Annual Report - Allegheny Mennonite Conference
Transcription
Annual Report - Allegheny Mennonite Conference
Annual Report 2013 From left: John Denlinger, outgoing Executive Director; Michael Yoder, new Executive Director; Kim Miller, Board Chair Our Mission In response to God’s gracious generosity, Laurelville plants, cultivates and nurtures: • Christ-like hospitality with welcome and safety for all • Personal spiritual growth and renewal • Healthy community where faith flourishes • Care and respect for all of God’s creation Executive Director’s F or 70 years, God has used Laurelville to refresh lives and strengthen churches. Association members, program participants, staff, volunteers, donors, board members, and guests come together to participate in this sacred mission. In 2013, the remarkably generous financial contributions surrounding our Fall Gathering displayed the strong support of our Association. Every time I interact with guests I hear a “Laurelville story” – each person’s unique experience of a refreshed life, a renewed spirit, personal and spiritual growth, or a strengthened church. From the relaxed “sigh” in their voice to the enthusiasm of new hope dancing in their eyes, God is clearly at work at Laurelville. As we look to the future, I believe that Laurelville is a gift to share with an everincreasing number of people. With the 2 Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 Report resources at hand – a strong Association and Board of Directors, our excellent staff, the stunning beauty of God’s creation, and a rich history of partnering with people and churches through both our hosted ministries and programs – I’m hopeful about our future. In the pages that follow, you will find the deeper “Laurelville story” of 2013 – strong number of people days, programs providing powerful impact, historic milestones, hosting ministry highlights, and ongoing campus improvements. Thank you for your support and involvement in the ministry of Laurelville! Together, we share the privilege of witnessing God’s work to refresh lives and strengthen churches through the ministry of Laurelville. Michael Yoder, Executive Director Board Report T TOP LEFT: New people-mover ride built by Terry Burkhalter LOWER LEFT: Making popcorn over an open fire TOP RIGHT: Our Board Of Directors include (from left): Nate Savanick, Cindy Miller, Mike Weaver, Jodi Miller, Michael Yoder, Dayna Hrovath, Kim Miller, Hannah Meidel, Laurie Weaver, Ken Cullar, Tiffany Nofziger and Wayne Yoder he year 2013 was filled with change and promise at Laurelville. When John Denlinger resigned in late 2012, the search was on to find the next Executive Director. With some trepidation the board searched to find a leader that might match John’s successful tenure, while leading in their own way. Happily, Michael Yoder assumed this role just as the summer camping season began. also been successfully outsourced. These tasks added to the normal issues of transition during a hectic summer camping season, but more was on the way. Flooding (twice) brought clean up work and the need to replace the retaining wall below the falls. The board is grateful to the staff for pulling together during 2013 and supporting the transition while handling all of the regular work with aplomb. One of Michael’s first tasks was to facilitate the outsourcing of bookkeeping to a local CPA firm as directed by the Board. Not only does this save Laurelville money, but it has helped streamline internal financial reporting and the annual audit process. Shortly thereafter, Sayward Elliot resigned as communications director (though she and husband Matt have returned as volunteers) creating an opportunity to reevaluate the need for a full-time communications director. That work has Once again Association members came through in supporting Laurelville’s operations. Financial contributions were in excess of $210,000. This is a stunning show of support for the work of Laurelville and the people who do it. God’s grace enabled everyone to pull together to make 2013 a good year of strengthening Laurelville for the work of 2014 and beyond. Kim Miller, Board Chair Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 