MINUTES - March VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - March 10, 2008
Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: Rev. Kimberly Still, Mary Lynn Torchia, Neil Frink, David Lott, Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Asa Gillette, Bob White, Francis Flood. Also present: Jim Carpenter (Treasurer), Joe Crim. Absent: Jon Lasserre, Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Norma Norris
Next Meeting : April 7, 2008 @ 6 pm ; Devotional: Asa Gillette
Treasurer’s Report:
Jim Carpenter briefly reviewed the Feb Financial Report: though slightly behind in our “collections”, our expense pay out is also below budget and on balance, we are in fine shape. He cautioned: there are rumors that our financial condition is strained, when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. Pursuant to instructions from the Feb Vestry meeting, two CDs ($75K for 3 months and $100K for 6) had been purchased with excess capital campaign receipts, still leaving cash in different accounts exceeding $100K. He reviewed the “Revised” 2007 Giving Campaign cash flow projections for the next two years. After projected receipts and expenditures of roughly $400K this year, he expects to have about $100K to begin in ‘09 the final phase of collecting and deploying Campaign proceeds.
Property at Broome & 11th
Jim distributed a 3-year summary of discussions between/among St Peter’s folk and various other parties interested in helping us decide the disposition of our 5+ acres of vacant property. The Parish has received a new letter from Housing Assistance Corp of Nassau Co (HAC) to purchase the land for $705,000. While the discussion about this proposal was made a bit difficult by the fact that several new Vestry members were not familiar with the history, the tenor was generally supportive of selling the property based on HAC’s intention to build “affordable” housing, for which there is critical need in Fernandina Beach. That said, Fr George felt that given the number of Vestry not present and the need to give all more time to consider, a special meeting would be called and a representative of HAC be invited to attend. A motion delaying the vote until the further meeting was held passed with only one dissent (Mr. Flood, who felt that we should accept the Treasurer’s recommendation to move forward with the HAC offer).
(That special meeting was held Thursday, March 13, at 5 pm; a summary is attached hereto.)
New Bus Acquisition
Brian Moody joined in reviewing the thorough and comprehensive report compiled by Bob White on the various options available to the Parish as it addresses the transportation needs both now and in the future of the entire Parish community. In its conclusion, the report recommends that: “St. Peter’s purchase a new (2007) 32-passenger Chevrolet Defender bus from Rivers Bus Sales, and that some type of usage/recovery fee be employed to offset current (operating) and replacement costs.” A motion to accept that recommendation was made, seconded, discussed and approved, without exception. The cost is slightly more than $67,000 which will be paid in two installments ($15,000 immediately and the balance when the first of our new CDs mature in May).
Vestry Thank You’s:
1) Bonnie & Gary Bong, Dolly & Ben Buck, for faithful and dedicated service in heading up the Kitchen Angels ministry. While their stepping down is difficult to accept, their ongoing presence and participation is a blessing of equal measure.
2) Marinelle Chandler & Eliza Rhodes for the faithful & uplifting service as Bereavement Luncheon coordinators - a ministry of countless blessings, shared in by every member of the St. Peter’s and its larger community.
3) The Worship & Sesquicentennial Committees and all who assisted in the recent Lift Every Voice & Sing experience with Dr. Carl Haywood.
Rector’s Report:
O Fr. George continues interviewing for the position of Parish Administrator; is preparing a new job description which will ultimately be posted on the Parish website and made available in appropriate Diocesan publications & postings. Any suitable persons should be referred to Fr George.
O A Diocesan long range planning/brainstorming effort is being conducted by Bishop Howard. A number of different sessions/locations are available, the next being at the Cathedral on Tues evening March 25. These are excellent oportunities to share ideas and stayed informed as to where the diocese is headed. Further information is availabe on the Diocesan website or from Fr George.
O The Annual Report of the Parish (required by the Canons and otherwise known as “The Parochial Report”) was circulated to and reviewed by the Vestry. A motion (D Lott) was made and seconded that the Report be accepted; the motion passed with no dissent.
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:
Kimberly and Jon Lasserre will host a meeting (3/11) to explore different ways that the concept of radical hospitality might be more broadly displayed and embraced within the St. Peter’s community with particular emphasis directed toward newcomers and visitors.
Minutes of the Feb 11th meeting were approved with two minor corrections
Vestry Initiatives:
Asa Gillette discussed some issues/questions that have arisen in his brainstorming about the possibility of an Episcopal school in eastern Nassau. All acknowledge that this would be a huge undertaking requiring years of incubation.
Neil Frink: there is a possibility we might get a historic marker for site where Good Shepherd Church once stood.
Dave Lott: Outreach Committee is developing recommendations for the $45,000 in available grant money; will report further at April meeting
Mary Lynn Torchia: A series of potluck suppers are being scheduled at parishioner homes each with one of the MDGs as its theme (Mary Lynn, poverty; Carolyn Phansteil, empowerment; Bob White, environment). At these dinners, a list of ten or so charities that are particularly devoted to that goal will be shared and discussed.
Delores Lord: Stewardship Committee is working on how best to present the concept of stewardship to the Parish is new and more exciting ways; how different projects exemplify stewardship; what it takes on any given Sunday to put St. Peter’s forward as the example of faithful stewardship we all want to project.
Bob White: The St. Peter’s kitchen will become greener and much more efficient in its use of water and energy. St. Peter’s will begin using recyclable materials wherever possible, reducing its reliance on styrofoam & plastics. We hope to set a new standard for other community groups to emulate.
Lena Watson: Young adults will convene at Camp Weed 4/11 & 12 and will brainstorm about programs and objectives.
Conclusion: Fr George gave a closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 8 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
John C. Train, Clerk
