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ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NEW CITY, NY
PARISH MEETING
Sunday, January 20, 2013
1
St. John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting Notice Posted 1/6/2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
One Worship Service at 10:00 am (snow date: Sunday, January 27)
Vestry and Endowment Committee Nominations
(Terms expire at the annual meeting of the year indicated)
Vestry Nominations
Sr. Warden Barbara Henning (2015)
Jr. Warden Gary McCorry (2014)
Two vestry positions Kacy Dow (2016)
William McKinstry (2016)
Endowment Committee Nominations
Scott Dow (2016), Kim McCorry (2015), Ken Herdman (2014)
Adopt Amendments to By-Laws (primarily language related to St. John’s Episcopal
Church Endowment Fund) as recommended by the vestry (pages 6-7)
Current Vestry Membership
Sr. Warden George Owen, Term ends 2013
Jr. Warden Barbara Henning, Term ends 2014
Class of 2013 Kacy Dow, Wilma Koomson
Class of 2014 Fran James-Gelles, Margaret Gillespie
Class of 2015 Karen Krystel Gutterman, Richard Wilson
Current Endowment Committee Membership
Barbara Henning, Jr. Warden
Richard Wilson, Vestry Liaison
Scott Dow, Term ends 2013
Barbara Ayew, Term ends 2014; Vacancy, with a term ending 2014
David Krystel, Term ends 2015
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Agenda
Worship Service 10:00 am – 11:10 am
Call Annual Meeting to Order – George Owen, Senior Warden
Appoint Clerk of the annual meeting
Approval of the minutes of the 2012 All Parish Annual Meeting
Slate of Nominations: Vestry and Endowment Committee Nominations (page 1)
Call for Nominations from the floor/Close Nominations/Announce Polls open
Sunday School reports to Classrooms
Begin worship
Sunday School returns for Communion
AFTER BLESSING BEFORE DISMISSAL, resume meeting, 11:10 am -12:15 pm
Refreshments/Childcare begins
View redesigned website www.stjohnsnewcity.net
Reading of the Necrology
Report of the Endowment Committee (Rich Wilson)
Report of the Communications Committee (Rich Wilson)
Senior Warden Report/George Owen (see additonal document)
THE CHANGING FACE OF ST. JOHN’S
Interim Pastor’s Report/The Rev. Charles Arlin
Report of the Treasurer/Budget, Finance, Executive/Gary McCorry
Treasurer’s Report – (pages 21-22)
Adopt Amendments to By-Laws, as recommended by the vestry (pages 6-7)
Closing of Polls and Ballot Results
Recognition of retiring vestry members
Commissioning of newly elected vestry and endowment committee members
Adjourn Annual meeting
Dismissal
The following reports are provided for your information and for the record. Please speak to the wardens or
vestry liaison if you have any questions.
Jr. Warden Report (pages 3-5) Barbara Henning
Reports of Organizations and Committees Vestry Liaisons
Buildings and Grounds (page 8) Rich Wilson
Christian Formation (page 9-10) Margaret Gillespie
Communications (page 11) Wilma Koomson
Endowment (page 12) Richard Wilson
Episcopal Church Women (page 13-14) Karen Krystel Gutterman
Membership (page 15) Fran James-Gelles
Outreach (page 16) Kacy Dow
Property Committee (page 17-18) Barbara Henning
Stewardship (page 19) George Owen
Worship Committee (page 20) Pastor Charles
Appendix: Vestry Resolution Concerning St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund (pages 23-26)
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Jr. Warden Report
Vestry Prayer: Gracious God, we ask for your guidance as we seek to be good stewards of this Body of Christ, St. John’s. Help
us to be gracious with one another, to listen to one another, and support one another through prayer and
Christian friendship. In all our deliberations, make us aware that it is only in Christ Jesus that we live, and move,
and have our being. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
My time this year was spent in the following areas: property issues (especially as liaison with Bambini
Nursery Childcare), administrative and financial matters with the Executive Committee (Wardens,
Treasurer, Clerk of the vestry), St. John’s By-Laws revisions, primarily in connection with the
Endowment Fund (see pages 8-9) and a vestry subcommittee (with Kacy Dow, Karen Gutterman,
George Owen and Rich Wilson) to design the format and follow up for the parish focus groups.
“Who do we want to be” was the theme for the focus groups (see items 1 and 2 which follow). This
theme was continued at our Homecoming service in September and in our Stewardship effort in the fall.
This type of focus group opportunity for the entire parish is an important part of the self-study process in
an interim period. The agenda for the focus groups and a summary of the “Who do we want to be?”
portion of both the general discussions and smaller break-out groups (which was distributed to the parish
in June) follows below.
The Executive Committee developed a plan to recognize two upcoming anniversaries: 50 years of St.
John’s on Strawtown Road (2013) and 150 years of St. John’s parish (2016). At our March meeting, the
vestry was unanimous in their support of a capital campaign to honor the two anniversaries and a request
was sent to parishioners, former parishioners, friends of the parish and members of the community. Thus far we
have received $54,575 in pledges with $10,975 already in hand. (see item 3 which follows)
Throughout the year each member of the vestry acted as a “Shepherd” to a small group of parishioners,
encouraging them to attend focus groups and keeping the informed about various parish activities.
Plans for the vestry for the coming year:
Shepherding will continue. Plan the 50th
anniversary celebration. Continue next steps in the
interim/discernment process for the parish.
Item 1/for Parish Focus Groups in March 2012
Refreshing Our Profile
Agenda for Parish Focus Groups
General Discussion Who do we want to be?
What are the qualities of the Rector who can lead us there?
Small Group(s) Discussion
Please take five minutes to address the following questions before we begin further conversation.
What do we like at St. John's? What can we improve/change?
Answer in the following areas:
Worship, Outreach, Christian Education, Stewardship (Time, Talent, Treasure), Fellowship
Special questions for the following topic: Membership
How do we make sure we are welcoming? Who in our community is missing from our church?
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Item 2/Report on Parish Focus Groups (3/4/12, 3/11/12, 3/18/12, 3/25/12)
The following reflects an attempt to summarize and present the key/most frequent responses for the first
question from the four parish focus groups and the small group discussion at each (more information
will follow). At this time, the bullet points below in no way reflect the final profile of St. John’s. A
refreshed profile will come after meetings and discussions of the vestry and collaboration with the parish
as to how they are willing to help these points become a reality at St. John’s.
This list has completed the 1st step of our discernment process as to what we want St. John’s to be. We
have already started to make some changes based on the input from the meeting such as better
communicating financial information, starting the worship committee again, and scheduling Saturday
evening services starting June 30th
and going through the entire month of June, in response to a request
for flexible service times.
