Keynotes
The
Newsletter of St. Peter’s Church in
FEBRUARY 2010
A Note from the
Rector
We are entering a busy time in the weeks before Lent. On January 31 we will be visited by our Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw SSJE. He will preach and celebrate at the 10 o’clock service and then join us for brunch in Huiginn Hall. We will take the occasion to mark the dedication of our new chancel space and 10 years of our ministering together. We will have an opportunity over brunch to ask questions of the Bishop and have him ask questions of us. It should be a wonderful event in the life of this parish.
The following week we will have our annual meeting immediately following the 10 o’clock service. We will welcome new members, elect a new vestryperson and accept the budget for 2010 that was passed by the Vestry at its January meeting. Financially speaking we have good news. Despite a horrendous economy, our budget for 2010 is only $5,000 in deficit, which for all intents and purposes is as close to balanced as we can get.
Last year (2009) we had projected a $31,000 deficit, but it wound up being less that $20,000. The Annual Report will be available January 31.
Ash Wednesday this year falls on February 17 so our annual Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras potluck supper will be on February 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join us and bring a dish. – All three events give this community of God a chance to celebrate our common life in Christ.
Peace,
Manny
Refugee Immigration Ministry
On March 20th,
the North Shore Cluster will host the 7th Annual Auction – SPRING
INTO AUCTION – to support the client aid fund.
We are currently seeking donations for the auction. These items can include nearly anything –
artwork, jewelry, services (e.g., an attorney can donate time to do a will), a
boat ride, a year of desserts, a beautiful set of dishes, gift certificates at
local restaurants, etc.
Please contact
Carrie Monahan at 978-524-8559 or ckmonahan@verizon.net
for more information.
Please save the
date – March 20th – and plan to attend this event.
Stewardship
Nourishing St.
Peter’s Financial Health
Do not neglect to do good and to share what
you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:14,15
Thank You, 2010 Pledgers!
Particularly in this unsettling economic environment, we appreciate the response to our plea for participation in the life of St. Peter’s by pledging.
God must be pleased at the sacrifices many parishioners are making on behalf of St. Peter’s Church and its many ministries and outreach programs.
End-of-Year
Statements
In January 2010 all parishioners who have contributed to St.
Peter’s Church during the 2009 calendar year will receive and End-of-the-Year
Statement.
Simplify
your life—Use EFT for contributions!
With Electronic Funds Transfer
an amount you choose is automatically deducted from your checking account either
monthly or semi-monthly (you decide). No more checks, envelopes, or postage!
For information, contact St. Peter’s office: Phone 978-922-3438 or Email:
info@stpetersbeverly.org.
Planned Giving to St. Peter’s may save you taxes!
You can help St. Peter’s build its endowment fund AND you
may save on income taxes. For information, contact St. Peter’s office:
Phone 978-922-3438 or Email: info@stpetersbeverly.org
SAVE
SAVE SAVE
We at
We save the following:
Progresso Soup labels
Campbell Soup labels (related to companies)
General Mills box tops for Education
Tea Tags (all brands)
Betty Crocker (points)
Cancelled postage stamps (all)
(please leave ¼” around stamp)
Can Tabs (all)
Used Eye Glasses (sunglasses- lens)
Old/Used Keys
New all occasion cards – note paper
Toiletries for men/women
Calendars (usually Sept-Dec through mail)
Coupons for the troops
(all store, magazine, newspaper or mail)
These are items you would
have in the home and would throw away so save them and bring them to
church. They may be left on the table in
the Parish Hall near the “little brown church”.
We will see all saved items
are given to the agencies and organizations, etc. Any questions you may have, please call
Thank you for saving.
United Thank
Offering
U.T.O. Everyday and at St. Peter’s
We have Ingatherings in May and November. During the year, we encourage members to take and use (drop coins in) the U.T.O. Blue Box everytime they receive a blessing or give thanks. It is suggested you place the Blue Box where all members of the family can also drop coins in as they too are blessed or are thankful. All family members are welcome to take a Blue Box for their own use.
This year our ingathering in May was $474.19 and in November $455.26 for a 2009 total of $929.45. This is sent on to the MA Diocese for credit and then sent on to the National Office.
Thank you to all members who use the Blue Box. Won’t you pick up a Blue Box too. They are located on the tract table or the information table in the Parish Hall.
Submitted by
Warden’s Award
Due to the January 3rd
snowstorm we were unable to give out the 1st Annual Wardens
Awards for 2009. The event has been re-scheduled, however for Sunday,
January 31st during the 10:00 service.
As a reminder, this award is
given to those children who have consistently and cheerfully stepped up to help
at church events.
