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St. Paul's Annual Report

2014Annual Meeting January, 25,2015 ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 27 Pleasant Street PO Box 195 Brunswick, Maine 04011 207.725.5342 E-mail: [email protected] Website: StPaulsMaine.org

St. Paul's Annual 2014 Report

Page 1

Table of Contents

Agenda page 3

Nominating Committee page 5

Vestry Job Description page 6

Introduction of Candidates page 7

Minutes of Annual Meeting 2014 page 11

Rector’s Report page 13

Report from the Wardens page 15

Report from the Deacons page 16

Music Ministry Report page 17

Christian Formation Report page 18

Commission, Committee, and Group Reports

Adult Christian Formation Committee page 20

Building and Grounds Committee page 22

Crisis Meals Program page 23

Earthcare Commission page 24

Frontline Committee page 25

Giving Program page 26

Healing Prayer Ministry page 27

Holy Stitchers Ministry page 28

Lay Pastoral Visitors Committee page 29

Meath Oxford House in the Barnes Building page 30

Outreach Commission page 31

Reception Committee page 32

Worship at St. Paul’s in 2014 and Worship Commission Report page 33

Financial Reports

Finance Committee page 35

2014 Financial Report and 2015 Budget page 37

Barnes Building Profit and Loss page 38

Christmas Fair page 39

Parish Statistics page 40


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Page 3

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

BRUNSWICK, MAINE

Annual Parish Meeting

25 January 2015

Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle

AGENDA For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body,

so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and

we were all made to drink of one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:12-13

1. Call to Order The Rev. Carolyn Eklund,

Rector

2. Opening prayer Carolyn Eklund

3. Acceptance of 2014 Meeting Minutes Carolyn Eklund

4. Acceptance of 2014 Annual Reports as written Carolyn Eklund

5. Introduce Nominees Virginia Vincent,

Nominating Committee Chair

6. Call for nominations from the floor Carolyn Eklund

A Nominee must be a member in good standing (acc. to Canon, give financially and attend

worship at least four times in the year, at least 16 years old), and must have agreed to run.

7. Voting Carolyn Eklund

8. Announce Election Virginia Vincent

9. Welcoming and Commissioning of new Lay Leaders* Carolyn Eklund

Pat Ryan, Senior Warden

10. Summary of 2014 Finances and Presentation of 2015 Budget Peter McCracken,

Finance Committee Chair

11. Acknowledgement and gratitude for outgoing leadership Carolyn Eklund/Pat Ryan

12. What is God calling us to in 2015 and beyond? Carolyn Eklund

13. Sung Dismissal All

*All Vestry members (including newly elected members) will meet in the library for a brief meeting

after adjournment.


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Nominating Committee Report

The Nominating Committee members are Joan Reynolds, Jim Johnston, Charles Arnold and Virginia

Vincent, chair.

The Committee submits the following slate for a vote at the Annual Meeting on January 25, 2015:

Junior Warden (two-year term) Paul Womer

Vestry Members (three-year term) Jo Belknap, Chuck Dyer, and Chip Liversidge.

2015 Convention Delegates Anne Brautigam, Ally Collins, Bill Edman, Robert Jackson, Tobey Lee

and Pat Ryan.

2015 Convention Alternates Dick Brautigam, Art Treffry


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St. Paul's Church

Vestry Job Description

The Vestry is comprised of a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden, elected for two-year terms,

and three groups of three members, elected for three-year terms. Including the Rector, there are twelve

voting members of the Vestry. All Vestry meetings are announced, open to all members of the parish,

and approved minutes of those meetings posted on the Church bulletin board. In addition, a Clerk and

Treasurer are appointed annually by the Vestry, with the privilege of a voice.

Election to the Vestry is for a three year term, unless one is elected to fill a vacancy created by

resignation. Current vestry members are not eligible for reelection.

As a current Vestry, we expect candidates to be willing to commit themselves with us to:

1. Regular attendance at monthly Vestry meetings and the annual Vestry Planning Retreat.

2. An average of 2 hours weekly in addition to current St. Paul's activity.

3. A leadership role, not necessarily that of Chair, on a parish commission with responsibility to

communicate its work to the Vestry and vice versa, to recruit new members, and to encourage

integration and coordination of that commission's work into the life of St. Paul's.

4. Participation in the life of worship, education and service of this parish.

5. Participation in the Annual Giving Program.


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Introduction to the Candidates

To serve as Junior Warden for two years

Paul Womer

Paul is originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, and is a lifelong Episcopalian. In Worcester, he

sang in the junior choir, served as an acolyte, and was a member of the youth group. He taught

swimming and was Waterfront Director at Bement Center and Camp, operated by the Diocese of

Western Massachusetts. Paul served with the US Army from 1971 until 1982 when he joined the

CIA, retiring in 2005. Paul and his wife, Abigail (Abbie) Van Doren, moved to Brunswick in 2005.

Paul has served on the vestry and most recently completed the term of the previous junior warden.

Paul enjoys old movies, reading, bicycling, camping, and using his scull during the warmer months.

To serve on the Vestry for three years:

Josephine Belknap (Jo) Jo came to Brunswick and to St. Paul’s in 1996 and has enjoyed being active in the church ever

since. After moving from New York City where she had taught for many years she worked to

establish a new life, through her interests in music and drawing as well as building new friendships.

She has been a member of the choir, has enjoyed serving as a Lay Pastoral Visitor, and is active in

the Women’s Group. For the church fair she chaired the Greens Table for many years with great

pleasure. This will be Jo’s second term on the vestry, having

also served from 1998 to 2003 at the time of decision making for the new building.

Charles G Dyer (Chuck)

Chuck was born in Boston, Mass 9-19-1937, to Volney A Dyer and Doris E Dyer and lived in

Newburyport, Mass until 1944; Dedham, Mass until 1947; Salisbury Mass until 1953l Kent, Ohio

until 1955; Brunswick, Maine until 1965; Cambridge , Mass until 1969 and then Manchester, Mass

to 2011. Chuck attended Phillips Exeter Academy 1955, Bowdoin College 1959 (1965), and

Harvard Business School (1967).

Professionally Chuck served as a US Naval Aviator from1958-1972, after which he was an Airline

Pilot for Eastern Airlines, 1967-1991. Chuck also served as a Vice President at Columbia

University 1982-1987. He was married to Karen Greenland Dyer on 8-3-1963. They have three

children Mary Emilie Dyer (Oyen) 1968 (Bowdoin 1990), Charles G Dyer 1969 (SMU 1992), and

Georges H G Dyer 1972 (Dartmouth 2001.)The couple also have eight grandchildren.

While living Manchester he attended St John’s Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms and Emmanuel

Church in Manchester in the summers until he moved back to Brunswick in June 2011

Robert Liversidge (Chip) I am pretty much a lifelong Episcopalian. Born in Philadelphia and went from grade I - 12 to The

Episcopal Academy, then on to an AB from Cornell and an MBA from George Washington

University (night school, while I was a U. S. Army lieutenant). My working career has been as

CEO of nonprofit agencies, running visiting nurse/hospice programs in Bath, Maine; Toledo, Ohio;

Louisville, Kentucky; and Portland, Maine; I retired in 2001.


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My church involvements have included the Vestry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Cathedral. Louisville;

Vestry, Jr. Warden, Sr. Warden and two Rector Searches, at Church of the Good Shepherd,

Rangeley; and two and a half years of EFM (Education for Ministry) at St. Alban’s Church,

Hickory, N.C. My wife, Margaret, and I moved from Rangeley to Highland Green in Topsham in

July of 2013 and have been going to St. Paul’s since then. In addition to Margaret, who I married

five years ago (both of us had been widowed), my family includes three living children who are

scattered about the country. I am incoming Board Chair of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice

in Lewiston, and have recently become a Corporator at Midcoast Hospital. Both Margaret and I are

golfers, cross-country skiers, and we enjoy book groups and going to live theatre.

2015 Convention Delegates

Anne Brautigam

I am a cradle Episcopalian who moved to Maine from 30 years in Kentucky where we attended

Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington. I founded and directed an ecumenical preschool in Kentucky

after getting my doctorate in Early Childhood education. I have been a lay reader, a Eucharistic

minister, a home visitor, a Stephen Minister, and have served as Delegate to the Diocesan

Convention in the past.

Ally Collins My name is Ally Collins and I would love to represent our congregation at Convention. I went in

2014 as a youth representative and it was an amazing experience. I love to participate in our church

community in any way that I can. I am an acolyte, on the altar guild, and in the high school youth

group. I love to help out in the nursery and the younger classes when I get the chance. It is such an

honor to be a part of this church!

