Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral

Chapter Meeting

April 19, 2007

 

Members Present:. Clotine Frear, Harry Hawken, Dave Anderson, Barry Hegg, Mark Harvey, Pete Budzielek, Bishop Michael Smith, Father Mike Johnson Holly Schweigert, Bruce Carlson, Lori Walters, Brita Leach and Leisha Woltjer representing Gethsemane Cathedral.  Absent:  Nancy Thorndal, Carrie Simonson and Brett Shewey.

 

We began with Evening Prayer in the Chapel led by Bishop Michael Smith

 

Meeting called to Order:  5:50pm

Adoption of Agenda: Agenda Passed

Minutes from March 8th:  Motion by Mark Harvey to approve minutes as written. Seconded  by Dave Anderson Motion carried.

Senior Warden’s Report:  Dave Anderson reported on the Old Business of motion sensor paper towel dispensers. He has looked into both Cole Paper and Dakota Paper. Cole looks to be the less expensive in that they also provide the dispensers for no cost. Still had some inquiries out and will pursue.  Motion by Harry Hawken to go with the company who provides the dispensers at no additional cost.  Seconded by Barry Hegg.  Discussion: Pete Budzielek has worked with Dakota Paper and will pursue that to see what he can come up with as a proposal. Motion Carried.

Dave also brought up concerns from the congregation members about the Name Plate Plaque that used to hang in the old church.  Members would like to see this plaque hanging up again. Dave, Barry and Bruce will look at different locations to possibly hang the plaque and bring those back to the Chapter.

Treasurers Report: Bishop Michael reported that Brett Shewey has accepted the nomination to become Chapter Treasurer.  Motion  by Clotine Frear to accept Brett Shewey as Treasurer. Seconded by Pete Budzielek. Discussion:  Does this include Joelle Shewey as Co-Treasurer?  No. Joelle felt that Brett could adequately perform this position. But she is available for consult if needed. Thanks Joelle!  Motion Carried.

Brett was not able to come to this evening’s meeting. Motion by Harry Hawken to accept the report as presented in the packet. Seconded by Holly Schweigert Motion Carried.

Harry Hawken suggested that we have a special orientation meeting with Brett Shewey and the chapter to go over the different reports and learn how to read the reports to pull the information that the Chapter needs to look for.  Leisha Woltjer will set up the date.

 

Junior Warden’s Report: Pete Budzielek made a suggestion that the Boy Scout Troop here at Gethsemane Cathedral has offered to clean up the grounds of the Cathedral.  Dave Anderson suggested that the Cathedral provide Pizza for their efforts.  Monies to come from the Dean’s Discretionary Fund.  Proposal Accepted by Chapter.

Motion by Dave Anderson to accept the Junior Warden’s report.  Seconded by Barry Hegg.  Motion Carried.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Search Committee:  Doug Herman from the Search Committee came in to give a report on the 3 Candidates visitation. Biographies are in the packets provided along with the letter of invitation that was sent to each of the candidates.  The Search Committee met with the Executive Committee on April 8, 2007 to approve the initial call to Reverend Darrell Proffitt knowing that he has requested more stipend than what Gethsemane Cathedral has offered. The Search Committee did include corresponding salaries from Minneapolis area for comparison.

Also in the packets is the itinerary of each of the Candidates weekends. Chapter is invited to visit with the candidates at 11am Saturday with the Wardens and Financial Committee. Chapel Service at 5 pm and then the Social at 7pm.

After all the candidates have visited Gethsemane Cathedral, the Search Committee will rank the Candidates and present their recommendations to the Chapter. The Search Committee offered a process, as presented in the packets,  for choosing the next Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral for the Chapter’s approval.

 

1)      Motion  by Lori Walters that the authorized representatives of the Search committee appear before the Chapter on  May 31st, after the 3rd Candidates visit, to present the recommendations of the Search Committee, in ranked order, for the next Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral and to explain the basis of such recommendations.  Seconded  by Holly Schweigert.  Motion Carried.  Motion by Harry Hawken that if the 3rd Candidate decides withdraw his name from the Search Committee’s Call to Gethsemane Cathedral, then the Search Committee will make their recommendations at the next regularly scheduled Chapter meeting on May 17, 2007.  Seconded by Mark Harvey.  Motion Carried

2)      Motion  by Dave Anderson that a vote of not less than 2/3 of the authorized voting members (9 members) of the Chapter to include absentee votes with the option to turnover their vote to a member to vote as their Proxy.  Seconded by Harry Hawken.  Motion Carried.

 

The process of voting will be the Search Committee presents their recommendations. The Chapter will vote on their recommendations.  If a 2/3 vote is not reached, there will be a discussion and another vote.  If no vote can be achieved then the Chapter will adjourn for no less than 24 hours and then reconvene to again attempt to elect a dean under these same voting procedures.

           

Nursery Committee:  Nancy Thorndal phoned in her report.  As presented in the packet. Leisha Woltjer read the report.  According to the National Policy of offering a ‘Safe Church’ environment for all children in our care, we are not in accordance with this policy.  There must be two (2) adults with the children at all times, one of which being over the age of 21.  There has not been any success with getting parent volunteers in the nursery.  There is little to no monies available for paid Nursery help during Sunday services. Suggestions for coming into abeyance with the policy are:

·        To offer ‘Safe Church’ Training for any congregation members,

·        Campaign for safe children within the church to bring more awareness to the congregation members,

·        Run an ad in the Extra/Extra and the Caller looking for Nursery help,

·        The Nursery Committee should consist of more 4-6 members,

·        And, until we are in accordance with the National Church policy of 2 adults in the Nursery – the nursery will not be manned, but will be available for parents to bring their children and for the parent to stay in the nursery with their children. Sharon Remmen has volunteered to cover April, but she needs to be told that she is able to do this if she has a second adult to help her.

The Nursery Committee consists of : Nancy Thorndal, Will Robinson, and Michelle Graham.  Dave Anderson will meet with the committee concerning these issues, to come up with a Job Description for Nursery Supervisor and Nursery Volunteer.

 

Simplex Alarm System: Barry Hegg reported that by troubleshooting the system this past month, has found that it would be in the Church’s best interest to purchase a new board.  Motion by Pete Budzielek to replace and upgrade the existing Simplex Alarm System.  Seconded by Mark Harvey.   Motion Carried.

 

 

Microphones:  We have received $400 from memorials to cover the cost of the new microphones and stands.  The remainder needs to come from the congregation.  A request will be running in the EXTRA/EXTRA and Caller.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Gethsemane Foundation:  Chapter members have brought up concerns about the timing of the Foundation’s request for monies.  The Foundation historically has asked for monies at the same time as the Cathedral’s stewardship drive in the fall of the year.  The finance committee has noticed a drop in yearly tithing since the start of the Foundation’s drive. They are finding that members are giving to the Foundation in lieu of their giving to the Church – thinking that they are still giving to the Church. Unfortunately, this same money does not make it into the Church’s budgeting process.

Motion by Mark Harvey to go to the Foundation with this appeal:

“The Chapter is grateful for the Foundation’s efforts to raise monies for the future of Gethsemane Cathedral, we, the Chapter, would like to make the appeal for the Foundation to change their Campaign to the first few months of the year instead of coinciding with the Church’s Stewardship campaign.”

Seconded by Holly Schweigert  Discussion:  concerns about limiting the Foundation to that specific a time period.   Motion by Clotine to change the verbage to

“… the Foundation to change their Campaign to a time that would not compete with the Church’s Stewardship campaign.” 

Seconded by Barry Hegg.  Motion carried.  Original Motion Carried with above changes.

 

Outreach and Children’s Ministry Reports: Cathleen Wendel submitted reports on Outreach, Wednesday Night Program, and Young Adult Ministry programs. Report is in the packets.  Motion by Lori Walters to accept the report as written.  Seconded by Pete Budzielek.  Motion Carried.

 

REPORT OF THE CATHEDRAL COORDINATOR:

Leisha Woltjer reported on upcoming events at the Cathedral: 

May 2nd – Youth Talent Show…. With a request that the Chapter members please push participation.

May 13th – last day of Sunday School

May 20th – Recognition Sunday for Sunday School Teachers, Nursery Help, etc.  It is also Father Mike’s last Sunday at Gethsemane.  Services will switch to 8am and 10am with the 10 am being a blended service with both Music groups participating.

June 22nd – Gethsemane will be ordaining 6 Deacon’s with a reception to follow.

June 23rd – St John’s will be ordaining 3 Deacon’s at Gethsemane with a reception to follow

June 29th – Dustin Berg’s Ordination with a reception to follow.

 

Lori Walters has expressed a need for help after each of the above ordination’s.  Especially after June 22nd – because of the quick turn around and she will be out of town.

 

REPORT OF THE INTERIM VICAR: No report due to length of meeting.

 

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT.  Father Mike Johnson led closing prayer.  Motion by Dave Anderson to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm Seconded by Clotine Frear Motion Carried.

 

Next meeting is Thursday, May 17th at 5:30pm.

 

 

Submitted by Brita Leach, Clerk of Chapter