Pastor’s Report
Our life together at Trinity Presbyterian Church has been rich and full in 2011. Ministry continues here through the programs of the church as well as through the relationships we nurture and share as we live together as a community of faith. It is a joy for me to grow in faith and ministry with our Trinity church family.
There were some special events in our life together in 2011 for which I am particularly thankful. For the first time in the collective memory of the congregation, Trinity hosted a meeting of the Presbytery of San Jose. After months of planning and sprucing up of building and grounds we welcomed members of the presbytery for one of their regular meetings. Our choir participated in the worship service. Our Fellowship committee provided lunch and many, many members of the congregation welcomed the visitors, directed traffic, answered questions, and generally provided hospitality.
In addition to the pleasure of hosting, this was also the meeting at which the presbytery voted to approve Trinity’s request to allow me to become the next permanent, installed pastor at Trinity. After over a year of prayerful consideration and diligent work with the presbytery we were able to move my professional status with the congregation from ‘temporary pastor’ to ‘installed pastor’. Although this has meant no change in how we relate on a day-to-day basis it does mean that now our relationship is more permanent in the eyes of the denomination. This relationship was made public and official by a service of installation we shared in September. I thank you all once again for the very moving service of installation and the reception that followed. I look forward to many years of ministry together.
These were not the only highpoints in our life together this year. We continue in ministry in Santa Cruz and beyond as we:
~ provide weekly meal service at the local homeless shelter.
~lead a week of summer Vacation Bible Camp for children in the community.
~gather for weekly Thursday Bible study and for fellowship and study on Wednesday evenings during Lent and Advent.
~provide lunches for local Habitat for Humanity workers.
~give financial support to several other local and international missions, including the PCUSA general mission.
~supported the youth of the congregation as they traveled to Louisville, KY to do mission work and visit the PCUSA headquarters.
~offer weekly Sunday School for children and many adult education opportunities through the year.
~supported a delegation of eight members of our congregation for the annual Santa Cruz al Salvador mission trip to the Salvadorian communities of Guillermo Ungo, Suchitoto, and San Salvador.
~create a raised vegetable garden in the church yard to grow food for Second Harvest.
~provide a ‘Fourth Tuesday Luncheon’ at the church each month for senior adults in the community.
~provide facilities for several community 12-step programs.
~are enriched by the choir and the music leadership of Joseph Ribero during Sunday morning worship.
This is only a partial list of the activities of our life together. Read on in this report for more details and ask your neighbor in the pew what they most enjoyed at Trinity in 2011.
Daily I witness the love of God, the justice and compassion of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship and community of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry we share at Trinity. May we continue to be open to God’s call for us as we move into 2012.
Faithfully submitted,
Evie Macway
Administration Committee
Committee members: Harry Blanchard (Buildings), Emily Duffus (chair), Russ Hobbs (Endowment), Beth Hooley (Grounds), Evie Macway (ex officio), Charlie May (Grounds and Secretary), Frank Miller (Stewardship), Bob Scott (Finance), and Sally Walters (Buildings)
January: We purchased 20 more chairs for the Fellowship Hall, bringing the total to 72.
Donations were made for the purchase of 2 chair caddies. Harry bought a rubber stamp and marked all chairs “Property of TPC.”
February: We hosted a well-attended seminar by local attorney Jill Wilson on “Wills and Trusts.”
March: Work Day, March 26. [Rescheduled to April 16] Window washing, painting portions of the outside of the church, gutter clean out [thank you Mark Hooley and Jesse May].
April: Two new stainless sinks were installed in the hall kitchen by Wilson Plumbing.
May: Construction of 2 raised garden beds in the Safeway corner of the play yard to grow food for Second Harvest. The Fellowship Hall bathroom remodel was completed. Many thanks to Harry and Sally who oversaw the project. Thanks to Barbara and Bob for providing a Georgia O’Keefe print. Gwen and Charlie painted the floor in the Sanctuary bathroom and added new artwork.
June: Hosted the San José Presbytery meeting. Had the facilities in tip top shape for this event at which time Evie was confirmed as Trinity’s permanent pastor.
September: Beth presented the committee with proposals for the lawn areas on Poplar Street and on Harrison.
