2023 Annual Report United Church in Walpole Reaching Out and Changing Lives With the Good News of God's Love
Content Index 2023 Annual Report i 01. Pastor's Message 06. 2022 Financial Breakdown 02. Board Report 07. Financial Pathway 04. Highlights 09. Our Structure 05. Outreach 10. Resilience 11. Appendix
Pastor's Message 2022 was the year we did the impossible with God. For years, we had deferred significant maintenance on our three properties and the outlook was bleak. Structural issues, an antiquated heating system, 100 year-old electrical, and persistent water challenges were threatening to make our properties unaffordable to our small but mighty congregation. Projecting out 5, 10, or 15 years down the road made it clear that unless we did something, either we would end up selling our buildings - or our congregation would be crippled by them. Rev. Anna Flowers Pastor, United Church in Walpole 01 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26 Luckily - miraculously - we did something! And we did it together, united by faith and spirit. As you'll see in the pages that follow, our congregation has managed to build a new foundation for our future that will preserve and renovate our beloved buildings. This year, our properties have begun the transition process from being our biggest liabilities - to our biggest assets for accomplishing our mission! 2023 Annual Report It hasn't been easy. Sometimes it has been downright exhausting. In that vein, I want to particularly lift up and celebrate Deb Schoenthaler and Barbara Tausey. While countless individuals have volunteered, prayed, and donated to get us where we are today, the reality is that we would still be stuck in the mud without Deb and Barbara's faith, leadership, and incredibly hard work. Because of these two women of valor - and because of you all - 2023 and beyond looks very bright for our small but mighty congregation.
Board Report 2023 Annual Report 02 Created masking guidelines that were based on CDC recommendations and Norfolk County risk level. This allowed for a standardized policy that could be understood by all Approved renovations at Turning Point and the Parsonage, which will further the longevity of these valuable assets of the church. Pastor Anna’s Sabbatical: the board put together a group of church members who came up with a series of events to take place during Pastor Anna’s sabbatical. The board also interviewed and hired Jaz Buchanan to serve as interim pastor in Pastor Anna’s absence. Day Care tenant: the board contracted with a commercial real estate agent who helped us to vet interested day care partners. After discussion, we focused on working exclusively with Kids Club, and negotiated and signed a long-term lease with them. The Finishing Team is now working with the owners, Alexander and Yelena Axelrod, to transform the space into a new and exciting day care space! Populated a Pastor Review Committee, which created a survey and process for administering a review for Pastor Anna. Began discussions on how the church will respond to a post-COVID world. As a starting point, the board held a visioning meeting, where we brainstormed how we are doing in our current work and what we can do better. We also set three short-term goals: These goals will become goals for Pastor Anna and allow her to begin implementing programs around those goals. Increase engagement/connection to our church for members Develop music program to bring members closer to their relationship with Christ Continue to develop children's ministry Although 2022 found us still in the midst of the effects of COVID-19, the Board achieved forward progress on many significant projects that will have a long-term impact on the future growth of our church. Some of our major projects that we accomplished in 2022 were: The board had submitted a request to the Finance Committee for a part-time position to do operations work, as we feel there is work that is generated by the board or other committees that needs further action or follow-up, not all of which need to or should be done by the pastor. This request was not able to be fulfilled in the coming year’s budget, but we hope it will be considered in future years as this type of administrative support will help to further the work of the church in a more efficient and effective manner.
Dan Lupfer and Brad Parsons will be finishing their terms and rotating off of the Board. We thank them for their service to the church, serving on the inaugural Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will bring forward a slate of candidates for vote at the 2023 Annual Meeting to fill these two seats. We look forward to bringing the congregation into the conversations as we move further along the path of building a strategic plan for the church. And we also breathlessly await the completion of our renovation and the opening of the Kids Club daycare. 2023 will be a full and fulfilling year! Submitted by Deb Schoenthaler, Board Chair On behalf of the Board of Directors Ryan Bringhurst Heidi Groff Dan Lupfer Beth Muccini Brad Parsons Tiffany Spigarolo Board Report 2023 Annual Report 03 2022 Board Heidi Groff Dan Lupfer Beth Muccini Tiffany Spigarolo Brad Parsons Deb Schoenthaler Ryan Bringhurst
Highlights 2022 Event and Ministry Our 2022 worship life together began on a "good enough" note. Every church member received a copy of this devotional hardcover book along with an enriching Lenten packet. After years of pandemic, we all drank deeply from the message of God's grace that filled this Lenten theme: that "good enough" could be...well... good enough! A Good Enough Lent Capital Campaign Sabbatical Summer 2023 Annual Report 04 It was nothing short of a miracle that our little church was able to raise $1,961,191.60 and counting towards our Foundations for our Future capital campaign that is funding the renovation of our beloved church building and setting us up for longterm financial sustainability with our existing 3 properties. Oh, and we had a lot of fun in the process as well! 2022 was a sabbatical year for Pastor Anna. Amazingly, the church and Pastor Anna worked together and won a $50,000 Lilly Endowment Grant to fund her experience, pay for a sabbatical pastor, and also pay for some really enriching events for the congregation. A highlight was our "Butterfly Effect" storytelling event that we put on with Turning Point. After a lot of COVID disruptions over the past few years, our kids and multi-church youth ministry were able to find their footing again. We give thanks to the many people who have worked and volunteered to show our kids how much God loves them - no matter what. Kids & Youth Women's Retreat Christmas Cheer Ever go to an event and instantly think, "We've got to do this again!" That was certainly the case for our first ever Rest, Recharge, & Reignite retreat led by Donna Mac at Cedar Hill Retreat Center in Duxbury, MA. 16 UCW women participated this year and another one is already scheduled for October 2023! This holiday season was one of the best yet with a joyful Holly Berry Fair, our first ever intergenerational performance of "A Very Walpole Christmas Carol," a podcast series, and two beautiful Christmas Eve worship services in nearby Blackburn Hall. The Spirit of Christmas was alive!
