Last Year’s Minutes
Susan Vodrey, Clerk
The meeting was convened at 11:10 a.m. by Sam Hartwell, Senior Warden. Rev. Jeanne Leinbach offered an opening prayer.
I. Hymn 518
Those attending the Annual Meeting sang Hymn #518 “Christ is made the sure foundation.”
II. Minutes of the January 24, 2021 Annual Meeting
No revisions were requested to the minutes (handout). There was a motion and a second to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2021 Annual Meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved as presented.
III. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer EB Donley reviewed 2021 finances and presented the 2022 budget (handout).
St. Paul’s ended 2021 with a net surplus. Operating income was higher than budgeted, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $241,000 was forgiven. Expenses were under budget for 2021 in part due to the delayed hiring of a Director of Music, one less sexton, and a lower Diocesan assessment.
The Vestry voted to allocate $200,000 of the surplus to the Capital Expenditures Fund, $175,276 to the Balanced Budget Fund, and $200,000 to a Capital Campaign Fund.
The 2022 budget, approved by the Finance Committee and the Vestry, has pledge income of $1,535,000. Total operating income of the 2022 budget is $2,184,100. Total operating expenses of the 2022 budget is $2,149,537. This reflects a 4.5 percent cost of living increase and an increase in the compensation for professional choir members.
IV. Reporting of Nominating Committee
Carla Williams, chair of the Nominating Committee, explained the nominating process, thanked the committee members (Jamie Hogg, Susan Quill, Susan Vodrey, and Bill Welsh) and introduced the slate: Jenny Azouri, Dave Banyard, Jason Chance, and Sam Hartwell, along with youth delegates Avery Bandy-Zalatoris and JR Wagner.
Sam Hartwell will act as Senior Warden and Dave Banyard will be Junior Warden. EB Donley will continue as Treasurer, Susan Vodrey as Clerk, and Robin Weaver as Chancellor.
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V. Election of Vestry
Pegah Zardoost made a motion to approve the slate of new Vestry members, seconded by Mike Knoblauch. The slate was unanimously approved. Nancy Sherwin suggested that the biographies of the slate be published in advance of the Annual Meeting.
VI. Commissioning of Vestry
Rev. Jeanne Leinbach commissioned the new members of the Vestry, as well as the continuing members of the Vestry, by offering prayers for their commitment to St. Paul’s. 2022 Vestry members are: Sam Hartwell, Dave Banyard, Jenny Azouri, Carl Carter, Jason Chance, Jennie Kaffen, Cathy Lewis, Liz Patterson, Jim Ptacek, Susan Quill, Chris Smythe, and Mark Souther. Youth delegates are Avery Bandy-Zalatoris and JR Wagner.
VII. Thank You to Outgoing Vestry Members
Senior Warden Sam Hartwell thanked the outgoing members of the Vestry for their time and commitment to St. Paul’s: Liz Patterson, Carla Williams, and Pegah Zardoost. He recognized Liz Patterson especially for her leadership as Senior Warden during the uncertainty of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
VIII. Rector’s Report
The Rev. Leinbach began her report of the past year by reflecting on the distortion and disorientation around time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Faith and the light of Christ show us the path forward.
Highlights of the report:
By the beginning of 2021, St. Paul’s was adept at recording services. Parishioners recorded the lessons and Prayers of the People, and musicians recorded virtual choirs. St. Paul’s recordings were well-received, and reached seekers around the country through social media platforms.
In May 2021, St. Paul’s returned to in-person worship. At the same time, St. Paul’s installed equipment to stream worship services for those not able to attend in-person.
Worship highlights for 2021 included attendance of about 2,500 at Holy Week services; new services for Holy Saturday, Ascension and Epiphany; a return of Jazz Vespers; two Advent Lessons and Carols services; six Christmas services to accommodate COVID safety guidelines; and many baptisms, weddings, and funerals, which had been delayed due to the pandemic.
