St. James’
Episcopal Church 2009 Annual Reports
Presented at St. James’ Annual Meeting January 24, 2010
I. Liturgy and Worship
Vicar's Report, 2009 – by
the Rev. Ben Helmer
I came, I saw, I liked, I
moved. Those words summarize my response to a discernment and call
process that began in January of 2009 and resulted in my coming with
Jane to be vicar at St. James’. June was “get acquainted” month. I
spent time in Eureka Springs and was blest to have a temporary home
with Larry and Laura Shoffner who helped me to get to know the area.
July was moving month, and by the end of it Jane and I were in our new
home in Holiday Island.
August was when I began to understand
that St. James’ was a dynamic congregation. We also completed
restoration of the pipe organ. There were new faces most Sundays, and
we started a confirmation class of five persons, four of whom were new
to the parish. By September the vestry and I were working on plans for
a columbarium under the able direction of Al Lacock and others.
Faithful parishioners gave a major gift toward the cost of this
project.
In October we had a great visit with
Bishop Benfield who preached and presided at a confirmation Eucharist.
We also concluded a stewardship/pledging campaign for 2010 under the
able direction of Karen Pryor and Dick and Bev Silloway.
In November we added a second project,
planning for an interior stair chair to allow our physically impaired
members better access to the church undercroft for activities. At
year’s end a generous gift added to the impetus to get this done.
Re-training of acolytes and all licensed liturgical ministers was
completed, thanks to Dave Miller, Jane Acord, and attendance by all of
our ministry team.
In December we blest a new Advent
Wreath donated by yet another parishioner as a memorial, and Christmas
Eve we blest a new crèche donated by a Eureka Springs resident.
We also had two budget committee meetings and I became more aware of
how we use our assets in operating and outreach. I also learned that we
were rapidly consuming our cash surplus. The vestry began to take
seriously our need to live within our income and consider how to
educate us all about our finances and needs in 2010.
Our ministry team is a great asset for
meeting pastoral needs at St. James’. I thank them all; especially
Susan Vanselow and Jane Acord who keep tabs on people who cannot be
with us on Sundays or who have pastoral needs. My profound thanks goes
to Betsy Porter and John Burton who have helped us with many things.
John keeps the web site up to date and does a lot of the scheduling;
Betsy is a superb outreach leader who has introduced me to the Eureka
Springs community. Carroll Heath and Gloria Rennels continue to offer
wonderful music at our Sunday liturgies, and Christmas Eve was when the
choir shone brightly. I thank them all.
Susan Walter has been a great
administrator who has helped me, reminded me and patiently worked with
me as I have begun learning how to be the vicar of St. James’. Dave
Vanselow has been a solid and dependable warden to work with. Larry
Johnson is the Junior Warden who gets things done. Tributes are
deserved by all of them. And to all of you who have listened, advised,
provided background and been patient with me, thanks.
I look forward to 2010, its challenges
and blessings, as we continue another year of ministry in this unique
part of God’s kingdom.
Assisting Priest - by the Rev. John
Burton
2009 was a year of unfolding
opportunity and new possibility. As we completed our search for a new
vicar, with the help of everyone involved in ministry at St. James’,
the church managed to remain on track with our worship and pastoral
care. We welcomed Ben and Jane Helmer and have been blessed by the
fresh eyes and ideas as we look toward the future.
We look forward to continued
interaction with other clergy and the wider church in Arkansas at the
Diocesan Convention in Fayetteville and the clergy conference. 2010
will be a year of new opportunities as well as reinforcing the valuable
heritage of St. James’ and continuing our education.
I have been busy with supply work in
Northwest Arkansas and at St. James’, Springfield. This affords
an opportunity to see how others are responding to present challenges
and to heighten awareness of what we have to offer in other places.
Assisting Priest –by the Rev. Betsy
Porter
As 2009 began, our search
for a new vicar continued. The Rev. John Burton and I continued to
share responsibility for liturgy and worship at St. James’ Episcopal
Church. Laura Shoffner’s gifted preaching lightened our load. The
support of our senior warden, vestry and congregation energized us and
provided us with encouragement even when the search seemed fruitless
and the journey difficult.
