St. Francis Deanery Council Meeting- December 9, 2007 

The meeting was called to order by Rural Dean, Ruth Sheeran, at 2:10 pm.  The Rev.Sister Mary Florence Liew led us in prayer and Ann Clarke led us, on the piano, in the first four verses of the hymn, O Come  O Come Emmanuel. 
We did not have quorum which presently stands at 23. There were only 18 voting  members present. There were many regrets. The congregations which did not send a delegate to Synod were reminded that they can elect a parochial member to represent them at the Deanery Council.  A special vestry meeting must be held to elect the representative.
The agenda was presented by Ruth and approved by The Rev. Fred Richardson. 
The minutes of  September 9, 2007 will be approved at the next meeting due to lack of quorum.
Business arising: Ruth Sheeran spoke about the sale of Quebec Lodge . She said the property has been on the market since October and offers so far have been refused,   ss being too low. There were several questions concerning the conditions of sale and the amount of land to be sold. Ruth ( as chair of the Camp committee) agreed to prepare a report with pertinent details.    The lay-readers courses are going well and Fred stressed that anyone interested could still take part. There were many questions and suggestions concerning the church property insurance. There were questions about the third option to be presented and a request for a fourth option which would be liability only. Ruth took note of the queries and will try to get info for us.
Elections for Rural Dean, Secretary and Treasurer could not take place without quorum, therefore those presently in office will officiate until the next meeting.
Grants Committee: Brian Wharry reported. Members of this committee must be  Synod members. Therefore, John Hoblyn and  Ann Milot will need to be replaced. . Continuing members are Brian Wharry, Ruth Sheeran, Jane Bishop, The Rev. Ruth Charleau and Kay Hartwell.  
     Recent grants: St. Francis Deanery Lay –readers course
           St. Francis Deanery – bus for service in Quebec-Jan.18/08
           St. George’s Ayer’s Cliff- photocopier
           Emerge Church- assistance for mission trip to Africa
           Lennoxville Elementary School- Breakfast program
           St. Anne’s Richmond- Sound system equipment
           St. Anne’s Richmond- travel allowance for Ann Milot
There were several comments concerning the donation to the school and whether the Deanery funds should be used in this way. There will probably be further discussion at another meeting.
Archdeacon’s Report- Heather spoke of several events in clergy activities. The clergy  conference in October was interesting and beneficial. The last Deanery clericus meeting heard a special speaker tell of her survival from spousal abuse. She also spoke of the loss of John Cowan to the congregation of Fitch Bay and announced that he has been replaced by Fred Robertson.  John has moved away from the Diocese. Heather commented on the Ecumenical Service held on the grounds of Bishop’s U. during Townshippers Day. It was a huge success. There was a suggestion that this be an annual event and Heather will suggest it to the planning committee, but she said in another location and day of the week it might not be possible. Then there was discussion of a gift for our new Bishop, Dennis. There were several suggestions, but the most popular idea was to give him a piece of vestment that he will need following his ordination. The Archbishop will be asked for his advice as to what would be most suitable.
8.    
Treasurer’s Report: Kay Hartwell presented her report with a list of payments for sundry items during 2007.She then spoke of  hiring a bus to take interested persons to the Cathedral for the ordination of Dennis on January 18. The number of people will decide on the size of the bus. Cost to individuals will also depend on numbers. The bus will leave Lennoxville at 10:15, arrive in Quebec about 12:30 and leave to come back about 7pm. The cathedral service is a 4pm.   For info call Kay at 819-822-2242  
 9.     
Other business: Stephen Kohner reminds us that the deadline to apply for a grant from  the Anglican Foundation, is March 17, 2008. Complete documentation must be submitted by the deadline in order that the application be considered by the DEC. The application form is available on the Diocesan website.
 10.
It is reported that St. Peter’s church in Sherbrooke has been sold, but the Anglican congregation will be able to rent it for services.
The next meeting will be in early January at the call of the Rural Dean. 
 11.       
 12.      Archdeacon Heather said our closing prayer and Ann Clarke lead us on the piano in the last three verses of O Come O Come Emmanuel. 
The meeting was adjourned by Bill Lyon.
 
      P.S. New at this meeting was a basket for donations to PWRDF at the coffee/cookie     table. Thanks Kay, a great idea. We collected $17.67 on Sunday.
 

