s recently released
book, What We are Fighting for Now is Each Other: Dispatches from the Front Lines of
Climate Justice (co-hosted with The Thoreau Society).
 A screening of “Bidder 70” a documentary about climate justice activist Tim
DeChristopher, now a student at Harvard Divinity School, followed by a Q & A with Tim
to a packed Sanctuary (co-hosted with 350MassMetroWest).
Pine Street Inn
St. Anne’s continued to travel to Boston’s Pine Street Inn once a month to serve dinner to an
average of 260 homeless people. Special recognition and deep appreciation goes to Mary Jane
Wuensch who organized and led this Outreach program for over 15 years and is the primary force
behind St. Anne’s being considered Pine Street’s most consistent volunteer organization. Murray
Nicholson and Henry Stimpson have generously taken on the leadership role of this dedicated group
of 7-8 parishioners. New volunteers for regular or just occasional service are most welcome and
needed.
Household Goods Recycling Ministry
Thanks to Lindsey Parker who organized a spring Donation Drive of gently used blankets and towels
to benefit Household Goods Recycling Ministry (HGRM). HGRM is based in Acton but serves all of
Eastern Massachusetts and helps over 2000 households (about 4000 adults and 3000 children)
annually during periods of transition or crisis to set-up new homes with everything from kitchen
utensils to furniture. Thanks to all the many parishioners who brought in donations.
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Concord Prison Outreach
Al Rossiter, our Concord Prison Outreach liaison, once again kindly organized holiday donations for
prisoners. Gift bags filled with personal care items, pads of paper, and holiday greeting cards were
donated by parishioners and much appreciated by the recipients.
Concord Area Crop Hunger Walk
St. Anne’s parishioners participated in the annual Crop Hunger Walk with a team of walkers and many
generous donations from parishioners. (Thanks to Sarah Jennings for organizing this initiative).
In addition, St. Anne’s also supported our own Elizabeth Marshall in her work with the Episcopal
Service Corps’ Life Together ministry and the Jerusalem Peace Builders with scholarship funds.
Members of St. Anne’s also attended workshops sponsored by the Advocacy Network to End Family
Homelessness in Massachusetts and the Episcopal Diocese on helping Syrian and other refugees
resettle in MA.
In an effort to improve tracking of Outreach expenditures, a new Application for Outreach Funds was
made available to anyone actively involved with one of our programs or interested in developing new
ones.
Special thanks also to the Church Service League for their many fundraising efforts and generous
support and to the youth of St. Anne’s for their mission work.
Anne Jones, Vestry Outreach Representative
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Pastoral Care
Mission: Pastoral wellbeing of St. Anne’s parishioners is the major focus of this ministry, with a strong
effort to provide support through prayer and visits as needed. Regular communication with clergy has
been an important factor in remaining current with whatever needs might arise within the parish faith
community.
Pastoral Visiting: Volunteers are asked to be in touch with any parishioners who have been identified
as needing pastoral care. The Pastoral Care representative checks in regularly with the volunteers and
offers consultation as needed. Parishioners have come forward with caring attention to minister to
fellow parishioners.
Intercessory Prayer Ministry: Prayer Ministry members commit themselves to praying daily for those
requesting prayers, as well as for friends and family members of our parishioners. The ministry meets
monthly. There are no set prayers or formats. Each volunteer prays in his or her own way. Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Anyone wishing to participate in this ministry or make an addition to the
intercessory prayer list may contact the clergy, fill out a prayer request form in the pew and place it in
the Prayer Request Box, or contact the Parish Office or speak with a pastoral care volunteer.
Prayer Request Box: Those wishing prayers for themselves or others may contact clergy or pastoral
care volunteers, or complete a prayer request form and leave it in the Prayer Request Box located at
the rear of the church. Prayer request forms are found at the back of each pew. Options for sharing
prayer requests include sharing only with the clergy, adding it to the Prayers of the People, and/or the
Intercessory Prayer list, which is confidential.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors are asked by clergy to bring Communion to homebound parishioners on an as
needed basis.
Transportation to Church: Over the last few years there has been increasing effort to coordinate
transportation for those unable to get to church on their own. Currently this is being re-evaluated in
relation to safety concerns.
