Executive Board – 2022 Annual Report
We, as a church, have managed our way through various challenges and new beginnings.
We have made our way through COVID-19 restrictions with your cooperation. We will continue to monitor these restrictions based on what the CDC and Michigan Conference UCC deem appropriate.
We were blessed to have Pastor Jacoba Koppert started as our new settled pastor in March 2022. Many thanks to the Search Committee and all their hard work in finding her!
We have been researching some ways to help generate more income for the church and will continue to do so in 2023.
We voted to have a 175th Anniversary Celebration in September 2023. Jana Kosko graciously volunteered to chair this exciting event. If you would like to help, please get with Jana.
I want to thank Jana Kosko, with help from Barb Delatorre, who worked diligently on putting together our new Church Directory. It turned out wonderful!! Great Job Ladies!!
I, on a personal note, would like to thank everyone for the continued support both as the Moderator but also while I have been healing from my broken wrist. Also, thank you to Jana Kosko for stepping in as a temporary administrative assistant while I was on medical leave.
In His Name,
Danette Smith
Moderator
Annual Report from the Board of Trustees for 2022
The Board had a busy year with the bringing in of Pastor Jacoba Koppert as our new settled Pastor and the renovation of the Parsonage.
At the Parsonage we accomplished the following items:
We formally hired Jacoba Koppert as our settled pastor on a 30 hour per week agreement
We had a break-in into the mechanical room under the kitchen from outside. In order to protect the church in the future we had a total of four security cameras installed and a remote doorbell for the office. Also had time clock for the entry lights replaced, all paid by Community Fellowship.
We had a bat problem in this church that was solved by installing a plate over the flues from the old incinerator under the weather cap.
The area under the steeple started to leak causing ceiling damage above the balcony, appears the louvers of the steeple are the cause, have not at this time found a permanent solution that would allow us to repair the ceiling. We repaired the leaking toilet in the lady's restroom. We continued our contracts with the landscape company and the snow removal company.
In the office Ramona Ridalls retired and we hired Danette Smith as the administrative assistance. She hurt her arm and we asked Jana Kosko to step in and help until Danette could come back to work. In June, Rick Smith left as custodian; we hired Carol Smith and Sharri Sable to replace him.
For Kids' Sake came back again this year and is planning on continuing the relationship in the future. M-36 Rotary holds their meetings in Pilgrim Hall monthly. AA holds their weekly meeting in Pilgrim Hall, also.
The Board spent a lot of time working with the budget to ensure that we remained fiscally responsible and provide the needed services to our members and community.
Respectively Submitted By,
Harry Templin
Trustees Chairperson
Diaconate Annual Report for 2022/2023
The Diaconate continues to serve Communion on the first and third Sunday of the month. Two of the members will serve the juice (the blood of Christ) in Communion Cups while Pastor Jacoba serves the bread (body of Christ) and give blessings if asked.
The Diaconate will also read the announcements on their designated month and read the liturgy on their month unless someone else has volunteered.
We will have monthly meetings with Pastor Jacoba to discuss upcoming Church Services and what may be needed for the Services.
Respectfully Submitted
Rick Smith
Diaconate Chairperson
Christian Education Committee - 2022 Report
Welcome Pastor Jacoba
We were pleased to welcome our new pastor, Jacoba, to our meetings in April. Her educational ideas and teaching experience has been a great addition to all our meetings and planning. She was instrumental in suggesting we order worship bulletins for the children and getting them used to looking forward to them. She has been great with the children and customizing her children's sermons to include all the children.
Sunday School - Bible Adventures
Bible Adventures started in September and takes place every Sunday from 9:30 - 10am. This class is geared towards children ages 7-12 and meets in the room directly under the sanctuary. We are using the book Great Big Love by Shine for the curriculum. Liz Hoban has developed the lesson plans and teachers are Liz, Jenny Sobolevski, and Sue Dewey. In September and October, the children worked on the play “Jonah’s Whale”, which was presented to the church on October 23rd. The teachers did a wonderful job with costumes and props and, working around missing children during rehearsals.