3 2013 program STATS 200 people gathered for the Music and Worship Leaders Retreat 214 80 summer campers people participated in the Sustainable Food and Farming Conference 32 leaders participated in the Values-based Leadership Program TOP LEFT: Food Exhibits at Sustainable Food and Farming TOP RIGHT: Music & Worship Leaders Retreat LOWER LEFT 25 years of Mennocycle lower right: 2013 Summer Staff Our Programs M ore than 1000 people participated in seventeen Laurelville programs in 2013. With options for adults, youth, families, and individuals, Laurelville created a place for people to experience God through creation, relationships, and time set apart. Nearly 200 people gathered at the 26th annual Music and Worship Leaders Retreat January 11-13. They were invited into “a space where change can take place,” by guest preachers Rt. Rev. John Klassen of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN, and Isaac Villegas, pastor of Chapel Hill Mennonite Fellowship in Chapel Hill, NC, as they explored Biblical themes and practical experiences of hospitality. Eighty participants and presenters gathered March 1-3 for the Sustainable Food and Farming Conference, a biennial event which brings together those with a passion for cultivating and caring for the earth. A diverse group of keynotes spoke into ways that cultivating the land crosses boundaries—rural and urban, religious and secular—to bring healing to the land and to relationships. Road Scholar programs continued strongly in 2013 with more than 120 people from as far as California, and even Australia, attending. For the first time, the April Frank Lloyd Wright program filled so quickly that a second was added in May, 4 Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 which also filled to its capacity. For many, seeing Fallingwater is a lifelong dream. For more than ten years, this program has uniquely given participants the opportunity to experience a week singularly focused around the life and work of Wright, while also experiencing a world treasure. The second Road Scholar program, Bicycling on the Great Allegheny Passage, similarly exhibits a regional treasure as guests experience 100 miles of spectacular rail trails. The trail is gaining international acclaim and guests on this trip are always amazed by the riding experience of this trail. 2013 Road Scholar Hosts: Jerry and Becky Miller Jane Rittenhouse J. Lorne Peachey Merrill Miller 2013 marked the 25th anniversary of Mennocycle, a program which began in 1988 as a way of pulling together persons with a love of motorcycle riding. The group has continued through the years, exploring locations such as Pipestem, West Virginia, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario. To celebrate its 25th year the group returned to Laurelville, where it all began. At the end of July, Laurelville again hosted Friendship Week, a retreat for families, friends, and persons with disabilities. Nearing its fiftieth year, the program continues to provide a safe place for families and individuals to come and enjoy worship, fellowship, and fun together in community with one other. For many, the community which develops here feels like family, and they have shown support for one another through great joys and sadness along the way. In early October, 32 business, church, and non-profit leaders participated in the 12th class of the Values-based Leadership Program. This two-part program cosponsored by Laurelville and seven other organizations and agencies, encourages self-discovery of individual strengths, weaknesses, and personal leadership style. The two-session model, along with an integrated cohort experience, allows participants to process and practice what they’ve learned during the four month interterm. This year class participants included two Laurelville staff, Michael Yoder and Derek Yoder. Summer Camp The 2013 summer camp theme, “Peace Rocks,” presented campers with the opportunity to experience God’s peace as expressed in Psalm 145—in creation, relationship, and God’s great faithfulness. Different Bible teachers joined the camp staff each week and brought their own gifts—telling stories that left