ST. PETER’S PARISH, FERNANDINA

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - 2006
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church - Fernandina Beach
January 31, 2007

Following 5:30 pm dinner, Fr George opened the 2006 Annual Parish Meeting at 6:15pm with prayer and words of welcome to the 85 or so attendees. The Agenda was part of the 2006 Annual Report distributed to all present.
I. Financial Report & Presentation of the 2007 Budget
Treasurer Jim Carpenter opened by saying that the ‘05 Audit had been successfully concluded; then presented a synopsis of the last five years’ financial information; and the 2007 Budget approved by the Vestry at their January meeting. With the hiring in ‘06 of Katrina Smith and Brian Moody, our Personnel Expense will show a hefty increase in 2007. But as Jim said, we are now well along in the transition from being a large “small” church into being a small “large” church, and thus quite apprpriately gearing up for what we believe will be a period of exciting growth and new expressions of Christian ministry.
We managed a modest “profit” in ‘06 and based on those results, expect to do about the same in ‘07. In order to “balance” the Budget, however, we may need to rely on the Thackara Funds (our “reserve” account) to cover temporary shortfalls during the year. This will importantly depend on how we ultimately “dispose” of the loan (BUB) balance (approx $360,000) remaining from the renovations of the Parish facilities undertaken after the last Capital Campaign. There is interest budgeted in ‘07 of $2,000 per month which assumes no reduction in that loan amount.
Responding to a question about the “pending” sale of the Broome St. Property, Jim mentioned that the Housing Assistance Corp of Nassau County, whose approach nearly two years ago triggered our interest in offering the property for sale, was working with the Florida legislature to see if funds could be appropriated for their purchase and development of the property (as affordable housing units). This process is likely to take at least a year.
Jim reminded all about the use of the pledge envelopes, both for making regular “plate” offerings but also those red-bordered envelopes for “special” or “festival” offerings (Easter, birthdays, etc). While only 15 parishioners are currently using the “draft bank account” option, those that do find it a safe and convenient way of managing the admisistrative challenge of keeping current with one’s pledge obligation.
In closing, Dan Roach and Fr George reminded everyone how fortunate St Peter’s is to have as able and dedicated a treasurer as Jim Carpenter is, a tribute resoundingly applauded by the body assembled.

II. Lenten Plans at St Peter’s: what it means to offer ourselves as “a reasonable, holy and living sacrifice” - our theme for ‘07
Relections Booklets will be going to the printers shortly and mailed to parishioners in about a week.
Unction will be offered at each Wednesday mid-day service during Lent. Ash Wednesday services will be at 7:30 am, 12:10 & 7 pm. All are invited to walk the Stations of the Cross (booklet available in the Parish office.)
III. Report on 2007 Diocesan Convention - Delegates Bobbie Morgan Jones, Liz McCall, and Pat Burns each expressed their gratitude for the opportunity of participating and sharing fellowship with others from around the diocese. They were impressed with the seriousness of purpose, lack of confrontation or contrroversy, and the enthusiasm for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) embraced by the Diocese as its priority for the next decade. Pat Burns was particularly complimentary of Liza’s contribution and leadership.
IV. Capital Campaign Announcement: Fr George outlines the background leading up to the Vestry’s decision to move begin (in Feb) a feasibility study of a springtime Capital Campaign. The study will identify needs and amounts and timing. It is currently expected the Campaign would begin in March and conclude in May
V. Presentations & Conclusion: Retiring Vestry members Lynn Grant, Toby Atkinson, Bill Dickson, John Dyal, and Ginger Mock were given praise and gratitude for their service. New Vestry Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, Trey Warren, Ed Grissom and Dave Lott were commissioned. Toby Atkinson was recognised for her superlative contributions to the Vestry and to the life of the Parish with the “St. Peter’s Rock” award. And we concluded with Compline.

MINUTES - DECEMBER VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - December 4, 2006

Fr George Young opened the meeting @ 6:05 pm. All seated and incoming Vestry members (Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, Ed Grissom, David Lott) were present except Bill Dickson. This was an abbreviated meeting as to facilitate Advent observances at the Youngs’ home. (more…)

MINUTES - NOVEMBER VESTRY MEETING St. Peter’s Church - November 13, 2006

Fr George Young opened the meeting. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Treasurer Jim Carpenter, Bill Dickson, Neil Blalock, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Francis Flood, Early McCall, Trey Warren. Absent: Toby Atkinson, Ginger Mock, Lynn Grant, Cathy Kaltenbach, Neil Frink. Visitors (incoming Vestry Persons): Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, Ed Grissom, David Lott.

NEXT MEETING: Dec 4, 2006 @ 6 pm, followed by Advent Observances (7 pm) at the home of Bill & Betty Dickson; Devotional: Toby Atkinson

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Jim Carpenter reviewed the Oct and year-to-date financials, which continue to reflect income ahead of budget by nearly 4% and effective expense management despite the personnel additions of two full-time professionals (Christian Formation and Youth Director).

He then moved to a presentation of the 2007 Budget Process (which is nearing its final phase). Using the procedure adopted several years ago of budgeting income no greater for the year ahead than achieved in the year past, Jim is making reasoned estimates of what our income for Nov and Dec (and thus for the full year’06) will be based on our year-to-date results. This leads to an estimated rise in Operating Revenue for 2007 of 14% over that budgeted for ‘06. This added revenue will be necessary to cover the added personnel costs mentioned above plus additions recommended or required by Diocesan guidelines.

Still, total Personnel Expense budgeted for next year remains well below the 60% “maximum” recommended for a parish our size.

Other significant expense increases are forecast for Buildings & Grounds and include the addition of $2,000 per month interest on the BUB loan (currently about $360,000); and added cemetery maintenance expense.

Following his thorough and candid presentation, Jim requested and received unanimous approval of the preliminary budget presented. Incorporating the December revenue numbers and any other necessary adjustments, the final budget will be submitted for Vestry approval at its January 8th meeting. (more…)

Dear fellow seekers of the Messiah,

Almost everyone could give a decent answer to the question, “what is the meaning of Christmas?” Answers like, “the baby Jesus was born, the Word became flesh, God became human, God is like Santa Claus and rewards us for being good boys and girls and punishes us for being bad (nope – that’s NOT right!!), etc.” would be given.

How about Epiphany? I wonder how people would answer the question – “what is the significance of Epiphany?” The scriptural description is - that is when the kings from the East arrived to give gifts to the newborn king. It is when people who were NOT Jews recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
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