Bishop and Chapter met 14 December 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead some reflection on “How to Shine Your Light for Christ - So how exactly do you shine?” – practical tips. Members added additional insights. Minutes of 16 November 2020 were adopted.

From the Dean

•  Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan was revised 01 December 2020 to accommodate the NB Orange Level of Recovery
•  in-person staff meetings continue. Sexton Ashley Swim 30 November
•  consultation with the Diocesan synod regarding temporary facility sharing
•  work completed on a proposal to equip the cathedral with video equipment for better live streaming in the future (December project)
•  Cathedral committee meetings as possible
•  diocesan meetings including Diocesan Council, Finance Committee, Creation Matters, and Fredericton deaneries’ clericus
•  brief report on Christmas worship schedule

Decision

•  Stipend and Salaries - In 2021: Cathedral staff 2% cost of living;. Dean’s Stipend $59,708 ($15,786 above minimum stipend scale)

•  Cathedral Video Equipment Project - acceptance of a proposal to purchase ($12,000 by the end of this calendar year) and install equipment for improved video live streaming and recording. Contributions to the Project (labelled “audio/visual”) are invited

Discussion

•  2021 Budget - draft discussed. Challenges will include some reduction in offerings during the pandemic and no future government subsidies ($52,000 in 2020)

Reports

Treasurer - In November operations income exceeded expenses by $11,711. Diocesan Shared ministry contribution not owing in November due to reduced diocesan expenses year to date. Cathedral Shared Ministry reduced by $1000 per month in 2021. No further federal grants (Canadian Wage Subsidy) expected in December or in into 2021

Property - An initial meeting of the Restoration Committee was held C. Ferris chair). Several repair items: Bishop’s graves, choir room steps, window ventilation. Security camera system under review and awaiting proposal. New sexton 30 November. Heritage Standing to update 2016 report at a cost of up to $4000.

Communications - Coordination of advertising for Christmas. A next Cathedral Connections in the new year.

Health and Pastoral Care - meeting of Health Ministry before Christmas is expected. Health Ministry budget received

Worship - no recent meeting. Presentation of the Video Project proposal

Welcome and Hospitality - no events and little committee activity during the pandemic

Mission and Outreach - $1000 funding for St. Hilda’s School (Belize Missions) will be transferred in the next couple of weeks. Monday morning programme (Outreach) continues on the last Monday of the month in a modified format. Missions Committee needing members

Finance and Administration - hiring of sexton complete. Follow up with Treasurer on 2020 review engagement management letter recommendations. Stewardship Team: “narrative budget” for 2021

Nominating Committee - interim report. Good progress being experienced on acquiring nominations for positions opening in 2021. Further nominations welcome

Upcoming

•  Blue Christmas - 21 December, 7:00 p.m.
•  Christmas Eve - 4:00, 8:00, 11:00 p.m. Christmas Day - 10:00 a.m.
•  New Years Day - 11:00 a.m.

Next Meetings

18 January 2021, 16 February 2021
21 February 2021 Annual Congregational Meeting

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met 16 November 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead reflection on an application of Matthew 25:31-40 , part of the Gospel for the following Sunday. Some related reflection on “Passing the Plate” (Smith/Emerson/Snell) regarding research on the top 4 reasons Christians do NOT give financially. Reason 3 – Christian giving may (be seen too much as?) largely benefit those who give. Minutes of 21 September 2020 were adopted. There was no meeting in October.

From the Dean

Pandemic Operational Plan 18 September. Weekly meetings of Cathedral Staff have been in person since early September. Committee and group meetings attended when possible. Work on a proposal for equipment to improve and make sustainable a commitment to live streaming worship continues. Mothers’ Union Executive installed and a Confirmation, Reaffirmation of Faith and Reception concluded the “Faith Alive” preparation programme. Outside Communions have resumed monthly at Farraline Place. Home and hospital visits by request, under current restrictions. Christmas worship schedule being considered. Use of the Memorial Hall is up with many outside groups requesting meeting space. Commitments to Diocesan Council, Diocesan Finance Committee, and Bishop’s requests (installation of Canons and Collation of Archdeacons) have been fulfilled. Consultation with our Bishop and Diocesan Synod re future office accommodations.

Decision

Diocese of Fredericton/Cathedral MOU - A draft memorandum of understanding was presented, discussed and adopted representing Cathedral openness to enter into both an offer to provide temporary accommodation for diocesan office needs and, to explore potential future opportunities to share office/programme/meeting space.

