Pastor’s report

Report of the Moderator

Church Council Staff Compensation Subcommittee

Clerk’s Report

Board of Trustees

Board for Christian Education

Board for Christian Mission and Service

Board for Christian Worship

Building and Grounds Committee

Evangelism and Church Growth Committee

Fellowship Activities Committee

Music Committee

New Building Committee

Parish Care Committee

Stewardship Committee

Technology Team

Treasurer’s Report

Nominating Committee

 

Pastor's Report

Bob Tolman wrote this report this morning! (5/09/10) He spoke of the congregation’s many communications of care following Ruth’s death and concluded with something like “What an extraordinary collection of people Pilgrim Church is!”

It is my privilege to work Sunday after Sunday and all week long with such an extraordinary congregation. I think first of all the ways Pilgrim Church members care for each other and my delight in discovering and facilitating those connections, of the offers of assistance you channel through me to others, and all the ways we support each other in living the Gospel.

You are a congregation that takes my modest offerings from the pulpit and turns them into some of the best preaching to be found for miles around. I also have the privilege of working with such a superb supporting staff. Sundays are always a delight working in company with Debra Houston and Michael Santana, two absolute professionals who give so generously of themselves. Susan Higgins, in our office, has been such an excellent addition. She fits by spirit and has made herself a very real part of Pilgrim Church. Ben Edgington performs his duties with a true ownership measure of devotion and has been a part of Pilgrim’s life for more than twenty years.

All highlights from the past year are overshadowed by our finally gaining approval from Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning to proceed with subdivision of our property and our own construction. There are no words that adequately express appreciation for the leadership of Trustee Chair, Nancy Fey, in this effort.

The pages following detail the impressive work done by each Board and Committee of the church. Creativity, imagination, diligence and dedication are reflected in the hundreds and hundreds of person-hours invested to make possible the writing of this story. How appropriate that we turn to each other and say, “THANK YOU!”

Pilgrim Church... we do it together.

Stephen Anderson

 

 

Report of the Moderator

 

Church Council Staff Compensation Subcommittee

 

Report of the Clerk

May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010
Membership May 1, 2009			150
New Members:			3
Carol Malone	Confirmation	11/01/2009
Heather D. Henderson	Confirmation	11/01/2009
Cassandra Spyrou	Confirmation	11/01/2009
Deaths:			3
Rev. William Chesley Tuck		11/05/2009
Greta Call		02/18/2009
Ruth Tolman		04/25/2010
Transfers:			0
Membership April 30, 2010			150
Baptisms:
Noah Henderson Spyrou	12/27/2009
Tess Olivia Lenentine	02/14/2010

 

Respectfully submitted,
Robert L. Suettinger, Clerk

 

Board of Trustee's

 

After nearly ten years of dreaming, planning and hard work on the part of many, all in an effort to make the expansion plan a reality, Pilgrim Church is now poised to be in a position to break ground for the exciting expansion/renovation project which we have so long anticipated and hoped for.

THIS IS WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED TO DATE:

Our architectural plans are at 96% of completion and have been reviewed and approved by necessary governmental agencies. Except for architect involvement as may occasionally be necessary during the time of construction, we have paid essentially all of the architect’s fee.

The Preliminary Plan for our “Pilgrim Springs” subdivision, has been approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.  We await final approval of a sediment control permit required in tandem with the subdivision project as well as the final paperwork necessary to file a Record Plat with the County. After the Record Plat is filed, there is an expected delay of about fourteen weeks for its approval and recordation.

We have applied for and paid initial fees for a Building Permit for the renovation.  When the Record Plat is approved, we will immediately be allowed to “pull” the building permit for the renovation.

By assuming the costs and responsibility for initiating the subdivision process, we have now identified with certainty our ability to market five buildable lots in the approximately three acres of land which will become Section 2 of the Pilgrim Springs Subdivision.  We will retain Lot l in Section l as the lot on which the church and our renovated facility is located.  Lots 2-6 in Section 2 will be marketed for sale.

