ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING of First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield

Sunday, February 28, 2021 ~ 11:00 A.M.~ by Zoom

AGENDA

Opening Prayer Pastor Laurie Davis Declaration of Quorum Clerk Patty Faber (Quorum is 10% of Active Members = 29) Approval of Congregational Meeting Minutes February 9 and April 26, 2020 Approval of Revised and Updated Bylaws Membership Roll Report & Prayer Pastor Laurie Davis Financial Review 2020 and Presentation of 2021 Budget Scott Winch, Chair Finance Approve 2020 Terms of Call for the Pastor Dan Burk, Personnel Election of 2020 Nominating Committee Members-at-Large: Gerri Toyama, Nominating Dolores Aue, Carmen Lawler, Jennifer Lurvey, Danielle Redding Welcome new members, Bob & Kristine Johanek,

and presentation by Green Team, received January 26, 2021 by Session Other Business

• Session decision regarding COVID building shutdown timeline for March 1 – April 30

• Other Adjournment & Closing Prayer

MINUTES OF ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING of First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield

Sunday, February 9, 2020 10:35 a.m. - FPC Sanctuary

Opening Prayer - Pastor Laurie Davis Declaration of Quorum - Clerk Patty Faber Approval of Congregational Meeting Minutes held on February 10 and April 28, 2019 Moved by Janet Singer, Seconded by Bruce Lautenschlager, Passed. Membership Roll Report & Prayer – Pastor Laurie shared the past year’s Baptisms, Confirmations, Marriages, and Deaths. The changes to our membership rolls were held in prayer, with thanksgiving for the presence of these members and transitions in our church. Financial Review 2019 and Presentation of 2020 Budget – Scott Winch, Chair Finance presented the 2020 Budget which was previously approved by Session. Questions were invited, no questions asked. Approve 2020 Terms of Call for the Pastor – Nandita Bhattacharjee from the Personnel Committee presented the terms of call for Pastor Laurie. John Wing seconded the motion from the committee. Terms of Call were approved by voice vote. Election of 2020 Nominating Committee Members-at-Large: Nominating committee presented Bruce Lautenschlager, Mark Nelson, Jill Schulz, Janet Singer to be at large members. Nominations from the floor were invited, none were made. Sara Hanson seconded the motion from committee. Approved. Other Business – Other items for business were solicited. None were presented. Adjournment & Closing Prayer – Dennis Suckow moved to adjourn the meeting, John Wing seconded. Passed. Pastor Laurie closed with prayer. Pastor Laurie Davis Moderator Patty Faber Clerk of Session

MINUTES OF CALLED CONGREGATIONAL MEETING First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield Sunday, April 26, 10:30 a.m. (by Zoom)

Pastor Laurie welcomed participants and explained some of the basics of Zoom meetings, including asking for both voice and hand raising. Opening Prayer - Pastor Laurie Davis opened the meeting with prayer. Declaration of Quorum – Patty Faber declared a quorum. By-Laws Change – Patty introduced the following change to the bylaws as recommended by Presbytery and passed by Session to allow electronic meeting formats per Session discretion. “At the discretion of Session, Session and committees may call a meeting (including a congregational meeting) using electronic means such as video / teleconferencing, including email votes to conduct church business. Requirements for quorum and participatory voting shall remain the same.” Bruce Lautenschlager moved to accept, Jennifer Lurvey seconded the motion, Motion passed unanimously by voice and visual vote. Election of Elders and Deacons Pastor Laurie presented the slate of elder candidates on behalf of Gerri Toyama, chair of the 2020 Nominating Committee. The term for the Class of 2023 to serve is from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023. RULING ELDERS Class of 2022 Jan Clouse Class of 2023 Gerri Toyama Clay Bernick Dan Burk Dan Crump Nominations from the “floor” were invited, none were made. Don Zais moved to accept the slate of elders, Janet Singer seconded. Motion passed by voice and visual vote. Pastor Laurie shared a prayer for the election of elders. Pastor Laurie presented the slate of deacon candidates.

DEACONS Class of 2023 Sarah Beighley Adele Heller Janet Singer Jennifer Anderson Kathy Nimm Patricia Silva Nominations from the “floor” were invited, none were made. Phil Phillips moved to close nominations and accept the slate of deacons, John Wing seconded. Motion passed by voice and visual vote. Pastor Laurie shared a prayer at the election of deacons. Pastor Laurie invited a motion to adjourn with prayer, so moved by Mark Nelson, seconded by Jan Clouse. Pastor Laurie closed with prayer. Pastor Laurie Davis Moderator Patty Faber Clerk of Session

Bylaws of the First Presbyterian Church Marshfield, Wisconsin

I. Statement of Purpose & Mission

The First Presbyterian Church of Marshfield, Wisconsin has been called by God and organized to

proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to minister to the needs of members of the congregation and residents of the community and to promote peace and justice in the world.

We interpret that call to mean that, with God’s grace, and following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, the

mission of First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield, is to: Become an accepting family.

Reach out to help each person increase in wisdom and faith.

Grow in service to the world community.

II. Relation to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The First Presbyterian Church is a member church of the Presbytery of Winnebago in the Synod of Lakes

and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

III. Governance of the Church

This church shall be governed in accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Consistent with the Constitution, these bylaws shall provide specific guidance for this church. Robert Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall be used for parliamentary guidance.

In accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, the congregation shall cause a corporation to be

formed. Consistent with the laws of this state, both ecclesiastical and corporate business may be conducted at the same meeting of the congregation. i

Insert Incorporation section here

IV. Meetings of the Church

The session shall call an annual meeting of the congregation on or before March 1March 1 each year, time and place to be determined by the session. The business to be conducted, but not limited to, is:

Review of : • Aannual reports from organizations and the session (information only), • Ffinancial report for the preceding year, • bBudget for the current year (information only), • Cchanges in the terms of call for the pastor(s), • Eelecting members to serve on the nominating committee.

The session shall call a congregational meeting to be held in May the second quarter of each year for the purpose of, but not limited to: nNominating committee report for church officers (G-7.0302),update eand election of church officers.ii

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Special meetings may be called by the session. Such calls shall state clearly the purpose of such special

meetings and business shall be restricted to that which is specified in the call.iii (G-7.0302)update

Add meetings of the congregation language from the Book of Order? G-1.05 At the discretion of Session, Session and committees may call a meeting (including a congregational meeting) using electronic means such as video / teleconferencing, including email votes, to conduct church business. Requirements for quorum and participatory voting shall remain the same.

V. Notice of Congregational Meetings

Public notice of the meetings shall be given in printed, electronic, and verbal form on at least two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. When the meeting is called for the purpose of electing a pastor, the notice shall be given in printed and verbal form at least ten days in advance, which shall include two successive Sundays. iv(G-7.0303)update

VI. Moderator

The pastor shall moderate the meetings. If there are co-pastors, they shall alternately preside at meetings.

When the church is without a pastor, the moderator appointed by the presbyter shall preside. If it is impractical for the pastor or the moderator of the session appointed by the presbytery to preside, he or she shall invite, with the concurrence of the session, another minister of the presbytery to preside. When this is not expedient, and when both the pastor and the moderator concur, a member of the session may be invited to preside. v(G-7.0306)udpate

VII. Secretary

The clerk of session shall serve as secretary at congregational meetings. If the clerk is not present or is

unable to serve, the congregation shall elect a secretary.

VIII. Minutes of the Meeting

The minutes of the meeting recorded by the secretary shall be attested by the moderator and the secretary and recorded in the minute book of the session. vi (G-7.0301)update Copies of the minutes are in the binders in the narthexthat .are accessible to church members through the church office.

IX. Quorum for the Meeting

The quorum of a meeting of the congregation shall be the moderator, the secretary, and no fewer than

one-tenth of the active members of the congregation. Consistent with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, a quorum shall be one-tenth of the active members on corporate matters. The secretary shall determine that a quorum is present. Only active members may vote (G-7.0301)update, regardless of age.vii Consistent with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, voting on corporate matters is restricted to active members age 18 or above. Voting by proxy is not allowed. (G-7.0304)

X. Incorporation

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In accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, the congregation shall cause a corporation to be formed. Consistent with the laws of this state, both ecclesiastical and corporate business may be conducted at the same meeting of the congregation. (G-7.0304)update

Since the pastor or moderator is not a member of the corporation, consistent with Article VI, a member

of the session shall be invited to moderate the meeting when corporate matters appear on the agenda. The elders serving on the session shall serve at the same time as trustees.

XI.X. Nominating Committee

The congregation shall form a nominating committee in the following manner:

(1) There shall be seven members on the nominating committee. (2) Two of the members shall be elders designated by the session, one of whom shall be currently

serving on the session and shall serve as moderator of the committee. (3) One of the members shall be designated by and from the board of deacons. (4) Four of the members, not persons currently serving on the session or on the board of deacons,

shall be nominated and elected at the annual meeting of the congregation as representatives of the Congregation at Large. One member shall represent the Music program, and one the Christian Education program. Two members shall be a representative of the Congregation at Large.

(5) Members of the committee shall be elected annually, and no member shall serve more than three years consecutively.

(6) The pastor shall be a member ex officio and without a vote. (7) The nominating committee shall bring to the congregation nominations only for the number of

positions to be filled. (8) The floor shall be open for nominations at the annual meeting.viii (See G-14.0201.)update

XII.XI. Eldersix

The congregation shall elect twelve elders divided into three equal classes, one class of which shall be

elected each year at the Mayat a congregational meeting in the second quarter of the year for a three-year term. No elder shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. An elder having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the session for a period of at least one year.

The session, within three months at its first meeting following the annual ordination/installation of new elders, shall elect an elder to serve as clerk and shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work. At that same meeting of the session, the session shall annually elect a treasurer. A quorum for the session shall be the pastor or other presiding officer and one third of the elders.

Notice for a called meeting of the Session must be given no less than twenty-four hours before the proposed time of the called meeting and all reasonable efforts will be made to contact all Session members regarding the called meeting.

XIII.XII. Deacons

The congregation shall elect eighteen deacons divided into three equal classes one class of whom shall be elected each year at the May congregational meeting for a three-year term. No deacon shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the board of deacons for a period of at least one year.

The board of deacons, at its first meeting following the annual elections, shall elect a moderator and a secretary from among its members and shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work.

A quorum for the board of deacons shall be one third of the members plus one; one of those present shall be the moderator or his/her designee.

Meetings of Session, Deacons, and Committees

“At the discretion of Session, Session and committees may call a meeting (including a congregational meeting) using electronic means such as video / teleconferencing, including email votes to conduct church business. Requirements for quorum and participatory voting shall remain the same.”

XIV.XIII. Vacancies

Vacancies on the session or the board of deacons may be filled at a special meeting of the congregation

or at the May second quarter congregational meeting, as the session may determine.

XV.XIV. Amendments

These bylaws may be amended subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the laws of the state of Wisconsin and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by a two-thirds vote of the voters present, providing that the proposed changes in printed form shall have been distributed at the same time as the call of the meeting at which the changes are voted upon. Updated 04/26/20, Patty Faber, Clerk Updated 02/8/2015 Approved 5/18/2014

i Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0503, G-4.01 ii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0501 iii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0501 iv Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0502 v Book of Order 2019-2021 G 1.0504

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vi Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0505 vii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0501 viii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-2.0401 ix Book of Order 2019-2021 G-3.02

Bylaws of the First Presbyterian Church Marshfield, Wisconsin

I. Statement of Purpose & Mission

The First Presbyterian Church of Marshfield, Wisconsin has been called by God and organized to

proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to minister to the needs of members of the congregation and residents of the community and to promote peace and justice in the world.

We interpret that call to mean that, with God’s grace, and following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, the

mission of First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield is to: Become an accepting family.

Reach out to help each person increase in wisdom and faith.

Grow in service to the world community.

II. Relation to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The First Presbyterian Church is a member church of the Presbytery of Winnebago in the Synod of Lakes

and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

III. Governance of the Church

This church shall be governed in accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Consistent with the Constitution, these bylaws shall provide specific guidance for this church. Robert Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall be used for parliamentary guidance.

In accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, the congregation shall cause a corporation to be

formed. Consistent with the laws of this state, both ecclesiastical and corporate business may be conducted at the same meeting of the congregation. i

IV. Meetings of the Church

The session shall call an annual meeting of the congregation on or before March 1 each year, time and place to be determined by the session. The business to be conducted, but not limited to, is:

Review of: • Annual reports from organizations and the session (information only), • Financial report for the preceding year, • Budget for the current year (information only), • Changes in the terms of call for the pastor(s), • Electing members to serve on the nominating committee.

The session shall call a congregational meeting to be held in the second quarter of each year for the purpose of, but not limited to: Nominating committee report for church officers and election of church officers.ii

Special meetings may be called by the session. Such calls shall state clearly the purpose of such special

meetings and business shall be restricted to that which is specified in the call.iii

At the discretion of Session, Session and committees may call a meeting (including a congregational meeting) using electronic means such as video / teleconferencing, including email votes, to conduct church business. Requirements for quorum and participatory voting shall remain the same.

V. Notice of Congregational Meetings

Public notice of the meetings shall be given in printed, electronic, and verbal form on at least two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. When the meeting is called for the purpose of electing a pastor, the notice shall be given in printed and verbal form at least ten days in advance, which shall include two successive Sundays. iv

VI. Moderator

The pastor shall moderate the meetings. If there are co-pastors, they shall alternately preside at meetings.

When the church is without a pastor, the moderator appointed by the presbyter shall preside. If it is impractical for the pastor or the moderator of the session appointed by the presbytery to preside, he or she shall invite, with the concurrence of the session, another minister of the presbytery to preside. When this is not expedient, and when both the pastor and the moderator concur, a member of the session may be invited to preside. v

VII. Secretary

The clerk of session shall serve as secretary at congregational meetings. If the clerk is not present or is

unable to serve, the congregation shall elect a secretary.

VIII. Minutes of the Meeting

The minutes of the meeting recorded by the secretary shall be attested by the moderator and the secretary and recorded in the minute book of the session. vi Copies of the minutes are in the binders that are accessible to church members through the church office.

IX. Quorum for the Meeting

The quorum of a meeting of the congregation shall be the moderator, the secretary, and no fewer than

one-tenth of the active members of the congregation. Consistent with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, a quorum shall be one-tenth of the active members on corporate matters. The secretary shall determine that a quorum is present. Only active members may vote regardless of age.vii Consistent with the laws of the state of Wisconsin, voting on corporate matters is restricted to active members age 18 or above. Voting by proxy is not allowed.

X. Nominating Committee

The congregation shall form a nominating committee in the following manner:

(1) There shall be seven members on the nominating committee. (2) Two of the members shall be elders designated by the session, one of whom shall be currently

serving on the session and shall serve as moderator of the committee. (3) One of the members shall be designated by and from the board of deacons. (4) Four of the members, not persons currently serving on the session or on the board of deacons,

shall be nominated and elected at the annual meeting of the congregation as representatives of the Congregation at Large

(5) Members of the committee shall be elected annually, and no member shall serve more than three years consecutively.

(6) The pastor shall be a member ex officio and without a vote. (7) The nominating committee shall bring to the congregation nominations only for the number of

positions to be filled. (8) The floor shall be open for nominations at the annual meeting.viii

XI. Eldersix

The congregation shall elect twelve elders divided into three equal classes, one class of which shall be

elected at a congregational meeting in the second quarter of the year for a three-year term. No elder shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. An elder having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the session for a period of at least one year.

The session, within three months following the annual ordination/installation of new elders, shall elect an elder to serve as clerk and shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work. At that same meeting of the session, the session shall annually elect a treasurer. A quorum for the session shall be the pastor or other presiding officer and one third of the elders.

Notice for a called meeting of the Session must be given no less than twenty-four hours before the proposed time of the called meeting and all reasonable efforts will be made to contact all Session members regarding the called meeting.

XII. Deacons

The congregation shall elect eighteen deacons divided into three equal classes one class of whom shall be elected each year at the May congregational meeting for a three-year term. No deacon shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the board of deacons for a period of at least one year.

The board of deacons, at its first meeting following the annual elections, shall elect a moderator and a secretary from among its members and shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work.

A quorum for the board of deacons shall be one third of the members plus one; one of those present shall be the moderator or his/her designee.

XIII. Vacancies

Vacancies on the session or the board of deacons may be filled at a special meeting of the congregation

or at the second quarter congregational meeting, as the session may determine.

XIV. Amendments

These bylaws may be amended subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the laws of the state of Wisconsin and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by a two-thirds vote of the voters present, providing that the proposed changes in printed form shall have been distributed at the same time as the call of the meeting at which the changes are voted upon. Updated 04/26/20, Patty Faber, Clerk Updated 02/8/2015 Approved 5/18/2014

i Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0503, G-4.01 ii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0501 iii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0501 iv Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0502 v Book of Order 2019-2021 G 1.0504 vi Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0505 vii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-1.0501 viii Book of Order 2019-2021 G-2.0401 ix Book of Order 2019-2021 G-3.02

First Presbyterian Church MarshfieldTerms of Call

Pastor Laurie Davis2020 2021 Change

Salary less allowances 48,549.00$ 50,312.73$ 1,763.73$ Housing 22,000.00$ 22,000.00$ -$

Total salary and allowances 70,549.00$ 72,312.73$ 1,763.73$ % increase 2.50%

Medical Coverage (25%) 17,637.00$ 18,078.18$ 441.18$ Pension Benefits (11%) 7,760.00$ 7,954.40$ 194.40$ Death/Disab.Benefits (1%) 705.00$ 723.13$ 18.13$ Dental Coverage 905.00$ 1,025.28$ 120.28$ Total Bd of Pensions 27,007.00$ 27,780.99$ 773.99$

% increase 2.87%

Continuing Education 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ -$ Professional Expenses 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ -$

Weeks of Vacation 6 6Weeks of Continuing Ed. 2 2Sick Leave (10 days per year-cummulative to 90) 10 days 10 days

At time of dissolution of the pastor relationship, there is no claim for pay inlieu of unused sick leave.

Sabbatical Leave 3 months leave after completion of 5 years ofservice, with full salary, benefits & pulpit supply

First Presbyterian Church

Marshfield, WI

2020 Annual Report

Our Mission First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield, Wisconsin seeks to welcome all to join us on our journey of

faith, denying no one, based upon his or her particular human condition, participation in the life of

the church. We want to be a safe place, a sanctuary where people are accepted, included, and cared

for as they are. We will be agents of God’s transforming power, aligning ourselves with the Holy

Spirit as we pray, worship, learn, share fellowship and serve together. By attending to the love of

Jesus Christ in our midst, we discover a deepening faith that makes a difference in our lives. As a

community based on God’s love, we strive to be of service to our neighbors and to the world.

Table of Contents

LETTER FROM THE PASTOR 1

MEMBERSHIP ROLL REPORT ANNUAL SUMMARY 2

SESSION 4

BOARD OF DEACONS 5

PARISH NURSE MINISTRY 6

LETTER FROM THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COORDINATOR 7

COMMITTEES OF SESSION

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE 8

BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE 11

GREEN TEAM 11

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 12

OUTREACH COMMITTEE 13

IMMIGRATION ACTION TEAM 14

FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP 15

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE 15

WORSHIP COMMITTEE 16

NOMINATING COMMITTEE (of the Congregation) 17

SOUP OR SOCKS 19

FINANCIAL REPORTS 20

RUMMAGE SALE & SILENT AUCTION 26

MEMORIAL GIFTS GIVEN IN 2020 27

Page 1

LETTER FROM THE PASTOR For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6

Looking ahead, hope is on the horizon. However, looking back, 2020 was a year of loss,

challenge, and change that we will never forget. Who could see or have ever guessed, that when we worshipped together in our beloved sanctuary on Sunday, March 15, 2020 that would be our last in-person service for the year of 2020 and beyond? The coronavirus pandemic has taken a devastating toll here in our community and around the world: 2.37 million deaths worldwide, and over 475,000 deaths in the USA, by the end of 2020. Livelihoods shattered and institutions upended, as schools, health care providers, and churches, did their best to continue their important work.

Back in March at the beginning of the shutdown, I thought that surely, we would be back

together “like normal” by Easter. After Easter came and went, Pentecost seemed possible—until it wasn’t. In June, we still hoped that we could hold Vacation Bible School in August with children gathering at the church. As the summer progressed, we realized we would need to pivot to an online format for VBS, or our children might not have any VBS at all. By early fall, could see that Advent and Christmas would also need to be celebrated remotely. And so, we took our Advent through Epiphany decorations outside with new banners and lights for all the community to enjoy. What a year!

We have learned a great deal in 2020. This was the year when we learned to be grateful for so

many things we took for granted: a hug in the Narthex on a Sunday morning, passing the peace during worship, watching the children parade through the sanctuary at the baptism of a baby, celebrating the life of a dearly departed member with a hearty meal prepared by loving hands, topped off with a heavenly array of desserts in the Fellowship Hall.

This was the year when we learned that as much as we love our building and being together in it, the people are the heart of it. God has blessed us with a resilient, creative, stalwart FPC faith community formed by the love of Christ and our mission to share Christ’s compassion and justice. I have been thrilled and inspired by our ability as a congregation to adapt and adjust. Two new teams were formed in 2020, the “Rapid Response Team” and a “Creating Connections Team” to keep us safe and connected throughout the year. The gift of technology has given us the tools to gather online for worship, meetings, classes, and even Zoom Narthex Social Hours. This year’s Annual Report, page by page, tells this story of how our congregation stepped up in a myriad of ways.

In 2020 we learned that together we can weather any storm or pandemic. Although God has revealed a great deal to us this year, there was something we already knew. Like Paul wrote in Romans 8:38, we too were already convinced, “that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” Perhaps after 2020, this truth means even more to us than it ever did before. The building has been closed, but as long as we are fulfilling our mission, the church is open, alive, and well.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Indeed, this has been our year of faith walking, step-by-step.

Page 2

MEMBERSHIP ROLL REPORT ANNUAL SUMMARY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MARSHFIELD, SESSION

GAINS, LOSSES, BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS in 2020

Active Members December 31, 2019 292

TOTAL GAINS 13

Profession of Faith 1

Reaffirmation of Faith 7

Transfer of Letter 3

Reactivated 2

TOTAL LOSSES 11

Deaths 7

Letter of Transfer 1

Removed 3

Active Members December 31, 2020 294

GAINS 13

PROFESSION OF FAITH 1

February 23, 2020 Olivia Anderson (2692)

REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH 7

February 23, 2020 Johnna Dykstra (2693)

February 23, 2020 Ted Krohn (2694)

February 23, 2020 Kelsey Krohn (2695)

February 23, 2020 John Lenten (2696)

February 23, 2020 Sarah Lenten (2697)

February 23, 2020 Chris Schneider (2700)

February 23, 2020 Sharon Schneider (2701)

TRANSFER OF LETTER 3

February 23, 2020 Gil Nimm (2698)

February 23, 2020 Kathy Nimm (2699)

February 23, 2020 Mandy Yohn (2702)

REACTIVATED 2

March 31, 2020 Toney Bookhart (2438)

March 31, 2020 Elaine Bookhart (1503)

Page 3

LOSSES 11

DEATHS 7

February 1, 2020 Joan Mulholland (2560)

February 21, 20220 Dale Dooge (1737)

July 3, 2020 Margie Fornefelt (75)

August 1, 2020 Ruth Voss (976)

August 11, 2020 Ralph Mueller (2096)

November 13, 2020 Tom Forbish (954)

December 28, 2020 Evelyn Rustad (265)

LETTER OF TRANSFER 1

January 21, 2020 Julie Horton (1985)

REMOVED 3

December 29, 2020 1 Austin Christiansen (2616)

December 29, 2020 1 Reed Miller (2653)

December 29, 2020 1 Jed Martin (2627)

BAPTISM

INFANT BAPTISMS 3

January 26, 2020 Samuel Rodney Lenten

Parents: John & Sarah Lenten

April 11, 2020 Dorothea Rose Krohn

Parents: Theodore & Kelsey Krohn

October 24, 2020 Teddy Robert Phillips

Parents: Eric & Rebecca Phillips

WEDDINGS

None

Page 4

SESSION The Rev. Dr. Laurie Brubaker Davis, Moderator

Patty Faber, Clerk of Session

Class of 2021: Patty Faber, Carolyn Opitz, Beth Walsh, Debbie Zdor-North

Class of 2022: Nandita Bhattacharjee, Mike Eberl, Karna Sandok

Class of 2023: Gerri Toyama, Clay Bernick, Dan Burk, Dan Crump

FOCUS AREAS: Beginning in March, discernment and monthly decision-making to do our part to follow Presbytery and CDC guidance, “flatten the curve,” and mitigate risk to our congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic while still working to fulfill the mission statement of FPC, was the Session’s greatest challenge and its primary focus for the rest of the year.