Chime Bells
We have reached our fundraising goal for the chime bells - thanks to all those who contributed. The kids performed on Palm Sunday and before the Christmas pageant.
Nursery
The nursery reopened in the spring for children ages 6 and below. Typically, there are 1-6 children in the nursery. We always have a backup person scheduled - to be used depending upon the number of children. The children are returned to their parents prior to the end of service. On communion Sundays, the children are returned so that they may participate in communion.
VBS
A 2-day VBS was held August 8-9. The theme was “The Prayer Connection”. 12 children attended. Jacoba led the sessions on prayer, and Liz Hoban led the presentation on our mission activity - helping out neighbors through Gleaners and Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC). In addition, there was music, games, crafts, and food, and we had the assistance of 12 volunteers. Just before VBS we participated with Outreach to promote our church and VBS at Popsicles in the Park.
Christmas Pageant - 'Welcome Welcome Jesus'
Many thanks to Janet Blake, Rena’ Mills, and Jana Kosko for organizing the Christmas pageant, which was held on December 11th. 27 children participated, including 3 babies! Paul Bairly provided wonderful piano accompaniment.
Adult Sunday School
New books were purchased for this class, which meets from 9am-9:45 every Sunday.
Safe Conduct Training
A training session was held on August 28th. 16 people attended. This training is required for anyone that plans to work with children in any capacity. We expect to have another offering in the spring.
Parental Consent Forms
The committee has adopted a new form to be filled out at least once a year for each child.
Respectfully submitted
Mary Witalec
Christian Education Chairperson
Outreach Report - 2022
Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast: Were canceled due to COVID.
Peace & Justice Scholarship: Were canceled due to COVID.
Popsicles in the park: This event was held on Sunday, July 31st and was very successful. There were 5-6 craft booths, bounce house and yard games. Hot dogs, chips and water were passed out. It was a nice sunny day, and we had a good turnout.
Thanksgiving Baskets: Collected, organized, and delivered food and $25 gift cards for 7 area families. Lynne Sandula did most of the shopping for the groceries, a few items were donated by the Church Members, the gift cards were all donated by a Church Member. Rena and Tammy delivered to the families. Although it was A LOT of work for Lynne this worked out well as each family got the same items donated for their baskets.
2022 Christmas Angel Tree: Organized, collected, and distributed gifts for 2 families through the Salvation Army. Each family also received at least two $25 gift cards to Kroger’s. There were a few Angels that were not taken. So, Tammy picked up the rest of the Angels and bought the corresponding gifts (Fellowship Donated $200 for this) These two families were fortunate that they were sponsored by our Church.
The mitten tree produced 56 hats,7 scarves, 47 gloves, 5 hat and glove combos, 9 earmuffs and one pair of socks. Rena delivered them and all the Christmas Angel tree gifts.
Submitted by:
Tammy L. Beal
Outreach Chairperson
Year End Report for Community Fellowship 2022
Community Fellowship has only met a handful of times in 2022. We met to set up the schedule for the Trash to Treasure Sale and again in the fall to set up a schedule for the Harvest Dinner. We met in early December to discuss donations. We will try to meet again in February to discuss our future plans for the spring. It has been decided to meet during the day instead of at night, as many prefer not to drive at night when it’s dark out.
We did not have our Annual Tea on Mother’s Day Weekend in Pilgrim Hall in 2022. However, we would like to have it again this year possibly on Saturday, May 13, 2023, and we will keep you updated.
The Trash to Treasure Sale was held on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4th, 2022. This was held the same weekend as Art in the Park. The Men also parked cars on that Friday as part of our fundraiser for people attending Art in the Park and our Sale. The Profits from Sales were $1,375.17, Parking $293.00, Total= $1,668.17.
The Harvest Dinner was held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. It was carryout only and was very successful. We had generous donations of food such as, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Celery, Milk and Homemade Apple Cake. We also were given a generous donation towards the purchase of the meat. Our Profit was $1,133.35.
