St. John’s Episcopal Church
Bangor, Maine
July 10, 2007
Present: Fr. Wingert, D. Lewis, J. Perry, J. Blanchette, E. Hikel, J. Pickering, C Leick, H. Souweine
Fr. John opened the meeting with prayer and a reading.
The agenda was approved as presented to the members.
Minutes
The minutes of May’s meeting were accepted as presented.
Treasurer’s Report
Don reported that our financial situation is behind. Although we budgeted our expenses over contribution by $19,000 year to date through June, an additional $10,000 in unbudgeted expenses will hit our financial statements in the future. The expenses include: Pension expenses for 2006, greater Discernment Committee costs than last year, greater heat/oil costs than last year. The Treasurer's report was accepted.
Finance Committee will go through the endowment funds and try to organize and consolidate them.
Wardens’ Reports
Senior Warden Gary Creaser was unable to attend therefore his notes were included with the agenda.
Interim Rector’s Report
Fr. John had little to report since this was his last vestry meeting, but he explained why it is important for him to separate himself from the congregation for St. John’s in order for them to bond with the new Rector. Although Friday is Fr. John’s last day, he will be available for emergencies until Mo. Rita Steadman starts.
Committee/Commission Reports
Finance Committee: D Lewis mentioned we need to decide how to spend the capital campaign outreach funds. Our documentation stated we would create an endowment, however the verbal message was interpreted that all the money designated would go directly to outreach. $17,000 is allotted to the Diocese. $40,000 is allotted to outreach of our choice. However, it appears we could set up an endowment with no principal restriction.
Diocese Council (DC): No formal meeting until Sept, but July 25th we will have a meeting at St. John’s Bangor to discuss Diocesan Staffing and Cost. In August Diocesan Finance Committee will present the budget. In Sept Diocesan Council will look for nominations to fill DC terms that are up. One will be voted for in our area. In Sept, the Bishop Candidates will come to Husson college for discussion and debates. Finally in Oct we have convention.
Stewardship Committee: J Blanchette will work with the Diocese for plan giving and will look for guidance with Mo. Steadman.
Communication Committee: J. Pickering, C Leick, and G Creaser will take over this committee and put together a press release for Mo. Rita.
Property Committee: J Perry reports things have been quiet. Leaks have been taken care of. A local carpenter will be used to repair the choir room ceiling and small repairs. He will then be used for undercroft repairs. This will be paid for out of Jeff’s budget. Jeff will also work with the cleaning crew. Finally he will investigate new rugs.
Education Committee: C Leick reported that Wiggler’s class has moved to the crane room and lots of parents are helping Cheryl out.
Worship Committee: J Pickering mentioned that the Choir Picnic will be held soon. Breanna Batchelor, a member of the choir has been injured on a horse riding accident. We should add her to prayer list, pray for her and visit and send her our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Old Business
Old business was covered in other sections.
New Business:
Vestry will wait to explore filling the vestry vacancy until next meeting.
J Pickering mentioned that our Haitian outreach has been reducing. He would like to an outreach committee to get this going again.
Summary of Votes:
The May minutes report was accepted
The Treasurer's report was accepted.
To do:
Open Items:
Finally, we thanked Fr. John for his 20 months of service.
The meeting was adjourned circa 7:30.
Respectfully submitted,
EJ Hikel