Chapter Minutes

October 11, 2005

Present 
The Very Rev. Ralph T. Blackman (Dean), Robert D. Black, John Clarke. Marianne Culver (Junior Warden), Tom Eley (ex-officio), Marcus Hall, Sharon Johnson, Pamela Lightcap.  Ann Meuse (Senior Warden), Cecilia Mowatt, Ronald Mui, The Rev. Jerry Ness, Christopher Plotner, Elsa Vaintzettel (ex-officio)

Absent
Marcus Hall (excused), The Rev. Frances M. Holliday (excused), Sunny Lopez (Deacon), Jackie Lynn (Deacon), Philip Mantel (excused), Judi Mason (Deacon), The Rt. Rev. William Persell (Bishop)

Also Present
The Rev. Peter C. Siwek (Vicar), Bruce J. Barber II, Debra Henderson

Meeting called to order at 5:45 p.m. with sharing of our prayer requests and thanksgivings. An opening prayer was offered by Ralph Blackman at 6:10 p.m. 

On motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes of the meeting held September 13^th were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Elsa Vaintzettel gave the Treasurer’s report including a review of the balance sheet and expense and income statements through September 2005. 

Pledges are currently under budget and under where we were this time last year, but they are gaining.  Fortunately, our expenses are also currently running under budget. 

On motion made, seconded and carried, the Treasurer’s report was received.

Stewardship
Pamela Lightcap presented all attendees of today’s meeting with their 2006 Stewardship materials.  She requested that all members of Chapter turn in their pledge cards at today’s meeting. 

A supper was provided for by Ralph Blackman. The meeting was adjourned briefly to allow participants to get their suppers.

Dean’s Report  
Budget: The Dean reported that we will have the preliminary budget for 2006 in November.  It will not include the construction operating budget given the ambiguity of the current timeline.  When the construction operating budget becomes an issue, the Dean will then return to Chapter with a revised budget. 

Ministries: Our focus for this year is very good.  Adult Faith Formation is planning a retreat this year at the Dekoven Center for October 14, 15 and 16.  This past Sunday, October 9^th, our Sunday School went to Montgomery Place, which Dean Niedenthal reports to have been a great success.  Montgomery Place will be attending St. James on Sunday, October 23^rd.   Stewardship had a Planned Giving Seminar on Sunday, October 9^th and the 2006 pledge campaign was mailed today, Tuesday, October 11^th.  Our Outreach is going strong with the Central City Housing Venture benefit on Thursday, October 20^th and the quilt that parishioner Mary Bruner is making for that benefit. 

Music Ministry:  The Dean also raised the issue on the budget for the Music Ministry at St. James and the expenses incurred from the 50^th Anniversary Celebration (changing from a Chamber piece to a full choir with orchestra).  A discussion ensued regarding the Paul Robert Fund and a potential reallocation of those funds. 

On motion made, seconded and carried, the Paul Robert Fund will be dissolved, and the amounts in it will be reallocated to a 50/50 split to the Friends of Cathedral Music Fund and Arts & Music Funds - Other. 

The Dean, this week, reached his four year anniversary with the St. James Community.  The issue of his sabbatical was brought up, which is to be taken during his sixth year with us.  The Wardens and the Dean are having discussions regarding the timing of the Dean’s sabbatical with the building project. 

OTHER BUSINESS       

Hospitality
Ron Mui reported that he and Kay Collins will be heading up the Hospitality Ministry. 

The Multicultural Heritage Pot Luck will be moved to coincide with the Annual Meeting 2006. 

Building Issues/Opportunities
Architectural Contract Approval: Tom Patterson presented background information on materials provided to Chapter from 4240.  Ralph Blackman and Peter Siwek brought the Cathedral schematic and diagrams for another initial review of where the project stands to date, with the understanding that nothing is final.  After some discussion, a resolution was offered.

On motion made, seconded and carried, the Architectural Contract was approved as presented.  (See attached documentation.) 

Cathedral Counseling Center
Tom Patterson presented a draft of a letter of intent, a copy of which is attached to these Minutes, outlining a proposed grant to continue to support to the Cathedral Counseling Center as a mission of St. James.  After some discussion, the question was called and a resolution was put forth. 

On motion made, seconded and carried, the grant proposal was approved, with one abstention.

Wardens’ Report
Staffing Task Force: Ann Meuse presented materials on the Executive Service Corps of Chicago (“ESC”).  The ESC could assist us in our organizational analysis, financial analysis as well as reviewing our organizational structure.  They can help us look at where we are now, and where we want to be in the near-term and offering guidelines to help us get there.  They will do interviews and run analyses of our existing office support as well as the best use of the time and talents of our lay and clerical leadership.  Christopher Plotner asked if ESC had any experience with religious organizations, so not to apply a secular template to our organization.  Ann Meuse replied that they have worked with other churches in our Diocese and Robert Black shared that his company has used them as well. 

On motion made, seconded and carried, the ESC Consulting Agreement has been approved for signature substantially in the form presented and that we authorize the spending of the $2,100. 

Tom Eley offered to provide food for the November meeting.

Meeting was adjourned, with a prayer offered by Christopher Plotner, at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Lightcap
Chapter Secretary