NORTH MADISON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
1271 DURHAM ROAD
MADISON, CONNECTICUT 06443
Annual Report
May 17, 2015
NORTH MADISON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORTS
May 17, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Call to the 2015 Annual Meeting
3
Minutes
May 18, 2014 Congregational Meeting
December 14, 2014 Semi-Annual Budget Meeting
4
6
Report from the Pastor
8
Book of Records
11
The Treasurer’s Report
NMCC Budget vs Actual
NMCC Portfolio
2012 Named Donor’s Capital Fund
CNS Budget vs Actual
12
14
15
16
Board of Deacons
Deacons’ Membership Review
17
21
Board of Christian Education
22
Circle Nursery School Board
25
Communications Committee
27
Deacon Service
28
Missions Committee
29
Music Committee
31
Nominating Committee
33
Pastoral Relations Committee
36
Property & Planning Committee
37
Quiet Ministry
39
Stewardship Committee
40
2
3
North Madison Congregational Church
Congregational Meeting Minutes
257th Annual Meeting
18 May 14
In attendance: 46 members and 8 non-members of NMCC
I. Executive Committee Chairman John Nassif called the meeting to order at 11:26 AM—The
Rev. James Latimer opened the meeting with a prayer after which he thanked John Nassif for his
service as Chair of Executive Committee
II. Minutes for the May, 19, 2013 General Meeting were accepted unanimously after a motion
by Robert Linn and a second by Calvin Price
III. The Rev. James Latimer gave his report
A. Showed video, “Get Service,” the theme of which was “Why we Gather
B. Via a PowerPoint presentation, discussed guiding principles of becoming a missional,
congregation-centered, and inviting church
C. Noted that in the 2014-2015 church year, he wished to articulate a particular vision for
NMCC—I.e., What bold step of faith can we take for God in our community that is very
noticeable and around which we can rally and be known for?
IV. John Gallops gave the Treasurer’s report
A. Finances at NMCC have started much more successfully this calendar year than in 2013
B. John explained the portfolio process and stated that NMCC’s Vanguard®-based portfolio
continues to do well
V. All Committee reports were accepted by unanimous vote after a motion by Robert Linn and a
second by Calvin Price
VI. The slate of Boards and Committees was presented
A. Acceptance of the slate was moved by Gail Benson and seconded by Rene Chin
B. The motion passed unanimously
VI. Roberta Hanlon reported for the Board of Deacons regarding the review of church
membership roll
A. Explained process—see p. 27 of Annual Report and see p. 29 for those who were moved to
associate status or removed from membership list
B. After an extensive discussion regarding this issue, James Cooper and Patricia Hunter were
moved to associate members list, and Esther Magee’s status was to be determined—with
these alterations, the updated membership roll was accepted unanimously after a motion by
Roberta Hanlon and a second by Peter Meier
VII. Keith Luckenbach moved and John Gallops seconded that Article IX. §14 be removed
from the NMCC Bylaws
A. This would remove the reference to the Library Committee, but not the church’s library
itself
B. Tom Whitaker suggested that some books from the library be placed in Fellowship Hall—
this idea was met with general assent
C. The motion carried unanimously
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IX. Calvin Price moved that the Rev. Dr. John Pelletier be recognized as Pastor Emeritus of
North Madison Congregational Church
A. Ann Whitaker seconded the motion
B. A lengthy discussion occurred regarding this motion with many attendees speaking for or
against it
C. The motion carried, 22-14
X. The meeting was adjourned by John Nassif at 1:29.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Keith Luckenbach
Clerk
5
North Madison Congregational Church
Congregational Meeting Minutes
Semi-Annual Budget Meeting
December 14, 2014
In attendance: 29 members and friends of NMCC
I.
Executive Committee Chairman Thomas Lauher called the meeting to order
at 11:50 AM; Pastor Jim opened the meeting with a prayer and copies of the
budget were handed out.
II.
John Nassif reported regarding the 2014 Budget. Last year’s $17,000 deficit
was approved. There had previously been a $10,000.00 deficit, but we are
ending the year with a deficit of $5,844.00.
III.
Regarding the 2015 budget, it was decided that a 3% cost of living adjustment
would not be paid to church employees. Instead, a 3% 2014 year-end bonus
was approved for each employee. Then, the cost of living adjustment would
be revisited in July 2015.
IV.
The proposed budget was reviewed. The Board of Finance’s intention was to
have no more than a $20,000 deficit. The final draft was amended and voted
on unanimously at the December, 2014 Executive Committee Meeting.
V.
Holly Francis moved to approve the proposed 2015 budget. Linda Young
seconded the motion.
A. Discussion. John Gallops gave an explanation of the income side the budget.
B. Maureen Jones asked about the Hoffrichter Mission Fund. John Gallops
responded that annually a maximum of 5% can be drawn from this fund and
that this money can only be used for Missions.
C. Bob Garbarino asked how the deficit gets funded. John Gallops responded
that money is taken from Unrestricted Funds to meet the deficit.
D. Holly Francis asked if we use the Principal. John Gallops responded that we
can only use the Principal from Unrestricted Funds.
E. Regarding expenses: Board of Christian Education requested $7,000.00 and
got $6,500. The Missions budget was cut by $1,000. All other budgets
remain essentially the same as 2014.
F. Regarding personnel expenses, the office manager salary was increased as
she has been undervalued and underpaid. All others remain essentially the
same as 2014.
G. Property maintenance expenses were discussed, including contract cleaning
for the downstairs and the fact that the amount of snow removal which will
be needed is unknown. We have been shopping for lawn care and snow
plowing, but no one wants to bid because Madison Earth Care always wins
the bid.
H. The Dr. Johnson Cemetery Fund started with $130,000.00. At the end of
November, 2014, there was $304,000.00 in the fund. In 2015, we will draw
down $14,000.00 from this fund.
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I. Bob Garbarino asked about painting of the church. This would be a major
capital expense and would need to be approved by the Congregation.
Estimates are being gathered.
J. Beth Berestecky asked about additional fundraising. John Gallops indicated
that if anyone wants to come up with fundraising ideas and implement them,
they are welcome to.
K. Question regarding the office expenses being up by 46%. They were underbudgeted in the past. During 2014, we have spent over $5,000.00 on
computers and upgrades to our network. We are getting a lot of office
information out, which is computer related.
V.
John Nassif called for a vote to approve the budget: 29 yes, 0 no and 0 abstentions
and the motion passed unanimously.
VI.
Tom thanked Keith, in his absence, for his years of service as Clerk of the Church.
VII. Calvin Price moved to adjourn the meeting. Maureen Jones seconded the motion
and the motion passed unanimously.
VIII. The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen M. McCann
Clerk
7
Pastor Jim’s Annual Report
May 2015
Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Much wonderful ministry has happened among and through us since May 2014. It’s an exciting time
to be part of NMCC, though sometimes a bit nerve wracking. We’re being challenged to trust God’s
presence and guidance. I’m reminded of God’s word spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19)
Not many congregations experience what you have in the past five years: the departure of a long
tenured beloved and talented pastor and the right-sizing that must happen to move forward. This
right-sizing occurs at multiple levels: leadership, finances, staff, worship attendance, and the
number of helping hands in our ministries.
