Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Executive Council Minutes
September 27, 2011
Wilsey Conference Center A/B
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco.CA
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 pm by Roulhac Austin, Chair of
Executive Council. The Gospel reading and opening prayer were offered by
Brenda Paulin.
I.
Attendance: Council Members Present: The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley
Andrus, President; Roulhac Austin, Chair; Matthew Burt; Bronwen Howes;
Dana Corsello; Gary Hunt; David Lui; Jay Luther; Christopher Martin; Donald
Mulliken; Richard Patenaude; Brenda Paulin; Pamela Redding; Dianne
Smith; Deborah White; Mary Jane Wood.
Conference Call: Gabriela Strand Bruce.
Bishop’s Appointees: Melissa Ridlon; Jay Watan.
Ex-Officio Members: Bob McCaskill, Treasurer of the Diocese; Christopher
Hayes, Chancellor of the Diocese.
Guests of Council: Canon Michael Barlow, Congregational Development;
Jim Forsyth, Director of Finance; Sean McConnell, Communications; Julia
McCray-Goldsmith, Ministry Development; Kathleen Piraino, Executive
Director of Episcopal Charities, Joe Jennings, St. Mary the Virgin, San
Francisco; Richard Firth, Shelton Ensley, Sharon Mitzo, Wendy Peterson,
and Steve Mason, St. Timothy’s, Danville- Members of The Dougherty Valley
Shared Ministry Team.
Absent: Peter Jensen, Lauran Pifke, Don White, Dewitt Bowman.
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
II.
Modification/Adoption of Agenda: Because the Treasurer of the
Diocese will be leaving the meeting early, a request was made for the
Endowment report to be moved to follow the Program and Budget report on
the agenda. The agenda was approved as amended.
III. Approval of the August 16, 2011 Minutes and the Minutes of
the Special meeting of August 23, 2011.
Both the regular and the special meeting minutes were approved as
presented.
IV. Financial Reports:
Department of Finance (Three written reports attached): Bob
McCaskill, Treasurer, reported that the Finance Committee met on
September 20, 2100 and reviewed in detail the three monthly statements
summarized below.
a. Income Statement YTD 8/31/11:
 The Assessments line shows that our assessment receipts through
8/31 are on budget. This statement does not reflect receipt of
approximately $172,000 in outstanding assessment payments from St.
Timothy’s, Danville.
 YTD expenses are about 10% below budget. This is comparable to last
year at this time.
b. Aging Report: Receivables are similar to last month’s amounts.
Congregations listed at the bottom of the report are those with persistent
arrearages in amounts owed to the Diocese.
There are no parishes that are currently over 60 days delinquent in payroll
and benefit reimbursements to the Diocese.
c. Union Bank Line of Credit: Bob indicated that there are no significant
changes from last month’s report.
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Finance Committee held a special meeting by conference call on
September 13 to discuss a request from St. Stephen’s, Orinda for a new
$300,000 line of credit for a roof replacement and new solar installation. The
Committee agreed to approve the request subject to receiving a letter from
St. Stephen’ s committing to:
(1) launch a capital campaign as quickly as possible to repay the loan,
and
(2) immediately seek bank financing to replace the existing $371,000
line of credit that has been outstanding for one year.
V.
Program and Budget: Treasurer Bob McCaskill reported that, in
accordance with Canon 18.02 (c), the Finance Committee agreed to
recommend to Convention a new assessment formula based on a top
assessment rate of 17% in place of the previous 20% rate for income above
the minimum clergy salary for 2012. Accordingly, the proposed 2012
assessment formula is as follows:
1.
Five percent assessment on the first $63,392 of the parish or
mission’s operating income for 2010, and
2.
17% assessment on all operating income above $63,392.
VI. Endowment Report: Treasurer Bob McCaskill discussed the
“Annual Treasurer’s Endowment Report” for the year ending December 31,
2010. (Written report attached). This report contains information about the
state of the endowment and the impact of repayment to the Endowment for
funds borrowed for maintenance on the Lyon Street property.
VII. Bishops Report: Bishop Marc reported that he has had a busy and
productive month. He recently returned from attending the meeting of the
House of Bishops in Quito, Ecuador on September 15 through 20th. Bishop
Marc updated EC on tensions within the Diocese of Central Ecuador, which
includes Quito. He asked for prayers for leadership in the area and for the
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
continued work of Bishop Naudal Gomes of our companion diocese of
Curitiba, Brazil.
