Immanuel UCC

It has again been a privilege to serve as President of Immanuel UCC in 2009, and I look forward to welcoming Philip Jackson as our newly elected President for 2010. As in passed years, our congregation will truly be well served with Philip at the helm.

2009 was certainly a challenging year for our congregation, our community, and our country. Through these difficult economic times, I was gratified to see your continued support of the many programs and activities conducted here at Immanuel. Some of these (Vacation Bible School, church fund raisers, special worship services, our missions program - to name only a few) stand out in my mind as activities made possible by the cooperative effort of many faithful members. I believe, however, that still the greatest challenge facing IUCC remains the need to increase church membership and attendance. Many hands make God’s work light. Now, we often rely on the same dedicated hands to do much of the church’s work. If everyone pitches in, the load will certainly lighten.

As a congregation, we have so very much to be proud of and thankful for at IUCC. I personally am so impressed with Curtis White and our musical/vocal personnel who have reconstituted a terrific choir. The growth in size and quality of the choir in such a short period of time absolutely amazes me. Keep up the great work!

Next, I must sincerely thank Pastor Evans for her many years of faithful, dedicated service to IUCC and also for the help and support she has given me as council president. She has guided us through happy and sad times. She has helped us realize the dream to build a beautiful new church facility. She is a remarkably respected voice for IUCC in our local community and in UCC Association and Conference affairs. Our worship experience, especially the holiday services, are always inspirational.

In 2009, we again celebrated beautiful weddings, joyous baptisms, special holidays, and funeral remembrances of loved ones gone before us. In 2010, we will strive to build upon this church’s many missions to serve our God and our community. May we all succeed in meeting these challenges, and may we all be constantly guided by God’s loving spirit as we proceed in the work of IUCC.

Retiring Members:
Dr. Bill Bair, President
Diana Jackson
Kim Leonard
Don Rae

1 Year To Serve                      2 Years To Serve
Chuck Hanson                           Connie Barnett
Lou Jones                                 Debi Book
Joyce Wise                                Danny Luthy

3 Years To Serve (Three to be Elected)
Jim Creighton (1 year)
Scott Dodson
Jock Luthy

1 Year To Serve                            2 Years To Serve
Lynn-Malkus Lyons                          Trudi Foxwell
Tammy Luthy                                  Pam Nossick
Robin Simmons                                Leslie Tolley
Susie Creighton

Blessings to each of you in the name of Christ Jesus, whom we serve here at Immanuel Church. These are some of the ministries we share in His name. Statistics can be just numbers, but these are meant to give some accountability and some focus to our shared labor and love for the Lord. Each month I share such a report with the Church Council. All of our attendance figures are higher than 2008. We have been truly blessed in this year of challenge, service and celebration!

55 services of worship planned, 1 canceled by snow, 51 led by the pastor. During Lent, we considered “Christ on Trial” through the voices of 5 “witnesses” who were our members.

Easter was marvelous with a surprise gift of extra hymnals from Grace UCC in Frederick, MD, just in time for over 200 in worship! The flower garden in the Narthex, inspiring music by the choir, Curtis White, Lynne Breil, and Dr. Bair lifted our hearts in joyous celebration. In the services of Advent we learned how love (God’s and ours) is expressed in time, affirmation, acts of service, healing touch, and giving gifts. Christmas Eve was full of joy and music with 148 worshiping. The Sacrament of Communion was offered in 10 services. Thank you to Rev. Richard Leavitt and Mrs. Jean Haddaway who filled our pulpit when the pastor was away. A full list of persons honored as Magi in our congregation is included.

164		meetings and events within the parish kept most of us busy - I met with many committees.
75		other professional meetings, services, community events led me into Dorchester County and the larger church where we need a presence. I have worked with the Emergency Shelter group and chair their committee.
62		visits were made to patients and family members at hospitals and nursing homes.
3		deaths occurred (2 were members). I have given pastoral support and caring to these families.
0		sessions for confirmation - we have no children of confirmation age.
5		infants were baptized - we celebrated 3 births.
705		contacts with members of the parish is a very open category in which I keep an accounting for myself of people I see, talk to, call on the telephone, send notes…it is a way for me to learn the needs of the congregation. This is not an exact tabulation.
313		families/individuals were given assistance with utilities, rent, fuel, food gifts, and Christmas cheer, plus 36 turkeys were distributed, plus
123		SHARE packages of food were provided through the Salvation Army.
10,520		miles carried me to meetings, services, hospitals, homes and business errands.

Our total recorded attendance was 4,527 with an average of 89.3 persons. Our lowest average attendance was in June (76) and the highest monthly average was in April (131). Highest attendance was on 4/12 Easter Sunday (209). 2/8 (102); 3/15 (100); 3/29 (128); 4/26 (120); 5/10 (105), 5/29 (105); 6/7 (108); 8/16 (108); 12/13 (98); 12/24 (148) Easter and Christmas Eve were highest on record.. Worship is our service to God as we become the Body of Christ on earth. We go forth to serve Jesus in the community. Please accept the divine invitation of Jesus and join us in worship often.

New Members 3-08-09 6-07-09 6-07-09	John & Lynne Breil, transfer from Locust Grove UCC, York, PA John Moore Brian & Jennifer Burton
Births 1-03-09 10-15-09 10-23-09	Carter Richard Warfield, son of Richard and Amy Robbins Warfield Jack Haddaway Dodson - son of John and Becky Dodson Natalee Malkus Lyons - daughter of Lee & Lynn Malkus Lyons
Weddings 5-23-09 5-24-09 5-30-09 10-02-09 12-12-09	Emily Chismire and Jordan Maddox Robin Marie Burton Simmons and John Christopher Moore Kelly Elizabeth Passwaters and Bret Alan Dean Giovanna May Britti and Joseph Walk Brown Kristina Maria Sellers and Garrett Daniel Luthy
Baptism 3-15-09 3-15-09 3-29-09 4-26-09 6-07-09	Talan Middleton - son of Tara Cannon, grandchild of Patti & David Cannon; Great-grandson of Pat Creighton and grandson of Penny Middleton Jessica Parks - son of Kristin & Todd Parks, Granddaughter of Pat Creighton and Cathy & John Hansen Carter Richard Warfield, son of Richard and Amy Robbins Warfield; Grandparents: Don & Debbie Robbins and Richard & Cindy Warfield Jillian Grace Burton, daughter of Brian and Jennifer Burton Collin Robert Bair, son of Dr. William & Kim Bair
Deaths 1-30-09 3-04-09 7-03-09 *Member	Cecilia Emma Schnoor Windsor* - mother of Beverly Shelly Rob Winfrey Martha Keplinger Malkus* - wife of Milton Malkus, Jr. 165 reported total membership as of 12-31-09

FROM THE SECRETARY'S DESK

Throughout the year we ask for help in the office assembling papers for the newsletter, the annual report and other various letters and reports. I want to
thank Pastor Evans and Helen Krom for their support and assistance in completing these tasks - Janice Haller.

We express our heartfelt appreciation to those retiring from Church Council for the fine service they have given. Dr. Bair is finishing his term as President of the council/congregation.

Completing their 3-year terms on the council are: Chuck Hanson, Lou Jones and Joyce Wise..

Thanks to those who serve on Christian Education Board. Well done to our good and faithful servants!