St. Paul's by-the-Sea Annual Parish meeting reports

November 11, 2007

Rector's Report The Rev. Penny L. Pfab

Our second year of shared ministry will draw to a close on February 28^th.  Like the first year, this one has flown by.  I truly count my blessings every day as I reflect on each one of you - your love for the Lord and for one another is wonderful to behold.  St. Paul's by-the-Sea is moving forward in many positive ways.  We are welcoming new members in greater numbers, and our ministries and programs are flourishing.  I thank our many volunteers who are truly the backbone of our amazing church.  We could not exist without you!

Our staff continues to go the extra mile for all of us:  Jerri Moats, Anne Wiggins, Elizabeth Keen Moyer, Catherine Crose, and Tiffany LaMotte are the best at what they do.  Please join me in thanking them for the gifts they share with us. 

Your Vestry is working very hard on your behalf!  Senior Warden Charlie Grinstead is one of the most faithful servants I have had the pleasure of working with.  He is at the church almost every day and always with a smile on his face!  He has taken on many extra projects including making improvements on the commercial property the Foundation owns.  I cannot thank Charlie enough and know you join me in thanking him for his leadership.  Norman Thompson has been an excellent Junior Warden!  He worked very hard caring for our facilities this year - many, many times going far beyond our wildest expectations.  Dwin Ford has been a terrific Treasurer and, like Charlie and Norman, went the extra mile for you.  Work continues on our strategic plan, however some of the initiatives require funding that is not yet in place.

The Foundation was blessed with several generous bequests - one for $5,000, and the other for $6,000.  We thank our Foundation leaders for their dedicated and important work!

We partnered with Beaches Episcopal School and eleven other churches to build a Habitat for Humanity house for the Campbell family.  A group of youth and adults went to Mississippi to help Katrina victims and another group of youth and adults are preparing for a mission trip to Cuba beginning on November 16^th.  We provided a warm place for the homeless to sleep on cold nights and have continued to help at Mission House.  Living the Gospel through outreach continues to be important here!

We give thanks for the many people who make our glorious Sunday worship possible.  They serve in countless ways behind the scenes and in very visible ways - both are equally important and valued.  Each person is a treasure!

Thanks to our teachers and to those who pray, send cards, throw wonderful celebrations, raise funds, plant and weed, participate in St. Monica's Guild, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Daughters of the King, Guild of the Christ Child, deliver meals, serve on boards, cook breakfast, and make visits.  Of course this does not cover everyone - there are so many people who serve in ways I have not mentioned!  

I thank all of you for your generosity with treasure, time, and talent.  Your leadership strives to be good stewards of the gifts you share.  Still, our needs exceed our giving.  We continue to seek ways to turn this around.  With God's help we will!

Our relationship with our school is strong and we appreciate the hard work of Jackie Busse and her staff and faculty.  Beaches Episcopal School is the best, and we know it is because of its dedication to excellence.  B.E.S. continues its "quiet phase" of their capital campaign - our prayers are with them as they raise funds for a much-needed new building.

We thank The Rev. Lynne Dukes for her dedicated ministry at Fleet Landing.  Our prayers go out to her, her volunteers, and to those who are served. 

It is our honor to provide space for Beaches Fine Arts Series.  Our thanks to Kathy Wallis for bringing excellent music and art to the Beaches community and beyond.

Finally, please accept my gratitude for your unfailing support and care.  I thoroughly enjoy ministering with you in this place!

Senior Warden's Report Charlie Grinstead

It's hard to believe three years have passed since I was asked to stand for Vestry election. I have to admit that I had little idea what I had signed up for, much less that it would lead to appointment as Senior Warden. Thank you for your support. I am grateful for all the things I have learned about my faith and my church.

I believe that 2007 has been a year for gaining a better understanding of and firming up our commitment to the Strategic Plan. We have structured our financial budgets and reporting around it and used the plan in structuring the 2008 annual giving program. Some of our goals are accomplished or are showing signs of progress.  Most still need emphasis and/or funding.  You may recall the following quote from our annual giving program introductory letter, "in viewing the Vision, please note that the level of giving during 2007 leaves many needs and dreams unfulfilled.  Your support is essential to sustain and maintain a house of worship and to provide staffing that will fulfill the Vision associated with calling an Assistant Rector, supporting our youth, Christian education and music programs (including a children's choir), and the desire to initiate a contemporary service, parish nurse program, and grief support group."  A brief outline of the goals and objectives in our strategic plan is shown below.  I ask that each of you review the plan in detail and find some way to help achieve these goals, particularly those in Worship and Evangelism.

