Myers Park Presbyterian Church Annual Report (2015)

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

A GLIMPSE OF FAITHFULNESS

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A LETTERFROM PETE A GLIMPSE OF FAITHFULNESS

Do you see what this means — all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it.

Strip down, start running — and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eye on Jesus, who both began and finished this

race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could

put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

Hebrews 12:1-2, in The Message, a translation by Eugene Peterson

In the pages that follow, your Session and Board of Deacons give a snapshot of the ministry of this con-gregation during 2015. It has been a challenging year, one of transition in many different forms. Yet, to me, there is one word that captures this year in this congre-gation’s life: faithfulness.

You, the people of God called together into this congregation, through all that you have faced this year have been faithful. Sure, a beloved pastor was called away. Sure, the Session faced a very controversial deci-sion. Sure, some dear members, out of a struggle with their convictions, moved on from this community. Sure, some others have taken leave as they wait to see what a new era with a new pastor brings. Yet, in the midst of all of this the core of this congregation has been faith-ful — faithful to Jesus Christ and Christ’s ministry in and through this particular congregation.

You who are a part of that core never quit. You have kept your eye on Jesus. You are still running, not letting anything along the way divert you as you race behind Jesus, bearing witness to the reign of God in our midst and around this world.

Thank you for your faithfulness. And as you read this report, note the goals for 2016. Myers Park Presbyterian Church is still very much in the race — for the glory of God!

Grace and peace,

Pete PeeryInterim Pastor

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There is one word that captures this year in this congregation’s

life: faithfulness.“ “

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2015

ADMINISTRATION COUNCILCoordinated issues and projects among our ministry teams.

Formed a task group to work through selection, implementation and assessment phases of church management software upgrade.

FACILITIESMade significant improvements in audio, video, and lighting for the Sanctuary to enhance worship, as well as, connecting with others off site through video streaming. Completed needed repairs and refurbishing of the Sanctuary ceiling and wooden architectural trusses .

Improved facilities by joining with the Week Day School for the creation of a children’s culinary learning kitchen and enlarged drop off canopy.

Replaced a failing rooft op HVAC air handler servicing the welcome center and staff offices.

Continuing to study repairs needed for the Sanctuary stained glass and exterior lighting for the campus.

Installed a fire pit behind the Outreach Center.

Upgrade the D building Fire Alarm system.

FINANCEOperated with no external debt.

Renewed our line of credit while maintaining a zero balance.

Worked with ministry teams to prepare 2015 operating budget.

Partnered with Stewardship to better grasp future receipts during this interim period.

PERSONNELMarked the conclusion of Steve Eason’s ministry with us.

Conducted a national compensation survey among similar churches.

Welcomed a new Communications director, Josh Richard.

Re-established staff relations teams for senior staff.

COMMUNICATIONSDeveloped branding and identity for children, youth, and adult faith formation initiatives.

Began production of Child and Youth Protection training materials and renewal video.

With Outreach, reimagined and rebranded the “Global Gift Catalog” into the “Love Gives” catalog, creating a more inclusive opportunities to give.

Implemented live streaming of both Celebrate and Sanctuary worship services.

Produced two editions of Journey highlighting the work of God through Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

Researched website needs, platforms, and timelines for implementation.

The Administrative Council seeks to provide a stable, supportive platform from which our various mission and ministry efforts may be delivered. We engage our members and vendors in ways that manifest God’s gifts to us and God’s love for the world.

2015 ADMINISTRATION

NOTE FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL CHAIRLee Ives

GOALS FOR 2016

ADMINISTRATION COUNCILPursue options for a number of church-wide information technology needs.

Re-examine a campus-wide security plan.

FACILITIESMake significant repairs and long- term upgrades to the mechanical cooling system for the main campus.

Purchase and replace church buses to serve various ministry needs.

Collaborate with Administration Council to maintain and improve campus security measures.

FINANCEOffer a clear path of communication with all Ministry Teams.

Continue MPPC’s committed track to increase Outreach’s budget in the Gen Fund.

Faithfully monitor receipts and expenses during thistransitional phase.

Prayerfully review and humbly provide financial direction for God’s Church.

PERSONNELReview and revise, as needed, the staffing structure for each ministry team.

Prepare for the expansion of our intern/pastoral residency program.

COMMUNICATIONSWork with worship council to refine Live Streaming, incorporating elements of worship and creating anengaging, worshipful experience.

Identify, explore, and execute a website upgrade, working to meet the needs of members and ministries.

