|
Friday, December 13 2019
The Chronicle, December 13, 2019 Treasurer’s Report & Capital Campaign Update Treausurer's Report Our current financial condition Statements of Activities and Financial Position as of November 30, 2019 can be viewed by clicking on the embedded links or by following this link and scrolling down to the bottom of the page. Bank balances as of November 30, 2019:
As of October 31, 2019, the balance in our General (Unrestricted) Account with the Diocese of Olympia Master Trust was $450,954.88. It will be reduced by $40,000 as of November 30, 2019 and by another $80,000 as of December 31, 2019 to apply to our architect’s fees and expenses to-date for their work to replace our sanctuary roof and undertake related structural repairs. We intend to reimburse the General Account from funds raised in our upcoming capital campaign. Looking ahead to 2020 A Profit & Loss Budget Overview for 2020 (our 2020 Budget) was approved by the Vestry on December 12, 2019. It reflects a projected deficit of $99,423.66. It can be viewed by clicking on the embedded link or by following this link and scrolling down to the bottom of the page. $56,346.00 (57%) of the projected deficit is our Diocesan Assessment for 2020. Bishop Rickel has advised that—so long as we remain current with our Assessment payments in 2020—we will not be required to make any payments in 2020 on the balance owing from 2018 and 2019 (approximately $77,000.00), and in 2021, we may petition for forgiveness of all or part of this unpaid balance from prior years. The projected deficit is likely to increase as we fail to secure pledges from those who gave in 2018 and/or 2019 but have not pledged in 2020 and we incur additional expenses related to our buildings and grounds, including repairing and replacing cracked concrete on the sidewalk, work required by the fire marshal to satisfy code requirements in the space leased by the Olympia Community School, and potential mold remediation. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding our budget or financial condition, please contact Cynthia Knapp, our Bookkeeper, at cynthia@stjohnsoly.org or me at bobleroy05@gmail.com. Respectfully submitted… …Bob Le Roy, Treasurer Sing to the Lord a New Song Capital Campaign Update Given the priority to raise additional revenue to sustain our operations in 2020, Jerry Campbell, our consultant with the Episcopal Church Foundation, has recommended that we delay the start of our capital campaign by two months. Early gift solicitation, the “Quiet Phase” of the campaign, will now begin on Sunday, March 15, 2020. The Campaign Kick-Off for the “Congregational Phase” is scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 and we’ll celebrate the conclusion of the campaign on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020. In January, we will complete the recruitment of campaign leadership and begin work on printed materials for the campaign, including the brochure, pledge card, and content for the website. Thanks so much for your interest in and support of our capital campaign. We look forward to keeping you informed as our preparations continue. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact me at bobleroy05@gmail.com. Onward together in faith… …Bob Le Roy, Capital Campaign Chair Friday, December 13 2019
December 13, 2019 Dear Friends, It certainly seems as if it's been quite awhile since I last had the opportunity to bring you up to date on what was occurred at the most recent Vestry meetings. My last communication with you was at Thanksgiving when I summed up what your Vestry had accomplished or is continuing to work on, as our liturgical year ended. Now it's Advent with Christmas just a few days away. Time to wrap up the calendar year and look ahead to 2020! As you may be aware, this publication of The Chronicle was delayed in order for the latest information be given to you after the December Vestry meeting. With that in mind, I'm providing information from the November Vestry Meeting, as well as what we have learned at last night's meeting. Let's backtrack to November and look at some highlights: 1) Our monthly Recognition Sunday for December will be focusing on the Pastoral Committee. That group will be recognized on Sunday, Dec. 8. 2) Fr. R.C. led us through an exercise from the College for Congregational Development Model that focused on an organization and the dynamics of the personal interactions with those involved in the organization. Of course, this is a VERY brief summary of the activity. 3) An update on the pledge campaign was provided. We learned that (A) pledges had been received from new folks at St. John's (Thank You!), (B) pledges are still being collected and (C) that we would probably need to make some follow up phone calls to parishioners regarding their participation in the campaign. I need to extend a much deserved Thank You! to Sarah Clifthorne for producing a program containing much needed information that can be used in future Pledge Campaigns! 4) Treasurer Bob Le Roy has been working with Sarah to stay abreast of the progress of the Pledge Campaign and determine how it relates to the 2020 budget. That budget is being worked on by Bob, Fr. R.C. and our Bookkeeper, Cynthia Knapp. That work will be presented to the Vestry for consideration on December 12. Preliminary information indicates we should expect a shortfall for 2020. Bob will present a detailed report regarding the shortfall at the December 12 Vestry meeting. There was also discussion as to how to address the deficit. 