st. paul's 2015 annual reportstpaulsmaine.org/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/... ·...

St. Paul's

Annual

Report

2015

Annual Meeting

January 24, 2016

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

27 Pleasant Street PO Box 195

Brunswick, Maine 04011

207.725.5342

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: StPaulsMaine.org

St. Paul’s Annual 2015 Report

Page 1

Table of Contents

Agenda page 3

Nominating Committee page 5

Vestry Job Description page 6

Introduction of Candidates page 7

Minutes of Annual Meeting 2015 page 11

Rector’s Report page 13

Report from the Wardens page 15

Report from the Deacons page 16

Music Ministry Report page 17

Christian Formation Report page 18

Commission, Committee, and Group Reports

Adult Christian Formation Committee page 20

Barnes Building page 21

Building and Grounds Committee page 22

Earthcare Commission page 23

Frontline Committee page 24

Healing Prayer Ministry page 25

Hospitality Ministry page 26

Lay Pastoral Visitors Committee page 27

Outreach Commission page 28

Reception Committee page 29

Stewardship Program Team page 30

Worship Ministry Team Annual Report page 31

Financial Reports

Finance Committee page 32

2015 Financial Report and 2016 Budget page 33

Christmas Fair page 35

Parish Statistics page 36


Page 2


Page 3

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

BRUNSWICK, MAINE

Annual Parish Meeting

24 January 2016

AGENDA

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are

one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks,

slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:12-13

1. Call to Order The Rev. Carolyn Eklund, Rector

2. Opening prayer Carolyn Eklund

3. Introduce Leadership Carolyn Eklund

4. Acceptance of 2015 Meeting Minutes Carolyn Eklund

5. Acceptance of 2015 Annual Reports as written Carolyn Eklund

6. Introduce Nominees John Cordts

Nominating Com. Chair

7. Call for nominations from the floor Carolyn Eklund

A Nominee must be a member in good standing (acc. to Canon, give financially and attend

worship at least four times in the year, at least 16 years old), and must have agreed to run.

8. Voting Carolyn Eklund

9. Announce Election John Cordts

10. Giving Program, Stewardship, Pledge History and Update Paul Womer

Stewardship Chair

11. Summary of 2015 Finances and Presentation of 2016 Budget Lenita Richard,

Finance Com. Chair

12. Acknowledgement and gratitude for outgoing leadership Carolyn Eklund/Pat Ryan

13. What is God calling us to? What good news are we to proclaim? Carolyn Eklund

14. Move to adjourn

15. Sung Dismissal All

*All Vestry members (including newly elected members) will meet in the library for a brief meeting

after adjournment.


Page 4


Page 5

Nominating Committee Report

The Nominating Committee members are John Cordts, Jim Hornor, Carol Thomas, and Johanna Wigg.

The Committee submits the following slate for a vote at the Annual Meeting on January 24, 2016:

Senior Warden (two-year term) Pat Ryan.

Vestry Members (three-year term) Sarah Arnold, Kevin Miller, Cliff Ruprecht.

2016 Convention Delegates Susan Brown, Charlie Priest, Tobey Lee, Charla Spann, Bill Edman.

2016 Convention Alternates Pat Ryan, Art Treffry, Caroline Russell.


Page 6

St. Paul's Church

Vestry Job Description

The Vestry is comprised of a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden, elected for two-year terms, and three

groups of three members, elected for three-year terms. Including the Rector, there are twelve voting

members of the Vestry. All Vestry meetings are announced, open to all members of the parish, and

approved minutes of those meetings are posted on the Church bulletin board. In addition, a Clerk and

Treasurer are appointed annually by the Vestry, with the privilege of a voice.

Election to the Vestry is for a three-year term, unless one is elected to fill a vacancy created by

resignation. Current vestry members are not eligible for re-election.

As a current Vestry, we expect candidates to be willing to commit themselves with us to:

1. Regular attendance at monthly Vestry meetings and the annual Vestry Planning

Retreat.

2. An average of 2 hours weekly in addition to current St. Paul's activity.

3. A leadership role, not necessarily that of Chair, on a parish commission with

responsibility to communicate its work to the Vestry and vice versa, to recruit new

members, and to encourage integration and coordination of that commission's work

into the life of St. Paul's.

4. Participation in the life of worship, education and service of this parish.

5. Participation in the Annual Stewardship Program.


Page 7

Introduction to the Candidates

To serve as Senior Warden for two years: Pat Ryan

Pat has been a member of St. Paul’s since 2005. She also worshiped at St. Paul’s in the late 80’s and

early 90’s. She currently serves as Senior Warden. She has previously served as Junior Warden and

as a Vestry member. She is a member of both the Outreach Commission and Frontline Committee.

Pat is married to Charlie Priest and both usher at the 8:00 a.m. service. They have two daughters,

and two grandchildren.

Pat is a member of the diocesan Human Trafficking Ministry and is currently serving a three-year

term as a lay representative to the Disciplinary Board for the diocese. She has been a convention

delegate from St. Paul’s in 2014 and 2015.

To serve on the Vestry for three years:

Sarah Arnold I am a “cradle Presbyterian” raised in Presbyterian Churches in Detroit, Michigan and active in the

church’s Christian Endeavor youth group in high school and until I obtained my undergraduate

degree at Wayne State University. After teaching junior high school English for two years in

Dearborn, Michigan I moved to New York City in l955 to attend the Biblical Seminary of New

York where I was active at Madison Avenue Church. In seminary we read so much psychology

that I changed course. I studied psychology for a year at the University of Edinburgh then returned

to the U.S. and obtained my Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. Back in NYC I spent four years at

a psychoanalytic institute to become a psychoanalyst. For the following 30 plus years I enjoyed a

private practice at 68th and Madison and taught and supervised at the Postgraduate Center for

Mental Health, again active at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Happily from l967 to l970 I took a job as chief psychologist at the Hospital of the Albert Einstein

College of Medicine where I met my husband, Charles. I returned to private practice in NYC where

we raised our two sons, Christopher and Jonathan, moving to Scarsdale, New York when we

needed schools. A major conflict occurred between the two ministers at our Presbyterian Church in

Scarsdale, so we moved to St. James the Less Episcopal Church. In l999, with our sons pursuing

lives of their own, we moved to Maine where Charles took a position as psychiatrist at the state

psychiatric hospital in Augusta, and we began attending St. Paul’s. I began a small practice in

Maine, and pursued an MFA in creative non-fiction at University of Southern Maine, which helped

me publish a memoir, Faith and Memoir. At St. Paul’s I was co-leader for 12 years with Susan

Martens of the Women’s Group—an amazing group of women. I’m a long time member of the

Wednesday night Bible Study, and am on the Healing Team. At present, I volunteer at the Oasis

Clinic and maintain a small private practice, in addition to being a grandmother to our five

grandchildren. It’s a wonderfully busy life.


Page 8

Kevin Miller

Kevin is a lifelong Episcopalian who joined St. Paul's after relocating to Maine in 2014 after

several years in Washington, DC. A native of New Jersey, Kevin grew up in a family heavily

involved in all aspects of their close-knit parish. After attending about a dozen different churches in

five different states over the past 20 years, Kevin felt like he found a home again when he came to

St. Paul's. He has served on the St. Paul's Vision/Mission Statement Team and volunteers at the

Christmas Fair. He has volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels in Brunswick, Augusta and

Ellsworth and was a regular volunteer with Washington's largest food pantry before moving back to

Maine. Kevin works as a journalist in Portland and enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing and

pretty much anything outdoors.

Cliff Ruprecht

Cliff started attending St. Paul’s four years ago and has enjoyed his increasing activity in the

Church since. He and his wife, Patty, have been married for 21 years and live in Pownal, with their

son, Jackson, when he is home from college; their daughter, Anna, who is a sophomore in high

school; and an ever-varying number of sheep and chickens. Cliff has a six-lawyer law firm in

Portland. Before entering the practice of law, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago

Divinity School, and taught briefly in the Religion department at Bowdoin College.

