2010 Annual Report

Open Hearts, Open Minds,

Open Doors
First United Presbyterian Church
1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York
 Table of Contents

50 Year Club........................................................................................ 1
Nominating Committee ........................................................................ 2
Your Session at Work in 2009 ............................................................. 3
Statistical Report ................................................................................. 4
Report of the Clerk of Session............................................................. 5
Report of the Pastor ............................................................................ 6
Board of Deacons Report ................................................................... 7
Worship Committee Report ................................................................. 7
Music Ministry Report .......................................................................... 9
Faith Education Committee Report .................................................... 10
More Light Ministries Team Report .................................................... 12
Albany Presbytery Report................................................................... 13
Personnel Committee Report ............................................................. 16
Facilities/Finance/Stewardship Report ............................................... 17
Budget ................................................................................................. A
(Budget is available at the Church office)
 The 50 Year Club and 75 Year Club
2010

On the Active Roll 50 to 74 years

JENKINS, Martha 04/04/48

BLISS, Nelson 04/13/49

BLISS, Elisabeth 04/13/49

HARRINGTON, Robert 05/22/49

McCAULEY, G. Eleanor 11/30/49

JAFFARIAN, William 03/18/51

PETTINGER, John W. 12/23/51

DUNNE, Alice 05/02/53

HYATT, Catherine 04/13/54

WAITE, John G., Jr (Jack) 03/27/55

SHEA, Helene 01/13/57

Affiliate Member WILSON, Aline 04/14/57

WHEELER, Robin 03/30/58

HARRINGTON, Carol 01/11/59

PETTINGER, Sandra 03/29/59

ALEXANDER, Rose C. 2/7/60

JAFFARIAN, Robert A. 4/10/60

 Report of the Nominating Committee, 2010
First United Presbyterian Church
Service on the Nominating Committee continues to be a very important assignment
considering all the transitions still facing First United in the coming year. Let us
share with you some of the central concepts of the committee:
Our goal was to select individuals that represented a cross section of the entire
congregation. We also saw our central task to discern a call and not to fill a slot.
We asked members to take some time and pray about whether or not God was
calling them to service. We also feel that serving as an officer ought to be a faith
enhancing and not a faith draining experience. We are very pleased and proud of
the nominees who have chosen to serve as officers. It is truly significant work that
those who are called to serve must do.

Session:

Class of 2011 Class of 2012 Class of 2013

Debra Brown John Buckley David Lanoue
Karen Harpe Pat Carlson Bonnie McCaig
Susan Steele Peggy Drew Dan Rogers
Courtney Savaria Chandlee Gill Trudi Wybourn

Youth Elder: vacant

Board of Deacons:

Class of 2011 Class of 2012 Class of 2013

Martha Juenger Bob Harrington Shirley Bowes
Donald Lutz Carol Harrington Steven Paul Bowes II
Marsha Mintz-Botsford Bonnie Kerr Dana Crobok
Patricia Rudebush Claudia Schwendeman Shirley Street

Youth Deacon: vacant

Candidates for At-Large Members of the Nominating Committee for 2011:

Don Drew
Bill Moyer
Laura Rogers
Donald Bowes

The members of the 2010 Nominating committee were(Bonnie McCaig, elder

representative and chair; Pat Carlson, elder representative; Courtney Savaria,
deacon representative; Dana Crobok, Don Drew, and Laura Rogers, members-at
large) and all served with diligence and distinction.

Don Drew, Chairperson

 Your Session at Work in 2010
Class of 2010 Class of 2011 Class of 2012
Karen Harpe Don Bowes John Buckley
Bonnie McCaig Debbie Brown Pat Carlson
Peggy Savchik Sue Steele Peggy Drew
Chandlee Gill

Moderator: The Rev. Jacqueline Pinkowski (12/1/10)

(Exofficio to all committees, teams and task forces)
Clerk of Session: Chandlee Gill
Treasurer: John Buckley

Adult Education Don Drew facilitator, Shirley Hinkamp, Marsha Mitntz-Botsford, John
Buckley, Trudi Wybourn, Karen Harpe

Church and Society Pat Carlson

Faith Education Bonnie McCaig chair; John Buckley, Don Drew

Committee Lois Lanoue, Kerry Welcome, Leslie Kelly Coordinator of Educ.
Ministries (9/1/10)

Facilities/Finance/ Peg Savchik, chair; John Buckley, Dan Rogers, Chandlee Gill
Stewardship Team John Husson, Bonnie McCaig, Trudi Wybourn, Don Drew, Dick Leoffel
(FaFinStew) Carlie D’Annunzio, Financial Analyst
Roof Task force, Dan Rogers, chair, Pat Carlson, Peggy Smith
Savchik, Jack Waite, Chandlee Gill, Peggy Drew, Garrett Hamlin

Nominating Bonnie McCaig (elder), chair, Pat Carlson, elder rep; Courtney
Committee Savaria, deacon rep; Dana Crobok, Don Drew, and Laura Rogers,
members at large.

