Peace United Church of Christ, Hartsburg, Missouri

• Call to order and establishing a quorum
• Constituting Prayer
• Adoption of the Agenda
• Approving the Minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting
• Receiving the reports of the Pastor, Organizations, Committees and Ministries of the church
• Receiving the reports of the Financial Officers of the church
• Consideration of the 2010 proposed budget
• Hesse Projects
• Endowment Proposal
• Other business as may properly come before the meeting
• Installation of the Council Members for 2010

• Adjournment
• Benediction

Schedule for Food Pantry 2010                                 Name Tag Sundays 2010

January 19                                                                               January 3

February 16                                                                             February 7

March 16                                                                                March 7

April 20                                                                                   April 4

May 18                                                                                                May 2

June 15                                                                                                June 2

July 20                                                                                     July 4

August 17                                                                                August 1

September 21                                                                           September 5

October 19                                                                               October 3

November 16                                                                           November 7

December 21                                                                           December 5

Council Meetings 2010

January 10

February 14

March 14

April 11

May 2

June 13

July 11

August 8

September 12

October 10

November 14

December 12

October  - Council Retreat

Peace UCC Work Days 2010                                                            Mission Trips 2010

April , 8 am                                                                             June 13-19 - Youth Mission Trip to Orlando

September , 8 am

The Caring and Connection Ministry has the primary responsibility for the ministry of the church to, with, and for adult members, friends, and prospective members of Peace UCC.

The following groups (listed with their officers or contacts) help carry out this Ministry:

The Women’s Circle (Sharon Bullard, President;  Janine Lacy, Vice President, Rose Walker, Secretary; Marian Hilgedick, Treasurer)

In addition, the Council has appointed the following committees to assist in this Ministry.

The Caring Committee (Janine Lacy, Rose Walker, Vernetta Guier, Sharon Bullard and Jeanne McDonald)

The Council Leader for this Ministry is Lee Ann Jestis.  She can be reached at 573-893-4395 or benleejestis@yahoo.com.

The Children and Youth Ministry has the primary responsibility for our ministry to, with, and for the children and youth (through high school) of Peace UCC.

The following groups (listed with their officers or contacts) help carry out this Ministry.

The Board of Christian Education (Robyn Baylous, Superintendent, Superintendent Elect, Michele Batye, Secretary, Cricket Hackmann and Treasurer, Jim Batye)

In addition, the Council has appointed the following committees to assist in this Ministry:

The Children’s Coordinator (preschool-6^th grade) -  Barb Hilgedick

Youth Coordinator (7^th-12^th grades) - Joan Seidel.

Senior High Youth Fellowship - Kathy Belew

Adult Coordinator, Jeri Mertensmeyer

Music Coordinator, Brenda Reeder

The Promoting Christian Education at Peace (PCEP) Committee, Ann Mericle, Leigh Huesgen and Lorie Klippel.

Vacation Bible School Coordinator/Christmas Eve Chair, Rochelle Duncan/Lee Ann Jestis.

Special Events Coordinators, Nancy Holland and Kathy Belew.

Camp Events Organizer, Lorie Klippel.

The Council Leader for this Ministry is Beverly Elflein.  She can be reached at 573-442-0750 or mollygi@juno.com.

The Local Church Basic Ministry has the primary responsibility for seeing that the building, grounds, cemetery, and property of the church are available as the setting in which all other ministries are carried out.

The council has appointed the following committees to carry out this Ministry:

The Memorials Committee, Daisey Diederich.

The Cemetery Operations Committee, Ganelle Cunningham and Rick Hilgedick.

The Council Leader for this Ministry is Benny Jestis.  He can be reached at 573-893-4395 or benleejestis@yahoo.com.

The Worship Ministry is primarily responsible for the plans and arrangements, which enable the congregation to give glory to God through public worship services.

The Choir, under the direction of Vera Jean Nichols, is a group that contributes greatly to this Ministry.