kids on the edge of their seats; engaging campers and counselors alike in interesting activities; and enthusiastically nurturing faith in the lives of children and youth. Laurelville was blessed to have a close-knit group of dedicated summer staff serving as counselors. They welcomed each camper with love and offered an array of beloved camp activities to make even the most timid campers feel at home and able to dive into the excitement of the week. 2013 Summer Staff Grace Weaver Samuel Stuckey Chad Johnson Leah Speigle Anna Cullar Brody Thomas Aaron Dunmore Dallas Hetrick Sarah Mitchell Byron Pellecer John Tennefoss Aaron Root Co-directors: Anna Weaver Joseph Spory Summer Camp Oversight: Joy Cotchen, minister of children and youth for Allegheny Mennonite Conference and Angela Dietzel, program director Total Campers: 214 Bible Teachers: Lexi Mark (Mini Camp) Cathy Spory (Explorers) Rocky Carr (Navigators) Joy Cotchen (Seekers) Joe Fury (Disciples) Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 5 2013 ministry STATS 160 22466 1600+ guest groups people days* youth and sponsors attended Pittsburgh Kids Foundation 21 new groups *1 people day equals one person staying one night Many groups return year after year to experience Laurelville’s hospitality. Grace Community Church from near Indianapolis, IN, has been bringing their youth group of over 300 to Laurelville for the past 13 years: “We can go anywhere closer to home for this retreat but we just love Laurelville and the care that we get from the staff here.” Timeline 1943–Present 6 Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 Hosted Ministries L aurelville hosted 160 different guest groups in 2013. These groups included churches, youth groups, community groups and family reunions. The total number of people-days,* 22466, was 4% higher than 2012, and consistent with the previous three years’ average of 22823. There were 21 first-time groups. One of Laurelville’s longest-running hosted groups is the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation (PKF). This year marked their 50th year of retreating at Laurelville. The interdenominational group once again brought more than 400 youth and their adult sponsors each weekend for four weeks in November for a time of spirited worship, service, fellowship, and fun. The program has touched the lives of generations of people: adults who first encountered Christ at Laurelville as youth are now sending their children for the same experience. 1943 Laurelville is founded Mark Williams, Program Director for PKF, said: “Laurelville is sacred ground.” From Laurelville’s perspective, the PKF weekends challenge staff to maximize our use of space: moving extra mattresses into rooms and extra chairs and tables into the dining hall. The kitchen staff serves up mountains of mashed potatoes and gallons of gravy. Then there is the mud. From the maintenance staff’s grooming of the mud pit to the power-washing of participants to the inevitable housekeeping challenges that follow, the mud event keeps everyone on their toes. The effort of hosting these weekends is an investment well-spent. Lives are touched and the kids carry for a lifetime the memory of their encounter with Christ here in this sacred place. We are grateful for the opportunity to offer Christ-like hospitality to this vibrant ministry. 1950 Young People’s Institute (August) 1960’s Kitchen Facilities and Grounds A number of major projects were completed in 2013 by Maintenance staff and volunteers. completely different scene, however, as raging creek waters spilled over the banks and eventually caused the wall supporting the overlook to collapse. • Zurich and Fernhiem Cottages received new accessible bathrooms, flooring and paint. • Solarhouse carpet was replaced. • New landscaping on the bank beside the Dining Hall replaced the overgrowth with rocks and new plantings. • Repairs were made to the Shenandoah (Gymnasium) overhang. • Zolikon (staff housing) received a new furnace. • A water line crossing Jacobs Creek was removed. • Handicap parking areas were established for Skippack and Strassburg family cabins and Zurich and Fernhiem cottages. The storms on August 23 