Personnel Debbie Brown, chair; Laura Rogers, Karen Harpe, Peggy Drew, Bill
Committee Jaffarian

Member Care/ Pat Carlson

Evangelism

More Light Laura Rogers, chair; Don Lutz, Marsha Mintz-Botsford,

Ministry Team Shirley Hinkamp, Pauline Kammil, Margaret Stoner, Joan Rogers,
Karen Harpe, Debbie Brown, Trudi Wybourn,

Technology John Buckley; David Lanoue (webmaster)

Worship Team Peg Drew, chair, Shirley Bowes, Dana Crobok, Trudi Wybourn,
John Buckley, Maury Castro, Minister of Music,
Music subcommittee Dan Rogers, Chandlee Gill, Sue Steele,
Miriam Parmelee, Diana Loeffel, Trudi Wybourn, Maury Castro,
Minister of Music
  
Report of the Clerk of Session
2010

Meeting Notes from:

November 22, 2010

• Authorized a letter to the Reverend Franklin Graham, executive director of
Samaritan’s Purse expressing concern about his views on homosexuality and
his comments on other faith traditions.

• Heard that the church has received two grants for the roof project from the
Sacred Sites Program of the NY Landmarks Conservancy, totaling $12,000.
The grants require matching from First United.

December 13, 2010

• Heard from the Interim pastor, her hopes and expectations for the initial
months of her work with the congregation.

• Approved a budget for 2011 with a proviso that at the April session meeting,
amount of deficit will be closely reviewed.

• Approved a report from the Roof task force which included review and
possible signing of a contract for architectural services for the project, and a
capital campaign for the spring.

• Approved a modification of the worship/education times on a trial basis for

three Sundays in January.

• Sent notes of welcome to three sessions who have joined the More Light
Presbyterians (First and Central; Wilmington, DE; Bethesda, MD; and all
Souls Presbyterian Church, Port Chester, NY).
 Report of the Pastor
2010

Since I have been here for just a month, my report will cover my welcome and first
impressions.

• Welcoming Congregation – Ron and I have been welcomed with open arms. What a
delight it has been feel that you are glad we are here. Despite the cold outside, the
warmth of this congregation is outstanding.

• Dedicated to Serving Others – From the use of the building to the commitment to
reach out to others through the various ministries that you support and work with,
indicates the dedication you have in serving all God’s children.

• Staff – FUPC is blessed with a wonderful, dedicated, staff. What a joy it is to serve
with others who are committed to the work they do.

• Future – As we work through the process of access where FUPC has been, where it
is now and then looking into the future, there will be some changes. Along with the
changes will be the affirmation of the good work you have been doing. And, the
anticipation of what the future holds in the ministry and life of FUPC.

Thank you for calling me to this wonderful place. I look forward to getting to know
each of you on a more personal basis and to hear what your hopes and dreams are
for the future.
Blessings,

Jackie Pinkowski
Interim Pastor
 Deacons Annual Report

The Board of Deacons has been active both inside FUPC and supporting local
mission:
• Pat Rudebush shopped for Thanksgiving baskets for six families in our
community.
• Bonnie Kerr’s Girl Scout troop prepared pumpkin pies that were delivered to
our special care members for Thanksgiving.
• We organized a hat and mitten tree for the Teen Stork room. A total of 35
items were collected to spread the warmth.
• With the leadership of Lois Jensen and Claudia Schwendeman and the
participation of the congregation, weekend meals were prepared for Joseph’s
House. Thank you to Shirley Bowes for having such an organized system to
make this mission project run smoothly.
• We coordinated the Christmas and Easter flower orders. With generous gifts
from the congregation, we were able to beautify the sanctuary for special
celebrations. Following services these flowers were delivered by Deacons to
our special care members who are no longer able to join us for worship.
Christmas poinsettias were delivered with cards prepared during an
intergenerational faith education class.
• Deacon Betsey Belle Eadie coordinates our weekly Coffee Hour refreshments
• Every week a Deacon is at the door to greet you with a bulletin. Ushers also
coordinate the collection of the offering, and prepare communion for worship
throughout the year.
• Through the Deacon’s budget, we support community mission programs such
as Joseph’s House, TAUM, and Unity House. Please continue to support
local mission by using the gold-edged envelopes found in the pews.

We will be coordinating an organ concert and luncheon this spring for our special
care members – date TBD. We will put an announcement in the newsletter as soon
as we confirm the date.

Bonnie Kerr
Moderator

Worship Committee Report 2010

The Worship Team is charged with the responsibility for every aspect of worship at
First United: the nature of the Proclamation of the Word, recommending the
Communion schedule, the incorporation of baptism, confirmation, ordination and
installation and other special opportunities through the year, the visual environment
for worship, monitoring of the length of the worship services, and more. The Team
seeks to offer tradition as it is uniquely lived out at First United.

As we have in several previous years we worshipped in the Fellowship Hall for the
months of January, February and March, we do this in an effort to reduce heating
costs.
We began the Lenten Season with an Ash Wednesday Worship Service. We shared
a meager meal of soup, bread and fresh fruit. The meal was followed by the
dispensing of ashes and Communion. Each Sunday in Lent a meaningful service
was planned to help prepare for the coming of Easter. On Palm Sunday we paraded
from River Front Park to our Sanctuary. Palms were passed out and we heard the
Children’s Choir. On Easter Sunday we celebrated with trumpets and wonderful
music provided by our Minster of Music, and the Chancel Choir.

During the summer we shared space with Oakwood Avenue Church and
Cornerstone Church at an earlier time of 9 AM, this gave our three Ministers a
chance to vacation. On the third Sunday of August we enjoyed a beautiful warm day
as we worshipped in Frear Park. We were treated to trumpets and lots of happy
voices as the three Larger Parish Churches worshipped together.
In September we returned to our own space and our regular worship time of 10 AM.

On the 3rd of October the Reverend Alexandra Lusak celebrated her last Worship
Service with us before her retirement. The evening before, we prepared a dinner
and entertainment in her honor. There were over 100 people in attendance.

