2017 DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY MINUTES DIOCESE OF THE WEST. October 10-12, 2017

Transcription

1 2017 DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY MINUTES DIOCESE OF THE WEST October 10-12, 2017 The 2017 Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of the West was called to order on October 11 at 9:42 a.m. 1 st PLENARY SESSION Credentials: 2 Hierarchs 47 Clergy 41 Lay 13 Observers Welcome & Opening Housekeeping: Archpriest George Gray, St. Nicholas Rector & Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, Chancellor. Announcement: Nominations for any positions must first be cleared by Archbishop BENJAMIN Appointment of Assembly Officers: First Session Chair: Archpriest David Lowell Second Session Chair: Lynnell Brunswig Third Session Chair: Dorothy Nowik Chief Teller: Archpriest Matthew Tate, Tellers: Archpriest Lawrence Russell, Subdeacon Dmitri, Mary Flynn Parliamentarian: David Lane Secretariat: Archpriest Damian Kuolt & Priest Stephen Osburn MOTION to accept all appointments, by Fr Michael Rozdilski. SECOND by Archpriest John Dresko, PASSED Unanimously The floor was given to First Session Chair, Archpriest David Lowell Minutes of the 2016 Diocesan Assembly approved and posted on the Diocesan website Address of His Eminence, Archbishop BENJAMIN (posted in full on the Diocesan website) Abp. Benjamin reiterated what is in the Gospel today: everyone is appointed different gifts for the building up of the Body. Grateful for to God for the mercy has shown us in these times of fire in Sonoma County. Of special note is the retirement of Archpriest Ian MacKinnon and His Eminence presented a jeweled cross as a gift for his years of service. Bishop Daniel has been appointed Chancellor. Abp. Benjamin delivered many thanks from Bishop Tikhon for the generous gift approved at the 2016 Assembly, celebrating His Grace s 30 years as bishop.

2 Address of His Grace, Bishop DANIEL of Santa Rosa: (posted in full on the Diocesan website) Offered words on the occasion of the 2017 Assembly and extending thanks to our arch-pastor Abp. BENJAMIN for guidance and care given to all, especially the personal care for each one. The Assembly intoned Many Years, and all rose to honor His Eminence. As Bishop of Santa Rosa, everyone suffering from the fires in Northern California is in his prayers. His Grace continues to serve 1) as Rector of St. Peter and Paul, which is 66 years old, 2) as canon law expert on the synod of bishops, 3) as liaison to the military chaplains in our Church, and 4) with external Church relations especially the Russian Church and our presence at St. Katherine, Moscow. His Grace fully understands why the Archbishop enjoys parish visits so much wonderful opportunity to support other communities in the diocese and learn from their unique qualities. Each community truly is unique to itself. At the same time, however, every parish has an energy and character that reflects Diocese of the West. Energy in the sense of dedication to Christ and His Church each according to their unique ability. His Grace noted that each Diocese has the fullness of the Church, however, no Diocese lives in isolation and His Eminence as well as many others participate in the greater Church, sharing their talents and gifts. His Grace closed with a personal note of thanks to Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, reflecting on personal guidance that was received from him many years ago. Chancellor s Report: (posted in full on the Diocesan website) Archpriest Ian MacKinnon spoke of the great joy he has had serving the Church at his capacity as Rector and Chancellor, and that he is happy to have served alongside his fellow Deans. He thanks the Diocese for putting up with him and asked forgiveness for anything he has ever done in ill will. Abp. Benjamin lead the assembly in singing Many Years for Fr. Ian. Finance Committee: Ms. Dorothy Nowik presented the budget and the work of the Finance Committee, in support of Mary Caetta, Diocesan Treasurer. Significant issues of the report are: 1. Mka. Theodora Blom has been appointed as Assistant Treasurer, to aid Mary Caetta the Diocesan Treasurer. 2. Bishop s Housing has been added as a new line item. Background Notes: The Anza Street Parish had taken over the former Diocesan Bishop s residence, and a residence in San Francisco during a time a residence was not needed. Later, after the repose of the Fr. Victor Sokolov, Abp. Benjamin took up residence in the rectory of Holy Trinity Cathedral. To serve the needs of the Diocese, Abp. Benjamin will remain and provisions for the new Rector of Holy Trinity, Archpriest Kyril Sokolov, have been made utilizing a residential property on Duboce St. Since there is no longer going to be an offsetting income from that property, there needs to be a line item for funding a residence for our Archbishop. All other expenses related to these changes will come from previously earned income on the Duboce property. 3. Diocese is covering all costs of the 2018 All American Council, which is estimated to be $42,000. New policy: the Diocese will not ask the parishes to pay for the AAC, nor the annual Diocesan Assemblies. Referencing the published Budget: Line Item 217 shows the Net 2017 Income of $24, 743. However, this value needs to be adjusted down by about $7,000 as the prepared report has an error. Mary Caetta reported that Net Ordinary Income stands at $156, as of July 31, Fr. John Dresko reported that in our second year of Proportional Giving ( Gospel Giving ) we see a growing 2 P a g e

