1

SAINT MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

WESTERVILLE, OHIO
2015 ANNUAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 1, 2015

16 And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the
garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins
burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins,
and so both are preserved."
MATTHEW 9

Annual Meeting Agenda

Saint Matthews Episcopal Church
Westerville, Ohio
February 1, 2015
OPENING PRAYER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM 2014 ANNUAL MEETING

Page 3

PRIEST REPORT
Page 7
Determination and Persistence : Serving ourselves and loving our neighbors
SENIOR WARDEN REPORT
JUNIOR WARDEN REPORT
DISCUSSION OF MISSION REPORTS
2015 VESTRY VOTE
VESTRY SLATE
Clifton Flemister
Harold Patrick
Donna Johnston
Rebecca Wright
Bryan Swift
Marc Hopper
NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
VOTE
APPROVAL OF OUR UPDATED BYLAWS (see back pages)
DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL REPORT
APPROVAL OF 2015 BUDGET
CLOSING PRAYER
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Page 11
Page 12
Pages 13-23

St. Matthews Episcopal Church

February 2, 2014
Present: The Rev. Dr. Joseph G. Kovitch, Priest-in-Charge; The Rev. Abeoseh Flemister, PIMIL
Director; Bill Pythyon, Sexton; Clifton Flemister, Sr. Warden; Kerry Wimsatt, Jr. Warden; Rebecca
Wright, Parish Treasurer; Vestry members Nadya Richardson, Harold Patrick, Kevin Aldridge, Marc
Hopper, Bryan Swift; Donna Johnston, Secretary to the Vestry; and Parish members Deryck
Richardson, Sonja Bronson, Brent Bronson, Gerrie Zust, Bob Zust, Jr., Betsy Kintz, Marsha Adkins,
Charlene Gregory, Scott Sachs, Don & Bernice Boyer, Marie Kovitch, Dorothy Rosenberg, Mike
Shimko and Mary Smith, Gregor Scott, Jerrilyn Kaiser, Dave and Rhonda Ryde, and Emily Savors.
The Annual Meeting was called to order at 11:40 AM by Fr. Joseph, who offered the opening
prayer. Donna Johnston was appointed to act as Secretary. Fr. Joseph called attention to the
Vision booklet and its contents that was distributed.
An attendance sheet was distributed for signature.
The minutes of the 2013 Annual Meeting will be sent to parishioners due to technical issues with
the office computer.
Election of Vestry
Fr. Joseph reported that at the January 19th, 2014, meeting, the Vestry had unanimously
voted to have no more than 10 and no less than 8 members serving on the Vestry, with the goal
being to have and maintain 10 members by 2015.
Sonja Bronson declared Teller for the elections, with Deryck Richardson volunteering to
assist. There being only three nominees for the three vacant Vestry positions, Mary Smith, Jerrilyn
Kaiser and Nadya Richardson were elected by the unanimous vocal vote of the congregation.
Election of Convention Delegates
Ballots were distributed for the election of two delegates and two alternates to Diocesan
Convention in November. Those on the ballot included: Marsha Adkins, Kevin Aldridge, Harold
Patrick, Nadya Richardson, and Rebecca Wright. Sonja and Deryck collected and counted the
ballots, the results being the following:
Delegates Marsha Adkins, Harold Patrick
Alternates - Kevin Aldridge, Nadya Richardson
Reports
- Fr. Joseph asked for any questions regarding the contents of the Annual Report.
- Kerry Winsatt thanked Gregor Scott for all his work in leading the Way Forward Team, with
the focus for 2014 being Stabilization. Gregor explained that the purpose of structure and
stability is to solidify who we are and to set our goals, both short and long term. More detail
as to how to proceed will be determined at the parish Mission Summit to be February 8 th at
Proctor Conference Center.
- On February 12th, Gregor, Kerry, Clifton Flemister and Fr. Joseph will meet with the
leadership body of Central College Presbyterian to discuss what our future intentions are
and the possibilities of remaining on the campus in a more permanent basis.

Budget Report
- Rebecca Wright noted that there is currently $18,000 in a reserve fund for the future
development.
- The budget for 2014 was created by the late Bob Zust, Sr., with input from the Finance
Committee.
- Rebecca stated she would be available after mass in the office and during the week as
needed.
- Any funds donated for a specific purpose will be placed and held accordingly, and not
become a part of the operating budget.
- Donations will gladly be accepted for the building fund at any time.
- The monthly newsletter that will be forthcoming will include an abbreviated budget/financial
report.
- The current Finance Committee consists of Clifton Flemister, Kerry Wimsatt, Harold Patrick,
Nadya Richardson and Rebecca Wright.
- It was pointed out that the non-pledging income was half of last years projected figure.
- It was stated how grateful we are for all of Bob Zusts work for the parish, and appreciative
that Rebecca Wright has volunteered to take over the responsibilities of Treasurer.
- We will be making a monetary gift to Central College for all the support they have given us,
in terms of rent free office/meeting/storage space and the free use of the chapel for
services.
- It was moved/seconded by Marsha Adkins and Harold Patrick to accept the Proposed
Budget for 2014. The motion carried unanimously.
Acknowledgements
- Bill Pythyon was thanked for all his work at State St., RESPITE, and Central College over
the last year.
- The parish administrator, Rebecca Loach will continue her dedication to getting the office in
order and then make a decision regarding her continuence or retirement. She will remain
until a new parish administrator is in place.
- Several members of the parish were thanked for their work on the Diocesan level:
-Emily Savors serves as a Trustee and on the Credentials Committee
-Sonja Bronson is the Chairperson of Credentials and on the Standing Committee.
-Nadya Richardson is serving on the Budget & Finance Committee, the Standing
Committee, and the Nominations Committee
-Fr. Joseph is serving on the Commission on Congregational Life. It is this same
committee that will handle the distribution of funds from the sale of the State St.
property.
-Deryck Richardson has volunteered as a Teller/Runner/Page for convention for
many years when not serving as a delegate.
- Fr. Joseph has been formally received into the Episcopal Church. In acknowledgement of
this
wonderful and blessed event, Fr. Joseph was presented with an icon of St. Matthew the
Evangelist,
and a Book of Episcopal Services and Music (with CDs included because he loves to sing).
He

