2007 Annual Report

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Table of Contents

A. Program Staff Reports

Associate Pastor (Acting Head of Staff)
Interim Director of Christian Education
Interim Youth Minister
Director of Music
Choirs
Carillon Handbells
Parish Nurse
Director of Child Care

B. Session

Christian Education Committee
Congregational Life Committee
Fellowship Committee
Finance Committee
Mission Committee
Worship and Music Committee
Nominating Committee
Personnel Committee
Stewardship Committee

C. Board of Deacons

D. Board of Trustees

E. Corporation and Congregational Minutes

F. Staff

G. Annual Statistics & Financial Reports

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Last year, I said 2006 was a time of change for Second Church, but also a time of new opportunities for all of us – staff and congregation. My optimistic opinion, at that time, was that the challenges ahead would allow a strong congregation to become stronger and a strong staff also to become stronger.

Actually much the same can be said of 2007. We are still experiencing changes in staff with the departure of Harry Daniel, Interim Pastor, and Holly Fuqua, Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries and the arrival of Diane Banasiak, Interim Director of Christian Education. Our staff, however, remains strong and the leadership of the congregation has become even stronger.

What has become clear to many in these times of transition is that we are bound together by a power much greater than any one of us. Together, we have met most of the challenges of the last 19 months doing more than waiting idly for the search for a new pastor to be completed.

Many of you have assumed more and more leadership in the everyday life of the church. You have supported the staff in many kind ways. You have continued to extend the warmth and welcome to each other and visitors. You have looked to the past with gratitude, the present with determination and the future with hope. For all of you, I am grateful and thank God for your discipleship.

We haven’t stood still, yet some have been waiting to fully commit to the future of Second Church. I pray that soon you will have the confidence and hope that the living God is in this place and that you are needed to be a part of this church supporting it with your presence, service and resources. This time of transition has given us the opportunity to ask what we, as Christ’s church, are being called to be in the years ahead.

Last year, my report suggested that we ask these questions: What do we want and what will we support in terms of programs and ministries at Second? How do we invite more people outside our doors as well as in the pews to become active participants in the life of the church?

As we prepare to greet Dan and Beth, it is a good time, again, to ask ourselves these questions. With his vital leadership, we will be welcoming an opportunity to grow together in being faithful to the gospel we all love.

I love Second Church for who you are now. Yet, I am also excited about who we can be as we continue to hold God at our center and turn to his presence with us in Jesus Christ.

I pray that we are blessed in order to be a blessing to others in the year ahead.

Darla Blatnik, Associate Pastor

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Since my arrival in September of 2007, there is much good news to report. This past fall our Sunday School classes were well staffed and well attended. Tina Harris has done an excellent job making sure that our youngsters are being taught the essentials of our Christian Faith. I have had a chance to meet with the teachers in our adult Sunday School. In some cases, I have had a chance to sit in on a class or to teach a class. Everything is running smoothly!

Our Wednesday night programs are going well. Harry Daniel began the year with "Harry on Harry," and I took over in early October. I have led Wednesday night programs in such topics as Friendship and the Moral Life and Advent Waiting. I have also reached out into the community to appeal to friends and professors to share their wisdom with us. For example, this coming January there will be a two week leadership series with presenters from the Catholic Action Center and the UK Newman Center.

Our Advent workshop ran very smoothly this year, thanks to Tina Harris and to her committee. In advance, committee members prepared lots of items for our craft tables so that our youngsters could create beautiful Christmas ornaments for their trees.

Our J- term posters are up, and advertisements for our up-coming classes went out a few weeks ago. We will have a wide range of classes to choose from during this January term. I am grateful to the teachers who have come forth to teach a class and to my colleagues who helped me with publications and advertisements.

In our committee meetings, we continue to discuss the possibility of developing new programs along with inviting new leaders to teach for us.

The nursery is running smoothly and JoAnne is getting additional support. We will continue to appeal to our teenagers for the additional support JoAnne needs during the 11:00 service.

I feel blessed to be your Interim DCE, and I am glad to serve you! Here’s hoping that 2008 will be an exciting year for all of us!

Diane Banasiak
Interim Director of Christian Education

INTERIM YOUTH MINISTER

Theme from Winter-Spring 2007: How Do People Know We Are Christians?

Winter/Spring

• Visiting our friends at Cambridge Place
• Beginning a Bible Study on Wednesday Nights
  •  Various passages
  •  The Book of James
• Worship Exchange with Shiloh Baptist
• Politics and Religion
• Family Bowling
• Spring Break Day Trips
  •  Watching and Discussing "The Passion of the Christ"
  •  Mall Hunt
  •  Gatti Town
  •  Lexington Legends Game (Canceled due to snow- rescheduled in June)
• Youth Sunday

Summer

• Summer Holly and Evan Days
  • Asbury Ropes Course
  • Kings Island
  • Shopping for School Supplies for Westminster Village
  • Bluegrass Fair
  • July 4th Fun Run
  • Cambridge Place

New School Year: New Theme: Our Body is Our Temple (Based on 1 Cor. )

Fall

• Visit Friends at Cambridge Place
• Taekwondo
• Salvation Army Tour
• Bible Study continued
  • The Book of Revelation
  •  Women of the Bible
• Pace-Warren Lecturer spoke to Youth Group
• Are we the Body of Christ?
• Project Safe Child
• Served at the Catholic Action Center
• Advent Workshop and Annual Chili Cook Off
• Presbytery Ice Skating

The youth have been very busy this past year. In December 2007, Holly Fuqua resigned from the position as Youth Minister to fill a vacancy at another church. The youth handled it well and are looking forward to the future. May God bless the youth, the youth leaders and this ministry in 2008.