In 2021 St. Paul’s rolled out a new identity statement: Seeking, Serving, Loving, Together. This identity statement is in communications and on the new wall hanging in the Narthex. Adult Forums helped parishioners to look at seeking, serving, loving, and together through the lens of scripture, tradition, and reason.
Other Adult Formation opportunities this past year included A River through the Desert, a virtual pilgrimage through the Holy Lands; a study of the Gospel of Mark; Sacred Ground, a dialogue series on race developed by the Episcopal Church; Theology Matters, a discussion series on some of the most enduring and weighty theological questions; Watch for the Light, a virtual pilgrimage through Advent; and an Advent series on Handel’s Messiah.
In Spring 2021, St. Paul’s parishioners read and discussed I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. The Rev. Jessie Dodson organized small groups with five local parishes to read and discuss this book together: St. Paul’s, Fairmount Presbyterian, Plymouth UCC, St. Mark’s Presbyterian, and Church of the Saviour. Following the book groups, these five parishes hosted Austin Channing Brown for a virtual conversation.
Guest speakers and preachers during 2021 included Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who offered St. Paul’s a personal message celebrating our history with the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and inspiring us for the racial reconciliation work ahead. Other preachers included the Very Rev. Dr. Andrew McGowan, Dean of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, and the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of the Diocese of Indianapolis.
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Programming in 2021 included the play, A Wrinkle in Time, and the Harlan, Kentucky mission trip for youth, a Book of Revelation Copying and Reflection Project for Young Adults, and trips to the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Botanical Garden for Sages. St. Paul’s delivered gift bags to high school seniors and Senior Saints, and delivered craft bags for Holy Week and for children’s Sunday programming.
St. Paul’s hosted events for newcomers and relaunched the EpiscoPAL program, which connects newcomers with existing parishioners to welcome them into parish life. In June, St. Paul’s honored the Stephen Ministry, which trained more than 60 parishioners over the last 15 years in providing emotional and spiritual support through one-on-one relationships with parishioners experiencing difficult times. Recognizing the cyclical nature of ministry, St. Paul’s now looks ahead to other models of lay pastoral ministry.
In June, St. Paul’s dedicated a new, beautiful Memorial Garden, an outdoor option for interring remains.
There were many opportunities to enjoy each other’s company in-person, including Holy Hiking, outdoor concerts, yoga, outdoor movie nights, a new exhibition in the Art Gallery, St. Paul’s 175th Anniversary Celebration, the Lay Weeders’ Herb Sale, All Things Advent, the Men’s Council Greens Sale, and the Eliza Backus Guild Advent Greens Workshop.
In 2021 Outreach ministries continued, including the Loaves and Fishes Monthly Meal, St. Luke’s Mobile Pantry, 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter, and tutoring at Roxboro Elementary, along with Global Mission Ministries. St. Paul’s continued to build partnerships with EDWINS and Open Doors Academy, including the Summer Reading Camp program. St. Paul’s organized a monthly Food Drive in the midst of COVID and delivered more than 5,000 pounds of food to the Cleveland Food Bank. Financial support for Outreach in 2021 was over $500,000.
In 2021, a Long-Term Financial Planning Task Force was created to look at parish demographics around giving and the financial needs of the parish
in the coming decade. This Task Force included Bill Mulligan, Chair, Sam Hartwell, EB Donley, Charlie Cooley, Dave Fulton, Ed Hemmelgarn, Mike Knoblauch, Chris Smythe, and Pam O’Halloran.
St. Paul’s hired Playhouse Square Management to perform a 10-year capital needs study. They evaluated the buildings and systems, looking at roofing, exterior improvements, HVAC, facades, elevators, windows, electrical, plumbing and more. The report confirmed that important improvements, upgrades, and repairs have been made in recent years. In 2021, projects included stone repair around the building, elimination of servers and a move to fiber optics, window replacements, bathroom renovations, asphalt repair and resurfacing. More work will be needed in the coming decade to maintain the beautiful building for the important work of ministry.