thanked the congregation for the gifts and the many blessings he has received as a part of
St. Matthews. He also recognized his wife Marie for all her dedication and commitment to
St. Matthews.
Fr. Joseph thanked the congregation for all their support and continued work and
commitment to make St. Matthews a continuing presence in Westerville, and especially
those serving on the Vestry and in key parish positions.
He especially thanked Mother Abby for continuing presence, service and joyful support of
the parish and congregation, as well as all her leadership of PIMIL, our Liberian ministry.

Other Business
- It was reported that the congregation will be able to order logo shirts from our website in the
near future. More details will be forthcoming.
- The Vestry was reminded of the next regular meeting scheduled for February 9 th
immediately following the 10:30 worship service.
There being no further business to come before the congregation, the annual meeting was
declared adjourned at 12:20 PM, with Mother Abby offering the closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Johnston
Secretary

2014 Treasurer Report

Moving forward into our 2015 Expansion year, we can reflect proudly of the accomplishments of
reaching our goals of Stabilization in 2014. Starting 2014 with grief in our hearts was challenging,
but with the Holy Spirit present we moved forward into 2015 to grow and expand our relationship
with the community, as well as the Diocese, to continue to strengthen St. Matthews.
The time that each of us devotes to St. Matthews and the financial support we provide, gives St.
Matthews the ability to reach out into the community and support our ministries. Without both, we
cannot maintain the vessel that the Holy Spirit works through; the mission that we all share in our
hearts through prayer and worship, to spread Christian love and inclusiveness to those around us.
There are many ways to help grow the community of St. Matthews, either monetarily or to the
many ministries we still maintain, but keeping St. Matthews in our hearts and prayers is equally as
important.
It is exciting to look forward to the ever inevitable changes that we face together, when we looked
back at what we have already accomplished. What may seem insignificant has greater value when
we see we what we all do collectively for the greater good for St. Matthews and for the spirit of our
mission and ministries.
God bless, St. Matthews~
Rebecca Wright

PRIESTS REPORT
Where are we now and how will we grow?
FINANCIAL REALITY
1. The hope with the sale of 233 was to have any proceeds after payouts to go into a COCL
fund that would be available to St. Matthew's for a future home.
2. 233 sold at a loss of more than $60,000 (see below).
3. Thus, there are no monies available for a future home out of proceeds.
4. This is not a "no" from the diocese for a building, but any building would have a mortgage
attached. Lending doesnt make sense.
5. Doing the math tells St. Matthew's that a building is not feasible, and is, in fact, the pathway
to oblivion at this point.
6. Conclusion: There is no "free" money for bricks and mortar due to selling 233 at loss.
7. Our mission trajectory indicates a new initiative for being St. Matthew's, and thus puts us in
the great opportunity to receive New Initiative Grants from multiple sources for a 5-7 year
plan. This is the only way to retain a full time priest and mission funds to put ourselves on
the path of growth that would allow us to address a future home in the next few years.
8. The best scenario is to place us in the best position for growth and mutual work with the
diocese, while retaining a priest to lead with the parish.
Here is a short version for the sale of 233 (David Robinson)
2,035,36
6
15,339
122,122
1,897,90
5
22,674
1,875,23
1
1,582,13
7
235,396
57,698
28,473
17,548
12,609
65,905
-66,836

Sales contract
Fees, taxes, legal
Commission

Less -repairs per contract for sale

Deduct - PNC note

Deduct - Repayment to WCP for Bonds (Father Joseph adds:
the total Bonds paid = 400,000, with a recouping of 235,396)
2013 interest only payment to PNC
2014 interest only payments to PNC
2013 expenses (property mgmt, grass, security, maintenance
2014 expenses (property mgmt, grass, security, maintenance
Amount due to Closed Church Fund - Westerville

