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Message 2024 Annual Report

Contents2025 Annual Meeting Agenda................................Pastor’s Report.........................................................Clerk’s Report..........................................................Administrative Committee......................................Building and Grounds Committee.........................Church Life Committee..........................................Outreach Committee...............................................Pantry and Garden...................................................Guns to Gardens......................................................5791014161820233 Please note that the page numbers refer to the printed edition of this report.

Call to Order and Opening PrayerEstablish a QuorumReceive the Annual ReportAdministrative CommitteeBuilding and Grounds CommitteeChurch Life CommitteeOutreach CommitteeReceive the 2025 BudgetApprove Pastor Jenny’s Terms of CallOther BusinessAdjourn meeting of Central Presbyterian Church and reconvene as Central Presbyterian Church CorporationBusiness of the CorporationAnnouncementsAdjournment and BenedictionAnnual Meeting AgendaAnnual meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of Central Presbyterian Church of Kansas City, MOSunday, January 26, 2025Immediately Following Worship5

Friends, it has been a full and beautiful year at Central Presbyterian Church and in Hyde Park, and I am delighted thatwe have continued to find ways to serve and love our neighbors. In this report, you will find highlights from the last yearand hopes for the year ahead. Please take some time to read and discern where you might share your gifts as we continueto make love and justice central together! Here are some things I did this year: Spent time connecting with colleagues through Presbytery and Synod meetings Learned more about and connected with current and potential ministry partners in the community, including Pawsperity, SAVE, Inc., KVC Foster Care, Kansas City Actors’ Theatre, Stand Up KC, and MoveMO Continued to represent Central Presbyterian Church as members of Troost Alliance and the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association and represented Central Presbyterian Church as a new member of the MidAmerica LGBT Chamber of Commerce Served as a Commissioner to the 226th General Assembly and as the Vice Moderator of the Domestic EngagementCommittee Served as the chair of the planning team for the UKirk National Gathering Served as a founding board member of Grace Outtabounds Served as a resource person consulting with Providence Presbytery on Guns to Gardens Attended the Network of Biblical Storytellers Festival Gathering Participated in Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s Guns to Gardens Action Circle Led book studies on Everything Good About God is True by Bruce Reyes-Chow and Beating Guns: Hope for a PeopleWeary of Violence by Shane Claiborne and Michael Martin Together as a community of faith, we welcomed guest preachers Rev. Lauren Sanders, Mission Co-Worker DougTilton, Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, and Synod of MidAmerica Executive Rev. Dr. Deborah Boucher-Payne. We alsoorganized participation in our first PrideFest booth (special thanks to Amy Smick for coordinating much of that!) andour first Guns to Gardens Safe Surrender event. St. Mark Hope & Peace ELCA, St. James Catholic Church, and NewSprings Community Church collaborated with us in worship, and we are eager to find ways to do more together in theyear to come. I continue to be grateful for each of you, for the call to serve alongside you, and for the ways we are continuing to learnand grow together. May we continue to do so in the year to come!In Christ,JennyA Note from Jenny7

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Clerk’s ReportDuring 2024, Holy Communion was celebrated in worship on the first Sunday of each month, Palm Sunday, EasterSunday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve. We continue to live-stream worship on Facebook for those who prefer to worship in their own homes. We received seven (7) new members: Tara and Robert Ruggles, Michael Neisius and Matthew Macchietto, Justin Stout,Eli Garza and Meredith Higgins. Evelyn von Torkildson joined the saints above. THE SESSION Moderator: The Rev. Jenny Wells Clerk of Session: Terry Miller SERVING ELDERS Serving as Treasurer: Cheryl Cornett Annual elections were held in January 2025. Respectfully submitted, Terry Miller Clerk of Session Class of 2024David Alonzo (1)Vivian Hunt (1)Rebecca Merola (1)Class of 2025Susan Borge (2)Terry Miller (1)Sonja Carlson (1)Class of 2026Sara Hirsch (2)Matthew Mullins (1)Elaine Joslyn (1)Deaths Marriages New Members Baptisms 10179