• Formation of Rapid Response Team: On March 15, when the session voted to suspend in-person worship and all meetings in the building, it created a “Rapid Response Team” comprised of session members Mike Eberl, Gerri Toyama and Debbie Zdor-North, as well as Karen Mitchell, one of our Parish Nurses. They met by Zoom to make recommendations to the session in response to the changing metrics and safety protocols that were called for, month-to-month.

• Formation of Creating Connections Team: At its August meeting, when the Session saw it necessary to extend the building shutdown date to the end of the year, it formed a new, “Creating Connections Team” with the purpose to consider new and alternative ways to connect FPC community, both those who have online access and those who do not. The CCT is comprised of: Clay Bernick (Session Liaison), Nicole Johnson, Nadene Lautenschlager, Tracy Olson, Kathy Phillips, Sharon Schneider, and Janet Singer, co-chaired by Carmen Lawler, and Pastor Laurie. Details of its outstanding work are outlined in Carmen’s report on page 7.

• Retooling Session and Session Committee meetings to online meeting format via Zoom. Everyone including the Moderator, learned together how to continue to function effectively as a session while only able to meet on screen, rather than in person.

• Wifi Work Group successfully updated and upgraded our internet and Wifi system, opening the way to a new phone system in January of 2021.

• Leadership Transitions: Mid-year, three committees: Building & Grounds, Finance & Stewardship, and Personnel reset with new session members as liaisons or chairs in the midst of the pandemic shutdown. These three committees, building on the outstanding work of their predecessors, began the project of updating our written policies and procedures, building up the infrastructure of our operations.

• We continue to live into being a “Matthew 25 Church.” The Session voted to commit ourselves to this bold new vision articulated by our denomination in 2019 that comes from Jesus’ words to his disciples in Matthew 25:31-46 and calls for PC(USA) congregations to be actively engaged in their communities by working toward: building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. The work of the Christian Education Committee, Outreach Committee, Immigration Action Team, and the Creating Connections Team, as well as our work with SOS, described in this Annual Report detail the actions taken in 2020 to work toward this vision.

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BOARD OF DEACONS MISSION: To welcome and greet all who enter our midst. To minister to and provide support for the members and friends of First Presbyterian Church through prayer, support in time of illness and grief and to celebrate the accomplishments in our lives after the example of Jesus Christ. BOARD MEMBERS: Class of 2021: Jennifer Wierzbicki, Melissa Cooper, Gail LaFontaine, Jimmy Thomas, Tracy Olson Class of 2022: Sue Ferguson, Dick & Vicki Bravener, Andrea Jackan, John Wing, Diane Saindon Class of 2023: Sarah Beighley, Adele Heller, Jennifer Anderson, Kathy Nimm, Janet Singer, Patricia Silva

FOCUS AREAS:

● Ministers to members and friends of FPC in time of special needs, grief, illness, celebrations.

● “I am your Deacon” program enables us to keep in touch with members and friends throughout

the year. Each month at our meeting cards are signed and sent to those who are ill, need any

type of support or are celebrating an event in their life as well as birthday cards to members and

friends who are 70 and older and children 10 and under. Deacons also visit members/friends if

they are hospitalized. When needed, the Deacons arrange for meals to be delivered by

members/friends to members/friends’ homes through the “Meal Train” site.

● Provides support for Sunday worship and special services by preparing the sanctuary; greeting

members, friends, and visitors; assisting youth acolytes; scheduling Greeters and hosting

fellowship time after service. When needed, transportation to and from church activities is

coordinated by the Deacons.

● Provides special event fellowship opportunities for members and friends of FPC all year.

SPECIAL EVENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

● “Everybody’s Birthday Party” was held on Feb 23rd drawing large attendance and gathering together the young and young at heart.

● After worship, on the second Sunday of every month, Deacons host “2nd Sunday Breads”, a time for fellowship with coffee and donated bake treats. (Only hosted Jan-Mar due to FPC closure.)

● Deacon Melissa Cooper creates the displays for the “Who’s in your Pew” program to help our members and friends bond through sharing and learning about the lives of each other.

● In place of what should have been the 18th annual Silent Auction (an event hopefully returning in 2021), a fundraiser was organized to benefit Soup or Socks and Nutrition on Weekends. Promoted with a Facebook voting experience (a march madness style, Bible Hero Smackdown), $7015 was raised and split evenly, giving $3507.50 each to SOS and NOW.

● Assisting the new Creating Connections Team with an all congregation, thinking of you package drop off around Thanksgiving.

SUMMARY: Our thanks go to the many faithful volunteers who have assisted the Board of Deacons in their service to

this congregation. We are looking forward to participating in another year of ministry.

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PARISH NURSE MINISTRY MISSION: The Parish Nurse program continued to offer support, visits and delivery of Holy Communion by Carolyn Opitz who after many years of service resigned from the program in spring 2020. Her energy and compassion will be missed in the program and she is given our gratitude for all she did. In addition, Kerri Wichlacz, Karen Mitchell and Nadene Lautenschlager are part of the program.

Carolyn was able to make the usual Communion visits with Pastor Laurie in January (10) and February

(4) as well as Hospital and Home Visits (4 in February) that she had so faithfully taken care of for years,

prior to the suspension of activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She did, however, continue phone

contacts and was available to members to assist with transport to clinic appointments after that.

Karen became part of the Rapid Response Team formed in March to help develop plans for our

congregation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and develop plans to assure the safety of the

members of the congregation and the church staff.

MEMBERS: Carolyn Opitz, Kerri Wichlacz, Karen Mitchell and Nadene Lautenschlager FOCUS AREAS: Parish Nurse Medical Equipment Loan Closet – coordinated by Nadene this past year assisted by Meranda (our church secretary), Dan Burk and Don Zais.

• Located in the store room off the previous pre-school room/present 4K-K Sunday School Room,

the Parish Nurse Medical Equipment Loan Closet has been frequently used by members of our

congregation and many others in Marshfield and the surrounding communities.

• At the start of the pandemic, the closet was initially closed down until after Session gave

permission to proceed with this service. Some changes in procedures and sanitizing of the

equipment has been carried out and the community has been very thankful for our continuing

to offer the equipment as no one else in the community is lending equipment at this time.

• This past year we are serving/have served a total of 113 people with approximately 156

different items. Currently we have 90 pieces of equipment out to 68 people. Most folks only

have one item, but a few have 2-4 pieces at a time.

• In our loan closet inventory (most of which is out at a given time) we have a total of:

12 wheelchairs – various widths including one reclining wheelchair (a new donation)

18 regular walkers 16 four wheel rollator walkers

24 commodes (including lg. bariatric) 11 shower benches

13 shower chairs 16 raised toilet seats

4 sets of toilet mounted support rails 11 bed rail/assist bars

• In addition, we also have 4 knee scooters, a number of quad canes, regular canes, crutches, 2

hospital beds and mattresses and a trapeze that goes under the bed and allows the person to

pull themselves up in bed.

• We have received approximately $150 in donations this year from individuals who were able to

express their appreciation for the loan in that manner.

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• Equipment donations from individuals have increased this past year. Some of which are unique

in that we now have a unit that assists the individual to raise from a chair, a sliding shower

bench that is especially useful for an amputee, an inflatable “sink” to allow washing hair, a

bedside hospital table and a reclining wheelchair that was donated new. A nearly new rollator

walker and knee scooter were especially timely as these are frequently requested items.