Although we made no major changes in
liturgy and worship during the first half of 2009, we continued to grow
as a community in both familiar and new ways. Laura Barker led a
meaningful Lenten study. We offered additional services each day during
Holy Week. The high point of the Lenten and Easter seasons was the
adult baptism of Rick Slusher at our Easter Vigil as we celebrated the
Resurrection.
Midway through 2009, Bishop Benfield
named the Rev. Ben Helmer as our new vicar. It was with great joy that
we welcomed Ben and Jane Helmer into our church community.
The second half of the year passed
quickly as we worked together to learn from each other. One of the most
beneficial events for me during this period was the opportunity to
attend the Magnetic Church conference in Little Rock in September. As
we begin the new year, we have many opportunities to use ideas from
this conference to make our church more welcoming, both in our liturgy
and in our attentiveness to those who enter our doors each week.
Choir Report – by Carroll Heath
Good things have happened in
the music for St. James this past year. First, we gained the
voices of Jane Helmer and Carol Belt. They are enthusiastic and so
helpful in their strength of performance, not to mention their
wonderful cheeriness and wit! Thanks to you both! It is also very pleasing to us that the new Mass for
Arkansas has been well received by the congregation. Thanks to John
Burton for finding this delightful setting of the Mass for our use. It
is perky and easy to sing and that’s a good thing!
Special thanks are due to the Vestry
in authorizing additional funds to correct the installation of the
Moeller organ. We are near the end of this process within the next
few weeks. I want to thank the choir members for their diligent
work in preparing the music for the wonderful Christmas Eve
service. As always, thanks to all for their hard work and great
performance. And, to
Gloria Rennels, a big thanks for your hard work and diligence in
conducting and your enthusiasm.
Lastly, we are very
saddened by untimely death of Dick Silloway who gave his all to his
singing. He will be missed.
Worship Assistants – by David Miller
Lectors read Holy Scripture.
Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers assisted in sharing the sacrament.
(Editorial comment: These are good, rewarding, things to do!) We
welcomed additions to the ranks of acolytes and lectors. Training is
continuing. Refresher training was conducted for all active assistants.
Every one of the assistants participated! The veterans are still with
us! Thank you immensely! Our clergy along with the Ministry
Support Team updated our handbook for liturgical assistant to reflect
current practice. Special big thanks to Cheri Lacock for invaluable
assistance in training newcomers and the handbook revision.
Altar Guild – by Cheri Lacock
Our St. James’ Altar Guild
is growing. We are adding two new trainees to the 11 current members we
already have. All of our members faithfully and reverently execute the
duties of this ministry with diligence to the honor of God, and
the benefit of the members of our church family. We welcomed Fr. Ben
this year and some wonderful new changes. Betsy, John and Ben all make
our work worthwhile. They are easy to work with, appreciative and very
forgiving.
Thank you for all of your hard work
this past year; each of you makes a difference by answering a
call to a ministry that is vital to our worship service. I
look forward to another faithful year with all of you as we quietly
serve. Please prayerfully consider joining our Altar Guild.
II. Christian Formation
Episcopal Church Women – by
Mary Springer, President
The mission of the St.
James’ Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is to bring together all the women
in the church so that together we can strengthen our spiritual lives,
provide learning opportunities and support our Christ-centered service
and ministry. Camaraderie, friendship, great food and fun are enjoyed
as well.
In 2009:
Programs
Laura Shoffner ("The Gold
in Your Memories."), Sara Milford (Time for Joy), Susie Bell (Echo Free
Clinic), Amanda Dugger (Good Shepherd), Bill King & Sarah Moore
(Good Shepherd), and Cheri Lacock (Christmas Vespers)
Outreach ministry
Money for outreach and
service was raised from donations, parking lot fundraiser and the
annual Silver Tea.
Recipients:
o Jackie
Grimmett Crèche in India
o Amanda
Dugger study in Taiwan
o Carol
McClearen love support
o Echo
free clinic - dinner for volunteers and patients
o Flint
Street food bank - food
o Good
Shepherd Animal Shelter - Silver Tea recipient
o
Christmas Baskets for six families
o Shelving
for Church - Silver services.
Provided for all life sacraments
and gatherings:
o
Easter, Bishop's brunch, Community Thanksgiving, Newcomers dinner and
43rd Silver Tea
St. James’ Website by the Rev. John
Burton
A summary report from Google
analytics is posted on the bulletin board. With over 2,000 visits from
over 900 unique visitors, the web offers a gateway for visitors to
Eureka Springs to learn about Episcopal worship opportunity and for our
own folk to keep abreast of what is happening and what is coming up.