2016 Convention Delegates

Susan Brown

Susan is the musician for St. Paul’s 9:30 Family Eucharist and also provided music for the Summer

Outdoor Eucharists. She and her husband Robert live in Bowdoinham and are the parents of Joanna

and Trevor. Susan has been an active participant in the fundraising activities of the High School

Pilgrimage, which Joanna is a member.

Bill Edman I came to Brunswick in 2003 upon retiring from a Civil Service career with the Navy repairing

Trident submarines. When I lived in Florida, I was a member of St. Peter’s Parish. There I was

active as a Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, The Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Cursillo and a three

time delegate to the Diocese of Florida. While at St. Paul’s, I have been a Lector, Eucharistic

Minister, Clerk of the Vestry, member of the Outreach Ministry, and delegate to the Diocesan

Convention. I have also organized our annual food drive for Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention and our

annual blood drive for the Red Cross. I have also coached my two grandsons in soccer and

basketball and volunteered in their schools. I am very proud of the way St. Paul’s and the members

of the Parish make generous contributions to organizations in Brunswick and the surrounding

communities. It is a powerful way of showing that we are servants of the Lord.


Page 9

Tobey Lee I have been an Episcopalian since my early twenties when a friend invited me to attend a service.

Over the years while living in Skowhegan, I played the organ for services, taught church school and

was the warden for All Saints Mission Church. I was a delegate to regional council as well as to the

diocesan convention.

Later on I served as a vestry member both in Augusta, Maine and in Columbia, Missouri.

I enjoyed a wonderful career as an educator, both in Massachusetts and Maine. After twenty years I

studied massage and worked helping patients of a chiropractor in Columbia.

I have two sons and two grandchildren. I am married to Art Treffry, a fellow Episcopalian. Art and I

are happy with our St. Paul's "home" and thoroughly enjoyed attending the 2015 convention.

Charlie Priest

Charlie graduated from Dartmouth and the University of Maine Law School, practiced law, and

served in the Maine Legislature for 14 years. He and Pat Ryan were married at St. Charles

Episcopal Church in Gardiner, and have two children, Clare and Jenny, and two grandchildren,

Athena and Chiron. He and Pat joined St. Paul’s in the 1980’s, and have been regular worshipers for

the last decade. Both he and Pat usher, normally for the 8 o’clock service, and they were St. Paul’s

delegates to the Diocesan Convention in 2014 and 2015. Currently, Lucy Leitzell and he are

working on writing a history of St. Paul’s from 1945 to the present.

Charla Spann

I retired to Maine in 2013; to also buy a house with a friend and help raise her two grandchildren.

Previously I lived in Illinois; Michigan; Newfoundland Canada; Iowa; and raised in Colorado and

Guatemala.

Through all my locations I have learned what is a GOOD place to live.

I find St. Paul's and Maine; to be a GOOD place to live. And wishes to continue growing in St.

Paul's community.

I have been an Episcopalian since I got married (1975). I have served on various church committees

and groups; including Vestry and as Senior Warden.

I am a retired food service Dietitian, with two 30 something sons, each with a wonderful wife and 2

grandchildren. I work part-time at a wonderful high end cutlery store; and spend the rest of my time

enjoying making hand crafted needle crafts and in home construction.

St. Paul's Annual 2015 Report

Page 10


Page 11

St. Paul’s, Brunswick, Maine

Annual Meeting

25 January 2015

The meeting was called to order by the Rector, the Rev. Carolyn Eklund at 10:23a.m. and followed

with an opening prayer.

Paul Womer moved and Peter McCracken seconded acceptance of the minutes from the 2014 Annual

Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

Charles Arnold moved and Joan Reynolds seconded acceptance of the 2014 Annual Report. The motion

carried unanimously.

Virginia Vincent, Nominating Committee Chair introduced the Nominating Committee slate: Junior

Warden, Paul Womer; Vestry, Jo Belknap, Chuck Dyer, Chip Liversidge; Convention Delegates, Anne

Brautigam, Ally Collins, Bill Edman, Robert Jackson, Tobey Lee, Pat Ryan; Alternate Delegates, Dick

Brautigam, Art Treffry. Each person stood to be introduced.

The Rector called for nominations from the floor and read the qualifications: A Nominee must be a

member in good standing (acc. To Canon, give financially and attend worship at least four times in the

year, at least 16 years old), and must have agreed to run. There were no nominations from the floor.

Charles Arnold moved and Pat Ryan seconded the slate be accepted by acclamation. The motion

carried unanimously.

The Rector led the welcoming of the newly elected parish leaders. She called upon all the Vestry

members to come forward. The Rector and Senior Warden officiated their commissioning.

Peter McCracken, Chair of the Finance Committee presented the end-of 2014 financial standing of the

parish. First, he thanked the outgoing treasurer, Steve Thomas for serving the last three years. He

thanked the members of the Finance Committee for their service, Charles Arnold, Elizabeth Butler, Nat

Henshaw, Bill Martens, Bob Mulligan, Lenita Richard and Wardens, Pat Ryan, Paul Womer. Peter

McCracken presented color charts to indicate distribution of funds throughout 2014. Pledges made up

78% of the income: Endowment interest, 13%, Barnes Building rental, 5%, building rental and other,

5%, Christmas Fair, 3%.

There were several points of good financial news, Peter presented: An $88,421 anonymous gift was

given to pay off the mortgage. The congregation sang a round of “Praise God from whom all blessings

flow” led by Bob Judd, choir director and organist. The 2014 budget was a projected $378,988, a

$7,788 deficit. The year ended with a $17,577.90 surplus, excluding the $88,421.52 anonymous gift for

the mortgage.

Peter presented the 2015 budget which includes a $15,677.66 deficit. At the January 2015 Vestry

meeting, the Vestry accepted this budget and is confident the deficit will not be a problem to bridge in

the coming year. The pledges for 2015 are strong with a 5% increase from 2014 at a total of $337,500.

There was a question about the status of the income from the Barnes Building in which residents of the

Meath Sober House reside. There was a question about the Christmas Fair and the net for 2014

Outreach. Peter reported that there was an anonymous matching grant for the total income from the


Page 12

2014 Christmas Fair designated for outreach.

The Rector called upon Steve Thomas to receive the gratitude of the congregation, a letter and a gift for

his service as Treasurer. She also called upon the outgoing members of the Vestry, Joan Reynolds,

Virginia Vincent and Dick Brautigam and thanked them for their service on Vestry. She thanked Paul

Womer whose first term as Junior Warden ended. She presented each member with a letter of thanks

and a gift.

The meeting concluded with a presentation by the Rector, “What is God calling us to in 2015 and

beyond.” She emphasized the importance of connecting more deeply with our neighbors.

The meeting ended with a sung dismissal. The motion to adjourn was moved by Terry Leitzell and

seconded by Dick Brautigam. The motion was unanimous and the meeting adjourned at 11:35am.

Respectfully submitted by Bill Edman, Clerk, in conjunction with the Rector.


Page 13

Rector’s Report

The year 2015 has been a year of deepening our many connections at St. Paul’s. Our connection with

God deepened. Our connection with each other in faith deepened. And our connection with our

neighbors deepened. Our model for connecting with these three things is, of course, Jesus. During his

ministry on earth, as we read in all the Gospels, we learn about how deeply connected he was with God

– even at the end. In prayer and in conversation and complaint, Jesus never lost touch with God who

was his father.

He shows us how he stayed connected in bonds of love with his disciples, even when they disappointed

him. He taught them servant leadership by washing their feet that last day of his life. And he never

shied away from demonstrating God’s healing power to the world through his friendships and presence

with outcasts and sinners. He connected with compassion to those who were suffering by healing the

sick and the demonic. In our current atmosphere of derisive and shrill political relationships, Jesus

showed us how to call to account those in positions of power.

