St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Scheduled Meeting of the Vestry

Monday, August 12, 2019 - 5:30 pm

Parish Hall

Agenda

Present: The Rev. Adam Pierce, Assistant Rector; Spencer Weig, Senior, Warden; Barbara Bucci; Keith

Calder, Junior Warden; Herb Gant; Ruth

Gates, Steve Haughey, Royster Hedgepeth, Joan Rosko Miller, Teresa Singer, Jan Vick, Judy Wilson,

Treasurer; Merry Ann Wright, Clerk

Excused: The Rev. Dr. Dena B. Whalen, Rector, Chris Coudriet, Joe Farri Absent: None

Opening Prayer & Reflection Rev. Adam Pierce, Asst. Rector

Adam discussed a time of rituals from Luke 22. It was the festival of unleavened bread. Vestry members

shared some of their rituals including those that stimulate them.

The meeting was called to order by the Senior Warden at 5:50 pm.

On motion and second (Gant/Singer) the Consent Agenda was approved including the committee reports,

The Minutes of the June 10, 2019 meeting of the Vestry, the Assistant Rector's report

and the Senior Warden's report (see reports in addendum)

The following items (see addendum to these minutes) were filed:

Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting 06.17.2019

Minutes of Personnel Committee Meeting 07.11.2019

Ormond Center Report Jan Vick

o Jan Vick reported that the Ormond Center is on the verge of being profitable. There is one office

space still available.

o There are several ongoing expenses that have increased, thus an increase in rent has been made.

o It was asked if such amenities as use of the conference room have been factored into the rental

price.

Personnel Committee

o This committee has met once and made an initial review of the Personnel Manual in the hope of

bringing it to the Vestry in September.

Community Ministry Report (attached) Asst. Rector

Parish Life Report (attached) Teresa Singer

Pastoral Care Report (attached) Joan Rosko Miller

Christian Formation Report (attached) Ruth Gates

St. Agnes Guild Report (attached) Ellen Weig

Treasurer’s Report ((attached)) Judy Wilson, Treasurer

The Treasurer reported on the Finance Committee meeting. At this point, Herb Gant called for Executive

Session. The Vestry returned to regular session at 6:34 pm and recommended the following motions:

It was moved, seconded (Calder/Singer) and adopted to use option 2 from the finance report (ie, transfer of

$55,000 from the Investment to the Disbursement account for asst. rector compensation and also the

distribution of $61,627 in the Disbursement Account as follows: $25,000 Lehto Window project, $6,585

Lucy Baker scholarship payment and $30,042 for the Reserve Fund) as this will create a reserve. There was

one opposition. On motion and second (Hedgepeth/Miller) it was approved to accept the Finance Reports

for June and July 2019 and file them for audit. See page 10 of the Consent Agenda.

2

o On motion and second (Bucci/Singer) it was approved to accept the revisions to the 2019 Budget as

recommended by the Treasurer and Finance Committee.

A recess took place from 6:57 pm - 7:04 pm.

Ministry Reports for Discussion:

Junior Warden’s Report Keith Calder

o The Junior Warden discussed the status of the mortgage loan on inherited property at 117 S 17th

Street.

o If $1,000 is paid in Aug., Sept., and Oct. payments for 2019 will be up to date.

Building and Grounds Committee (See report following) Steve Haughey

o Stewardship Committee Royster Hedgepeth

o Summary report was sent today - special gifts are at $78,904.

o Ingathering for 2019 will be the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

o Stewardship campaign will be linked to the draft budget.

o Update on Strategic Planning Committee Meeting Joan Rosko Miller

o The first meeting was productive.

o Mission statement creation has begun.

o Vision statement will answer how we are going to get there.

o There was good discussion – there will be a broad scope of what the statements might be for the

next meeting.

o October 6 is the next meeting. The diverse group will meet on Sundays after the service.

o Combine topics to look at best practices in each topic

o Update on Personnel Committee Wardens

o They will meet soon.

o Proposed change to Section 5.9 of St. Paul’s Bylaws Herb Gant and Senior Warden

o Bylaws will be reviewed regarding committees and chairs. Amendments must be 2/3 affirmative

vote at a parish meeting.

o In light of the complex process required to make any amendments to the Bylaws and considering

they were last reviewed in 2012, the following motion was proposed:

Motion: In consultation with the Rector, it is moved, seconded (Vick/Haughey) and adopted to approve

the creation of a Vestry Task Force to review the current Bylaws of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and to make

recommendations for amendments. The Task Force will be chaired by Herb Gant and will report back to the

full Vestry at the Nov. 11, 2019 meeting.

New Business

o A meeting of the Endowment Board was held on 07.18.19. They are reviewing their policies and

procedures. There are currently many small funds with restrictions or designations.

o It was suggested that the Vestry try Dropbox for Vestry agenda items. Teresa Singer and the Assistant

Rector will research this with Julie Martin.

o The Lehto Foundation grant proposal in the amount of $25,000 was approved on motion and second

(Gant/Rosko-Miller) and will be submitted for repairs to the foundation of the southwest corner of

Church building.

Check-in Time Asst. Rector

o Joan Rosko-Miller suggested that something more substantial to eat either before or during the

meetings could substitute for dinner. The meeting times overlap most people’s dinner hour.

The meeting adjourned with prayer by Ruth Gates at 7:58 pm

3

‡‡‡‡‡‡

Assistant Rector Report, August 2019

The Rev. Adam Pierce

Pastoral:

-Communion/Visits: 9

-Phone Calls: 14

-Presided and preached at Bob Scalia’s funeral on 7/20/2019.