In November we held the annual wreath-making event to begin Advent. It included

the parade of breads and later the parade of cakes, accompanied by the singing of
Christmas Carols. On Victorian Stroll Sunday First United held a Victorian style
worship service at 11AM to coincide with the start of the Stroll in the City of Troy.
The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were decorated with Victorian type wreaths and
trees. After worship there was a High Tea served in Fellowship Hall. This was the
first worship service at First United for our new interim Pastor the Reverend
Jacquelyn Pinkowski.

On the third Sunday of Advent worship was celebrated with an impromptu Christmas
Pageant which was organized by our Coordinator of Faith Education, Leslie Kelly.
This was a fun event that many of our children participated in. Christmas Eve was a
beautiful event with the Babe, candles, Poinsettias, the Christmas tree and
wonderful music sung by the Children’s Choir and the Chancel Choir who sang 2
anthems and an introit. The Story was told with many Godly Play wondering
questions and “living figures” who moved in to the sanctuary to set the scene of
Bethlehem. The spirit of Christmas was truly felt when we gather in a circle to
receive Communion and hold our candles as we sang “Silent Night”.
As a committee we work hard to provide the congregation with thoughtful and
meaningful worship services.

Thank you to Trudi Wybourn, John Buckley, Shirley Bowes, Dana Crobok, Marsha
Cutting. Thank you also to Rev. Alexandra Lusak, Maury Castro, Leslie Kelly, and
most recently Rev. Jackie Pinkowski who are the staff resources to our committee.

Respectfully Submitted,

Peggy Drew, Chair of Worship Committee

 Annual Report on Music Ministry
Submitted by Maury A. Castro, Minister of Music
January 2011

The congregation has witnessed music ministries at First United grow and adapt to
the needs of the congregation and the community over the last year. As always, I’m
grateful to the staff, lay members, musicians, and congregants who have helped
make First United an exciting place to serve.

Choral Library – The consistent labors of Diana Loeffel and Rebecca Rector as
regular volunteers in the music library have paid off – over 1000 titles, composers,
publishers, etc. have been computerized in the music ministries office. This process
saves money (we know for certain if we already own an anthem, and thus, don’t
purchase duplicates) and time (If I need an anthem based on Hezakiah 14, I can
simply punch that into the database, and find all five anthems for that text!) All of the
music has been boxed and is now easy to locate.

Chancel Choir – This ensemble is enormously dedicated, providing quality,

enjoyable music on an almost weekly basis. A highlight for the choir this last year
was singing at the NEST gospel benefit concert, as well as collaborating with the
choir at First Presbyterian Church, Albany, for an all-Mendelssohn concert in
November. This was worthwhile musically and as a joint project between sister
churches.

Troy Children’s Chorus – This community choir was founded in 2010 on the same
model of afterschool programming as the previous parish children’s choir. With over
twenty children starting in September, there has been great enthusiasm for this
group, which sings twice annually for the worship service at First United, as well as
for other area events such as Victorian Stroll, Troy Night Out, etc. We also hired a
Children’s Chorus accompanist Intern, Maria Elmer, who is doing a tremendous job.
The chorus website is www.troychildrenschorus.org. The parish children’s choir
continues to sing seasonally, and did at Christmas Eve.

Concert Series – This year witnessed a variety of concerts, including a Broadway

Musical Sing-Along, a presentation by Lake George Opera’s Opera on the Go, the
afore-mentioned NEST Gospel Concert, the 3rd annual Very Scariest Organ Music
concert, the afore-mentioned Mendelssohn choral concert, and the Troy High and
RPI Jazz Ensembles for Victorian Stroll.

Troy Music Day Camp – The second annual Troy Music Day Camp was held at
First United this summer, and it was a complete success. With countless volunteers,
six paid counselors, 42 campers, and musicians from the Albany and Schenectady
Symphonies participating, it was a week full of fun and enrichment for a wide variety
of local children.
As always, it is my hope that all of these efforts combined are a positive force for
education, enrichment, and enjoyment to all who are privileged enough to be
associated with music at First United. Soli Deo Gloria!
 Faith Education Annual Report for 2010
It was another challenging year for the faith education committee. We had been
without a Coordinator of Educational Ministries since May 2009. Fortunately, as of
this September, we have hired Leslie Kelly as our part time Coordinator of
Educational Ministries. Hallelujah !

First United places a high priority on faith education for all ages. Decreasing
worship attendance and the busy lives of the members of the congregation has
resulted in reduced participation in the church school program for our children and
youth. This has made it more difficult for the committee and those who do the
planning and teaching of the classes. After a time of research and discussion it was
decided that changing our curriculum to the workshop rotation model could help
revitalize the church school program. This model will allow more adults the flexibility
to make a 3 or 4 week commitment as workshop leaders doing the types of activities
that they are comfortable with and requires less preparation time than was required
to teach a “traditional” Sunday school class. Rotating to a different workshop each
week also makes the experience unique and interesting for the children. They have
the opportunity to get to know more adult members of the congregation better than
they do in worship and vice versa.

The Rotation Model workshops seemed to work well throughout 2010.

This fall, with the church in transition, and so many people wearing so many hats of
responsibilities, it has been difficult to recruit members to participate in our faith
education rotation model program for the 2011 school year. In addition, there does
not seem to be a critical mass of children at each grade level grouping in attendance
each week to warrant the recruitment and materials needed for each workshop.
Therefore this January we will be trying a new time frame and grouping for the Faith
Education Program.

