Annual Report | 2013

CHRIST CHURCH

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WHAT A JOURNEY!

AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED

O
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Rev. Shane Bishop Senior Pastor

n July 1, 1997, I became the new Pastor of the newly relocated Christ United Methodist Church. I could have never imagined what God had in mind for this congregation. During these seventeen and a half years, we have received over 1,700 members with over 1,000 joining on Profession of Faith and celebrated almost 700 baptisms. It has been a pure joy to grow with this congregation. As we complete an astounding 17 straight years of numerical growth in worship attendance, we find ourselves in a most unique place. In the next two to three years, we will either become a mega-church (a sociological term given to churches averaging over 2,000 in worship) or we

will plateau. There are no other mathematical options. I am convinced that breaking 2,000 will be the biggest challenge we have faced in the history of this congregation. Much of 2013 was spent developing strategies to keep us growing for years to come. Here are some of the strategic objectives we will implement this year:

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Metamorphic Future

1. The Metamorphic Future emphasis continues as both interior and exterior renovations have been implemented to upgrade our curb appeal and to offer excellent ministry space for future growth engines.

Tweener Ministry

4. Expansion of our Wednesday evening programming will include the addition of a Tweener Youth Group (3rd-5th grades), an elementary ministry.

Upward Basketball

SE Belleville Campus

2. Upward Basketball is coming in January. This international ministry is a proven growth engine that attracts young families through their children.

5. We will plant our third regional campus in the SAFB region. Our campuses are thriving, developing excellent leaders and attracting new people. These are long-term growth engines that will greatly aid our vision in the years to come. Being a part of a sustained 17-year revival has been the greatest joy of my vocational life. And I truly believe we are just getting started! God is Good!

Going Deeper Service

3. The new Going Deeper worship service on Wednesdays, began on January 22. This service meets in the newly remodeled chapel and offers an attractive mid-week worship option.

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Pictured above: Garrett Hayes

DOWN THE HALL

SCHOOL DAYS

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Matt Rygelski Volunteer Writer

uring my elementary days, our family moved often and I would switch schools about every other year. Making lasting friendships was difficult when the roots would repeatedly be ripped right out from under me. By the time I reached high school age, we were settled enough to allow for completing all four years at the same spot with the same people. Finally, it was time to make solid friendships. Growing up, there is great value in friendships and mentors. Good leaders are hard to find. The people I invited to surround me proved to be strong influencers, but often their goals were not always in my best interest. I was pulled away from God, from church from everything. I questioned who I was and I found many people willing to tell me who I should be. They helped create my excuses and I allowed myself to be led the wrong way. Kids today have even more influencers and distractions than I had then. How could they possibly be strong enough to stay true when I had such a hard time holding it together in my own youth with much less noise? If I knew then what I know now, things might have been different for me. In a surprisingly good way, kids today do have it different. One example proved that God is more alive today than ever. I recently had an opportunity to meet with an exceptional high school student, Garrett Hayes. He has a vision that is stronger and more optimistic than the one I remember when I was his age. His ability to see things so maturely restored my confidence in our future generations as they find the courage to lead. I think the three main things kids deal with are aggression, depression, and lust. Those are the three big plagues, says Garrett. With the help of two other friends and approval of the school board, he started the D.O.C. club at his high

school, Belleville East. Disciples of Christianity (D.O.C.) welcomes Christian and non-Christian students to find biblical answers to everyday dilemmas students are facing these days and provide a safe place to discuss their personal struggles, encourage one another, and ask for prayer. They talk about their differences. They seek common ground. They learn from each other. Certainly the peer pressures of high school would make it difficult to stand alone in the face of so much temptation. He admits he drifted away from God himself. It was a personal challenge from his parents to go to one youth group meeting at Christ Church with the agreement that if he didnt like it he would never be asked to go again. Thinking back, Garrett described the experience: I had never been surrounded by kids my own age who really believed; I was just kind of shocked and puzzled by it. When the music started, I just started singing. The more I sang, the more I felt this warmth and presence around me. By the end of it, I went to my moms car and said, Ive found God again. My mom then said, No, you just opened your eyes. Hes always here. That was the moment when I started getting back on the right path to truly believing. Were it not for this one moment, he might still be lost seeking acceptance by the wrong influencers. Today he proudly embraces his Christianity, but doesnt feel the need to wear the label on his sleeve. Usually I try to let it show by how I act. Usually it just comes up casually, he says. When asked what God wants of him, he concludes, I want to be a foundation for the lost to stand on and for God to work through. I want to be there for people. I want to help them. Thats kind of what I feel like my job is here. Christ Church welcomed him with open arms and connected him to Christ.