Bill Edman I came to Brunswick in 2003 upon retiring from a Civil Service career with the Navy repairing

Trident submarines. When I lived in Florida, I was a member of St. Peter’s Parish. There I was

active as a Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, The Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Cursillo and a three

time delegate to the Diocese of Florida. While at St. Paul’s, I have been a Lector, Eucharistic

Minister, Clerk of the Vestry, member of the Outreach Committee, and delegate to the Diocesan

Convention. I have also organized our annual food drive for Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention and our

annual blood drive for the Red Cross. I have also coached my two grandsons in soccer and

basketball and volunteered in their schools. I am very proud of the way St. Paul’s and the members

of the Parish make generous contributions to the organizations in Brunswick and the surrounding

communities. It is a powerful way of showing that we are servants of the Lord.

Robert Ballantyne Jackson

I have been married to Karin Woodruff Jackson for more than 31 years, and have three adult

daughters and two grandchildren; Karin has two sons and three grandchildren. We live in Cundy’s

Harbor.


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I am a graduate of Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, and the

Rutgers Graduate School of Business. I spent two years on active duty in Germany, and 11 years in

the US Army Reserves.

After 46 years in public and private accounting, I retired in 2010. I am both a New York and Maine

CPA. I served 19 years on the Maine Board of Accountancy, 10 years on the ethics committee of the

American Institute of CPAs, and two years as president of the Maine Society of CPAs.

While living in Hopkinton, Mass., I was treasurer of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, involved in the

construction of a new church. Currently I am treasurer of All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Chapel on

Bailey Island.

Tobey Lee I have been an Episcopalian since my early twenties when a friend invited me to attend a service.

Over the years while living in Skowhegan, I played the organ for services, taught church school and

was the warden for All Saints Mission Church. I was a delegate to regional council as well as to the

diocesan convention.

Later on I served as a vestry member both in Augusta, Maine and in Columbia, Missouri.

I enjoyed a wonderful career as an educator, both in Massachusetts and Maine. After twenty years I

studied massage and worked helping patients of a chiropractor in Columbia.

I have two sons and two grandchildren. I am married to Art Treffry, a fellow Episcopalian.

Pat Ryan

Pat Ryan has been a member of St. Paul’s since 2005. She also worshiped at St. Paul’s in the late

‘80s and early 90’s. She currently serves as Senior Warden. Before that she was Junior Warden,

and has served as a member of the Vestry. She is a member of the Outreach Commission and the

Frontline Committee. She and her husband, Charlie Priest, usher at the 8:00 a.m. service.

Pat is a member of the diocesan Human Trafficking Task Force, and was recently elected for a

three-year term as lay representative to the Disciplinary Board for the diocese. She attended her

first convention as a delegate in 2014.


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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

170th Annual Parish Meeting

January 26, 2014

The annual meeting of St. Paul’s Parish was called to order at 10:26 AM by The Rev. Carolyn Eklund.

An opening prayer was offered.

Peter McCracken moved that the minutes of the 2013 Annual Meeting be adopted. Andy Cadot

seconded the motion, The motion passed unanimously.

Carolyn introduced Terry Leitzell, retiring Senior Warden. Terry spoke about his time as a member of

the Vestry and as Senior Warden. He noted the several accomplishments during his tenure. These

included a capital campaign to raise money for the completion of the second floor of the new building,

the departure of The Rev.Dan Warren, the hiring of an interim priest, conducting a search for a new

Rector, replacement of the organ, reconfiguration of our worship space, the installation of new fans and

sound system, new computers for the office, and becoming a web-hub for the Diocese.

Terry also thanked those who helped him during this time. Bill Martens for his help in conducting the

capital campaign, Lucy Leitzell for her help in documenting the campaign, the Discernment Committee

and the Vestry for their work in the search for a new Rector, and Paul Womer in his work in interior

improvements of the church building. He presented Paul Womer with a new “notebook” to keep all of

his projects.

Terry fondly recalled the telephone conversation that he had with Carolyn when he informed her that

she had been selected to be the new Rector of St. Paul’s. He also noted that St. Paul’s received an

anonymous gift that enabled the Parish to pay off the mortgage owed on the church.

Terry Leitzell stated that the Annual Report needed to be adopted at this time. Anne Brautigam noted

that she had been listed as a member of both the Discernment Committee and the Vestry. She said that

she was only a member of the Discernment Committee and that Anne Banks was a member of the

Vestry. Leslie Brancart moved that the Annual Report be adopted, as amended, Andy Cadot seconded

the motion. The motion passed, as amended, unanimously.

Carolyn opened the floor for nominating to the Vestry, convention delegates and the positions of

Senior and Junior Warden. There being none, she introduced the slate put forth by the Nomination

Committee:

Two-year. term as Senior Warden - Pat Ryan

One-year. term as Junior Warden - Paul Womer (to complete Pat Ryan’s term as Junior

Warden.)

Three-year term as Vestry Members- Cristle Judd, Emily Levine, and Linda Ashe-Ford.

Convention Delegates -Leslie Brancart, Pat Ryan, Lucinda White, Lenita Richard,

and Bill Edman.

Andy Cadot moved that the slate be adopted. Rev. Dick Hall seconded the motion. The motion passed

unanimously.


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Carolyn called the new Wardens and Vestry members forward and commissioned them to the

respective posts. Cristle Judd will be commissioned at a later date.

Peter McCracken, Chair, Finance Committee, briefed the Parish on the Budget for the coming year. He

noted that there were expenses that had been in prior budgets that eliminated from this year’s budget.

Among them were expenses for an interim Priest, interest on the mortgage, and expenses for the

Discernment Committee. He also thanked Ben Ford for his years of service on the Finance Committee.

Frontline Committee: Pat Ryan informed the Parish that the first year was dedicated to finding out who

we are and where we want to be through committee meeting and Parish forums. She introduced Terry

Leitzell as the new Chair of the committee. He said that a conversation was held with the United Way

concerning their needs. He noted that the committee has met with the UU Church on social justice

issues and that more information will be provided later in the year. It was also noted that the film, “ A

Matter of Duty,” will be shown in the Great Hall in February. There will be a presentation on window

inserts also in February.

Carolyn thanked those present for their participation in the service this morning. It was a combined

family service and normal service. Carolyn also commented on five things that she has noticed in her

short time at St. Paul’s.

o She asked that we continue to pray for the Vestry and each other.

o Our sense of joy in our worship and the eagerness to participate.

o Our deep and abiding care for each other.

o Our desire for healing through prayer and laying on of hands. This also includes

reaching out to the community through allowing groups to meet at the church. These

groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Overeaters Anonymous.

o Our commitment to reading and studying together.

o Our energetic connection to the community.

Pat Ryan recognized the retiring members of the Vestry for their service. They are Roberta Hipkins,

Hugh Savage and Paul Womer as he moves to Junior Warden. She also recognized Terry Leitzell,

retiring Senior Warden for his dedicated, thoughtful, compassionate, fair, and visionary leadership. She

presented him with a framed photograph of a stained glass window of St. Paul’s. As a surprise, he was

also presented with a cake.

Lucy Leitzell was presented with flowers.

Many members of the Parish were thanked for the time and effort they put forth to make the Parish

function smoothly.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:29 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

William Edman, Vestry Clerk


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Rector’s Report The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund

Our St. Paul’s Lay Pastoral Visitors have one of the most important ministries of our parish. They

provide the visits of encouragement to people who are unable to be present with us in our ministries

and our worship. As a worshiping community, we sometimes send our Lay Pastoral Visitors out

directly from worship with Communion kits in hand so that they are the face of the Body of Christ to

the lonely, the infirm, or the discouraged.

As we send them forth from worship, we say the words of our patron, St. Paul, “…we who are many

are one body in Christ, and individually, we are members one of another.” You are a member of me in

Christ. I am a member of you in Christ. Thank you for this important and vibrant ministry that nurtures

our entire community in Christ.

Last year at this time, I wrote my Rector’s Report after having spent only two months with you. I said

that my goals were taken from our profile and that “I am eager to help us nurture the spiritual depth we

are longing for.” I could immediately see that there already was a spiritual depth in you and that has

only deepened in 2014. The Quiet Days conducted by The Rev. Mary Lee Wile, the Writer’s Workshop

resumed by Rick Wile, Bible studies, prayer groups whose work gets translated into our corporate

prayers in worship on Thursdays and Sundays, the Healing Team, the new Omega Course that is

bursting at the seams, and so much more that cultivates a prayerful desire for many in this parish to

enter more deeply into the community and with God. Our ultimate goal is “to live lives worthy of

Jesus Christ” and to glorify God.