• Assistance from Meranda, and occasionally Carmen, with returned items has been especially

important to continue this very valuable service to the community. Many have expressed their

gratitude that we are able to help out during this time. Thank you to Session for making the

decision to allow the project to continue.

LETTER FROM THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COORDINATOR

A year ago, the theme of refining seemed to emerge from the CE Committee’s work of 2019 as I wrote

this letter; as you might imagine (and as you have most likely experienced in many areas of your own

lives), 2020 demanded more of us than “refining.”

We have learned new skills and summoned our most creative selves in order to offer VBS, Sunday

School, Mid High Youth Group and Confirmation class on virtual platforms. These virtual offerings

replace the experience of our in-person programs, and have been an important and valuable alternative

to those who have attended. (All Sunday school families have received Sunday school materials with

other bonus activities that cover two months through drive thru distribution events and hand delivery).

We are so looking forward to building on this when we are able to gather together safely once again. If

you haven’t taken advantage of these virtual opportunities but are curious, it’s not too late to join in!

At about summer’s midpoint, we saw a need for targeted efforts to help keep our congregation

connected to each other and to the work of the church in the midst of this time of limited in person

contact. In September, the Creating Connections Team, a group of individuals committed to this

purpose, began to meet and work together. The team includes: Clay Bernick (Session Liaison), Nicole

Johnson, Nadene Lautenschlager, Tracy Olson, Kathy Phillips, Sharon Schneider, and Janet Singer, co-

chaired by Carmen Lawler, and Pastor Laurie. This group has been busy: reaching out by phone to those

with limited computer access, surveying the congregation for ideas, placing painted rocks around FPC

for any to find (very challenging now with the snow), starting a “tech buddy” program to assist those

having difficulty using technology, instituting a zoom coffee hour twice a month, distributing advent

candles, wreaths and devotional, starting a jigsaw puzzle exchange in the narthex, working with deacons

to assemble and distribute Thanksgiving treat bags (and soon Valentine treat bags), making over 200

Christmas ornaments to be included with the First Press Magazine in December, and starting a “Soup for

the Soul” ministry of taking homemade soup to those illness or other challenging times. We expect to

continue our work as the church moves toward reopening and to be of assistance in the “in-between”

time that is surely coming but will hopefully be short-lived.

This year has looked very different for all of us, it is true, and yet in the midst of this, a class of 6 high

school freshmen has been meeting twice a month to engage in the time-tested practice of guided

exploration of their faith under the encouraging and watchful eyes of faithful, supportive adults. Being

witness to their participation and growth with the support of committed mentors in familiar and yet

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different ways has been heartening and reassuring; you will certainly experience some of this come

Confirmation Sunday this spring or before if you take part in the Ash Wednesday service that they will

lead. They’ve been benefitting from a new, well-researched, carefully developed curriculum from

PCUSA that we are adapting for virtual use, and in closing, I will share a prayer from this week’s lesson

that seems fitting for us all.

“God of wonderful things, thank you for the gift of your church.

Help us proclaim your gospel. Help us shelter and nurture your children.

Help us worship you in the way that you deserve. Help us speak the truth to the world.

Help us live in ways that are acceptable to you. Help us be signs of your kingdom.

Help us be the church together. Amen”.

-From Big God, Big Questions (Geneva Press, PCUSA, 2018).

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE MISSION: The Christian Education Committee is dedicated to providing a quality faith-based program of education and fellowship for all ages in the First Presbyterian Church congregation. MEMBERS: Nadene Lautenschlager (Chair), Melissa Cooper, Karna Sandok (Session Liaison), Therese Brooks, Kristin Gerndt, Nicole Johnson, Carmen Lawler, Janet Singer, Jamie Siorek (ad hoc member).

ADAPTATIONS MADE FOR 2020 PANDEMIC REMOTE CHURCH:

• With the closure of the church in March, Sunday School and Youth Group were suspended in

March, April and May while planning was done by Session on how to proceed with the rest of

the church year programming and lay out parameters for how groups could continue meeting.

• In June, committee meetings resumed per Zoom allowing us to prepare programming for the

Sunday School, Confirmation and Youth Groups in the fall.

• It was decided in May there would not be a Rummage Sale this year.

FOCUS AREAS:

• Vacation Bible School – BOLT – a program which we purchased for use by families on their own

time-frame, for a week in early August. Supplies were provided for projects and activities and

distributed at a drive thru event.

• Bible presentations were made to the 3rd and 6th grade students per Zoom August 16th.

• Confirmation was started August 16th using PCUSA curriculum Big God – Big Questions. Classes

are held per Zoom the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Carmen Lawler, Dan Crump and Pastor

Laurie share the role of facilitator for the classes. There was no confirmation class 2019-2020.

• Sunday School was started August 16th per Zoom. Everyone, preK-5th grade is invited to attend

the first Sunday of the month. The 1st and 2nd grade class meets on the second Sunday of the

month, and the 3rd through 5th grade students on the fourth. Carmen Lawler leads the Sunday

School classes with the help of Pastor Laurie.

• Tracy Olson and Patty Faber have held music time per Zoom at the completion of the lesson on

the 1st Sunday of the month starting in September. They recorded their practice in November

and the program was used during the special music portion of the church service.

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• Mid-High Sunday School has been combined with Youth Group meeting twice monthly per

Zoom. Nicole Johnson and Carmen Lawler facilitate this group’s meetings.

• “First Look” weekly sermon text Bible Study has been meeting on Wednesday evening at 5

p.m., led by Pastor Laurie. This group’s discussions frequently feed into the direction the sermon

takes. Since being moved to Zoom, the group size has more than doubled.

• Forum for All was changed to a Zoom format during the summer.

o We had been fortunate enough to have talks by Apostle Jean Ngirwe about his work

with helping African people become self-sustaining and provide school supplies for

children and Deb Kennedy sharing information about the mission trips her students

from Columbus High take to Peru, in January.

o Marilyn Follen from Marshfield Medical Center spoke to us about advanced directives

and Carolyn Opitz shared needs for pre-planning for funeral services in February.

o During January, February and early March we also were able to view the DVD series Pro

Future Faith by Rev. Michael Dowd.

o Bruce Krawisz gave the second segment of the impact of climate change on health in

March just before the church closure.

o During the summer we began meeting by Zoom and were pleased to have Jeff Leigh

from UW-Stevens Point to join us on two different occasions to discuss issues of race

relations in the United States as well as Jennifer Anderson giving us perspective on the

issue of race relations from the viewpoint of a parent and Kaylee McColley speaking

about her own experience as a bi-racial individual growing up in north central

Wisconsin.

o Amanda Haffela from Portage County Material Recovery in Plover, WI, gave us an

update on recycling need and rules.

o Members of the Outreach Committee facilitated a discussion of the 4 presentations on

race that were held during the summer in October. All were encouraged to share how

they felt the presentations had helped them understand the issues and what other

issues we feel we have.

o Jodi Chojnacki spoke to the stressors of the Pandemic and how we can better cope with

them on November 1st.

o Dr. Darron Smith spoke to the group November 15th, discussing the stress of

interpersonal and environmental issues can affect brain function and our response to

the stressors.

o December 6th Cheryl Lewis-Hartl gave an overview of the history of the Soup or Socks

pantry and how they are attempting to help the community needs as they increase

during the pandemic as well as how we can be of service to the program.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

• Souper Bowl of Caring collection, led by our youth on Super Bowl Sunday in February, yielded

$1274.16 and 400 food items for SOS food pantry.

• Ash Wednesday Service led by the youth in the Confirmation class and Mid-High class. Youth

presented a short drama related to the Lenten Season.

• Three “drive thru” events to pass out materials for: Vacation Bible School August 1st, Rally Day

September 12th and a Thanksgiving/Advent drive thru 10/31. During each of these drive thru

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events, Jimmy and Joy Thomas offered members of the congregation an opportunity to

purchase great food choices from their Jamaican Kitchen facility.