2023 Annual Report 05 Friendly Aid In 2022 we gave direct assistance to 27 individuals and families We give individuals and families up to $500 per person, per year In total, we gave out $12,907.74 to those in need Mission Partner Donations Be Inclusive CASA/MISN City Mission Society Gilly’s House Heifer International HESSCO Homes for Our Troops Learn to Cope Medicines for Humanity Metro Boston Association Mil Milagros New Life Furniture Bank NuDay Syria Partners for World Health Preble Street Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ VNA Walpole Food Pantry $12,907 Volunteering We continued to support New Life Furniture Bank through kitchen utensil and towel collections. Church members volunteered 297 hours of service in the warehouse in 2022. Outreach Give unto others... $39,590 GAVE: GAVE: 297 HOURS GAVE:
Staff $ 199,657.64 Properties $ 53,572.66 Outreach Giving $ 39,590.52 Insurance $ 31,987.84 Ministry Expenses $ 31,331.93 Breakdown of 2022 Income Individuals $ 236,061.05 Endowment $ 100,000.00 Buildings $ 45,390.00 Fundraising & Other $ 17,330.00 2023 Annual Report 06 Breakdown of 2022 Expenses 2022 Financial Breakdown Another Year. Another Balanced Budget.
Pre-Renovation Income Post-Renovation Income Individuals Buildings Endowment Other Total: $ 600,000 $ 400,000 $ 200,000 $ 0 On the Pathway to Financial Sustainability For a long time, our congregation has not been able to balance our annual budgets while responsibly maintaining our buildings. Expensive and necessary repairs were stacking up. But now, our renovation is creating a top-of-the-market 6,000 sq. ft. daycare space and the ink has dried on our contract with Kids Club Inc. This will add nearly $155,000 of additional income each year. That money will be used at first to pay down the debt of the renovation. In time, those funds will be available to continue to maintain our church properties, or potentially supplement the budget. 2023 Annual Report 07 Building Buildings That Will Pay for Themselves "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much... " - Luke 16:10 Before and AfterIncome Comparison
2023 Annual Report 08 Thank You. Deanna Alexander Lisa and Dick Anderson Mary and Mark Annati Diane Appleton Kristen Barone Ginny and Jim Barry Meg and Dean Bebis Jill and Steve Benoit Jane and Hunt Bergen Christine Bradt James Brady Alex Brinster Susan and Rick Brown Beth Muccini and Andrew Brownsword Roberta Cadoret Cheryl and Lance Campbell Violet Canale Sharon and Terry Carleton Jim Caverly Lori Celentano Carol and Bill Chauncey Sandra Coburn Candy and Don Conradi Lois and Philip Czachorowski Carol and Jim D'Attilio Nancy Delaney Dale and Andy DeMambro Alyssa Adreani and Rob Doane Joanne Doherty Jacey Dold Marjorie and Kevin Dold Susan and Jim D'Ovidio Marilyn Drs Jean Duffy Linda Dugdale Alissa Westerlund and Derek Dutra Samantha Fleming Anna and Andrew Flowers You've Helped Us Lay the Foundation for Our Future Kim Fraser Shannon Lestan and Eric Froese Ginger Garske Margaret and John Goetz Kathleen Goodwin Darrell Goodwin and Kentavis J. Brice Linda Gray Alex Green Kathleen Greulich Heidi Groff BarbaraHagberg Sheila Harbst Colin Harding Judy Hartman Patrick Helmas Carol Hendsbee Marilyn Hill Barbara Hodge Shantae Holmes Haydi Hurley Allison Katz April and Jay Kelley Nancy Kingsbury Joanie and John Lampe Betty and John Lee Shirley and John Lilly Liz Knox-Lupfer and Dan Lupfer Scott Burgess and Scott MacDonald Robyn and Karen Maloney Donna McCarthy Terry and Doug McDonald Sandy and William McDonough Dennis McGrath Ken Millo Estate of Virginia Millo Monica and Rick Murphy Paula and Tom Nannicelli Sarah and Greg Noble Lisa Oberly Barbara Olmsted Maureen Osolnik Jen and Doug Owens Elaine and Sam Park Laura and Brad Parsons Martha Randall Cindy and Charles Rayner Pat Reardon Renee Maloof and Laurie Riddle Elaine and David Ring Linda and Stephen Rowley Virginia Ryan Deb and John Schoenthaler Erin Schueler Eleanor and Roy Selander Cierra Sheehan Linda and John Sheehan Dottie Smith Ellen Snoeyenbos Teresa Vanderboom and Timothy Speer Ron Spicer, Jr. Sally and Ron Spicer, Sr Eithne Stover Linda and Chuck Sulkula Laurie and Steve Sylvia Jill and Mike Takacs BarbaraTausey Russ Terry Linda and David Trudeau Linda and David Tucker Lisa and Jan Van der Linden Steve Weatherbee Hannah Wells Gary Wheeler Martha Wheeler Carol and Philip Winsor
It has only been a couple years since we have revised our bylaws to streamline our church's governance structure. In many ways, we are still living into the new structure and becoming more comfortable and accustomed to our new roles. One of the most important shifts is having, for the first time, a church board with stable leadership (3- year terms) and the important job of developing strategy for the congregation as we live out our vision of reaching out at changing lives with the good news of God's love. Living into New Patterns and Methods 2023 Annual Report 09 Our New-ish Structure Finance Nominating Human Resources Board Buildings & Grounds Congregation Pastor Team of Volunteers Ministry Leaders, Staff, Volunteers UCW Organization Chart Vision / Oversight input listening accountability policies United Church in Walpole Mission
Resilience 2023 Annual Report 10 He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” - Acts 9:40 While God worked miracles in our community in 2022, we were still dealt a lot of challenges. Discovering that the roof repair from 2019 was not done sufficiently was a blow. Having to worship at Blackburn Hall without warning has been tough. Being in the middle of renovation when other churches are coming back from COVID, has been an added struggle. And yet. And still. As always. God has been so faithful. We have shown our true colors this year, and they are resilient!