Last year I also wrote, “I am passionate about connecting with our children and teens…to create a

community of young adults, parents and children who support each other in the challenges of being a

family of faith living in this sometimes troubling world.” It has been a joy to work with our new

Christian Formation Director, Jane Burke. Immediately, Jane set to work recruiting volunteers to be

trained in our new “Montessori-based” bible story curriculum “Godly Play.” She recognized that we

already had the resources for this curriculum and she had the gift and the training for this story-telling

ministry. We are now slowly building up a solid volunteer base and new families are joining in the

learning.

Jane also understood our goal to connect with our community of Brunswick. Jane brought to St. Paul’s

the idea of a community based story-telling gathering featuring Ashley Bryan with whom her friend Dr.

Rich Entel has a close friendship. Jane’s goal was to bring children, families and teens together for a

day in which we would be able to share our stories and therefore, share common ground. Thank you to

Ashley Bryan, Jane Burke, and James Ford, and to the St. Paul’s volunteers and community volunteers

who made the event an uncommon, yet unifying day for Greater Brunswick.

We made other unusual connections with our community last year. I want to thank The Rev. Mary Lee

Wile and The Rev. Chick Carroll, who immediately embraced the idea of organizing groups of

parishioners to go out into the community and offer the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday. They

also planned a deeply moving and meaningful “Good Friday Way of the Cross” devotional walk around

the neighborhood. Some people from the neighborhood joined the procession around the block and into

the nave for the Good Friday liturgy. We also welcomed some members of our 12-step groups who

joined us.


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And finally, I want to thank our St. Paul’s leaders who have served strongly and enthusiastically and

who are retiring from their duties this year. They served faithfully and adeptly to help this parish thrive

during the period of the search for a new rector. And they did not stop there. They supported the

wardens and me as we began to move forward together.

Virginia Vincent and Joan Reynolds, two of our retiring Vestry members were always the first to

volunteer, from leading the 2015 nominations to organizing hospitality for our Community Story-

telling Gathering, the “Sing We Noel” Oratorio Chorale programs and the fun and fabulous reception

together with Carol Thomas for our Celebration of New Ministry.

I thank Dick Brautigam, also a retiring Vestry member who made the connection between the Earth

Care Commission and the Window Dresser project and brought it to my attention just after I arrived at

St. Paul’s. It developed into a three-part sponsorship of Earth Care, Outreach and Frontline

Committees. And thank you to Michael Anne Banks for heading up this multi-faceted project with

humor and great skill.

Please help me thank Steve Thomas, our treasurer who in 2014 served an extra year beyond his

requested tenure. Steve, together with Susan Tyler, our administrator, changed our bank for better

service and consolidated our endowment within the management of the Diocese of Maine Endowment

Trust. Steve provided the Finance Committee and the Vestry with monthly commentary to set the stage

for an improved 2015 budgeting process.

I am deeply grateful to Peter McCracken who also steered this parish to a place of improved financial

record-keeping. Peter served to expand membership of the Finance Committee with experienced and

committed members. He also connected St. Paul’s with our Diocese as we evaluated a way forward

with the management of our endowment. Thank you, Peter.

And thank you to Bill Edman who served faithfully and capably as our Vestry clerk. The minutes we

post every month on the Vestry bulletin board have been developed each month by Bill who has

recorded the actions and prayers of our leadership body.

In September I wrote an email to all the Commissions and Committees asking you to “think about what

God is calling you to and what you really need to accomplish your goals in the year 2015.” I asked you

to provide “compelling ideas for ministry that might cost a bit more and [yet] inspire the congregation

to give more.” You took this call seriously, held planning meetings with your committees, met with the

wardens and/or me. Then we took these requests for ministry seriously and developed a budget based

on your goals and requests.

What we have for our ministries next year is our budget commitment that begins to demonstrate a

deepened commitment to Outreach, to Christian Formation for all ages, to Earth Care and so many

other areas. Thank you for a wonderfully fulfilling and hopeful year. It is a blessing from God that we

are together at St. Paul’s working in ministry.

And so, God, what are you up to at St. Paul’s, in our neighborhood, in Brunswick and the world in

2015? Help us to discern and partner with you and go out to make connections for Christ’s sake!


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Report from the Wardens

It has been a busy, fulfilling year, and on the Sunday before Christmas all of the pieces seemed to fall

together. Our church was filled, not once, but twice with hundreds of people from the greater

Brunswick community to share in the joy of Christmas by experiencing and joining with the Oratorio

Chorale in song and music. Our organ shined, in solo performance and as accompaniment for the

singers. The voice enhancements we added to the church were at their best with sound carrying

effortlessly everywhere. And, the church itself – our beautiful renovated space – bringing in and

welcoming the community in spirit and fellowship. As members of St. Paul’s and the Chorale worked

together, it became, in one day, a culmination of events that so many have worked so much for.

In recent diocesan conventions, we have been encouraged to examine and expand our “frontline.”

Taking small steps on a cold winter day, parishioners from St. Paul’s ventured out into Brunswick to

offer “ashes to go” to passers-by. Later in the year, our parish was the focal point of interracial

harmony when we hosted a day with Ashley Bryan. Added to these, there were two unified services

bringing us together in joyful worship; an expanded outreach effort as we strive to committing a tithe

(10%) of our budget towards the needy; a renewal of effort in partnership with other churches to heal

and correct the racial inequities that continue to afflict our communities; and remarkable generosity

that allowed us to make significant improvements to our building and gardens. It is only fitting that the

final month of such a remarkable year at St. Paul’s was the musical performance cited above.

We are looking forward to this new year to continue our work in reaching out to the community and

opening our doors to more events like this. And we are excited about the ongoing and upcoming adult

Christian formation programs. We are moving toward forging a stronger relationship with the diocese

by having parishioners, clergy, and staff participate on committees.

Most of all we look forward to working and worshiping with all of you, and developing your so many

good suggestions.

Pat Ryan and Paul Womer

Senior and Junior Wardens


Page 16

Report from the Deacons

The deacons’ role in Sunday worship is to assist – literally to set the table and clear it, to proclaim the

Gospel, to share in the distribution of Communion, to prepare the Prayers of the People, to bid the

confession, occasionally to preach, and to send everyone out from the church into the world at the

dismissal, often urging parishioners to “love and serve” God in their daily lives.

Outside of worship, but still at St. Paul’s, both deacons have done some teaching, facilitated

workshops, and served as bridges between the church and the wider world, as witnessed in their

overseeing Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday, the Way of the Cross around our neighborhood on Good

Friday, and the ongoing ministry of the Eucharistic Visitors.

Both also continue to minister in various ways outside St. Paul’s:

Chick plays an active role in the functioning and growth of The Gathering Place, Brunswick’s day

shelter for the homeless. As he continues to get stronger in recovery from heart surgery, he has begun to

focus again on fundraising for the Gathering Place, and he’s now back there in person on a regular

basis. He also serves as an on-call chaplain at Parkview Hospital.

Mary Lee’s work for the diocese ended in June; she is now preparing to go as one of Maine’s deputies

to General Convention in Salt Lake City this coming summer. She continues to write occasionally for

Forward Movement, her current task being a week’s worth of family devotions for late February.

During Lent, she will facilitate a workshop on Forgiveness at the prison in Windham. She maintains a

small spiritual direction practice, and will be serving as chaplain to The Society of the Companions of

the Holy Cross for the next three years.

We hear sometimes about “the priesthood of all believers;” another phrase that is gaining momentum is

“the diakonia of all believers” – meaning the servant ministry of all the baptized. It’s not just deacons

that do the work. St. Paul’s is a parish that exemplifies diakonia through Outreach, the Frontline

Committee’s work, and in the daily lives of parishioners who volunteer in so many ways, serving as

Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

Mary Lee Wile and Chick Carroll


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Music Ministry Report Adult Choir

The choir continued its faithful weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship leading throughout the year,

with a two-month hiatus in July and August. The following people were involved with the choir in

2014: Beth Barnes, Jo Belknap, Leslie Brancart, Dick Brautigam, Martha Burtt, Mitchell Frizzell,

Cristle Judd, Jane Knox, Myrna Koonce, Lois Kwantz, Markis Laravee, Lucy Leitzell, Terry Leitzell,

Betty Scarponi, Cam Smith, Peg Smith, Anne Street, Bob Walkling, and Julia Walkling.

We had a “come as you are” Sunday-morning choir through July and August, with faithful attendance

from Sarah Judd, as well as others in town and willing to sing.

The choir sang particularly special music at Easter and Christmas, with an extended time of musical

worship at each occasion. They also led worship at Evensong services in the spring and fall: the two

services were special, and the choir worked hard to prepare for them. For our All Saints Evensong, Jim

Hornor, Bob Patterson, Markis Larravee, and Karen Topp kindly joined to sing.