St. Paul’s has nurtured our connection with God in worship this year by expanding our music ministry.

We said “good-bye” to Bob Judd, who led us into beautiful areas of choral singing. We said “good-bye”

to the Judd family, who offered their musical gifts to the glory of God and for our inspiration. Bob and

Cristle moved to New York City where Cristle accepted a senior position with the Mellon Foundation.

I recruited a search team to help me evaluate and select a music ministry director for a position that the

vestry agreed to expand. I give thanks to Leslie Brancart, Susan Brown, Jane Burke, Ally Collins, John

Cordts, Tobey Lee, Terry Leitzell and Julia Walkling for their commitment to this task and their wise

counsel. I give thanks to Lois Kwantz for taking on the interim music director’s position and serving us

so well.

At the end of October I called Randy Day to serve as St. Paul’s Music Ministry Director. In a few

months Randy has expanded the adult choir membership and the selections of choral works they sing.

He has also organized the St. Paul’s Youth Choristers who performed in worship during Bishop Lane’s

visitation December 2, 2015 and on Christmas Eve. One of Randy’s tasks will be to consult with Jane

Burke, Christian Formation Director, and Susan Brown, our accompanist for 9:30am Family Worship.

Summer worship at one time, 9:00am was well-attended and well received. Parishioners responded to

my “hymn favorite” request with over 20 favorite hymns planned for summer worship. The feedback

was positive with the top two most important factors of summer worship being “time to gather with

people we don’t see regularly” and “the sermons.” This feedback and success from summer fed the

decision to plan one service a month when all three congregations worship together.

On All Saints Sunday when we baptized Zoe and Amelia Bolton and Maisie Murphy, we launched all

parish once-a-month worship called, “First Sundays, Life Together at 9am.” Our Youth Group

presented fun and interesting “lives of our favorite saints” and we intentionally designed worship to be

inclusive of families with young children and families with elderly members.

In December, our “First Sundays, Life Together at 9am” was December 6 when Bishop Lane was here

to confirm and baptize. Sina Marie Plunkett was baptized and others were confirmed, received or

reaffirmed: Ingrid Plunkett, Karen Dyer, Lisa Sholtis and Nancy Nugent. I give thanks to the Rev.

Mary Lee Wile and Jim Hornor for leading this class.

Our deacons helped us nurture our connection with God in 2015. The Rev. Mary Lee Wile led Quiet


Page 14

Days in Lent and in November, while the Rev. Chick Carroll led a session on the “Jesus Prayer.”

Both deacons, with lay partners, took ashes to the streets of Brunswick and offered “Ashes to Go”

downtown, on the Bowdoin College campus and at the Medical Building next to Mid Coast Hospital

on Ash Wednesday.

I’m most pleased with how the people of St. Paul’s connected with our neighbors. We reached further

out into Brunswick by expanding our outreach contributions and by engaging Brunswick with

important topics of justice like leading Restorative Justice circles with the Unitarian Universalist

Church and First Parish. We joined these partners, together with Family Crisis in raising awareness for

Domestic Violence. Thanks to Terry Howell, Joan Reynolds and Carol Thomas who joined with the

Diocese of Maine by helping to organize and host the Human Trafficking Awareness workshops

featuring The Rev. Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms. We have Pat Ryan and Gretchen Lane to thank for

this connection.

The Earth Care Ministries of St. Paul’s partnered this year with Window Dressers for a successful

community window insert build. The Great Hall was the “factory” in which people from the

surrounding Brunswick community and St. Paul’s gathered to build our window inserts. Thanks go to

Michael Anne Banks, Dana Baer and Bonny Labonte for organizing us.

I will point you to the Wardens’ reports, but I wanted to comment briefly on the good news of the new

non-profit tenants who have been refurbishing the Barnes Building for a move-in date in January.

Independence Association needed our location and space and I thank the Rev. Chick Carroll and Paul

Womer for facilitating this partnership with the Barnes Building. I thank Myrna Koonce and Pat Ryan

for guiding us smoothly through the closure of the Meath House.

Our Vision/Mission Statement Team did some terrific foundational research this past spring to

interview parishioners and ministry leaders as well as our Brunswick community partners. Words like

“vibrant,” “energized,” “diverse,” and “nurturing seekers” were used to describe our parish. After a

summer and autumn break I will ask the team together with the Vestry to work on our Vision/Mission

statement.

Our questions for the rest of the Vision statement process will include, “What of our traditions are life

offering?’” “Do we ever choose to ‘trouble the waters’ of our ministries and our parish or do we just

‘float?’” “How do we light the path to Christ for seekers who longs to know God?”

These are wonderful questions for all of us to consider in the coming year as we grow and deepen our

connection with God, each other, including newcomers, and with our neighbors in Brunswick and the

world. I give thanks to God for the work we have done together in 2015. We have been engaged, vital

and generous. I can’t wait to continue our work together for Christ’s sake as a body of his followers.

In eager anticipation and faith,

Carolyn +

The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund


Page 15

Report from the Wardens

Participatory, engaged, generous, focused. These are just some of the words that come to mind when

we think of the parishioners of St. Paul’s. Speaking for and working on behalf of St. Paul’s has been a

rewarding and fulfilling experience because of you.

In the past year, St. Paul’s has led forums and working groups on domestic violence and human

trafficking; there have been efforts to spread the living word of Christ into the community through

outreach programs. We have provided technical support to programs supported by the diocese. As a

sign of respect to our departed friends, St. Paul’s has prepared quality receptions. We routinely record

sermons for shut-ins and posterity. Our 9:30 service is vibrant and paperless. Each of these initiatives

has required assistance from a variety of quarters: setting up tables and chairs, clean-up, food

preparation, and tech support. And we now have a new hospitality ministry to help us improve our

ability to welcome both guests and new members to our community.

Amidst the above, we had some hiccups. Our tenants from Oxford/Meath House in the Barnes Building

were forced to end their relationship with St. Paul’s. Our heating system had problems; expenses were

considerable. Yet throughout it all, St. Paul’s has weathered these storms. The Barnes building will

now hold offices of Independence Association, furthering its work to help individuals with disabilities.

Parishioner generosity helped us partially recover from the unexpected heating repair costs.

A blessing to each of you as we look forward to another year with challenges, successes, fulfillment

and more.

In peace,

Pat Ryan Paul Womer

Sr. Warden Jr. Warden


Page 16

Report from the Deacons

Each of us is required by the Bishop to have a Letter of Agreement with St. Paul's that covers our

duties. The format is established by the Diocese, to reflect the recently adopted Canons of the Church.

And the Letter of Agreement is signed by the Bishop, as well as by the Rector and the Deacon. The

Letters of Agreement were renewed in 2015

Our duties are contained in the letter in order of their priority under the Canons.

First among them is to "support and assist all baptized persons in carrying out their ministries,

providing leadership in outreach and worship." Mary Lee and Chick do this in differing ways. Among

them are, for example, organizing Ashes to Go in various locations around Brunswick on Ash

Wednesday, the Way of the Cross around our neighborhood on Good Friday. A more continuous

activity for Mary Lee is the ongoing ministry of the Eucharistic Visitors, connecting those beyond our

walls back to the church. For Chick, a more pervasive role is to lead others to the work of ministering

to and being ministered by those who are materially poor. This is done through The Gathering Place,

where so many members of St. Paul's serve and are served. Chick is also a contributing member of the

Adult Education programs of the parish.