APPENDIX Warrant, Financial Detail, Budget, and Narrative Reports 2023 Annual Report 11
UNITED CHURCH IN WALPOLE WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 2023 ARTICLE 1: To accept all reports of church officers, committees and organizations connected with United Church in Walpole for the year 2022 ARTICLE 2: To vote on a proposal from the Nominating Committee for two new board members for 2023 ARTICLE 3: To vote on a proposed budget for 2023 ARTICLE 4: To vote on the following proposal: The officers of United Church in Walpole are hereby authorized and instructed to apply to the United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund for a refinance loan not to exceed $2,920,000. Any 3 of the Church officers are hereby authorized to take the proper steps legally to refinance the mortgage on the entire property of the church to the United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund and to agree to the amounts and dates required for the payment of the specified installments upon said loan, and said officers are hereby authorized to execute said mortgages on behalf of the church, and the church pledges itself to the prompt payments of the same. ARTICLE 5: To vote on a new member of the Nominating Committee beginning in February 2023 ARTICLE 6: To take action on any other matters that legally may come before the meeting. The Chair will begin the meeting with a summary of the goals for the upcoming year. The Honor Roll in memory of church members who passed away in 2022 will be celebrated at this time. Time: To be held at 11:15 a.m. following the 10:00 am Sunday service on February 5, 2023. Location: Blackburn Hall, 30 Stone Street, Walpole, MA. Submitted by Heidi Groff, Clerk 2023 Annual Report 12
Annual Budget vs. Actuals To Date Budgetvs. Actuals: 2022 Budget - FY22 P&L January - December 2022 ACTUAL BUDGET TOTAL REMAINING % OF BUDGET % REMAINING 53000 Pastor Insurance 53100 Pastor Health Insurance 53200 Pastor Dental Insurance 53300 Pastor Life Insurance 53400 Pastor Vision Insurance Income 41000 Pledges/Open Collections 41100 Pledges - Operating 41200 Open Collections 44000 Interest Income 44200 Santander MM 44250 Santander - Capital MMA 44300 Walpole Coop 44400 Janney Other Income Annual Endowment Draw - 2021 Annual Endowment Draw - 2022 42000 Building Income 42200 Short Term Rentals - Church 42300 Recovery Center 42400 Melt in Your Mouth Bakery GROSS PROFIT Expenses 51000 Pastor Expenses 51100 Pastor Salary 51200 Pastor Pension 51300 Pastor Home Equity Allowance 54000 Payroll - Wages and Employer Tax 54100 Office Administrator 43000 Special Donation Funds 43100 Holly Berry Fair 43200 Other Donations 43300 Special Offerings - Outreach and UCC 202,171.67 33,889.38 1,640.00 36,000.00 7,750.00 10,177.52 3,297.35 2,578.00 52,500.00 100,000.00 58,108.80 11,682.50 3,880.96 15,379.01 1,125.75 1,073.17 31,633.75 93.85 564.71 433.59 184.98 211,533.00 30,000.00 1,000.00 36,000.00 12,000.00 10,000.00 3,000.00 1,000.00 50.00 700.00 1,300.00 100,000.00 58,037.91 9,417.79 3,880.96 15,270.36 1,122.00 1,009.13 183.00 36,328.33 4,694.58 9,361.33 (3,889.38) (640.00) 0.00 4,250.00 (177.52) (297.35) (1,578.00) (43.85) (564.71) 266.41 1,115.02 (52,500.00) 0.00 (70.89) (2,264.71) 0.00 (108.65) (3.75) (64.04) 183.00 95.57 % 112.96 % 164.00 % 100.00 % 64.58 % 101.78 % 109.91 % 257.80 % 187.70 % 61.94 % 14.23 % 100.00 % 100.12 % 124.05 % 100.00 % 100.71 % 100.33 % 106.35 % 87.08 % 0.00 % 12.92 % 4.43 % (12.96 %) (64.00 %) 0.00 % 35.42 % (1.78 %) (9.91 %) (157.80 %) (87.70 %) 38.06 % 85.77 % (0.12 %) (24.05 %) 0.00 % (0.71 %) (0.33 %) (6.35 %) 100.00 % Total Other Income Total Income Total 44000 Interest Income Total 42000 Building Income Total 51000 Pastor Expenses Total 53000 Pastor Insurance Total 43000 Special Donation Funds Total 41000 Pledges/Open Collections 236,061.05 45,390.00 16,052.87 1,277.13 73,672.26 17,577.93 152,500.00 $451,281.05 $451,281.05 241,533.00 49,000.00 14,000.00 2,050.00 100,000.00 $406,583.00 $406,583.00 71,336.66 17,584.49 5,471.95 3,610.00 772.87 6.56 (2,052.87) (52,500.00) $ (44,698.05) $ (44,698.05) (2,335.60) 97.73 % 92.63 % 114.66 % 62.30 % 152.50 % 110.99 % 110.99 % 103.27 % 99.96 % 2.27 % 7.37 % 37.70 % 0.04 % (14.66 %) (52.50 %) (10.99 %) (10.99 %) (3.27 %) 13
Annual Budget vs. Actuals To Date Budgetvs. Actuals: 2022 Budget - FY22 P&L January - December 2022 ACTUAL BUDGET TOTAL REMAINING % OF BUDGET % REMAINING 57550 Parsonage Utilities 57560 Parsonage Oil 57570 Parsonage Electric 57580 Parsonage Water 60000 Grounds 60100 Grounds Maintenance 58000 Giving 58100 Charitable Giving 58300 Denominational Tithes 57000 Church Utilities 57100 Heating Oil 57200 Electricity 57300 Gas 57400 Internet and Telephone 57500 Water and Sewer 59000 Buildings 59100 Church Maintenance 59200 Parsonage Maintenance 59300 BMH Recovery Maintenance 59400 Cleaning and Other Expenses 54200 Director of Children's Ministries 54300 Director of Music 54500 Employer Tax Expense 56000 Insurance 56100 Multiperil Insurance 56200 Worker's Compensation Insurance 55000 Outside Contractors (1099's) 55100 Financial Secretaries 55200 Video Editor 55300 Property Manager 55400 Director of Family Ministries 55500 AV Manager 55600 Minister of Faith Formation and Practice 5,476.70 43,003.92 6,703.08 30,202.00 1,785.84 23,995.52 15,595.00 4,502.60 1,746.00 1,460.00 19,669.68 16,921.10 18,809.91 8,765.82 175.97 4,439.93 1,016.08 1,545.41 