Worship: Build the Body of Christ through dynamic worship....

• Employ an assistant Rector
• Restore the chapel to a place of worship
• Additional liturgies and music
• Develop new musical groups
• Offer additional worship services

Disciple Formation:  Inspire one another to become more like Jesus....

• Develop sustainable Christian Formation curriculum for all ages
• Establish an integrated, year round system of stewardship
• Evaluate method of vestry selection
• Assign specific vestry members to manage objectives
• Develop leadership program
• Begin and end all parish meetings with prayer
• Clarify functional relationships between SPBTS, The Foundation and BES

Ministry:  Share the love of Jesus Christ...

• Focus and organize our ministries in support of those in need
• Reaffirm support of our core ministries...strengthen relationships with BES and BFAS
• Review and evaluate internal group ministries
• Develop a transportation ministry

Fellowship:  Increase parish-wide events....

• Create small church sponsored special interest groups
• Improve communications within the parish
• Make the website a primary means for up-to-date communications
• Defer expansion of intentional programs of fellowship outside the church

Evangelism: Spread the good news of Jesus Christ...welcome all who enter his church

• Build on the Newcomers Program
• Utilize "Bridge Events" to attract worshippers
• Initiate small special interest groups and additional "Bridge Events"
• Plan for increasing public awareness of SPBTS

 In closing I would like to say that it has really been a pleasure serving under Penny, and that I think our church has a lot going for it.  We just need to spread the word.

Discipleship

Brotherhood of St. Andrew Mike Rady, Director

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a missionary and evangelism ministry of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. In fact, it is the oldest evangelistic ministry of the Episcopal Church. Our goal is to bring men and boys to Jesus Christ. Our brotherhood chapter at St. Paul's by the Sea was incorporated ten years ago and is currently one of the largest chapters in the country with approximately fifty-five members.

We meet the first and third Saturday of every month at 8:00 a.m. in the Stormes Hall. At meetings, we have light refreshments, a brief business meeting and Bible study. This fall, we will begin studying the book of Acts using the Life Application Bible Commentary book as our guide. Brotherhood members are active in every ministry of our church and sponsor monthly breakfasts, annual specialty dinners, Mother's day luncheon, work-days on church property and at Camp Weed and numerous other activities for the entire parish. Funds raised at our annual greenery and poinsettia sales and meal functions are used to sponsor: youth mission trips, Anglican Frontier Missions, Camp Weed scholarships, an orphan in Uganda, our pipe organ refurbishment and many other worthwhile causes.

You are warmly welcomed to attend our next meeting and can learn more about our membership with the communion of brotherhood members from all over the world by visiting our national Brotherhood of St. Andrew website at:  www.brotherhoodstandrew.org .

Cursillo Mike Rady, Coordinator

Cursillo is a movement of the church. Its purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but influence on others; all of us need to be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us.

The purpose of the Cursillo movement is to make Christian community possible in neighborhoods, parishes, work situations and other places where people live the greater part of their lives. It attempts to make it possible for anyone in the world to live a Christian life in a natural way.

Cursillo is patterned on Jesus' own example. He searched out and called a small group of potential leaders; He trained them by word and example and inspired them with a vision; He linked them together and sent them out into the world to bring the world to Him.

At St. Paul's by the Sea we have an active Cursillo community with approximately 70 parish members (including our rector Penny and her husband Marty) who have attended a Cursillo weekend. We annually host an Ultreya (a monthly gathering of fellow Cursillistas) and carpool to other Ultreyas around the First Coast Region of the Diocese. In addition, we have sponsored new candidates and have served on Cursillo teams. Cursillo weekends are scheduled at Camp Weed every October and February. If you are interested in learning more about Cursillo, you can talk with any SPBTS Cursillista or visit the National Episcopal Cursillo website at http://www.episcopalcursillo.org/index.html.