The mission of the Administrative Committee is to support the mission of Central through the wise stewardship andefficient use of the church’s resources and develop and implement dynamic communication of the church’s mission 2024 Accomplishments: welcomed Matthew Mullins as a member of the committee and gratefully added Roberta McBride as check signer audited and updated accounts payable process through review of church credit card receipts, check requests, andapprovals process Switched church credit cards to one that offers a cash back option, Personnel committee hired two new employees, and Met with managers of Davis Trust in December to seek answers as to noted discrepancies in quarterlydistributions Church Financial Summary Once again, Central remained in sound financial position in 2024 as contributions from pledges, donations, anddisbursements from the Hickman and Davis trusts continued to be strong. A thorough monthly review of the church’sfinances occurred with the help of our accounting partners at Miller Management.UMB Endowment Trust Established in the 1960s by members of Central to ensure future financial security, the trust’s value increased in 2023and the Admin team continues to monitor its status quarterly. In 2024, a total of $140,000 was withdrawn forbuilding improvements. $169,989 was spent on major improvements.As recommended by Miller Management, the amounts below are indicative of the total market value of the trust: Beginning Value Jan 1, 2024: $789,861 Congregational Approved Withdrawals: $145,000Ending Value Dec 31, 2024: $705,049Administrative CommitteeOperating Income Operating ExpensesGeorge & Elizabeth Davis Trust $331,090Contributions $127,379Rent $38,127Other $73,464Total: $570,060Admin (including pastor and staff salaries) $322,541Building and Grounds $100,229Church Life $18,823Outreach (see Benevolence below)Total: $441,593Benevolence IncomeBenevolence ExpensesGeorge & Elizabeth Davis Trust $141,607Walter Hickman Trust $12,187Designated Gifts to the Food Pantry $3,154Total: $156,948Pantry Operations $125,448Local Causes $17,989Pastor’s Discretionary $1,000Miscellaneous Outreach $17,777Total: $162,21410

2025 Goals The Admin Committee has established the following goals for the next fiscal year: Welcome and support the orientation of Emily High as Administrative and Communications Coordinator Upon approval of the congregation, thoroughly vet three new financial advisors to re-invest part of theendowment trust to improve the church’s overall rate of return Organize the church’s historical documents including Session minutes, registers, and others, then arrange forproper permanent storage Continue to spot audit church financial processes to ensure compliance with policies Re-evaluate the church insurance policy for cost savings Update administrative policies and procedures The above projects and achievements could not have occurred without the considerable investment of time and talentsof committee members including Cheryl Cornett, Sara Hirsch, Matthew Mullins and Chip Barger, along with thecooperation of the Outreach and Building & Grounds Committees. Special consideration and thanks to Amy Smick who resigned from her position as Administrative andCommunications Coordinator this year—she should especially be commended for her efforts to manage all aspects ofthe church’s bookkeeping process. Finally, to the congregation and friends of the church, thank you for your financial generosity and unfailing supportof Central in its mission. Sincerely, Anna Lisa Lawton Moderator, Administrative Committee Administrative Committee, Continued11

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The B&G committee focused on completing projects this year which we had started in 2023. We also identified andprioritized several major tasks for the first floor that were “on hold” awaiting tenant transition. We reply to maintenanceand service requests from committees, tenants and staff members in a timely manner. We remain diligent, collaborating closely with the administrative committee to monitor our expenditures. This year weutilized our entire financial allocations for major improvements and building operations. Major Improvements of $70,000 were approved by Session for upgrades including window replacement, electricalupgrades, flooring, carpet replacement and plumbing repair. Significant Completed Projects Replaced over 35 windows with triple pane insulated tamperproof glass on the south and east side of the buildingalong with basement windows.Replaced roof over the narthex area, repaired the perimeter and damaged roof area. Submitted over $60,000 in insurance claims to Church Mutual for hail damage which were approved. Thisreimbursement paid for most of our windows and roof repairs. Completed Phase I of the first floor Little Gleaners room remodel. This complex upgrade included extensivedemolition, upgraded HVAC, plumbing and concrete repair. Finalized the revision of our Building Use policy, which was approved by Session. Completed carpet replacement for the balance of our third-floor south area. Replaced hard surface flooring in the dining room and storage room. Removed floor tile from the kitchen andconverted it to a sealed concrete flooring application. Completed phase I of first floor kitchen renovation to include wall tile removal, paint, fixture repair, plumbing andelectrical. Completed renovation of the first floor Parlor. Negotiated with a new tenant to occupy the remaining three office spaces on the south side of the third floor. Thislease is at market rate and the tenant is scheduled to take possession in early 2025. Coordinated and negotiated relocation of two tenants on the third floor to new locations. Completed update of the “Long Hallway” to provide improved access and functionality for pantry. Managed replacement of perimeter exterior lights to improve visibility and provide better security. Maintenance Added additional cameras to provide enhanced building security. Cleaned and repaired elements of our HVAC system to extend the life of our equipment. Upgraded two breaker panels in basement. Added additional LED lighting in the basement and installed additional motion detection throughout the building. Sealed the foundation on the east side of the building to eliminate water seepage into the basement. Managed and addressed the needs of six tenants. Coordinated planning and logistics for church, tenant, and third-party events. Cleaned, purged, and organized communion room, dining room, equipment storage and basement. Building and Grounds Committee14