We had a Christmas Potluck Gathering on Tuesday, December 13 in Pilgrim Hall. We enjoyed food, fellowship, played a game with exchanging gifts and packaged up goodie bags for the people of our Congregation that are not able to get out and attend church for various reasons.
Some of the money’s we have raised recently and in the past, went to help purchase the new security equipment for the church @ $2,093.00. We were also able to donate $200 to Outreach to complete the Christmas Angel Tree Gifts this year, donated $300 to a family that Lynne Sandula knew that needed help this Christmas and help a family with their utility bill of $300. We purchased 92 new chairs for Pilgrim Hall at the cost of $1,751.80. Most of the chairs we replaced were donated to Camp Talahi. They were grateful to receive them. Community Fellowship also donated $60 towards the Chime Bells that Christian Education uses with the children.
Whenever needed we put on the funeral luncheons in Pilgrim Hall.
We invite everyone in the Congregation to join in with Community Fellowship at any time. Everyone is Welcome!
Respectfully Submitted
Marianne Templin
Community Fellowship President
ONA Year End Report 2022
(Open aNd Affirming)
In the past year, Liz Hoban and Sue Dewey worked with our youth to present the play ‘Much More than a Big Fish Tale’, a play about Jonah and God’s inclusive love.
At Pastor Jacoba’s installation we celebrated our ONA Covenant as well as her installation. Our Covenant has been incorporated as part of worship on several occasions since that time.
When a couple of our members were harassed about our banner, our Executive Committee proactively met with local law enforcement and acted to make sure we were securing our church and the members within. There have been no further incidents.
Positive feedback from people in the neighborhood have reinforced our need to make sure all God’s beloveds have a place where they can find a faith home.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we hope to offer ONA refresher training as well as opportunities to help us as a congregation consider what is next.
We understand that God created all humans and loves them all. Regardless of race, age, or sexual orientation, we want to extend God’s extravagant love and hospitality to all God’s beloveds. All should be able to worship without the tension of judgment. We remain committed to making sure all know they are welcome here.
Respectfully Submitted
Marcia Meabon
Search Committee 2022 Annual Report
After many hours and months of reading, reviewing and interviewing numerous potential pastors, we were blessed to find Pastor Jacoba Koppert. The congregation voted unanimously to have her as our new settled pastor in Fall 2021. Pastor Jacoba officially started in March 2022.
We had hoped to update our church profile in 2022 but unfortunately it didn’t happen. We will be working on that in 2023.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rick Smith
Search Committee Chairperson
Pastor’s Report
Annual Winter Meeting
January 22, 2022
Community Congregational United Church of Christ
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not rely on your own insight.”
(Proverbs 3:5)
I rejoice in being your Pastor and Teacher. We have served God together for ten months now. We knew given the recent experiences of the church and the disruption of COVID; challenges coupled with new opportunities would unfold as ministry resumed. All churches are having to discover again who they are and what God calls them to do. We prefer to do things as we always have, yet changes in membership, abilities, and needs lead us to reassess what we can and cannot do. We are doing the best we can with God’s help to move into a “season unrevealed, something God alone can see.” We are called to trust in the Lord, and not rely on our own insight.
The Church Boards, Committees and organizations are again functioning. Each are still working on how to operate given that everything has been in flux for nearly four years. One member admitted, after isolating all this time, even socializing takes effort. I know some of what you did in the past but I am still learning about what gave you joy and how you worked together with your pastor and each other. You are still learning what I have to offer.
Among my offerings in 2022:
†Worship leadership – Worshipping God and helping you to do so, is central to my ministry. This year I have been listening to what your tradition has been, striving to honor your practices. You have also been open to my ideas. What is most important is that we faithfully worship God, follow Jesus, and seek the Spirit’s guidance.
