2021

2021 Annual Report

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF EVANSTON, UCC
JANUARY 30, 2022
 2021 Annual Meeting Agenda
Sunday, January 30, 2022

11:05 Call to Order – Rev. Lindsey Hammond, Moderator
11:06 Opening Prayer & Moment of Remembrance – Rev. Timothy Stevens, Interim Senior
Minister
11:10 Acceptance of Minutes from the 2020 Annual Meeting – Rev. Lindsey Hammond
11:12 Minister’s Report – Rev. Timothy Stevens
11:17 Moderator’s Report – Rev. Lindsey Hammond
11:22 Treasurer’s Report – Doug Smith
11:30 Report of Nominating Committee – Anne Trompeter
11:40 Vote on Slate of Nominees – Rev. Lindsey Hammond
11:45 Annual Awards – Nick Tucker & Chris Krei
11:50 Music Director Search Update & Q&A – Sheran Fiedler
12:00 Adjourn - Julie Captain & Sarah Pressly

2021 Annual Report Table of Contents

Minutes of 2020 Annual meeting 2
December Budget Meeting Overview 3

Reports
Clerks Report 4
Senior Minister 5
Moderator 7
Board of Trustees 8
Board of Worship, Music and the Arts 9
Board of Christian Education 10
Board of Mission 12
Board of Deacons 16
Stewardship Committee 16
Anti-Racism Taskforce 17
Memorial Garden 20
Pastoral Nominating Committee 20
Financial Statement 21
Nominating Committee 28
2022 Officers Voting Slate 29
Annual Attendance 34

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2020 Annual Meeting Minutes

First Congregational Church of Evanston
2020 Annual Meeting Minutes
January 31, 2021 at 11 AM by Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 11:05 and Rev. Tim Stevens offered an opening prayer.
Lindsey H said that following the meeting we will have break-out sessions so the committees can meet to
select officers, or you can join a coffee hour.

We observed a moment of silence to remember Peggy Tinzman and Corene McColllum, who died since
the 2020 annual meeting.

The Minutes of the 2020 Annual meeting were approved.

Minister’s Report: Rev. Tim has served as our interim pastor since July 2020. He is enjoying his time
with us but looks forward to when we will be able to meet in person. February is the time of year of the
annual Vision Keeper Dinner. It is an opportunity to raise funds and to honor one exceptional person
from each church.
Despite the indefinite postponement of the event, a person from our congregation has been chosen: Barb
Ferguson. Described by Rev Tim in glowing terms as steadfast, always saying yes and our North Star,
Barb is in charge of scheduling volunteers to feed the homeless.

Moderator’s Report: Lindsey H thanks everyone for all that they do. Special thanks to Kevin Siembor,
Vice-moderator and to the staff for their extraordinary commitment to making every day work for FCCE.
She also high-lighted the Church Council and the Anti-racism group.
February 24 will be the launch of a Weds Lenten book study group featuring the book, Dear White People,
led by Joseph. A limited number of copies have been ordered to hold in the office or you can pick up your
own. They are $25.

The Treasurer’s Report: what an unusual year it has been. Although pledges are down, gifts have been
received as well as $33,000 in PPE funds. With the stock market showing increases, the total of our
endowment has increased slightly to $1,969,000. Doug will be applying for another PPE loan. Note that
staff expenses are 62% of our expenses. Doug Smith has been our treasurer for six years and we are
grateful for his steady hand.

Anne Trompeter reported on the Nominating Committee, which she chairs. Her committee has worked
hard; Lindsey H has contributed an attitude of positivity. Anne reviewed the slate, saying where there are
still openings During the meeting, five people volunteered to fill vacancies: Lyn Page-Mission; Jeff R:
Trustees/Buildings and Grounds; Catherine W- WMA; Thekla- Stewardship; Kate- Mission.. The motion
was made to accept the slate, It was seconded and PASSED.

Members-At-Large: Catherine Watkins told us who she and Nick selected for the three annual awards:
Pilgrim: Bob Krause for his dedicated leadership over this most unusual year. Man of the Year: Mark
Daniels, especially for his HR work; Woman: Lindsey Hammond for her calm, positive leadership, always.

Pastoral Nominating Committee: Catherine explained that the committee is working on discerning the
local church profile, which has to represent our diversity, our history and our hopes for the future
direction of the congregation. The committee values congregational input and will be offering
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opportunities to participate and express yourself. The timeline is only approximate, but allowing
eighteen months for an interim period is normal. Our lives have been so up-ended since COVID that we
can only guess about the degree of interest we may find when we go public with the search. Rev Tim is a
reassuring presence among us at this time, because we already know him. Kevin emphasized the need for
soul-searching in this process. The LCP is lengthy and detailed.

The Annual meeting was adjourned at 1:05, with the option of moving into break-out rooms to meet
with newly elected committees.

Candy Heaphy






December Budget Meeting Overview

Congregational Meeting to view the proposed 2022 Budget
December 5, 2021 @ 11 AM
In person and on Zoom following worship.

Shea Lutton, chair of Trustees, called the meeting to order at 11 AM and gave an overview of the budget
that is being proposed by the Trustees.

Covid has had a major effect on the income side for two years. Groups we have shared space with have
been unable to operate safely and therefore were not able to pay the negotiated rent. Arrangements have
been offered by FCCE to reduce rent temporarily.

Building maintenance has been deferred for several years. The bathrooms need major work, and the
roofs of both the Sanctuary and the Church House are leaking, creating problems in the ceilings and walls
beneath them. Over time, damage from leaks will limit our ability to rent space., leading to further loss of
income. For 2022, the Trustees recommend addressing the roofs of both the Church House and Sanctuary
by allocating $125k for repairs.

