building our mission in christ 2019 annual report for ... report 2020.pdfannual report 2019 page 2...
TRANSCRIPT
Annual Report 2019 Page 1
Building Our Mission In Christ 2019 Annual Report
for February 9, 2020 Meeting
The mission of Peace Lutheran Church is
to equip disciples of Jesus Christ
for ministry and mission.
Annual Report 2019 Page 2
At Peace, our vision is to be a powerful force
for God in our community.
Leadership Council 2019
Pastor Walter Still, 239.437.2599, [email protected]
Chairman ~ Janet Carter, 239.826.3532, [email protected]
Vice-Chairman ~ Chris Jaeger, 630.607.8980, [email protected]
Secretary ~ Pat Blake, 293.454.7224, [email protected]
Treasurer ~ Harley Butler, 502.381.5432, [email protected]
John Dalen, 239.771.9669, [email protected]
Valerie Kneller, 952.239.2679, [email protected]
Willie LaCroix, 352.586.1724, [email protected]
Debbie Melchi, 239.450.6697, [email protected]
John Woodring, 724.971.7396, [email protected]
Finance Officers 2019
Jim Krueger, Financial Secretary, 239.454.1605, [email protected]
Karen Robins, Financial Assistant, 239.432.0212, [email protected]
Address: 15840 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: 239.437.2599 Fax: 239.437.3647
E-mail: [email protected] pastorwal-
Web Site: www.peaceftmyers.com
Church Staff
Pastor: The Rev. Walter C. Still
Director of Music, Organist and Choir Director: Ric Jaeggi
Parish Nurse: Marilyn Kranich
Director of Discipleship and Communications: Deacon Lisa Miller
Parish Administrator: Mary Osen
Pastoral Outreach mentor: The Rev. John Wasem
Lutheran Counseling Services Therapist: Pr. Johanna Kiefner
Synod Parish Deacon: Karen Coleman
Volunteer Coordinator: Peggy Koppen
Building Manager/ Custodian: Javier Ortiz
Annual Report 2019 Page 3
Registry Information Voting Members Received Associate Members Received
VOTING MEMBERS TRANSFER OUT
Joyce English, Jim MacDougall, Erika MacDougall
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS TRANSFER OUT
None in 2019
BAPTISMS
Peyton Elisabeth Cox
Juliana James Cox
FIRST COMMUNION
none in 2019
MARRIAGES
Marc and Nancy Louise (Marshall) Hall
Rev. Lorrie & Ron Davison Marsha Hirt Willie & Karen LaCroix Nadja Lieberwith Mary Helen McDonald Deacon Lisa Miller Sharron Morse Lonna Remsen Judy Warman-Hubbard
David & Elaine Melby Richard & Karen Wavering
Seasonal Members Received
Ann Dee Austin Dwight Hubbard
Marilynn Illetschko Jayne Marler
Dan & Shirley Page
Associate to Seasonal Members
Kerry & Cindy Baubie Leola Bonge
Tom & Myrnell Brusegaard Doreen Dietrich
Merle & Janice Gamm Bruce & Jan Jaeger
Larry & Barbara Lundeen Dennis & Linda
Sutherland
Associate to Voting Members
George Avery Betty Bauer
Shirley Blankenship Christine Gallant
Jack & Elaine Hilbert Jon & Judy Hintzman
Pete & Chris Jaeger Patty McLeod
Mary Osen
2018 Voting Members 278
2018 Associate Members 213
2019 Voting Members 221
2019 Seasonal Members 22
2019 Associate Members 140
A database review was completed in 2019
ensuring accurate reporting.
DEATHS
Kerwin Boyer 2/26/19
Charles Bucklew 10/3/19
Kurt Chalgren (V) 3/22/19
Dorothy Chmel 6/26/19
Keith Hardt (V) 12/26/19
Al Harsch (V) 1/2/19
Henry (Hank) Henricksen (V) 9/18/19
Richard Horner (V) 2/26/19
Steve Mijokovic (V) 4/15/19
David Miller (V) 11/25/19
Betty Jean Pyle (V) 10/3/19
Mary Jane Rice (A) 7/17/19
Everett Rude (V) 7/14/19
Leroy Sanders (A) 10/12/19
Renata Winsor (V) 12/8/19
Annual Report 2019 Page 4
2018 Average Weekly Worship Attendance 277
2019 Average Weekly Worship Attendance 276
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2016 635 174 97 237
2017 498 228 98 293
2018 514 238 100 254
2019 519 242 105 237
AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE
Annual Report 2019 Page 5
Annual Report 2019 Page 6
Senior Pastor Annual Report 2019
My heart is always thankful for the many disciples, staff, leaders and this community that bless this
congregation with vitality to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. St. Paul typically began his letters to congregations
with a similar greeting. To the Christians in Rome he wrote, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all
of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world.” To the community in Galatia he wrote,
“Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to set us free
from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and
ever. Amen.” These thanksgivings for Paul, and mine for you, express a profound appreciation for the work
of the Gospel in our lives and communities.
