You can measure a church by statistics or you can measure the quality of a congregation by the generous loving spirit of the members of the congregation. I have said in the past that all the criteria by which a pastor judged success in ministry were no longer valid. You cannot use the measures of increases in membership, people generally take up to ten years to join a church. You cannot use the measure of participation in worship, 30% of the persons who are in worship this week will not be there the next. Participation impacts all the rest of the programs as well. What we do have is a warm and loving, concerned and dedicated membership which owns the church and its programs.

During 2004 I preached 52 sermons for Sunday Worship, Lent, and Christmas. An Ash Wednesday Service was conducted on February 25. A Maundy Thursday evening potluck supper and Candlelight Communion service was held on April 8. A Good Friday Service took place on April 9. A Thanksgiving Eve service was held on November 24. I conducted 14 worship services at Greenway Manor.

I served as the Secretary-Treasurer of Wisconsin Congregational Ministerial Association. These meetings provide a forum for exchanging ideas, and some opportunities for informal continuing education.

This year we produced a music program featuring the "Dirty Rotten Pastors." There was good attendance and the music was generally appreciated, especially by the younger people who were present.

A number of calls were made to hospitals, nursing homes, and in homes of members, friends, and those in need. Two children were baptized: Michael Joseph Howard, and Adam James Lewis. One funeral was conducted for Edward Winch, and one wedding for Christine Miller and Roy Anding. Two people united with the Arena Congregational Church, Jim and Deb Howard.

The weekly Bible Study is being offered on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. either in the fellowship hall, or during the winter, in member's homes. Currently, we are studying the Epistle to the Galatians. Leadership of the Bible Study rotates between the persons attending who accept the responsibility. The Men's Fellowship has been meeting for a breakfast meeting at 7:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month.

All-in-all, it has been an exciting and productive year. I am proud to serve as your pastor. I am very grateful for your love, cooperation, support and encouragement. Together, and with the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish great things for Christ.

Respectfully submitted.

Leslie R. Shultz II, Pastor, Arena Congregational Church