Dean's Comments, Annual Meeting

2019 was a historic year on several counts:

• We brought our expenses into line with our revenue.
• We completed the sale that had been in the plan for nearly 20 years.
• We celebrated our Sesquicentennial, culminating in the Gala and the transformation of our space.
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Looking back over the first six years of my tenure we have made a lot of improvements to our facility. It’s easy to lose sight of how much has changed.
The change had begun when I arrived: the organ had just been rebuilt and the chapel had been stripped.

Then, as I arrived,

• We sold the Nutmeg lot.
• The bishop’s staff moved out.
• Redesign of the chapel began.
• We returned the choir to the chancel.
• We installed colored exterior lights.
• We replaced, refinished, and renovated floors in church, chapel, Great Hall, including the removal of old carpet.
• We constructed new bathrooms in great hall.
• We installed a TV and sound system.
• We made electrical upgrades - remember when we operated the lights in the cathedral from the circuit panel?
• We improved our security through the camera system and keyless entry.
• We established a music endowment.
• We developed policies and procedures to guide our ministry and administration.

Much of this was possible only through the generosity of individual parishioners, the Society of St. Paul, the LLC overseeing the property sale, and a federal grant.

Already in 2020 we have seen further improvements with the elevator renovation.
Any day now we will have a working heat and air system in the Great Hall basement offices, and soon after that in the sacristy. We will have an ADA compliant entrance to the great hall basement.
The splendid Steinway piano will return to us around Easter, rebuilt and good as new.
We’ve started a buildings and grounds reserve fund for major projects.
Next month we will see a grove of trees planted in Balboa Park, contributed by members of this cathedral in reparation for the trees we lost when construction began.

So much of what I’ve mentioned is physical, buildings and spaces that support our ministry. But all this would be meaningless without a community that seeks to love God and love our neighbor. How are we changing?

In these six years we have grown in our love and care of each other. We have grown closer together through the summer socials, through the Stephen Ministry, through greater transparency around our finances, through our shared involvement in Pride, Showers of Blessings, and other community events.

There is much more to do.
On the physical plant:

• Replace old ceilings in the offices and choir room.
• Install heat and maybe air in the rest of the Great Hall building.
• Begin occupation and use of the new building to serve our parish, our diocese, and our neighbors.
• Convert the chapel undercroft to a neighborhood outreach center.
• Convert the basement offices to a music center, bringing all the elements of our music ministry - rehearsal, vesting, office and library - to one place.

While we await the completion of construction and the projects I’ve listed, we can continue to grow in our love of God, neighbor, and self. Chapter is launching a strategic planning effort to facilitate this growth over the next three years of construction. We will seek to grow internally through practices of discipleship, prayer, and the reading of Scripture. And we will seek to grow externally, in our relationship with the neighbors in Banker’s Hill, learning how we can better serve them once we have the new building. The 2019 wardens, Susan McClure and Marshall Moore, helped to get us started with this, and I hope they will remain engaged.

What do I mean by growing internally? The congregational surveys we’ve taken over the last decade indicate that this is a vital and engaged church. We are in the top tier of Episcopal churches by many measures. One measurement we haven’t taken is that of spiritual maturity and depth. One organization describes four phases of spiritual development among Episcopalian churchgoers:

Exploring: you have lots of questions and aren’t especially committed to a particular faith community;
Growing: you are drawn to the community and have made a commitment, such as pledging, but you still have lots of questions, and you still look to “the church” to provide your spiritual nourishment;
Deepening: you are all in: this is your spiritual home and your faith family; you start to take responsibility for your own spiritual growth and feeding;
Center: Jesus is at the center of your life and your relationship with him informs everything you do.

The vast majority of Episcopalians fall in categories two and three. Category four is a small minority of both lay and clergy. It’s just one way to think about our spiritual growth.