Many blessings,

Evan M. Dolive
Youth Ministry Intern
Licensed Minister-Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Second Presbyterian Church Music Program enhances worship and fellowship as we express our joy in God's love. We believe that through singing and instruments we proclaim in worship each week. We enrich the lives of the congregation and community through inspirational music. Music is an important part of worship and congregational life at Second Presbyterian Church. We blend our talents through choral and instrumental ensembles. The Chancel Choir, Sanctuary Choir and summer Celtic Choir evoke and lead the congregation in exultant singing of hymns and psalms of our rich heritage and resonate the message of hope and salvation in spirituals and gospel music. Though we enjoy working towards excellence in our music, performance is never our goal. The gift of music is offered in response to God’s grace in our lives, within the context of the sermons and scriptures suitable for the liturgical year and in response to the needs of the congregations deep desire to experience varied musical styles that evoke a spiritual experience.

Music services, major choral works, and music for fellowship events, arranged by the Director of Music and supported by the program participants, in collaboration with pastoral staff, include:

• SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
• Benjamin Britten’s well-loved masterwork A CEREMONY OF CAROLS
• BACH FESTIVAL SERVICES for Reformation Sunday, Advent I, and spring worship
• A choral POPS CONCERT at Richmond Place by the Chancel and Sanctuary Choirs
• Clarion Instrumental Ensemble Lent and Christmas Service Music
• Music for CHURCH-SCHOOL KICKOFF in August
• Music for the MAY COOKOUT AND CELEBRATION
• MEN’S CHORUS for Father’s Day
• The FESTIVAL OF HYMNS for the annual LABOR DAY SERVICE
• Robert Ray’s stirring work THE GOSPEL MASS, PENTECOST

The ensembles have enjoyed the addition of new and returning members to the ranks of those serving in the choirs: SueEllen Ferraris, Melanie Gabbard, Senica Taylor, and the much welcome addition of soloist Jim Lyon to the choirs. Memorable moments in worship were the vocal solo offerings of other members including Jane Meenach, Gina Pendley, Tari Keller, Diana Vetter, Senica Taylor. Worship Assistant, Miranda Dolive and the spirited soloist Mary Trumbo-Jackson, as well as the Director of Music, Vertrelle Cameron-Mickens, also provided solos in worship. Tenor soloist Craig Irwin sang with heart-felt conviction with the Men’s Chorus on Father’s Day.

Instrumental contributions by members of the Clarion Instrumental Ensemble greatly enhanced our worship experience with renditions on instrument and percussion. Youths Mathew Hunt and Regina Mickens joined the ranks of Clarion Instrumentalists who continue to bless our hearts with their special gifts: Martha Wilkinson, violin; Bryan Reid, violin; Anne Pennington, oboe; Diana Vetter, flute; Sara Caudill, clarinet; Caroline Caudill, flute; Adam Downing, trombone, and Emily Downing, saxophone; Alec Miller, continues to demonstrate great promise in his worship skills as a pianist trained by music staff member, Hayward Mickens. Members of this ensemble participated in numerous services throughout the year.

The weekly music of our Organist, Hayward Mickens, continues to shine in our hearts long after our Sunday events have ended. The foundation of his stirring organ and piano renditions is an evincing and steadfast love for God. Equally impassioned in nature are the duets of pianist Nancy Brown and Hayward which we enjoy from time to time. Sub-Organists who responded to our worship needs this year were members Priscilla Hepburn and Linda Crawford.

In service to Christ, Vertrelle Cameron-Mickens, Director of Music

WORSHIP AND MUSIC PARTICIPANTS 2007

CARILLON HANDBELLS & CHERUB AND SERAPH 2007

The Handbell Choir is going strong as they offer their gifts through song. After the hand bell workshop this summer they welcomed several new players.  The group has enjoyed playing in worship this past year and hopes that the selections they offer add to the worship of the congregation. They also enjoyed playing hymns for Ashland Terrace retirement home this fall.

The children's choir has enjoyed a fun year full of song and musical exploration. After an exciting spring of singing in worship many children participated in the Summer Music Program.  There the children learned songs, scripture and instruments. This fall the children presented a Christians pageant entitled "Once Upon a Night."  They have also been learning about the liturgical seasons and how to use the hymnal.