The next Step will consist of what each one of us is going to do to help this vision of who we want to be
to come to fruition. Each of the bullet points has been associated to a group that already functions
within St. John’s. What you need to do is find areas that you feel you have some input, and willing to
work in. We are not asking you to join committees, but to make yourself available for an occasional
meeting to share your ideas of how we can accomplish the vision, and to lend a hand in making it
happen! Remember, for us to attain these visions, it will take all us working on it, not just a few.
Together we will succeed!
Who do we want to be?
A parish that is vibrant, thriving, growing, financially sound (Membership/Vestry)
A flexible parish – with music, service times, involving more people in the services, and one that is
accommodating to families with children (Worship)
A parish that is out in the world, in our community and recognized in our community (Outreach)
A parish that is supportive, nurturing, energetic, a source of strength (ECW with the entire parish)
A parish that is attractive to young families, young people, provides a foundation for kids, for all
(Christian Formation)
A parish that is caring, spiritual, welcoming, fun, accepting, inviting, open, with offerings for all
ages (Christian Formation/Membership/Fellowship with the entire parish)
A parish that expresses pride in who we are through our physical appearance, and willing to expand
and publicize what we have (Communications/Buildings & Grounds)
A parish that has an awareness of our congregation and reaches out to the missing (Pastoral
Caregivers with the help of the entire parish)
All of the above are things that we as a parish must look at, and start to put the wheels in motion
to make us an appealing parish for a new rector. To have an ‘US’ we need a lot of ‘I’s’. The question
we need to ask of ourselves is, ‘What am I willing to do to ensure that St. John’s becomes these things?’
The vestry cannot do this alone, you must step up to make this happen.
PLEASE FILL OUT AND DEPOSIT IN THE BASKET AT THE BACK OF THE CHURCH ON
SUNDAY June 3rd.
WHO WE WANT TO BE/HOW I CAN HELP
NAME
HOME PHONE
I WOULD LIKE TO HELP OUT IN THE AREA OF:
AN IDEA I HAVE THAT I THINK I COULD HELP ACCOMPLISH:__________________________
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Item 3/Mailed in late March 2012/Capital Campaign request
2013 – 50th
Anniversary Parish’s 150th
Anniversary 2016
TIME TO PREPARE FOR CELEBRATION!
On July 13th
, 2013, we will be celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the consecration of St. John’s
Church at 365 Strawtown Road.
2016 will be the 150th
Anniversary of St. John’s New City.
In preparation for our 150th Anniversary, we are starting a Capital Campaign to Refurbish and
Refresh our 50-year old building as we look toward our short and long term future. Many of our
upgrades will make us more energy efficient: new doors in the narthex; improved walkways, with
handicapped accessibility; a new roof and new windows for the rectory.
We are asking St. John’s parishioners and our friends to commit to a 5-year capital campaign of
a minimum pledge of $150 per year to fund this campaign. Our goal is to raise at least $100,000 over
the 5 years.
We kicked off the Capital Campaign at the March 2012 Vestry Meeting with the Wardens giving
their initial checks for this effort.
We hope that the many fond memories of the past years at St. John’s will encourage you to join
in our campaign and support the work we need to do to protect our home for the future.
One in Christ,
St. John’s Vestry
Signed by: George Owen, Barbara Henning, Kacy Dow, Margaret Gillespie, Karen Gutterman,
Fran James-Gelles, Wilma Koomson, Richard Wilson
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Adopt Amendments to the
BY-LAWS OF ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
AS ADOPTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 24, 2010
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE II, SECTIONS 11 AND 12; ARTICLE III, SECTIONS 6, 7
ADOPTED BY THE VESTRY ON 11/13/12
TO BE RATIFIED BY THE PARISH AT THE 2013 ANNUAL MEETING
ARTICLE II
VESTRY SECTION 11, DELETE “TRUST”
THE ENDOWMENT FUND IS NOT A LEGAL TRUST
Section 11. Subject to the limitations and conditions contained in any gift, devise or bequest, the Vestry
may invest the funds of the Parish Corporation, except the Endowment Trust Funds, in such securities,
investments or other property, real or personal, located within or without the State of New York, as to it
shall seem advisable without being restricted to those classes of securities which are lawful for the
investment of trust funds under the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 12
THE CURRENT OVERSIGHT DOCUMENT (CALLED BY-LAWS) FOR THE ENDOWMENT
FUND IS IN ERROR. ONLY THE PARISH CORPORTION IS GOVERNED BY BY-LAWS.
CURRENT LANGUAGE
The St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Trust Fund shall be administered pursuant to its By-Laws.
Each year, the Endowment Trust committee shall prepare and present an annual written report to the
parish at the Annual Meeting.
Article II, Section 12, should be replaced in its entirety by the following:
St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund was established to enable the Parish to fulfill its mission
more completely than would be possible through its annual operating funds. The Vestry has the ultimate
responsibility for managing the endowment, and it has adopted a separate Resolution on November 13,
2012, (which may be amended from time to time, and its current version is incorporated by reference
herein), that defines the endowment’s purposes, establishes an Endowment Committee and provides for
basic operating policies and guidelines.
ARTICLE III
CLERK, ASSISTANT CLERK, TREASURER, ASSISTANT TREASURER AND COUNSEL
SECTION 6, DELETE “TRUST”
Section 6. The Treasurer shall account for all moneys received by the Parish. Such receipts shall be
deposited in the name of the Corporation in the bank or banks, trust company or trust companies, or
other depository or depositories, which the Vestry shall from time to time designate. Except or as
7
otherwise provided in the By-Laws or by resolution of the Vestry expenditure checks must be signed by
any two of the following: Rector, a Warden, Designee of the Vestry or the Treasurer. The Treasurer
shall be responsible for the deposit in banks, trust companies, or other depositories designated by the
Vestry, of all permanent funds and all securities owned or held in trust by the Parish Corporation, but
not to include funds in the Endowment Trust Fund. Further the Treasurer shall make and keep records
of all trust and permanent funds showing at least the following:
1. Source and date
2. Terms governing the use of principal and income
3. To whom and how often reports of conditions are to be made
4. How the funds are invested or otherwise disposed of.
SECTION 7, DELETE entire section
OBSOLETE LANGUAGE, THE PARISH CORPORATION COMPLIES WITH INSURANCE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIOCESE.
SUBSEQUENT NUMBERING OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE ADJUSTED.
Section 7. The Treasurer, as Chairperson of the Insurance Committee, shall keep the Parish
Corporation’s buildings, together with the contents thereof, insured against fire and other customary
hazards and shall take out public liability insurance on the Parish Corporation’s premises and on its
motor vehicles, if any, and shall secure and maintain such other kinds of insurance as from time to time
may be reasonably required, all pursuant to the direction of, and in amounts fixed by the Vestry.