St. Paul’s is setting aside part of the 2021 surplus to cover Capital Campaign fees in case a campaign is the best way forward. The Vestry voted to add $200,000 of the surplus to the Capital Expenditures Fund. The Vestry decided to put the remaining surplus in the Balanced Budget Fund, which will earn investment income.
The Rev. Leinbach’s three-month sabbatical begins on Sunday, February 13, 2022. She will be taking a trip to the Holy Lands. She has been invited to preside at a Eucharist on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and preach at a Eucharist in Bethlehem.
In early 2022 St. Paul’s will restart the search for a Director of Music. The position will be full-time. Karel Paukert will continue as organist. The goal is to have a Director of Music in place before the start of the new program year in September.
In 2021 new staffing included the Rev. Brandon Ashcraft, who joined St. Paul’s in January. Brandon oversees Liturgy and Outreach. The Rev. John Kennedy joined St. Paul’s in April. John oversees Adult Formation and is the clergy presence to Children and Youth ministries. Marge LoPresti, Pastoral Care Associate, retired in June, after ten years in ministry at St. Paul’s. Jenni Thomas joined St. Paul’s in June as Administrative Assistant.
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Leah Romanelli, St. Paul’s former Director of Youth Ministries, is now a Candidate in the ordination process. This approval means she is on her way to being ordained. Leah will graduate from seminary in May 2022.
Also in 2021, Rev. Leinbach married Gary Walters, and Rev. Jessie Gutgsell Dodson brought baby Baxter into the world. Both are grateful for the parish’s love and support through life transitions.
The Rev. Leinbach concluded by thanking all of the clergy and staff:
Clergy: Jessie, Brandon, and John
Music staff: Karel, Steve, Kelsey, Lois, and David
Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries: Lauren Director of Operations: Pam
Director of Communications: Nathaniel
Admin team: Brenda, Jenni, and Gail
Sextons: Steve, Paul, Fred, and Ethan
IX. Questions and Answers
There was an opportunity for members of the congregation to ask questions.
Nancy Sherwin: There is a box near the Office to place items to support St. Luke’s ministry. Items that cannot be purchased with food stamps are needed: deodorant, toothpaste, shaving cream, soap, and lotion.
Mark Chance: Are the Capital Expenditure Fund and the Balanced Budget Fund the same? What are the totals?
They are different funds. The current balance of the Capital Expenditure Fund is $435,942. The balance of the Balanced Budget Fund is $756,000.
Bob Seaman: The 2022 budget line item for Outreach is $117,000. That’s about 5.25 percent of the 2.2 million budget. How does that compare with other churches?
The amount for Outreach is actually higher because there are many ways gifts are shared with the community in addition to the budgeted amount. Groups such as Men’s Council and Eliza Backus Guild support outreach efforts. St. Paul’s donates space in the church and staff time
to various outreach ministries. A lot of what St. Paul’s does is outreach and there are many different ways that St. Paul’s gives. Page 7 of the Annual Meeting booklet is entitled “2021 Giving Beyond Our Walls.” This shows that Total Outreach for 2021 was $535,725. The staff will compare how the amount that St. Paul’s gives to Outreach compares to other churches.
Nancy Sherwin: It would be very helpful to have more details about each group at St. Paul’s, what they do, and how much they donate to Outreach each year. Please provide more details.
X. Adjournment
Phil Lamb made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by David O’Halloran. Rev. Leinbach adjourned the meeting with a closing prayer at 12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Vodrey Clerk
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Meet the Vestry Nominees
Robert Fox, M.D.
Bob Fox has been a multiple sclerosis neurologist at Cleveland Clinic since 2000, dividing his time between patient care and clinical research. He has served on St. Paul’s Regathering Task Force for the past two years and is looking forward to further engagement within the St. Paul’s community. He and his spouse Kathy were confirmed at St. Paul’s in 2022. Bob was born and raised in the Protestant tradition — although he regularly attended Episcopal churches in college and graduate school — and Kathy was raised Catholic, making The Episcopal Church a natural melding of their spiritual journeys. Bob and Kathy met while rowing on the Cuyahoga River and were married at St. Paul’s in 2019. They have four children: Zach, five months; Maggie, two; Brian, a senior at Shaker Heights High School; and Kevin, who lives in a group home in Euclid. Along with spending time with his growing family, he enjoys traveling (often for research), skiing, and flying — which he took up as a pandemic hobby.
