Pastor Dwaine’s Annual Report
2011
August 23, 1995. I came across that date recently. It’s the day I began serving as a pastor at Resurrection. Almost 16 ½ years, yet in many ways it seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. But when I looked at a picture of our family taken at that time, the passing of years was more obvious. Our son Joel was a pre-schooler. Rachel was just getting ready for first grade. Now they’re off to college and beyond. Jeanne hasn’t changed much. But as for me – let’s just say there’s a little more grey around the edges.
But beyond those personal changes, I’ve also been reminiscing a bit about the changes this congregation has seen over those years. I even went through the files and found the 1995 annual report. So, I hope you will indulge me a bit as I share some of differences between Resurrection of 1995 and the Resurrection of today.
Baptized membership in 1995 was 636, and 150 people were in worship during the average week. Today those numbers are 959 and 245. Comparing church directories from 1995 and today quickly reveals the many people who have become part of our fellowship over these years. In 1995, total congregational giving was $112,471 and we gave $8,262 to support ministries beyond our church walls. In 2011, gifts totaled $338,018 and we offered $40,594 to God’s work beyond Resurrection. In 1995, Resurrection’s mortgage was over $245,000. At the end of 2011, we have added the education wing, paid off all building debt and now have over $60,000 in our Building Fund as we consider continuing improvements to our facility.
Perhaps one of the most dramatic changes is found in our church staff. In 1995, that staff included a secretary, worship pianists and the pastor. Today, Kathy Kuebelbeck serves as secretary, and Karen Bobeldyk, Kathy Wirth, Diana White and Jeanne Bruns are our pianists. But we have also added an associate pastor – Linda Lagergren, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator – Sandy Spiczka, Worship and Music Staff – Karen Bobeldyk, Kathy Kuebelbeck and Jeanne Bruns, custodian – Dale Hasch, and Nursery Attendant – Sarah Torchia. All of these excellent staff members have helped us to expand the mission and ministry of our congregation.
Now in some ways, even with those obvious changes – Resurrection’s purpose is still the same as it was in 1995. In fact, our present Mission Statement, “Called together by God’s Love: We Welcome Joyfully, Grow Faithfully, and Serve Gratefully – In Jesus’ Name” was as true 16 ½ years ago as it is today. But by God’s grace and through the faithful support of so many of you, we have been blessed with wonderful opportunities to grow and expand the mission of this congregation. I give thanks to God for the amazing privilege being a part of what God has been doing in this place over the past 16 ½ years.
I have to admit, looking back in this way is enjoyable. But what makes me even more thankful is the fact that Resurrection continues to grow in God’s mission and finds new ways to bring God’s love and care to the world. In fact, these are just a few of the highlights as I think about things that have taken place just this past year in our congregation.
Two new wonderful events were led by the children of our congregation. Last spring, we spent several weeks saving our coins for God’s Global Barnyard. Children in animal costumes reminded us of the many ways providing animals to hungry people can help them care for their families. In the end, $1,300 was collected to buy cows, goats, pigs, chicks and other animals for those in need. And during Advent, children also led us in our Good Gifts Fair. There, they encouraged us to consider replacing some of the Christmas gifts we give to each other with gifts for those who may need them more. Through that encouragement, we offered over $2,000 to provide animals, fruit trees, and water jugs. We gave gifts that will help children attend school and receive medical care, and offered bibles and hymnals to assist beginning congregations in their worship life. What a great way to help celebrate Jesus’ birth!
Other notable events of 2011 included 20 baptisms and 16 of our young men and men affirming their baptisms in our Service of Confirmation. (A couple of those students were baptized here not long after I came to Resurrection in 1995.) We sent Mission Trips to People’s Church in Bemidji and Miracle Ranch Orphanage in Tecate’, Mexico. We added the Rain Garden as a way of caring for God’s creation, as well as our Prayer Garden to provide a place of beauty and contemplation.
Of course, we have also continued our week to week ministries that carry out God’s call to share Christ’s love through our words and deeds. Worship has been held, sermons preached, Sacraments shared. Classes have been taught, faith nurtured, the sick prayed for and visited, the grieving comforted, visitors and college students welcomed. Christ’s love has been extended as we collected food for the hungry, clothing for those need, school supplies for students, and significant monetary gifts for ministries that serve others. In all those ways and countless more, we have shared in God’s work and extended Christ’s love.
And God isn’t finished yet. I can only imagine all the ways that this congregation will be guided in its continued work of being God’s hands and voice of love for the communities around us. What a wonderful gift it is to be able to look to the future with anticipation and excitement.
I close this report with words of thanks. I mentioned the staff of Resurrection earlier. I am grateful to serve with such gifted and dedicated people as colleagues in ministry. I also express appreciation for the members of our Congregation Council: Steve Johnson, Dan Kuntz, Mark Kranz, Wilbur Wilkens, Rachel Kuebelbeck, Jeanie Wilkens, Dale White, Mike Lage, Troy Battig, Lou Jagielski and Pastor Linda. They have provided faithful leadership to our congregation and we have an enjoyable time working together.
Finally, I thank you, the members of Resurrection for your support and sharing in the Gospel for the past 16 ½ years. I am grateful for the privilege of being one of your pastors. May God continue to bless our partnership.
Pastor Dwaine