God is calling us to new awareness:
 In what way/how is God Calling us to live into the Gospel of Jesus’ transformative love going
forward?
 How is God Calling “me” to use my own God-given passions and talents within the
congregation’s newly defined ministry?
Done with intention, it typically takes a congregation 3-5 years to arrive at its “new normal.” Done
without intention, a congregation with this kind of major change in its recent past is continually
conflicted, as people haven’t done the hard work of releasing familiar expectations and habits that
is needed to discover and embrace a new reality.
Our Getting Focused with Purpose initiative is helping us do exactly this. I am so pleased with how
you have now deeply engaged with this process. We are bravely and faithfully moving ahead,
anticipating that in the fall of 2015 we will have adequate clarity of what “doing justice, loving
kindness and walking humbly with our God,” looks for us now. It is putting meat-to-bones of the 3
Guiding Principles we embraced in 2013: Missional, Congregation-Centered and Inviting. (See
graphic below.)
I would love for us to articulate a big challenge to which we feel God calling us: What bold step of
faith can we take for God in our community that is very noticeable and around which we can rally and be
known for?
And along the way you have been sharing your God stories publicly in worship, at Generosity
Dinners, in the Pay-It-Forward Testimonies, and Vessels for God testimonials. That’s what “church”
is about: Experiencing and transmitting God’s transformative love for the sake of Justice,
compassion and forgiveness in our community and world.
The Worship Team has played a vital role here. The Vessels for God Lent worship series that
sparked so much movement of the Spirit would not have happened without the collective creative
leadership of a group of people. The Worship Team is a huge blessing to me.
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The above reflects the main priorities I had during the past twelve months:
 Offering spiritually enriching and lively worship opportunities
 Providing leadership and guidance for staff decisions
 Developing and mentoring lay leadership
 “Right-sizing” our budget and organizational structure
 Pastor care
 Together with you, managing the “gaps” left by the departure of Rob Osso (10/2013) and
Morgan Aery (12/2014)
I envision these strategic priorities (among others) for the next 12 months:
 Finishing our GFWP initiative
 Applying the GFWP results to all aspects of our ministries, including organization
structure/By-laws, staffing, etc.
 Creating sustainable models for our Christian Education and Property & Planning ministries
 Leadership development.
My vision for our ministry is that lives will be transformed – ours and others – as we take seriously
our God-given passions and talents and serve from them to glorify God and bring God’s values of
justice, kindness, love, compassion, community and joy into our world. This is why I choose to be a
pastor and is what energizes me.
Your Friend in Christ,
Pastor Jim
Data for Worship attendance, new members and giving.
Worship Attendance
100
80
60
40
20
0
2012 2014 2015
(latter
half)
New Members
15
10
5
0
M J Se No Ja M M J Se No Ja M M
ay- ul- p- v- n- ar- ay- ul- p- v- n- ar- ay13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15
9
Avg. Pledge
$35.00
$34.00
$33.00
$32.00
$31.00
$30.00
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Charts:
Worship Attendance (includes children): During the latter part of 2012 Sunday average worship
attendance (including children) was 75; in 2014 it was 95. From 4/14 to 4/15 it was 99.
New Members (not including Confirmands): 2013 (6 people); 2014 (17); 2015 so far (6).
Average Weekly Pledge: 2011 ($32.32), 2012 ($34.86), 2013 ($34.52), 2014 ($31.67), 2015 (31.71).
3 Guiding Principles:
Consumer Church
Missional Church
“I go to church” vs. “I am the church”
Pastor-centered
Congregation-centered.
Ministry is done by the staff vs. I serve using my talents and interests (“Feed” myself
by serving others)
Welcoming
Inviting
“We’re glad you’re here,” vs. “What are your needs & interests?” “I have an idea you
may like…” “Would you like to join us…?”
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BOOK OF RECORDS
May 1, 2014 – May 1, 2015
BAPTISMS (5)
June 8, 2014
July 5, 2014
April 4, 2015
WEDDINGS (1)
September 6, 2014
Shelby Ann Allen, daughter of Susie and Robert Allen
Hunter Ann Donahey, daughter of Angela and Victor Donahey
Greyson Lee Tierney, son of Katy Brewer and Brandon Craig Tierney
Xavier Joseph Cone, son of Kristen Leigh and Chris Allen Cone
Arabella Grace Bernier, daughter of Amanda and Chris Bernier
Gretchen Korman and John Murphy (officiated by Rev. James Latimer)
NEW MEMBERS (34)
May 11, 2014 (11 on New Member Sunday)
Heather Atwater, Carol Anne Bachhuber, Mary Lou Cook, Ann Damarjian, Orlene Gallops,
Bob Garbarino, Tom Hansen, Nina Hsieh, Michele Mauro, Terry McGuire, Vance Taylor
May 18, 2014 (1 on from New Member Sunday)
Dina Dunn
June 29, 2014 (2 on New Member Sunday)
Clarance Jones, Maureen Jones
October 26, 2014 (2 on New Member Sunday)
Jill Aboulian, Melissa Clark,
June 8, 2014 (18 by Confirmation)
Shelby Allen, Christian Bray, Ben Chasse, Hunter Donahey, Emma Connolly, Olivia Fumiatti,
Genevieve Garceau, Chris Hartmann, Anna Lefante, Ryan McAneany, Erica Mallon,
Elizabeth McCann, Abigail Murphy, Hayley Murphy, Clare Nelson, Matt Parker, Kailey
Piekarz, Emma Segnere
FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES (MEMBER) (2)
September 23, 2014
November 5, 2014
Joyce Blundon (officiated by Rev. James Latimer)
Sandra Stella (officiated by Rev. James Latimer)
FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES (NON-MEMBER) (4)
May 31, 2014
November 19, 2014
January 10 2015
January 24, 2015
Halina Mabry (officiated by Rev. Vance Taylor)
Chester Norman Truax (officiated by Rev. James Latimer)
Anthony Leo McDonnell (officiated by Rev. James Latimer)
Shirley Ruttner (officiated by Rev. Vance Taylor)
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12
13
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Named Donors Capital Fund
To: The Members of North Madison Congregational Church
From: John F. Gallops, Treasurer
Subject: Named Donors Capital Fund – Annual Report
Date: April 21, 2015
The Named Donors Capital Fund was created by the church’s Executive Committee in the fall of 2005 as a
vehicle whereby members and friends of the church may provide for the church and have their generosity
remembered for many years.
Gifts to the fund are treated differently from other contributions made to augment the church’s capital. For
example, if John Jones should decide to make a gift of $10,000 stipulating that it should be recorded as the
William Jones Fund (William being John’s father), then the gift, with any increases over the years, will always
be listed in the church’s financial records and reports as the “William Jones Fund.” Additionally, there is an
annual restriction on withdrawals, 5%, which will insure that the original gift will always be there. Studies
show that appreciation on a mix of bonds and equities will be sufficient to support an annual withdrawal of 5%
as long as the American economy exists. More information and a copy of the fund document can be obtained
from the church treasurer.
