MINUTES

Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church

2010 Annual Parish Meeting

February 7, 2010

Father Tipton opened the meeting by welcoming and thanking everyone for their attendance.  It was noted that his first Annual Parish Meeting was in 2000 – ten years ago. 

A message was passed on to the congregation from parishioner Bernard Sherman, who called from Indiana as he is en route to Afghanistan to send his love to his Holy Cross Faith Memorial family and to let them know he is thinking of them today even though he could not be here.

A booklet has been compiled with written reports from all of the Holy Cross Faith Memorial ministries.  It is a great snap shot to help everyone know what is happening on our campus.

A draft of the Minutes of the 2009 Annual Parish Meeting were included in the booklet.  Oscar Weinmeister motioned that they be accepted as written and John Sands seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Holy Cross Faith Memorial Treasurer gave the financial report.  Financial conditions have improved some this past year.  The budget deficit in 2008 depleted our reserves.  Shaving the 2009 budget by 15% and refinancing the lot to save interest (and getting a 30% discount from the Diocese on the money loaned to us for the purchase of the lot to our north) helped the budget.

In reviewing the Budget vs. Actual report, pledge payment deficits were a bit troubling but were wonderfully offset by unrestricted gifts that were received in response to Father Tipton’s letter to the parish explaining the budget deficit.

The staff does a great job managing expenses.  We saved on interest and, even with the unexpected repairs to the HVAC systems, managed to end the year with a small surplus.

The deficit in pledge payments and the reduction in plate offering all reflects the current state of the economy and makes planning for the coming year difficult.  For 2010 a bare bones budget has been approved.  It includes a 2% cut out of expenses with no salary raises for the staff.

As we wrap up this year’s Stewardship campaign, we have 160 pledges out of about 205 households.  At this point we are about $10,000 shy of meeting budgeted pledges.

In June a permanent mortgage was secured with BB&T in the amount of $1,650,000 with an interest rate of 5.23%.  The money was utilized to pay off the existing construction loan and the lot that was being held by the Diocese.  This loan will generate $130,000 in debt service annually.  In 2010, 1/2 will come from the previous Capital Campaign funds.

There are not immediate plans to hold another Capital Campaign, but we may look at this again in 3 or 4 years.

An arrangement is currently being negotiated to sell a wetlands conservation easement that will generate income of $100,000 which will be held in the restricted capital funds.

Father Tipton thanked the outgoing members of the Vestry, Nancy Hopkinson, Oscar Weinmeister and Kathy Besse, for all of their hard work.  Due to 2 resignations, there were 5 vacancies to be filled.  The Nominating Committee expressed their gratitude to those new nominees who are willing to serve.  They presented a slate including Judy Ingle and Dreema Clarke to fill the 2 vacant 1 year terms and Renee Herrell-Ford, Doug Billings and Kathy Besse for the 3 vacant 3 year terms.  The floor was then opened for nominations. 

As no further nominations were made, Jim Mallow motioned that the nominations be closed.  E’Lane Rutherford seconded.  Sue Tanner motioned that the slate be accepted as presented and to elect by acclamation.  Stephanie Arnold seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Father Tipton appointed John Sands as the Senior Warden for another year.  John Hart, who was elected as Junior Warden last year, has been doing a superior job.

The floor was opened for nominations for Two Delegates to attend the 2011 & 2012 Diocesan Conventions. E’Lane Rutherford nominated Michael Cureton.  John Sands nominated Brian Monroe.  No further nominations were made.  Doug Billings made a motion to accept Michael Cureton and Brian Monroe as the 2011/2012 Convention Delegates and to elect by acclamation.  Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Nominations for alternates was opened.  Judy Ingle nominated Pixie Kubeck and E’Lane Rutherford nominated Suzi Bateman.  No further nominations were made.  Harold Stowe motioned to close the nominations and elect by acclamation.  Motion passed unanimously.

Father Tipton again called the congregations attention to the Annual Parish Meeting booklet.  It contains a written Rector’s report as well as one from both the Junior and Senior Warden.  Anyone who wants to know what is going on at Holy Cross Faith Memorial should read this booklet.

Father Tipton wanted everyone in the congregation to know that they have a voice.  He invited comments from the gathering.

Oscar Weinmeister asked for an update on the Diocese of SC in relation to the National Church.  Father Tipton responded that the Bishop visited Holy Cross Faith Memorial last Sunday and was welcomed graciously.  The reaffirmation service was great.  At the Special Convention of the Diocese last October, Father Tipton made a statement that was in direct opposition with the direction the Bishop is taking the diocese.  The Bishop responded with a handwritten note saying that he respected Father Tipton’s position.  At this point things are going as well as we can hope for. 

He is not sure what will happen at the Annual Convention in March, but it would not be surprising if there was another vote to distance the diocese even more from the National Church.  Father Tipton speculated that probably 80 % of the parishes and missions in the diocese would be willing to leave TEC altogether.  Holy Cross Faith Memorial is in the minority.  We are members of The Episcopal Church in the USA, will remain so, and are prepared to make some difficult decisions if we need to.

Geales Sands spoke to the congregation about the Brunch to follow the meeting and let everyone know that the flower arrangements on the tables were available for purchase with the proceeds going to aid the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

E’Lane Rutherford reminded everyone that collections were being taken for Souper Bowl.

On a final note Father Tipton addressed the rumblings about the closure of the Adult Day Care program and introduced the new administrator at the Smith Medical Clinic, our own Nancy Bracken.  The Rector’s Report addresses both of these issues, and, if after reading the report there are still questions, please call him.

Charlie Brodhead commented on how gracious and warm Holy Cross Faith Memorial has been since he and his wife Sally had started coming here.  Being from the Washington, DC area he commented that we are not alone in struggles of the church and a lot of people have been attracted to HCFM because of what we stand for. 

The meeting ended with a blessing by Father Tipton and Dismissal by The Rev. Melissa Timmerman.

Respectfully Submitted,

Martha Propps