…speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
- Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)
Community Protestant Church
Annual Report 2007
As you’ve heard many, many times by now, Laura and I brought home a little boy in 2007. And one of our favorite things to do now is watch the parts of Theo’s body grow and change, almost every day! His hair gets thicker (while mine is receding), his legs grow longer, his tummy’s getting chubby (he IS taking after me!) and now he’s learning to smile…his body parts are changing and growing so quickly.
1 Cor 12.12-14: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ…the body does not consist of one member but of many.” (NRSV)
How are the body parts changing and growing in the Body of Christ here at CPC?
Noses – we “sniffed around” and found that God was calling two amazing new staff members to join our team: Spring Binfet (Office/Finance Manager) and Daniel Leupold (Youth & Children’s Ministries Coordinator)…OK, so the nose is a bit of a stretch!
Eyes – we’ve been watching for how God will lead us through some financial and ministry challenges in the coming year.
In 2008, how will you and I grow and change as “members” of the Body of Christ at CPC?
I hope you’ll enjoy reading these reports from 2007. And I can’t wait to watch us grow this next year…in Christ the Head of the Body,
Pastor Steven
2007 CPC Clerk of Session’s Report
By Glenn Wheeler, Clerk
Time really flies by and it does not seem possible that 2007 is already history. In my 2007 year-end Clerk’s report, I will try to summarize a few of the memorable events of the past year.
The year marked the first full year for our minister Steven Lympus and his wife Laura, and it proved to be an exciting year for them also. In addition to doing an outstanding job of stewarding the church and congregation, the Lympus’ purchased a house in West and then proceeded to fill it with a new addition to the family. Theoden Jude Lympus (“Theo”) was adopted in November and is doing just great. Congratulations to the Lympuses. An all-church baby shower happened in December.
Our Church added 2 new Elders this past year. Glenn Wheeler will serve another 3 years as Clerk of the Session and Donna Witbeck was elected as a new Elder and is heading up Mission & Outreach.
In 2007 the church had three separate Women’s Bible Studies with material from Beth Moore. One Men’s Bible Study and an adult Pathfinders group continue to meet. Our youth programs and Sunday school are continuing, thanks to the great volunteers on our Christian Education Team along with Steven and Laura and now a big boost from Daniel. The VBS at our Church was great again this year with a huge thank you to Joan Whalen and everyone that made it possible.
Steven conducted a new membership class entitled CPC 101 for any potential new church members and for those who just wanted to learn more about CPC. The class resulted in five new members to our church. Steven also conducted his first Baptism at CPC, baptizing Hunter Howell, son of Kim and Jason Howell.
Our “sister church” at Big Sky installed Reverend Chuck Dennison as their new minister and he has preached a few times at CPC also, so we have gotten to know him. Congratulations to Big Sky on their new church.
As we look forward to 2008, CPC has consented to hosting the Yellowstone Presbytery Meeting at our church next fall. This is a good opportunity for us to help out, along with other challenges in this coming year to be motivated to do a little more for the kingdom.
As Jan Dunbar says, “May we all trust in God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.”
Clerk of Session Glenn Wheeler
Children & Youth Coordinator Annual Report 2007
I’d like to start my report with a big THANK YOU to everyone! Although I’ve only been here for 4 months (at the time of writing this report), it seems like much longer –it feels like home. The transition from inner-city Minneapolis to West couldn’t have been smoother in my mind and I owe much of that to the CPC community.
Some of the highlights since arriving in West: Of course, seeing the park and all the animals. I’m still in awe of the beauty of this place and have enjoyed keeping a list of the critters I’ve seen –Bull Moose, Elk, Coyote, Fox, Bison, Eagles and of course Maynard. I’d still like to see a bear in the wild, that’s high on my sightseeing list for ’08. I’ve also enjoyed the snow.
Most of all, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the parents, children and youth of CPC. It’s a real joy to come to church and see so many families involved in the life of the church. I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen to serve you and look forward to the coming year. Together, in everything we do, I pray and hope God’s love and Spirit will flow from us and into the hearts of every person of West Yellowstone in the new year.
In His Grip,
Daniel
Christian Education Annual Report – 2007
This was a year of growth and change for the Christian Education Program at CPC.