The Session approved trying out church school during worship for the month of
January, beginning January 9th. Children will stay in worship until after the time with
children and then will be dismissed to church school. The workshop rotation
curriculum-“Road to Emmaus” will be used Jan.9, 16 and 23. The drama, music,
and AV workshops will be covered during this time. The children will remain in the
worship service on Jan.30th.

The approximate times to begin and end will be 10:15 until 11:15, when children
may join everyone during fellowship time for a snack. If parents will be staying for
Adult Ed., the children may bring a book to read, homework, or play a game in a
supervised area.

We also are currently looking for a new child care attendant for the nursery. Under
our sexual misconduct prevention policy it is best to have two adults with the
children at all times. Therefore we always need to ask people to volunteer to be that
second person in the room to assist, especially in the nursery where it is essential if
there is more than one child in attendance.
Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist during faith education time or
in the nursery with the youngest children. Please consider giving it a try one week
during the remainder of this year. We do need your help!
The Faith Ed. Committee was also responsible for planning and carrying out the
following activities in the year 2010:

Jan. 2010 – Sponsored the Annual Meeting brunch.

March 2010 - Bibles were presented to our third graders during worship. Search
Committee was formed to recruit a new Coordinator of Educational Ministries.
Members included John Buckley, Peg Drew, Mary Magnan, Courtney Savaria and
Kerry Welcome.

Lenten Season– Sock Basket- Kerry Welcome coordinated the collection and the
socks were delivered to Joseph’s House

Palm Sunday Food Fair – Caribbean theme. Proceeds from the fair were donated
to relief funds for Haiti and Chile.

June – Year End celebration with recognition of teachers and students

Confirmation of our two students Steven Bowes and Peter Hamlin was held during
worship.

July/Aug. 2010 – Ecumenical Vacation Bible School Search Committee

completed their recruitment and hired Leslie Kelly as our new Coordinator of
Faith Education starting September 1st, 2010.

Sept 2010 - Welcome Back Picnic and church school registration. Church school
classes began:
- workshop rotation model of education for children grades K-8
- Godly Play class for ages 3-5
Oct- Nov. Operation Christmas Child preparation of boxes
Nov.2010 - Advent wreath making event with potluck luncheon
Dec. 2010 - Intergenerational Activities-Craft making and Spontaneous Pageant
Search Committee formed to recruit a new Child Care Attendant.
Members include Peg Drew, Bonnie McCaig, Courtney Savaria, and Kerry
Welcome.

Faith Education Committee members:

John Buckley, Don Drew, Lois Lanoue, Bonnie McCaig, Kerry Welcome and Leslie
Kelly Coordinator of Educational Ministries

Many thanks to all those members of the congregation who took the time to prepare
and participate in our rotation model workshops and our Godly Play program and
volunteer most recently in the nursery, and prepare the weekly clip boards.
Meredith Best, Debbie Brown, John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Dana Crobok, Don and
Peggy Drew, Chandlee Gill, Carol Harrington, Jane Husson, Martha Juenger, Erin
Kelly, Robin Krumanocker, Lois and David Lanoue, Jennnifer Nelson, Bonnie
McCaig, Jean Miller ,Miriam and Jim Parmelee, Laura and Dan Rogers, Courtney
Savaria, Claudia Schwendeman, Sue Steele, Shirley Street and Kerry Welcome
More Light Ministry Team Annual Report -- 2010
The More Light Ministries Team is privileged to serve the congregation and the
larger church and community in welcoming, accepting, and involving all people of
faith by working toward the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people in God’s church.

Our mission areas are: education (in church and beyond), outreach,
visibility, hospitality, action (into the local community and into the
wider church), working with like-minded organizations and with
college groups.

Review of 2010 events

FUPC “in house” activities

Ongoing display of rainbow banners in sanctuary and on the front porch
(outreach / hospitality / education)
More Light Sunday in worship – September 19
Adult ed -- hosted Nora Yates, Director, Capital District Gay and Lesbian
Community Center during faith ed hour (education / working
with like-minded organizations)
Shower of Stoles display for More Light Sunday and Ordination/Installation
(education / hospitality)

Beyond FUPC … into the community

New MLMT brochure describing MLMT’s mission – available in racks at
each entrance to building (educational / outreach / hospitality)
Participated in Annual Pride Parade – June (outreach / visibility)
Participated in Marriage Equality march in Troy, Oct 16 (outreach / visibility)
Sent a communication to Session in December recommending that FUPC not
participate in Rev. Franklin Graham’s Christmas project due to his clear
and profoundly negative views of the gay community and interfaith
conversations. (action )
Participated in “Communiversity Day” in August to welcome college students –
FUPC members distributed information about the congregation (outreach)
CommUnity Ad, Pride Parade brochure – (outreach / hospitality)
PresRainbow participation – (working with like-minded organizations)
Planned Movie Night (outreach / visibility)
Representation at Troy Interfaith Campus Ministry meetings, with MLMT in mind
(outreach / visibility / working with college groups)

… into the PC(USA)

Overture regarding marriage equality (drafted by MLMT, fall ’09) was ultimately
approved by the Session and by the presbytery and sent on to the General
Assembly for consideration at its biennial meeting in Minneapolis in July. Laura
Rogers served as overture advocate from the presbytery for the overture during the
meetings of the Civil Union and Marriage Committee meetings. (action)
March 20 – hosted a Presbyterian Rainbow sponsored event at which Tricia
Dykers-Koenig (Covenant Network) provided leadership in preparation for the
GA meeting regarding overtures of interest to the work of Rainbow (marriage
equality and ordination standards). (action / education / hospitality)
Session continues to send letters of welcome to new More Light Churches.
(action / hospitality)
One of the vital ways in which MLMT’s budget supports ministry to our GLBT
friends is through our “Support to Ministries” line item. Financial support is
sent to: Presbyterian Rainbow (Albany Presbytery’s group of like-minded
congregations) and the following national organizations: That All May
Freely Serve, The Shower of Stoles Project, More Light Presbyterians and
Covenant Network. Each of these organizations provides ministry to our
GLBT friends across our denomination in a unique way. (working with
like-minded organizations) MLMT has identified this as clearly in
concordance with FUPC’s Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusivity
as printed in our weekly bulletin.

