2022
YEAR IN REVIEW
A Note from Andrew
Reviewing this annual report has filled me with gratitude for what God did in and through our church in 2022. You will see that it was a year of growth in numbers participating, in depth of faith, and in freedom. You will see that it was a year filled with more fasting, prayer, and worship than has taken place in the past. You will see engagement by and events for the young and the old, for those part of our church and those outside of it. You will see the most significant year of building projects since the major church addition was done in 2006. You will see extensive amounts of partnership, giving, and outreach to bless people and organizations beyond our church walls. You will see hints of foundational work done by our staff and board to position us for the future. You will see pictures of people who love the Lord while they worship, relate, and serve. You will see people Gathering to Go with the Presence of Jesus.
May that continue to be true as we move into 2023!
Identity
Identity Statements
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
Gathering to Go with Presence of Jesus
WHO WE ARE
“Celebrate Church is called to be a people of Presence, ever growing as Bible-Centered, Spirit-Empowered, Disciple-Making disciples being sent to their communities in the name of Jesus.”
WHAT WE VALUE
Seeking and responding to the living, Triune God
Authentic community and personal ministry
Offering our best to bless the Lord and love others
WHO WE’RE BECOMING
A house of worship and prayer that facilitates God’s supernatural movement.
A healing community where people experience care and restoration.
A discipleship culture in which people intentionally grow and invest in the growth of others.
A catalytic environment that propels people to make a difference as God’s light in the world.
Growth
Post Pandemic Attendance
2 years out from the 2020 Global pandemic, many churches struggle to return to pre-pandemic church attendance. Celebrate is no exception. However, we have begun to see an increase in recent months, and we continue to have regular participation online. Our prayer is that gathering together will continue to trend upwards in 2023.
Average Worship Attendance
Avg. Sunday Attendance: 336
Avg. Weekly Online Views: 100
A Note from Aubrey
One of my favorite things about working in this ministry is getting the opportunity to watch people grow in their faith. I love seeing people chase after Jesus, wanting to know him more, wanting to be more like him. It inspires me all the time. I love hearing how community is formed, either in small groups or one-on-one relationships through the Exploring Faith process as people take steps forward in their faith together. We were built for community by a Creator who delights when we run after Him.
In 2022, 97 people were involved in classes including: Freedom, Gospel 101, Celebration of Discipline, How to Pray, & The Prayer Course. 41 new members joined the church and we celebrated 8 immersion & sprinkle baptisms.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I'm excited to see how God will invite us into even deeper community. Whether that's through classes, Bible studies, mentorships, or breaking bread together in our homes, I think it all brings Him joy. I'm excited to be on this journey with all of you!
41 New Members
8 Baptized
Freedom Encounter
Beginning in January, 41 people gathered for 10 weeks to go through the Freedom curriculum. The class culminated with the Freedom Encounter in April. Celebrate partnered with leaders from The Way in Newton to host the day-long event that included worship, teaching, and many opportunities for individual prayer ministry. Over 70 people gathered that day.
Worship
& Prayer
A Note from Matt
In 2022, we offered the most corporate worship opportunities at Celebrate so far. Wednesday nights in the Upper Room have seen more and more attendance as people are being drawn to His Presence. On a week to week basis we gathered together to worship and adore the One who is worthy.
In April, we brought Justin Rizzo in for a powerful worship night for our Knoxville community, and an additional night of training for our prayer and worship teams. Our teams were encouraged and refreshed.
Our Sunday morning praise team grew in size and depth thanks to our many volunteers from the tech booth to the stage. The community of our volunteers is consistent, devoted, and passionate about bringing our best to the Lord. There has been a continued and increased sense of the Lord’s nearness as we gather.
Justin Rizzo
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, composer, and recording artist based in Kansas City, Missouri. He has a passion to raise up worship leaders and creatives of all types and see them thrive. Justin joined us for a night of worship in April 2022.
A note from Camille
Here are some of the ways Celebrate prayed in 2022:
We began 2022 by incorporating fasting into our spiritual discipline and connection with God. Many people practiced fasting weekly beginning in January and continued until Easter, logging their experiences on an anonymous but communal online journal.
The Prayer Room was available for personal reservations throughout the year. In 2022 we gained the ability to grant access to the building outside normal office hours making dedicated spaces for prayer even more accessible.
In September, we launched the Prayer Builders initiative where people committed to pray regularly onsite though November.
Our Love to Pray Team was available for prayer ministry weekly after our Sunday morning worship gathering.
Thanks for all of the ways you advanced God’s kingdom through prayer last year, Celebrators! May 2023 be a year of leaning in even further through prayer so that we can go out with His presence wherever He leads.