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Buildings and Grounds
Chair: Steve Henning
Vestry Liaison: Richard Wilson
Committee Members: Jim Coyle, Scott Dow, Rick Gilmour, Sarah Hollerman, Bill McKinstry,
Richard Meyers, George Owen Number of Parishioners involved: All parishioners who have helped with various projects.
Prayer for Ministry:
God of our faith and foundation, we give thanks for the blessing we have in this place of worship and ministry and
we give thanks for all who help to maintain it for our use. Here, we have found a home from which we can praise
your name and carry out our work as Disciples of Christ. We are truly thankful and we look forward to this next
year in which we will continue to make your house a place of beauty for others to come and find your Peace.
Make us ready to prepare your home to receive and welcome all who come here in search of you. In Christ’s
name we pray. Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
The following items/projects were completed in 2012
The shower in the master bathroom of the rectory was removed and replaced with new base, tile, door,
and drain plumbing.
Rectory vermin problem appeared again in the past year and was mitigated by “Bug Runner”
exterminators.
Installed exhaust fan over stove in rectory kitchen
Installed additional electrical outlets in rectory kitchen
Building Security – exterior doors to the Narthex and kitchen are now locked at all times. Two separate
bell systems were installed one for the Narthex and one for the kitchen (for Bambini school).
Sidewalk to the rear Narthex entrance was repaired to eliminate the cracks and broken concrete.
New folding doors were installed in the Common Room.
Two outside lights were replaced
Interior doors were repaired where needed.
Electrical outlet was installed in Common Room North, to enable Bambini to better position their
computer to make it easier to use Common Room South
Additional painting was done to the exterior outside the Common Room after bushes were removed.
Two temporary vinyl signs were purchased and erected on the front lawn for announcing the extra
Saturday services and the Rummage sale. The signs were removed and stored after the events.
They can be adjusted for future upcoming events.
Numerous exterior shrubs and trees were either removed or trimmed by Suffern Tree service along with
maintaining the Memorial Gardens.
Gutters were cleaned on the education building and rectory.
Hurricane Sandy caused the tree at the North driveway to fall across Strawtown Road. The Town of
Clarkstown removed the tree. Suffern Tree service will remove the rest of the stump.
Helped with rummage/tag sale set up and clean up.
Plans for the coming year:
The Committee will host the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 12, 2013, inviting men of the parish
who are not active committee members to participate in that event also.
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Christian Formation
Chair: Margaret Gillespie, Interim Chair
Vestry Liaison: Margaret Gillespie Committee Members: The Rev. Charles Arlin, Interim Pastor; Bonni Garvey, Church School Superintendent;
Kacy Dow, Patricia Edelstein, Tim Frost, Karen Krystel Gutterman, Migdalia Hernandez, Katherine Mistele
Number of Parishioners involved: Nearly the entire congregation is involved one way or another in the work of
the Christian Formation Committee.
Prayer for Ministry:
Gracious God, you see your children living in an unsteady and confusing world: Show us that your ways give
more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help us to
take failure, not as a measure of our worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give us strength to hold our faith in
you and to keep alive our joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Details of past year: The Christian Formation Committee continues to have as its mission statement “Christian Formation is a
lifelong journey.” It encompasses all ages of Christian education at St. John’s: Church School, the Journey to
Adulthood program, and Adult Education.
Church School
Bonni Garvey is continuing to serve as the Church School Superintendent
The format for Church School changed a bit this year. For the first part of the 2012 we met
nearly weekly (depending on the school and liturgical calendar). Bonni Garvey and Heather McGinley
taught the spring term 2012. For the 2012-2013 program year, Church School meets on the second and
fourth Sundays of the month so as to give families the chance to participate in the Saturday evening
services on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The Saturday evening services are geared toward
the children and the children often do the readings.
We also started our Church School year a bit later then we have in the past. We started our year
on October 14. This was done to accommodate the public school calendar. There were many school
holidays in September and it was felt that attendance in Sunday School would be low if classes were
held.
This year we have tried to break the groups into three age groups. Theresa Coyle has agreed to
teach the youngest age group which is pre-k, kindergarten, and 1st grade, Bonni Garvey is teaching 2nd,
3rd and 4th grades, and Margaret Gillespie has started teaching the older, pre Rite 13 group which is 5th,
6th, and 7th grades. Due to practicing for the Christmas Eve service, Bonni and Theresa have not yet
separated the two younger groups.
We are still using Living the Good News as the basis of our curriculum for Church School.
We have had wonderful attendance in all of our groups since switching to this new
schedule. There are a total of 19 children that are active participants in Church School classes.
The children again acted out a live nativity tableau, sang two songs, presented the oblations and
alms, and did all the readings and prayers at the 4:00pm Christmas Eve service. They all worked
extremely hard and it was wonderful to see them work so well as a cohesive group.
A special thanks to Carolyn Mistele, Katherine Mistele, Kacy Dow, and David McCalla for
helping the children to find their voices!
10
Youth:
Last spring there were two Journey to Adulthood groups. The J2A group, led by Tim Frost and
Robyn McKinstry, finished this part of the program.
The Rite 13 group finished its first year with a Rite 13 Liturgy for all 5 members. This program
year we have the Rite 13 group in its second year led by Migdalia Hernandez and Gary McCorry. . Over
the course of 2012 they participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring, helped with one of the Saturday
services in July, and baked Christmas cookies for the soup kitchen at Christ Church, Suffern.
Adult Education
Book/Movie Group – This group continues to meet for discussion on the first Wednesday of the
month. They alternate between discussions of books and movies.
CFC-sponsored events/activities
All-Parish Lenten Devotional Booklet based on daily lectionary readings.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Baccalaureate Sunday for members of the high school class of 2012.
Parish outing to Rockland Boulders Baseball Game as fund raiser for the Youth Fund
All-parish breakfast on October 14th
to kick off the program year.
St. Nick’s Night potluck supper after a Saturday evening service
Church School participation in Christmas Eve Family Service.
An exciting renewed activity took place in the fall when we began a schedule of Saturday evening
services. One such night occurred. Others will be scheduled/
Parents Night Out/Kids Night In
Come to a Saturday 5pm service with your kids (ages 2-12) and then go out to dinner or a movie without
the kids. Our teens (with adult supervision) provide a free night out. It is a wonderful opportunity for
fellowship for the kids and the parents. Although a night out alone is certainly important too!
