October 17, 2006 Bishop’s Committee Meeting Summary

By: David Sanguinetti, St. Philip’s Church Clerk

 

Diocesan Update

The Rev. Bill Kelly is working on the restructuring process of the Diocese of El Camino in preparation for the search of a settled Bishop.  Our own Jim Sotelo is participating in the search process for a new Bishop.

 

Letter of Agreement

The Bishop’s Committee has renegotiated Rev. Bill Kelly’s “Letter of Agreement”.  This means we have retained a wonderful asset in Father Kelly as an Associate Priest of St. Philip’s.  He will report to Reverend Mary and fill in on services both with Mary and when she is absent. 

 

Stewardship

A Stewardship Team Planning meeting was held on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, in the Vicar’s Office.  Discussion included long and short term strategies of developing a Stewardship process for St. Philip’s.  In the short term we are going to begin our annual Pledge Drive much the same as was done in past years.  In the long term we want to develop new creative ways of promoting Stewardship. 

 

DIEM Report

To start off, the acronym DIEM is being changed to DOM (Department of Missions).  It is the DOM’s responsibility to guide Missions like St. Philip’s in their growth and operation.  It is currently accepted by the Diocese that St. Philip’s is on the cusp of becoming a Parish.  As such, we are assuring the DOM that St. Philip’s is committed to catching up on its debt by working on getting St. Philip’s Fair Share paid up.  Currently, if we can improve our cash flow, St. Philip’s is on track to make Parish status in 2009.  The value of Parish Status would give us more control of the workings of St. Philip’s.  Currently, as a Mission we are completely under the control and operations of the Diocese.

 

Treasurers Report

Through September, pledges continue to be down which was unexpected and not typical of past years.  The General Fund is very low forcing St. Philip’s to only pay for what is needed.  The Bishop’s Committee is looking into ways to reduce the cost and make corrections in our services.  Each member has a program responsibility and will be soliciting their members about recommendations and needs to be more effective.

Currently, we are beginning an Audit that will include Financial, Process, and Office Operation.  Bill DeRouchey will assist with financials while Reverend Mary will provide information on Church Process and Office Operation with the possible help of Mardi.

Bill DeRouchey is currently trying to work out with the City of Scotts Valley the need for two separate business entities in order to separate the 501 (tax free) Church status from the taxable upstairs rental properties.  As such Bill, Todd, and Mary will talk with the Diocese about separating the upstairs rentals from St. Philip’s Church as a stand-alone business.