January 2018

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St. George’s Episcopal Church January 10, 2018 Attendance: Vestry

Others

P – The Rev. Shearon Williams

P – The Rev. John Shellito (Associate Rector)

P - Denise Cormaney (Senior Warden) P – Elliott Branch P - Don George (Junior Warden) P – Mary Martha Churchman (Register)

P – George DeFilippi, Treasurer P – Parks Gilbert, Treasurer in training P – Elena Keydel

P – Bradford Hardin A – Emily Davis P – Eric Goldman P - Linda Sibert P - Darren Hekhuis P – Katie Wells P– Mary Yuhas A – Manuel Figallo

Opening Prayer The Rev. Shearon Williams called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM and led the Vestry in a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer.

Approval of the Minutes The Vestry voted unanimously to approve the minutes for the December meeting. Treasurer’s Report Interim Treasurer George DeFilippi reported that the 2017 budget ended up with a deficit of $5 thousand compared to the $88 thousand deficit in the approved budget. The good news is attributable to better than projected returns on investments, ad decisions by the Building and Grounds Committee to defer some planned maintenance expenses. The revised 2018 budget as approved at the December meeting holds the Diocesan Pledge at the 2017 level, anticipates $150 thousand in new income from the Generosity campaign, and results in a $12,308 surplus, even after deferred maintenance is included. George reported that the Finance Committee has referred the issue of how to invest the Gulick bequest to the Investment Committee, taking into consideration the need to balance better return with minimal risk. Previously the committee committed to holding harmless the Capital Campaign and organ funds, which meant that while these funds would not have been diminished had the market declined, they did not benefit from the exhilarated growth of market investments in 2017. In response to questions George said the Finance Committee includes Bradford Hardin, Bob Panfil, and Parks Gilbert. The Rector, Senior Warden, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Head Teller, Budget Committee Chair, Stewardship Chair, Contributions Manager, and Bookkeeper are all members by virtue of their office. The Investment Committee currently consists of Bradford, Bob Panfil, and Patrick McCabe. George will be transitioning out of the Treasurer’s role assuming that Parks Gilbert is elected, as expected at the Vestry Retreat in February. Elliott moved, and Don seconded that we approve the Treasurers Report, and the Vestry unanimously voted to approve the report, with thanks to George for his service as Interim Treasurer.

Final Report from New Revenue Initiative and Renovation Project Elena Keydel reported that the New Revenue Task Force is closing. 8 parking spaces have been rented and Joel continues to look for 4 more

renters. Kinhaven has settled in and the arrangement is working well. They will be at St. George’s for at least two and one half more years. Mila Lynn Floro and Kathy Panfil continue to work on grant applications, though none have been received yet. Bob Clarke included planned giving in the fall stewardship campaign and at least one more person included St. George’s in their will as a result. The Vestry needs to continue to monitor these efforts as well as feeding information into Mike Ward’s Generosity project. Amazon Smile has been set up so that people can designate St. George’s to receive .5% of their Amazon purchases. This needs promotion. The proposal to rent space to St. Timothy did not succeed but we continue to seek new worship tenants. The congregation was invited to submit suggestions and several were received, which will need evaluation and follow-up: Include outside groups/renters in “Giving Day” activities; promote memorial funds and special events with donation; change attitude toward giving (as in the upcoming Generosity Journey); establish wish lists for specific contributions, targeting not just members but friends of St. George’s. Eric counseled that in undertaking new initiatives we consider the effort required as well as the needs. Shearon asked if we should have a point person for these suggestions and Elena suggested working with Mike Ward for ideas in how to move forward. For the Renovations final update, Elena noted that initial efforts began in 2012 and we paid the final bill in December 2017. She has drawings and forms on a USB drive for the archives, in addition to owner manuals which she has provided to Joel and Michael Deming. A one year walk through is scheduled soon for a final check. There are issues with tiles in San Jose and heat in the nave. As the Treasurer’s report noted, the income is only $28 thousand short of the expenses, which actually should be adjusted for the $20 thousand the Vestry already approved for the speakers out of Altar and Special Funds, so for a $1.8 million project we came in only $8 thousand over budget. 98 percent of pledges have been fulfilled. Shearon offered a WOW and thank you to Elena for her perseverance and hard work over many years. Generosity Journey Update

Mike Ward as accelerated the schedule so the initiative will begin in February. The Generosity Team members are Don George, presumptive Senior Warden, Joan Pepin, Hal Bean Allison Otto, and Patrick McCabe. New Business Letter of Support for Postulancy of Annie Hall Shearon presented to the Vestry a summary prepared by Annie Hall describing her spiritual journey leading her to apply for postulancy. She entered Virginia Seminary from St. George’s as an academic student but changed her curriculum to prepare for the priesthood on a compressed schedule, with multiple and extended clinical pastoral education experiences. George DeFillippi chaired her discernment committee, which affirmed her call. Manuel was also a member of her committee. She is scheduled for Diocesan committee interviews in the near future. The Vestry members signed the standard affirmation of support for her Postulancy, and the Register certified the document.

Thanksgiving for Outgoing Vestry Members Shearon and individual members spoke in thanksgiving for specific contributions of the outgoing Vestry members: Denise Cormaney, Mary Martha Churchman, Elliott Branch and Eric Goldman. Resolution to Approve Payment of Speaker Stipend Shearon explained that a contemplative retreat was held last fall. Organizers anticipated that the speaker’s stipend would be covered by the registration fees, but the fees were set too low. She introduced a motion that $800 be authorized from Altar and Special Funds, Education Ministries line item, to pay the stipend for speaker at the contemplative retreat held last fall. This will not be a recurring expense, as future retreats will be advised to cover costs through registration fees. Mary Martha moved and Elliott seconded the motion, unanimously approved by the Vestry.

Leadership Reports

Junior Warden: Don expressed appreciation for the Vestry. Senior Warden: Denise offered a final thank you. Katie reminded members to bring food and help set up and clean up for the Annual Meeting Sunday. Vestry Candidates are Monserrat Miller, Ed Mott, Anne Norloff, and one more to be named [subsequently identified as Seton Droppers]. Associate Rector: John reported that five St. George’s youth will be confirmed Sunday: Lucy and Isaac Arny, Lucy Koontz, Kate Galazin, and Felix Curtis. The 20/30ls are planning a Lenten study. Community of Hope continues to meet. VOICE has a meeting Tuesday with Arlington County Board member Christian Dorsey. Rector: Shearon highlighted several calendar items, including visitation by retired Bishop David Jones on Sunday, including Forum during coffee hour; Ordination of Brian Spoon at San Jose on Wednesday; Annual Meeting on January 21. She reminded Vestry members that our terms continue until the Retreat on February 2 when the new Vestry convenes at Roslyn. Katie asked that the Vestry thank the New Revenue Committee and Denise said she will at the gratitude moment at the January 21 service. Adjournment The meeting concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and adjourned at 9:20 PM.