My thanksgiving is first centered in the worship as we gather every Lord’s Day around Christ in the
Word and Sacraments. As we gather around the living waters of the baptistry, the readings of scripture and
the proclamation of the Gospel, the loaf and chalice of the Eucharist, and the coffee pot (Lutheran’s “third
sacrament”), Christ is present and touches all of our lives and community. Our worship life is blessed by the
music and concerts of Ric Jaeggi and the choir. As the Rev. Dr. Herman Stuempfle, who was President of
Gettysburg Seminary when I was in seminary, wrote in the hymn “We Come to You for Healing, Lord” “As
you once walked through ancient streets and reached toward those in pain, come, risen Christ, among us
still with power to heal again.” Healing happens everyday with the Lord!
Thanksgiving overflows from my heart for the many dedicated leaders, volunteers and the faithful
staff that, with joy and perseverance, live the Gospel as Peace Lutheran Church. The Holy Spirit continually
assembles a vibrant community. I rejoice as you share the gifts of faith, hope and love with the many visitors
that we welcome year-round at Peace! Wow—Ft. Myers is booming into this new decade! This year we have
transitioned from Pr. Mick Roschke, who served as a Seasonal Pastor January-Easter, as we welcomed
Deacon Lisa Miller, who serves year-round as Director of Discipleship and Communications.
Pr. John Wasem also joined our team as a Mentor and Program Director for growing our ministry
with a Senior Center. Pr John asked that compensation for his work be given to Stadia to support their work
of planting churches throughout the world. I am most grateful that this engages Peace in their work. I look
forward to how the partnership with Stadia will develop. Through my recommendation to Bishop Pedro and
Pr. Khader El-Yateem, the ELCA and the Florida Bahamas Synod are consulting with Stadia about utilizing
their network to more successfully plant new congregations. I pray that Stadia’s experience in planting new
congregations can bless Peace as we engage in the planting of new congregations.
I rejoice as I hear stories from the many ways that the faithful of Peace serve in the community. We
commended to God in April our dear brother Steve Mijokovic, who with Carolyn had championed our
servant ministry. Steve opened many doors in the community. and the representatives that spoke at his
funeral shared the great spirit that blessed all of us. We rejoice for the many servants who have taken the
responsibility to oversee the servant ministry.
Annual Report 2019 Page 7
The thanksgiving celebrates the partnership of Peace with Lutheran Counseling Services (LCS) in the
ministry of Pr. Johanna Keifner. Pr. Johanna’s listening and pastoral heart heal many hearts and lives. I’m
thankful that through the generosity of LCS and our congregation’s budget that helps people have time with
Pr. Johanna. A Steering Committee with representatives from Peace, Messiah and St. Peter’s works with LCS.
We look forward to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) offering counseling at their site and joining the
Steering Committee. Pr. Johanna has also supported the staff of Peace with the pastoral transition with my
retirement and the calling of a new pastor.
I rejoice in the work with the Florida Bahamas Synod as I serve on the Ecumenical and Inter-Faith Task
Force. This allows me to continue the ongoing relationships of Reformation 500. It has also been a blessing to
serve as the Academic Mentor with Vicar Izzy Bango-Sanchez with the Theological Education for Emerging
Students with Pacific Lutheran Seminary. He is in the final year of the program and serves as a Vicar at Lamb
of God, Haines City, FL. It is also a joy to mentor Mary Osen as she navigates the Candidacy Process for Word
and Service Ministry with the Florida Bahamas Synod. She studies in the new seminary program with
Emmanuel Academies in Naples/Sioux Falls SD Seminary. I rejoice that the Legacy Foundation is helping us
support Mary’s seminary study. It is exciting to serve the Lord with these gifted leaders of Christ’s Church!
I think all of us, when we began a career, calculated the number of years until retirement. It seemed
so far away, and in a blink of an eye, the 65th birthday party was being planned. That event in my life comes
with a sense of fulfillment for the forty years of Ministry of Word and Sacrament that includes twenty+ years
of ministry with Peace. I have been blessed to serve as the Pastor Developer and First Pastor. The Spirit is
calling me to a new chapter in my vocation and, in God’s holy time, Peace will be calling the next shepherd of
Peace. I am thankful that in this time of transition we are listening to the Spirit’s call to “go forth into the
world and make disciples.” Amen! Alleluia!
Pr Walter+
Annual Report 2019 Page 8
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT
Looking back over this past year’s Dove Tales it is truly amazing to think about all of the programs and ministries that take place at Peace throughout the year. Several major highlights stood out that I would like to reemphasize. The year started with a very successful stewardship campaign. The highlights of the campaign were the raising of funds for our maintenance reserve after several costly repairs taking place in recent years reducing the reserve to near zero. Secondly was the funding for expansion of our seasonal ministry needs to a year around new member ministry. And thirdly the funding of a Senior Center for our area.
The Senior Center initiative was started last spring with a needs assessment conducted by Dr. Felke from FGCU and funded by our Legacy Foundation. The study pointed out a great need for a senior’s support services center in our area. Marilyn Kranich, our Parish Nurse, has done an outstanding job of developing programs for seniors at and around Peace but the needs are greater than one person can oversee. After the findings of the study were presented to the congregation it was decided to form a Senior Center Steering Committee to research how we can develop a program. With a visit by the committee to the Naples Senior Center it was decided that we should hire a part time project director, Pr. John Wasem, using funds given to start this project during the stewardship campaign. Pr. Wasem will be working with the Naples Senior Center, FGCU, and other area leaders along with Pr. Walter and Marilyn to develop the foundation of a center in our area. These steps will include such things as program processes and procedures, operating budgets, scheduling and marketing as well as staffing needs and program ideas. You will be hearing a lot more about this program throughout the coming year.
The other big item that took place this fall was the announcement by Pr. Walter of his plan to retire in the coming year after a replacement is in place to lead us into the future. Our Executive Committee has met with representatives from the Synod several times to ensure that this transition will take place in a very smooth manor and in a way that will have the least disruptions to the ongoing ministries at Peace. One of the ways that this will take place is that Pr. Walter will serve as the interim pastor during the transition rather than bringing in someone new from the outside. The call committee has already been formed and most of the preparatory documentation is already complete so that the interview process can begin early in the new year.
So, as you can see, many programs and ministries continue to regularly take place at Peace and many new programs and ministries are being planned for the coming year and future years. I pray that God will continue to shower His blessings on Peace Lutheran Church and its disciples for many years to come.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Krueger Leadership Council President
Leadership Council Members;
Norman (Pat) Blake Harley Butler Janet Carter John Dalen
Christine Johnson Valerie Kneller John Koppen John Woodring
Annual Report 2019 Page 9
THE SENIOR ADULT SERVICE CENTER OF SOUTH FORT MYERS
Championed by the Peace Lutheran Church Powered by the Collaboration of a Diversity of Community Partners
Vision : To be used by God to bless and love in holistic, tangible ways, the senior adults of south Fort Myers so as to transform their quality of life.
Mission : To launch a multi-faceted and increasingly comprehensive Senior Adult Center committed to be a single point of service for adults over the age of 60 living within the general area of Peace Lutheran Church.
Motivation : The congregation of Peace Lutheran Church (PLC) as well as other communities of faith in south Fort Myers are predominately comprised of senior adults. The excellent work of the Parish Nurse and her team at PLC has been delivering well-received, needed services for seniors for nearly 5 years. The services have addressed the challenges of senior wellness, social isolation, loneliness, educational interests, community information, meaningful fellowship, and life skills. The unselfish passion to share such services more widely in the community is commendably strong at PLC – truly a compassionate and intentional “Golden Rule” mindset.
In November 2018, PLC commissioned a research study of the senior adult population in the vicinity of PLC. Dr. Thomas Felke, Chair of The Department of Social Work of Florida Gulf Coast University, conducted the study and presented a formal report on August 14, 2019. The study revealed that the senior adult population currently totals 57,000 year-round residents representing nearly a quarter of all such adults in Lee County. Qualitative research also revealed that most senior adults in the study area are unaware of existing support options and have the perspective that programs and services for seniors are not a community priority presently.
Collaboration : PLC proactively welcomes input from relevant sources. The Naples Senior Center – recognized for its amazing effectiveness and growth – serves as a mentor for this initiative in south Fort Myers. The resourcing, coaching, and inspirational encouragement provided by Dr. Jaclynn Faffer and her team are of immense value. The superb research, wise insight, and broad-based networking assistance of Dr. Tom Felke is foundational for this effort.
The ever-growing number of specialized agencies, health-care organizations, non-profits, community-focused foundations, and churches are embraced by PLC as part of its Wise Counsel Team. This advisory and sounding board team includes such contributors as the Area Agency on Aging, Hope Healthcare, Lee Health, Lee County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative, the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Senior adults who have participated in the activities and services of the PLC ministry with senior adults continue to be welcomed as members of the Vision Team that is providing real-life feedback on the preferences, needs, experiences, challenges, and solutions encountered by those of their population segment.