CENTRAL COLLEGE REALITY

1. Though Central College loves to have us, we are on borrowed space and time. They
assume that we will be moving on, and that has helped Central College feel comfortable
with having us.
2. Central College is in a discernment process as to whether they will leave the PCUSA or
stay: doctrinal and theological differences. There is hope that they will not split from the
denomination - there is a vote on leaving or staying in early March.
3. Question: Are we to be proactive or reactive; that is, do we stay until we reach the point of
overstaying our welcome? No matter how the vote goes, things will get challenging for
Central College in the coming weeks and months. This is a sign that it is time to go and
grow.
4. Conclusion: We cannot grow the best, in the long run, on the campus of Central College.
OLD BAG OF NAILS OPPORTUNITY
1. Father Joseph recently discovered that the church that met on the third floor of the Old Bag
of Nails on Sunday mornings (free of charge) has grown enough to move on to a place of
their own.
2. Thus, the third floor of Old Bag of Nails is now available, and they would love to have us,
free of charge.
3. Positives: parking, elevator, bathrooms, running water, seats 150, old church feel with wood
floors, brick walls, plenty of windows, easily set up altar, minimal set up, projection
capability, no sharing, autonomous, growth potential high, close to our Episcopal house, the
campus and neighborhood, in Uptown (where we want to be), fellowship capability, a place
for children, and is close to house where we can have gatherings.
4. Negatives: The space is not our own (but we can take as long as needed to grow and
save.)
5. Additionally, we will have access to grants to pay for this new initiative, as we seek to market
and invite the community to our worship and weekday offerings.
6. Conclusion: a move to Old Bag of Nails, sooner than later, gives us the best chance to grow
and leave the shadow of Central College. There is no timeline on the part of Old Bag of
Nails.
USING WHAT WE HAVE NOW
1. We have $100,000 a year coming from COCL for mission and priest (they dont do bricks
and mortar).
2. I am working on a 5-7 year plan that would include priest and house for the growth
sustainability of St. Matthews, by keeping our offices in the Episcopal House and investing
in our mission.
3. I am in conversation with Rev. Tom Brackett who is the Episcopal director of new initiatives
(churchwide) for support and grant money.
4. We can receive campus grant money each year to support any outreach to Otterbein.
5. We have a growing relationship with the diocese and COCL.
6. We have a growing relationship with the seminary.
7. We have an intern.

8. We have a diaconal student in training.

9. You have a full-time priest committed to working with you and the diocese.
10. We have the Episcopal House as a place of identification, mission, and offices.
11. We are growing strong relationships with the business community.
12. We have some members of the Uptown community who want to volunteer at the House.
13. We are developing a volunteer program.
14. We have a great Office Administrator.
15. We have our finances in order and will continue to grow our budget to fund our mission.
16. We have the opportunity for free worship space in order to save money for mission and the
future.
17. We now have a community to serve, invite, and teach. Pray, think, love will be the three
driving principles of our personal growth and work in the community.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
By virtue that we have been on the campus of Central College, first as office space and second as
chapel space, for the past 1 years, that our stabilization has occurred during 2014, and that 2015
is a time for expansion, that we need to grow to sustain any future facility, that the opportunity for
growth is severely limited on the campus of Central College. The diocese has committed to our
mission as a new initiative. We need to grow in order to sustain the future of St. Matthews now.
Old Bag of Nails is available free of charge, and it is a block from our Episcopal House. A move
now gives us the best opportunity to reach out to the community and grow in worship and service.
Moving to Old Bag of Nails is in our best interest. Our goal is to grow and pay our own way as a
parish.
Weekdays will stay the same, we will continue to grow, and is paid for by Diocese 5-7 year plan.
We continue to work with the diocese and other Episcopal parishes to establish us as a resource
for ourselves, Westerville, other Episcopal Churches, and Diocese/NY.

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LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION

A TIME TO GROW
January 17, 2015
Dear St. Matthews Family,
It goes without saying that this parish has gone through an unprecedented journey,
and we know that God isnt through with us yet. We have had a three-year strategy:
2013 was consolidation, 2014 was stabilization, and 2015 is expansion. Every move
we have made has been one more step in the process of being St. Matthews for now
and the future. The past two years we have been blessed to stabilize on the campus
of Central College, first as a place for our offices and then as a place to worship and
fellowship. Since then, we have moved our offices to our own Episcopal House in the
Uptown area (a place that we determined as our mission field). The Episcopal House
has given us a springboard into re-establishing ourselves in the community. We have
begun utilizing the House as a Home Base and Old Bag of Nails as a place for
Community Worship on Sunday nights.
Our current goal of expansion begins by putting ourselves in the best possible place to
grow, so that we can eventually sustain ourselves. Although Central College has been
a blessing for our stabilization, it has always been understood that our time there
would end and we would move on (as it is hard to grow a parish while nestled on the
campus of a larger growing church). Another secondary issue has begun to take
center stage in the life of Central College, and it is all too familiar to us. Central
College is discerning whether to leave the PCUSA over doctrinal and other
denominational matters. This discussion has taken on new energy and a vote to stay
in the denomination or leave is set for the first week of March. Our leadership feels
this is an opportunity for us to choose the date of our departure in order to begin our
expansion and growth, while Central College grows into their new vision, regardless of
the outcome in March. Therefore, the vestry voted to leave Central College
with our final worship in the Chapel on February 22, 2015. Our first Sunday
of worship will be March 1, 2015 at 10:30am on the third floor of Old Bag of
Nails in Uptown Westerville. (We will still have our Third Summit as
planned, as our goal is still to grow into a new home.)
Why Old Bag of Nails? There was a church worshiping on the third floor until just
recently, but the space is now available for immediate use, is free of charge, with no
time limit. (The church had grown and has moved on to its own space.) It is
accessible, with parking, elevator, and bathroom, and worship set-up will be minimal.
It is right in the middle of Uptown, within walking distance to neighborhoods, the
business district, and Otterbein campus. The Episcopal House is only half a block
away so we can use that space on Sunday mornings as well. This is a unique and
special opportunity and is by no means a step backward. This move gets us closer to
our goal of a future home. It allows us continued mission support from the diocese for