This is what happened:
- Daniel Leupold joined our staff in September as Coordinator of Children’s & Youth Ministries – we are very excited and grateful to have Daniel serving with us!
- Sunday School had a staff of eight, and twenty students
- Adult and Youth Bible studies continued during the week
- We had an Easter breakfast for Sunday School students and their parents
- Vacation Bible School was in June and was directed by Joan Whalen and Jackie Klatt and was attended by twenty to twenty-five youth
- Eight youth went to summer camp at Rock Haven and/or Westminster Spires
- Weekly Junior High and Senior High youth groups have started up again meeting on Sunday and Monday evenings
- The Sunday school format was changed to a “rotation model.” It incorporates drama, crafts, games, and memory verse all focused on one Bible story for a four week period, and then the rotation starts over with a new Bible story. It is really creative and engaging!
- The Legend of the Three Trees was our Christmas production this year directed by Pilar Collins and assisted by the Sunday school staff. It was very well received.
Christian Education Team:
Rick Moler
Shelley Johnson
Jackie Klatt
Daniel Leupold
2007 CPC Deacons’ Report
By Marlene Strissel, Deacons’ Moderator
Present Deacons: Kay Eagle, Wendy Harvey, Marlene Strissel
Finishing their term: Jonnie and Bruce Jones, Lois Wheeler
Our Deacons took on several new activities this past year:
- Setting up and finding servers for Communion twice a month
- Dressing the Sanctuary with seasonal banners and paraments
- Selecting and purchasing a gift for a graduated high school senior
- Helping with the Seder Dinner
- Providing and helping serve food following the funeral service for Kevin Johannes
- Sponsored an Ice Cream Dessert Social in August
- Some attended the Presbyterian Convocation in Bozeman
- Deacons’ “Road Trip” to Bozeman where Deacons and Pastor Lympus visited and offered Communion to former members now living in senior apartments or assisted living situations. This was a wonderful day of fellowship, prayer, and offering and receiving encouragement!
- Collected and offered donations to Social Services for Thanksgiving Baskets for a total of $540.
Deacons also helped with the rearranging of the upper office area, handed out bulletins on Sunday mornings, watering plants within the church and helped out in many other ways.
We thank our Deacons who are leaving, and are excited about our Deacons coming on board. We look forward to how God will lead us to more ministry and service in 2008!
2007 CPC Personnel/Administration Report
By Susie Whitman, Elder for Personnel & Administration
Spring Binfet joined our staff in January of 2007, replacing Susan Seibert as the Finance/Office Manager. She quickly came up to speed and now we cannot operate without her. Thanks Spring!
Another significant staff addition resulted in Daniel Leupold joining CPC in September as our Coordinator of Youth & Children’s Ministries. Our Sunday School and Youth programs are once again in full swing and participation is growing steadily. Daniel is also working on a proposal to reestablish a summer intern program at CPC. Welcome Daniel!
Personnel Team also conducted a full set of annual reviews for our three staff members, and established a “benefits matrix” for use in tracking employee benefits.
As we look forward to 2008, we hope to have two Summer Interns come to share in ministry with us.
Nominating Committee Report for Annual Meeting
January, 2008
by Donna Witbeck, Moderator
Belonging to a small church presents many challenges. We like it when we can count on people. But what happens when there are few people to count on? This has been a concern for many years here at Community Protestant Church and the membership roll for Active Members is somewhat limited. From this list, it is the Nominating Committee’s responsibility to find those willing and called to serve as Elders and Deacons.
As members of the Nominating Committee, we have had the privilege of praying about and for various people whose names were placed on our hearts – those who would be called to CPC’s leadership positions. Interestingly, the realization came that this is where it ended…although we would play a mere role in praying for and then asking these individuals, we would need God’s help.
This year, as we had the opportunity to consider names, we prayed fervently that the Holy Spirit would go before us and prepare the hearts of those willing to serve not only us, but more importantly, our loving Father.
To our great joy, that he did! We prayed, asked and waited. This year we have a terrific slate of dear brothers and sisters who have joyfully responded to the call and who are willing to serve.
Praise God for these people! We pray that their service at CPC will bring many blessings – not only to us as a church family but also to them individually.