1,576.50 321.94 750.00 (400.00) 4,880.00 4,800.00 3,160.00 8,400.00 10,920.00 43,002.96 8,336.03 1,000.00 2,000.00 10,400.00 10,400.00 3,120.00 30,009.20 2,448.23 7,000.00 16,000.00 339.09 4,418.06 3,000.00 1,600.36 3,457.81 1,536.14 22,839.31 17,935.68 10,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 10,000.00 20,171.05 54.95 1,881.31 1,214.20 3,249.95 5,443.30 (0.96) 1,632.95 250.00 2,400.00 5,520.00 5,600.00 (40.00) (8,400.00) (192.80) 662.39 (11,809.91) 7,234.18 163.12 (21.87) 1,983.92 (1,156.21) 2,340.68 5,497.40 1,254.00 1,540.00 (9,669.68) 50.15 % 100.00 % 80.41 % 100.64 % 72.94 % 268.71 % 54.79 % 51.89 % 100.50 % 33.87 % 96.57 % 45.59 % 20.96 % 105.06 % 86.95 % 45.03 % 58.20 % 48.67 % 196.70 % 83.89 % 75.00 % (20.00 %) 46.92 % 46.15 % 101.28 % 3.43 % 54.41 % 79.04 % 16.11 % 49.85 % (0.00 %) 19.59 % 25.00 % 120.00 % 53.08 % 53.85 % (1.28 %) (0.64 %) 27.06 % (168.71 %) 45.21 % 48.11 % (0.50 %) 66.13 % (5.06 %) 13.05 % 54.97 % 41.80 % 51.33 % (96.70 %) Total 58000 Giving Total 60000 Grounds Total 59000 Buildings Total 56000 Insurance Total 57000 Church Utilities Total 57550 Parsonage Utilities Total 55000 Outside Contractors (1099's) Total 54000 Payroll - Wages and Employer Tax 86,817.45 21,590.00 31,987.84 33,207.71 3,443.85 39,590.52 27,378.28 16,921.10 98,587.32 26,920.00 32,457.43 30,757.15 6,594.31 40,774.99 26,000.00 20,171.05 11,769.87 5,330.00 469.59 3,150.46 1,184.47 3,249.95 (2,450.56) (1,378.28) 88.06 % 80.20 % 98.55 % 107.97 % 52.22 % 97.10 % 105.30 % 83.89 % 11.94 % 19.80 % 1.45 % 47.78 % 2.90 % 16.11 % (7.97 %) (5.30 %) 14
Annual Budget vs. Actuals To Date Budgetvs. Actuals: 2022 Budget - FY22 P&L January - December 2022 ACTUAL BUDGET TOTAL REMAINING % OF BUDGET % REMAINING NET OPERATING INCOME NET INCOME 61000 Technology 61100 Software & Online Subscriptions 61200 Technology Hardware & Other 80000 Miscellaneous-needs to be reconciled 63000 Other Expenses 63100 Church Ministry Expenses 63150 Children and Youth Ministry Expenses 63200 Music Ministry Expenses 63250 Staff Continuing Education 63300 Administrative Expenses 63350 Payroll Service Fees 63400 Bank Service Fees 63410 PayPal Fees 63450 Publicity 63500 Pastor Contractual Ministry Expenses 63550 Justice Ministry Expenses 63600 Other Expense 6,134.58 3,826.66 4,028.77 2,517.84 6,000.85 967.80 4,821.90 1,905.63 159.00 0.00 1,002.38 6,777.76 3,150.00 0.00 6,000.00 2,000.00 2,500.00 2,000.00 8,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 1,872.38 770.02 1,000.00 6,000.00 5,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 (134.58) (1,826.66) (1,528.77) (517.84) 1,999.15 32.20 (2,821.90) (33.25) 611.02 0.00 (2.38) (777.76) 1,850.00 2,000.00 102.24 % 191.33 % 161.15 % 125.89 % 75.01 % 96.78 % 241.10 % 101.78 % 20.65 % 100.24 % 112.96 % 63.00 % (2.24 %) (91.33 %) (61.15 %) (25.89 %) 24.99 % 3.22 % (141.10 %) (1.78 %) 79.35 % (0.24 %) (12.96 %) 37.00 % 100.00 % Total Expenses Total 61000 Technology Total 63000 Other Expenses 9,961.24 31,331.93 $393,480.11 $57,800.94 $57,800.94 8,000.00 32,142.40 $411,325.80 $ (4,742.80) $ (4,742.80) 810.47 (1,961.24) $17,845.69 $ (62,543.74) $ (62,543.74) 124.52 % 97.48 % 95.66 % (1,218.71 %) (1,218.71 %) 2.52 % 4.34 % 1,318.71 % 1,318.71 % (24.52 %) 15
United Church in Walpole Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2022 TOTAL Other Current Assets Payments to deposit Other Assets Endowment Funds John Hancock UC Fund SoutReach Service UC Funds Boothby School UC Funds Mem School United Church Funds Vanguard Account UC - Deferred Housing Equity Walpole Coop CD Walpole Coop Sayers CD ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts PayPal Bank Santander - Capital Account - Checking Santander - Capital Account - MMA Santander Checking #9975 Santander MMA #4764 Walpole Coop Checking #2251 Walpole Coop MMA #0078 3,601.14 20,278.60 505,304.34 41,854.43 171,575.70 38,163.92 28,975.69 0.00 0.00 9,321.78 23,829.80 119,527.51 484,917.33 1,292,904.76 23,830.00 0.00 0.00 Total Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS Total Bank Accounts Total Endowment Funds Total Other Current Assets Total Current Assets $809,753.82 $0.00 $809,753.82 1,930,501.18 $1,954,331.18 $2,764,085.00 16
United Church in Walpole Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2022 TOTAL Security Deposit - Kid's Club Security Deposit - Sunshine Long-Term Liabilities Restricted Funds Pastor Housing Fund Restricted Family Funds Alfreda Smith (26339) Goddard Funds (26102) Lottie Leach (26202) Philip R. Allen (26203) Samuel & Eliza Dunn (26210) LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Accrued Expenses Reserve Funds Altar Flowers Capital Campaign Fund Flexible Benefit WH Friendly Aid Garden/Labyrinth Lilly Sabbatical Grant Funds for Church Maintenance Music Special Gift - Pastor's Fund Youth/Christian Education Scholarship Funds Bill Boothby Scholar Fund Burnett Scholar Fund George Lyons School Fund K. Bowker Scholar Fund Memorial Scholar Fund Pooled Funds Cost Mkt Adj Portia Perry Scholar Fund Robert & Bernice Knox Scholarship Fund Sayers Scholarship Fund 5,241.56 1,359.28 590,631.91 1,082.28 1,415.35 2,187.38 1,909.81 1,845.00 3,428.49 2,923.49 8,046.36 15,000.00 0.00 25,665.00 15,000.00 3,000.00 92,280.00 24,057.00 6,351.00 21,870.00 15,000.00 5,000.00 1,532.00 10,797.94 19,138.07 35,000.00 4,460.00 6,180.00 Total Reserve Funds Total Scholarship Funds Total Other Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Total Restricted Family Funds 614,829.35 $635,070.91 $635,070.91 140,688.00 118,978.01 17
