VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

                                           SAINT GREGORY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                                                  DECEMBER  10, 2007

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.  An opening prayer was said by Fr. Andrew.

 

Present were: Clergy -  Fr. Andrew, Mo. Debbie,  Dr. Charles Wissink, Deacon Thorstad;  Vestrypersons: Pryse Elam, Jon Baker, Sandy Laman, Bill Unger, Terrie Noland, Vicki Klemke, David Gury, Joyce Dawson, Howard McCall,George Giosmas; Clerk, Leslie Ross;  and Capital Campaign Consultant, Carl Graber. 

The following guests were present:  Jack Merkl, Rick Pribell,  Jack Dawson and Mike Demoureville.

 

Not present:  Vestrypersons:  Mark Angstrom, Rimmie Mac Laren and Youth Representative, Kristen Tella.

 

BIBLE STUDY  -  The Gospel Reading for Advent 3, Matthew 11:2-ll, was read and discussed. Fr. Andrew brought several  Icons from the Holy Land Trip were displayed.

 

MINUTES -  The Minutes from the November 18th Vestry Meeting were approved as printed.

              

RECTOR’S REPORT

New Rectory

In acknowledgment of the anxiety felt by some members of  the parish  concerning the “vision for the new rectory” Fr. Andrew read a letter that he had prepared  to be sent to Cristina Montana and Jack Merkl  articulating his thoughts about the new rectory and the extensive process by which the vision that we have today was developed.  A copy of the letter was given to each member of the Vestry (ATT.A).   

 

It was noted that the present “vision” sees the new rectory not only as  a home for the  Rector and his family but also  as an additional center for parish ministry.  Based on feedback from the preCapital Campaign small group presentations, the Vestry  at their November 2007 meeting  reviewed the process  which resulted in the present “vision”  for the Rectory, and voted unanimously to proceed as planned.

 

Holy Land Trip

Fr. Andrew  briefly  reported on the Holy  Land trip which he and 8 members of the parish took in November. 

 

Summary of Outreach Ministries

The importance of outreach ministries  was emphasized and  Fr. Andrew summarized  the various outreach ministries that St. Gregory’s actively participates in.

 

SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT -  Pryse Elam volunteered the time allotted to the Senior Warden on the agenda, to be used by Jack Merkl, for the presentation of an alternative vision for the new Rectory.  Mr. Merkl distributed a report  A New Rectory for St. Gregory’s. (ATT.B) which is available in the Church Office. Facts were given on two properties currently for sale which would be suitable-- one which was newly constructed and one which had been recently renovated. The report recommendation said: “Of the two homes for sale, the smaller is the better, since it leaves more money for the other Church objectives and will improve harmony and fellowship in the Congregation.”

In the discussion that followed, it was apparent that there were conflicting ideas pertaining to the “vision” for the new rectory.  Following a lengthy  discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Elam, seconded by Mr. Unger, that the Vestry reaffirm our decision to move forward with the existing plan for the rectory.  To  insure that everyone understood – Mr. Elam stated that a “yes”  vote would indicate a vote in favor of  continuing with the  existing plan and vision for the construction of a new rectory. A “no” vote would mean that we do not go forward with  construction plans  and to purchase an existing home in the area.    It was suggested that an unsigned written vote be taken.  Eleven votes were cast, tallied by the Clerk, who announced that 9  “yes” votes were cast and 2 “no” votes  with 0 abstaining. 

 

It was the consensus of opinion that there needed to be a liaison  from the Vestry on the committee overseeing the construction process.  At an earlier meeting the Vestry had approved the budget for the Rectory and empowered the committee comprised of:  Rob Mitchell and Jim Welzien to pay bills from the construction account provided they are within the budget.   Mr. Gury was appointed Vestry liaison to the Rectory Committee.  Fr. Andrew noted that Parish Administrator, Ron Knowlton would be writing a column for the newsletter each month reporting on the progress of the construction.

 

Junior Wardens Report  -  Fr. Andrew distributed a written report prepared by Mark Angstrom.  (ATT.C)  Fr. Andrew called attention to the item listed on the 4th bullet concerning clearing our newly acquired  lot on Third Ave. so that it may be used by the Brothers for additional parking for events at Mizner and for overflow parking on Sundays at 10 AM and major Feast Days.  A parishioner, Walt Wadsworth who is a contractor and has items such as a backhoe has volunteered to do the work, however it will require a permit from the City.  Fr. Andrew requested that the Vestry  give their approval for this project in the form of a resolution.  A motion was made by Bill Unger, seconded by

David Gury,  that the Vestry authorize  the clearing of our newly acquired lot on 3rd Ave and that Ron Knowlton to supervise the clearing to be in compliance with the City of Boca Raton requirements.  The motion was passed unanimously.  It was brought to the attention of the Vestry that at present the lot is being used for the dumping of debris.  It is hoped that the clearing and sodding of the area will solve this problem.

 

Treasurer’s Report -  The financial reports (ATT.D) had been e mailed to members of the Vestry prior to the meeting.   Mr. Unger noted that he had received some questions concerning other expenses, other income, and adjustments.  In next month’s report Mr. Knowlton has been asked to list line by line “other expenses”, “other income” and adjustments.  Due to the Stewardship process this year, with a goal of seeing each parishioner in person, return of the stewardship cards has been slow making budget preparation difficult.   The policy of changing our fiscal year to April 1 is being considered, and the idea will  be sent to the Finance Committee  for review.   Mr. Unger reported that he would like to see a summary of our financials on the web site, after the reports have been approved by the Vestry with a notice that if anyone wished to see a more detailed report to contact the church office.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS

Youth -  Fr. Andrew commended Lynne Tella and her committee and Priscilla Miller and Tommy Thomson for their efforts with the Sr. and Jr. Youth Groups respectively.  The youth have been very active – helping at St. Laurence Chapel, wrapping presents for the migrant children’s Christmas Party and planning for the upcoming trip to Kanuga over Christmas break to participate in Winterlight.

 

An update was given on the Search for the new Youth Minister.  The committee has received  about 20 applications but of the applicants no one person’s application stood out.  The Committtee has decided to visit the Seminaries in the spring, and talk with the graduating seniors about considering become a Youth minister.

 

Stewardship and Capital Campaign Update – There are approximately 330 families who are actively participating in the ministries of our church.  Of this group of 330 families  all but 60 have been assigned to callers for personal face to face visits.  As the callers finish their initial lists these people will be assigned.   Pledge cards will be mailed to those who currently pledge but have refused a personal visit and also to the 250 “fringe”  people.   Carl Graber has been asked to contact each of the callers to see how they are progressing with their calls. 

 

As many of the Pledge Cards are still outstanding it was decided that anyone who had a pledge in 2007 would be issued offering envelopes for the 2008 year.    Envelopes will be placed in the back of the church for pick up.

 

Unfinished Business

Report of the Nominating Committee  - Vicki Klemke reported that the following people have agreed to be candidates for the Vestry:  Wayne Angstrom, Bobbie Welzien, Allen McGee, Robert Hageman and Jack Levin.  The Nominating Committee has some people who are praying about whether to run.  Bios on the candidates will be included in the bulletins beginning the 1st Sunday in January. 

 

Update on the Penlands

Fr Andrew reported that the agreement with the Penlands states that whoever is responsible for Corbin, can stay in the house with him as long as Corbin remains in school.   Fr. Andrew has been counseling with the family members and will apprise the Vestry of any changes when they occur.

 

The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 9:45 PM.

 

Leslie C. Ross, Clerk