EMMANUEL CHURCH, GENEVA

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1 EMMANUEL CHURCH, GENEVA 1

2 CONTENTS Executive Summary 3 Welcome to Emmanuel Church 5 Who are we? 5 Rector Profile 7 The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe 8 Worship at Emmanuel 9 Music 11 Ministry of Healing and Prayer 12 Inreach 12 Outreach 15 Youth Ministry 15 Children s Education 16 Finance Committee & Ministry of Stewardship and Finance 18 A Brief history of Emmanuel Church 19 Living in Geneva 19 Appendix: Budget 2016 and Actual Who s who 23 Staff biographies 24 Contact 26 2

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Emmanuel Church was founded over 140 years ago and was one of the first Episcopal Churches outside of the United States. It has grown to become an international church in the Episcopal tradition with parishioners of over 20 nationalities, speaking over 15 different languages and coming from many different Christian faith traditions. It is a continued source of joy and amazement, says one parishioner in a most recent survey, while another adds that the sermons set everything right for the rest of the week. Most agree that the music and choir are outstanding. What distinguishes Emmanuel in the eyes of many is its welcoming atmosphere and friendliness in a charming, beautiful 19 th -century building in downtown Geneva, a few steps away from Lac Léman (known locally as Lake Geneva). Emmanuel Church has a strong American tradition as a prominent English-speaking church in one of the most international cities. In recent years, as the numbers of American expatriates posted in Geneva have slowly gone down, Emmanuel Church has become more international and more local. Once a year, for example, Africa Night, organized by the sizable group of African parishioners brings the Parish together with colorful traditional outfits, delicious food and music from across Africa. Emmanuel Church currently has about 275 Parish members. The average age of Parish members is around 50 years old and increased in recent years. 60% of Parish members are native English speakers, while 87% speak French as well. About 70% of Parish members reside permanently in the Geneva area. About 40% of Parishioners come from an Episcopalian or Anglican background and about 20% from a Roman Catholic background. Other Christian faith backgrounds include Methodist, Lutheran, Orthodox and Pentecostal. Emmanuel Church has rich traditions of Inreach and Outreach activities. In addition to Africa Night, annual highlights include an Easter sunrise service on the shores of lac Léman, monthly soup kitchen food preparation for about 150 local people in need, monthly lunches for women in need, regular Bible study sessions, Youth talent shows, a Thanksgiving service and potluck dinner, Lessons and Carols service in Advent as well as a children s Christmas pageant and collection of Christmas gifts for children. Emmanuel Church owns the main Church building, the lot of land around it, and a private villa and garden which was originally donated to serve as rectory. For most of the past two decades, however, this house has been rented out to generate revenue for the Church. Recent annual budgets of Emmanuel have been about CHF 500, ,000, about 70% of which comes from annual pledges. In recent years it has been challenging for Emmanuel Church to achieve balanced annual budgets, due to changes in the makeup and circumstances of the congregation. Some multinational private companies and international organizations decreased their staffing in Geneva, and several parishioners left active professional life. Financial constraints in recent years have resulted in a move to part-time and volunteer positions in some key functions of the church (e.g. youth ministry). 3

4 The ideal candidate whom God is calling to serve at Emmanuel Church in the years ahead embodies the following qualities and skills: Open-minded, tolerant and ecumenical spirit An inspirational spiritual leader of people of all ages Practical hands-on leader with good organizational and administrative skills An effective delegator Ability to preach excellent sermons that relate scripture to the daily life of the parishioners Ideally will have lived and/or worked outside his/her country of origin A good sense of humor and humility Effective fiscal and operational management of a parish Be able to draw people into church, with an emphasis on youth and young families Conversational French and willingness to take intensive French lessons Excellent written and oral communications skills An effective listener with ability to easily establish empathy and compassion 4

