VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

SAINT GREGORY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

JUNE 11, 2007

 

 

The meeting was opened with prayer at 7:00 PM led by Fr. Andrew.

 

Present were:  Fr. Andrew, Fr. Penland, Mo. Self; Vestrypersons:  Terrie Noland, Mark Angstrom, Bill Unger, Howard McCall, Rimmie Mac Laren, Pryse Elam, David Gury, George Giosmas, Jon Baker, Sandy Laman, Vicki Klemke, Kristen Tella: Clerk: Leslie Ross and Guests: Jim and Lisa Wheeler.

 

Not present were:  The Rev. Anita Thorstad and Joyce Dawson.

 

Special Order of Business:   Fr. Andrew introduced the new Youth Group Representative, Kristen Tella, noting that Alex Mattfolk will be entering college in the fall.  Kristen was encouraged to express her opinions during the meeting.  Kristen was asked to give her e mail address to the clerk so that she will receive the Vestry correspondence.

 

BIBLE STUDY   

The Gospel reading for Sunday, June 17th   Luke 7:36-8:3 was read and discussed.

 

MINUTES

The Minutes from the May, 2007 Vestry Meeting were accepted as printed.

 

SR. WARDEN’S REPORT. 

Mr. Elam distributed a report (ATT.A) outlining the goals and objectives that were established at the beginning of the year at our Leadership Retreat.   He noted that he felt it important to review these goals to make sure that we are on track at the middle of the year.  Goals set for the major categories were reviewed and it appears that we are on track in each of the categories:

1) Membership; 2) Facilities;  3) Pre -School;  4) Outreach;  5) Finance;  6)  Stewardship.  Stewardship Chair, George Giosmas, noted that the 2008  Campaign will be organized similarly to last year’s campaign, with  50 stewardship “soldiers” assigned to call  people in the parish .  A time line was reviewed.  Kick off Sunday will be 10/21.

 

Fr. Andrew encouraged the  Vestry Liaisons to the various ministries, to  become active in their ministry  by attending  meetings; speaking  with the committee members, and acting as a link between the ministry leaders, workers and the leadership of the church.

 

JUNIOR WARDEN’S REPORT

Mark Angstrom  presented a which included:  1)  Cleaning and inspecting all gutters and drains to insure they were open; 2) increasing the temperature on all thermostats during the overnight period, being mindful of the temperature changes and the effect on the organ; 3) the final proof of the pictorial directory has been sent to the company and the completed one should arrive at the end of June;  4)  installation of a new lantern at the 266 House;  5)  the new contract to CAH Services (Ruth Crist)  is in process and should be completed by the end of the month; 6) work on the North Columbarium  has been completed .The proper materials for caulking the faceplates into the niche are working well. 

Ongoing projects and new projects  for the summer were reviewed:  1)  replacing the weatherstripping  on the Narthex doors; 2) completion of the installation of  Bollard Lights at the front of the church;  3) continue investigating  how an Emergency Broadcast system can interface  with the carillon.; 4)  investigation of a method of diffusing light thru the Welcoming Christ Window so that it is as bright at night outside  as it is during the day inside;. 5)  start upgrading the South Columbarium using the same process used in the North Columbarium;.  6) replacement timer for controlling the east side of the building; 

7) Complete repairs to the Cooling Tower; 8) replace ballast on the fixtures behind the altar;  9 install sod in south side front of the church; 10) Progress the Disaster plan by utilizing the new program.

 

SPECIAL REPORTS

PRE-SCHOOL COMMITTEE -  Lisa Wheeler Chairperson of the Pre-School committee updated the Vestry with answers for the  open issues brought up at the May 14, Vestry Meeting: (ATT.  C) Fr. Andrew responded to this report by announcing that the Committee had done what they were asked to do- securing facts and figures concerning the opening of a pre-school in the fall of 2008, .and it was now time for the Vestry to say go ahead  with the plan or to veto the plan.  Much discussion took place concerning  means of funding.    A great deal of discussion took place concerning the feasibility of making a $200,000., investment to establish a pre-school which would be in compliance with city, state and county regulations, in a temporary facility that eventually would need to be torn down to enable us to have the “space plan” we need.  Many Vestry members stated that they were feeling uncomfortable and uneasy about such a great expense, for what would need to be torn down to enable us to complete a “master plan”. Fr. Andrew suggested that a special Vestry Meeting be held in August, allowing Vestry members time to pray about the pre-school and whether it is a project for St. Gregory’s that is blessed by God.  He noted  that if it is blessed by God,  it will be perfectly apparent.  In the meantime, we will have Mr. Gury and Mr. Elam get some answers from the Planner as to what would be temporary quarters in the event we could not build in two years. Question the Finance Commission concerning a source of funding  in 2007 for the preliminary expenses incurred,  until the Capital Campaign contributions begin to come in.  Fr. Andrew charged the Vestry to pray to discern what is God’s will for St. Gregory’s  in reference to the pre-school. Mr. Mac Laren requested that  the Planner and the Financial Commission submit their recommendations to the Vestry in advance of the August meeting, to give the Vestry members time to read the “hows and why’s before making their decision. 

 

Several members of the Vestry reported that they have been cornered by parishioners with questions concerning the start of a pre-school. Following discussion it was the consensus of opinion that the parishioners should be told  the facts about the possible pre-school and be able to air their opinions prior to the start of a Capital Campain.  It was decided to hold “Town Meetings”  after each service on June 17th and June 24th  where the goals that were established at the Vestry/Leaders Retreat  last winter will be shared.