Create spacial elements and displays to communicate the passion and vibrancy of Myers Park Presbyterian to its’ members.

Utilize exterior signage on Providence Road to support ministries on the main campus and at the Outreach Center.

Continue telling the story of Myers Park Presbyterian Church through Connect, Serve & Grow, Journey, website opportunities, and other medium.

6.13

8.57

8.09

5.25

29.32

11.45

6.04

16.80

8.35

FINANCIALS

Adult Faith Formation

Children’s & Family Ministry

Congregational Life Ministry

Denominational Support

Outreach Ministries

Pastoral Care Ministry

Stewardship Ministry

Worship Ministries

Youth Ministry

357,279

499,239

471,456

305,759

1,708,322

667,456

352,165

979,305

486,919

% EXPENSES $

100.00 TOTAL EXPENSES $5,827,900

TOTAL EXPENSES 5,827,900 100.00

2015 APPROVED BUDGET

CATEGORIZED BY: COST OF MINISTRY SERVICES

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Notes:1) For purposes of this presentation, all allocations from facilities, program support, and personnel total $4,542,527 of the budget.2) Statements showing year-end actual results will be distributed prior to the end of the first quarter 2016.

FINANCIALSCATEGORIZED BY: FUNCTIONAL AREAS

Administrative Services

Communications

Facilities

Personnel

Congregational Life


Children & Their Families

Youth & Their Families


Outreach

Pastoral Care

Stewardship

Worship

284,636

80,000

936,650

3,241,241

41,000

305,759

77,800

58,800

21,814

600,800

39,800

50,000

89,600

4.88

1.37

16.06

55.62

0.70

5.24

1.34

1.01

0.37

10.32

0.68

0.86

1.55

% EXPENSES $

100.00 TOTAL EXPENSES 5,827,900

Financial statements are prepared by our professional staff, overseen by the treasurer and routinely examined by the finance committee. Audited statements are available upon request. Detailed discussions may be scheduled by appointment. Contact Amy at [email protected].

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5.96

8.98

8.44

4.83

28.19

11.42

6.80

16.52

8.86

% EXPENSES $

FINANCIALS

TOTAL EXPENSES 5,827,900 100.00

2016 APPROVED BUDGET

CATEGORIZED BY: COST OF MINISTRY SERVICES



Congregational Life


Outreach

Pastoral Care

Stewardship

Worship


347,240

523,624

492,043

281,759

1,643,322

665,887

396,715

963,042

516,368


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Notes:1) For purposes of this presentation, all allocations from facilities, program support, and personnel total $4,575,053 of the budget.

FINANCIALSCATEGORIZED BY: FUNCTIONAL AREAS

Administrative Services

Communications

Facilities

Personnel

Congregational Life





Outreach

Pastoral Care

Stewardship

Worship

330,327

80,000

918,600

3,246,126

40,180

281,759

76,244

57,624

21,377

588,784

39,004

30,000

119,975

5.65

1.37

15.76

55.68

0.69

4.83

1.13

0.99

0.37

10.10

0.67

0.51

2.07

% EXPENSES $


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Financial statements are prepared by our professional staff, overseen by the treasurer and routinely examined by the finance committee. Audited statements are available upon request. Detailed discussions may be scheduled by appointment. Contact Amy at [email protected].

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2015 ADULT FAITH FORMATION

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS GOALS

2015 ADULT FAITH FORMATION

O J

DEEPENING DISCIPLESHIP

Continued offering both the first year and continuation studies from the high commitment Disciple Bible study series.

Offered an educational series regarding same gender marriage taught by all of the clergy. Maintained these classes online for those unable to attend but wishing to learn more.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY

Used video conferencing technology to connect expert speakers to our Adult Discipleship classes.

Offered a pilot of online seasonal meditations during Advent.

Find a volunteer to coordinate programming geared specifically for retirement age adults.

Continue to expand the use of technology to invite speakers from across the country (and even around the world), giving our adult learners the opportunity to glean from their theological gifts.

Increase awareness and comfort of online Faith Formation opportunities such as Bible studies and devotional groups.

NOTE FROM THE ADULT FAITH FORMATION CHAIR

Jannica Greife

From traditional Sunday School classes to online devotional opportunities, the Adult Faith Formation Council creatively offers a wide variety of gateways to nurture the faith and fellowship of our members. Short term classes

on important current issues as well as ongoing Bible studies offer our members support to keep growing

closer to Jesus Christ and participate in God’s plan for our world.

