Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends, July 16, 2017
Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends convened in worship on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 12:15 with ten people present. Clerk Martha Hinshaw Sheldon opened with a mantra, “When I am at peace with what is, I am more open to what will be.”
- Ron Turcotte reported for Ministry and Counsel. He summarized their “Status Report on the Six-months Experiment.” From the various surveys and the open meeting, they have determined the following:
a) Approximately 30% of the current members and attenders would like to return to having a pastor and 70% would like to continue the experiment without a pastor.
b) Outreach, pastoral counseling and visitation seem to be un-met needs.
c) Various ideas for a part-time or stipend position have been made.
d) Our financial capabilities are important to consider.
Ministry and Counsel would like to give over to Monthly Meeting discernment for our decision on this matter.
2. It was decided that in the autumn we will look more carefully at how we might move forward.
3. Jo-an Jacobus gave the Nominating Committee report. Because Sarah Sprogell is ending her term as Co-Clerk in 2017, the Nominating Committee has decided to get an early start on looking for a Co-Clerk who will start in 2018. After a month of discernment, they recommend Susan (Sukie) Rice as Monthly Meeting clerk beginning in 2018. Nominating Committee also recommends learning more about the practice of two year “term” co-clerking as Portland Friends Meeting has been doing for some time.
4. Monthly Meeting approved the recommendation of Susan (Sukie) Rice as Clerk for 2018.
5. Daniel Henton gave the report for Trustees. At present, the plan is that the parsonage will be empty by September 1. They realize it will take some time for the meeting to decide about a pastor and they do not want the parsonage to be empty through the Fall and Winter. They recommend renting the parsonage to Durham Meeting member Donna Hutchins (Ross) and her husband Daniel Ross.
6. The meeting approved renting to Donna Hutchins and Daniel Ross with the specifics to be worked out between Donna and Trustees.
7. Sukie Rice brought the Finance Committee report.
a) The solar installation/heat pump project expenses were $20,616 and the income from grants was $14,500. Therefore, we need to raise $6,116 for this project.
b) Roof replacement expenses were $31,121 and income from the grant and Dwelly Fund was $19,098. Therefore, we need to raise $12,032 for this project.
c) The General Checking account balance as of June 30 was $26,331.
d) The Capital Account balance as of June 30 was $5,915.
e) The Bernice Douglas Fund is fronting the costs of the roof replacement and solar installation. $18,148 was used from this fund to cover these costs. It is to be reimbursed as the fundraising brings in money. The fund currently has a $14,210 balance. The report was accepted with gratitude.
8. It was decided that the fund-raising letter for the roof/solar projects should go out in early September.
The meeting adjourned in the Spirit at 1:05.
Sukie Rice, Recording Clerk
