The 213th Annual Council - Diocese of Virginia

Proceedings
The president recognized Mr. Charles Johnson, youth delegate from St. Peter’s,
Richmond. He asked Council to restore the budget of Shrine Mont Camps. He said that
he has been to camps for five years, and that he planned on becoming a St. Elizabeth’s
Camp counselor, noting that Shrine Mont was a place he could have peace and quiet,
away from any problems at home.
The president recognized the Rev. Sue Eaves, St. Thomas’, Richmond, who voiced concern
over the gradual erosion of a stated priority in our Diocese. She noted that one third of
her congregation is under 18, and it’s not a very affluent congregation; they’re sending
fewer children than in years past, and she said that this was an indication of financial
strain. She pointed out that these youth will be the future generation of our Church. Ms.
Eaves recommended that the amount we are short be added to professional fees line
item, and rolled into a credit, as a one-time only assistance to the youth of our Diocese,
and in the meantime appeal to churches that have extra in their budget, in the hopes that
donations could offset the budget decrease.
The president reminded Council that no budget amendment had yet been introduced. He
noted that if a budget amendment is introduced, it must have been a matter that came before
the Committee in the hearing yesterday. He also pointed out that an amendment cannot be
presented unless it has a provision for offsetting changes elsewhere in the budget.
The president recognized Mr. Paul Brockman, St. Paul’s Memorial, Charlottesville, who
reminded Council that for some small churches, Shrine Mont Camps provide the only
effective youth ministry.
The president recognized Mr. Tom Baker, St. James’s, Richmond and a member of the
development committee of Shrine Mont, who noted that the PYM budget, under E, had been
cut. He commended Charles Johnson, youth delegate, and he commended Shrine Mont.
The president recognized the Rev. Lynne Washington, St. Peter’s, Richmond and Peter
Paul Development Center, who remarked to gift that that Shrine Mont provides to all,
especially to those below the poverty line.
The president recognized Mr. Jim Burke, St. Michael’s, Arlington, who spoke in favor
of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, noting that much of VICPP’s work
addressed resolutions that Council had addressed.
The president recognized the Rev. Vincent Hodge, St. Paul’s, West Point and Grace,
Miller’s Tavern, who suggested that if additional funds come in, that the cut from Shrine
Mont be restored.
The president recognized the Rev. Sarah Kinney Gaventa, Emmanuel, Greenwood, who
proposed that Council members raise money from the floor to make up the difference.
The president recognized Mr. Bill Fetsch, member of the Budget Committee, who
recommended an amendment by a show of hands of those who would be willing to
donate $100 to make up the difference in the budgetary cut.
The tellers counted by cards, and some carried boxes to collect donations.
An anonymous speaker asked to whom checks should be written. The president replied
that checks should be written to the Diocese of Virginia.
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The Diocese of Virginia t Journal of the the 213 th Annual Council