2014 October Stewards Minutes
Seekers Church
October 5, 2014 Stewards Meeting
Cynthia Dahlin
Mission Group Sharing: Learners & Teachers
Marjory reported that David Novello has taken leave from the group, and members are David Lloyd, Marjory Bankson, Jacqie Wallen and Marcia Sprague. A recent growing edge has been supporting Maybelle Bennett’s class on Wednesday night – which has required flexibility because of many other users already scheduled in the building and no ability to provide a meal beforehand.
Finding capable teachers is an ongoing challenge, along with discerning current needs in the community.
Our spiritual practices include opening each meeting with prayer and a poem; listening deeply to one another; writing weekly spiritual reports and working with Marjory’s questions, along with personal disciplines which we identify each year.
The call and mission of this group provides the School of Christian Living for Seekers and it undergirds the spiritual formation which is taking place in each mission group. A recent class on youth mental health (led by Joan Dodge) addressed some wider challenges in the community.
Upcoming Class Schedule: David Lloyd
Beginning October 8, David will offer a Hebrew Testament class on “Major Prophets” and Eyes to See mission group will offer a class on Racial Reconciliation.
In January, we will probably offer a poetry class (one time) with John Morris and/or something on how the budget at Seekers is developed.
Next Spring, we are planning a New Testament class and a class of Call or spiritual direction in the first term. In the second term, Brenda will offer a discussion of Marilynn Robinson’s new book, Lila, along with a class on Deepening our Relationship with Nature.
SLT Recommendation
Brenda presented a recommendation from SLT that we extend our respite from Jacob Folger for another six months. That was unanimously approved.
Budget Report and Request: Marjory for FOG
A summary of income and expenses for 75% of 2014 (thru Sept) was shared. Although income is running short of budget amounts, FOG anticipates we will have enough to cover our expenses by the end of the year. Pat requested that we add a note about invested funds (our share of 2025 + bequests). FOG will discuss the implications of that.
Mission groups were asked to submit their budget requests by Oct 13 if possible. A DRAFT BUDGET for 2015 will be presented by FOG at the November meeting.
Stewards Recommitment Review: all of the present Stewards intend to recommit.
Proposals from the Ecumenical Council: Keith
- Should the Council direct the Potter’s House Church share of any Church of the Saviour bequest money to the Potter’s House Project for the next two years? Seekers approve.
- Should the Council approve Dayspring Church’s request for a “conservation easement” at Dayspring Farm? After much discussion about the common purposes for the Dayspring property, this was seen as a short-term financial decision with long-term consequences that might detract from being able to sell the property eventually.
Stewards also felt that the Dayspring Church should be encouraged to do long-term financial planning to support the silent retreat ministry. Seekers recommend that this proposal not be approved by the Council as currently presented.
Two Stewards shared more deeply about their lives: Jacqie and Marjory
The meeting closed with SOUL TALK.
Submitted by Marjory Bankson
October 7, 2014
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Seekers Church 2014 Budget and 9-months ACTUAL (75%) |
||||
|
INCOME |
2013 ACTUAL |
2014 BUDGET |
9-months ACTUAL |
% of BUDGET |
|
Building Use |
35,571 |
40,000 |
22,553 |
56% |
|
Contributions |
259,629 |
270,000 |
170,966 |
63% |
|
Interest |
8,378 |
3,000 |
3,095 |
103% |
|
TOTAL Unrestricted INCOME |
303,578 |
313,000 |
196,614 |
63% |
|
EXPENSE |
||||
|
Building Ops (T&S) Building CAP RESERVE |
50,551 44,551 6,000 |
58,200 52,200 6,000 |
27,212 27,212 0 |
47% |
|
Community Life Administration* Mission Groups** Staff (5) Youth Activities (Ch Team) |
62,338 2,670 3,625 56,043 0 |
76,700 5,000 6,700 62,000 3,000 |
38,792 1,215 2,686 32,967 1,924 |
51% |
|
Outreach …Domestic missions …International …Partnerships C of S Office Covenant: Thanksgiving Dayspring Church NGOs helping Skrs Rolling Ridge …Seekers Ministries Bokamoso Workshop Care Packs Carroll Café Guatemala Pilgrimage Holy Spirit Fund Growing Edge Fund: MSG |
178,077 61,000 50,000 7,500 4,000 3,000 250 1,200 424 180 0 0 47,343 3,180 |
168,100 60,000 50,000 7,000 (1k Callings) 5,000 4,000 (1k Permacul) 1,000 1,000 600 0+ loan guarantee 0+loan guarantee 0+loan guarantee 35,000 2,500 |
154,459 58,300 50,000 6,000 5,000 0 0 1,000 441 0 0 0 32,218 1,500 |
92% |
|
TOTAL Expenses |
290,966 |
303,000 |
220,463 |
73% |
|
NET Result |
12,612 |
10,000 |
***(23,849) |
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*Admin includes Accounting, Bank Charges, Sunday School, Postage, Skrs PR, & Misc.
**Mission Groups 2014: B&B, $600; CC, $1,000; Is2C, $2,000; Koinonia, $1,500; L&T, $1,000; LW, $600.
In separate line items: MSG for Growing Edge Fund, $2,500; T&S for building operations, $58,200.
*** We still have Kate’s bequest of $73,000 in the checking account as “float” money.
|
Capital Reserve Fund: $42,442 [rebuilt w/ $30,000 Gummere bequest]