Miranda Dolive, Director

Carillon Handbell Participants

PARISH NURSE

"I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." John 10:10b

This past year has been full of opportunities to share the joys, sorrows, and the everyday journeys of our faith community. While much of my time was spent in individual contact with church members, I was also blessed to join in on some group activities. Second Seniors enjoyed another full year of interesting programming and lunches. Open Arms committee planned and presented another very successful Access Sunday. Race For The Cure was well supported with many from our congregation in attendance. My community involvement included SafeKids Coalition, Family Care Center, and the board of Interfaith Counseling Center. I enjoyed many wonderful educational opportunities, including Summer Series on Aging and UK's Women's Health Initiative.

It was a great year to be your Parish Nurse!

Jackie Graves, Parish Nurse

DIRECTOR OF CHILD CARE

2007 has been a different year in the Nursery. Our attendance has been largely made up of babies (3 months, toddlers and three-year olds). Most of our four and five year olds attend Worship Explorers.

2007 Sign-In

460 – Sunday: 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
  99 – Wednesday Nights
  40 – Vacation Bible School, Mother’s Group, Stewardship, Christmas
599    Total

Our nursery givers are Stojanka, Nellie, Anne, JoAnn and Tammy is our back-up.

Our annual Toy Drive for Westminster Village was the largest we ever had! Thanks to all who supported this project. Your thoughtfulness brought smiles to many children.

Thanks for the continuing support of the congregation to our Nursery

Joann Atcher, Director of Childcare

B. SESSION

MEMBERS OF SESSION
AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS 2007-2008

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

1. General
Despite changes in our staff, Christian education has continued to grow at Second Presbyterian Church. After serving second as a part-time Associate Pastor for Christian Education for three years, Erin Rouse resigned early in the year. In her short ministry at Second, Erin provided strong leadership and touched many lives in our church. We have been blessed to hire Diane Banasiak late in the summer as Part-Time Interim Director of Christian Education. Her energy, talents, knowledge and faith have been well received by all. After seven years as Youth Minister, Holly Fuqua resigned at the end of the year to accept an Associate Pastor call at the South Elkhorn Christian Church in Lexington. Under Holly’s leadership our youth program has flourished. Her enthusiasm, commitment to our youth and her ability to share the love of Christ will be missed. Fortunately, Tina Harris, our Coordinator of Children’s Ministries has been able to step in throughout the year and provide the continuity and leadership to continue our vibrant education programs. Her dedication and ability to work with children is truly a blessing at Second Presbyterian Church.

The Christian Education Committee is composed of elders Mike Vetter (chair), Shawn Caudill, and Lauren Kluemper along with Carol Behr, Lakshman Chelvarajan, Courtney Lagrew (deacon) and Jim Drahovzal. Erin, Diane, Holly and Tina attended our monthly meetings as well. The Christian Education Committee’s main function is to provide opportunities for the membership at Second to grow in their faith through educational and study opportunities. This was accomplished by providing oversight to the staff and our several outstanding sub-committees.

Adult Education
This fall our Sunday school classes for adults included Adult Bible Study, Families class, Young Adults class, Forum, Discovering the Bible, Reformed Theology and "When Bad Things Happen to Good People: A Study of the Book of Job." In addition, we continued our tradition of offering a break from our regular classes during January 2008 with the following courses: Adult Bible Study, "Spirituality," "Ishmael," "Parenting with Love and Logic" and "More on Malawi." Other opportunities for adult education this year included Wednesday night classes (the officer training sessions were offered on Wednesdays and open to all during April and the series "Harry Daniels on Harry Potter" was quite memorable!), our summertime Cinema Grill and the annual Pace Warren lecture series with Rick Ufford-Chase, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and former moderator of General Assembly from 2004-2006.

Children’s Christian Education
Children’s Sunday school classes (ranging from age 3 through high school) continued to be well attended and well directed through the efforts of our Church School Council (Carol Behr, chair) and the commitment of our Sunday School Teachers. New in the fall was the decision to schedule our Confirmation class during the church school hour and to have it co-taught by Darla Blatnik and Diane Banasiak. While the middle school and high school classes continue to meet, this schedule provides the eighth and ninth grade inquirers opportunities to attend with greater consistency throughout the year. A special highlight of the year was our Vacation Bible School, "The Great Bible Reef," held in the evenings during a week in June and organized and led by an exceptional group of volunteers.

Youth Ministry
Our youth program continues to remain strong under Holly’s leadership and with our youth intern, Evan Dolive. We were especially fortunate to have a youth intern as committed as Evan this year as he implemented the summer youth program (developed by Holly) during Holly’s maternity leave. We also appreciate the Youth Oversight Committee as well as our Youth Leaders for middle school and high school youth. They not only work with our youth on Sunday evenings but also accompany our youth to Camp Burnamwood retreats, weekend trips, ski trips, and many service and fellowship events. The increased attendance at some events this year posed the "good problem" of finding drivers to transport youth in cars along with the church bus!