1. The St. Francis Deanery Council met on September 9, 2007 at 2 PM at St George’s Church in Lennoxville with Rural Dean Ruth Sheeran presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer by the Ven . Heather Thomson.
2. Quorum was verified and regrets were given.
3. The agenda was presented and approved by John Hoblyn , seconded by the Rev. Fred Richardson.
4. Minutes of the meeting of May 22, 2007 were presented and approved by the Rev. Michael Canning, seconded by Maureen Taylor.
5. Business arising: Ruth Sheeran said that the planning committee for the future of Quebec Lodge is satisfied with the progress being made and that an in depth session is planned for this fall. Brain Wharry spoke of the “grants” committee, and said that all requests must be in by October 1, for consideration in this fiscal year which ends the 31^st of December, 2007 .
6. Ven . Heather Thomson reported that plans for an Ecumenical Worship Service on Townshippers Day, was shaping up well. Several parishes have cancelled regular services in their churches so that members may attend the service, at 11:00 am on Bishop’s University Campus on September 23. She is also hoping for a Deanery Day Service, possibly on Advent Sunday. Plans will be forthcoming.
7. Treasurer’s Report: Kay Hartwell stated that the Deanery needed to request working money from the Diocese. Ruth Sheeran agreed that she would make the request.
8. Layreader’s Course: the Rev. Richardson reported that a course is scheduled to take place at St. Luke’s in Magog , starting on September 13, 2007 . It consists of 12 sessions and all interested persons are welcome. For more information please call 819-345-3998.
9. Nominations and Appointments:
10. a) Youth delegate to Synod — No names presented at this meeting. Names will be accepted for another week.
11. b) Program Committee —(1 )Rev . Michael Canning
12. c) DEC-- (3) As 4 names were presented a motion was made by Allan Smith, seconded by Rev. Richardson and carried, that we have a ballot vote to choose the required 3. Those chosen were John Rasmussen, Ruth Sheeran and Rev. James Quirk.  Scrutineers were David Woodard and Margaret Owen. Motion to destroy the ballots was moved by Brain Wharry and seconded by Anne Milot . Carried .
13. d)Gazette liason officer —Kay Hartwell accepted to undertake the coordination of sending articles to the Diocesan paper.
14. e) Financial review board —Robert Chapman has accepted to sit on an ad-hoc committee which will review Synod budget plans. Phyllis Gauthier will be the replacement if needed.
15. A letter was received from the Rev. Bruce Myers, thanking the Deanery for financially assisting him in his studies for the coming year, following which he will return to our Diocese.
16. Several members expressed concern about insurance costs. The quotes that have been received by several parishes are much higher than previous years and some do not reflect the type of coverage requested by the congregation. Ruth Sheeran said that DEC is presently considering a 3^rd option for insurance that would cover partial damage or replacement by a smaller building. At present, we are offered total replacement or demolition with no damage coverage.
17. Following a closing prayer, the meeting was adjourned by Allan Smith. The next meeting will take place at Synod with those member that are present. 

Respectfully submitted: Phyllis Gauthier, secretary.

St. Francis Deanery Council Meeting-May 22, 2007

1.      The St. Francis Deanery Council met on May 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM in St. George’s Church Hall in Lennoxville, with Rural Dean Ruth Sheeran, presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer by The Ven. Heather Thomson and a hymn with The Rev. Michael Canning at the piano.

2.      There was a good attendance and quorum was verified and regrets were given.

3.      The agenda was presented. Approved by Rev. James Quirk, seconded by James Sweeny, carried.

4.      The minutes of the March 11, 2007 meeting were presented with one observation—that there had been a discussion of church heating problems at St. Anne’s, Richmond. This discussion had been omitted. The minutes were accepted by Rev. Stuart Martin, seconded by John Rasmussen. Carried.

5.      Business arising from the minutes:  Ruth Sheeran gave a brief report on the status of Quebec Lodge. Plans by the Re-imagining Committee for the Lodge were accepted by the April meeting of DEC. Fund raising projects should be in motion in the near future. Bernard Hodge proposed a vote of “thanks” to the committee and especially to Ruth Sheeran for her presentation to DEC.