Strategy : Following Dr. Felke’s study presentation in August and the retention of a project manager for the PLC initiative in September, a development plan was created with measurable progress attained weekly. An Implementation Team “coached” by a key staff member of The Naples Senior Center and the project manager is being recruited for operation by January 31, 2020.
Key Goals : With the Implementation Team in place, the search for a part-time Activities Director for the Center will begin in earnest. A weekly hot-lunch program is recommended by the project mentors from The Naples Senior Center and is designated as an initial goal for spring 2020. Official naming, branding, and marketing of the Center will be completed, and operational costs will be forecasted, and funding sources identified as well as engaged within the second quarter of 2020. A Reference Team comprised of people who are high-profile, respected community and regional leaders will be established before the launch of the Center to assist with endorsements and networking. October 5, 2020 is set as the target date for an official grand opening.
Pastor John Wasem Pastoral Outreach Mentor
Annual Report 2019 Page 10
Director of Music: Organist and Choir Director &Worship Arts Report 2019
Take a new year. Open the door and put Pastor Walter, Janet Carter, Sandra Christ, Parish
Deacon Karen Coleman, Barb Dalen, Dwight Hubbard and Marcia Theiss. Shake, no stirring
and you open a tremendous Worship and the Arts Committee. What a wonderful group of
creative, God loving and God serving people.
Highlights include but are not limited to the following:
Great Altar “sculptures” including the brand-new Advent Wreath and Doves that were remodeled into yet
another grand presentation.
We brought Advent Home creating Advent wreaths to help us wait and watch for the coming King.
Great concerts featuring Prayers in many different forms, a superlative piano concert, a summer gathering
for and by the year rounders and a month of “Magnificats” which followed another Broadway quality
presentation from our dear friend, Lee Van Asten.
More than that we met together at the Font every Sunday, heard the word and were fed at the table where
Christ came to us. And we gathered for Three Days living with each other the last week of Jesus Christ’s life
and raised the roof on Easter as we celebrated the Resurrection.
We reflect on the year 2019 and see where God was with is. It is our sincere hope that you were challenged
in your spiritual journey through the many offerings of the various groups that open from within Worship and
the Arts.
Thank you for supporting Peace, this committee and each other. Your time and talents and gifts join to create
a wonderful sanctuary for Worship and Work.
On behalf of the entire committee as noted in the first paragraph,
Ric Jaeggi
Director of Music, Organist and Choir Director
I leave you with this thought from the Revelation of John 15:3-4, and invite you to join the song:
And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Annual Report 2019 Page 11
Parish Nurse Annual Report 2019
It is such a blessing to be part of Peace Lutheran Church. In my role as Parish Nurse, I enjoy autonomy in my practice as well as support from Pr. Walter, Leadership, staff, and the dear people of our congregation. I thank God for calling me here.
The Caring Connection, Peace’s Health Ministry Team, helps to determine the content of our Lunch-and-Learn programs. This year, we focused on Martin Luther’s wellness, starting with low vision and concluding with cranky knees. They help us maintain contact with the homebound and our friends who have moved away.
Home Communion ministers and BeFriender ministers touch the lives of our homebound parishioners and those who need a compassionate ear in order to deal with their circumstances. Our women prepare prayer shawls for comfort. The bereaved are provided books as they journey through their grief. Home and hospital visits are an integral part of PN ministry. End-of-Life Doula services are available when requested.
We reach out to students from South Ft. Myers High School who face financial or personal challenges at graduation. In 2018, PN ministry was able to donate $300 to one student. In 2019, $1300 was collected through the generosity of our parishioners.
Through the sheriff’s office, we provide safety training applicable to events in the community or church. We offer CPR training. Flu shots and blood pressure screenings are also available.
Blue Christmas and Veterans’ Breakfast reach out to our faith community as well as the community surrounding Peace. Ladies’ Tea is a retreat from everyday stresses. Tai Chi, Fit to Sit, Chair Aerobics provide holistic care for the body. SHINE is also a community outreach, serving 66 of our neighbors this year. Blood pressure screenings are offered monthly at Iona Garden during season.
Dementia care services are provided through A Time For Peace, visits to Manor Care and to Pacifica. Quarterly gatherings of ROMEOs and Juliets further reach out to our families living with dementia.
Socialization is fostered through movie offerings, Nurses’ Club, friendly visits.
Please speak to me about needs that have not been met by existing programs.
Let’s be a blessing today.
Marilyn S Kranich MS-HCM, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, FCN
Annual Report 2019 Page 12
Legacy Foundation Report 2019
We are pleased to report that the fund presently has $250,000 invested in the ELCA endowment “Trust A Fund”. The earnings from this fund are used by the Legacy Foundation to support activities or needs “outside the regular budgeted expenses of the congregation.”