Junior Choir (Lois Kwantz, Director)

The junior choir continues to be committed to its ministry of music. And yes, we talk about the fact that

what we do is a form of ministry. We also talk about the words that we sing - what they mean, who they

are about, and to what parts of the service they apply. We may be a small group but these young

people's voices and enthusiasm are much bigger than their numbers. Ariana Edwards, Maddie Wayne,

Devonia Redlon, Mira Levine, Nate Wayne and our newest choir member, Rachael Eramo, have served

faithfully. They have been hard workers who show joy in what they do. And my thanks go also to the

parents and families of the choir without whom their participation would not be possible.

We continue to meet twice a week for rehearsals: Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings. In

addition to singing at the 10:30 service, we have added singing at the 9:30 family service. At the family

Christmas Eve service, they presented glorious special music on their own. Caroline Nickerson

graciously joined us on this occasion and made a valuable contribution.

Music at 9:30 (Susan Brown)

The 9:30 service offers an interesting mix of hymns taken from various sources, including the hymnal

used for the 10:30 service. Sometimes lively, sometimes somber, the music always reflects the week’s

theme. Carolyn Eklund, Chick Carroll, Mary Lee Wile, and Lois Kwantz have all been supportive and

helpful over the year. Thanks are also due to Cristle Judd for lending a hand when needed.

Other Music

We were greatly blessed to have guest solo musicians over the course of the year, including Hannah

Judd, cello, Sarah Judd, French horn, Cristle Judd, oboe, and others.

About ten choir members rehearsed and planned to sing in the Brunswick Ecumenical Service of

Lessons in Carols in December. They were joined by several members of the congregation.

During the summer, St. Paul's presented three Sunday evening hymn sings, informal times of worship

and singing followed by refreshments, generously supplied by Cristle Judd.

In addition to all those named above, thanks are due to our rector Carolyn Eklund, Susan Tyler, and

Melanie Chicoria for their faithful leadership and office support.

Respectfully,

Bob Judd, Music Director


Page 18

Christian Formation Report

I began my work as St. Paul’s Christian Formation Director right after Easter and we continued using

the curriculum Weaving God's Promises for Sunday School classes for the remainder of the school

year. For Ascension Sunday we made a big cloud into which Jesus "ascended" and then we created

images of loved ones we've lost and lifted them up to sit on the cloud with Jesus during the 9:30

worship service. It currently hangs on the wall in the “Upper Room.”

For Pentecost Sunday in June our parents, teachers and Church School students gathered outside in

beautiful weather for the end-of-year cookout. Lots of folks brought food to share and Nate Garwood,

Gigi’s dad, manned TWO grills for burgers and hot dogs!

This summer Nancy Pennell, Anne Street, Sharon Pederson and I attended the fabulous 3-day Godly

Play training at St. Mary's, Falmouth. This training certified Nancy, Anne and Sharon as Godly Play

teachers. I received the Advanced certification. This training was available for a fraction of its cost due

to a grant from the diocese.

An important part of my work is to network with other Christian Educators in the Diocese of Maine.

I’m pleased that there is an active group of Christian Educators in our diocese and that I was able to

attend two diocesan meetings of Christian Educators in Portland.

Over the summer, James Ford and I met weekly with the Rector and also with people from other

organizations as we began to dream, scheme, and then plan a visit in October from Ashley Bryan the

iconic artist and author of children’s books. Our goal was to offer a community storytelling forum for

folks from Brunswick and surrounding towns. For this day St. Paul’s partnered with members of

Portland’s historic Abyssinian Meeting House Board. After Ashley agreed to our plan, the Abyssinian

Meeting House education director Pamela Cummings, James Ford, and I made a pilgrimage to Little

Cranberry Island to see the Ashley Bryan Museum and meet with the artist to prepare for the event.

There were very popular workshops offered: Reading to Children, Writing Your Story, Drumming, and

Found-Object Puppet/Mask-Making. Many parishioners worked very hard to make this day an

inspiring and creative event.

Before Church School began, Anne Street and I painted the Lions classroom, (though one wall still

needs another coat!) and in September Elizabeth Ring led six teachers and youth leaders in a retreat at

my family's cottage at Popham Beach where we learned teaching techniques and discussed goals for

the Church School year.

We kicked off our 2014 Fall Program year with a brunch that the Rector and I hosted for all families

and children in Church School. At the brunch I introduced our Church School goals and presented an

example of a Godly Play story. For Sunday School this year we've been using both Weaving God's

Promises and Godly Play, often combining the "Eagles” (ages 8-10) and "Lions" (ages 5-7) classes for

the Godly Play presentation and "wondering questions" that follow. These questions are designed to

draw the listener into the story personally, and have no "right" or "wrong" answers! (We hear some

quite profound, moving, and some very candid answers!)

Nancy Pennell, Steve Thomas, and I have been the principal teachers. Nancy and I have been able to

use some of our recent training. Anne Street, Lil Heyda, Karen Dyer, and Rodney Richard have

assisted us, as have our youth: Ally Collins, Rachael Eramo, Jaxon Redlon, Devonia Redlon, and

Ariana Edwards. I give thanks for all our teachers, parents and volunteers.


Page 19

The season of Advent began with wreath making in the Great Room. Our year concluded with a joyful

celebration of Christmas. Parents and volunteers joined me to organize our Christmas Pageant

costumes so that we could offer roles in our Christmas pageant to all children in attendance at the

Family Christmas Eve Service. (At the VERY last minute, Nancy Johnson located ALL of the angel

attire!) The goal was to have a costume and a part for each child who wished to be a part of the

pageant. It was called the “Come as You Are Christmas Pageant.” Jim Hornor was the narrator and the

Rector was a “Master of Ceremonies” for the production.

Thank you everyone for helping me build up Christian Formation for our children at St. Paul’s.

Jane Burke

Christian Formation Director


Page 20

Adult Christian Formation Committee Report

The Adult Christian Formation Ministry offers a variety of programs “to nurture our parish and each

person in his or her spiritual walk.” We sponsor ongoing Bible study groups, forums, small groups,

Quiet Morning retreats, movies with a spiritual component, and occasional outside speakers. The

committee responsible for the array of ideas that become offerings includes Charles Arnold, Anne

Brautigam, the Rev. Chick Carroll, Tobey Lee, Pam Nugent (chair), and Bob Walkling.

Our ongoing Bible groups form the sort of underpinning of the entire Adult Christian Formation

Ministry. They are the solid ground. St. Paul’s has three of them from which to choose: Exploring the

Word on Sundays at 9:30, the Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study at 12:30, and the Wednesday Evening

Bible Study at 5:30.

Perhaps you remember hearing read in church Bishop Stephen Lane’s address to the 2014 diocesan

convention. The words he wrote seemed to come from a place of deep wisdom and truth, inspired by

time spent on his sabbatical. Here is part of what he wrote:

We are no longer able to articulate the long arc of the biblical story;

what God has done in history among us. And not knowing the story,

we lack confidence in telling it to others. This lack of confidence is a

key ingredient in our failure to adapt. Christianity has always been a

lay movement. We have clergy to educate us, but they can’t confess

Christ for us. Only as we have confidence to speak with our neighbors

will we overcome the isolation in which our churches function. We

must renew the practice of regular Bible study in small groups [italics

added], not simply the lectionary readings for the next Sunday, but the

broad and sweeping arc of God’s relationship with us. It’s time for

every faith community to begin again regular opportunities for parish

leaders and other adults to immerse themselves in the story of

salvation. . . . [italics added] If we can’t witness to the presence and

activity of God in our own lives, quoting Scripture won’t help.

The three Bible study groups at St. Paul’s are designed to be different from one another. If you are not

currently a regular member of one of them, won’t you try them out to select one that feels right for

you? A warm welcome awaits you.

The changing programs that make up the rest of the Adult Christian Formation Ministry are always

designed with variety in mind, because people feel comfortable in different situations, people learn in

different environments, and such a diversified parish requires that the programs be offered at different

times.

Forums are largely offered on Sunday mornings between the 8:00 and 10:30 services. This past year

we heard the Rev. Ben Barnes discuss the God of the Old Testament/God of the New Testament: Is It

the Same God? In the fall we heard the Rev. Ben Barnes and the Rev. Bob Patterson share with us their

view of modern prophets in a series called Today’s Prophets: Who Are They? In March Dave and

Nancy Hawkins held a conversation with us about Faith in Hard Times; it was really an encouraging

witness of how their faith has been strengthened by some of the tough times they have been through.