• Youth Group had their Pumpkin Party 10/31 outside on the church parking lot and grass

complete with a pumpkin toss and a “dodge guts” game.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Collection of funds for a PCUSA Giving Catalogue – a collection was started in mid-November of 2020 and continued through early January 2021 for the purpose of purchasing an animal or animals for folks in need overseas. $1,674 dollars was raised and designated towards the purchase of animals and a sewing machine.

• Involvement of the children/youth in the worship service: 3rd-7th grade acolytes continued lighting the candles at the start of worship during January and February, teen lectors continue leading worship monthly on Zoom, and plans have been made to have the children’s choir sing on a regularly scheduled monthly basis in the future.

• Sunday School teacher gathering was held 2/29 to continue to provide support (as well as yummy treats) and receive input from teachers to improve the Sunday School program.

• Nutrition on Weekends (NOW) Meal packing: was done by members of FPC 2/6 but due to the pandemic, volunteer packing was suspended and the program is being provided out of FPC at present while the new facility for United Way is being refurbished.

• CROP Walk – the confirmation class participated in the walk this fall and raised $3,406.

• Discovery Time – After a summer of a Bunny assisting with Discovery Time from different locations outside and in different locations within the FPC building we began inviting one family per Sunday to join us for the experience and recording of Discovery Time on Saturday mornings.

• Advent Wreaths/Ornaments – Carmen Lawler was instrumental in finding Advent Wreaths for each of the Sunday School families and extras were offered to members of the congregation. She also developed a special paper ornament, the supplies for which were provided to the Sunday School children to color and assemble. A separate ornament was made for each family in the congregation which featured a picture of the church in winter and the dove in the sanctuary. These were mailed in December to each household with the First Press newsletter.

• Sunday School Christmas Program – “Do Not be Afraid” was presented by children of the Sunday School program, per Zoom, as the sermon for the December 20th service.

SUMMARY:

Christian Education is an integral part of maintaining a healthy congregation. With guidance from Pastor Laurie and a huge amount of effort from Carmen Lawler, we have been able to find a path to keep the youth of the congregation engaged on Sunday morning during the pandemic. It is understood we have many months of doing thing virtually before we will again be able to meet in the church building. All are encouraged to attend Forums for All on Zoom and a variety of topics are planned to attempt to increase participation. We welcome suggestions from members of the congregation on how to improve the programs offered.

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BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE MISSION: To monitor and maintain our building and grounds with repairs and enhancements MEMBERS: Carolyn Opitz (Chair & Session Liaison), Dale Kramer, Phil Phillips, Jim Aue, Ken Wichlacz, Dennis Suckow, Dave Hirsch, Gil Nimm, Nicole Johnson (Green Team), Don Zais. MAJOR FOCUS AREAS:

• Major ceiling water leak in Narthex – Resolved Roof leaks addressed – New drywall in Narthex

twice.

• Wi-Fi system brought up to date by ITSM.

• New phones and installation completed In January, 2021.

• Maintain necessary general maintenance/repairs, Lawn mowing, snow/ice removal.

• Continued support for SOS, loan closet, Community Garden and church activities.

• Geo-Thermal system malfunction addressed by Members of Buildings & Grounds along with

professional Geo-Thermal Company.

• Installation of new rain gutters on West side of Sanctuary Planned for Spring of 2021.

• All carpets in the whole church were cleaned.

• We continue to thank Skip Beers, Custodian, for his service to FPC

GREEN TEAM MISSION: The goal of the Green Team is to serve the entire congregation in ways such that care for creation becomes part of the ethos of First Presbyterian Church, and through modeling, and education, extends to our family and our community friends. We believe that God calls us to be careful, humble stewards of this earth, and to protect, and restore it for its own sake, and for the future use, and enjoyment of all creatures.

MEMBERS: Darlene Berry (Chair), Jamie Siorek (Co-chair), Barb Gillespie (Co-chair), Sarah Hanson (Secretary), Sue Nelson, Janet Wolfe, Nicole Johnson, Jackie Pickett, Patty Faber, Jan Clouse (Session Liaison), and Lisa Helstein (Faith Lutheran)

ADAPTATIONS MADE FOR 2020 PANDEMIC REMOTE CHURCH:

The Green Team did not miss an opportunity to continue to meet and make plans during the pandemic.

Starting in April 2020, all meetings became virtual. Since then, we have planned two church services,

hosted two adult forums, continued to nurture our butterfly garden, support the Community Gardens,

and began new goals for 2021.

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS:

• To educate our congregation and community on the impact of climate change here in Wisconsin and around the world.

• To help our congregation and Marshfield community better understand how recycling is sorted and reused by including information in the weekly church e-blast.

• To celebrate our 8th year as an Earth Care Congregation.

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• To expand our butterfly garden diversity by adding new prairie flowers including: a blazing star (liatris), daisy, bee balm (monarda), and black eyed susan (rudbeckia).

• To highlight our special projects with articles in the First Presbyterian Church quarterly newsletter.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS:

• The Green Team hosted two Forums for All this past year. The speakers were Dr. Bruce Krawisz who discussed climate change in relation to our Health, and Amanda Haffele, Solid Waste Director, who educated us on updated recycling methods.

• The Green Team participated in two worship services this year to commemorate Earth Day and the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Earth Day, on April 1 and November 1.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• We continue to support tree planting in our National Parks. We thank our guest speakers and welcome all new members to our church by purchasing trees through onetreeplanted.org.

• Constructed a new recycling cabinet that will collect recycling and share educational information with our congregation.

• Green Team members took part in a virtual bird tour of the McMillan Marsh over the spring and summer months. The tour was led by Martha and Doug Lee and gave all members a chance to participate in a group learning activity from the safety of our homes.

• In April, Session approved the transfer of the FPC Community Garden site back to FPC. The Green Team, in partnership with the Buildings and Grounds Committee, will work with Garden Site Coordinators to manage the Community Garden site at FPC.

• All Green Team members participated in a socially distant tour of Mark Borchardt and Gwen Stone’s native prairie located at their home. Members went in small groups, with masks, to view and walk through the beautiful prairie fields.

• Before the nation wide shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Green Team participated in the 2020 Annual Cultural Fair.

• Green Team members continued our mission to recycle plastic caps. After learning NTM Plastics closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, team members began individually recycling the plastic caps that have been collected by our congregation and recycling them in their curbside recycling pickup.

SUMMARY: The COVID-19 global pandemic brought a new set of challenges to the Green Team. We were pleased to

reduce our carbon emissions by meeting virtually but miss the dynamic of our in-person meetings. We

were pleased to offer learning opportunities to our committee through a bird and native prairie tour.

We hosted two learning opportunities for our congregation by hosting two Forums for All. We were

delighted to participate in two worship services to celebrate Earth Day. We thank the various

committees of our church who partner with us throughout the year to improve our methods and add

new programs to care for our Earth.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MISSION: The Membership Committee welcomes everyone, communicates our signature values of inclusion and service and engages members and friends in a meaningful way in the life of the church. We will assess and respond to the impressions of visitors, regular attendees, and members to create an environment that reflects our commitment to the FPC mission statement. MEMBERS: Debbie Zdor-North, Jan Clouse, Nicole Johnson, Clay Bernick, and Bob Davis.

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MAJOR FOCUS AREAS:

• Before the shutdown, the Membership Committee assisted in the teaching of the Investigating

Church Membership Class, which yielded in the joy of receiving ten new members on February

23, 2020.

• The Membership Committee has met intermittently throughout the year in support of Pastor

Laurie welcoming new church members. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, new member contacts

were restricted to Pastor Laurie as the physical building of the church was closed to avoid

spread of Covid-19. New member welcome bags were provided for all new members.

• Nicole Johnson was a liaison to the Creating Connections Team which formed this year to

expand ways to encourage community in the church in spite of our physical distancing.