In addition to general information
about our location, worship times, and the ministries of St. James’,
the website offers current:
* Weekly
announcements and serving rota
* An online calendar
* Monthly
newsletters in text and PDF versions, EV assignments
* Archives of
sermons since 2006
* Vestry minutes
for the preceding 12 months
* Links to other
helpful websites
Information of interest to our
parishioners or to those who might want to know more about St. James
(potential visitors to Eureka Springs or those consider relocating
here) is always welcome as are photos of events at St. James. They may
be submitted by e-mail to frjohndb@gmail.com.
St. James’ House Library – by Susan
Walter
In July Father Ben and Laura
Shoffner weeded out many of the older books in the library. These books
were offered to the congregation and to the Carnegie Library. Of the
remaining books, thirty-five were checked out during the year. If you
are a reader and knowledge seeker, there is a wealth of information
here. When you stop by, you may want to peruse Vestry minutes from
years gone by and St. James’ newsletters going back to 2002. We also
have the Ray Pendergrass collection of old Prayer Books and artifacts
as well as paintings by Mary Springer.
III. Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care Team – by
Susan Vanselow, Chairperson
The Pastoral Care Committee
continues serving those in-need members of St. James’ Church who
appreciate weekly visits, as well as those who need attention on a
short-term basis in the form of meal preparation and delivery, hospital
and home visits, transportation, errands, etc. This past year we have worked with the Eucharistic
Visitors Team, as many EV’s also serve on the Pastoral Care Committee.
Two of our committee members, for example, regularly serve communion to
our home-bound members on their twice-monthly visits.
We have lost four visitation team
members in 2009, but with the seven remaining members we have continued
to make regular contact on a weekly basis with those in need. As other congregants’ short-term needs arise the
committee is eager and willing to respond in any way reasonably
possible. This past year, for example, we helped one parishioner for
two weeks who was recovering from eye surgery. The Pastoral Care Committee is privileged to serve our
church members with compassion and dedication in this important
ministry, and we invite others within the St. James’ family to join us.
Eucharistic Visitors – by Jane Acord
St. James has 11 dedicated,
licensed Eucharistic Visitors. They are Jane Acord, Judy Godfrey, Cheri
Lacock, Marty & Larry Johnson, Larry & Laura Shoffner, Suzanne
Tourtelot, Ed Tolle, Karen Pryor, and Gloria Rennels. 52 Visits were made by Eucharistic Visitors in
2009. The number of people served was 132. The Eucharistic Visitor Coordinator for 2009 and 2010
is Jane Acord.
IV. Outreach
43rd Silver Tea Report – by
Marty Johnson & Kay Wayman, 2009 Co-Chairman
The 43rd Silver Tea
sponsored by E.C.W. was a grand success this year. The weather was
perfect, the food was delicious, the tables were decorated beautifully
and the piano music was delightful. We were able to raise
$2,650.50 to benefit the Carroll County Good Shepherd Humane Society, a
wonderful achievement considering the current economic
climate. None of this could be accomplished without the hard work
of so many volunteers from St. James' and the volunteers from the
Humane Society who also donated cookies and sandwiches and assisted us
on the day of the tea. Next year our recipient will be the Eureka
Springs Carnegie Library in conjunction with their centennial
celebration. Kay Wayman and I thank all of you who were able to
volunteer in so many ways for this year's tea.
Guatemalan Mother Child Health
Sponsorship Program by Kath Cantele
Once again St. James is
sponsoring three mothers and their unborn children. The mothers will
receive comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care. They also receive
training in first aid, nutrition, infant resuscitation and preventative
care. The program then continues to support the health care needs of
the mother and child for the first five years of the child's life,
seeing them through the period of highest vulnerability. The family
further benefits from child development training and family planning.
We receive regular reports through letters and e-mails from the
sponsored mother. Susan has created a beautiful book full of pictures
and lovely letters from the mothers we sponsor. The Pueblo a Pueblo
staff assist in the process and provide translations. Sponsors are
encouraged to visit Guatemala and see the difference donations are
making in the lives of the indigenous Guatemalans.