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a full-time priest and the Episcopal House and an opportunity to create a capital
campaign for future growth.
The adventure continues, and God has much in store for us. We are excited for the
work ahead.
In Christs service,

Father Joseph Kovitch and Clifton Flemiste

Senior Wardens Report

Brothers and Sisters,

This past year of stabilization proved to be quite successful. It was year 2 of our three
year Journey. Year 1 (2013) was Consolidation, Year 2 (2014) was Stabilization, and
Year 3 (2015) is Expansion.
Under the leadership of our Priest-in-Charge, Fr. Joseph, we succeeded in reestablishing St. Matthews as a known entity in Westerville. We put ourselves in good
standing with the Diocese. We developed an outstanding choir, under the leadership
of Murph (Cynthia Murph), our music director. We reestablished our church as the
place to help train seminary and deacon school students. We created an identity as
the model of the new Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. We project
this image with our newly revamped web site, www.stmattswesterville.org. Partnersin-Ministry-In-Liberia (our major outreach program) became known as one of the
Dioceses premier mission programs. And, we opened, and put into operation, the St.
Matthews Episcopal House in up-town Westerville. It projects our theme
pray.think.love out into the community. (Please take the time to visit our web site
and read up on pray.think.love.)
Those are accomplishments that any congregation, regardless of size, would be proud
of. However, after this year of Stabilization we move to the next level. This next level
has been defined as the Year of Expansion.
This year we will focus on growing the congregation and starting the search for finding
our own home. At our first Summit in early 2014, as we reviewed the activities of St.
Matthews. We decided that we would like to have a home that is in Westerville,
provides the facilities that we need to serve our members and the community, and is
affordable. At the second Summit on November 1 we talked about our ministry to
Westerville.
Quoting from the Expansion section of The Journey Together flyer given to us by the
Way Forward Team, this year we are to:

Continue and discover site selection for permanent home

Identify financial resources (Diocese, Building Fund Campaign)
Continue to grow and expand mission and New Member Ministry

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Continue to build rapport with Diocese for consistent vision for future
Continue to establish and solidify our commitment to Community.

This is very timely. The gracious gift of the use of the Central College Presbyterian
Church Chapel has to be coming to an end. We owe it to ourselves to stand on our
own and be independent.
Let us continue to grow and expand. The best is yet to come
Clifton L. Flemister
Senior Warden

January 12, 2015

Junior Wardens Report

Are we there yet? How many times have we heard that question asked by an inquisitive and
impatient child? Another adult would ask the question differently, Do you know where your are
going? These two questions will be asked of us time and time again throughout our lives. Many
wise individuals have said Life is a journey which begins with a single step. The congregation of
St. Matthews has taken that first step. Do we know exactly where we are going to end up? No,
God has not told us that. Are we there yet? Not by any stretch of the imagination.
The journey of St. Matthews was to take place in three phases over three years. In 2013, our year
of consolidation, we had planned to leave 233 State Street, hire a new priest and move into a
temporary location. In fact we moved twice, once to Respite and then to our current interim location
at Central College. We hired Father Joseph Kovitch as our Priest-in-Charge to lead us on this
journey.
2014 was called our year of stabilization. We had lofty goals, some we made and others we may
have fell a little short on. Father Kovitch became our Rector early in 2014. We have begun the
conversation on selection of a permanent home. We have established and committed Best
Practices for the church to paper. We have attempted to firm up our ministries (Youth, Service
Schedule, Outreach, etc.). This is an ongoing process and not unlike a journey in and of itself. A
balanced budget has been developed and we are setting funds aside for a permanent building.
Knowing our congregation by way of a census and preparing a directory so that we may share this
knowledge of membership in St. Matthews was an important goal which was accomplished. The
directories will be completed soon for distribution and will even be online. We as a Vestry have
even discussed the re-organization of the Vestry itself, potentially making it a leaner more efficient
organization.
Other accomplishments of 2014 that were not stated as goals at the beginning of the year have to
include the establishment of the St Matthews Community House at 21 College in Uptown. Consider
it a forward basecamp located in the middle of our targeted community that St. Matthews wants to
serve. Fr. Kovitch has arranged for the Diocese to fund the house while we save for a permanent
place of worship. Having this location assures us that the citizens of Westerville will not think that
St. Matthews has closed up shop but alive and kicking, albeit in a smaller footprint. Through the
efforts of Fr. Kovitch, the church staff and interns as well as the presence of the house, Westerville

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knows that we are there and on a mission of outreach to the community of Westerville and
students of Otterbein.
So to answer the questions, Are we there yet? Not yet, but we are getting closer. Do we know
where we are going? We have a better idea than when we started and we are refining that
answer as we journey down this path. The one question that has not been asked is Are we on
time? Some may say that we are not because we do not have a permanent place of worship, but
others will understand that our requirements are dynamic and must be understood before a final
place can be selected and/or built. This family of St. Matthews may not be there yet nor do we
know exactly where we will end up but we are NOT lost.