United Church in Walpole Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2022 TOTAL Total Restricted Funds Total Long-Term Liabilities Total Liabilities Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 285,331.01 $285,331.01 $920,401.92 $1,843,683.08 $2,764,085.00 Equity Endowment Draw General Fund - Equity Opening balance equity Other Comprehensive Income (unrealized gains/losses) Retained Earnings Net Income -152,500.00 1,619,333.02 667,614.12 -348,565.00 0.00 57,800.94 18
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Assets Liabilities • •Income Assumptions •Endowment Update •Expense Assumptions •Income • 1/30/2023 Overview Expenses Confidential Confidential Agenda • • •Balance Sheet 2022 Summary 2023 Budget • • 1 2 22
1/30/2023 Confidential Confidential Following our very successful Capital Campaign in 2022, 2023 will be a transition yearfor both our building and our finances. 2022 Summary •Because the building has been closed, our operating expenses were lower than anticipated. This leaves us with surplus income of $59,695. •The Finance Committee recommends that we transfer that surplus to the Building Maintenance reserve to cover future spending needs for our church building. •2022 was financially a very successful year. Our capital campaign brought in pledges of $1,900,000, to be paid over 3 years. At the same time, we received $236,061 for the operating budget from pledges and open collections. 3 4 23
• •$85,867 in building income, of which $40,867 will be revenue from the day care center and will be used to pay the debt associated with the renovation. •$15,000 projected from the Holly Berry Fair, an increase of $5,000. • 1/30/2023 $220,000 in income from pledges/open collections. $95,000 of operating withdrawal from our endowment. Confidential Confidential 2023 Budget Overview 2023 Budget Highlights –Income Assumptions •Total income projected at $420,867,including: • are prepared for variations from our projections as the year progresses. •For 2023, we are conservatively projecting a decline in income from pledges and collections, based partly on the level of pledges we have received to date. •Because the church building will be closed for much of 2023, our expenses are particularly difficult to forecast. The attached budget projects a very small surplus of $1,888, but we 5 6 24
1/30/2023 Confidential Confidential 2023 Budget Highlights –Endowment Update 2023 Budget Highlights –Expense Assumptions •The market value of our endowment declined about 15% during 2022: • represents 4.5% of the market value of the portfolio averaged over the prior 3 years. •5% increase in staff salaries •One new staff position: Director of Family Ministries •Significant decline in maintenance, grounds, and utility expenses for the church for this year •Cuts in certain other expenses: technology hardware, music ministry, church ministry, justice ministry •Budget showing small surplus of $1,888 •Potential for restoring cuts if our expense estimates prove to be too high or pledges come in higher than projected. For 2023, we have recommended a withdrawal of $95,000. This Endowment Funds Vanguard Funds (including Janney) United Church Funds Total Mkt Value 12/31/21 $1,701,71 0 $754,442 $2,456,15 2 Mkt Value 12/31/22 $1,319,32 6 $637,596 $1,926,12 2 Pct Increase/(Decline) (14.8%) (15.5%) (15.1%) 7 8 25
United Church in Walpole Investment Committee Report 1/19/2023 Both the stock market and the bond market suffered declines during 2022, which is an unusual occurrence. It means that our bond holdings did not protect the value of the portfolio as much as we would have hoped. The estimated total return on our investments, after accounting for withdrawals, was a decline of about 15%. We did slightly better than the S&P 500 Index, whose total return was -18%. Here is the market value of our funds: During 2022, we withdrew $152,500 from the endowment by transferring it from the Vanguard accounts. This consisted of $100,000 budgeted for operating expenses for 2022, or 4% of the market value as of 12/31/2021. In addition, we transferred $52,500 that had been budgeted for 2021 but not spent. For 2023, the budget approved by the Board of Directors anticipates a withdrawal for operating expenses of $95,000. This represents 4.5% of the average market value of the investments over the 3 years ended 12/31/2022. This formula was adopted by the Board in 2022 in an effort to smooth out the year-to-year volatility of the portfolio. The percent withdrawal can vary: the figure is recommended by the Investment Committee and approved by the Board. Respectfully submitted, Susan Brown Investment Committee Chair 26