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2015 CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES

O JACCOMPLISHMENTS 2016 GOALS

NEW OFFERINGSDeveloped a new ministry team focused on welcoming new members with children, called Family Friends.

Launched a new ministry for families of young children (under 3), for fellowship and support. BUILDING UP OUR YOUNG PEOPLEVBS successfully moved to a June schedule, with increased attendance and staff participation.

Third Grade Bible Milestone refreshed with an increase in parent involvement and a deeper emphasis on a lifelong love and use of the Bible.

Continued to offer enriching outreach opportunities for children of all ages through Mission Kids and Sprout Outreach.

WEEKDAY SCHOOLThe Weekday School helped complete a “kid’s kitchen” in Providence Hall for hands on learning. It is used by the Weekday School and Sunday School classes.

Support our Tapestry special needs ministry with renewed leadership and volunteer engagement.

Continue to expand our Milestones program, with a prayer workshop for 2nd graders and their parents.

Develop plans for an updating of our playground facilities, as our population of young families continues to grow.

Invite new leaders into our vibrant ministry with children and families, as a way to deepen their own faith.

NOTE FROM THE CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES COUNCIL CHAIR

Sally Helweg I am grateful to serve in the Children and Families Ministry area, where I am constantly reminded that it is never too early to

nurture faith formation. So many wonderful things are happening among our youngest members, and MPPC is blessed to have a growing and vibrant community of young families. I believe these parents value the baptismal vow we take as a church

community to help them raise their children – a sometimes daunting task!

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“Myers Park

Presbyterian Church

is blessed to have a

growing and vibrant

community of

young families.”-Sally Helweg

2015Summary

ASSIGNMENTS Assigned Ruling Elders and Deacons to ministries and recommended individuals for the Pastor Nominating and Officer Nominating Committees.

DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM Formalized seminary scholarship guidelines; created a role document defining how our church supports inquirers and candidates; supported Katherine Atkins, inquirer studying at Austin Theological Seminary; oversaw the Presbytery and General Assembly relationships; worked on behalf of the Session to facilitate the same gender marriage discussions and overall process.

RESIDENCY/INTERN PROGRAMTask Force developed a program model utilizing the strengths of MPPC Ministries and Staff and presented the initial phases to Session for approval. Funding for the initial phases of the Residency program, which will be the flagship of the Teaching Church model, has been secured, allowing MPPC to move forward with development and implementation without relying on Annual Budget funding.

TRANSITION TEAMWorked on behalf of the Session to plan the Easons’ farewell events, to provide oversight of the interim pastor search process and coordinate the Peerys’ welcome events, and to provide input and support regarding matters such as the same gender marriage decision, pastoral transition activities, and Personnel matters.

VISIONING TEAMHeld ten congregational listening sessions; collected insights, considered common themes, and created a report to present to the Session which included a word cloud reflecting guiding principles – community, discipleship, mission, service, faith, love, diversity, forgiveness, fellowship, inclusive, open, serve, Jesus, faith, open, call, prayer, spirit, grace - all pointing to a Christ-centered community that creates faithful disciples; Session adopted all recommendations, submitted the report to the Presbytery as our PNC Mission Study for the Pastor Search, and communicated the results to the congregation.


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2015 CLERK’S COUNCIL

The ministry teams of the Clerk’s Council work on behalf of the Session to coordinate transition activities, recommend officer assignments, facilitate our relationship with the larger church, and look ahead as we establish a Residency/Internship Program and Long Range Planning Team. It is an honor and a privilege to be called to serve with the devoted disciples of this community of faith, and during this time of transition, we are reminded that our church family is a strong one and that God is at work among us! Thanks be to God!

NOTE FROM THE CLERK’S COUNCIL CHAIRVicki Garrett

ASSIGNMENTS Assign officers to ministries, create a Long Range Planning Team, and establish search committees with a goal of matching individuals with God’s call to ministry.

DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM Continue to support Katherine Atkins (inquirer), and inform the Session and congregation of events and current issues of the greater church, in particular the 2016 General Assembly.

RESIDENCY/INTERN TEAM Form a Residency/Internship Program Team to carry forward the work of the Task Force and assist in the recruiting and hiring of a Program Coordinator in August, 2016. During the first term (August 2016 – August 2017), the team and coordinator will work with existing staff to further develop the structure of the program, and recruit candidates for the initial two year terms for two residents starting in August, 2017.