5 WHO ARE WE? In 2016, we surveyed over one hundred adults out of about 275 members from the congregation to get a statistical snapshot of who we are; the statistics of the respondents are compared below with a similar study completed in (It should be noted that children and youth did not respond to the survey, which was sent to the heads of families.) The largest group of respondents from our congregation is between 60 and 69 (33%) followed by those between 50 and 59 (29%). This is a clear contrast with the 2005 survey, where the largest group was the 50 to 59-year-olds; it is a clear indication that we are generally ageing as a community. Geneva is the hub of many international organizations and multinational corporations, and our congregation reflects the city's diversity. The largest part of our population still comes from the United States (45% vs. 54% in 2005) but increasingly we have become more multinational. Many did not identify one sole country of origin, but indicated that they felt clearly bi- or multi-national. Nine percent of our current congregation identify themselves as having come from Switzerland. A great many of our congregation (61%) consider English their native language (almost no change from 2005). The ability to speak multiple languages is astonishing in this small community: 57% described themselves as fluent in three or more languages. Only 7% considered themselves purely English speakers. Many other languages are spoken amongst our community, including Hebrew, Asked what she was most thankful for at Emmanuel, Shannon Keith answered: I am most thankful for the astonishing sense of community at Emmanuel. Despite our transient population, we welcome newcomers with open arms, worship and work side by side during our journey together, and celebrate one another s gifts of ministry with tears and laughter as one of our own departs. Such a sense of support, loyalty and love is a constant blessing in my life. We are truly a family. Thanks be to God. Chilambia, Oriya, Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish, Amharic, Douala, Russian, Swahili, Malay, Afrikaans, Ga and Farsi. French is spoken by 87% of the community. Given that many people first moved to Geneva to take up senior employment, the level of education in our community is remarkable. Postgraduate degrees are held by 62% of the population, and a further 28% received some university level education. Regular church attendance has decreased somewhat in recent years. Whereas 82% of the parishioners surveyed attended church more than 25 times a year in 2005, now only 57% attend as frequently. 5

6 We speak many languages and come from many different Judeo-Christian backgrounds and traditions. This diversity of background has increased: Episcopalians make up the largest single group with 24% (32% in 2005), Roman Catholics 20% (16% in 2005); others come from either another form of Anglicanism (17%) or various Protestant churches (28%). Why do we attend Emmanuel Church? The three most important reasons for attending Emmanuel Church traditionally have been worship in English and that it is a Christian community of friendly people. For many the wonderful music we hear on Sundays was an important reason to attend. More than just being a polyglot and well-educated international group, we are a community of people who care for one another. Asked in the survey what they did not want to see changed at the church some of the answers were: The welcoming spirit of the church; Its friendliness; The warmth of the people and the inclusion of all races and ages; Our passion for spiritual growth together; Friendliness of the members of the Healing Ministry and their work; Worship accommodates other denominations. When Helena Mbele-Mbong was asked what she was most grateful for at Emmanuel she answered: I am thankful to Emmanuel for having given me a church home away from home. My involvement in and commitment to the Choir, Vestry, Education for Ministry and various committees, and the friendships that have developed therein, have challenged my faith and helped it grow in breadth and depth. Thanks to our Parish, my faith has truly become a part of my daily life. 6

7 RECTOR PROFILE Are you someone who relishes the challenge of living in the small yet international city atmosphere of Geneva, Switzerland? Have you already lived or travelled abroad? Do you value diversity in faith backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, and do you have an open mind to many different manifestations and denominations of the Christian faith? Then you may be the person God has chosen to lead us. You preach with clarity, eloquence, conviction, a sense of humor and are able to make the Gospel relevant to the lives of a varied, vibrant congregation with a generally high educational background. You are comfortable leading this congregation spiritually and practically. You have good organizational skills and your past experiences demonstrate your ability to work hands on in overseeing finances and managing staff and volunteers in church commissions. You embrace the opportunity to successfully interact with other international and local churches in Geneva. You are ready to lead and inspire a small and focused staff including a Deacon, a part-time Music Director, a part-time Administrative Assistant and volunteer Youth Minister and Children's Education Coordinator. You are able to delegate effectively. You are able to seek and empower lay members of the congregation to develop and take leadership roles. You display genuine faith which inspires us in turn to deepen our own faith. You inspire our community and enable it to reach out to others and help the congregation grow. You encourage intergenerational exchange and work with older and younger members alike. You speak some French and are willing to take intensive French language lessons. As Emmanuel is a home away from home for most of us, you know how to respond with empathy and warmth to those in need at significant times in their lives. Finally, since our church provides a haven for seekers and travelers in life and their spiritual journeys, you are welcoming to people from all walks and backgrounds. 7