Daughters of the King  Doris Braun, President

The Daughters of the King is an Order founded in 1885 for the extension of Christ's Kingdom, especially among women and girls.  Daughters undertake a rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service.  We currently have over 27,000 members including Chapters all over the world.  The Chapter here at St. Paul's by the Sea is the St. Julian of Norwich Chapter.  We currently have twenty-five members.  In the past year we lost one member, Mary Wilson, due to death and three have moved away and become Daughters-at-Large.  From November 1, 2006 through October 31, 2007 we have admitted four new members.  During the past year we sponsored a Quiet Day during Advent and one during Lent, provided and served the Father's Day Breakfast, worked with BES on their Christmas Project, served lunch to Habitat, have given hand made shawls to shut-ins, and have collected over 600 Campbell Soup labels for Down Home Ranch in Texas. The members of the DOK fulfill their pledge of lifelong service by assisting with the many ministries at SPBTS.  Our meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 9:30 am.  We invite anyone who is interested to attend our meetings.  I would especially like to thank all the Daughters for their work in spreading the Kingdom in the last year.

GUILD OF THE CHRIST CHILD Anne Wiggins, Member

The Guild of the Christ Child continues its ministry of providing baptismal banners to newly baptized members of the church.  This year 8 banners were provided for Baptismal candidates.  The Guild also continued lending a hand by providing feedback and assistance to the Sunday School program.  Several members of the Guild teach Sunday School on a regular basis. 

YOUTH (SPY) Anne Wiggins, YouthDirector

The St. Paul's by-the-Sea youth group began the year fundraising and at the close of this year, we are still in the process of raising money for the trip to Cuba. We participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring early in the year and made wonderful collection plates to take up the offering on Super Bowl Sunday. We led Youth Sunday, served Lenten dinners, conducted Bible studies, and participated in Happening at Camp Weed. For the first time in many years, we were very visible in the Opening of the Beaches Parade. In May, fourteen youth group members headed to Biloxi, Mississippi to help those still suffering from Hurricane Katrina.  The trip was an eye-opening event for all and it showed our young people what they are made of and how they can make a difference in people's lives. In addition to all the fundraising, members of St. Paul's Youth (SPY) wrote and staffed last summer's Vacation Bible School, turning the Parish Hall into an underwater playground.  At the end of the summer, everyone was happy to welcome Youth Assistant, Tiffany Lamotte back from a stint as counselor at Camp Weed. After a bit of a break we geared up again for fundraising to send another group of our youth to our sister church in Cienfuegos, Cuba. The youth have worked tirelessly and earned a good deal of money for their pilgrimage.  While there was a lot of work and fundraising to do, SPY members also had some fun: movie nights, hanging out at the youth house, summer camp at Camp Weed, rock climbing, the annual Buddy Walk, a mobile scavenger hunt, a Halloween party, and we hooked up with our friends at St. Peter's in Fernandina to hear a former NFL player talk about his life with God. We also expanded the college group to weekly meetings on Thursday nights and established a name for the group, God on a Thursday, or G.O.A.T.  In these meetings we have various activities and discussions for those in college and of college age.  The youth program continues to grow and we're looking forward to another fun filled and meaningful year.

WORSHIP

Acolytes Anne Wiggins, Head of Acolytes

The Youth Acolytes lost some members due to high school graduation but we also are gaining new members and continually training Acolytes to cover new positions.  Ben and Kelsey Adams both graduated high school and Christian Ford joined his two older brothers in this wonderful ministry.  The existing Acolytes for the year are: Taylor Barnett, Chris Becker, Eric and John Bloodworth, Brett Bond, Erin Borders, Chris Cooprider, Peggy Crose, Justin and Garret Ford, Jakob and Madeline Howe, Devanne Jones, Luther Kirchhofer, Henry and Sam Legett, Madeline Pantfoeder, Breck and Hadley Peterson, Taylor Pickett, Jesse Rodak, Kamren Sanford and Nettie Wiggins-Fesler.  Our membership currently stands at twenty-four, with three of those members achieving the award of membership in the Order of St. Vincent.  Several others are scheduled to receive this award in the coming year.  Membership is granted to a youth Acolyte who is fully trained on all positions.  In addition to serving at the 10:00 service, the youth Acolytes served at several memorial services and weddings this year and joined members of the youth group in the annual event of decorating the church for Pentecost. 