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Photo from the Salina, KS Mission Trip

AROUND THE CORNER

SALINA,

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

KANSAS MISSION TRIP

Shannon Peiffer Volunteer Writer with us. As we listened, our hearts were opened and our eyes filled with tears as each dear one told her story. Listening helped us to understand what led them to this place. Bearing their hearts moved ours; creating a bond we all could share. Sleeping on floors and working our fingers to the bone didnt feel like much compared to what they had endured. To a number of us, it just didnt seem we could do enough. As we ministered, a news reporter showed up with a newspaper journalist. We made the local paper and our efforts were broadcast to area residents. People came by just to express appreciation for the things we were doing. As our youth gave up their one free day to continue working, Kara Rolph, one of the youth leaders commented, The change that I witnessed in the youth was amazing. They were so selfless, strong in their convictions, and they were just willing to do anything that was helpful. Kylie Georgian, one of our 15-year-old youths, described the impact it made on her life, saying, The mission trip really strengthened me in my relationship with Christ. I met troubled women who found strength in Christ and they showed me how He has helped them through difficult times. Though we left some projects unfinished, Gods work in our hearts was complete. Jim Harrelson of our Millstadt campus revealed, I learned about myself. Terri Haider concluded, I thought it was just an opportunity to give back, but it was more. Bill Murphy described it best, The overall take away from the trip is fresh wind in my sails! There is no telling how many doors were opened or how many needs had been met, but through this adventure we were forever changed. Just as the Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:35, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

n this life there are very few adventures truly worth talking about; these noteworthy events have a wonderful way of changing our perspectives.the Christ Church mission trip to Salina, Kansas was one such adventure.

We were called to help in the restoration of two 100-year-old homes that are used for disenfranchised women. These homes were falling apart and just waiting to be rescued. The people managing these homes had spent their lives giving to others; now it was their turn to receive desperately needed help. Two trips were organized, each consisting of 50 people with a passion to serve; we were given both the opportunity and the means to minister. With materials, a purpose and church support behind us, we stepped out to lend a hand, but what we received in return went far beyond our expectations. Teens, ranging in age from 12 to 17, joined together with a group of adults in an eight-hour drive in answer to a call from God. The first group replaced a deck on one home while giving the other a fresh coat of paint. The inside of the home also received repair, mainly focusing on the roof over the kitchen. The second team accomplished the same outside jobs, but on the other home and finished up the kitchen work. I joined the second group on this adventure. We arrived on a Saturday and were greeted with smiles, laughter and food. We ate our fill and were given an education on the women living in the homes, and learned these women were recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, and how the home had given them fresh hope for a normal life. Many of these women had grown up in environments that most people could not imagine. They were torn, ravaged, discarded, and left holding a lot of baggage. With unhealthy beginnings, many had fallen into the same cycle of destructive habits as their parents. Each woman had her own story to tell and bravely shared it

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Photo from Christ Church efforts in Uganda

AROUND THE WORLD

HINES UGANDAN MINISTRIES,

(HUM)

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Roni McDaniels Volunteer Writer In July, a ministry team from Katherines home church (Bear Valley Church, Colorado) provided intensive activities with the AWANA children playing games, teaching, and tutoring children in math skills. Melanie May joined Katherine as the ministrys second full-time missionary. She spent her first year investing her God-given talents and time in the AWANA club and Genesis School. Duchu, who graduated from the sponsorship program a few years ago, is now working for the ministry and started a youth ministry in 2013. Several other sponsored children who have graduated from the university are successfully employed and carrying Gods word throughout their communities. Alice and Beatrice are working as nurses in Kampala hospitals. Bumba began working at a bank last year after he graduated and has now moved to Telecomm in Juba, Sudan. Sosi is working for the Ministry of Finance, and Sarah is employed with the HUM ministry as a social worker. Katherine and her ministry team continue to pour into the local community through various evangelistic outreach events, daily prayer, and a reliance on God to provide for the many, ongoing needs. 9