8 THE CONVOCATION OF EPISCOPAL CHURCHES IN EUROPE Emmanuel Church is a member of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. Episcopal Church ministry in English began in Paris in The 1859 General Convention added a canon at the request of the Paris congregation, now numbered I.15, that allowed for congregations to be part of The Episcopal Church that are not part of an existing diocese. These are considered to be in the Presiding Bishop s jurisdiction and are served by a Bishop in charge. By the early 1900s, we had churches built in Paris, Florence, Rome, Geneva, Nice, Munich, Luzerne, Dresden, and Dusseldorf. By 1960 there were eight Episcopal parishes in Europe scattered over five countries, served by parttime bishops who were also diocesan bishops in the United States. Separated by geography, the local languages and cultures, the clergy often felt isolated without peers in their church or community. The parishes also had little contact with each other. Part-time bishops often serving for less then two years could not provide the continuous leadership and support needed to further strengthen the parishes and Convocation as a whole. In the early 1990s, then-presiding Bishop Browning offered to support a full-time episcopal position in the Convocation. He himself had served as the first full-time Bishop in charge from 1971 to 1974, and he knew that the European churches had always asked for a resident bishop in order to be able to really flourish. In January 1994, he appointed our second full time Bishop-in- Charge, the Rt. Rev. Jeffery Rowthorn. In 2001, the Convocation experienced a milestone as we elected our own Bishop for the first time, the Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon. Serving as our Bishop-in-Charge for the last 15 years, he has continued to shepherd the nascent Convocation effectively and with devotion, overseeing the 8

9 expansion of the Convocation to a community of over 4,000 members, with nine parish churches and 14 affiliated missions and other churches, as well as fostering the growth of each individual church or mission. A study in the multiple facets of God s diversity, this unique group nevertheless operates under one unifying mission statement: The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe is a welcoming community that knows God loves all people-no exceptions. We celebrate our diversity of languages, cultures and nations. Worshipping together, we rejoice in reaching out to the world and becoming One in Christ. Each parish church is asked to contribute a small percentage of their annual budget to support the work of the Convocation. In turn, they can freely access the rich resources that the Convocation offers, including continuing education for clergy, lay, and those working toward ordained ministry as well as workshops on spirituality. The Convocation also supports retreats for youth and adults alike, formation for parish leadership, and opportunities to assist in Convocation governance and commission work. We feel it is a privilege to join our brothers and sisters across many countries in the wider mission of our church. WHAT WE DO WORSHIP AT EMMANUEL We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday morning and on all major feast days, using one of the liturgical rites set out in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Traditionally at Emmanuel, the Eucharist (Rite I) is read at 08:30 with a homily but no music. At 10:30, there is the Eucharist (Rite II) on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month and all major feast days. Morning Prayer (Rite II) is celebrated on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, always with music. Hymns mostly come from the 1982 Hymnal, with the choir accompanying the hymns and singing an anthem and/or a psalm with organ and other instruments. During the 10:30 service, one of the key elements of our worship services is the sermon. During this service, there is also Christian education (Sunday School) for children and occasionally an address to the children. During Advent and Lent, there is no Morning Prayer. After the 10:30 service, the parishioners are invited for coffee hour at the parish hall, and from time to time adult Christian education (Adult Forums) and a monthly potluck lunch called Breaking Bread. Childcare is available upon request every Sunday from 09:30 to 12:30. Parishioners particularly appreciate good sermons and the music, both the hymns and the anthem. 9

10 Our three Holy Week Services include: Maundy Thursday (foot-washing and Holy Communion followed by stripping of the Altar and a vigil with readings on the Stations of the Cross) and the traditional Good Friday liturgy with special music. One of the highlights of our church year occurs on Easter Day when our congregation gathers for a Sunrise Service with lighting of the Paschal candle and procession to the lakeside, followed by the main Eucharist at 10:30. The services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are occasionally celebrated with our sister churches Holy Trinity (Church of England) and Saint-Germain (Old Catholic Church). The three parishes (Emmanuel, Holy Trinity and Saint-Germain) come together for a joint bilingual Mass at least once a year, often on the Feast of the Presentation, while Emmanuel and Holy Trinity typically hold an annual joint Confirmation Service. Every Wednesday evening at 18:00, there is an informal celebration of the Eucharist with special prayers for healing, a light supper and adult Bible study. Emmanuel Church members, lay and clergy, regularly participate in ecumenical services in Geneva, for example during the Week of Christian Unity. The clergy and licensed Eucharistic Visitors regularly take the Reserved Sacraments to the sick and the shut-in members of the Parish. During the current period of transition between Rectors, and in the absence of an Interim Rector, the schedule of services has been modified. For the time being there is only one Sunday Service (Holy Eucharist, not Morning Prayer) at 10:30 and no service during the week. Torsten Bartsch and Kathleen Koch commented: Emmanuel Church has become a very special home for our family who have moved several times in the past two decades. It seems like the perfect blend between our religious traditions (German Lutheran and American/Irish Catholic): invigorating and moving sermons plus some nice ceremonies and rites, regular communion, lovely music and a charming church building with colorful stain glass ornaments and a fantastic organ. Plus, we are blessed to bring our three children up among fellow parishioners from many professions (from executives at the United Nations or multinational companies, interns at NGOs, local artists to social workers in Switzerland) and many continents and countries (North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and even an occasional Australian). 10