The Adult Acolytes serving at the 7:30 service are Doris McGlynn, Don Koenig, Anne Wiggins and Pat Wing.  Adult Thurifers are Steve Hinton, Alice Pantfoeder, Rick Hightower and Anne Wiggins.

Altar Guild Nancy Grinstead, Director

The Altar Guild has been truly blessed this year. We were able to provide Rev. Penny with three new vestments (chasubles), possibly four by the end of the year. We also received a new Altar Book, generously donated by parishioners. The Altar Guild welcomes four new members: Jan Hanson, Susan Miller, Dottie Wright and Robin White. All members have outdone themselves, preparing for the Eucharist on Sundays, Wednesdays, and for special services. We always welcome anyone, men and women, who would like to become a part of the special ministry.

Fleet landing The Rev. Lynne Dukes, Chaplain

Fleet Landing continues to be an important ministry for SPBTS. We have on average about 30 people who come to our services on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at the Officers Club.  The Word of God provides so much hope for the elderly, those at the Heath Care Center, Leeward Manor, and those who live independently at Fleet Landing. This is a delightful group of seniors! Please come and join us to see just what is going on at Fleet Landing.  Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:3

Flower Guild Julie Anderson, Coordinator

The Flower Guild is a ministry that provides the altar flower arrangements each Sunday and holiday decorations. There are currently about 10 members working in pairs. We have had workshops with a local florist for techniques in arranging, but no prior training is required for this ministry. The church provides the supplies and flowers. We welcome any potential members in this peaceful and quiet opportunity to serve and celebrate the beauty of faith.

MUSIC MINISTRY Elizabeth Keen Moyer, Music Director

The mission of the music ministry is to provide spiritually uplifting and liturgically supportive music for worship services of the church. We are also called to share our musical gifts in support of special events of the church, or outside the church altogether. This past year our Chancel Choir and Bell Choir graciously welcomed their new director, and worked diligently to maintain their mission with a renewed fervor. We enjoyed a festive Christmas and Easter that included multiple services enhanced with choral literature, bell literature, and the solo talents of some of our members. Our collaboration with the St. Andrew's AME choir in the Martin Luther King, Jr. worship celebration was a joyful blessing that we hope to duplicate in the coming year. We also look forward to presenting more special musical offerings in the form of concerts in the vein of the one we will perform for the residents of Fleet Landing this November.

offering counters Dwin Ford, Treasurer

The Weekly Counters team is a group of faithful and dependable members who rotate the responsibility of counting the Sunday offerings received at St. Paul's by the Sea. Currently, the counters consist of Jerry and Sharon Chupp, Tony Gabrielle, Bob Hall, Janet May, Cori Peterson, Jim and Bev Stuck, Jack Taylor and Joe Wiggins. Jan Hanson and Wendell Sheppard are available as substitute counters.

Pew Ministry Sid Spurgin, Coordinator

The responsibility of the pew ministers is to straighten the Hymnals and Prayer Books and replenish pens, envelopes and other articles in the pews. The Pew Ministry team members are, Doris Braun, Jean Barnwell, Jackie Clark, Catherine and Peggy Crose, Marilyn Cooney, Jan Hanson, Carol Smith, and Sid Spurgin.

Ushers Mike Borno, Director

I am proud of the individuals who responded to the invitation to become members of SPBTS usher crews at the 7:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday services. Many have been helpful in making corrections to the usher guidelines that were established and placed in the folder in the Usher Room.

Guidelines are being prepared to cover special services. For example, Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. When completed and approved by Rev. Penny, these guidelines will appear in the folder in the Usher room and may be used for reference when needed.

I am double proud that we now have full teams for the usher crews at the 7:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday services, with enough depth that if someone has to be absent, there are enough remaining to carry on the usher duties.

I invite every member of SPBTS to contact me and let me know when and at what service time you would like to become a member of the usher teams. REMEMBER, if you do not contact me, I will be contacting you in the future.

FELLOWSHIP

Episcopal Church women united Virginia Wood, SPBTS Contact

To the women of St. Pauls By-The-Sea, please remember you are a member of Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Florida by virtue of your membership of the Episcopal Church. Since the previous Annual Parish Meeting, the women of SPBTS have been involved in the following activities:

* February 8, 2007: Virginia Wood attended the winter meeting at Camp Weed. The guest speaker was The Rev. Susan Clayton of Trinity Church in St. Augustine.