†Visiting people who are hospitalized, homebound, and in care facilities
†Becoming acquainted with church members during coffee hours, in their homes, my office, my home, restaurants
†Supporting and being supported by three office administrators, teaching them, learning from them
†Working with church musicians and custodial staff
†Offering prayers – in person, on the phone, through texts and emails
†Attending most Executive Board and Committee meetings, serving as an ex-officio member and advisor
†Preparing occasional church newsletters, writing articles for the church website and photo directory
†Teaching in Vacation Bible School, helping find curriculum for Bible Adventures
†Hosting the summer picnic
†Writing and sending emails and texts, beginning to learn who prefers a phone call, visit, text, or email. (I prefer phone calls.) Setting up Zoom meetings
†Learning community resources and becoming familiar with local medical and older adult facilities
†Welcoming visitors at community and church events – attending church sponsored events
†Attending Pinckney Clergy meetings, UCC Association and Conference meetings and events
A few of the ministries I noticed and celebrate
†Together you renovated the parsonage. Brian Dewey did much of the work in the home; however, without the help of the Trustees, other members and your financial support, the renovated kitchen, new windows, carpeting of the basement, restoring the flooring of two bedrooms to wood would not have happened. I thank Brian and all of you.
†Together you are supporting outreach into the community in amazing ways. The Farley Food Pantry is a year-round focus – but as you can see in Outreach’s report you support our community in many other ways.
†Christian Education for children and adults has resumed on Sunday mornings. The children come eagerly to Bible Adventures, children’s time, and nursery. There is a strong adult Sunday School class with faithful attenders.
†In worship the Diaconate continues to be aware of the needs of our vulnerable members as we returned to singing and receiving Holy Communion at the altar. We are blessed to have a good choir. The music Rex Meabon and Tony Viviano offer greatly enhance our worship service. John Hoban’s willingness to film and edit all our worship service before uploading them to Youtube is very much appreciated. We are fortunate to have the Rev. Liz Hoban and Pastor Marcia Meabon able to step in when I am unavailable to lead worship.
† Fellowship events are returning in the church and at the parsonage. It is a joy to be together again.
†The Open and Affirming Statement you wrote and passed stands before us as guide for our ministry among each other and in the community.
†After a time when leadership, each board and committee tried to do their best individually, we are learning how to work together so that all are included in activities and decision making.
†You are a congregation who care deeply for each other. You are aware of the gifts and limitations of one another. You rejoice when a member celebrates; you support each other when challenges overwhelm. You are a generous congregation eager to serve God and the community.
Some of my hopes for 2023
†I am excited to celebrate your 175 years of faithful ministry in the Pinckney community. I am eager to learn who you have been and what you have done in the name of God. I am also hoping to hear how you see yourselves today and what your realistic vision is for the next 3-5 years. My prayer is in our 175th year we will reflect on who we are; discern who God wants us to be and do what God calls us to do.
†I hope we will have gatherings of larger and smaller groups – some in Pilgrim Hall and some in homes and maybe restaurants to become better acquainted and to have focused conversations
†You have called me to be your Pastor and Teacher. I believe I have faithfully been your pastor – in worship and in pastoral care. I have teaching; I plan to offer a midweek adult class – either a Bible study
†The renewal of the work of living into the Open and Affirming Statement.
†To uncover the ministry God -and the congregation want me to do in the community –
I am grateful to God that God has called us to do ministry together. I look forward to discovering what God has in store for us in the coming year. In 2021 as you were searching for a pastor and as I was seeking to understand what God wanted me to do next, I continually heard a voice saying “Trust Me.” I trust God will continue to lead us; it is our task to listen and respond.
Thank you for the ministry you do, for your words of encouragement and support, and for calling me to serve God with you in Pinckney.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Jacoba M. Koppert
We, as a church, have managed our way through various challenges and new beginnings.
We have made our way through COVID-19 restrictions with your cooperation. We will continue to monitor these restrictions based on what the CDC and Michigan Conference UCC deem appropriate.