TRANSITION TEAM Continue to prayerfully consider matters during this time of transition, making recommendations to the Session, ensuring oversight on approved actions, and facilitating appropriate communications across the Session, Diaconate and congregation.

LONG RANGE PLANNING TEAM Session will incorporate the congregational themes into planning and activities, continue the congregational listening process, and establish a Long Range Planning Team to develop more specific recommendations.

2016 GOALS

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“The common denominator is that we all seek to glorify and further God’s kingdom on this earth.” -Vicki Garrett, Clerk of Session

O JACCOMPLISHMENTS 2016 GOALS


20s MINISTRYBegan a new ministry with members and friends in their 20s with summer gatherings. Hosted two educational opportunities each month this fall.

WELLNESSLaunched the IMPACT basketball league to improve the experience of players and coaches as well as decrease facility costs and improve overall budget outlook; reached out to new church members to encourage their connection to our Wellness Ministry.

MEMBERS’ MINISTRYAssigned new members to our ministry mentors to encourage their connections to the life of the church; helped connect and encourage disciples on our 170 ministry teams; surveyed lay leaders and partnered with outreach and adult education min-istries to better equip them; co hosted discipleship classes; collaborated with session and staff on Emmaus Ministry launch to inspire lifelong member engagement. Said farewell to Beth Bell, Members’ Ministry Coordinator, who resigned to pursue another opportunity.

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2015 CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Through the involvement of the Congregational Life Council, our membership has continued to support our partner min-istries. We have been strengthened by programs designed to encourage us in our discipleship with a healthy complement of both outreach and in reach efforts. This is the core of our membership: encouraging outreach, in reach, wellness, hos-pitality, and growth in faith as we proclaim Jesus Christ as our Savior.

NOTE FROM THE CONGREGATIONAL LIFE CHAIRMarcy Choate


GOALS FOR 2016

NEW MEMBERSWelcomed 120 new members, 61% of whom are between the ages of 30 -39. New member team supported these new members as they become engaged in the life of the congregation.

TRINITYGrew in faith and fellowship with individuals in their 30s and 40s. Participated in several service projects with Grier Heights and Urban Ministry

HOSPITALITYStaffed the reception desk on Sunday mornings, assisting members and guests as needed.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMENHosted the second annual Women of Faith luncheon with 250 attendees; led 12 year-long circles/small groups; hosted special events such as the staff appreciation luncheon, the annual 2015 women’s retreat, the Sharon Towers social, Christmas Communion and the consignment sale; and donated the consignment sale net proceeds of $9,800 to six partner ministries.

EmmausA new ministry whose purpose is to reach out to members who have been inactive, but are on our rolls, the intention of which is to walk with them on their faith journey. This encouraging ministry is in early stages, but is increasing in awareness.

20s MINISTRYContinue support for this growing demographic of church members through fellowship and small group gatherings. Encourage leadership from the group for their ongoing sustainability.

WELLNESS MINISTRYDevelop plans and programming to broaden the outreach efforts of this ministry, supported by endowed funds.

MEMBERS’ MINISTRYHire a staff person to focus on Disciples’ Engagement, encouraging all members to be connected and engaged in ministry.

NEW MEMBERSCreate the most welcoming and inviting atmosphere for new members, leading them to engagement in our church family.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMENCreate fellowship and service opportunities to reach the changing demographic of the women of the congregation.

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Helping a child learn to read in Charlotte or in the Congo, providing loving support to a homeless family in our community or in Hungary, or assisting neighbours as they come together in Grier Heights or El Salvador, MPPC members respond to Jesus’ invitation to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. Through God’s love we seek to build and nurture relationships with each other and with those whom we are blessed to serve. Love builds up a child, a home, a neighbourhood and our world.

2015OUTREACH

NOTE FROM THE OUTREACH COUNCIL CHAIR

Barbara Merlie

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOALS

O J

The Benevolence Funding Team became the Outreach Funding Team in Summer 2015.

BFT was the team that reviewed requests for funding from Capital Campaign funds. OFT inherited that responsibility and now handles all outreach funding requests, regardless of the ultimate funding source. Guided by priorities approved by Session, the one team approach provides consistency for all ministry partner finding requests and disciple participation.

OFT also doubled its membership to 11 ministry disciples – five holdovers from BFT and six new members... a blessed mix of fresh eyes and experience.