* February 19, 2007: Organized the annual party for the residents of Pablo Towers which featured a program presented by a member of the Beaches Storytellers League. SPBTS members furnished refreshments.

* April 4-6, 2007: Theresa Todd attended the annual ECW Retreat at Camp Weed. Bishop Howard and his wife, Marie, led the retreat.

* May 2007: UTO Ingathering total was $318.90.

* August 25, 2007: The august ECW Meeting at Camp Weed. The guest speaker was The Rev. Diane Reeves from St. Andrews in Interlachen, The Rt. Rev. Miguel Tamayo, Bishop of Uruguay, and his wife, The Rev. Marta Lopez. No one from SPBTS was able to attend.

* September 7, 2007: SPBTS was the host church for the forum meeting of the Church Women United, Beaches Unit. Refreshments were served.

* October 25, 2007: Virginia Wood attended the #117 Annual ECW Meeting at Camp Weed. The guest speaker was Dr. Marie Cherau, our Province IV Representative. She spoke about the ECW on our province and the national level. The registrar reported that 31 churches were represented at the Annual Meeting and 111 were in attendance.

* The women of SPBTS have fulfilled their 2007 pledge of $250.00 to the ECW of the Diocese of Florida.

Incredible Edibles Ministry Evie Gabrielle, Chairperson

This ministry was initiated in 1996 with the purpose of involving the total parish in a bazaar fundraiser that would enable the vestry to supplement its efforts in the beautification of the church. This is a gala event that is enthusiastically supported. So far (Oct 3) about 80% of the eligible parishioners have been called to contribute food, treasures, books or cash to the annual November event (Nov 17) and the response has been quite positive. We will not include any outside vendors this year since the traffic pattern of the event does not favor their location for sales.

The committees for 2007 involve about 35 people and are headed by: Chairperson and Food Solicitation - Evie Gabrielle; Co-Chair & Raffle- Pat Borno; Collectibles & Treasures - Virginia Wood; Arts & Crafts - Jan Hansen, Elizabeth McCullough & Sally Roberts; Book Nook - Barbara & Wendy Wolfe & Kelly Letellier; Biegnet Cafe - Ann Brodt; Decorations - Wendell Sheppard, Walter Stutts, Vickie & Jack Taylor; Frozen Food Locker - Susie Miller; Publicity - Nye Nicholson. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew are indispensable for table setup and take down.

During the 11-year period 1996-2006, this fundraiser has expanded its activities such that a net of $8500-$9200 was raised in the last few years as compared to almost $2000 in 1996. However, the growth potential for this event is limited to its present level or slightly less.

Intercessory Prayer Group Jackie Clark, Director

Each month Gale Jones compiles a prayer list from intercessors' contributions. The list is then distributed to the Intercessor Group. They are encouraged to pay attention to the sick list in the Sunday bulletin for updates. We would like to keep this list current by keeping a name for one month only. Please let us know if a name needs to be continued longer. We do have a long-term list. We also would like to hear of thanksgiving for answered prayers. At present, the Intercessory Prayer Group consists of Nancy Borders, Vivian Breckner, Elsa Cruz, Lynda Hoolihan, Nancy Jones, Von Jones, Joan Martin, Doris McGlynn, Dot Miller, Shirley Richmond, Theresa Smith, Teddy Stone, Virginia Wood, and The Rev. Penny Pfab. We would be pleased to add your name and send you a list. Please call Jackie Clark, 246-9033.

LAY WEEDERS & GARDENERS BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

The Lay Weeders and Gardeners Beautification Committee's mission is to maintain SPBTS's grounds in a way that is pleasing to God, our guests, and the parish. The Committee meets Friday mornings 7 to 8 am depending upon the season. We focus on weed control, planting seasonal flowerbeds, mulching, and planting and/or replacing shrubs. Our operating revenue comes from your generous contributions and Mothers and Fathers' Day.  Since a typical flower bed will cost more than $175, we would not be able to purchase seasonal plants, fertilizer, mulch, shrubs, etc., without your help.

The 15-20 year old Peace Pole located in the front of the church was deteriorating.  A replica of the original Peace Pole was given by Evie and Tony Gabrielle during 2007.  The Committee re-landscaped the bed.