October: Participated in the Opportunity Fair the end of October. Plans for the Harrison side of the church were available. Work will begin early in 2012.
December: New carpet was installed in the nursery in anticipation of the preschool expanding to include 2-year olds [toddlers] by February.
Proposed Projects for 2012: Sanctuary sound system; Harrison Street curb appeal; Additional painting of the exterior, window ledges on Fellowship building stripped and painted; Fellowship Hall interior painting; Purchasing new round tables for the Fellowship Hall.
Nominating Committee
Current Committee Members: Ellen Bauerle, George Bunch, Barbara Christie, Joanne Clever, Lee Duffus, Loren Edwards, Paul Seever
Our first action as a committee was to nominate Scott Whitley to serve as Deacon, for a one year term, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mary Gilliland. He was elected at a Congregational Meeting held February 27, 2011.
The Nominating Committee has acquired the agreement of the following people to fill these offices for 2012-2014, pending their election by the congregation:
Deacons: Pete Halper, Dolly Bass, and Betty Gangware
Elders: Beth Hooley, George Bunch, and Reed Duffus, to serve a two year term, to fill the vacancy created by Peggy Minier’s resignation.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Bauerle
Board of Deacons
The board of Deacons met regularly on the thirt Sunday of each month after church, excluding July and December.
Board assignments were as follows:
Moderator: Kate Miller
Vice Moderator: Carolyn Brothers
Recording & Corresponding Secretary: Joanne Clever Treasurer: Pete Halper
Deacon to the Deacons: Elizabeth Bunch
Fellowship Committee Liaison: Karen Wichelmann, Coffee, Paper Goods and Supplies Coordinator: Gwen May Nominating Committee: Joanne Clever
Flower Coordinator: Katherine Macway
The deacons each were responsible for a parish consisting of members and nonmember regular attendees. Reports on needs and prayer concerns were shared at each meeting. Deacons coordinated the “Sunday Saints” sign up list. Deacons assisted the Elders in serving communion. The Deacons working closely with other committees supported the Fourth Tuesday Senior Luncheons, a pot luck luncheon in March, supporting the Japan Tsunami relief, Easter Sunday coffee, memorial services for Pam Halper, Dads, & Grads brunch, Stewardship Luncheon, Advent wreath making lunch, Opportunity Fair, and the Jesus Birthday party.
Your contributions to the Deacons fund make possible monetary gifts to Trinity’s youth group, helping members in need, the Backpack project and Christmas Adopt-A-Family program.
The Deacons serving 2011 were an outstanding group who thoughtfully carried out the duties they undertook each month. I hope you will continue to support the good work of the Deacons in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted. Kate Miller, Moderator
Outreach Committee
During 2011 the Outreach Committee organized and/or coordinated the following:
• Redesign, maintenance, and monitoring of the church website. Recent website survey and regular updates to keep all informed. View often for latest info: www.trinitypressc.org
• Sending letters of welcome to visitors listed on Sunday attendance pads.
• Assimilation of repeat visitors and participants’ into life of the Church (when ready at their request) through newsletter, email list, gift of cookbook and new tote bags, and assignment to a Deacon’s parish.
• Making Outreach Brochures available for visitors and participants
• Fourth Tuesday Senior Luncheons with nutritious lunch, informative program, entertaining music and fellowship with 20-25 attending each month. The sessions are focused for seniors, but are excellent for all ages and varied from Red Cross emergency preparedness, legal aide and advice, to advocacy for seniors, nutrition and health.
• Publicity: Banners and fliers as well as newspaper notices to invite the community to special church events.
• Trinity hikes to involve members and guests in recreational activity together.
• Jesus' Birthday Party Celebration Sunday December 17th with birthday cake, crafts projects, music, and games for children organized by youth with other committees helping.
• New plans and ideas via survey about future an all church camp/retreat
All are invited to come to our after church periodic Sunday meetings, invite a friend or neighbor to church, and help with the above outreach activities.
