Saint Benedict Episcopal Church

Bishop’s Committee Meeting Notes: September 11th, 2007 

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

Members Absent:

Recorder: Lyn Mitchell

Peggy opened the meeting with a prayer.

FORMATION:

Bible Study (Georgi and all)

• Georgi handed out a passage from Timothy 15:12-17 (The Epistle) which Mary Moore read aloud. 
• The question was then asked:
•  What is the sentence that jumps out at you? Which words resonate with you?
• A general discussion followed, some shared sentences were:
• To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible. …Because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service.
• I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and a man of violence.
• I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.
• …The grace of our lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus

Approval of Minutes (Peggy)

MSA to accept the August minutes with corrections.

INFORMATION

Children’s Chapel. (Lisa)

The area is coming together slowly, Lisa has talked to Tony and he will build some plywood dividers for her. She and Amber and the children will decorate them and add a bulletin board etc. They are also working on the worship area and both are excited about having a space. Discussion followed about dividers and possible options, there are moveable dividers /cabinets in storage which may be another option to consider.  Lee will measure them and also take photos for Lisa & Amber.

Lighting Project (Lee)

Lee has been doing a lot of research on the best lighting for different areas. In the Sanctuary LEDS are out of the picture and he is leaning towards the Halogen flood lights – after initial expense it will only take 1.1 years to recoup our investment (with PSE rebate) and 2 years without the rebate. Chapel Hall – High output/ low energy bulbs are the best choice. Could also test these in the Choir area. Lee will finalize the figures and have a bid by the October meeting.

Building & Grounds (Mary M)

Went over the B & G team Mission & Principles. The goal of the B & G team is to produce a working manual (hopefully by the end of October) that will outline the different areas and coordinate all existing information on the following topics (Landscaping, Parking lot, Building exterior, Interior heating & air conditioning, Security/Fire, Lighting, Plumbing, Cleaning, Sound system, Columbarium, Kitchen, Storage & Inventory) and to produce a three year strategic plan (scheduled for the end of December)

Harvest Sunday / Outreach (Georgi)

• Harvest Sunday –will be Sunday October 7th, with one service only. This Sunday (September 16th) Sunday Brunch will be centered on the topic of Grieving in Christ.
• September 29th – Deacon Zula will perform a pet blessing at 1pm; Invitations have been sent out to the local Vets and their technicians.
• Children are an active part of this service and home made ‘doggie treats’ will be provided.

Open Space – what’s your passion? Contact the congregation and ask the question, “If you had the time, where would you volunteer? What do you see as the Communities needs? “ Need to get the message out that ‘Community needs do not preclude your passion’.

DISCUSSION

Camping in Parking Lot. (Georgi & all)  Discussion followed on what is the best course of action for St. Benedict’s.

No one is leaning towards allowing camping in the space due to the number of issues that arise from that decision. (Power, water, septic, pets etc.) One possibility discussed was to pay for up to 5 nights at a local campground.  The Family Support Center is looking towards helping people in crisis, this is an interesting outreach, and may be one that St. Benedicts can look at.  All agreed that St. Benedict’s needs a policy, if we don’t do that then we need to provide alternative assistance  (Janice will do some research and talk about what she finds at the next meeting) A list of local campgrounds will be compiled by Bob and given to Georgi next week (9/17-9/23) Georgi will speak with Ferral at Sacred Heart by the next meeting.

Exec. Committee  Policy for Financial Responsibility   (Peggy & all)

Read over, only change made was on the Policy statement, all agreed the following words should be added to the line…’without negative impact on the church’s financial position’ as expressed in the annual Bishop’s Committee budget 

Georgi’s Goals & Priorities (Georgi & all)

Quarterly review of how Georgi spends her time and how she is progressing with her goals. 24% of her time is spent on Communication & Administration – this is too much, and is affecting other areas (i.e.: Stewardship & Evangelism) 80% of her goals have been accomplished, including Spiritual/ personal J 

‘How I spend my time’ would be a good article for Benedictions.

Process for BC Nominations (Peggy and all)

Elections take place at the annual meeting in February. Time to start educating the congregation on how the BC works and the good work it does.This can be accomplished most effectively with: Communication.

Give BC members colored name tags so they stand out a little more.

All members should be involved not ‘guilted’ into recruitment.

DECISION

Camping in Parking lot

No decision was reached, agreed to discuss at October’s meeting when we have more information. 

Exec Committee Financial Responsibility Policy

Policy statement will be changed as agreed and approved by Bishop’s Committee.

Georgi’s Goals & Priorities

Georgi is establishing a pattern that will give her a ‘schedule’ to follow Monday through Thursday.

Process for BC Nominations

Benedictions Articles- describing the responsibilities involved, the process of becoming a BC member, members describing their experience on the BC. Very effective leadership (Georgi & Peggy)

Weekly announcements, Sunday announcement page and witness by current members during Eucharist.  Post individual or a group photo of BC members (Peggy arrange to have taken.) along with their biographies in vestibule.

By January 18th we need to have a biography of each nominee and a photo, a list of names would be helpful too.

Treasurer’s Report, January 1 – August 31, 2007 (Collie)

No significant changes from prior report, General Fund Pledges (primary source of revenue) is more than anticipated year to date plus expenses for the same time period are at about 85% of what was anticipated. This will probably change beginning in September with the start of the new ‘Program year’

The current report has a greater level of detail than previously shown and due to the requests of several BC members will be reported this way from now on.

For the Good of the Order

• Janice: Went over the September schedule of announcements, October 7th need someone for 9.00am service.
• Altar Guild is really short of people, one way to interest people might be to give them a guided tour?
• Lee: Happy to be a committee member
• Mary M: off to England on vacation, please pray for their safety.
• Bob: Altar guild in great need of members.
• Collie: Keep up the good work that Linda and others are doing
• Mary: Newcomers group – revising the Newcomers Packet
• Jim: Harvest Sunday – where are the greatest needs?
• Nancy: Edinburgh Fair – coming soon!
• Gary: Coffee & cake for the 08.00am service?

The meeting closed with a prayer led by Mary Moore.