Jackie’s Crèche – by Cheri
Lacock
This past summer we were
given an opportunity to participate in an outreach project started by
our own Jackie Grimmett. While working at an ashram in
Shantivanam, India, Jackie visited a very poor village about 8 1/2
kilometers away. There she saw young children, 2 to 5 years
old, in the dirt, under a thorn tree. These were children of
farm workers being watched by two women. This project started as a
palm frond temporary structure for them to use, they hired a teacher
and began to provide rice and some veggies so they could have one meal
a day. This grew to 14 regular children, 6 days a week.
With the guidance of the ashram
and Brother George, who heads all repair and work projects, and the
grace of God, a real school was planned. Construction began on
July 28th, with the ashram workers for everything except the block
laying. They worked 6 days a week from 8:03 A.M. until 6:00
P.M. The work was completed in 2 months. The official opening was
September 28th, blessed by Superior, Fr. George, 33 children are on the
roll. The day begins with a prayer chant, class work and a
nutritional drink and sometimes a cookie. They have study and lunch of
rice and samba, which is a sort of veggie soup. All are good
eaters. They clean their bowl and then they nap. They are
also learning social skills, sing songs, follow new directions,
etc. The aim of the school is to provide a safe and loving
environment where they can develop some independence and hopefully a
spark of desire to learn and wonder. A doctor and his doctor wife come every two months to
give a check up and medicine, if needed. We buy the meds and give to
the parents and teach them how to administer it correctly. We pay the
teacher and helpers salary, all supplies from fire wood for the cooking
of the meals, the food, school books, toys, everything. Thanks to
all of your contributions we will also be able to add electricity.
We had a Christmas party and each
child received a gift, their first, a knit cap, all were thrilled and
wear them all of the time, they are always cold. They have their
cap on and go barefoot. Blessings
to all of you who found it in your heart to share your gifts with these
precious children, the least of them. There is a
photo album with pictures of this building project in the undercroft
and more photos are on their way. St. James made a difference in the lives of 33
children in India this year. This project will continue and grow
after Jackie is gone thanks to the brothers of the ashram. Thank
you St. James family for your gifts and thank you Jackie for being
God's hands and heart in this little village.
ECHO (Eureka Springs Christian Health
Organization) – by the Rev. Betsy Porter
St. James’ members provided
the meal for a July ECHO clinic. Thanks to Mary Springer’s daughter and
Taco Bell, the meal was cooked and served by Taco Bell staff with St.
James’ women providing desserts. Additionally, an Episcopal youth group
from Garland, Texas helped us with babysitting and presenting of a
short skit that evening. Volunteers from St. James’ also helped in 2009
with clinic set-up and take-down, the Poinsettia sale which benefits
ECHO and Habitat for Humanity, Schwann’s sales for ECHO, clergy meal
blessings and short homilies at several of the clinics and volunteer
hours at the new ECHO Thrift Store which opened in November. Our
administrator, Susan Walter and her husband have contributed much to
the success of an excellent coffee shop at the thrift store which
occupies half of our space in the old mall. There continue to be many
opportunities for St. James’ people to support the amazing and unique
free health clinic in our community. As the clinic moves to its
permanent home in the old Yesteryears Antique Mall this month, we can
be proud of the work we are doing to minister to the needs of the sick
and hungry in our midst. 2010 will offer endless opportunities for us
to serve in this way.
Flint Street Fellowship—by the Rev.
Betsy Porter
Over thirty members of our
congregation contributed to our outreach at the Flint Street Fellowship
in 2009. Gifts of groceries, baked goods, money and much volunteer time
contributed to our outreach to those in need in our community this past
year. A number of us cooked or assisted at the twice-weekly hot lunches
that are served at Flint Street. We also cooked, served both a
wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner. Grocery donations
were collected at St. James’ each week and were delivered weekly to the
food bank. These groceries were used both for food distribution
and meal preparation at the food bank. Six wonderful Christmas gift
baskets and gift certificates were delivered to Flint Street families
by ECW. They included families with a single father, three single
mothers and two grandmothers raising grandchildren. As we “feed His
sheep,” we are doing what we are called to do.
Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
The Episcopal Church asks us
to set aside .7% of our yearly expected income for our MDG fund. In
2009, that amount was $747. We used $600 to sponsor two moms and
infants in the Guatemalan Mother Child Program and $147 went to ECHO.
