FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 65 Number 1
JANUARY 2015
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
Corona del Mar
California 92625
...From the Desk of the Rector
BELOVEDS IN CHRIST,
W
orship is the center of our life together in Christian community here at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church and music is integral to our worship. Since 1981 Friends of Music has enhanced our music ministries by raising funds through a variety of events to support special activities such as instrumental soloists and accompanying groups for musical events. It has been exemplary; other churches have formed similar groups for support of ministries with music. Now our Friends of Music is challenged at a crossroad as to what its future will be. A forum to consider this challenge will follow its “Lessons & Carols Before the Epiphany” in our sanctuary beginning at 4pm.on Sunday, January 4th led by our Minister of Music, Ray Urwin, with young parishioners reprising roles in the Epiphany story from our Christmas Pageant under direction from Susan Caldwell. A potluck supper being coordinated by Barbara Black and Melinda Rader will follow with Dr. Urwin playing so we may sing our familiar carols. Please join us. As background, the Friends of Music’s Statement of Purpose was adopted in February 1982, amended in July 1984 and again in June 2004 when its executive committee included (The Rev’d) Ron Bauer as chair, Pat Albers as our parish choir’s representative and Peter Coppen. Tim Getz, our minister of music in 2004, and I were consultants/ advisers. It is essential to note that responsibility for Friends of Music is not included in either the job description for our rector or the job description for our minister of music; the latter defines that position as “liaison between staff and Vestry and Friends of Music” as it has always intentionally operated as an independent organization outside the regular and routine program & budget of our Episcopal Parish Church: “The Friends of Music is a group of people interested in supporting and enhancing the music program of Saint Michael &AllAngels’Parish. Although the Friends of Music are interested in all forms of musical expression, they are particularly concerned with giving the Parish and the community more knowledge and appreciation of the rich history of Anglican church music. To that end, the Friends of Music may: present musical programs, including but not limited to concerts, recitals, seminars or workshops, which may be of interest to the organization, Parish, or community at large; raise funds, with the prior approval of the Vestry, for whatever purpose the organization deems is appropriate; from time to time, as requested, assist the Vestry in ascertaining the musical needs and desires of the Parish.” I asked former ministers of music (oganist/choirmasters) for their favorite Friends of Music events and experiences and Stephen Black wrote:
& All Angels
949.644.0463
www.stmikescdm.org
PARISH NEWS & NOTES 2015 FINANCES AT SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS Your Vestry and its finance committee are hard at work preparing a 2015 budget that reflects the needs and wants of our parish. We will have a tally early in January of the income generated by pledges from our members.We have decided that a balanced and workable budget is a requirement for 2015. We have three goals. First, we aim to pay off part or all of the construction loan remaining on the Building our Faith project begun in 2001 (All Angels’ Court, the kitchen and other renovations). We have paid interest only on the loan for several years thanks to a parishioners’ generosity. Second, we want to be sure to stay within our budget. Third, we do not want to ask parish members to again “Fill the Gap” as we did last year. To be within budget, we will need to generate income in addition to pledges. We would happily hear your suggestions to do this at the upcoming finance committee meeting. If income does not cover expenses, we will have to cut expenses. Our largest expense is, of course, salaries. None of us want to cut staff, as they have been faithful workers for us all.We also don’t want to cut the programs that are so vital to our Christian growth and enrichment. We will report back to you as soon as we can in January about our findings and proposed 2015 program and budget. --The Finance Committee and Vestry
(continued on page 3) FAITH: LO SERVING BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY