Vestry Corner from the May 1, 2018 newsletter

Business items from the March and April Vestry meetings:

•Budget The Vestry passed a balanced budget. One of our objectives for 2018 was to pass an operating budget that lives within the means provided to the church by pledges and gifts, real estate revenue (parking lots and sign shop rental), and endowment draw. With changes that took place in financial operations, the movement to three priests, and a sharp focus on all church expenses, the 2018 budget accomplishes that. There are several items that we all should note:

1. Funding is provided for the necessary staffing for the youth and children’s ministry currently led by Kristin Lennon. 
   
2. Passing a balanced budget was not a simple task. With constant future expense growth, St. Luke’s will need to grow the church community with membership additions or additional contributions from existing members. 
   
3. The Spending Policy for the Endowment and Boylston  funds provide some support for the operating budget. The current policy provides 4.8% of the fund balances annually. To ensure the long-term preservation of the funds, this amount gradually will be reduced to 4.0% over the next 10 years. This change aligns with changes made by our foundation/endowment advisors and by other non-profit endowments. This will add additional future pressure to our operating budget. 
   
4. Expected capital items like the $250,000 boiler replacement are not provided for in the operating budget and will need to be funded from other sources.

•New Member Communications New members will be introduced to the congregation by including  photos/profiles in the Shepherd’s Voice.
•Youth/Children’s Ministries Youth and Children’s Ministries are a top focus for St. Luke’s. The Vestry
fully supports Kristin Lennon and Elizabeth Shows Caffey as they craft their plan for this essential work. Once Kristin has had time to assess the current program, she and Elizabeth will hire an additional person to complete the team.
•Administrative Support for The Rev. Horace Griffin and The Rev. Elizabeth Shows Caffey. Given the change in clergy duties prompted by the movement to three priests, existing church staffing has been reconfigured to provide administrative support for Horace and Elizabeth.
•Martin Luther King, Jr. Vigil Service The Vestry commended Dan and clergy/staff on crafting this very meaningful service that was attended by 225 people; the spirit was palpable!