-Beginning pre-marital counseling sessions with a couple in September

-Presiding at Morning Prayer Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 9am

Community Engagement: -Attended the “Journey in Wilmington” event at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on July 23

rd. This event

focused on teaching youth from the diocese of North Carolina about the events of Nov. 10, 1898.

-Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on August 2nd

as part of the Interfaith Build running through

October

-Assisted Don Brainard in organizing a group from St. Paul’s to volunteer on this same job site on

September 28th

-Set up a profile for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on “Nextdoor” an app that serves as a gathering place for

those in surrounding neighborhoods

-Advertising the upcoming BBQ on Nextdoor

-Advertising the chapel being open during certain hours

-Community Ministry met on August 8th

-Ormond Center committee met on August 4th

; plans for an opening celebration on October 27th

are

underway.

Formation: -Led a 6 week discussion of Howard Thurman’s book Jesus and the Disinherited.

-Plans are in the works for formational events later this month and in the fall that tie into local history (see

upcoming dates below).

Upcoming Dates:

-August 11th

2019: I will preach and preside at Wade H. Chestnut Memorial Chapel in Topsail Beach at the

invitation of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

-August 22nd

: Exploration of slavery and its impact in Wilmington, NC.

-September 8th

Richard Banks will serve as supply clergy for services at St. Paul’s.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

Senior Warden’s Report to the Vestry, August 2019 Spencer Weig

Over the years, Ellen and I have attended parishes where it’s pretty much a ‘given’ that come June,

church activities go into some form of oxymoronic ‘summer hibernation’ until just before Labor Day. The

typical 2 services on a Sunday morning are combined into a single sparsely attended Eucharist and the

buildings are vacant the rest of the week. Midweek services ‘take a break’ for the summer. Thanks be to

God: Not at St. Paul’s! I’m amazed at the number of worshippers who venture out into the heat each

Sunday morning and Wednesday noontime to join their fellow parishioners for prayer and fellowship. On

Sunday mornings, we increased the Adult Christian Formation options and had 2 groups meeting between

services. Rather than diminish numbers, the expansion in formation opportunities saw a major increase in

total attendance. In July!

Other parish ministries continue as well. The Second Wednesday movie nights remain popular.

“Becket” in June, “Breakthrough” in July, and the upcoming “Norma Rae” in August all serve as great

jumping off points for discussion. Parish Life hosted what may become an annual tradition with a St. Paul’s

night at a Wilmington Sharks game. Plans are well underway for a Barbeque event later this month to

4

benefit Habitat. People are signing up for the Parish Retreat at Trinity Center in early September. The OC

remains busy and is on the verge of being self-supporting after less than a year in existence.

With our new Treasurer on board, you will see a new version of our monthly financial reports, this time

separating operating from capital income and expenses. You will also be asked to approve a revised budget

for the remainder of 2019, as crafted by the Treasurer and Finance Committee.

And then there’s the ongoing saga of the buildings. After a brief lag since the roofing work was done at

the main buildings and the OC in the spring, things are starting to pick up again.

We have received the first 2 of 4 FEMA payments and the 3rd

is being processed by the State. As a

result, we have ordered the flooring to restore Meeting Room A, with work to be done in September.

We are in negotiation with FEMA regarding restoration and hopefully mitigation of the gym.

Unrelated to FEMA, two other projects are underway. With our administrator out recuperating from

surgery, the office has had new carpet installed and the furniture has been rearranged and updated.

On a larger scale, with support from a 2018 grant for $25,000 from the Isabel James Lehto

Foundation, work has begun on long overdue restoration of the remaining east-facing windows in

the parish house.

In addition, at the August Vestry meeting the vestry will be asked to approve another application to

the Lehto Foundation, this time for an additional $25,000 to repair the foundation at the southwest

(Market and 16th

St) corner of the church.

Another item that will be addressed deals with our Bylaws. They were last reviewed in 2012 and

need to be revisited. The Vestry will be asked to approve the formation of a Task Force to do that

review and to then come back to the Vestry in November with recommendations.

All told, there’s been a lot going on in the summer of 2019! And again, Thanks be to God.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

Endowment Board Minutes

April 18, 2019

Attendees: Tom Brunton, Bob Crafts, Karen Day, Laura Padgett, David Tousignant, Dena Whalen, Judy

Wilson, and David Brownlow (Wells Fargo).

Submitted by Rev. Dena Whalen and Tom Matthews

Opening

The meeting was called to order by David Tousignant at 3:00 pm. Dena offered an opening prayer.

The chair welcomed the new treasurer of St. Paul’s, Judy Wilson.

Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the January 31, 2019 were reviewed. Tom Brunton motioned to approve the minutes

and seconded by Laura Padgett. The motion carried and the minutes approved.

Rectors Report

Dena reported that in addition to sharing the liturgical, pastoral and teaching ministries, Adam is the

primary clergy support for Community Ministries, the Ormond Center, Youth, and young adults and

families.

A systemic change for the Vestry is the move from being tasked with the management of the various

ministries at St. Paul’s, to being a cohesive team engaged with the Rector in the governance and

strategic visioning for the future. The Vestry has engaged the Rev. Jim Hanisian as a consultant to a

vestry sub-committee that will work for six to eight months to articulate a mission and vision and

initial strategic areas for Vestry visioning and planning.