Trustees also recommend setting aside another $125k to address bathrooms and plumbing in 2023 and
an additional $75k to finish the tuck pointing on the brick walls in 2024. While this will eat into the
endowment, they feel that it is better than allowing further deterioration and paying for additional
interior repairs due to water damage.

Questions were asked but when the vote was called, the budget was approved unanimously!

Thanks to all who worked so hard to get to this point.

Candy Heaphy, clerk

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2021 Annual Report of the Clerk

Baptisms:
Hazel Ann Zann
Logan Adrian Zann
(Children of Christopher and Holly Zann)

Weddings:
None

In Memoriam:
Jo Babbitt
Margot Goode
Corene McCollum
Bernice Valantinas

New Members:
Jazmyn Vasquez
Alexandra Vasquez

Ordinations:
Rev. Jon Gilbert Martinez
Rev. Lindsey Hammond

Senior Minister’s Report

During 2021, I completed my first year as Interim Minister. 2021 was also our second year of coping with
the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, we continued our journey faith in a time of great transition and
challenge.

For the first six months, we continued holding worship services virtually. The various parts of the service
were video recorded. Those parts were then edited into a continuous worship service and made
available on YouTube, Facebook, and the FCCE website. Worshipers had the opportunity to view the
Facebook premiere on Sunday morning at 10 am. Those viewing were invited to make their presence
known in the comments section. After the 10 am service, a virtual coffee hour was held on Zoom. These
were efforts to create a space for shared community.

In July, we began to offer hybrid worship, both in person in the sanctuary and online with briefer
prerecorded services. Initially, music was not included in those prerecorded services. The Chancel Choir
Quartet provided music for in-person worship. Worshipers in the sanctuary were asked to wear masks
and maintain appropriate social and physical distance. In the fall, FCCE had a video system installed in
the sanctuary. The hope was to live-stream the service on the internet for those who chose not to be
physically present. We discovered that it was difficult to obtain internet service with sufficient
bandwidth to allow streaming. The best we could do was record the service and make it available early
in the week for those who wanted to participate from home. We continue to explore ways to make
worship services available to those who cannot be present physically on Sunday mornings.

On April 17, I helped lead a Church Council Retreat over Zoom. We went through a process of “asset-
based community development,” assessing the many assets (individual, social, physical) of the church.

Throughout the year, I continued to lead to adult education groups, both meeting on Zoom. The
Wednesday Night Bible study group read and discussed the book of Genesis and the Gospel of Mark. The
Thursday morning Book Discussion group focused on books such as Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of
Others, by Barbara Brown Taylor, and Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks, by Diana Butler
Bass.

This year we also participated in the life of the wider church. Ecclesiastical Councils were held for two of
our members in the ordination process. An Ecclesiastical Council is a meeting of the Conference
convened by a vote of the Committee on Ministry for the specific purpose of examining a candidate for
Ordination or Privilege of Call. The first was for Lindsay Hammond (June 6, 2021). The second was for
Jon Gilbert Martinez (July 24, 2021).

FCCE subsequently hosted Ordination services for these candidates. The first, for Lindsey Hammond, was
held on September 19, 2021. The second, Jon Gilbert Martinez, was held on October 3, 2021.

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Several memorial services were held this year: Corene McCollum (February 7, 2021); Joan Elizabeth "Jo"
(Flood) Babbitt (May 22, 2021). A grave-side service at Memorial Park and reception at the church were
held for Bernice Valantinas (August 6, 2021). I also helped lead a memorial service for Russell Maylone,
spouse of FCCE member Sandra Whitely, on October 2, 2021 at Northwestern University’s library. I
attended the memorial service for Lindsay Brown, father of Laurie Brown, held at Winnetka
Congregational Church.

Sarah Petersen and I led confirmation classes for Jazmyn Vasquez and Alexandra Vasquez, nieces of
Gilbert Martinez. They were confirmed during a Zoom service on May 23, 2021.

I conducted two baptisms of children in the Zann family, new residents of Evanston: Hazel Ann Zann (age
5) and Logan Adrian Zann (age2). The parents are Christopher and Holly Zann. The baptisms took place
in the chapel on December 22, 2021.

I have consulted with the Pastoral Nominating Committee as they worked through their process of
congregational self-study and the creation of a church profile. The PNC has been diligent and
conscientious in their work. Once the church profile was completed and made public, my role became
changed. While I continued to be available for background consultation, I was not directly involved in
reviewing applications. The committee completed that process and arrived at an unanimous consensus
to call present a candidate, who was called by the congregation on January 9, 2022. Rev. Jason Coulter
will assume the position of settled minister in April, 2022.

This has been a year of significant staff transitions. In the summer, Miko Fentanes, church administrator,
left us to pursue another job opportunity. I arranged for Wayne MacPherson to provide temporary office
assistance. We were able to hire Mahdia Lynn-Green as our new church administrator. She has quickly
learned the necessary systems and procedures. Her contributions are greatly appreciated.

A major transition has been the retirement of David Lornson as Organist and Director of Music after a 37-
year tenure. In my short time working with David, I have been grateful for his fine liturgical sensibility
and thoughtful contributions to worship planning. Beyond his many musical gifts, he has been a steady
and steadying presence in First Congregational Church. He has an unerring sense of what is most needed
in a given moment. His historical perspective is invaluable. I join everyone at FCCE in wishing David the
very best in his next chapter of life.