Reports

Treasurer - month-end financials for September and October. A high level summary was provided. Past federal government wage subsidies (now significantly reduced), Diocesan reduction of shared ministry for one month due to reduced expenditures, and the generous and consistent financial support of our congregation, results in our “holding our own” to date. A slight 2020 surplus over expenses may be a result.

Property - No committee meeting but several property related accomplishments and other issues are being monitored.

Communications - A November issue of Cathedral Connections was published. Committee members continue to monitor and update the Cathedral Facebook page and the Cathedral website.

Health and Pastoral Care - visitation continues to be a challenge. Parish Nurse, Dean and visitors make attempts to connect and offer care.

Worship - no committee meeting. Monitoring worship needs and plans for in person worship demand and possibilities being considered.

Welcome and Hospitality - welcome and hospitality has understandably been challenged by pandemic restrictions. The Committee will contact volunteers for welcoming ministry about helping with greeter needs for worship as a current priority.

Mission and Outreach - Monday morning outreach initiatives continue on the last Monday of the month out of doors. Community Kitchen volunteer involvement is on an individual basis. The Housing First project is delayed to 2021.

Finance and Administration - office photocopier/printer and phone service upgrades have been completed resulting in cost savings. A proposal to have a security camera system replace onsite security for the Memorial Hall is under consideration. Office Administrator position filled. Sexton position filled: Ashley Swim beginning 30 November.

Upcoming

•  20 November Organ Concert

Next Meetings

14 December, 18 January 2021
21 February 2021 Annual Congregational Meeting                              GMH

Bishop and Chapter met 15 June 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead a devotional (Get Moving! “In the matter of drudgery,”) by Oswald Chambers with associated scripture. Minutes of 20 April 2020 were adopted.

Business Arising

• 10 am refreshments (Worship and Hospitality) - no development
• Project 2045 - pandemic isolation preventing progress but cooperation with the Diocesan Synod is noted
• Housing First land transfer - transfer documentation complete
• Restoration Fund By-law - posted as adopted
• Committee detailed budgets - some committees confirmed
• Corporate worship - Operational Plan Task Group presented a current version of the Plan. Beginning 24 June, every other Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. Eucharist proposed for now. Information and update to congregation will be circulated soon

From the Dean

Activities and ministry according to the “new normal” with more and more happening by video conference. During the last month: weekly staff meetings, daily offices, Sunday worship by YouTube, audio podcasts and various committee meetings both Cathedral and diocesan. Six meetings of the Operational Plan Task Group. One committal, one grave-side funeral, continuing contacts as possible.

Decision

Property Committee - terms of reference and membership adopted

Reports

Treasurer - To 31 May we have stepped up to the appeal for offerings. Wage subsidy received from Federal Government $23,580. Funds held as designated: $39,602. To date, expenses exceed income by $4,319. The request continues for financial support and to maintain offerings. Thanks to all for the response and exceptional effort made thus far.

Property - work plan well defined with a number of issues pending: steeple roof repair, water leaks in the nave, choir door steps, bishop’s graves, windows, 10 year repair plan to be refreshed

Communications - Issue #4 of Cathedral Connections complete and awaiting publication. Committee work mostly by email

Health and Pastoral Care - telephone network calls continue. Health Ministry committee met 27 May.

Worship - 11:45 music recording this week. Continuing with YouTube worship on Sundays. Mostly focussed on requirements of our Operational Plan. Consultation regarding video equipment needed

Christian Formation - Faith Alive! Class 27 May. “Faith Forward” will coordinate various opportunities for Cathedral members to become involved in a faith building/faith formation series of activities. Taizé worship continues Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. God Is Indestructible study during Thy Kingdom Come with about 12 attendees.

Mission and Outreach - Community Kitchen teams cannot serve during pandemic protocols. Student Scholarships ($4000) and St. Hilda’s School support ($1000) scheduled for September. Outreach vouchers next on 29 June, Hall steps only.

Finance and Administration - Cathedral and office phones now on VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) system. Photocopier is operational. Continue to attempt establishing e-transfer as a giving option. About 60 letters encouraging giving were sent and response was very positive. 2019 year end financial review engagement included several recommendations requiring followup. Stewardship Team has a narrative budget for 2021 on its agenda.