Open Arms Ministry
The Open Arms ministry continued to meet throughout the year to promote inclusion of persons with special needs in the life of the church. The highlight of the year was our third "Access Sunday" guest speaker, Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, a nationally known author and speaker on faith and disabilities held on September 2. Her remarks during the 8:30 and 11:00 services focused on inclusive faith communities that welcome individuals and families, including those with special needs giving personal examples of her son who has autism. In addition, she facilitated a discussion on inclusive ministries and supporting individuals and families during the Forum class. Access Sunday also included interactive activities for children and youth in their classes on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the faith community. After the 11:00 a.m. service, a lunch and panel discussion was held for Sunday school teachers and anyone who was interested.

In closing it should be noted that the strength of Second’s Christian Education is in its many volunteers. These dedicated individuals teach on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings throughout the year. They help with Worship Explorers, Opening Celebration, VBS, Advent Workshop, Christmas pageants, and many other events. They read stories to children, work in the library, lead songs, lead crafts and lead discussions on a wide range of topics for our youth and adults. They are all a blessing to our church!

Submitted by Mike Vetter, Chair

2. 2007-2008 Children, Youth, and Adult Church School Teachers and Attendance

Christian Education – Attendance Averages

3. Forum Class 2007

Forum continues its decades old format of a brief devotional by a member followed by a speaker, always with time for questions.

In fall 2007 Chris and Robin Reid and Michael and Susan Leemhuis joined Lowell Bush, Bob and Judy Kirkland, Linda Levstik, Bobbi McAllister, and Jack and Angene Wilson on the planning committee. Leaders Kathy and Glenn Blomquist were on sabbatical in Latvia in the fall.

Our programs included reports from members of our congregation such as Linda Gorton on the Urban County Council, Dal Harper on the Planning Commission, Preston Pendley on Living Waters, Julia Thorne on the PCUSA headquarters, Jim Drahovzal and Dick Shore on global warming, and Karen and Aubrey May on their trip to Greece and Turkey. From others we learned about local organizations, such as Best Friends, Bellewood Home for Children, Bluegrass Trust, Bluegrass Allliance, and Fayette Alliance, and about local issues, such as minimum wage, undocumented immigrants, and Kentucky economic development. Mayor Jim Newberry spoke to us last April. We heard two Kentucky Humanities Council speakers, Ronald Spriggs who educated us about the Tuskegee Airmen, and Jeff Richey, whose topic was Chinese spirituality. We also hosted all-church speakers, including Kathy Bolduc and Rick Ufford Chase.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE COMMITTEE

The Congregational Life Committee seeks to encourage our members and visitors to follow Christ through the fellowship, worship, and ministry of Second Presbyterian Church, and to glorify God by using their gifts and talents in the church and in the community.

CLC Plenary Committee

Session Elders Holly Wethall, Honey Elder, Bill Perrine (chair), Deacon Representative Joanne Olson-Biglieri, Pastor Darla Blatnik, and the other subcommittee chairs comprise this committee. Meeting quarterly, they have ensured that subcommittee chairs were in place and new subcommittee members were recruited, have reviewed, supported, and encouraged the work of the subcommittees, and have revised and updated the CLC Purposes and Responsibilities outline.

CLC Subcommittees

Advertising/Inviting
Members Stephanie Aschmann, Bill Fortune, Rob Franklin, Jane Justis (chair), Sally Malmer, Phil Osborne, Julia Thorne, and Bruce Wilson, assisted by Pastor Darla Blatnik continue in refurbishing the Gathering Place (watch for more changes), urged continuation of use of nametags by the congregation, completed work on a coordinated set of church information brochures currently available for church use, developed policy for display of church printed materials in new downtown housing developments, and worked on evaluating the church’s media advertising.

Archives
Members Jim Combs (chair), Helen Evans, Alice Hills, Penni Gerard, Bill Richardson, and Scott Walz worked to identify, preserve, and make available ministerial and congregational records, objects, and personal papers of enduring value for use by the church and the general public. Additions to the pastor portrait gallery and additions to, as well as digital audio reformatting of, the oral histories are among the current projects.

Inquirers
Leaders Jamie Keller (chair)and John and Gerry McGee, in addition to many recruited helpers, worked with the pastoral staff in offering two Inquirers classes last year (there are normally three per year), arranged with Session to host two Inquirers dinners, and sought ways to integrate new members quickly into the life and ministry of Second Presbyterian.

Liturgical Arts
Last year, this subcommittee increased its membership both in numbers and in age diversity. Serving during 2007 were Lisa Blackadar, Joan Bush (chair), Valerie Caudill, Sandy Elliott, Jean Epperson, Tina Harris, Mollie Heron, Jane Justis, Rose Marion Kelly, Fiona Mowbray, and Miriam Woolfolk. Also increased was the capacity to hang additional art, thus art was added to the Gathering Place, Fellowship Hallway, and the Forum Room. During January and February snowflakes made by our congregation’s children filled the Fellowship Hallway. Expressions of Faith Art and Craft exhibit was on display during the spring months. Additional undertakings included the "Art for Dessert" workshop for children aged 3-10 in September, a Youth and Children’s art exhibit in November, supervising the creation of Great Ends of the Church bookmarks to use as teacher appreciation gifts, a Natal Stars project done during the Advent Workshop and used to decorate Fellowship Hall windows, and the creation of the Christmas Angel banner that was on display in December in the Gathering Place.