A search committee has been formed to find the next Music Director for FCCE, chaired by Sheran Fiedler.
The committee with coordinate their efforts with the new settled minister, who will arrive in April, 2022.

On a personal note, I needed to travel to Sarasota, Florida, in for several weeks in the fall to care for my
mother. We placed her in an assisted living facility and started the process of closing her condominium
and putting it on the market. I appreciate the generous support I received from the church in that
difficult time. As someone who regularly extends pastoral care to others, it was a blessing to be the
recipient of so much loving care.

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As I stated in last year’s annual report, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the congregation in
this time of transition for First Congregational Church. I continue to learn a great deal from you about
what it means to be the church—especially in these difficult times. I am grateful for the opportunity to
travel with you on this part of your spiritual journey.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Dr. Timothy S. Stevens

Moderator’s Report

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in God, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:3).

As I write this report, I am filled with so much hope and gratitude for our church.

Reflecting on the past year feels like somewhat of a blur. It’s sometimes hard to remember when wearing
masks and getting Covid tests didn’t feel normal. Yet, our church has supported and cared for one another
as we struggled through the pandemic and navigated many transitions.

Our transitions began two years ago in the month after I began serving as the Moderator. Rev. Ann’s
retirement announcement coincided with the beginning of the pandemic. Immediately, our leadership
innovated and created new ways to gather and worship together virtually. In the time since celebrating
and saying goodbye to Rev. Ann, we have bid farewell to Miko Fentanes Steiner, our Church
Administrator, Linnea Garcia, our Nursery Supervisor, and our beloved David Lornson after 37 years of
service to our congregation as Director of Music. We have been richly blessed to welcome Rev. Tim
Stevens as our Interim Minister and Mahdia Lynn-Greene, our fabulous Church Administrator, and
benefit from their excellent leadership.

Thanks to the dedication and careful discernment of the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC), we are
celebrating the call of Rev. Jason Coulter to be our next Senior Minister beginning in April, 2022. Thank
you for your trust and prayers that helped guide the PNC’s work. Rev. Coulter brings exciting energy and
an abundance of hope for our congregation about the possibilities for God to work through us in our
community.

We are blessed with a wonderful church community. I want to thank the members of the Church Council
for your shared wisdom and leadership as we discerned together how to best care for the congregation
during surges and outbreaks. Please read all of their reports to see the critical ways our boards and
committees are expressing God’s love. A big thank you to Lindsey Siemens, who is the most amazing Vice
Moderator. Lindsey is a gifted, calm, and reassuring presence, constantly sharing helpful insight and
support. I’m also very thankful for the incredible ministry of Sarah Petersen, Director of Learning and
Outreach. She continues to be an inspiring teacher, advocate, and steady rock for our staff, children, and
the wider church.

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It has been a joy to serve the church as the Moderator. I am overflowing with hope for our future as our
incoming church leaders, new minister, talented staff, and loving congregation find new ways to express
God’s love in action, compassion, and justice.

Peace and blessings,
Rev. Lindsey Hammond

Board of Trustees
2022 Annual Report
1/10/2022

2021 was a year of tremendous upheaval, uncertainty, transition, and blessings for First Congregational
Church of Evanston. As the Covid pandemic began in March of 2020, Rev. Ann announced that she was
retiring. When she stepped away in June, Rev. Tim Stevens became our interim minister to guide us
through the search for a new minister and the stress of the pandemic. On January 9th, 2022 the
congregation voted to call Rev. Jason Coulter to be our next minister. David Lornsen also retired after
decades of service as music director this year and Miko Fentanes served as church administrator for two
years before leaving this year. Mahdia Lynn-Greeene has stepped skillfully into the role. With Rev.
Coulter, Sarah, and Mahdia in place, the church can develop a new vision for our church to grow into.

So much has been written about the impacts of Covid, I won’t belabor the effects more than necessary.
The congregation has not felt comfortable with many of the regular parts of worship and community,
even after vaccines became available and so services and meetings were held remotely and the buildings
were far less used than is customary. With financial uncertainty and low use, all plans for the buildings
have been deferred for the past two years.

As the church starts to form a new vision, the trustees will need to develop financial and building
reinvestment plans that amplify and support the vision. There are a few critical parts of the church
infrastructure that must be addressed in the next few years. Maintenance has been deferred on roof
repairs, on the plumbing and bathrooms in both the basement of the church house and sanctuary, and the
second half of the tuck pointing for both buildings. There may be other projects that involve the
plumbing, electrical, and HVAC that are also simply essential. Additional projects that bring benefits to
the church such as accessibility and elevators are important, but should be addressed after the vision for
how the buildings support our community has been developed. As part of the budget for 2022, the
Trustees have set aside $125k for roof repairs to stop the leaks in both the church house and sanctuary.
Water has been destroying arches, paint, and ceilings and the small patch and repair work tried in the last
few years has not resolved the problem. The intention is to address bathrooms in 2023 and remaining
tuck pointing in 2024.
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The Trustees never expected that our financial position would be stronger at the end of Covid, but that is
where we are. The government gave out two large grants to the church totaling around $80k and the
stock market returns were strong which increased our endowment to around $2mm. While that has been
a blessing, the imbalance in our annual budget has continued to grow. Spending has increased and pledge
dollars have shrunk. In my time as chair of trustees, the amount drawn from the endowment to balance
the budget has increased dramatically. In my first year spending was roughly $100k more than our yearly
income. That grew to $200k and now for 2022 with the much needed roof repairs, the spending gap could
be as large as $350k more than our income. In percentage terms, we used to draw 8% of our endowment,
which grew to 12% and this year could be in the 17-18% range. Our financial advisor, Deb Cross of
Romano Brothers, has been sternly reminding us for years that a sustainable rate for an endowment
draw is 4%.

