President's Report - December 2009

Rhode Island Foundation Donation
On December 10th, St. James gratefully accepted a check in the amount of $4,000 dontated by the Rhode Island Foundation on behalf of the Savage and Luther Family Fund.  The monies are to be allocated to educational objectives, with 15% budgeted for child/youth education and 85% to adult education.  In the detail of stipulations that I received, the allocation is further defined: 15% of the donation for child/youth educational materials ($600)
85% of the donation fo adult education/lay leadership training ($3400)

•     books/workbooks/textbooks
•     multimedia resources
•     provisions to defray the cost of seminars, guest speakers, assemblies, and classes for the education and enrichment of the congregation
•     training and teaching materials for lay leaders
•     provisions to defray the cost of seminars, retreats, assemblies, and classes for the education and enrichment of lay leaders.

I would ask that council members be prepared to discuss a plan for appropriate use of these monies at our January meeting.

Snow
Although our Saturday nor'easter came as no surprise, it was tricky to pull together the appropriate mix of decision-makers and communications required to cancel services last Sunday.  I would suggest that a snow preparedness plan be drafted and put into service as soon as possible.

Pastoral Coverage
As you know, Pr. Carlson's contract with St. James terminates at the end of the year.  Pr. Alice Kerr Laird plans to be with us on January 3rd after which Pr. Williams will serve as a transitional pastor for at least the months of January and February.  We have not yet finalized our financial agreement with him.  Since he will be available on approximately the same schedule as Pr. Carlson, I seek approval to set the same payment terms that council approved for Pr. Carlson. Staff Reviews Annual staff reviews for our secretary and sexton have been delayed pending response from the Finance & Stewardship Committee as to budgeted salary increases.