Member Retention
Pastor Darla Blatnik, assisted by members Sandra Harrison, and Jo Hepburn, have provided a review of the church attendance information on a monthly basis and established personal contact with those members and visitors whose pattern of church attendance has changed.

Stephen Ministry
Pastor Darla Blatnik and leaders Jackie Graves, Shelley Hufford, and Brenda and Danny Penn, along with Stephen Ministers Ray Davis, Penni Gerard, Laura Hatfield and E.H.Sawyer have provided a lay ministry of caring to members and non-members in accordance with the national Stephen Ministry program. The new Grief Ministry program, begun last year, is continuing and has been well received by the congregation.

Time and Talent
Members Betty Adkins, Dwight and Ina Carpenter, and Honey Elder (chair) have been reviewing and evaluating the use of the Time and Talent Report, generated biannually through surveys, looking for ways to help committees identify volunteer opportunities, defining the volunteer’s scope of work within a particular committee, connecting volunteers with groups needing their skills and identifying and enacting ways to show appreciation for and encouragement of volunteers. The committee sponsored a holiday season volunteer tea for 27 volunteers who worked in the church office. The next general survey will be in 2009.

Welcoming
Members Sandra Harrison, Shelley Hufford, Lois Noval, Joanne Olson-Biglieri, Elaine Pugh, and Holly Wethall (chair)have designed new ways to identify, contact, welcome, and encourage new visitors to become interested in learning more about Second Church. The committee has an ongoing group of four members to contact first time visitors who have signed the friendship pad. Assigned hosts and hostesses are in the Gathering Place between Sunday services, searching out and greeting new people. Preparation of a DVD to distribute to new condos in the downtown area will be on the subcommittee agenda in 2008.

Thanks to all the people mentioned above, 2007 was a fruitful, albeit transitional, year. We look forward to the direction that the Holy Spirit will lead us in 2008.

Bill Perrine, Chair

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

Committee Purpose: To promote Christian fellowship among members of the church.

We meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month to plan Sunday lunches, Wednesday dinners, special events, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and Easter breakfast. The Fellowship Hour in the Gathering Place on Sunday mornings continues to be popular.

Special Events in 2007:

Annual cookout in May
Kick-off Sunday in August
Farewell lunches for Janet Douglas and Harry Daniel
Staff Appreciation Lunch
Stewardship Potluck
Senior Trip to Savannah and Charleston in October

Groups under the umbrella of Fellowship include:

Members of the 2007 Fellowship Committee:

Barbara McAllister, Chair

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is responsible to the Session for regular review and recommendations on all financial matters of Second Presbyterian Church. The Finance Committee advises the Session on financial and investment policies, analyzes the general budget for presentation to the Session, and monitors the financial operations and financial affairs of the Church. The Committee oversees the investments of the general and designated funds of the Church and makes recommendations to the Session concerning any major unbudgeted expenses.

The Finance Committee worked with the Financial Manager, Mollie Sawyer, Church Staff, and an outside CPA to ensure proper accounting procedure, financial planning and stewardship of Church resources. Each month the Committee reviewed financial reporting and provided recommendations to aid the Session in leadership of the Church. The continued faithful financial support of the congregation allowed completion of budgeted Church operating activities and funds to build financial soundness as we progress. Long term funds were reviewed quarterly and continue to be invested in diverse stock and bond funds with the New Covenant Funds.

Contributions for 2007 enabled the Congregation to end the year with a surplus. For the year, contribution receipts were $1,315,606.50 or 95.31%. However, pledge receipts totaled ($39,502.01) under pledges made for the budget year. Total income was $1,346,645.31 for the year or 96.51%, ($48,739.69) under the budgeted amount. Since 2007 Operational expenses were kept to $1,289,809.12 or 94.02%, ($82,955.16) under budget, the Congregation ended with a $56,836.19 surplus.

Programmed benevolences expended totaled $263,121.30, slightly decreasing from the $268,535 in benevolence contributions by the Congregation in 2006.

Finance Committee members serving in 2007 include Larry C. Deener, David Porter, Anne Bolton, John Copeland, Tom Brough, Jay Busby and Bob Elliott. Staff Representatives were Interim Senior Pastor Harry Daniel, Associate Pastor Darla Blatnik and Mollie Sawyer. Thanks to all in the Congregation for their contributions, dedication and faithful service.

Larry C. Deener, Chair

MISSION COMMITTEE

"How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods
and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?"

"Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."
                                               1 John 3:17-18

The mission work of Second Church continued to grow in 2007. The mission committee is thankful for all the good works of Second’s members in 2007.

The headline mission event of the year would have to be the Malawai mission trip, where a 10-person mission team established relationships with a warm and caring people who radiated God’s love despite great need. Mission team members were Associate Pastor Darla Blatnik, Robert and Tambu Chirwa, Evan Dolive, Betty Downing, Emily Downing, Robin Reid, Todd Wethall, Jack and Angene Wilson. The team received outstanding support from the congregation, including enthusiastic youth support.