The MLMT are the following folks: Debbie Brown, Karen Harpe, Shirley Hinkamp,
Don Lutz, Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Joan Rogers, Margaret Stoner, Trudi Wybourn,
Pauline Kammil, Pastor Alexandra Lusak and Convener Laura Rogers. We
welcome all who are present at FUPC and would like to be involved in this ministry
of justice and evangelism.

2010 ANNUAL REPORT OF ALBANY PRESBYTERY TO ITS

MEMBER CHURCHES
2010 saw a busy year for Albany Presbytery as we lived out the theme from
Nehemiah 6:
We are Doing a Great Work...and We Cannot Come Down

• The Council embarked on a new direction for the coming years: Flipping the
Presbytery: Becoming a Missional Learning Community
• The Mission Review Committee used discovered funds to create a Mission
Scholarship Fund primarily for those who have never been on a mission trip.
Applications are still encouraged!

• We welcomed a new Stated Clerk, Dan Rogers

• The offices moved in March to downtown Troy
• Presbyters voted to close Hebron Camp and Conference Center and list the
property for sale. A closing Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance was
held in October with approximately 35 people in attendance

• CLP and CPM held their annual retreats; Council held two Dreaming
Retreats; Personnel held a visioning retreat with Staff
 • We hosted a Boundary Awareness Workshop and created a Sexual
Misconduct Policy Template for individual church use; a new Personnel
Policy, Financial Handbook and revised Standing Rules were adopted
• Our Mission Partners continue to flourish, with our financial support and
encouragement:
• CRTC received important grants to expand their classes, training and
workshops
• We are strengthening our partnership with the Samaritan Counseling Center

• 4 Elders and Ministers and one Young Adult represented Albany Presbytery
at the 219th General Assembly in Minneapolis
• As a result of General Assembly actions, we began discussing and voting on
proposed amendments to our constitution, including a vote in November on a
rewrite of G-6.0106b (which passed in Albany Presbytery). In 2011 we will
vote on the possible inclusion of the Belhar Confession and adoption of a
revised and abbreviated Form of Government

Task Forces
• The Mission Support Task Force met its goals and mission statement,
requesting approval to disband - it was approved with thanks for their years of
work
• We created a new Task Force for the Youth of Albany Presbytery
(affectionately known by the acronym YAP) to develop a vision for youth and
young adults, building on the events currently enjoyed. Retreats, a trip to
Taize, France and other events are in the works
• A Task Force for Congregational Viability was created, teams appointed and
sent to churches who are struggling and want help in discerning their future

New Minister Members were welcomed:

• Interims Bob Goodin (At-Large), Jackie Pinkowski (Troy FUPC) and Bebb
Wheeler Stone (Schoharie); Associate Pastor Frances Wattman Rosenau at
Westminster Presbyterian in Albany
• Continued to validate and support CLP Corlin Bauhofer in her hospital work
• Michael Plank and Katy Stenta were ordained in 2010 in other presbyteries
and then welcomed to Albany Presbytery where they now serve in pastoral
positions at Hudson Falls and New Covenant respectively
• Doug Holmes was ordained in 2010 and serves in a pastoral position at
Spencertown
• Kathleen Chesnut (UCC) under a Formula of Agreement serves in a pastoral
position at Gloversville

Minister Members Transitioning:

• Ed Freeborn left us to join another presbytery
• Bob Duncan, who had most recently been part of the Ballston Spa
congregation, died after a long illness
• Pastors Shannon Meacham (Menands) and Kirianne Riehl (Northville)
welcomed baby boys in 2010
• The Presbytery sponsored the Rev. Hwa Sung Ryu, Union Church in
Schenectady, in obtaining his R1 Visa
 • The Presbytery granted Honorable Retirement Status to: Shirley Mosholder,
Alexandra Lusak, Dennis Maher and Lois Wolff

CPM News
• CPM Candidate Laura Lovell Mitchell was ordained, became a minister
member and serves as a hospital chaplain and parish associate at Lake
George, Bay Road
• CPM Candidate Meg McDowell Marley was ordained here on behalf of
Kiskiminetas Presbytery and then transferred her membership; CPM
Candidates Russ and Marjorie Roth were ordained and now serve in
neighboring churches in western NY
• CPM welcomed Lynn Brown (Spencertown) and Lynn Hasselbarth (Hamilton
Union) as Inquirers.