Second in order of priority is for us to "provide...time and energies to the work of the church and to the

community at large in the role of deacon of the church." Our roles in Eucharistic Visitors and The

Gathering Place respond to this requirement, as well. In addition, Mary Lee serves as Chaplain to

Companions of the Holy Cross, and, of course, as a deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal

Church.In addition, she writes about the work of the convention in articles for the Messsenger and

various Diocesan publications. In addition, Mary Lee continues to offer occasional workshops at the

prison in Windham, maintains a spiritual direction practice, and serves as chaplain to The Society of

the Companions of the Holy Cross. Chick is active on various committees in the community, working

jointly with Tedford Housing, Midcoast Hunger, and the Brunswick Police Department to provide a

safer community for those who are poor and homeless.

Third in order of priority is the deacons’ role in Sunday worship. It is, of course, our most visible role

to members of the parish, but, by no means our most time consuming. Our role is to assist – literally to

set the table and clear it, to proclaim the Gospel, to share in the distribution of Communion, to prepare

the Prayers of the People, to bid the confession, occasionally to preach, and to send everyone out from

the church (“Now go...”) into the world at the dismissal, urging parishioners to “love and serve” God in

their daily lives.

Another expectation of deacons, according to our ordination service, is that “You are to interpret to the

Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.” We do this not only through preaching, but in the

various classes, workshops, and programs we facilitate throughout the year, and in the articles we write

for the Messenger.

We hear sometimes about “the priesthood of all believers,” but another phrase that is gaining

momentum is “the diakonia of all believers” – meaning the servant ministry of all the baptized. St.

Paul’s is a parish that exemplifies diakonia through Outreach, the Frontline Committee’s work, and in

the daily lives of parishioners who volunteer in so many ways, serving as Christ’s hands and feet in the

world. It is very gratifying to us to serve with so many members of the parish who serve as unordained

deacons.

Mary Lee Wile and Chick Carroll


Page 17

Music Ministry Report

The brevity of this page corresponds with the short timeline of my ministry with St. Paul’s – less than

10 weeks! Much has happened prior to my arrival, yet out of earshot. A lengthier and more complete

document will appear in next year’s gathering of data.

THANK YOUS GO TO:

Bob Judd for his ministry with St. Paul’s that concluded just prior to summer services.

George Lopez who filled in as summer organist until I arrived.

Lois Kwantz for her leadership of the choir during the months of September and October.

These musicians offered from their heart and gifts to see that stable and adequate music ministry

happened for all weekly services, seasonal services, and funerals/memorial services. I’m grateful for

the preparation they provided for the start of my own ministry here among you.

The Interview and Audition Committees and The Rev. Carolyn Eklund for initial conversation

and eventual welcome to me in this very special place.

All singers and musicians in Adult Choir and the St. Paul’s Youth Choristers and their families

who’ve continued to participate in rehearsal and service and for those new voices who’ve added

their sounds and souls to the mix.

Christian Education leadership – Jane Burke, Myrna Koonce, Hugh Savage, Carol Lord, and

parents who’ve supported my initial connection with our younger members.

Susan Tyler, Melanie Chicoria and the Rector for helping me navigate into the Staff Team

All parishioners, retired clergy, and anyone whose name might not appear here who have

embodied the gospel’s call of love as you’ve embraced me into your midst.

Susan Brown for her continued music ministry with the 9:30 a.m. Family Service.

Lois Kwantz for her leadership of the Junior Choir and help with my transition to St. Paul’s.

Adult Choir offered their voices and hearts for each service as we closed the year together, including

Christmas Eve services, a smaller ensemble on Christmas Day at 10 a.m., and again for Lessons and

Carols December 27.

St. Paul’s Youth Choristers sang for winter and spring, took a break during summer, then resumed to

sing for Bishop Steve’s visit and Christmas Eve early service.

New dollies have been purchased to replace the former ones used for the Clavinova in the Nave and the

upstairs piano. Both are safer in design and will allow for better use of the instruments.

A new table and 2-drawer file cabinet have been purchased to enhance use of the upstairs for the

choir library and its weekly use.

Lastly, visit the former Lambs room any time you are at St. Paul’s. You’ll find the new Music

Ministries office there, and I’d love to share some time with you.

Respectfully,

Randy Day, Music Ministry Director


Page 18

Christian Formation Report

Church School: It's good for me, exciting in fact, to reflect and remember how in the Lions and Lambs

class this fall, one of the students said “I forgot how to pray.” And then before long, I was hearing

evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the children’s own words as they were making connections like:

“God helps us when ‘our buckets’ are empty!” Susan Brown, who has been teaching weekly again

since fall says, “It’s so encouraging to see the children’s faces reflect what must be all kinds of thoughts

of faith swirling around in their heads, in response to Godly Play.”

Steve Thomas was the lead teacher of the Eagles Class last winter and Nancy Johnson rejoined him in

September. A focus for this class recently, their chosen fall project, has been creating a crèche scene.

They did this with help from Nancy, Geoff and Ally Collins, and me. Nancy says this class really

enjoys their “sharing time.” She remembers a particularly stimulating class in which there was a lot of

discussion about money, “a good talk about today’s needy.” Says Nancy: “I’m always amazed that the

kids seem to know that it all has to start with ourselves. Donating food and clothes, and buying presents

are a part of all of our lives.”

I’m thankful to God that we have had many more hands supporting the Church School since fall;

several adults and youth are helping on a monthly basis. Sadly for us, Steve Thomas will soon be

moving away and his shoes will be hard to fill…God, please provide! Beyond the shoes, Steve’s

kindness, humor, deep spirituality, love, and commitment to the children have been very evident!

Thanks be to God for Steve’s long and strong ministry!

There was a focus on saints and angels this fall in classes, and more Godly Play presentations were

presented last Spring than this fall as I’m the only one presenting now. A desire/need is that someone

who is comfortable with kids would also be willing to present some of these stories of our faith.

There’s a little preparation time involved, but that time is also very enriching for the presenter!

(PLEASE talk to me!) Last Spring’s moss-covered Crucifixion/Resurrection Garden was a visual aid

made for telling the Easter story. We showed the movie WallE in August for children, but rain perhaps

kept folks away. A focus of mine since fall is to use, whenever possible, the songs I’ve written and am

now writing, as songs can be powerful tools for sharing important and helpful scriptures. This has been

done during the 9:30 services so far.

The 9:30 Worship’s coffee hour has been revived with the impetus and much support from James and

Linda Ashe-Ford and Rodney and Lenita Richard, who also put on a fabulous fall brunch to kick off the

Church School Year.

All Ages Activities: Last year began with an all ages Epiphany celebration with discussion put together

by Deacon Mary Lee Wile and me. Folks gathered to make mosaic crosses during coffee hour during

Lent, and several others did so recently for the Christmas fair. Advent wreaths were made by many

using Advent candles provided by Charla Spann.

St. Paul’s Middle School Youth: This group, led by Jim Hornor and Carol Lord, has been using the

Prayer Book to introduce kids to the "seasons" of the church year as well as the daily offices. They did

several craft projects in 2015 including mosaic crosses. Middle schoolers helped as Santa's elves at the

Christmas Fair. Several middle schoolers went to the Diocesan Middle School Event in the fall.

There has been more coordination this past year with the high school group.


Page 19

St. Paul’s High School Youth: Ally Collins and Cedric Hipkins both served as leaders in the diocese’s

Middle School Events. Ally also served as a delegate to Annual Convention, and on the rector’s

advisory committee which led to the calling of Randy Day, our new Minister of Music. Students put

together music and created drama for the All Saints’ combined 9:00 worship service.

Myrna Koonce has much to share about the High School youth group which she and Hugh Savage

lead:

We hosted an Open Mike night in January 2015, to which teens from outside the parish came. For

pilgrimage fundraising, the group made chili and hot cross buns, sold flowers, and offered tech

support. We held an amazingly successful yard sale in August that the parish heavily supported

through donations and being customers. As part of our fundraising, we offered opportunities for

fellowship: the parish dinner for Pat and Tom McCabe’s Peace Corps presentation in May, the

Night in the Dominican Republic dinner in June, and the Dominican film evening in October,

featuring In the Time of the Butterflies. We held two retreats to prepare for our journey: one in the

summer and one in December. We also helped Lay Pastoral Visitors by covering cans for flowers

for delivery to homebound parishioners. The high schoolers also collectively brainstormed to

compose one of the 2015 Lenten Meditations, which one teen then wrote for the group; we just

did this again for 2016.