Small-group offerings came in a variety of packages. Linda Ashe-Ford continued part two of Parenting


Page 21

as a Spiritual Journey with those in our parish who care for young children. Anne Brautigam explored

with a group the idea of Frontline on a global scale with a discussion of Gospel in the Global Village:

Seeking God’s Dream of Shalom, by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. Rick Wile offered the

always-popular Writing Spiritual Memoir again, and Sarah Arnold and Pam Nugent facilitated a

discussion group based on Sr. Joan Chittister’s The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully. December

found more than 30 people signed up for the Rev. Bob Morris’s OMEGA: Walking the Way to the

Heart of God, which was facilitated by the Revs. Al Niese and Bob Patterson.

The Rev. Mary Lee Wile facilitated her ever-popular Quiet Morning retreat in Advent. The topic of

Light was explored in the dark month of December, as participants sought ways to embrace the light of

Christ that we each carry within us.

Movies are sometimes also part of our programming, and Charles Arnold, a movie buff himself,

showed us an unforgettable film called Weapons of the Spirit, a compelling documentary about

residents in a small town in France during World War II who lived out their faith in a remarkable way

against the very real threat of Nazi arrest and subsequent death. (This DVD may be borrowed from

the church.)

Lent is always a time of special programming, and in 2014 many in the parish read a book by the

Episcopal priest Barbara Brown Taylor called An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith. Our

wonderful rector, deacons, and retired clergy led us weekly in an animated discussion based on

chapters of their choosing. A simple dinner came first, a wonderful time of fellowship, followed by

discussions led by the Revs. Carolyn Eklund, Mary Lee Wile, Chick Carroll, Ben Barnes, and Bob

Patterson. And what would Lent be at St. Paul’s without our own Lenten Meditations Booklet?

Written entirely by parishioners, we rejoiced with the 40 volunteers who shared their insights, life

experiences, and faith with all of us.

It has been a great year! Thank you to all who participated and helped make it happen.


Pam Nugent


Page 22

Building and Grounds Committee Report

Because of the generosity of several parishioners, a vapor seal was installed in the undercroft (crawl

space) of the nave. This was a major capital improvement which has made the nave warmer and drier.

Because of the contractor’s largesse and an upgraded survey, the cost came in at $2,000 less than

originally thought.

Repairs to the wooden skirt around the church, begun in 2013, continued. Rotted wood vents were

replaced with aluminum units. Exterior areas where paint was not adhering have been treated and

repainted. Rotted wood over the vestibule entryway was treated, trimmed and painted. That same

entrance, which had suffered interior water damage on the inside, has been repaired. Spot painting has

been done throughout the building wherever needed.

St. Paul’s has become a “web hub” (one of several) for the diocese. Conferences, forums and more held

here can be shared with other parishes via the Internet. The upgrade included a laptop (donated), two

movie screens, video camera, and a microphone (some of this furnished by the diocese). To facilitate

this concept, we upgraded the Great Hall with hard-wire Internet access.

We have begun upgrading our lighting to energy efficient and long lasting LEDs. Spotlights in the nave

and outside have been upgraded to LED. Lamps throughout St. Paul’s have also been upgraded from

incandescent bulbs to LEDs. We are now exploring lighting upgrades in the nave. The fluorescent

lights in the nave are “tired” and in need of replacement. However, we have been consistently advised

not to replace the bulbs with fluorescents, but to upgrade to LED lights. Rebates from Efficiency Maine

make this an affordable project. The lights themselves are brighter than fluorescent bulbs, longer

lasting, and more energy efficient. Work would begin first in the transepts, which are on the same

circuit, to provide more light for the choir. This area would require professional installation. Upgrades

in the hallways, library, office, etc. probably can be done over time and in-house.


Paul D. Womer


Page 23

Crisis Meals Program

During 2014 the Crisis Meals Program provided thirty-five meals to nine parishioners in need. We

currently have a team of twenty-seven cooked to prepare and deliver meals in case of illness, crisis, or

hospitalization of any parishioner. Donna Thivierge and Sally Whittemore continue to co-chair this

healing ministry.

We welcome new cooks to join our team!

Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Great Hall.


Donna Thivierge


Page 24

Earthcare Report

Protect and Preserve God's Creation

St. Paul's Earth Care Commission goal: to educate ourselves and others and to take action in our

community.

Promote eco-justice and care for creation as an integral part of the Christian message and

encourage one another to share that message within and beyond our church community.

Help other community organizations, church committees, and individuals promote eco justice

and care for creation.

Meetings are held monthly, usually on the second Sunday of the month and are open to all. We

welcome new members! Commission members are: Michael Anne Banks, chair, Tim Banks, Lollie

Brown, Anne Brautigam, Dick Brautigam, Dick Hall, Bronda Niese, Nick Smith, and Linton

Studdiford.

Highlights of 2014

The Community Garden under the direction of Linton Studdiford continues to provide garden plots to

people of the community as well as providing a Common Good Garden which provides food for Mid

Coast Hunger Prevention. During 2014 2619.81 pounds of food was produced in the Common Good

Garden. That is a lot of food! The Garden workshops are held during the months of Feb. and March at

St. Paul's and offer expert gardening education.

Three Church Alliance in cooperation with Earth Care teams from First Parish Church, the UU

Church and St. Paul's sponsors several events. Dr. John Hagan of the Manomet Center for Conservation

Science spoke at Frontier Cafe on May 13. Films for 2014 shown at First Parish were: "Bidder 70" and

"Food Inc." This is a vibrant group providing valuable resources for the community.

Recycling at our own church continues to be a challenge for our group as well as the entire parish;

however, we are not giving up.

Window Dressers of Rockland presented a program at St. Paul's in February. Because of this

presentation, our Parish made the decision to move forward with this program. The Earth Care

Commission, Outreach Commission and the Frontline Commission were charged by our Rector, The

Rev. Carolyn Eklund, to form a committee to bring Window Dressers to Brunswick. With the help of

many volunteers and hundreds of volunteer hours, we planned a build for October which was to include

completion of 285 window inserts. Unfortunately, due to a mega computer glitch at the workshop in

Rockland, our build was cancelled and the actual completion of Brunswick windows was finished in

Rockland. During the second week of December, 285 window inserts were distributed to homes in the

Brunswick area. Approximately 55 people had volunteered time for this project which became an

outreach not only to our own parish but to the community.

Michael Anne Banks

Earth Care, Chair


Page 25

Frontline Committee Report

At Diocesan Convention in 2012, Bishop Lane asked all congregations in Maine to identify the front

line of the Episcopal Church in the communities it serves. In other words, how far out do we reach and

are we making a difference? And so began the work of the Frontline Committee at St. Paul’s.

Initially, time was spent identifying the many ways members of this faith community not only serve at

St. Paul’s but how we serve in the greater Brunswick area. The picture that emerged was of a faith

community that is incredibly active both in the Dioceses and community.

In 2014, the Committee met with United Way and leaders of other churches to identify whether St.

Paul’s had the capacity and resources to address any unmet needs in the local area. Also in 2014,

Frontline Committee members participated in the Mass Incarceration forum which was held at

Bowdoin, and followed up with an informational session here at St. Paul’s. Members of the Committee

have also worked closely with members of First Parish Church and the Unitarian Church on this

particular issue.

Over time, two issues came to the surface –the principles and work of Restorative Justice in the State of

Maine and the problem of domestic violence in the greater Brunswick area. At its most recent meeting,

members of the Frontline Committee agreed not only to focus its energies in 2015 on these two issues,

but also create two separate task forces that would work independently of each other but report to the

Committee on a quarterly basis. If you would like to learn more about these issues or become a

member of either task force, Andree Appel, who will spearhead the effort on Restorative Justice would

welcome your help and Joan Reynolds and Terry Howell, who will work on the issue of Domestic

Violence, would be most grateful for your assistance.


Terry Howell

Member of the Frontline Committee


Page 26

St. Paul’s Giving Program

The 2014 Giving Program (formerly known as Stewardship) kicked off on September 19 with a pot

luck dinner and open mic program. With “giving” as the theme for the evening, those who attended

enjoyed not only St. Paul’s usual delightful array of good food, but also the gift of the talents – vocal,

instrumental, poetic – of our entertainers. Thanks go to Cristle and Bob Judd and Caroline Russell who

guided the event.

The kick off was followed closely by a series of “Giving Moments,” presented in the weeks leading to

Ingathering Sunday, November 30. At each of the services during this time, individual parishioners told

us, from the lectern, their stories about giving that warmed our hearts and made us think. Many of these

“moments” were messages about transformational giving – that is, stories of giving from the heart with

the help of God’s grace and generosity toward us. As often as possible, the messages were reproduced

in our St. Paul’s Weekly email to the parish. Participants in the Giving Moments were Linda Ashe-

Ford, Paul Womer, Caroline Russell, Cristle Judd, Carol Thomas, Pam Nugent, John Cordts, Pat Ryan,

and Emily and Ellie Levine.