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MINISTRY AND MISSION REPORTS

Stewardship
Harold W. Patrick, Vestry
2014 was a spirit lead year for St. Matthews that prepared us well for 2015. In recognition that
everything belongs to God and that we are called to be Gods stewards we now embark on a
journey entitled From Scarcity to Abundance: A Stewardship Discipline. It was a total paradigm
shift moving us from an old debilitating mentality of scarcity in which we must hoard to protect
ourselves from running out and only give to God what is left; to a new liberating mentality of
abundance in which we embrace the infinite power of God to provide and give our best to God first
living lives worthy of the faith we profess. With Mark 6.34-44 as a guide we reverently and boldly
march into 2015 resolved to pledge not only our time, talent, and treasure but our entire lives in
significant ways, both old and new, to serve God and Gods children! A list of existing mission and
ministry opportunities is included below and I pray that you will get involved with one of more of
them and consider starting some new way to serve that God you has placed on your heart. The
Holy Spirit in you grants the authority, the power is yours, and glory be to God!
ACOLYTE
CHALICIST
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FLOWER GUILD
GREETER
LAY READER
POPCORN
USHER
YOUTH ED.
YOUTH LEADER

ADULT FORMATION
CHOIR
FELLOWSHIP
FUND RAISING
HIS PLACE
MUSIC
PRAYER
VOLUNTEER WARM

ALTAR GUILD
COMMUNICATION
FINANCE
GARDEN
HOSPITALITY
PIMIL
STEWARDSHIP TECHNOLOGY
WASHERS

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2014 Annual Report: Partners-In-Ministry-In-Liberia (PIMIL)

The PIMIL Council
Annual Parish Meeting
St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Westerville
January 12, 2015
975 Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH 43081

Definition, Purpose & Mission - PIMIL is an outreach educational ministry established in January
2005 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Westerville, Ohio. PIMIL was established to offer
scholarship assistance to indigent families in Liberia affected by the Liberian Civil War (1989-2003)
to send the children to school. The ministry is funded by families, individuals, organizations and
sixteen congregations that include three congregations from dioceses other than the Diocese of
Southern Ohio. Through education, the mission of PIMIL is:
Restoring Hope
Building Lives
Enabling Dreams
Rebuilding a Nation
Fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
Ministry PIMILs ministry is two-fold:
1. Education - PIMIL offered scholarship assistance basically to 80 school children from
kindergarten to the twelve grade with 35 sponsors. Limited financial assistance is offered for
higher education.
2. PIMIL is also involved in infrastructure, repairing a school damaged by the Civil War.
Activity - PIMIL has an annual fundraising in June. The theme was: Sharing Gods Love, One
Student at a Time (Matthew 19:13). The objectives were:

To augment the donations by sponsors for the scholarship assistance to the children.
Sponsors donations are $11,000. $16,000 is needed for the school year. PIMIL must raise
the difference of $5000.
To share the Liberian experience with the sponsors and the community through education
and cultural activities
To demonstrate the spirit of collaboration between supporting congregations and the home
congregation, St. Matthews, Westerville
To enhance fellowship and fun
To encourage new sponsors of PIMIL
The event was highly successful with an overflow attendance. Over $7000 was raised. It was
evaluated as the one of the best celebrations had.

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PIMIL transmits funds twice during the school year at the end of each of the two semesters. The
first semester is from August to January and the second semester is from February to June. The
students send their reports in school to the sponsors and the parents and guardians write as well.
During the academic year of 2013-2014, $18,325 was transmitted for scholarship assistance and
$1,100 for administrative support. PIMIL expresses profound gratitude to the sponsors and
supporters of this human-transforming educational ministry.
At the end of the second semester of the school year (2013-2014), Liberia experienced an
outbreak of the Ebola virus. Consequently, the Liberian Government ordered the closure of
schools because the virus is spread by contacts. PIMIL assumed a ministry mood of survival
toward the students and their families to identify with them in the health crisis: a one-time Ebola
Rice Campaign was launched from October to early December to alleviate hunger created in the
country because of Ebola. Rice is the staple of Liberia. Ebola had a strangled hold on the local
and international economy of the country. The Diocese of Southern Ohio supported the efforts of
the PIMIL leadership and raised over $4000. Fifty ($50) was made available to the each 60 PIMIL
household of 80 students. PIMIL is very grateful to the Diocese and all who contributed to this
humanitarian effort. The Bishop of Liberia and the families wrote and expressed their gratitude for
the gesture.
PIMIL is pleased to report that with the reduction of the Ebola virus in the country, the Government
has ordered the reopening of schools on February 2, 2015. The children lost a semester of
schooling because of the deadly virus. Scholarship assistance will resume and be transmitted for
the beginning of the new school year in January.
Diocesan Convention PIMIL participates in the annual Diocesan Convention by having an
exhibit. The exhibit helps to promote the ministry of PIMIL and to establish relationship. In
addition, PIMILs the quarterly publication, the website: www.pimil.org, and visits to congregations
are sources of information of the ministry.
Church Calendar PIMIL sends three hundred and twenty annual, legal-size wall Church
Calendars to the Bishop and members of the Episcopal Church of Liberia. The Calendars provide
a useful liturgical tool in planning the worship services of the church during the year. The Bishop is
appreciative of the gift.
Acknowledgment and appreciation PIMIL is grateful for the tremendous support PIMIL
continues to receive from the sponsors, congregations, and others. Special thanks to the home
congregation, St. Matthews and the priest-in-charge, the Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph G. Kovitch for the
support and guidance. PIMIL is grateful for the 4 th Sunday loose offering donated to PIMIL to
support the ministry.
We are grateful for the governing board of PIMIL, the PIMIL Council for the dedication and
supervision of this ministry throughout the year and for the many volunteers of the PIMIL Council
Planning Committee that plans and implements the yearly fundraising event. Thanks to all who
participate by their attendance and by their gifts. In 2015, PIMIL will celebrate the tenth
anniversary of existence (2005-2015). We are looking forward to a very special celebration!