Plans for the coming year:
Church School
Continue to recruit teachers
Plan activities for the Church School members
Plan opportunities for Church School to sing during services
Church school participation in Christmas Eve Family Service
Schedule Parents Night Out/Kids Night In opportunities (next date: January 26)
Youth
Encourage youth participation in various liturgical roles during Sunday morning worship
Recruit leaders for Journey to Adulthood Program:
J2A group (the current Rite 13 group) which should include a pilgrimage and Confirmation at
the end of this curriculum
new Rite 13 group (this year’s 5th
, 6th
, 7th
grade class)
Adult Education
Plan several more Adult Series. Schedule books/movies for the rest of 2013. Help Father Charles plan
an Inquirer’s class during Lent
Other
Fundraising for the Youth Group Pilgrimage Fund
All-Parish Lenten Devotional Booklet based on daily lectionary readings
11
St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Communications
Chair/Vestry Liaison: Wilma Koomson
Committee Members: Margaret Gillespie, Sarah Hollerman, George Owen, Richard Wilson
Number of parishioners involved in ministry: All who contribute to the News Notes, Evangelist, etc.
Prayer for Ministry:
Heavenly God, our journey as Christians involves our need to communicate with you through our
worship and prayer and with one another. Help us to communicate as effectively as possible through all
the means available to us within and without our parish so that we may grow not only inwardly but also
outwardly. Grant that our communication be a reflection of our love for one another and Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Details of the past year:
Redesigning the website (www.stjohnsnewcity.org and www.stjohnsnewcity.com) and determining a
new domain was discussed by the vestry throughout the year.
The Committee met on December 13th
to discuss the next steps and an action plan. Rich Wilson
presented some domain options and design possibilities. It was decided to move forward by acquiring a
new domain, while maintaining the two other sites (stjohnsnewcity.org and stjohnsnewcity.com) until
the new site is ready, with a goal to have lookers redirected from the two current urls.
With a generous donation by Senior Warden (many, many thanks, George!) we were encouraged to
forge ahead with getting the website up and running, with a presentation to the entire parish on the day
of the annual meeting.
The Committee met again on January 4th
to discuss layout and content for the website, bridging the site
with Facebook for better digital content and currency. We discussed and agreed to the use of the new
domain: (www.stjohnsnewcity.net) as our primary site. The Committee agreed to continue to meet to
ensure that everything is in order before the Annual Meeting.
Plans for the coming year: www.stjohnsnewcity.net
As we move ahead with the self-study process/transition time at St. John’s it will be critical to keep
www.stjohnsnewcity.net attractive, informative and up to date. Wilma has agreed to Chair the
committee. The new website will continue to include links to the Evangelist with the addition of News
Notes, the online church calendar (Google) and other important documents related to governance and
activities at St. John’s.
We hope to make the Google calendar available for parishioners who may want to import it to their own
electronic calendar.
12
St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Endowment
Chair: David Krystel
Vestry Liaison: Richard Wilson
Committee Members: Barbara Ayew, Scott Dow, Barbara Henning, Bob Schugmann Sr. (Jan-Sept.)
There is currently a vacancy on the Committee.
Advisor to the Committee: Gary McCorry
Number of Parishioners involved: Varies
Prayer for Ministry:
Almighty God, we thank you for the saints who came before and built the foundation upon which we
stand today. We thank you for the saints among us who have given us this new resource in which we
can expand and grow our ministries. Give us your wisdom to help guide us in using this resource
wisely, that through it we may be enabled to expand the light of Christ into the world. Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
The Endowment Committee resumed regular meetings throughout 2012. The Committee has
completely revised the Endowment Fund Policies and Guidelines and created the Vestry Resolution
Concerning St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund documents. Both of these documents have
been accepted by the Vestry. The Vestry Resolution is an appendix to this Parish Meeting Report. The
Vestry Resolution defines the purpose of the Endowment Fund and its plan of operation. The Policies
and Guidelines is for the Endowment Committee and future members to follow to further amplify the
details regarding the Endowment Fund. Additionally the St. John’s By-laws also require amendments to
correct language errors and definitions of the Endowment as a trust, which was incorrect; these By-laws
amendments are also incorporated in the Parish Meeting Report and will be voted on today.
The Committee was engaged with the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) for assistance in creating
these documents. The ECF was a great resource with reviewing drafts and meeting with us to answer
questions. A tremendous amount of time was spent on these issues and questions and without Dave’s
leadership and attention to detail these updates would not have been accomplished in the past year.
Thank you to all Committee members and also Gary McCorry for their involvement in completing these
documents. The Committee is extremely proud of this accomplishment.
The Endowment Fund’s 2012 year-end value of $167,839.54 is the highest month-end value ever. All
of our funds except one are rated 4 or 5 stars and gold or silver by Morningstar, and continue to have
very low expense ratios. The Fund remains reasonably diversified and only required rebalancing once in
2012.
Plans for the coming year:
The Committee will continue to monitor the Fund investment value, diversification, and rate of returns.
The Committee also intends to focus on communicating the purpose and workings of the fund to the
Parish.
Endowment financial report, 1/1/12-12/31/12, (see additonal document)
13
St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
Co-Chairs: Emily Bollman, Patricia Edelstein, Margaret Krystel
Secretary: Kathie Toscano Treasurer: Karoline Harvey
Vestry Liaison: Karen Krystel Gutterman
ECW Members: all women of the parish
Number of Parishioners involved: all women but average monthly meeting attendance is 12-20
Prayer for Ministry:
God of all, we are thankful for the ministry of the women of the church. Through ECW, we are able to
give support to the ministries of the church and to those ministers who work beyond the walls of our
parish. We ask for renewal in the coming year for us and for ECW’s throughout the Episcopal Church
that we may continue in our service to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
We continue to strive to have a short business meeting and an activity at every gathering.
Activities in 2012 included:
A Twelfth Night party with a Yankee swap
A discussion about interesting places members have travelled.
A session where we learned how to give ourselves facials led by Daisy Moakley.
Two rummage/tag sales with thanks to chairs Mary Gilmour and Barbara Henning and all the
volunteers from the church
An end of year dinner at La Terrazza
A wine and cheese party at the rectory
A discussion led by Pat Edelstein on The Best Care Possible
A very interesting guest speaker on women’s life and role in the military with thanks to Theresa
Coyle for inviting this speaker
We also planned a dinner and provided food for the Christ Church Soup Kitchen and hosted the district
ECW luncheon.