Mission activities extended well beyond a single cause, however, and included a spring Mission Fair event that filled Second’s Fellowship Hall with organizations we support, the third annual West Virginia mission trip with 7 attending, a newly unified Alternative Gift Market, and numerous service projects throughout the community.

The committee is organized into three distinct groupings: Local, Kentucky/National, and International. Some of the agencies and programs supported are below:

We are grateful for the generous support from the congregation for Second’s mission and look forward to continued opportunities to serve in 2008. We welcome anyone to join in doing God’s work in the coming year.

Mission Committee members included: AliceAnn Sanders, Joyce DeAeth, Bill Fortune, Evelyn Kramer, Betty Davis, Tambu Chirwa, Linda Crawford, Julia Thorne, Bob Steele, Sally Davenport, Roger and Joyce Johnson, Jack and Angene Wilson and Darla Blatnik, Associate Pastor.

Tom Wade, Chair

WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Worship and Music Committee (formerly Music and Worship) did more than change its name this year. The committee members continued to support all of our worship services, including special services, by coordinating ushers, communion (servers and elements), flowers, and a myriad of other tasks. In addition, this committee is responsible for special events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals that take place in our church. To that end, an updated and revised the Wedding Handbook was created that is given to all prospective brides and grooms. A Funeral Service Handbook was also "resurrected" by the committee, and a fresh update and revision for use by families of deceased members planning a service is in the works. Other work involved supporting the pastoral staff in planning worship services, both Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings. This committee also coordinates with the Music Director as services and special events are planned by the Music Department. This is an active, joyful, behind-the-scenes committee that serves throughout the year. Our meetings typically are held on the second Monday evening of each month.

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Pennington, Chair

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The 2007-08 Committee nominated a slate of Trustees for the Class of 2010 which was elected by the Congregation on November 18, 2007.

Amy Palmer was asked to fulfill Bev Stockwell’s 2007 term.

Laura Hatfield, Chair

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Summary

Personnel Committee (PC) entered 2007 in the continuing transition period under Interim Pastor F. Harry Daniel, with a busy agenda and a stubborn church budget shortfall of approximately $50,000. By the time the clock ticked down to end 2007, PC had convened 19 meetings of the full committee, many more sessions of its various subcommittees, and numerous individual or small group meetings with staff. We have seen the departure of six staff members (including Harry), the arrival of two new employees (Financial Manager and Interim Director of Christian Education, both demonstrating excellent performances). As this report is being prepared in early January 2008, we are pleased that a congregational meeting is scheduled soon to approve a call to the Pastor Nominating Committee’s selection for our next Pastor/Head of Staff. 2007 presented a bit of turmoil and staff turnover at Second Pres, but with the hard work of our staff and congregation in the transition period, and with the arrival of our new Pastor/Head of Staff, we have a setting for a new beginning, one that offers opportunities for growth and increased stability for the church that we love and support. The chair is indebted to PC members for their commitment and dedication to that effort.

Committee Actions (on behalf of Session) for 2007 (Partial List)

1. Received news of church budget shortfall of approximately $50,000 for 2007.
2. At her request, the pastoral relation with Erin Rouse, Associate Pastor for Christian Education (CE), was dissolved.
3. Initiated development of a Long-Range Staffing Development Plan for the church. (This is an ongoing process at present.)
4. Revised title of Holly Fuqua’s position from Youth Minister to Associate Pastor for Youth.
5. Accepted resignation of Kathy Logan as Administrative Manager, and provided a corresponding severance package to her in view of anticipated elimination of this position as a budget cut.
6. Eliminated position of Part-Time Bookkeeper, held by Judy Zibell, as a budget cut.
7. Abolished ordained position of Associate Pastor for CE, by request to Presbytery.
8. Initiated plans with CE Committee to hire Temporary Part-Time CE Director. Compiled job description for this new position.
9. Accepted resignation of Janet Douglas as Business Manager.
10. Approved request of Meals on Wheels to change employment status of Rebecca Garrard, MOW food service manager, from full-time to part-time, and to hire Frances McDowell as a part-time cook.
11. Provided a salary stipend to Tina Harris, Coordinator of Children’s Ministries, in recognition of her increased workload while the search was underway for the Temporary Part-Time CE Director.
12. Conducted interviews with Financial Manager applicants. Compiled job description for this new position, in conjunction with reviews by pastors, chair of Trustees, and chairs of Finance and Stewardship Committees.
13. Hired Mollie Sawyer as Financial Manager, following concurrence of her selection with chairs of Finance and Stewardship Committees.
14. Revised title of Bob Destefano’s position from Head Custodian to Superintendent of Building and Grounds, concurrently with his increased responsibilities and salary increase.
15. Conducted 2007 Staff Performance Evaluations.
16. Approved organizational chart for Tentative Staffing Development Plan, and formed a Long-Range Staffing Plan Subcommittee, chaired by Phil Osborne, to continue PC’s work on this project.
17. Hired Diane Banasiak as Interim Director of CE (upgraded from Temporary Part-Time CE Director), with input from pastors.
18. Staff Appreciation Day 2007 (3rd year) was held on Sunday, September 23, sponsored by PC and Fellowship Committees. Staff members, spouses/significant others and immediate families were featured guests at a luncheon in Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
19. Harry Daniel’s one-year contract as Interim Pastor/Head of Staff ended in August, and agreement was reached wherein Harry continued at Second Presbyterian on a month-to-month basis. His last date was October 31. (This committee is appreciative of the support and input from Harry…offering his frank opinions, but always accepting the committee’s ultimate decisions.)
20. Authorized Mollie Sawyer to modify pay periods from semi-monthly to bi-weekly; and to enhance record-keeping for time records, vacations, sick and personal leaves, and continuing education accounts, with accumulative balances to be displayed eventually on pay "stubs."
21. At her request, the pastoral relation with Holly Fuqua, Associate Pastor for Youth, was dissolved.
22. Increased the work time and salary of Evan Dolive, Youth Minister Intern, to implement the church’s Youth Program as planned by Holly Fuqua for 2008.
23. Formed a Job Descriptions Subcommittee, chaired by Carl Boyer, to compile recommended updates of job descriptions of certain staff positions, including that of Pastor/Head of Staff, for PC’s consideration.
24. Formed a Staff Evaluation Subcommittee, chaired by John Greene, to review and offer any recommended revisions of the church’s staff evaluation procedures, including forms, input and interviews, for PC’s consideration.

