Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 17 June 2019 with nine of a usual twelve members present. In the absence of the Chair, Canon Charles Ferris was in the chair. Minutes of the 13 May were adopted. The Dean led a brief review of the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. A video clip of a Q&A with Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias was viewed.

Business Arising

• Housing First Initiative - Penny Ericson visited the meeting. The Fredericton Housing First Services has made a request for proposals to which the Cathedral has responded. Estimated time line is completion November 2019. We now await confirmation of acceptance
• Giving Policy - most recent draft presented. The Policy includes Appendix of established funds, Gift, and Gift in Kind Information Forms.

From the Dean

The usual reporting on routine ministry commitments. Items of note: continue to work towards resolution to the need for a Verger; there is need for an individual to take the position of Cathedral Treasurer – perhaps the Nominating Committee needs to be engaged?; recognitions of retiring individuals and new ministry of Deacon Debbie Edmondson on 23 June; request for the Cathedral to meet with representatives of a current Visioning Committee from Wilmot United Church; absence during up-coming General Synod 09 - 17 July.

Decision

• Housing First - motion carried to proceed with three home proposal, property corner of Albert and Regent. Cathedral Housing First Committee Terms of reference adopted, P. Ericson, Chair
• Giving Policy - approved as submitted by Administration and Finance Committee. Giving Policy available from the Cathedral website.
• Recognitions - the Chapter noted the retirement of our Envelope Secretary and Verger and the departure of Isabel and Nathan Cutler voting letters of thanks to all

Reports

• Treasurer -may unrestricted income: $36,952 May expenses $56,583. May deficit: ($16,377). Half HST charity refund for 2018 received
• Health and Pastoral Care - word of Cutler’s departure. Training for AED usage being planned. B. Toole and D. Radford co-ordinating Helping Hands. Hospital visitors meet later this month.
• Property - Odell House sale in process. Awaiting repair of Cathedral west door asphalt entry. Breach in steeple roof has been viewed by drone and a plan for its remediation is in process
• Hospitality and Welcome - 23 June “Picnic and Pies” planning continues. There is need for task teams to assist. Welcomers continue to be needed for Sunday mornings
• Administration and Finance - giving policy submitted. Records management project coming to completion. A stewardship task group is working towards strategy(ies) for improving our current circumstances - Mike Toole is the chair. Safe Church training under consideration
• Christian Formation - recent meeting compiled a list of start-up dates for the Fall. Continuation of current programming with some new initiatives on the horizon including an opportunity for confirmation / reaffirmation of faith
• Communications - door hanger invitations for 23 June to be delivered in the neighbourhood this coming week. Appeal for material for the Cathedral website to keep its content fresh and inviting. JoyFM will likely partner for the September corn boil

Up-coming

• 23 June - 10:30 a.m. worship followed by “Picnic and Pies”
• 23 June - 4:00 p.m. Ordination
• 08 September - 10:30 a.m. worship and corn boil
• See the up-coming Sunday insert for Fall start-up dates

Next meetings: 16 September; 21 October; 18 November; 16 December

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 18 March 2019 with seven of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 11 February meeting were adopted. In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, the meeting elected the Dean to the chair. The Dean led members in consideration of information about the vocational diaconate as it exists in the Diocese of Fredericton with reference to the 2016 Iona Report and the status of the diaconate in the Anglican Church of Canada.

Business Arising

• Committee work plans - some committees have current plans. All encouraged to work towards the goal for their respective groups

•  Committee minutes - a reminder that minutes in the sole possession of committees should be sent to the Cathedral Office for filing

•  Housing First Project - S. Mayo offered an update on recent developments. Project leadership has asked the Cathedral to potentially submit a project application to facilitate available government funding. A group needs to be assembled to oversee the Cathedral’s specific housing first property ownership

•  Annual Meeting - members debriefed regarding the 24 February meeting. Anecdotal comments from various sources were shared. L. Meehan will work towards devising a tool to solicit congregation feedback on specific questions to inform planning in the future

Correspondence

•  From the Executive Director of the National Trust for Canada with thanks for the use of our facilities and our participation in various aspects of the October 2018 Conference

•  Letters of Bishop appointments of B. Greenwood and K. Percy to the Chapter

•  Thanks from Kathleen Snow on congratulations re Mothers’ Union

•  2019 Town Tour Promotional information from the Calithumpians

From the Dean

Normal duties reported. A request to be made of our Bishop to appoint an individual in deacon’s orders to Cathedral ministry. Plans to attend the Conference of North American Deans 02-05 May 2019. Lenten studies continue.