JUST A REMINDER!!!!
Potluck Brunch
on
Sunday, January 31th
(immediately following the
10:00 service)
Meet The Rt.
Rev. M. Thomas Shaw SSJE
and
Celebrate Manny's 10th
Anniversary
at St. Peter’s
Mystery Item
Can you identify this item?
What is its significance to St. Peter’s?
The answer will be revealed at the
10 a.m. service on February 7.
Answer to last month’s question: The Mystery Item was a Quarter Tube. It is used to collect quarters for Heifer International.
Those Scheduled to Serve this Month
February 7
Ushers: Bill Creesy, Barb Alexander and 2 youth
Lectors: 8:00 Joan Nelson
10:00 John Cabot and Kathy Pearce
LEMS: 8:00 Joan Nelson
10:00 Leasa Lutes and Emily Schultz
LEV: Leasa Lutes
Acolytes: Cameron Walker, Alexandra Kelliher and Susie Faria
Greeter: Dave Farrar
Altar Guild: Suzanne Conlon and Andrea Schultz
Closer: Bill Creesy
February 14
Ushers:
Lectors: 8:00 Jim Norris
10:00 Ann Perrott and Derick Willson
LEMS: 8:00 Don Ryan
10:00 John Newman and Larry Taylor
LEV: Ann Perrott
Acolytes: Marissa Gabriel, Edward Southerton and Carolyn Hall
Greeter: Rob Talbot
Altar Guild: Dena Lisle and Nancy Lian
Closer:
Larry Taylor
February 17 ASH WEDNESDAY
Lector: Lou Ann Faria
LEM: Connie Woodbury
Altar Guild: Robin Talbot and Joan Nelson
February 21
Ushers: Geoff Besse and Leasa Lutes
Lectors:
8:00
10:00 Barb DiMambro and Lou Ann Faria
LEMS:
8:00
10:00 Larry Taylor and Connie Woodbury
LEV: Dave Farrar
Acolytes: Emily Schultz, Dana Matheson and Bill Creesy
Greeter:
Altar Guild: Joan Nelson and Lil Taylor
Closer:
February 28
Ushers: Al Horgan and Martin Lian
Lectors: 8:00 Peg Bochynski
10:00 Lou Ann Faria and Jim Jobes
LEMS: 8:00 Peg Bochynski
10:00 Nancy Lian and Leasa Lutes
LEV: Peg Bochynski and Leasa Lutes
Acolytes: Cameron Walker, Edward Southerton and
Maeve Monahan
Greeter: Rob Talbot
Altar Guild: Robin Talbot and Catherine Summit
Closer:
Thad Outerbridge
If you cannot honor your assignment, please find a
replacement and let the office know as soon as possible. A directory of phone numbers can be found in
the vesting room.
LENTEN QUIET DAY
I did not offer a Quiet Day in Advent this year, but have decided that I would like to do a Lenten one this year. See below for details.
When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 8:30 AM
to 1:00 PM
Where:
Leader: Lis
Gordon
As usual, I will offer two or three short meditations which will be interspersed with silence. I have selected as a theme “Choosing Hope” and will focus the meditations on how we can choose how we encounter and deal with the events that happen in our lives every day. We are an Easter people, and as we make preparations during Lent that lead to Easter, thinking about hope and what it means to us should assist us on that journey.
A signup sheet will be available in the Parish Hall starting February 1st.
Lis Gordon
Recycle Expired Coupons
We are beginning a new program here at St. Peter’s to help our troops. Alberta Amberman came across an article in the Salem Evening news in December and thought we might want to give it a try. It won’t cost you anything to help and it will help our military families save money.
Military bases overseas typically have two kinds of stores: commissaries for groceries and a P/X for non-grocery items. Shoppers on military bases are able to use “Manufacturer Coupons” at these stores. Coupons can be used up to 6 months after the expiration date, so please gather your coupons (even the ones that have expired – only up to two months) and bring them to church. Alberta Amberman and Trish Shatford will do the rest.
Coupons from newspaper inserts, in-store coupon dispensers and tear pads can all be used.
Please do not bring in store-specific coupons only “Manufacturer Coupons” can be used on military bases.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
So start clipping so our troops can start saving!
If you would like more information on this program, go to www.ocpnet.org.
We will need to pick a base to send our coupons to, so if
anyone has one in particular they would like to see them sent to, please let us
know. The Overseas Coupon Program
currently serves bases in the
Never Throw Away Used Stamps
TUBFRIM is a humanitarian organization owned by the Norwegian Health Service. Used postage stamps are collected, packaged and resold to wholesalers and philatelists world wide. The profits earned from these activities are used to provide care and aid to handicapped children.
