Church of St. John the Divine
Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday January 15, 2019 7 pm Denson Lounge
Attendees:
Joan Huzar (chair), Chris Eve, Graeme Brown, Penny Holt, Elizabeth McAuley, Catherine Small, Sherrie Allen, Rod Marsh, Tom Clements Carol Anne Harper, Grant Croswell, David Stratkauskas
Regrets:
Sherrie Allen, Rod Marsh, Patrick Sibley, Alastair McCollum
Minute Taker:
Carol Anne Harper
Welcome and Introductions
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
Catherine Small opened the meeting with a prayer.
Adoption of the agenda
Motion: That the agenda as amended be adopted.
Mover: Graeme Brown
Seconder: Penny Holt
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of November 2018.
Motion: That the minutes be adopted.
Mover: Elizabeth McAuley
Seconder: Chris Eve
Carried
Joan reported the final results of the Bazaar and the follow-up meeting. The net proceeds were similar to 2017: $5430. 00. The final total, including the sale of pies and jewelry was $8385.75. The organizing group has concluded that the Bazaar has run its course. Sue Fraser will meet with a small group and make recommendations to Parish Council on possible next steps.
Joan reported that the ramp is pending word on funding decisions from the Rick Hansen Foundation and that Victoria Foundation funds will be used, if necessary, for the work on the crypt.
Alastair McCollum
Parish Council thanks Alastair for providing a written report in advance of his leaving for England and wishes him well on his trip. Council discussed the next steps in strategic planning for the parish and its importance as a guide for planning and spending in all ministries, and Alastair’s offer to develop a “bare bones” plan as a starting point for further discussion and decision.
Motion: that Council accept Alastair’s offer to develop a bare bones strategic plan by February 4th so that Parish Council can understand what a plan should contain.
Mover: Chris Eve
Seconder: Tom Clements
Carried.
Grant Crosswell
Grant presented a report on his involvement in the Diocese and in Parish activities during his weekly internship commitment of 15-17 hours.
Joan Huzar
Joan presented the December financial statements (attached). The budget process for the next financial year is underway, including discussions to identify both fixed costs and where there may be any flexibility to economize. David Buckman has agreed to be our new treasurer, starting after Vestry.
Motion: that Council acknowledges and thanks Joel Hefty for his enormous contribution to Parish finances and related work over this past year.
Mover: Chris Eve
Seconder: Graeme Brown
Carried.
Elizabeth McAuley
Elizabeth reported that Judith Branion and Chris Eve have agreed to participate on the committee. The committee has written a letter to send to possible nominees outlining the duties for Parish Council and synod delegates.
Chris Eve
Chris provided an update on the work of the Refugee Committee, which at the request of Bishop Logan, is supporting a family (a mother and two sons aged 9 and 2) during their application for Permanent Resident status on compassionate and humanitarian grounds. Child-care drivers and other helpers are still needed. A Big Band Cabaret with a silent auction and the sale of pies will be held on February 16, 2019 to raise funds.
Motion: that Council approve the actions of the Chair of the Refugee Committee in addressing the needs of the family in this case.
Mover: Chris Eve
Seconder: Tom Clements
Carried.
Graeme Brown
Graeme presented the Property Committee report (attached).
Penny Holt
Penny suggested that Council save 10 minutes on the agenda each month for Council members to raise issues and questions.
Elizabeth noted that there is some confusion and concerns about changes to the communion process. David explained the liturgical, safety and community rationale for the changes, which Council found helpful and compelling, and which the wardens will take forward to the clergy and the Parish.
Chris Eve
Motion: That, subject to the accountants providing the financial statements, the Vestry Meeting be on 17 February after Divine Brunch with DB tickets by donation.
Mover: Chris Eve
Seconder: Graeme Brown
Carried.
Joan Huzar
Gary and Chuck’s resignation letter was received, with their resignation effective after Divine Brunch on April 21st.
Motion: That on behalf of the Parish, Council thanks Gary and Chuck for their special and tireless work and their great gifts that have feed us both physically and spiritually.
Mover: Grant Croswell
Seconder: Chris Eve
Carried. Joan will send a letter.
Joan Huzar
The Stewardship Committee has been established, chaired by John Bergbusch with members Bill Huzar and Joel Hefty.
The Wardens are searching for one or two people to act as vestry secretary or parish clerk.
Next Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 12 February 2019 7pm Chapel
Opening Prayer:
Tom Clements
Adjournment
Parish Council adjourned at 8:25 PM