In addition, the Council has appointed the following committees to assist in carrying out this ministry:

The Altar Guild, Kathie Sheridan, Holly Hackman, Carmen Hughes.

The Acolyte Committee, Lorie Klippel.

The Lay Worship Leaders Committee, Sharon Bullard.

The Ushers and Greeters Committee, Jeanne McDonald.

The Sanctuary Flowers, Brenda Reeder, Jeanne McDonald.

The Council Leader for this Ministry is Mindy Collins.  She can be reached at 657-4581 or collins657@centurytel.net.

The Wider Church Ministry is primarily responsible for those ministries, which are carried out in cooperation with denomination and/or ecumenical partners.

The Council has appointed the following committees to carry out this ministry:

The Disaster Recovery Mission Trip Committee, Dale Lenger.

The Foods Resource Bank Committee, Orion Beckmeyer and Ann Mericle.

Historical Committee, Cricket Hackmann and Debra Griffin.

Stewardship Committee

Outreach Committee

In addition, Peace UCC has committed to support of the following organizations.  The persons responsible for organizing the fund raising activities in support of those organizations are listed.

The Every Child’s Hope (ECH)  Green Breakfast, Nancy Lenger.

Christmas Store gift collection, Shari Bullard and Jeanne McDonald.  The Pastor is responsible for announcing the offering at the Christmas Eve program, which is designated to ECH.

The Tools of Hope and Blanket Program and the Festival of Sharing in support of Church World Service are in the charge of Peace Circle.

The Council Leader for this Ministry is Klif Bullard.  He can be reached at 573-489-4359 or klifbullard@yahoo.com.

Church Council

President, Melanie Madore                                                                             573-239-1965

President Elect, Klifton Bullard                                                                     573-489-4359

Secretary, Sarah Garrett                                                                                  573-442-2869

Treasurer, Stephen Diederich                                                                          573-864-1860

Member, Beverly Elflein                                                                                 573-442-0750

Member, Benny Jestis                                                                                     573-893-4395

Member, Lee Ann Jestis                                                                                 573-893-4395

Member, Mindy Collins                                                                                  573-657-4581

Board of Christian Education

Superintendent, Michele Batye                                                                      573-657-0055 

Superintendent Elect, Robyn Baylous                                                           573-635-3189 

Secretary, Cricket Hackmann                                                                         573-657-2286 

Treasurer, Jim Batye                                                                                       573-657-0055

Children’s Coordinator, Barbara Hilgedick                                                    573-657-9548

Youth Coordinator, Joan Seidel                                                                     573-657-4601

Senior High Youth Fellowship, Kathy Belew                                                573-657-0552

Adult Coordinator, position open

Music Coordinator, Brenda Reeder                                                                573-657-4338 

VBS Coordinator, Rochelle Duncan and Lee Ann Jestis                               573-657-4160

                                    and Lee Ann Jestis                                                      573-893-4395

Special Events Coordinators, Nancy Holland                                                            573-657-2085

                                    and Kathy Belew                                                        573-657-0552

Promoting Christian Education at Peace        Ann Mericle                            573-657-1175                                                                          Leigh Huesgen                        573-657-2633

Disaster Recovery Mission Trip Committee, Dale Lenger                             573-657-4683

Foods Resource Bank Committee,     Orion Beckmeyer                               573-657-2013

                                                            Ann Mericle                                        573-657-1175

Historical Committee, Cricket Hackmann                                                      573-657-2286

                                    Debra Griffin                                                              573-657-2826

Cemetery Operations Committee,      Rick Hilgedick                                    573-657-2635

                                                            Ganelle Cunningham                          573-657-9367

The Caring Committee,           Janine Lacy                                                     573-657-2392

                                                Rose Walker                                                    573-657-4296

                                                Marian Hilgedick                                            573-657-0700

                                                Sharon Bullard                                                573-657-2779

Altar Guild,     Kathie Sheridan                                                                      573-657-9792