In addition to annual requests, the approved allocations in 2015 included funding: to support CrossRoads projects on going in Grier Heights, to purchase/up fit a permanent location for The Learning Collaboration, to add two classrooms and a latrine at a school for girls in Congo, to expand the Men’s Shelter, to support a refugee resettlement program in Hungary, to provide a leadership grant to support Presbyterian mission co workers worldwide, to support a partnership with World Vision in El Salvador, and to complete construction and up fit of a new facility for The Harvest Center.

Further developing Outreach platform of Love Builds Up, through communication and discipleship engagement.

Emerging Leaders: Lead five month missional leadership class for Emerging Leaders called “Commissioned.” Class will provide mission field experience as well as class time.

To build, support and shepherd healthy discipleship teams for MPPC’s local and global ministry partners. Focus on leadership development for each team.

Host Appreciation day for local ministry partners. Inviting author Christopher Heuertz to lead a day retreat at MPPC.

To engage and encourage disciples to participate in global mission trips.

Fully fund the annual financial requests of our ministry partners and bridge the financial gap created by the completion of capital funding.


TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY Provided transportation for non driving members who live at Sharon Towers, The Cypress, and Southminster retirement living centers.

PRAYER MINISTRY Held a 52 hour Lenten Prayer Vigil from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday; Hosted a contemplative prayer event focused on Centering Prayer; Weekly praying through the names in the church directory; Offered weekly centering prayer in the prayer chapel.

Meal Ministry Shared compassion and meals with individuals who were experiencing illness, disability, or a death in the family.

Church Friends Fostered intergenerational friendships to keep those unable to attend services connected to the church.

Helping Hands Assisted senior adults, single parents and less mobile individuals with small indoor and outdoor household projects through this member to member ministry. Built planter boxes for the Weekday school garden.

Health Ministries Hosted a flu shot clinic, a CPR training class and a successful blood drive; provided Billingsville Leadership Academy first aid and other supplies and educational programs for parents and children; and offered free medical equipment to church members with physical needs.

Deacons Participated in Sunday worship, serving communion and offering the prayer of dedication; provided fellowship opportunities for older members at The Cypress, Sharon Towers, and Southminister; conducted weekly visits to nursing facilities, assisted living and private homes of our less mobile members.

Stephen Ministry Provided confidential support to members and others in the community; trained and commissioned new Stephen Ministers in partnership with another local church; attended funerals and assisted in compassionate care to grieving families prior to worship services.

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2015 PASTORAL CARE & DEACONS

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2015 PASTORAL CARE & DEACONS

2016 GOALS

GOALS FOR 2016

Plan and implement a program to build community in retirement centers using the new worship service streaming capabilities.

Continue to offer prayer, compassion, and support for those who are in need of a positive relationship with God in our church and community.

Reach out to those in need of spiritual healing and support.

The Deacon Ministry provides on going care and support to our congregation by sharing the love and compassion of Christ to anyone in distress.

NOTE FROM THE PASTORAL CARE &

DECONS CHAIRDavid Cunningham

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Stewardship is the management of everything God has given to each of us - body, mind, spirit, and strength. In Luke 12:48, Jesus is quoted as saying “from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required...” During this period of transition, our congregation is blessed with many opportunities while strengthened in confronting many chal-lenges. Together, let’s make a faithful response to God’s grace.

2015STEWARDSHIP

NOTE FROM THE STEWARDSHIP CHAIR

Henry Harkey


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ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOALS

O J

BUILDING A LEGACY

Gained new legacy partners (church members who have intentionally included the church in their will).

Gathered legacy partners for a November dinner and to hear a presentation on the topics of the church endowment outreach ministries.

DEEPENING FAITH

Designed and offered the stewardship of life class titled What is Enough?: How to

follow Jesus in a consumeristic society.

CONVEYED IMPACT

Narrated the multiple ways church giving changes lives, through mediums such as the annual stewardship campaign.

Inspired funding to enable sanctuary improvements and internet live streaming opportunities.

Inspire members young and old to practice the teachings of Jesus through intentional acts of simplicity, generosity, and contentment.

Increase the number of legacy partners for the second year in a row.

Develop financial resources to support new ministry opportunities in outreach and faith formation.

from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.“ “

Luke 12:48

Worship at Myers Park Presbyterian entered a new era in 2015 with the funding and implementation of the Worship Enhancements project. New lighting, sound systems and audio visual technology improved the on-campus worship experience and accelerated our Worship Outreach through live streaming and archival access of our services. The use of visuals and video within both Sanctuary and Celebrate worship services will continue to evolve as appropriate for each along guidelines and policies currently under development in Worship Council.