The need to care for one another is ongoing. As members of the faith community of this parish we
continue to strive to meet the pastoral needs of fellow parishioners, to support our clergy, and to empower gifted parishioners to step in as needed. We give thanks for our Pastoral Care visitors and other
volunteers and look forward to growing in commitment even as we deepen our ministry of presence.
Nancy Torti, Vestry Member and Pastoral Care Representative
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Property
Special attention has been paid to the St. Anne’s campus this past year in an effort to assess the
current status of its buildings, physical plant and usage, and to explore more energy-efficient and
climate-friendly options in reducing St. Anne’s carbon footprint. Major projects this year included:
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Converting the church’s outdoor fire alarm to wireless
Replacing the church’s deteriorating roof before the winter season
Assessing the energy usage of all church lighting and fixtures
Painting the Foyer and Upstairs Hall
Examining the efficacy of the church boilers
Initiating a plan to install water shut-offs when possible
Conducting a feasibility study of the rectory and how to proceed with its renovation
Many minor projects were attended to when problems arose:
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Installing thumb locks on the entry double doors to solve the stripped dogging issue
Correcting and rehanging the double doors by the Youth Room so they close properly
Repairing a split pipe in the front wall
Early pumping of the septic system due to the wetter fall
Repair of dislocated piping in the fire alarm sprinkler system, avoiding an expensive
system clean-out
Troubleshooting and fix of outside water spigot
We’ve had a few rentals of both Flint Hall and the sanctuary this year for concerts and other
performances, as well as a multi-week rental of a watercolor class, and the long-term rental to AA
(one meeting of which has moved to the Youth Room to everyone’s comfort). We continue to offer
our spaces for rentals like these from both a fiscal and community-building vantage point.
Jennie Cook, Parish Administrator
34
Stewardsh ip Commission
The 2015 stewardship process was a year of maintenance, bookended by March’s Gala and a potential
capital campaign in our near future. Our theme was gratitude.
Pledges – the total number of pledges, overall dollars, and average pledge – held steady from last year.
The number of pledging units is 157, a slight uptick from last year. Pledging for 2016 is at $533,000 the same as last year. Pledging for the parish for the past ten years has been generally moving within a
range of $520,000 to $560,000. We are a generous parish, giving an average of $3,400 per pledge. As
has been the case for many, many years, the top fifth of pledgers provides more than half of total
pledges.
Pledgers come from a variety of towns: Lincoln 38%, Wayland 18%, Concord 16%, Acton 7%, Sudbury
5%, Weston 4%, Arlington 3%, Maynard 2%, and nine other towns in the Boston area.
There were shifts within the pledging roster. Many parishioners showed a deepening commitment to
the parish by raising their pledges or by joining the roster. Twice as many parishioners raised their
pledge as had reduced their pledge. However, many people had to reduce their pledge due to life
events, and the average reduction was twice as large as the average increase:
 54 pledgers raised their pledge (by an average of $500)
 26 reduced their pledge (by an average of $1,200)
About as many parishioners joined the parish as left the parish.
 14 new members began to pledge (at an average of $2,200).
 4 previous members returned (at an average of $1,200)
 13 members left the rosters from life events (average $2,200 median $2,000)
 3 pledging members left the roster from disaffection (average and median $3,000). Clergy
and lay leadership remain in a welcoming posture, and also recognize the need to allow
people to cycle in and out of the parish.
The continued vibrancy at the top level of giving is a strong point and should be celebrated. Prudent
management would encourage us to build and maintain the base of the giving pyramid. Pledging totals
will benefit from continuing to educate long-time parishioners on the crucial role of their pledge. Good
things will come from the continued engagement of existing parishioners, and actively incorporating
new parishioners into the life of the parish.
Melanie MacFarlane, Gary Poisson, Rebecca Schoff, Mary Sherlock, Kyra Wilson, Paul Hoffman (Vestry
representative).
35
Worsh ip Commission
Many thanks to all those who help lead worship at St. Anne’s on Sunday as well as on special feasts
and occasions. We are pleased to have welcomed new members to the Altar Guild, Choir, LEMS,
Lectors, Ushers and Acolytes this year and thank those long serving volunteers who coordinate
training and the ongoing tending of our sacred space, especially Nancy Torti, Kerry Hoffman, Claire
Stinson, Kristina DeFrancesco, Jennie Cook, Dave Davidson and Anne Fulginiti, Suzanne Stimpson,
Pam Bartter and many others.