Discussion

Welcoming initiative and growing the congregation - led by L. Meehan. How has our recent emphasis on welcoming been received? While newcomers obviously appreciate the opportunity to connect, regulars also note the changed atmosphere when we are intentionally welcoming. How might we continue to make this a priority with the knowledge that it could have significant impact on growth? Several thoughts were discussed. There is a specific need for more volunteers to be welcome teams at the various Sunday worship times. The conversation prompted some other ideas and possible directions.

Brief discussion by way of orientation for new members S. Mayo (Mission/Outreach) and C. Macdonald (Worship). Work plans, terms of reference and recent history would be of help

Reports

•  Treasurer - in the absence of the Treasurer, the financial report to the end of February 2019 was reviewed. Expenses continue consistently $7000- 8,000 +/- over income per month so far this year.

•  Worship - intent to gather a small group to discuss Easter worship. Service for Healing and Wholeness 09 March considered success

•  Health and Pastoral Care - Leaving in April, Carole Hines has resigned as coordinator of Helping Hands. An automated electronic defibrillator (AED) has been purchased for the Cathedral

Up-coming

07 April, 4 p.m. Choral Evensong (Guilds of St. Joseph)
14 April - Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week
21 April - Easter Day, 8, 10, and 11:45 a.m.

Next meetings: 13 May; 17 June                                                              GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 11 February 2019 with twelve members present. Minutes of the 21 January were adopted. An article, “Joyful Stewardship” by Linda Buskirk (Episcopal Church Foundation) was discussed. The Chapter agreed on the value of developing a stewardship statement to help guide a culture of joyful stewardship in the future

Business Arising

• Road Home letter of intent - Cathedral intent to be involved as a partner has been expressed. Project awaiting news on federal government funding
• By-Law update - completed, filed, distributed and posted to the web
• Committee work plans - template created to be shared with members
• Project 2045 - inaugural meeting held. Monthly meetings on the last Monday of the month will follow

From the Dean

Usual commitments maintained. Meeting re World Day of Prayer planning, chapter committees when possible, focus on annual reporting. With an intention of attending the conference of North American Deans in May, there may be a possibility of scheduling some vacation at a different time this year but will advise

For Decision

• 2018 Financials- Kendra Patrick (Bringloe Feeney Accounting) was in attendance to review year end reports. Following review, the draft statements were approved and, with the management letter (review engagement report) will be included in the report to the 2019 Annual. This is the second year under review engagement so processes for clarity are still being modified
• 2019 Budget - finalizing the budget. Questions about comparisons with 2018 budget actuals matching financials resulted in agreement on the need for some further investigation, which the treasurer will see to. regarding the accounting restricted funds used and issues of possible depreciation not recognized by budget numbers
• Congratulations - to Kathleen Snow on election to the Board of Trustees of the Worldwide Mothers’ Union

Discussion

2019 Annual Meeting - plans for Annual meeting reviewed

Reports

• Nominating - progress on securing nominations is difficult
• Administration and Finance - Diocesan Stewardship Officer Mike Briggs met with committee to discuss a draft giving policy and stewardship in general. A stewardship task group has been created. An automated external defibrillator to be purchased
• Christian Formation - review of purpose and goals of the Family Faith Fiesta, “Do I Have to Kneel” event reported on website
• Communications - continue with facilitating committee reports for Annual, maintaining social media and web communications
• Welcoming and Hospitality - pilot of welcome initiative struggling for signups for welcomers. Taking the lead in planning for Annual meeting event
• Property - Odell House sale preparation. An issue with the boiler at the Cathedral is being identified
• Mission/Outreach - Monday morning dropin continues. Belize scholarships being administered. Dessert and Games 17 February to support Belize scholarships
• Health and Pastoral Care - One pastoral visitor has stepped down. Service of Healing and Wholeness. 09 March, 5 p.m.

Up-coming

17 February - Dessert and Games Night
24 February - 10:30 a.m. worship, luncheon, Annual Meeting
03 March - World Day of Prayer
05 March Pancake Supper; 06 March - Ash Wednesday

Next meetings: 18 March; 13 May; 17 June

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 17 December 2018 with eight of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 19 November meeting were adopted. The Dean lead discussion on the Gospel for Advent 4, Luke 1:39-55, the Song of Mary, highlighting its prophetic and subversive characteristics.

