Saint Benedict Episcopal Church

Bishop’s Committee Meeting Notes  October 9, 2007 

Members present:  George Anne Boyle, Vicar, Peggy Carmichael, Vicar’s Warden, Janice Chandler, People’s Warden, Mary Eberling, Gary Grewell, Kristy Knudson, Lisa Metzler, Mary Moore, Lee Wallace, Eldon Weeks, Bob Wilson, Jim Zabel and Nancy Zabel. 

Recorder: Janice Chandler

Members absent: Collie Liska, Treasurer.  Mary Eberling opened with a prayer.  

Formation

Georgi lead a Lectio Divina reading of 2 Timothy 2:(3-7)8-15; 3 separate readings with shared input and discussion after each reading.  

Minutes

• MSA to accept the October minutes as corrected.

Corrections: Mary Eberling was present. 

Buildings & Grounds

Goal is to produce a working manual that will coordinate all existing information on following topics …  

DISCUSSION

Bob Zych talked about Stewardship and the principles of giving and living as described in the Creating Congregations book we were given to read earlier in the year.  Several issues were discussed: 

• The Pledge Graph was addressed
• Need to understand the giving patterns
• Live in the image of God
• Find ways to develop our relationship with God
• What can we do to become more generous
• Need to look beyond maintaining the building
• Generosity is way more than stewardship
• The discussion ended with a challenge of 3 things for the Bishop’s Committee:1)     As a group establish and publish a goal for stewardship2)     Create and strategize BIG plans3)     Be role models to the congregation  

Medical Relief (Peggy & All)

The draft of the Medical Relief Fund Policy was discussed.  It was MSA to accept the Medical Relief Policy as amended:

• Change name to St. Benedict Medical Relief Fund
• Delete “Shelly McConnell Fund”
• Eliminate the $500 maximum
• Add the erson in need does not have to be a member of St. Benedict’s 

INFORMATION

Altar Guild (Bob)

Bob has been attending the monthly Altar Guild meeting. He reported that the Guild runs best when it has 9-12 persons, plus men and children are welcome. They plan to have an open house in January and invite the congregation to the Sacristy to see what all they do.  The Committee was asked to pray about people who might be interested in serving.  Janice challenged the Committee members to go back and see what work the guild does.  Lisa suggested a buddy system; take a friend to the Sacristy after a service and see what is done.  

Outreach (Jim)

There were 7 groups at Harvest Sunday service.  The notes from these groups will be distributed.  Sue will be contacting the facilitators for their feedback on how it went.  There was lots of energy, could have used more time for the discussion.  Jerry Shigaki will be coming down 10/27 to help facilitate what are our passions.   

Children’s Chapel (Lisa)

Lisa gave an update. They have the dividers for the chapel, the cross will be removed from the wall and they want to paint a mural on the wall.  The Committee gave their blessing to proceed as stated.  

Stewardship Campaign (George, Peggy, Janice)

An anonymous donation has been received to help fund Amber’s position.  Need to give consideration to increasing Lacey’s hours. Mary Moore voiced the need for a Sexton. 

Lighting Update (Lee)

• Still working on – to be continued.  

For the Good of the Order (All)

Janice – had sign-up sheet for Sunday BC reps

Mary M – working on storage areas

Mary E – going to Canada

Lisa – prayers for her Grandfather

Kristy – nothing

Bob – has the campground price list

Gary – passed

Jim – passed

Nancy – working on the history of St. Benedict’s and will pass around for us to write in what is missing or take out items.  Nancy also stated the Giving Tree will be up at the Fair.  This year we hope to help 3 families and 10 Hispanic kids.

Lee – Big plans for church – how about a school

George – Strategic Planning group is working on a 6 year plan.  Members include Ron Thompson, Ron Shively, Peggy Carmichael, Liz Grabler, Susie Zych and Judy Provencal. 

On 11/18 we will celebrate Thanksgiving with Interfaith Works at United Churches in Olympia.  Peggy – Cooks need to have health food handlers cards to be able to work in the kitchen.