People are hungry. There are holes in our lives that only God can fill. Many of us don’t even recognize our own hunger because the church has never helped us to wake up to it. We don’t know what we are missing because we haven’t been taught to look for it. So we feel content just where we are. Complacency about our level of spiritual engagement is a very common phenomenon for Episcopalians, and in fact, the surveys we have taken here indicate that complacency is the most likely challenge for a large, energetic, progressive and liturgically enrishing church like ours.

God loves each of us exactly as we are, and God also wants us to grow into the full stature of Christ. Every time we witness a baptism we promise to help each other do just that. That means working to engage ourselves and each other more deeply in Scripture and the sacraments, in loving service to others, and in putting our whole trust in God, individually and as a congregation. That’s what I mean when I talk about discipleship.

Growth in discipleship might mean taking Education for Ministry. It might mean a regular practice of reading A and thinking about Scripture. It might mean going on a weekend retreat or a mission trip. There are lots of resources and opportunities offered by the Episcopal Church, and we can identify the right ones for who we are.

A first step is to determine where we are as a congregation so that we can create the right clinate for growth. So our interior strategic planning team will be looking at assessment tools. One such tool is RenewalWorks, from Forward Movement Publications, something recommended by our bishop. We are currently evaluating it and other tools. If you are interested in helping with this effort please contact Donna Perdue or Sue McClure.

The other element of our strategic planning exercise is exterior. Who are our neighbors? Bankers Hill has changed a lot in recent years. Do we know who lives here now? Do we know what they need? How can we best love and serve our neighbors? The exterior part of our team will be reaching out to the organizations and residences around us, developing a strong relationship with HOA’s, boards, and small businesses, and coming to understand what they need in order to flourish as a community. As we build trust, over time we will come to better understand what ministries and programs we might offer once we are in the new building. If this aspect of our planning appeals to you, please talk to Jairus Kleinert or Marshall Moore.

Just a couple more things: our Gala150 raised about $30,000 towards the initial cost of converting the chapel undercroft to an outreach center. Obviously that isn’t nearly enough to get the job done, and we will need to do some serious fundraising and grant writing to move the project forward. If you have grant experience I encourage you to join our grants committee: John Will is a good contact for that. The $30,000 will allow us to move forward with a first essential step: assessing the asbestos in the undercroft and what it will take to remove it. That’s something I hope we can do this year, as well as starting to get some preliminary designs.

The last item on my agenda is to let you know that Chapter is allowing me to take some sabbatical time this year. I will spend the whole month of March in Costa Rica, fully immersed in Spanish, to take me to the next level of fluency. And I will also take the month of June, to rest and hopefully explore more of California. I am grateful for Chapter’s support in this, and also to the diocese for a grant which will help to pay for supply clergy as well as my Costa Rica expenses. Even though our finances don’t currently allow for a native Spanish speaking priest to care for our Misa group, I remain fully committed to supporting our Latino members. Our location demands that we serve this population and many of our Misa members have been faithful for up to two decades. Our future as a denomination lies in our ability to become a truly multicultural community, and St Paul’s should be leading the way forward.

Dean Penny with the 2020 Robinson Cross recipients,
Jen Jow and Susan Jester

Chapter Nominees

The Chapter Nominating Committee is pleased to announce this year's slate of candidates for election to the Cathedral Chapter. The election will be held at the Annual Meeting on January 28. The four candidates, each of whom is standing for a three-year term of office, are: Jim Greer, Clemente Guarneros, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, and Gerald Motto. Read on to get to know our candidates.


Elizabeth Fitzsimons has been a member of St. Paul’s since 2011, when she and her husband Tony Manolatos attended the Rev. Allisyn Thomas’s “What is an Episcopalian?” course. That year, Elizabeth was confirmed by Bishop James Mathes during the Easter Vigil. In service to the Cathedral, Elizabeth has volunteered as a greeter and with Women Together. Elizabeth and Tony’s children – twin sons Alexander and Nicholas and daughter Natalie – attend Godly Play and Cathedral Youth. Natalie frequently serves as an Acolyte. The children were baptized by the Rev. Laurel Mathewson in 2013.