However, A bequest from Corene McCollum that has been in the works for years has arrived. The total
value of the bequest seems to be around $2.5mm dollars, doubling the size of the endowment. The full
amount will be known after the sale of some assets, expected in March or April of 2022. The new chair of
Trustees will be tested with all of the spending proposals that are likely to appear when the extent of the
bequest is known. The financial strength of the church is a blessing and the challenge will be to determine
which investments in the church can bring the most vitality, the most utility, and the most hope as our
congregation moves into the future.

Shea Lutton
Chair of Trustees







Board of Worship, Music and the Arts


WMA continued its work through 2021 to bring meaningful worship, enriched by the
experiences of music and art, to the congregation. We were challenged to remain fluid in our
options and continually were mindful of making sure that we could keep everyone safe. Online
services are available through Facebook and we have held many Zoom coffee hours. Continued
discussion took place over when and where we could resume services, how safe or unsafe was
singing, and when could the choir reconvene. In person Christmas Eve services were cancelled
this year because of safety concerns with the current spike in Covid.

We met for in person worship once again on July 11th. It has been an evolving process. New
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camera equipment was installed to make our services better. We are still facing challenges with
this. The quartet has done inspiring work leading us in hymns and in special music for the
offertory and David Lornson has done a tremendous job for us throughout this tough time.
In March the WMA put together “Art to Go” projects which were available for pick up. These
were kits to make paper bouquets of Easter Lilies. This project was chosen because of the
symbolism of the Lilies and as an outreach to the congregation. Fortunately, the pick-up date
turned out to be a particularly warm and lovely day in early Spring. Sarah Peterson had palms to
pass out for Palm Sunday and WMA met people picking up projects outside the church house.
Participants enjoyed seeing each other once again at this chance gathering. Clearly, we miss
this fellowship.

We said goodbye to our long-time tenor soloist and active member, Kevin Siembor, this year.
WMA held an outdoor reception for him and presented him with a gift.

After thirty-seven years as music director, David Lornson retired at the end of this year. WMA
held a reception for him in December. We presented him with a check, memory book and
paperweight. Many generations of choir members and friends were in attendance, and it was a
nice opportunity to share stories and say goodbye. David’s work here was truly phenomenal.
The full extent of his contributions will undoubtedly continue to surprise us even in his absence.
WMA is responsible for finding a new music director. A subcommittee was formed from
members of the WMA and others, chosen for their expertise.Progress is being made in the
search.

WMA is an active board with many other responsibilities not named. We are looking forward to
a vibrant and fulfilling year in 2022.

- Rhonda Storm, WMA Chair







Board Of Christian Education

B.O.C.E. meets monthly on Zoom. Members worked on ideas and suggestions for providing
opportunities, activities and especially information for our children, youth, families and FCCE
members. The weekly “Youth News” Sarah sends out gives any upcoming events information for the
Children and Youth and their families as well.

In January as an Epiphany greeting Sarah sent Star Words for the children.

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In February we had a Heart Party on Zoom. The children made valentines for family friends and some
church members.

In March some of our children youth and their families prepared spaghetti dinners for Hilda’s Place
guests staying at the Margarita Inn. At our meeting we began talking and considering ideas for Lent and
Holy Week and making it special since we were still unable to meet together safely due to COVID.

In April we worked with WMA to distribute Holy Week “Art to Go” bags to 25 of our children and youth.
Joseph, Robert and Saran developed ideas for a scavenger hunt around the outside of the Sanctuary
putting the signs of spring up in the windows. Children and families and others were given a check list to
follow to find the Signs of Spring up in the windows. We also put up an outdoor Poetry Walk with some
selections from each of our Board members. All around the Sanctuary our families, members, neighbors
and those passing by could read and enjoy the Poetry, nature and some exercise.

In May we celebrated two of our youth, Jazmyn and Alexandra Vasquez were Confirmed after a year of
study with Sarah and Rev. Tim.

In June on Sunday the 13th we celebrated in Service and virtually all the ETHS Graduates and others
graduating from other schools and universities.

In July and August, we were once again able to celebrate Spring Spirit at Raymond Park while parents
were in the worship service. The children, adults in charge and youth helpers were masked and able to
enjoy the fun of running, jumping, outdoor air and sunshine. Hide and seek was a popular game time
passed so quickly.

September 12th with adjustments for safety we were able to celebrate Rally Day. The theme for the day
was All Hands Together. Some poster boards were set up for people to post words or notes of thanks for
all those who had worked and continue to work to keep us connected and worship in ways that are most
safe and comfortable. There was fun for the children (and others) with hula hoops, some games and
activities. There was food provided in box lunches and ice cream bars were provided by the Wilson’s.

In October the Famous bonfire tradition was a welcome back after a year when the Beach spaces were
not available. The weather at the lakefront was great and with safety issues in mind BOCE members
provided special safety S’mores packages to add to the evening’s fun.

In October through December Outdoor Children’s Sunday School has been meeting every week on the
Patio outside the Guild Room. The four teachers and children wear masks and practice distancing. We
have had three to five children every week. We need more adults to teach Sunday School and/or
substitute teachers to call on when it it is necessary. We require two teachers with the class as written in
our Church Policy to meet for Sunday School.