Much of the year, we were focused on our trip to the D.R. Our practice in our Sunday classes has been

to read the Gospel for that Sunday and discuss it. This fall, with a group of freshmen joining the seniors

who comprised the group last year, we did some work gelling as a group. Now we have begun to focus

on the Acts of the Apostles, and we are exploring what it means to be a Christian in the world today.

In conjunction with the Eagles class, at the beginning of 2016, we will be collecting items to bring to

the Dominican Republic. In the coming year, we hope to do more activities with the middle school

group and with teens from other churches. Those who are journeying to the Dominican Republic hope

to bring what we learned to the congregation during worship and through other means when we return.

These teens are extraordinarily thoughtful about their relationship to St. Paul’s. They keep wanting to

do the 8:00 coffee hour because it puts them in touch with the parishioners who attend that service. We

had a discussion about worship at St. Paul’s—discovering the traditions each of us prizes and the ones

we could let go of—and it emerged that many of them loved doing the Taizé chants during communion,

and hope that we might again be able to do Taizé regularly as part of the service.

Jane Burke

Christian Formation Director, 2o7 626-o738 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Page 20

Adult Christian Formation Committee Report

Adult Christian Formation added some new faces in 2015. Our ministry now includes Charles Arnold,

Sarah Arnold, Anne Brautigam, Chick Carroll, Jim Hornor, Liz Messler, Pam Nugent, and Bob

Walkling. We who serve in this ministry feel called to, as we say in our mission statement, “nurture

each person in his or her spiritual walk by providing a variety of Christian formation opportunities so

that the whole body of St. Paul’s Church may be built up and empowered to do God’s work in the

church, in the community, and in the world.” That’s what we try to do; we hope we are successful in

some small way at least.

Bible Study Groups. St. Paul’s continues to sponsor three separate Bible study groups (Exploring the

Word on Sundays at 9:30, Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study at 12:30, and the Wednesday Evening Bible

Study at 5:30), and all of them have increased their membership in 2015. Regular attendees find

fellowship, sharing, mutual support, encouragement, and delight in studying God’s word to his people.

If you’re not yet a member, why not come to a meeting that’s convenient for you and see for yourself?

No experience is necessary, and the groups are all lay led. We learn together.

Forums. Forums appeal to relatively large groups of people, although they are always interactive. The

year 2015 began with a continuation of a very popular forum that had begun in the fall of 2014,

OMEGA: Walking the Way to the Heart of God, which was led by the Rev. Al Niese and the Rev. Bob

Patterson. The Lenten series is usually the year’s centerpiece for this type of program, and in Lent

2015 our parish read now-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus.

Our thanks to the Rev. Carolyn Eklund, Emily Levine, Jim Hornor, Jane Burke, and Macauley Lord for

being such able facilitators. Coupled with simple soup dinners, all five evenings were well attended and

stimulated great discussions. In May the Rev. Mary Lee and Rick Wile hosted a pot-luck supper

followed by a discussion that explored the meaning and blessing of pilgrimage. In October two

Outreach members, Pat Ryan (also our senior warden) and Peter McCracken, presented a forum on

Robert Lupton’s book Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help. This critical

exploration of how to offer charity that works was an outgrowth of the commitment by St. Paul’s

Vestry to increase its funds earmarked for outreach to 10 percent of our annual operating budget by the

year 2017. The final forum of the year was a four-part series called The Four Faces of Jesus. Thanks

go to the Rev. Chick Carroll who helped us understand Gospel writer Matthew’s view of Jesus, Jim

Hornor who gave us new insights into the Gospel of Mark, the Rev. Dick Hall who gave us a better

understanding of what distinguishes Luke’s Gospel, and the Rev. Carolyn Eklund and Sarah Arnold

who helped us appreciate the powerful messages contained in John’s Gospel. Thanks also to the newly

formed Hospitality Ministry, because each evening in the series was preceded by a delicious pot-luck

supper—great fellowship, deep sharing, wonderful insights.

Pam Nugent


Page 21

Barnes Building

The Barnes Building, located next to St. Paul’s, is owned by the church, and we have rented the

building since we acquired it. Initially, the building was rented to individual tenants; in January 2013

we entered into an agreement with Oxford House, a national organization sponsoring local sober

houses, and rented our building to this group. We felt that this was something that would fill a need in

the community, and help individuals heal and become whole again.

We were happy to support the program. By late 2014 the house began to have difficulty attracting

enough residents to make it sustainable. The organization tried various approaches, but because of

many obstacles including transportation issues, jobs, and distance from the other houses in Portland,

the group notified us in August 2015 that they would no longer be able to remain in Brunswick.

A few months later, we rented the building again – to Independence Association, a Brunswick non-

profit organization founded in 1966 by area families to assist adults and children with disabilities in

obtaining full and inclusive lives in the community. We signed a 3-year lease with IA effective

November 1, 2015. IA is doing some construction work inside the building and expects to occupy it by

January 31st.

IA staff will be allowed to use the row of parking spaces adjacent to the building Monday to Friday. In

addition, they will have the public parking lot and street parking available.

We’re excited to be continuing a ministry in our use of this building, and look forward to learning more

about the good work of our new tenants.

Pat Ryan and Paul Womer

Senior and Junior Wardens


Page 22

Building and Grounds Committee Report

This year, we are trying something a bit different. Much of what was done at St. Paul’s had an impact

on Earth Care; a joint effort for portions of this report seemed to be a logical outcome.

Responding to a request from the choir, lighting in the west transept was upgraded. In keeping with an

initiative begun last year, only LED lights were installed: LED tube-style lighting in place of

fluorescent bulbs; LED spotlights to add light and enhance the look. The improved lighting surpassed

our expectations and provides a model for the rest of the nave. Besides the pleasant appearance, the

lights represent a reduction in our consumption of electricity. The next step is on hold (problems with

the heating system took priority) and we needed to consider the best means of maneuvering around the

pews to access the lights (a lift or staging; the latter probably is best). Dimmer switches will be added.

In the meantime, as fluorescent bulbs die, we are replacing them with LEDs. You might have noticed

new and brighter lights in the hallway and library. And, disposal has become less of a problem. We had

accumulated approximately 180 dead fluorescent bulbs that because of mercury inside them required

disposal in accordance with various laws and environmental regulations. This problem was resolved

and we will continue to properly dispose of the bulbs until they are gone. This will not be an issue with

LEDs

Even though we keep up with regular maintenance, we had a string of problems with our heating

system. Valves failed, expensive glycol leaked and was replaced with the water, and we remain

concerned about our use of natural gas for heat and hot water. While considering these issues, we

realized the best way to reduce our carbon footprint is to reduce our use of fossil fuels by doing the

basics. Besides installation of LED bulbs, we have undertaken a long-term study to consider heating

alternatives in 2016. We are currently collecting data and will analyze same with the help of our

contractor, Titan.

We also looked at alternative energy sources. B&G and Earth Care representatives responded to the

Brunswick community “solarize” initiative. A full study was conducted that considered installation of

solar panels on our property and/or investing in a solar farm elsewhere in Maine. After crunching the

numbers, we learned that the return did not justify the investment.

Representatives from the Funeral Reception, Welcoming and Kitchen Facilities Ministries are looking

at replacing aging appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dishwasher) with new and more energy efficient

models. This might require financial help from the parish. And, in that regard, a heartfelt thanks to

those parishioners who responded to the appeal to help cover the repairs to our heating system.

