Finance and Operations

St John's is blessed to have many active members who provide their time and effort to help. I want to describe the activities of the Finance Ministry, both to provide information on its activities and also hope some of you will be inspired to become willing to lend us a hand.

The Finance and Operations Ministry currently includes these activities, which broadly cover the financial, administrative, and facilities operations. We cook the books and look after our household.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the budgets and expenditures of St. John's church operations. This includes balancing of special funds that are separate from the operating expenses and facilities maintenance requests.

Stewardship Committee

Each year six to ten members of the Stewardship Committee organize the annual pledge campaign, including the gifts of time, talent and treasure. The committee has a four year theme to highlight St. John's vision of Invitation (2007), Inclusion (2008), Faith (2009) and Action (2010).

Development Committee

This committee looks for long-term financial support for the Parish from outside the immediate community.

Money Ministry

Members of this ministry are responsible for counting and depositing the money received each Sunday. Working in teams, the schedule calls for counting 6 to 8 times a year.

Planned Giving Committee

This is a Vestry sub-committee composed of both Vestry members and parishioners for the purpose of assisting parishioners to plan financially for the future. Estate planning seminars are held periodically. Diocesan resources are available.

Office Volunteers

A cadre of parishioners helps with the mailings, copying, typing and other office needs. To join this wonderful group, contact the office manager, Dennis Reeve 339-2200, ext.310

Landscaping

The extensive landscaping needs of St. John's are met either through work parties or special contractors. Of particular note is the native plant garden that grows just below the church entrance driveway. Known as the Meditation Garden because of its water feature and two benches, it also demonstrates how native shrubs and perennials look and respond to California weather uncertainties, including the drought of 2008. Maps naming the plants are available by contacting Tim Inama at calursus@pacbell.net

Architectural Planning & Construction Committee

The APCC began in 1998 to plan for the new St. John's construction. At this time the committee is waiting for approval of a focused environmental impact report in order to go forward with the City of Oakland and its Planning Department.

Building Maintenance

The sexton, David Killens, performs the weekly cleaning and upkeep of St. John's. Additional repair is organized by the vestry Facilities and Maintenance Committee. Often the Men's Group has been mobilized to build special projects, such as the back stairs, fence and play structure.

Facilities

Space is rented to many community groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Music Together, Twins by the Bay) as well as used by St. John's ministries and committees. Scheduling is done through Dennis in the parish office.

Tenant Relations

St. John's owns four properties that are referred to as St. John's House, the Rectory (upper and lower units), Thornhill I and Thornhill II. A professional manager, current and past Vestry members, and the Finance Committee handle the needs and requests of the tenants.

For more information, please contact:

Peter Freeman pcfreeman52@gmail.com