11 MUSIC One of the most common compliments visitors make is of the quality of the music at Emmanuel. Whilst numbering about 12 regular members, Emmanuel Choir often sounds like a 30-strong ensemble, literally making a joyful noise to the Lord whenever they sing. These men and women, led by the very capable Shauna Beesley, a professional singer and organist, is an integral part of the 10:30 Sunday worship service. Their repertoire is diverse, with music from many cultures and traditions reflecting our multicultural congregation: traditional church and classical music, contemporary Christian worship and praise music or African and other chants and spirituals. Many pieces have been written for the choir - by Shauna herself, chorister and conductor Andrew Close, and chorister and organist Alan Wittrup - resulting in the publication of our own collection entitled Music at Emmanuel. Emmanuel choir uses its talents to promote the Outreach program of the church, and has sung in neighboring cantons for Christmas services and charity events. The choir of Emmanuel is an accomplished, warm and committed group, but they are always on the lookout for new members. While singing during worship is a priority for choir members, many participate in other church activities, such as the Vestry, Communion Service, Outreach and the Rector Search Committee. Andrew Close replied to why he enjoys Emmanuel Church: I am thankful for this spiritual home - a place where I am accepted, loved and forgiven, and a place that inspires me to become a more compassionate person. 11

12 MINISTRY OF HEALING AND PRAYER On Wednesday evenings of each week, Emmanuel Church offers a Eucharist which includes an opportunity for people to seek individual prayer and the laying on of hands by the Rector. In addition, there is a Litany of Healing that is part of the Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month. During this time, there is an opportunity for the laying on of hands and anointing by the Rector. For the past several years, the Inreach Committee has maintained a prayer list to which members of the congregation are invited to submit their concerns, for themselves or those for whom they are praying. This list is read out at every Sunday service as part of the Prayers of the People. The members of the Inreach Committee also have their own confidential prayer chain. Names can be submitted to the Deacon or to Shannon Keith. As has been mentioned, Emmanuel has a very international congregation, and the welcoming and care of them in this new place is a vital part of the ministry of the congregation - not only for the Rector but for the entire church community. INREACH Jesus is clear in Matthew s Gospel (25: 31-46). We are called to feed the hungry, give something to drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, take care of the sick and visit those in prison. At Emmanuel we take this mandate to heart - but not because we must strive to become more worthy of grace. We do this work in Christ s name because in becoming more like Him, we likewise become more fully the human beings whom God originally intended us to be, and we honor the One who created us in His image. Emmanuel Church is making Christ s redemptive love known in a very concrete way to our own members including our sisters and brothers on the fringes, who may rarely or never attend a service and this work also creates both holy space and the need to draw in those who are outside of our walls. Thanks be to God! Our Inreach team is intentional about showing our congregation s love and concern for fellow parishioners by meeting them in whatever need they have, whether it be illness or physical challenge, mourning or loneliness, economic hardship or any other obstacle which can prevent them from being active participants in our worship community. We make a special effort to ensure that those who wish to receive the Blessed Sacraments on a 12

13 regular basis can do so, thanks to a team of licensed Eucharistic ministers. We constantly update the parish prayer list, shared each Sunday during worship, based on requests for intercession from and for those both within and outside of Emmanuel, and we also maintain a confidential prayer list, for those who have need. Everyday tasks like preparing and delivering food for shut-ins, making phone calls, writing notes, making hospital and home visits, putting together Christmas baskets or making up small bouquets from the altar flowers for those celebrating special occasions are among the things that our Inreach team does best. More recently, Inreach has begun expanding its efforts to promote fellowship within the parish by organizing social events, such as a talent show, fondue party, a games evening and a dance night. The strong ties of our friendships make for memorable fun! Inreach at Emmanuel has many faces, helping hands, and hearts of love. The work we are called to do is joyfully grounded in prayer and gratitude to our Lord, from whom we receive all good gifts. OUTREACH Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. We at Emmanuel try to follow Jesus inspiration and advance some good works in communities near and far. Despite tight budgets in the past few years, we have been blessed to be able to maintain an active Outreach Program. We have become innovative in ensuring that a significant part of the funds spent for Outreach is collected via special functions (e.g. Africa Night, special plate collections once a month). Our main projects in Geneva are Jardin Montbrillant, Café Care and Gifts for the Kids. Jardin Montbrillant is a soup kitchen, located behind the Geneva train station, operated by a private foundation, Carrefour-Rue, with the support of the city of Geneva. Once a month, we plan a luncheon meal, buy all ingredients, help prepare and serve a warm meal for between people. The fellowship created amongst our 13