And let’s pray we become deeply aware that we all can take the next step to serve the God who loves us more than we can ever comprehend. Serving is not a task – it’s a privilege. Let us respond to Him with a joyful and willing heart.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Witbeck, Moderator
Mission/Outreach Report
January, 2008
by Donna Witbeck, Elder for “M/O”
When the official CPC Mission/Outreach team formed last year, it was agreed we would focus our mission and outreach efforts globally, regionally and locally. During our first few meetings, it became clear to us that God had already laid the foundations for these relationships at CPC.
We had our “global” connection through The Rafiki Foundation, and our “regional” connection through Intermountain Children’s Home & Services in Helena. In addition, we had local outreach through the food bank donations, Vacation Bible School and two separate Alpha sessions.
We held our first annual Missions/Outreach Sunday in which we spotlighted Rafiki, Intermountain, World Vision as well as our local ministry needs within CPC.
The Rafiki Foundation. We are currently looking into sponsoring an individual Rafiki Village, in the hopes of making our commitment to that ministry more relational to CPC. It is our hope that 2 or 3 members of the congregation will be open to serve at a Rafiki center for a short-term mission, usually two weeks in length. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to send our mini-mission team to “our” village in the years to come? In the meantime, you have continued to support the ministry by your overwhelming interest and patronage at our Rafiki Exchange. We are happy to report that we have been able to generate approximately $1000 in product sales for them. We will continue with the Exchange, once during the summer and again prior to Christmas.
Intermountain Children’s Home & Services. CPC has been very supportive of Intermountain for many years. This past spring, we had the privilege of hosting about 8 children at CPC. The children and some Intermountain counselors “camped out” in the Fellowship Hall and although the weather and time of year was a challenge, the kids (and counselors) were very appreciative to have a “getaway” from their daily routine and life at Intermountain. We are looking into the possibility of hosting them again. In addition, we are happy to report that we were able to financially support Intermountain. As with Rafiki, we are hoping to eventually sponsor a specific cottage there.
World Vision. At the time we were planning for Mission/Outreach Sunday, it occurred to us that we could hold a child sponsor event as part of the program. We were able to quickly put this together and our congregation met the challenge! Many of you were moved to sponsor a child in desperately poor circumstances. Thank you! We are extremely happy to report that 14 children have been sponsored as a result of your love and generosity.
And the King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
We know the children and their families have been blessed by your sacrifice – we pray you will be blessed as well. We will plan to hold another “A Child Is Waiting” sponsorship event again this year.
What a joy it has been to be part of this ministry at CPC. In addition to financially supporting Intermountain Children’s Home as stated above, we joyfully were able to give financial support to the Yellowstone Presbytery (for their Missional Church efforts); to Bill Clark’s ministry in Thailand; and to four local families at Christmas. Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for Him.
So what does 2008 hold for CPC’s Mission/Outreach ministry? God willing, we are looking to put together a short-term mission trip to anyone interested, possibly to help with Hurricane Katrina needs. Yes - they still need help! In addition, we will continue with Alpha, VBS, Mission/Outreach Sunday, the Rafiki Exchange, World Vision, Intermountain Children’s, the food bank, and one new venture…
We are planning to hold our first Annual Rummage Sale! We decided we wanted to help fund our M/O budget and assist in bringing a summer Intern, and we thought what better way to do this? Everyone loves a rummage sale so we are asking ahead of time – please set aside anything you may want to donate. We haven’t decided exactly when it will be held, but we are thinking probably in June. Dick Strissel shared some humorous bulletin announcements with me awhile back. Here’s a good one I thought I’d share with you. You may see this again –
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands!
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Witbeck
CPC—2007 Building & Grounds Report
by Dick Strissel, Elder for “B&G”
Painted Trim and Steel: The exterior trim and steel work were painted and the concrete columns were stained. With all the siding that was stained the previous summer, this completes the exterior paint job and the church should be in good shape for many years.
New Office Equipment: A new computer and printer was purchased for Spring and surge protection for all office computers…so we don’t experience burned up computers due to lightening strikes like happened the summer of 2006!
Lights: Lighting continues to be a thorn in my side… (2 Cor 12:7)
- Sanctuary lights. Two of the five “house light” fixtures are inoperable and the company no longer makes that model lamp or parts for repair. A search is on for acceptable replacements.