Over the past years the earnings have supported the following:
Housing for Pastor Mic and Judy: 1st year $3000 and 2nd year $3000.
Help establish Lutheran Counseling Center $5000.
Help with the Senior needs study $3000.
Tuition for online seminary student towards MDiv Degree $2500.
The foundation’s committee members are: Chuck Avery, Krys & Glen Chisholm, Bruce Jaeger, Paul & Connie Bischoff, Barry Lanman, Marty Spillman, Frank Warner.
The committee is always open to grant requests, and we are only limited by our bylaws that dictate we can only spend a specific amount of earnings and principal each year. How may we help you?
Frank Warner, Chair
Stewardship Report 2019
2019 was a challenging and exciting year for the stewardship committee with the rollout of “Stewardship for
All Seasons”. We were a part of an experiment for the synod along with nine other congregations. We were
mentored by Pastor Mike Ward who provided wonderful insight and leadership for our program. We
prayerfully asked God for His help and guidance.
We had as our goals increasing our maintenance reserve $50,000, raising $25,000 towards the development
of a Senior Center and $25,000 for expanding our seasonal pastor to six months.
Through our program in January and February, we presented a letter to direct commitment and goal, and
temple talks to inform and inspire. Our campaign was culminated by our commitment weekend with a
banquet on February 1 and intent cards presented at the February 3 service. We were pleased to have initial
gifts of $50,000 for the Senior Center and $35,000 towards the maintenance reserve, which was a blessing
and we thank God for them.
It appears we may fall short of our aggressive goal of 150 commitment cards, but we want to thank those
who returned their commitment cards (129 this year versus 75 last year) and all who prayerfully committed
to give joyfully to Peace.
We thank God for being with us in this endeavor and being our guiding light
through the process.
Committee: Pastor Walter, Jim Krueger, Mary Osen, Jeff Carter, Ken Sippola,
Dennis Kneller, and Ann Rousseau
John Woodring, Chairman
Annual Report 2019 Page 13
Mutual Ministry 2019
Over the past year, we have had one staff change. Deacon Lisa Miller was hired to be the Director of Discipleship and Communications. Lisa is a rostered Deacon in the ELCA in Word and Service. The office staff along with the Pastor, Music Director and Parish Nurse is now consistent with the original staffing plan developed by the MM team in 2014. It was developed in response to the findings of the Strategic Plan.
During the year, we have carried out the routine functions related to staff evaluations and recommendations for compensation changes. I would like to thank the other committee members, Jim Geisel and Ken Johnson, for their support. We have been fortunate to receive the prayers and support of the congregation, staff and Leadership Council as we move forward. We would like to thank the many volunteers who have stepped up to help with assisting the staff in maintaining the mission of Peace.
Respectfully Submitted John D. Koppen, Chair, Mutual Ministry Committee
Service Committee Report 2019
For the calendar year (2019), Peace Lutheran was very busy in continuing our Services/
Servant Ministry thanks in part to the many committee members and vast numbers of
volunteers.
We started out the year in January with Mission Servant Week and served 3 afternoons at
Harry Chapin Food Bank (HCFB) and 1 ½ days at Gladiolus Food Pantry (GFP) helping paint
the facility and stock the shelves. A total of 27 volunteers were involved for the month.
A donation of $225/Lowes gift card was given by Thrivent to GFP.
NOTE: This was the 90th time working/volunteering at HCFB totaling over 3300 hours of volunteer work. This
project has long been chaired by Carolyn and Steve Mijokovic, and we owe both a special thanks from the
entire Parish.
On September 8, Peace was again well represented at GFP with 11 volunteers assisting with painting the
facility and marking and stocking shelves. The staff at GFP is always very appreciative of our help and
support. For God’s Work, Our hands in September, we furnished 5 volunteers to assist The Clothes Closet
(Methodist Church).
With the help of Mary Osen, Parish Administrator, we provided parking assistance at Peace for the initial
Roar Offshore Boat Race on October 12. A total of $145 was collected and donated to the GFP.
On December 2 & 3, Frank Warner coordinated the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Publix Foods. Over
20 of our volunteers “braved the cold” in a very successful event. We collected $1,932.36!
Carolyn Mijokovic coordinated the annual Jesse Tree Advent Gift Ministry which included:
Heights Foundation: 40 gift tags were purchased for local Heights children.
NBC-2 Perkins Giving Tree: 50 gift tags were purchased to help 50 people, estimated at $1250.
Blessing Own: Pastor Walter and Marilyn Kranich identified several Peace friends who are
homebound and could use a gift/donation. A total of $650 worth of gift cards was donated for Our
Own, and an additional $400 worth of gift cards will go to GFP.
