Diocesan Council Meeting Highlights – September 15, 2018
By Marjorie Strong
The meeting was called to order by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Ely at 10:00 AM, and opened with devotions led by the Rev. Paul Gratz, followed by approval of the consent agenda.
Treasurer Gerry Davis presented his report which contained good news. With two-thirds of the year complete, Diocesan income and expenses are almost exactly balanced. Gerry commented that the current formula for Mission Support appears to be working and he doesn’t anticipate ending the year with a large deficit. The Alleluiafund has received to date $33,100. Grants have been given to the Rock Point Commons and Rock Point Summer Camp, leaving $16, 204 remaining for awards from the Grants and Loans Committee. The Budget Committee proposed a balanced budget for 2019 with less than a 1% increase over the 2018 budget.
Other items addressed by the council included a report from the Standing Committee by the Rev. Thad Bennett providing information on the compensation package for the new bishop, and a report on the work of the Grants and Loans Committee byThe Rev. Todd McKee, and a request for clarification of the language in the original guidelines given to the committee, particularly as it related to pass-through grants for non-profits requested by parishes. As well, the council adopted a resolution regarding minimum clergy compensation for 2019, and a proposal to update rates for clergy providing Sunday supply.
Finally, Barbara Johnson led a discussion on how Council can encourage congregations in promoting ecumenical and interfaith programs and events, including sharing facilities, combined events, and interfaith and ecumenical education. After an energetic conversation, it was proposed that the Diocese conduct a survey to gather information that could be used to stimulate further conversation and to collect stories to identify and celebrate the activities of local parishes.