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Conclusion In conclusion we wish all Gods choicest blessings in 2015. May we find fulfillment
in serving Him.
Submitted by:
Harold Patrick, PIMIL Chairman
Rev. Abeoseh (Abby) Flemister, PIMIL Director

HANNAHS GUILD - 2014

Hannahs Guild started out the year coming together for the very sad event of giving the luncheon
for the Bob Zust, Sr.s funeral in January. The love for Gerrie and the Zust family was shown with
an overwhelming response for food, donations and help.
A book discussion was held each week in Lent on the book Calm my Anxious Heart by Patricia
Raybon.
We collected adult clothing and clothing for the residents of Edgewood Manor Nursing Home in
Westerville, as well as jewelry and purses for game prizes.
We also collected countless bags of clothing and miscellaneous articles for a Rwandan refugee
family and other refugee families who live in the same community in Columbus, through a request
that was given to Cherie Patrick.
Both of these outreach offerings will continue in 2015.
Second Saturday luncheons were scheduled each month at OCharleys Restaurant in Westerville,
yet as several of the days were not ideal for many of us, we will discontinue the luncheons for the
time being.
The Shimko family and Gerrie Zust invited the congregations into their homes for social events
during the year, and we are grateful for their efforts and hospitality!
In Christs service,
Marie Kovitch

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PRAYER MINISTRY - 2014

Our Prayer Chain consisted of 8 members: Cherie Patrick, Charlene Gregory, Jerrilynn Kaiser,
Bernice Boyer, Donna Johnston, Mother Abby Flemister, Gerrie Zust and Marie Kovitch. Nearly all
of the requests came from the prayer chain members themselves, but we would like to remind all of
St. Matthews members and friends to use the chain for any prayer requests, confidential or
otherwise. Email Marie Kovitch at missizjoe.kovitch4@gmail (or call 440-479-7615), and she will
communicate the request so each prayer chain member can lift up the concern in prayer.
Cherie Patrick started an opportunity for prayer with Wednesday evening Prayer Calls. One may
access the call through the conference call function (call 712-432-1212, ID 133 112 475#). The
calls last about minutes and begin at 9:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join in the weekly calls!
Gerrie Zust and Brian Swift have served as intercessors this year. We are available to pray with
and for you. This is confidential between the person requesting prayer and the intercessors. If you
feel called to pray in this way, please contact Father Joseph.
In Christs service,
Gerrie Zust and Marie Kovitch

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St Matthew's Men's Ministry

2014 was a year of transition and change. We said goodbye to a number of active members for a
multitude of reasons. We have met for Saturday morning breakfast at Bob Evans (Huber Village
Blvd) and at the Episcopal house as well. It is a time for fellowship, conversation and
brainstorming. We try to meet approximately monthly, usually the third Sat of the month but it can
vary. A number of the group helped do some painting and cleanup at the Episcopal house. We
have resurrected the WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry)donation box for non-perishable
foods. Cash donations for Warm are always welcome as well. All the men of St Matthews are
welcome to join us when we arrange a breakfast. We hope to be able to increase our involvement
in the Westerville community this year.
Dave Ryde
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY:
PSALM 16:11 "In your presence there is fullness of joy."
Our children's ministry serves children ages 3 to 5th grade. Currently, we offer a Sunday school
offering during the 10:30am church service. Children start worship with their families in the chapel.
After the collect children are dismissed and do a workshop with the school teacher. These
workshops are based on the theme of scripture for the week and include a physical activity or a
craft such as "Thankful Turkeys" or "Saint Hearts." Children return to the chapel for Eucharist and
lead the congregation with a joyful "THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU."
The mission of the children's ministry is for young children to know the radical joy of Jesus' love
and mission. This was fully represented by the Christmas pageant in December of 2014, which
was written by the children themselves. Joy was infused in this miracle story that included an
excited elephant who parachuted in to see the baby Jesus and a celebratory Chicken Dance led by
the children and included the entire congregation.
Looking to 2015, we hope to continue to offer Sunday school during the morning service. While it is
a small group at the present time, as the church looks to welcome new families it is imperative we
offer some kind of ministry for children. It is not only fun for the children, but also infuses St.
Matthew's with hopeful joy. In addition to the children's church offering, we also hope to add a
children's section to the website which will include the weekly handouts. This provides busy
families with an additional opportunity to pray and talk with their children about the week's
scripture if schedules prevent them from making it to the Sunday service.
As the number of children we serve grows we will look for more opportunities to serve them. For
now, we hope to provide a small bit of joy, fun, stability and opportunities to share, serve, learn
and laugh in name of Jesus.

