MINUTES - NOVEMBER VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - November 14, 2005
Fr. George Young opened the meeting with prayer at 6:00 p.m. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Toby Atkinson, Jeri Kolke, Lynn Grant, Cheryl Smith, Bert Jenkins, Bill Dickson, Gary Bong, Early McCall, Ben Stephens, Vann Simmons, John Dyal, and Treasurer Jim Carpenter. Absent: Ginger Mock.
Also present were Joe Crim and newly selected Vestry members: Cathy Kaltenbach, Neil Blalock, Neil Frink, and Francis Flood.
Following Toby Atkinson’s “centering” meditation, Cheryl Smith shared some highlights from her spriritual development, affiliations and aspirations.
NEXT MEETING: December 5, 2005 @ 6 pm, a shortened meeting followed by Advent celebration @ the home of Jay & Ginger Mock.
Treasurer’s Report:
Jim Carpenter reviewed the October and ten-month financial results, and introduced the preliminary ‘06 Budget. Given the consistently favorable results experienced year to date, it is likely we will show a modest surplus for the year overall (though we won’t know that until after Christmas). Using the modus operandi adopted last year of not forecasting in the year ahead any more revenue than we achieved in the year past, the Preliminary ‘06 Budget shows that we should comfortably be able to handle the added expenses (principally in the areas of Office Administration (copying/mailing)and Ministry (new Christian Ed Director) which can be reasonably anticipated in the year ahead.
Joe Crim asked whether part of any surplus might not prudently be set aside toward retiring a portion of the bank loan we have ($380,000). Jim answered that the Vestry may decide to do any number of things with the surplus, and that that may well be a topic during the more formal budget approval process (which will occur toward year-end and into early next year).
Property Discussion:
With Jim still present, Fr George introduced the discussion of the Broome St. Property (a topic at the October 16 Fall Parish Meeting and the last Vestry Meeting). A Motion was read by the Junior Warden, then discussed and subsequently modified. As modified, the Motion was resubmitted: The Vestry believes that the Parish’s property located at 11th and Broome Streets in Fernandina Beach is surplus to the needs of the Parish; and forseeing no future need or use for the property by the Parish, we propose that the Parish move forward with its sale.
The Motion was seconded (Ms Kolke) and approved unanimously by those present.
A Second Motion was then introduced (Mr. Stephens), which after some discussion, was formalized: the Wardens and Treasurer shall organize a committee to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purpose of exploring interest from potential buyers of the Broome Street property; and to report from time to time to the Vestry on their progress and findings.
This Motion was made by the Treasurer, seconded (Dr. Bong), and approved unanimously by those present.
Vestry “Thank You’s”:
- Sarah Finch, Melinda Luedtke, and Norma Norris - for taking on and inspiring the undertaking of the kneeler/needlepoint project that will result in a substantial beautification of our church sanctuary.
- Donna Tomes - for the dedicated service she renders coordinating our Nursery activities.
- Tamara Wenzel - for standing in for Martha Skirven while she and Jim are in Buffalo.
- Judith Kenney - for sharing with the Parish the use of her late husband’s magnificent musical instruments.
Minutes from the meeting of October 17th were approved without exception.
Rector’s Report:
Fr George handed out a list of important dates on the calendar for the rest of this year and next, including
- Lisa Flores’ ordination at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville Sunday, Dec 11 @ 5pm;
- The Advent Party hosted by the Mocks following next month’s shortened Vestry meeting;
- January 8 commissioning of New Vestry members, following which there will be “new Vestry orientation” sessions heldimediately prior to the Jan/Feb Vestry meetings;
- the Jan 20/21 Vestry retreat at Camp Weed;
- Bishop Howard’s Parish visitation, Jan 22;
- The Annual Parish Meeting, Feb 12.
Fr George also handed out the (preliminary) list of 2006 Vestry Initiatives and asked each Vestry member to indicate highest areas of interest. The Pente Group will meet and make preliminary assignments prior to the Dec meeting.
He also asked that retiring Vestry persons prepare their Vestry notebooks for handing over to their successors, and the two groups were paired:
Neil Frink -Vann Simmons; Neil Blalock - Bert Jenkins; Francis Flood - Gary Bong; Cathy Kaltenbach - Jeri Kolke. Shortly after the 1st of the year, retiring Vestry will be asked to pass on their keys.
Assistant Rector’s Report:
Lisa gave an overview of her trip to her home Diocese (Ohio) and the meetings she had there with The Bishop and Standing Committee, resulting in her being recommended for priestly ordination.
She also reviewed some of the initiatives she is working on, including:
- recruitment of new acolytes (particularly among “young adults” and raising the standards for that important liturgical service;
- working with the “under the Hill Gang/young adult group to develop a program of topical discussions called Theology on Tap, to be held once a month each on a different subject. The first will be held Dec 14th.
Vestry Initiatives:
6. Community Outreach: Gary Bong has made his farewell distribution of Parish bookmarks and the Outreach committee will be making its final ‘05 distribution in the near future.
Cheryl Smith mentioned that Daughters of the King will conduct their annual community Christmas-gift collection in the coming weeks; all are invited to participate.
7. Stewardship: Ben Stephens - Early indications from Celebration Sunday are encouraging; we will get some preliminary numbers at the December meeting; follow up letters from Fr George will be sent near month’s end, and ‘05 11-month Pledge statements will go out in early Dec.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Toby is looking for Vestry volunteers for the three Christmas eve services (5, 8 & 11 pm).
All young people whose names were placed in the prayer basket were picked by some parish member who will offer prayers on their behalf.
Junior Warden’s Report:
Bert expressed appreciation to all who helped orchestrate the letters of support for our historic/restoration grant application, which is almost complete and ready for submission.
Recent repairs to the irrigation infrastructure on the Church grounds along Atlantic Ave was required by the City and may be eligible for State reimbursement.
And in ending…Fr. George led us in closing prayers and we adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