We donated a total of $2363.00 in outreach money to the following organizations:
SHARE through which we have adopted a child
People to People Project Joy through which we adopted and provided Christmas gifts for a local
family with four children
Pathmark gift cards for Dr. Nurse’s dialysis patients
Home Aides of Rockland
People to People
Rockland Family Shelter
Jawanio
United Hospice of Rockland
Soup Kitchen, Christ Church Suffern
Fessenden House
Episcopal Charities designated for Hurricane Sandy relief
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Within St. John’s we provided $2000.00 to support:
1. The Youth fund
2. An annual contribution towards the diocesan assessment
3. The new folding doors for the common room
4. The last payment of the diocesan loan for the driveway/parking lot renovation
Plans for the coming year:
Provide breakfast for the Choir between the services on Easter (March 31)
Provide a breakfast for the parish on April 14
We will continue to keep our new less formal meeting format and include fun activities. We plan to
have a cookie swap this coming March and an end of year dinner in June. We also hope to do more
hands on outreach projects, including for Christ Church Soup kitchen. Since we have decreased our
emphasis on fundraising, we are trying to find new ways to give to the community that isn’t just
monetary. We would welcome any ideas for meeting or outreach activities.
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Membership
(primarily fellowship events for the parish)
Chair: vacant
Vestry Liaison: Fran James-Gelles
Committee Members: Emily Bollman, Janey Coyle, Al Garlick, Migdalia Hernandez
Number of Parishioners involved: all parishioners who participate in, contribute to and help organize
events.
Prayer for Ministry:
Gracious God, we thank you for the bond of Christian Love that we experience at St. John's. We thank
you for the joy we find in our lives at the parish and we thank you for many hands that work to make our
life together meaningful. We ask that in this coming year you open us up to new opportunities to expand
the ministry that will invite and welcome newcomers into the life of St. John's. Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
The Committee was inactive this year after the Pancake Supper in February.
A variety of monthly fellowship events for the parish were sponsored by other committees. There is
also a schedule for refreshments provided by parishioners every Sunday after the 10:30 service.
April: Rite 13 celebrities were honored during coffee hour/Sunday refreshments
May: Mother’s Day breakfast between the services/Christian Formation Committee
June: Baccalaureate Sunday, special refreshments to honor seniors/Sunday Refreshments
August: all parish outing to a Rockland Boulders baseball game/with fireworks, which was also a fund
raiser for the youth fund/Christian Formation Committee
September 9: Homecoming Picnic/Vestry (after a single Service on that Sunday)
October 14: Welcome Back to Church School Breakfast/Christian Formation Committee (between the
services on that Sunday)
November 4: Ingathering Sunday Breakfast/cancelled due to Hurricane Sunday. This single service day
turned into a fellowship event with refreshments provided for workers who stayed to help with
rummage sale set up – without heat or electricity. It was a warm and friendly day in spite of
hardships caused by the hurricane/Sunday Refreshments
December 1: St. Nick’s Night Potluck Supper/Christian Formation Committee (after a 5pm Saturday
service)
January 6: Three Kings’ Cakes for Epiphany/Vestry and volunteers (after a single Service on that
Sunday)
Plans for the coming year:
February 12: Pancake Supper/Buildings and Grounds Committee
April 14: ECW will host a parish breakfast
May 12: Mother’s Day breakfast?/host to be determined
June 9: 50th
anniversary celebration of St. John’s on Strawtown Road/Bishop’s visit/plans to be
determined
The vestry will discuss additional membership/fellowship events and the revitalization of this committee
at their meeting in February, especially in connection with welcoming and incorporating new members.
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St John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Outreach
2013 Budget for Ministry: $2500
Chair: Gene Kennedy Vestry Liaison: Kacy Dow
Committee Members: Barbara Coleman, Pat Edelstein, Hazeline Nurse, Claire Kennedy, Nancy
Waack
Number of Parishioners involved: Varies
Prayer for Ministry:
Heavenly Father, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, we at St. John’s reach out to those in need.
We thank you for the generosity of this parish in helping others. Help us to find new ways in which we
can shine the light of Christ into the hunger, sickness, and despair of poverty. Through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
This year, the Outreach Committee tried to focus on local needs:
Continued support of our Adopted Family. From Vivian, (great grandmother who is the head of
household and mother figure for Desiree): "Without you folks, I don't know what we'd do. I thank you
and pray for you all." St Johns provides monthly food, as well as made a Christmas for Desiree and
Vivian with gift certificates for clothing for Desiree. Our sponsorship has made the difference, bringing
a stable life for this small vulnerable family while maintaining their independence and dignity.
Lenten Project: gifts to Outreach by parishioners sent $832 for local charities-People to People
and the Soup Kitchen at Christ Episcopal Church.
Contributions made monthly to the food bank at People to People: approximately 2000 lbs. of
food was collected over the past year. For Thanksgiving, DeCicco’s Market supplied the brown bags,
the children of the parish decorated them and over 500 lbs. of food was collected for Thanksgiving
dinners. Proof that one bag of food makes a difference.
Continued supported Dr. Nurse’s food certificate programs for indigent kidney patients.
Parishioners gave 34 blankets last year, all in current use by dialysis patients. Also, two parishioners
gave funds to help five needy patients obtain the vital medications they need (that are not covered by
ANY insurance).
Back to School - Multiple baskets of sorely needed school supplies were given by the
Parishioners for needy children’s back to school educational needs.
Participated in the Gift Angel Program for homebound senior citizens at Christmas
With the help of Rite 13, over 50 mittens, hats and scarves were donated to the Nyack Homeless
Project. The NHP will distribute to children in the county that are in need.
The Committee would like to thank the ECW for their continued support. Whenever ECW has been
asked for help they have always contributed to help serve those who are in need.
Plans for the coming year:
To continue with all of the above programs, with a focus on the need for food in January. After the
holidays, the pantry is empty, but the need is still there. This year the Lenten Project will be to support
the Episcopal Relief Fund, the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Our collection of blankets for dialysis
patients has now been depleted and more new dialysis patients need the warmth that a blanket can give
them, as these folks cannot maintain their own body warmth.
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St. John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Annual Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Property
Chair/Vestry Liaison: Barbara Henning
Names of parishioners on committee: Kacy Dow, David Krystel, Bill McKinstry, George Owen
Advisor to the Committee: Scott A. Dow
Number of parishioners involved in ministry: 6
Prayer for Ministry: Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the space we have that has been used so well in the past. Help us to continue
to use this gift in a way that will promote our Christian mission and help us to be diligent, resourceful, and
creative as we search all possibilities that are open to us. Amen.
Details of activities of past year: After reviewing the Use of Space Fees and guidelines found below the Property Committee was decommissioned
by the vestry, with great thanks for their service since the closing of the Tappan Zee Community Nursery School
in 2006. The Vestry approved the Use of Space Fees at their October meeting. The Executive Committee of the
Vestry now handles property issues.