Bishop Marc described the first Diocesan Leadership Webinar as a fantastic
success with more than 100 people joining him “live” over the internet to
discuss Church Vitality.
Bishop Marc said that the recent Clergy Conference at Bishop’s Ranch was
also very productive. The meeting included presentations from the
Reverend Eric Law from the Diocese of Los Angeles, who discussed the
multicultural/antiracism ministry of Kaleidoscope. Bishop Marc indicated
that he had asked Diocal clergy to communicate with one another and share
best practices for Church Vitality.
Bishop Marc commented on the development of the Church Growth and
Vitality agenda. He expressed enthusiasm for the work of the Church
Growth committee, which has already met under the leadership of EC
member Gary Hunt. He announced that he would be speaking about Church
Vitality at next month’s convention and reiterated that all of the people of
the Diocese – DioHouse staff, Clergy, and laypersons, need to work together
to renew it. Bishop Marc noted that there will not be break-out sessions
during lunch at the Convention this year.
Bishop Marc talked about how the changes in the governance structure of
the Diocese were an important step for Diocal. He recommended that the
Executive Council, as a group, explore its current leadership role, including
teaching and modeling church governance for our vestries. To that end, he
recommended “the book, Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board
Leadership, by Dan Hotchkiss” for EC members to read and discuss as it
applies to our work.
VIII. Dougherty Valley Shared Ministry: Shelton Ensley provided the
EC with an update on the Dougherty Valley church planting project. He
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
indicated that the Dougherty Valley is comprised of a geographical area
between San Ramon and Livermore which is now home to approximately
45,000 people of mixed ethnicity, language, and cultures. He indicated that
it is the group’s plan to go out into the community to get to know residents
and their needs prior to deciding whether or not they should build a church
in the area. Shelton said he recognizes the enormity of the project and is
glad the diocese is partnering with their group. Bishop Marc mentioned St.
Gregory of Nyssa’s in San Francisco as a model for starting a congregation
that is responsive to the desire of its membership. The Bishop expressed his
gratitude to St. Timothy’s for their initiative and the group’s willingness to
work on this project. Donald Mulliken asked that EC members receive
regular reports on the group’s progress.
IX. Episcopal Charities: New Executive Director, Kathleen Piraino
was introduced and reported on the continuing work of Episcopal Charities.
Bishop Marc noted that Kathleen was chosen from a long list of applicants;
she is a lawyer and has served with Ohloff House Ministries. According to
Kathleen, Episcopal Charities is enacting a new vision, which involves use of
the Regional Action networks that were introduced last year. Action
Networks are located in five of the deaneries of the Diocese of California.
Episcopal Charities annually awards $10,000 to each of five deaneries.
Kathleen announced the “Pennies from Heaven” Dinner and Auction being
held on Saturday Nov 5th at Grace Cathedral.
X.
Staff Reports:
1.
Communications: Sean McConnell reported on the Adobe Connect
software installed by the Diocese for the Webinar. He announced that it can
also be used for other Diocesan (including Executive Council) events.
Convention planning is in process. The theme for the event will be the
Beloved Community. According to Sean, the Diocese is providing
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
encouragement for delegates wishing to carpool; the block of California
between Taylor and Jones will be blocked off this year for parking for
vanpools and busses. The Peninsula Deanery has already reserved a bus. (A
15 passenger van is the smallest that can park in the blocked off area).
Sean reported that the Music for Haiti concerts have been arranged and he is
assisting with publicity for the fundraiser. He offered thanks to Matthew
Burt for organizing the event.
2.
Congregational Development: Michael Barlowe is back from
sabbatical. He described his travels abroad and in the United States.
Michael thanked EC for our prayers and support during his absence.
3.
Discipleship Ministries: (Written report attached) Julia McCrayGoldsmith reported on the search for a Diocesan Youth Minister. She
reminded EC that this is a part-time position. Julia indicated that she has
received 12 excellent applications for the position and feels we will find
someone well-qualified to fulfill the requirements of the vision statement
developed for the job.
XI. Standing Committee Report: Standing Committee Liaison Bruce
Smith was not able to attend the meeting so no report was offered.