Projects and Priorities for 2025Find a cost effective skilled stained-glass expert and contractor to repair framing and sills for two sanctuary stained-glass windows. Identity a suitable tenant to lease our north third-floor office space in keeping with the mission of our Church. Evaluate replacements for our Heating and A/C system. Budget this expenditure over the next five years. Determine costs, design, and timing for Chancel/Sanctuary update. Collaborate with Admin and Church Life todefine wholistic vision of this space to include access, comfort, ADA compliance and third-party usage. Repair and/or resurface parking lot with consideration to improved safety and security. Complete updates for the first-floor kitchen.As budget permits, evaluate and recommend upgrades to Fellowship Hall and Pantry. This will include newflooring, paint, lighting, sound absorption and efficient storage. Evaluate masonry repairs for the exterior of the building. Complete the Little Gleaners room. Design will include space for meetings, classes, and expanded space for socialgatherings. Find a solution to our unpredictable and strangely rising water bill. Evaluate cost savings alternatives for operating expenses. Finalize the Safety and Security guidelines, (last update was 2020) and present to Session for approval. Transition to a new janitorial service. We are grateful for our committee members who faithfully attended nine meetings this year and contribute their timeand talents to our church. They are dedicated, persevering, smart and truly function as a team. Many thanks to ChipBarger, Susan Borge, Sara Hirsch, Anna Lisa Lawton, Terry Miller, Rob Ruggles and Lori Raye Erickson who aredevoted to our church and its property. We thank Session and this Congregation who support our efforts. We appreciate your confidence and trust in thiscommittee. Respectfully submitted- Mary C. Merola Moderator, Building and Grounds Committee January 26, 202515

The Church Life Committee held regular monthly meetings under the leadership of co-moderators, DavidAlonzo and Elaine Joslyn. In 2024, Rev. Wells, Cindy Sheppard, David Alonzo, Elaine Joslyn, Robert Biehl,and Amy Smick comprised this committee. In 2024, the Church Life Committee Provided bread, juice, and set-up for Communion Purchased a new piece of hardware to make live streaming worship more user friendly Partnered with neighbor churches for Palm Sunday worship on March 24 and “Longest Night” worshipon December 18 Sponsored monthly Holy Happy Hour gatherings at various venues around the city Purchased tickets for members and guests to attend concerts of our tenant groups, Te Deum and KansasCity Women’s Chorus Provided cake and other snacks for coffee hour fellowship and coordinated with others to serve as coffeehour “hosts” Coordinated meals for the 2024 Annual Congregational Meeting in January and for our inauguralHomecoming Sunday in September Provided a cake for the celebration of the installation of Rev. Dr. Deborah Boucher-Payne as theExecutive of the Synod of MidAmerica Church Life Committee16

In 2025, Church Life plans to Continue organizing fellowship following worship Review church membership Organize plans for a photo directory Provide fellowship opportunities outside of Sunday mornings, including a continuation of quarterly Holy HappyHour gatherings Host outside groups and guests to provide workshops and music Coordinate cleaning and reorganizing of first floor kitchen for future use Special thanks to our choir section leaders, our gifted congregation members, and our guest musicians this year, whoprovided a variety of music for worship. We are grateful for your gifts and that you choose to share them with us! Thanks also goes to all we welcomed as guests in the pulpit this year: Rev. Melissa Bowers, Rev. Brian Ellison, Rev. Dr.Deborah Boucher-Payne, Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Rev. Jessica Kotila, Rev. Lauren Sanders, and Mission Co-WorkerDoug Tilton. Thank you, also, to Cindy Sheppard, David and Elaine Joslyn, and Roberta McBride, who helped clean and reorganizethe choir room this year. Respectfully submitted, David Alonzo and Elaine Joslyn Co-moderators, Church Life Committee17