 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN -  Jim Wheeler,.Capital Campaign Chair, reported that following the resolution passed at the May 2007 Vestry  Meeting to engage James Klote Consulting Company to help administer our Capital Campaign,  he, Fr. Andrew, and Pryse Elam have been  meeting and discussing some preliminary questions from the Consulting Company prior to the arrival of  Carl Graber, our consultant. Carl will work closely with the Vestry, Finance Commission and Planners and will actually move to our town  and attend our church for the period of time that he is with us.  Carl, who is finishing a consulting job in Sioux Falls, did fly in to meet with  Pryse, Jim, and George and everyone was impressed with his motivation, and they felt extremely comfortable with him.  Carl was given some of the material which was used when we were searching for a new Rector. He was given information about the history of the church and  Jim also walked him down N.E. 2 St. and to aid Carl’s understanding of the properties we now own, and those which we will need to obtain to meet our goals.  The concept of this being Phase I of a Capital Campaign to be followed (not immediately) by other  phases. Jim reported that there will be “Focus Groups” in which parishioners of all ages, and with varied interests will be invited to attend. A time line for the campaign will be:  1) Mid August arrival of Carl;   2) September will be Focus Group Presentations,  3)  October 21st will be  “ kick off”  Sunday  which will  coincide with the Stewardship Campaign “kick off”.   Jim noted that one of the clauses in the contract is that James Klote Inc., will also consult  and help us on our Stewardship Campaign.  Jim noted that Carl will be bringing his wife and they will be looking to rent a house or condominium.   Carl will worship with us on Sunday, August 19th and as he has requested to meet with the Vestry, a Special Vestry Meeting will be held on August  20.  Some concern was voiced by the Vestry, that many “seasonal people” would not have the benefit of voicing their ideas in one of the Focus Groups as they will be held before the people arrive back.  Mr. Graber will be apprised of this concern.

 

 

 

 

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

The Treasurer’s Report was e mailed to the Vestry prior to the meeting. (ATT. D.)    It was encouraging that everyone was able to open the report, and to have the chance of spending as much time as needed to examine it.. It was noted that as the report is now electronically sent,  it is perfectly permissible to contact Bill Unger or Ron Knowlton  directly with questions. Vestry members were encouraged to read the financial commentary prepared by Parish Administrator .

 

YOUTH  -   Fr. Penland reported on  the very successful fundraiser  “The British Invasion” held last weekend .  The proceeds will be used to fund the youth’s trip to England this summer.  The total cost of this trip for 8 youth, is $21,000. . Various fundraisers  including the “British Invasion” have  yielded approximately  $15,000. Each person had to pay a deposit of $500.

When all expenses are totaled, it appears that there will be approximately $5000 left over which Fr. Michael suggests leaving this in the youth account as “seed “ money for a future trip to England tentatively scheduled for 2 years.  The Brothers and the ECW shared the expense for the bus to Kanuga  and the Brothers  are paying for “Night of Joy”    Middle School Youth will be going to the Keys over 4th of July.

 

RECTOR’S REPORT

1.Wedding Booklet -   A copy of the newly written Wedding Guidelines  was presented (ATT. E). and one was given to each Vestry member.

2. Ordination -  Fr. Andrew announced Valerie Miller’s Ordination at 4:30 PM, Saturday, June 16th.  A reception will follow the service.  As Valerie is a Daughter of the King, the DOK have offered to organize the reception which will be finger foods and punch.  Vestry members were encouraged by Fr. Andrew to attend the service and to bring some finger foods for the reception.

3. Web Site –  Fr. Andrew reported that a church in Memphis, which is also a member of the Consortium of Endowed Parishes, called us and stated that they had looked at the web sites of  a great many churches and were particularly impressed with ours.  Mr. Vinik was commended for his fine work in updating and monitoring our Web Site.   They were particularly impressed with our online calendar.   Fr. Andrew noted that now the “wider church” is coming to us for “how to” information.

4. Property Acquisition – Fr. Andrew reported that the owner of the house directly to the left of the site of the new rectory came to him and said he would like to sell his property to St. Gregory’s for  $500,000. Fr. Andrew noted with interest how property values have fluctuated, when approximately 8 months ago, we paid $585,000 for basically the same size lot.  Fr. Andrew stated that he did not want to have a discussion about this now, but wanted Long Range Planning to be aware of this opportunity.   All agreed that contiguous property would be the most advantageous, and that the property next to the proposed Rectory is not of much value to us other than using it as a trade.

5.Preview of Presentation for the Ministry Leaders/Budget meeting  A  preview of the power point presentation to be presented at the upcoming Ministry Leaders Meeting on Thursday, June 14th was made so that Vestry members would be familiar with the information presented.  Our Mission, Vision, and accomplishments at the 6 month point in the year 2007 will be noted.  The upcoming Capital Campaign will be introduced at this presentation and also at the Town Meetings to be held on June 17 and June 24th. The goal of the Town Meetings is to encourage an open dialogue between the parishioners and the Vestry particularly concerning the Capital Campaign.  Fr. Andrew asked that several Vestry Members be present at each of the Town Meetings.

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LONG RANGE PLANNING  -  David Gury reported that in response to a letter written by Fr. Andrew to the owners of the lots on N.E. 2nd Street and East Boca Raton Rd.,  indicating St. Gregory’s interest in acquiring the properties, a letter has been received from Gracia von Marbod, owner of a small parcel of land adjacent to 298 N.E. 2 Street, stating that she was interested in selling this property..  A small diagram was made to help members of the Vestry to understand exactly where the lot was located.  Following discussion a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved authorizing David Gury to negotiate with the present title holder/owner,  and if he felt that appropriate terms and conditions were then developed, Mr. Gury was authorized to utilize up to but not exceeding $325,000. from the existing Line of Credit to complete the transaction.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM           

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM  with prayer.

Leslie C.Ross, Clerk