At the same time a beautiful “Giving Prayer,” written by the Rector, was published and distributed to

the small groups for use in their meetings.

In mid-November, the Rector’s letter and pledge card were sent to all members of the congregation.

Concurrently, a colorful and information “Giving eblast” with links to St. Paul’s website was published.

The eblast represents a new and exciting vehicle for providing information, and also a utilization of

current technology in an innovative way. Thanks go to Emily Levine for her creativity.

Finally, the Giving Committee assumed responsibility for emphasizing electronic giving this year.

Electronic giving has been a definite advantage to the church in the form of a steady stream of funds at

a time when giving becomes less predictable. To date, a total of 46 pledges are being paid

electronically.

The Giving Program Committee: Cristle Judd, Susan Tyler, Emily Levine, Nate Garwood, Caroline

Russell, Jim Hornor, Nancy Keating, Chairperson.


Page 27

Healing Prayer Ministry Report

The Healing Prayer Team, one part of the larger Healing Prayer Ministry at St. Paul’s, began in 2006

and continues in obedience to Jesus’ instruction to his disciples to “preach the kingdom of God and

heal the sick” (Luke 9:2). The team members include the Rev. Cn. Dick Hall and 10 laypersons:

Charles Arnold, Sarah Arnold, Myrna Koonce, Sally Jeanne Kappler, Ada Moore, Pam Nugent, Carol

Thomas, Virginia Vincent, Bob Walkling, and Julia Walkling.

As we have in the past, we continue to offer the laying on of hands and anointing on the first and third

Sundays at the 8:00 and 10:30 services for people who would like healing prayer for themselves or

anyone else whom they desire to lift up. During the summer months we offered healing prayer at the

8:00 and 9:30 services on the same first and third Sundays.

Jesus healed people who came to him, and he also healed those who were not actually present but who

had friends or loved ones who requested healing on their behalf. We believe strongly that healing

(physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological) is what the God of love wishes for all his children.

As Jesus is quoted in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Surely

abundant life, fullness of life, includes healing and wholeness.

We meet once a month (except in the summer months) for Bible study, prayer, reflection, and

discussion of ways to improve how we practice this ministry. Our Fall discussion of the rector’s six

questions, which had been sent to all the ministries, proved a wonderful opportunity to talk about how

God is calling us to improve this ministry going forward. Where do we see God calling this ministry in

2015? How can we reach out to the parish in better ways? How do we see this ministry growing in

accordance with what God desires for St. Paul’s?

It is a blessing for us to be used by God in this way, and those of you who come for prayer bless us by

the trust you place in us. Needs and concerns shared with a team member are entirely confidential;

they are not even shared or discussed with other team members. When things feel overwhelming, as

they sometimes do, we all find it difficult at times to take our own needs to God. When people come to

the Healing Prayer Team, we ask about their concerns. With whatever information people bring to us,

we try to pray on their behalf, not give advice. People tell us that it seems to help on some level, giving

thanks to God.

We offer this ministry in service to God and the people of St. Paul’s.


Pam Nugent


Page 28

Holy Stitchers Ministry

The Holy Stitchers Ministry continues to be an ongoing small group of the parish. Anyone who can

use a needle (or wishes to learn) is welcome. We meet weekly and accomplished much this year.

In addition to creating our own individual projects, other specific items were made. Over 25 prayer

shawls were distributed to those recovering. Thirty seamen's caps were sent to the Seaman's Institute

for their annual Christmas gift of over 4,000 wool caps worldwide. A concerted effort was made to

make items for the Christmas Fair. We contacted friends and neighbors to help us make a large variety

of items. We were lucky to have items, as many parishioners and neighbors joined in creating

wonderful items; along with friends from as far as New York City, Florida, and Newfoundland,

Canada. This effort was successful as we earned $1,047.15, an increase of 69% from the two previous

years. We thank you all who helped.

Of importance was an additional service project taken on by four members of the Stitchers. Roberta

Hipkins, Nancy Johnson, Carol Layton, and Lynn Johnson made 16 "weighted " blankets and throws

for children diagnosed with Autism. These blankets and throws are made with washable plastic weights

between the baffles. These blankets can comfort and calm the person much like an infant can be

comforted and calmed by swaddling with a baby blanket. Last Spring 2014 these women received seed

money to start the project from the Outreach Committee. Each blanket was made for a specific person

with that person's size and favorite colors in mind. Each blanket took many hours to complete and

were then blessed by the Rector last Fall. Next year these women are hoping to make "weighted" vests

which will allow these persons to be comforted and calmed while engaging in more activities in the

community.

Lastly the Holy Stitchers Ministry is a very special group which fosters care, concern and prayer for its

members and the parish at large.


Charla Spann

Member of the Holy Stitchers


Page 29

Lay Pastoral Visitors Committee

Do you have a couple of hours each month that you would like to share with fellow parishioners? Do

you enjoy taking flowers to a friend, a church member who is physically unable to attend church or

someone who just needs a little comfort or conversation? There is a spot for you! Join the Lay

Pastoral Visitors!

2014 was a full year for the Lay Pastoral Visitors Committee. We have had three new members join us

this year. Our fellow parishioner, Tom Keating, MD, spoke with us and other parishioners about recent

changes in the Hospice Program. Our Vestry Liaison, John Cordts has moved on after serving as an

exceptional Liaison; John attended most meetings and brought us information about recent Vestry

decisions and took back our concerns to the Vestry. Our Rector joined us for several meetings. At our

meeting in December we had fun with the Sharing and Caring group and celebrated those who were

90ish! You’d be surprised how many are among us!

Several of our members have attended state and local events addressing issues for Seniors. Another

highlight of the year was having the Youth Groups contribute to our ministry. They agreed to help us

with our flower delivery. We collect small coffee cans and the young people cover them for us,

making attractive containers for us to use for flower arrangements. They do a great job!

In addition we continue to:

Deliver altar flowers each week, a plant at Christmas and Easter to all Visitees and a plant on

All Saints’ Day for those who had a loss in the previous year.

Organize services at Thornton Oaks, the Highlands and a special service for those from The

Garden and Thornton Hall.

Enjoy a delightful Tea at Thornton Oaks for ALL our Visitees and families.

There are many parishioners at St. Paul’s who supplement our work. Every visit, phone call, meal and

note brings a little of St. Paul’s to those who are unable to join us.

Do join us! Susan McCracken, Barbara Blanchard and Jean Mulligan lead this group.


Page 30

Meath Oxford House in the Barnes Building

The Meath Oxford House has served many men in recovery over the past year. At its fullest point, six

men were living in and running the house in democratic fashion, adhering to rules about maintaining

sobriety, having a sponsor, holding a job, contributing equally financially, and attending weekly house

meetings. In response to high electricity costs due to the electrical heaters in part of the house, one of

the residents initiated a plan for changes to the heating system, and used his plumbing expertise to

convert the whole house to a hot water heating system. Myrna Koonce and Phil Studwell attended a

house meeting and discussed the benefits of window inserts through Window Dressers. The house

members approved this, and windows were measured this past summer, with inserts being delivered in

December. As a result of both of these initiatives, energy costs should be lower for the residents this

winter.

Currently, the Meath House has fewer residents than is optimal. Those who are living there are making

a concerted effort to bring in new members. Because requirements for sobriety and other accountability

measures are strict, this means not just any person can live at the house. They are conducting

interviews, and would appreciate any help in getting the word out that there are openings at the house

for men who are seeking sober living.


Myrna Koonce


Page 31

Outreach Commission Report

The Outreach Commission continued in 2014 to promote St Paul’s support of local, state and

international initiatives that reach out beyond our walls to help those in the greatest need. Our groups’

members each involve ourselves locally in volunteer capacities and meet monthly to discuss areas of

extraordinary need, often inviting guest speakers to our meeting to better inform us. Annually our

charge is to decide how and where to distribute the proceeds of the previous year’s Christmas Fair. The

rest of the year is dedicated to informing our decisions on behalf of the parish, exploring new initiatives

and sometimes expanding or re-starting our involvement (for instance we activated our participation

with Habitat by participating in the Walk, and joining a Brunswick build).

Below, please read where we distributed last year’s Fair proceeds.