When TUBFRIM was founded in 1928, the objective was to help finance research into tuberculosis and to aid children inflicted by the disease. As this particular disease has almost been eradicated, the objective has been modified and today the profits provide financial aid for the “society for health and development of retarded children and youth”.
PERFECT CLIP TIPS:
When clipping stamps, please remember to leave at least a quarter inch of paper around the edges. If no paper margin is left, the stamps cannot be sold.
We are also happy to receive stamp collections, envelopes, covers and postcards. If older than 50 years, please do not cut off the stamp, but send us the entire item.
Stamps are sent to:
Roy & Mickey Kristiansen
Vegas Viking Lodge 6-152
For more information: see Alberta Amberman
St. Peter’s Readers
St. Peter’s Readers had their first meeting of the new calendar year on January 4th at Angel Crandell’s house. We saw the movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. What a story! It was heart wrenching but very well done and provided us with some interesting conversation.
Our next meeting will be held on
February 1st in the Demack room at 7:00 p.m. when we will discuss Dennis
Lehane’s The Given Day. This story is the author’s first foray into historical
fiction and is set in
For those of you who like to plan ahead, on March 1st we will be discussing The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Many of us have already read this novel, but enjoyed it so much we’d like to give it another go so we can discuss it together. If you’ve never read it, I highly recommend it!
If you have any questions or need further information, please email me at CasHarBev@comcast.net or call me at 978-927-7228. Please join us for a meeting!
Andrea Schuster
Shrove Tuesday Potluck Supper February 16th, 6 to 8 PM
Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence because it's
the last day before Lent.
Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is
the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the
foods that aren't traditionally allowed in Lent.
Giving
up foods: but not wasting them
During Lent there are many foods that some Christians - historically and
today - would not eat: foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky
foods.
So that no food was wasted, families would have a feast on the shriving
Tuesday and eat up all the foods that wouldn't last the forty days of Lent
without going off.
The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name Mardi Gras ('fat Tuesday'). Pancakes became associated with
Shrove Tuesday as they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and
milk in the house with just the addition of flour.
Potluck
Supper
Join us for the annual Potluck Supper, bring what you
can, sign up is in Fellowship Hall.
Catechesis
of the Good Shepherd 2010
Please mark your
calendars with the upcoming schedule for Atrium classes:
January
31 – FAMILY SUNDAY Atrium meet first 9:15 a.m.
February
7 – Atrium Programs meet at 9:15 a.m.
February
14 – Atrium Programs meet at 9:15 a.m.
Valentine Sundae Party after church for Atrium 3 children and Atrium 2
children who will be moving up.
February
21 – End of vacation week. No Atrium
Programs
February 28 – Lent II. Atrium programs meet at 9:15
a.m.
March
7 - FAMILY
SUNDAY Atrium meets first 9:15 a.m.
March
14, 21, 28 (Palm Sunday) Atrium Programs meet at 9:15
April 1 – MAUNDY THURSDAY Potluck and Service 6 p.m.
April
2 – GOOD FRIDAY Atrium 3 children participate in 11-mile Good Friday pledge
walk.
Lord, Hear Our Prayers
Parish prayers: Michael Trudel, Monique Farrar, Ken Christian, those serving in
FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY, WE
HAVE BEEN ASKED TO GIVE THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIVES OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:
February 7
February 14 Howard York; Robert B. and
Alice L. Brown; Harold R., Wayne A., and Matthew C. Amberman; Mrs. George Fogg
February 21 Robert T. and Glory
February 28 Mabel Peabody; Augustus Roy
and Mildred A. Knight; Beatrice G. Payne; June I. Bouchard; Agnes Hathaway
SAINT PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY MEETING
December 8,
2009
Present: Rev.
Manuel Faria, Andrea Schuster, Cheryl Robinson, David Farrar, Rob Talbot,
Connie Woodbury, Mike Bent, Godfrey Perrott and Cameron Wicker
Absent:
The
meeting began at 7:03 p.m. with Godfrey leading Vestry members in prayer. Vestry members considered Matthew 11:2-11 in
which the imprisoned John the Baptizer seeks to know whether Jesus is “the one
who is to come.” Jesus declares to the
crowds that John is a prophet, “the one about whom it
is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your
way before you.’ Prophet though John may
be, Jesus continues, “yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than
he.”
Clerk’s Report
The minutes of the November
10, 2009, Vestry meeting were accepted.
