Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral

Chapter Meeting

June 21, 2007

 

Members Present: Kathy Hawken, Bruce Carlson, Brett Shewey, Clotine Frear, Mark Harvey, Nancy Thorndal, Barry Hegg, Dave Anderson, Holly Schweigert, Brita Leach, Carrie Simonson, Bishop Michael Smith, and Leisha Woltjer representing Gethsemane Cathedral. 

Absent: Lori Walters, Pete Budzielek

 

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

 

Meeting called to Order:  5:55 pm

Adoption of Agenda: Agenda Passed

Minutes from May 17th Accepted: Clotine Frear Motion Seconded:  Holly Schweigert Motion carried.

Senior Warden’s Report: Dave Anderson suggested a having a column in the Caller as a way to express the needs of the church. (ie: roof repair, painting, nursery help, etc).  This idea was expanded out to be ‘Chapter News’ as a way to introduce the members of the Chapter to the congregation and to describe the different ‘jobs’ of the church (ie: Nursery, Grounds, Kitchen, Altar Guild, etc) Dave will begin this series.

 

Treasurers Report: Brett Shewey read the Treasurer’s Report. Suggested changing the Income/Expense reports to a more condensed version showing the budget and year to date, to include the graphs, expanding personnel expenses, separating conpensation and benefits. Finance Committee has expressed that by-laws state that the Dean and the Senior Warden should be attending their meetings and would like this to begin happening. Plus the meetings are open to other Chapter members as well.  The Finance Committee meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 4:00pm.

Rent paid by the Diocesan Office will be decreased incrementally as well as ‘Our Fair Share’ to the Diocese.

Dick Anderson  is finalizing the contract for Dean Sellers. The moving expense of $5,000 will likely be more with the cost of fuel considerably higher than last figured. The Transition Committee will continue to try to keep costs at a minimum.  There is a possible connection with Allied Van Movers through Joni Bertel.  The Transition Committee will look into this.

Recommendation by the Finance Committee to start a Capital Campaign to cover the costs of the Cathedrals building repairs.  There is the possibility of borrowing from the Real Estate Fund.  Pete Budzielek is getting bids for repair of the roof.

Motion: to accept the new Treasurer’s Report for April and May 2007 as presented by Brett Shewey by Kathy Hawken. Motion Seconded:  Holly Schweigert Motion Carried

 

Junior Warden’s Report: No report

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Junior Warden:  Barry Hegg reported on the Simplex Alarm System.  The alarms have been fixed with a new board.  All codes remain the same. We do still need to call the police anytime there is a false alarm. The cost was $2800 for the Simplex board and $285 for the electrician. 

 

Microphones:  No new monies have been donated towards this purchase.

 

Kneelers:  Chris Golding will be meeting with the Altar Guild to go over possible colors and patterns.

 

 

Nursery Committee:  Michelle Graham and Joanne White were present at the Chapter meeting to give the report. Michelle expressed her experiences with the Nursery and working on the committee during the past 3 years. Thank you Michelle and Joanne for coming in to bring the Chapter up to date.

National Church directives for ‘Safe Church’ has brought considerable changes to our policies for Nursery workers/volunteers. 

A new Nursery Committee needs to be formed with Holly Schweigert being the Chapter Liaison.  Along with the Nursery Committee there will be a Personnel Committee to work on the infrastructure of the Nursery.  The Personnel Committee will be Dave Anderson and Holly Schweigert.

Issues that need to be addressed are:  Safe Church training for all volunteers and paid staff; 2 staff (paid/volunteer) in the Nursery at all times; will/can the paid staff be a church member? Have application available to NDSU, Fargo Youth Commission, Mayville State, MSUM, Concordia, MSCTC, etc; to create a job description for paid staff and for volunteer; there is money still available to staff the nursery from September-December; Nursery needs to be up and running by September.  Leisha will create signage for summer months that the nursery will not be available.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Outreach and Children’s Ministry Reports: No reports

 

Security Issues: There have been several instances of  items missing from the kitchen and from Cathedral personnel along with vandalism to staff cars. Unfortunately, due to the thefts and vandalism occurring in the Cathedral, we will be in ‘lock-down’ mode until a security system is installed. Leisha will be taking bids for the Security system. Security Committee will include Barry Hegg, Dave Anderson and Pete Budzielek.  Purpose of committee is to work with Leisha in obtaining bids.

 

REPORT OF THE INTERIM VICAR:  Father Michael Johnson has finished his interim stay at Gethsemane. 

 

BISHOP’S REPORT:   Bishop Michael Smith reported that there will be 18 Deacons to be ordained in June from area churches. 

Bishop Michael has accepted a ¼ time position with the Louisiana Diocese.  He will be there 1 week a month.

Bishop Michael will continue to work with Dean Sellers as he transitions into Gethsemane Cathedral and with the Chapter.  Dean Sellers is due to arrive August 15, 2007.

 

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT.  Bishop Michael Smith led closing prayer. 

Motion to adjourn at 7:30pm:   Dave Anderson  Seconded: Barry Hegg  Motion Carried.

 

Next meeting is Thursday, August 17, 2007 at 5:30pm.  There will be no meeting in July.

 

 

Submitted by Brita Leach, Clerk of Chapter