14 congregation as well as with those that we are serving is very special. Many different Emmanuel commissions such as the Youth Group and the Vestry as well as Scout troops have run these luncheons, allowing them to grow in their service to God. Recently, student volunteers from a few of the international schools have joined in our effort. The Gifts for the Kids program is our effort to make sure that the less fortunate children within Geneva all receive a gift during the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In conjunction with the Centre de Voluntariat and the local Boy Scout troop we sponsor, we provide over 100 gifts for children ranging in age from newborns to adolescents. They are given out at a party right before the Christmas holidays. This event has been important for the church Sunday School as the children experience the joy of giving to others. Other projects have been the collection of canned goods annually for the different food banks in Geneva and cleanup days in the parks. Café Care is a luncheon shared once a month with the women and children from the Coeur des Grottes, a home for victims of domestic violence and economic hardship. In this case, we invite the women to church, and dine with them, sharing both food and fellowship. Since the women can live in the shelter for up to three years, we develop friendships as we support them in their effort to move forward in their lives. At Christmas and Easter we offer special gifts, depending on need. Outside of Switzerland we concentrate our resources on specific projects to which we have a personal connection, for example by knowing the leader of a particular effort. We support a children s orphanage in Kenya (the maisha house ) with various fundraising activities. We also underwrite 11 scholarships for low-income students in a school in Kolkata, India, and over the years have provided,the school with funds for desks, cupboards and computer equipment; we provided funding for the operation of a hospital in the Central African Republic and for a clinic in Tanzania; we aided refugees passing through Greece and victims of the earthquake in Nepal. Finally, we supported efforts to fight Ebola in Liberia with funds which were specifically collected at the 2015 Africa Night. Since 1975, Emmanuel Church has also sponsored a group of Boy Scouts (Troop 77) who join our church services from time to time. Robinah Najjemba-Were comments: At Emmanuel Church we do not only talk the talk, but we walk the walk of a Christian. 14

15 YOUTH MINISTRY We at Emmanuel welcome young people and rejoice in their presence and ministry among us. We recognize that they are both the present and the future leaders of the Church. We seek to engage in ministry with youth that is relevant to their daily lives and strive to provide spaces within our communities where youngsters can share their gifts with persons of varying walks of life. The Youth Program focuses on: Providing a safe place for youth to explore, question and clarify Biblical understanding of what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ in today s society Providing opportunities for faith expression through engagement in social action, both locally and internationally, which seek to promote peace, justice, equality and the integrity of creation Providing spiritual guidance Embracing our diverse communities in all that we are and in all that we do Worship and Music Fun and Fellowship Participants: The group has members from ages We have members from five continents, many of whom are transient. Participation in the group varies and has been declining in recent years. Often we are about half a dozen youth from Emmanuel. We regularly join our youth group with Holy Trinity Anglican church youth group, and have in the past even shared a Youth Minister. The youth also participate in annual youth events sponsored by the Convocation. We gather twice a month for Sunday discussion sessions, beginning with a lunch cooked by volunteers from the congregation, and followed by a themed discussion session for an hour. We use a multidisciplinary approach, and resource persons from the parish enrich the discussion as needed. Activities include: confirmation classes; occasionally visit local synagogues, mosques, temples and other places of worship; Friday Night Live- An event organized by youth and open to children and teens alike where gifts of talent and hospitality are shared with the community. The money raised from ticket sales is donated to helping other children and youth, locally and abroad, thereby enabling youth to participate in the outreach ministry of the parish; 15

16 Samedi du Partage: statewide collection of food for the needy of the canton of Geneva participate in various clean-up and service projects with Anglophone organizations Inter-church Youth Group: gatherings with youth from other English-speaking congregations in Geneva Jardin de Montbrillant-Preparing a meal and serving those in need Acolytes, Lectors, Altar Guild, Coffee Hour, Ushers Social gatherings The role of the Youth Minister has traditionally been a part-time position (20 hours a week). He or she is supported by a team of parishioners in the form of a Youth Commission with five to seven members. Emmanuel s Youth Ministry Program is currently being coordinated by a Youth Minister serving on a voluntary basis and supported by the Youth Commission. Moving forward, we hope that we at Emmanuel Church are able to attract and retain more youth into our church and allow them to play a greater role in the weekly services and in various leadership roles within the congregation. CHILDREN S EDUCATION Jesus said: Let the little children come to me for such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Sunday School Program is based on this simple concept. Every Sunday morning during the school year, our children are welcomed lovingly and taught about our faith. On Sunday mornings, at our main worship service, the children begin with their families in the sanctuary. The children sometimes receive a special Children s Homily. Then, carrying the small wooden Children s Cross, all the children recess with their Sunday School teachers to the classrooms. Traditionally, there have been five classes in our Sunday School, available at Emmanuel on Sunday mornings during the main worship service. First, there is a crèche to care for infants and toddlers as needed. Then, there are three separate classes with age-appropriate Christian study materials, all Asked what he liked most about Emmanuel Church, Erik Bjertnes responded: I like the building of Emmanuel Church and the people, and that the church is multicultural. That suits Geneva very well. Emmanuel does not impose dogmatic thinking, the people are open. taught by teams of devoted Emmanuel parents: 4-6 years old; 7-9 years old; and years old. Emmanuel s Christian curriculum for Sunday School studies is based on the worldwide Episcopal Church-approved program (Living the Good News), which follows the same calendar of Bible lessons as are read each Sunday in the Emmanuel sanctuary - otherwise known as Big 16

17 Church to the kids! This has the advantage that parents and students are studying the same Bible lessons each Sunday, so families can continue discussions at home together. The Christmas Pageant is a tradition at Emmanuel. The Pageant is presented during a Sunday service on the second Sunday in December with much joy and great festive spirit by the Sunday School students and parents, helped by many parish friends. The 2015 Pageant featured a traditional Nativity story recounted by a cute family of Church mice, as seen through the wise old eyes of Granny Mouse was filled with many joys and challenges for the Sunday School program. It is a joy to see our children s happy faces each Sunday as they continue to grow together in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ under the care and guidance of their Sunday School teachers. We are eager to welcome a new rector to come alongside the teachers and provide care and guidance. Convocation Events in Geneva: Happening Retreat for Teenagers 2015 Youth Across Europe

18 Asked about what he values most about Emmanuel, David Pittuck responded: The sense of family, community. I do not see an undercurrent of cliques. Emmanuel is very open and takes people for what they are. In a way, there is a thin layer of chaos that ends up being something to rejoice in, it is not too stiff. Our current rector s preaching style walking around in the front is more effective than a read sermon, he is one of us. Cyrus Gunalan Veloo describes his thoughts about our church as follows: I am originally from Singapore, belonging to the Methodist tradition. When I first came to Geneva in 2010, I went to the different Englishspeaking churches before settling on Emmanuel Church. Emmanuel s enormous appeal is its welcoming congregation. I have often been asked why I continue attending church, as it has become fashionable nowadays for people to view church and Christian life as being anachronistic. My reply is I go to church because the Spirit moves me in a way that simply cannot be described with words. The Spirit continues to move me in Emmanuel Church. FINANCE COMMITTEE & MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE Emmanuel s finances begin and end with Stewardship. All that we have belongs to God and is entrusted to us to use for God s purposes. Our Stewardship Finance ministry is responsible for the budgeting, planning and reporting of the finances of Emmanuel Church and the historical fundraising of our Stewardship ministry has been the annual Every Member Canvas. In addition, it is our expectation that in the near future we will be able to establish an Endowment Foundation to address the longerterm needs of the Church and its parishioners. In addition to the Stewardship income generated by the above, Emmanuel generates rental income from the use of the Church s facilities by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Christ Charismatic International Ministry, the English Library and seven other small non-profit Christian support groups ( 12 step process). Emmanuel also owns a single-family residential property that was gifted to the Church and which is rented to a private family on a medium-term basis. To supplement the above our Outreach Ministry generates activity/event-specific income from a special Outreach Ministry open-plate offering run one Sunday per month. Emmanuel Church contributes a portion of our Stewardship income to the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. 18