Prayer Builders
In 2022, Celebrate began an Initiative called Prayer Builders. During this 3 month period, 117 people committed to praying for at least 5 hours on site.
This video marks the launch of that initiative.
1,856.5 hours of prayer recorded
More than 200 people took part in onsite prayer
Other 2022 Prayer Facts
384 days of fasting logged anonymously
19 Love to Pray prayer ministers
12 youth prayer ministers
117 people committed to Prayer Builders Initiative
51 Sundays prayer ministry was available
Youth prayer ministers one Sunday in October
Weekly youth prayer gatherings began in 2022
Sermons
Hospitality &
Connections
A note from Ali
From Brew Crew to LOVE to HELP... Hospitality gets to share a lot of LOVE.
On average we have at least nine people serving in LOVE to HELP every Sunday, which is about 470 people for the year. There are quite a few people that serve monthly, sometimes weekly, but it has become clearer and clearer that God needs all of us to help allow His Kingdom to come and His will to be done. Whether it is eye contact, a handshake, a hug, or a smile we believe Jesus is actively involved within each encounter. We want all that come to Celebrate to feel seen, received and welcomed because we all matter to God.
Our BREW CREW makes four pots of coffee and makes sure all cups, lids, creamers and sugars are stocked and ready for all of us that need a Sunday morning energy boost or something warm to drink. All together that averages to about 208 pots a year or over 4,000 cups of coffee a year. Coffee may seem simple but week after week we watch people stop for coffee before anything else. To us, coffee helps Celebrate feel a little more like home.
When I think about Jesus I can't help but be in awe of how much hospitality meant to him. It has been an honor to serve alongside others that want to meet people, love people, and be with people. As we continue to push into Gathering to Go with the Presence of Jesus it makes me wonder about the different opportunities we will have as a church to serve those around us with His LOVE first! Excited to encounter more of Him with you!
Celebrate Support Groups & Social Gatherings
Celebrate had many opportunities for groups to gather over the year. Many met for community. Some met for support. Celebrate hosted three support groups last year: Cancer Support Group, Infertility Support Group, and Suicide Support Group.
Celebrate also hosted large and small group gatherings and group outings.
SPEEDERS
The 55 and better crew at Celebrate Church had a fun-filled year in 2022! They had monthly potluck gatherings as well as several outings. In August they traveled together to Branson’s Sights and Sounds, and in October they returned from the Drakesville mum-sale with loads of gorgeous fall mums!
Ladies Luncheon
On June 18th, ladies congregated at tables carefully designed by volunteers. Each with special themes! Everyone brought salads to share. It was a wonderful time!
Christmas Day Lunch
On Christmas Day, Celebrate hosted a lunch for anyone who wanted to attend. A meal was served and games were played. It was a lot of fun and fellowship!
A note from Ashley
Being a new staff member at Celebrate has been a wonderful learning experience that has encouraged me to grow deeper and to lean on Christ.
I have truly enjoyed getting to know everyone and all the details that go into all the different events here at Celebrate. While many things may go unnoticed, I want to use my organizational and critical thinking skills to bless others with the unique skills that God has given me.
Of the many various activities that I am responsible for or assist others with, my favorites are those involving the many volunteers! Seeing relationships being built and many different people coming together as the hands and feet of Christ is amazing to watch. Some of the activities I call upon our church volunteers for are: Funeral luncheons, preparing, serving and cleaning up after communion, Meals on Wheels, Project Christmas Love with Many Hands for Haiti, and Salvation Army Bell Ringing.
I prefer to stay behind-the-scenes and enjoy helping serve others by some of these other responsibilities assigned to me, such as nationals parking, rentals and reservations, and more.
As we start a new year, I am excited about what 2023 will bring!
Community Events
The community utilizes Celebrate’s facility for a variety of events every year. From Missoula to Knoxville Nationals Race Parking, to graduation parties and family gatherings and weddings. This year our facility was used for 10 gatherings and 3 weddings.
Race Event
Celebrate opened its doors to our friends in the racing community for an exciting event in August. 250 tickets were purchased by race fans who were excited to see Sammy Swindell, Jimmy Sills, Bobby Allen, & Doug Wolfgang all on the same stage. Everyone enjoyed breakfast together and a Q&A with the legendary drivers.
Missoula
For a week in October, Celebrate hosted Missoula Children's Theatre. Kids in grades K-12 had the opportunity to audition for the play, Red Riding Hood. The kids were onsite for rehearsals every night that week and put on two performances on Saturday for the community.