We have identified, and many of you had the opportunity to meet, a builder in whom we have great confidence, Bob Hammen.  He is experienced in church construction and considers working with church development a spiritual calling.  As such, he is aware of the need to contain costs and utilize the skills, expertise, and muscle power of church members and friends to save money.  His fee is a fixed percentage of the final construction estimate. Despite the fact that he will receive no remuneration until a construction contract is signed, he has already spent large amounts of time and energy meeting with us and responding to inquiries.  If we can put all the pieces together, he would be prepared to begin construction in mid to late September.

We have confidence in the civil engineer who has worked with us to develop the Preliminary Plan for the subdivision and has worked with the architect to do site drawings for the architectural design plan.  We will continue to utilize his services during the construction phase of the expansion project, but a number of his costs have already been paid.

We have had two successful Capital Fund Campaigns, both of which produced a remarkably conscientious response from all who have participated.  Obviously, funds have been spent for the purposes described, but we maintain $600,000 in our capital fund account, with payments still being received.

We have secured permission from the Central Atlantic Conference to temporarily release the grant loan lien (in the amount of $35,000 presently imposed on the church property), and have also obtained their agreement that, when such lien is re-imposed, it will be subordinate to any construction/mortgage lien holder from which we may borrow funds.

WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW:

We are currently working with Bob Hammen to determine when he can provide a final estimate of construction costs. He has given us rough estimates in the past, but was understandably hesitant to again approach subcontractors for bids unless it appeared the jobs were on the immediate horizon. However, given the time schedule described above, he has indicated he will send the job out for bids in late June/early July and should have the final figures by the end of July, 2010.

We are soliciting an accurate estimate from our civil engineer of additional costs he may require to do the actual engineering as construction proceeds.

We have given a copy of our subdivision preliminary plan to a realtor colleague of Roberta Campbell who specializes in land sales for review by potential purchasers.

We have met most recently, with a representative from Sun Trust Bank about                         securing a construction loan and then, a mortgage on the property.  In the past, we            have communicated with The Cornerstone Fund (the UCC funding arm); with Building God’s Way, and with another local financial entity.   We are in the process of putting together a package to respond to questions posed by any potential lender.  At present, we feel it might be preferable to work with a local lender and we contacted Sun Trust because they funded renovation efforts for Christ Congregational Church and were recommended to us by members there.

WHAT WE ANTICIPATE AS POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:

The housing market has not yet recovered from the recession, both as to demand and price of homes, so builders who, five years ago, would have paid large prices for land and assumed many of the costs of developing the land, are now loathe to commit their resources since they aren’t sure they will be able to sell what they build and they can’t predict the price they might receive.  Accordingly, we may not be able to sell the five lots as soon as we hoped or expected, but might have to wait until the market recovers.

If we delay construction, waiting for the possible land sale to occur, we may well incur significantly higher building costs than at present and potentially higher interest rates.  Moreover, permits obtained are time limited and rules and regulations change almost daily.  What might have received County approval this month might no longer be approved next month because of changes in “guidelines”; environmental rule changes; and master and sector plan adjustments.

We may well, therefore, have to plan to cover, by member and friend contributions, over and above contributions already made to the Capital Campaigns, the monthly interest payments on a construction loan and, later, on a mortgage loan before we can build such costs into the regular Church budget, and/or sell the land, and/or put the new church facilities to work for us.  We don’t as yet have feedback from lenders about exactly how much they are willing to lend us, nor do we know for sure how much we’ll have to borrow.  We are anticipating the largest amount to be approximately $1,300,000.

IF WE WERE TO VIEW THE FINANCING PROBLEM  PESSIMISTICALLY:

In this view, it should be of significant concern that we might be unable to sell the 5 lots at a reasonable price any time soon, thereby leaving the Church with an annual mortgage burden of roughly $75,000 into the foreseeable future.  Since this figure represents over a third of the Church’s annual budget, it seems a deal-breaking challenge.

VIEWING THE FINANCING PROBLEM OPTIMISTICALLY:

Signs of a return to solid activity in the real estate market, especially for land and houses as convenient to Metro as The Pilgrim Springs Subdivision, suggest that we should be able to sell the lots within 2-4 years, with a return to the Church of at least $500,000.  (As we consider this scenario, recall that only 5 years ago, we were offered $l80,000 per lot for un-subdivided land.)  While prices may not return to this level soon, waiting may bring a good portion of the return we desire.  The sale, whenever it occurs, will immediately reduce the church’s yearly mortgage obligation, at the same time that the yearly Church budget will be expected to assume these costs.

