St. John’s Episcopal Church
Bangor, Maine
December 12, 2006
Present: Fr. Wingert, R. Borok, D. Lewis, J. Perry, J. Olsen, J. Allen, J. Blanchette, S. Brakey, E. J. Hikel, S. Hunt, J. Pickering, H. Souweine, J. Wilson.. C Leick excused.
Fr. John opened the meeting with prayer and a reading from the First Letter to the Thessalonians.
The agenda was approved as presented to the members.
Fr. John clarified a previous issue by commenting that the By-Laws for St. John's Church state that a quorum for a meeting is seven; ergo, the Treasurer and Clerk are voting members of the Vestry.
Minutes
The minutes of the November meeting were accepted as presented.
Treasurer’s Report
Don reported the good news that it would appear we will end the year in the black as pledge payments increased during November. The Finance Committee will meet this Thursday at 6 p.m. to work on the final budget for next year. He reminded us all that we will be looking at increased costs including expenditures for the discernment committee, moving for a new rector, and a bigger payroll. The Treasurer's report was accepted.
Wardens’ Reports
Senior Warden R. Borok reminded us that January 14th after the 10 o'clock service there will be a gathering of the Vestry members to discuss current issues in the Episcopal Church with the focus being on the Episcopal viewpoints of the resurrection. Robin, Father John, John Pickering and E.J. will work on this. A suggestion was made to perhaps include another group to join with the Vestry for this presentation and it was decided to ask the Finance Committee to attend. This gathering will be held in the undercroft to accommodate the number of participants. Fr. John will issue a white paper prior to the meeting which will include reading suggestions and internet sites where participants may seek preparatory information. (Remember that it was decided at the November meeting that all would bring their own lunch to this meeting..) Robin requested permission to establish a committee to look into a columbarium or memorial garden. She will call interested parish members to work with Pat Totman. The House Tour brought in about $4,000 and very positive remarks were passed on to the members.
Robin explained this would be her last Vestry meeting as Senior Warden as she will be in Phoenix at the time of the January Meeting although she will be in attendance at the Annual Meeting on January 28th and will be available to assist the new Senior Warden with his/her duties. She brought cookies to share which were appreciated by all.
Interim Rector’s Report
Father John will contact Detective Small and request that he come in some week after the 10 o'clock service in January to talk about the sex offender registry. The Christmas plans/services remain the same as discussed in November, i.e., Sunday, 12/24 - 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.; Monday 12/25 - 10 a.m. The Pageant will be presented at the 10 o'clock service on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24th. Fr. John received a call from a local radio station offering ten thirty-minute slots during the last three days before Christmas for $100. Hal Wheeler will be contacted about doing the voice-over with a cut from the Choir's previous recordings. A new set of inquirers' classes will be held during Epiphany-tide. Five individuals will be confirmed or received from the last group and Fr. John anticipates seven to eight people will participate at the Bishop's visit on March 25th. Attendance has been up recently with 162 attending on Thanksgiving, 194 the First Sunday in Advent; 193 for Lessons and Carols; and 168 the Second Sunday in Advent.
Committee/Commission Reports
Finance Committee: Meeting this Thursday to finalize budget, anyone may attend. The refrigerator will be swapped out as discussed at the November meeting with the issue of buying a newer, more efficient unit to be visited at a later time. Don requested a policy be established that vacation time for an employee accrues as that employee works, and he will write a personnel policy for presentation at the next meeting.
Stewardship Committee: Jim reported he has received 105 pledges to date totaling $221,542 compared with 101 pledges totaling $226,834 last year at this time. There are potentially 27 pledges still expected for +/- $36,000.
Communication Committee: Steve reports he will work on the pre-Christmas radio advertising and will run an ad for the Christmas services. Robin reminded us to try to notify Jenn of any activities.
The donations of canned goods is not going well and this issue will be revisited later.
Property Committee: Jeff reports that Trumbull's work is done completely and he is waiting for the final bill. He hoping the elevator license will be in the recent mail. Stephanie wants a part of the portable stage set up for the Christmas Pageant at the 10 o'clock service on the 24th. This will be done on the morning of the 23rd to allow for a rehearsal that afternoon. This will change the traffic flow for communion. Jeff needs help assembling a couple of chair racks and Jim will assist him with this. Don reports the water bill jumped to $1600 because of a running toilet in the ladies room. Jeff will monitor this situation; some repair has been done but there may be more work needed. Bangor Hydro wants a key to the gate to read the meter. Jeff will see if they can adapt the meter so it can be read from the Hydro office. Don reminded us all to keep doors closed, shut lights off, turn down thermostats, etc. in our attempts to cut maintenance costs. A reminder notice will be put in the bulletin about being certain thermostats are turned down after using any room/area of St. John property. Jeff may have a locksmith come in to check all doors as some locks do not seem to be working properly.
Education Committee: Fr. John reported that Carolyn took a bad fall down a stairway without a rail and has a one broken ankle and the other ankle is sprained. Carolyn had previously requested that the teachers and helpers be given gifts at Christmas in appreciation of their work. It was voted to appropriate $200 for these gifts and Fr. John will get gift certificates at Borders.
Worship Committee: John reports good responses to the recent fine-tuning of the PA system.
Old Business
Steve ran a check on the thermostat on Monday and the furnace only ran for one and one-half hours. It is hoped this will reduce maintenance costs. The sign on the door needs to be changed to reflect the office being closed on Mondays.
It will not be necessary to purchase new acolyte albs as Travis found several additional albs were available.
John reported that the Nominating Committee is seeking additional candidates with the following four persons already having expressed a desire to run for Vestry: Pat Sprague, Cassie Palmer, John Pickering, and Jim Blanchette. Jeff will run again for Junior Warden and Joanne will run again for Clerk. Don is hoping someone will take over as Treasurer but is willing to continue if needed. He has suggested that Ken Huhn could work with him for next year as Assistant Treasurer and then take over the next year. He feels the Treasurer's term should be limited to three years. Father John suggested amending the By-Laws regarding the following: limit the Treasurer's term to three years; create a position of Assistant Treasurer; and create a position of Assistant Junior Warden. Robin will put together a booklet with things she has learned in the position of Senior Warden to assist whoever is elected Senior Warden. Gary Creaser had indicated interest in the past but it is not known if this would fit into his current schedule.
New Business:
The Annual Meeting will incorporate a celebration of the completion of construction on the building and Robin will get together a committee for this; Fr. John will assist.
Thanks were given to Robin for all her fine work over the past two years.
.The meeting was adjourned at 7:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Olsen
Clerk