Online Connections
This Instagram Reel (below) was played 13,258 times. 13,192 of those plays were from people who do not follow Celebrate’s social media pages. This means this small sermon clip from Pastor Andrew’s message that Sunday in 2022 reached far beyond Knoxville. While we have no desire to become “internet famous”, we do desire to reach people far and wide with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, our primary goal with social media is to reach people locally.
A note from Jennie
The digital world can often be such a dark one. Studies are now showing us just how much our smartphones are impacting our mental health both for the bad, and for the good. In 2022 my goal was to help bring some of the good into your newsfeeds.
I love capturing what God is doing during a worship service. Observing His movement through a lens is a privilege. His story is unfolding in each of your lives so beautifully.
My biggest project this year was re-designing Celebrate’s website. It was a fun project for me! As I designed each page (and continue to work on each page), I am so impressed with each staff member’s hard work and dedication to Jesus. They love Him so much. They love you so much, Celebrators!
I hope you were blessed by Celebrate Church’s digital presence this year. Here’s to another great year!
Pastoral Care
Funeral Luncheons
Celebrate hosts funerals and funeral luncheons, where we serve and care for grieving families. Although we never hope to get these kinds of calls, we are ready to be available for those who have lost loved ones.
This year Celebrate hosted 11 funeral luncheons.
A note from Judd
This year we have grieved a lot together. Many people we have dearly loved have gone ahead of us to be with Jesus. That's been hard. Sometimes unbearable. But your prayers and encouragement have been a consistent comfort to me, and I value each and every one of you. I was honored to share in your joys this year as well. To see your prayers answered, and walk with you through your struggles. My prayer is that in 2023 God brings Celebrate Church a new wave of joy and refreshing.
Celebrate Kids
A note from Lauren
It was a great year in children’s ministry! Sunday’s with Celebrate Kids included singing and dancing, Bible stories, crafts, and lots of games. We had a “Monumental” VBS in June! We served over 100 kids throughout the week and raised $2,126.07 for Many Hands for Haiti.
It has been a joy seeing God work in the next generation. I love the large events and so do the kids and families we serve. What I love even more is:
kids getting excited about having their own Bibles
hearing the little voices read scripture and worship Jesus
witnessing kids experience the prayer room
kids caring about others so much they request prayers
and hearing children say, “God bless you, Mama.”
The “little” things are making a big impact in God’s kingdom. These are the things I look forward to in the upcoming year and years to come.
Fall Fest
Celebrate Church’s Fall Festival served over 200 people a meal as well as offering games, treats, and a petting zoo to those in our community. Fun was had by all!
Celebrate Youth
A note from Matt
We had an amazing time with our students at Celebrate Youth this year. With Lauren, myself, and many incredible volunteers, we watched students realize the goodness and reality of God on a week to week basis. We graduated a devoted and passionate 2022 senior class, and have been continuing the legacy of worship and prayer that they started! Dozens of students have attended our additional weekly prayer meeting before school as well as filled the worship center with prayer before a few incidentally powerful Sunday morning services.
We had students attend the Awake Conference in Ottumwa, and took over 20 high school students to Desperation Conference in Colorado once again. Students came away with stories of encountering the Living God and a burning desire for more.
One of our favorite parts of the year were the Scripture Study nights where we studied a story or parable together and discussed it as a full group. With incredible depth and conviction, our students excitedly shared the ways it felt like God was speaking to them through scripture. Amazing things happen when we take a break from trying to teach them, and allow the Lord to speak to them Himself. This year, our student community has been marked by a sensitivity to His voice through prayer and the Word, and passionate worship that continues to draw our young people in.
Desperation Conference
Celebrate Youth attended the Desperation Conference in Colorado Springs, CO in 2022. Teens were greatly impacted by the experience!
Outreach
Local Outreach
Just a few ways Celebrate reached out to our community: through the Crosswalk, our food pantry, Meals on Wheels, Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army, and through our connections with local partners like The Well, Pleasantville Youth Initiative, and Freedom for Youth.
A note from Bruce
In 2022 the Celebrate Church Food Pantry served our community in big ways. We distributed 316,440lbs of food. On a weekly basis, we served 140-175 people. This would not be possible without the 25 incredibly devoted volunteers who show up each and every Wednesday to serve. I am grateful for their commitment.
The Crosswalk ministry saw growth in 2022. When the CW Youth began in August, 4 teens were attending. After encouraging them to invite friends, we closed 2022 with 14 regular attenders. We had two major events: a trip to Smash Park in Pella, and a Christmas shopping trip to get teens gifts to make their holiday special.
Our Crosswalk Sundays group also had a great year, ending with a consistent group of about 27 people coming together on Sundays at noon to share a meal and a talk about Jesus together.