With the expanded and enhanced Church facility available by spring of 2011, we can anticipate:

1. Revenue from rental of the Church for a variety of one-time events such as weddings and receptions; small meetings, classes, etc. and perhaps to groups who wish to have a regular schedule of activity.  We are already compiling information about charges in the surrounding area for various usage; we have had discussions with caterers and have adapted our building plans in ways we have been advised will make the facility attractive and appropriate for various needs.


2. Positive effects from increased membership attracted by the enhanced building and generated by the substantial population growth anticipated in our area from development near the Wheaton Metro and the old Indian Springs County Club site.


3. An increase in the value of the collateral we have to pledge in support of a loan.


4. Larger gifts from members and friends, either during lifetime or in death.

 

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

We are hoping that you adopt, with us, the optimistic point of view.  Taking this view, our only real challenge is finding ways to cover the interest on the construction loan and the interest and principal payments on the succeeding mortgage loan until such time as:

1. We build increasingly larger yearly amounts toward such payments into the annual budget.


2. We derive income from the enhanced facility.


3. We sell the land.


4. Time passes and, what might seem an insurmountable amount of money today will seem  like not so much five or ten years from now. (Remember your own mortgages or even the cost to build the church in the first place, or renovate the parking lot, or finance the trailer addition, or build the sign.)


5. We are blessed with memorial gifts or lifetime donations.


6. All of the above.

We hope that you will assist us to be able to guarantee to our lender that, although our existing budget presently makes no provision for a mortgage payment, we already have pledges to cover it.

Therefore, we are asking commitments from those of you who are willing to “take on a month” or “part of a month” or even “several months” a year of the payments, for such time as you are willing to offer.

This is only one suggestion; we welcome others.   We have in place a Financial Subcommittee consisting of Wade Kornegay, Margaret Jones, Victoria May, and Dean Swanson (and welcome any others who wish to participate), who are working in tandem with The Trustees to negotiate a loan and to determine ways to finance it.

We will be requesting your input at the time of the Congregational Meeting, so hope that you will give this message your prayerful consideration, and recognize we much appreciate all done to date!

Christian Education Committee

The Christian Education committee has had a busy and rewarding year. Thanks to all of you who have served as teachers for your young people. They were: Gil Austin, Jane Anderson, Matt Hartman, Jeff Stinehelfer, Sherri Santana, Jessica Sawyer, Donna Sawyer, Bettie Kornegay, and Nancy Whitcomb.

We were able to offer two adult education classes this year. In the fall we turned to the Bible to study David, the Psalms, and the Prophets. This proved to be a very good choice. This spring we studied Death and Dying. This class allowed us to have some in-depth discussions on a topic we might sometimes stray away from.

Once again, we sent study boxes out to our college students. We will recognize our graduating high school students on Youth Sunday, June 13.

To the parents of our Church School students, thank you for sharing them with us on Sunday mornings.

Bettie Kornegay, Chair
Christian Education

Board of Christian Mission and Service

Members:      Rev. Steve Anderson; Gil Austin, Chair; Lucy Dratman; Linda Decamp; Virginia Garber; Hugh Owen; Chris Pletcher; Sandra Reynolds;
Jay Whitcomb

The collection of school supplies and backpacks in summer 2009 was very successful. The total value of the supplies collected was about $1,394. These were delivered to the Interfaith Clothing Center for distribution to students who needed supplies.

Neighbors in Need offering was collected in October. Pilgrim Church members served meals at the Community Based Shelter for one week in November. 

Among possible projects discussed by the board was some kind of involvement in refugee resettlement. This will be discussed further in the coming year. Giving to local projects as opposed to more distant projects was also discussed.

Appropriate Thanksgiving groceries were donated by church members and distributed to four families, accompanied by gift certificates so the families could buy a turkey for their Thanksgiving meal. The remaining food gifts were donated to Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg.

At Christmas the same four families received gift certificates from Giant Food and Westfield Mall, to purchase groceries and Christmas gifts for their families.

An offering was received on Christmas Eve for the Christmas Fund.  This money is used to help support retired clergy who may be in difficult circumstances.

