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Christ Episcopal Church  |
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2008 Annual Parish Meeting11:30 am The 2008 Annual Meeting of Christ Episcopal Church was held on Sunday, December 14, 2008 in the nave. There were 62 persons in attendance. Fr. Gary Hill called the meeting to order at 11:36 am. Fr. Gary read two scripture verses: Ephesians 4:1-6, 25-5:2 and Colossians 3:12 – 17. He prayed the morning prayer from the Orthodox Church and then everyone joined in the Prayer of St. Francis. The candidates for vestry were presented: Joe Daniel, in absentia; Waverly Duggar; John Fleming, in absentia; Mary McCleary; Sandra Raney; and David Sandoz, in absentia. G. W. Scott was presented as candidate for delegate to Diocesan Council. Fr. Gary called for nominations from the floor and there were none. He then expressed his thanks to Gary Lee Ashcraft for serving as Senior Warden for 2008 and for former Senior Wardens present-Jack Tigner, Kai Sorensen, Sandra Raney, and James Raney. Fr. Hill then handed the meeting over to Gary Lee Ashcraft. The tellers designated for the meeting were Larry O’Neal, Kyle Brasher, Tim King, and Todd Garrison. Gary Lee gave instructions on the ballot and then parishioners were asked to cast their votes. The ballots were collected and the tellers retired to the Whited Library to count the votes. The minutes from the 2007 Annual Parish Meeting were reviewed. Carl Schneider made the motion to accept the minutes as written; it was seconded by James Raney and passed without objection. Gary Lee then gave the Senior Warden’s report. He thanked the vestry for all of their hard work and remarked on the gift that each vestry member brought to the group. He then highlighted the vestry’s year:
Gary Lee stated that the church is “in good shape, financially as well as spiritually.” He is striving to make Christ Church the best Episcopal Church, not just in Nacogdoches, not just in Texas, but the best Episcopal Church anywhere. His main focus for 2009 will be to find out what the parishioners want in order to match their needs to a dynamic program. We will have a dream – a dream that goes forward. Fr. Stephen Whaley then presented the Associate Rector’s and Canterbury report. He expressed his appreciation for allowing him to participate in the trip to Israel and other activities he has been involved with. He also remarked how the vestry, under Fr. Gary’s leadership, has worked with mutual respect and love. He has appreciated Fr. Gary’s meditations on the Psalms at the vestry meetings and that our business “model” is actually our faith. Fr. Stephen reported that the Canterbury Association has been busy during the past year. Trips to San Antonio and Longview have been some of the highlights. The Canterbury House has had some freshening with new paint. Due to diocesan policy and SFASU policy, neither Fr. Stephen nor Dr. Jill Carrington, faculty advisor, is allowed to function as check signers or treasurers for Canterbury. Fr. Stephen appealed for a volunteer to help with this. He reported that there is over $28,000 in the AG Edwards account and $2000 in the Regions checking account with another $2000 to be deposited. Kai Sorensen inquired about how the Canterbury program is funded. The Diocese of Texas pays for the operating costs (approximately $24,000) while Christ Church pays for the chaplain’s cost (stipend, housing, pension, etc). GW Scott asked about the attendance at Canterbury. With both Wednesday and Sunday programs, there are about 20 persons. Fr. Stephen thanked all those who helped provide meals to Canterbury. The Orthodox Student Association is meeting at Canterbury on Thursday nights. In the spring, a college-aged chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous may be meeting at the House. Kyle Brasher gave the Junior Warden’s report. He thanked all who have helped him with various projects. No matter what the problem – broken windows, air-conditioners, Hurricane Ike – someone always comes through to help and/or fund the project. Deacon Wanda Cuniff expressed her appreciation to the congregation for supporting her while she is at Trinity Mother Francis doing a year-long CPE. She misses being as active as she had been in the congregation. She introduced Carol Willis, who has taken the position of outreach coordinator. Carol is doing a lot of things that Wanda used to do. Wanda highlighted all the ways that the congregation of Christ Church has helped her fulfill her call to “feed the sheep.” Among these have been:
Audrey Russell gave the Christ Episcopal School report. She referred the congregation to her written report in the packet. Audrey explained the differences in schools. One type is the diocesan school, such as St. Stephen’s in Austin or the Episcopal High School in Houston. These schools are supported by the Diocese of Texas. Then there are independent schools. These schools are separate entities and not bound to Episcopal institutions. An example of this would be St. James’ School in Texarkana. By far, the most prevalent type is the parish day school. With at least 850 of these in the US, Christ Episcopal School is in the category. What makes the parish day school unique is its relationship to the sponsoring parish. It is a family model – not corporate or community-based. The family model requires that the school and the church bond together, work together, and practice and demonstrate grace together. In a parish day school, it is required that at least 60% of the board be Episcopalians. Christ Episcopal School is not just tuition driven – it relies heavily on annual giving and fund-raising activities. The school is also involved in outreach – both as a school and on a grade-by-grade basis. The school and school board have sent monetary donations to Trinity School, Galveston, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike. The school takes up food weekly for HOPE during chapel services; and each class is involved in outreach projects. Gary Lee then recognized Fr. Allan Madden. Fr. Madden visits shut-ins at home and at nursing homes. Periodically, he serves vacancies in different congregations throughout East Texas. Gary Lee expressed his appreciation to Fr. Madden for all his does for Christ Church. Jack Tigner, member of the board of the Christ Episcopal Church Foundation, presented his report. The CEC Foundation was started approximately 6 years ago by Bob Eanes and John Buck. The money is invested in the stock market. But despite recent downturns, the fund has only lost 2.7%. There is still approximately $50,000 in the foundation. The CEC Foundation does not want to disturb the principle, but is accepting grant applications. The foundation has granted money for the past 4 years, but will be watching the market before issuing money. The current members of the board are Bob Eanes of Georgetown, TX, John Buck of Galveston, and Ron Collin, Jack Tigner, and Jeff Summers of Nacogdoches. Jack encouraged those who would like to make a donation to contact him. The money is always used for the betterment of Christ Church and School. Vicki King, Director of Christian Education, expressed her appreciation to her teachers. She and the teachers are excited about the growth of the Sunday School. Extra hands are needed, and interested persons are encouraged to call Vicki. The youth directors, Justin and Katherine Daniel, gave their report. They first thanked the clergy, the previous youth directors, and the parents for all the support they have received. It has been hard, yet rewarding work! They have participated in many service projects such as Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, Make a Difference Day, Bible Read-a-thon, and World Vision. They have had many fun field trips and fellowship activities including Galveston, Splash Kingdom, Lazer Tag, Putt Putt, and karaoke. The basis of their program is regular meetings, building relationships, and supporting one another in their Christian walks. Mary McCleary updated the congregation on the stained glass window project. After several frustrating months trying to deal with the previous glass artists – Pittsburgh Glass- Mary found that the company was undergoing difficult times. She found the company of Willet Hauser of Philadelphia, PA who are going to continue with our window project. Mary thanked Jill Carrington and Florence Patton for all their preliminary work that will make the windows a reality. Three windows have been funded – Moses and the Ten Commandments, Noah and the Covenant, and Abraham and Isaac. The fourth window – the Commissioning of Isaiah- is the parishioners’ window. It is being funded by contributions in increments of $500.$9,500 still needs to be collected to fund the cost of $23,500. Hopefully, the windows will be completed and installed by next Christmas. Gary Lee then expressed his appreciation to Sandra Raney and Nita Hudson for the wonderful music program at Christ Church. Gary Lee gave a brief treasurer’s report. He has been functioning as the treasurer in order to get a better picture of the finances of Christ Church. But if anyone has a question or would like to help, Gary Lee encouraged them to call him at 552-6408. Over the past years, the revenue (pledges and plate) has been about $400,000. Expenses have been $450,000. At the end of the year, after much worry, the contributions increase and the deficit is erased. This year, however, we are up-to-date with our bills and our diocesan assessment and are projected to end the year with a carryover of approximately $10-15,000. Kai Sorensen requested that the minutes of the vestry meetings and the financials be posted on the bulletin board. Gary Lee will follow through on this. Hopefully, in the near future, these things will be on the website as well. The results of the election were then announced. The persons elected to the vestry were: Joe Daniel, John Fleming, Mary McCleary, and Sandra Raney. GW Scott was elected as council delegate. Gary Lee expressed his appreciation to all and especially to Waverly Duggar and David Sandoz who were not elected this time. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:03 pm after a prayer by Deacon Wanda. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Hill, Clerk |
