St. Peter’s Church - February 21, 2005
Fr. George Young opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. following an hour of new Vestry orientation discussions. Present: Rev. Elizabeth Tappe, Toby Atkinson, Ginger Mock, Cheryl Smith, Bert Jenkins, Gary Bong, John Dyal, Ben Stephens, and guest Jean Buatti. Absent: Jeri Kolke, April Davis, Bill Dickson, Early McCAll, and Vann Simmons.
Toby Atkinson offered the Devotional.
NEXT MEETING: March 14, 2005 @ 6 pm, DEVOTIONAL: Ben Stephens
Minutes of the January 10 meeting were approved as submitted.
Vestry “Thank You’s”:
- Jim Corbett - for the myriad contributions to so many aspects of Parish/Church life and ministry, including: leading the Early Bird Class each Sunday, his work with Prison Ministries, with the Caribbean Mission and Brotherhood of St. Andrew
- Karen Miller - for her dedicated and talented service on/with the alternative gift market; and assistance with parish photography.
- Jerry Torchia - for his work on the “Welcome to St. Peter’s” brochure and, as a near-by resident, for his frequent response when “neighborly assistance” is required.
- Rev. John Andrew - for stepping into Ibba’s absence and leading a memorable Lenten Sunday worship service on the Founders cruise.
- Mr. Johnnie Robinson - for sharing his and his Parish’s gifts and enthusiasm as part of St. Peter’s Black History month celebrations.
Financial Report:
As Jim Carpenter was away, there was no financial report.
Rector’s Report:
Fr. George introduced Leslie Tanner, recently appointed Children’s Ministry Director. Leslie is enthusiastic, creative and (with 2 young children of her own) quite energetic. In addition to her responsibility for children’s Christian education (5th grade and younger), Leslie will also oversee the Vacation Bible School (”wonderful Wednesdays”).
The Tuesday evening Lenten series (this year focusing on “Bread for the Journey…”) is off to another fine start. The Rev. Anne Bridgers, Associate Dean of St. John’s Cathedral, second guest speaker, will lead a discussion of “Nurturing our Spiritual Lives Together” (Feb 22). Each Soup and Sandwich Supper begins at 6, is followed by a service of Holy Eucharist and Unction, then a guest presentation - all concluding by 8pm. As spiritual leaders in the Parish, Vestry members are urged to participate in as many of these type activities as possible.
The Every Member Visitation orientation session (Feb 10) with some 85 turning out for dinner, presentations and discussion, was an enthusiastic kick-off for the process of raising awareness in the Parish of all that’s going on; encouraging every one to become more actively involved in as much the life and work of this place as they can; and bearing witness to just how rewarding that commitment can be. “Visitors” will be “commissioned” at each service on Feb 27, with visits to be scheduled shortly thereafter. March 6 will be “Celebration Sunday” when all members are encouraged to be in Church and share in offering to God (and each other) expressions of praise and thanksgiving by a recommittment of our time, talent and treasure.
Following the March 4-5 Diocesan Vestry Conference @ Camp Weed, Fr. George plans to begin a strategic planning discussion with the Vestry and a dozen or so other Parish leaders at a “retreat” to be held April 15 (evening) & 16. This will be a timely follow-up to the work done with MarketPlace Resources some 3 1/2 years ago: to begin an examination of the needs, challenges, and opportunities which ought logically be incorporated into our plans and aspirations for the next several years. This should also be an exciting way to begin thinking about St. Peter’s 150th Anniversary celebration in 2008.
The Pente Group met in January with each Vestry member; the 2005 Vestry Initiatives and individual assignments (and the Pente support designee) have been developed and are summarized as follows:
- Planned Giving; the St. Peter’s Foundation: Bill Dickson
- Adult Education Enhancement: April Davis (Rich Smith)
- Sense of Community for Young Adults: Ginger Mock ( Fr. Young )
- Yulee Property Acquisition Research: Vann Simmons
- Identify and Reach Out to “Community Unchurched”: Jeri Kolke, Cheryl Smith (Carolyn Phanstiel)
- Outreach - Raise Consciousness and Recruit Members: Gary Bong, Vann Simmons (Rich Smith)
- Year-round Stewardship: Ben Stephens (Fr. Young)
- Develop/Implement Parish Spiritual Formation Model: Toby Atkinson (T Purvis)
- Explore/Develop program to address New, Continuing, Estranged, Disaffected, “Lapsed” Members: John Dyal (Carolyn Phanstiel)
- Music Program Enhancement: Early McCall
Fr. George punctuated our discussion of these Initiatives and other activities going on within the Parish by reiterating an ongoing commitment to revelauate, upgrade and make more effective the ways we communicate with each other and the “community” we seek to serve.
Associate Rector’s Report:
Ibba thanked all for their prayers, cards, and offers of assistance during her recent illness; and asked prayers for the family of recently-deceased Helen Joyce Love, long-time organist and Sunday School teacher and much-loved Parish member.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Toby Atkinson handed out a paper written by the Rev J Lemier and the Rev C Fulton: “Vestry Planning for Evangelism: The Groundwork of Leadership.” All are encouraged to give thought to how we incorporate envangelism into the witness and mission we serve.
She also shared the form required by the Diocese entitled “Annual Wellness Report for Parish Clergy and Lay Leaders,” a useful reminder of the importance of a “holistic” approach to “health” and “wellness”; that no aspect of our lives should be “compartmentalized” and viewed as unimportant.
Junior Warden’s Report:
Bert Jenkins reported on the succesful reinstallation of the Rose Window, albeit with a bit more delay than we had hoped. Also, the Cross on the belltower (damaged by lightening in one of last Fall’s storms) has been repaired (the roof which sustained some damaged by falling brick also required repairs). The tree outside the kitchen (which was dead) has been removed and will (in time) be replaced. Railings for the Atlantic Ave Church entrance are on order and will be (securely!) installed (we hope) before Easter. Moisture problems have been detected in several parts of the church which suggest the need to have the tabby exterior recoated. This is being evaluated and will be further reported on in future (as will the matter of the West Doors which are in need of replacement).
Bob Grant will be reducing his share of the Sexton’s responsibilities in the coming weeks, focusing principally on grounds maintenance and projects. Other resources will be recruited for cleaning and interior maintenance.
In concluding, Fr. George led us in Compline and we adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