Outreach CommitteeIn 2024, the Outreach Committee met monthly and primarily discussed the reprioritization of Outreachfunds. In past years, the committee used Davis and Hickman Funds dollars to give small grants toorganizations who applied online and who prioritized social justice issues in their missions. In 2024, thecommittee concluded that the dollars available needed to be focused on our Pantry services, includingplanning for pantry expansion due to an increased number of neighbors coming to us weekly for food andclothing. Looking forward to 2025, we see a continued focus on Pantry operations and plan to hold severalfundraising events to supplement our food and clothing needs, as well as continuing to cultivate activeparticipation from Pantry neighbors and friends. Although the grant application program was suspended, funding was provided to the followingorganizations: Heartland Presbytery Camp’s “Night Under the Stars” Benefit concert Kansas City Community Gardens annual fundraising event Thank you for the time and energy of committee members Sonja Carlson, David Joslyn, Rebecca Merola,Rev. Jenny Wells, Rachel Ternes and Amy Smick. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Borge Moderator, Outreach Committee 18

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In August of this year, Colleen Simon retired, and I started as the new pantry coordinator. Some of the areas I’ve beenfocusing on have been cultivating new volunteers and tightening up the tracking and strategic management of the pantrybudget. In September, the Outreach Committee approved other outreach funds for the pantry’s use, allowing us to finishthe year after we exceeded our original budget in October. The 2025 pantry budget will be smaller than last year. TheOutreach Committee, pantry volunteers, and I are planning to fill the gap by holding a fundraiser and solicitingdonations (especially for the clothes closet) from our various communities. Pantry renovations that were previously beingdiscussed are now on hold. 2024 pantry statistics: 583 total households served, 437 of them new in 2024 Average attendance of 66 neighbors each week (compared to 55 in 2023) Highest recorded attendance of 102 neighbors on November 20 9 new (or back after a break) volunteers from the congregation and neighborhood since August Central Pantry and Garden20

Increased our dry and refrigerated storage space with a closet renovated by Lori Raye Erickson and Anna LisaLawton, and shelving and other supplies received from Rebecca and Mary Merola Received lots of donated toilet paper from Sidekicks Saloon in October Minute for Mission in CPC worship on November 10 Special Offerings from the congregation for Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving Holiday meats and fixin’s distributed in the pantry on November 20 and December 18 Christmas Gift Shop opened in the clothes closet on December 4 and 11 Our no-till, organic garden was further developed and cultivated by volunteers Rebecca Merola, Jessica Biehl,Amelia McDaniel, Nancy Tilson-Mallet, Grant Mallet, Ray Hill, Meredith Higgins, and Eli Garza 1,180 pounds of produce were harvested and distributed in the pantry Continued partnership with Kansas City Community Gardens, which provided some harvests from theirorchards for the pantry Switched to a compost pick-up service, which made space for two more garden bedsRates of hunger and food insecurity have been growing dramatically over the last few years, both nationally andlocally. Rising food costs are burdening our neighbors as well as Harvesters (the area’s largest food bank, and ourprimary supplier). This reality is sobering but it makes us all the more committed to being creatively resourceful anddeveloping more partnerships to support the pantry. I am so grateful for the many hands that make the work of thepantry possible, and I look forward to the pantry continuing to help meet the material and spiritual needs of ourneighbors in 2025. Rachel Ternes Pantry Coordinator January 10, 2025 2024 Highlights21

This spring 4 individuals from the congregation and Rev. Jenny Wells participated in Action Circles provided bythe Presbyterian Peace Fellowship where they learned how to host a Guns to Gardens surrender of unwantedfirearms event. Elaine and David Joslyn and Mary and Rebecca Merola, along with Rev. Jenny Wells formed thetask force that hosted the first-of- its-kind event in Kansas City. By the numbers: 10 teams Greeters Shepherds Inspectors Choppers Runners Admin Clergy/Counselors Medical Logistics HospitalityMuch gratitude for the passion of this church to strive to make this community safer by offering actionableopportunities to combat gun violence. 70 volunteer participants 81 firearms surrendered 33 of the those surrendered were multi-shot 36 cars moved through the process, 1 walk-up $5,250 in gift cards handed out as gratitudeofferings $10,675 in donations generated 1 Mayor, 1 County Prosecutor, 2 CityCouncil Members 90-degree temperature reading in October 0 acts of aggression23