Events and Announcements
Clergy Compensation Resolution Adopted
The recent Diocesan Convention adopted a resolution presented by the Clergy Compensation Task Force. The resolution is available in PDF format on the Diocese of Spokane web site (http://www.spokanediocese.org/news) and bears special attention by vestries, treasurers and bookkeepers of churches in the Diocese. It outlines compensation and benefit standards, including cash stipend, housing allowance, Social Security allowance, housing equity allowance, pension, health benefits, and reimbursable expenses for full-time clergy in the Diocese. The resolution includes a Social Security allowance, which has not previously been part of the diocesan compensation policy. The Resolution states:
“Because clergy are considered “self-employed” for Social Security purposes, the organizations for which they work do not pay “Social Security Tax” as they would for a non-clergy employee. To offset this situation, congregations in the Diocese of Spokane are asked to pay 50% of the clergy person’s Social Security tax, calculated as follows:
*When Housing is provided: 7.65% of cash stipend, the Fair Rental Value (furnished, w/utilities) of the housing and any Housing Equity Allowance paid directly to the clergy person.
*When Housing is NOT provided: 7.65% of the combined amount of the cash stipend and the housing allowance.”
It is important to note that the Social Security Allowance is treated as regular income to the clergy person.
If you have questions, please contact Libby Beck, Finance Officer, at 509.624.3191 or libbyb@spokanediocese.org.
Celtic Creation Celebration (St. David’s)
A Celtic Creation Celebration is scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 7315 N. Wall (located across the street from Holy Cross Cemetery, where Monroe and Wall streets intersect) in Spokane. The theme of the service is “Heresy and Holiness”. The celebration includes communion, sung chants and Celtic music. A reception follows. Seekers and visitors are welcome. For more information, please call 509.466.3100 or visit www.stdavidspokane.org.
Churches in Transition
Several churches in the diocese are in a transitional phase as they prepare to call clergy. Here is a brief update: St. Luke’s, Wenatchee and St. Andrew’s, Chelan, are combining their search for a St. Luke’s rector (3/4 time) and a St. Andrew’s ministry developer (1/4 time). All Saints, Richland, has completed its profile and will receive names of candidates for rector for about two months. The Rev. Joan Yetter of Montana is serving as interim. St. Timothy’s/ San Timoteo, Yakima, is in a self-study phase, working on a profile of the parish. St. Stephen’s, Spokane, will begin its self-study in 2010. The Rev. Canon Kristi Philip is serving there as half-time interim. St. Paul’s, Cheney, is assessing its need for a part-time priest. Two other churches are in very early stages of transition. At Resurrection, Spokane Valley, the Rev. Brian Prior is now bishop-elect in Minnesota and will be leaving around the first of the year. In the Lower Yakima Valley, the Rev. Debora Jennings has accepted a call to Oklahoma and plans to leave in December. Leaders in those churches will meet with the Bishop and Deployment/Transitions officer soon to plan the process to call clergy.
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer 2009
The Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is now available on the diocesan website: www.spokanediocese.org. Click on the “Ministries” tab at the top of the page and use the pull-down menu to locate the prayer cycle or visit http://www.spokanediocese.org/ministries/prayer-cycles
For prayer cycle information, contact: The Rev. Lynn Yule, dlyule612@charter.net , 509-582-8635(O)
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Diocesan Calendar as of November 10, 2009Nov 12 Celtic Creation Celebration (St. David’s) www.stdavidspokane.org
Nov 14 How to Share Your Faith (St. Paul’s, Walla Walla)
Nov 14 Songs in Waiting book signing (St. John’s Cathedral)
Nov 14 Faith and Food Forum (St. Mark’s Lutheran, Spokane) faithandenvironment@gmail.com
Nov 20-21 Teens Encounter Christ Planning Retreat (St. John’s Cathedral) http://www.spokanediocese.org/ministries/youth
Nov 22 Ultreya (Walla Walla) http://www.ststephens-spokane.com/?p=1846.
Dec 4-5 Diocesan Council (St. John’s Cathedral)
Dec 4-6 Night Light (St. Paul’s, Walla Walla) http://www.spokanediocese.org/ministries/youth
Jan 15-17 Teens Encounter Christ (St. John’s Cathedral)
Feb 1-4 Clergy Retreat (Immaculate Heart, Spokane)
Feb 12-13 Commission on Ministry (Paulsen House)
Mar 12-13 Commission on Ministry (Paulsen House)
Apr 19-21 Clergy Conference (Immaculate Heart, Spokane)
Apr 23-24 Commission on Ministry (Paulsen House)
Jun 18-19 Commission on Ministry (Paulsen House)
June 21-26 Ride the Palouse Bike Tour
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