Church News
• The Argyle congregation requested to leave the PCUSA and join the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church - this was approved with strong emotion yet
graciousness and good wishes for their future
• Three congregations closed, celebrating final worship services:
• Schenectady's Westminster Presbyterian Church - the building was sold to
the Everlasting Life Church of God in Christ
• Watervliet's Jermain Memorial - the building's future has yet to be determined
• Troy's Oakwood Church - As part of the Troy Larger Parish, the building is
used by many social groups and may continue to be, depending on resources
• Several churches joined in the Unbinding the Gospel project
• The Washington County churches worked together in evangelism, seeing
steady growth and opportunity and received the Golden Hatty from
Congregational Transformation
• Several Churches applied for and received presbytery, synod and/or GA
grants and/or matching loans for mission, ministry and building
improvements. Take a look at the grants and loans section of our website to
see what kinds of funding are available for your congregation’s ministry:
http://www.albanypresbytery.org/index.html
 Report of the Personnel Committee 2010

Personnel lost our chairman, beloved Robin Wheeler.

John Krunamocker died, leaving a void of services he performed. With the Fa-Fin-
Stew Committee we welcomed K&L Contractors to fill the void.

Joani Jameson, our administrative Assistant, resigned. After a candidate served for
two months, we welcomed Carla Fisk to this position.

Reverend Alexandra Lusak retired.

Dorothy Sorrento, Child Care, resigned for health reasons.

The position of Sexton remains unfilled.

We welcomed Leslie Kelly as our Coordinator of Educational Ministries.

Several Personnel Policy changes have been approved by Session to clarify issues
and make additional material part of the policies.

Many thanks to those who served on this committee; Laura Rogers, Peggy Drew,
Karen Harpe, Bill Jaffarian, and Kathleen Roe (resigned).

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Brown

Chair, Personnel Committee

 First United Presbyterian Church
FAcilities – FINance – STEWardship Team – 2010 Annual
Report

PURPOSE: The FA-FIN-STEW Team addresses three administrative areas at

FUPC:

• FINANCE – FA-FIN-STEW coordinates preparation of FUPC’s annual

operating budget and manages FUPC’s endowments in accordance with
donor designations and FUPC’s Endowment Policy. When non-budgeted
needs arise, FA-FIN-STEW makes recommendations to Session
regarding possible funding sources. FA-FIN-STEW oversees the counting,
recording and deposit of FUPC’s receipts each week, recommends
finance related policies and procedures to Session, monitors actual
receipts and disbursements and secures the annual financial review, as
required by the Book of Order.

• STEWARDSHIP – FA-FIN-STEW canvases members annually to

determine the amount that they plan to contribute to FUPC during the
upcoming year. The combined total is input to the annual operating
budget. One member of the team records contributions by individual and
provides confidential contribution statements as required by the IRS.
Summary totals are reported to the FA-FIN-STEW Team.

• FACILITIES – FUPC depends on rental income (from 3 residential

apartments and office space leased to 3 other nonprofit organizations) to
significantly offset the cost of the large facility. The FA-FIN-STEW team
oversees maintenance of the facility and handles FUPC’s “landlord” tasks.

The FA-FIN-STEW team coordinates with:

o Personnel Committee, which handles housekeeping and room set-up.
o Faith Education, the Session and Staff regarding utilization of specific
rooms.

Participants: Every member of FUPC helps with the work of FA-FIN-STEW.

Everyone contributes to the overall housekeeping and maintenance effort
during their routine use of the facility. Every member gives as they are able –
financial resources, housekeeping effort, repair effort, and skills, knowledge
and expertise.

The following people participate regularly: John Buckley, Treasurer, Don

Drew, John Husson, Dick Loeffel, Bonnie McCaig, Dan Rogers, and Trudi
Wybourn.

Staff includes: Carlie D’Annunzio, Maury Castro, Carla Fisk, Alexandra

Lusak, Jackie Pinkowski, Lynne Stevens, and Leslie Kelly
Meetings: The FA-FIN-STEW Team generally meets on the third Thursday of each
month; however, significant work is accomplished via phone and email.

Eligibility: Open to all – for one meeting; for one task; or for a year! Some
members enjoy the fellowship of meetings and work parties. Others prefer
working alone. If ANY of the items described below interest you, or if YOU
want to contribute a task, please contact the church office for the next
meeting time and date – or contact any member of the FA-FIN-STEW Team.

SUMMARY OF 2010 ACTIVITIES

EXTEIOR PAINTING – Thanks to the Dick Loeffel’s perseverance, the iron fence in
front of FUPC has been scraped, primed and painted! This was NOT an easy task,
and we are immensely grateful to Dick for his time and effort.

Dick is concerned about the church’s wood window frames. The paint has
COMPLETELY disappeared from most of them. The bare wood has dried, and
being “eaten away” by weather. One frame has disintegrated beyond repair. Dick
reminds us that paint PROTECTS the wood.

Once he finished with the iron fence, Dick began to apply primer to the wood around
the windows at the playground entrance. Dick stopped for the winter – but invites
others to join him in the spring!

WIRELESS INTERNET – John Buckley oversaw installation of hardware to provide

wireless Internet access throughout the building. With approval of Session, he is
currently establishing a Wi-Fi “hotspot” at FUPC (with NO access to the church’s
files).

COMPUTER “CRASH” – During the summer of 2010, an unfortunate coincidence of

errors, omissions and equipment failures resulted in loss of some correspondence,
sermon drafts, etc. AND the contents of the FUPC website! Maury Castro, John
Buckley and others recovered and/or recreated most of this material. This
experience emphasized the importance of compliance with back up procedures!

MEMBERS ASSUME SUNDAY SET-UP TASKS – PAID staff have worked every
Sunday for the past few years to open our church and set-up for worship. In 2010,
members took over these tasks. FA-FIN-STEW prepared written instructions and
members of the congregation began to perform them. Special thanks to:
• Deb Brown
• Stephen Bowes
• The Lanoue Family
• Chandlee Gill
These tasks include unlocking doors and turning on lights and are easily
accomplished in 1 hour pre-worship and 30 minutes post-adult education.