Heifer Project was chosen for the Alternative Christmas gift sale. 

Participation in Thanksgiving in February was encouraged. OGHS offering was received in April. Shepherd's Table in Silver Spring was the recipient of an offering received during the Maundy Thursday service.

Mission and Service helped support the group that traveled to Biloxi to help rebuild homes destroyed in Hurricane Katrina.

At the end of the year, final gifts were made to Interfaith Works, Shepherd's Table, Manna, Campus Ministries, and Hoffman Homes. These gifts totaled $3,500.

Thanks to all who worked on these projects throughout the year.

                                                                   Gil Austin, Chair

 

Board for Christian Worship

The Worship Board is grateful for the congregation’s continuing support toward fulfilling our communal responsibilities during the worship service.  Your volunteer participation has been fantastic and we thank you!  Below, we outline a few of our responsibilities and labors of love over this past year: 

SERVICES OF WORSHIP

• Celebrations of the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month offered with accommodation for all—those with wheat allergies and those preferring wheat bread. 

• Hymn Sundays during which a few members of the congregation share the history and special meaning of a hymn that is a favorite.

• Worship Services led by Pilgrim’s own Lay Preachers provide the opportunity to share in the spiritual journey of a Pilgrim member whenever our minister finds it necessary or desirable to be absent from our scheduled Sunday services, and not insignificantly, gifts the church as well with financial savings.  This year we were blessed with three talented members, Michael Santana, Sherry Santana, and Bettie Kornegay (see next item), all of whom graciously took on this responsibility.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday celebrated by an outstanding choir presentation and highlighted once again with an inspiring sermon delivered by Bettie Kornegay.

• Facilitating the flow of the service during Steve’s absence.  Worship Board members take the lead in transitioning the celebratory components of the worship service in the absence of the minister.

• Homecoming Sunday we enthusiastically welcomed one another’s return from vacations and joyfully shared our photographic memories of favorite activities, both far and near with “Flat Pilgrim” and each other as we shared a light lunch together.

• World Communion Sunday included children bringing forward breads representing North, South, East and West during the Children’s Story.

• Christmas Eve Services, held early for families and later in a more solemn service of communion.

• Maundy Thursday Supper and Service of Tenebrae commemorated with a simple soup meal (contributions given to charity) followed by a powerful service of readings and music in the darkened sanctuary.

• Palm Sunday celebrated with special music and distribution of palm fronds.

• Easter Sunday gloriously celebrated in sermon, music, and an Easter Garden to remember in an annual celebration of Bob Pfeiffer’s Easter Garden legacy.  Special thanks to Nancy and Jim Fey once again for their enthusiastic support in continuing this much-loved tradition. 

• Review of the worship experience occurs regularly at our board meetings when we evaluate whether the elements of the services are meaningful or whether creating new approaches would enrich the service.

• Special Spring and Fall Retreats are held to give additional time for planning Worship Board responsibilities.

• “Christmas in July” gives special opportunity for Worship Board’s input and ideas for building on traditional aspects of the worship service and exploring new approaches during the Christmas holiday season.

• Pulpit coverage is arranged during Steve’s absence with guest and lay preachers.  Special guidelines have been developed for worship board members to aid them in assisting those filling the pulpit while maintaining a familiar flow to the worship service.  Until the end of 2008, we budgeted for seven paid guest ministers throughout the year, but in recognition of the fact that we are often blessed with volunteers from our own congregation willing to fill the pulpit, the budgeted number of guest ministers was reduced to five in 2009.  In 2009 we had only one guest minister.

• Recruitment of Ushers, Liturgists and Communion Servers is an ongoing task which requires the support of the congregation.  We are truly grateful for the willingness of so many members of our congregation to fill these needs during the year. 

• Fresh Flowers were graciously provided by members of the congregation with a small supplement supplied from the Worship Board budget to help keep costs low for individuals.  In keeping with congregational desires to minimize church expenses starting in 2009, the small flower subsidy was eliminated.

As we approach a new year of our work, we promise to prayerfully explore the worship life at Pilgrim Church in a continuing effort to provide a spiritually uplifting worship experience for the congregation and new visitors every Sunday and to use the funds that we are allotted wisely and fruitfully.