Parking Lot Fundraiser for Outreach –
Dave Vanselow
Again this year, through the
generosity of Cornerstone Bank, the parking lot/fundraiser directly
benefited St. James’ Church, on two occasions, and raised a total of
$1097 for the St. James’ ECW and Outreach programs. Approximately 25
volunteers from the church participated in the two events -- one in
April netted ECW $520; the second in October during “Corvette Weekend”
brought in $577 for general Outreach programs. We anticipate that St. James’ Church will be offered
two more similar fundraising opportunities in 2010, and our heartfelt
thanks are extended to the Cornerstone staff and management.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – by Carol Belt
In 1998, Janet Bristow and
Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute
at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford CT gave birth to a ministry which
combines care and the love of knitting – the Prayer Shawl
Ministry. Prayers shawls are created for those undergoing medical
procedures; as a comfort after a loss, during bereavement, prayer or
meditation; for marriage ceremonies, birthing, nursing a baby; as a
bridal shower gift; during an illness and recovery; ministering to
others or just socializing. Many blessings are knitted (or
crocheted, quilted or woven) into every shawl. Whether they are
called "Prayer Shawls", "Comfort Shawls", "Peace Shawls" or "Mantles"
(just to name a few), the knitter begins each shawl with prayers and
blessings for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout
the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed, it is
offered a final blessing before being sent along its way. Some
recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and
passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing is rippled from
person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the
unconditional embrace of a sheltering, loving God. It is with
great joy that I report on the first year of activity for “Common
Threads”, our congregation’s group aligned with this Prayer Shawl
Ministry. Since started this past January, this (growing!) group of a
dozen or so dedicated knitters and crocheters has created 73 prayer
shawls! Many, many thanks to those who contributed their time,
skill, and/or materials to this wonderful new ministry!
Peachtree Gospel Sing – by the Rev.
Betsy Porter
We continued to lead gospel
singing at the Peachtree Retirement Center one time each month in
2009. Our musicians increased in number and enthusiasm this year.
With the wonderful leadership of Carol Belt, two other guitar players
contributed their musical skills and the residents joined in with
handheld instruments. Carol Belt, Laura Shoffner, and Rebecca Babbs
played guitar and Marty Johnson led the singing. We taught the
residents some contemporary gospel songs which they
loved. We also shared special music at Easter and Christmas.
A number of our church family attended the gospel sings bringing guests
with them. A highlight of our year was a trip to Harrison to sing to
the residents of the home where Marty Johnson's mother lives. In 2010
we will consider offering an additional gospel sing each
month. This outreach is a joy, not only to the residents of
Peachtree, but to all of us who gather each month.
V. Hospitality
Breakfast Club – by Billie
McCabe
During 2009, the St. James’
Breakfast Group had 50 delicious breakfasts with wonderful
fellowship. We ended the year with a bank balance of
$247.47. We look forward to another great year: thanks to Laura
Barker’s steadfast devotion to preparing our breakfast. We always
need volunteers. Let us know if you can help.
Foyer Groups – by Mary Hill,
Coordinator
At the beginning of the
year, we had 4 groups of diners for a total of 35 people. Six of
the thirty-five were not assigned to groups but had asked to be
included as "fill" if someone was unable to attend. The groups
started meeting in October and will continue through May or June.
Thank you all for your support of this fun activity at St. James.
Greeting Card Ministry – by Jill Hodge
Some 135 plus cards were
sent this past year from “Your St. James’ Church Family” to celebrate,
comfort, and encourage. If your name is not on the birthday list, you
know what to do!
Coffee & Conversation – by Cheri
Lacock
What a blessing the
rekindling of Coffee and Conversation has been this year for our
visitors and our church family. This is a chance for all of us to
connect with any guests, members we don't see often, and with each
other. We can all enjoy and share our stories, good
treats, and lively conversation. The Sundays have been filled with
volunteers each week who either bake or buy refreshments to go with the
coffee and juice prepared. They also clean-up and lock up
after. Most Sundays were full all year and we thank you for your
part in making this time together happen with such joy and
caring. Please sign up for a turn to host a Sunday for this year.
