Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - December 19, 2011

Formation

The vestry assembled for evening prayer at 7:00 P.M. and then participated in Bible Study of Hebrews1: 1-4.

Those present were the rector Kristin Orr; senior warden Cyndie Knoll; junior warden Frank So; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Carolyn Oyster, R.J. VanSwol, and Jack Zielinski; treasurer Clay Denton; and clerk Susan Marquis. Vestry member Mary Jean Bond was absent.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes

Candice Barrera moved that the minutes from the November 21st meeting be approved. R.J. VanSwol seconded, and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Clay Denton reported that November was a comparatively inexpensive month. We probably will finish the year dead even or slightly in the black. We have received a lot of miscellaneous income from contributions that came from parishioners and others. Pastor Orr suggested that, moving forward, those contributions be recorded as non-pledge payments.

Anne Edwards moved to approve the treasurer’s report, and Bev Keene seconded. The motion passed.

Cyndie Knoll made the following motion:

Whereas the Rev. Kristin Orr is employed as a minister of the Gospel by the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor, IL, which, although providing a residence does not provide the full cost of maintaining and furnishing such a residence, the Vestry resolves that of the total compensation to be paid to the Rev. Orr during 2012, that $3,000.00 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS Code of 1986. This housing allowance will apply to year 2012 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Anne Edwards seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.

Cyndie Knoll made the following motion:

Whereas the Rev. Peter Irvine is compensated by St. John’s Episcopal Church exclusively for the services as minister of the Gospel, and whereas St. John’s does not provide the Rev. Peter Irvine with a rectory, therefore it is hereby resolved that the total compensation paid to the Rev. Peter Irvine for the calendar year 2012 is hereby designated to be a housing allowance; and it is further resolved that the designation of this total compensation as a housing allowance shall apply to the calendar year 2012 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Anne Edwards seconded the motion. After a discussion about the relationship of ordination to the position of Director of Music, a vote was taken. The motion was passed with one abstention.

Information

Rector’s Report

The parish took part in several annual activities associated with Christmas outreach. The Cookie Walk netted about $3,600, much of which will be donated to local charities. The Daughters of the King collected $1,200 for Lawrence Hall Christmas gifts, and the parish donated many Cathedral Shelter Christmas baskets.

Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations

Cyndie Knoll reported that the patronal feast invitations will be mailed tomorrow. She asked that as many vestry members as possible come to church at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 6th to decorate and cook for the feast. On Saturday the 7th everyone on the vestry should come at 10:00 A.M. to finish preparations. All should again be here at 4:00 P.M. (with appetizers to donate) and stay through clean-up.

Upcoming Parish Events

The Christmas schedule of services will be the same as in past years with the children’s pageant at 4:00 P.M. on the 24th followed by the late service starting with music at 10:00 P.M. and the Eucharist at 10:30. There will be one service at 10:00 A.M. on Christmas Day. The annual parish meeting will be held on January 22nd.

Discussion and Decisions

2011 Budget

The 2011 budget was balanced due to several unanticipated occurrences. Our sexton was hired for only six months, our director of Christian education was hired for only six months, and the office manager had reduced hours. At the end of the year we received $6,000 in unexpected donations. We also are continuing to realize some savings in postage and printing since more parish communications are being sent out electronically.

2012 Budget

Pastor Orr reported that 77 pledges have come in for a total of $202,644. She believes that a few thousand dollars at most may still be pledged.

The church has been earning approximately $40 per month from our Money Market investment, while the CD interest rate is only 6/10 of one percent. Clay Denton forecasts an interest total for 2012 of approximately $712.

As things presently stand, the ECW and Altar Guild have separate accounts, which makes a future audit difficult. Pastor Orr will talk with the treasurer of these accounts and request monthly financial reports.

Pastor Orr distributed copies of the 2012 Congregational Support Pledge from the diocese and asked the vestry to consider how much to pledge for the coming year. The vestry also was charged with thinking about cost of living increases for the staff, the size of the Christian education position, how to raise money for the parish, and how to nurture the life and vitality of the parish.

The vestry agreed to schedule a budget meeting on Sunday, January 8th at 11:30 AM.

Closing

After prayer, the meeting closed at 9:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry

Approved: February 20, 2012

Announcements for February 19

• Vestry Meeting
  The vestry meets Monday, February 20, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Materials have been distributed electronically.
  
  
• Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 21
  Everyone is invited to the annual pancake supper Tuesday, February 21, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12, available at the door. Proceeds will benefit P.A.D.S. Please also consider bringing an item or two to donate to the food pantry.
  
  
• Ash Wednesday Services
  Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 22. The Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes will be offered on Ash Wednesday at 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent.
  
  
• Materials for Lent
  A variety of materials are out on the information tables—offered to aid in the observance of Lent. Look for the handout “Lent for Dummies.” The pamphlet “Daily Collects and Scripture Readings for Lent” and the booklet of meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development are also available.
  
  
• Lenten Book Study with Bishop Lee
  The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee, Bishop of Chicago, will be offering an on-line book study this year during Lent. The book is A Practical Christianity by the Very Rev. Jane Shaw, Dean of Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco. Bishop Lee writes: “Jane Shaw fashions a rare thing: she presents a companion to the season of Lent—and the whole Christian life—that is both beautiful and useful.” More information is available on the diocesan website.
  