and August 28 brought the water level at the falls to three feet—to the top of the measuring stick! Flood waters covered the areas around Metzler Cabin, Office, the campground entrance, driveway in front of the small dining hall and office, and the playground. On August 28, the stone wall supporting the Metzler overlook gave way, pulling down the railing and eroding several feet of the bank. We were grateful that none of the buildings experienced flood damage. Repairs to the overlook began in early 2014, as large boulders were transported from the woods to rebuild the creekside wall. In the seasons ahead, visitors will be able to view the falls from the newly restored area. It is not the first time the Jacob’s Creek bank has been transformed in our 70 years, and it may not be the last, but the waterfall remains an iconic Laurelville space. The Floods of 2013 By late summer, Jacob’s creek often slows to a trickle over the waterfall beside Metzler cabin. The overall wet summer of 2013 along with particularly heavy rains in late August brought a 1970’s Playground 1981 Solar House TOP LEFT: Pittsburgh Kids Foundation experiences the mud TOP CENTER: Worship time with Pittsburgh Kids Foundation TOP RIGHT Jacob’s Creek floods the waterfall lower right: The newly rebuilt overlook 2006 Dining Hall Renovation (July) We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite memories with us on Facebook. Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 7 Our Volunteers Laurelville is grateful to our volunteers who offered more than 3000 hours of work in 2013. The service performed by so many individuals and groups is the extra touch that helps keep our facilities, grounds and programming fresh and vibrant. TOP LEFT: Scott Helmick, Ty Nofziger, Tiffany Nofziger, Jamieson Weaver, Rachel Weaver, and Bruce Holland wash windows in the Shenandoah TOP CENTER: Nancy and Dave Eberly, Paul and Esther Clymer and Joyce Bomberger TOP RIGHT Jonathan Hrovath helps clear a stump during Fall Gathering LOWER RIGHT Volunteers Mira Yoder, Gloria Miller, Lem Metzler, Levi Miller, Anna Yoder, Alta Metzler and Laurie Yoder work on landscaping on the new rock wall 8 Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 Highlights • Students from Central Christian High School cut and split firewood. • Faithful volunteers Dave and Nancy Eberly, Joyce Bomberger, and Paul and Esther Clymer returned once again to put some finishing touches on two remodeled cottages. • Youth from Blooming Glen Mennonite Church helped prepare the pool for summer usage and moved the outdoor furniture. • Laurelville hosted four men from Rosedale Bible College who worked with landscaping, then added their talents to the worship team for Friendship week. • Local boy scouts did some of our dirty work, literally! They cleaned out the stream bed below the Meetinghouse. • Allegheny Mennonite Conference youth gave an hour of service to prepare and maintain our facilities, as did many, many of our guests during Spring and Fall Gatherings. • Wes and Jamie Krepps, joined by their daughter, Janallee, and her husband, Jeremy Lewis, returned to Laurelville for a fall weekend. Wes, a mechanic, with Jamie as an assistant, worked on vehicles. Janallee and Jeremy helped build a fence. • Terry Burkhalter, former director of Laurelville, offered his skills to replace our aging People Mover. Our guests now enjoy viewing Laurelville while riding on a beautiful and roadworthy wagon. • Our archives are now up to date, thanks to the tireless work of Alice and Willard Roth. • Lem and Alta Metzler volunteered to brainstorm ideas for the overgrown slope between the Dining Hall and Emmental. Armed with an idea, the help of other local volunteers and hours of work from the maintenance men, that slope was transformed! It will now be home to beautiful greens, flowers and rocks for years to come. 2013 volunteer STATS Volunteer Groups Allegheny Mennonite Conference Jr and Sr High Youth Blooming Glen Mennonite Church Youth Boy Scout Troup 150 Central Christian High School Rosedale Bible College Service Team groups Individual Volunteers Kaitlyn Amstutz Andrew Barr Evan Barr Noah Barr Palmer Barr Sherri Barr