MINUTES - September VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - September 10, 2007

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: The Rev. Kimberly Still, Neil Blalock, Francis Flood, Cathy Kaltenbach, Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Early McCall, Neil Frink and guest Joe Crim. Absent: Ed Grissom, David Lott and Trey Warren.

NEXT MEETING: Oct 15, 2007 @ 6 pm; Devotional/Exercize: Fr. George

Financial Report:

Treasurer Jim Carpenter joined the meeting for an in-depth review of our financial situation and outlook for the balance of 2007; and to present some concerns he has for the next few years.

Background: The ‘05 Strategic Planning effort concluded that new commitments would be made in the ministries of Christian Formation and Youth Development; the work being coordinated today by Kristina Smith and Brian Moody are the result of that effort. There is every expectation that these new programs and the outreach that goes along with them will (over time) result in new members and a higher level of income to support further commitment and new areas of endeavor.

However, until we reach that level, we have a “bottom line squeeze”. Jim presented a forecast of revenues and expenses for the balance of 2007 and 2008 which based on current accounting and allocations, shows a modest shortfall (approx $12,000) this year, growing more worrisome (approx $67,000) in ‘08. None of this is unexpected - the two principal factors are higher Personnel expenses and the interest we will be paying on the “old” BUB debt (which is to be paid off with proceeds of the ‘07 Giving Campaign).

Current Situation: As Jim Carpenter has written: “Because of our successful capital campaign, and the generosity of our parishioners, we are in the fortunate position of having cash available to cover our immediate expenses. However, borrowing from ourselves is not something we should (do) long term.” In light of the projected shortfalls, Jim developed three alternatives for Vestry consideration:

1) Rather than pay the BUB interest out of the Operating Budget, allow the unallocated cash balances available from the Giving Campaign to cover this expense, UNTIL it is paid off in full (2009 at the latest). This will reduce the expense to the Operating Budget by more than $20,000 in ‘08.

2) The 10% tithe of Capital Campaign proceeds is in addition to the other types of outreach funded each year through grants and community support activities and our diocesan pledge. There is currently $24,000 of ‘07 budgeted outreach funds which for several reasons has not been allocated or spent.

Jim feels it would be prudent to suspend the budgeting of that $24,000 annual amount until such time as our revenues have caught up with our expense commitments, thereby reducing the impact on the Operating Budhget by that amount. That still leaves $65,000 + in the ‘07 Budget allocated for Outreach.

3) Similarly, a significant item in our Giving Campaign was a fund ($200,000) to cover cemetery maintenance expense. However, the shift of this expense ($500 per month) from Operating Budget to that specifically designated fund was not scheduled to occur until after those monies had been collected and the Fund established (’09). Shifting the expense now would reduce the drag on the Operating Budget by $6,000 per year.

Motion: After an extensive discussion particularly about the Outreach component, Ben Stephens moved that each of these recommendations be adopted and that a Parish letter be drafted for signature by the Rector, Senior Warden & Treasurer explaining the steps being taken and the underlying strategy. That motion was approved without exception.

Vestry “Thank You’s”:

1) The Nominating Committee, for meeting on Saturday morning and developing a fine slate of candidates for selection as Vestry members and Convention delegates.

2) New Shepherds: Bonnie & Steve Arbo, Annette Bell, Jean Buatti, Joe Demille, Barbara & Ron Horsely, Jill Minasi, Caroline Morrison, Evelyn Skowronski, Beth Thornton, and Alan Vanderheiden - whose faithful commitment to this important ministry assures a second year of growth and contribution consistent with its fine inaugural year just concluded.

3) New Christian formation teachers, whose enthusiasm and dedication to our Godly Play, Rite 13, Journey to Adulthood, Efm, and other youth and adult programs ensures that the year ahead will be exciting and enlightening for participants in every age group.

4) Joe Crim and Ed Grissom, and those who have assisted with the ongoing effort to repair and restore damage done by the storms of early August.

Minutes of the August 13 Meeting were approved without exception.

Rector’s Report:

0 George reminded us that at the 2005 Strategic Planning Retreat, three areas of Parish life were agreed as priorities in need of new commitment; two of these (Christian formation and programs for our young people) have been given new direction under the leadership of Kristina Smith and Brian Moody. The third (the music program) has not yet been fully addressed, and Martha Skirven has asked that this be moved along. We can thus expect to hear more about needs and plans for this area in the coming months.

0 George has received information from the Diocese as to our Pledge for next year; the recommended increase from ‘07 is de minimus and George recommended that the Vestry approve a Diocesan pledge for ‘08 of $65,550. A motion to that effect was made and approved without objection.

0 A number of important dates should now be in everyone’s calendar: the Fall parish meting (selection of new Vestry members and Diocesan Convention delegates) - Sunday Oct 7 @ 6pm; (Oct 7 will also be a “welcoming Sunday” for all who wish/intend to become members /regulars at St.Peter’s.); Oct 13 & 14, Amelia Jazz Festival, held this year at St. Peter’s; Oct 21, Fernandina Beach clean-up (Dave Lott is coordinating); December 9, Kimberly Still’s ordination, St. John’s Cathedral, 5pm; Jan 11 & 12, 2008, Vestry Retreat, Camp Weed.

Assistant Rector’s Report:

0 Kimberly complimented all participants on the Shepherds’ Retreat (9/7-8) and expressed her own enthusism in part resulting from the commitment and enthusiasm of those who have agreed to serve in this vital and visible ministry.
0 Additional happenings of note: 9/23 - Shepherd Commissioning; 10/25 - ECW Retreat; 10/27 - Eucharistic minister training.

There was no report from either the Senior nor the Junior Warden

Vestry Initiatives:

Neil Frink (Diversity) reported progress in organizing for the launch of the Study Circles on Race Relations. An “organizing/orientation” session will be held at the Christian Formation hour 9/16 with “launch” set for early Oct. The hope is that we get 3 to 4 Circles of 8 to 12 people each, committed to approximately 5 sessions of about 2 hours each.

Mary Lynn Torchia (Millennium Development Goals): The further study of the MDGs will launch at the WFA 9/19, under the topic What One Person can Do: Healing a Broken World. There will be different programs for Adults, Youth, and Children.

Cheryl Smith; Francis Flood (Lapsed members): A significant part of this initiative will be assumed by the Shepherds.

There being no Other Business, Fr George gave Closing Prayer; the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

John C. Train, Clerk