• The Tedford Shelter - $1,000

• The Gathering Place - $1,600

• MCHPP - $1,700

• Trinity Jubilee - $1,400

• Warm Thy Neighbor - $700

• Oasis Health Clinic - $1,000

• Haiti Relief - $700

• Episcopal Relief and Development - $700

• Safe Passage of Yarmouth - $700

• Habitat for Humanity - $100 (supplemented with monies raised from the Walk,

and build support)

• Freeport Community Services - $700

• Maine Interfaith Power and Light - $440

• Four Directions (Maine Indigenous Peoples Capitalization fund) - $400

• Ready-Set-Learn - $400

Total = $11,540.00

Two significant things have happened for Outreach at St. Paul’s in the last year: First, the Vestry

approved adding Outreach as a line item in the budget and committed to fund Outreach at 10% of our

annual operating budget by the year 2017. Christmas Fair net proceeds will continue to be restricted to

the Outreach budget and will appear in the annual operating budget effective 2015. The Christmas Fair

proceeds will be supplemented by pledge income in the annual budget beginning in 2015.

Second, at the end of 2014, we learned that a parishioner, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged to

match the Christmas Fair proceeds for two years to increase the ability to provide additional help to

those who need it from St. Paul’s. We have received the first check, and Outreach is currently

determining how best to use it. We are so thankful for this generosity.


Pat Ryan

Outreach Commission Member


Page 32

Reception Committee Report

St. Paul’s Reception Committee, co-chaired by Bonny Labonte and Abbie Van Doren, hosted eight

memorial receptions for families of St. Paul’s Church. We also hosted a Celebration of New Ministry

for the occasion that officially initiates the Rector’s ministry with us.

St. Paul’s continues to be able to host receptions because of the many in our parish who continue to

support St. Paul’s Reception Committee either by their food donations and/or their continued assistance

with setting up, serving, and cleaning up following the reception. Together we provide a valuable

service to our congregation. Many thanks for your support.

Bonita Labonte and Abbie Van Doren, Reception Committee Co-Chairs


Page 33

WORSHIP AT ST. PAUL’S IN 2014 AND WORSHIP COMMISSION

The gathered community in worship and praise of God is the central mission of the body of Christ at

St. Paul’s. For over 150 years this parish in Brunswick has gathered to praise God and to be

strengthened in the service of Jesus Christ. While we have retained the best of our Anglican roots for

worship, such as offering services of Evensong, celebrating worship from the Book of Common Prayer

and recruiting and training lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and acolytes to serve competently and

gracefully, in 2014 we began to connect our worship more intentionally with our neighbors.

For example, the deacons, The Rev. Mary Lee Wile and The Rev. Chick Carroll organized over five

volunteers from St. Paul’s to go out in pairs on Ash Wednesday to the train station, Bowdoin College

Campus, downtown and the soup kitchen to offer ashes for those who wanted prayers that day.

On Good Friday, the deacons organized “The Way of the Cross” with banners and readings that took a

number of “pilgrims” around the block of St. Paul’s, picking up neighbors who joined us. The devotion

is designed to stop at different “stations” around the block to offer devotional readings and prayers in

the ancient rite of “Stations of the Cross.”

In May, on the Feast of Frances Perkins, “Public Servant and Prophetic Witness,” Bishop Stephen T.

Lane celebrated the Eucharist in a full nave for the Celebration of New Ministry, a liturgy that affirms

the ministry of St. Paul’s with the new Rector, The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund. We welcomed Lucinda

Allen Mosher, Th.D., faculty member of Hartford Theological Seminary, an Episcopalian and scholar

in inter-faith dialog with a particular focus on Islam, as the preacher.

In the summer time, the 9:30am Family Worship congregation set up worship outside in the courtyard

on Pleasant Street. Susan Brown, our keyboardist and cantor played not only the keyboard, she

brought her accordion and we sang our songs to her accompaniment. The Levines, Emily, Mira and

Ellie, offered an activity to create prayers for prayer flags as our Prayers of the People. The Prayer flags

still hang on the tree outside, the wind taking our prayers to the heavens on a daily basis.

On Ascension Sunday Jane Burke, our Christian Formation Director played her guitar and created an

activity for 9:30 Family Worship so that we could remember all those we have loved and who have

gone before us. On All Saints’ Sunday, our youth participated in “interviews” with Saints. Arianna

Edwards, Nate and Maddie Wayne and Ellie Levine played the “reporter” who interviewed the Rector

playing a particular saint.

We are thankful that we have a terrific sound system and a way to offer images on a screen as we did

when we shared in all three services of worship the African American Spirituals of Ashley Bryan from

his illustrated book, Let It Shine just before he visited St. Paul’s for the Community Story-Telling

Forum in October.

This fall, we continued to offer traditional worship from the Book of Common Prayer at the 8:00am

and 10:30am services by celebrating the Eucharist using Prayer C in both services. Prayer C inspires

us to pray for God’s creation and celebrate its beauty.

The Worship Commission provide advice and counsel to the Rector. It is made up of the leaders of the

six groups of parishioners who manage all things liturgical in our worship at St. Paul's. We gather

several times a year at the behest of the rector in order to coordinate planning for upcoming Sunday

and special services. Most of our work is focused on the 8:00 and 10:30 Sunday morning services, but


Page 34

from time to time, we also review what is going on in the 9:30 Family Service so as to keep up with the

development of that program and offer feedback when appropriate.

Music Director Bob Judd and Lois Kwantz, director of the Junior Choir, oversee the adult and junior

choirs and help to plan special musical events such as Choral Evensong or hymn sings. They also help

to plan music for July and August, when the choir is on vacation. Membership in the choirs is open to

anyone who loves to sing and can read music. (Lois offers much guidance in reading music to the

younger singers.) We are in particular need of men's voices, especially in the tenor range.

Lay worship leaders, lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers are trained and scheduled by Julia Walkling. At

present there are 32 members ranging in age from pre-teen to retirement, all of whom find considerable

reward in reading scripture and leading the Prayers of the People. In 2014 Bob Walkling provided

Worship Leader training for lay people to lead Morning and Evening Prayer.

Tom Nugent continues to shepherd the acolytes for the 10:30 service. Not only does he ensure that

they understand the liturgical significance of their duties, but he also guides them in developing the

bond that grows from working together in their assignments and looking out for one another when

special circumstances arise. A few times a year, this bond is strengthened through shared fellowship

activities like a pizza party or a snow tubing jaunt. Over the summer or extended school vacations, or

during the soccer season, our roster of young people shrinks. Consequently, we have recently begun

encouraging adults to join the acolytes, too. As Tom says, “service at the altar is a great way to get an

up-close experience of the rich liturgy of our denomination and a great opportunity to learn why we do

some of the things we do.”

Another “up-close experience” of the beauty of the Episcopal liturgy is available through service on the

Altar Guild. Chair Lenita Richard is a gentle, loving teacher who is in serious need of new volunteers.

Altar Guild members work in teams of two for each service and are scheduled on a regular basis. The

more volunteers, the fewer rotations of the schedule!

The Flower Committee also works in teams of two for each Sunday or special service. Its gifted and

talented chair, Abigail Manny, is a patient instructor and would love to teach two new members the

beautiful craft of church flower-arranging.

Our corps of ushers and greeters stands at 24 right now, eight ushers for the 8:00 a.m. service, ten for

10:30, and six greeters. Chair Ralph Thivierge also schedules acolytes for the 8:00 a.m. service.

Clearly, 24 is a sparse number for this important ministry. More volunteers are needed for both

services.

A recurrent theme in this report has to do with recruitment. Pray for God to guide you to use your

spiritual gifts in the celebration of worship and in reaching to our neighbors in hospitality. It is a joy to

take part in the vibrant, joyful and holy worship at St. Paul’s. Please search your souls for a possible

calling to one of these ministries. To respond, you need only to contact the chairperson of your choice,

the Rector, or me. Please consider seeking out one (or more!) of these rewarding, joyful ways to serve

St. Paul's.

The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund, Rector

Leslie Randolph-Brancart, Worship Commission Coordinator


Page 35

Finance Committee Report

Members of the Finance Committee are The Rev. Carolyn Eklund, Rector; Steve Thomas, Treasurer;

Pat Ryan, Senior Warden; Paul Womer, Junior Warden; Nat Henshaw; Bill Martens; Lenita Richard;

Charles Arnold; Bob Mulligan; Lib Butler; Peter McCracken, Chair. Thanks to all who serve and

contribute. A special thanks to Steve Thomas, Treasurer, who will be stepping down in January. We all

owe Steve a debt of gratitude for his dedication and commitment. Thanks, Steve.