Elizabeth is Vice President at the San Diego Regional Chamber, where she leads the Chamber’s marketing communications and events, and the leadership development programs offered by the Chamber’s affiliate, LEAD San Diego. Previously, Elizabeth was Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at Rady Children’s Hospital. Prior to Rady Children’s, Elizabeth worked at the County of San Diego in media and public relations and internal communications. She began her career as a journalist at The San Diego Union-Tribune. Elizabeth serves on the Board of Directors for the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, where she chairs the Development Committee. She also serves on the Board of Library Commissioners for the City of San Diego, and volunteers with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

Elizabeth is a 2013 graduate of LEAD San Diego’s IMPACT program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in journalism and public affairs from American University in Washington, D.C.

She and her family live in Del Cerro with their dog, Lucy, who has also been blessed at St. Paul’s.

My name is Clemente Leopoldo Guarneros Flores.

I am originally from Mexico City. I have been living in San Diego for the past 25 years. I am married and a father to 4 children. I am a professional embroidery graphic designer for several embroidery local companies and my own. My skills as a savvy embroidery designer have earned me a great reputation as a consultant, innovator, and go-to guy to get the job done. When I am not glued to the computer screen, I love spending time and taking care of my family, learning new graphic design skills, and assisting our church with care and devotion. I am currently working on starting a company and creating my own signature clothing line. A biblical passage that I keep closest to my heart is “Si Dios esta conmigo quien contra mi? - Romanos 8:13. I enjoy meeting and talking to people. If you see me around please stop and say hi. I would like to get to know you. I live on Delta street in San Diego, my email address is guarneroscl@hotmail.com.

Jim Greer

I was born an Episcopalian, grew up in Orange County and was educated in public schools in Southern California. On graduation from college, I moved to NYC to begin my career and lived and worked there for 32 years, less a 2.5 year break for military service. My late partner and I moved to San Diego 22 years ago and I’ve been an active member of St Paul’s since then.

I’m a former St Paul’s Chapter member and former Dean’s Warden. For many years I have served on various committees, been a Cathedral visitor, and participated in the small group Bible study. I’m an annual pledger and frequent contributor to various special fund raising efforts. I’ve served on the Executive Council of the San Diego Diocese and have been a deputy to a General Convention. I was previously active in parish and diocesan affairs in New York City where I served on vestries, chaired various parish and diocesan committees, attended, as deputy/delegate several diocesan conventions. I have been involved in organizational work and leadership roles for most of my life and therefore have a good working knowledge of organizational dynamics including leadership, motivation, fund raising, goal setting/problem solving, and I have a non-professional’s understanding of the significant legal, accounting and tax procedures and issues of 501c (3) entities.

I’m a Realtor by trade and in that capacity I have represented SPC and the diocese in both the purchase and sale of various properties. Additionally, have been engaged to represent several SPC and diocesan individuals in their personal property transactions.

Gerald (Jerry) Motto

Jerry was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to an Italian father and a French mother. He attended Catholic School for grades 1 through 9 and then attended public high school. He holds a BA degree from Southeaster Louisiana University. Jerry also holds a Masters in Education in School Administration from Azusa Pacific University. He taught middle school for 24 years and served one year as a Vice Principal.  He was an ordained minister for 10 years in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. He served as a pastor in Cincinnati, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Riverside, CA. During these years, he was a passionate advocate for gay rights and had a ministry serving those with AIDS.

In 1987, Jerry joined St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Colton, CA. He served on the Vestry and was an Acolyte. When he moved to Moreno Valley, CA in 1991, he transferred to St. George’s Episcopal Church in Riverside, CA. There he served on the Vestry for two terms. He was elected junior Warden for two years and appointed Senior Warden for one year. He also served as Assistant Treasurer and Building and Grounds Coordinator. He was an acolyte, Eucharist Minister, lector and served on several committees.

In February 2011, Jerry moved to San Diego and transferred his membership to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Since he has been here, he has served on the Greeter, Stewardship, Cathedral for the City committees. He also has been an acolyte, a lector, and a counter. For several years, he was the liaison for Refugee Net and coordinated the St. Paul’s shoe drive. He also coordinated the Cathedral’s booth at the Gay Pride Festival in 2016.

