VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

ST. GREGORY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

11/18/07

The meeting was called to order at 11:25 AM by Senior Warden, Pryse Elam.  An opening prayer was said by Jon Baker.

Present were:  Mother Debbie Self;  Vestrypersons:  Mark Angstrom, Pryse Elam, Rimmie MacLaren, Bill Unger, Vicki Klemke, Joyce Dawson, David Gury,  George Giosmas, Kristen Tella; Capital Campaign Chair: Jim Wheeler and Clerk: Leslie Ross.

Not present:  Fr. Andrew; Deacon Thorstad; Vestrypersons:  Sandy Laman, Terrie Noland  and Howard McCall.

MINUTES

The Minutes from the October 8, 2007 Vestry Meeting were approved as printed.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN STATUS REPORT

Chairman, Jim Wheeler gave a Capital Campaign status report noting that some progress has been made since the November 4^th kick off  but not what we had expected.  Each member of the Vestry was asked to take 7 names from the list of parishioners who have not as yet been contacted for the Capital Campaign and the Stewardship Campaign, and requested to visit these people as soon as possible. 

A status report on the 2008 Stewardship Campaign as of 11/16/07  was given. Thirty-two percent (32%)  of  pledges have been received which is far below the percentage received in 2007 as of the same date, due to the fact that people do not have the Stewardship Cards in hand, as they have not been visited. George Giosmas is  forming a group of 20 people  to be trained to visit parishioners giving them both a Stewardship card and a Capital Campaign Pledge Card.  The importance of  Stewardship was agreed upon as a 2008 Budget must be prepared.

SENIOR WARDEN’S  REPORT

Open Forum on the issues related to the new rectory 

The Vestry was briefed on the Open Forum conducted by Pryse Elam and David Gury today between the 8 and 10 AM services to discuss issues related to the new rectory.  Following much discussion a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to place a letter in the December STEEPLE NEWS, under the signature of the entire Vestry re-affirming the approval given by the Vestry in 2006  for a new rectory, communicating the steps taken in identifying the need and the appointment of  a new Rectory Committee to select a  location, design, architect and contractor. In addition the letter will contain an acknowledgment that there was not appropriate communication with the congregation concerning the new Rectory and that all line items pertaining to furnishing the Rectory will be removed from the budget.

JUNIOR WARDEN’S REPORT

Mark Angstrom presented repair and maintenance projects handled during October.

(ATT. A)  Ongoing projects going into November were outlined.

TORT

The October Financial Report (ATT. B) had been e mailed to all Vestry members. It was noted that both Pledge and Plate income as well as expenses were down.  It was noted that we will have sufficient resources through the end of the year due to the receipt of a large bequest last month which was put into the operating account to offset the shortfall caused by the lack of a large pledge in the 3^rd quarter promised but not received.   Concern was expressed about  the issue of  financial transparency” which possibly might have been compromised as the congregation is not aware of this bequest.  There is a possibility that a 3 month budget for 2008 might have to presented at the Annual Meeting due to lack of  stewardship information.

MINISTRY REPORTS

Youth -  Kristen Tella  reported that the four  volunteer “interim”  youth leaders are doing a great job.  The Youth Search Committee has received many applications, and several of the applicants have excellent qualifications.  Recent and upcoming youth activities were outlined.

Stewardship -  Stewardship Chair George Giosmas  reported that Stewardship is down 50%  from the total  which was received at a similar date last year due to the fact that the Stewardship cards have not reached the majority of the parishioners.  The cooperation of the Vestry was requested to divide the list of those who have not pledged, make a personal visit  presenting  Stewardship Pledge Cards first and Capital Campaign second.  A list was passed around and each person took names. Information in the pamphlet  “Where your pledge goes” was recommended to be presented at the home visits.  Extra copies will be available so that they can be left at the homes visited.  It is anticipated  that the visits will not be concluded until late January, which makes it difficult to present the 2008 Budget.  The Finance Commission will be informed and  will have to decide if we can present a “projected budget for 2008” at the Annual Meeting.  The importance of bringing the stewardship pledge card back with them at the conclusion of the home visit was stressed. In addition, presenting the “pyramid”  procedure – asking those just visited, to visit others who have not pledged.  

NEW BUSINESS

Nominating Committee -  The Nominating Committee made up of  the retiring Vestry members:  Pryse Elam,  Howard McCall, Vicki  Klemke  and Jon Baker was appointed. Mr. Baker will serve as chair of this committee.  The committee was requested to come up with 8 candidates – two candidates for each of the four vacancies.  The names of the candidates will be presented at the December meeting.

Endorsement of Valerie Miller – A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to recommend Valerie Miller for Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests. The Endorsement was signed by all Vestry members present.

Open Forum

Additional Fund Raisers - A question arose as to whether we could charge a small amount from each person attending the AA, NA and ALANON Meetings each week.,  No action was taken.

The possibility of selling ads to be placed in either the bulletin or newsletter from those who own businesses in the parish was discussed.  No action was taken.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:25 PM with prayer led by Jon Baker.

Leslie C. Ross, Clerk