Business Arising

• Road Home letter of intent - being finalized for sending
• By-Law update - the December 2017 version needs to be modified with nominating committee details and signed by the Bishop
• Lower hall floor - beginning of repair to begin this week
• Hall kitchen refrigerator and freezer - installed. Refrigerator purchased; upright freezer donated with our thanks
• J. Edwards memorial - sent to Parish of Fundy and the Lakes. Letter of condolence sent to our bishop
• Thanks to E. Saunders - letter still to be sent

From the Dean

The Dean briefly reviewed the past month and pointed to up-coming events. Particular reference to the welcoming initiative underway and success of the 12 December Carol Sing

Correspondence

• ACW thanks - letter received following the Anglican Church Women Sunday, the Reign of Christ, 25 November.

For Decision

• Stipend and salaries - 2019 Diocesan scale of minimum stipends increases by 2.5% (cost of living). Dean’s stipend set at $58.824 ($16,607 above minimum) $1500 housing and $350 car replacement per month. Staff salaries to increase by 2.5% 2019
• Safe Church Officer - adoption of the position description and the appointment of Michael Toole, effective immediately
• O’Dell House sale - the Property Committee empowered to make preparations for the sale of the property advisedly in the spring of 2019. By diocesan policy, such funds are held for purposes of clergy living accommodation - interest can be used for housing allowance

Discussion

2019 budget - +/- $75,000 deficit looks likely for 2018. Current revenue not meeting expenditures. Many costs are 'fixed.' Key questions include: How much increase in weekly offerings is reasonable? Should revenue be supplemented with trust funds? Staff or facility reductions? 14 January special budget meeting, 2019 budget to be finalized at the regular January meeting.
Committee work plans - recommended that each committee create early in the new year a work plan for the next twelve months

Reports

• Treasurer - We continue to carry an excess of expenses compared to revenue. While it is possible to balance year end by spending down on unrestricted investments, the goal would be that we pay our way
• Administration and Finance - work on current items continue: records management, giving policy, new safe church officer
• Christian Formation - family faith fiesta, Taizé, DYI (young adults), Godly Play, youth groups all successfully functioning
• Communications - good feedback on Carol Sing and Christmas publicity efforts
• Welcoming and Hospitality - 16 December was the beginning of the new trial welcoming initiative. Adjustments until mid-February
• Property - lower hall floor, monitoring steeple roofing issue, O’Dell House sale issues, repaired west door asphalt has cracked again

Up-coming

23 Dec - Lessons and Carols; Christmas Eve 4, 8, 11 p.m.; Christmas Day 10 a.m.; New Years Day with our Bishop and reception 11 a.m.

Next meetings: 14 and 21 January, 11 February, Annual Congregational Meeting 24 February GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 19 November 2018 with eight of a usual twelve members present. The Dean lead discussion on an article “Financial Transparency” from the Episcopal Church Foundation.

Business Arising

• Nominating Committee - membership: C. Schmidt, T. Fetter and G. Hall. Working to secure nominations for 2019 elections
• Verger resignation - having been received for 30 June
• Sexton’s employment letter - has been updated with the modification three weeks vacation
• National Trust Conference - several members of Chapter and others were able to attend. Some important contacts, next steps pending. The Bishop’s “joint ad hoc group” with representation from the Cathedral and Diocesan Synod has been dismissed with thanks

From the Dean

The Dean reviewed usual items of commitment over the past month noting seasonal worship and events up-coming:
• Christmas worship schedule as usual: Christmas Eve 4, 8, 11 p.m.; Christmas Day 10 a.m.. Advent Procession 02 December; Christmas Lessons and Carols 23 December
• Community Christmas Carol Sing Wednesday, 12 December 7 p.m. an opportunity to invite family and friends.