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Altar Guild Report 2014

The Altar Guild of St. Matthews is a dedicated few. There are five of us (plus assistance from our
families.) We prepare the altar and vessels for Eucharist and restore the sanctuary for Central
College services. Recently, we have assisted with the Sunday evening services at Ole Bag of
Nails. Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas require special preparations to be
made.
We would welcome additional people to serve: women, men, youth; all are welcome.
Gerrie Zust
Bernice Boyer
Marie Kovitch
Maria Roush
Nikki Wimsatt
and families

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Seminary Interns Report

I have served at St. Matthews as part of my Field Education experience since September 2014,
and my placement here will end in early May 2015. My perspective on the life of the parish is
limited by the temporary nature of my placement here, the limited hours I work (approximately 10
hours per week while classes are in session), and the fact that I am employed by a neighboring
parish and work there on Sunday mornings. In spite of all these limitations, I have been privileged
to spend time working with and learning from Father Joseph and many wonderful church members,
and for that I am grateful.
From September through December 2014, the majority of my time at St. Matthews was focused on
a few different projects: 1, community outreach activities through the house on College Ave.
(Fourth Fridays in September, Midnight Madness in October, and the Kindness Tree in December);
2, surveying community members about spiritual needs and reporting to the Saturday Summit
gathering in November; and 3, planning liturgies and other resources and helping lead the new
Sunday evening community worship services at the Old Bag of Nails.
I see St. Matthews as a very diverse community, and I dont mean diverse simply in the usual
sense of identity markers such as ethnicity or age. St. Matthews has so many different
personalities, and likewise so many different dreams, energies, and visions. I have experienced
this as an enormous blessing. There is no shortage of good ideas or creativity here! This is a
community that has been in transition for a long time, which is difficult and trying for any church,
and yet the energy and hopefulness of the people here is powerful. I look forward to the second
half of my internship placement at St. Matthews, and I thank you all for allowing me to walk
alongside you this year.
Respectfully submitted on January 7, 2015
Maggie Leidheiser-Stoddard

Annual Report: Kristen Lawson, Communications & Outreach (a.k.a. the street monk)
I have had the privilege of serving at St. Matthews Episcopal since February of 2014. At first, my
primary capacity was brainstorming with Fr. Joseph about discipleship pathways and taking care of
administrative matters within the church. Once we moved to the Episcopal House, my duties
became split to be half working in community outreach for Pray.Think.Love and half
communications. The communication piece of my responsibilities includes answering phone, mail,
and e-mails; as well as preparing the bulletin for Wednesday evening prayer, Sunday mornings,
collating the volunteer schedule to be included in the bulletin and newsletter, and preparing the
prayers of the people. In addition, I prepare brochures marketing P.T.L. and interact with local
magazines and newspapers to run articles advertising St. Matthews and the Episcopal House.
My responsibilities for the Episcopal House are a bit more adventurous. I was privileged to
participate in a couple of church meetings and summits. One was a brainstorming session prior to
the move with a creative church leader from Oregon. I also participated in the recent summit this
fall visioning the future of St. Matthews, where I was able to share briefly about the Episcopal
House and how it is beginning to infiltrate and be a resource for the community. In the summer and
fall, I spent six hours a week praying for and interacting with the community. I would walk the
streets of Uptown Westerville, wander around among the houses, and down to the parks and
recreation trails that are within a few blocks of the House. While praying and walking, I would

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actively seek people to enter into conversation with. I would also offer evening prayer on Sunday
and Monday nights just prior to sunset on the gazebo.
Once it got colder and the people moved indoors, I did as well. Instead of walking the streets, I
have moved more indoors to speak with people who are shopping, store owners, those in the
library, and those who linger in coffee shops. Over and over again, I have been met with people
who are overwhelmed with the idea that there is a church who not only cares enough about them
to open a hospitality house to benefit those who may not attend Sunday worship, but that sponsors
someone to actively go to the streets to pray for the community and for individuals.
Community awareness is growing, albeit slowly. When I first began to wander and walk, no one
knew of the Episcopal House. Now, I occasionally get the response that theyve heard of us. Once
or twice a week, someone will wander in the doors to chat on Sunday or Monday afternoons.
Normally, said person ends up with a cup of coffee in one hand and Kleenex in the other as they
share their life. Weve also had a few people that have expressed so much enthusiasm in PTL that
they have volunteered to take shifts so the community, especially teenagers and young adults, can
come and spend time in the Episcopal House. All we need now to bridge that gap between
community partnership and church outreach are volunteers to come and work in the Episcopal
House so that its unlocked for those in the community who want to serve. In addition to interacting
with the community, I also speak with various organizations about the Episcopal House. WARM
has started handing out informational brochures about PTL, for instance, due to a chance meeting I
had during the tree lighting ceremony in Westerville. I also write blogs on a near weekly basis
telling the stories of how God is at work in the community.
While there are so many more stories that I would love to share and so much more that has
happened this last month alone, I am including a few stories made it to the blog for PTL to illustrate
some of the impact that the Episcopal House is having on the community.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EPISCOPAL HOUSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE COMMUNITY
Why?
Posted on January 12, 2015 by The Monk
I had a conversation with one of the de-churched here at the Episcopal House today. For years,
they held a position of leadership in a local church. Then tragedy struck. Not only was their own
faith challenged, but their church community offered platitudes and clich explanations of pain that
limited and stifled the legitimate question, Why me, God, why me?! If You are truly good, WHY?!
The confined of faith as defined by their church drove her not only from the walls of the church,
but for a time, from God as well.
Even Jesus was allowed to ask that. On the cross He cried out, My God, My God, WHY have You
forsaken Me! He wasnt given an answer. The heavens opened at His baptism, saying, This is My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Later in His ministry, in John 12, Jesus wrestles with
what is to come, but asks His Father to glorify His name, to which God audibly answers that He
has glorified it and I will glorify it again. So why didnt God answer Jesus on the cross? If God
answered Jesus prayers before, why was there silence from God in the moment Jesus most
needed reassurance?
Or another question, why is the church so afraid of the question, why?
Perhaps the hesitancy we have to ask the question why is an indirect attack against the character
of God. Maybe we are afraid God wont answer us, so wed rather not ask so we arent
disappointed. Perhaps were afraid of the answer, perhaps God doesnt really care what happens

