Meeting Held Via Skype Internet Conference

Present:   Bishop Dan, Elizabeth Tattersall, Bill Leonard, Lisa Young, Dick Stufflebeam, Jim Koehn, Treasurer

Excused:  Lionel Starkes, Lloyd Rupp,   

The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the prayer of St. Frances.

Approval of minutes from February 6 & 7, 2009 meetings - No changes as presented. 

Treasurer’s Report –  Jim Koehn reported on asking and reported that he will be polling the individual parishes on what they anticipate their asking will be for FY 2010.

Bishop’s Council of Advice – The Standing Committee discussed the state of the Diocese with Bishop Dan. 

The Bishop reported on ongoing correspondence from Burton Dudding regarding reinstatement to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church.  It was determined that no action is necessary at this time.

Elizabeth Tattersall reported that the Diocesan Officers have been updated with the Secretary of State prior to the April 1^st deadline. 

Elizabeth polled the Standing Committee to see if there was any inclination for a formal Diocesan policy on parish monetary assistance.  There was not a consensus that a blanket policy was necessary.  However, it was decided that when a parish is given assistance, they need to report to the Standing Committee as necessary per the individual agreement.  

Elizabeth reported that the Diocesan Chancellor has suggested that the land at St. Stephen’s be divided before any lease.

Motion – Standing Committee requests that the Chancellor speak to St. Stephen’s Vestry regarding dividing the property prior to signing any lease agreement. MSP

Budget Issues - There was discussion regarding some funds available from last year’s budget.  It was decided to keep those funds in account for use if needed as a “rainy day” fund. 

Elizabeth reported on Galilee’s request for extensions from TRPA and the State Water Resources.  There has been an unsolicited offer of $12 million for the Galilee Complex.  

Motion – The Standing Committee will not sell Galilee for $12 million at this time. MSP

Travel Policy – Jim Koehn requested assistance with clarification of the travel policy.  He will be sending out a draft policy to the Standing Committee.

Diocesan Strategic Planning Team needs a member from Standing Committee.  Elizabeth will ask Lloyd Rupp if he would like to serve on the committee. 

Commission on Ministry  - As requested by the Commission on Ministry

Motions – Victoria Riley ordination for the priesthood MSP

Michael Patterson  -  candidacy for priesthood. MSP

Karen Albrethson - Ordination for the priesthood MSP

David Grube - Ordination for the priesthood MSP

Ann Langevin - Candidacy for deaconate MSP

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the election of the Bishop in Northern Michigan. 

Motion – To consent to the ordination of Kevin Thew Forrester.  The Motion failed.

Diocesan Council – Dick Stufflebeam reported on the Diocesan Council’s actions taken at their last meeting. 

There was discussion regarding the history of the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee structure.  This will be on ongoing discussion and will be one of the items discussed by the Strategic Planning committee.

Galilee Liaison - Lisa Young reported that Jim Koehn had attended the Galilee Board meeting on her behalf because she had a conflict with the meeting.  The next meeting with the Galilee Board is May 2^nd. 

Youth Council – Bill Leonard reported there was nothing new to report.

Discussion Items -

Coordinated Marketing – The Bishop reported on the Mission Support Team has met and discussed the need for a Diocesan Evangelism website and will work with the Strategic Planning Committee.  

Funds Handling Policy - There was discussion regarding the need for annual correspondence from the Standing Committee to the parish Vestries on mutual expectations and requirements. 

The meeting concluded at 12:00 p.m.

Attachments:     Treasurer’s Report

Respectfully Submitted:

Lisa Young, Secretary,

Standing Committee