XII. Chancellor’s Report: (Written report attached) Christopher
Hayes has been in a jury trial this week. He submitted a written report
responding to a memorandum from Jay Luther regarding the Congregational
Growth Program (CGP). It was determined that, since EC will not be asking
for specific powers in regard to facilitating the CGP, neither Jay nor
Christopher need to provide legal expertise to EC at this time.
XIII. Church Growth Program: Gary Hunt is serving as convener for the
Church Growth Program team. He welcomed Joe Jennings of St. Mary the
Virgin, San Francisco, who initially developed the program, to the meeting.
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Gary noted that his team has already met once (Workshop #1 took place on
September 18th) and has monthly meetings scheduled through the end of
2011. They are:
Workshop #2: October 15, St Clare’s, Pleasanton,
Workshop #3: November 12, St Alban’s, Brentwood, and
Workshop #4: December 10, Holy Innocents, San Francisco
Gary reminded the group that CGP involves a multiyear plan and will require
broad-based diocesan involvement. The website for the CGP is:
churchgrowthprogram.com
XIV.
Brief/No reports:
Audit Committee: Don White did not offer a report.
Convention Nominating Committee: Melissa Ridlon reported that we
are in excellent shape for the upcoming Convention and the Committee is
moving forward into the next phase of its work.
Deanery Coordinating Council: Melissa Ridlon said there is nothing new
to report at this time.
Convention Update: David Frangquist was not at the meeting.
Diocesan Institutions Working Group: Gary Hunt reported that this
work is in process.
Executive Council Bylaws and Policies: Jay Luther said he has nothing
to report at this time.
Haitian Music Project: Matthew Burt reported that 41 members of the
Les Petits Chanteurs, their Chaperones, and the Holy Trinity Music School
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Chamber Ensemble will arrive tomorrow. They will be giving concerts in
Diocesan churches and institutions. Matthew noted that a documentary film
about the school will be released in 2012. He said that he hopes the group
will return next year or in 2013.
Investment Committee: No report was made.
Racial Reconciliation Task Force: Dianne Smith reported that the film
“Traces of the Trade” will be shown at St. Augustine’s, Oakland in the fall.
According to Dianne, the Task Force is continuing to expand its work.
Retired Clergy Health Benefits Task Force: Jim Forsyth reported that
he is researching the benefit practices of other Dioceses. There has been no
task force meeting as of yet.
Task Force on Council Meeting Dates and Times: Deborah White
reported that she conducted a poll of members of the EC. Results suggest
that most want to keep the same meeting time. Several people expressed
their concern, however, that Council members did not realize they were
voting on a time change for future Councils. Discussion about who should
be polled and the best way to conduct a survey followed. Deb said she will
speak with Sean McConnell and ask his advice about this.
XV.
Old Business:
Officer Nominating Process: Richard Patenaude has agreed to serve as
the Chair of the Executive Council Steering Committee Nominating group.
Executive Council officers are usually elected in December. There is a desire
for the officer election process to be as transparent as possible.
Update on Call to Right Relationship (C2RR): Canon Michael Barlowe
notified the Council that the existing C2RR policy needs to be brought in line
with the new Title IV disciplinary Canons. He clarified that individuals are
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community
Diocese of California
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
expected to take refreshers after taking the original course. Michael said
that he believes that our Diocese has done outstanding work on this subject.
Informational update on Anti-racism training for clergy and lay
leaders: Julia McCray-Goldsmith thanked the EC for taking the
Antiracism training. She explained that there is a new small group training
that will allow more flexibility for individuals needing to take Antiracism
training. According to Julia, we are need of a more trainers and more
advanced trainings.
XVI. New Business:
Announcements: Bishop Marc announced that the 2011-2012 class of
diocesan interns has arrived. They are: Dawn Bailey, Grace Babcock, Jon
Hoose, and Eric Stallman. Chaplain Tom Poyner will direct the program
and serve as their spiritual advisor.
Reports requested for the October 25, 2011 Meeting:
1. Assessment Appeals Committee: The Reverend Chris RankinWilliams.
2. White Privilege issues: Roulhac asked Council members to please
consider and come prepared to discuss the topic of how we might
identify and root out white privilege issues on Executive Council.
XVII.Closing Prayer and Adjournment: The closing prayer was offered
by Canon Michael Barlowe. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Mary Louise Gotthold
Recording Secretary
Our Mission: Embodied Justice for All People & for
God’s Creation – Church Vitality – Rooted•
Spirituality• Transparent & Accountable Leadership•
Inclusive Community