In another arena, improvements to the Memorial Garden continued apace - allowing for several

pleasant summer, Sunday morning services. In the fall of 2014 we removed the tall evergreen hedge

behind the granite pillars and some leaning Norway maples. The area was cleaned up; the wood taken

for fireplaces or stoves. Work ceased during the winter. In the spring stumps were ground; in May we

planted a new backdrop of viburnum and tree-hydrangeas. Four picnic tables were purchased and used

throughout the summer. There is now additional fencing to keep out a dog that seemed to think it was

his yard to roam. The gates were fixed so they could be opened and used by people wishing to enter the

gardens from the Library parking lot. Next year we will install signage to inform people that the garden

is a sacred place for meditation and reflection and should be treated with respect. That said, we want

the area to be open to all. Many thanks to all those who helped make this project a success.

For parishioners seeking more details regarding B&G issues, you are invited to check the B&G folder

in the office. Monthly reports to the vestry are included with the meeting minutes and kept on file.

Respectfully submitted, Paul D. Womer (B&G), Michael Anne Banks (EarthCare)


Page 23

Earthcare Report

Protect and Preserve God's Creation

St Paul's EarthCare Ministry goal: to educate ourselves and others and to take action in our community.

Promote eco-justice and care for creation as an integral part of the Christian message and

encourage one another to share that message within and beyond our church community.

Help other community organizations, church committees, and individuals promote eco justice

and care for creation.

Meetings are held monthly, usually on the second Sunday of the month, and are open to all. We

welcome new members! Ministry members are: Michael Anne Banks, chair, Tim Banks, Lollie Brown,

Anne Brautigam, Dick Brautigam, Dick Hall, Bronda Niese, Nick Smith, Linton Studdiford, and

Chuck Dyer, vestry liaison.

In addition to the ongoing efforts outlined in the Building and Grounds report, the following report

touches on the highlights of 2015.

The Community Garden, under the direction of Linton Studdiford, continues to provide garden plots

to people of the community as well as providing a Common Good Garden which provides food for Mid

Coast Hunger Prevention.

Recycling at our own church continues to be a challenge for our group as well as the entire parish;

however, we are not giving up. And we thank Michael McCabe for his ministry of recycling. There is a

plan in the works to team up with the Hospitality Ministry to tackle this problem in 2016.

The Window Dresser Project was completed at the end of September by 60 volunteers giving

approximately 300 hours. We completed 187 windows for the community that will help Mainers have

warmer homes. Dana Baer was the building coordinator and Bonny LaBonte was the volunteer

coordinator.

Our ministry participated with a community group to begin the process of eliminating single use plastic

bags and Styrofoam in the town of Brunswick. This is being studied by the town council which will

hopefully support an ordinance in Brunswick in 2016. Most likely the Styrofoam ban will happen first.

Michael Anne Banks

EarthCare, Chair


Page 24

Frontline Committee Report

The two initiatives of the Frontline Committee for 2015 were to raise awareness for Domestic Violence

Prevention and to participate in Restorative Justice Circles. October was Domestic Violence Prevention

month. St. Paul’s partnered with Family Crisis, First Parish and UUCB to hold a panel discussion and

present a TED talk video by a victim of domestic abuse. Andree Appel led a Restorative Justice Circle

and the Rector along with parishioner James Ford participated in a circle. Thanks go to the Frontline

Team, Andree Appel, convener, Pat Ryan, The Rev. Carolyn Eklund, Terry Howell, Joan Reynolds,

Carol Thomas and Myrna Koonce.


Page 25

Healing Prayer Ministry Report

Members of the Healing Prayer Team Ministry (Charles Arnold, Sarah Arnold, Myrna Koonce, Ada

Moore, Pam Nugent, Carol Thomas, Virginia Vincent, Bob Walkling, and Julia Walkling) continue to

offer laying on of hands in the vestibule after communion on the first and third Sundays of the month,

at the 8:00 and 10:30 services and at the recent single 9:00 service on the first Sundays. The Rev. Dick

Hall is usually present at the 10:30 service to offer anointing as well. In our monthly meetings we are

always amazed at how we feel so blessed to participate in this ministry.

One of the things we discuss at our monthly meetings is how things went on the immediately preceding

healing prayer Sundays, and the result is always the same: God touches those who have come for

prayer. So, not only does God bless us, but he also blesses those for whom we pray. Healing takes

many forms besides that which is so often hoped for. Maybe those who have come for prayer leave

with a greater feeling of peace. Perhaps they’re buoyed by the fact that someone listened to what was

on their heart and offered a prayer on their behalf. Maybe their burden feels a little lighter than when

they arrived. Possibly their hope has been renewed. Maybe they feel a renewed sense of God’s

presence in their life. The team members usually don’t know, but whatever happens, we know God

always does something. We believe that. This ministry is all about praying with people so that they will

feel “the healing power of God’s love.” Those words are part of the prayer that the Rev. Dick Hall, our

mentor, prays whenever he anoints people, and we who lay hands on people also embrace that prayer.

We are encouraged to know that this prayer ministry fills a need for many at St. Paul’s. A few times this

past year, for various reasons, we have had to change the venue a bit. For a couple of the 8:00 services,

we offered healing prayer at the altar rail during communion. And on the second Sunday of Advent,

healing prayer and anointing were offered in the chancel after the dismissal. The Healing Prayer Team

has decided that prayer in the chancel will be the new location for the future because our ministry is

meant to be a visible symbol of God’s healing power.

We hope that those of you who have not yet experienced God’s healing through the work of this

ministry will consider allowing us to pray for you or someone you care about.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Nugent


Page 26

Hospitality Ministry

The Hospitality Ministry was established in 2015 to assume responsibility for the many events in

which hospitality/food is required at St. Paul’s. Since the ministry was launched this past summer, we

have taken part in a Human Trafficking forum sponsored by the Diocese; four biweekly Adult

Formation programs; a Quiet Day with lunch; two post 9:00 A.M. all-parish receptions; three cocoa

and cookies parties for the Oratorio Chorale concerts in December; and, of course, 8:00 A.M. and

10:30 A.M. coffee hour. We recognize the contributions that the Reception Committee, chaired by

Bonny Labonte and Abbie Van Doren, makes in faithfully and beautifully providing for

funeral/memorial service hospitality. And we salute the many parishioners who graciously respond to

calls for delicious food for these activities. Future plans call for some improvements in the kitchen and

provision of some new equipment to help with the functioning of the kitchen.


Nancy Keating and Michael McCabe, Cochairmen


Page 27

Lay Pastoral Visitors Committee

The year 2015 has been busy. We now have seventeen Visitors and we have about 35 parishioners that

we visit. As you can imagine the Visitors change occasionally depending on other demands in their

lives. We have welcomed three new Visitors in the past year. The Visitee list changes even more often.

Flowers: Members of the committee deliver the Altar flowers each week to parishioners. We also

deliver flowers/plants for Christmas, Easter and All Saints’ Day. This activity gives as much, or more,

enjoyment to us as it does to the recipients! Jo Belknap heads up the Flower work.

Crisis/Emergency Meals: Donna Thivierge organizes the delivery of meals (38 this year) to those in

special need. She has many parishioners (27), several other than committee members, who help with

the cooking and delivery of the meals. There are some on-going deliveries and some single

deliveries. The Gourmet Freezer group donates available food to our ministry. Joan Reynolds has been

assisting Donna.

Thornton Tea: In May we organize a Tea at Thornton Oaks for all of our Visitees who are able to

come, including all parishioners who live throughout the entire Thornton Community. It is purely

social and the highlight of the year for many of us. This past year we had the wonderful opportunity to

have our Rector, Carolyn, entertain us with her harp.

Sharing and Caring: Barbara Blanchard, Sandy Meyer and Susan McCracken offer a monthly get-

together for those in our community who are either caring for a loved one or are still grieving the loss

of a loved one.