Norman (Pat) Blake, Service Representative for Peace Lutheran Church Leadership Council
Annual Report 2019 Page 14
Parish Administrator Annual Report 2019
As I reflect on 2019, I am in awe of God’s presence. I am thankful for the provision that
God has given Peace Lutheran. We are richly blessed in many ways. The church is the
people of God, a community of believers, who come together worshipping, praying, giving, singing, loving,
hearing, serving. Peace Church is rich in people who love to serve the Lord and live out our mission to love one
another and take care of our neighbor!
When you walk in the church any given day, you’ll notice the hustle and bustle as each day of the week has
something going on. Between exercise activities, Lunch & Learns, movies and lunch, concerts, fellowship meals,
committee meetings, rehearsals, vendors-well you get the picture. If you’re not already connected in some way,
please attend one of the many events that are offered each week!
So much that happens here is, in a large part, due to our wonderful volunteer force. If you are a volunteer for
any one of the many activities and ministries here at Peace, THANK YOU! I can’t say thank you enough for your
loving dedication and giving of your time and talents. I’d surely miss someone if I tried to name each one, so
please know that YOU are appreciated! If you aren’t involved anywhere yet, give me a call or stop in to see us.
There’s a place for you here!
The leadership at Peace also deserves a big THANK YOU! Your Leadership Council works very hard to make sure
we are living out our mission, being good stewards of what God provides and visioning for the future of Peace.
They help to steer this big ship and help mend the little leaks that happen- everything from flickering parking lot
lights to how many trays of cookies are needed for any event. They are the liaisons between staff and volunteers
to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Thank you for your prayers, support and input as we move forward on this journey together at Peace. I am
blessed and honored to serve here and to work with all the staff at Peace. It’s exciting to imagine what 2020 will
bring, but also a bit daunting of what changes will come. God’s got a plan and I’m ready for the ride!
I love the spirit and soul here at Peace. God has brought us together here, and I am very grateful to be part of
the Peace family. I hope you feel a presence here at Peace among each other and especially God’s presence.
For the new year, one of my goals is to take time for peace and to quiet my life to better hear God. I hope you
find plenty of moments to feel God’s closeness and comfort too and that you’re assured by the promise he gives
us through our faith-forgiveness and eternity in heaven.
Mary Osen, Parish Administrator
The Happiness Prayer from the Lutheran Prayer book:
Grant to us, O Lord, the royalty of inward happiness, and the serenity which comes from living close to thee.
Daily renew in us the sense of joy, and let the eternal spirit of the Father dwell in our souls and bodies, filling
every corner of our hearts with light and grace; so that, bearing about with us the infection of good courage, we
may be diffusers of life, and may meet all ills and cross accidents with gallant and high-hearted happiness, giving
thee thanks always for all things. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
Annual Report 2019 Page 15
Small Groups Report for 2019
The Small Groups and Ministries logo of Peace Lutheran Church shows a sprouting seedling with the words “small groups… grow spiritually.” Our Small Group ministries invite you to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ while being in community
with other believers. How exciting to have these opportunities to grow our relationships with each other by our common life in Christ!
During 2019 there were many offerings for each of us to develop and grow in our faith. I would like to sincerely thank all of our small group leaders for their teaching, leadership and guidance of our groups:
-Pastor Walter Still in the study “Short Stories by Jesus”
-Pastor Mick Roschke in the study “Parables of Jesus”
-Drs. Mary and Tony Applegate in the study of C.S. Lewis’ The Silver Chair
-SueAnn Collinge in the study of “Praying Over Scripture”
-Peggy Koppen in teaching 3 levels of Spanish Classes
-Joyce Jensen and Mary Klaus in Sewing for Peace
-Jean Mecionis for Knitting Ministry
-Leola Bonge for Book Club
-David and Nancy O’Denius for Bridge Club
-Forrest Jensen for Men’s Weekly Bible Study
-Roxanne Vermillion for Let’s Do Dinner
-Ric Jaeggi for Peace Choir and Handbell Choir
-Erika & Jim MacDougal and Jon & Judy Hintzman for Sunshine Socials
-Jean Ehlers for Women’s Bible Study
-Carolyn Mijokivic for Mission Servant events
-JoEllen Keller for Tai Chi for Arthritis
-Virginia Hanley for Fit to Sit and Chair Aerobics
-Marilyn Kranich for BeFrienders Ministry, A Time for Peace, Caring Connection, ROMEOS & Juliets and Friends and Lunch and Learns
Looking ahead into 2020, we will be offering new short-term Bible studies, and new days, times and leaders for some of our groups. Please join us in Good Samaritan Hall on January 12 for “Small Group Sunday”; you will be able to meet our coordinators/leaders, get information, ask questions and sign up for some of our varied offerings.
What an exciting time for members of Peace to grow spiritually through the discipleships of prayer, study, fellowship and service!