The sermons and music at St. Paul’s feed Jerry emotionally and spiritually. Most important of all are the loving and caring people here. Since many of his friends and family have died, the members of St. Paul’s have become his extended family. He and his husband, Jim, have been together for 40 years. St. Paul’s is one of the most important things in Jerry’s life. He considers it an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve on the Chapter. With God’s help, he will do his best to serve the members of St. Paul’s with grace and dignity.

Meet Our 2017 Chapter Nominees!

The Annual Meeting is in a few weeks, so it’s time to meet our Chapter nominees. Read all about them below, and come to a meet-and-greet during coffee hour on both January 8 and 15. Then, please join us for the Annual Meeting in the Great Hall at 12:00 p.m. on January 22.

Martin Nace Hall
In 2005 I first visted St. Paul’s Cathedral at the invitation of my banker and good friend Deedra Hardman. I was moved when I heard the choir sing, when a woman presided over the Mass and when a gay priest delivered the sermon. I prayed about the invitation to participate fully in the worship “wherever I found myself on my spiritual journey” for several weeks and ultimately received my first communion at the altar of St. Paul’s. After more than 25 years of searching, I had found a sanctuary where the diversity of God’s human creation assembles to worship. I was confirmed by the Bishop in 2006.

For the past 10 years, I have been involved with various ministries in the Cathedral including: the “Fun” Committee/planning events like Home Coming picnic, Zydeco dinner, Soup Supper; the Stewardship Committee/planning nd hosting stewardship receptions, mailing letters; the Eucharistic Ministry/serving communion to shut-ins; the Cathedral Visitors Ministry/visiting parishioners in their nursing home or at hospital; Ashes to Go Ministry/dispersing Ashes on the streetcorners of downtown San Diego; St. Paul’s LGBT Pride Committee/planning the walk, checking into the parade at 6 am to hold our place in line, carrying the Episcopal flag in the parade.

The Strategic Goal on which I would most like to serve as Chapter Liaison is the Cathedral for the City. I have a passion for the mission of C4CC and have volunteered in these activities for some years now. It is very rewarding to see the faces and hear the expressions of the people you encounter on the streets of the city when you bring Christ’s message that “all are welcomed at St. Paul’s Cathedral”. In my life outside of the cathedral, I am the Director of Catering and Conference Services of a resort and have more than 25 years experience in the position with Hyatt Hotels, Noble House Hotels and Hilton Hotels. My duties include creating a marketing plan and budget that produces $8M in revenue annually. It is my responsibility to direct the sales and service efforts of a team of managers and to keep the team focused on sales and service goals. I am disciplined with respect to maintaining expenses and achieving a planned budget.

Around San Diego, I have been involved with the following boards and event committees:

• Cruise 4 Kids for the Teddy Ball and the Bunny Ball 
• San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s events committee 
• SDGBA’s Charitable Foundation Scholarship Grant Committee 
• Mama’s Kitchen Board

Susan McClure
I enrolled my son as a Boy Chorister in 1986 and was recruited to assist with vestments and such. By 1989, I joined the Cathedral Choir and 2 other children had joined the Choristers/St. Cecelia Choir. With the choirs alternating services at that time, we were at the Cathedral almost the entire day on Sundays. My husband, Mark, became a Sunday School teacher in the early 90s and we transferred our membership to the Cathedral because we were there almost every day of the week. We have worshipped under 4 Deans and 3 Bishops. I don’t always agree with everything that might be most popular but that hasn’t interfered with making many good friends over the years. The St. Paul’s community has helped to raise our children and become our home.