To prototype the above mentioned change, three new teams have been formed: Buildings &

Grounds, Community Ministries and Finance. Of interest to the Endowment Board is the new

Finance team that includes Judy Wilson (treasurer),Wayne Wrzosek (convener), Diane Matz-Kane

(communicator), Dick Rowe (member at large), Bob Crafts (transitional support), with the Senior

5

Warden and Rector serving ex officio. This group will oversee fiduciary responsibilities and serve in

an advisory and support capacity to the Treasurer and Vestry.

With the growth of St. Paul’s pledge income, we can look beyond the demands of budgeting for

clergy/staff/facilities and can plan for the funding for ministries. The Finance team will be involved

in building an operating budget which will involve the participation of the congregation to set goals

for the ministries and provide adequate funding to meet those goals.

Senior Warden Report

Regarding the newly formed Finance Committee, it formed in November 2018 and was officially

commissioned by the Vestry this month. The chair for 2019 is Wayne Wrzosek. Other members

include the Rector, Senior Warden and Treasurer (all ex officio), Laura Padgett representing the

Endowment Board, Royster Hedgepeth representing the Stewardship Committee, and Dick Rowe,

the other at-large member in addition to Wayne. The Committee is still working on its “scope of

work” but has adopted the following as its Mission Statement: The mission of the Finance

Committee is to provide support, advice and guidance to the Vestry, Rector, Treasurer, Endowment

Board and staff in dealing with church-related financial matters. The Finance Committee is

dedicated to protecting the financial integrity of our church.

The Finance Committee made 3 recommendations regarding the Endowment Board. They are:

o That the Board completes the process of Bylaws revision that was begun in 2018. At the

Board’s 10.25.18 meeting, Bill Anlyan suggested some changes, but no action was taken

pending further thought (Refer to the Endowment Board meeting minutes of October 25, 2018).

At both recent Finance Committee meetings, Laura Padgett shared additional thoughts about

this.

o The Finance Committee also recommends that the Board work with the Treasurer to develop a

process whereby the balances in the sub-funds can be periodically (and potentially

automatically) updated. Concern was expressed that the last sub-fund calculations are from 18

months ago (September 2017).

o Once the sub-fund balances have been updated, the 3rd

recommendation is for the Board to

again work with the Treasurer to consider options for disposition of at least some of the smaller

designated funds. The origin & purpose of some of them (“Rite 13”, “Engraving”) are unclear,

while others may no longer provide a reasonable source of income for their purpose

(“Smithwick Memorial Nursery Fund”).

Regarding FEMA payments for the damages to all 3 buildings sustained during Hurricane Florence

last September, we were initially told that FEMA would not advance us funds to cover repairs but

would only reimburse us after we had paid for the repairs “out of pocket”. We have since learned

that is not the case. FEMA will provide funds for the various repair projects up-front. However,

given the timing of critical roof repairs, it is unlikely we will receive the FEMA funding of $45,000

for roof repairs to the church, parish house and Ormond Center before July1. It is necessary that

these repairs be done before then. To address the resulting timing and cash flow issue, the Vestry

adopted the following motions:

o Motion 1: To request from the Endowment Board at its April 2019 meeting the release, as

needed, of sufficient funding from the Endowment Fund to cover the cost of specific FEMA

repairs.

o Motion 2: It is the sense of the Vestry to re-invest in the Endowment all monies received

from FEMA as payment for those specific repairs referenced in Motion 1.

In order to cover the above mentioned expenditures that need to be made before funding is received

from FEMA, a motion was made by Laura Padgett that the Endowment Board release and transfer

funds in the amount of $45,000 to the disbursement account, and further that when the FEMA funds

are received, they will be returned to the Endowment Investment account. The motion was seconded

6

by Karen Day. The motion carried. David Brownlow recommended that due to the market, the

transfer be made the week of April 22.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer's report was received.

On behalf of the Finance Committee, and as Treasurer, Judy Wilson made two (2) requests.

There are:

o That the Endowment Board revisits the plan to review the Endowment Board bylaws. To

this, Laura Padgett suggested the Board revise the bylaws to allow the

reassignment/repurposing of small designated sub-funds, and further that the bylaws be

revised regarding the liquidation of gift/stock.

o That a process be developed to provide up-to-date balances on the multiple sub-funds

contained in the Endowment Investment fund. In this regard, Bob Crafts committed to

work on this.

Wells Fargo Report

o David Brownlow provided an overview of the U.S. and international economies, stating the U.S.

economy shows no signs of an immediate recession, as compared to the International side being

less optimistic

o He further stated that the asset allocation of the overall Endowment Fund is currently situated at

51.5% traditional stock, 40.3% bonds, 3.8% real assets and 4.3% Disbursement funds. Given this

allocation, the last quarterly return was 7.8% thus providing $73,000 in earnings.

o Newer members of the Endowment Board asked clarifying questions regarding the Wells Fargo

group that manages the St. Paul Endowment Fund. For clarification, David responded by first

stating that St. Paul’s has two separate relationships with Well Fargo. That is; Wells Fargo Bank

and Wells Fargo Advisory Group and that these two units are two separate and distinct entities.

Simply put, the Wells Fargo Advisory Group manages the St .Paul’s Endowment Fund, whereas

Wells Fargo Bank executes the St. Paul’s operating funds, i.e., the checking account. David is

one of four advisors within the Wells Fargo Advisory Group and manages the St. Paul’s

Endowment Fund. David is backed up by Reed Murchison. An advisory fee of .8% or .2%

quarterly based on the Endowment Fund balance is charged to St. Paul’s.