hrist Church continued its support of the HUM AWANA program in 2013. HUM, under the leadership of its director, Katherine Hines, made advances in multiple ministry efforts in 2013. HUM continued to sponsor approximately 200 childrens education and basic needs, provided weekly AWANA activities for up to 800+ children, cared for widows, and provided various community outreach activities throughout the year. This document summarizes and highlights HUMs milestones for the year. The Genesis Primary School, currently located at the church, provided instruction for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade, and plans to add one classroom at the next grade level each year. HUM began construction of the first classrooms for their Genesis Primary School, which are planned to be completed in Spring 2014. The orphan home for the high school and college girls, sponsored by Orphans Heart, was also completed. The girls moved into the new home providing Katherine space for more young children needing care in her home. HUM installed a well, providing clean water for Katherines home and the children she is raising, as well as for the three other orphan homes on the property. The ministry was also able to install a generator provided by a sponsoring church in Texas, which ensures continuous electricity during the frequent power outages. The Kamonkoli Kraft Center, now in its third year, has successfully employed a dozen women who produce jewelry and sew school uniforms and other clothing, as a means to provide income for their families. In 2013, the HUM medical office continued to meet the health care needs of sponsored children. The medical office is staffed by a medical officer (i.e., physicians assistant) and nurse assistant.

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Biker Church service on July 14, 2013

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

CHRIST CHURCH CAMPUSES

Matt Denny CM Campus Worship Leader Jesus Christ. The newest of these campuses is known simply as Biker Church led by Wayne Witter. Wayne has been active in lay ministry at Christ Church for some time, but in late 2012 he felt God call him to create a ministry specifically targeted at bikers. God confirmed His call several times as Wayne started this journey, especially in providing both the name and original venue for the church. The purpose of Biker Church is to take the gospel where the people are, whether that is a bike night, a bar, or a rally. A typical service for Biker Church consists of lunch from 12 1 PM, followed by worship and

o two children are exactly alike. No matter how similar their genes, environments, or cultures are, children develop into unique individuals. One of the joys of parenting is watching that process of growth and development play out. Christ Church has given birth 3 times over the last 2 years. In his January 2011 state of the church message, Rev. Shane shared a new vision for our growing church which involved planting regional campuses off-site. Since then, after much prayer, planning, and preparation, 3 new babies have begun to develop and find their unique role in connecting the Metro East with

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CHRIST CHURCH

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the Word. Guest speakers either give their testimonies or share a prepared message. The campus meets once a month and has recently moved from Smithton to the Fairview Heights VFW. Wayne shared that one challenge he has been excited to see God help them overcome was an initial lack of structure and leaders. It has been encouraging for him to see people fill the roles that have developed as the ministry has grown. Biker church celebrated a major milestone in 2013. They had their first professions of faith occur at a day-long Revival rally in Grafton on October 19th. It was heartening for the group to see God move so powerfully in the lives of a young man and woman. One of Waynes goals for the coming year is to plant new Biker Church campuses in locations around the Metro East. In 2012 Christ Churchs middle child, the Millstadt campus, celebrated its first birthday and completed its first full year of ministry even after experiencing a stiff challenge to open the year. An unexpected resignation left Millstadt without campus leaders as the calendar turned to January. Though it would have been easy to panic, campus members and leaders instead trusted God and sought His will while Larry Weber and Sam and Nikki Gentes shared leadership duties. By April, it was clear to all that Sam and Nikki were called to fill the vacated roles. Looking back, Sam and Nikki 12

are grateful for allowing the process to work out as God intended. With each new challenge the campus faces, they are learning more and more to seek God and wait for His answers. The Millstadt campus provides the only contemporary worship experience in its geographic area, and people in the community have been responding to the opportunity. In a community dominated by more traditional worship options, the Millstadt campus offers young families another way to connect with Christ. The campus has also allowed Christ Church to be active in another location. Campus members participated in the Millstadt Homecoming Parade this past summer and also provided the largest single donation in the history of the Millstadt food pantry. Millstadt is also experiencing tremendous growth when it comes to campus unity. Since its inception, the campus has held monthly prayer meetings. These meetings consist of a meal and fellowship time, prayer, and worship. While the Sunday worship services have been growing throughout the year, attendance at the prayer meetings has grown faster. Sam and Nikki feel these experiences have been vital to building the unity and commitment needed to do all the work required to set up and tear down a campus every week. God has brought Millstadt through many