In December we were able to have our traditional Candle Lighting during Worship. Youth and their
families participated as was our tradition pre-COVID. We were most thankful to Sarah’s leadership and

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the help of Mud Lark’s Director Andrew Biliter to able us to have a Christmas Pageant. It was entitled an
Interactive Christmas Pageant. The live performance in the Sanctuary during the Service on the 19th of
December was so Much fun. With little time to pull it together luckily, we were able to pull customers
from past years and the audience participants as well as the walk on performers were a big hit. It was
recorded on video to be shown online later. Eighty-eight people were in worship that Sunday the largest
attendance since pre-COVID.

A decision was made last minute for the safety of everyone to have the Christmas Eve Service online
only. A “spur of the moment” idea from Christine Chrochin brought about thirty adults, children, one new
family and some passersby to the steps of the Sanctuary Christmas Eve. And in the tradition of Carols and
Candles. with L.E.D. candles and voices together they shared in celebration of the Night When Christ Was
Born.
Thanks Be to God, we have made it through 2021.
Sharyn Julcher




Board of Mission

Upon the formation of the 2021 Board of Mission (BOM), the group enthusiastically decided 2021 would
be a year of action following a year of uncertainty and limited activity given the confines created by the
pandemic.
First, after lengthy discussion at its retreat, the Board of Mission studied its calling as outlined in the
bylaws, so that the BOM could clarify its work for the year. From that exercise, future meetings focused
on its three areas of focus:
• Our Church in the World
• Our Church in the Community and
• Mission Giving…
…and three areas of activity:
1. Informing and educating the congregation on areas of need
2. Offering opportunities for action and financial support and
3. Reporting to the congregation on our activities.
BOM members identified an area(s) of interest so that work could be streamlined and efficient.
In early 2021, the BOM resumed its collections for local organizations. The group deemed it could do so in
a safe way by offering donation drop-offs and pick-ups (following safety protocols to be masked and
distanced). These opportunities also offered brief moments of safe and careful in-person socialization,
which everyone greatly appreciated after a year of meeting virtually. Details on the two drives,
spearheaded by Lyn Ward Page follow:
1. Diaper Collection
a. Dates: Saturday mornings, March 13 - April 17, 2021
b. Beneficiaries: Learning Bridge Early Education Center and Childcare Network of Evanston

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 c. Results: 4,853, more than 121% of our goal and 700 more diapers from the last drive in
2019







2. Toiletries and Cleaning Products Collection.
a. Dates: Saturday mornings, May 15 – June 19, 2021
b. Beneficiaries: YWCA and Connections for the Homeless
c. Results: 450+ items, 20% more than the 2019 drive and more than double from 2016, the
first drive.






Other activities related to organizations in the community:
• Interfaith Action of Evanston (IAE): FCCE Delegate Laurie Brown invited someone else to the role,
which Julie Captain accepted.
o A relatively new program of IAE, SnapGap, is available for participation by FCCE. It has
been a successful collection drive for other larger member faith communities, but after
discussion, it was decided that since we already hold two collection drives (and we did so
in an abbreviated block of time in 2021), we would postpone possible participation until
2022.
o The third annual Walk for Warmth will be held in January 2022, so FCCE promoted the
event starting in November and aims to have a team of 12 members walk and raise $500.
o The annual Vision Keepers dinner has been postponed until June 2022 given the state of
the pandemic. FCCE will need to nominate an award winner in early 2022.
• Family Promise: Chris Krei stepped down from his role of coordinator and the BOM began the
process of identifying a new coordinator for FCCE. Towards the end of 2021, opportunities to host
families were available again after a long pause due to the pandemic.
The BOM also took time to discuss and document all of the organizations FCCE is involved with and often
discussed the possibility of suggesting new and different opportunities for service and/or mission giving
given the state of the world and community and the endless need for social justice support. After great
discernment and discussion and with counsel from leadership, the BOM decided to postpone this topic
until there is an opportunity to ask the congregation through a survey in early 2022. Recognizing that
Mission service and giving is a congregation-wide activity and that there are limits to the time and
financial resource our congregation can realistically give, the BOM would like to hear the congregation’s
thoughts and opinions before making recommendations to Church Council on new opportunities. This
document was shared with others on Church Council to ensure accuracy and inclusiveness. It is attached
at the end of this report.
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In September, upon news of the crisis in Afghanistan, Anne Gautier of BOM, Sarah Peterson and Laura
Wilson, explored resources and organizations/opportunities to help. From those discussions and emails,
opportunities for service and involvement were shared with the congregation, including resources
offered by UCC.
In the fall, Lyn Ward Page arranged for Mission Moments to return to the Sunday services so that
attendees could learn about the organizations FCCE serves. The BOM also hoped the timing might help
boost the stewardship committee’s fall appeal campaign.
In October, Church Council asked Board of Mission to make any recommendations for changes to Mission
Giving by the November Church Council meeting. BOM recommend the list of organizations and
percentages supported in 2020 remain consistent in 2021, given pledges collected have declined
compared to pre-pandemic levels. Any changes for 2022 will be discussed after the congregation
responds to the BOM survey in early 2022. The list of those organizations, percentages and projected
2021 amounts follow below:
Name of Organization Percentage 2021 Actual 2020 Actual
(projected)
Meals at Home 15% $1,686.90 $2,143.50
Family Promise 15% $1,686.90 $2,143.50
Interfaith Action 15% $1,686.90 $2,143.50
Connections for the 15% $1,686.90 $2,143.50
Homeless
YWCA 15% $1,686.90 $2,143.50
A Just Harvest 15% $1,686.90 $2,143.50
Learning Bridge 10% $1,124.60 $1,429.00
Superemos $500 $500 $500
Total 10% of total $11,746 $14,790
pledges (projected)


In October, Kate Alexander stepped back from her role on the Board of Mission, as she accepted a role to
serve as an Afghan Evacuee assistant with International Rescue Committee in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.
Kate is now serving as a leader in counseling refugee guests during the process of resettling in the United
States. The BOM applauses Kate for truly exemplifying our mission to express God’s love through action,
compassion and justice.
Lastly, in July the BOM was incredibly saddened by the passing of BOM member Bernice Valentinas. At
the September meeting, the BOM took time to celebrate her life and share favorite memories of Bernice.
She is deeply missed.
The Board of Mission is grateful as ever to the entire FCCE family for providing tangible donations and
their financial support through their pledges to support others in our community and in the world.