REDUCTION IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF – In preparing the budget for

2010, Session made the decision to “repurpose” a portion of the personnel budget
from the Administrative Assistant / Building Manager position to the Faith Education
position, at June 1. However, in April, the near-full-time Administrative Assistant /
Building Manager took medical leave for surgery and subsequently decided not to
return to the FUPC position. The new half-time Administrative Assistant position
was not filled until late 2010. As a result, the FA-FIN-STEW team lost the
assistance of a 20 hour-per-week staff Building Manager even earlier than planned.

LOSS OF TEAM MEMBER: John Krumanocker – A critical member of the FA-

FIN-STEW Team died suddenly in June 2010. John Krumanocker handled many of
FUPC’s “building management” tasks, such as:
• managing 3 residential apartments and responding 24/7 to the needs of the
tenants,
• overseeing heating repairs, snowplowing, and lawn maintenance,
• performing ad hoc repairs, grass cutting, hedge trimming, etc.
• providing institutional knowledge and profession wisdom to address facility
issues as they arose.
This work was “invisible” to most of us – until John died! Then the operative
question became: “Who does..?” -- too often, the answer was: “John
Krumanocker.”

NEW PROPERTY MANAGER – When a tenant vacated one of FUPC’s residential

apartments with no notice and left the apartment in “bad” shape, the FA-FIN-STEW
team began looking at professional property managers.

With permission from Session, FA-FIN-STEW contracted with K&L Contracting to

assist with property management. K&L Contracting, the firm that handles Bryce’s
rental properties, has been of invaluable assistance to FA-FIN-STEW.

K&L toured FUPC’s 3 residential apartments, completed minor repairs in the

occupied unites and repaired and repainted the vacant unit. Repair was completed
in late November. In January 2011, FUPC’s vacant apartment is included on the
Bryce database of apartments available in Troy.

Margaret Stoner

INSTALLATION OF INTERCOM with REMOTE DOOR UNLOCK – As noted

above, FUPC did not have permanent, paid staff in the main office for most of 2010.
Without staff, the task of monitoring who was entering and leaving the building
became nearly impossible. Simultaneously, our awareness of FUPC’s security
needs increased. Session approved installation of a 3-button intercom system with
remote capability to unlock the door at the main entrance. The system allows FUPC
and its tenants to speak with visitors and to remotely unlock the door if they are
authorized for entry. (Contractor: Mangione’s Lock in Troy).

REPURPOSING SPACE FOR A NEW COMMERCIAL TENANT -- Albany

Presbytery –During 2009, one of FUPC’s non-profit, commercial tenants did NOT
renew its lease of approx. 500 square feet of office space. A few months later,
Albany Presbytery inquired about leasing 1000 square feet of office space. In early
2010, Session negotiated a lease with Albany Presbytery.
Preparing for the Presbytery’s arrival required FA-FIN-STEW to identify and
repurpose 500 square feet of space to supplement the space vacated by the former
tenant. Thanks to the efforts of John Buckley, Lynne Stevens, Trudi Wybourn and
others:
• The contents of our beloved Bradt Room were moved to the McCarty room at
the rear of the sanctuary (renovated in 1980’s by Jan and Bill McCarty in
memory of Jan’s parents)
• The nursery was moved into the office used by former staff Linda Briggs
Larson

During the effort to identify available space, the congregation worked two Sunday
afternoons to clean out rooms formerly used by Roustabouts (a now-defunct dinner
theatre group initiated by FUPC). One of those rooms became the Faith Education
computer lab. The other requires renovation and is not being used at this time.

LOSS OF TEAM MEMBER: Robin Wheeler – A second critical member of the FA-
FIN-STEW Team, FUPC’s Treasurer, died in 2010. Robin Wheeler’s passion was
Faith Education, but she was also a vibrant member of the FA-FIN-STEW Team.

As FUPC’s Treasurer, Robin searched the market to find the best interest rates for
the Chamberlin Fund (which must be invested in US Treasuries or bank CD’s) and
made sure that maturity and reinvestment occurred virtually simultaneously. Robin
negotiated reduced bank fees for FUPC. She reviewed the support for EACH
disbursement to verify appropriate approval before she, as treasurer, signed the
check.

Robin’s wisdom, straight talking, creativity and dry wit are especially missed during
budget preparation, when Robin was almost able to “turn water into wine”.

ROOF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT ISSUE and REPURPOSING the Balcony above

Fellowship Hall -- The roofs over fellowship hall and the sanctuary were installed
when the buildings were built in 1862 and 1864. With budgetary constraints of the
1990’s and 2000’s annual maintenance has been foregone – and the roof over
fellowship hall has begun to leak. John Husson has investigated and repaired each
leak – but it’s a BIG roof. If the roof were a dyke, we would say that John Husson
has been plugging leaks with his fingers – but he is running out of fingers and
energy!

During a 2010 rainstorm, one leak became significant and drew attention to the
problem This year, several people considered the roof, and one thing has led to
another.

• Literacy Volunteers, the tenant in the 2nd floor space (most affected by the
leak) incurred damage to its property and negotiated rent abatement for 1
month. The FA-FIN-STEW Team facilitated this tenant’s move to the 3rd floor
of the classroom building.

• Dan Rogers contributed his time and expertise to convene a Roof Committee
to determine the most appropriate long-term solution.
 • Jack Waite contributed his expertise with renovation of historical building as
the committee continues to study the problem and various solution
approaches.