                        Holly Hackman                                                                       573-657-4556

                        Carmen Hughes                                                                      573-636-6397

Lay Worship Leaders Committee, Sharon Bullard                                         573-657-2779

Acolytes Committee, Lorie Klippel                                                                573-657-1306

Ushers and Greeters Committee, Mindy Collins                                            573-657-9347

Report of the Pastor

There’s an old hymn that says, “The longer I serve him, the sweeter it grows.”  (my own paraphrase)  How appropriate!  It could well be our theme song here at Peace UCC.  2009 was a good year, filled with service, worship, fun, learning, laughter, and tears. 

We accomplished much for God and for the world this year.  Our men went on three mission trips, and accomplished their miracles for those who have suffered the destruction of a tornado.  Our youth went to Denver, along with youth from 5 other UCC churches.  There they served, learned, and grew in faith.  Our Women met weekly to quilt and to provide service through the money they raise.  Our caring committee continued their ministry of sending cards and providing prayer quilts.  Farmers grew a crop for the Foods Resource Bank.  People came together to raise money for ECH (formerly Evangelical Children’s Home) and to bring food for the food bank and Festival of Caring packages.  On “Share Peace” day, 27 people stayed and ate together, and made blankets to comfort and warm children in need, and Christmas ornaments for those who have lost theirs in a fire or other disaster.  We brought gifts for the Christmas Store at ECH, and mittens, hats, and scarves for children at the school.  We also adopted a large family in need here in the community for Christmas.  Probably I have left out some of the things we have done as part of our ministry of caring here at Peace UCC, but you get the idea.  We are good at doing what needs to be done, and taking seriously the words of the Lord’s Prayer:  “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 

We also spent time together learning, worshipping, and just having fun.  In January we had our first “One Read”, where we discussed the book “The Shack” in adult Sunday school and used it as the topic for our message in worship.  We put our new projectors to good use, with a delightful church history program, regular Sunday announcements, and to show pictures for special occasions like Erna’s birthday celebration and a wedding reception.  The projectors were also used extensively for Vacation Bible School.  We have had regular Sunday worship, and special services like the Blessing of the Animals, and the Pumpkin Festival worship.  We have shared meals—lots of great food! 

We have been looking forward to our future with the long range planning committee, and with the recommendation of an endowment fund.  We have made improvements to our building, and we are in the process of raising money for the roof.  We are very careful with our finances, yet we are able to maintain this marvelous old building.

We welcomed new members and welcomed back some who had moved away.  And we said good-bye to some dear friends, and shared our grief. 

Many thanks to all who have made all this ministry possible, especially to our volunteers, to our council members, to Donna (about the best church secretary anywhere) and Vera Jean (whose music continues to lift our souls and our spirits). 

As we look to 2010 and beyond, may we ever be faithful in seeking to follow Jesus in service and in love.

            Come March I will have been here for 4 years.  In ways it seems I have been here all my life.  Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of the ministry of this church.  The longer I serve God, the sweeter it grows. 

Clairnel Nervik

ENDOWMENT FUND FOR PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

A.        RESOLUTION FOR AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, HARTSBURG, MISSOURI

            “An Endowment Fund shall be established.  The purpose, governance and operational procedures are hereinafter defined by a special resolution adopted by the Congregation.”