Finishing Team Annual Report 1/15/23 The Finishing Team is made up of volunteers who responded to the open request to form a team of people to help finish the renovation project. The team members are: • Shannon Lestan - Chair • Sharon Carleton • John Schoenthaler • Eric Froese • Jill Takacs • Anna Flowers – Ad Hoc • Philip Czachorowski – Ad Hoc The Finishing Team acts as the liaison between the Construction Team, Architect, Construction Lender, Permanent Lender, the Daycare Tenant, and the Congregation. • Windermere Management is our Construction Management Company. • UDA Architects is our design and architectural firm. • David Ring is our Construction Lender. • Our Permanent Lender will be the United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund. • The Daycare Tenant is Kid’s Club. Our primary responsibilities include: • Catalogue and store church belongings that were removed prior to the start of renovations. • Build and maintain a relationship with Walpole’s Building Inspector. • Maintain on-site presence and work closely with the Construction Project Manager. • Review and approve any changes to the original scope of work. • Review and approve construction invoices. • Assist the design and construction team with unexpected decision making. • Pursue rebates related to greening and energy efficiency. • Meet regularly with Windermere. • Meet regularly with the Daycare. • Provide regular construction updates to the congregation. • Decide on Tenant Improvements including, landscaping, flooring, millwork, security system, paint colors, furniture, fixtures (lighting, hardware). 27
When the Foundations for the Future capital campaign began in 2021, the construction scope of work totaled $3,583,145. The high inflation rate on the cost of construction materials, unforeseen consequences of substantially renovating a very old building, unexpected added construction costs related to third parties such as the Walpole Fire Department and Eversource, and an underestimate of soft costs such as legal expenses, building permits, and fencing, has increased the scope of work to $4,116,905. Please see the attached table for a detailed explanation. Because of the increases and the three-year schedule of capital contributions (cash flow issue), the Finishing Team has requested the congregation approve an increase in the loan amount from $2,420,189 to $2,920,189, a $500,000 increase. It is very important for the congregation to understand that we can still more than afford the renovation, but our constraint is a cash-flow and liquidity constraint we were not projecting prior to the realities of 2022. The Daycare construction completion is scheduled for June 2023 and the Church Meeting Spaces are scheduled to be completed by this fall. 28
Item Original Budget 11/1/2021 Updated Budget 12/1/2022 Description Hard Cost of Construction and Labor $2,656,151 $2,656,151 First Floor: Separate and secure Children’s Ministry Center/Daycare with 8 classrooms (4 newly constructed), Kitchen, Storage. New Church Space: Church Office, Hospitality Kitchen, Pastor’s Office, Meeting Room, Chapel, Staff Office, Parlor. Large open Lobby/Meeting/Greeting space. Second Floor: handicap accessible bathrooms, kitchen annex, makerspace workroom Newly constructed rooftop garden deck connected to BLH with French Doors. Infrastructure: New electric, commercial grade HVAC system, updated electric system, updated plumbing, high-speed Wi-Fi. Labor and materials for all the above. Accessibility and Security: Key-fob locks on all entrances, new fire protection system including sprinklers, chair lift for stage, new elevator. Price Escalation and Unforeseen Add-Ons $334,721 (13%) The price of construction materials has increased dramatically over the past 12 months. Unforeseen changes to the scope of work 1) Poor soil conditions for weightbearing the addition requiring deeper excavation, increased foundation cost, steel beams, and ….. 2) Walpole Fire Department requiring full replacement of the signal box 3) Eversource transformer………4) safety fencing Contingency $265,615 $0 The contingency was used on the above unexpected additional scope items. Overhead and Profit $398,423 (15%) $299,087 (10%) Windermere reduced their overhead cost by 5% to adjust for unexpected scope items and increase in cost of materials. Fundraised Additional Items $262,956 $262,956 Improvements to Bradford Lewis Hall, the Sanctuary, the Narthex, main entrance renovations, commercial kitchen updates, new sanctuary windows and dimming shades, steeple repair and repaint, external lighting. Added Scope Items due to Age of Building $338,990 1) one chimney broken below the roof line requiring removal and two remaining chimneys requiring repair and repointing 2) Roof damage caused by heavy slate which was removed and replaced with asphalt shingles 3) additional asbestos abatement Soft Costs $190,000 The original budget did not consider the extent of the costs associated with construction beyond materials and labor such as legal fees, fundraising costs, etc Furniture and Fixtures $35,000 $35,000 The budget includes money for new chairs and tables, signage, stage curtain, other furniture, and fixtures. Total Budget $3,618,145 $4,116,905 Difference totals $498,760 Renovation Table 29