Upcoming

24 June 2020 - 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Holy Eucharist with Operational Plan protocols in place

Next Meetings

• 20 July, 24 August (if needed)
• 21 September

Bishop and Chapter met 20 April 2020 by video conference with 13 of 14 members present. The Dean lead a brief discussion on part of the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter. Discussion included thoughts about the unique characteristics of the risen Jesus in the Gospels, some considerations about how the presence of Jesus is experienced by those in the post-Easter accounts and how Jesus is present to us today. Minutes of meetings: 10 February, 23 February, 02 April 2020 were adopted.

Business Arising

·  10 am refreshments (Worship and Hospitality) - planned conversation not yet undertaken
·  Restoration Fund by-law and narrative budget for 2021 - will be agenda items for Finance and Administration
·  Project 2045 - no further movement on current discussions
·  Housing First land transfer - Property and Housing First Project committees following up
·  Committee detailed budgets - no further developments

From the Dean

Pastoral visitations by phone continue. Daily offices continue. During Holy Week daily worship was facilitated online with relatively good attendance. Stations of the Cross and Music for Holy Week and Easter recorded, edited and made available. Sunday worship, pre-recorded in advance continues. Some Cathedral groups have met virtually thus far (Taizé Thursdays, Youth Group, Stewardship Team). In attendance with Diocesan usual groups including Deaneries Clericus, Diocesan Finance Committee and others as scheduled. Installation of VOIP phone system in process. Tools for alternative meeting methods still being assessed and made available. Regular podcasts continue as usual.

Decision

Cathedral staff payroll - Upon recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Chapter endorsed maintaining payroll for members of staff during the pandemic shut down. While wage subsidies are promised by government, it will be some time before we see those resources. Our ability to continue to pay salaries will depend on income by way of offerings. There has been response to the request to “catch up and keep up.” We’ll continue to monitor our financial status.

Reports

Property - Cathedral and Hall are being checked regularly. We’re thankful that a flood is unlikely this year.

Communication - Issue #2 of Cathedral Connections published mid April with plans to maintain every other week. Social media, website and other means of communicating continue to get attention.

Welcome and Hospitality - considering ways to celebrate community once pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Health and Pastoral Care - a recent website post by the parish Nurse was reviewed. Contacts by telephone and meeting needs where possible continue.

Worship - Committee has not met but efforts continue to provide worship opportunities by virtual means.

Christian Formation - additional virtual programming that might be undertaken. Faith Alive! (Preparation for confirmation, reaffirmation and reception) may reconnect by video conference.

Mission and Outreach - Monday drop-in not held regularly but vouchers given at a distance on the last Monday of the month. Some communications with Belize over the last several weeks. Continuing to monitor Housing First project.

Finance and Administration - No meeting as of yet but possible in the near future. Installation of VOIP telephone system will be completed soon. Stewardship Team has been active.

Next Meetings

• 18 May 2020
• 15 June 2020

GMH

Bishop and Chapter met 02 April 2020 by video conference. While communication among members has been frequent this was its first formal meeting since February. 12 of 14 members were present including newest member Victoria Hachey.

Business Arising

Approval of February minutes deferred. Recommendations pending re coffee time for 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship, Restoration Fund by-law and narrative budget for 2021.

From the Dean

During Coronavirus crisis over 20 pastoral visits by phone. Working closely with the Bishop on Sunday worship via YouTube. As is normal, composing and circulating regular Sunday bulletins, podcasting worship and sermons. Daily Offices continue, most remotely. Planning for Holy Week and Easter Day. Communication with staff members, some of whom are able to do most or more of their normal work from home. Guiding implementation of a new VOIP phone system for Hall and Cathedral which will cost less with more features. Facilitating online tools that can be used by various Cathedral groups to conduct normal business during this crisis and into the future. Many phone calls and on-line Cathedral and diocesan meetings. Challenging times learning new ways.

Decision

Housing First - Executive Committee is authorized to continue discussions with City of Fredericton leading to the signing of a legal 'purchase and sale agreement' that will transfer to us for $1.00 a lot at the corner of Regent and Albert Streets. The Chapter recognizes that the current financial situation may impact governments' ability to deliver the necessary financial and human resources as originally planned.

Reports

Property - Cathedral and Hall closed, heat turned down but being monitored regularly. New circulating pump ordered for Cathedral hot water heating system. Flood watch is on.