- Exterior lights under soffit on west side. Two of the five fixtures have no voltage to the fixture. This is being investigated by an electrician.
- New light. A bit of good news on lights! A new fixture was added to provide lighting at the west door by the rest rooms. Laura no longer has to grope in the dark to find the key hole. Thank you to Laura for making us aware of the need for a light fixture at that location.
Church Van: The old 15-passenger Dodge van used to transport children is considered dangerous by the insurance company. After test drives, it was decided to limit use of the Dodge van to in-town use only under 25 mph. Until a better van is procured for church use, if there is need for a van to transport children to summer camps or a mission program, a van of appropriate size will be rented. We will be working on raising money to purchase a new van, somewhere in the range of $17-23,000.
Hearing Assistance: Four receivers with earpieces are available now for those that need some help to hear what the preacher has to say. Volume can be turned down or off if a person just wants to fake it.
Picture Boards: Two picture boards were installed in the Narthex and pictures of all willing people that stood long enough for a picture to be snapped are posted. There are still a few camera-shy people that need to have their picture taken. I’ll try sneaking up on them.
Window Cleaning: Window cleaning was on the list of things to do but it didn’t happen. When we clean the windows in 2008, they will look even better—much larger contrast from “before” to “after.”
Garbage: We now have an offer from Westmart to use their dumpster. During the week, you are requested to check in with a Westmart employee before dumping. On Sundays, just make sure the lid is put down, but do not lock the padlock.
Storage Rooms: Many THANKS to Daniel for cleaning out and organizing the storage room on the second floor. Thank you to many people who helped dung out the basement storage room and to Bruce Jones for assisting on the installation of more shelving. Also, thank you to Joan Whalen for maintaining the storage room under the stairs in the Fellowship Hall in exemplary condition. Thank you to Corrine Fagerburg for cleaning out and organizing the kitchen pantry.
Building Use Agreement: We have a new one in use, see Spring for a copy.
Furnace Maintenance: To assure that the furnaces work all winter and improve probability of the church being warm on Sunday mornings, we had them serviced in December by Joe Veland, Ennis heating contractor (Joe did installation of the two furnaces in the office/education wing). It is recommended that we have Joe service the furnaces every fall when he is working in the area to avoid a cold church.
Vacuum Cleaners: Another vacuum cleaner has failed—burned out motor and repair costs exceed the cost of a new unit of equal quality. In the past two years, I have scrapped three inoperative vacuum cleaners that were more costly to repair than to replace. It appears that the dirt bags are not replaced often enough and the motors overheat and smoke. Please check and replace the dirt bags before using a vacuum. Thank you to Greg Forsythe for donating a new Hoover Wind Tunnel vacuum cleaner from Westmart.
Lord lead our B&G team as we endeavor to be good stewards of our facility!
Dick Strissel, B&G Chair
2007 CPC Worship Report
by Joanna Welter, Elder for Worship
I'll start this report with the January 2007 annual congregational meeting. We elected two Elders: Glenn Wheeler, to serve another term as Clerk of Session, and Donna Witbeck, who began as our Mission & Outreach elder. We also elected three Deacons: Marlene Strissel, who has been acting as Deacons’ Moderator, and Bruce Jones, who has been filling a term with one year left. The following folks accepted appointments to the nominating committee: Gary Davis, Byrns Fagerburg, Karl Theimer, and Kiki Tipps.
We celebrate special days of worship in different meaningful ways that often include hands-on expression and special music. At the end of Lent, Michele Smith -- who had been commuting every other week from Helena to lead our music -- decided to end her time with us. We miss her dearly, but support her and Ole's decision to connect with a church in Helena. Since that time, Steven has been leading the music on a temporary basis until another solution if found.
I will mention that the season of Lent began with an evening service on Ash Wednesday, and included an invitation to read the book Prayer: Does it Make a Difference? by Phillip Yancey and discuss it after church on Palm Sunday. We also celebrated a Seder Dinner on Palm Sunday evening. Holy week included noon prayer hours facilitated by Pastor Steven in the Sanctuary, and an evening Good Friday service, not to mention a joyful, colorful, musical Easter service.