In Joyful Service, Valerie Kneller
Annual Report 2019 Page 16
Altar Guild Annual Report 2019
As we look back over 2019, we once again realize how truly blessed we have been. Thanks to all the wonder-ful ladies who have volunteered their time and talents to keep the chancel, communion vessels and linens prepared for our many services including funerals and baptisms.
The 13 members of the Altar Guild in 2019 are Kathleen Berda, Shirley Blankenship, Janet Carter, Oneida Clement, Kathy Cook, Kathy Depinet, Pat Fischer, Pam Hackenberg, Chris Jaeger, Deb Johnson, Mary Klaus, Karen LaCroix and Linna Lombardo.
We look forward to next year with continued commitment to serve God’s church.
Pam Hackenberg and Kathleen Berda
Altar Guild Co-chairs
Director of Discipleship and Communications Annual Report 2019
When 2019 began, I had this bible verse hanging on my office wall,
“I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19.
In May, I moved to Florida and was hired at Peace as your part-time Publications Assistant. Communicating all
the important information, events and everchanging details is a monumental job at which I strive to do my
best every day. Every week there are worship and announcement slides to prepare along with the bulletin,
hymn sheet and announcement sheet. Monthly Dove Tales and summer Footprints newsletters contain a
plethora of information and pictures, also posters & pamphlets. Have you checked out our FaceBook page?
This is a great place to see current pictures! My prayer is that you take the time to read all these different
publications to know what ministries Peace is doing and how you can become connected.
In August, after prayerful thought and conversation between the leadership at Peace and myself, I was hired
fulltime as your Director of Discipleship and Communications. My additional areas of responsibility include
liaison to the Welcome Team, connecting with visitors, and new member classes. The seasonal aspect of
Peace membership is a new challenge for me. I give new visitors the same warm welcome that you all gave to
me upon my arrival.
As we head into 2020 and the anticipated transitions here, Isaiah 43:19
continues to be pertinent. New things will be springing forth at Peace in
2020. I am blessed to be a part of God’s ministries with all of you.
ELCA Deacon Lisa Miller
Director of Discipleship and Communications
Annual Report 2019 Page 17
Welcome Committee Annual Report 2019
The Welcome Committee strives to make visitors and new members feel welcome and comfortable at
Peace Lutheran Church. This wonderful group of people consists of: Sandy Krueger, Margret Deason,
Edith Berg, Myrna Hauglie, Susan Baumgartner and Carol Landes. We were very pleased to add Deacon
Lisa Miller to our group this year, as the Director of Discipleship and Communication. Thanks are due to all
of them.
In January, we held a training for greeters, ushers and welcome table personnel. We are always trying to
make the process of greeting visitors as smooth and friendly as possible.
New members were received into the church in March and in November. The Welcome Committee served
cake following the second service on the Sundays that new members were received. The Welcome
Committee also organized a potluck dinner for new members and the leadership council. The dinner
followed the November leadership council meeting. Welcome Committee members Margret Deason and
Myrna Hauglie set up, served and cleaned up, and the entire committee contributed main dishes.
Everyone enjoyed the time together, and it was a great opportunity for the council to meet the new
members and vice versa.
We continue to distribute gift bags to visitors when they first come to Peace. The bags contain a brochure
about Peace and several goodies. We are discussing the addition of other items to the bags. People seem
to appreciate receiving them.
Peace Lutheran has always been a very welcoming congregation, and I thank everyone who goes out of
their way to speak with visitors and new members, especially the greeters, ushers and welcome table
personnel.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Carter
Welcome Committee Liaison
Annual Report 2019 Page 18
Fellowship Committee Report 2019
As in the past and will be in the future, all fellowship events could not be successful without the many volunteers who help organize, cook, set up, serve, and clean up afterwards. Praise and thanks go out to each and every one of you.
The Fellowship Committee organized, participated and served for a variety of events:
** The Caloosa Conference ** Pot Luck Dinners ** Soup, Supper, Living Lent Together during Lenten season ** Breakfast for Bishops Lenten visit ** Numerous Picnics, Memorial Day and Fourth of July ** Thanksgiving/Welcome Back Dinner ** Wonderful Music Offerings (5) presented by Peace followed by receptions of wine and cheese or Christmas cookies and coffee ** Fellowship after the 10 o’clock service is available to all in the Good Samaritan Hall
Join in on the fellowship that Peace Lutheran Church has to offer. Look for many upcoming events for the year 2020 on the website, in the weekly announcements, and the monthly Dove Tails.
Respectfully Submitted, Deborah Melchi
2019 Property Report
Landscaping contracts were reviewed and negotiated in March, and April, and were modified slightly. Javier Ortiz, our Building Manager/Custodian assumed some of the landscaper’s duties, as he has previous experience working as a landscaper. It is advantageous having someone with landscaping experience on site.