Set forth below is the status of the fund as of the December 31, 2014 . The generosity of those who have
already given is appreciated; and it is hoped that others will want to participate in this vehicle, designed with
the long-term financial health of our church in mind.
Held in the church’s investment accounts:
250th Anniversary Gift Fund: $19,684.00
Alexander and Joanne Zorba Fund: $1,400.00
Barbara and Kenneth Munro Fund: $2,085.00
Bryan Boling and Family Trust Fund: $3,447.00
Caroline Rossi Fund: $1,444.00
Carolyn Jones Ignatuk Fund: $2,629.00
Donald E. Reese Fund: $7,039.00
Helen and John Bischof Fund: $2,085.00
In Honor of Henrietta Schraner Fund: $2,731.00
James, Irmgard and Kyle Boling Fund: $3,447.00
John and Beverly Gallops Fund: $2,422.00
Mary Ann and Don Epperson Fund: $1,400.00
Nancy P. Conover Fund: $1,400.00
Pat Hunter and Jim Cooper Fund: $1,352.00
Roberta and Thomas Lombardi Fund: $1,400.00
Teresa and Harry Johnson Fund: $13,748.00
The Clemmons Family Fund: $1,400.00
The Cooke Family Fund: $1,400.00
Held in the church’s bank accounts pending year-end crediting as provided in the fund document:
None.
Total amount in the fund:
$70,513.00
15
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Board of Deacons Annual Report – 2014-2015
This year’s Deacons are: Dawn Barber, Beth Berestecky, Karen Chapman, Jim Connolly, Kate Davis, Sandy
Dickson, Peter Haff, Roberta Hanlon and Bruce Whittaker.
The Board of Deacons provides the spiritual leadership of the church, working with the pastor in worship and
pastoral care and the retention and growth of NMCC membership. It’s been a busy year with particular
focus on enhancing our Ministry in several areas:

Caring Ministries - Improved our coordinated effort as we assessed needs and connected with resources
in our congregation and in the wider community to ensure coverage.

Memorial and Celebration of Life Services Updated and enhanced the quality of coverage with which
they are delivered.

Worship – Enriched the worship experience and connected it to our GFWP Initiative.

New Members - Continued efforts to connect with new faces and engage them in our community.

Adult Enrichment - Continued to offer programs that represent a variety of options to engage the
congregation and friends outside of worship.
Caring Ministries
With several families in our congregation in life-changing crisis situations, we needed to ensure that pastoral
care could be provided by not only Pastor Jim, the deacons and Caring Ministries but additional resources in
NMCC and as well as external communities of which these members also receive support. Each family was
assigned a dedicated deacon or Caring Ministry individual who lead the coordinated efforts across all
resources.
All of the ministries have been very active this past year serving a wide range of requests:

Knitting Ministry – Our Knitting Ministry Members knit and distributed prayer shawls this past year,
extending the work of God and our ministry outside our building and into our wider community through
requests for shawls from members for their friends and family. Each shawl includes a card with a prayer
and information on how the shawl was made. Leader: Chris Bailey

Called to Care Ministry provided outreach to members in need of a friendly phone call, an errand to be
run, or a visit. In addition, we recruited well over 25 folks who pitched in painting, doing home and yard
cleanup, gardening and building special needs items to support our congregation. Leader: Melissa
Blundon

Caring Cooks distributed food to those experiencing illness, surgery or economic hardship. 15-20
members of this team and others provided meals for families in need. Leader: Karen Garceau

Prayer Ministry sent out close to 50 cards to those in need of comfort and support, especially health
concerns and the passing of loved ones. In addition the Prayer Chain is called upon throughout the year
for special prayer for members, friends and family in crisis. Leader: Linda Young
Memorial and Celebration of Life Services
Deacons provided support for 6 memorial services for members Joyce Blundon and Sandra Stella; and nonmembers Hanna Malbry, Chester Truax, Anthony Leo McDonnell and Shirley Ruttner. Most of the families
requested reception support, which required planning additional with the family and Deacon Services. To
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better support the families and their need to celebrate the life of their loved ones we developed a
questionnaire with Deacon Services to collect needs, suggest services and enlisted the participation of
deacons, deacon services and others to provide a special experience for the families.
Worship Team/Special Services
The Worship Team is an ad hoc team Board of Deacons. The members this year included Melissa Blundon,
Sandy Dickson and Roberta Hanlon. This team worked closely with Pastor Jim to develop themes, liturgies,
visuals, and activities to directly engage the congregation in the worship experience. Special services for this
past year planned by the worship team included:
 Homecoming Sunday – set the stage to support our Fall worship plans
 Day of Remembrance – to celebrate and remember loved ones during a Sunday worship service;
included lighting of candles in memory of lost loved ones.
 Longest Night - held at the time of the Winter Solstice (December 21st), this service provides a safe place
to express and attend to that sadness through meditation, readings, music in a quiet candle lit
atmosphere.
 Advent: Our theme, “Learning to Walk in the Dark”, was woven into all aspects of our worship service
during Advent, including special artwork. Additional services for Advent were:
 Christmas Eve – This family-friendly service has a focus on Gospel readings about Jesus’ birth
 Christmas Eve – Candlelight Service
 Lent: Our thought-provoking Lenten theme “Vessels for God” presented us with ways to identify ways in
which we serve and how. This year included the use of personal vessels and testimonials, discussion
groups during worship and ties to the GFWP Initiative. Special Lenten services were:
 Ash Wednesday - beginning of the season of Lent with a reflective service that inspired us to
recommit to personal spiritual growth during the days leading to Holy Week.
 Maundy Thursday, Day of Remembrance – in this family-friendly potluck supper and service of
remembrance we remember the Lord’s Last Supper and his prayers in the garden for guidance
and strength through a community supper, readings, song and communion.
 Tenebrae (Good Friday) - deeply moving service of lessons and hymns, lighting of candles that
gave way to the encroaching darkness, recalling the trial and death of Jesus our Christ.
 Easter Vigil – to some members, the most meaningful experience of Holy Week: we keep vigil in
the quiet of our sanctuary from Friday evening to Easter morning.
 Easter Dawn - This special simple service recalled the gift of life eternal conducted at Summer Hill
cemetery through scripture, song and reflection by Pastor Jim.
Membership
 New members – Thirty five new members joined NMCC (May 2014 to April 2015): 12 new members in
May, two adult members and 19 through confirmation in June and 2 in October. Adult membership
involves preparing a new member orientation session with Pastor Jim and at least one deacon prior to
New Member Sunday. The Board invited 13 prospective members for our spring 2015 Membership
Sunday on May 3 and 6 new members are expected to join.