Members of Personnel Committee serving in 2007 (a few for part of year only)
Aubrey May (chair), Caroline Baesler, Kathy Blomquist, Anne Bolton, Carl Boyer (scribe), Lakshman Chelvarajan, John Greene, Nathan Lee, Gerry McGee, Phil Osborne, Bobby Simpson and Dave Watt.

Aubrey May, Chair

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.…"  Deuteronomy 7:9 was the theme of the 2007 Stewardship Campaign.

Priorities for the 2008 budget:  This is an exciting time in the life of our congregation and its many and varied ministries. Shortly our Pastor Nominating Committee’s choice to lead Second will be in place, continuing the existing programs, ministries and missions and showing new visions of service as we search for God’s calling for our lives. The proposed 2008 operating budget is $1,444,581 a slight increase over the 2007 budget. The Stewardship Committee was a group of talented and committed people who worked well together to make the stewardship campaign fun and successful.

Members of the committee include: Stan Kramer, Hal Keller, Preston Pendley, Gaige Paulsen, Ray Davis, Bobbi McAllister, Ginger Moses, and staff representatives Holly Fuqua, Shawn Ray and Mollie Sawyer.

This year’s stewardship event was a wonderful potluck where members brought their favorite recipe to share. A video by Sonny Waller was shown during the potluck highlighting all activities Second has been involved in over the past year.

As of January 11, 2008 we had received 354 pledges toward our goal of 425 pledge units (families and individuals), with total funds pledged of $1,116,666 towards our goal of $1,332,200.

Thanks to every Stewardship Committee member who joyfully gave of their time and talents to make the campaign a success. We also want to thank the church staff, deacons, trustees and elders for their continuing support. Finally, thank you to each member and friend of Second Presbyterian Church for your generous financial support

Stan Kramer and Hal Keller (Co-Chairs)

C. BOARD OF DEACONS

The Deacons of Second Presbyterian Church participate in congregational ministry which reaches out to people in our own congregation, and in outreach ministry which serves the larger community.

Congregational Ministry:

Deacon of the Month - The Deacon of the Month serves to assist the pastoral staff by visiting the sick and infirmed; sending cards and flowers to members who are recovering from serious illness or surgery; and delivering rose buds to the parents of our "newest members."

Meals – Deacons help arrange meals for families with new babies, for persons recovering from surgery; for those grieving and in other situations as determined.

Baptismal Sponsors –Deacons pair a church member(s) with a newly baptized child and family to build caring and friendship between the child and the adult.

Blood Drive – Deacons schedule and promote the Blood Drives three or more times a year.

Easter Lily, Christmas Poinsettia and Christmas Cards – Deacons schedule the sale and set up of flowers or cards.

Thanksgiving Dinner – Deacons plan and coordinate this yearly fellowship event.

Transportation – Deacons organize drivers and maintain the schedule for the Sunday bus route for those that are in need of transportation. They also address other special transportation needs. The deacons have explored expanding the transportation ministry.

Deacons are also given Care Receiver assignments for shut-ins or elderly members to make sure they stay connected to the church through visits, cards and phone calls. Deacons also greet and assist persons with access needs (Deacon at the Door) before the 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service, and serve Communion at the 11:00 a.m. service, once a quarter. The Deacon at the Door assignment also includes the delivering of flowers to shut-ins after the service and delivery of remaining donuts to the Hope Center.