Andrea C. Turner
Andrea C. Turner has been a St. Paul’s Episcopal Church member for nearly 20 years. After being raised in the Catholic Church in Niagara Falls, New York, she was received into The Episcopal Church in 2007. Her father was a former Benedictine monk before marrying her mother, and her eldest sister was a former nun. Her two children were baptized and grew up attending St. Paul’s. Anna, 20, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University, and Henry, 17, is a senior at Cleveland Heights High School. Her kids were active in the Children’s and Youth Choirs, Apollo’s Fire Musettes, Acolytes, Drama Dreamers, and Harlan mission trips. They’ve traveled as a family with fellow parishioners so Anna could sing at
Ely Cathedral in England, Washington National Cathedral in D.C., and St. Thomas Choir School in New York City.
Andrea co-chaired the Communications Committee; served on the Stewardship Committee, the former Church School and St. Paul’s Co-Operative Preschool boards; taught as one of the first Godly Play teachers; and was an original member of The Village. She now operates the livestream controls for several Sunday services, weddings, and funerals, as well as providing special event photography.
Andrea is self-employed as a Marketing Communications Consultant with ACT One Communications, LLC. She is a freelance writer and photographer for Currents newspaper and former Managing Editor of the Heights Observer. She currently serves on the board of Mobius, formerly known as RoxArts, and has served on the board of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Andrea practices yoga, cheers on her son who plays varsity ice hockey and lacrosse, and hosts an Airbnb space in her home. She enjoys monthly book club gatherings, taking walks with her dog, attending dance, theater, and music performances, and traveling and biking with her partner Karl. She looks forward to serving her beloved church as a Vestry member.
Amia Wheatley
Amia Wheatley is a newer Episcopalian, joining St. Paul’s in January 2020, right before the pandemic’s start. A lifelong Clevelander, she loves Northeast Ohio and lives about 20 minutes east of St. Paul’s with her kitten Olive. Since joining St. Paul’s, she has gotten involved in several areas. Amia is a co-leader of the Young Adult Fellowship Group, a member of the Outreach Committee, and the contact for
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the LGBTQ+ Ministry. Amia was baptized at St. Paul’s in 2021 and confirmed in 2022. She graduated from Cleveland State University in 2012 with a degree in History, and from Kent State University in 2014 with a Master’s in Library and Information Science specializing in Museum Studies and Archives. Amia is the Branch Manager of the Beachwood Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library and has previously worked as a librarian in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights and Cleveland Public library systems. She enjoys knitting, hiking through the Cleveland Metroparks, and seeing local theater in her off time.
Joan Yvette Sancho
As a devoted Christian and a lifelong Episcopalian, I have had a passion and total commitment to the church all my life. I was affirmed in baptism and confirmation at Trinity Cathedral Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. After migrating to the U.S. in the early 80s, I became a resident in the city of Cleveland Heights and a devoted member of St. Paul’s for over the past 35 yrs. I am the last of eight children and the loving, compassionate, caring, and mindful mother to my only child, Tyler. I was the primary caregiver to my mother, Annie Sancho — a dedicated member of St. Paul’s up to her death in 2019.
I worked in the banking industry for several years before transitioning into the healthcare profession because of the love, care, and experience given to my mother. I believe in exhibiting kindness, compassion, selflessness, and tirelessness toward my clients and the public.
I am working towards my MBA and hold several certificates and notable achievements in customer service and patient care management. In my spare time, I enjoy walking in the Metroparks, plays at Playhouse Square, fishing, volunteering at Calvary Lutheran Youth Center, and getting together with my siblings once a month is a must.
