Bishop's Committee Notes
11/10/13
In attendance: Fr. Manny Borg, Vicar; Steve Raftery, Sr. Warden; Jessica Tamaski, Jr. Warden; Bob DeHaven; Val Gruenwald; Bob Kalicki; Penny Mandziara. Absent: Bill Barlow; Paul Swanson
October notes were accepted.
Building committee
B&T Grant - $1500 is being requested for removal of the remaining stained glass windows. The request is expected to be decided upon at the December B&T meeting.
Status of mailing for new parishioners - Bob Kalicki will follow up with Bill Barlow
Status of replacing Clear for Internet service - We're currently paying $53/month for Clear, and Internet connection is very slow. Penny contacted Comcast and was able to get preliminary information: Internet service alone would begin at $34.99 for 6 months, then increase to $43.99/month. Penny will get needed information from Douglas, then get back to Comcast.
Computers - All the files have now been moved from the old computer to the new computer in the office. We will continue to have only one computer in the office; many of those who do church work do it from home.
Office manager - With Pat and Bob no longer able to be here as regularly as they were, someone is needed to handle needs related to supplies and maintenance. Bob DeHaven will pick up these responsibilities. A credit card will be given to Bob for these expenses. Home Depot has offered a discount to us for printing services.
Stewardship campaign - Reaction appears to be positive. Steve and Hal mailed out the letters that had not been picked up at church last weekend. There is a letter from the Sr. Warden this weekend. A box will be out for the pledge cards as they come in, and the collection will be presented to the altar on the weekend of the 23rd/24th. A thank-you letter on behalf of the Bishop's Committee will be mailed out to all those who pledge.
Capital Campaign for diocese - Diocese reserves are "running dry" and they are asking former beneficiaries to actively assist with replenishing those reserves; the goal is $4 million. The diocese is proposing church-level committees to run local capital campaigns for St. James Common; an alternative is to simply give a donation. It will probably be the best use of our time and resources to do the latter. The Bishop's Committee voted to make a $500 donation to the St. James Commons Campaign.
Thermostats - All the thermostats had to be reprogrammed again last week because of "tampering." Keys to the thermostats have now all been collected.
Office/Vesting room/ Sacristy - Materials, cabinets, and furniture are being reorganized and streamlined. Manny is hoping to create a quiet space for meeting with individuals. Steve and Hal will look into installing shelving in the office closet. Penny has contacted numerous people looking for a taker for the copier that came from St. Bede's, and there have been no takers. It may be best to put it out for scrap metal; it is too large to reasonably transport. A round table that seats 10 people is being sought to replace the 2 rectangular tables we currently have.
Letter from diocese regarding a parish vitality campaign (Thrive) - St. Nicholas is again being encouraged to participate. We will discuss this further next month.
Choir robes - Purchased using part of a private donation.
Retention - What is the best way to reach out to members who stop attending? We discussed several options, including the usual phone calls, as well as notes and specific invitations to communicate (in person or in writing) what they might be looking for/need.
Support groups - will be using space at St. Nicholas on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Episcopal Relief - Next month, we will look at contributing to this project.
Congregations Commission Contract - We will look at this next month.
Convention - All arrangements are made. Good to go.
Financials - Balance sheet: No significant unexpected expenses. Year to date, expenses are very close to income.
Submitted by: Val Gruenwald
The holiday season is approaching. How about some fine chocolates for that special some one? Fannie May chocolates is a great gift idea. Order forms are available via St. Nicholas with our church receiving a portion of the proceeds. Also, there is a 10% discount for our purchases. Please pick up your order forms at church; order forms need to be returned by November 24 so as to have orders received by December 9. 
Rose Gruenwald (granddaughter of Val & Steve) and some of her friends at school are collecting financial contributions that will be sent to aid the good people of the Philippines who have suffered greatly from a recent typhoon. 
Please join us for
At our last gathering this past Sunday, the Adult Bible Study group decided that we'll take a pause in our study of Islam for the season of Advent and will meet each Sunday during Advent instead of our usual 1st and 3rd Sunday schedule to discuss the Bible and faith, hope, love and peace. 
Saturday Lector (all readings): Cyndi DeBock 