Greening of the Church
Godfrey reported on efforts to make the church more
energy efficient. The compact
fluorescent bulbs originally installed in the Atrium classrooms were too dim so
brighter ones will be used instead.
Efforts to replace the controls for the church heating system are
underway. The two pumps that are part of
the heating system currently run “24/7,” Godfrey noted, and will be replaced by
more sophisticated pumps that run as needed, saving money and reducing noise in
the Demack Room. Not much progress has
been made towards the planned replacement of the existing hot water heater
which also runs continually. Vestry
members briefly discussed the merits of switching from using Styrofoam and
paper products for parish events to using the church’s china and
glassware. Although china requires hot
water when it goes through the dishwasher, the current dishwasher is efficient,
has a quick, 2 minute cycle and sanitizes the dishes.
Manny agreed to discuss the possibility of using china dishes for the Sunday Night Suppers with coordinator Marsha Collins.
Fair Results
Andrea distributed a handout showing the funds
generated by the various “departments” of the Holiday Fair for each year from
2006 forward. The chart indicates both
advances and declines over the years.
Attic Treasures, for example, brought in $859.88 this year in contrast
to $527.40 in 2007. The Jewelry table,
as well, was more popular this year, bringing in $728.95 as opposed to a low of
$319.50 in 2008. On the other hand, the
Country Store revenues have declined from $803.75 in 2007 to this year’s
$411.25 and vestry members agreed that it might be time to return to making and
selling apple pies as part of the Country Store. The Silent Auction, too, despite exceptional
donations, has gone from $3,442 in 2006 to $1,789 most recently. Manny suggested that it might be better to
separate the Silent Auction from the fair, making it an
evening event with wine and cheese and an admission charge. Connie suggested revisiting the idea of
inviting outside crafters to rent tables to display their wares in the
downstairs rooms.
Furfey Fund Draw
Vestry members voted to “change our budgeting process
and management of the Furfey Fund to mirror the Diocese Investment
Trust’s (DIT) Total Return methodology …to take effect with the 2010 budget and
the 2010 financial reports.” In
discussion before the vote, Godfrey explained that “income” can be affected by
what an asset is invested in. An asset
may appreciate in value but produce no income or an asset may produce income
but itself depreciate in value over time.
To minimize annual fluctuations in income, Godfrey explained, the Total
Return methodology used by DIT averages the sum of income plus capital gains
less inflation of 4% over 12 quarters (3years) to arrive at a figure deemed to
be “income” that can be used to pay for operating expenses. The DIT and its board of Trustees, made up of
knowledgeable financial people, uses this methodology to manage the Huiginn Fund,
St. Peter’s other endowment fund, Godfrey noted. The effect of Total Return on the draft 2010
budget is dramatic: the old method of
computing Furfey Fund income to cover budget expenses would result in a $26,000
deficit while the Total Return computation provides enough
funds to reduce that deficit to $4,300 in the current draft! Also, traditionally, the old income figure is
not available for the Furfey Fund until late January making it a scramble to
finalize a new budget before the parish annual meeting. Switching to a Total Return system will not
affect the Diocesan Assessment, Godfrey asserted, and would only “shrink” the
Furfey Fund if the improved predictability of Total Return income “motivated us
to spend more on expenses.” The parish
Investment Committee supports adopting the Total Return methodology. Dave added a note of caution, however, saying
“this seems to be a method to add to the budget when we’re not supporting
ourselves. We’re not providing the funds
that the church needs.”
2010 Budget Report
Noting that he is
“reasonably confident” with his 2010 budget projections, Godfrey nonetheless
cautioned that proposed pledge income is still moving and is at $156,000 which
is $7,000 less than 2009 pledges. Using
the Total Return methodology for computing income for both the Furfey and
Huiginn Funds results in an increase of $22,000 of income to offset parish
expenses and reduce the projected deficit to $4300 vs. a $26,000 deficit
computed using the old income methodology.
Salaries remain unchanged with the exception of a 3 percent raise for
the Parish Secretary who all agree is “doing a
phenomenal job.” Projected utility costs
are based on 2009 actual expenses, with gas heating being the most difficult to
predict. The new boiler controls should
reduce heating expense. Projected
property insurance premiums are down because the church switched insurance
carriers. Manny suggested adding some
funds to the Youth Group line item in the budget due to the recent, promising
activities of SPY (St. Peter’s Youth).
The Vestry will approve a final 2010 budget in January and report it to
the parish at the Parish meeting in February.
Parishioners vote on funding the 2009 deficit but do not vote on the
2010 budget itself.