Members of the Committee include Evie Gabrielle, Vickie Taylor, Jan Hanson, Elizabeth McCullough, Ava Wainwright, Sally Roberts, Kitty Goodloe, Susie Miller, and Peggy Crose. Erin Pfeil joins us during the summer when school is out.  Mort Hanson and Mike Miller assist with heavy projects. New members are always welcomed. This activity provides a perfect excuse to get on your knees to meditate while improving the appearance of the grounds. For additional information, contact Walter Stutts, 249-6009.

Parish Office Ministers

The Parish Office Ministers aid the office staff in many ways: serving as receptionists, proofing materials, sending birthday cards to the parish members, and producing and distributing the weekly bulletins. This team currently consists of Sharon Schurer, Peggy Cook, Elsa Cruz, Dottie Wright, Ava Wainwright, Bebe Humphries, Shirley Cook, Nye Nicholson, Helen Parker, and Doris McGlynn. The staff at St. Pauls By-The-Sea is also very thankful for a group of incredibly faithful individuals who assemble parish mail-outs. The following people helped in 2007: Jerry and Sharon Chupp, John and Marilyn Cooney, Ann Draud, Lib D'Zamko, Lynda Hoolihan, Joan Martin, Doris McGlynn, Elizabeth McCullough, Charlotte Mullins, Helen Parker, Arn and Shirley Richmond, and Sid Spurgin.

St. Monica's guild Virginia Wood, President

St. Monica's Guild was formed by Josephine Stormes in the late 1920's and is the oldest organization currently in existence at SPBTS. The Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. There are no dues and all members of the parish are invited to attend. Funds to support the Guild's projects are generated from individual members' contributions and proceeds from raffles of items and flowers (which are also donated by the members.) An endowment from the estate of Tommie Melzer was presented to St. Monica's Guild this year. Tommie was an active member of St. Monica's for many years. Monetary contributions from St. Monica's were made to Beaches Habitat for the Campbell House; SPBTS for nursery needs; Meals on Wheels; Rector's Discretionary Fund; Brotherhood of St. Andrew in memory of Bob Cook, Jerry Roberts, and Paul Byers; SPBTS in memory of Mary Cook, Jim Wood, Dottie Ulrich, and Mary Brandt. At Christmas last year, personal items, stocking stuffers and two cases of fruit were given to BEAM. Twenty-four bags of personal care items were presented to Mission House. Pennies collected at monthly meetings are sent to the Fellowship of the Least Coin to support scholarships and other Christian missions "to pray for justice and peace," and urge women to lead a Christian life. Quarters are sent to "Mile of Quarters," an on-going effort that supports Camp Weed and the Cerveny Conference Center. Come join us in our endeavors and our worship. We welcome you! 

WITNESS

Beaches Episcopal School Jackie Busse, Head of School

Beaches Episcopal School is well into another very busy and exciting school year. Fall is always a very active time for the school and we have already enjoyed a number of successful events.  These events include grade level potluck dinners, Open House, Blessing of the Pets, BES Sunday at SPBTS/Barbecue, Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, the Fall Festival and the Golf Tournament. Yet to come are the Sixth Grade Spaghetti Dinner, the Book Fair, the Holiday Store, Pajama Day, and Lessons and Carols, and that just gets us through the first half of the school year.  I promise there was a lot of learning going on at the same time! 

The school is still in the quiet phase of the Capital Campaign and it is our hope that we will be able to identify donors who collectively will be able to raise 50% of our $7.5 million goal.  When this does happen, we will be ready to move into the next phase of the Capital Campaign.  We have the need, the plans, the vision and the prayers to make this happen.  We truly appreciate the prayers that are extended to the school each Sunday at St. Paul's by the Sea.

MEMORIAL RECEPTION MINISTRY Bev Stuck, Director

This ministry provides support to families and friends of deceased members by hosting receptions in the Christopher Lobby after services. During 2007 (and since the 2006 report) receptions were held for the following deceased individuals: Mary Cook, Paul Byers, Carol Fears, Lillian Hinnant, Ruth St. George, and Art Cook.

A fund has been established to help offset some of the expenses incurred by the receptions. The balance in this fund is $397.77. The parish has also received many in-kind donations during the year.

Approximately 40 members of the parish provide food and act as hosts in this ministry.  Bev Stuck and Susie Miller serve as coordinators for this ministry with Jan Hanson, Vicki Taylor, Pat Borno and Helen Parker serving as back-ups.