We were blessed to have Pastor Jacoba Koppert started as our new settled pastor in March 2022. Many thanks to the Search Committee and all their hard work in finding her!
We have been researching some ways to help generate more income for the church and will continue to do so in 2023.
We voted to have a 175th Anniversary Celebration in September 2023. Jana Kosko graciously volunteered to chair this exciting event. If you would like to help, please get with Jana.
I want to thank Jana Kosko, with help from Barb Delatorre, who worked diligently on putting together our new Church Directory. It turned out wonderful!! Great Job Ladies!!
I, on a personal note, would like to thank everyone for the continued support both as the Moderator but also while I have been healing from my broken wrist. Also, thank you to Jana Kosko for stepping in as a temporary administrative assistant while I was on medical leave.
In His Name,
Danette Smith
Moderator
Annual Report from the Board of Trustees for 2022
The Board had a busy year with the bringing in of Pastor Jacoba Koppert as our new settled Pastor and the renovation of the Parsonage.
At the Parsonage we accomplished the following items:
- In the basement had existing asbestos tile removed had carpeting installed
- Installed new cabinets and counter in the kitchen
- Purchased and installed new sink and faucet
- Turned a storage area into a space for the refrigerator
- Purchased and installed a new stove, refrigerator, and microwave
- Removed the carpeting and refinished the existing hardwood floors in the front two bedrooms
- Painted where needed
- Installed a mirror and towel rack in the laundry room.
- Took down fallen tree limbs; had a company remove others
- Cleaned out the garage and storage area in boiler room
- Installed Jacoba’s ring doorbell.
We formally hired Jacoba Koppert as our settled pastor on a 30 hour per week agreement
We had a break-in into the mechanical room under the kitchen from outside. In order to protect the church in the future we had a total of four security cameras installed and a remote doorbell for the office. Also had time clock for the entry lights replaced, all paid by Community Fellowship.
We had a bat problem in this church that was solved by installing a plate over the flues from the old incinerator under the weather cap.
The area under the steeple started to leak causing ceiling damage above the balcony, appears the louvers of the steeple are the cause, have not at this time found a permanent solution that would allow us to repair the ceiling. We repaired the leaking toilet in the lady's restroom. We continued our contracts with the landscape company and the snow removal company.
In the office Ramona Ridalls retired and we hired Danette Smith as the administrative assistance. She hurt her arm and we asked Jana Kosko to step in and help until Danette could come back to work. In June, Rick Smith left as custodian; we hired Carol Smith and Sharri Sable to replace him.
For Kids' Sake came back again this year and is planning on continuing the relationship in the future. M-36 Rotary holds their meetings in Pilgrim Hall monthly. AA holds their weekly meeting in Pilgrim Hall, also.
The Board spent a lot of time working with the budget to ensure that we remained fiscally responsible and provide the needed services to our members and community.
Respectively Submitted By,
Harry Templin
Trustees Chairperson
Diaconate Annual Report for 2022/2023
The Diaconate continues to serve Communion on the first and third Sunday of the month. Two of the members will serve the juice (the blood of Christ) in Communion Cups while Pastor Jacoba serves the bread (body of Christ) and give blessings if asked.
The Diaconate will also read the announcements on their designated month and read the liturgy on their month unless someone else has volunteered.
We will have monthly meetings with Pastor Jacoba to discuss upcoming Church Services and what may be needed for the Services.
Respectfully Submitted
Rick Smith
Diaconate Chairperson
Christian Education Committee - 2022 Report
Welcome Pastor Jacoba
We were pleased to welcome our new pastor, Jacoba, to our meetings in April. Her educational ideas and teaching experience has been a great addition to all our meetings and planning. She was instrumental in suggesting we order worship bulletins for the children and getting them used to looking forward to them. She has been great with the children and customizing her children's sermons to include all the children.