Committee Members: Evie and Dave Macway, Lee Duffus, Kate Miller, Kenn Clark, Elizabeth and George Bunch, Chair
Fellowship Committee
Committee Members: Sheena Adams, Ann Collins, Mary Ann Hobbs, Karen Wichelmann, Diana Dean, Kate Miller, Joanne Clever, Beth Hooley, Dolly Bass, Barbara Christie, Sue Yeaney, and Betty Gangware.
Peggy Minier joined the committee this year as a liaison from Session. We look forward to having Lynn Houser join the committee in January.
Meeting Day and Time: Second Tuesday of each month (if needed) or whatever Tuesday is best for most people, at 6:30 in the Fireside Room
Actions of the Committee: Lunches were planned or provided for the following occasions:
January A taco bar for the Santa Cruz al Salvador presentation.
February Soup and sandwiches for the estate planning presentation.
March Potluck -- parish members sat together at each table.
April Drinks were provided for a Santa Cruz al Salvador program one evening; Soup and sandwiches were provided for a Youth program.
June Pastries, coffee and box lunches were provided for the Presbytery meeting; An egg casserole and fruit brunch made for the Dads and Grads celebration and flowers were given to the Dads; Promoted hikes led by Evie and Dave Macway, George Bunch, Vera Hope, Betty Gangware.
July A Hot dog and hamburger BBQ with congregation bringing side dishes.
September Vegetarian finger foods prepared for the reception following Evie’s installation; Drinks and desserts provided for the pupusa lunch fundraiser for Santa Cruz al Salvador.
October Refreshments provided for the reception preceding the Bob Hope Lecture; Potluck on Stewardship Sunday.
November Soup and bread on the first Sunday in Advent.
December A macaroni and cheese lunch for the children at the birthday party for Jesus
Submitted by Betty Gangware, chairperson
Spiritual Enrichment Committee
Spiritual Enrichment Committee members for 2011 were Michael Christie, Diana Dean, Paul Seever, Juanita Stock, Darrell Yeaney, Ellen Bauerle, and Evie Macway (ex officio)
The mission of the Spiritual Enrichment Committee is to plan the worship experiences of our church and oversee the educational opportunities for the children, youth and adults of Trinity.
The ebb and flow of our committee work moves with the liturgical calendar. As we leave Advent and move toward Lent and then circle back toward Advent again, our activities reflect that progression. Our year at Trinity was full and enriching.
WORSHIP & SEASONAL STUDIES: In January, the Al Salvador Mission delegates led us in worship. They used the opportunity to share their reflections and report on the activities of the November mission trip. Lent began with an Ash Wednesday service on March 9. Wednesday evening Lenten studies met at the homes of church members for a soup supper and study. Our Maundy Thursday service was a combination Last Supper/Tenebrae service. Easter was celebrated with a sunrise service at the Blanchard home, and our traditional 10:30 service at Trinity. An egg hunt for the children followed the service. Pentecost found the sanctuary decorated with “flames” flickering above our heads. In September, we proudly celebrated Evie Macway’s installation service as our official pastor! Wednesday evening Advent studies met at members homes with nearly thirty people attending. The fourth Sunday of Advent culminated with our traditional choir cantata, a beautiful service. The Candlelight Christmas Eve service was well attended. Christmas Day Sunday was lots of fun with carols and an impromptu re-enactment of the nativity story. One of our ongoing challenges is finding pulpit supply for the Sundays when Evie is off. We are fortunate to have Darrell Yeaney and Kathleen Eschen-Pipes as our parish associates to fill in occasionally.
ADULT EDUCATION: Beyond the Lenten and Advent studies, we had a rich offering of learning opportunities. Nancy Abbey organized a semi-monthly series of speakers called “Bridges to other Communities.” It gave us an opportunity to hear from people who are outside our regular circles; the homeless, the drug addicted, the gay, lesbian or transgendered, and those recently released from prison. David Grishaw-Jones led us in an introduction to Christian Meditation. During the summer, Paul Seever and Juanita Stock led us in an enlightening Sunday morning discussion called “Exploring the Sacred through Poetry and Prose.” A weekly Bible study group met on Thursday afternoons.