Deacons also provide representatives to the Session committees. This year’s representatives are: Stewardship: Preston Pendley; Personnel: Bobby Simpson; Nominating: Linda Watt; Finance: Jay Busby; Mission: Linda Crawford; Congregational Life: Joanne Olson-Biglieri, Paul Justis; Fellowship: Phil Maxson; Christian Education: Courtney Lagrew; Worship and Music; Ronnie DeAeth

Outreach Ministry:

Westminster Village – A deacon representative sits on the Board of Westminster Village. Deacons coordinate clothing drives, transport donated items, publicize and staff Westminster Day and the Back-To-School drive. Deacons coordinate the schedule for Christmas food basket deliveries, and do other work as requested.

Canaan House – Deacons take residents to dinner once a month, stay abreast of the needs of the house and schedule workdays, or provide other resources as needed.

Short Term Projects – Coordinate and schedule special short-term community projects such as Salvation Army bell-ringing.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DEACONS 2007-2008

Moderator of Deacons: Joanne Olson-Biglieri

Secretary: Stephanie Aschmann

Staff Representatives: Pastor Darla Blatnik and Pastor Steve Palmer

D. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the physical maintenance of our church building and to facilitate the activities and mission of the church. The Trustees are also responsible for counting and depositing offerings after each church service, for executing contracts on behalf of the church, and for providing representatives to the Stewardship, Nominating, Finance, and Personnel committees of the church.

The Trustees expended just over $261,000 during 2007, or approximately 94% of their $270,000 operating budget. The following is a brief summary of activities coordinated by various Trustees committees during 2007.

Maintenance
It was the position of the Maintenance committee that in a tight budget year, only completely necessary projects should be undertaken. Operating under this premise, the following projects were completed during 2007:

• Tuck pointing of the West Wall transept and the Ransom Avenue stairwell. It is important to note that these two locations alone depleted the annual tuck pointing budget and a significant portion of funds escrowed. The Maintenance committee and Board of Trustees as a whole feel very strongly that 2008 tuck pointing monies should be at least kept level, and hopefully increased.
• Installed new ceiling tiles and lighting in the Gathering Place and small hallway.
• Installed a new door to the Best Friends room.
• Installed new slate roof tiles as needed.
• Painted rooms 305 and 306 in the Christian Education wing.
• Performed various repairs and maintenance to the heating system.
• Performed various repairs and maintenance to the plumbing system in the Gathering Place and the Best Friends areas.

Projects pending for 2008 include

• Repair or replacement of the windows in the 4th floor (tower) office.
• Addressing actuator valves in classroom areas.
• Addressing fire code compliance related issues for rooms near the boiler room (specifically replacement of doors with 1/75" solid-core doors with spring-loaded hinges).
• Touch-up to signage paint for the Ransom/Old Vine sign.

Landscaping
Trustees continued to maintain the beautiful landscaping of the church by coordinating workdays and watering sod and plants. Management of the landscaping budget continues to be a priority of the Trustees.

Housekeeping
The Housekeeping committee performed two cleanings of the sanctuary, in addition to its routine cleanings. During these two special cleanings, collection trays were polished and pew cushions brushed and turned. The committee continues to be concerned with the deteriorating condition of the pew cushions and advises that they should be replaced when funds are available. A donated rug was placed in the Campbell Memorial Room, and the Senior Pastor’s Study was renovated with new paint, carpet, window treatments, lighting and upholstery. It is important to note that this project was paid for with a designated gift and not from general operating funds of the church.

Risk Management/Church Use
The Committee continually evaluates the church’s insurance coverage levels, and reviews and approves applications for church building use by outside groups.

Transportation
The committee held a bus driver training session in October with 13 participants, including 2 new drivers. The bus was cleaned inside and outside periodically, and restocked as necessary. A manufacturer’s recall relating to the cruise control was addressed at no cost to the church, and new lettering was installed on the exterior of the bus.

Sanctuary Communications
Preventive organ maintenance was performed in June. Eight new hearing assistance units were installed, and video camera enhancements were made to improve the quality of recordings and camera mobility. A new CD recorder was purchased.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS 2007

E. CORPORATION & CONGREGATIONAL MINUTES

The minutes are omitted from this web version of the 2007 Annual Report.

F. STAFF

The following are staff members who left in 2007:
Harry Daniel
Janet Douglas
Holly Fuqua
Kathy Logan
Erin Rouse
Judy Zibell (pt)

G. ANNUAL STATISTICS & FINANCIAL REPORTS

STATISTICAL REPORT OF SESSION 2007

Membership

Total Active Membership 01/01/2007:                      1166

Total Additions During 2007:                                         35

Total Losses During 2007                                               38

Total                                                                                1163

2007 Weddings
Matthew DeMarcus and Allison Wickman
Cooper Sawyer and Courtney Swafford
Robin Chalkley and Leah Christian
Michael Hooper and Victoria Graff
Christopher Briggs and Elizabeth Reagan
Nicholas McGuire and Rebecca Helm
Mark Teagarden and Theresa Ann Casazza
Alan Traut and Teresa Timaji
Malcomb McCardle and Kendra Wilson

New Members 2007

 
2007 Membership Age Distribution

The Financial Reports are omitted from this web version of the 2007 Annual Report.