JUNE VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - June 5, 2006
Fr. George Young opened the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Toby Atkinson, Cheryl Smith, Cathy Kaltenbach, Lynn Grant, Bill Dickson, Neil Blalock, John Dyal, Neil Frink, Francis Flood, Early McCall, and Ben Stephens. Ginger Mock was absent. Guest Joe Crim was also present.
Following Toby Atkinson’s “centering” meditation, Neil Frink shared spriritual reflections.
NEXT MEETING: August 14, 2006 @ 6 pm; Devotional: Neil Blalock
Vestry “Thank You’s”:
- Mike Gass, for his huge contribution in helping organize and carry out the Italian Bustro.
- Rich Smith and the Founders Group, for bringing in Michael Johnson and organizing so informative an evening.
- Lee Watanabe and her two daughters Misa and Kimi for their help with the 5/31 General Convention presentation.
Minutes from the meeting of May 8th were approved without exception.
Rector’s Report:
Staff positions: Kristina Smith has accepted the position of Christian Education Director; will visit the Parish this coming week end (June 10/11) and will report fomally at month’s end. Negotiations for the position of Youth Director are nearing conclusion.
General Convention: The fourth in a series of inserts into our Sunday Service Leaflet appeared June 4; there was consensus that these bits of orientation together with the excellent presentation at Parish briefing/potluck supper Wed May 31, had gone a long way toward enriching folks’ awareness of General Convention and its import. Fr. George expressed some disappointment that more Vestry members were not at Wednesday evening’s gathering and reminded all that it is important that they share in these occasions as to be able to respond to Parishioners’ questions and comments about the goings on at Convention.
On a final note, Fr George cautioned against relying to any meaningful extent on newspaper or other press accounts of Convention proceedings. Rather, he reminded all of the national Church’s easily accessible website (www.episcopalchurch.org) and mentioned that once the Convention begins, one can get daily summaries from the site.
There will be another Parish briefing/potluck supper Wednesday, June 28 to review Convention results.
Financial:
In Jim Carpenter’s absence, Fr George reviewed the results for the 5 months through May: revenues are about $25 thousand (almost 10%) ahead of budget; total expenses are approximately $20 thousand (8.3%) below budget; and for the 5 months, we have collected nearly $60 thousand more than we’ve spent (due in large part to the delay in appointing our new Christian Ed Director).
Jim Carpenter asked the Vestry for guidance on the matter of the 12-month CD (approx $100 thousand) that resulted from the bequest of Edna Dougherty’s estate. After some discussion regarding the timing of the St. Peter’s Foundation taking over responsibility for these funds, a motion was made and unanimously adopted that Jim renew the CD for another year on terms he felt were most favorable.
Christmas Box Angel of Hope:
A proposal to have an Angel of Hope (honoring children who have died) erected in the St. Peter’s cemetery has been under consideration for some time. The Mercer family has orchestrated funding (the commitee behind the project is the Bereaved Parent Support Group) - there would be no financial obligation to St. Peter’s. In addition to the statue and pedestal, there would be brick pavers with children’s name around the base.
While there was no disagreement with the project in principle, there was concern a) as to how the project would fit into the master plan of the cemetary grounds; and b) what the limitations on total square footage might be. Fr George will get more information which addresses these concerns and report futher at the August meeting.
Sesquicentennial:
Fr George is once again asking for the names of folks who might be interested in becoming involved with plans for our 150th-year birthday celebrations. He hopes to plan “an event” for each month during the year and is himself working on trying to schedule a visit of Bishop Currie from the Diocese of NC. Any persons interested in becoming involved should be in touch with Fr George. The only specific project presently underway is the needlepoint project (kneelers & seat cushions) being coordinated by ECW.
Chamber Music concert:
St. Peter’s has been recognised with high praise for its support and hosting of this widely acclaimed annual Amelia Island event.
Assistant Rector’s Report:
Lisa will be attending the Christian formation conference at Kanuga June 11 - 16, and has been named to the Board of Directors of Micah Place.
Vestry Initiatives:
1. Parish diversity/inclusiveness (Cheryl Smith/Neil Frink): music fest (Sleepy and the Gang)will be held the evening of August 25th; and the autumn “Gospel music explosion” will be the afternoon of Oct 29 (reception to follow).
2. Adult Ed…(Lynn Grant): with the announcement that Kristina Smith will be joining as Christian Ed Director, Lynn is now working on a welcoming reception.
4. Year-round congregational development…(Ben Stephens): With help and guidance from Pente Group, Ben has formed a committee and engaged assistance of Terry Parsons; a presentation will be made at the August Vestry meeting. Initiative to be launched in early Fall.
5. Enhancing Music Program…(Early McCall): An outline of proposed plans, created with help of Pente and drawing on input from Survey, will be available at next Vestry meeting. A summer camp for aspiring musicians is one idea.
7. Spiritual formation…(Toby Atkinson): brochure describing model for formation (and listing Parish resources available) is still in process (Jerry Torchia assisting).
8. Pastoral Care… (Cathy Kaltenbach): Christ Church Ponte Vedra is providing assistance in planning the September “overnight” at Epworth on St. Simons and the fall launch of the “shepherds” program.
Senior Warden’s Report:
The bid (from developer Harry Trevett) seems to be under reconsideration, due to conditions in the economy (interest rates); in the political climate; and because some environmental (wetland) issues have been raised. Housing Assistance Corp (Nassau County) has been notified, so that they can review their bid. All options are under review and more will be reported at the August meeting.
Junior Warden’s Report:
The grant for exterior work is being rewritten to comply with revised guidelines. The doors to the Parish Hall from the parking lot will be replaced (at a cost of approx $2,500) so they will close and lock properly.
Conclusion:
The meeting adjourned with closing prayer at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
