MINUTES - February VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - February 11, 2008
Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: Rev. Kimberly Still, Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Mary Lynn Torchia, Neil Frink, Norma Norris, David Lott, Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Jon Lasserre, Asa Gillette and Bob White. Absent: Francis Flood, Dave Lott. Also present: Jan Smith, (Music Director), Jim Carpenter (Treasurer), Joe Crim.
Next Meeting : March 10, 2008 @ 6 pm ; Devotional: Bob White
Treasurer’s Report:
Jim Carpenter did not make a report but did ask for Vestry approval to begin investing excess cash in bank CDs, for terms (generally 3 & 6 months) that would not jeapordise our access to cash when we needed it. A motion was made authorizing the Treasurer to invest excess cash in short term CDs; the motion passed without exception.
Minutes of the Jan 28th meeting were approved without exception
Vestry Thank You’s:
1) Martha Skirven, for her six years plus of uplifting and inspired service as St. Peter’s Music Director and choir master.
2) The Youth of the Parish and Brian Moody, for a very successful Youth Sunday & Rummage sale.
3) All who assisted in collecting and organizing things for offer at the Rummage sale (with particular mention: Aaron Morgan, Bert Way, Inga Warren, Kim & David Page, Kay & Tom Basnight, Rob Hicks).
4) Kristina Smith and all who participated in the best ever Epiphany pageant.
5) The Altar Guild, whose tireless efforts and relentless attention to detail during our many advent and Christmas service occasions, truly make St. Peter’s the “crown jewel” of Center Street.
6) The flower arrangers and deliverers, an unsung ministry that lends a spirit of majesty and uplifting beauty to our worship and outreach.
7) Mary Lynn Torchia for her contribution of altar chalices, patens, and vases; and Nancy Carpenter for cleaning/tidying up the Parish Hall vesting room, each reflecting skilled and loving hands and true dedication.
8) Jim Carpenter for his consistent, unwavering dedication as our parish treasurer, particularly in areas of budgeting, audit, cash management, planning, and report preparation - skills only exceeded by dedication and fastidious attention to detail!
Rector’s Report:
O Fr. George continues interviewing for the position of Parish Administrator.
O Brian Moody has requested the Parish consider allowing him and a few of the youth group alumni (John Dixon, Thomas Morrison) to spearhead an effort to raise money for Brian’s extracurricula youth ministry (God on a Thursday or GOAT) by parking cars on Friday of Shrimp Festival weekend, the day before the St. Peter’s youth engage in similar effort to support their own activities. Given that there is no group is currently doing this (and there is a need), no opposition was voiced.
O Fr George mentioned the new musical initiatives at the 8:45 service and that we would be using more of such pieces from the “Lift Every Voice & Sing” hymnal. Suggestions were made that as we venture into areas unfamiliar to the congregation, it would be helpful to a) make an announcement at the beginning of the service that something new is at hand, b) do a quick run-through of different pieces at different service, and c) make the music available.
Dr. Carl Haywood, highly-regarded editor of that hymnal, will be a guest at St. Peter’s the week end of March 7-9.
O Vestry Resource Guide - Fr George passed around copies of each of the three sets and asked that at the next meeting, each recipient exchange.
Assistant Rector’s Report:
O Kimberly cited the fact that 16 new babies were born to members of the Parish in ‘07, and wonderfully reassuring fact that we are attracting younger couples and there is “new blood” coming along.
O New attention is being directed toward the “care notes” in the Parish hall rack; these are intended to address issues relevant to our Parish community.
O Suggestion made that greeters be sensitive to newcomers’ needs for direction (and invitation/encouragement) after the service, as to where Christian formation classes are being held etc. There is also need for new volunteers in areas of bereavement lunches and Kitchen Angels.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Neil reported that a review of the cemetery lots available suggests the need for a survey which will be completed this year. It appears there are some 29 single plots of which as few as 14 are truly available. There is also a question of whether the fence may need to be relocated.
Junior Warden’s Report:
Ed discussed bids he has received to repair/treat the recently discovered termite damage and to finish painting the parish hall. He asked for a motion authorizing expenditure of $12,600 for the painting and $5,000 for the termite work; the motion passed without objection.
He is also working on having the steeple cross rebuilt and adding surge protection.
Vestry Initiatives:
Neil Frink: next Study Circle planned for the Fall; is exploring possibility of historical marker for site where Good Shepherd Church once stood.
Jon Lasserre: young adults are planning a trip to St. Bart’s (New York) in the June/July timeframe, to further explore “radical hospitality” for St. Peter’s.
Norma Norris: Founders are floundering. Volunteers are needed to help with organizational/planning/transportation. A survey of needs/interests is being considered.
Bob White: Will have a motion at the next meeting recommending certain “green” initiatives for the Parish community. Bob feels that St. Peter’s can become a community leader in this area, a model for other churches and civic organizations.
Bob is assisting Ben Stephens in developing information about the bus/transportation options.
Conclusion: Fr George gave a closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 8 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