I appreciate the diversity and programs. I have been involved in many different ministries over the years including:

• Cathedral Choir, Choristers and St. Cecelia Choir (  I have given the St. Cecelia Cross since 1994 to girls who have remained loyal to the choir through senior year of high school )
• Teen groups through 2002 
• As a career Occupational Therapist, I have an interest in disability awareness around the Cathedral campus including starting an awareness ministry in 2003 
• Early contributor of the Organ Restoration Fund and the Cathedral Lighting project 
• Assisting with St. George’s Day since 1987 
• Providing rides to others for Cathedral events 
• Regular attendee of Women Together 
• 2007-2009 involved with Diocean Refugee Network and the Sudanese population at St. Luke’s in North Park 
• Marriage Encounter and Cursillo 

I feel called to be a Chapter Liaison to either the Music or North Park projects. I would also like to ensure accessibility for the disabled throughout the campus.

Having considered Chapter service several times over the years, the timing just wasn’t right. Now, however, with child-rearing, parent-care and other full time obligations in the past, timing seems good to put energy into Chapter. I have a long history and involvement at St. Paul’s and accept people for themselves. Over the years I have learned that even if I don’t always agree on everything, my caring of my fellow parishioners and longtime friendships are what is really important. I respect the many people who have contributed their time and talents to make St. Paul’s the church it is. I also very much listen to what I feel are God’s messages to me and try to live my life accordingly.

Marshall Moore
I was introduced to St. Paul’s by my wife, who had preceded me to San Diego by a couple of years. The music, the liturgy and the space combine to make, for me, a remarkable spiritual experience. More importantly, of the several churches I’ve known, SPC is the first which truly “walks the talk” of forgiveness, acceptance and inclusion.

I was fortunate to have served on the Vision for Mission Committee. For the past two years I have chaired the HR committee. In that capacity, I led the efforts of several others in various hiring activities, the hiring of Jeff Martinhauk and Kathleen Burgess being the most significant. Additionally, I have served as a Greeter and been involved with the Showers of Blessing ministry. Most recently I have served on the Stewardship Committee. I feel most called to serve as Chapter Liaison to Outreach and Justice which is at the core of our faith and is where we “walk the talk”.

I have an appreciation for the inner workings, both issues and decision making, of churches having served on vestries of two other parishes (both small and large). I have an MBA so understand financial constraints and considerations. Service has always been at the heart of my religious experience. My childhood family was a critical part of a tiny parish so I learned the importance of service. There are exciting times ahead for SPC and I would hope that my experience and thoughtful consideration could help as we continue on this journey of faith.

Bruce Warren

I first came to SPC in 1961. For 20 years was married, raised two children in the church, then divorced and left the church. About 5 years ago I returned to the cathedral and found a different congregation. I felt welcomed.

During my early years at SPC, I was on the Building Committee and was involved in the early days of St. Paul’s Manor (now St. Paul’s Senior Services). More recently I have been involved as a committee member for Dorcas House, a docent, a Stephen Minister and a lector. My background and experience suggest that I would be a good fit serving a Chapter Liaison to Outreach and Justice, Cathedral Campus/Grounds, or Music/Arts. This experience includes land-use planning and entitlement and governmental regulations. I have served on many community planning groups and several non-profit boards.

I feel called to serve on Chapter because I enjoy the spiritual benefits of St. Paul’s and believe it would be good to be back in the system that keeps the cathedral working, working with and meeting new people and being of service.

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Dexter Semple (bio below)  is the diocesan representative to Chapter, and is not subject to election at the Annual Meeting.  He was elected by the diocesan convention in November, and his bio is listed for informational purposes only.

Dexter Semple
I immigrated to the US from Guyana at a young age. Two years ago I moved to San Diego and have been an active member of St. Luke’s since. There, I serve on the Vestry as well as on the Communications and Usher ministries. My appointment as a Diocesan representative to the Chapter will help to cement the growing relationship between St. Luke’s and St. Paul’s.

Our Robinson Cross Awardees, 2016

Kris & Wayne Hatch and Gary Owen

Every year, the Dean awards the Bishop Harold Robinson cross to members of the congregation who have made notable contributions to the community. The names of all the recipients can be seen on a plaque by the door into the narthex and awardees receive a handsome silver cross on a chain. Harold Robinson was rector of St Paul’s from the late 1940s to the mid 1960s, and was a driving force in erecting the current church on Bankers Hill. He also founded St Paul’s Senior Homes. He went on to become a Bishop in Buffalo, NY. 

