ST. PETER’S PARISH, FERNANDINA

MINUTES - MAY VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - May 14, 2007

Senior Warden Neil Blalock opened the meeting in Fr George Young’s absence. Present: The Rev. Lisa Flores, Cheryl Smith, Francis Flood, Early McCall, Trey Warren, Cathy Kaltenbach, Neil Frink, Mary Lynn Torchia, and David Lott. Absent: Ed Grissom, Norma Norris, Ben Stephens (late arrival). Pete Rauchenstein and Jim Carpenter were present during for the 1st half hour.

NEXT MEETING: June 18, 2007 @ 6 pm; Devotional: Francis Flood

Giving Campaign Report: Pete Rauchenstein handed out the most recent (May 10) Campaign report, announcing that with three weeks to go, commitments totalling in excess of of $1 million had been received from 74 pledges. He cautioned, however, that while laudable, these results left us with the need to procure $150,000 in pledges each week until the Campaign’s conclusion if we are to reach our minimum goal of $1,450,000. June 10 will be “Dedication Sunday.”

Treasurer’s Report:

Jim Carpenter handed out the April financial report, reflecting continuation of the favorable trends of the last several months. For the four months year-to-date, we are “positive” and favorable to budget by nearly the same.

Jim reported that the $100,000 CD which the Vestry had authorized in ‘06 was about to mature; this is money left by bequest ultimately intended for the Foundation. Given that the Foundation is still awaiting formal IRS approval of our tax exempt application, Jim recommended that the maturing proceeds of the CD be “borrowed” by the Parish and applied toward the $360,000 remaining BUB indebtedness. This will reduce the interest cost to the Parish (and facilitate the mandatory principal reduction). The money will be repaid to the Foundation from proceeds of the Capital Campaign, most likely during the last phase of the Campaign’s pledge redemption.

After some discussion, Francis Flood moved that Jim’s recommendation be adopted: that 100% of the maturing CD’s proceeds be applied to the Parish’s obligation toward the remaining BUB indebtedness, with the clear understanding that the Parish will reimburse the Foundation that amount at the Campaign’s conclusion. The motion was seconded and passed with one dissenting vote. (more…)

MINUTES - APRIL VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - April 16, 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 David Lott.

Rotary International: Don Parker was on hand to introduce Rob Overly, a Jacksonville architect who is spearheading Rotary’s efforts in Latin America to combat infectious, water-borne disease through improved filtration. The purpose of this presentation was to encourage St. Peter’s to consider working with Rotary International on certain of its efforts with the Millennium Development Goals; and in so doing, to “leverage” financial contributions we make (through Rotary). Gary Bong was also present and lauded the work Rotary has done in helping eradicate small pox and combat other diseases such as polio.

After a few questions about exactly what Rotary might like St. Peter’s to consider, Fr George suggested that a specific proposal be sent to either Ed Grissom or Ben Stephens, both of who are also Rotarians.

NEXT MEETING: May 14, 2007 @ 6 pm; Devotional: Mary Lynn Torchia

Giving Campaign Report: Pete Rauchenstein was briefly introduced (Fr George) and complimented by campaign co-chairs Neil Blalock & Trey Warren. Ben Stephens summarized visits to date with those identified as potential leaders for the next phase of the Campaign.

There is genuine enthusiasm and excitement with the Campaign’s building momentum. So far, approximately 9 (of 25 expected) calls for “leadership gifts” have elicited favorable responses. Additional “callers” are in the process of being recruited and trained under the rubric: receive one ( presentation); watch one; give one. The hope (expectation) is that all Vestry members will have been approached by the time of the kick-off dinner (April 25) and an announcement will be made that all Vestry members have accepted the call to leadership. (more…)

The Contented Fisherman

The rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find the Southern fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.

“Why aren’t you out fishing?” said the industrialist.

“Because I have caught enough fish for the day,” said the fisherman.

“Why don’t you catch some more?”

“What would I do with it?”
(more…)