The Finance Committee acts as an advisory committee to the Vestry on all matters financial. As such

we meet monthly to review financial reports and all other items relating to the financial operation of St

Paul’s, passing on recommendations to the Vestry for their action. In addition, the items of note this

year include establishment of a banking relationship with Bath Savings Institute, combining locally

controlled endowments with those managed by the Diocesan Trustees, and establishing the ability for

cashing stock gifts by the Trustees – all at no cost to St Paul’s.

An internal audit for 2012 was completed and found St. Paul’s to be in total compliance. A few

suggestions were incorporated into our operating procedures. The 2013 Audit is currently underway.

The Diocese requires their own audit every four years and that will be done next year. In addition, a

thorough review of our legal and financial relationship with the Barnes Building (Meath Oxford

House) was examined and was found to be in compliance with IRS guidelines for non-profits.

The 2015 Operating Budget was developed and passed on to the Vestry for adoption and is included in

this Annual Report. It includes a $20,000 pledge increase from last year. It has a $15,000 shortfall.

Pie charts are included which show the major components of Income and Expenses.


J. Peter McCracken, Chair


Page 36

Pledges 78%

Endowment Interest 9%

Christmas Fair 3%

Barnes 5%

Other 5% INCOME

Worship and care 5%

Outreach 3%

Diocesan Assessment

13%

Salaries & benefits

56%

Utilities & insurance

10%

Repair & maintenance

7%

Operations 6%

Expenses


Page 37

2014 Financial Report and 2015 Budget

St Paul's Financial Reports

Actual 2014 and Budget 2015

Actual 2014 Budget 2014 Budget 2015 Delta

4000-4300 Income 328,783.68 299,000.00 337,500.00 38,500.00

4355 · Rent & Usage Fees 25,992.00 28,200.00 30,800.00 2,600.00

4370 Endowment Interest & Dividends 41,790.22 40,000.00 40,075.00 75.00

4310 Special Contributions 88,421.52 4,000.00 4,000.00 -

TOTAL INCOME 484,987.42 371,200.00 412,375.00 41,175.00

5101 · Rector Salary & Housing 97,999.98 98,000.00 99,960.00 1,960.00

5105 · Other Salaries & Wages 96,406.23 93,705.00 95,742.66 2,037.66

5200 · Travel, Pensions & FICA/Tax 31,834.80 26,689.00 30,076.00 3,387.00

5300 · Insurances - Med/Dent/Life/WC 12,136.23 8,883.00 13,960.00 5,077.00

5351 · Rector Education 1,158.00 1,250.00 1,250.00 -

6300 · Worship & Care 4,092.75 1,900.00 2,715.00 815.00

6400 · Christian Education 2,712.79 6,950.00 9,115.00 2,165.00

6500 · Music & Organ 998.24 2,000.00 3,660.00 1,660.00

6700 fellowship & receptions 3,870.72 2,750.00 5,550.00 2,800.00

7000 · Diocesan Assessment 52,605.00 51,842.00 55,361.00 3,519.00

7110 · Utilities 32,309.16 27,587.00 38,017.00 10,430.00

7120 · Insurance 4,737.10 4,800.00 4,800.00 -

7130 · Repairs & Maintenance 27,100.41 26,632.00 26,900.00 268.00

7160 · Real Estate Taxes 2,945.12 4,000.00 3,200.00 (800.00)

7200 · Office Operations 13,336.74 12,100.00 13,100.00 1,000.00

8100 · Other Expenses 9,536.50 9,900.00 24,646.00 14,746.00

TOTAL EXPENSES 393,779.77 378,988.00 428,052.66 49,064.66

NET INCOME/LOSS 91,207.65 (7,788.00) (15,677.66) (7,889.66)


Page 38

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Barnes Building

December 31, 2014

Income

Rent

15,700.00

Special Contributions 2,000.00

Total Income

17,700.00

Expense

Utilities

1,697.77

Maintenance 150.00

Real Estate Taxes 2,945.12

Heating improvement 3,450.00

Miscellaneous 35.00

Total Expense

8,277.89

Net Income

9,422.11


Page 39

2014 Christmas Fair

Table Income Expense Total

Apple Pies 383.00$ -$117.82 $265.18

Bake/Candy 807.00$ $0.00 807.00$

Cheese 702.50$ -$483.91 218.59$

Christmas Café 946.00$ -$359.04 586.96$

Country Store 390.75$ $0.00 390.75$

Fine Arts 1,050.90$ $0.00 1,050.90$

Freezer Gourmet 2,688.00$ $0.00 2,688.00$

Greens 2,504.00$ -$1,216.80 1,287.20$

Knives 585.25$ -$417.90 $167.35

Religious 181.50$ $0.00 181.50$

Santa 48.00$ $0.00 48.00$

Stitches 1,047.15$ $0.00 1,047.15$

Sunday Sales 357.91$ $0.00 357.91$

Treasures 2,160.81$ $0.00 2,160.81$

General 512.00$ -$215.39 $296.61

14,364.77$ -$2,843.52 $11,553.91


Page 40

PARISH STATISTICS 2011 2012 2013 2014

SERVICES HELD: 247 261 282 269

Holy Eucharist

Sundays 94 119 143 143

Weekdays 98 53 79 65

Private 35 78 33 43

Morning/Evening Prayer/Compline 4 18 12 8

Baptisms 4 7 7 9

Weddings 1 0 0 2

Burials 9 11 15 8

Confirmations 4 0 7 0

ATTENDANCE

At All Services 11,087 11,538 11,594 11,184

Holy Communion Received 9459 11,112 10,065 10,150

Average Attendance

8:00 58 58 56 57

9:30 28 31 36

10:30 133 104 92 88

single 9:00am summer service 106 100 77

COMMUNICANTS 700 436 437 442 (list review July 2012)

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Number of Pledges 173 170 155 141

Amount Pledged $273,912.32 $261,587.64 $271,509.20 $270,608.04

Amount Received $274,304.84 $266,670.93 $253,168.27 $274,470.74

Average Weekly Pledge $30.45 $29.60 $33.69 $36.90


Page 41

Commissions

Earthcare Michale Anne Banks, Chair 729-6592

Education Jane Burke, Christian Formation Director 626-0738

Adult Formation Committee, Pam Nugent 737-2369

Outreach Phil Studwell, Chair 729-1083

Pastoral Care Jean Mulligan, Chair 798-6765

Receptions: Bonny Labonte 729-5226

Abigail Van Doren 373-1020

Crisis Meals: Donna Thivierge 729-3511

Worship The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund, Chair

Leslie Brancart, Convener 729-7873

Acolytes: Tom Nugent 737-2369

Altar Guild: Lenita Richard 688-2249

Flowers: Abigail Manny 725-9062

Lectors/Eucharistic Ministers: Julia Walkling 725-6353

Choir, Bob Judd 725-0803

Ushers, Greeters: Ralph Thivierge 729-3511

Welcomers: Caroline Russell 729-1845

Groups and Committees

Buildings and Grounds, Paul Womer 373-1020

Holy Stitchers Ministry, Jane Johnson 729-7940

Carol Layton 729-3987

Fair Chair, Rodney Richard 688-2249

Finance, Peter McCracken, Chair 846-0150

Frontline, Andree Appel, Chair 319-4993

Healing Ministry, Pam Nugent 737-2369

Men’s Group, The Rev. Al Niese 443-8613

Prayer Group/Chain, Margery Follansbee 729-4858

Women’s Group, Conveners Rotate


Page 42

Staff and Vestry

The Rev. Carolyn H. Eklund, Rector ..................................................................... 373-3891

The Rev. Mary Lee Wile, Archdeacon ................................................................... 846-5288

The Reverend Chick Carroll, Deacon .................................................................... 721-9245

Susan Tyler, Parish Administrator ......................................................................... 729-7962

Robert Judd, Organist and Choir Director............................................................. 725-0803

Jane Burke, Christian Formation Director..............................................................626-0738

Melanie Chicoria, Administrative Assistant………………………………...……725-0670

Aubrey Farmer, Sexton .......................................................................................... 319-0164

Kimmy Edwards, Nursery Caregiver .................................................................... 725-7166

The Vestry Pat Ryan, Senior Warden ........................................................................... 725-5439

Paul Womer, Junior Warden……………………………………………...373-1020

Term ending 2015

Joan Reynolds........... 721-1074

Dick Brautigam……..725-4483

Virginia Vincent..803-603-5138

Term ending 2016

John Cordts................353-5081

Jim Hornor ………..416-8589

Carol Thomas……….666-8296

Term ending 2017

Linda Ashe-Ford……729-5584

Cristle Judd………....725-0803

Emily Levine………..449-9484

On ballot at 2015 Annual Meeting

Jo Belknap…………..721-8505

Chuck Dyer…….978-835-9922

Chip Liversidge……..406-4156

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