This year, Dean Penny chose three recipients for the cross. All three were celebrated for their devotion to the quiet ministries that can often go unnoticed. 

Gary Owen regularly attends the  8.00 Sunday service and intentionally sits right by the pulpit steps, watchful and ready to intervene if someone interrupts the service. Most people probably don't even notice, but it means a great deal to those at the altar. He serves as sacristan for the Saturday noon service. Gary is the longtime convener of the Exploring Sunday's Lessons class and teaches Bible study at Merrill Gardens. He also serves as a mentor to people in recovery, attends various faith groups, building ecumenical relationships, is active in outreach ministries, and helps people in need obtain vital resources. Gary is also a regular attendee at the Dean's Breakfast on Fridays. He pays attention to people easy to overlook; you might call him a Matthew 25 Christian.

Kris and Wayne Hatch are a couple who combine their ministries to great effect. Both serve on our Altar Guild, Kris as a team leader and Wayne as the scheduler. Both have served on Chapter, and Kris has been People's Warden. Kris is an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and baker, and we benefit from her gifts with beautiful altar linens and gluten-free Communion wafers. She  was on a dean search committee and co-chaired our Vision for Mission committee last year. Kris has also been active in youth ministry, founding the youth acolyte program and teaching Godly Play. In addition to his altar guild service, Wayne has offered his financial skills to the church, serving in various contexts as treasurer and on the diocesan audit committee. Together the Hatches hosted the Vision for Mission wrap-up celebration last month.  They are a blessing to our community.

We congratulate Gary, Kris and Wayne on this well-deserved honor and thank them for their inspiring service to St Paul's!

2015 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of St Paul's Cathedral was held on Sunday 18 January.  In addition to the serious business of voting on finance, staff reports, and strategic updates, we enjoyed the presentation of the Robinson Cross, named for the first rector of St Paul's (before it was a Cathedral).  This is an honor given to members of the congregation in recognition of exemplary service to our community.  (Clergy and staff are not eligible.)

This year we had three recipients:  Mark Lester, Melinda Oslie, and Harold Potter.  All three are stalwarts at SPC, and their well-deserved honors were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers, in standing ovations.

A plaque with all the recipients' names over the years is on the wall inside the Cathedral next to the narthex door.

Here are some photos:

Dean's Warden Don Pellioni and Dean The Very Rev Penny Bridges ran the meeting.  Don's an analogue (paper) kind of guy and Penny's got her iPad.  :-)

Former Dean's Warden Mark Lester, who guided us through the search for our new Dean in addition to many other roles, received a Robinson Cross.  He left so quickly we didn't have a chance for a proper photo! 

In addition to the Robinson cross, Melinda Oslie was presented with an empty jam jar, in recognition of her steady sales of marmalade and other tasty preserves for the organ fund.   Amongst her many other roles including the choir, she was also cited as "keeper of Bob" ....!

Harold Potter is a constant and tireless helper.  He can be found everywhere from assisting in the the kitchen to ushering to greeting to stuffing bulletins, and a myriad of other roles.  Well done, Harold!  

 

People's Warden reports on the Annual Meeting

A message from Judy Moore


As the People’s Warden of St. Paul’s Cathedral, I am on the Cathedral’s Chapter (Board of Directors, if you will) which primarily oversees the finances as well as the buildings and grounds of the Cathedral.  I serve on the Endowment and Finance Committees. Yet as the People’s Warden, I envision myself primarily as representing the interests of the people of our congregations and as such I will continue to keep you up to date on what the Chapter is doing.

