Bishop and Chapter met on Monday evening, 16 January with twelve of thirteen members present. Minutes of two December meetings were adopted. 10 December a planning session with our Bishop at which Treasurer Kevin Percy was appointed. 19 December was the regular monthly meeting primarily focussed on details of preparing the 2017 budget. The Dean offered reflections on Epiphany, the challenge of mission in our current context and encouraged the Chapter to identify their own epiphanies with the intention of sharing those by invitation. (John 1:35-42).

New member, the Ven. Wandlyn Snelgrove, Archdeacon of Fredericton-elect was welcomed. Guests Kathleen Snow and Chris Stevenson joined at 8:00 p.m. to address the topic of Safe Church

Business Arising

• Priorities – Two growth priorities identified in December planning were 1) cradle to grave Christian formation and 2) intentionality of welcome, hospitality and invitation. Motion carried to accept.
• Stipends and salaries – while a cost of living increase was applied to Dean’s stipend and staff salaries, further consideration pending
• 2017 budget – further revision since December. Now almost in final form to be finally adopted at the next meeting.

From the Dean

• Christmas worship – attendance review
• Routine activities – a quick review of normal activities during the past month
• October break in – note that the individual charged is to be in court for sentencing on 18 January
• 2016 Financial status – 2016 expenses appear to have been met comfortably with income. Issue of designated or target giving needs consideration by way of our accounting. A “giving policy” needs to be developed to communicate management assumptions clearly.
• Youth mission request – financial support requested for April
• Christian formation – doing some investigation about possibilities regarding a staff position in Christian formation

Items for Decision

• Nominating Committee – the Committee is the Dean, Jim Morell and Catherine Schmidt

Items for Discussion

• Safe Church – diocesan Safe Church (Regulation 4-4) is in effect. K. Snow and C. Stevenson have prepared an analysis of what needs our attention in order to work towards compliance. While significant detail has been determined for health and pastoral care ministries, there are larger questions and decisions to be made about processes and adjusting requirements to our own context. A “Safe Church Officer” is recommended by the regulation. Three individuals have been identified to work with the Chapter and the Officer (once appointed) as we endeavour to implement over the next several months.

Reports

• Treasurer – K. Percy presented a comprehensive list of his recent work and priorities as he settles in to the office of Treasurer

Up-coming Events

• Friday Organ Concerts at 12:10 p.m.
• Conversation re formation – 29 January 2:00 p.m.
• Choral Evensong, Installations and Collation – 05 February
• Annual Meeting – 19 February (26 February snow date)

Next meetings: 13 February, 20 March.

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday evening, 21 November with nine of thirteen members present. Minutes of the October meeting were adopted. The Dean offered some reflections on the reality of the kingdom of God among us, leading us into a conversation about ways in which we might move towards becoming less maintenance and more missional in our focus. The discussion took us naturally into considering how “Divine Renovation” by James Mallon might assist us in the task of improving (church) culture

Business Arising
• Cathedral Signage – Word from the Guild of St. Joseph is that it is too late to erect the standards necessary for new signs on the green and that a permit will be needed from the city to install. The project will need to be postponed to spring
• Cathedral outside lighting – we are moving on upgrading fixtures and replacing with energy efficient LED lighting
• Safe Churches policy – online training modules now available. Health Ministry is working toward implementing for ministries under its purview.

From the Dean
• Routine activities – usual activities and duties include facility communions, commitments with diocesan and Cathedral groups and committees
• Board room audio/visual – recommendation
• Absence – 17-21 December to Calgary AB
• Christmas worship – 4, 8 and 11 p.m. Christmas Eve; 10 a.m. Christmas Day
Items for Decision
• Audio/Visual – that the board room be equipped with an internet connected screen for meeting use, viewing video and other learning purposes at an estimated cost of less than $1000

Items for Discussion
• Safe Churches – A broad implementation plan will be necessary as well as appointing a co-ordinator (officer) for the Safe Churches initiative which is now officially a requirement in the Diocese
• 2017 Budget Preparation – with the pending departure of our Treasurer, preparation of the 2017 budget needs to begin now. Groups and committees are asked to communicate budget needs through their respective members of Bishop and Chapter as soon as possible.
• Changing Church Culture – The discussion’s goal was review of our current context, what we do well and areas where we especially need to improve and invest in the next year. A comprehensive list was assembled and a short list of potential priorities identified for more detailed consideration. An in-depth discussion led to a decision to have a Chapter planning session on 10 December, which will be led by Bishop Edwards.

Reports
• Financial – a new format report summarizing monthly and year to date receipts and disbursements was received and reviewed.

Up-coming Events
• Advent Procession 4:00 p.m., 27 November
• Advent Friday Organ Recitals
• Christmas Lessons and Carols 4:00 p.m., 18 December
• Bishop’s Reception – 01 January

Next meetings
10 December – planning; 19 December, 16 January
19 February – Annual congregational meeting

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday evening, 17 October with ten of thirteen members present. Minutes of the September meeting were adopted. The Dean shared portions of the workbook that accompanies the book “Divine Renovation: From a Maintenance to a Missional Parish” by James Mallon focusing on the role of the pastor and the need for functional teams.