I am grateful for what God has done through outreach in 2022, and looking forward to serving Him in 2023!
Global Outreach
In 2022 our Global Outreach efforts were primarily focused on Ukrainian Refugee & Immigrant Financial Aid and Many Hands for Haiti. Pastor Samuel and his Uganda Missions has also been dear to us and remains constantly in our prayers.
Collected 82 gift bags for Many Hands for Haiti's Project Christmas Love
Helped establish 28 Ukrainian refugees locally
2022 Organization & Leadership Highlights
A Big Year for Updates
Staff and Leadership at Celebrate had a lot to keep them busy in 2022.
We navigated leaving the denomination and joined a new regional network that we were part of forming.
We undertook the most significant year of facility projects since the new building was completed in 2006.
We brought in an outside accounting firm to tighten up our financial processes and provide monthly outside accountability.
We created and implemented an employee handbook.
We hired two new staff members.
We signed an agreement to sell the Crosswalk building while creating plans to continue our offsite outreach ministries.
We developed and confirmed new identity statements to direct us in this next season of ministry.
We redesigned and updated our website.
All this was done while we continued to offer ministry, opportunities, events, and care on a weekly basis.
The Sending Network
In 2022 Celebrate Church transitioned from the Reformed Church of America to The Sending Network. This transition was proceeded by many months of conversation, research, and prayer. It was important to Celebrate that the church was fully prepared and informed before any decisions were made. When it was put to a vote, Celebrate unanimously voted in favor or transitioning from the RCA to The Sending Network.
2022 Financial Report
2022 Offering Annual Totals
$739,900 Budget
$699,900 Received
-$40,000 Offering Shortfall
2022 Annual Operating Totals
$801,100 Income*
$794,100 Expenses
$7,000 Surplus
*Along with offering income also includes race parking, registration for events, fundraisers, building rental, outside donations and memorials
Year End Cash Balance
2022 Capital Projects Total
$294,000
These expenses were covered by insurance money and cash reserves. The income and expense amounts for capital projects were not included in the annual operating totals.
The projects included in these expenses are new carpeting, painting, new roof, new lighting in Upper Room and cafe, new security and access system.
Year End Loan Balance
Operating Budget
Giving to Partnering Ministries and Local Food Relief
$97,000
Partnering Ministries Included: The Well - Knoxville, Pleasantville Youth Initiative, Ukrainian Refugee & Immigrant Financial Aid, Uganda Missions, Many Hands for Haiti, Justin Rizzo, RCA, The Sending Network start-up costs, Freedom for Youth, Celebrate Food Pantry*
*Facilities, supplies and staff related expenses for the food pantry are not included in this amount nor are other outreach ministry expenses.
A note from Emily
I love having a front row seat to see the generous hearts here at Celebrate Church. Through Financial Administration I am able to see donations coming in and I can’t help but feel moved by the many hearts that give so freely and joyfully. In 2022 I watched as God led our leadership in how best to serve our church and communities financially. Leadership would feel led to help in certain areas, then we would see God move Celebrators’ hearts to give in those exact same areas. God is so incredibly good! We could not do any of the ministries here without the generosity shown by Celebrate givers. THANK YOU Celebrate for being faithful.
2022 Leadership
Elder Board 2022
Melinda Vos, Renae Schumacher, Lisa Brandhof, Scott Bridges, Crystal Harsin, Ryan Roozeboom
Ministering Elders 2022
Melinda Vos, Renae Schumacher, Lisa Brandhof, Scott Bridges, Crystal Harsin, Ryan Roozeboom, Eric Goodale, Brenda Goodale, Russ Schneider, Nolan Crossett, Tony Roozeboom, Tyler Christian, Kim Roozeboom, Erin Cook, Bob Pelong, Jon Suntken, Nate Spiegel, Tresa Mott, Cathy Dodd, Camille Schmidt, Michael Moats, Jacque Moats, Jayson Henry (teaching elder)
New ministering elders selected in 2022 to begin serving in role in 2023:
Nicolas Lirio, Anna Van Sant, Jennifer Schmidt, Isaac Short, Jeremy Cole, Brian Vos
Elder Board members selected in 2022 to begin term in 2023:
Tresa Mott, Isaac Short
A Prayer for 2023:
Sovereign Lord, we ask that in 2023 you would pour out your Holy Spirit in and through the people of Celebrate Church in ways that many would know the deep love found in the Presence of You our Father, that many would be gathering for encouragement in spiritual fellowship, that many would go and bless others in the Name of Jesus and that you would add to our number many who are being saved.
— Pastor Andrew