YOUTH: Sarah Macway worked as our interim youth minister through July of 2011. Three youth and Sarah took a mission trip to Louisville, Kentucky, July 9-16. They worked at a camp and toured the Presbyterian National Headquarters. With Sarah leaving, and having such a small nuclear group of youth, we opened up discussion as to how to proceed in our ministry to our young adults. We met with youth and their parents and decided not to hire a new youth leader, but to recruit a few advisors picked by the youth themselves. They are now meeting for an occasional breakfast before church and discussing future possibilities. Special thanks to Charlie May, Lee Duffus and Dave Macway for their willingness serve as advisors.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND NURSERY: Trinity’s nursery care is in the wonderful and able hands of the Weerasekaras, but we rarely have nursery age children! The number of children attending Sunday school is between three and seven. Sunday school continues to use the Presbyterian curriculum “We Believe.”
VACATION BIBLE CAMP: “The Shake It Up Café” VBC was a huge success with about 25 children attending. We had great support from the congregation and lots of willing volunteers. A follow up activity was “Jesus’ Birthday Party” held December 17. It was lots of fun with about 18 children attending.
The Spiritual Enrichment Committee is a busy and hardworking group. We all believe strongly in the importance of nurturing the spiritual life of the Trinity congregation, the young through the old. We invite you to join in the mission.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Bauerle, Spiritual Enrichment Chair
Mission Committee
Members: Nancy Abbey, George Bunch, Lee Duffus, Evie Macway, Charlie May, Kate Miller, and Wayne Norton
Organizations Supported Financially: Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship in the countries of Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, and Kyrgyzstan; Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA); San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS); Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); Basic Mission supporting the mission programs of the General Assembly, Synod, and Presbytery; the mission of Jeff and Christi Boyd in Cameroon and Central Asia; the mission of Bernard and Farsijana Adeney-Risakotta in Indonesia; the mission of Rachael Anderson on the US-Mexico border; Habitat for Humanity; Santa Cruz al Salvador; Santa Cruz Homeless Shelter; United College Campus Ministry; Tolerance Program at Branciforte Jr. High; and Team Immanuel House for refugee ministry in Sunnyvale. Trinity also supports the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Special Offerings, One Great Hour of Sharing, Peacemaking, Pentecost, and Christmas Joy.
Approximately 13% of the total Trinity expense budget was designated to mission giving. After another successful stewardship drive, we anticipate approximately 13.5% will be designated in 2012.
2011 Activities
Santa Cruz al Salvador: Trinity financially supported and was a major participant in the ongoing Santa Cruz al Salvador mission work in El Salvador. A large delegation of Trinity members traveled to El Salvador and provided medical and dental services and supplies, scholastic support, art and musical activities, and continued building inter-personal relationships with our friends there.
Bob Hope Lecture Series: Trinity hosted the inaugural lecture for the newly created Bob Hope Lecture Series. The lecture presented was titled “The Bible and the Brain, Experiencing the Scriptures through the Insights of Cognitive Science” and was given by Jim Burklo, Associate Dean, Office of Religious Life University of Southern California. We are looking forward to making this an annual event.
Bridges to Other Communities: The Mission Committee sponsored after church discussions with the following organizations: Homeless Services; Gemma of the Community Action Board; and Friends Outside.
Habitat for Humanity: Trinity provided lunches for the Habitat for Humanity volunteer workers once per month during 2011.
Rebele Center Meal Serving: Once every week, Trinity members served meals to homeless families temporarily living at and transitioning through the Santa Cruz Rebele Family Shelter.
Sweet Pea: Trinity provided space and volunteers for the ongoing initiative to hand craft quilts and matching pillow cases for the Rebele Family Shelter. Jeanne Baker delivered twelve quilts and crocheted blankets to the center before Christmas. This brings to 32 the total number delivered to date.
Boy Scouts: Trinity continues it support of the Boy Scouts by providing space and leadership for a local troop. Pete Halper continues in the leadership of this troop.
Looking Forward
In 2012 we look forward to continuing our support of the activities above as well as a few new ones. We plan to make a financial commitment to Friends Outside. We plan to assist in cleaning up beaches with Save our Shores. We plan to build more vegetable garden planters to provide food to Second Harvest or other food distribution organizations. We also hope to begin a card and letter writing effort to people living in nursing care facilities.