Respectfully submitted,

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Julie Captain

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Board of Deacons

Following the congregational meeting on January 31, 2021, the roster of deacons were as follows:

Catherine Watkins (co-chair)
Sarah Pressly (co-chair)
Bob Krause (secretary)
Doug Smith
Nick Tucker
Jennifer Coyne
Mard Daniels
Chris Krei
Laima Day
Bernice Valantinas

Additionally, six other members were available to assist and substitute as needed (Nancy Anderson,
Laurie Brown, Anne Trompeter, Thekla Metz, Aspasia Apostolokis, Robert Benirschke)

The Board of Deacons met several times throughout the year over zoom, and additionally kept in
frequent contact with one another via email. The deacons provided care and support to members and
friends of the congregations as needed throughout the year.

Deacons also returned to ushering and in-person worship duties once the church resumed in-person
worship in July 2021. Deacons resumed all usual duties, and also provided additional help with various
COVID-related protocols. Members of the Board of Deacons were also on-hand for the ordination
services of Lindsey Hammond and Gilbert Martinez.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine Watkins
Board of Deacons, Co-chair




Stewardship Committee

This year the Stewardship Committee was made up of three members, Beth Babbitt Borst, Laurie Brown
and Curt Fuller. Taking Curt's suggestion, we named the campaign "Visioning a New Day" because many
changes are coming for FCCE after the disruptions of COVID 19 and the personnel changes we
experienced last year. We welcomed a new church administrator, Mahdia Lynn-Green, said goodbye to
our beloved long-time music director David Lornson, and searched for a new pastor.
We created the dove project to bring the theme to life, because doves are symbols of both peace and
hope for the future. Congregants wrote on white paper doves their hopes, dreams and wishes for our
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church, our city, our nation and our world, and hung them on a "dove tree" (a small Christmas tree). It
was a joy to see people of all ages decorating and hanging their doves. Steve and Laura Wilson created the
paper doves and Laurie Brown coordinated the project. Sara Petersen also contributed.
The campaign officially ran from October 9 to November 7, 2021. Each Sunday a different church
member shared with the congregation their experiences at FCCE and their reasons for pledging. All four
of them gave thoughtful, heartfelt messages: Candy Heaphy, Aspasia Apostolakis, Thekla Metz, and
committee member Curt. We are grateful to them.
Congregants had the choice to pledge online or in-person. The online process is still a work in
progress, but it was a convenient option for many. Committee member Beth coordinated with our
administrator Mahdia to wrestle the process into a working system. Beth also handled the digital aspects
of gathering and sharing information, and as secretary, wrote excellent minutes.
After the official dates of the campaign were past, we made follow-up calls to members who had not
pledged. Nancy Anderson, Thekla Metz and Betty Phillips joined us in these efforts and we thank them.
These calls presented a chance to catch up with members we have not heard from in a while.
The inspiring and compassionate sermons of Interim Minister Rev. Tim Stevens greatly enhanced our
campaign. He gave us strong support, attending our meetings and advising us in our decision-making
process. We are also grateful to moderator Lindsey Hammond for her enthusiastic support. Treasurer
Doug Smith gave us important information to put the campaign together. And Gary Hardesty shared his
insights from the previous year to aid our approach in 2021.
We thank all of you who pledged and who support FCCE in other ways. Your commitment to and love of
our church is remarkable during these turbulent times. Total pledges as of January 10, 2022,
were $116,950, with 37 families pledging
The campaign continues and remember, it’s never too late to pledge!

Beth Babbitt Borst
Laurie Brown

Curt Fuller


Antiracism Task Force

We are grateful to the Trustees, Council and congregation for their support of racial equity work, both
through participating in our series of well attended workshops, a book study and a training, and through
the financial investment in the budget this year, demonstrating our congregation's commitment to equity
and racial justice.

Events & Learning
In January 2021, Sarah Petersen and Carrie Bradean led a 3-part Antiracism Forum Series on Zoom that
was attended by an engaged group of nearly 30 people. Each session explored a different theme
connected to our mission statement, with time for learning, sharing resources, and discussion:
● Part 1 - Action: First Steps - Seeing and Talking About Whiteness
● Part 2 - Compassion: Humanity, Learning & Lament
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 ● Part 3 - Justice: How We Got Here, Where We Need to Go

During Lent, Joseph Roberts and Carrie Bradean led a weekly book discussion group on Zoom exploring
Jennifer Harvey’s book, Dear White Christians: For Those Still Yearning for Racial Reconciliation. A group
of around 20 individuals participated in discussions and dove into this challenging text for truths and
learnings to apply to our own congregation and lives.