Bambini Nursery Childcare (Day-time Tenant)
Gina DeLaurentiis, Owner; Julie Sullivan, Director/Teacher, Melinda Brown, Teaching Assistant
The school is in operation five days a week for both a morning and afternoon session, with a certified
teacher and a teaching assistant. The set up for the nursery school continues with a warm and
welcoming environment. As specified in their lease the nursery school has use of the full common room
Monday-Friday and accommodations are made for evening usage and Common Room rental on the
weekends. At the end of 2012 security measures were put in place to protect the nursery school. Access
to the church buildings by Parishioners must be through the narthex only during the school day.
2011-2012 School year
For the 2011-2012 school year, Bambini Nursery Child Care opened at St. John’s with 5 students both
private and Universal Pre-K attendees for a morning session. In January 2012 Ms. DeLaurentiis closed
her additional location in Valley Cottage and almost all of those students relocated to Bambini at St.
John’s where the school year continued with 16 students with both morning and afternoon sessions.
2012-2013 School year
In September 2012 Bambini opened with two sessions of primarily Universal Pre-K students and a few
private attendees. Although the afternoon group is small the morning session is almost at capacity. The
Universal Pre-K students are admitted by the school districts where the families live. Thus cash flow for
Bambini has been a problem since payment from New York State through the school districts is often
delayed.
Rockland County Depression and Bipolar Support Group (DBSA) (Evening Tenant)
The Rockland County Depression and Bipolar Support Group (DBSA) continued to use St. John’s space
in 2012. Their meetings are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm. They use the Common
Room, the Library and other classroom space.
The Christian Revival Fellowship continues to use St. John’s on Sunday evenings providing
much need income.
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Plans for the coming year:
Monitor the relationships with DBSA, Bambini Nursery Childcare and the Christian Revival
Fellowship.
The Common Room and other space remains available for ad hoc usage in the evenings and on
weekends. The vestry has adopted the following guidelines for such usage.
Fees for Use of Space/Space Available
Common Room South (full Common Room is not available)
Must be ready for school on Monday morning after weekend usage – in all instances listed below.
Available after 4pm on Friday, all day on Saturday, Sunday after 1pm
Bambini/liaison must be notified at least one week in advance
Non parishioner Usage
$250; 1-5 hours, kitchen for set up only, no use of stove; $25 each additional hour
Refundable security deposit of $125.00 required
No alcohol to be served. Renter is responsible for set-up and break down.
Limited number of chairs which determines number of potential attendees.
Parishioner Usage (for private parties)
$100; Parishioner responsible for set-up and break down
Parishioner Usage (for receptions immediately after a church service)
No fee; Parishioner responsible for set-up and break down
Parish usage for fellowship events and committee meetings
Sponsoring Committee responsible for set up and break down
Church (worship space/narthex/non-profit usage only)
Occasional/special event usage/Concerts/lectures/food in narthex only
$300, 1-3 hours; $50 for each additional hour; an additional $50 charge during the months of Nov-
March
Library (8-10 people/subject to availability)
$25/hour
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St. John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Annual Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Stewardship
Chair: George Owen, Sr. Warden
Names of committee members: Wardens and Vestry
Number of parishioners involved in committee: The Parish and Vestry
Prayer for Ministry:
God of all creation, you have placed into our hands the responsibility of caring for all that you have
created. All the resources that have enriched our lives have done so because it is your will. Make us
mindful of our responsibility in the choices that we make regarding the use of our time, talent, and
treasure so that we can build up your church to glorify your name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
Stewardship involves every aspect of our lives - all that we have, all that we do, all that we are.
How we “steward”, manage, or order our lives with regards to our understanding of our faith and our
relationship with God is our Stewardship. Through the Church, we are reminded that our stewardship
impacts not only our life on a Sunday morning, but moreover, our entire lives 24/7. Our stewardship is
reflective of our commitment to a life of discipleship.
One aspect of stewardship is a yearly “pledge/commitment” campaign that invites parishioners to
make a statement of how much of their stewardship they will pledge toward church activities with their
time, talent, and treasure. It is from these pledge statements that we anticipate how our budget and
ministries will be supported.
The 2013 Pledge/Commitment Campaign:
o A different approach was taken on our Annual Pledge Appeal this year
o A letter was written to the parish, and distributed after the 8:30 and 10:30 services in October
o The following Sunday was Ingathering Sunday
103 Pledge cards were distributed
71 Pledge cards were received with $139,552 in pledges
Of the 103 pledge cards returned, 24 increased their pledges for a total of $12,344.
Total in pledges: $139,552
Plans for the coming year:
Stewardship is vital for the life of the parish. Plans will need to be made to continue educating
the parish on the centrality of this teaching. Our stewardship is a direct reflection of our commitment to
our Christian Discipleship and to a particular community through which we seek to practice that
discipleship.
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St. John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Worship Committee
Chair/Vestry Liaison: The Rev. Charles Arlin, Interim Pastor
Committee Members: Florence Beeson, Susan Brown, Janey Coyle, Patricia Edelstein, John Harvey,
Barbara Henning, Migdalia Hernandez, Bonni Garvey, Rick Gilmour, Ashlyn McCorry, George Owen
Number of Parishioners involved: All parishioners
Prayer for Ministry:
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your son, Jesus Christ: Inspire our
witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
During 2012 the Worship Committee met and discussed a number of recommendations, including the
following:
Saturday Eucharist at 5 p.m. Initially we had five Saturdays in June and July when we had a Eucharist
at 5 p.m. and these services were held on the front lawn, weather permitting. In September and
again in November the decision was made to continue the Saturday Eucharist twice each month.
The service has been geared toward children and teenagers.
Moving the announcements from the end of the service back to the close of the Peace.
Having the names of deceased members read on All Saints’ Sunday during the communions by
members of the choir rather than reading them before the service.
Having an Inquirer’s Class during Lent.
Having Evening Prayer during all Saturdays in Lent.
Having only one service on Sunday at 10 a.m. for special occasions.
Using Rite 1 at the early service on the first Sunday of the month. This was recently changed to having
Rite 1 at all early services.
The interim pastor has implemented these changes after presentation and discussion of the above items.
Plans for the coming year:
The Worship Committee will continue to meet in 2013 and discuss ways in which worship can become
more meaningful.
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St. John’s Episcopal Church
New City, NY
2013 Parish Annual Meeting
Parish Committee/Ministry Report
Treasurer’s Report / Finance Budget
Chair: Gary McCorry (Treasurer)
Vestry Liaison: George Owen
Committee Members: Margaret Gillespie, Barbara Henning
Number of Parishioners involved: All
Prayer for Ministry:
God of abundance, you have given us everything that we have. We give thanks for the ability to use the
resources you have given us to build this church and make it a place where your work is done. We give
thanks for all those who contribute to the church through treasure, time, and talent, and we are thankful
for those who manage the finances that make our building and ministries possible. We look to the
coming year in eagerness and anticipation as we work together to grow our ministries and our life of
faith in Christ. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Details of activities of past year:
Overall Financial Results for the year 2012, include:
^Ongoing operations of St. John’s resulted in an overall profit of $23,969 on total income of
$173,372 compared to a 2011 deficit of $5,161 on total income of $152.506.
Total actual income for the year is down $3,538 compared to budgeted income of $176,676
(2.0%)
Increase in profit of $32,909 compared to budgeted loss from operations of $9,146.
^Pledge and Envelope income amounted to $138,834.
Decrease of $6,942 from budgeted commitments and expected related income of $145,776
(4.8%).
Increase of $10,703 from actual amounts received in the previous year 2011 of $128,131
(+8.4%)
^Total expenses for the year of $149,376 were less than amount budgeted by $36,446.
Decrease in total expenses of $8,291 compared to the actual results from 2010 of $157,667
(5.3%).
Decrease in expenses of approximately $24,575 resulting from not having to pay into the
pension fund or clergy medical insurance for Interim Rector.
Decrease in expenses of approximately $5,750 relating to utilities and snow removal resulting
from warmer than expected winter seasons during 2012.
Decrease in Diocesan Assessment expense of $4,500 for 2012 as a result of petitioned relief
requested.
Increase in Diocesan Loan expense of approximately $1,500 as a result of paying off the
remaining loan balance prior to year end.
Expenses related to the ministry of St. John’s
^Actual expenses for 2012 / 2011 related to the specific areas of Church Ministry include:
Clergy Compensation (inc. moving) $60,768 / $70,258
Buildings & Grounds $50,854 / $49,067
Worship $20,272 / $21,772
Communications $8,933 / $8,010
Christian Formation $536 / $587
Membership $1,293 / $286
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Stewardship $0 / $255
Outreach $0 / $60
Diocese Mission / Other $6,720 / $14,381
Other Parish events and fundraising activities include:
^Youth Group raised / collected $1,070 towards future pilgrimages as well as other youth related
events.
^Gifts and Contributions received from St. John’s parishioners include:
Memorial $4,430
Carpenters Kids $1,900
Various Hunger / Relief efforts $3,059
Buildings & Grounds $2,888
Capital Campaign $10,975
Plans for the coming year:
Budgeted financial results for 2012 include:
^Operating profit of $11,366 on total income of $173,834 (+0.3%).
The expenses of pension, housing allowance and clergy medical/dental associated with a full
time rector are not reflected in this amount.
The remaining balance of the Diocesan Loan was paid in 2012.
Includes increase in revenue associated with the Bambini Nursery School.
^Total Pledge and Envelope income of $140,954 (+1.5%)
^Total Expenses of $162,468 (+8.8%)
Reflects the decrease in Diocesan Assessment resulting from the relief appeal.
Includes increases in Mission Development and Outreach to support parish growth.
Other Financial Comments:
As stated above, St. John’s achieved an operating profit during 2012 of almost $24,000 which is roughly
$33,000 more than what had been expected based on our budgeted loss for the year of $9,000. This is a
considerable improvement considering that our pledge/envelope income was down $7,000 from
expected results and a welcomed change to our operating losses experienced over the last several years.
It is important to emphasize, however, that the profit earned for this past year is the result of several
extraordinary factors that we benefited from and not as a consequence of improved operations or
increased income. To be specific, our overall expenses were down approximately $35,000 due to items
such as non-payment of benefit costs associated with an Interim Rector, Diocesan assessment relief
(expires 2013) and lower utility costs due to good weather. Had we been required to incur these costs as
planned, particularly those associated with a full-time Rector, St. John’s would have experienced an
operating loss of $11,000 during 2012 and as a result, completely depleted our operating fund reserves
going into the current year 2013.
On a positive note, we are taking advantage of certain of these decreases in 2013 as we have earmarked
$10,000 towards Mission Development Plans and Outreach in order to lay the groundwork towards our
Parish growth. We need to grow to survive and we plan to invest towards that goal during the current
year while we have the available funds to do so. But rest assured, we have not turned the corner to
profitability and without considerable changes and growth of the Parish, the ongoing infrastructure of St.
John’s cannot be sustained in the long term.
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012, YTD 12/31/12 Operating Fund – Actual vs. Budget and
2013 Budget (see additonal document)
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APPENDIX
VESTRY RESOLUTION
CONCERNING ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ENDOWMENT FUND
St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund (hereafter called the “FUND”) was established in 1999 to enable the Parish to fulfill its mission more completely than would be possible solely through its annual operating funds. The Vestry has adopted this Resolution to confirm and/or update the Plan of Operation for the FUND.
Christian stewardship involves the faithful management of all God’s gifts – time, talent, the created world, and treasure. Treasure may come in many forms including, for example, annual giving/pledging, capital giving and “planned” giving. The FUND has been established primarily to administer planned giving - significant gifts by people looking to provide a lasting gift to St. John’s. These may include, for example, accumulated, inherited and appreciated assets, in forms such as gifts of cash, bequests in wills, annuities, trusts, life insurance, real estate, securities, etc. It is the desire of this Parish to encourage, receive and administer these gifts in a manner faithful to the loyalty and devotion to God expressed by the donors and in accord with the canons of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of New York and the policies of this Parish. The following Purpose Statement has been adopted to govern the administration of gifts designated for the FUND:
Purpose Statement The purpose of St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund is to provide a lasting legacy that will be used for the long term benefit of the Church and its religious mission. We aspire to this goal through:
Thoughtful and prayerful discernment regarding to the use of the resources that have been entrusted into our care by God and those who have gone before us.