Sunday School - Bible Adventures
Bible Adventures started in September and takes place every Sunday from 9:30 - 10am. This class is geared towards children ages 7-12 and meets in the room directly under the sanctuary. We are using the book Great Big Love by Shine for the curriculum. Liz Hoban has developed the lesson plans and teachers are Liz, Jenny Sobolevski, and Sue Dewey. In September and October, the children worked on the play “Jonah’s Whale”, which was presented to the church on October 23rd. The teachers did a wonderful job with costumes and props and, working around missing children during rehearsals.
Chime Bells
We have reached our fundraising goal for the chime bells - thanks to all those who contributed. The kids performed on Palm Sunday and before the Christmas pageant.
Nursery
The nursery reopened in the spring for children ages 6 and below. Typically, there are 1-6 children in the nursery. We always have a backup person scheduled - to be used depending upon the number of children. The children are returned to their parents prior to the end of service. On communion Sundays, the children are returned so that they may participate in communion.
VBS
A 2-day VBS was held August 8-9. The theme was “The Prayer Connection”. 12 children attended. Jacoba led the sessions on prayer, and Liz Hoban led the presentation on our mission activity - helping out neighbors through Gleaners and Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC). In addition, there was music, games, crafts, and food, and we had the assistance of 12 volunteers. Just before VBS we participated with Outreach to promote our church and VBS at Popsicles in the Park.
Christmas Pageant - 'Welcome Welcome Jesus'
Many thanks to Janet Blake, Rena’ Mills, and Jana Kosko for organizing the Christmas pageant, which was held on December 11th. 27 children participated, including 3 babies! Paul Bairly provided wonderful piano accompaniment.
Adult Sunday School
New books were purchased for this class, which meets from 9am-9:45 every Sunday.
Safe Conduct Training
A training session was held on August 28th. 16 people attended. This training is required for anyone that plans to work with children in any capacity. We expect to have another offering in the spring.
Parental Consent Forms
The committee has adopted a new form to be filled out at least once a year for each child.
Respectfully submitted
Mary Witalec
Christian Education Chairperson
Outreach Report - 2022
Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast: Were canceled due to COVID.
Peace & Justice Scholarship: Were canceled due to COVID.
Popsicles in the park: This event was held on Sunday, July 31st and was very successful. There were 5-6 craft booths, bounce house and yard games. Hot dogs, chips and water were passed out. It was a nice sunny day, and we had a good turnout.
Thanksgiving Baskets: Collected, organized, and delivered food and $25 gift cards for 7 area families. Lynne Sandula did most of the shopping for the groceries, a few items were donated by the Church Members, the gift cards were all donated by a Church Member. Rena and Tammy delivered to the families. Although it was A LOT of work for Lynne this worked out well as each family got the same items donated for their baskets.
2022 Christmas Angel Tree: Organized, collected, and distributed gifts for 2 families through the Salvation Army. Each family also received at least two $25 gift cards to Kroger’s. There were a few Angels that were not taken. So, Tammy picked up the rest of the Angels and bought the corresponding gifts (Fellowship Donated $200 for this) These two families were fortunate that they were sponsored by our Church.
The mitten tree produced 56 hats,7 scarves, 47 gloves, 5 hat and glove combos, 9 earmuffs and one pair of socks. Rena delivered them and all the Christmas Angel tree gifts.
Submitted by:
Tammy L. Beal
Outreach Chairperson
Year End Report for Community Fellowship 2022
Community Fellowship has only met a handful of times in 2022. We met to set up the schedule for the Trash to Treasure Sale and again in the fall to set up a schedule for the Harvest Dinner. We met in early December to discuss donations. We will try to meet again in February to discuss our future plans for the spring. It has been decided to meet during the day instead of at night, as many prefer not to drive at night when it’s dark out.
We did not have our Annual Tea on Mother’s Day Weekend in Pilgrim Hall in 2022. However, we would like to have it again this year possibly on Saturday, May 13, 2023, and we will keep you updated.
The Trash to Treasure Sale was held on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4th, 2022. This was held the same weekend as Art in the Park. The Men also parked cars on that Friday as part of our fundraiser for people attending Art in the Park and our Sale. The Profits from Sales were $1,375.17, Parking $293.00, Total= $1,668.17.
