MINUTES - JANUARY VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - January 9, 2006
Fr. George Young opened the meeting with prayer at 6:00 p.m. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Toby Atkinson, Lynn Grant, Cheryl Smith, Ginger Mock, Cathy Kaltenbach, Bill Dickson, Francis Flood, Neil Blalock, John Dyal, Neil Frink, Early McCall, and Ben Stephens. Also present were Treasurer Jim Carpenter and Joe Crim.
Following Toby Atkinson’s “centering” meditation, John Dyal shared spriritual reflections.
NEXT MEETING: February 13, 2006 @ 6 pm; Devotional: Ginger Mock
REMINDER: ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - February 12 @ 6 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report:
Jim Carpenter had three items to review: 1) the December/year-end financial results; 2) the 2006 Budget; and 3) how to treat the ‘05 Surplus.
In Jim’s words, the December financial results were “incredible” (total revenue approximately 15% more than budget) leaving us with a surplus for the year of some $43,500. This reflects the efforts of many to hold expenses down as well as the generosity of “givers” in all categories.
Using the methodolgy adopted in 2004, the 2006 Budget assumes that our experience in the current year will not vary significantly from last year; that all staff receive compensation increases consistent with Diocesan recommendations (approximately 1.75%); and that we hire a new Christian Ed Director in the first quarter. These assumptions yield a budget (”conservative” based on 05’s experience) which is “in balance” but which does not make any provision for the anticipated “capital” items having to do with repairs and maintenance of the church and campus buildings, more of which will be covered at the Parish Annual Meeting (February 12).
After discussion of some aspects of the Budget and its derivation, a motion was duly made and unanimously approved that the 2006 Budget be accepted as submitted.
Allocation of Surplus: With the adjustments required to cover certain accounting nuances and to reflect income received in ‘05 that properly belongs in ‘06, there were uncommitted net funds available from 2005 of $39,000, which Jim Carpenter recommended be allocated as follows: $17,500 to the ‘06 Budget (to match projected revenue with total budgeted expenses); $20,000 to reduce the bank loan relating to BUB; and the balance (approx $1,500) to the Thackara Fund (an operating reserve account). After brief discussion to clarify the nature of the BUB obligation and certain other accounting adjustments, a motion was made and unanimously approved that the Treasurer’s recommendation be accepted.
Property Discussion:
The Committee (authorized at the November meeting) has been formed and consists of Toby Atkinson, Ben Stephens, Vann Simmons, Jay Mock, Nick Gillette, and Dan McCranie, in addition to the Rector and Treasurer. A decision has been made to prepare a pamphlet (”Information for Bid”) for distribution to approximately 30 potentially interested parties, to elicit expressions of interest in the Parish’s holding. One of the recipients will be the Housing Assistance Corp of Nassau County, the party who approached the Parish a year or so ago about the possibility of a sale for the purpose of developing housing for moderate income residents.
Recipients will have until March 31 to respond - less than 10 responses are expected. An evaluation will then be made as to how the Parish might proceed.
Vestry “Thank You’s”:
1) Caroline Morrison - for her leadership and enthusiasm, generally with the young people of the Parish but in particular with the fabulous Children’s Christmas pageant (Christmas Eve).
2) Vestry Persons (particularly Jeri Kolke, Bert Jenkins, and Lynn Grant) - for agreeing to be designated Vestry Persons at the “several” Christmas eve services.
3) The Altar Guild and Choir - who also committed many hours and made our Christmas liturgies more memorable and beautiful by their dedicated service throughout the Christmas period.
Minutes from the meeting of December 5th were approved without exception.
Rector’s Report:
Fr George began by expressing appreciation to Francis Flood for agreeing to serve as Junior Warden. He also thanked those who regularly assist with the various tasks associated with buildings and grounds, including: Bert Jenkins, Jerry Torcia, Joe Crim, and Bob Grant.
He then reviewed the procedure the Parish has been following the last couple of years of designating that a portion of our Diocesan contribution that would otherwise go to the National Church go to “outreach” other than that of the National Church (to assauge those parishioners who object to the Parish’s contributing to the National Church). Last year, the “split” was 2/3 (about $4,000) to the National Church, 1/3 (about $2,000) to such outreach.
Fr. George feels (for a variety of reasons) this ought to be revised, and proposed a split of 90/10. Others felt this failed to reflect the level of sentiment that still exists in the Parish about the issues that gave rise to this compromise. After some discussion, John Dyal proposed a split of ¾ (about $5,000) and ¼ (about $1,600). A motion recommending the new 75/25 split carried with one dissenting vote.
Fr George then outlined the busy Parish calendar for the next several weeks, including: the Vestry/Staff Retreat (Jan 20/21); Bishop Howard’s visit on Jan 22 (officiating at both the 8:45 and 11:15 Services and leading Bible study at the Education Hour); meetings of the Pente Group with individual Vestry members to confirm/plan ‘06 Vestry Initiatives; and the Bishop’s Vestry Conference @ Camp Weed, March 3/4.
In concluding, Fr. George shared the disappointing news that Becky Kaufman will be leaving her post as Youth Minister in early summer.
Assistant Rector’s Report:
Lisa reviewed the first evening’s experience with Theology on Tap: 15 people attended with great enthusiasm; we could have as many as double that number at the next get-toether (1/18).
OUTREACH: She has also organized a meeting (Jan 24) of representatives from each of the Parish Groups involved with outreach (Barnabas, Micah, Prison, Mission/Caribbean, UTO, Habitat, as well as Youth Group activities) to better coordinate and enhance effectiveness of this important Parish activity. Initial response to this initiative has been quite favorable.
Vestry Initiatives:
4. …Stewardship…(Ben Stephens): the 2nd (follow up) letter (regarding ‘06 pledges) definitely got folks’ attention. It appears we will better last year’s stats by every measure.
8. …Strategies for helping St. Peter’s celebrate diversity… (Neil Frink): St. Peter’s is taking a leadership role in working with other community groups in preparing for Feb’s observances of Black History Month: there will be dramatic poetry readings Feb 10 & 11 (8pm); renditions of works by the Delaney sisters as well as those of Langston Hughes.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Bill Dickson reported that the St. Peter’s Foundation is ever closer to launch and that Tim Flanagan, a respected estate planner, will be offering an introductory seminar on planned giving to the St. Peter’s community in the Spring. Bill also urged any who might be interested to join the brotherhood of St. Andrew at their monthly breakfast (the Jan 27 speaker - Everett Pope).
Junior Warden’s Report:
This being Francis Flood’s introduction as Junior Warden, he had no report.
Conclusion:
Fr George led us in closing prayer and we adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