Communication: We depend on receiving information from parishioners about needs that we might

address, either their own, a loved one or some situation that has been brought to their attention. As

with many aspects within the church, communication is critical. We need to hear from you in order to

respond. The best route for that information is through the church office.

Regular Meetings: The members meet about nine times a year. We try to have speakers who will

enhance our ministry at some of our meetings. Some of those speaking events are open to the entire

church, depending on the subject. We have a plethora of people among us who are generous with their

experience and knowledge.

Leadership: Barbara Blanchard Susan McCracken Jean Mulligan


Page 28

Outreach Ministry Report

First, as the new Chair, I must thank Phil Studwell for his many years of leadership and his transitional

support as we passed the baton this spring. His dedication to the concerns of the community through

Outreach is an example for us all at St Paul’s. Further, I am uplifted by the support of the Ministry

members, all of whom have agreed to stay on. Thanks to Pat Ryan, James Ford, Bill Edman, Madeleine

Msall, Ann Banks, and Joan Reynolds for that support.

Our ministry continues to carefully consider how best to use the resources of St. Paul’s to support

community projects in and around Brunswick. We were blessed with a very generous gift which

matches the proceeds made available from the Christmas Fair - THANK YOU. The funds from this

anonymous gift were given to Oasis Health Clinic ($5,000) and Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program

($5,000)

The Vestry has adjusted the commitment to Outreach for FY 2016 to 4% of total pledges ($12,400

budgeted) or the net proceeds from the Christmas Fair, whichever is greater. The Christmas Fair total is

slightly less, so we will distribute the budgeted amount. So in the next few months we will be

continuing to invite agencies from the community to present their plans and needs to the Ministry so

that we might make our decisions for support in 2016.


J. Peter McCracken, Chairperson


Page 29

Reception Committee Report

St. Paul’s Reception Committee, co-chaired by Bonny Labonte and Abbie Van Doren, hosted eight

memorial receptions for members of St. Paul’s Church.

St. Paul’s continues to be able to host receptions because of the many people in our parish who

continue to support St. Paul’s Reception Committee either by their food donations and/or their

continued assistance with setting up, serving, and cleaning up following the reception. Together we can

provide this valuable service. Many thanks for your support.

Bonita Labonte and Abbie Van Doren, Reception Committee Co-Chairs


Page 30

St. Paul’s Stewardship Program Team

This year the Stewardship (Giving) Ministry Team received a workbook entitled, “A Manual for

Stewardship Development Programs in the Congregation.” In this workbook we learned about the

practice of giving financially to God’s mission in the church, the diocese and the world. We also

learned about giving of our time and talent. The church’s work is labor intensive and we need

everyone’s gifts to accomplish what God is calling us to.

The Stewardship Team developed an approach to Stewardship that will be sustained, faithful and year-

round. Pledge cards were distributed in November, preceded by presentations by Emily Levine, Chip

Liversidge and Paul Womer at all three Sunday services of worship. We were encouraged to create a

“word cloud” of what St. Paul’s means to us.

Written testimonials were included each Sunday in November that were designed to encourage us to

pray about and then act on how we plan to support our work at St. Paul’s financially. We wish to thank

James Ford, Cliff Ruprecht, Madeleine Msall and Susan Brown for their stories that strengthened our

faith.

Each Sunday a different passage of scripture appeared in the announcements to remind us that the bible

talks about stewardship and giving a lot. We were also reminded that everything we have is from God

and giving back to God is a faithful response to God’s abundance.

We thank the Stewardship Program Team for 2015: Paul Womer and Pat Ryan, co-chairs; Chip

Liversidge and Emily Levine.

And we thank YOU, all who give so generously financially and of your time and talent. God’s work at

St. Paul’s and in Brunswick is strengthened by you.


Page 31

Worship Ministry Team Annual Report by The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund

The following was the introduction to our Music Ministry Director ad when we embarked on our

Music Ministry Director search in 2015. “St. Paul’s is a joy-filled Christian community for all God’s

children serving Christ in the heart of Brunswick, Maine. We are seeking a Music Ministry Director to

develop an expanded music ministry for all ages and to deepen parish spirituality through exuberant

worship of God.”

We said “good-bye” to Bob Judd and the Judd family in June and were filled with joy when the Judd

daughters Katie, Hannah and Sarah sang the benediction at the end of worship, June 14. We had a

chance to thank Bob, Cristle and their daughters for their generous and moving music ministry with us.

We welcomed Randy Day as our new Music Minister in late October. He set to work immediately to

prepare the adult choir and youth choristers for our launch of “First Sundays, Life Together at 9am” for

All Saints’ Sunday, November 1 during which there were three baptisms. A month later, the Second

Sunday in Advent, Bishop Lane made his official visitation for “First Sundays, Life Together at 9am”

when we combined St. Paul’s confirmation classes with Grace Church, Bath. Bishop Lane led the

confirmations, reaffirmations, receptions and baptized Sina Plunkett. Bill Edman began his ministry as

a verger as made us ready for the liturgy, leading the bishop and liturgical ministers through the liturgy

and welcoming all who participated. Andrew Tyler was our thurifer, Emma Nickerson was our incense

boat-bearer. Andrew offered incense in moderate amounts to symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit

among us.

Lent is always a time for prayer, study, quiet and reflection at St. Paul’s. In addition to the three Ash

Wednesday liturgies which initiate the season of Lent, our deacons led teams to four different locations

in Brunswick to offer “Ashes to Go.” This was our second year and many more people in town wished

to receive ashes. Just before Holy Week, Bob Judd, several choir members and I attended the “Can

These Bones Live?” music workshop at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland. Dent Davidson the musician

for the Diocese of Chicago and the House of Bishops led us in a number of innovations for Holy Week,

many of which we planned for St. Paul’s. For example, at the Easter Vigil Julia Walkling and Cam

Smith gave a dramatic reading of James Weldon Johnson’s Creation story from “God’s Trombones.”

The song we sang over the kindling of the New Fire of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil was written

by Sally Rogers, Connecticut State Troubadour, “Some have fathers gone to glory.”

We offered worship at one time, 9:00am in July and August. It thrived. Outdoor worship once each

month included Susan Brown and Carol Bondy each playing their accordion to accompany us. The

9am time was well received because members of St. Paul’s who attend different services were able to

rekindle friendships, and our guests enjoyed worshiping with the entire community.

I want to thank the Worship Ministry Team who offers excellent suggestions to make worship more

meaningful, joyful and more accessible to all families. It is a joy and privilege to do the “people’s

work” (the meaning of the word, “liturgy”) with a highly competent, committed and enthusiastic team:

Thank you, Leslie Brancart, Jim Hornor, Lois Kwantz, Tom Nugent, Abigail Manny Patterson, Lenita

Richard, Ralph Thieverge and Julia Walkling. I am also happy that Randy Day will be joining us on the

Worship Ministry Team.

“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Come, let us adore Him.


Page 32

Finance Committee Report

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to advise the Vestry on all matters financial. The Finance

Committee meets throughout the year on a schedule just prior to the monthly Vestry meeting.

Members who serve faithfully are The Rev. Carolyn Eklund, our Rector; Pat Ryan, Senior Warden and

Vestry Liaison; Nancy Whitehouse, Treasurer; Paul Womer, Junior Warden, Building & Grounds

Liaison; Nat Henshaw, Diocesan Finance Liaison; Bill Martens; Bob Mulligan; Peter McCracken; and

Lenita Richard, Chair.

The year has included a variety of financial matters and, when necessary, the Finance Committee has

presented recommendations to the Vestry. Pat Ryan has updated us monthly on any and all Vestry

financial matters.

Carol Lord and Lenita Richard served as our Audit Committee and reviewed the 2013 financial

transactions and procedures for proper compliance.