Annual Report of Justice and Witness Ministry – 2022 During the year 2022, United Church in Walpole (UCW) witnessed a divisive political climate, deep racial and economic inequalities, and increasingly violent weather patterns associated with climate change, all while experiencing a persistently lingering COVID pandemic. Our church responded to these many needs and concerns by reaching out to others, both collectively and as individual members, seeking peace and justice in our community and our world. In January ’22, the Justice and Witness Ministry (JWM) joined with other local churches and community groups for a Candlelight Walk to recall the life and work of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout 2022, JWM gave particular attention to the work of the Racism, Slavery, and Reparations Task Force (RS&R), continuing to research the life of Jack, an enslaved man who was willed as property to our ancestral church, and seeking to learn more about the history of slavery in New England. In May of 2022 the UCW Board hired Jerrad Pacette, an historian with extensive experience in the study of New England slavery, to research, analyze, and issue a report on the Life of Jack. In June of 2022, RS&R participated in Walpole’s annual Juneteenth Celebration with a booth featuring a book display and a justice28 calendar providing a guide to living a life grounded in antiracism. In early summer of 2022, members of JWM engaged in a systematic cataloguing of UCW historical documents, identifying and scanning those from the 1700s which provided information regarding the life of Jack. This cataloguing also prepared the church’s historical records for moving and storage during our church renovation. Initial contact with the Congregational Library in Boston was made to explore possible long term preservation of these records. As we now enter 2023, the Task Force is looking forward to sharing the fruits of our research and Pacette’s report with the congregation. Our plan is to launch a new RS&R web page on the church’s website, engage in small group meetings, present a series of e News articles and video presentations, sponsor book groups, offer a walking tour of Walpole’s history of slavery, and more. We are looking forward to talking together as a congregation about the life of Jack, the ongoing harm of slavery and racism, and ways that we, as Christians living in today’s world, might make reparations and promote social justice. We invite everyone to join us in the important work of the Racism, Slavery, and Reparations Task Force and the Justice and Witness Ministry of United Church in Walpole. This report is submitted with gratitude for the hard work of so many people in pursuit of justice and peace and with prayers for all people of the world in the year 2023. Lois Czachorowski, RS&R Chairperson and Task Force members: Diane Appleton, Heather Centauro, Jennifer Caderot-Gillette, Philp Czachorowski, Marjorie Dold, Heidi Harris, Laurie Kearney, John Lilly, Shirley Lilly, Ben Tisdale and Ad Hoc member Anna Flowers. 30
Our UCW Music Program The music program–like most of our church–underwent shifts and surprises this past year. Like many of us, we came through it all and continue to find opportunities in all the changes we face. We began the year worshiping in the sanctuary, featuring several services with our lovely choirs, including the Bell Choir, which has been on hiatus now that we are temporarily removed from our church building. Plans are in the works to have even the Bell Choir perform, as our Chancel Choir now has (during multiple services) at Blackburn Hall. Several guest musicians joined us throughout the year including instrumentalists from flute players to harp, cello, guitar, and trumpet players, as well as solo vocalists of all stripes, male and female, from inside and outside our church family, sometimes within the same service. Plus our church drumming group! Our ensembles have been complimented by our church band, which rounds out the variety of our church musical offerings. While pleasing everyone is impossible, it is the mission of our music director to reach everyone, as often as we can, pivoting to the wants and needs of all, and to the moment, which has included adapting not just to construction disruptions, expected and unexpected, but to other factors like the weather. Pastor Anna and Alex sang and performed together during a service in January, modifying almost the entire music plan for the service. It was a service that would have included the Chancel Choir except for a severe winter storm. Church member Eithne Stover has gone above and beyond in her volunteer service to the music program and the church, playing with and substituting for Alex many times, including during his trip to attend the national convention of the American Guild of Organists in June. Speaking of which, Alex is not alone as he considers our wonderful pipe organ but is working with Union and their church staff to make use of their organ as he prepares for continually higher certification levels with the American Guild of Organists, a global organization. He’s been closely tracking the impacts of our construction on the instruments still there at our building downtown (grand piano and organ) and is doing all he can to ensure their utmost protection. Alex continues to share his gifts, including composing and singing for and with the congregation during services, feeling grateful and hopeful for all the work to make not just the music but the church itself successful and welcoming to all. He has enjoyed being a part of many memorable services involving not just Pastor Anna but also several other guest preachers with whom he has worked this past year. He felt grateful and honored to preach and share time with children during a service in an emergency need as well. We continue to construct our church, not just in fact but in deed, bringing in and setting up instruments and equipment each week at Blackburn Hall. The church and our music program has so many opportunities to take advantage of–speaking and singing into our new spaces and discovering new ways of involving each child, woman and man who comes through our doors. 31