Ruth also thanked those members responsible for sending articles to the Diocesan Gazette

6.      Archdeacon’s Report: The Ven. Heather Thomson, with the assistance of Anne Milot, is preparing a list of Deanery churches to put in tourist pamphlet displays. The addresses and name of a contact person for individual churches will be included. Any ideas for this pamphlet would be welcome.  Sunday, September 23, 2007, is Townshippers Day, and will be held at Bishop’s University Campus. Heather invited ideas for a possible ecumenical church service to be part of the day’s events. Several ideas were given and the most popular seemed to be a “tent” service at the close of day. More definite plans will be forthcoming.

7.      Grant Committee Report:  The committee met on May 17. There is still not a definite word on how much the Deanery Council has to spend this year.  Grants approved by the committee to date are:

1. St. George’s Parish Guild-$600-Bus trip to Seamen’s House

2. St. Mathias Church-  $1,000 large print BCP and Hymn books.

3. The Rev. Bruce Myers- $1,000- Education

4. Richmond Day Camp- $750- Vacation Bible School

5. St. Mathias ACW- $1,500 to send children to a Township camp

6. Brookside Outdoor Center- $1,000- funding single parents camp

7. Cookshire Day Camp- $500- assistance for camp program

8. A $5,000 grant was suggested by the Grants Committee to the Quebec Lodge  Re-imagining Committee. As this was more than $1,500, a vote from Deanery  Council was necessary. A motion to accept this grant was made by The Rev.  Andy O’Donnell, seconded by John Rasmusen and carried.

8.      Treasurer’s Report:  Kay Hartwell gave a brief report as she had computer problems and did not have copies for circulation. She reported that there was $307.86 remaining in the kitty.

9.   Diocesan Strategic Planning/Governance Structure:   The Rev. James Quirk addressed this issue. A paper with short term and long term plans was circulated. The framework consists of four main points to work toward. Mission, Leadership, Stewardship and Human sexuality issues.  James explained the various points that we must work for. He also stressed that some of the issues will be very localized to certain parishes while others will pertain to the whole Diocese. The Stewardship points call for changes in canons,  constitution and Acts Victoria. Maureen Taylor questioned the  problems involved in any changes to Acts Victoria. James Sweeny explained that with a new working structure, changes may or may not be necessary.  Members of this committee are: The Rev. James Quirk, Ann Chapman, Ruth Sheeran, James Sweeny, Stephen Kohner, The Rev. Tom Settle, Francie Keats, Bill Boden and Jean Thivierge.  Their next meeting is in Quebec on June 2, 2007.

10.   Synod and Election of a Co-Adjutor Bishop:  Ruth stated that this will be an important Synod in that the election of the co-adjutor becomes our next Bishop. She requested that all delegates read the the FAQ paper, by Stephen Kohner, circulated at an earlier meeting. Any delegate, unable to attend Synod must give the registration forms to the alternate delegate in time for that person to be properly entered on the voting list.                                                 A committee has been named to deal with nominations for co-adjutor. They are to meet on Saturday, May 26 to determine the nomination process. Dates for Synod are October 11 to 14, 2007.

11.  AOB:

• Adopt a soldier: The Rev. Andy O’Donnell spoke of a process under consideration by an ecumenical group to possibly have a name (or names) of a soldier on active duty to put in our daily prayers. Congregations could have a name of the soldier and his family if requested. Andy will keep us informed.

• Hydro and Heating:  Again Andy addressed this problem. He is concerned with the drastic rise in the cost of Hydro and also the environmental damage caused by some of our antiquated heating systems. He would like a volunteer with some associated experience to help him with ideas to work on this problem.  

• Incumbent Evaluation Process: The Rev. Ruth Charleau spoke of a meeting held recently to work on ideas for evaluation procedures. A further meeting will be held this summer. This is a pilot project by the St. Francis Deanery for possible use in the Diocese.

12.    The next Deanery Council meeting will be on Sunday, September 9, at 2 PM.

13.  There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by John Rasmussen. The closing prayer was said by The Rev. James Quirk and The Rev. Michael Canning again played the piano for a hymn.

Coffee and goodies were served by Margaret Hall to make a pleasant end to the evening.

Respectfully submitted: Phyllis Gauthier, secretary.