St. Stephen

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Bishop’s Committee Notes

 

Bishop’s Committee Meeting Notes

June 17, 2008

 

 

 

Vicar’s Report:  Fr. Jeff reported that the congregation is growing.  The average Sunday attendance for May and June was 90 which is up from 82 last year at this time and from 89 last month.  Fr. Jeff continues to write a welcome letter to every newcomer.  Barbara Gwinup remarked that she received such a letter when she first came to St. Stephen’s and is a big reason why she returned.  The Newcomer’s Committee, consisting of Carol Martin, Dorrie Herring and Nancy Guthrie continues to greet all newcomers and invite them to coffee hour.  Fr. Jeff also visits the homebound and hospitalized members of the congregation.   Fr. Jeff received a phone call from Bishop Bruno today updating him on the status of the proposed property purchase.  When all permits and county code requirements have been met, work can begin on the parking lot, drainage sewer and converting the existing building into a worship space.  A good working relationship has been established with the County and Fr. Jeff has been active in making sure that St. Stephen’s profile in the community has been a positive one.  The existing pews, windows and other essential furnishings from St. Stephen’s will be used in the temporary facility until the new church is built.  Fr. Jeff is looking into securing a couple of used portable buildings from the Beaumont Schools to be used as classrooms at the new site.  It will most likely take 6 months to a year to occupy the existing building and about 3-5 years until the new church will be built.

 

Jr. Warden’s Report:  Larry Brown stated that he would implement a suggestion made by Suzanne Collette to post a list of needed repairs and their status on the bulletin board in Parish Hall.  He will update it as needed.  Larry will also make alterations to conceal wiring to the stained glass windows on the stage in Parish Hall for the next Christmas Tree Festival.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  George Donaldson was absent but supplied the members with a financial report for May, 2008.  We are operating within budget, and our Diocesan Investment Trust has regained $16,000.

 

St. Mary’s Report:  Pat Craghead was absent, but it was suggested that St. Mary’s Guild consider participating in the 2009 Cherry Festival.  A pie-baking contest for the community was one suggestion.

 

Christian Education & Formation:  Ann Dahlberg reported on the field trip to the Discovery Museum which was attended by 8 children and 5 adults.  Another field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific is planned for either July 12^th or July 19^th.  At least 2 – 4 children will be attending Trinity Church Camp from June 29^th through July 5^th.

 

Nursery:  Dorrie Herring reported that the age range of children in the nursery is 6 years to one month.  Ann Dahlberg purchased some stools and books and Dorrie purchased books and puzzles.  The Nursery serves 10 or 11 kids total, fortunately not all at once.

 

Liturgy & Music:  Suzanne Collette reported that the weekly hymns are now posted on the website in the choir section.  A list of the practice times and who the organist will be for both practice and Sunday service will also be posted.  That list is also included in the announcement page each Sunday.  It was suggested that a link be added to be able to hear the hymns.  Dr. Jamie Elam will hold 2 “Choir Workshops” at his home to teach some basic techniques.  All members of the congregation are invited to attend.  Dr. Jamie Elam will look into getting a couple of auxiliary speakers to be placed at the back of the church for better sound quality.  Suzanne remarked that the choir will be meeting in the Nursery from 9:15 am until 9:45 am for practice each Sunday before the 10 o’clock service.

 

Communications:  The communication committee members; Dorrie Herring, Charles Hough and Joe Wheatley met on Tuesday to begin the process of coordinating information for publication to the website and the newsletter.  Dorrie produced a listing of groups and activities to be included.  She will remind those in charge of the groups to submit articles and invite anyone with information to be dissimilated to contact Joe Wheatley via e-mail.  There is also a folder in the church office for submitting articles.  Dorrie reminded everyone at the meeting to be sure to submit their reports for the upcoming Pentecost edition of the Servant’s Voice by June 30^th.   Dorrie is also working with the office to produce the new Photo Membership Directory.

 

Other Business: 

▪ The City of Beaumont has finished replacing the sidewalk around the church.

▪ Fr. Jeff attended a Beaumont Planning Commission meeting and presented our case for a variance for our new street sign.  Variance was granted.

▪ The “Wish List” for the new church is now available in Parish Hall.

▪ The Diocese is working on a set of new by-laws for missions and will send them when finished.

▪ Carol Martin will meet with Bishop Talton, Fr. Jeff and Jack Holden regarding her discernment.

▪ The Sunday School doors are pending.

▪ Usher Training is pending.

▪ The sexton, Louise Carroll will be asked to submit estimates on the size of buffer requested to clean the kitchen and halls.

▪ The Revs. Don and Lee Sax will preside July 6^th when the Vicar is on vacation.

Fr. Jeff, Jack Holden, Larry Brown and George Donaldson will attend the Missions meeting at St. Martha’s, West Covina on June 28^th.

 

Next Bishop’s Committee meeting is Tuesday, July, 15^th at 6:00 p.m.