Some of the Sanctuary lights that use Halogen bulbs in lighting canisters in the ceiling this past year over-
heated. This is a concern as some bulbs have melted from the high heat, and/or melted the insulation off
of the wires. We are presently testing three types of LED bulbs to replace the Halogen bulbs. The newer
LED Bulbs that are now just recently available are projection lamps projecting light downward. This should
provide safe adequate lighting in the Sanctuary with a much lower electrical requirement by a factor of 10
times. This will also reduce the air conditioning requirement when the Sanctuary is occupied. LED Bulbs
will last longer than the present Halogen bulbs, and are much, much safer.
John Dalen
Annual Report 2019 Page 19
The pages that follow are the fun stuff! How we manage all that God gives us!
Annual Report 2019 Page 20
Narrative Summary Graph for 2019 and Narrative Budget Graph for 2020
This amount includes operating expenses as well as use of designated gifts.
Annual Report 2019 Page 21
Revenue Statement Report
Revenue Statement
December 31, 2019 2018 2019
Revenue
Envelope Offerings $ 540,602 615,444
Contributions to Mortgage 44,656 19,068
Contributions to Building Fund (Senior Center) 87,885 55,720
Facility Rental 2,085 4,003
Other 50,955 40,005
Total Revenue $ 726,183 734,240
Expenses
Benevolence $ 39,812 36,002
Worship 108,994 111,801
Outreach 47,926 56,384
Support 39,336 41,982
Staff 230,136 279,643
Utilities 30,349 33,563
Insurance 15,499 20,292
Interest 65,320 70,484
Building Expenses 72,333 45,505
Witness 2,353 1,326
Discretionary Fund 5,860 5,021
Total Expenses $ 657,918 702,003
Revenue in excess of expenses $ 68,265 32,237
Annual Report 2019 Page 22
Balance Sheet
December 31, 2019
Current Assets
Suntrust Checking $ (52,286)
Restricted Memorials 8,700
Maintenance Fund 36,199
Senior Center 51,120
Total Cash $ 43,733
Mission Investment Funds $ 146
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 43,879
Legacy Endowment Fund (as of 11/30/19) $ 258,237
Fixed Assets
Land $ 438,539
Building and Fixtures 4,194,536
Total Fixed Assets $ 4,633,075
Total Assets $ 4,935,191
Current Liabilities
Pass Through Accounts $ 3,339
Total Current Liabilities $ 3,339
Long Term Liabilities
Building Loan $ 1,399,939
Total Long Term Liabilities $ 1,399,939
Total Liabilities $ 1,403,278
Retained Earnings $ 3,273,676
Legacy Endowment Foundation (Restricted) $ 258,237
Total Liabilities and Earnings $ 4,935,191
Annual Report 2019 Page 23
2019/2020 Budget Report
2020 Budget
2019 2019 2020
Budget Actual Budget
Revenue
Ministry Support $ 718,200 $ 634,512 $ 769,500
Facility Rental 5,000 4,003 5,000
Senior Center 55,720
Other 31,540 40,005 32,000
Total Revenue $ 754,740 $ 734,240 $ 806,500
Expenses
Benevolence $ 40,000 $ 36,002 $ 50,000
Worship 118,100 111,801 117,000
Outreach 52,400 56,384 87,000
Support 42,311 41,982 45,811
Staff Expense 284,880 279,643 331,000
Building Expense 97,135 99,360 102,600
Interest Expense 70,560 70,484 68,660
Witness Expense 2,300 1,326 2,600
Discretionary Fund 6,000 5,021 6,000
Total Expenses $ 713,690 $ 702,003 $ 810,671
Revenue in excess of expense 41,050 32,237 (4,171)
Principle Payments 43,880 43,948 45,800
Senior Center Reserve (50,000)
Net (2,830) (11,711) 29
Annual Report 2019 Page 24
Current Resident
15840 McGregor Blvd Ft Myers, FL 33908
OUR MISSION:
To equip disciples of Jesus Christ for ministry and mission. When you participate in any of the following
activities, you are fulfilling one of the Marks of Discipleship.
PRAY DAILY
“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” -Luke 18:
WORSHIP WEEKLY
“So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had
done in creation.” -Genesis 2:3
READ YOUR BIBLE DAILY
“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” -Matthew 4:4
SERVE IN & BEYOND CONGREGATION
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, to bring good news to the poor.” -Luke 4:18
NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS
“Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope
that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” -1Peter 3:15b-16
GIVING A TITHE & BEYOND
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be
put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” -Luke 6:38
Stay in the know:
www.peaceftmyers.com
and click on the calendar link.