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.
Vestry “Thank You’s”:
All thank you’s at this meeting were about the Easter celebration at St. Peter’s
1) Bob Grant, for how superbly the grounds were presented and the church buildings decorated;
2) The Breakfast Team, for the wonderful offering of dilectible culinary artistry;
3) The Choirs and musicians, for their dedicated contribution of inspirational splendor.
4) Vestry People of the Day, some of whom arrived well before first light and some who remained well into the afternooon;
5) Bill and Betty Dickson, Tommy Purvis and Nick Gillette, for their indefatigable efforts to get the maximum number folks seated with the least amount of inconvenience and disruption.
Minutes of the March 14 Meeting were discussed and approved with one revision.
Rector’s Report:
1) Lisa’s departure & replacement: Lisa’s last Sunday will be 6/3; Kimberly Still, her replacement (a postulant from Christ Church, Ponte Vedra), will begin July 1.
Kimberly’s ordination (as deacon) will be May 27th; and as priest, Dec 9, both at St. John’s Cathedral. All who have met Kimberly are enthusiastic about her joining St. Peter’s.
2) Fr George will away for the month of May (Kammy’s sabbatical).
3) Summer schedule - will commence May 27 (Pentecost & Memorial Day weekend); that will also be the May Celtic service as well as Kimberly’s ordination. Fr George will still be away.
Assistant Rector’s Report:
Lisa spoke about the process by which she accepted the call to be Assistant Rector at Christ Church, Gross Pointe, Michigan - not something she sought (by any means). While excited by the challenge, the position is a bit daunting as the Parish she will be joining is some 4 times larger than St. Peter’s.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Neil mentioned that April 27th will be Fr George’s 10th anniversary as Rector of St. Peter’s.
Junior Warden’s Report:
Nothing new; new lawn mowers have been received.
Vestry Initiatives:
Each Vestry person gave a brief synopsis of efforts underway with his/her initiative.
1) Cathy Kaltenbach spoke about ongoing efforts to fine tune the St. Peter’s Cares program: about half the shepherds will be “rotated” off; shepherds feel they need a bit more visibility - will wear their badges at all Parish functions. Next meeting will be May 21 - the fall Retreat has been set for Sept 7 - 8.
2) Francis Flood & Cheryl Smith are assimilating names of inactive members and devising a contact strategy.
3) Dave Lott described the current community outreach initiative with Micah’s Place and the collection drive scheduled for 2 weeks before Mother’s Day.
4) Early McCall & Neil Frink mentioned the progress being made in launching study circles (8 to 12 folks each) in the fall; they are particularly focused at the moment in recruiting African American church partners.
5) Norma Norris is exploring with Rich Smith different programs for assimilating new members.
6) Mary Lynn Torchia continues developing and scheduling presenters for the Millennium Development Goals and has done significant research in charities that should be considerd worthy for financial support. She distributed a list of her favorites and mentioned the website “Charity Navigator” as a helpful resource.
A closing request was made for host volunteers during the May 5-6 Shrimp festival observances and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