• The annual membership roll review was completed through email and phone calls, allowing for

restoration of contact with some and responding to the requests of three members to be

removed from the roll.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE MISSION: The Outreach Committee, as an instrument of a Matthew 25 church, serves to call the church to a deeper vitality in faith and in our presence in community, state, nation, and world. Working in concert with other faith communities and organizations, we seek to dismantle structural racism and eradicate systemic poverty. MEMBERS: Sarah Hanson, Dan Burk, Patricia Silva, Mark Nelson, Dan Crump (chair), (Mike Eberl, 2nd Elder transferred to another committee assignment midyear)

ADAPTATIONS MADE FOR 2020 PANDEMIC REMOTE CHURCH: Once the pandemic shutdown took effect, all meetings and planned events were held either on Zoom, or outdoors with masks and social distancing. Members regularly submitted recorded Minute for Mission’s regarding the four PCUSA Special Offerings for the weekly Sunday service recording.

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS: • PCUSA Special Offerings

o One Great Hour of Sharing o Pentecost Offering o Peace and Global Witness Offering o Joy Offering

• Hosting of various Forum for All’s including welcoming of guest speakers • Interfaith Network of Care - a collective of local congregations that coordinate their resources in

service to local assistance agencies • Promoting congregational support of Soup or Socks food and clothing pantry with purchase

and deployment of SOS food donation bags • Yearend disbursements to various assistance agencies:

o Soup or Socks $ 2,500 o PDC Orenda Center $ 1,000 o United Way’s Nutrition on Weekends $ 2,000 o Mary’s Place $ 300 o Marshfield Area Respite Center $ 500 o Companion Daycare Services $ 300

$ 6,600

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SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

• Biannual Retreat at the Davis’ residence • Souper Bowl Sunday kick off of SOS food donation bag program • Forum for All “It’s complicated - Let’s talk about Racism” series

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Creation of recurring calendar for PCUSA Special Offerings by Mark Nelson • Creation of Matthew 25 mission grid by former committee member, Mike Eberl • Perpetuation of INC relationship in spite of cancellation of fall planned event due to COVID-

19 • Welcomed guest speakers, Kayley McColley, Prof. Jeff Leigh, Prof. Darron Smith, and our

own Jennifer Anderson, to present topics on race for Forum for All Sustained support of local assistance agencies in face of increased need due to pandemic

SUMMARY: The work of the Outreach Committee continues in spite of, and because of, the challenges of the pandemic.

IMMIGRATION ACTION TEAM MISSION: Immigration Action Team, in hope of hearing the Son of Man’s words, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35),” seeks to inform the church in order to respond to the needs of our undocumented neighbors who, though they contribute to our nation’s culture richly and our economy mightily, are largely excluded from the wealth to which they contribute. MEMBERS: Tracy Olson, Barb Gillespie, Jamie Siorek, Jackie Pickett, Darlene Berry, Sue Nelson, Colin Webster, Karen Mitchell, Dan Crump (chair, succeeded by Tracy Olson in 2021) MAJOR FOCUS AREAS:

• REUNIR Bracelet promotion • Coordination with Tony Gonzalez in service to the Hispanic community

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS:

• Continuing REUNIR presence on Facebook with multiple weekly updates provided by diligent efforts of committee member, Tracy Olson

• Extensive letter-writing campaign by committee member, Barb Gillespie, to local congregations in multi-state area to encourage their support of REUNIR bracelet program

• Committee participation in UW-Wausau lecture series on immigration • Canasta Basica Gratuita - distribution of 100 parcels of culture-specific food items, children’s

books, and COVID-19 safety info for Spanish-speaking neighbors • Matching fund program to benefit The Young Center which supports unaccompanied

immigrant children in the US was instituted by committee member, Tracy Olson ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Successful distribution of food items, children’s books and COVID info to area Spanish-speakers with subsequent contacts made in that community which allowed multiple responses to specific and acute individual needs.

• Continued presence on REUNIR Facebook page with regular updates • Over 4000 REUNIR bracelets across 20 states distributed so far

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SUMMARY: The Immigration Action Team continues to do the work placed before them both in spite of, and because of, the challenges of the pandemic.

We plant seeds that will bear fruit for future generations. We tend the seeds planted by past generations. We pray and trust that God will provide enough harvest now to sustain our lives and work.

FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MISSION: The committee is charged with monitoring all church financial activity and implementing annual stewardship campaigns. Since almost every activity has a cost, the committee interfaces with almost all church committees and transactions. The primary focus of the committee is in the area of big picture items such as leases, investments, interest rates, financing of purchases and the annual budget. Account reconciliations are done monthly by a committee member and annually by an outside firm.

MEMBERS: Scott Winch (Chair), Gerri Toyama, Phil Phillips, Mike Eberl (Session) with Treasurer Angela Edblom, Serving Ex-Officio

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS: 2020 certainly was a challenging year and no different for our Church. The challenge of not having our services in person has had many impacts, including our finances. Income is down as are the pledges for 2021. Thankfully, with Angela’s work, the Church was able to secure a PPP loan to help offset our decline in income. We are also in the process of seeking a second PPP loan, which was approved by Session on January 26th.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• The Stewardship Campaign is still ongoing as our committee is still following up with some members to see if they will pledge for 2021. Our finances appear to be down and we anticipate having to use some of our reserve funds to meet our budget for 2021. The budget appears in this report and was approved by Session at its January 26 Meeting.

• An internal audit of the Church’s 2019 finances was also completed in 2020, by Nandita

Bhattacharjee, Mike Eberl, and Rob Schulz.

SUMMARY: I would like to thank all the committee members for their efforts in 2020and look forward to working with them again in 2021.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MISSION: The mission of the FPC Personnel Committee is to ensure church employees have the training and tools to perform their job, are held accountable for achieving goals and are compensated appropriately for their efforts. The Committee will research and make recommendations to the Session on employment policies, hiring, firing, compensation, and benefits for church employees according to best practice benchmarks and compliance with applicable tax and labor laws. The Committee will ensure employee compensation, performance and policies will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

MEMBERS: Nadene Lautenschlager, Jill Schulz, Nandita Bhattacharjee (Session Liaison), Dan Burk (Chairperson).

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Modified our meetings, annual employee reviews, and other gatherings to be compliant with

our Church Covid-19 protocols

• Completed the annual performance reviews of Church staff

• Hired a new Administrative Secretary

• Added the Friday after Thanksgiving as a paid Holiday for our employees

• Began the review and updating of:

o The Employee Manual

o Job descriptions, and

o Personnel Policies and Procedures

• Worked with the Finance and Stewardship Committee to help ensure proper utilization and

record keeping of the $22,500 provide to FPC under the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection

Program (PPP)

GOALS FOR 2021:

• Continue the review and update of the FPC Employee Manual with employees and the appropriate committee chairs

• Continue the review and update of all FPC job descriptions with employees and the appropriate committee chairs

• Work with Building and Grounds to review and update our workplace security protocols, and our emergencies and evacuation program/plan

• Complete all employee annual performance reviews on schedule • Begin the process of reviewing employment policies and procedures as needed

o Review and update our employee performance review process and procedures o Review our employee benefit offerings and recommend any changes to the

session

SUMMARY: We wish to recognize and thank all of our employees for their diligence during this pandemic. Their commitment to our mission, our ministries, and to our congregation has been stellar. Their creativity and innovation in turning obstacles created by the pandemic into opportunities has been amazing. Their willingness to be flexible and to adapt to change has helped us (the church) continue in our mission and to help ensure the continuation of our ministries. They deserve our sincere thanks and gratitude.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

MISSION: To provide meaningful worship experiences for all ages and for people from all walks of life. We strive to help all feel welcome in worship and to allow for opportunities to participate.

MEMBERS: Beth Walsh (Chair & Session Liaison), Patty Faber, Danielle Redding, Ron Rank, Janet Wolfe, Larry Clouse, Greg Reierson, Kathy Phillips ADAPTATIONS MADE FOR 2020 PANDEMIC REMOTE CHURCH:

• All Worship Committee meetings held via zoom to keep up with the needs of worship at FPC.

• Remote Worship began March 22 and continued weekly through the end of the year, December

27, 2020: by means of virtual platform uploaded to YouTube, Web site, and Facebook.

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Livestream was attempted in late March and early April, but proved to be unreliable given the

constraints of our current technology and internet speed. Many members contributed special

music recorded at home and uploaded, or recorded in the sanctuary. The Session, with the

guidance of the Rapid Response Team, limited the number of people in the sanctuary for the

recording of services at one time to 5. One videographer assistant was added to that number.