 Review of Membership - The Deacons reviewed of the church membership rolls, mailed letters and
recommended moving 23 people to associate membership and removing 43 inactive members from
membership at the 2014 annual meeting. Membership rolls review and proposed adjustments are
underway for the 2015 Annual Meeting.
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
Youth Confirmation – The Deacons hosted a Confirmation rehearsal reception to welcome our 18 new
members and their families in May of 2014 and participated in the confirmation ceremony on
Confirmation Sunday.
Adult Enrichment
The Adult Enrichment program continues to offer a wide range of programs and events tailored to meet the
needs of our church and provide members and invited friends with opportunities for personal growth and
fellowship.
 Gentle Yoga: This ongoing program is held in Fellowship hall Monday Evenings. Attendance ranges from
10 to 20 participants each week including long-time church members, people new to the NMCC church
family, and community members. Sessions run for 6-7 weeks and we generate a small profit on every
participant.
 Blessing of the Animals: This year’s event was held outside on the church lawn on September 27, 2014
and drew approximately two dozen members and nonmembers. Pastor Jim blessed each dog or cat with
a prayer, hymns were sung, and a free-will donation of pet needs and cash allowed us to make donations
to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford and Labs4Rescue.
 Journeying to the Center: A Walk in the Labyrinth, led by Anne O’Connor on Saturday, October 25, 2014.
A video presentation was followed by a labyrinth meditation at the Mercy Center in Madison. Approx. 15
participants attended and NMCC made a small donation to the Mercy Center in gratitude for their
facility.
 Finding Light in the Darkness: The two-part series was facilitated by Tom and Ann Whitaker on
November 9th and 16th, 2014. This exploration of spiritual readings, designed to help participants respond
to moments of loss, sadness, and darkness, drew 21–24 people to each of the two sessions.
 Connecticut River Eagle Watch: This family event was led by bird artist Michael DiGiorgio on Feb. 28,
2015 to explore the Connecticut River in search of nesting and perched eagles. Approximately 30 people
carpooled to the sites and enjoyed lunch together in fellowship afterward at the Ivory Restaurant in Deep
River.
Development and Communication
 Welcomed 2 new deacons, Beth Berestecky and Dawn Barber and the return of Sandy Dickson and 4 new
Junior Deacons. We elected to not fill the two partial terms and one full term. We currently have 9
Deacons and 9 Junior Deacons serving. Training included onboarding the new Deacons and Junior
Deacons with personalized training.
 Deacon Retreats – We held 2 retreats this year:
o Spring Retreat - The Spring overnight retreat was held in June 2014 timed to welcome the new
deacons. The retreat included getting to know and build intimacy with each other and prepare
to engage the church community for the coming year. We worked on a deacon vision statement,
taking a look at our passions, talents and needs of the NMCC community. Finally, we created a
closure ceremony with the 4 deacons whose term was ending.
o Winter Retreat - In March 2015 we focused our attention on taking an inventory of the skills of
the current deaconate and identifying what skills were needed deacons we needed to recruit.
We conducted a workshop to enhance skills to help us identify and techniques to invite new
deacons to join the Deaconate and then put together a list of prospects.
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
Communications – worked closely with the Communications Committee to provide coordinated worship
and adult enrichment communication through the Sunday bulletin, weekly email, monthly newsletter,
web pages, signage for services and Facebook updates.
Ushers, Readers and Deacon Scheduling
The Deacons schedule all readers, ushers and deacons throughout the year for each service. We currently
have 12 readers, including one new reader this year and 15 ushers (two of whom were new this year).
Junior Deacon Program
This year’s Junior Deacons: Reed Berestecky, Kyle Boling, Ben Chasse, Olivia Chasse, Emma Connolly, Ryan
Murphy, Chris Parker, Matt Parker and Erin Shafer.
The Junior Deacon program is open to all confirmed 10th, 11th and 12th grade members of our church. The
Junior Deacons have helped the Deacons with many aspects of worship each Sunday including leading the
Call to Worship, serving as ushers and serving communion. Junior Deacon Chris Parker served as a mentor
for the confirmation class. The Junior Deacons are an integral part of the deacon team, and a very important
part of our worship service.
Baptism
We provided deacon support for the celebration of five baptisms: Hunter Ann Donahey, (daughter of Angela
and Victor Donahey), Joyce and Kevin Tierney’s grandsons: Greyson Lee Tierney, Xavier Joseph Cone and
Arabella Grace Bernier (daughter of Amanda and Chris Bernier).
Videotaping
The videotaping of the service provides an important outreach to those unable to attend worship on Sunday
morning.
Respectfully Submitted,
Roberta Hanlon
Chair, Board of Deacons
April 30, 2015
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Deacons’ Membership Review
MOVE TO ASSOCIATE LIST - 26
REMOVE MEMBERSHIP - 3
Butler, Jack
Butler, Jane
Butler, Peggy
Butler, Timothy
Butler, Will
Cadwell, Ben
Cadwell, Dennis
Cadwell, Marylou
Cadwell, Morgan
Cadwell, Sam
Casparino, Alexandra
Flynn, Wendy*
Forti, Erica
Haff, Stephen
Murphy, Alison*
Murphy, Bryan*
Murphy, Cooper*
Murphy, Cullen*
Murphy, McKay*
Perry, Scott
Perry, Karen
Tierney, Joyce*
Tierney, Kevin*
Varone Carolyn*
Williams, Rob
Williams, Jennifer
Vestuti, Denise
Vestuti, Gary
Wikstrom, Alison
* Responded to membership letter and requested change
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Board of Christian Education
Annual Report
2014-1015
The children and youth of our congregation inspire so many others to volunteer their time, talent,
passion and love to provide warm and caring programs from our Children's Church on Sunday
mornings to our two youth groups and our Confirmation Program. Thank you to ALL who have
made our Christian Education Programs better and richer because of YOUR devotion.
Children's Church
serving preschool - 8th grade
o Sunday School – We have had approximately 16-21 kids each week attend our services
downstairs. On holiday Sundays are numbers are closer to 30.
Date
Fall
Dec
Theme/Curriculum
Heiffer Curriculum
The Christmas Pageant occurred on
December 14 and served as our
worship service.
All new script this year. Olivia
Chasse and Ryan Murphy (both
Seniors) were Mary and Joseph.
Olivia sang with Bryan Boling.
Several duos by kids. Live donkey
added some spice to the show with
typical donkey behavior.
Adult Volunteer Teachers
Teen Assistants
Karen Murphy
Charlie Shaffer
Olivia Chasse
Ryan Murphy
Jan - Feb
2015
Formerly used VBS:
Discovering God Everywhere
Vera Levis, Sharon Mallon,
Rene Chin, Karen Murphy
Jeff Chin
Haley and Ryan Murphy,
Erica Mallon, Elizabeth
McCann
Feb March
Formerly used VBS:
Shining God's Light
Missy Belcourt, Dan Mallon,
Karen Murphy, Rene Chin
Haley and Ryan Murphy,
Erica Mallon, Elizabeth
McCann, Gen Garceau
Rene Chin, Linda Lefante,
Jeff Ignatuk, Sharon Mallon,
Karen Murphy
Haley and Ryan Murphy,
Erica Mallon, Elizabeth
McCann
Part of this rotation was community
service where the 5th-8th graders
made dinners to freeze for church
members, the 2nd-4th graders made
scented lotion, and our preschool-1st
graders made homemade dog bones
for local animal shelter.
