Governance news posted Thursday, June 03, 2010
Diocesan Council Meeting
May 8, 2010
[Minutes not yet approved]
The meeting began with an opening prayer by Bp. Michel followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. The Bishop’s report included updates on several outstanding Diocesan issues, including the recent publication of the Convention 2009 Journal, which is available online at the Diocese of Pennsylvania website.
Diocesan Treasurer Joe Suprenek offered a detailed overview of the year-to-date finances and projections for the remainder of the year. While cash flow is tight, all obligations are being met.
The Committee on Property and Finance has been addressing a number of issues, including ongoing needs for repair and maintenance at Church House, the marketing of the Wapiti property (no current acceptable bids have been received) and planning a meeting of various Diocesan leadership groups to initiate a long-range financial planning process for the Diocese.
The Program Budget Committee will present the draft 2011 Program Budget at the June 12 meeting of Diocesan Council.
The liaisons to various committees of the Diocese made their reports that reflect ongoing work in multiple areas of our community, including: long-range planning efforts for ministry and mission; assisting churches who are seeking revitalization and renewal; ongoing vitality of summer youth camping program in cooperation with the Diocese of Delaware and in our Diocese with City Camp; the growth of the Temple Campus Ministry program; continuing work in anti-racism training; and expansion of the numbers of churches and individuals involved with our Companion Diocese of Guatemala. Reports were also received from the Cathedral Chapter regarding the need to initiate significant immediate planning to discern the future and options for the Cathedral Commons project and determination of the management and use of the apartment on Chestnut Street.
The Convention Committee offered a detailed report regarding the status of planning and the projected costs for the Convention to be held on November 6 at the Convention Center. It will be held in a new area with larger meeting rooms and a separate theater space will be available for Eucharist. Currently, there are no funds are available for food, including snacks and lunch. In 2009, these costs were borne by the combination of the $20 fee and funds offered by the Standing Committee. It was noted by numerous members that most other Dioceses charge a significant fee for delegates to attend convention. A motion for the Convention Committee to consider charging a registration fee that includes the cost of breakfast, snack, lunch and partial cost of the convention not exceeding $75.00 was made by Victoria Sicks and seconded by Janet Ross. The motion carried unanimously. It was suggested this information should be taken back to the various deaneries by the Diocesan Council representatives. Convention communications and registrations will be done online with fees paid by credit card.
The meeting adjourned with positive reflections of the conduct and consideration of the Diocesan Council and a blessing offered by Bp. Michel. The next meeting will be held on June 12, 9 AM-Noon at Messiah, Gwynned.
Submission by The Rev. Kathryn Andonian, Vice-Chair Diocesan Council