Brenda Benner Brad Bishop Daniel Bishop Chance Bodenheimer Luke Boguslaw Joyce Bomberger Greg Bowman Isaiah Breckbill Bob Brown Jan Brubacher Maynard Brubacher Carley Brubaker Jim Brubaker Joe Brunk Sandy Burkhalter Terry Burkhalter Jacque Byler Katia Byler Phillip Byler Mira Carr Rocky Carr Evie Christner Merle Christner Esther Clymer Paul Clymer Aaron Coffman Braden Coffman Doug Coffman Wesley Cramer Rhoda Cressman Ken Cullar Karl Delagrange Deanne Delp Corey Doyle Harrison Doyle Aaron Dunmore Dave Dupuis Joby Dupuis Dave Eberly Nancy Eberly Matthew Enos Cathy Smeltzer Erb Ross Erb Marna Fair Brianna Flowers Caitlin Flowers Austin Galbraith Terry Green Patrick Grundy Mike Guan Eric Haglund Dan Hall Curt Hartman Kyle Hazel Scott Helmick Julie Helmuth Dallas Hetrick Brian Hoffmaster Holly Hoffmaster Corey Holderman Bruce Holland Chris Holland Jep Hostetler Joyce Hostetler Dayna Hrovath Jonathan Hrovath YoYo Huang Amy Huckaby Marcus Juliano Alan Kauffman Becky King Derek King Bryce Kinsey Jamie Krepps Wes Krepps Don Lacombe Zachary Lacombe Janallee Lewis Jeremy Lewis Don Lloyd Mary Lloyd Penny Lobeka Chance Longton Beth Mast Derek Mast Donna Mast Justin Mast Kyle Mast Rick Mast Karl Maust DJ McFadden William McFadden Alta Metzler Ethel Metzler Lem Metzler Ron Meyer Aaron Miedel Anson Miedel Hannah Miedel Mary Miedel Sadie Miedel Joy Millen Andy Miller Anne Miller Becky Miller Carla Miller Cindy Miller Eric Miller Gloria Miller Jerry Miller Jodi Miller Julia Miller Kevin Miller Kim Miller Lana Miller Levi Miller Merrill Miller Nathan Miller Ben Moyer Kim Moyer Brennan Mullet Danny Ndungu Abigail Nofziger Ed Nofziger Jeff Nofziger John Nofziger 5 209 3005 Lily Nofziger Rebacah Nofziger Tiffany Nofziger Ty Nofziger Wendell Nofziger Sue Overman Lorne Peachey Mark Peachey Susan Peachey Byron Pellecer Scott Perkins Jeff Potter Etienne Pouly Teagan Powers Gabriel Raber James Ren Aaron Root Barb Root Doug Root Alice Roth Willard Roth Peter Rutt Angie Savanick Ben Savanick Nathan Savanick Marvin Schmucker Phoebe Sharp Phil Siegrist Jared Sleutz Beth Sommers Brad Sommers John Spicher Virginia Spicher Leah Speigle Denise Spory Ron Spory Neil Stauffer Zach Stauffer George Stoltzfus Mae Stoltzfus Marybeth Stouffer Ben Stuckey Jack Styer Bryan Moyer Suderman individuals hours John Tennefoss Olivia Tennefoss Carolyn Tice Enos Tice Isaac Tice Ben Tolson Keith Ulery Laura Ulery Anna Weaver Grace Weaver Jamieson Weaver Jenna Weaver Julie Weaver Laurie Weaver Mike Weaver Neal Weaver Rachel Weaver Dave Weber Lucy Weber Owen Wehmer Andy Wharton Cecily Wharton Sharon Wilson Maria Witmer-Rich Robin Work Austin Yoder Carson Yoder Jill Yoder Laurie Yoder Mira Yoder Rita Yoder Roveen Yoder Wayne Yoder Rhea Zimmerman Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 9 TOP LEFT: Summer campers enjoy the pool. TOP RIGHT: Savoring moments of sweet fellowship and relaxation Financial Report Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 Revenue, Gains, & Other Support Contributions Fees for Services and Auxiliary Activities Investment Income Equity Income – Pine Run LP Equity Income – Pine Run LLC Net Gain on Sale of Assets Other Income Net Assets Released from Restrictions Total Revenue, Gains, & Other Support Expenses Program Services Hosted Services Program Services Total Program Services Supporting Services General and Administrative Fundraising Total Supporting Services Total Expenses Change in Net Assets Net Assets – Beginning of Year Net Assets – End of Year Change in Net Assets 10 Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 $211,876 1,255,949 6,850 19,837 10,250 740 41,814 0 1,547,319 Fees Contributions Other Income Equity Income (LP) Equity Income (LLC) 2013 Total Revenue, Gains and Support $1,547,319 Investment Income Sale of Assets 1,064,157 267,557 1,331,714 182,892 34,854 217,747 1,549,462 Hosted Services Fundraising General and 3,254,284 Administrative 3,252,141 Program Services (2,143) 2013 Expenses $1,549,462 Donations $10,001 + Maynard & Jan Brubacher Ed & Carol Nofziger $5,001 - $10,000 Dayna & Jonathan Hrovath Daniel & Mary Miller Jeff & Tiffany Nofziger Michael & Rachel Weaver $1,001 - $5,000 Bill & Julie Albert