For Decision

• Lower hall floor - repairs to deteriorated tiles to address health and safety to be done as soon as possible, as professionally recommended and at a cost of $7000-8000 (from Hall renovation fund)
• Hall refrigerator -to be replaced (about $6219) after quotes reviewed)
• By-Law re Nominating Committee - a motion was carried finalizing revision to make election of the committee by the annual meeting
• Welcoming and Hospitality - terms of reference adopted. Work plan offered is perhaps a potential model for committees
• Gift thanks - having received a gift of $10,394 from Ethel Saunders the Chapter carried a motion to send our thanks
• J. Edwards Memorial - that we make a gift of $100 in memory of our Bishop’s wife, Janet and send a letter of condolence
• The Road Home Project - that The Cathedral send a letter of intent to pursue joining the Housing First initiative with four Cathedral units in 2019. Information to come

Reports

• Treasurer - October - Revenue: $44,499, Expenses $39,573 Year-to-Date: Offering $34,860 below 2017; Expenses $53,443 above 2017. A rebate of $3000 from the Diocesan Synod (clergy travel pool and employee benefit payments).
All committees considering 2019 budgets
• Administration and Finance - work on current items continue: Cathedral records management, giving policy, safe church
• Christian Formation - current programs being monitored with some new initiatives to be considered soon (possible congregation retreat)
• Health and Pastoral Care - Good response to health information session on 03 November. Individual pledges in support of Parish Nursing continue to come in and are appreciated
• Communications - Gearing up for Christmas events. Potential for neighbourhood invitation to Carol Sing on 12 December
• Welcoming and Hospitality - several welcome initiatives being rolled out: for Sundays including welcome desk (Cathedral Connections), signage, welcoming volunteers and a welcome kit
• Property - current issues: hall refrigerator, lower hall floor, steeple roofing breach (potentially costly), vandal severed lightning rod copper repair ($317?), O’Dell House balcony repair in the spring

Up-coming

Bishop Hockin Advent Series; seasonal events and worship as reported

Next meetings: 21 January, 11 February, Annual Meeting 24 February

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 15 October 2018 with ten of twelve usual members present. Bishop Edwards joined the Chapter for the first hour. Minutes of the 17 September 2018 meeting were adopted.

Business Arising

• St. Margaret’s Scouts - meetings have moved to the Parish Church.
• Nominating Committee - membership to be appointed and an amendment to Cathedral By-Law to be considered
• Treasurer Address to Congregation - 2 minutes for regarding current financial status to be scheduled in the next few weeks
• Anglican Foundation of Canada - annual contribution of $100 sent
• National Trust Conference - individuals to attend identified

Discussion

Property (re) development. Bishop Edwards was present primarily to share a status update on property issues. The Bishop reminds everyone that with many opinions, ideas and options to consider, things can get complicated, take time and in some cases be costly to investigate. He shares our wish that decisions be made in the very near future. He shared a couple of specific possibilities as to what the next steps could or should be (including one very new). It was agreed that the congregation soon needs to be informed and involved.

From the Dean

The Dean reviewed usual items of commitment since the last meeting. Items of note:
• Discernment Committee - a committee to guide a Cathedral congregational member in discernment leading to ordered ministry in process (Bishop’s office)
• 11 November - is a Sunday. 10 a.m. worship to 9:45 a.m.
• Stewardship - is the management of our resources: skills, talents, assets, time, money. Improved stewardship was identified as a priority item during the 2018 review of the Dean. He suggests our need to be more conscious of improving our stewardship mindset both corporately and individually. He noted that currently no one person or committee in our corporate structure is responsible for issues of stewardship, and asked if this should be addressed.

For Decision

Nominating Committee - In accordance with by-laws a motion was carried appointing the Dean, Catherine Schmidt and Tom Fetter reporting to the Annual Meeting in February. A change in process for future years was presented in the form of an amendment to the by-laws. Going forward it has been proposed that the Committee be elected by the annual meeting rather than by the Bishop and Chapter.
Lou McKnight vacation - additional week granted for 2019.

Reports

• Treasurer - presented the summary financial statement to the end of September. While we can be hopeful that October - December giving will strengthen, we are currently well below our anticipated position to date. Expenses exceed unrestricted income by $92,378 to 3rd quarter.
• Administration and Finance - project items continue: Records management, giving policy, land title migration, lay staff manual, By-Law considerations
• Christian Formation - meeting this week. Fall startup of various programming has materialized as expected
• Health and Pastoral Care - Brief update on current programs and activities. Pledged contributions towards salary of the parish nurse are currently close to the annual target.
• Communications - Chair of Hospitality attended the last meeting to identify some synergies. Regular efforts continue
• Hospitality, Welcoming and Membership - a first meeting held. Welcome strategies and final terms of reference being considered

Up-coming

Diocesan Synod - 03 November; Evensong - 21 October

Next meeting: 19 November 2018

GMH