B.        RESOLUTION TO IMPLEMENT THE ENDOWMENT FUND

            “Whereas, Christian stewardship involves the faithful management of all the gifts God has given to us - time, talents, the created world and money, including accumulated, inherited, and appreciated resources; and

            Whereas, Christians can give to the work of the church through bequests in wills, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, assignment of life insurance, and transfer of property (cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.); and 

            Whereas, it is the desire of the Peace United Church of Christ, Hartsburg, Missouri to encourage, receive and administer these gifts in a manner consistent with the loyalty and devotion to their Lord expressed by the grantors in accord with the desires of this congregation;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, at the Council meeting assembled on (date) that Peace United Church of Christ approve and establish a new and separate fund to be known as THE ENDOWMENT FUND OF THE PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 121 North First Street, PO Box 19, Hartsburg, Missouri 65039 (hereafter called the “FUND”).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the purpose of this FUND is to enhance the mission and outreach of the Peace United Church of Christ and

BE IT RESOLVED, that unless otherwise specified by the grantor, the principal amounts of the gifts to this FUND will be retained and preserved, and that only the income earnings from the managed investments of the principal may be expended, and

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Endowment Fund Committee (hereinafter called the “Committee”) shall be established to be the custodian of the FUND and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following Plan of Operation be set forth for the administration and management of the “FUND.”

C.        PLAN OF OPERATION

            1.  THE COMMITTEE

The COMMITTEE shall consist of three (3) members, all of whom shall be active members (but not members of the Church Council) of the Peace United Church of Christ, Hartsburg, Missouri.  Except as herein limited, the term of each member shall be three (3) years.  Upon adoption of this resolution by the congregation, it shall elect the three (3) members to the Committee; one (1) for a term of three (3) years; one (1) for a term of two (2) years; and one (1) for a term of only one (1) year.  Thereafter, at each Annual Congregational Meeting, the congregation shall elect the necessary number of members to three (3) year terms to complete the COMMITTEE.  No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.  After a lapse of one year, former members of the COMMITTEE may be re-elected.  The Minister, the Church Treasurer, and the President of the Council shall be Advisory members of the COMMITTEE.  The Council shall nominate members to the COMMITTEE in the same manner as for Church Boards via the Nominating Committee.  In the event of a vacancy on the COMMITTEE, the Church Council (President) shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy.

The COMMITTEE shall meet at least semiannually or more frequently as deemed necessary in the best interest of the FUND.  A quorum shall be two (2) members.  A majority of the COMMITTEE shall carry any motions or resolutions.

The COMMITTEE shall elect from its membership a Chairperson, FUND Treasurer, and a Recording Secretary.  The Chairperson, or a designated member, shall preside at all COMMITTEE meetings.  The FUND Treasurer shall maintain complete and accurate books of accounts for the FUND and shall be empowered to sign checks and all other documents on behalf of the congregation in furtherance of the purposes of the FUND.  A counter signature or co-signaturee of the Church Treasurer is also required.

The Recording Secretary shall maintain complete and accurate minutes of all meetings of the COMMITTEE and supply a copy thereof to each member of the COMMITTEE and to the Church Council.  Each member shall keep these complete minutes to be delivered to his/her successor.

The COMMITTEE shall have its books audited annually by a qualified person (who is not a member of the COMMITTEE) for presentation with its Annual Report to the Congregational meeting.

The COMMITTEE may request other members of the Congregation to serve as Advisory members and/or, at the expense of the FUND income, may provide for such professional counseling on investments, accounting, or legal matters as it deems to be in the best interest of the FUND.

All assets are to be held in the name of THE ENDOWMENT FUND OF PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, HARTSBURG, MISSOURI.

2.         ACCUMULATION AND DISTRIBUTION

The COMMITTEE shall determine what is principal and income according to accepted accounting procedures.

Gifts and Bequests to the FUND, unless otherwise specified by grantors shall accumulate until the principal amount of $100,000 is achieved, after which the income generated by the FUND principal shall be expended annually and at such other times as deemed necessary and/or feasible to accomplish the following purposes unless a dire emergency is declared and voted on by a special or called meeting of the congregation.

A.        20% for outreach to the community in support of the benevolences and mission interests of the church and/or for the wider mission of the United Church of Christ at home and abroad; e.g. U.C.C. colleges and universities, new church development, educational ministries, disaster relief, etc.  Such allocations are in addition to the benevolence budget.