Brian Murphy
I was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland. I attended St. Dominic School, Gilmour Academy, and Case Western Reserve University. My biggest stroke of luck was meeting Cindy Calfee. We were married at St. Paul’s on January 1, 1983. Our four children (Christopher, Margot, Kathleen, and Andrew) were all baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s. We have been blessed with five granddaughters (three arrived in 2022), and those fantastic human beings are now a big part of our lives.
My business life was mainly within the specialty chemical industry in Cleveland, working two years with the Harshaw Chemical Company, eight years with the Murphy-Phoenix Company, two years with JTM Products Company, and ten years with VisiMax Technologies. I am now completely retired from all business activity.
St. Paul’s has been Cindy’s parish her entire life. Throughout our forty years of marriage, St. Paul’s has been the spiritual home of our family and the source of many lasting and treasured friendships. I am a past vestry member and Senior Warden, and I am grateful to be again considered for a role in helping to lead our parish community.
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ST PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Presentation
to the 2023 Annual meeting
2020 2021 2022 2022 2023 Budget Actual Actual Budget Actual * Budget Change Operating Income Annual Fund Receipts 1,542,109 1,614,251 1,535,000 1,638,311 1,535,000Offering 37,373 31,124 45,000 45,645 41,000 (4,000) Gifts and Contributions 13,939 25,190 15,000 35,629 18,000 3,000 Trust Income 64,977 110,386 116,300 155,467 133,000 16,700 Other Income 75,450 320,337 80,000 99,160 80,000Endowment Spending Rule 330,037 351,989 376,800 368,955 385,400 8,600 Use of Prior Year Restricted Gifts - - 16,000 13,395 11,294 (4,706) Total Operating Income 2,063,885 2,453,278 2,184,100 2,356,562 2,203,694 19,594 Operating Expenses Clergy and Pastoral Care 404,928 432,357 502,551 510,460 528,430 25,879 Christian Formation 146,061 92,940 116,723 104,794 114,641 (2,082) Outreach 140,848 134,798 117,250 119,939 117,150 (100) Communication 46,584 55,075 73,295 66,056 71,104 (2,191) Membership 8,024 12,600 27,500 23,451 23,350 ` (4,150) Finance and Administration 321,431 327,620 348,139 364,055 381,357 33,219 Facilities 388,128 375,288 414,646 407,453 423,856 9,210 Music and Worship 178,925 169,535 220,935 204,985 256,980 36,045 Diocesan Assessment 226,044 224,870 272,249 258,637 284,801 12,552 Vestry/CEEP Network 3,833 5,232 6,250 3,605 6,250Capital Reserve Fund 50,000 250,000 50,000 80,000 50,000Capital Campaign Fund 200,000 50,000Addition/(Use) Bal Budget Fund 149,078 172,961 34,563 163,128 (54,225) (88,788) Total Operating Expenses 2,063,885 2,453,278 2,184,100 2,356,563 2,203,694 19,594 Net Operating Totals 0 0 0 0 0 PROJECTED FUND BALANCE AT 12/31/22 Balanced Budget Fund 802,342 Capital Reserve Fund 405,800 Net Investment Portfolio10,398,098
* Subject to audit
2022 Giving Beyond Our Walls
Groups/Agencies receiving financial support in 2022): (A compilation of parish budget lines, Outreach Commission, Men's Council, Eliza Backus, Rector's Discretionary Fund, and Special Collections)
Local & Domestic: Local & Domestic, cont.: Bishop's Fund for Congregational Vitality 10,000 St. Luke's hunger ministry 5,500 Building Heights 1,000 St. Luke's -winter wear ( Eliza Backus ) 747 Cleveland Ecumenical Inst. For Rel. Studies 768 St. Luke's -summer fans 384 Colors + 950 Semler Concert 1,300 DFMSGood Friday donation 60 Theological Education 2,000 EDWINS 15,307 UPCaM -Campus Ministry 2,000 Greater Cleveland Congregations 10,000 Youth Mission Trip -Harlan, KY 3,606 Greater Cleveland Foodbank ( Thanksgiving Offer .) 