Bishop and Chapter met on 17 December 2024 with 10 of 12 members present. Minutes of 19 November 2024 were adopted. Prompted by some recent expressions of gratitude, the Chair requested we identify and share that which we are most thankful for at the moment.
FROM THE DEAN
Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: 2 funerals, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, Advent study, update on Thomas Gonder.
Diocesan
• Synod Finance (1)
Up-coming
• Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception preparation begins 18 December, Christmas Lessons and Carols 22 December, Certificate in Stewardship begins 2025.
CORRESPONDENCE
• Formation event - funding request (Kurt Schmidt)
• Communion administration - R. Hall permission
DECISION
• Stewardship study - $1000 group tuition from H. Palmer bequest
• John Philip Newell - up to $7200 from the H. Palmer bequest in support of a formation event 08 May 2025
• H. Palmer Bequest - remaining $6800 restricted for formation
• Annual Meeting - date set Sunday, 16 March 2025
• Parish Nursing restricted funds - released for health ministries
• Automatic Electronic Defibrillator - purchase for Memorial Hall at a cost of $2,891
• 2025 Stipend and salaries - Dean - minimum stipend $50,590 + 15,862 includes 3.1% cost of living increase. Staff 3.1% cost of living
• Staff Handbook - that we adopt the Handbook in its current form
DISCUSSION
2025 Budget - preliminary draft discussed. Issues: offering budget has fallen short to November 2024. There will be significant challenge in budgeting for what’s considered essential in 2025. Need for review of salaries in the new year
REPORTS
Nominating - additional communication on attracting a chair for Formation. Requirements for March Annual being considered
Finance and Administration - Staff Handbook (employment policies) shared with Chapter. Four motions proposed
Welcome and Hospitality - future projects: welcome packet for new comers, name tag Sundays, good response to Sunday refreshments
Health / Pastoral Care - considering need for First Aid training, planning next blood pressure clinic, $1000 offering for AED
Worship - small group met on 15 December to consider a Plan B for Christmas music if needed.
Property - Cathedral furnace operational with decision to repair old boiler and repair for backup. Considerable focus on budget for 2025 with a solid list of identified items in need of attention
Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach guest number up. St. Hilda’s School 2024 funding sent for year-end. Seeking interest in a mission to Belize. Support for Giving Tuesday exceeded $2000 commitment to Montgomery St. School Home and School
Christian Formation - committee continues without chair
Treasurer - reporting included preliminary 2025 budget. November Revenue $58,452, Expense $65,008 (-$6466 deficit). Year to date Revenue $526,951, Expense $604,600 (deficit of -$77,648)
UPCOMING
• Next meeting - 21 January 2025
• Christmas Lessons and Carols - 4:00 p.m. 22 December 2024
• New Year’s Day with our Bishop - 11:00 a.m. 01 January
GMH