Throughout the season of Lent we celebrated communion every Sunday, which we also did during the season of Advent. The rest of the year we served communion twice a month, on the first and third Sundays. Other special services included Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Some services celebrated and incorporated Children & Youth, including May 6 in appreciation of Sunday School teachers, Youth Leaders, and the Christian Education team. June 24th was VBS Sunday with the children sharing some of what they had learned during the week at "Avalanche Ranch" (straw bales were prominent decoration that Sunday).
Sept. 9 was our Mission & Ministry Fair which presented opportunities at CPC to be involved in outreach and ministry. Throughout September and October services included a short "ministry spotlight" explaining different ministries needing volunteers.
Other special activities this year included a "Taste of Alpha" church BBQ in August and a "Welcome Daniel" BBQ in September. Thursday August 9 we hosted a hand bell choir from Idaho. In Oct. we had "CPC 101" classes for three Sunday afternoons. Sunday Evening December 16 the children performed "The Three Trees" as a Christmas program. There was a baptism this year as well.
Guest preachers this year included Rev. Chuck Denison (the minister from Big Sky), Rev. Jack Oates, Rev. Jim Coates, and Bill Clark, sharing about his ministry in Thailand. We also heard from three members of our congregation: Glenn Wheeler, Joanna Welter, and Laura Lympus.
Our pastor has been active in our Presbytery as well, not only attending regular meetings but the ordination of one minister and the retirement of another in our presbytery. Several members in our congregation attended the Presbytery Convocation in Bozeman in the fall.
Overall this year has been a year of trying new things, looking forward, and reaching out. We are thankful for all God is doing. I think we have every reason to face this new year as a congregation with hope for all God is going to continue to do. Praise God in 2008!
2007 TOP 10 LIST
OF
REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL ABOUT CPC’S FINANCES
By Pam Sveinson, Elder & Treasurer
- Giving to CPC in 2007 was $151,641 and expenses were managed to $172,431.05 including the annual payment on our building loan, resulting in a small deficit (and dip into our cash reserves).
- CPC gave $3,100 to Missions and Local Needs that were determined by our Deacons and new Missions/Outreach Team.
- In addition to bringing on the new CE & Youth Ministries Coordinator (aka. Daniel Leupold) CPC was able to spend $4,513 in beginning to rebuild its outreach to the community of West Yellowstone, which resulted in new adults attending the Alpha program and coming to Sunday worship as well as a growing number of children coming to the church for regular activities.
- During 2007 the congregation responded to calls for special needs (such as support to people in medical difficulties and painting of the church exterior).
6. The Finance and Administration activities were moved back to West Yellowstone and new or updated Financial Policies and Procedures were approved and implemented under Spring and Steven’s active management.
- The church’s financial position and forecasts are now being communicated more regularly to the full congregation in newsletters and stewardship discussions as planned in the CPC Mission Statement.
- The Finance Team and Session are regularly forecasting the church’s financial needs looking forward 12-24 months so we don’t encounter a “crisis in finances.”
3. People of the church honored the call presented in the 2008 Stewardship Campaign in September, pointing out the growing needs for the church to be able to commit to its ministries of worship, outreach and missions.
- Given our expectations for 2008 giving and our reserves from managing expenses during the last few years, the church expects to have enough cash to cover church operations and building payments into 2009.
1. The uncertainty about how the church’s expenses will be met from mid-2009 and beyond is an opportunity for us to trust that God will provide and honor the commitments CPC is making to Christian education, Mission/Outreach and Worship to glorify and thank Him!
Community Protestant Church
2008 Budget
2008 Budget 2007 Actual
OFFERINGS $141,900 $140,436
DEDICATED GIFTS $ 3,900 $ 7,299
OTHER INCOME $ 1,900 $ 3,291
3G CONTRIBUTIONS $ 1,000 $ 3,905
TOTAL INCOME $148,700 $154,931
STAFF EXPENSE $116,570 $103,256
WORSHIP, CE AND MISSIONS EXPENSE $ 15,200 $ 13,140
ALL OTHER EXPENSE $ 37,860 $ 39,772
TOTAL EXPENSE $169,630 $156,168
ANNUAL DEFICIT/INCOME <$ 20,930> <$ 1,237>
PC(USA) BUILDING PAYMENT $ 16,384 $ 15,305
TOTAL ANNUAL DEFICIT/INCOME <$ 37,314> <$ 16,542>