Canon Chris Harris reported our Stewardship Campaign is ahead of last year’s pace.  And at our Annual Meeting, we learned we have surpassed our goal by $64,000.  In addition, there have been a significant number of new pledges as well as a 9.5% increase in the average pledge with many from the Hispanic Misa service now pledging as well.  All of this good news, Chris told us, is especially remarkable both this year and last year – two years when we have been in transition.  St. Paul’s congregations are so caring and giving!

Kendall Squires, member of the Nutmeg & Olive LLC, reported that escrow for the sale of the Cathedral’s Nutmeg property is expected to close on February 20th.  Proceeds from this sale will retire the development loan and pay for various development expenses. Ken Tranbarger, who is the President of the Nutmeg & Olive LLC, summarized the history and status of the Cathedral Master Plan at our Annual Meeting; additional monies received from the Nutmeg sale will be discussed in the near future.  Stay tuned!

The Very Rev. Rebecca McClain, our wonderful Interim Dean, announced the new Dean, The Very Rev. Penelope Bridges, will be with us toward the end of February.  Members of the Search Committee were commended for their dedicated effort and they include Laura Gunn (Chair), Jeff Bates, Helena Chan, Margaret Hernandez, Guin Kerstetter, Brad Lovelace, Paula Peeling, Bart Smoot and John Walsh.  Meanwhile our current Dean is in the process of concluding her ministry with St. Paul’s..  She also acknowledged Mark Lester for his outstanding performance as the Dean’s Warden; she has appointed Don Pellioni as Mark’s successor. The Dean also reported that Brooks Mason has been ordained to the permanent diaconate; Colin and Laurel Mathewson have been ordained to the priesthood and are now serving at the Cathedral.  It was noted that Andrew Brooks, Guin Kerstetter, Bob Reed and Bart Smoot have agreed to continue in their respective roles as Chancellor, Treasurer, Clerk and Finance Committee Chair.

Dr. Bart Smoot presented financial reports for the fourth quarter of 2013 along with a budget for 2014; the budget was approved by Chapter.  At the Annual Meeting Dr. Smoot detailed some of the items in the new budget which include a “Compensation Support” item to facilitate staff salary increases, transition expenses for the new Dean, and Clergy housing allowances.
Bookkeeping and accounting staff changes occurred  in 2013 and Erin Saco Pineda was contracted to support enhancing the Cathedral financial processes.  Dr. Smoot acknowledged the great efforts of Erin, a Certified Public Accountant, who has been working meticulously toward that goal.

Christine Spaulding reported on Buildings and Grounds.  As many of you know, the Cathedral chapel was renovated thanks to a donation by The Rev. Canon Barnabas Hunt and The Rev. Canon Andrew Rank.  The chapel was recently rededicated after Evensong with a  reception, a congratulatory acknowledgment to  The Very Rev. James E. Carroll on the anniversary of his priesthood, and a blessing of the Chapel ending with a beautiful concert by a small group of boys and men choristers..  The pews were removed to be replaced with comfortable chairs which will allow for more flexibility in that space.  It is also now wheel-chair accessible.

An Endowment Committee Report was presented by Stew Dadmun who stated the return on endowment investments for 2013 was 12.6 %.    Stew, outgoing chairman of the Endowment Committee, was acknowledged and praised at the Annual Meeting for his service in this capacity. Chairing this committee is no small job and Stew’s  expertise and devotion are much appreciated. Helena Chan and George Kuhrts were nominated to serve on this committee.  Betsey Monsell will be the new chair.

Retiring from Chapter this year (2013) are Erin Saco Pineda, David Behling and Mark Lester.  New Chapter members acknowledged and approved at the Annual Meeting were Elizabeth Hardy Carey, Mark Patzman, George Kuhrts and Don Pellioni.  Judy Moore was also approved to continue another year as the People’s Warden. Oh, that’s me!  And while I’m at it, please don’t ever hesitate to talk to me before or after the 10:30 p.m. service or by email  jmoore405@att.net), or even by phone (858-587-1971) with any and all thoughts or concerns.

Blessings and joy to each of you.  Have a wonderful, happy, healthy and safe 2014!

Judy Moore
People’s Warden