In April, Carrie Bradean and Sarah Petersen facilitated 2 separate sessions of the viewing of a 2-hour
Crossroads and Everyday Feminism online training: "Beyond Diversity: How to Build a Truly Anti-Racist
Organization", along with an hour of discussion and envisioning for our church. Over 20 members from
council, staff, and the pastoral nominating committee attended at least one of the sessions. The licensing
fee we paid for the course includes access for an additional 30 members to view this training. We hope to
offer an opportunity for even more members and friends to view and discuss the training in 2022.

To contribute to ongoing learning for our congregation and connection with our wider community, the
Task Force shared resources and opportunities to engage with additional education and action
opportunities throughout the year. Through Friday e-newsletters, Youth News, monthly newsletters, our
website, direct emails, and social media posts, congregants were informed about articles, books,
organizations, and events connected to racial equity learning and antiracism action. We highlighted the
work of organizations including Interfaith Action of Evanston, Community Renewal Society, YWCA,
Restore Justice Illinois, OPAL, and the United Church of Christ, among others.

Consultation
This year we explored and have been consulting with Chicago Regional Organizing for Antiracism
(Crossroad’s CROAR) to formulate a plan to intensify this work. As part of that exploration, we have
heard from multiple sources that this effort would best be undertaken once a settled pastor has been
selected to help guide and shepherd this work. The pandemic has also presented challenges, both from
the fact that heart work like this is best done while we are physically together and that it has presented
staffing and resource challenges for nonprofits, including our church and CROAR.

For these reasons, we only used $500 of the $5000 budgeted in 2021, which purchased licenses for our
online training mentioned above. While disappointed that we were not able to invest more last year, we
are confident that God has been working with us during that time through our volunteers, staff and
congregation, and that we are poised to make the most of this investment in our ministry in 2022.

While we envision using our $5000 budgeted for 2022 for a combination of training and consulting, we
are excited to be able to work with our new pastor to identify the best way to steward these resources,
expand this work, and bring in external eyes to help us identify our blind-spots. We are clear that this is
not work that we can do on our own.

Purpose
Here are some of the reasons we view continuing this work as essential for our congregation:

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 ● Widening our welcome - We often talk about the need to get new people in the pews, including
young members. And if we've been paying attention, we know that young people are often
skeptical of organized religion. Our continued investment in racial equity work will help us
embody and demonstrate to potential members and our larger community that we seek to be
authentic in our faith.

● Investing in our new pastor - As we welcome our new settled minister this spring, we know that
Rev. Coulter was attracted to our congregation in large part because of our antiracism work and is
eager to engage in that work with us. We are eager to include new leadership in taking this
important journey with us and helping to build this ministry that we have committed to as a
congregation. Continuing our work and financial commitment in 2022 has the added bonus of
allowing our new pastor to help guide and shape that work, which will serve this work well.

● Investing in our mission - "We express God's love in action, compassion and justice.” When we look
at the elements of our mission statement, we are clearly engaged in compassion - we know in our
hearts that we feel the right things. But where are we with action and justice, in particular around
racial justice and equity? Many in our congregation across the board have noted that they are glad
we are engaging in this work, but we are all in very different places regarding next steps and how
effective we are. Outside of our walls, other than having a task force, we have been absent. Our
Task Force and some others in the congregation think that we must take action through change-
making - by actively supporting, being at the table in community efforts, following the leadership
of and speaking out with persons most affected by racism. If we aren't, we aren’t walking the walk
of our faith. It’s very clear that we all have work to do.

● Finally, this work is fundamental to our relevance and integrity as a church community. A member
of our church family shared recently how she explained communion to her young son. She spoke
of Christ’s bold willingness to be prophetic about the injustice he witnessed. In response to his
threat to the structures of his society, those who were invested in maintaining those structures
killed him. But through his brokenness on the cross and resurrection, we were all given the
roadmap to draw near to God and be made whole, with God and each other. When we receive
communion, we are reminded of that. We are called to this difficult work in this moment. It is what
will allow us to grow as people and a church community in our faith, reckon with our brokenness
and be fuller partners in realizing God’s kingdom on earth. We are excited to continue this journey
with you.

Submitted by the Antiracism Task Force. Our 2021 members were Beth Babbit Borst, Carrie Bradean, Anne
Gauthier, Lindsey Hammond, Sarah Petersen (Chair), Sarah Pressly, Joseph Roberts, Laura Wilson, Tyler
Yost, Kate Alexander, and Rev. Tim Stevens.

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 Memorial Garden
Several additions were made to the Garden this past year. In the area where Rev. Ann’s rose is planted I
added some additional rose plants to establish a small Rose Garden- taking advantage of the only really
sunny spot. I also planted a Dwarf Weeping Red Bud Tree which should be lovely in the Spring. All
expenses were charged to the Memorial account, well within the budget.

The resident rabbits enjoyed lots of the Hostas, but with ample use of repellent and Cayenne Pepper – I
hope to discourage them this Spring – they really only like the tender new leaves.

I hired my assistant to help keep the hedges trimmed and the Lawn Service Company maintained the
Lawn.

Respectfully submitted, Betty Phillips

Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC)

The PNC began its work in 2021 with 12 members originally elected by the congregation in 2020:

Beth Babbitt Borst Linda Krei
Jennifer Coyne Thekla Metz
Curt Fuller Chris Petersen
Candy Heaphy (secretary) Lindsey Siemens
Bob Krause (chair) Nick Tucker
Jansen Krei (youth representative) Catherine Watkins (vice-chair)

The committee met monthly throughout 2021. Of critical importance throughout the year was
completion of the self-assessment of First Congregational’ s mission, vision, and pastoral needs. The team
gathered input from the congregation and spent a great deal of time drafting, editing, and finalizing that
assessment. The PNC also remained in close contact with the Moderator and Interim pastor while writing
the self-assessment. The final document took the form of a “Local Church Profile,” completed in August
and based on a template offered by the United Church of Christ.

