The Witness (Epiphany’s Monthly Newsletter)
April 2013 (pdf)
March 2013 (pdf)
February 2013 (pdf)
January 2013 (pdf)
December 2012 (pdf)
Annual Meeting Update
Epiphany Extreme Makeover
“We can’t make a decision this important overnight,” outgoing Senior Warden Rich Simpson said at Epiphany’s annual meeting about a facility investment proposal. For many of the 93 adult members of the Church of Epiphany gathered in the fellowship hall for the 2013 annual meeting on Jan. 27 it was the first time seeing the proposal and having a chance to discuss it. Rich and Kevin Lynn, buildings and grounds vestry member, stressed that this was the first of many discussion opportunities to come. The vestry will decide on a process of community engagement about the proposal with Epiphany members over the coming months at the vestry retreat in February.
New information was presented at the annual meeting, including projected costs and financing information. Information received this week from a contractor, based on a list of major building maintenance items and a proposed expansion drawn up by MS&R architects, put maintenance costs at approximately $400,000 and expansion and renovation costs at approximately $1 million. “We have to do something soon,” Kevin cautioned. The facility is 30 years old and many of the major components of our property, such as furnaces, flooring, ceiling tiles and windows, are at or near the end of their projected lifespan.
Ron Kalin, treasurer for Epiphany, did preliminary research into financing the cost of improvements. A $1.2 million loan at 3.58 percent interest to cover a portion of the cost of the total proposal could be paid back over 15 years at about $9,000 per month. For perspective, that is the equivalent of $70 per month or $2.50 per day for each of Epiphany’s 127 “pledging units” for 15 years. Much more work into developing a plan for paying back the loan will be required before the project could move forward, but a capital drive will be required so that Epiphany and community members who choose to help can pay for maintenance items at a minimum. Click here for more information.
Budget
The membership approved a balanced budget for 2013 that represents increased revenue of nine percent over 2012 and increased spending of five percent. Epiphany received 12 more pledges for 2013 than 2012, bringing the total to 127.
Bylaws
The membership approved a new set of bylaws for Epiphany with a few modifications. The newly approved bylaws will be posted to the Epiphany website in February.
Elections
Never a dull moment as switcheroos and nominations from the floor resulted in a full slate of candidates accepting and being approved by Epiphany’s membership for 2013 vestry positions. New vestry members are as follows: Christie Grandbois, senior warden; Brooke Story, warden-at-large; Nate Brown, Church Growth; Sandy Connor, Outreach; Melissa Miller, Worship and Music; Emily Macias and Amy Lynn, co-leaders of Christian Formation; and Rowen Guncheon and Erin Gustafson, youth representatives.
Mission Area and Convention delegates were elected, including: Christie Grandbois, Brooke Story, Maureen Wilson, Debbie Dehler (for one year), and John McDonald as the alternate.
Star Service Awards
“What don’t they do?” said several in attendance upon the announcement that Jerry and Diane Wiehle are the recipients of the 2013 Star Service Award. The Youth Star Service Award was presented to Garrett Buechele.