5,380 116,588 Habitat for Humanity 7,216 Global: Heights Emergency Food Center 4,254 Baby Bundles -Honduras 2,172 Hugh Lane Wellness Center 500 Central Amer. Medical Outreach (CAMO) -Honduras 4,000 Institute for Research on Unlimited Love 500 Diocese of Belize (hunger program) 2,500 Journey Center (Domestic Violence) ( Men's Council ) 2,370 Filters for Families 500 LGBTQ Community Center 510 Los Amigos Episcopales -El Salvador 3,000 Loaves & Fishes 1,070 Tanzania Children's Fund 2,346 Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry 62 Third World Books 4,000 The Nature Center ( Eliza Backus) 50 18,518 Open Doors Academy 26,360 Reading Camp 9,789 Local, Domestic & Global Grants 135,106 Reaching Heights 500 Clergy Discretionary Funds 5,602 Refugee Ministries 7,500 (Emergency assistance to individuals & families) Roxboro Elementary 1,360 Diocesan Assessment in 2022 284,801 St. Luke's -backpacks 1,038 Space allocation value 80,000 St. Luke's -Christmas for youth 1,138 Staff Compensation (portion attibutable to outreach) 64,072 Total Outreach 2022 $569,581 * * 24% of total annual revenue
Redesign of St. Martin’s Chapel
Submitted by the St. Paul’s clergy, staff, and vestry
Description: To redesign St. Martin’s Chapel into a more flexible liturgical space by removing the pews and replacing them with high-quality movable chairs.
The “Why: ” Space and architecture are crucial components in the design of any worship service. Where the altar is placed, where and how seating is arranged, and how the space makes use of art and décor, can all contribute to the experience of and participation in worship. The clergy, staff, and vestry propose the removal of the St. Martin’s pews to create a flexible space within our main worshiping area This will allow for increased creative experimentation within the life of our community. This, in turn, will further shape the hearts and minds of our people through participation in vibrant worship.
Creative opportunities within the new space might include:
- The addition of instrumentalists and expanded choirs on a more regular basis
o Such as the Choral Eucharist held on Christ the King Sunday (11/20/22)
o Advent Lessons and Carols
o Christmas and Easter (and other high holy days)
- A more creative and flexible worship space option
o Space for our canvas labyrinth to be included on occasion
o Chairs in a circle for a Taizé-style contemplative services
o Piano-led services with our newly acquired Yamaha piano
- Possibility of larger space for family “soft space” during worship
- Increased opportunities for space rentals to outside music groups and individual artist recitals (i.e., Apollo’s Fire, Heights Chamber Orchestra, CIM students, etc.)
Replacement chair considerations:
Vendor: Sauder Worship Seating (www.sauderworship.com), Archbold, OH
- Quality of chair (wood, weight, seat size, etc.)
- Ease of mobility (reasonable weight, stackable)
- Space for book storage (either on side, back, or under) Kneelers
What to do with the current pews:
- A few of the pews could be used within the building as we have with several of the long pews previously removed to create the crossing and soft space.
- Pews could be offered for sale to parishioners and members of the diocese.
- Given the history and quality of the current pews, a recycling/reclamation program is suggested for those not sold or repurposed Consulting with our local parish artists (John Payne, Stan Hockey, etc.) would be helpful. Ideas include the production of wooden keepsakes for sale to the congregation. Items could include ornaments, pens, other wooden keepsake art.
- Additionally, some pews might be donated
January 2023
Next Steps:
- Select replacement chair design and place order
- Determine next steps for current pews
- Schedule removal of pews
- Conduct necessary floor repairs
- “Install” new chairs
- Bless the chairs and the newly designed space
Funding source: Capital campaign and/or other major gifts. We anticipate this project will be approximately $50,000 or less.
A look into the past:
2023
January
Potential chair option:
