VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

Saint Gregory’s Episcopal Church

September 10, 2007

 

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

A Bible Study on Luke’s Gospel  Chapter 15:1-10  followed.

Present: 

Clergy:   Fr. Andrew,  Mo. Self

Vestrypersons:  Pryse Elam, Mark Angstrom, Sandy Laman, Vicki Klemke, Joyce Dawson, Terrie Noland, Howard McCall, David Gury, George Giosmas, Bill Unger, Jon Baker,  Rimmie  Mac Laren and Kristen Tella.

Clerk:  Leslie Ross

Capital Campaign Consultant  - Carl Graber

Guest:  Steve Kain

 

Not Present:

Clergy:  Deacon Anita Thorstad

 

MINUTES

The Minutes from  the August Vestry Meeting were approved as printed.  At the request of  Fr. Andrew, future Minutes will be more succinct and concise, containing only action items approved or disapproved by the Vestry.

 

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS

Fr. Michael Penland’s  Resignation – Fr. Andrew summarized the events which took place this week culminating with Fr. Penland’s resignation effective immediately.

 

Severance Package Approval

Senior Warden, Pryse Elam presented a  proposed severance package for Fr. Penland and his family as follows: 

1)  Fr. Penland is to have full compensation and full benefits until the end of the                

     2007  calendar year.

2)  The Penlands will be permitted to live in the house with until the end of the

      School year   

Following discussion a vote was taken resulting in the unanimous approval of the severance package as presented, with the addition of the following caveat:

            “Should a full time Youth Minister be hired with a starting date  prior to June, 2008  with housing part of his compensation package,  alternative housing in Boca can be provided to the Penlands, to allow the new Youth Minister to  reside in the 298 N.E. 2 St. House.”  Sr. Warden, Pryse Elam was requested to write a letter to the congregation informing them about the “severance package.  (Att. A).

 

Interim Leaders for Youth and Establishment  of  a Search Committee

Authorization was given to the Rector to form a Search Committee for a Youth Minister

consisting  of  3-5 members with one or two members from the original Search Committee serving as well as some new ones.  Approval was given to establish an Interim Youth Team comprised  8-10 adults  - half to serve with the Senior High Group and half to serve with the Junior High Group to keep the existing programs running and

to administer the day to day operation of the Youth Group.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Mr. Unger presented a Financial Report for information purposes with no action required. The report included:

1.  Profit and Loss Budget vs. Actual  Jan. – July 2007

2.  Projected end of the year totals for 2007

3.  Draft 2008 “Wish List” Budget based on the figures requested by the Ministry Heads   at the Meeting held on 8/18/07, showing a percentage increase over this year for the

various line items.

 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

A decision was made to postpone the Focus Group Presentations  for two weeks to attend to the pastoral needs of the congregation helping them deal with  the impact of what has happened.  As James Klote, Inc. recommends that the Vestry attend the Focus Presentation first, members were asked to attend a presentation  on Friday, September 21 at 6:30 PM.   A revised schedule will be placed in the announcements in the bulletin.   Pryse Elam was asked to write a letter to the congregation outlining Vestry Decisions with reference to the Penlands.

 

SPECIAL VESTRY MEETING

A Special Vestry Meeting will be convened on Friday, Sept. 21st, in the Conference Room  following the Focus Presentation to handle other items of  business  requiring Vestry action, that had to be tabled due to the length of time allotted to the  Fr.Penland

matter.  The Clerk was requested to send an e mail to remind all Vestry members to put the meeting on their calendars.

 

OPEN FORUM

 

Pledge Card -  A draft of the 2008 Pledge Card was presented  by George Giosmas.  The Vestry decided that a return envelope should be provided as opposed to a “post card”. 

Mr. Giosmas was given permission to place an order for 2500 Pledge Cards.

 

Evangelism/Newcomers -  Fr. Andrew reported that the Evangelism Commission is planning a newcomer event in conjunction with the October Brother’s Breakfast.  The Clerk was asked to provide the names and addresses to Terrie Noland and  the newcomers will be guests and will not pay.

 

New Rectory – Pryse Elam reported that the Contractor for the new Rectory will be Tesher Development.  Demolition  will take place at any time now and following acquisition of a Building Pemit, construction should begin in December.

 

Prayers for the Penlands – The Vestry expressed their love and prayers to the Penland family and asked that the Minutes reflect this statement.

 

The Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM with prayer led by Fr. Andrew.

 

Leslie C  Ross, Clerk