During the year St. Anne’s in-the-Fields celebrated:
 Children’s Chapel on several Sundays during public school vacations.
 Ash Wednesday services on February 18 at 7am and 7pm.
 The Lincoln Ringers at our 10 am service on March 8.
th
 The Jesus Project 7 grade class performed a version of the raising of Lazarus for the 10
am sermon on March 22.
 Beautiful, solemn Holy Week services (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil
of Easter) and a glorious Easter Sunday with timpani and brass.
 Three teens confirmed at St. Andrew’s Wellesley on Saturday April 11.
 A special Rogation Sunday service, complete with plow and planting on May 10.
 The Blessing of the Backpacks and Supplies for B-READY at the beginning of the school
year on September 13.
 Blessing of the Animals in the Sanctuary at both services on October 4, with animals and
their guardians on best behavior.
 An Instructed Eucharist at 8am and 10am on October 25.
 A stunning and moving Fauré Requiem on All Saints’ Sunday, November 1.
 The Gospel Love Tones for our Dedication Sunday on November 22.
 A lovely service of Christmas Lessons and Carols on December 20 at 10am.
 Three Christmas Eve services of Holy Communion at 3, 5:30 and 10pm.
St. Anne’s continued Come and Grow: St. Anne’s @ 5, a once-a-month late-afternoon service
exploring various worship and prayer practices from our own traditions and those of other faiths.
On January 25, we held a “Smells and Bells” high Anglo-Catholic Sung Mass; February 22 saw a
Choral Evensong; May 3 held an African Dance and Drumming Workshop.
We welcomed a number of guest preachers this past year, including Sarah Jennings on April 26, Dr.
David Urion on May 17, the Rev. Danielle Tumminio on June 7, the Rev. Christen Frothingham on
June 28, August 16, August 23 and August 30.
On Sunday September 27, St. Anne’s launched its new weekly “Still your Soul” service at 5pm.
Sunday afternoons now bring a regular rotation of contemplative services of either Holy Eucharist or
Evening Prayer focused on one or more of the following: music, healing, silent prayer and guided
meditation. Still your Soul meets in the new side chapel, created in September in the East side of
the chancel.
Respectively submitted,
The Rev. Kate Malin
36
Altar Guild
Altar Guild Members: Sarah Blum, Scarlett Carey, Carol Carmody, Heidi Derbyshire, Connie Everson,
Laurie Flanagan. MC Garfield, Kerry Hoffman, Nancy Marshall, Karen McLaughlin, Tara Mitchell,
Diane Pagano, Wendy Paton, Becky Patterson, Kay Peterson, Elizabeth Stewart, Suzanne Stimpson,
Marta Taylor, Nancy Torti. Retired Members: Muffin Hester, Betty Teabo, Barbara Nicolson.
Leaders: Co-Presidents: Kerry Hoffman and Nancy Torti; Treasurer: Scarlett Carey; Memorial
Flowers: Laurie Flanagan; Supplies: Diane Pagano; Laundry: Heidi Derbyshire; Sunday Service
Scheduling: Nancy Torti; Festival Chairs: Laurie Flanagan, MC Garfield (Christmas 2015); Sarah Blum,
Karen McLaughlin (Easter 2016).
Mission: “To prepare for the worship of the church as directed by the Rector; to provide for the
suitable furnishing and decorating of the altar; and to take due and reverent care of its
appointments, the vestments of the Rector and the font.”
Review of 2015:
The Guild joyfully welcomed seven new members this year: MC Garfield, Karen McLaughlin, Tara
Mitchell, Wendy Paton, Becky Patterson, Kay Peterson, and Elizabeth Stewart. New member MC
Garfield dove right in and co-chaired Christmas, while Karen McLaughlin will be co-chairing Easter.
We continue to invite and encourage St. Anne’s members to join our group and look for innovative
ways to recruit, communicate, and decorate.