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS: Making the services available to all. Due to pandemic restraints the committee made good use of the video camera that session approved for purchase just prior to the pandemic to record pastor’s sermons. Full Sunday service is became available in March through Facebook and YouTube through the church website. If one does not have internet access, but has cable TV it can still be viewed on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday. SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS:

• Baptisms, Communion, Easter, Ordination & Installation of Officers, Children's Christmas program and Christmas Eve services all brought to you in your home in a creative way through video technology. Baptisms and Ordination/Installation of Officers will be affirmed by congregation when we return to in-person worship again.

• Added Discovery Time back into the service in the summer, first with “Bunny” and pastor at a variety of locations throughout the church and church grounds; and in the fall with one FPC family per week.

• A request for volunteers to assist Greg Walsh with video recordings went out and two of our youth stepped up to take on the challenge.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• To reach out to all of our members and those inside and outside of our local community during this pandemic year when church buildings were closed our FPC family found ways to connect in worship together.

• To teach others how to carry on the video recording work while others were home-bound due to the pandemic virus.

SUMMARY As always it takes many hands to make a successful worship service, whether with in-person worship or remote worship. We are grateful for all those hands, seen and unseen, from the secretary who puts the bulletins together to the person who bakes the communion bread, to you! The words “liturgy” literally means “work of the people” and that is what makes our worship all that it is. A special thanks to all who stepped up to assist the worship committee in the recordings of each weekly service. We could not have accomplished each weekly service without our musical accompanist, special music, Lector volunteers and the youth that volunteered to learn to use our camera as well.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE (of the Congregation) MISSION: The Nominating Committee is selected by and reports to the congregation for the purpose of nominating candidates to the Session and to the Board of Deacons. The committee’s responsibilities include: developing a slate of officers by soliciting names, contacting potential candidates and proposing a slate of nominees at congregational meetings. It also prepares the slate of “at-large” congregational members who serve a one-year term.

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MEMBERS: Gerri Toyama (Chair & Session Liaison), Deb Zdor-North, Session Representative, Sarah Beighley, Deacon Representative. Bruce Lautenschlager, Janet Singer, Mark Nelson, Jill Schulz, At-Large Members (elected by the congregation Feb. 10, 2019.)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Four “at-large” congregational members met with two elders, a deacon, and the pastor in order to discern a slate of officers reflecting the diversity of the congregation. This process is conducted with careful deliberation, prayer, confidentiality, and personal contact with each person the committee invites to serve as Ruling Elder or Deacon.

SOUP OR SOCKS Submitted by: Cheryl Lewis-Hartl, Director (Email: souporsockscheryl@gmail.com)

2020 STATISTICS

Of note is that 6,191 people were served in 2020; this is almost three times the number

served in 2019 which was 2,074. Those 6,191 people served were provided 70,665 meals;

almost twice as many meals provided in 2019 when 31,065 meals were provided. Thus, the

number of those struggling in our community rose significantly amidst the pandemic.

2020 was a challenge for everyone. The numbers above reflect how Soup or Socks met the challenge.

We operated as usual until March 13, 2020 when the Safer at Home order was issued. We cancelled

Empty Bowls and we closed Soup or Socks for one day to change how we met the needs.

On March 17, 2020 we re-opened with emergency food boxes and a drive-up form of delivery. We did

this in collaboration with the Marshfield Area United Way, who handled delivery of boxes to outlying

areas and the City of Marshfield. The boxes were provided on a weekly basis and we estimate they

contained supplemental food for 10 meals. All the boxes contained the same items and were packed at

Soup or Socks.

June 1, 2020, we went back to our monthly service, but remained curbside. We did not allow anyone

back in the building to register until October.

Food Pantry 12 Months Adults Children Total People Total Meals

January 119 55 174 2610

February 78 49 127 1905

March 1 to 13 30 15 45 675

March 13-May 28 2259 2191 4450 44,500

June 111 56 167 2505

July 157 94 251 3765

August 144 109 253 3795

September 125 82 207 3105

October 124 71 195 2975

November 111 74 185 2775

December 89 48 137 2055

TOTAL 3347 2844 6191 70,665

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Doorbells were installed at the SOS door and the west entrance to limit the number of people in the

building and to provide safety measures for the volunteers.

We closed the Clothes Closet in March to both service and donations. We reopened the Clothes Closet

June 16, 2020 and service is now provided by appointment only.

The Best First Day project operated different in 2020 as well. We again collaborated with Marshfield

Area United Way and Supplies for Success.

Families that called in to register for school supplies were asked if they needed socks and underwear for

the children. The items were bagged and given curbside along with their backpack and school supplies.

Each family was also given a gift certificate for Weber’s Farm to use for dairy products of their choice.

Families were given information to contact Soup or Socks to meet other clothing needs. The children

served during Best First Day for socks and underwear are estimated at 300 and that number is not

reflected in the chart below.

Feel free to email with any questions souporsockscheryl@gmail.com and check out our website at

souporsocks.org

Clothes Closet 12 months Adults Children Total

January 27 19 46

February 14 16 30

March 3 0 3

April 0 0 0

May 0 0 0

June 10 2 12

July 8 9 17

August 8 28 36

September 8 18 26

October 27 25 52

November 24 26 50

December 18 16 34

Total 147 159 306

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FINANCIAL REPORTS 2021 BUDGET

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

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DEDICATED ACCOUNTS

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RUMMAGE SALE & SILENT AUCTION

2020 Contributions

Rummage Sale & Silent Auction

Rummage Sale

Amount Contributed: Purpose/Use:

$ 189.90 White boards for Christian Education

$ 500.00 Green Team Donation

$ 500.00 Outreach Donation

$ 211.00 Advent Signs

$ 100.00 Dr. Darron Smith Zoom Presentation

$1500.90

Silent Auction

Amount Contributed: Purpose/Use:

$ 159.99 Knee Scooter for Parish Nurse Loan Closet

$ 208.56 Advent Display

$1000.00 Fall Fundraiser Contribution

$1368.55

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MEMORIAL GIFTS GIVEN IN 2020

Given in Memory of: Given in Honor of: Cole, Mabel & Terry 2020 Graduates Dooge, Dale Parish Nurse Program Erickson, William & Geneva Scidmore, Kitty Forbish, Tom Fornefelt, Margie Mueller, Ralph Mulholland, Joan Voss, Ruth Walsh, Armin

Received from: Alexander, John & Rosemary Makovec, Tom Binder, Sue Moeller, Amy Blomquist, Bonnie Morley, Dawn Brink, Priscilla Mulholland, Megan Burt, Shirley Nelson, John & Susan Carney, Kathleen Olson, Tracy & Patty Faber Dooge Family Trust Rhodes, Edward & Betty Duffy, Linda Rindfleisch, Greg & Sally Erickson, John Rice, Michael & Patricia Forbish, Tom & Shirley Scidmore, Kitty Fox, Charles & Patricia Shong, Joan Framness, Sherrie Stange, Gene Freeck, Gerald Stebbins, Carla Garfield, Mary Stevens, Michael & Mary Guenther, Margaret Strack, Ryan Hansen, Christine Toyama, Gerri Hanson, Curt & Sarah Untiet, Paul Harkins, Paul & Andrea Wantoch, Kay & Craig Helgerson, Diane Waters, Ann Hinrickson, Robert Webster, Sue Hirsch, David Whilen, Gloria Holt, James & Catherine Winch, Scott & Jaki Lautenschlager, Bruce & Nadene Wolfe, Janet Zittleman, Ken & Norma

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First Presbyterian Church Marshfield

200 S. Lincoln Ave

Marshfield, WI 54449

715-384-2484 • www.fpcmarshfield.org

The Rev. Dr. Laurie Brubaker Davis Pastor

Carmen Lawler Christian Education Coordinator

Angela Edblom Treasurer

Meranda Lelonek Administrative Secretary

Nicole Johnson Youth Education Coordinator

Nadene Lautenschlater Parish Nurse

Therese Brooks Nursery Attendant

Greg Reierson Choir Director

Kathy Phillips Handbell Director

Skip Beers Custodian