19 WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM? A BRIEF HISTORY OF EMMANUEL CHURCH Emmanuel Church was founded in 1873 by a group of Americans residing in Geneva. The cornerstone was laid by the 18th US President Ulysses S. Grant in July 1877, and the first service was held in the church building on Easter Day, The church building, with a seating capacity of over 200, exists today in essentially the same form as when it was constructed. In 1930, the adjacent Parish Hall was opened for church school classes, office space and social functions. Shortly thereafter the American Library was formed in a part of the Parish Hall, and has continued to expand its activities to the point where it is one of the largest English-language libraries in Geneva. The devastating events of both World Wars brought periods of severe crisis for Emmanuel, and a few times it was even necessary to suspend services. But there was always a devoted group who kept the church alive. Emmanuel went through an important growth phase after the war, as US businesses chose Geneva as location for their European headquarters or operations. This resulted in a rapid expansion of the congregation from about 100 to over 300 families, mostly Americans. During the mid-60s, it was necessary to conduct two complete services and Sunday school sessions every week because of insufficient seating capacity. By the mid-80 s, however, the influx of Americans became less pronounced and the congregation began reducing in size. The demographic composition over the past few decades has gradually become more diverse in both nationality and profession. Even though the reductions of the size of the congregation increased the challenge of meeting the yearly budgetary targets, the church has been able to carry out major projects like the installation and maintenance of the organ - considered to be one of the finest in the region for a church of Emmanuel's size - and installation of a new roof. Both improvements were entirely paid for through special fundraising efforts. 19

20 LIVING IN GENEVA Geneva is a small city with a large international reputation. The population of the city itself is approximately 200,000 people, while there are about half a million people living in the Canton of Geneva. The population of the entire canton of Geneva and economically interconnected neighboring regions of France and the Swiss Canton of Vaud is approximately one million. Throughout its history Geneva has been open to the world sheltering many who fled their countries because of religious or political persecution. Since 1863 when Henri Dunant and like-minded Geneva citizens founded the International Red Cross, the city has expanded its international role and now hosts over 200 international organizations such as the UN European headquarters, the UN Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and countless NGOs. Major religious organizations make Geneva their home as well, including the World Council of Churches, the World Lutheran Federation, and the Anglican Observer to the United Nations. Moreover, several large international corporations such as Caterpillar, DuPont, Procter & Gamble, Cargill and Japan Tobacco, have their regional headquarters here and the city s reputation as an important financial center have all contributed in making this a truly global village in the center of Europe. Accordingly, the population of Geneva is very international and much of it is transient. Less than onethird of the population of Geneva is fully native; a third is comprised of Swiss from other parts of the country, and over 40% is non-swiss. The language of Geneva and surrounding areas is French, although English is often used and understood. Reliable estimates of the total English-speaking population are hard to come by. The US Mission has estimated that there are at least 7,500 US citizens living in Geneva and surrounding areas, and there are numerous communities from other parts of the Englishspeaking world. There are also a number of wellestablished English-speaking institutions and associations with a diverse membership. These include, for instance, the American International Club, the American Women's Club, the Geneva Amateur Operatic Society and a number of private English-language schools. Still, most of the cultural and public life of Geneva takes place in French. The famous Protestant reformer Jean Calvin shaped Geneva into a Protestant stronghold in the 16th 20

21 century, and his influence on the character of this well-ordered city can still be felt today. Less than 20 percent of Genevois belong to the Swiss Reformed Protestant church and Geneva now has twice as many Roman Catholics, due to heavy immigration of workers from Catholic countries and regions. There are a number of English-speaking churches in the area in addition to Emmanuel, including Anglican, Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Evangelical/Interdenominational and Roman Catholic congregations. The city and region of Geneva enjoy a rich cultural life appropriate to its relatively small size. The local symphony orchestra and opera house are both highly rated, and there are numerous museums and galleries as well as a university and other institutions of higher learning. Geneva's geographical situation on a large lake at the heart of western Europe is stunning and widely appreciated. There are endless opportunities for hiking, skiing and other excursions in the surrounding regions. Geneva is a beautiful and stimulating place to live. However, like many international cities, Geneva is an expensive place in which to live. Even though it is a small city, rental and real estate prices are among the highest in Europe, comparable with the levels found in London and Paris. Specifically, the cost of living is high in Geneva where prices are geared to an affluent population with a high proportion of diplomatic and international staff. Sound of Music Sing Along Night

22 THE CONVOCATION OF EPISCOPAL CHURCHES IN EUROPE The Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop The Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon, D.D., Bishop-in-charge The American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity 23 avenue George V, F-75008, Paris, France Tel: Web: Members of the Search Committee Members of the Vestry Torsten Bartsch (Chair) Robinah Najjemba-Were (Vice Chair) Andrew Close Bradley Dewey Shannon Keith Patty Solomon Joy Mears Samuel Mbele-Mbong Cyrus Gunalan Veloo Liaison : André Dinbergs (Vestry) Andreas Koch, Maureen Bartsch (Youth) André Dinbergs (Senior Warden) Term Expires 2017 Griffiths Donkor Dunan Campbell Christopher Koch (Treasurer) Term Expires 2018 Robinah Najjemba-Were (Junior Warden) Bradley Dewey Fred Kalema-Musoke F. L. Retchitzky-Jones Term Expires 2019 Patrice Huguenin Ju-young Lee Vicky Maltby Helena Mbele-Mbong. Richard Cole Shauna Beesley Helen Soares Patty Solomon Kelly Massey-Carlier The Staff of Emmanuel Church Deacon Organist and Choir Director Administration Assistant Youth Minister Christian Education Coordinator 23