VI. Stewardship (Buildings, Finances,
Office)
Vestry Senior Warden - Dave
Vanselow, Retired
“The proof is in the
pudding”; so it is said. And as we conclude one decade and embark on
our journey along the path of 2010, the St. James’ Vestry can reflect
with great satisfaction on the good work it performed in the best
interests of this church, its congregation, clergy and staff. The
first four or five months were spent valiantly trying to maintain our
collective patience and optimism as we awaited the naming of a
new priest-in-charge, but we were rewarded in abundance in May when
Bishop Benfield appointed Fr. Ben Helmer as our new Vicar.
Eminently qualified by experience and training and personality, Father
Ben has quickly become a strong, respected, and loved spiritual leader.
He also brought with him energy, enthusiasm, and vision for our church
and his flock. For our loyal vestry members and our dedicated
advisory group who guided our search for a priest, please accept my
heartfelt gratitude and thanks in bringing Ben and Jane Helmer to St.
James’ Church. By any measure, and risking a bit of collective
pride, we did very well for our church.
During that interim without a vicar
and throughout 2009, the Vestry was not distracted or content with
simply being “caretakers.” Instead, we forged ahead in overseeing
and conducting church business, efficiently and ably; Father John and
Mother Betsy brought spiritual and clerical guidance to both the Vestry
and congregation with love and humility, aided through the wonderful
sermons of lay preacher Laura Shoffner, the interim choral direction of
Al Lacock and, now, Gloria Rennels, all wrapped in the beautiful,
uplifting music of Carroll Heath. Jerry Wayman’s experience
and wisdom as Treasurer and Larry Johnson’s skills and determination in
his role as Junior Warden served the Vestry well. Plus, of
course, the knowledge and efficiency of Susan Walter running the office
and the many chairpersons and committees whose efforts made such a
positive difference to the church and our Vestry responsibilities that
much easier. With
the saga of “the organ rebuild” happily behind us, the church
physical plant in relatively good shape ,our ambitious outreach program
maintained, our financial responsibilities met and all bills paid (and
the fact that we all still love one another!), it was a good year.
Thank you for allowing me the
privilege and honor of serving as your Senior Warden for the past two
terms. Your wisdom, caring, and, yes, your smiles and words of
reassurance, have meant a great deal to me…..and to the members of your
Vestry.
Vestry Junior Warden – by Larry
Johnson
The Jr. Warden is happy to
report that the building and grounds have never looked
better. This is because I have had a super group of volunteers
that have helped me out this year. We have electricians, painters,
lumber jacks, gardeners, plumbers and those who are a "jack of all
trades". All kinds of repairs, replacements and general
clean up has taken place this year, from putting a toothpick in a door
hinge screw hole to trimming all the trees in the garden. The
largest undertaking was the painting of the undercroft, kitchen,
stairway and sacristy. The sacristy and the stairway was done by a
paid professional at a cost of $500.00, but the rest was done by David
Vanselow, Don Omundson, Clifford Porter, Carol Belt, Marty Johnson, and
myself. I can count back and think of at least 30+ jobs done this
year by volunteers from St. James'. Had we hired professionals for
all these jobs, we could have easily spent $3,000 - $4,000. A BIG
thank you to all of you who have shared your time and talent to keep
St. James' facilities in tip-top shape. I need to give a special thanks
to Kevin Wuestenhoefer for his skill and willingness to handle all
electrical problems, including the installation of the new thermostats.
In the coming year, please let me know
of anything needing repair or replacement by either talking to me in
person, or writing it on the "Hey Mr. Jr. Warden" to do list on the
bulletin board in the undercroft. Also, we will continue to
need volunteers throughout the coming year, so if you see something
that needs attention, and you would like to volunteer to fix it, I
would be extremely grateful!
Consecration Sunday – by Karen Pryor
New Consecration Sunday was
held on October 25, 2009. On that day, 26 pledges were offered,
totaling $57,431. Based on 2008 giving records, we added an
additional $33,600 bringing our total to $91,031. Although this
figure does not represent loose offerings and other misc. income,
comparing it with last year’s budget it doesn’t take a math wiz to see
we have a deficit of between 10 and $16,000, depending on how you wish
to interpret the figures.