  
• Lenten Study at St. John’s
  Pastor Orr will offer a study course on Wednesday evenings during Lent again this year. This year’s topic is the Ten Commandments: Their Interpretation and Relevance in Contemporary Society. Classes begin Wednesday, February 29 and take place in the church from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• Grande Prairie Singers Spring Concert
  On Sunday, March 4, the Grande Prairie Singers present "The Romantics," featuring the music of Schubert, Mendelssohn, Grieg, and Brahms. The concert starts at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. Tickets are regularly $18 in advance ($20 at the door), but they're available now from Bob Burgwald for only $10 each.

Reflection for February 19

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest; and in your weariness lay down your head upon my breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad; I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light; look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright.” I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my Star, my Sun; and in that light of life I’ll walk till pilgrim days are done (Horatius Bonar, found at Hymn 692.

Announcements for February 12

• Welcome our New Sexton: Ken Shells
  Ken Shells has recently been hired to fill the Sexton position. At least for the time being, he is working during the day on Mondays and Fridays. If you see him around, introduce yourself and help make him feel welcome!
  
  
• New Parish Directories are Coming
  Draft copies of a new parish directory are out in the church and undercroft. Please check your entry and update if necessary. Or you can e-mail new information to the parish office.
  
  
• Lenten Book Study with Bishop Lee
  The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee, Bishop of Chicago, will be offering an on-line book study this year during Lent. The book is A Practical Christianity by the Very Rev. Jane Shaw, Dean of Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco. Bishop Lee writes: “Jane Shaw fashions a rare thing: she presents a companion to the season of Lent—and the whole Christian life—that is both beautiful and useful.” More information is available on the diocesan website.
  
  
• Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 21
  For centuries Christians have gathered for fellowship and a feast on Shrove Tuesday, the eve of Lent. For many, pancakes are a part of this tradition. Please join us for the annual pancake supper Tuesday, February 21, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, available at the door. Proceeds will benefit P.A.D.S.
  
  
• Ash Wednesday Services
  Ash Wednesday is February 22 this year. The Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes will be offered on Ash Wednesday at 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Lenten Study at St. John’s
  Pastor Orr will offer a study course on Wednesday evenings during Lent again this year. This year’s topic is the Ten Commandments: Their Interpretation and Relevance in Contemporary Society. Classes begin February 29 and take place in the church from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• Annual Absalom Jones Celebration
  The Chicago Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, in conjunction with St. James’ Cathedral, will celebrate the life and ministry of Absalom Jones on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. with evensong at the Cathedral. This year’s theme is taken from Dr. Martin Luther King: “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community.”

Reflection for February 12

I’ve learned a lot about being a pastor from Esau, our family’s hairy sheepdog.... Without fail at some point in the [morning] walk he will stop, stand very still, lift his nose high into the air, and get a sniff of something that excites him so much that his tail has to wag. I have no idea what he is sensing, but every morning when we go through this routine I wish I had his nose to receive what I cannot. And I envy his tail that is always eager to express praise for what is lying around out there in creation. Part of my call as the pastor of a local congregation is to sense the goodness of what is around us, even if a parishioner in a hospital bed cannot.... (M. Craig Barnes, “The Good Sheepdog,” Christian Century, February 8, 2012).

Announcements for February 5

• A Lot is Happening in the Diocese of Chicago
  You can learn about it by subscribing to the bi-weekly electronic newsletter put out by the diocese. All members and friends of the Diocese of Chicago are encouraged to subscribe. Follow this link and click on Join our Mailing List! We will also start posting a printed copy on the news bulletin board in the undercroft.
  
  
• Yarn Ministry
  The yarn ministry will meet this Monday, February 6 at 7 PM in the Guild Room at the church. If you are unable to attend the gatherings, we also welcome items you create at home. Our handy work is donated to a number of charities. All levels of experience are welcome. If you would like to learn to knit, Sue O’Brien is willing to instruct. Yarn Ministry is not limited to just knitters, crocheters are also welcome. Hope to see you there.
  
  
• Faith in Films: Invictus on February 10
  Invictus (2009) is set against the context of the efforts to dismantle apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: to enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. Everyone is invited to view the film Friday, February 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
  
  
• Women’s Retreat: Prayer as Art, Art as Prayer
  The Daughters of the King are sponsoring a retreat from Friday evening, March 2, through Sunday afternoon, March 5, in Saugatuck, Michigan. The topic is “Prayer as Art, Art as Prayer.” Cost is $65 for the weekend. All women of the parish are invited! Please contact Janet Irvine or any of the Daughters for more information. Space is limited, so let us know soon.
  
  
• Mark Your Calendars: Lent is Coming
  Ash Wednesday is February 22 this year. The annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be offered Tuesday, February 21, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
  
  
• Grande Prairie Singers Spring Concert
  On Sunday, March 4, the Grande Prairie Singers present "The Romantics," featuring the music of Schubert, Mendelssohn, Grieg, and Brahms. The concert starts at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. Tickets are regularly $18 in advance ($20 at the door), but they're available now from Bob Burgwald for only $10 each.

Reflection for February 5

We don’t live our lives in our heads, in theology and theories. We live our lives in our families: the families we are born into, the families we create, the families we make through the people we chose as friends. This is where we create our lives, this is where we find meaning, this is where our purpose becomes clear. Family is where we first experience love and where we first give it. It’s probably the first place we’ve been hurt by someone we love, and hopefully the place we learn that love can overcome even the most painful rejection. This crucible of love is where we start to ask those big spiritual questions, and ultimately where they end (Kerry Egan, “My Faith: What people talk about before they die,” CNN Belief Blog).