This year in the Sanctuary we held one baptism and five funerals/memorial services, including one
for our beloved and long-time Altar Guild member Judy Gross. The Altar Guild supported each of
these services. Most of our members, both active and retired, participate in the preparations for the
major festivals of Easter and Christmas. During these times we also welcome non-Guild members to
share in the joy of preparing the church. We enjoy the fellowship that comes from planning and
working together. As a group, we meet at least twice a year to discuss the previous months and to
plan for the year ahead.
Throughout the year we took thoughtful and meticulous care of the altar and church linens. Upon
her retirement from the Altar Guild, we gave thanks to Barbara Nicolson for her many years of
dedicated service. Members of the Altar Guild take great pleasure in supporting our St. Anne’s
community beyond the purpose stated in our bylaws. Many members fulfill their Altar Guild
commitments as well as participate in the many other areas parish life at St. Anne’s. We appreciate
greatly the support of our clergy and the church community.
Scarlett Carey & Kerry Hoffman
37
Ch urch Service League
The Church Service League is a society of women within the St. Anne’s community that welcomes
all women within and outside our church. The League supports the parish in many diverse ways.
There is outreach to those who are housebound, in hospitals or nursing home as well as temporary
assistance with everyday tasks such transportation. The caring and help given by many within the
league is quietly there all year long.
This year our members have produced beautiful gift tapestry bags with needful toiletry items for a
women’s shelter in Waltham named REACH. Other activities include making infant bonnets and
“feel better” rag dolls to those born at Emerson Hospital in Concord. We also support St. Vincent
De Paul Food Pantry, Concord/Maynard Open Table, Matenwa Vocational School in Haiti, Loving
Spoonfuls, Horizons for Homeless Children and Altar Guild flowers. Our most recent and ongoing
project has been for Syrian refugees. We, along with many others, have been knitting warm
clothing items such as scarves, hats, gloves and five foot long strips that are sewn together to form
blankets.
Our fund raising this year was limited to a successful Christmas Sale. A list of specific amounts of
money the league has donated may be seen in the CSL financial report.
Our social activities included a riparian (i.e., space between land and a stream/river) luncheon on
the Sudbury River and a Christmas Brunch for staff and guests.
We are extremely thankful to the church staff, our Rector Kate Malin and Daniel Mac Donald our
assistant Rector. We are also grateful for the superb organizational skills of Janna Hadley and Judy
Young’s financial acuity which keep us all in order.
We look forward to the coming year and invite more women to join us in the wonderful caring
community we share here at St. Anne’s.
Elise Morrill, Church Service League Secretary
38
ST. ANNE'S CHURCH SERVICE LEAGUE
TREASURER'S REPORT
12/31/15
RECEIPTS
COOKBOOKS
GREETING CARDS
JUNE LUNCHEON
HALLOWEEN SALE
XMAS SALE
RAFFLE FOR AFGHAN
TRANSF FROM SAVINGS
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
24.00
894.50
918.50
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
150.00
150.00
35.00
35.00
400.00
150.00
150.00
$
$
$
$
$
51.71
1,121.71
$
1,698.76
$
$
918.50
1,121.71
CASH ON HAND DEC 31 2015
$
1,495.55
SAVINGS ACCT
TF TO CHECKING
BAL
$
$
$
49.22
49.22
EXPENSES TOTAL RECEIPTS
DONATIONS
MEM GARDEN GIFT
CONCORD OPEN TABLE
ST. VINCENT FOOD SUPPLEMENT PGM
ALTAR GUILD EASTER FLOWERS
ALTAR GUILD XMAS FLOWERS
ST. ANNE'S SUMMER MISSION
THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL HAITI
BISHOP HARRIS CAMP HONOR B. SHAW
HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN
LOVING SPOONFULS
TOTE BAG ITEMS/supplies
BAKE SALE EXPENSE
PAPER PRODUCTS
LUNCHEON
XMAS LUNCH FLOWERS
TOTAL EXPENSES
CASH ON HAND DEC 31 2014
RECEIPTS 2015
EXPENSES 2015
39
Memorial Garde n
After thoughtful review and a little facelift in 2014, the Memorial Garden started 2015 with a
cleaner look and more space.