Palmer & Sherri Barr Joyce Bomberger James & Carley Brubaker Henry & Edna Brunk Joe & Mary Louise Brunk Nelson & Ruth Brunk Terry & S&y Burkhalter Gladys Gingerich Jan & Barbara Gleysteen Donald & Lois Hallock Anson & Hannah Miedel Joyce Millen Eric & Jodi Miller Kim & Dianne Miller Larry & Wilma Miller Jane Rittenhouse Henry & Charlotte Rosenberger Benjamin & Angela Savanick Marty Savanick Nathan & Kristen Savanick Brad & Beth Sommers George & Mae Stoltzfus Enos & Carolyn Tice Michael & Stephanie Yoder Virgil & Rita Yoder Wayne & Roveen Yoder $0 - $1,000 Jerry & Carol Austin Brenda Benner Gil & Bonnie Bishop Frank Burkhart Roy Burkhart Tyler & Julie Bushong Grace Byler Thomas & Kristine Charles Merle Christner Ken & Dawn Cullar Louise Cullar John & Debbie Denlinger Daniel & Elizabeth Dunmore Thomas Dunn David & Joby Dupuis David & Nancy Eberly Rob Eby & Gwen Stamm Rich Emerson Ross & Cathy Smeltzer Erb Everence Federal Credit Union Henry & Marian Fast Jonathan Felton Glenn & Elizabeth Frederick Joel Friend George & Dorothy Hawke Carl & Lois Good Roy Good Dave & Brenda Martin Graybill Daniel & Hannah Hall Curtis & Jacqueline Hartman Gene & Esther Hartzler Onley Heath John & Mary Ann Heatwole Scott &Tina Helmick Dan & Evanna Hess Brian & Holly Hoffmaster Mark Horst David Hostetler Jep & Joyce Hostetler Jonathan & Rebecca Sieber Denlinger Elroy & Miriam Kauffman Glen & S&ra Kauffman Kristen Kauffman Roger & Rachel Kauffman Carl & Gladys Keener Mark & Pushpa King Derek & Rebekah King J Mark King Norman & Rhoda Kraus Kretschmann Farm Rol& & Darlene L&es Geoffrey L&is & Elizabeth Gunden Pearl Lapp John & Naomi Lederach Freeman & Eileen Lehman Harold Lehman Tim & Carolyn Lichti Donald & Mary Lloyd Gomez & Martha Marcelino Aaron & Kathryn Martin Cliff Martin Jay & Ruth Martin John & Lois Mast Richard & Beth Anne Maxt Dwight III McFadden & Susan Lehman Mennocycles Offering Collection Ralph & Carolyn Metzler C.J. Miller & A.J. Kauffman &y & Lana Miller Anne Miller Arlene Miller Carey & Joani Miller Carla Miller Donald & Sylvia Miller Jerry & Becky Miller Karlton & Carol Miller Levi & Gloria Miller Merrill & Cindy Miller Daniel & Carol Neff Jonathan & Katherine Graber Nofziger Larry & Marilyn Nolt Jay & Rhoda Oberholtzer Crist Peachey J Lorne Peachey Mark & Susan Peachey Ken & Jean Peifer Betty Pellman Phillip & Rebecca Ramer Lise Reist Tim & Tonya Riggs Dennis & Mary Rittenhouse Willard & Alice Roth Robert & Mary Jane Bergey James & Alta Rodgers Ronald & Loretta Good Douglas & Barbara Rott James & Gloria Rosenberger Adam & Christy Savanick Marilyn Schlabach Marvin & Lee Schmucker Jennifer Seaman Charles & Marian Shenk Marvin & Florence Showalter Deborah Siegrist Jon E. Smucker James & Carol Spicher John & Virgina Spicher Thomas & Sharon Spicher James & Ruth Stauffer Kirk Stiffney Eric & Sharon Striegel Julie Swartzentruber Mary Troyer John & Janette Trudel S. Clyde Weaver Neal & Laurie Weaver Kyle & Tracey Weirich Nelson & Kristine Witmer Sanford & Judy Wyse Alvin & Ruth Ann Yoder Derek & Laurie Yoder Ruth Yoder In-kind Gifts Diane Figg Kim & Diane Miller Sheldon & Julie Yoder Laurelville | Annual Report 2013 11 Our Staff Regis Biller, Housekeeping Brad Bishop, Guest Services Chance Bodenheimer, Food Service Lauralee Bodenheimer, Food Service Matt Cameron, Director of Food Service Katlyn Cline, Food Service Angela Dietzel, Director of Programs Robby Emerson, Maintenance Esther Hartzler, Dining Hall Coordinator Gabe Hartzler, Food Service Gene Hartzler, Director of Facilities and Grounds Josiah Hartzler, Food Service Brenda Johnson, Director of Guest Services Christina Juliano, Food Service Tyler Kolar, Food Service Susan Leighty, Housekeeping Coordinator Bonnie Miller, Food Service Abigail Prevenslik, Food Service 941 Laurelville Lane, Mt. Pleasant, Pa. 15666 724.423.2056 or 800.839.1021 laurelville.org [email protected] Jane Rittenhouse, Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Striegel, Office Manager Shawn Vimislicky, Food Service Pat Wadsworth, Maintenance Brandi Warburton, Food Service Derek Yoder, Guest Services Laurie Yoder, Communications Coordinator Michael Yoder, Executive Director Kylee Zelmore, Food Service