Outreach Committee Annual Report 2022 United Church continues to support major areas of mission identified in 2017: addiction, racial justice, economic justice, affordable housing, refugees, environmental justice, elders, hunger, and more. There is energy, life, and a clear passion and willingness from many to participate. Our support is through both monetary donations and direct action. Monthly abundance offerings provided the congregation with opportunities to address unforeseen disasters and emergencies or causes that direction affect our church family. Donations were made to: UCC Hurricanes 2022 Emergency Appeal, UCC Ukraine Emergency Appeal and The Pancreatic Action Network. Through our Friendly Aid Fund, we assisted our community neighbors with financial assistance towards rent, food, and utility payments. We continued to support New Life Furniture Bank through kitchen utensil and towel collections. Church members volunteered 297 hours of service in the warehouse in 2022. Monetary allocations were made to the following organizations: Gilly’s House, City Mission Society, Heifer International, HESSCO, Homes for Our Troops, Medicines for Humanity, Mil Milagros, New Life Furniture Bank, Walpole Food Pantry, Preble Street, Partners for World Health, Learn to Cope, NuDay Syria, CASA/MISN, Be Inclusive and the VNA. Thank you all, for your continued support of our Outreach initiatives. 32
2022 Annual Report of the Altar Team 2022 found us back in the church sanctuary while still providing streaming worship services. Sunday flower sponsorships continued with the blooms displayed on the lectern adding a special touch to the service. A review of the disposition of the flowers after the services revealed an even split between the sponsors taking them home or leaving them for the Altar team to decide the recipients. With a dwindling list of Faithful Friends, this has been challenging at times so those on our prayer list are included in addition to our shut-ins. For Easter, lilies and tulips were available to sponsor as well as the opportunity to donate to our Altar Cloth parament fund. Thirty-three plants were sponsored, 20 donated and 11 taken. Donations to the fund totaled $160.00. For the summer months, members of the congregation stepped up again, bringing in beautiful bouquets from their gardens. It was wonderful to see the variety of blooms from those with green thumbs. With demolition/construction finally getting the green light, the Altar Team needed to find new homes for the supplies that would be needed for the rest of the year. Items were sorted, some discarded, some sold, some donated. Most of the remainder went in boxes to be stored under the pews in the balcony. Communion and baptism items were stored in the bottom of the parament cabinet. Before we knew it, Advent was again upon us. Collections for poinsettias started in early November. These would grace the chancel and sanctuary for Christmas Music Sunday or so we thought at the time. The Holly Berry Team decorated the sanctuary with window wreaths and had the Christmas trees in the chancel, awaiting Santa’s arrival. The Altar Team appreciated the reduction of work they needed to complete the decorations, which due to circumstances beyond our control, never happened. In the week after the first Sunday in Advent, a significant crack was discovered in a beam over the sanctuary. It was now too dangerous to be in that part of the church, so Sunday services needed to be moved. After joining the Union Congregational Church for one service, we started worshipping in Blackburn Hall (a large hall with a curtained stage at one end) and would be there through the first of the new year. This provided a challenge for worship flower delivery which previously happened on Saturdays to the church. This option was not available at Blackburn as we had access to the building only on Sunday and the florist could not deliver them in time. Team members volunteered to travel to Foxboro to pick up the flowers for regular Sundays but with 24 plants ordered for Christmas Music Sunday, this was not realistic. We reached out to Judy’s Village Florist in Foxboro and asked if the 20 we needed for Christmas Music Sunday could possibly be delivered to the hall on Sunday morning. They came through for us without hesitation for this special day. With a small lighted tabletop tree placed in the middle of the stage and the poinsettias on either side, a very pleasing display was created. Additional plants were placed in front of a few windows, small wreaths hung from the lectern and the music director’s keyboard. A wooden cross and the advent wreath were placed on a table in the center of the room. For the Christmas eve service, our team member, Judy Hartman, picked up the remaining 4 plants in Foxboro and brought them to Blackburn. Three larger donated trees were brought in, and lights strung on them. Battery candles were placed around the trees and in the windows. It was warm, beautiful, spiritual atmosphere. How to have weekly flowers delivered to Blackburn Hall is our current challenge. Team members have gone to the florist in Foxboro to pick up the flowers thus far (thank you), but a better long-term solution is needed as it appears we may not be back in the Sanctuary until the fall. Respectfully submitted, Linda Sulkala, Chair, on behalf of Lois Czachorowski, Barbara Hagberg and Judy Hartman. 33