The Harvest Dinner was held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. It was carryout only and was very successful. We had generous donations of food such as, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Celery, Milk and Homemade Apple Cake. We also were given a generous donation towards the purchase of the meat. Our Profit was $1,133.35.
We had a Christmas Potluck Gathering on Tuesday, December 13 in Pilgrim Hall. We enjoyed food, fellowship, played a game with exchanging gifts and packaged up goodie bags for the people of our Congregation that are not able to get out and attend church for various reasons.
Some of the money’s we have raised recently and in the past, went to help purchase the new security equipment for the church @ $2,093.00. We were also able to donate $200 to Outreach to complete the Christmas Angel Tree Gifts this year, donated $300 to a family that Lynne Sandula knew that needed help this Christmas and help a family with their utility bill of $300. We purchased 92 new chairs for Pilgrim Hall at the cost of $1,751.80. Most of the chairs we replaced were donated to Camp Talahi. They were grateful to receive them. Community Fellowship also donated $60 towards the Chime Bells that Christian Education uses with the children.
Whenever needed we put on the funeral luncheons in Pilgrim Hall.
We invite everyone in the Congregation to join in with Community Fellowship at any time. Everyone is Welcome!
Respectfully Submitted
Marianne Templin
Community Fellowship President
ONA Year End Report 2022
(Open aNd Affirming)
In the past year, Liz Hoban and Sue Dewey worked with our youth to present the play ‘Much More than a Big Fish Tale’, a play about Jonah and God’s inclusive love.
At Pastor Jacoba’s installation we celebrated our ONA Covenant as well as her installation. Our Covenant has been incorporated as part of worship on several occasions since that time.
When a couple of our members were harassed about our banner, our Executive Committee proactively met with local law enforcement and acted to make sure we were securing our church and the members within. There have been no further incidents.
Positive feedback from people in the neighborhood have reinforced our need to make sure all God’s beloveds have a place where they can find a faith home.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we hope to offer ONA refresher training as well as opportunities to help us as a congregation consider what is next.
We understand that God created all humans and loves them all. Regardless of race, age, or sexual orientation, we want to extend God’s extravagant love and hospitality to all God’s beloveds. All should be able to worship without the tension of judgment. We remain committed to making sure all know they are welcome here.
Respectfully Submitted
Marcia Meabon
Search Committee 2022 Annual Report
After many hours and months of reading, reviewing and interviewing numerous potential pastors, we were blessed to find Pastor Jacoba Koppert. The congregation voted unanimously to have her as our new settled pastor in Fall 2021. Pastor Jacoba officially started in March 2022.
We had hoped to update our church profile in 2022 but unfortunately it didn’t happen. We will be working on that in 2023.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rick Smith
Search Committee Chairperson
Pastor’s Report
Annual Winter Meeting
January 22, 2022
Community Congregational United Church of Christ
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not rely on your own insight.”
(Proverbs 3:5)
I rejoice in being your Pastor and Teacher. We have served God together for ten months now. We knew given the recent experiences of the church and the disruption of COVID; challenges coupled with new opportunities would unfold as ministry resumed. All churches are having to discover again who they are and what God calls them to do. We prefer to do things as we always have, yet changes in membership, abilities, and needs lead us to reassess what we can and cannot do. We are doing the best we can with God’s help to move into a “season unrevealed, something God alone can see.” We are called to trust in the Lord, and not rely on our own insight.
The Church Boards, Committees and organizations are again functioning. Each are still working on how to operate given that everything has been in flux for nearly four years. One member admitted, after isolating all this time, even socializing takes effort. I know some of what you did in the past but I am still learning about what gave you joy and how you worked together with your pastor and each other. You are still learning what I have to offer.