23 The Rev. Deacon Richard Cole Richard was born and bred in Illinois before moving to Switzerland to study translation. A life-long Episcopalian, Richard has been a member of Emmanuel since his in Geneva in 1978 and has been involved in Outreach, EFM, Adult Education, Stephen Ministry and Stewardship. He served on the Vestry ( ) and on the Rector Search Committees (2000, 2005). In the Convocation, Richard has been Secretary of Convention since He served as layman on the Commission on Ministry ( ) and was reappointed as clergy in A deputy to General Convention since 2000, he has served mostly on Dispatch of Business. Richard studied at the University of Geneva s Faculty of Theology ( ) and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons by Bishop Whalon in He is responsible for Inreach at Emmanuel and has helped facilitate and train intercessors, lectors, acolytes, Communion servers and Altar Guild members. In the secular world, Richard works as a translator for the European Broadcasting Union, and as a musicologist for the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Shauna Beesley, Organist and Music Director Shauna Beesley was born in Australia, worked in the UK for a number of years as a professional singer, organist and composer before moving to Switzerland in She has been music director of Emmanuel church since that time. Apart from the regular church services, Shauna organizes concerts with the choir of Emmanuel to fund-raise for various humanitarian causes. The choir plays an important role in leading worship at Emmanuel and its members form a tight knit and caring community. When not working for the church, Shauna runs a voice studio for private students. Helen Soares, Administrative Assistant Helen Soares was raised in Northern Ireland, the youngest daughter of a Methodist minister. After art college (B.A. in Silversmithing) and business school (M.A. European Business), Helen worked on a project for an Irish goldmining company and was based in Chicago. Whilst there, she met Walter, her Brazilian husband. They married in 1997 and have lived in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Brazil before moving to Geneva at the end of They have two daughters, Annabel & Juliana, and the family feels very blessed to call such a beautiful city home. Helen enjoys the variety of the work and ministries at Emmanuel, and the opportunity to serve the Lord in the Emmanuel parish community in such a tangible way. 24

24 Patty Solomon, Youth Ministry (volunteer) Patricia Solomon (Patty) was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. Upon completion of her BA degree and teacher training, she worked for several years in Nassau at a local high school. Patty, being somewhat of an ecumenical pilgrim, has been active in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and nondenominational churches throughout her adult life, serving In various positions including a Youth Ministry Coordinator and as Assistant Children's Choir Director. Since arriving in Geneva, Patty earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree of Theology (BTh- MTh) from the Université de Genève. She engaged in ministry with Third Culture Children and Youth at the Lutheran church where she served as leader of Sunday School, co-leader of Junior Choir, leader of Youth Group and co-leader of Young Adult Group. Patty was hired by Emmanuel Church as Youth Ministry Coordinator from 2010 to early She is currently coordinating the Youth Ministry Program for this academic year with support from Emmanuel's Youth Commission and is employed full time with the Bahamas Permanent Mission. In her spare time she serves on the Convocation s Youth Commission and sings with musical theatre groups, choral groups and as soloist in both sacred music concerts and the occasional opera. Kelly Massey-Carlier - Sunday School Coordinator (volunteer) Kelly has served as volunteer coordinator of Emmanuel Episcopal Church's Sunday School program since A member of Emmanuel parish for 25 years, she has been received as an Episcopalian after being raised as a Presbyterian. Kelly is the proud mother of a teen daughter, who was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel. Kelly has taught Sunday School at Emmanuel for six years. She is certified in Child Protection Training (2010 & 2016) under the Geneva-based Church of Scotland program (approved by our Convocation). A practicing U.S. attorney-at-law, Kelly is American & Swiss, and speaks English & French. 25

25 CONTACT The Search Committee will only consider applications sent by which include a Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Interest in MS Word format, as well as an OTM Portfolio (for Episcopal Church clergy). All applications must be sent to the following address: [email protected] with a copy to the Bishop at [email protected] 26