2015 also witnessed excellence and innovation from our Music Teams, both in worship and through spe-cial concerts. And our Strategic Initiatives Task Force completed a monumental effort of research and brainstorming, culminating in a list of recommendations to Session.

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WORSHIP& MUSIC

NOTE FROM THE WORSHIP CHAIRAlan Lewis

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Hosted traditional and contemporary music concerts from Laura Story, Darrell Evans, Tony Deblois and others.

Adopted a focus on “Welcoming and Greeting” with our greeters and ushers.

Continued Flower Ministry, delivering recycled flower arrangements from events to members in senior living facilities.

Led A Season of Transition, A Season of Prayer daily prayer initiative through Steve Eason’s departure.

WORSHIP ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Utilized the new Audio/Visual technology and initiated live streaming.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES TASK FORCE

Validated attendance data, studied worship trends, and defined “worship” in the modern world. Presented findings and recommendations to Session.

Host The Raleigh Ringers (professional handbell choir) in August.

Procure new paraments for Celebrate worship services.

Finalize Audio/Visual policies and guidelines

Develop appropriate video content for worship.

Make worship powerful!

IMPROVING WORSHIP TOOLS

Sanctuary Steinway grand piano restoration completed and dedication concert featuring Michael Adcock, pianist, with Chancel Choir and full orchestra.

New “Glory to God” hymnals dedicated with Dr. Mel Bringle, guest preacher.

Moved communion preparation to the kitchen off the Welcome Center, providing larger cabinet space and work area for our preparation teams.

Implement new strategies for increasing worship attendance.

Evaluate long term staffing needs for AV system; solicit new volunteers; fund additional staff as needed.

Host The American Boy Choir in February.

Performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s ELIJAH in May by Myers Park Presbyterian Chancel Choir and Sardis Presbyterian Chancel Choir, accompanied by full orchestra.

2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2016 GOALS

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CONFIRMATIONConfirmed 78 8th graders, welcoming them into the life of the church and ministry together. Began a new class this fall with 70 students and 27 small group leaders.

SUMMER TRIPSIncreased our summer trip participation and had 286 youth and adults participate in 7 opportunities this year. Grier Heights youth were incorporated into every trip and conference.

WELCOMING 6TH GRADERSWelcomed our largest class of youth this year, providing educational opportinuties for parents new to youth ministry, participating in 5th grade sexuality weekend retreat and having face to face visits to welcome this new class.

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STOP HUNGER NOWExpanded our mission with Stop Hunger Now, creating an intergenerational experience and packaging over 30,000 meals.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH AS LEADERS ON CONFIRMATION RETREATEstablished an annual confirmation retreat to end the year. High School youth served as small group leaders establishing partners who could make the transition to high school easier.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONEstablished a Cuba Mission experience over the Christmas break with our first youth exchange and 2nd youth exchange. Over the summer, we had our final mission trip with the Community of Getsemeni in El Salvador, celebrating the completion of homes in this community and a 6 year partnership with youth mission trips.

The Youth Group of today is a dynamic, spiritual and community building entity within MPPC that has the overwhelming majority of our children engaged. The Youth Council is lead by adults in partnership with our youth members ranging from middle school to high school. They ensure the formation, organization and execution of best in class events such as The MPPC annual Chicken Pickin fund raiser, youth mission trips to places like Cuba and El Salvador, along with Sunday night youth dinners - all providing an opportunity for today’s church youth to engage with the church, cultivate their spirituality, and build a nurturing community.

2015 YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES

NOTE FROM THE YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES CHAIR

KB McIntyre

GOALS FOR 2016

Launch the Bridge, a new program to welcome 5th graders.

Create a leadership structure that offers parents the opportunity to actively engage in youth ministry.

Develop a comprehensive youth ministry internship program that begins with summer internships for college students.

Train youth ambassadors in cultivating a culture of friendship.

Introduce a spiritual pilgrimage into the summer trips for high school along with a 3 year plan for future pilgrimages.

Launch an annual pilgrimage for high school youth focused on faith formation and cultivating spiritual disciplines.

Create a Senior Leadership Team of youth, cultivating leadership skills and offering the opportunity to be an integral part of youth ministry.

Establish a visitor program to welcome youth and their families from the moment they arrive at church and continue until after they join.

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w w w . m y e r s p a r k p r e s . o r g

MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2501 OXFORD PLACE

CHARLOTTE, NC 28207

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Documents

Myers Park Presbyterian Church Annual Report (2015)