Old Business

The previous request of funding some $62,000 from the Endowment Fund was again tabled

pending on the use of funds from FEMA as previously noted within these minutes.

The board asked the status of the Annual Pledge Drive which now stands at 127 pledges totaling

$388,900.

New Business

No new business was presented at this meeting. However:

1. Subsequent to this meeting Dena recommended to the Vestry that three (3) $1,000

scholarships be awarded to three (3) seniors, and that the scholarships be funded from the

Lehto Scholarship Fund. The Vestry approved pending agreement from the Endowment

Board. Via electronic mail, the request was disseminated to the Endowment Board members

wherein all members approved the request.

Adjournment

Being no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Tom Brunton and seconded

by Karen Day. The next Endowment Board meetings are scheduled as follows:

o July 25, 2019

o October 24, 2019

‡‡‡‡‡‡

2019, June 6. Community Ministries Meeting

7

Members - Attending: the Rev. Adam Pierce, Nancy Bray, Merrilie Crafts, Joe Farri, Pat Baker, Ellen

Weig. Absent: Don Brainard, Steve Bucci; Communicator: Ellen Weig

Meeting opened with Prayer.

Goals for meeting: 1) Brainstorming and discernment of ideas with the intention of crafting a mission

statement and vision statements/action statements. 2) Deciding on regularly scheduled meetings of this

committee.

Announcement: Joe Farri shared the Good Shepherd Fact Sheet and suggested that St. Paul’s have a census

of which community ministries parishioners are involved in and what they are supporting. He has spoken

with the rector about the possibility of doing this during the service, and she offered no objections. Survey

would consist of names/volunteer places/hours and days. General consensus of the committee was that this

was a good idea. Additionally, it could offer us a perspective of parishioners’ interests and new ideas for this

committee to consider beyond the ones represented. Joe will develop a draft that could go into the bulletin

two Sundays in a row. We would review results.

Announcement: Pat Baker reported that the Belk Charity Event ticket sale money for the Back Pack

Buddies Program of Nourish NC has been removed from the St. Agnes account and resides now under the

control of the Community Ministries funds. There is over $12,000.00 in the account. She recommended that

different terminology be used for the fund, however, because the monies come from more sources than just

ticket sales.

Question: Will there be financial reports for this committee? Explanation – This year’s budget was

developed before this committee was formed and did not have specifically designated funds. There are a

number of ministries that receive parish support either financially or through volunteer efforts - Help Hub,

Good Shepherd Center, Nourish NC, Rise for Hunger, Interfaith Hospitality. There are other ministries, like

Habitat for Humanity, which may vary from year to year. Budget and financial matters will be a work in

progress as this committee moves forward, and financial reports will be part of that.

Mission and Vision Statements:

Difference between Mission and Vision – Mission statements express “why we exist,” overall

goal/purpose – the “why”. Vision/Action statements express the “how” – and provide the means to achieve

the mission moving forward. Usually vision statements are written first. They should both be functional, and

not so broad they can’t be put into practice. Samples provided: Finance Committee Mission Statement and

Action Statement; Archives Mission and Objectives.

Discussion of including Fundraising in the mission and vision statements of this committee brought to light

some confusion as to how the fundraising committee works. Should we be writing the mission and action

statements for the Fundraising Committee and what role does this committee play in fundraising?

Explanation – the Fundraising Committee is an ad hoc committee, year by year as needed, the results of

which provide funds for Community Ministries Committee to make decisions on disbursement. We are not

writing their statements, but may provide some direction to them.

Reference to Minutes, January 2019, distributed before this meeting: in particular “to coordinate, educate,

and encourage St. Paul’s members for discipleship and ministry….to foster an environment/culture in which

involvement in neighborhood, community, diocese, world, is contagious; in which we are sensitive to the

needs of those around us.” Key words emphasized in discussion: Coordinate and Educate.

General discussions: raised certain committee Tasks: 1) This committee is tasked to form fundraising

committees as a sub-group. 2) This committee will discern disbursement of funds (financial support to

community ministries). 3) This committee will discern what “ministry” is in “community.”

HUNGER is a recurrent theme through nearly all the ministries in which the parish is involved. It was

highlighted during a talk Adam gave at a recent St. Agnes Guild/ECW meeting as well.

One issue to consider – the need to organize how we respond corporately. What opportunities are there for

individuals? The survey may shed light on this.

Education: about opportunities. How do we use information for fundraising? How do we foster and

encourage ministry/equip people/what resources are there about ministries? This also goes to the “why” a

8

program exists as well as what it does. How do we education the parish? What can be put into practice/do

we do as a committee?

Education: Encourage reading and discussion of topics that foster understanding of background

information. For example, racial reconciliation. How to connect healing with understanding. Ways to

stimulate conversation, awareness, and involvement in ministry.

Discipleship – another role of the committee is to facilitate the organization of internal groups responding

to the needs of volunteer ministry opportunities. We need to discern how best to do that. The role of the

committee is broader than simply financial disbursement.

Communication: it is the responsibility of the committee to report to the Vestry and communicate with the

congregation. One of the ways we’ll be doing this is the census. Copies of the minutes will go to the Vestry.

Other ideas put forward – consider the models of how other churches make use of building space as a

resource to the community (i.e., food pantries). Redesign the gym as something else - this idea was deferred.

Mission statement key words: Hunger, Housing, Healing, Hope, Habitat. Words in relationship that are

mutually uplifting and have value.