Immediately upon completion of the Profile, the PNC then began an active search for a settled senior
minister. Applications were received from the Chicago Metropolitan Association office of the UCC, an
advertisement in “The Christian Century” magazine, and direct from candidates through the church
office. The team reviewed candidate profiles, conducted interviews, and voted on candidates. Details of
this search included:

• Receipt of approximately 13 minister candidate profiles/resumes in from August to October
• First round interviews with six candidates in October
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• Second round interviews with two finalists in November
• Extensive committee deliberation followed by ranked choice voting in November

In December, the PNC nominated Rev. Jason W. Coulter to the full congregation for the position of
settled senior minister. Also in December, the board of trustees and the human resources committee
negotiated a call agreement with Rev. Coulter, contingent on a vote of call by the full congregation. On
January 9, 2022, the congregation unanimously voted (101 votes) to call Rev. Coulter as the settled senior
minister of our church.

Rev. Coulter is scheduled to begin his ministry at our church on April 11, 2022.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Krause
Chair, Pastoral Nominating Committee








Financial Statement

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 Nominating Committee

As always, there were many Committee and Board seats that needed to be filled through a combination of
term limits and participants switching Boards/Committees or dropping off. The Nominating Committee
met via Zoom twice, and stayed in close communication as we brainstormed congregants to reach out to
for interest in being nominated. The Nominating Committee divided up the reach out duties—everyone
helped! Anne Trompeter, Nominating Chair, made several announcements during services requesting
Board and Committee participation. There were also a number of requests included in the Friday emails.
Lindsey Hammond, as proxy for Anne, during the January 9, 2022 meeting for additional slate nominees
for Stewardship, Trustees and Fellowship. The toughest Committee slate to fill has been Stewardship, and
as of this writing, we have only two people who have agreed to serve. Now that FCCE’s new pastor has
been approved, perhaps there will be renewed interest in this committee.

The Nominating Committee has been happy to be of service in this way, and are gratified that there are
several people on the slate who have never served on one of our Boards or Committees. The Nominating
Committee was comprised of: Thekla Metz, Catherine Watkins, Beth Babbit-Borst, Sheran Fiedler, Sharyn
Julcher, Laurie Brown, Julie Captain.

Respectfully submitted by Chair,
Anne Trompeter




2022 Boards and Committees Slate

Position Candidate/Term
Officers (6)
Julie Captain – 1/24
Co-Moderator
Co-Moderator Sarah Pressly – 1/24
Candy Heaphy – 1/24
Clerk
Treasurer Doug Smith - 1/23

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 OPEN
Assistant Treasurer
Chris Krei - 1/23
Archivist/Historian
Wayne MacPherson – 1/23
Archivist/Historian



Board of Christian Education
(5)
Sharyn Julcher - 1/24
1
Robert Benirschke – 1/24
2
Laura Wilson--1/23
3
Joseph Roberts--1/23
4
Thekla Metz – 1/24
5



Board of Deacons (12)
Laurie Brown – 1/24
1
Doug Smith - 1/24
2
Anne Trompeter – 1/24
3
Nick Tucker – 1/23
4
Jennifer Coyne - 1/23
5
Mark Daniels-- 1/23
6

7 Bob Krause – 1/23

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8 Chris Krei--1/23

9 Laima Day--1/23

10 Dona Hildebrandt – 1/24

11 OPEN

Thekla Metz – 1/24

12 (SUMMER DEACON)
Nancy Anderson – 1/24
13 (Sub deacon)

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Board of Trustees (9)
Thekla Metz - 1/24
1
Carrie Bradean – 1/24
2
Hal Sprague – 1/24
3
Jennifer Coyne – 1/24
4
Nancy Anderson – 1/23
5
Jeff Roseberry – 1/23
6
OPEN
7
OPEN
8
OPEN
9




Board of Mission (6)

1 Lindsey Siemens – 1/24
2 Laurie Brown--1/23
3 Lyn Ward Page – 1/23
4 David Wywialowski – 1/24
5 Anne Gauthier – 1/23
6 OPEN


Board of Worship, Music, &
the Arts (6)

1 Beth Babbit-Borst -1/24
2 Aspasia Apostolokis – 1/24
3 Sheran Fiedler - 1/23
4 Catherine Watkins – 1/23
5 Al Cubbage - 1/23
6 OPEN
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Fellowship Committee (6)
1 Jeff Roseberry - 1/23
2 Ashley Benirschke – 1/24
3 Christine Chochran – 1/24
4 OPEN
5 OPEN
6 OPEN

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Stewardship/Planned Giving
(6)
1 Thekla Metz – 1/24
2 Laurie Brown – 1/24
3 Barbara Bright – 1/24
4 OPEN
5 OPEN
6 OPEN

Communications Committee
(4)

1 Kingsley Day – 1/24
2 OPEN
3 OPEN
4 OPEN

Members At Large (2)
1 Chris Krei – 1/23
2 Nick Tucker – 1/23

UCC Delegates (2)
1 OPEN
2 OPEN

Human Resources (6)*
Committee chair (1) Jennifer Coyne – 1/23

Nominating (6)*
Committee chair (1) Lindsey Hammond - 1/24

*Note: The HR and Nominating Committees
are composed of 1 representative each from:
Christian Education, Deacons, Trustees,
Mission, Music, Worship & the Arts, and
Fellowship.

Annual Attendance

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