Restricting the use of this FUND to projects that will: o significantly enhance St. John’s buildings and grounds; o establish or expand an Outreach/Mission project specifically attached to St. John’s; o respond to a catastrophic event that either harms or destroys the physical plant; or o fulfills purposes specifically designated by donors to the FUND. We recognize that while nothing in this world is eternal, we seek to pass on to future generations a legacy that will inspire them to do the work God has given us to do. PLAN OF OPERATION 1. Endowment Committee The Vestry shall appoint an Endowment Committee (hereafter, the COMMITTEE), which shall have oversight responsibility of the FUND. It will manage the invested funds and oversee distributions from the FUND in compliance with approved spending rules and in accordance with the purposes and distribution policies defined in this resolution. (However, the Vestry retains responsibility for determining specifically how the funds will be used.) Membership of the COMMITTEE, appointed by the Vestry, shall consist of a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of six (6) regular members, all of whom shall be members in good standing of St. John’s Episcopal Church. They
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shall include a Chairperson and a Vestry Liaison, both named by the Vestry. The Vestry Liaison shall be appointed annually. No member of the COMMITTEE, other than the Vestry Liaison, shall be a current member of the Vestry or employed by St. John’s. All other members shall serve a term of three (3) years. Annually, the Vestry will also appoint a Treasurer of the FUND, who may also be a member of the COMMITTEE. The terms of members should be staggered to maximize continuity over time. No member shall serve more than two (2) consecutive three (3) year terms. After a lapse of one (1) year, former COMMITTEE members may be reappointed. In the event of a vacancy on the COMMITTEE, the Vestry shall appoint a member to complete the unfulfilled term. Upon the completion of that term, that person would be eligible for reappointment. Additionally, the Rector and Wardens shall be ex-officio members of the COMMITTEE, without votes. The Chairperson, or member designated by the Chairperson, shall preside at all COMMITTEE meetings. The Chairperson shall appoint from the membership a Secretary who shall maintain complete and accurate minutes of all meetings of the COMMITTEE and supply a copy thereof to each member, who shall keep a complete set of minutes to be delivered to his or her successor. The Secretary shall also supply a copy of the minutes to the Vestry in a timely manner. The Treasurer shall maintain complete and accurate books of account for the FUND. The books will be audited as part of the annual audit of the Parish. The COMMITTEE shall meet at least quarterly, or more frequently as deemed by it in the best interest of the FUND. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the COMMITTEE. The affirmative vote of a majority shall be necessary to carry any motion or resolution. Ex-officio members are not credited to the above requirement for a quorum. 2. Reports The COMMITTEE shall report on a quarterly basis to the Vestry and, at each annual meeting of the congregation, shall render a full and complete account of the administration of the FUND during the preceding year. The quarterly report provided to the Vestry will include the FUND values, any changes in the asset allocation strategy, and the investment performance. The report shall reflect compliance with the objectives, policies and guidelines set forth herein. At the request of the Vestry, the COMMITTEE shall also determine a prudent amount which can be made available for distribution during the current year and shall provide guidance on whether any unexpended funds from those available should be accrued and considered available for distribution in subsequent years or should be returned to the corpus. In addition, the COMMITTEE shall provide the Vestry, at least annually, a statement of Endowment Fund Policies and Guidelines for approval. 3. Professional Counsel The COMMITTEE, at the expense of the FUND, may provide for such auditing, professional counseling on investments or legal matters as it deems to be in the best interests of the FUND. 4. Investments The assets of the FUND are to be invested with the same care, skill and diligence that a prudent investor would exercise in investing institutional endowment funds. The primary objective will be to provide long-term growth of principal and income without undue exposure to risk. The FUND’S investment objectives and strategic asset allocation shall be based on a long-term time horizon and should be achieved through a diversified portfolio. The FUND can tolerate some interim fluctuation in market value and rates of return in order to achieve its objectives. However, high level risk, high volatility and low quality rated securities are to be avoided. These guidelines are not intended to restrict or impede the efforts of the COMMITTEE to attain the FUND’s objectives, nor are they intended to exclude the COMMITTEE from taking advantage of appropriate opportunities as they arise. The COMMITTEE shall have discretion and flexibility to implement the objectives and policies herein set forth.
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5. Gifts for Specific Purposes Donors may designate their gifts for a specific purpose. Any donor-designated gifts must be approved by the COMMITTEE and the Vestry. The COMMITTEE shall establish a policy regarding requirements for donor designated gifts as part of its Endowment Fund Policies and Guidelines. Also, at the discretion of the Vestry, the COMMITTEE may establish sub-funds within the FUND for specific purposes. 6. Liability of COMMITTEE Members Each member of the COMMITTEE shall act in good faith regarding the investment of the assets. Each member shall be liable only for his/her own conduct and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any other members. No member shall engage in self dealing or transactions with the FUND in which the member has direct or indirect financial interest and shall at all times refrain from any conduct in which his/her personal interests would conflict with the interests of the FUND. Liability and other insurance coverages for members of the COMMITTEE equal to coverages for members of the Vestry will be provided. 7. Holding of Assets, Action to Sell All FUND assets are to be held in the name of St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund. Actions to hold, sell, exchange, rent, lease, transfer, convert, invest, reinvest, and in all other respects, to manage and control the assets of the FUND, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, mortgages, notes, warrants of other securities, are to be made by a delegated member or Treasurer of the COMMITTEE on behalf of the COMMITTEE. 8. Acceptance of Gifts to the Endowment Fund As part of its Endowment Fund Policies and Guidelines, the COMMITTEE will establish a Gift Acceptance Policy through which decisions will be made as to whether a gift to the FUND shall be accepted. 9. Distributions from the FUND Distributions from the FUND will only be made for purposes consistent with the Purpose Statement herein. Distributions shall not be used for normal operating expenses, routine maintenance, foreseeable maintenance, routine or modest outreach, or in violation of restrictions established by donors. It is the intent of this Resolution that the FUND shall be managed in perpetuity as a true endowment. Distributions from the FUND shall not be made to the operating budget of the Parish except to fulfill the purposes described in this Resolution with one exception. In the event that the Parish is in dire circumstances, meaning its viability as a continuing church is in jeopardy, the Vestry may use both income and principal of the unrestricted endowment for the operating needs of the Parish following a two-thirds vote of the Vestry at two successive meetings and a two-thirds vote of the congregation present at a duly noticed regular or specially called meeting. Distributions from the FUND shall be made using a “Total Return Policy” that incorporates a designated percentage of the corpus which will be available for expenditure annually. The COMMITTEE shall formulate a policy defining the spending rules and protocols within the Policies and Guidelines. The policy will provide for the withdrawal and use of funds consistent with the stated purposes of the FUND as defined in this Resolution. No portion of the FUND shall be “borrowed” including any “temporary usage” for other needs of the Parish. 10. Governing Law The FUND shall be operated in accordance with the laws of New York State.
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11. Amendment of this Resolution Any amendment to this Resolution shall be adopted by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the membership of the Vestry at two consecutive, regularly scheduled meetings. Any amendment regarding the use of the corpus of the unrestricted endowment shall be handled within the above-established distribution rules. 12. Disposition or transfer of FUND In the event the Parish ceases to exist, whether through merger, dissolution, or some other event, disposition or transfer of the FUND shall be at the discretion of the Vestry in conformity with the approved congregational By-Laws and in accord with diocesan canons and the Bishop of the Diocese of New York. The foregoing resolution is hereby adopted by the Vestry this 13th day of November, 2012. St. John’s Episcopal Church New City, New York 10956 Attest: George Owen Margaret Gillespie ______________________________ (signature) ___________________________________ Senior Warden Clerk