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.

NEXT MEETING: April 16, 2007 @ 6 pm; Devotional: Ed Grissom

Treasurer’s Report: Jim Carpenter gave an abbreviated report of revenue and expenses through February. We are off to a good start in the new year but not as good as the “numbers” would suggest: revenues are a bit higher than budgeted because of 2 non-recurring items; expenses are a bit understated by a delay in paying a sizeable bill (soon to be paid). On balance, things are about where we had thought they would be two months into the year.

Vestry “Thank You’s”:

1) The Rev Gay Silver and those who assisted with the organization, hospitality and presentations associated with the Bishop’s Wardens and Verstry retreat (Camp Weed, March 2-3).

2) The Hosts and Presenters at the 13 “cottage” meetings.

3) Brian Moody, John Dickens and all who assisted, for hosting and chapperoning the youth trip.

4) George & Kammy Young, for hosting the Friday evening “social” with Terry Parsons; and Pat Burns and Beth Thornton, for assisting with breakfast the following morning.

Minutes of the February 12 Meeting were approved without exception

Rector’s Report:

1) Parochial Report (2006) - distributed and aproved unanimously.

2) Carribean Mission Trip - March 15-24 . The Parish office will be thinly staffed during this period.

3) A representative of the Fernandina Beach Rotary will make a brief presentation at the April Vestry meeting on Millenium Development Goal matching gift opportunities.

4) Youth - Gregg Morris will make a presentation April 13 at 7 pm on Jouney to Adulthood, the Christian formation curriculum for the Youth. Trey Warren mentioned that he felt the presentation (Parish-based Youth Ministry) at the Camp Weed Retreat (facilitated by Paul Van Brunt) was a bit lacking; and that there needs to be a) more information as to what the Youth are doing and b) more integration of Youth with broader Parish activities. Early McCall made the comment that a key objective is striking the right balance of giving the Youth a sense of “autonomy” and yet a feeling of “inclusiveness” as well. Achieving this requires the determined effort of the entire parish community.

Ben Stephens suggested that both Kristina Smith and Brian Moody report from time to time (ie, quarterly) on their activities: what’s working and how the Vestry might help support their efforts.

Assistant Rector’s and Senior Warden’s Reports:

Because of time constraints, Lisa and Neil saved items they would otherwise have reported until later meetings.

Junior Warden’s Report:

Repairs have been made to the kitchen stove; new lawn mowers have been received.

Vestry Initiatives:

Each Vestry person gave a brief synopsis of efforts underway with his/her initiative. Mary Lynn Torchia reports growing interest/excitement about the Millennium Development Goals and the One Campaign. A summary of the latter is in process along with those organizations (ERD, CARE etc) to which one can specifically contribute in support of that effort.

Trey Warren announced that Episcopals on the Go will host a bike ride and picnic April 1 to Fort Clinch. No bike or biking experience is required. Trey also handed out a schematic of his Initiative: St. Peter’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of various groups. At this stage the effort is focused on defining the Groups and the primary connective activities.

Other Business and Conclusion:

Fr George mentioned that a summary of the Anglican Primates’ Sept 30 meeting and Bishop Howard’s response to that meeting (recommended for all) can be found on the Diocesan website.

Mary Lynn Torchia reported the new Church sign (Atlantic Ave) is completed and installed.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

John C. Train, Clerk