• John Husson made additional patches to stem the leak to provide time for the
committee to determine a course of action.

• Pat Carlson committed to contribute her fund-raising expertise as the

committee anticipates a capital campaign.

• At Jack Waite’s urging, the committee made application to the NY Landmarks

Conservancy for 2 grants to assist in the roof work. The Conservancy visited
FUPC and told us that it needed more details regarding the plan and budget
for repair (or replacement) of the roof. Not withstanding this advice, the
Conservancy awarded FUPC $12,000 (in total) from the two grants to assist it
in beginning the work. These grants require 1:1 match and MUST be spent
by December 1, 2011.

REPAINTING BALCONY SPACE ABOVE FELLOWSHIP HALL --

When the space formerly occupied by Literacy Volunteers was vacated, and when
John Husson stemmed the most significant leak, Session approved Bonnie
McCaig’s request to “refresh” the room as a faith education suite in memory of Robin
Wheeler. Thank you to Bonnie for such a lovely memorial to Robin. Jean Miller
will provide an appropriate plaque commemorating Robin.

NEW CONDENSATE TANK for STEAM HEATING SYSTEM – In the 1990’s, FUPC
made significant repairs to its main steam heat system. At that time, the
condensate tank was NOT replaced. In fall 2010, the tank failed. Session
authorized replacement, and the FA-FIN-STEW team learned to “help” the tank
every 12 hours to produce heat as we awaited arrival of new tank. Installation was
completed the first week in December; however, the steam system required another
3 weeks to stabilize. (Contractor: ESCO)

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS and ALARM SYSTEMS – This year, all the fire
extinguishers at FUPC were inspected and repaired or replaced, as necessary.
(Firm: B-Lann in Troy).

During 2009, the fire alarm panel registered a number of “ground faults” with “trouble
alarms” (NOT as loud as fire alarms – but very annoying). After much investigation
and discussion, an electronic component was replaced. (Contact: Van McKeel at
Time Warner Security). The trouble alarms ceased for over a year.

Concurrent with the de-stabilization of the steam system (previous item), the panel
began again to report “ground faults” and to give “trouble alarms” again. The
incidence of these alarms has decreased as the steam stabilized – and FA-FIN-
STEW hopes that the ground faults were somehow related to the steam system
(possible venting?).
MORATORIUM ON SPACE UTILIZATION – For 2010, Session established a
moratorium on use of FUPC space by new groups. In January 2011, requests for
space are resuming.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS -- As shown on the chart entitled FUPC’s

ENDOWMENTS and MEMORIALS, FUPC’s invested endowment funds are
recovering from the stock market decline of 2008.

FUPC’s endowment policy, approved in 1994, provides for an amount to be

withdrawn each year from the General Endowment and used in the Operating Fund.
That amount is defined as 7% of the average balance of the General Endowment
over the previous 16 quarters.

Draws for 2010 and 2011 (budgeted) are at 7% and calculated in accordance with
the Endowment Policy.

OPERATING FUNDS -- A Statement of Income and Expenses follows this

narrative and presents the following in columns.
• Actual results for 2009
• Approved Budget for 2010
• Actual results for 2010
• Approved Budget for 2011

As shown on that Statement, the approved budget for 2010 assumed that expenses
would exceed income for 2010 by $15,676. The planned deficit would have
consumed 1/3 of the accumulated balance of previous years’ surpluses ($44,878)

In fact, as discussed in the previous paragraphs, number of unplanned expenses

occurred in 2010. Although FUPC’s accounting records are NOT yet complete for
2010, preliminary results indicate the following:

2010 2010
BUDGET Prelim ACTUAL
Budgeted operating deficit for the
year - $15,701 - $ 15,701

Overspending as follows:
Repair/Replace crashed computer
and recover lost data - $ 2,555
Installing wireless throughout - $ 2,000
FUPC
Contract property manager - $ 1,090
Installation of intercom/entry
system for main door - $ 2,500
Preparing space for Presbytery - $ 3,141
Replace condensate on steam
heat system - $ 5,000
Repair vacated residential
apartment - $ 2.500
Offset by transfer from Bradt
 Building Endowment +$ 13,000
Prelim Actual 2010 operating
expenses in excess of income - $ 15,701 - $ 21,487

Fortunately, the Operating Fund had $44,878 of accumulated surpluses from prior
years available to finance the operating deficit in 2010. The balance carried forward
to 2011 is approximately $23,391.

The 2011 operating budget, however, fully expends the carry forward. Session has
committed to address this issue in spring of 2011.

RESULTS OF FINANCIAL REVIEW – As required by the Book of Order, a review is

performed of FUPC’s books and records annually. A copy of the report of that
review follows.

2010 and 2011 STEWARDSHIP – Approximately 60% of FUPC’s membership

complete Planned Offering Cards each year to advise the church of the amount that
they intend to contribute in the upcoming year.

This fall, the annual canvass of members for this information was a few weeks late.
When the budget was prepared, it was not clear that 2010 contributions would be
received according to plan, or that members would maintain the same level of giving
for 2011.

It is now clear that the amount actually received in 2010 was more than 95% of the
planned amount.

Additionally, by this date, the members who inform FUPC of their planned giving,
have indicated that they plan to contribute the same amount in 2011 as in 2010. A
few new members joined the group; a few indicated that their contributions would
decrease; and a few indicated that their offerings would increase. However, the
grand total of planned giving for 2011 is almost exactly equal to the grand total
planned for 2010!