Among my offerings in 2022:
†Worship leadership – Worshipping God and helping you to do so, is central to my ministry. This year I have been listening to what your tradition has been, striving to honor your practices. You have also been open to my ideas. What is most important is that we faithfully worship God, follow Jesus, and seek the Spirit’s guidance.
†Visiting people who are hospitalized, homebound, and in care facilities
†Becoming acquainted with church members during coffee hours, in their homes, my office, my home, restaurants
†Supporting and being supported by three office administrators, teaching them, learning from them
†Working with church musicians and custodial staff
†Offering prayers – in person, on the phone, through texts and emails
†Attending most Executive Board and Committee meetings, serving as an ex-officio member and advisor
†Preparing occasional church newsletters, writing articles for the church website and photo directory
†Teaching in Vacation Bible School, helping find curriculum for Bible Adventures
†Hosting the summer picnic
†Writing and sending emails and texts, beginning to learn who prefers a phone call, visit, text, or email. (I prefer phone calls.) Setting up Zoom meetings
†Learning community resources and becoming familiar with local medical and older adult facilities
†Welcoming visitors at community and church events – attending church sponsored events
†Attending Pinckney Clergy meetings, UCC Association and Conference meetings and events
A few of the ministries I noticed and celebrate
†Together you renovated the parsonage. Brian Dewey did much of the work in the home; however, without the help of the Trustees, other members and your financial support, the renovated kitchen, new windows, carpeting of the basement, restoring the flooring of two bedrooms to wood would not have happened. I thank Brian and all of you.
†Together you are supporting outreach into the community in amazing ways. The Farley Food Pantry is a year-round focus – but as you can see in Outreach’s report you support our community in many other ways.
†Christian Education for children and adults has resumed on Sunday mornings. The children come eagerly to Bible Adventures, children’s time, and nursery. There is a strong adult Sunday School class with faithful attenders.
†In worship the Diaconate continues to be aware of the needs of our vulnerable members as we returned to singing and receiving Holy Communion at the altar. We are blessed to have a good choir. The music Rex Meabon and Tony Viviano offer greatly enhance our worship service. John Hoban’s willingness to film and edit all our worship service before uploading them to Youtube is very much appreciated. We are fortunate to have the Rev. Liz Hoban and Pastor Marcia Meabon able to step in when I am unavailable to lead worship.
† Fellowship events are returning in the church and at the parsonage. It is a joy to be together again.
†The Open and Affirming Statement you wrote and passed stands before us as guide for our ministry among each other and in the community.
†After a time when leadership, each board and committee tried to do their best individually, we are learning how to work together so that all are included in activities and decision making.
†You are a congregation who care deeply for each other. You are aware of the gifts and limitations of one another. You rejoice when a member celebrates; you support each other when challenges overwhelm. You are a generous congregation eager to serve God and the community.
Some of my hopes for 2023
†I am excited to celebrate your 175 years of faithful ministry in the Pinckney community. I am eager to learn who you have been and what you have done in the name of God. I am also hoping to hear how you see yourselves today and what your realistic vision is for the next 3-5 years. My prayer is in our 175th year we will reflect on who we are; discern who God wants us to be and do what God calls us to do.
†I hope we will have gatherings of larger and smaller groups – some in Pilgrim Hall and some in homes and maybe restaurants to become better acquainted and to have focused conversations
†You have called me to be your Pastor and Teacher. I believe I have faithfully been your pastor – in worship and in pastoral care. I have teaching; I plan to offer a midweek adult class – either a Bible study
†The renewal of the work of living into the Open and Affirming Statement.
†To uncover the ministry God -and the congregation want me to do in the community –
I am grateful to God that God has called us to do ministry together. I look forward to discovering what God has in store for us in the coming year. In 2021 as you were searching for a pastor and as I was seeking to understand what God wanted me to do next, I continually heard a voice saying “Trust Me.” I trust God will continue to lead us; it is our task to listen and respond.
Thank you for the ministry you do, for your words of encouragement and support, and for calling me to serve God with you in Pinckney.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Jacoba M. Koppert