Respectfully submitted: Stan Vossler(Chai), Jessica Sawyer (Secretary) Wade Kornegay (Nominating Committee Rep), Margaret Jones (Flower Chairperson), Jessica Sawyer (Council Rep) Jacquie Tennant (Recruitment of Ushers, Liturgists, and Communion Servers). Providing additional indispensable support: Sherry Santana and Carol Malone.

 

Building and Grounds Committee

Members: Robin Anapolle, Marco Candia, Tom Carter, Keith Compton, Russ DeCamp, Imelda Evans, Jim Fey, Joe Rock, Miles Smid, Nancy Whitcomb, Rick Jones (ex officio), Steve Anderson (ex officio).

The Building and Grounds Committee continued its work to monitor operating conditions and appearance of the Church facility and the former parsonage house. This work was done primarily at Spring and Fall workdays, with sporadic special maintenance work when required. Special credit to Miles Smid for managing our relationship to the parsonage tenants, to Russ DeCamp for periodic technical maintenance work, to Nancy Whitcomb for setting a new high standard in spreading of mulch around the Church landscaping, and especially to Steve Anderson for his attention to all aspects of Church maintenance from monitoring the trash removal guy to sandbagging the doors against possible snow-melt flooding.

Irreverently Submitted,
Jim Fey, Chair

Evangelism and Church Growth Committee

The Evangelism and Church Growth Committee has continued an ambitious agenda of business and activities in the program year 2009-2010.  Our thanks goes out to many Pilgrim Church members, committees, and of course our Pastor and Office Manager, all of whom offered willing assistance during our successful year.

• Evaluation and upgrading of Pilgrim’s website is ongoing.
• The Pilgrim Church member/family photo album will soon be updated.
• Greeters extend a warm welcome to all who arrive for Sunday services, thanks to the schedule managed by Carol Cuthbertson.
• The annual church picnic, with participation of our tenant congregations, was well-received again last summer, and plans are underway for this summer’s event scheduled for June 27.
• Another Spaghetti Dinner/Semi-Silent Auction/Entertainment fundraiser was supported well by the congregation, thanks to able partnership with the Fellowship Committee and People to People Pilgrimage participants.
• The spring Yard Sale, which seems to have become a bi-annual event, was once again successful in reaching out to our nearby neighbors and the broader community, and in raising funds for future mission trips.
• Indications are that the community is responding to seasonal and event-driven advertising in area newspapers, and to street signs placed prominently and regularly by Miles Smid.
• Pilgrim families with children/youth have responded enthusiastically to past activities offered especially for them, and plans are in process for such opportunities to continue.
• This year, Pilgrim welcomed new members Carol Malone, Heather Henderson, and Sandy Spyrou, and we anticipate welcoming another class on Homecoming Sunday in September.
• Our committee also addressed the matter of members who have become less active in church programs and worship attendance, and made calls and visits to some of those folks.
• The committee and the Pastor often discussed ways to present Pilgrim Church in the most positive light in worship, education, and fellowship on Sundays in order to offer the most welcoming and effective experience to members, friends, and guest alike.
• While actively welcoming visitors who make their way to Pilgrim Church for worship and other programs, the committee reminds all Pilgrims that evangelism and church growth are responsibilities and opportunities shared by the entire congregation

 

Committee members: Miles Smid, Sue Goodwin, Frederike Jennings, Carol Cuthbertson, Matt Hartman, Stephanie Jung, Jeff Stinehelfer (Chair)

 

Fellowship Activities Committee

Members: Eleanor and Gil Austin, Kirsten Candia, Chris Wells, Joan Pfeiffer, Nilofar, Jane Anderson, Cindy Hollies and Tom Carter.

The committee’s yearly events:

September:         Homecoming for about 100 people

October:             Halloween Party after Church, games prizes and light lunch after church

December:          Pilgrim’s Awesome Advent. Workshop activities with x-mas crafts, hanging of the greens and potluck dinner

December:          Refreshment reception after Christmas Eve service.

February:            Poetry event, potluck dinner
                           Men’s Valentine’s Day Breakfast

March:                Fundraiser for Biloxi. Spaghetti dinner and auction

April:                  Friday movie night. Church TV for kids movie and big screen for adult movie. Pizza and popcorn served.