Minutes will be distributed to members for approval and further thought. We are encouraged to process all

this information, and start to craft possible mission and vision statements. Much of this can be shared with

all members of the committee via email discussions.

Future budget so high”, Wayne stated that going forward, we need to ask the congregation this

question regarding maintaining the level of our services, music program, etc.

Biggest part of the church budget is payroll, benefits, and building.

MONTHLY REPORTS

Treasurer’s Report

Operating Fund

Meetings:

Every two months…Second Thursday of the Month at 11:30-1:00.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

Finance Committee Meeting – DRAFT MINUTES June 19, 2019

Committee Members Present: Wrzosek, Crafts, Wilson, Padgett, Hedgepeth, Rowe, Calder, Communicator:

Diane Matz-Kane

Acceptance of May 15, 2019 meeting notes.

MOTION: May 15, 2019 Minutes accepted on a motion of Wayne Wrzosek and second of Laura Padgett,

all in favor, and are included with the reports following the minutes of the meeting.

DISCUSSION and MOTIONS

FEMA

Received $9,000

Put in a request for things we have paid for in the amount of $20,000

PLEDGE DRIVE UPDATE / SPECIAL GIFTS CAMPAIGN

Budget was to cover operations. In answer to the question raised at the May 15 meeting, “Why

did we Laura noted that the budget shows 55,000 for the Asst. Rector and that 748 has been donated so

far. How much of Phase 2 will be allocated to that line item? Judy stated if 100,000 is raised it will be

allocated as follows: 40,000 as pledges and gifts, 55,000 (less any gifts received) for Asst. Rector, and

5,000 for GNP. As of 5/31/19, 30,500 have been transferred from the Disbursement account to the

Operating Fund for the Asst Rector position. Last year 55,000 was approved for the Asst Rector – only

15,600 were used. The 30,500 used in 2019 is part of the amount approved in 2018 and not spent.

Money in the Disbursement Account doesn’t show up in our checking account until a request is made to pay

for an approved expenditure in the budget. The transfer is made by the treasurer.

Capital Fund

9

Judy stated the Capital Fund has received 12,939 from the following sources: FEMA 1st payment (9,000),

Endowment for emergency HVAC (3,900) gift (39). The expenses are listed in the Capital Fund Monthly

Report that was distributed.

Endowment Fund (Investment/Disbursement)

Bob Crafts has reviewed all the activity in the disbursement account from 2009 through 2018. At beginning

of 2019, the balance in the disbursement was 57,499.64 and distributed as follows:

Life insurance(Fuller) proceeds 11,472

Unrestricted funds 61,628

Asst. Rector (15,600) - funds were never transferred from the Endowment

Judy stated funds get into the Disbursement from two sources: transfers from the Endowment Fund and

restricted gifts from individuals, grants, estates, etc.

Judy Wilson reviewed the ENDOWMENT FUND TRANSFER & DISBURSEMENT ACTIVITY IN 2019.

When the Endowment Board approves a transfer to Disbursement the date and purpose will be noted at

the top of the sheet. The transfer will be noted as Income in the Disbursement account.

Funds will stay in that account until a request is made to pay for an approved expenditure of the budget.

The Treasurer will make the transfer. It will be noted as a disbursement on the activity report. The

Endowment Board does not authorize funds to be moved from the Disbursement account since the

withdrawals are for budget items that have been approved by the Vestry.

All income and disbursements are verified with the monthly Wells Fargo statement.

Laura expressed some concern about the Disbursement account being a back-up checking account.

Maybe we should have a separate account for special projects since there has been some confusion about

what is in the Disbursement account. Judy stated the new way of tracking should address these concerns.

Wayne asked about the 45,000 in the Disbursement account. Judy said that will stay in the account until

a request is made to pay for a FEMA project and the FEMA funds have not yet been received. Once all

FEMA projects are completed and all FEMA payments have been received, the 45,000 will be

transferred back to the Endowment Investment account.

There was discussion about three errors made in 2018 that need to be corrected.

The 55,000 that was approved as a transfer from Endowment to Disbursement was never made.

The restricted 25,000 Lehto grant for the window project was not put into the Disbursement account and

those funds were spent for general operating expenses.

The Lehto Foundation grant for Lucy Baker was not put into the Disbursement account so no funds are

available for her final payment of 6,585.

To correct these errors a recommendation was discussed, made, and approved by the Finance Committee to

do the following:

Transfer $55,000 from the Investment to the Disbursement account for the Asst. Rector

Distribute the $61,627 as follows: $25,000 Lehto Window project, $36,627 to Asst Rector fund

Distribute $8,972 in life insurance proceeds as follows: $6,585 Lucy Baker payment and $2,387 to set

up a Reserve Fund

MOTION: On a Motion of Laura Padgett and a second of Dick Rowe, this committee recommends that the

Vestry approve these recommendations.

When the Leadership Team (Dena, Spencer, Steve, and Judy) met on June 27, Judy discussed this

recommendation since none of them were at the Finance Committee. There was discussion about how we

could allocate more resources to the reserve fund. As a result, Option #2 was recommended to the Finance

Committee for their review and approval.

Transfer 55,000 from the Investment to the Disbursement account for the Asst. Rector

Distribute the 61,627 as follows: 25,000 Lehto Window project, 6,585 Lucy Baker payment and 30,042

for the Reserve Fund.

No funds would be used for the Asst. Rector position. A request will be made in the Fall to the

Endowment Board, if a need is determined.

