St. John’s Episcopal Church

Bangor, Maine

May 9, 2006

Present: Fr. Wingert, R. Borok, D. Lewis, J. Perry, J. Olsen, J. Allen, J. Blanchette, S. Brakey, E. J. Hikel, S. Hunt, C. Leick,  J. Pickering, H. Souweine, J. Wilson

Fr. John opened the meeting with prayer and the a passage from Acts.

Minutes

Minutes from the April 11th meeting were accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s Report

            Don handed out the Treasurer's Report pointing out that the item for contracted services at 225 French Street in the amount of $3876.80 for elevator maintenance should correctly have been allocated to the property reserve account instead of the operating fund.  This adjustment results in us being about $16,000 ahead of where we expected to be.  Expenses are down from last year and we are financially okay.  The Capital Campaign is on schedule.  The Finance Committee is currently asking for proposals for managing the Church's investments which total approximately 1.2 million.

            The Treasurer’s report was accepted. 

Wardens’ Reports

            Senior Warden R. Borok reports that the previously planned blood drive did not receive adequate support and was moved to an open drive in

Brewer.  The letter regarding children at services has been published.  There are no sanctions against honoraria for rectors.  On May 21st the Discernment Committee plans to hold a luncheon and provide information gleaned from the surveys and the focus groups and an update on the status of its work.  Plans are already being formulated for the house tour in December.  Robin will be out of the country for approximately two weeks starting this coming Saturday.  All wish her a great trip to Italy.

            Junior Warden J. Perry gave a detailed report on his negotiations with neighbors and abutting landowners impacted by recent construction along with planned replacement of the collapsed wall by A. D. Foundations and the completion of the planned work by  Trumbull.  Work on the wall will begin next week.  Trumbull also plans to resume its work next week and anticipates it will take five to six weeks to complete.             The new wall will incorporate a chain link fence and will follow the property line thus affording approximately two feet more of space between the wall and the church.  The rocks of the old wall will be stored for possible use later in landscaping the grounds.  The cost of the wall will come from funds available from the planned mortgage.  However, Don advised that any property reserve will be used to reduce the mortgage debt at the end of the year.  Our sign will be modified with removable plates with Fr. John's name.  The portable stage worked very well for the Joseph production and has been temporarily stored in the undercroft until the completion of construction work and then a decision will be made on where to store it on a permanent basis.  The bequest from Margaret Coffin of a silver tea set requires a cabinet with lock and key to be available near the Crane room.  Plans are to try to rework an existing cabinet or if necessary, secure a new one which it is anticipated will cost in the range of $300.

Interim Rector’s Report

            Father John distributed the Vestry Notebook to new members and the  Policies on Use of Facilities to all.

            Summer Services - Fr. John plans that the 8 o'clock service will last approximately 40 minutes, as he plans a shorter sermon, will stop singing the major propers, omit one reading and not sing all the verses in the hymns.    He plans a 5:30 Eucharist on Saturdays hopefully to start on June 11th.  A long discussion took place regarding this service which will be one of a non-traditional nature, possibly using the band from the All Souls youth group, casual dress, etc.  Since this type of decision belongs to the rector alone, it is not subject to Vestry approval although Fr. John welcomes input, suggestions, and feedback from the members.    There are currently three baptisms planned along with twelve weddings during the summer months.  Attendance has been up the last two weeks to 176 - especially at the 8 o'clock service which has attendances of 66 and 63 respectively.  Father John plans on some vacation time the last of June after which his family will be joining him in Maine for the summer.

Committee/Commission Reports

            The Finance Committee reiterated the need for an audit.  The Audit Committee cannot have anyone from the Vestry or the Finance Committee on it.  Don will be contacting Lew Payne, the Audit Committee Chairman, about the need for half a dozen people getting together to do a review some Saturday.

            The Communications Committee has been busy looking at ways to expand our exposure through not only The Bangor Daily News but also other media, including publications and radio.  Many suggestions were made including advertising of Evensong as a presentation in "The Classic English Cathedral Style."  Don suggested having Deborah Thompson speak on some historical aspect of the Church (e.g., the windows) before Evensong to broaden its interest.  Steve suggested having a general explanation of how worship is conducted in an Episcopal service on the web site.  Don suggests better results from press releases are obtained when their submission is followed up by a phone call.  There was a positive response received from a suggestion of using "want ads" in the newsletter for committee members. 

            E.J. reported that the Education Committee met Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. without the presence of Diocesan representative Liz Ring, and identified the following areas of concern:  (1) recruiting and retention; (2) training; (3) leadership/structure; (4) possibility of paying teachers; (5) teen/middle school areas.  The next meeting is currently scheduled for June 3 but may be changed because of the women's retreat.  The question came up whether Liz could send information on the above items prior to the meeting for review by the members.  The Committee does not plan any changes to the curriculum now used for grades one through six.  Plans are moving forward for honoring  Cheryl Beitzell for her twenty years of teaching on June 4th and $150 was approved for the purchase of an engraved bible, picture book, and gift certificate.  Small gifts will be purchased for all children and prayer books for high school graduates. 

Old Business

            The Executive Committee approved $750 to help Kristen Wagner in her missionary work in Nicuargra.  A pre-med student, she will periodically report to the parish on her work as a medical missionary in an orphanage.

            A discussion was held regarding the status of the web site.  Fr. John feels that part of the deal with Sutherland Weston was that it would provide instruction on how to perform updates.  Weston is recommending $100 for additional software.   A final meeting will be held to determine who is responsible not only for updating but proofreading.  It may be that we need a Webmaster to take charge of these duties as they are outside those expected from the secretary.

            Father John expressed his thanks to Jim for building the portable stage and all members joined him in showing their appreciation for his labors.

            The rates on the Policies on Use of Facilities issued by Fr. John were approved with modification of sexton fee to $50 and the addition of secretarial fees at $45/hour.. 

New Business

            Use of the existing microphones will be discontinued and the lavileers will be utilized   An additional one will be purchased for about $175 to supplement the two already available.  A suspended one will be sought rather than one that is clipped on.  Additional headsets are needed for use by parishioners with hearing loss.  Jim Goff can provide information/prices.  Hall Wheeler will borrow a microphone setup for the meeting on the 21st and use it as a test before investing the cost of $500 in such a unit.

            Plans are to go ahead on the Arizona program "What on Earth is Happening to the Episcopal Church" to be presented in four sessions after the 10 o'clock service beginning after Pentecost with the possibility of repeating it later in the fall.  The possibility of having an instructional Eucharist on the 21st  was discussed.

            Recent variations in the service structure are well accepted with the suggestion that more directions be given the attendees, including the possibility of reviewing new music prior to the beginning of the service.

            Jen Wilson reported $850 was realized from the rummage sale.  Problems with the maintenance of the kitchen were noted and new rules and regulations regarding its use will be revised and posted.

            Neighbors have complained about smoking and disposal of cigarette butts during AA meetings. 

The meeting was  adjourned at 8:30  p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joanne Olsen

Clerk