April - Jun Formerly used VBS:
Kid's Circle Ranch
22
Community service continued with
each class making a different kind of
cookie for the NM Fire Department.
Each was frozen so that firemen can
take out as desired. Huge card was
sent along with yummy cookies.
Youth Groups
Junior Youth Group
serving 7th - 8th grade
Approximately 7-14 youth attend activities.





spring 2014 - New Haven overnight trip to feed the homeless. 10-15 kids attended
along with Morgan Aery and Mark Dickson.
September- Guilford Fair was canceled due to lack of signed up youth
October- Chapel on the Green: 12 youth worshipped and distributed sandwiches. Mike
Efenecy and friend help prepare, CROP Walk
November- Hearth, Harvest Dinner, Team building, making cookies for craft fair
December  Christmas Party at the Hearth
Five youth (2 being high schoolers) helped decorate cookies at The Hearth
with
residents from the Keepsake Unit.
 Christmas Craft Show Raffle
Our JYG and parents helped raise $395 for NMCC this year by selling raffle
tickets during the craft show! This was by far the most we’ve raised over the
past 4 years.
 Coat Drive for City Mission Society of Boston
$200 ($100 from members of the church and remaining from JYG Mission
Trip
Fund) was sent to City Mission Society of Boston to help purchase new coats
for the children of Boston. $100 was collected from members of the church,
and a matching donation of $100 was taken from the JYG Mission Trip fund.
Upon Morgan's resignation, Rene Chin and Karen Murphy volunteered to lead, organize and
run the JYG. One or both will attend each event/activity.




January 2014- 10-12 youth cooked Joke (meat) Loaves and zucchini muffins for
members of church assisted by adults Rene Chin, Karen Murphy and Pastor Jim
Latimer.
February- 5 youth Roller skated at Middletown Roller Rink chaperoned and lead by
Karen Murphy and Missy Belcourt.
March- canceled due to snow
April – Boston Urban Outreach Mission Trip serving the unhoused. 9 attended along
with Rene Chin and Frank Walsh as adult chaperones.
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Senior Youth Group
serving 9th-12th grade
The 2013-2014 SYG year ended with the annual Mission trip in Washington DC, July 12 - July
19, 2014. Working with Youth Services Opportunities Project (YSOP), 16 SYG were chaperoned
by Morgan Aery, Pastor Jim, Jeff Chin and Jim Sachs with the focus of helping the homeless.
The 2014-2015 SYG was led by Jeff Chin and started the year with Cooking with the Chin's, an
event in which the SYG cooked the dinner for their parents. Since then the SYG has met twice a
month with an average attendance of 17 youth. Meetings have been were scheduled for twice a
month balancing meeting at the Church and external activities.
Highlights so far have been: Yoga with PJ (Pastor Jim), Cookies for College - SYG baked
cookies for all former SYG members that are now college freshman (6 freshman), Holiday party
at the Church that was catered by Bradley and Wall, Bowling and paintball.
The SYG school year will end with a SYG bbq at the church in June. The Mission trip for 2015
has been scheduled for July 26 to Aug 1 in Blue Knob, Pa working with TeamEffort.
Confirmation
Curriculum
My Faith
Journey:
adapted from
curriculum
from
Simsbury
Church
Lead by:
How many
attended
Pastor:Jim
Latimer
20 youth
Rene Chin
Adult
Volunteer
Mentors
Brian Garceau
Linda Lefante
Donna
Segnere
Rene Chin
Sharon Mallon
Dan Mallon
Scott Conover
Gail Faithful
Junior Deacon
Mentors
Caroline
Morin
Erin
McAneany
Ryan Murphy
How many
confirmed
May 2014:
18 confirmed
Remembering that with each baptism that occurs, EVERY child of NMCC
belongs to EACH of us,
Rene Chin
Chair of Board of Christian Education
24
Circle Nursery School
Annual Report for the 2014/2015 School Year
Mission Statement
The mission of Circle Nursery School is to provide exceptional early childhood education for the
young children in our community. Highly qualified and dedicated professionals work in harmony
with our families to create an ideal learning atmosphere.
Nursery School Board
Director—Kathy Niejadlik & Donna Perry
Vice President—Claudia Esposito
Treasurer--John Gallops
Parent Representative—Amy Morrissey
Parent Representative- JoAnn St. Pierre
President- Rene Chin
Secretary – Lisa Brown
Parent Representative- Jessica Scheps
Parent Representative- Victoria O’Brien
Legal Consultant- Sue Barrett
Our Families
Circle Nursery School served 40 families (from Madison, Durham, Killingworth, Clinton, and
Guilford) in four classes for the 2014/2015 school year
Teaching Staff
Currently, our staff consists of seven teachers.
Circle Tots 2’s - Kathy Niejadlik
3’s class: Head Teacher Abigail Sperry and Assistant Teacher Shannon Baker
4’s class: Head Teacher Donna Perry and Assistant Teacher Jackie Kidwell
Pre K class: Head Teacher Amy Heilmann and Assistant Teacher Debbi White
Program Development
We completed our second full year as a NAEYC accredited program in January 2015. We used the
CT Preschool Curriculum Framework and the CT Assessment Framework for all of our preschool
classes.
25
Current Financial Situation
Please refer to the most recent information available in the Treasurer’s report for CNS budget
information. We began the school year with a full roster in PreK and high enrollment in the 3’s and
4’s classes. Throughout the year we registered three additional students which helped increase our
income. With the exception of the months of September and December we ended each month with a
surplus. We expect to end the school year with a surplus which we hope to save toward NAEYC
reaccreditation fees.
Fundraisers
Our fundraising this year consisted of the Butter braid Fundraiser in October, two family movie
nights, and the Yankee Candle fundraiser in March. Fundraising money is usually earmarked for
purchases for the children, either items/improvements for the playground or classrooms.
Community Service
Circle Nursery School children and their families participated in the following community service
programs this year:
-Food Drive --CNS collected nonperishable items to donate to the Madison Food Bank
-Trike-A-Thon - The children will participate in a “Trike-A-Thon,” riding their tricycles and
bicycles to raise money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Nursery/Church Relationship
We continue to maintain open lines of communication with Morgan Aery, and now Rene Chin,
concerning the space we share with Christian Education. We believe that having Rene Chin as our
board president serves as a positive connection between the NMCC and CNS. We also have
experienced strong support from Tom Lauher and the Property and Planning Committee.
Looking to the Future
Going forward, we are in the process of surveying our families to better meet their needs. While our
goal is to maintain our presence in the community as a traditional preschool, there may be ways to
extend our hours and/or services to ensure CNS remains a viable outreach program of NMCC.