3 surplus; God given bounty from faithful giving. The result is an approximate $70,000 surplus to the OCA from the DOW. Also of note is that now there are no parishes in arrears to the Diocese. MOTION to approve the 2018 Diocesan Budget as presented, by Fr. John Pierce. SECOND by Archpriest John Dresko, PASSED Unanimously Diocesan Life Highlights #1: Archpriest Matthew Tate introduced the Funeral Team Ministry at Annunciation Parish, Milwaukie Oregon. Maria Elliot gave a history of the development of the team in response to a need that arose in the mid-1980s when the parish was confronted by a sudden death, and the following 10 years needs to those who reposed. Elizabeth Lien, RN, now co-heads the ministry, and spoke about resources and pre-planning. The nature of the ministry has the Parish Priest who leads the response, the family and the Funeral Ministry that support the entire process, especially the practical issues with the funeral home and coordination of the various steps. Two important things is that it is best for everyone to have an advanced directive filled out no matter what age and to have a group of people that do all the preparation and not give away the work of preparation to the funeral home; take time to find one that will work with this ministry and deal with the regulatory agencies of your state. Resources available on the OCA website. Treasurer s Report: (posted in full on the Diocesan website) Ms. Mary Caetta went through various items included in her written treasurer s report. Highlighted: Goals for the Diocesan Proportional Giving to be in place by January 2019 are: 12% for all parishes, 10% for missions; 6-10% for specialneeds parishes, and 0-4% for start-up missions. The percentages of the Proportional Giving that were set for January 2017: 12.5%, though there was some variance for Parishes o 4 of 37 Parishes are paying more than this goal and their contribution; all above 12% will go down by.5% next year o 25 of 37 Parishes are at the 12% goal and their amount will not change for next year o 7 of 37 Parishes are below the 12% goal, and they will have an increase of.5% next year o 1 Parish is substantially below plan 10% for 8 of the 15 Missions 6-10% for 1 special-needs Mission 4-4.5% for 6 start-up/struggling Missions Also Reported: In 2015 and 2016 the budget was $632,000. In 2016 Actual was $695,000. The Budget for 2017 was $640,000. As of September, of this year, the budget was 95%. We have received $606,000. Mary noted that the Diocesan Council has approved additional money being invested with OCCIF. Parish reporting is a matter of being explicit about operating income and expenses, as well as restricted funds accounting. Each type of restricted fund have its own category based on what it is designated for. The Diocese needs to have accurate reporting as all reporting will be consolidated. 1 st PLENARY SESSION ended at 11:47 a.m. 3 P a g e

4 2 nd PLENARY SESSION convened at 2:30 p.m. Credentials: 2 Hierarchs 44 Clergy 41 Lay 13 Observers Diocesan Life Highlights #2: Archpriest Anthony Karbo presented a video about the a coffee kiosk that was transformed into a little mobile Orthodox Chapel ministry in Colorado Springs. The idea comes from watching the Russian Church with their many mobile chapels delivered via boat, dropped from planes, attached to trains, etc. Provided an outreach; a vehicle for the parish members share their faith. Metropolitan Council: Archpriest John Dresko provided highlights from his reports: 1) Lay delegate Wesley Smith has moved to Washington D.C., and has been replaced by David Lane as the DOW Lay Representative, 2) the Metropolitan has continued to emphasize His Beatitude s 4-Pillars theme, his book on the topic will be presented at the 2018 AAC, 3) The Metropolitan has asked for a review of the chancery operations and recommendations for changes, asking for help from Bishop Daniel, 4) outside funding of $275,000 has been provided to create a more environmentally sound way to store the very rich OCA archives; used by people from all over the world, 5) financial support is going well, providing $67,000 more than last year to the Archdiocese, 6) Human Resources has begun revising the OCA handbook, 7) the theme of the 2018 AAC is For the Life of the World (from the book by Fr. Alexander Schmemann), and 8) the 50 th anniversary of the OCA s autocephaly celebrations are being planned. Fr. John Dresko noted that all dioceses of the OCA are on the proportional giving system, except the ethnic dioceses. Communications: Archpriest John Dresko reported that his work on the Diocesan website is dependent on the contribution of our parishes and members; news, articles and reflections are needed. Diocesan Charities: Archpriest Lawrence Russell reported on the standard institutions we support (Project Mexico, Raphael House, OCMC, IOCC), as well as other requests that come to him, including clergy counseling. Another element of our charity is an appeal letter sent out to the parishes; $10,000 raised during Lent last year. The Gobezie-Goshu House will be this year s appeal. OCA Pension Plan: Archpriest Matthew Tate reported that the average age for retiring clergy is 72. A new policy has been instituted that those who are still working, can still receive their pension. Pension fund challenge over the next 10 years, is the retirement of baby boom clergy, creating a large number for whom money will be going out instead of coming into the Pension Fund. In the context of the DOW, all who are qualified are in the Pension Plan Parish Count: Archpriest Matthew Tate gave instructions on how to count the population of your Parish. A new item is to separate children. The count begins with reasonably active adults (e.g., someone who comes twice a year, should not be counted while someone who comes sporadically 4 P a g e