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to us so long as Gods mysterious, ineffable, and divinely self-serving plan is accomplished. Maybe
some part of us inwardly and subconsciously perceives ourselves as canon-fodder in the ranks of
the Lord. What if God doesnt care what happens to us so much as God cares that nothing thwarts
Divine Purpose.
We dont want to hear the answer, so we dont ask the question. The hesitancy to ask why can be
rooted in anything from believing God to be apathetic, to capricious, to cruel, to oblivious, to
impotent.
The person I spoke with today shared about how in their worst moments, they felt Gods presence
in a way they never had before and never had since. Faith in that moment wasnt in Gods action or
lack thereof, but in Gods heart. In Gods emotions towards them. In Gods presence, compassion,
love of , and solidarity with them in the darkest, worst time of their life. The answer to the question
why was an encounter, an experience; not information. But they learned something about God that
they treasure to this day.
This person shared stories with me about how theyve been able to encourage their family and
friends in the midst of their own times of tragedy. They also shared how they dont feel comfortable
in church. On Sunday mornings, they can be found with people of different faiths, or of no faith,
having round table conversations at a coffee shop. Its a group who recoiled from being told not to
ask why and so they join together to seeking truth, pursue understanding, and fellowship together.
I cant say how humbled and privileged I felt during our conversation that, while they want nothing
to do with church or established religion, that they shared a cup of coffee with me here at the
Episcopal House.
Encountering Love
I spoke with a dear precious heart today. The first words out of her mouth were, Is there someone
there that can pray with me? We chatted a bit, and she shared her desire to know Gods
forgiveness for the regrets she has in life and for the ability to forgive those who have hurt her. She
said she wasnt sure if God could really or would really love her. She didnt know how to stand
against the people in her life that pressured her to do things she didnt want to do or didnt feel
comfortable doing. Most of all, how does she follow God? How does she know that she is forgiven?
How does she know she is love? What an amazing and blessed time we shared. What a privilege
to be the person to help her sort through her pain, to reassure her of Gods unfailing kindness and
faithfulness. It was a holy moment. It was a time where I could almost feel Jesus in our midst, and I
knew in that moment, that I was the face and voice of God to the Fathers child. I could feel the
love of God for her, the compassion, the joy of restoration and hope, and available grace. I
encountered God today, and hopefully, so did she. We prayed. We explored scripture together. And
we both encountered love. Pray.Think.Love at its finest.

Entertaining Angels
Posted on December 23, 2014 by The Monk
A woman walked into the Episcopal House yesterday. She saw the word pray and love and
wanted to come see what was going on.
Shes not a member of this church or any church, but this holiday she is missing her sister who
died decades ago. She is worried about her health which is declining and doctors arent sure what
is wrong besides the natural side effects of aging. She is still struggling with a broken marriage.
Shes worried about how her niece raises her kids and how her loss of her mother as a teenager
still impacts her. She is spending the holidays with her family, but wanted a place to come that felt

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safe and she felt wanted and accepted. We talked for a long time about her fears, her dreams,
how her life turned out differently than she ever expected; both good and bad. We talked about the
fear of aging. We talked about the feelings of helplessness that come with trying to find work after
being laid off as a person past retirement age. She talked. I listened. When we first started
chatting, she was staring off into a corner the whole time, tears occasionally filling her eyes. By the
end, she was looking me in the eye and gave me a hug. I found a note from her this morning
saying, Thank you for your hospitality, conversation, and good will.
Hebrews 13:2 says, Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people
have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. I cannot help but think that this was someone
whom Jesus loved, who Jesus entrusted to us that afternoon, someone to whom ministering in love
and compassion was as if ministering to Jesus Himself. Emmanuel indeed.
Wanderers
Posted on December 15, 2014 by The Monk
On my weekly wanderings this last week, I came across a recovering alcoholic who has been dry
for a few months now. We got into a conversation about a tiff they had gotten in with a friend that
was encouraging them to go to an AA meeting that night. They had refused, saying instead that
they desired to spend time in the community they live in. We had a fascinating conversation about
the balance between gather as a community for support and encouragement, and then going from
that place bolstered for the fight of life. They said that transformation isnt authentic until they are
able to walk it out in day to day relationship. They said that while they didnt think they would be dry
without the support of the AA community and the meetings they attend frequently; that recovery
couldnt be limited to the confines of meeting with others of like mind, heart, and life situation.
Recovery is tested and proven in relationship with others, in the day in and day out of life, and
through relationships with others.
We spent some time talking about their life, their journey, and what had been most helpful to them.
I was convicted when they said that they look for the most help from those they meet while
wandering the streets and random chance encounters. This person is looking for a place to be real
where they dont have to continually face and focus on their brokenness and struggle. They were
desperate for authentic relationship, a place to go and be welcome, to simply exist among friends.
This precious soul who wanders the streets of the community was seeking the unconditional love
and acceptance that only Jesus can give. I was so very glad to be part of a movement where the
church has taken to the streets. I was so very glad to be able to extend a standing invitation to the
Episcopal House, where they can always find a friendly face, sympathetic ear, and a place to rest
from their wanderings.

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