Rector’s Housing Allowance
Vestry members adopted a
resolution that $27,000 of the Rector’s Total Clergy Compensation for 2010 is
designated for a Housing Allowance and $4,500 is designated for utilities, for
a total of
Huiginn Hall Rental
Connie reported that
Parish Secretary Trish Shatford would like to manage Huiginn Hall rentals by
advertising the space, setting the rates, and booking organizations and
events. Manny agreed to explore the idea
further with Trish, noting that Huiginn Hall is already rented most nights of
the week. Day time rentals would be
available to non-profits with their own insurance provided the noise level was
not excessive. Dave suggested offering
Huiginn Hall as a prayer area for local Muslims, citing the success the
Cathedral has had by doing the same with its Sprout Hall.
Vestry Committee Plans
Dave reported that the
Evangelism Committee met on Nov. 18th to discuss many ideas, mostly
about publicity. Press releases about
upcoming events are important and Deborah Walker is available to create them and
get them into local papers. Dave
suggested creating a reusable shopping bag with the Diocesan logo on one side
and a St. Peter’s logo on the other as an evangelism tool. Committee members would also like to see St.
Peter’s take advantage of the national church’s news events and advertising,
Dave noted. A “Relational Evangelist”
provided by the Diocese.could help to attract
Manny reported that parishioner Bob Hoag will retire from his long held position managing the Furfey Fund. Although his wisdom and expertise has ably guided the fund investments since 1975, Manny said, “the market has been so crazy and out of control recently, that he doesn’t feel comfortable managing it anymore.”
Although the Outreach Committee did not meet in November, Connie chronicled the many recent Outreach events such as the Homecoming service and luncheon, the Holiday Fair, the Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner, the Advent Wreath Workshop and
the Oxfam Skip-a-Meal soup night. The Committee hopes to plan 4 potluck meals throughout the year and the first will be a potluck brunch on January 31st in honor of Bishop Tom Shaw’s visit to consecrate the new chancel and celebrate Manny’s 10th year at St. Peter’s. The Committee will meet on January 14th at 7p.m.
Reporting for the Property Committee, Cheryl noted that there will be a Blue Jean Sunday on December 20th to decorate the church for Christmas. The Committee will meet on December 28th.
Mike reported that 66 pledges for $102,771 have been received so far. The Stewardship Committee is sending out thank you letters as well as “please respond”letters.
Manny plans to call a meeting of the Thanksgiving and Memorials Committee on January 17th between the services.
Reporting for the Worship Committee, Manny announced that Deacon Barbara Stowe would be back at St. Peter’s “on a semi-regular basis” of once or twice a month. Manny also hopes to begin a healing ministry that would occur during the regular service with the assistance of Rev. Amy Jobes and a lay person. Godfrey encouraged the scheduling of an ushers’ meeting. Connie noted that “intincting” (dipping the communion wafer into the chalice) seems to be on the rise and Manny said that he would discourage the practice by reminding the congregation that this is the easiest way to spread germs.
New Business
St. Peter’s now has a Face
Book Page, thanks to the efforts of parishioner John Young.
Annual Reports are due on
January 6th, no exceptions!
The parish should consider
embarking upon a Mutual Ministry Review, Godfrey recommended. This is a facilitated strategic planning
exercise led by a trained lay person or priest and would garner parish input
for a long range strategic plan. The
parish seems to be “in a lull,” Godfrey noted, and it is difficult to recruit
volunteers especially for leadership positions.
Due to a number of spills
and other sticky messes, effective immediately, no food is to be taken into the
gym during fellowship.
Noting the beautifully
upholstered new chairs in the Demack Room, Andrea agreed to approach various
parish groups to remind them to be careful about keeping the room clean and
tidy.
Andrea and Connie would
like to initiate a Wardens’ Award to recognize parish children who are active
in and assist with parish events. They
plan to present the first Wardens’ Award of gift certificates to 4 children at
the January 3rd service.
Citing an embarrassingly
de minimis St. Peter’s presence at the recent Oxfam Skip-a-Meal supper, Connie
encouraged all Vestry members to make a renewed and vigorous effort to support
parish events by attending as many as possible.
Treasurer’s Report
In his November Treasurer’s Report, Godfrey
summarized the 2009 figures as “very encouraging.” “We’ve been behind budget all year,” he
continued, “and we will break even.”
Vestry members voted to accept the Treasurer’s Report.
Cameron closed the meeting at 9:18 p.m. with a
prayer.
Respectfully
submitted,
Cameron
McLean Wicker
Clerk
of the Vestry
Next Vestry Meeting: February 9, 2010
“St. Peter’s Feeds God’s
People: All Are Welcome at Our
Table”
.
Next Keynotes Deadline is February 8,
2010