26
Communications Committee Annual Report submitted April 2015
Members: Roberta Hanlon, Chair; Carol Anne Bachhuber; Phyllis Carlisle, and Kathy Dann (currently on leave).
Overview – The role of the Communications Committee is to ensure that there is a unified, clear and consistent
message with all communications, internal and external from public relations, web pages, weekly church email,
monthly newsletter, signage and advertisements.
Public Relations
The committee has worked to get the good news about NMCC activities to the public. We have generated
strong publicity on various events and activities, including the Antique Show on the Green, Tag Sale, Blessing of
the Animals, fund raiser for the Bernier family, the Harvest Dinner, and the Christmas Fair.
Each of these events was supported by eye-catching posters that members posted around town at Madison
Chamber member locations and in their work places, along with tear-off pads of paper that could be taken with
the viewers.
NMCC Web page
Continue to maintain and update the content of the NMCC web page www.northmadisoncc.org which several
new faces to our congregation have cited as how they got information about what we offer.
NMCC Facebook Page
The Facebook page continues to be updated through occasional postings, with photos whenever possible.
Improving the posts (better photos, shorter posts) will continue to be a goal of the committee along with
finding a way to build the friends base within the Church and encourage more discussion.
Internal Communications
We continue to fine tune the coordinated process for submitting content for any of our communication touch
points (Sunday bulletin, weekly email, monthly newsletter, web site and Facebook) so the information is
consistent and available through all channels.
Signage
The team worked closely with event owners and CNS to put together a coordinated schedule for posting
signage in compliance with Madison Zoning Board regulations. We also ensure the signage is updated or
created to meet the schedule. Events that were promoted this year: Summer Worship Services, Antique Fair,
Homecoming Sunday, Tag Sale, Blessing of the Animals, Harvest Dinner, Advent Season services, Christmas Fair,
Christmas Special Services, Fire in the Kitchen Concert series, Ash Wednesday service, Holy Week Services and
Circle Nursery Registration. Where a “filler” is needed, we use the “God is Still Speaking” message.
Respectfully Submitted
Roberta Hanlon
Chair, Communications Committee
April 30, 2015
27
Deacon Service Annual Report 2014-2015
The Deacon Service Committee provided support for several memorial services by being available to help
with receptions in fellowship hall. The committee also provided lunch for the Getting Focused with purpose
meetings. The Committee provides coffee and juice each week after church. Coffee hour has been
expanded to include food each week which requires more preparation and clean up by the Deacon Service
committee. In response to this our committee has grown to include more helpers. Deacon Service provided
cake for New Member Sundays, the Christmas pageant and Confirmation. The work of the Deacon Service
Committee has played a key role in enhancing the fellowship of our church.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Blundon
28
2014-2015 Missions Committee Report
North Madison Congregational Church continues to support outreach in many ways that
help people all year long. While this report will describe the work of the Missions
Committee, we should acknowledge the efforts by dedicated members of our congregation
that expand its commitment to outreach. As a missional church we subscribe to the believe
that God works through everyone.
Breakfasts at Columbus House have been served twice a month by teams of church
members lead by Peter Meier and Roberta Hanlon for many years. Christmas Eve breakfast
is a true celebration featuring the beauty of carols from our choir, presents for residents and
a warm and wonderful early morning feast.
Through your generous 2014 stewardship pledges, our annual budget was used by the
Missions Committee of North Madison Congregational Church, walking humbly with our
God, to inform and empower our congregation to:
First, Love kindness through prayerful, financial and physical outreach to Columbus House,
Raise the Roof/Habitat For Humanity, Connecticut Quest For Peace, St. Martin de Porres
Academy, Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, Reach Up, New Haven Youth Continuum,
Our Church’s Wider Mission and various UCC Charities. The Giving Tree offers families a
wonderful opportunity to guide their children in generosity. It is updated quarterly with
new needs, so continue to check it out.
Secondly, we Seek justice through supporting programs that respond to the plight of
powerless people by giving them tools, education and opportunities to improve their lives.
This year we have invited Love 146 to speak to our congregation about their mission to end
child trafficking and exploitation through survivor care and prevention.
Our congregation has fed children in Nicaraugua, paid their teachers’ salaries and provided
their schools with necessary supplies through Connecticut Quest For Peace. We continue to
give inner-city kids in New Haven the chance for a rich, nurturing, comprehensive and
Christian-based education through our support of St. Martin de Porres Academy. As a
founding partner of Madison Cares / Habitat For Humanity, NMCC supported its
members as they worked beside a determined family building a home and their future. We
continue to expand our presence in the community through a monthly collection of loose
change which is distributed to local food pantries. Right here at home, we have recognized
individuals within our own congregation whose burdens can be eased by our financial
assistance.
The Missions Committee wants all of us to realize that the scope and breath of our work
reflects both the needs of our community and the interests of our individual committee
members. Each of our outreach organizations has deep connection to members of our
church: Allison Rivera is President of St. Martin’s; Gail Faithful is a long-standing advocate
for Ct. Quest for Peace; John Gallops is intregal to the success of Madison Cares/Habitat for
29
Humanity; Lynn Hidek has opened our lens to the shoreline’s need for affordable housing,
food inequality and wage disparaties through her participation on the Shoreline Basic
Needs Task Force;Kate Summerlin has a interest in raising awareness about human
trafficking in both near and far communities through her contacts with Love 146.
As we considered our financial Stewardship of North Madison Congregational Church,
we’d like you to think of the Missions Committee as each of us embodying the arms and
hands of the Body of Christ—whether hammering at a Habitat site, scrambling eggs at
Columbus House, picking a leaf from the Giving Tree or packing clothing to send to
Nicaragua, through all of our pledges WE are truly wrapping many in a sustaining hug,
lifting up others in the name of our Lord.
This energy, this outreach, this caring compells us to imagine, generously and abundantly,
the tangible benefits—in Jesus’ name-- that our stewardship pledges will accomplish in the
2015-2016 budget.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate Summerlin
Missions Committee
Allison Rivera, Lynn Hidek, Joyce Rivera, Ann Damarjan, Robbin Nassif
30
NMCC Music Committee
Annual Report 2014-2015
This church year, the hard-working choir of North Madison Congregational Church sang during
every Sunday from Homecoming Sunday through the Sundays in June. Numerous pieces were sung
a capella and many new anthems were learned.
In the following months, the choir participated in special music activities:
·
November – many choristers sang at the Thanksgiving ecumenical service held at
First Congregational Church in Madison
·
December – On December 14, 2014, many choir members participated in the Winter
Concert of Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra and Whiz Kids held at St.
Margaret’s Catholic Church. The choir also sang at the very moving 10:00 NMCC
Christmas Eve service.
·
January – This year on Epiphany Sunday, Miles Dunn, Scott Conover and Keith
Luckenbach sang as the Three Kings, in the traditional regal attire.
