St. John’s Episcopal Church

Bangor, Maine

June 13, 2006

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

Fr. John opened the meeting with prayer and a reading from the 9th Chapter of the Book of Genesis. 

Minutes

After clarification of a question concerning fees for sexton and secretarial services, the minutes of the May 9th meeting were accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s Report

            The Discernment Committee needs information on salary for a new rector and Don recommened that any ad state that salary will be the diocesan recommended amount. Recent package including salary, insurance, housing, etc. runs about $100,000 and this amount is expected to increase.  It was voted to accept Don's recommendation of the diocesan recommended amount.  The issue of insurance for Travis was discussed.  Currently, insurance is not available to any employees (except the rector) and there is concern about establishing a precedent that may be hard to reverse  However, an agreement had apparently been previously reached that insurance would be provided for Travis in July.  It has recently been determined that he may be eligible for MaineCare because of Ethan's situation and he will let Don know for certain.  Don will therefore be following up on this matter.

            The Treasurer’s report was accepted. 

Wardens’ Reports

            Senior Warden R. Borok had nothing at this point to report as her issues were being covered in other areas.

            Junior Warden J. Perry reported later in the meeting (see Property Committee Report).

Interim Rector’s Report

            Summer Services - The Saturday 5:30 p.m. service will begin this coming Saturday, June 17th.  The 8 o'clock service will be shortened and singing of the propers will be omitted.  No changes are planned at the 10 o'clock service.  Father John will be on vacation the last week in June and on his return his wife will be with him to spend several weeks in the area.  Charlene Alling will serve in Father John's absence.  Don mentioned that Travis had communicated with him regarding his vision for the future concerning the music program and a suggestion was made that Travis might share his thoughts with the congregation by giving a sermon one Sunday.  He will be asked about doing this. 

            Kristen Wagner is back from Nicaragua and is looking for a place to focus college work.  Why not us?  The new Saturday service is expected to draw younger people and may be effective.  A discussion was held about the possibility of having a late evening compline service.  Eight people have signed up for the inquirer's class as of this date.  Fr. John wants to send out a mailing in June to review what we are doing this summer.  It will also include "want" ads for slots on various committees, etc.  The convention begins in Columbus today and it will be interesting to see how it responds to the Windsor Report. 

 Committee/Commission Reports

            Communications Committee.  It has been suggested that this Committee needs about $10,000 from the outreach budget for advertising.  Steve reported that the recent ad for Evensong (which ran on the entertainment page at a higher cost than the religion page) cost $420.  The ad in the religious directory will be increased in size and cost will rise from $14 to $32/week.  At some point, information on the contemporary Saturday service will be added.  There is a religious supplement coming out in the paper and this will be looked into as a possibility for further advertising.  Travis will look into the possibility of an article on Evensong when it resumes in the fall.  The idea of having Episcopal Church signs on routes into Bangor was discussed but that may be controlled by current sign ordinances.

            Property Committee.  Jeff, after commenting on recent delays because of the rainy weather, reported that concrete will be poured tomorrow for the new wall which will then have to cure for about three weeks.  Warm, dry weather will help this process.  Trumble has put up scaffolding on the back of the building and shrubs have been planted.  Jeff is seeking a lawn service to improve the lawn and feels this should only cost about $100.  He has been in touch with Dead River concerning a "lock-in" price for oil for the coming winter.  The price today was $2.39, down a little from last week, so he will lock in that price tomorrow.  The average usage is 11,000 gallons although because of the mild winter last year, it was down somewhat.  The stones that were removed from the old wall have been retained and will be available to anyone that may want some for their garden or other use.  Jeff is preparing a map of the location of the rocks for those who may be interested.  The shed which Trumbull is now using will eventually be removed from the property, either by selling or dismantling.

            Education Committee.  Robin reports that E. J. completed the photo album and presented it to Cheryl Beitzell.  The Christian Education meeting which was originally scheduled for June 3rd is being rescheduled.    They will stay with the present curriculum for the younger children.

            Father John presented a handout with information on Les Petites Chanteurs - the choir from Port-au-Prince, Haiti which will perform at St. John's on Wednesday, September 27th.  Brother Donald will be approached regarding the possibility of preparing a meal for that evening.  Sue Hunt will coordinate overnight accommodations and transport to the airport for the 30 children, string quartet, three chaperones and director Rev. David Cesar.

Old Business

            E.J. has a friend who may be able to implement some changes to improve the web site at no cost to us.  A software package at $150 is still being considered.

            The Discernment Committee has lost two members, one being a co-chair so its membership is down from 13 to 11.

            An Executive Session lasting approximately half an hour was held.

New Business

            LeeAnne Mallonee, a talented artist and member of St. John's, has offered to work on a new logo for our stationery during the summer.  It was voted to ask her to do so. 

            Discussion was held concerning a Volunteer Fair, at which various entities of St. John's, e.g., Altar Guild, Acolytes, Kitchen Committee, etc. would be available to give information concerning their ministries. Heather, Jim and Judy will work with Robin on setting this up for September 10th after the 10 o'clock service, perhaps incorporating some ":finger food" or something else to go with coffee.

            Jen had a call recently from a parishioner asking to borrow tables for a yard sale.  A policy will be implemented prohibiting the use of tables, chairs, and other equipment outside of official functions.

            Katie Hamilton will cover for Heather providing child care during the summer.  The upcoming schedule for Safe Church Training will be checked and she will receive that instruction as soon as possible.

            Jim needs volunteers for "Lemonade on the Lawn" and will have the schedule available in the undercroft this Sunday.

The meeting was  adjourned at 8:10  p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joanne Olsen

Clerk