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

challenges in 2013, and as Rev. Shane is fond of saying, they believe the best is yet to come. As children grow, older obstacles are overcome and eventually replaced by newer ones. Christ Churchs oldest child, the Maryville campus, experienced this phenomenon in 2013. As the campus celebrated its second birthday, year 3 of ministry brought with it a new question: How do we continue to connect our community with Christ? Put another way, how do we prevent ourselves from falling into a dry routine? As campus leaders considered and discussed the question, they decided a combination of old and new was needed. Thus, the campus put on the third edition of some of its favorite events such as the October Hayride, Summer VBS, and Christmas Candlelight Service. However, like a child learning to take its first steps, new events were carefully planned and executed. In August the Maryville campus held its first ASCEND worship service. It consisted of member testimonies and over 40 minutes of worship music. In addition, a childrens Christmas play (which was written, directed, and produced by campus members) was put on in December. Campus leaders were thrilled with seeing dreams become reality in 2013. Services at Maryville are held at the YMCA. From the first preview service,

members have joked about having a baptism service in the pool. In 2013, that happened! Campus leaders Jon and Robyn Clark were recently reminiscing about a VBS held in Maryville before the launch of the campus where fewer than 10 children attended. Over 30 children were involved with the production of the Christmas play! It is exciting to see God move in enormous new ways each year in Maryville. All children are unique, but all are loved and created for a purpose. God has blessed Christ Church with the resources and vision to spread the gospel beyond the Fairview Heights campus. Each new campus looks and feels different from its siblings, but each is accomplishing a different aspect of the churchs mission. We are one church in multiple locations, but we are empowered by the same Spirit and excited to see what the future holds!

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CHRIST CHURCH

BAPTISMS

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PROFESSIONS OF FAITH
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AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

CAMPUS REPORT
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CHRIST CHURCH

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SERVING CHRIST METRICS

2013 saw our Serving Christ Team serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in Loving Neighbor through its largest mission and outreach results ever!

2013

over $35,000
16

distributed for emergency relief for the Philippines. A team from Christ Church also traveled to the Philippines and assisted with direct support.

over $25,000 over 17,726 over 1,500

distributed to people of Christ Church in temporary financial need through our Network of Caring.

over 44,000 over 7,500

hours to date have been recorded in our 3 year 100,000 Hours Initiative.

canned goods collected in our Christmas in September annual drive. Food was distributed to the food banks of Fairview Heights, Millstadt and Maryville.

hours served by the people of Christ Church in support of the Christian Activity Center.

backpacks were collected during our annual Backpack Attack drive. School supplies and backpacks were distributed to students throughout the Metro East Region.

over 1,000 Hundreds over 300 over 200 over 30

hours served by the people of Christ Church in support of the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood Homes.

over 400 over 300 over 300 over 200 over 20

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

hours served by the people of Christ Church in Assisted Living Centers.

received the gift of sight in the Philippines and Honduras through our Sight Ministries.

children whose parent(s) are incarcerated received gifts from the people of Christ Church through Angel Tree.

gifts distributed to Metro East nursing homes during our annual Christmas Cheer effort.

hours served by our Prison Ministry through prayer and encouragement to incarcerated men and women.

hours served in womens shelters empowering those overcoming abuse and poverty.

coats and winter clothing items were collected during our Messiah Sing-A-Long.

outreach trips by our Least of These Ministry distributed over 400 coats, thousands of clothing items, food packages, hygiene items and medical supplies to those in the downtown areas of Belleville, East St. Louis and St. Louis.

families in need received furniture, clothing, appliances and other means for living from the efforts of our Welcome Home Ministries. 17

3 ERT Trips

Three Emergency Response Team / Summer Mission Trips went to Kansas and Missouri to assist people in emergency need due to tornado, hurricane or other natural disaster.

2 Missionary Trips

Two missionary trips were taken to San Pedro Sula, Honduras in support of Inglesia De Cristo Casa De Paz Christ Church (our campus in Honduras), and our outreach ministry partnerships.

We have been faithful to the call of Loving Neighbor. We step into 2014, looking to do even more for the glory of the Kingdom of God as we connect others with Jesus Christ!

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2013 FINANCIAL REPORT

C
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Alan Prass Executive Director As you have read the stories in this report about Christ Church this is just a mere sampling of what God is doing in multiple locations throughout the world. God has blessed this church and in turn the church has become a blessing to so many. Generous donors, strong lay leadership, dedicated staff and a vision-led church combine to make a powerful agent of God that goes out of the buildings it occupies and rolls up its sleeves and changes the world one person at a time. Your trust, confidence and, above all, your faith in Christ Church is greatly appreciated.

hrist Churchs mission is about connecting people with Jesus Christ. As you can see in this report we have been quite successful. The numbers speak for themselves, 70 baptisms, 90 professions of faith and an increase in weekly worship attendance of 81 per week. Without your contributions of Gods tithes and your offerings none of this is remotely possible. By any measure, thanks to you, 2013 was another extraordinary year. As you can see in this report, we have made a difference down the hall, around the corner and around the world. Your contributions went to changing lives and in effect helping change the world to understand the everlasting love of God.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013

Overall giving for the year was up

$276,765
from 2012.