·
April – On Maundy Thursday, the choir sang In Remembrance of Me at the Pot
Luck Supper after a spiritual time of fellowship and communion. On Palm Sunday,
the choir presented selections from Requiem by John Rutter, accompanied by a small
orchestra, including violins, cello, timpani and oboe. We are very thankful for Ann
Clemmons, who consistently recruits such talented instrumentalists. The piece also
featured soprano soloists, Vanessa Vradenburgh and Eileen McCann. Individual choir
members sang on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well. At the end of April, the
choir joined St. Andrew’s choir for their 8:30 am service, and then the St. Andrews
Choir joined NMCC for our 10:00 am service, each choir learning a new anthem,
“Lord of the Dance,” by John Rutter to sing together.
·
May-- The choir joyfully participated again in the Consociation Choir Festival, this
year held at the North Haven Congregational Church. In addition, it is always a treat
to hear our NMCC men’s choir. Annually, they join with the men of North Guilford
Congregational Church and other churches to learn two anthems to sing at the festival.
·
.
In the last year, we welcomed some new choir members: Holly Francis (alto/soprano), Peter
Haff (baritone), Dina Dunn (soprano), Melissa Clark (soprano) and Leslie Jaluria (alto).
31
We are blessed to have many talented musicians within our own church. Ken Shuey and Miles Dunn
have composed music and have offered up their songs during worship this past year.
Carol
Luckenbach is a sincere blessing to us all when she shares her talents at the piano, providing musical
leadership when Linda Juliani is away, accompanying the tenors and basses during sectional rehearsals
and joins Linda for four-handed anthems. Kevin Kane occasionally accompanies the choir on bass or
bodhran and Mike DiGiorgio accompanied the choir on Fly Away Medley during worship as well as at
the choir festival.
In addition, we are so fortunate to have Bill Clemmons, who volunteers his time to direct the choir,
week after week. He also can be heard playing the trumpet on Easter Sunday and playing the violin in
the summer. Ann Clemmons is invaluable. She writes music for the children’s orchestra at the
Christmas Pageant, gathers instrumentalists together to play in church, shares her amazing expertise on
the violin and holds up the alto section in the choir. We are also blessed to have our NMCC string
players, Stacy and Emily Shafer, Debbie Gilbert, Beth and Melinda Clemmons, and Miles Dunn. We
also enjoy the occasional performance by the bluegrass group, The Circle Rounders, which has
included at various times, Mike DiGiorgio, Kate Davis, Kevin Kane, Ken Shuey, Eileen McCann,
Miles and Dina Dunn and Ann Clemmons, among others.
This year we welcomed several young people to lead musically during worship. The Christmas Eve
children’s service included a moving performance by Olivia Chasse, singing and playing her guitar on
the song, “Hallelujah.” Bennett Sprague played Via Dolorosa on violin on Good Friday with Jim
Latimer singing baritone and Linda accompanying on the piano.
The heart of the music at North Madison Congregational Church, of course, is our minister of music,
Linda Juliani. Her love, kindness and faith permeate the church through her skills in playing the organ
and piano, accompanying the choir, as well as planning, selecting and ordering the worship music,
recruiting and practicing with soloists, and playing those amazing organ postludes week after week.
She is our NMCC treasure!
On Summer Sundays, we continue to have beautiful music. We are grateful to the variety of
instrumental and vocal soloists and groups who generously volunteer to present one or two pieces
during the summer.
Each and every Sunday, we enjoy singing our praise, our joy and our faith. SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen M. McCann, Chair
Keith Luckenbach
Heather Crawford
Bill Clemmons, ex-officio member
Linda Juliani, ex-officio member
32
Nominating Committee
Members Peter Haff, Dawn Barber, Melissa Blundon
We started the year with a few meetings at each of our homes to review each board and
committee slates and plan various ways to fill the slots and create some new areas of
serving our church.
Under Pastor Jim's guidance we tried to open our vision to identify the large number of
activities that the church offers and let members and friends get involved in a variety of
levels.
Roberta Hanlon is always of great help in creating and communicating our events and reports
for the church. Thank you!
We reprinted Cora Ogdens' Christmas card and sent it to 150 or so members and friends in
December. We did this to try to "touch" various old members and friends who have been part
of our wonderful church over the years. We had much fun in sending and wonderful
responses from many who received the amazing card.
We spent a lot of time discussing every member of the church and how we could find them a
connection in some way to help serve NMCC.
We had a successful Nominating expo that Dawn Barber lead in great fashion. We extended
the expo for 4 Sundays so a variety of people could have the opportunity to sign up . We
found that having our Getting Focused With Purpose process going on through this year we
have tried to complement the excitement and positive energy that is growing at NMCC.
Our vision this year was to yes fill the openings on the Boards and Committees, but more so
get as many members and friends involved in something....... In our busy lives time is a
precious item. Our message to all we touched was get involved at whatever level you feel
comfortable, but join us in helping out in some way.
Many folks joined an activity and have blossomed in faith to do a lot more at our wonderful
Church...
It has been a pleasure and an honor to chair this talented committee.
God Bless,
Peter Haff
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35
Pastoral Relations Committee
Annual Report
May 2015
The Pastoral Relations Committee supports Rev. Latimer and fosters communication on issues or
concerns. Our role is to assist the pastor in visioning effective ministry from both personal and
corporate (community) perspectives.
Confidential meetings are held quarterly or as-needed.
Membership consists of two elected and two appointed individuals……Dawn Barber (E), Scott
Conover (A), Peter Meier (A), and Stacy Shafer (E).
36
Property and Planning Committee
Annual Report July 2014- June 2015
Overview
The Property and Planning (P&P) Committee is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the church
building, adjacent structures, it’s grounds and the Summer Hill Cemetery. The P&P Committee co-ordinates
with the Town of Madison as the church is a designated emergency shelter.
The committee members volunteer for three year terms with two members rotating off annually.
Committee Members:
Term ending June 2014: Tom Lauher, Peter Rivera
Term ending June 2015: Peter Rivera, Jeff Chin (co-chair)
Term ending June 2016: Mark Barber, Bryan Boling
Term ending June 2017: Larry Kilburn, Paul Sprague
Term ending June 2018: Bob Garbarino
Pastor Jim Latimer, Ex-officio
For the July 2014 - Jun 2015 year, Tom Lauher and Peter Rivera continued to remain on the committee with
Tom acting as the other P&P co-Chair.
Year in Review:
The committee conducts regular inspections for the following:
 September: Roof, Bell Tower, and Grounds
 January and July: Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and Kitchen
 February and August : Circle Nursery classrooms, Playground, and Community Room/Kitchen
 April and October: Summer Hill Cemetery
The committee plans and conducts regular scheduled (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually) testing of:
 Fire Drills to support CNS
 Gas generator for compliance as an Emergency Shelter
 Water testing
 Inspections: Radon and Fire alarm system
Church Cleaning:
Americlean was selected as the contractor of choice for the cleaning of the downstairs classrooms during the
school year. Inconsistent cleaning of the church and complaints from CNS resulted in the termination of the
contract in March 2015 and the selection of D&K for the remainder of the school year.