5) Fr. R.C. provided an update on his Sabbatical plans for 2020. The Sabbatical is a contractual agreement between St. John's and Fr. R.C. He is entitled to a three to six months leave after completing five years service to St. John's. Expect more detailed information regarding the plan from Fr. R.C., as he plans to address his plans during a Forum session at 9:15 AM on December 22. There is much more to a Sabbatical than honoring a contractual agreement. The concept, of course, has Biblical roots. There are many references to the need for the rest and the renewal that all of us need. It is a time to refresh, renew and rejuvenate ourselves both physically and spiritually. It is with this spirit that the Sabbatical leave should be approached. 6) Lou MacMillan provided information from the Sanctuary Renovation Committee to let us know where we were with regard to the anticipated construction project. Please remember once the minutes of a Vestry Meeting are approved, they are available in the office or on the website for your review. Other things are always discussed at Vestry meetings. The intent of my communication is to provide just a highlight of things. In addition to the regular November Vestry meeting, we held a short, informational meeting on Sunday, December 1 at 9:30 AM. The main focus of that meeting was an update on the Budgeting process for 2020 and a specific plan for making the follow up phone calls to parishioners regarding their participation in the Pledge Campaign. The December meeting of the Vestry was held on December 12th. During the meeting, Jr. Warden Ric Weatherman reported that after a walk through with the Fire Marshall, it was found that we are in need of upgrading our fire alarm system as well as the potential need to address an upgrade to our sprinkler system upstairs in the area used by Olympia Community School. In other action, the Vestry approved the Sabbatical plan for Fr. R.C. that was introduced back in August. More information regarding the leave will be provided by Fr. R.C. during The Forum session on December 22. The Vestry also approved the budget for 2020 that was submitted by Treasurer Bob Le Roy. Again, several other things were discussed, and as always I will refer you to review the complete meeting minutes after they are approved either in the office or on the website. The item most likely on everyone's mind centered on the Budget for 2020 and the anticipated deficit for the coming year and how to address the financial situation in which we find ourselves. Please refer to Bob Le Roy's article in this edition of The Chronicle for the specific details of our financial position. In previous communications with you I have expressed your Vestry's efforts to have a better understanding of where we were financially. 2019 has been a difficult year. Our financial accounts were in need of a thorough examination. The manner in which things had been done and records kept were in need of an overhaul. It took a long time and required a tremendous amount of work from Fr. R.C., Treasurer Bob Le Roy and Bookkeeper Cynthia Knapp to figure things out and get a handle on things. They completed their part of the journey. My heartfelt Thanks! to them for their efforts!! We were in the dark about things regarding finances. Now we're in the light and can actually tell where we are. We may not like what we see, but at least we know where we are. The bottom line is we have a financial problem and we need to deal with it. Just like we're having to deal with things like a leaky roof, potential safety issues from the lack of adequate seismic construction, crumbling sidewalks and smelly and potentially hazardous mold. These problems have been around so long we've become oblivious to their existence and effect on us, to some extent. Your Vestry has demonstrated courage and leadership in stepping forward with a willingness to address these problems and make St. John's an even more wonderful place. Your Vestry also finds itself in the most uncomfortable position of having to ask for more financial support. With that in mind, we have decided to delay the beginning of our Capital Campaign until Easter. That delay will allow us time to focus on the complete financial position in which we find ourselves and develop a plan to address our needs. Asking for help is never an easy thing for any of us to do. I think most of us would rather try to figure things out on our own. If we are lost, we try to figure out where we are with the use of a map (or phone these days). If we can't figure out how to put that Christmas present together, we turn to the assembly instructions, with reluctance probably. But there comes a point in time when we have to say, "Can you help me, please?" Difficult words to utter, and ones that require a good bit of strength and faith. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is an acknowledgement of a need. A need for help. I do this all the time in prayer. I ask for guidance, strength, understanding, the right words to say or write, etc. Whatever the need, I'm asking God for help. This is surely a time when we all need to offer our prayers for direction and for thanksgiving. In the attempt, Mark Hampton Tuesday, October 01 2019
