St. Peter’s Church - March 14, 2005
Fr. George Young opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. following phone calls to absent members to achieve a quorum. Present: Rev. Elizabeth Tappe, Toby Atkinson, Ginger Mock, Jeri Kolke, Bill Dickson, Bert Jenkins, Gary Bong, John Dyal, Early McCall, Vann Simmons and guests Joe Crim and Tom Basore. Absent: April Davis, Cheryl Smith, Ben Stephens.
In lieu of a Devotional, Fr. George shared a portion of a taped address by Barbara Brown Taylor from a Kanuga Conference he and Ibba had attended earlier in the week.
NEXT MEETING: April 11, 2005 @ 6 pm DEVOTIONAL: Ben Stephens
Minutes of the February 21 meeting were approved, with the following correction: The last item under Vestry “Thank You’s” should have recognized The Rev. Jeremiah Robinson as the guest preacher who inspired those attending the Feb. 20th, 11:15 Service; Mr. Johnnie Robinson graced us with his incredible rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
Financial Report:
Jim Carpenter gave an upbeat report: revenues for the first two months of ’05 (approx $95,000) were some $1,700 (18%) ahead of last year’s. Similarly on the expense side, we are favorable to the same period last year by about 15%. Early results from the Every Member Visitation (192 pledge cards returned to date) is gratifying - more detailed anaysis will be provided at the April meeting. In short, Jim is pleased by the way the new year is beginning.
The Estate of Edna Daugherty has made a gift of $97,000 as seed money for the endowment fund which will become the responsibility of the St. Peter’s Foundation when it is up and running. In light of the fact there is no near-term deployment of the funds planned, Jim suggested it would be prudent to have the Vestry authorize, under the direction of the Finance Committee, investment of the Funds in a more suitable venue (ie “the bond market’), until a later date. A motion was made and unanimously approved to authorize such action.
A parishoner (who feels that despite the vast improvements made to the Church amplifiying system, there is still some annoying echo which might be remedied with the advice of an accoustical design firm) has offered to cover the expense of asking such a firm to make recommendations. A motion to authorize the engagement of such a firm at no obligation or expense to the Parish, was made and unanimously approved.
In closing, Jim reviewed some accounting changes he has initiated, (with the auditors’ blessing), which gave rise to a question about BUB and whether there is any plan in the current fiscal year to retire any of the BUB debt. The response was that part of the upcoming “strategic plan” discussion will include consideration of a capital campaign; and that it’s always been assumed that the BUB debt would be dealt with in that context.
The new banking arrangements being instituted with First Coast Community Bank are well along: the first electronic payments have been executed; the next step - allowing parishioners the option of “automatic” drafts of their checking account for pledge payments - is a few weeks away. More announcements will be forthcoming.
Vestry “Thank You’s”:
The Estate of Edna Daugherty and all who had a role in the the most generous gift to ensure the future of St. Peter’s and all that so many hold so dear.
Martha Skirven, Beth Thornton, Early McCall, Larkin Bryant and Robert Feol (our Memphis guests), and all who had a role in the magnificent Celtic Service on Sunday evening.
Dan Roach and the team who assisted in bringing the Oyster Roast and silent auction to so successful a conclusion.
Jim Corbett and the members of his Breakfast Team, for the exemplary way they leave the kitchen, so clean and tidy.
John Cotner, for the invaluable assistance and support he has provided the Junior Warden, and thus the Parish as a whole.
Rector’s Report:
Though she could not attend this meeting, Fr. George officially appointed Jean Buatti “deputy clerk,” to provide added depth and coverage.
We discussed the Every Member Visitation processs and Fr. George solicited feedback. Comments were generally favorable but suggested that there be more time between packets’ being available and the visits concluded. There was also concensus that each visit be expected to take longer than 15-20 minutes.
Similarly, the Vestry Retreat (Camp Weed March 4-5), while given favorable reviews generally (and particularly the active participation of Bishop Howard) was nonetheless cited as coming at a time when there were many other things going on, and in itself, was highly “compressed.” However, all expressed a desire to attend next year, and hope that the material presented and the participation could be broader.
Sheila Heron will be appointed to assist Bob Grant with Sexton responsibilities. Bob’s commitment (approx 18 hours per week) will be prncipally outdoors and related to grounds and exterior matters; Sheila’s responsibilities will be principally indoor (custodial) and will entail about 25 hours per week.
The “parish retreat” (scheduled for April 15/16) - a kickoff discussion of our new strategic plan/capital campaign - has been postponed. Dick Grim will be our facilitator and the new date is June 24/25.
Fr. George made two requests of all Vestry members: 1) to assist the officially designated VOD on Palm Sunday and Easter. In future, additional persons will be designated due to the larger crowds and number of tasks requiring attention; and 2) to review the hand-out: 0.7% Resolution Concerning Global Reconciliation and giving for international development, sponsored by The Rector and Vestry of St. George’s, who have asked if St. Peter’s would sign on as Co-Sponsor at the Diocesean Convention (May 21). Fr. George has since contacted the Vestry and asked for their approval, citing the support of both church and government and the fact that it seems to him pretty much “a gospel imperative.”
Lastly, Fr. George mentioned that with Ibba’s departure, the budget will undoubtedly require adjustments due to overlap, training, etc. Further information will be made available as plans unfold.
Vestry Initiatives:
- Planned Giving; the St. Peter’s Foundation: Bill Dickson - The effort to streamline the rquired documentation (Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws) has been more of a struggle than our attorney Clyde Davis thought, but the effort is progressing. Parishioner Darrell Holcomb has agreed to serve as accountant and estate planner Tim Flannigan has been designated to assist in developing material which can be used with prospective donors. We hope for a mid-year launch date.
- Young Adults: Ginger Mock - a luncheon honoring graduating seniors will be held May 15; there is growing excitement over the trip to St. Bart’s and New York in early June.
- Community Outreach: Gary Bong - the 3rd printing of the bookmarks (again funded through the generosity of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew) is being distributed to the hospitality establishments throughout the community, before Easter.
- Music Program Enhancement: Early McCall - suggests the possibility of a parish survey to solicit different ideas from a wider sampling. Early also suggested acquiring a higher quality remote microphone enhancing the job of intercessors and the upcoming courtyard Easter service.
Associate Rector’s Report:
Regarding her decision to leave St. Peter’s and return to her family in North Carolina, Ibba reiterated how hard it is to consider leaving; said that her letter describing the decision process was on its way; and thanked all for their support and prayers.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Toby reported how well-attended Fr. DiLeo’s Tuesday evening presentation on Conflict Management was and what an enthusiastic response it elicited. Fr. DiLeo has offered to consider coming back if there is sufficient interest.
Toby also suggested that we remind (perhaps in the ESP) all parishoners that they are welcome to attend any and all Vestry meetings, and to ensure the dates/times are well disclosed.
Junior Warden’s Report:
Bert Jenkins reported that the installation of the Church porch railings had been done but would be redone to improve placement (and color).
At 8:25 pm, the Associate Rector gave us a parting blessing and we adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