10

No funds would be used from the Fuller Life Insurance proceeds. This would be available for special

projects approved by the Vestry.

MOTION: By electronic mail Wayne made the motion to accept Option #2 and it was unanimously

approved by Finance Committee members. This recommendation voids the previous motion. Option #2 will

be presented to the Vestry for their review and approval.

Senior Warden’s Report: The Vestry unanimously accepted the Mission and Action Statements we

submitted.

Stewardship Update: Royster went through the pledges to see who had not pledged. Phase 2: Seven

pledges for the Special Gifts Campaign are not on the original pledge list. He thinks we will get 30-40 more

gifts, totaling $25K - $35K. There is one potential gift that he did not include. We need to sit down and

talk with 10-15 people. Royster and Spencer will make phone calls. We are going to hold off on the 2nd

mailing. Some of the gifts are written for something else that is not in the operating budget. One gift came

in for a facilities issue. A pledge that was not recorded was for $135/month for Music & Guest Musicians.

He has to talk to some of those donors. Laura stated that if this is not submitted until August, we will have

only 30 days before the regular pledge campaign. The solution is to only talk to a few and not do a special

mailing.

Building & Grounds Update: No one from B&G is here.

NEW BUSINESS

After meeting with people in charge of managing budget line items, Judy prepared the 1st draft of the

2019 Revised Operating Fund budget. See the attached and focus on the beige highlighted column.

Income Budget Changes include the following:

If 100,000 is raised in Phase 2, it will be distributed as follows: 40,000 pledges/gifts, 55,000 Asst.

Rector, and 5,000 for GNP

The budgets for the following line items have been deleted and those funds will be recorded in agency

accounts: Bellamy Memorial Garden, Choral Scholars & Singers, and Concerts

Several line items will have a budget based on current activity: Life Insurance Proceeds, Strategic

Planning, Lehto Foundation Grant (Lucy Baker), Kuano Lehto Scholarships, and Outreach Ministries

Several line items have a budget decrease based on current activity: Repairs & Maintenance and

Worship/Altar Guild

The 62,118 budgeted for the Asst. Rector has been reduced to 22,718 since prior year funds approved in

2018 and not used have been used in 2019 (39,400).

Expense Budget Changes include the following:

Several budget line items have been removed and transferred to the Capital Fund: Diocesan Foundation

Grant, Emergency Capital Repairs, and FEMA repairs

Several line items will have a budget addition: Engineering Study, HVAC Maintenance Contract, Kuano

Lehto Scholarships, Lehto Foundation Grant (Lucy Baker), and Operating Fund Music Program

Several line items had a major decrease: Archives, Audit, Cleaning Equipment, GNP, Handyman,

Ormond Center, Membership, Memorial Gift Expense, Pastoral Care, and Stewardship

The budgets for the following have been deleted and those expenses will be recorded in agency

accounts: Bellamy Memorial Maintenance, Choral Singers & Scholars, Concerts

Community Ministries/Outreach shows a major increase because “Nourish NC” is not part of the

Operating Fund instead of St. Agnes

11

Operating Fund Music Program (robes/sheet music/instruments/organ & piano maintenance) is no

longer included in Ronnie’s music activities and therefore shows a budget increase.

If we Phase 2 raises 100,000 and we stay within the Proposed budget, there should be surplus funds of

approximately 16,000 to set up a Reserve Fund

Judy asked for approval of the budget changes discussed.

MOTION: On a Motion of Wayne Wrzosek and a second of Dick Rowe, the committee approved the

proposed changes to the 2019 budget. The motion was passed unanimously. This Revised budget will be

presented to the Vestry in August for their review and approval.

Other Comments

Bob will research the small funds in the Endowment Investment account to see if they can be combined

and put into a reserve fund. These 5 funds total approximately 6,000. Hopefully, we can look at that at

the August Finance Committee meeting.

Wayne said that he will look at the reports that Judy and Bob gave him and do an analysis.

Royster wondered whether or not we can look at the capital activity retrospectively, so we can show

people what we have spent on building repairs, etc.?

The meeting was adjourned at 3:48 p.m.

There will not be a July Finance Committee meeting. The next meeting will be on August 21, 2019.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

ORMOND CENTER, AUGUST 2019 REPORT Communicator: Jan Vick

The Ormond Center Committee met on Sunday, August 4, and selected a date for the opening

celebration: October 27, 2019, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Plans are proceeding on details of the

celebration. The Bishop will be unable to attend but the diocese is sending The Rev. Michael Singer,

Interim Transition Officer.

A space change is in process in the Center: Frank Harr Foundation is moving from their current office

to the large space in the back which was formerly planned for use by the youth. With the progression to

college of three of our young people, and no one remaining to use that space, the youth room will use

one of the smaller offices. Frank Harr Foundation is a very active organization with events during the

month that bring in a lot of people and they are training volunteers to work with their program. Their

need for space is critical, and Aging in Place has elected to continue their presence in the front office.

The increase in rental income is important to attempt to cover operating expenses.

The dangerous large tree limb hanging over the backyard was removed on August 7, and plans are

moving forward to add a gate and fence panel at the entrance to the backyard. This will allow

improvements to be made to the yard as funding and time permit.

Programs for the community are being discussed and planned to utilize the conference room and

remaining spaces and draw in more people to enjoy the Center and fulfill the vision of a safe,

comfortable, welcoming place for people to gather.