B.        30% shall go to building maintenance, repair, or replacement

C.        30% shall go to church budget to supplement the “housing allowance fund” to supplement housing costs for the minister so that we may continue to attract and retain qualified ministers as housing prices increase in Southern Boone County.

D.        20% shall go to special projects such as special music programs, community programs, etc. Proposals for special projects shall be approved by the Church Council.

The COMMITTEE shall direct and will not manage the investment program deemed appropriate by the COMMITTEE.  The COMMITTEE will direct the management agency (brokerage firm, investment counselor, Trust Department, United Church Foundation).

A yearly review of investment products will be included in a written statement.  This statement is to be filed with annual reports.  These investing tools will be evaluated periodically but not less than every three (3) years.

The COMMITTEE has the authority to accept/reject gifts of Real Property and other assets if such gifts present a risk, hazard, or liability.  (i.e., a gift of real estate that is contaminated and violates Federal/State/Local environmental laws).

The above statement of review is not to be merged with the Treasurer’s Report or Annual financial reports of the Corporation.  The FUND financial and status reports are to be included in the Annual Report.

A separate report (from the annual budget) to the Congregation shall be made by the COMMITTEE members.  Included will be specific acknowledgement of donors (if permitted).  Such donors shall be recognized in the FUND status reports.  Donors or their families shall receive personal acknowledgement.

The COMMITTEE shall create an appropriate means to publicize the results of the FUND and the COMMITTEE’S decisions to allocate monies.

If the intended goal of a restricted gift to the FUND no longer exists, the COMMITTEE has authority to seek a court ruling to change said restriction.

The COMMITTEE shall review all present and/or existing special Funds from church records or Probate Court concerning restrictions and direction of the grantor.  Such records should be reviewed yearly to assure wishes and/or intent is being honored.  Undesignated Special Gifts funds may be transferred to the Endowment Fund if Trustees permit and approve.

The Fund will be responsible for any requirements of the Federal or State Internal Revenue Service to file annual Tax returns and divulge complete information if an audit is required.

In the event the COMMITTEE directs that an asset of the FUND be disposed or liquidated, the grantor or his/her heirs shall be notified in writing of such disposal.  If the grantor and his/her heir’s address is unknown, notice may be accomplished by publication in a newspaper service in Boone County, Missouri.  The intent of the grantor must be honored and respected to the extent such intent is consistent with the goals and objectives of the COMMMITTEE, as set forth above.

3.         AMENDING THE RESOLUTION

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any amendment to this document which will change, alter, or amend the purpose for which the FUND is established will require for adoption a vote of 80% of members present at a duly called congregational meeting for the specific purpose of amending this document.”

4.         DISPOSITION OR TRANSFER OF FUND

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the event the Peace United Church of Christ, Hartsburg, Missouri ceases to exist either through merger, separation from the United Church of Christ, or dissolution, all funds shall be given to the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC or to its descendent organization.  In keeping good faith with those who have donated funds, this provision cannot be changed by any means.

5.         ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION

“This resolution, recommended by the Council and accepted by the congregation at a duly called Congregational meeting, is hereby adopted.”

PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST,  By _________________________________

HARTSBURG, MISSOURI                                                  (Council President)

                                                                        And   _______________________________

                                                                                                (Secretary)

NEW ARTICLE IX OF THE CONSTITUTION

            An Endowment Fund for the Peace United Church of Christ, Hartsburg, Missouri was established by Congregational approval on                                       .  The purpose, governance and operational procedures are defined in the document entitled ‘ENDOWMENT FUND for PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.

Peace United Church of Christ

Long Range Planning Committee

The Long Range Planning Committee met on March 11 and April 22, 2009.  The LRPC’s objectives are to identify long-range planning ideas, assign priorities, and look at the use of space within the church buildings with an eye toward long-range goals.  Ideas identified by the group are listed in the table below, with status information on the one area where progress has been made.

Respectfully submitted by Melanie Madore