ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
Saint Gregory's Episcopal Church
January 28, 2007

The Annual Parish Meeting of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church was called to order by the Rector, Father Andrew Sherman, at 12:15 P.M. on Sunday, January 28, 2007 with 160 people present.

Opening prayers for the mission of the church and for our parish family were led by The Rev. Debbie Self.

Annual Reports were made available to those who did not obtain one when they were distributed last Sunday at all services.

MINUTES - 2006 MEETING

Fr. Sherman announced that the Minutes from the 2006 Annual Meeting were approved by the Vestry and were printed on pages 6-10 of the Annual Report for information purposes.  The Vestry will again serve as the Committee to approve the minutes of this Annual Meeting.

REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Fr. Sherman presented the following list of candidates to fill the four slots being vacated by the retiring Vestry: George Giosmas, David Gury, Sandy Laman, Robert I. "Rimmie" MacLaren, Priscilla Miller, and Joanne Stanley. The candidates were introduced.  Appreciation was expressed for retiring Vestrypersons: Joani Bogus, Allen McGee, Rick Schell and Jim Welzien for serving.

The nominations were closed with no nominations received from the floor.  It was announced that we would be electing four candidates to serve for three years.

The following people were appointed as tellers: Madeline Fratella, Bill Evans, Alice Vinik, Joani Bogus, Michele Knowlton and Jim Welzien.

Instructions for voting were reviewed as outlined in the Parish By Laws.  Voting eligibility requirements were reviewed.  Ballots were distributed and instructions were given to vote for four people.  Voting took place to fill four Vestry positions.  Ballots were collected and the tellers dismissed.

Fr. Sherman expressed his appreciation to all six candidates for running for office and making themselves vulnerable to possible defeat.

TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer, Bill Unger opened his report with a  prayer for our parish family (BCP, Page 817).  Mr. Unger reiterated Fr. Andrew's directive that the financial system be absolutely transparent to the congregation, the people who steward the church. He stated that although the church was not a business, that it was their desire to run the church with the same due diligence as a public corporation providing the congregation with information throughout the year.

The new accounting system which was instituted at the beginning of 2006 was described and Madeline Fratella, Comptroller, was praised for her efforts in keeping two sets of books requiring double entries for five months of the year.  Mr. Unger reported that the new accounting system, Quick Books, has extreme flexibility in designing reports that are understandable. The entire congregation now receives a financial report on a quarterly basis.  Mr.Unger  reported that we have been able to keep up with expenses this year and have ended the year financially fit.  Mr. Unger reported that the 2007 budget was arrived at by "bottom up budgeting".  This budgeting  plan required ministry leaders to prayerfully decide what their ministry goals were and the amount needed to achieve these goals. Mr. Unger noted that the 2007 Budget represented a challenge in that it was 22% higher than last year.  Although stewardship totals were 12% higher than last year the total was still not enough to meet the ministry requests. Through the gift of a generous parishioner coupled with some adjustments made by the Finance Committee, the budget figure was met.  Mr.Unger encouraged the congregation to consider increasing their pledges so that the deficit was  not covered by just one gift.  Mr. Unger explained the difficulty that "plate" donations cause for the Finance Committee and urged those who are presently giving to the plate, to pledge.   The congregation was given the opportunity to make comments and  ask questions.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT -   Allen McGee, Co-Chair of the 2007 Campaign reported that 276 people have made a pledge for 2007 and a few more are expected to come in. Fifty "soldiers" helped with the campaign with the goal of having each person in the parish to be contacted personally.  The Vestry helped with follow up calls on two occasions. Mr. McGee's efforts as Co-Chair of the Stewardship Campaign for two years were acknowledged with appreciation.

SENIOR WARDEN'S REPORT  - A power point presentation was made by Mr. Elam reviewing  the goals and objectives resulting from the 2006 Vestry/Leaders Retreat  which were reaffirmed at the 2007 Vestry/Leaders Retreat.  (ATT.A1 and A2)).   Long Range Goals adopted at the 2007 Vestry/Leader's Retreat were reviewed. (ATT. B1 and B2). Mr. Elam described plans for implementation of the goals and objectives which were reaffirmed at the 2007 Vestry/Leader's Retreat (ATT. B3-B8).   Mr. Elam announced that we would begin a Capital Campaign this year to fund the construction of the new Rectory, address our space needs and to build our Endowment Fund.  Jim Wheeler will be the Chairman of this campaign.

OUTREACH REPORT - The Rev. Anita Thorstad reviewed the 2006 activities in our six signature outreach ministries: 1) Haiti; 2) Holy Redeemer; 3) St. Laurence Chapel; 4) Family Promise; 5) Migrant Workers; 6) Boca Helping Hands.  It was noted that our outreach ministries  reach  beyond our local community to Haiti and Kenya.. The congregation was commended for their support and generosity in these ministries during 2006 - "being the hands and heart of Christ" to those in need.

Fr. Andrew noted that the 2006 Annual Report is a special memorial to Jim Turner, who was an inspiration for our outreach ministries particularly our ministry  in Haiti.  As Interim Parish Administrator, he was a mentor and friend to both clergy and lay staff. His ongoing inspiration continues to be life giving to the parish. A prayer of thanksgiving was given for the gift of Jim Turner to St. Gregory's.

YOUTH MINISTRY - Fr. Penland reflected on the philosophy of youth work and what makes Youth Group different from other clubs at school.  He noted that the goals and guides for the youth activities inspired by God, help our young people to grow into their baptismal covenant with God while having fun and fellowship.   He noted that the lack of designated space for the youth is a big problem.

NEW BUSINESS  - No new business.

OPEN FORUM - In the Open Forum Fr.Andrew stated that the congregation was now invited to ask questions or to request further information on items  in any of  the written reports.  Fr. Andrew noted that he is always available to engage in conversation, to answer e mails or  written comments and strives for a open dialogue with parishioners.  He stated that he is excited about the next 10 years for our parish where we are answering and responding to the call of God.

Fr. Andrew expressed his appreciation for the clergy staff: Debbie Self, Chuck Wissink and Anita Thorstad and most recently Michael Penland as well as the lay staff: Leslie Ross, Ron Knowlton, Reta Alexander, Madeline Fratella, Gary Andrews, Frank Moore, Brian Davey, Mary Mc Grath, Sandy Laman Vicki Klemke, Char Vinik and Steve Vinik.

1. In response to a question Fr. Andrew reported that the Bishop would be visiting our parish on the second Sunday of May, Mother's Day.

2  - Fr. Andrew reported on the results of the election:

Elected for 3 year terms:            Not elected
George Giosmas                        Priscilla Miller 
David Gury                                Joanne Stanley 
Sandy Laman
Robert I. Mac Laren

Fr. Andrew expressed appreciation to all the candidates for their agreement to run and to serve if elected.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 1:15 PM.

Leslie C. Ross
Vestry Clerk                                                  Saved: annualmeetingminutes2007