Communication - Various tools being used to inform and support congregation members - Caremongering Cathedral Group on Facebook, phone calls to those not online, a newsletter (Cathedral Connections) coming soon with Cathedral stories and information during the crisis. Overall, the congregation is appreciative of being kept informed.

Health and Pastoral Care - Our most vulnerable congregants are being personally monitored by phone and with selected visits by our parish nurses and others to ensure they are looked after, safe and healthy during the crisis. Normal pastoral visits not possible at hospitals, care facilities and homes.

Worship - The Committee has not met. It is positive that the Cathedral is being used for on-line services intended for a diocesan audience, and several of our people are involved.

Christian Formation - Thursday Taizé worship has been well-received with on-line participants. Some Lenten studies and Charis groups have continued to meet on-line. Possibility of on-line Godly Play activities is being considered.

Mission and Outreach - A modified Monday drop-in (4th Monday) continues. Participants grateful for grocery vouchers. Health and safety rules are being followed. Housing First committee is awaiting news. Cathedral is participating in discussions by L'Arche Fredericton that is planning for a new group home in the city. Just announced that volunteer teams at Community Kitchen will not be needed during the crisis.

Finance and Administration - Treasurer reported that there has been a significant drop in weekly offerings, but that for now our bank balance is sufficient to cover monthly expenses at least until May. Our monthly fixed costs total approximately. $35,000 even with the deferment by synod 'shared ministry' contribution. Eligibility criteria for government support programs. Stewardship Team will communicate about giving.

Next Meeting
• 20 April 2020 by video conference

JM/GH

Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 10 February 2020 with ten of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 13 January 2020 meeting were adopted with agreed corrections. A faith conversation reflected on a devotional from My Utmost For His Highest (Oswald Chambers) – “Are You Exhausted Spiritually?” “Have you delivered yourself over to exhaustion because of the way you have been serving God? If so, then renew and rekindle your desires and affections.”

Business Arising

• ACW Plaque - to be hung on the back wall of the Cathedral
• Narrative Budget - the goal will be to work toward a narrative budget for 2021. The Stewardship Team has added to its work plan.
• Cathedral Restoration Fund by-law - is on the Finance and Administration Committee agenda
• 10:00 a.m. Sunday refreshments - a group to be formed will consider

From the Dean

A brief report outlining usual work including pastoral duties, normal worship, Holy Eucharists at Farraline Place and Windsor Court, committee and team work and preparations for Annual Meeting.

Decision

• Project 2045 - a January Final Report was circulated and discussed. Mark Gunter visited the meeting on behalf of chair Melissa Dawe. Five options were investigated in depth. Ultimately, recommendations for next steps are:

1) Enter into formal discussions with Synod about the potential for constructing a new purpose-built facility between Bishops Court and the Synod Office. Discussions would focus on the concept of sharing ministry and administrative space, and space for most of the activities currently held in Memorial Hall.

2) Continue to pursue opportunities to enhance the flexibility of the existing space within the Cathedral footprint to better accommodate Cathedral and community activities.

The full report is available on the web site and in printed format

• Future Facilities exploration - Mark Gunter and the Dean appointed to continue with discussion with the Diocesan Synod regarding potential for future planning with the power to add membership

• 2019 Year End Financials - Kendra Patrick (Bringloe Feeney) following the review engagement, visited the meeting and presented draft statements and management letter. Both accepted by motion for presentation to the Annual Meeting.

• 2020 Proposed Budget - final approved for presentation to Annual

Reports

A general suggestion was made to refer to the Annual Report for committee reports.

• Treasurer - January 2020 financials were available for review. Thanks expressed to Kendra Patrick with appreciation for her work

• Welcome and Hospitality - a reminder that Chapter committees and membership are asked to attend to duties to facilitate the Annual meeting on 23 February

• Health and Pastoral Care - regular programming continues with the exception of Chair Yoga which may begin again after winter. Plans for a possible Health Information Session in February or March.

• Christian Formation - Lenten study opportunities are now being arranged with a variety of times and offerings for 2020 thanks to several facilitators

• Nominating Committee - the Committee of the Congregation provided its current draft report for the information of the Chapter to be included in the Annual Report.

Up-coming

• 23 February - Annual (10:30 a.m. worship, luncheon and meeting)
• 26 February - Ash Wednesday
• 12 April - Easter Day

Next meetings: 23 February (Annual Meeting); 23 March (TBC)      GMH