The following summarizes the reports, discussions and actions from the joint meeting of the Session and Calvary Foundation Trustees that was held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Clerk’s Report:  Session approved the following:   Minutes of the June 5 Session meeting and 8 membership changes. Membership as of end June 2018 = 887.

David Foster reported that the May financial results are in keeping with the 2018 budget expectations and there are no unusual or odd variances of trends. The May budget ‘cuts’ are moving through the implementation process, and David will do a report on them at the August Session meeting. In addition, David will do a 2018 reforecast after the June results are final.

Session accepted the CPA Review of the Annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 as presented.

The Mission, Vision and Values sub-committee comprised of Kathie Cheatham, Lois Dress, Jennifer Gee, Anne Grawemeyer, Travis Pearson, and Jack Poindexter worked with Rev. Chinn to re-draft a Mission, Vision, and Values Statement,  taking into consideration all feedback from Session and the Congregation on the first MVV draft. Various changes were discussed and the document was modified. Session adopted the Mission, Vision and Values Statement as amended.

 Session approved the proposed Mission Study Team members:  Rev. Cal Chinn, Erin Dress, Amy Hockman, Dave McDowell, Jennifer Miller, Travis Pearson, Jack Poindexter, Marion Stanton, Project Managers – Lois Dress, Anne Grawemeyer, Staff – David Foster, Robin Morjikian, Charlene Thai. Rev. Chinn will be calling an organizational meeting for the team later in July.

Current and prior Calvary Foundation Trustees Amy Hockman, Stephanie Andre, and Travis Pearson provided an overview and history of the Calvary Foundation, from its establishment over 15 years ago, through re-organization prompted by the large gift from deceased Calvary member Jane Newhall, to its current investment policy and strategies. A Joint Foundation/Session Task Force was established in 2012 to consider the potential impact of Jane’s gift on Calvary. The Join Task Force gathered input from various resources including other Presbyterian churches and solicited feedback from both boards and from the Congregation. The Joint Task Force recommendations approved by both boards in 2013 included the following:

• Establish a Joint Budget Committee (JBC) with representatives from both boards as well as a member at large elected by the Congregation, with responsibility to determine annual budgets and fund allocation based on input from both boards
• Use a pre-set formula for Foundation funds distribution set at a 4% draw rate using a 12 quarter rolling average
• Grant-making decisions moved to Session

The Foundation uses Vanguard as its financial advisor, and the investment objective is “preserving the long-term, real purchasing power of assets while providing a relatively predictable and growing stream of annual distributions, in support of the institution.”  The Foundation Net Assets at the end of 2017 were $19 million. The planned distribution to support the Calvary 2018 operating budget, which includes Faith-in-Action support of Calvary’s poverty partners, is $750,000.

MISSION TEAM REPORTS:

Education & Spiritual Formation – Adults  (Kathy Bear, chair)

• A World Refugee Month Panel Discussion was held on June 11featuring International Rescue Committee, Northern California’s Executive Director Dr. Karen Ferguso, who spoke about the current refugee crisis and the recent changes in u.S. immigration policy that are preventing refugees from seeking asylum in the U.S. She also interviewed Manizgha, a refugee from Afghanistan who moved to the U.S. with her family for better education and opportunity
• A Vision Project Photography Exhibit was displayed in the Library Lounge June 3 – July 8. The Vision Project aims to empower refugee girls and change perception within their communities by providing the girls with the skills and support they need to envision a positive future
• One Church, One Book Summer Read: The Far Away Brothers:  Two Young Migrants and the Making of an American Life  by Lauren Markham. Copies available in the Calvary Library.

Fellowship – Adults  (Kathie Cheatham, chair)

• Calvary Seniors wrapped up their program year on June 12, with Joe Beyer leading a sing-along of favorite songs.
• Calvary’s annual All-Church Lunch was held on June 3, kicked off with a tribute to Dave Scott and wishing him happy trails. Ruth Ellen Miller and the Adult Fellowship Team hosted a home-made chili and hot dogs lunch to the 135 people in attendance. The raffle drawing for a weekend stay in Tahoe (donated by Andrei Gorbatenko and the SF Academy Orchestra) was won by Dave McDowell.  Proceeds go to the Music Ministry.
• An estimated 47 Calvary members and friends attended the Giants game against the San Diego Padres on June 23. All were delighted that the Giants won 5-3.
• Upcoming events:
  7/28 – Windmill History and Walk in Golden Gate Park.

8/18 BBQ at Crissy Field West Picnic Area

Fellowship – Young Adults (Eddie Higgins, chair)

• Hosted the 8^th chapter of the CYA Book Club – discussed The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
• CYA turned out for the World Refugee Month Kick-off panel discussion with Dr. Karen Ferguson of the International Rescue Committee and a refugee featured in the Vision Project photography exhibit
• Had a second CYA sailing event, with a crew of six spending the beautiful, relaxing day out on the bay on June 9
• Continue to enjoy monthly CYA happy hours

Giving (Greg Hausler and Marion Stanton Co-chairs, Robin Morjikian, Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement)

• 2018 Pledge Campaign Results as of June 30: Total dollars pledged = $1,275,000, # of pledges = 332
• New Restricted Donations in June: $10,000 for Music Ministry and $3,485 from the Tahoe Cabin Raffle, which is also for the benefit of Music Ministry

Membership – Nurture & Database (Ellen Champlin, chair)
Recommended 8 members to be moved to inactive membership

Respectfully submitted,
Lois Dress, Clerk of Session
ClerkofSession@calpres.org