SPRING 2003December 8, 2002
alem Quarterly Meeting met December 8, 2002, at Salem Monthly Meeting. Our Quarter Clerk, Michael Gibson, opened the meeting reminding Friends that this is our Meeting for Worship with attention to how we do business in the world; thus, he requested that Friends worship between agenda items. He distributed copies of printed agendas and reviewed the items listed on the agenda, asking if there were any other items needing the Quarter’s consideration.
Our Clerk asked for a review and approval of the September Quarterly Meeting Minutes. With the addition of Mario Cavallini’s last name, the Minutes were approved as written.
As the first item of business, possible uses for the Quarter financial surplus were discussed since a decision on this matter had been held over from the September Quarterly Meeting. Friends expressed concern about the financial shortfall for the Coordinator Budget for Year 2003-2004 even with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) covering a greater portion, 35% this year. Concern was verbalized that there may be a Monthly Meeting (MM) who might not be able to meet their covenant; however, strong leadings were conveyed for supporting the spiritual work of Dr. Karen Paarz, a member of Seaville MM, who had requested financial assistance for her work in Northern Ireland. After a brief period of worship and further comments of support were shared, Friends united in offering $350 to assist with this project; it was also decided that individual Friends may contribute additional funds for this project through the Quarter. Friends supported the suggestion that Karen provide a presentation about this project to the Quarter when possible and it was requested that an article describing this project be included in the Quarter newsletter.
Gloria Horvay, Clerk of Steering Committee, presented a Steering Committee Report, noting the need for two decisions by the Quarter (see written report). She reviewed with Friends the six simply stated Quarter goals developed by the Committee, emphasizing the importance of approving goals at this time since no goals had been approved since 2000. She explained that these goals had emerged from a recent period of worship sharing by Steering Committee members. Friends confirmed that the Steering Committee has been authorized to act for the Quarter between Salem Quarterly Meetings. A suggestion was made to add the phrase, “and other means that might present themselves” to the fifth goal, and moving the “and” to just prior to this phrase; Friends approved the goals with those minor modifications.
Gloria explained that the Quarter had agreed to adjust the evaluation cycle for the Quarter Coordinator to the same cycle as other PYM staff; therefore, although we are just now completing an evaluation of our coordinator, Phil Anthony, we will be engaging in the evaluation process again in six months, with later evaluations occurring on a yearly basis. She reported that the process used for this evaluation cycle included a performance appraisal feedback form similar to the PYM form which was distributed to Friends in key Quarter positions and to all MMs. She indicated that the compiled results identified specific strengths, suggestions for improvement, and organizational changes. She summarized some of the issues involved in formulating the recommendation for a salary increase, including PYM factors and current economic limitations. Friends suggested incorporating the family health insurance coverage provided to our coordinator into the salary increase determinations. Steering Committee members acknowledged that this is being considered. After further discussion, Friends accepted the Steering Committee Report and approved the recommended salary increase of 1.75% for Phil to be implemented in January.
Sue Price-Redfern, Assistant Treasurer for the Quarter, presented the Treasurer’s Report (see printed report). She reviewed the Quarter Budget Report representing the period from 7/1/02 through 11/19/02 (see report). She highlighted the completion of much repair and maintenance work on the Lower Alloways Creek Meetinghouse, which is in good shape now. She thanked MMs for their timely covenant submissions to the Quarter. Friends accepted the report with gratitude, noting an amendment to one figure; Friends were assured that the corrected report would be printed in the newsletter. Then Sue presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2003-2004, acknowledging that this budget includes an increase in PYM support from a 30% to 35% level. Friends expressed concerns about increasing the level of PYM support and urged the Quarter to remain as fiscally independent as possible. After discussion, Friends approved the budget with the 35% level of PYM support with the hope that when MMs are notified of the need for additional Quarter funds, further contributions may make the 35% level of support not necessary.
Mike Ayars, a Board member of Woodstown Friends Home, presented a report in which he highlighted a recommendation for a change in the Bylaws concerning Friends Home Board membership, to move to a composition of 80% Quakers rather than the current requirement of 100% Quakers. He explained that this would allow the Board to incorporate individuals with specific expertise yet would maintain the Quaker leadership. Friends conveyed concern about reducing the number of Quakers on the Board; nevertheless, they approved the new Board Quaker membership levels. Friends expressed strong appreciation to the Quakers from our Quarter who serve on the Friends Home Board, emphasizing their positive contributions toward ensuring that exceptional care is provided to many senior citizens in our community.
Mario Cavallini, Clerk of the Quarter Worship and Ministry Committee, submitted a written report in which he described the meaningful discussion of Friends during the recent Committee Meeting (see report). He invited Friends to attend the Quarter Retreat Planning Committee Meeting scheduled for next week.
Our clerk made an announcement requested by Elizabeth Thomas from Woodbury MM that there is a peace testimony poster available for MMs to borrow. He encouraged interested Friends to contact her for details.
Phil Anthony, Quarter Coordinator, made several announcements concerning future events and activities available for interested Friends. Friends held Marion Frasier in the Light for her medical needs.
Our clerk requested a brief period of worship sharing to express our appreciation to Salem MM for hosting today’s Quarterly Meeting, to Kimberly Camp for providing our program, and to Friends Home Board members. The following four minutes of appreciation emerged:
Salem Quarterly Meeting expresses deep appreciation to Salem Monthly Meeting for the warm welcome they always give Salem Quarter. Friends expressed that they feel well nourished by Salem Monthly Meeting’s hospitality. Particular thanks go to Ben Ford, who helped with today’s book display.
Salem Quarterly Meeting expresses thanks for those Friends from Atlantic City Area Meeting who came to visit our quarterly meeting. We are delighted that they have been coming to worship, discern, and fellowship with us.
Salem Quarterly Meeting is grateful to Kimberly Camp for her excellent presentation on the Barnes Foundation and Albert Barnes’ vision. Friends gathered described the presentation as enlightening, enthusiastic, passionate, and very educational. Friends said they found Kimberly to be “a delight,” and they would love for her “to be our guide at the Barnes.”
Salem Quarter thanks the Friends Home board for sharing their plans for the future and for keeping the quarter a part of what they are doing. Their presentation at quarterly meeting was inspiring and hopeful. We appreciate the home’s level of committment to people of different means and levels of health.
Our clerk encouraged Friends to attend the March Quarterly Meeting to be held at Woodstown Meetinghouse. After a brief period of worship, the Quarterly Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Cox Crispin, Assistant ClerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
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