ST. PETER’S PARISH, FERNANDINA

MINUTES - MARCH VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - March 12, 2007

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6 pm. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Francis Flood, Early McCall, Trey Warren, Cathy Kaltenbach, Neil Frink, Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, and Treasurer Jim Carpenter. David Lott was absent.

Capital Campaign:

George Casey of the Rauchenstein Consulting Group presented his “Feasibility Study” Report, principally derived from the 13 “cottage” meetings held during the last few weeks. Guests on hand during George’s presentation included: Toby Atkinson, Bert Jenkins, Jerry Torchia, Randy Bell, and Bill Dickson.

With the exception of one, each of the “cottage” meetings was overwhelmingly supportive of the scope, timing and purpose of the Campaign, leading George to conclude with an unqualified recommendation to the Vestry that we proceed, along the lines previously outlined: a ten-week campaign ending May 20, to raise “approximately” $1.3 million. Ben Stephens moved that those recommendations be accepted and that the Parish contract with the Rauchenstein Consulting Group to move ahead with the planning and launch of the recommended Campaign. That motion was seconded and approved without dissent.

The topic of tithing (or dedicating approximately 10% of the amount raised) for “outreach” was raised and discussed. A consensus quickly developed that the targeted amount of the Campaign would be increased to include “campaign expenses” plus 10% of the amount raised for purposes such as the Millennium Development Goals, Katrina Relief efforts, and Habitat for Humanity. Ben Stephens moved that 10% of the amount raised (net of expenses) be used for outreach and that any balance remaining (after specific project allocations) go to the “maintenance fund”. The motion was seconded and approved without dissent. (more…)

Dear friends,

In 1998-2000, the Blessings Upon Blessings campaign enabled St. Peter’s to complete the facilities which make our campus the ideal setting for the ministries that make up our mission. Now, in 2007, we are poised to further care for some more of our facilities, and prepare us for 2008 – our Sesquicentennial Celebration!!!

For 3 years, the Vestry of St. Peter’s has been discussing when the right time and right emphases would be for us to embark on a capital campaign. Several months ago, we decided the time is NOW and the emphases are clear. We engaged a professional firm to move us through a feasibility study to determine financial parameters, as well as a careful listening process about the priorities and desires of the members of this fine parish. The study is over, the recommendations have been made, and the Vestry – at the March 12 meeting – unanimously endorsed moving forward immediately to do this.
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