Governance news posted Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Summary of Diocesan Council Meeting

March 28, 2009 | Executive Committee Summary

Download the Minutes for this meeting.

The Diocesan Council of the Diocesan of Pennsylvania meets approximately every two months. In an effort to provide timely information to the Diocese regarding the actions taken by Diocesan Council, a summary of the meetings written by the Executive Committee will be posted following each meeting. These notes are not the approved minutes; the minutes of the previous meeting will be posted shortly after they are approved at the next meeting of the Diocesan Council. If you have any questions about the actions taken by Diocesan Council, please contact one of your Deanery Diocesan Council representatives or a member of the Executive Committee:

Chair: The Rt. Rev. Rodney Michel, Assisting Bishop
Vice Chair: The Rev. Kathy Andonian
Secretary: Mrs. Jeanette Woehr
Mr. Joe Merlino
Mr. Jeff Moretzsohn
Ms. Patricia Smith

Council met Saturday morning, March 28, at Gloria Dei (Old Swede’s) Church and was welcomed by The Very Rev. Joy Segal who serves as Rector. After an opening service of Morning Prayer, Bishop Allen Bartlett thanked and welcomed everyone. After setting the agenda, Council was then formally introduced to The Rt. Rev. Rodney Michel, who will assume the role of Assisting Bishop as of April 1st. While Bp Bartlett will “return” to his retirement, he will remain an active leadership role within the Diocese. Council was reminded that Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will be visiting both the laity and clergy of the diocese on March 29th and 30th.

Rob Rogers, Diocesan Treasurer and Peter Wilmerding who serves as Chair of the Finance and Property Committee reported on the current financial state of the Diocese. Congregational giving is significantly below what was budgeted and unless there is a reduction in expenses or an increase in the current level of congregational giving, the Diocese would be confronted with a sizable deficit at year end. Rob pointed out that a number of Parishes had yet to send in their Parochial Report which per the Canon’s is due by March 31st. Download the complete report of Asking Forms Received [xls].

A series of financial summit meetings which included representatives of all Diocesan leadership groups developed and presented a proposed resolution which was unanimously approved by Council. The resolution approved the reduction of $99,000 in line item cuts within the program budget. The line items affected were as follows:

  • DCMM ($35,000) Note: No affect on salaries or program assistance
  • General Convention ($10,000)
  • Urban Strategy Conference ($10,000)
  • Camping Program ($20,000)
  • Youth Events ($10,000)
  • Province III Dues ($ 4,000)
  • Church House Operations ($10,000)

Additionally, Council voted unanimously to send a letter to all Churches detailing the specifics of the current fiscal crisis with the expressed intent of appealing to all churches to consider increasing their support to the mission and ministry of the diocese. Unless there is an increase in financial support there is a strong probability that additional cuts will be required.

Various updates were given by Council members who serve as liaisons to the Diocesan Committees and Ministries. It’s important to note that the 3rd Annual Gala/Silent Auction in support of the Diocesan Campus Ministry at Temple will be held on April 24th at St. Luke and the Epiphany. Additionally, the Diocesan Summer Camping Program is underway and applications have been distributed to all Churches and are now being accepted for this summer. St Mary’s in Wayne will be hosting a Diocesan Stewardship Seminar on April 25th. Finally, after meet with representative of The Seamen’s Church Institute at last Council meeting, a resolution was unanimously approved to set aside and acknowledge the first Sunday in October as “Sea Sunday” in recognition of our brothers and sisters who serve at sea.

After acknowledging the next meeting would be held at 9:00 am, Saturday, May 9 at St. Faith’s Church, Havertown, Bp. Bartlett closed the meeting with a prayer and blessing.

Respectfully submitted,

Diocesan Council
Executive Committee