Business Arising

•    Hall Front Steps – Repair has been delayed possibly to spring.

From the Dean

•    Routine activities – a summary of pastoral and programme activities was outlined as usual
•    Meetings – Scheduling meetings continues to be one of the more frustrating challenges. Perhaps scheduling farther in advance would be more effective.
•    Leadership in isolation – further to the need for a change in leadership culture, leadership operating in isolation remains one of our corporate challenges.  Leaders need to gather to themselves effective and well-rounded teams for ministry tasks.  The Chapter needs to operate in an overseeing, strategic planning role.
•    To do’s pending – current priorities are Baptism Preparation for 06 November and calling together a Server Guild.
•    Thanksgiving Break-in – Police investigation is on-going.

Items for Decision

•    Chapter membership – Edmond Biden elected to membership as chair of Buildings and Property with thanks and appreciation.
•    Safe Church Policy – Diocesan policy is now in force.  Health and Pastoral Care Committee will lead implementation.
•    Signage – Communications Committee propose a new Cathedral sign for the southeast green and were granted permission to execute at a cost of between $500-600.
•    Church Lighting – a proposal has been made to change outside flood lighting at the Cathedral to LED at an estimated $1500 per year energy saving.  Referred to Property Committee for action.

Items for Discussion

•    Changing Church Culture – follow-up on of “Divine Renovation” by James Mallon.  Discussion on changing the culture towards better health.  Recognizing what we do well,  implementation of a strategy is needed.  The Dean was asked to provide a summary of areas where we are now effective and those not.  Executive charged with preparing a proposal for next steps.

Reports

•    Financial – the Treasurer indicated that income is ahead of the previous year at about 7%.  Gathering information from Cathedral ministries for preparing the 2017 budget needs to begin now. Committee chairs asked to begin that process.

Other

•    Treasurer Resignation– received from our Treasurer as of 15 December 2016.  The job is beyond what Carol can do at this time. Thanks was expressed to Carol for her service. A detailed list of suggested immediate needs was included and the Executive will facilitate a review of our situation.
•    Harvest Supper – organizational lead needs to be identified as Kathy McBride is unavailable due to unforeseen personal commitments
•    Up-coming Events – were noted and reviewed. Our Calendar.

Next meetings

21 November; 19 December. 16 January, 19 February (Annual Congregational Meeting)

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday evening, 19 September with ten of thirteen members present. Minutes of the June meeting were adopted. The Dean shared a reflection on leadership culture.

Business Arising
• Employment – David Drinkell began as Director of Music (half-time) on 17 July. Adam Lewis began as Sexton (full-time) on 25 July. Kathleen Snow began as Parish Nurse (half-time) on 01 September.
• Lay Administrators – Permission received from the Bishop for lay administrators of the chalice during worship and the reserved sacrament at home
• Hall Front Steps – Repair requirements have been considered and should begin this week.
• Chapter vacancies – Christian Formation: Bonnie Greenwood is nominated. Buildings and Property: vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Garland – nomination is in progress
• Piano – The Baldwin piano at the Cathedral has been purchased
• Offering Counting Procedures – a new process was initiated on 18 September which better follows diocesan recommended procedures and controls

From the Dean
• Worship and prayer leadership – the daily office is being said Monday – Friday 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.. Administrators of home communion are functioning in their role
• Pastoral – Farraline Place and Windsor Court communion in September. Visits to hospitals, home visits and home communions. One funeral.
• To do’s – Server Guild startup and training; baptism preparation during October for November baptisms
Items for Decision
• Chapter membership – Bonnie Greenwood elected to fill the chair of Christian Formation with the Chapter’s thanks and appreciation.

Items for Discussion
• Leadership Culture – leadership “culture” is the habits, practices and assumptions made regarding how an organization operates. The Cathedral is currently operating with a “puppeteer leadership model,” with the assumption that the dean is the puppeteer. Leadership is facilitating the contributions of others. The Dean shared his frustration that he cannot change the culture single-handedly but that it does need to change if we are to become more spiritually mature both individually and corporately. Chapter members having a group with which to work in their particular area of ministry is critical – things happen when people get together. The Chapter will read “Divine Renovation” by James Mallon.

Reports
• Financial – the Treasurer sent income and expenses report for information. Expenses will return to normal monthly levels and as budgeted for the period September – December.
• Mission / Outreach – brief update on the challenges of refugee sponsorship project and Belize Mission support. Visit the missions committee website for information.
• Communications – gift items sold during August at the Cathedral. Photo directory project underway. (Universal Portrait Studios)
• Administration and Finance – Several policies have been drafted and await consideration and adoption
• Hospitality – some changes to a fall supper (30 October) being recommended.

Next meetings
17 October; 21 November; 19 December

GMH

Members of Bishop and Chapter met this past Monday evening, 30 May, with 12 of 13 members present. A short faith conversation on Luke 7:11-17 was led by the Dean. Minutes from the 25 April meeting were presented and adopted.