5 due to circumstances, or even a regularly visited shut in that you visit should be counted.) It should not be based on their giving, as it no longer impacts the parish financial reporting and assessment. Parish Screening Fr. Andrew Smith reported on the progress of the change to the new program implemented through Protect My Ministry for screening candidates who work with youth. Fr. A. Smith is now trained and open for helping parishes get background checks done. Parishes will no longer be running their own background checks. Mary will be billing the parish, instructions will be sent out on two ways to submit for a background check. Clergy costs are covered by the Diocese, laypersons are paid for by the Parish. Orthodox Church Capital Investment Fund (OCCIF): John DellaMonica noted updates: 1) Fr. John Dresko has joined the Board, replacing Fr. David Lowell, 2) Antiochian National Conference, invited to participate in a broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio, 3) the Diocese of the South has two projects funded and beginning talks about working long term, 4) Fr. Stephen Osburn has begun working with them on website and social media, redesigned the OCCIF website recently and has helped make the information more clear and easy to access, along with a complete electronic database for applying online for loans, 5) administrative development includes formal Finance and Loan Committees, 6) October 16th the board is going to vote on approval of launching the Certificate of Deposit program, and the hope is to have a CD offering ready at the time of the 2018 AAC. The next focus is to be out raising money, as the requests exceed the ability to fund. Currently developing other funding, including a Public Offering to begin at the 2018 AAC, with a beginning goal of $20 Million. It is the goal to have an additional four offerings over years build a long term stability with $120 Million in funding to meet the needs of the Diocese. The success with Diocese of the West can be used to show individuals in parishes that the OCCIF is a safe, functioning investment vehicle (e.g., St John Monastery replaced an 8% interest-only loan with an $800, %) Deanery Reports have been submitted by the Diocesan Deans (posted in full on the Diocesan website): Bishop DANIEL Desert Deanery Archpriest Lawrence Russell Pacific Southwest Deanery Archpriest Anthony Karbo Rocky Mountain Deanery Archpriest John Pierce Pacific Northwest Deanery Archpriest Basil Rhodes Pacific Central Deanery Archpriest Matthew Tate Mission Deanery 2 nd PLENARY SESSION ended at 4:43 p.m. 3 rd PLENARY SESSION convened October 12 at 11:03 a.m. Credentials: 2 Hierarchs 44 Clergy 34 Lay 5 Observers 5 P a g e

6 Diocesan Life Highlight #3 - Monastic Life in the Diocese: Hieromonk Innocent, superior of the Monastery of St. John of San Francisco. Focus on Young Adult Event from this past summer, with inspiration from Fr. Theodore Svane and Fr. Andre Blom who both served in Youth With A Mission. The purpose was a kind of Orthodox boot camp. They would rise early and go to services, then receive teaching, and work alongside the monks in their various tasks. At the end of the day to take their talents to minister out in the streets. They learned how to talk and serve those less unfortunate. One of the exercises practiced was visiting homeless people, listening to them, and buying them lunch. The next Life School will be in June Elections: Archpriest Matthew Tate conducted nominee selection for the Diocesan Council and other representation. The following are the Nominees for 3-year terms to Diocesan Council: Clergy Representatives Archpriest Lawrence Margitich Archpriest Michael Anderson Lay Nominations Lynnell Brunswig Paul Pilipenko MOTION to accept all Nominees by Fr John Dresko, SECOND by Fr Andrew Smith, PASSED Metropolitan Council Nomination Lay David Lane MOTION to accept the Nominee by Fr. John Dresko, SECOND by Lynell Brunswig, PASSED Auditor Nominations Maha Adranly Mike Wagner Fr. Andre Paez MOTION to accept all Nominees by Fr. John Dresko, SECOND by Lynell Brunswig, PASSED Next will be Monday morning, during the week of the 2018 ACC Council. MOTION by Mary Caetta, Archbishop BENJAMIN to Adjourn: It is Truly Meet at 11:29 a.m. Minutes submitted by, Archpriest Damian Kuolt, Secretary Fr. Stephen Osburn, appointed to Secretariat 6 P a g e