The Committee also selected a working mission statement:

The Ormond Center: A welcoming space for cultivating community.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

Parish Life August Overview Communicator: Teresa Singer

Canvassed possible members to establish a team

First meeting on May 4 at Rolled and Baked; Second meeting simple supper at my house on July 16

Rogation Sunday Picnic

12

o Seemed to go well

o great team work

o activities for children added

o leftover chicken taken to Good Shepherd Center

o suggested folks be informed about the Splash Pad in promotional materials

o wonder if a sign-up is necessary since chicken was ordered for 100+ (around 60 signed up)

Sunday Reception Hospitality Teams

o Updated Team/Captain information

o 62 people participate in this ministry

o New members needed for Pink Team

o Letter of thanks mailed/Sunday recognition

Selfie Sunday

o We say we want younger families and children- time to get “social”

o Need more of a presence on social media

o Team decided it was a start

o Next year we will make step by step instructions available

Pop-ups

o Kitchen Clean-up due to insect issue

Five folks gave the time they could

Cabinets cleaned, new shelf paper put down, dishes washed when warranted and outdated

food disposed

Cabinets from window to doorway by choir stairs still need done, as well as refrigerator

and freezer

o Night at the Park

Bill Anlyan set up SPEC Night at Wilmington Sharks Game

$20 ticket included hotdog dinner and admission

Group rate for 25

42 tickets sold

o Food Waste Composting

Nancy Bray and Richard Laudati are leading this project

Bucket with lid

Signs on window to sink area/bucket

o Kids Making It Table Tops

Joe Farri suggested possibility of purchase of high top tables like at the YMCA for our

parish hall

Kids Making It teaches inner city kids woodworking skills

Great shop on Castle Street

Table tops for $200 @ depending on wood

Buy bases independently which KMI would attach

Parish Life Team did not think it would be the best way to spend our money at this time

due to

Storage

Portability

Cost per table for minimal usage

Age of parishioners

Upcoming Events/Activities

September Recognition of Sunday Breakfast and Wednesday Lunch Crews

Parish Life Logo

o Checking out options

13

o T-shirts

o Reusable bags

Parish Retreat

o September 6-8

o Trinity Center, Pine Knoll Shores

o $175 double occupancy/ $220 single occupancy

o Way of Love theme

o Hoping for a team-led retreat that the participants won’t even know who is in charge

St. Francis Blessing of Animals

o Sunday, October 6

o Joyce Connelly is going to speak with Dena to get details

o Julie Martin will create a prayer, poem, song to present to pets

o Collaboration with Children’s Ministries to add an educational element

Kids making creation masks/headdresses to wear in procession

Trunk or Treat

Ormond Center Open House

Pastoral Care Report

Communicator: Joan Rosko Miller

Pastoral – with those in need, visits to members and newcomers, marriage prep, pastoral counsel, spiritual

direction, phone calls, etc.

Hospital or Rehabilitation Center visits: 9

Home Visits: 6

Calls: 10

‡‡‡‡‡‡ Christian Formation Report Communicator: Ruth Gates

Children of the Good Shepherd

Planning for the 2019-2020 school calendar year is well under way. We will continue to have 2 Atriums.

Atrium 1 will service preschool and younger elementary children and will use the Godly Play Program.

Atrium 2 will service older elementary children and will use a lectionary based curriculum which is yet to

be chosen.

A survey was released by the Children of the Good Shepherd team in early July created by Beatrice

Beardsworth to gather information concerning the needs and wants of St. Paul’s parents, teachers, and

children regarding programs, scheduling, etc. We will use this information in our planning for the fall.

A Parents Night Out is being planned for Sept. 20th

. This will be an evening where childcare will be

provided by members of the church so that parents can enjoy a special meal, movie, show or perhaps just

have some “alone time”. We want to support our parents as much as possible as they are the ones who

support us by bringing their children to our programs.

We have 2 confirmed new teachers and 2-3 others who are “thinking about it”. Cross fingers.

Youth

Ashley Eason and Cookie Cantwell from St. James have led an effort to get youth leaders from all the

parishes in Wilmington together to plan communal activities for Episcopal youth from the local community

and beyond. So far, they have held 3 meetings with leaders from many local churches. Planning is well

underway for a campfire event at Holy Cross and a suicide prevention program on Oct. 13th

at St. James.

This program is the educational component of the “Out of the Darkness Community Walk” event which will

14

be held at Wrightsville Beach on Nov. 3rd

. A wellness event is planned for winter 2020 at St. Andrews on

the Sound. It will explore coping with daily stresses and life events.

Adult Formation

We have had 2 movies with accompanying discussions shown this summer, “Becket” and “Breakthrough”.

They included a meal and were well attended. A third movie, “Norma Rae”, sponsored by the Women at

the Well, will be shown on 2 nights, August 14th and 21st with a potluck dinner beforehand. The movie,

“Leisure Seekers” is planned for November. Joe Farri and his team have been actively planning Lessons for

Sunday mornings this fall. In Sept. and Oct. there will be a study of the book, “Being Disciples” by Rowan

Williams.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

St. Agnes Guild Report, August 2019 Communicator: Ellen Weig St. Agnes programming during this quarter focused on our speakers: the Rev. Adam Pierce in April and the

Rev. Dena Whalen in May.

Adam’s challenge to us: “who is at our table? Who is invited? Could we be a more diverse, inclusive

body?” Adam noted that as St. Paul’s grows, we need to think about how we are meeting the needs not

only of our own church community but also of our larger geographic community. This discernment process

should also extend to St. Agnes; where do we fit into the big picture? After discussion with him, Adam

summarized what he heard as the focus of St. Agnes’ ministry in one word: hunger.