The upstairs continues to be cleaned with the help of volunteers or donations in lieu of volunteering. In January
an anonymous donor hired Geniemaids to clean the sanctuary once a month for the 2015 year. Geniemaids have
been scheduled for the last week of the month so that the Church has the extra cleaning effort prior to
Communion Sundays. A second anonymous donor has given ~$1300 for the cleaning of the Sanctuary.
Identifying a cleaning company is still being investigated.
37
Maintenance & Repairs
The two CNS classroom floors as well as the Community room floor were stripped and waxed prior to the start
of the CNS school year. The rugs downstairs were shampooed twice (August and December) while the
Sanctuary carpet was shampooed once (August)
The annual fall cleanup was completed on Saturday Oct 25, 2014. Sixteen volunteers helped beautify the church
and a big thanks goes out to: Tom L, Jeff C, Keith L, Carol L, Bryan B, Jim F, Peter R, Peter H, Paul S, Holly F,
Linda Y, Larry K, Mark B, Dawn B, Bob P , and Pastor Jim
Work completed that day was:
 Weeding & Raking including bamboo management
 Playground slab repair. Installed railroad ties along the edge of the slab and placed outfoor furniture
to create a seating area Kitchen shelving re-organized for better storage and usage
 Sanctuary carpet vacuumed/Pews cleaned
 Back stairwell really cleaned
 Dumpster fence repair
 Repair/repoint mortar walls along front entrance staircase
Facilities Usage
The community room continues to be used by AA and Alanon groups on a weekly basis. Fellowship hall and the
Sanctuary are used for Fire in the Kitchen and piano recitals (5-6 times a year). Additional facilities usages this
past year has been for Memorial services, Harvest Dinner, Christmas Fair and Youth group activities.
Fencing of the Green
Madison Historical Society, Madison Chamber of Commerce, Lions’ Club Octoberfest and Raise the Roof
organizations are scheduling weekends that require volunteers.
Looming Capital projects
Repair and paint the Bell Tower
Replace roof above sanctuary
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Chin, co-Chair
38
QUIET MINISTRY
We currently have eight members. Each member is assigned two to three weeks every six
months to make sure the pew pockets are supplied with joys and concerns slips, the blue
card for information and the discretionary envelopes. When needed fill the candles on the
communion table.
There are no meetings and responsibilities are done on one's own time.
Anyone interested please contact Linda Young at 203 457-0723 or lindaluy@sbcglobal.net.
39
Stewardship Committee (Generosity Team)
Annual Report 2014-2015
Background:
Our church is rich in spiritual, physical, and financial resources. It is through the generosity of the congregation
that the Stewardship Committee pinpoints these resources by gathering and employing them to successfully
achieve the total Christian outreach desired by our congregation. These resources are found through gifts of
time, talent, and financial support. Our committee, also known as, the Generosity Team strives to provide a
generosity message as a means of enriching the congregation with a sense of generosity and how that generosity
might influence an inherent duty and responsibility to support the church. This message not only embodies that
our resources benefit those who gather within, as well as, for the larger good that we provide for the broader
community but also that we, as a congregation, benefit personally in the generosity we share. The chairperson
of the Stewardship Committee is also a member of the Board of Finance that formulates and proposes our
church’s yearly budget. After this is accomplished, the Generosity Team then works on one or more programs
as part of an annual pledge campaign to realize the funds necessary to fulfill the budget. Based on the outcome
of the pledge campaign and pledges received, the budget is then adjusted for presentation at the December semiannual congregational meeting for a vote.
Committee Members:
Jim Farrales, Chair (0), John Gallops (0)
Sanna Stanley (1), Miles Dunn (1)
Peter Meier, Michelle Mauro, Ann Damarjian (2)
Frank Walsh (3), Melinda Clemmons (3)
Number in parenthesis denotes number of years remaining on the committee
Summary:
The most significant contribution of the Generosity Team is carrying out the annual pledge campaign, also
known as, the Stewardship Campaign. The Generosity Team now meets year around sponsoring various
Generosity events other than the Stewardship Campaign. The summer months, however, are devoted to working
on the annual pledge campaign. Some of the year-around events includes a weekly generosity quote placed in
both the Sunday bulletin and the weekly email update, as well as, sponsoring Generosity Pot Luck dinners
where acts of kindness are shared. Both of these activities foster the feeling of the generous spirit of Christian
stewardship within our congregation of members and friends.
For this year’s annual pledge campaign, the Generosity Team put together a narrative budget, organized
community events, and created a brochure of these events titled a “Season of Generosity”. During this year’s
“Season of Generosity”, an initiative called Pay-It-Forward was introduced to NMCC. Starting on October 19,
2014 members/friends were able to submit their name for a chance to be given $50 to use in any way he/she felt
would impact someone or some group within our congregation or in the wider community. Three Generosity
Samaritans were picked and provided testimonials during the next week’s worship service. Three separate Food
Drives were organized to benefit local food pantries resulting in more than an estimated $1,200 of food to be
donated to local pantries. A Generosity Pot Luck dinner was held at NMCC, as well as, a Generosity Dinner
prepared and served at the Madison Senior Center. The “Season of Generosity” culminated with the blessing of
financial commitments pledged to our church on Gratitude Sunday, November 16, 2014.
40
As a result of the pledge campaign, a total of $187,974 was pledged for 2015. The following data in the table
below represents the results of the last 5 years of pledges received. From 2011-2014, there was a downward
trend in the total number of pledges, while the total number of members increased slightly. This year, there was
a decrease in the number of members yet there was an increase in the number of pledges. Despite the decrease
in membership, the total annual pledge was more than the previous year’s by nearly five percent.
Year
Membership
Pledge Units
Total Pledge
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
297
304
296
367
363
114
109
114
126
149
$187,974.00
$179,528.00
$204,668.00
$210,315.00
$250,445.00
Average Weekly
Pledge per Unit
$31.71
$31.67
$34.52
$34.86
32.32
The Generosity Team has been responsible for including generosity quotes in our weekly bulletins and email
updates, creating a booklet of Generosity Moments, and sponsoring very successful and well attended
Generosity Pot Luck dinners. At these dinners, we shared “feel good” short videos demonstrating generosity, as
well as, videos showing stories of Paying-It-Forward. Due to the success of the Pay-It-Forward initiative held
during the “Season of Generosity”, various church members offered to Pay-It-Forward and donate $50. The
total collected will enable the activity to continue for an entire year.
Along the theme of generosity, the committee initiated three new programs starting in the 2013-2014 season
including offering weekly generosity quotes, sponsoring pot-luck dinners, and creating a generosity booklet.
The Family and Friends Generosity Pot Luck Dinner has become a favorite event where friends and family can
come together for fellowship while watching videos of Paying-It-Forward and sharing stories of personal
generosity moments and testimonials. A second edition of the Generosity Booklet is in process with the
collecting of stories and has plans to be published and disseminated before the beginning of summer.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jim Farrales, John Gallops, Sanna Stanley, Miles Dunn, Peter Meier, Michelle Mauro, and Ann Damarjian
41