Greetings! Our Pledge Campaign for 2020 has launched, and I’d like to offer my thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to make it happen: Sarah Clifthorne and Gerry Apple, co-chairs; Mary Law, Evie Fagergren and all our office workers who come in during the week; our speakers who share their faith on Sunday mornings this month; and our shepherds who are making sure everyone in the parish has a pledge card. Thank you to each of you for your ministry! I mentioned this in The Messenger last week, but it bears repeating here in The Chronicle: I have been diagnosed with advanced arthritis in the left hip, and on the advice of my doctors I have scheduled a total hip replacement for December 31. I will be away from St. John’s all of January recovering from this procedure. Thankfully, the Church Pension Fund provides insurance for active clergy in these circumstances, so we will be able to hire an interim to take over for the month that I’m gone. I’ll announce who that person is as soon as we have finalized all the details. In the meantime, my sincerest thanks to our Wardens, Mark Hampton & Ric Weatherman, and to the Vestry, who have been incredibly supportive as I’ve been evaluating treatment options and developing a plan in these last months. I’m deeply grateful for their support, and for that of the parish. Blessings, +R.C. Tuesday, October 01 2019
Sanctuary Renovation Planning Update Planning continues for the renovation of our Sanctuary. You’ll recall the Feasibility Study conducted in July by the Episcopal Church Foundation found a high probability that a capital campaign could raise $964,000, and perhaps more toward our “stretch” goal of $1.6 million for the entire project. Since then we’ve worked with Clint Pehrson Architects of Seattle, our architectural consultant, to further refine the project scope and budget details based on the ECF’s conclusions. In late August, Clint, Father R.C., members of the Vestry, and I met with KMB Architects of Olympia, to discuss hiring them as the primary architects. While not specialists in church architecture, KMB brings a wealth of design experience in weatherproofing and structural improvements that may improve the efficiency of our project. A local firm, they have completed many public-sector projects in education, hospitality, and health care. We are now working with KMB to clarify all project details and costs in anticipation that we will soon contract with them for design services. Clint Pehrson is under contract to remain as the Owner’s Representative throughout the design phase. He will assist us in negotiating the owner/architect agreement, guide KMB’s design work for the aesthetics and acoustics of our worship space, evaluate and advise us on that design, assist with project permitting, and help us select a general contractor. At our option, we may retain Clint during the construction phase, which is planned for summer 2020. Over the next several weeks, KMB will move forward on schematic design, including drawings that will help us envision what the renovation will look like. These should be available when we launch our capital campaign later this year. I will update you with any renovation developments in the November edition of The Chronicle, and as needed until then. For the Sanctuary Renovation Committee: Lou MacMillan, Chair Tuesday, October 01 2019
We are excited by this year’s annual pledge theme, “Shining Our Light.” This theme, taken from the fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, speaks to us as individuals and as a community of faith. Individually, each of us is called to make sure we are letting God’s light shine through our work, our friendships, our service, and our giving. We are called to be light bearers. This is a powerful calling. As a faith community, St. John’s | San Juan’s must shine the light of Christ through our worship, welcome, pastoral care, and outreach ministry to our wider community. We are often amazed by how members of our Church use their time, talents, and treasure to keep their light shining brightly. Some of us make sure the snacks at the coffee hour are delicious and abundant. Others participate in our worship either by singing in the choir or assisting in the service. Still others prepare the worship space with flowers or altar vestments. Many of us also represent the church in our participation of various community service programs. While during this pledge drive, each of us asked to make a generous financial pledge for the coming year, we are also grateful for the many gifts of time, food, and skills from each member of this church. We hope you’ll join us as we work together to shine our light in church, in our community, and in our lives. Pledge cards and return envelopes should have arrived in your postal mail, but are also available at the Church Office. We will collect them at the end of our campaign on Sunday, October 27th (although you may return earlier to the Church Office). Faithfully, Sarah Clifthorne and Gerry Apple Tuesday, October 01 2019