Five interments were conducted in 2015: St. Anne’s parishioners Jane Thankful Smith and Ed
Gilbert were laid to rest in the Garden in September; Clifford Clark, husband of Memorial Garden
founder Pat Clark, was buried in May; Karl Oelgeschlager was interred in June; and, Carlotta
Kerwin, beloved sister and sister-in-law of parishioners Jake and Marilyn Kerwin, was laid to rest in
the Garden in November.
St. Anne’s renewed contact with the Town of Lincoln’s Cemetery Coordinator to make sure any
Memorial Garden interments were registered therein; this information will be essential those who
research their genealogies or community histories. Staff also reviewed the Garden archives and
has started a project to better record where remains are buried using the Garden’s natural
landmarks.
Special thanks go to Selina Rossiter, Deb Howe, and Tricia Crockett, who kept the Garden pruned,
weeded, and watered through the growing season, as well as to Jack Cornell who continues as
gravedigger. The Memorial Garden continues to be a place of quiet and solace for those who
grieve their loved ones. One mother traveled from Arkansas to visit her daughter’s spot of
interment, and expressed how she was so comforted and relieved by the Garden’s serenity,
beauty, and care.
The Memorial Garden Committee includes Barbara Davis, Selina Rossiter, and Deb Howe. They
would love to enlist one or two more parishioners for this committee.
Jennie Cook, Parish Administrator
40
Ush ers’ Guild
Ushers Guild Members: Peter Caswell, Steve Creavin, Dave Davidson and Anne Fulginiti, Doug
Elder, Peter Foley, Cathy Gronewold, Doug Harding, Paul Hoffman, Anne Jones, Nat McNerney,
Murray Nicolson, Joan Perera, Maria Rose, Tom and Lisa Shively, Jonathan and Pam Small, John
and Jackie Snelling, Charles Toulmin, and MJ Wagner.
Substitutes: Fred Ballou, Tom Black, Carole Enright, Jane Tierney and Nancy Torti.
Mission: Ushers at St. Anne’s have an important role in creating a welcoming experience for all
parishioners as well as a favorable first impression of the church to newcomers. Ushers make an
essential contribution to our worship, helping members and visitors feel part of the service and
helping clergy have all parts of the service run smoothly. The Guild is a voluntary group of
parishioners who serve as ushers at all of St. Anne's services. Our role includes greeting
parishioners, providing guidance or assistance in seating as needed, taking the collection,
overseeing traffic flow for communion, and tidying up the sanctuary after the service.
Our services continue to run smoothly. We have maintained two ushers at 8:00 and three ushers
at the 10:00 service. The ushers continue to be excellent at greeting parishioners and being
attentive to parishioners with unique needs during the service. The ushers are consistently
willing to cover for each other when needed and volunteer for special services at Easter and
Christmas. Their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to supporting our services Sunday
after Sunday are much appreciated by all.
The Ushers Guild is always looking for new ushers for both the 8:00 and 10:00 services. All
parishioners are welcome to fill this important and fun role. It is a great way to contribute to St.
Anne’s, meet parishioners and get to know fellow ushers.
It has been an honor and a privilege to work with all of the ushers. Their warmth towards our
parishioners, flexibility in supporting each other and overall spirit of community has made our
job easy. We sincerely thank all of our members for their wonderful service and partnership.
Anne Fulginiti and Dave Davidson, Co-Chairs
41
St. Anne’s Hymn
Words: Isaac Watts (1674–1748), alt.; para. of Psalm 90:1-5
Music: St. Anne, melody att. William Croft (1678–1727), alt.; harm. William Henry Monk (1823–1889)
42
CM
Sunday Services
September—May
8:00 am, Holy Eucharist
10 am, Holy Eucharist with Choir
5:00 pm, Still Your Soul
June-August
9:00 am, Holy Eucharist
Ho ly Week Services
Maundy Thursday, March 24, 7:00 pm
Good Friday, March 25, 12:00 noon
Good Friday Family Service, March 25, 4:00 pm
Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 26, 7:00 pm
Easter Sunday, March 27, 8:30 and 11:00 am
St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 6, 147 Concord Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
781-259-8834
www.stanneslincoln.org

2015 Annual Report - St. Anne`s in the Fields

Transcription

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