On April 21, the vestry was visited by Susan Czolgosz, Associate for Congregational Vitality and Transitions in the Diocese of Chicago. She was there to walk us through the results of the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) survey. Across the board, St. Paul's is doing very well. When compared to other churches (similar in size) that have taken this survey, we are well above all favorable indicators. So far as growth in membership and giving go, we again, are exceeding the bar the metrics have established. We fall into a field of high energy, high satisfaction and are a progressive and adaptable church.

Ms. Czolgosz was very complementary and encouraging, but also mindful that we should not rest on our laurels. I feel confident this will not happen. On the Energy-Satisfaction Map, where we place is the quadrant called high-energy/high-satisfaction; it is labeled the "transformation quadrant". We are on the precipice, hopefully of being transformative, and the telling identifier of St. Paul's is what will help move us there: dynamic individuals.

We are a congregation that embodies a diverse spectrum of knowledge and talents - the CAT survey bears this out. As such, we are always looking for our new challenges to avoid malaise and complacency. One comment, concern, point worth making with our eyes to the future was the desire to continue to attract new members specifically young families. In short: growth. The key point though that Ms. Czolgosz stressed regarding growth was this: It is not a goal; it is an outcome.

This, I think, should be our mantra whenever we discuss growth: an outcome. St. Paul's is dynamic. Our congregation loves to be challenged, and we embrace opportunities to grow ourselves, which I hope will burst forth from our doors and filter into the community at large. As long as we continue to challenge ourselves and try new things to help shape St. Paul's I am confident the outcome will be sustained growth.

It feels like this consideration outcome vs. goal is already at work in St. Paul's. We continue to try new programs, evolving our worship: Prayers to Pass, Thrive, a creative liturgy team, and so on. What is great about all of these and other initiatives is that they are not done with the primary goal of bringing in more people. Rather, they are undertaken to improve St. Paul's trusting the result that we will continue to grow.  

Remember that each week provides us these opportunities to grow, and more are coming up. From my perspective as Junior Warden, I can think of two opportunities that can contribute our outcomes: Spring Clean-Up and a weekly ground team.

Spring Clean-Up will be May 11 from 9 - 11-ish or noon. Please come out and help us get the grounds in order before our Lobster Boil and for the coming summer in which we can show off the lovely grounds and building that house our congregation. Be sure to bring some gloves and any other tools you can lend to help in hedge trimming, applying mulch, washing windows, and so on.

Also, and this is sort of my point as outcome not goal. The wind of the DeKalb area naturally blows a great deal of detritus onto our grounds. Vince and Pat McMahon have quietly spent Wednesday mornings policing our grounds for trash. I want to thank them for doing this, and now it's our turn. The Building and Grounds Committee will begin a weekly schedule of keeping our grounds clean. We will come by once a week and clear the grounds of larger bits of garbage. If you would like to be placed on this calendar, please contact me at kruegerlw@hotmail.com. It is not a major commitment, but it is one of the many small things we can do that make St. Paul's a transformational church. Frankly, I was inspired by the McMahons. They selflessly and without regard for plaudits undertook this task for many years. I am happy that now more of us can take ownership of the aesthetics of St. Paul's. More of us will now be a part of this effort. It has grown, what a wonderful outcome.  

This report covers the month of March 2013. The American Midwest Bank checking account is our primary operating account.

Receipts through March 31, 2013

We have received 44.34 % of the pledged amount and 40.09% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this three month period. Total operating receipts through March 31, 2013 were $83,005.75. This includes allocations of $30,000 from the Endowment Fund.

Disbursements through March 31, 2013

Total operating disbursements for the three month period were $46,157.88. That is 22.29% of the total allocated. The difference of receipts over disbursements is a positive $36,847.87. We've received 40% of budgeted receipts and spent 22% of disbursements.

We paid about $950 to Vic Reed Electric from the Building Fund for the lighting improvements in January and $4,000 for Organ Improvements in February. No Building Funds were disbursed in March.

Building Fund

The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of March was $86,987.48 and the balance in American Midwest Bank was $2,846.01 for a total of $89,833.49.

Endowment Fund

The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of March was $1,925,582.90.

Apache Stock was worth $16,472.50 on March 31, 2013. We now have 215.300 shares. It is in the process of being sold and the proceeds transferred to the Endowment Fund.

On March 31, 2013 the Flower Fund balance was $574.32, Discretionary Fund was $718.45, and Columbarium Fund was $571.80. Checking Account was $41,160.43.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Brown, Treasurer