St. John’s Episcopal Church

Bangor, Maine

February 14, 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 a reading from the 10th Chapter of Matthew.

Minutes

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

Fr. John welcomed new members elected at the Annual Meeting, said a handout is being prepared, and he hopes for a meeting within the next two weeks.

Treasurer’s Report

D. Lewis presented the Treasurer’s Report adding that January had a negative number although contributions continue by those who have not pledged.  Funds being held in the diocesan account split 40% in fixed income with balance in equity are earning a poor return; thus he is looking to move those funds to a local account for better results.  The Money Market Account held at United Kingfield Bank earning 3.87% is being moved to Bar Harbor Banking and Trust Company at 4% with thanks to David Waite, a new member of St. John’s.

The Capital Campaign is going well and $45,000 is being paid on the loan every three months.

The report was accepted. 

Wardens’ Reports

Senior Warden R. Borok welcomed Fr. John back, was glad the Annual Meeting went well.  She  and E. J. Hikel are working together on the loss of the Christian Education Director. 

Regarding  a weather policy, she urged all to use common sense regarding travel and asked that a call be made to Fr. John (315-427-8534) or another member if one is unable to attend.

Junior Warden J. Perry reported the staging and scaffolding came down last month. An allotment of $3,000 was approved for the purchase of tables (4 round, 8 square) and 100 folding padded chairs.  A number of the old chairs will be kept for extra seating if needed.  Also approved was the purchase of a Hoover floor scrubber machine for $209.  The Sexton is doing a good job and the idea of cutting down on janitorial services was discussed.  Lights purchased by John Patches from the University have been donated and will require extra wiring..  An amount up to $2,000 was approved for this work.

Interim Rector’s Report

Fr. John reports that he is feeling quite well and has a high probability of complete cure after 5 ½ hour surgery.  During his vacation after Easter, he will have a follow-up visit with his surgeon.  A tentative Lenten Schedule was distributed and several ideas for additional study including the Lambeth Report and an in-depth study of The Passion were discussed. 

He reiterated his determination to prioritize work on Christian Education during 2006 and will meet with the diocesan specialist in religious education for a brainstorming session on March 4th as a first step in identifying a mission statement on Christian Education for children and adults.

Committee Reports

The Finance Committee report was distributed.   It is getting proposals for a new printer for the office and also looking to add a couple of new people.

Property Committee

Discussion on the sign for Second Saturday - have a banner which is working; need to get Fr. Kevin’s name replaced by Fr. John on St. John’s sign.

Old Business

Fr. John is working on a fee and scheduling policy and will have it for presentation next month.  Work continues on job descriptions.  He requested, and it was approved, to purchase both green and white sets of vestments for approximately $800 for both.  Also requested and approved was $400-$450 for purchase of two ciboria.  These monies will likely be taken  from the memorial and Altar Guild funds.

Jen Wilson will put up the picture of Fr. Kevin in the gallery.

The web site has been delayed long enough.  Fr. John wants it up now; parts incomplete can say “under construction.”  He requested an immediate meeting with Sutherland Weston with that in mind.

The idea of increasing the Sexton’s duties from half time with the idea that he (the Sexton) could call for janitorial service as needed, was discussed.  Nobody is currently in charge but the Sexton and Jenn (secretary) have a good working relationship so that might be a possibility.  Discussion was held about the poor condition of the nursery school rug with Jeff stating that he felt there was a moisture and/or condensation problem in that area.  A solution is being sought.

The problem with the stove was raised but no decision was made about replacement.

New Business

Fr. John will undertake a revision of the By-Laws.  He also plans to work on improving the bulletin by changing deadlines to allow for review before printing.

The secretary (Jenn) will be gone for two months after Easter and has found a replacement for that time.

Father John plans a meeting with acolytes, lay readers, Altar Guild, Eucharistic Visitors, etc. in an effort to increase those ministries.  He will write personal letters to young people of acolyte age in an effort to recruit them.  Lay readers to not need to be licensed - or vested  - and can come to the lectern from the pews.  License is only required if they are going to conduct prayer services. 

Volunteers are needed for the soup kitchen and other outreach services.

Don asked members if they had returned their surveys.  Most had done so.

The meeting was  adjourned at 8  p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joanne Olsen

Clerk