Dena’s challenge to us was how we live into “intentional eldering.” She shared the wisdom of her doctoral

dissertation and offered the views of 7 authors’ works on aging well, intentionally, productively,

spiritually, with grace, love, and hope for the future. With a focus on being open to the challenges of

change, of maintaining balance while keeping meaning in our lives, and the realization that to “be in

solitude with God at the end” is the most productive time, the idea of intentional aging, especially in

women’s lives, led to open and heart-felt discussions.

General meeting business during the spring 2019 quarter focused on changes in St. Agnes fund-raising by

moving the Belk Charity Event ticket sales to Community Ministries, and the selection, election, and

installation of ministry coordinators for 2019-2020: Pat Baker and Barbara Bucci – Fundraising for St.

Agnes; Cheryle Wade – Treasurer; JoAnn Summey – Spiritual Growth; Ann O’Dell – Communicator;

Barbara O’Rourke and Sandra Ballard – Hospitality; Ellen Weig – St. Agnes Coordinator.

Finances – We voted to move the Belk Charity Event Ticket Sales account out from under the umbrella of

St. Agnes Guild to the Community Ministries Committee. Money moved was $9,114.35 on May 30, 2019.

The Guild, from its own fund, contributed $350.00 to the Diocesan Scholarship Fund for the Dominican

Republic (a companion diocese project) and $50.00 to the Diocesan ECW Memorial Fund and Scholarship,

a fund for young women for religious education. Primarily, finances for St. Agnes come from the

dues/offerings of the members and selected fundraising efforts, such as the Chili Cook-off, and are used to

support the work and ministries of St. Paul’s.

Regular meetings and activities will resume in September, however, in July, St. Agnes Guild organized an

outing to Airlie Gardens in July, and hopes to do a second one to Oakdale Cemetery. A planning meeting

for 2019-2020 is scheduled for early August.

‡‡‡‡‡‡

BUILDING AND GROUNDS REPORT- JUNE 2019 Communicator: Steve Haughey

FEMA

15

-The first FEMA dispersal of funds from the State ($9K) was received Monday, June 3, three weeks later

than the projected receipt date. Program Manager informed us the State has a serious backlog of payments

to claimants.

-After confusion about documentation needed for dispersal of subsequent funds, State indicated payment for

the second project ($12) would be sent by end of June.

- FEMA has agreed to our original plan and we again have two final projects to avoid a “large project”

(reimbursement) status. Both projects were submitted to FEMA for review during the week of June 24.

-The quote to remove the mold in the gym has been revised to include the lead paint found in the tin ceiling.

-Quote for mitigation of the gym ($67K) submitted to FEMA June 24 and the consulting engineering

estimate ($10K) submitted June 26. The current estimate to repair SPEC is $159K. If mitigation expenses

are included, the projected estimate is $236K.

CHURCH & PARISH HALL

-Three A/C units experienced failures on Wednesday May 29. Repairs were made, and SPEC was

operational again on Friday May 31. A fourth unit experienced a failed capacitor Monday June 3.

-Contacted SEHVAC for status of 2019 Annual Maintenance Contract.

-Met with LIME ENERGY (DUKE) on June 4 to review potential savings plan for SPEC Electricity

expense.

-External lamps on 16th

Street have been returned. Lamp bases have been taken down. Final assembly and

power hook-up is on hold as other projects are taking priority.

-Front kneelers in NAVE have been secured.

-SILKWOOD will advise in early July their start date to refurbish/restore the east facing windows of the

Parish Hall.

ORMOND CENTER

-With the exception of paint and brushes for touch-up work, all other material and equipment has been

moved back to the Church.

JULY 2019

FEMA

-North Carolina Grants Manager attended our July 16 meeting to talk about the funding process steps at the

state level and to explain how the overall funding of this storm could impact available monies in the event

of future storms.

-Our third project ($36K) was obligated by FEMA on July 15 for roof repairs. State has advised the project

is being expedited to the State Finance Office for processing.

-Payment of our second project ($16K) was received on July 17, four months after submission to FEMA.

-Our fourth and largest project continues through the FEMA review process due to the multiple line items

within the project. Final determination is expected in early August.

-Mitigation proposal for the gym is under review by FEMA. Questions of effectiveness are delaying final

approval. Follow up meeting with our Consulting Engineer and Mitigation Review Team is being

scheduled for early August.

CHURCH & PARISH HALL

-New vertical closures to all exterior doors in the NARTHEX have been added.

-Annual maintenance contract with SEHVAC for our A/C units was signed late June at a cost of $2100.

This contract includes the two Ormond Center units. Planned PM’s are scheduled to start in late August.

GNP has begun inspections of units for filter replacements and other minor items.

-SILKWOOD will start on the east PH windows the first week of August. Work will continue for the next

two to three months.

-A lightning storm on July 3 impacted equipment and systems in the church, PH, and the OC. Insurance

company has been notified and we are assessing the extent of the damage in preparation to file a claim.

16

-Preparing for LEHTO Grant submission to address SW corner of the NARTHEX. Grant due date is August

16. Consulting Engineer has provided two strategies for inclusion in the grant.

-Carpeting in the Admin office scheduled to be replaced August 8 and 9.

ORMOND CENTER

-Installation of the KNOXBOX at the front door will begin in August.