NEWCOMER MINISTRY Bebe Humphries and Vickie Taylor, Co-chairpersons>

So far in 2007, SPBTS has welcomed about 26 new members. The duties of the Newcomer Ministry are to welcome all visitors and new members to SPBTS by way of the Welcome Kiosk. We staff the Welcome Kiosk every Sunday. Interested visitors are given a travel mug and coffee. We also organize two to three parish luncheons a year. For our newest members we offer a tour of the church, history of the church, and a special visit with the Sr. Warden and Rev. Penny. We sent an invitational postcard to the newest residents at the beach and surrounding areas to promote St. Paul's By-The-Sea. The Newcomer Committee is co-chaired by Vickie Taylor and Bebe Humphries. Members are Harley Henry, Elizabeth McCullough, Helen Parker, Penny Pfab, Wendell Sheppard, and Sid Spurgin.

Outreach Ministries

* Adopt-A-Family
SPBTS families purchased Christmas gifts for 15-18 "working-poor" families. Contact person is Bebe Humphries, 246-0692.

* Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM)
In August, the Back to School shoe and clothing drive was held. SPBTS collected several bags of clothing and members of SPY (St. Paul's Youth Group) gave very generously of their time to help with set up and sorting.

* Cold Night Shelter
SPBTS participates with five other churches in a rotating shelter for the homeless. The shelter opens when temperatures and wind chill are in the 30's. Volunteers monitor the shelter, serve supper, a light breakfast and make bag lunches. Persons are also needed to make and freeze chili for this ministry. Contacts for Cold Night Shelter are Norm Thompson, 249-8391 and Sharon Chupp, 249-2429.

* Meals on Wheels
Every six weeks volunteers from St. Paul's by the Sea take a week of delivering noontime meals to homebound individuals. Volunteers work only one day every six weeks. Contact person is Jan Rigby, 246-9574.

* Mission House Clinic
The Mission House provides medical assistance to those unable to pay for prescriptions and doctor visits. Every Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays, from 4:30-7:00 p.m., registered nurses and doctors see patients as part of the "We Care" system. Contact person is Ava Wainwright, 247-3817.

*  Soup Kitchen at Mission House
Volunteers prepare and serve supper to the homeless on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Contact persons, Pat Borno 246-9383, Anne Wiggins 247-1498.

*   Also under Outreach are United Thank Offering, Episcopal Relief & Development, Blanket Sunday, and World Missions.

Stewardship

Junior Warden's Report Norm Thompson, Junior Warden

Our church's buildings and grounds reflect the loving care of so many SPBTS volunteers and thoughtful donors. Early this spring, a less costly lawn service program was initiated resulting in substantial dollar savings. Our Lay Weeders continue to work their artistry in flowers and shrubs about the church. After years of being sequestered in the chapel, the old, historic bell found a new home in the Memorial Garden. New signs were installed on the grounds. With generous contributions from the Beaches Fine Arts Series and Bill Barnett, a heavy-duty, 22-foot trestle ladder was acquired to enable staff to safely replace recessed lights in the church. Hundreds of volunteer hours have gone into the renovation of the Annex, the church's rental property, former home of Bundle of Hope. Then there are the aggravating, sometimes minor housekeeping chores requiring ongoing attention: broken windows, burned out pumps, broken sprinkler heads, dead tree removal, etc. We have relied heavily on the good services of our Sexton, Catherine Crose.

Parish Registrar Helen Parker, Registrar

The responsibility of the Parish Registrar is to maintain complete and accurate records based on the information furnished by the individual parish member. This information is taken from the forms filled in by the parishioner. When a parish member requests a transfer from his previous parish to SPBTS, a Transfer Request Form is sent to the named parish. When a member leaves SPBTS and requests a transfer to another parish, a Transfer Out Form is sent to the requesting parish. All baptisms, confirmations, deaths, and marriages are recorded in the Parish Ledger and card files. Any change in family status is recorded on the file card. The registrar records all memorials in the Memorial Record kept in the church behind the baptismal font. The Registrar assists the office staff in maintaining accurate and timely records. Since the last Annual Parish Meeting the registrar recorded 15 deaths, 7 baptisms, 10 confirmations/receptions/reaffirmations, and 4 marriages.