May:                   Amanecer Fundraiser. Dance group, Bolivian Food, Bolivian Craft table for sale and guest speaker

June:                 All churches picnic

With exception of November, July and August, the fellowship committee had planned one event per month throughout the year. All events were attended well. In addition, all members participated in serving and providing refreshments on Sunday after service.

 

Music Committee

Members:  Roberta Campbell, Belle Cunningham, Charlie Cunningham, Sharon Edwards, Steed Edwards, Imelda Evans, Debbie Houston, Michael Santana, Joye Saxon, and
Sue-Jean Suettinger.

The Pilgrim Church Music Committee has been very busy this year supporting various musical programs.

• Fall Pilgrim Petersen Concert featured Angela Powell.
• The choir marked this year’s choir season by singing many new anthems including Advent, Lenten and Easter music including Easter through the ages.  In November Volume II of the music of Moses Hogan was dedicated in memory to the late
  Janet Young.
• The choir provided music for Bill Tuck’s Memorial Service at Riderwood.  The choir will also provide music for Ruth Tolman’s Memorial Service on May 15.
• Spring Pilgrim Petersen Concert featured Caroline Mountain Band featuring Mike Maher.
• Special music was provided during the Summer of 2009 and will be provided this summer beginning in July-homecoming Sunday.
• The choir is looking forward to musical workshops this summer and recording a third CD of spirituals this fall.

 

Respectfully submitted,
Joye Young Saxon, Chair

 

New Building Committee

Can we picture Pilgrim’s expansion project completed in 2011 and we’ll be celebrating our 50th anniversary in the new addition?  The answer is “Yes we can!”

Here’s a summary of our work this year.

Last May we reported that we could see the light at the end of the tunnel because we had started the building permit application process and were working on a preliminary site plan for the subdivision.  With the congregation’s approval, we instructed the civil engineer to develop a subdivision plan that would divide Pilgrim’s property into separate lot sites, making it easier to attract future buyers for the land.  So, this year has been one of waiting – waiting as we had to go through the tedious process of obtaining Montgomery County Park and Planning staff’s review of the architectural plan, sediment control and forestation plans, and the subdivision plan.  (The subdivision plan is needed for filing a Record Plat, an essential component of getting the building permit.)

During the summer of 2009, we engaged a law firm recommended by our civil engineer to advocate for us with Park and Planning staff in reaching a resolution on a preliminary site plan.  The process for getting a plan with proposed lot sites approved, involved holding an open community meeting with our neighbors to inform them of our expansion plan, hear their concerns, and answer questions to the best of our knowledge at that time.  The meeting went well and most of our neighbors were supportive and happy to hear that much of the forest would be maintained.

In the fall, the plan was presented to Park and Planning staff and they had concerns about the number and configuration of the lots.  Through much back and forth over three months time (October to December), we were finally able to get them to tell us what would be acceptable to them.  In January, as reported at the Congregational Meeting, the Trustees voted to go with a plan that included fewer lots – six total (the church on one and five for future sale) – as this was the option that had greater likelihood of getting the Park and Planning Board’s approval.  At the April 1 Park and Planning Board hearing, our preliminary plan was approved, clearing the way to file for the Record Plat before the building permit can be issued. 

Things do move slowly, however, and the process for the Record Plat process will take about 90 days.  From this point in time, that will put us into late August.  The good news is, since we started the building permit process last year, most of the components for that have been signed off by County staff, and there are only two items still outstanding – the sediment control plan and the subdivision plan.  Assuming both of these will be signed off by late August, we are still on track for breaking ground on our project in September. 

In the meantime, the Trustees are working on developing a financing plan for the project and currently discussing loan options with a representative of Sun Trust Bank.  Chair of the Board of Trustees, Nancy Fey, will be providing an update on this progress at the May Congregational meeting.  Commitments will not be made until we have a contract with the builder and are ready to finalize the loan with the bank, all subject to prior congregational approval.  We anticipate getting close to this step sometime during the summer.

It has taken us ten years to get to this point…but the excitement is in the air!  Let’s pray that the work we have ahead of us will proceed smoothly and without further delay.

 
Respectfully submitted,
Sue-Jean Suettinger
New Building Committee Chair