Vestry Update (from July 20 Vestry meeting) by Brad Hall

The Vestry affirmed Heather and Peter as priests of St. Ambrose. Paul distributed a thoughtful letter of affirmation (link to letter for on-line edition?). Following positive comments on the letter and a vote of affirmation, the Vestry turned its attention to a matter of Peter’s concern. Fr. Peter presented his case for a pay raise. Peter explained that he feels undervalued financially, and has not spoken up about this issue before. It is not in his nature to do so, and thus admits that he has contributed to his current salary level. The subject of Peter’s salary (and probably, inevitably, those of other staff members) will likely remain on the Vestry agenda for some time. Peter mentioned that other priests in similar stages of their career are paid more. The Vestry was also presented with salary guidelines from the Diocese. In this perspective, Peter could be considered underpaid. Peter noted that he does not want to leave St. Ambrose, and does not want financial issues to get in the way of his commitment to St. Ambrose, but he would like the Vestry, and ultimately, the congregation, to realize that he feels undervalued. The Vestry acknowledged his feelings and candor in bringing the subject forward. The Vestry also noted that finances are a difficult issue. We will soon lose diocese contributions to Heather’s salary, and currently there is no room in the budget for large raises. The issue of total salary package (including benefits) was also discussed, and will need to be further investigated. Ultimately, a larger payroll will mean larger contributions from current members, or an increase in membership. The discussion then turned to the size of St. Ambrose and what it means to be a larger or smaller church. Heather distributed information describing, in broad terms, church classification by size and function. These include: the family church (average Sunday attendance 1-50); the pastoral (pastor-centered) church (ASA 50-150); the program church (ASA 150-350); and the corporate church (ASA over 350). Currently, St. Ambrose would be considered a transitional size, between pastoral church and program church. Peter raised the question, “What does St. Ambrose want to be? Do we want to move towards a program size church, or move down towards a pastoral church?” This is something that will continue to be discussed at Vestry meetings, and at the congregation level, in future months as the Vestry consider the issue of staff compensation.

Other items discussed include the need to move forward with replacement of gutters and how to pay for it, an energy audit by Xcel (added to Xcel bill), the CROP walk (October), the upcoming Habitat for Humanity work day (July 31), and the Fall Vestry retreat (September 18). Finally, Kris Burtness was thanked for her outstanding job as treasurer, and Millie Williams was approved as new treasurer.