Business Arising
• Cathedral steeple – has been repaired at a cost of about $13,000. Insurance has covered with a $1000 deductable
• Organ maintenance – scheduled for mid-June at a cost of about $2900. Dr. Pond has graciously agreed to facilitate the service and maintenance visit
• Chapter membership – one vacancy remains: chair of Christian Formation
• Member Visitation – wrapped up. Surveys being accepted until the end of May. Debrief is scheduled for visitors on Sunday, 05 June 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hall.
• Cathedral piano – several options are being considered following notice of the wishes of the owner to sell

From the Dean
• usual ministerial and pastoral activities including care facility, hospital and home visits
• status of Music Director (David Drinkell has committed to be present on 17 July at the latest) and Parish Nurse (Kathleen Snow has agreed to begin 01 September). The position of sexton now needs to be advertised and a full-time hire expedited. Thanks to David Garland for his interim duties
• note regarding up-coming events in June

Items for Decision
• Staff and employment – Director of Music and Parish Nurse position descriptions and letters of offer of employment are all but complete, will be finalized soon. Sexton position description, advertising and letter of offer of employment ASAP
• Memorial Hall Steps Repair – scope of work and quotes for repair to the Hall steps and resulting water leaks into the electrical room) will be acquired. This was another of the critical items that would have been addressed by the originally proposed Hall Renovation Project and should be addressed as soon as possible
• Anglican Foundation of Canada – it was agreed that Christ Church Cathedral should maintain an annual membership and that the recent request for fees should be met.

Reports
• Communications Committee is planning a Cathedral photo directory for the fall of 2016
• Worship Committee will facilitate establishing public morning and evening offices (Morning Prayer 8:45 a.m. and Evening Prayer 4:45 p.m.) daily. Volunteers are being sought.

Discussion
• Administration and Finance Committee – draft terms of reference were discussed. Our Treasurer is seeking assistance in completing as smooth a transition as possible. Several administrative issues require consideration and the Dean has expressed the urgency of having this committee functional

Up-coming
• Choral Evensong, 05 June 2016 at 4:00 p.m.
• Confirmation, 19 June 2016 at 4:00 p.m.
• Ordination 26 June at 4:00 p.m.

Next Meeting
Monday, 20 June 2016

GMH

Members of Bishop and Chapter met this past Monday evening, 14 March, with 9 of 13 members present. A short discussion on Philippians 2:5-11: “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus …” What was important about the kind of death Jesus died? What nonnegotiable Christian teaching is contained? Minutes from the 15 and 21 February meetings were adopted.

Janet Mahar was appointed Chapter Recording Secretary with the Chapter’s sincere thanks.

Business Arising
• Advisory Committee to the Bishop was appointed on 21 February. Chair and Secretary need to be appointed. Nominated C. Schmidt, secretary, J. Morell, chair. Other members will be contacted for concurrence.
• Hall Starlift parts on order with repair pending.
• Space for Scouts – B. Garland has communicated the available space for use by the Scouts.
• Music Director Search committee reported that initial interviews have been conducted and second interviews are pending. Sharon Pond has graciously agreed to act as interim organist.
• Chapter Vacancy of one member remains with a chair for the committee on Christian Formation needed.
• Every Member Visitation is planned for the last week of April/First week of May. Information package being developed. Training 16 April. Visitors needed.

From the Dean
Monthly special care facility Communions, hospitals visits, one meeting of the deaneries clericus, four diocesan meetings. Two Lenten Study groups on-going with about 12 participants. Confirmation preparation began 27 February partnering with the Parish of New Maryland. Baptism preparation for Easter complete. Efforts of home visitation impeded by time limitations over the last several weeks. Vacation 07 – 21 April with Canon Smith as supply. Have serious concern about ministries of Christian formation. Sunday School is struggling with lack of leaders/teachers.

Items for Decision
• Parish Nurse Staff Position – That Bishop and Chapter approve the hiring of a part-time permanent Parish Nurse, subject to the Parish Nursing Support Group being able to secure pledges, over and above regular offerings, totalling $11,000/year over the next 5 years.
• Arborist Request – International Society of Arboriculture to prune trees on the Cathedral green 04 June. Permission granted with assurances regarding liability received.
• Signing Officers – That Chapter signing officers be Bishop David Edwards, Dean Geoffrey Hall, Chair Jim Morell, Treasurer Carol Dixon and Secretary Janet Mahar.

For information
• Refugee Sponsorship – Guest Ann Deveau visited with updates from the Missions Committee regarding progress on the sponsorship of a refugee family. 10 parishes and the Cathedral initially working together to sponsor one family. Expect a May or June arrival. Several individuals from the Cathedral have joined the action team. Some storage space for collected donated articles was identified for use.

Up-coming
Easter Sunday (27 March) combined worship at 10:30 a.m.
The Day of Pentecost (15 May) worship and luncheon at 10:30 a.m.

Next Meeting
Monday, 25 April 2016, 7:00 p.m.

GMH