Steve Thomas stepped down as Treasurer at the Annual Meeting, and we thank Nancy Whitehouse for

accepting the Vestry appointment as Treasurer. Peter McCracken stepped down as our chair and has

remained on the committee. Also, we thank Charles Arnold and Lib Butler for their contributions

during 2015.

I am pleased to report that St. Paul’s had a very good year, and the financial position at the end, as

compared to the beginning of the year, was no exception. During the year, Nancy worked closely with

everyone involved with the finances of the church, and as a result of her expertise and dedication, we

have greatly improved the monthly financial reporting.

The approved budget for 2015 reflected a projected deficit of $15803.66. The generosity of our

parishioners has once again been amazing and we ended the year with a Net Operating Income of

$16,576. Pledge and plate income were higher than expected and income from endowments was much

higher than budgeted. The Christmas Fair had another successful year with income of $12,128.36.


Lenita Richard, Chair


Page 33

St. Paul's Year End Annual Report

Jan - Dec

Actual

Budget

2015

Budget

2016

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

4000 · Pledge Offerings

309,046.18

295,000.00 310,000.00

4001 · Prior Year Pledge Offerings

1,765.00

4100 · Plate Offerings

32,998.59

25,000.00 30,000.00

4120 · Rector's Discretionary Offering

1,197.50

4200 · Seasonal Offerings

6,493.00

3,500.00 3,500.00

4201 · Christmas Fair

0.00

12,000.00 12,000.00

4300 · Great Hall & Other Revenue

877.81

2,000.00 2,000.00

4355 · Rent & Usage Fees

23,899.00

30,800.00 32,200.00

4370 · Endowment, Interest & Dividends 45,200.19

44,075.00 40,100.00

4411 · Special Contribution-Operations

3,520.00

4,000.00

Total Income

424,997.27

412,375.00 433,800.00

Expense

5100 · Salaries & Housing

196,719.49

199,902.66 208,650.00

5200 · Travel, Pensions & FICA/Tax

28,085.52

30,076.00 31,122.60

5300 · Insurances - Med/Dent/Life/WC

10,504.49

13,960.00 11,958.00

5351 · Rector Education

1,034.20

1,250.00 2,500.00

6000 · Worship & Care

15,658.55

31,912.00 21,085.00

6710 · Wedding/Funeral Expenses

364.86

2,000.00 -

7000 · Diocesan Assessment

56,124.00

55,361.00 61,085.00

7110 · Utilities

34,206.33

38,017.00 38,017.00

7120 · Insurance

4,765.50

4,800.00 4,800.00

7130 · Repairs & Maintenance

36,902.79

26,900.00 28,400.00

7160 · Real Estate Taxes

3,044.50

3,200.00 3,200.00

7200 · Office Operations

13,890.70

13,100.00 13,000.00

8100 · Other Expenses

7,120.23

7,700.00 22,450.00

Total Expense

408,421.16

428,178.66 446,267.60

Net Ordinary Income

16,576.11

(15,803.66)

(12,467.60)


Page 34

Pledge & Plate 81%

Seasonal offerings 1%

Great Hall & Rental 6%

Endowment, Int. & Dividends

11%

Special Contributions 1%

Income

Salaries, Pension, & Ins

58%

Worship & Care 4%

Diocesan Assessment 14%

Utilities, Repairs, & Taxes, 19%

Office Operations 3%

Other 2%

Expenses


Page 35

2015 Christmas Fair

Expense Income Totals

Bake & Candy

Total $0.00 $994.50 $994.50

Apple Pies

Total ($180.85) $266.00 $85.15

Cheese

Total ($480.99) $653.00 $172.01

Christmas Café

Total ($63.00) $916.62 $853.62

Country Store

Total $0.00 $517.50 $517.50

Fine Arts

Total $0.00 $1,020.50 $1,020.50

Freezer Gourmet

Total $0.00 $2,749.00 $2,749.00

Greens

Total ($1,059.68) $2,408.00 $1,348.32

Knits & Stitches

Total ($8.00) $856.00 $848.00

Knives

Total ($401.25) $682.25 $281.00

Religious & Christmas

Total $0.00 $105.75 $105.75

Santa

Total $0.00 $60.00 $60.00

Treasures

Total $0.00 $2,769.33 $2,769.33

Cookbooks

Total $0.00 $136.00 $136.00

Sunday Sales

Total $0.00 $475.37 $475.37

Misc.

Total ($372.69) $85.00 ($287.69)

Total Fair Proceeds ($2,566.46) $14,694.82 $12,128.36


Page 36

PARISH STATISTICS* 2015 2016

Communicants in Good Standing 437

Average Sunday Attendance 162

Total Sunday Eucharists 125

Total Weekday Eucharists 53

Total Private Eucharists 70

Daily Offices on

Sunday or Saturday Evenings 2

Daily Offices Held on Weekdays 5

Marriages Conducted 1

Burials Conducted 7

Baptisms 16 years and older 0

Baptism under 16 years of age 6

Confirmations 16 years and older 1

Confirmations under 16 years of age 0

Received by a Bishop 1

* Beginning with this annual Report for 2015 and subsequent reports the Parish Statistics will be

recorded to reflect the Episcopal Parochial Report statistics. Therefore, the statistics on this page

in past Annual Reports will not match the format of the 2015 Parish Statistics.


Page 37

Ministries

Buildings and Grounds Paul Womer, Chair 373-1020

Christmas Fair Rodney Richard, Chair 688-2249

Earthcare Michael Anne Banks, Chair 729-6592

Education Jane Burke, Christian Formation Director 626-0738

Adult Formation Committee, Pam Nugent 737-2369

Finance Lenita Richard, Chair 688-2249

Frontline Andree Appel, Chair 319-4993

Healing Prayer Pam Nugent 737-2369

Holy Stitchers Charla Spann 844-8220

Men’s Group Al Niese 443-8613

Outreach Peter McCracken Chair 846-0150

Prayer Group/Chain Nancy Hawkins 442-7759

Pastoral Care Jean Mulligan, Chair 798-6765

Receptions: Bonny Labonte 729-5226

Abigail Van Doren 373-1020

Crisis Meals: Donna Thivierge 729-3511

Women’s Group

Worship Leslie Brancart, Chair 729-7873

Acolytes: Tom Nugent 737-2369

Altar Guild: Lenita Richard 688-2249

Flowers: Abigail Manny 725-9062

Lectors/Eucharistic Ministers: Julia Walkling 725-6353

Ushers, Greeters: Ralph Thivierge 729-3511

Welcomers: Caroline Russell 729-1845


Page 38

Staff and Vestry

The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund, Rector................................................................. 373-3891

The Rev. Mary Lee Wile, Deacon...................................................................... 846-5288

The Reverend Chick Carroll, Deacon................................................................ 721-9245

Susan Tyler, Parish Administrator...................................................................... 729-7962

Randy Day, Music Ministry Director...................................................... ... 717-669-7247

Jane Burke, Christian Formation Director......................................................... 626-0738

Melanie Chicoria, Administrative Assistant...................................................... 725-0670

Aubrey Farmer, Sexton.......................................................................................319-0164

Kimmy Edwards, Nursery Caregiver................................................................. 725-7166

The Vestry Pat Ryan, Senior Warden........................................................................ 725-5439

Paul Womer, Junior Warden................................................................... 373-1020

Term ending 2016

John Cordts................353-5081

Jim Hornor ………..416-8589

Carol Thomas……….666-8296

Term ending 2017

Linda Ashe-Ford……729-5584

Dana Baer…..……....319-4992

Emily Levine………..449-9484

Term ending 2018

Jo Belknap…………..721-8505

Chuck Dyer…….978-835-9922

Chip Liversidge……..406-4156

st. paul's 2015 annual reportstpaulsmaine.org/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/... ·...

Documents