St. John’s Episcopal Church
Bangor, Maine
March 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. Jen Wilson was excused.
Fr. John opened the meeting with prayer and a reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews.
Minutes
Minutes from the February 14th meeting were accepted as presented.
Treasurer’s Report
D. Lewis presented the Treasurer’s Report commenting that January was dismal but February was back on track. After tax season he wants to consult with an accountant regarding a cleaner way of keeping the books. He advised that St. John’s is one of five residuary beneficiaries of the Della Keene Trust. Since Mary Wellman, the last heir, has now passed away, distribution of $830,000 will now be made with St. John’s one-fifth share being $166,000. It appears this bequest is unrestricted and should be along shortly. It will be determined at a later date what areas will benefit from these funds.
He reported that the Finance Committee is recommending (1) purchase of a new stove (2) hiring of an accountant at stated above; (3) $500 for Easter outreach; and (4) a new copier. (See Old Business below)
The Treasurer’s report was accepted.
Wardens’ Reports
Senior Warden R. Borok had nothing to report except progress on the Continuing Education matter discussed later in the meeting.
Junior Warden J. Perry reported electrical work is continuing on the lights in the nun’s gallery. Trumbull is scheduled to erect the final scaffolding starting April 1st and work should be completed in 5-6 weeks. If weather delays the start of this work for several days, he recommends that it be rescheduled after Easter (April 16th). All neighbors will be advised before the scaffolding is put up. Gardening should wait until after completion of the work.
Interim Rector’s Report
Health Update: Fr. John says he is doing alright except that he is probably doing more than he should.
He reported on attendance at the various Lenten services and is pleased with the numbers. Because of a funeral he was unable to attend the first Christian Education Meeting with the diocesan specialist on March 4th but was pleased that 15 people attended. He plans to attend the next meeting on April 1st.
He asked for the Vestry’s thoughts on the following items: (1) Cursillo; (2) Ministry Fair; and (3) icon painting. The idea of foyers was also discussed.
Father John plans to implement a Saturday evening Eucharist (5:30 p.m.); and proposed changes to the 8 a.m. service including rescheduling to an earlier time (perhaps 7:45); shortening it with no music and no sermon. There was extensive discussion on the importance of people being able to follow the service; the need for accurate page numbers, etc. in the bulletin; and concerns regarding the use of Rite I at both masses during Lent. Brief discussion on sound system problems and possibility of updating some equipment. Jeff will contact Hal Wheeler about this.
There is a lot of work left to do regarding preparation for the next Christian Education meeting on April 1st. Information needs to be organized; need to determine what is wanted; and what is willing to be done to accomplish that.
Old Business
A healthy relationship exists between t Sexton and Jenn Bailey and Steve has been doing a good job. A suggestion was made to determine how much of a full-time position could be funded with the idea of canceling the contact with the current cleaning service ($10,000/yr) and hiring another service which would be utilized for heavy jobs, i.e., floors, heavy dusting/polishing on an “as needed” basis. A formal proposal will be ready for presentation at the next meeting.
Jenn met with Sutherland Weston and presented specific instructions regarding the web site. A message was received today (3/14) that the site will be completed by the end of this week.
Discussion was held regarding new stove. Proposal from Flagg for Garland stove, removal of old stove, and installation of new stove for just under $3,000. (Dead River will have to hook up gas.) The members approved $3,000 for this work to be taken from the Junior Warden’s Fund (interest from Dwelley Fund). The stove will be installed this week and ready for use next Sunday for the St. Patrick’s Dinner.
After discussion, it was voted that the “old” Mission Statement would remain in force for the present and the Vestry will look at the idea of “tweaking" some of the items in that statement. It will appear as is on the web site. Jenn will email a copy of the “new” statement so that all members may familiarize themselves with it.
Fr John is working on the policy and fees matter and advises that he has fourteen couples looking to get married.
The new ciboria are in use. The white vestments may be donated as a Gordon Smith memorial.
New Business
Up to $800 was approved for Easter funding to cover the dinner; egg hunt; toiletries/food for “take-away,” and other miscellany (for the children).
Regarding policy on memorial donations – suggestion that list of contributors be published and then the funds allocated to flowers, books, hymnals, bibles, etc. at discretion of the Vestry. Important to advise parish prior to Easter of reasons for this.
Three thousand dollars ($3,000) approved for purchase of new copier.
The idea of a single service (9 a.m.) one Sunday a month was discussed and disapproved.
Special thanks are being planned by the Christian Ed group for a teacher of twenty years.
The Discernment Committee reported four out of eight focus groups are completed. At the next meeting the first week of April, they will put together the information gleaned from these focus groups along with the information from the surveys.
Sue Hunt reported that Stephanie Lanham wants to create a movable stage and will ask for $500 for this project which has been designed by Rex Garrett. The plans will be distributed to members of the Vestry and will be further discussed at next meeting.
Fr. John is building a manual for the new Vestry members.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Olsen
Clerk