We took a special offering for the Philippine Typhoon relief totaling

to the Metamorphic Future offering in August.

$192,000

You contributed over

When you add the matching funds from the United Methodist of $11,000 that came to $35,623. Those resources provided much needed drinking water, food and medical supplies to the people of the Philippines and to many of the families of the scholars that we support.

$24,623

Christ Church Christmas Offering totaled

These resources were distributed to assist our Network of Caring Fund, Upward Sports Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Bud Baron Scholarship Fund and AWANA in Honduras and Uganda.

$56,645

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

ASSETS - 2013 Balance Sheet

Checking / Savings
Petty Cash Mission Trip Cash Money Market Cash Total $300 $7,829.94 $82,103.48 $306,238.71 $396,472.13

Inventory
Bookstore Total $14,903.71 $14,903.71

Fixed Assets
Buildings Land Vehicles Equipment & Furniture Accumulated Depreciation Total $12,635,089.39 $260,000.00 $94,078.00 $597,308.20 ($2,758,378.17) $10,828,097.42

Other Assets
Loan Closing Costs Accumulated Amortization Total $60,203.50 ($5,436.40) $54,767.10

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$11,294,240.36

TOTAL ASSETS

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LIABILITIES - 2013 Balance Sheet

Payable Liabilities
Accounts Payable Sales Tax Payable Total $1,087.76 $1,619.68 $2,707.44

Payroll Liabilities
Payroll Liabilities - Other Employee Pension Contribution Total $187.43 $2,035.42 $2,222.85

Long Term Liabiliities

Sanctuary Mortgage Capital Lease - Soundboard Chapel/Cafe Renovations Total $4,828,739.34 $7,350.24 $545,967.05 $5,382,056.63

System Due To Accounts

System Due to - General System Due to - Building System Due to - CM Campus System Due to - Millstadt Campus System Due to - Bookstore System Due to - SE Campus System Due to - Biker Church System Due to - Coffee Caf Total $9,172,801.73 ($9,178,032.90) ($10,378.01) $12,041.39 $2,765.41 $1,327.12 $88.98 ($613.72) $0.00

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TOTAL LIABILITIES

$5,386,986.92

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

FUND PRINCIPAL - 2013 Balance Sheet

Fund Principal
Unobligated Operating Funds Unobligated Building Funds New Sanctuary Equity Unobligated CM Campus Funds Unobligated Millstadt Campus Funds Unobligated Bookstore Funds Excess Cash Received Total $2,596,868.96 $2,908,355.75 $170,500.34 $20,618.15 ($20,540.71) ($271.23) $132,025.41 $5,807,556.67

TOTAL FUND PRINCIPAL

$5,807,556.67

RESTRICTED FUNDS - 2013 Balance Sheet

Restricted Funds
Total Temporary Restricted Total Permanently Restricted Total $99,696.77 $0.00 $99,696.77

TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS

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$99,696.77

TOTAL LIABILITIES, FUND PRINCIPAL & RESTRICTED FUNDS $11,294,240.36

CHRIST CHURCH

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FINANCIAL REPORT
$3,500,000

$2,036,334
$1,750,000

$2,284,087

$2,599,733

$2,853,992

$3,130,758

$0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Tithes & Offerings

$5,800,000
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$5,702,739

$5,398,567
$5,300,000

$5,374,706

$5,020,495 $4,899,900
$4,800,000 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

End of Year Debt

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

$700,000

$579,435

$620,866

$350,000

$304,341

$0

2011

2012 Electronic Giving

2013

E-tithe

2011 2012 2013 2011 2012 2013 2011 2012 2013 2011 2012 2013 2011 2012 2013 $0

$104,378

$164,534.00 $155,565.00
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Web

$129,444 $58,543 $99,561.00 $64,707.00 $31,402.00 $11,976 $22,439.99 $26,549.06

$60,000 $120,000 $180,000 $240,000

$261,498.00 $270,932.00

Kiosk

Mobile

$103,113.00

Payroll Tithes

$300,000

Christ Church | Annual Report | 2013

Learn more about Christ Church at www.mychristchurch.com 618-277-4659 | 339 Frank Scott Parkway East Fairview Heights, IL 62208