Minutes from Meeting Held January 31, 2005

Bob reported some additional income from late pledges and special gifts. Building maintenance, the most pressing need, received the additional funding in the budget.

We discussed starting a new Bible study program this spring. Many people liked the idea of a short-term group studying a specific topic.

We are making some security changes: we will soon get new cylinders for all the locks, and somebody from the Diocese will discuss Safe Churches policies with us.

In an ongoing effort to upgrade our office equipment, Mary presented some options for new copiers. It was decided to lease a new machine (which has since been installed).  We will also be getting networked laptops for the Vicar, Secretary, and Youth Leaders.

Bruce Clift, Clerk

Looking Back at the Past and Looking Forward to our Future

The entire congregation of St. Philip’s is invited to an important workshop and discussion group on Sunday, March 6 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm in St. Philip’s Parish Hall (childcare & a light lunch will be provided.)

We will be looking at where we have come from, what we have valued in the past, and where we want to go in the future. Information gathered from this event will go towards formulating our “Parish Profile”, which is used to entice a new rector to come to St Philip’s.

I would like to have some indication of numbers, so it would be great if you could fill in the sign-up sheet on the notice board by the exit in the foyer.

For more information please read the companion article below and/or contact Vicky Granger-Jones.

             Vicky Granger-Jones, Bishop’s Committee

Learning From The Past

(With Thanks to the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut)

“Learning From The Past” is a parish get-together to tell and hear the parish story and then to reflect on what was heard. This conversation is most often held at the beginning of a time of transition between clergy, but can be used in other circumstances as well.

The idea is, as Winston Churchill once said, “the farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see”. An important part of the process of calling a new Rector/Vicar/Missioner is to look at the past in order to

ask what can be learned from it. What do parishioners want to bring forward? What do parishioners want to leave behind?

We put all this in the context of story because we are a people who find God in our stories, past and present. Our faith is grounded in the stories of Adam and Eve; Noah; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; Moses; the Exodus and the entry into the Promised Land; as well as the stories of the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the birth and life of the Church. These stories speak of God’s great love for us and for all of creation and of God’s constant presence in the midst of all our stories.

As we live out the Gospel in our own day, the story continues, and gathering for Learning From The Past provides an opportunity for parishioners to remember their history and to reflect on their life together and on their identity as a people of God.

What are the goals of this special congregational event?

“Learning From the Past” is designed to help parishioners:

~ Tell and hear parish stories past and present

~ Identify patterns and themes that run through parish life

~ Understand the parish in relationship to its mission and ministry

~ Identify unresolved difficulties of the past

~ Provide the search committee with information for the Parish Profile

~ Help prepare for the arrival of a new priest

Who may attend?

The entire congregation is invited. It is important that all groups be represented: young and old, active and not-so-active, long-term members and newcomers, men and women, married and single, 8 am and 10 am folks, leaders and followers.

Minutes from Meeting Held February 15, 2005

Susan Seaburg brought in a WELCOME sheet that could be handed out with in the service sheet, which outlined the activities in the church, information and also a little form to fill in if you want to contribute an idea, submit a prayer request/thanksgiving or wanted to be contacted by the church.

We had a presentation from Val Jackson & Knox roofing about the condition of the roof; it's very bad!! There are a lot of leaks, poorly sealed flat roofing and potentially some serious damage to the rafters and supports under the roof. The air conditioning units would need to be moved and put back and the duct work needs attention. Val has gathered three bids for the BC's attention; all very close in estimates. Bill De Rouchey is looking through the bids carefully to figure out which one seems to be the best to go forward with.

The Altar Guild now has a separate banking account and will report quarterly to the Finance Team.

The bequest from Nancy Bliss is now in our account.

We planned for our BC Retreat Day on March 11th. We will be team building & defining our roles and responsibilities.

Vicky Granger-Jones, Guest Clerk