MINUTES - JANUARY VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - January 8, 2007

Fr George Young opened the meeting. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Treasurer Jim Carpenter, Neil Blalock, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Francis Flood, Early McCall, Trey Warren, Cathy Kaltenbach, Neil Frink, Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, Ed Grissom, David Lott, and guest Joe Crim.

NEXT MEETING: Feb 12, 2007 @ 6 pm; Devotional: Fr. George

Vestry “Thank You’s”:

1) Bill Dickson - for his faithful service this past year as Vestry Senior Warden

2) Kristina Smith - for her patience and dedication with the children’s Epiphany pageant

3) The Christmas Choirs and musicians - for their talent and their commitment at the several Christmas Eve services

4) Pat Lovejoy - for her loyal and frequent willingness to share her musical gifts with the people of St Peter’s

Minutes of the December 4 Meeting were approved without exception

Junior Warden: with the appointment of Neil Blalock as Senior Warden, the position of Junior Warden became vacant. Ms Torcia nominated Ed Grissom who was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Jim Carpenter reviewed the December financial results and following that, a 2nd presentation of the 2007 Budget. As anticipated, we ended 2006 on a positive note with total revenue nearly $11,000 more than budgeted (ie the amount we collected in ‘05); and, despite higher operating costs,
we still ended the year with a small surplus (~$5,000). The weakness was in the category of “festival offerings” which were off throughout the year about 50% .

Based on the income received in ‘06, the 2007 Budget currently shows a shortfall totaling $83,000 due principally to 1) higher personel costs and 2) the $2,000 per month interest charge on the BUB note.

After discussing these matters in some detail, a motion was made by Ben Stephens and seconded by Neil Blalock that the Budget be approved as currently drafted with the understanding that adjustments will be made as the year proceeds, to reflect various measures currently under consideration to enhance revenue and reduce expenses. The motion carried with one dissenting vote.

Rector’s Report:

1) Capital Campaign - The Dec 17th presentation by Pete Rauchenstein has brought us to the point of commitment. The next step is to formally agree to the feasibility study, which will commence Feb 19th. A motion to commit to that step was made and approved without dissent.

2) Betty Anderson Memorial - The suggestion of having a “kitchen” memorial honoring Betty’s ministry in this area is well-supported. An ad hoc committee of Fr George, Bonnie Johnson (ECW); Mary Lynn Torchia and Neil Blalock will evaluate different alternatives and report further.

3) Millennium Goals - Don Parker would like to make a prentation to the Vestry on ways St. Peter’s might work with the Fernandina Beach Rotary to leverage the fund raising efforts of each in this area.

4) The Rev Patricia Sheppard and her husband have become part time residents of the Fernandina Beach community. She will assist with a range of clerical duties and will preach Jan 21 (Happening week end) when both Fr George and Lisa will be away.

5) Coming up…… New Vestry members will be “commissioned” at the Annual Meeting (Jan 31); there will be a “new Vestry orientation” in the hour ahead of the next Vestry meeting (Feb 12); Feb 4 has been designated “Camp Weed” Sunday with special emphasis on “capital” (ie, “big ticket”) needs.

Assistant Rector’s Report:

In connection with the Diocese’s commitment to the Millennium goals, Lisa has been appointed to the Global Reconcilation Committee.

Of the $7,000 goal amount intended for Katrina Relief effort, some $2,800 had been collected thru year end.

Because of the new appointments noted above, there was no Senior nor Junior Warden’s Report

Vestry Initiatives:

2007 Vestry Initiatives

Senior Warden – Neil Blalock Junior Warden – Ed Grissom

1) Improve parishioner and new member assimilation – Norma Norris

2) Educate the congregation about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and identify ways to implement the goals – Mary Lynn Torchia

3) Continue implementation of a year-round congregational development/Christian life/stewardship program – Ben Stephens

4) Identify and implement community outreach projects – Dave Lott

5) Respond to membership issues of inactive members – Francis Flood and Cheryl Smith

6) Educate the congregation about issues of racism, and celebrate diversity – Neil Frink and Early McCall

7) Continue implementation and oversight of St. Peter’s Cares – Cathy Kaltenbach

8) Determine St. Peter’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of different age groups – Trey Warren

Other Business:

Terry Parsons, the national Church’s person responsible for Stewardship, will conduct a 3-hour seminar at St. Peter’s Feb 17th in the am. All will benefit from Terry’s knowledge and enthusiasm - save the date! (Ben Stephens)

VESTRY RETREAT - March 2 & 3, part of the larger Diocesan Vestry Conference hosted by Bishop Howard @ Camp Weed.

The “ad hoc” Bus Committee (Trey Warren, Brian Moody, Rich Smith, and Ben Stephens) will soon have a recommendation.

Conclusion:

Fr George led us in closing prayer and we adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

John C. Train, Clerk