Sing to the Lord a New Song Capital Campaign Update With the successful completion of our Feasibility Study, we are moving ahead diligently with plans for our Capital Campaign. The Feasibility Study Report suggests a primary goal for the Campaign of $964,000 and reflects the clear consensus of our members that the top priorities for the funds raised should be replacing the sanctuary roof and resolving the life safety issues in the building. Discussions with our architect confirm that the primary goal should (within a small margin of error) be sufficient to address these two priorities. Jerry Campbell, our partner with the Episcopal Church Foundation, will continue to guide us as we prepare for the Solicitation Phase of the Campaign, which will launch in January 2020. This month, we will recruit the Gift Workers for the Advance Gift (“Quiet”) solicitation phase of the Campaign. We will also begin work on printed materials for the Campaign, including the brochure, pledge card, and content for the website. Thanks so much for your interest in and support of our Capital Campaign. We look forward to keeping you informed as our preparations continue. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact me at bobleroy05@gmail.com. Onward together in faith… …Bob Le Roy, Capital Campaign Chair Tuesday, October 01 2019
Our Financial Statements (Financial Position, Income and Expense, Budget v. Actual) through August 31, 2019 are available on the parish website by clicking here. Work on our 2020 Budget will begin in later this week (October 3). We will build this budget collaboratively. Each ministry will be provided a template for use in projecting their needs in 2020 and preparing a narrative describing the purpose and impact of their work in the life of our parish and community. We plan to present the 2020 Budget to the Vestry for approval at its November meeting, following completion of the 2020 Pledge Campaign. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding our financials, please contact Cynthia Knapp, our Bookkeeper, at cynthia@stjohnsoly.org, or me at bobleroy05@gmail.com. Both of us can also be reached by calling the church office, 360-352-8527 On a Sunday in November, during the Forum between the services, Cynthia and I will present a workshop on how to read our Financial Statements. Stay tuned for the exact date. You’re welcome to join us! Respectfully submitted… …Bob Le Roy, Treasurer Tuesday, October 01 2019
Fall seems to be upon us. Time to square things up around the church for winter. Dan our sexton mentioned there is a florescent light out in the parish hall that apparently has a bad ballast. Is there anyone that has the wiring experience to help install a new one? Our yard service crew takes care of our leaves, thank you our anonymous doner who provides that service. Keeping the gutters clear is always a job until the leaves are all down. We'll be visiting with Ray Willard about what trimming we need to do this fall and schedule a work party. We also need to do some sidewalk repair and I'll organize a work party for that when I get back in town. Anyone have concrete experience? If you have time for any of these projects let me know and we'll plan for it. Ric Weatherman, jr warden Tuesday, October 01 2019
9/24/19 Dear Members and Friends, Greetings from the Great Smoky Mountains! What beautiful scenery we've been lucky enough to see. Certainly different from the Pacific Northwest, but just as grand it its own way. We've come about 2,800 miles on this venture and have another 500 or so to go before beginning the trek west and heading home. In addition to the gorgeous scenery we've seen, Lin and I were quite impressed with the focus on family. Last Sunday, we found a picnic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where we could have lunch. As I dragged out our small cooler with sandwiches etc., we noticed families arriving by the car load. They unpacked tables, chairs, grills, coolers in amounts I've never seen. Families gathered to celebrate each other with food and fellowship. Church buses arrived and members unloaded to find table after table (with tablecloths, I might add) laden with food ready to be savored. Wherever we are fortunate enough to go, we are always reminded of our families and our relationships- some of the greatest gifts bestowed on us. In the attempt, Saturday, August 31 2019
With the successful completion of our Feasibility Study, we are moving ahead diligently with plans for our Capital Campaign. The Feasibility Study Report (which you can download by clicking here) suggests a primary goal for the Campaign of $964,000 and reflects the clear consensus of our members that the top priorities for the funds raised should be replacing the sanctuary roof and resolving the life safety issues in the building. Discussions with our architect confirm that the primary goal should (within a small margin of error) be sufficient to address these two priorities. Jerry Campbell, our partner with the Episcopal Church Foundation, will continue to guide us as we prepare for the Solicitation Phase of the Campaign, which will launch in January 2020. Thanks so much for your interest in and support of our Capital Campaign. We look forward to keeping you informed as our preparations continue. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact me either by email (click here) or by calling the church office. Onward together in faith, Bob Le Roy, Capital Campaign Chair |