In total contradiction with the
concept of “New Consecration Sunday,” we have reached a point where it
has become necessary to think about what it takes to keep our church up
and running. Yes, God has, will and does provide. But, God also
helps those who help themselves. The vestry has been working on
ways of increasing our bottom line. Shortly Jerry will be
presenting what I believe to be, the best possible solution to not only
help us balance our budget but also the least demanding on each of us
as givers. I hope you will all stay just a little longer to hear this
proposal and give it prayerful consideration over the next few weeks.
Beverly and Dick Silloway were
expected to chair the stewardship campaign for 2011. With the
unexpected passing of Dick, we must consider that this may change. I
ask each of you to discern this calling as we may be coming to some of
you to fill this task.
Gardens – by Nigel Hartey
This past year was totally
amazing; the new stepping stones at the curb have been most helpful,
and last spring the garden was so beautiful with all of the bulbs that
were planted the previous year by Noelle. She did a great
job. We now have two outside work days under our belts, one
in 2007 and one in 2008; what a difference extra hands and backs make.
More bulbs were planted this past fall and the trees were trimmed back
in the lower garden, making it possible for more sun plants to be
planted. That is the most eventful thing that I can imagine for
that lower garden. Bags and bags of leaves were removed and we did take
the opportunity to kill the mold on the rocks in the lower
garden. All of the $500 budgeted was spent and an additional
$200 was allocated for spring plants, that were placed in the garden
this past fall. Many thanks to all of the wonderful people that turned
up for the work days; the garden would be an impossible job without all
of those minds, bodies and hands.
Office Administrator - by Susan Walter
I continue to divide my 28
hours per week between Financial (such as recording the offering,
keeping the books, preparing financial reports, serving on the
stewardship & budget committees), Vestry (recording minutes, filing
forms) and Communications (preparing newsletters, making Sunday
assignments, updating birthday lists and church directory) plus a
variety of tasks that come up in a one woman office. Yes, I have
shoveled snow and taken out the garbage! Please let me know if I can
help you and thanks for the opportunity to be St. James’ Office
Administrator. It is a privilege.
2009 Treasurer’s Report – by Jerry
Wayman
At year-end, we received
$82,845 in budgeted pledges. This was 98% of the amount we budgeted of
$84,201. Plate offerings were lower than our budgeted estimates
by 3,619 - $17,131 received compared to a budgeted amount of $20,750.
Operating income for the year totaled
$101,637 or $4,150 less than the 2009 budget of $105,787.
However, total operating expenses for the year were $104,159 or $9,173
less than the 2009 budget of $113,232. The result of our income
and expenses in our operating account was –(minus) $2,522.
Church income and expenses are reported
in two categories – operating and non-operating:
Operating income represents
donations made through pledges and regular offerings to pay salaries,
purchase worship materials, pay for utilities, diocesan obligations,
and so on.
Non-operating income covers donations
to and interest from special funds used for capital improvements or to
support activities and outreach not considered part of the regular
day-to-day operation of the church.
Operating income and expenses are
budgeted rather closely. Non-operating income and expenses may be
planned as was the organ renovation or unplanned – repairs to heating
and air conditioning, expenditures from designated memorial funds, etc.
2009 Final
Revenues:
Operating Income -
Offerings, other
$101,637
Total Operating
Income: $101,637
Non-Operating Income –
Building/Capital Funds
$13,445
Other gifts, fundraisers, interest
14,419
Total
Non-Operating Income:
27,864
Total
Revenues:
$129,501
Expenses:
Operating
Expenses –
Programs
$6,655
Budgeted Outreach
13,026
Clergy
36,067
Administrative
35,409
Property
13,002
Total Operating
Expenses:
$104,159
Non-Operating
Expenses –
Major improvements/capital
$9,835
Unbudgeted outreach/mission
6,767
Funds transmitted to other orgs.
11,262
Total
Non-Operating Expenses:
$27,864
Total
Expenses:
$132,023
Members and others continued to
contribute generously towards a variety of local needs, as well as
needs in other parts of the world. MDG/Outreach funds in the amount of
$5,422 were dispersed to worthy causes.
Cash/cash equivalent position:
Total cash,
savings, checking accounts $ 64,779
Total investment
portfolio
80,024
Total 2009
Cash/Cash Equivalents: $144,803
Special thanks to Susan Walter for keeping
all this straight and handling all the many reports required by the
diocese and the government.