MINUTES - January VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - January 28, 2008

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Mary Lynn Torchia, Francis Flood, Neil Frink, Norma Norris, David Lott, Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Jon Lasserre, Asa Gillette and Bob White. Absent: The Rev. Kimberly Still. Also present: Jim Carpenter (Treasurer), Ben Stephens, Meegan Burns, and Tim O’Connor.

Next Meeting : Feb 11, 2008 @ 6 pm

Treasurer’s Report:

Jim Carpenter presented a detailed report on our 2007 expenses with a summary of all accounts. As a result of the budget changes implemented by the Vestry in September, we ended the year with only a $151 deficit. This was due in part to the reduction in offerings during the second half of 2007.

Jim reported that as of Dec. 31, the Parish had received pledges of over $1.5 million and actual contributions $564,000 from the Capital Campaign.

In order to balance the 2008 Budget, several actions were approved by the Vestry. They included:

1. Budget reductions recommended by Jim in an effort to keep the 2008 expenses close to the 2007 budget expenses;

2. Transfer interest income from the Money Market Fund ($18,004) to the Thackara Fund and use the combined Thackara Fund balances of $22,133 as additional income for 2008;

3. Reduce the budgeted building improvement line item by $2,500, the budgeted ground improvement line item by $2,500, and the budgeted organ and piano maintenance line item by $1,300. All of these expenses will be charged to the Capital Campaign Maintenance Fund;

4. Increase the budgeted offerings by $14,472 to reflect a comparable level of Offertory / Tithing giving realized in 2007 rather than a 5% reduction originally proposed.” (more…)

MINUTES - December VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - December 3, 2007

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: The Rev. Kimberly Still, Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Francis Flood, Cathy Kaltenbach, Early McCall, Neil Frink. Absent: Trey Warren, Norma Norris and David Lott. Also present: all newly selected members (seated Jan, ‘08): Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Jon Lasserre, Asa Gillette and Bob White.

Next Meeting MOVED: Jan 28, 2008 @ 6 pm (previously, Jan 14)

Treasurer’s Report:

Jim Carpenter succinctly reviewed the 11-month financials and an update of the ‘08 Budget. (Part of the reason for moving the January meeting is to provide opportunity to incorporate December’s receipts into the ‘08 Budget and submit a revised, final Budget for Vestry approval before the Jan 30 Annual Meeting). December’s receipts will be especially important this year because: 1) we are approximately $10K below budget in our revenues going into December; and 2) we budgeted a very “generous” December (over $100K) - there are 5 Sundays and Christmas is on Tuesday. So, while our total expenses for the 11months through November are slightly under budget, we need a big revenue month to honor unfunded commitments and to craft the ‘08 Budget that provides for the exciting agenda we’ve planned in/for our Sesquicentennial.

Jim confirmed that receipts from the capital campaign are being received quite as anticipated, at the rate of more than $5 thousand per month. All work underway and planned is proceeding quite satisfactorily. (more…)

MINUTES - November VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - November 5, 2007

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: The Rev. Kimberly Still, Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Trey Warren, Norma Norris, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Francis Flood, Cathy Kaltenbach, Early McCall, Neil Frink. Absent: Mary Lynn Torchia and David Lott. Also present: all newly selected members (seated Jan, ‘08): Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Jon Lasserre, Asa Gillette and Bob White.

NEXT MEETING: Dec 3, 2007 @ 6 pm (a 1-hour meeting followed by Advent Observances at the Blalock’s - 101 N 15th St.)

Treasurer’s Report:

Jim Carpenter provided an overview of our current financial condition and introduction of the 2008 Budget. Year-to-date through Oct 31 and incorporating the recommendations adopted at the Sept meeting, our total revenue is below budget by approx $7,000 offset by near equal amounts budgeted but as yet not spent. Compared to last year, our revenue for 10 months is ahead by nearly $50,000 but our expenses (as discussed previously) are greater as well. On balance and assuming things continue as expected, we should end the year close to break-even.

The preliminary ‘08 budget does not reflect significant deviations from the current year: Jim has assumed operating revenues rise by 2% from the ‘07 budget (to $655,000) and that we are able to maintain tight control over operating expenses. Concerns have been expressed about the potential rise in utility costs which should be in part mitigated by efficiency-raising expeditures being made from the Giving Campaign. We are thus projecting a near breakeven year from a cash flow standpoint next year, but as always the budget should be regarded as “work-in-progress”.

Jim confirmed that most of the “Tier 1″ Renovation/Restoration projects are either well along or near completion; and are near or under budget. Of note: the parlor renovation (slightly over budget); cemetery repairs/Angel of Hope garden; parish hall acoustics; and reducing the BUB loan.

Jim will be away from mid-Dec until after the 1st of the year; inquiries about any of the information presented should be directed to him accordingly.

Vestry “Thank You’s”:

1) Dolores Lord, chairperson of the Parlor Renovation Committee; Carl Jones and Johnell Preliou for their craftsmanship and dedication; and ALL who have played a part in the extraordinary remake of our Parlor (on time and slightly over- budget), now a showpiece of the Parish Hall complex.

2) Bob White, for similar skill and dedication in refinishing the Altar rails in the Church.

3) Bill Hayes, project manager and those who assisted with the accoustical ceiling upgrade of the Parish Hall.

4) Hoyt Bonynge and Ed Grissom, for their dedicated efforts to provide a happy home for our Godly play items.

5) Megan Burns and Tim, for their enthusiastic contribution to our Spirit of Creation curriculum.

6) Kristina Smith, Brian Moody, Rich Smith & The Rector, for making Halloween ‘07 something no ghoul could forget.

7) The Altar Guild - and those who participate in the preparation for and take-down of items that make our monthly Celtic service so special. These are all dedicated folk that work with loving hands and great energy to make worship at St. Peter’s blessed and memorable and glorious.

8) Mary Lynn Torchia and Kristina Smith for their tireless efforts to make our Spirit of Creation (Christian formation) series so captivating and inspiring. (more…)

MINUTES - October VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - October 15, 2007

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: The Rev. Kimberly Still, Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Trey Warren, Mary Lynn Torchia, Norma Norris, Ben Stephens, Cheryl Smith, Early McCall, Neil Frink. Absent: Francis Flood, Cathy Kaltenbach, and David Lott. Also present: all four newly selected members (seated Jan, ‘08): Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Jon Lasserre, Asa Gillette.

NEXT MEETING: Nov 5, 2007 @ 6 pm

Legacy Exercise:

In lieu of a devotional, Fr George led a discussion (using an outline borrowed from CREDO), about factors and influences (family, cultural) that contribute to our predispositions and attitudes toward money; giving; God’s grace; Jesus’ teachings; and how all of that might relate to our feelings about our own “legacy”: how we might to develop in ways different from our “past” and toward something that reflects God’s love; Jesus’s views; models we see and would like to emulate; legacies that might bring joy and peace.

A book entitled “Financial Peace” was recommended for further reading.

Vestry “Thank You’s”:

1) Tom Washburn, for his passion and leadership in the WFA sessions on the Millennium Development Goals. Attendance at these sessions as been excellent and the feedback, universally positive!

2) Jerrie Richardson, for her unwaivering dedication in coordinating photo sessions for the new Parish pictorial - no known souls missed!

3) Toby Atkinson, for facilitating, with skill and experience and sensitivity, the recent Staff Retreat - Fr Geo Young: “what a resource!!”

4) Rich Smith, for his good works generally but particularly on the recent Amelia Jazz Festival - “one of the people that makes the Rector look good”.

5) The Child Care Group - who make it possible for so many to participate and be a part of so much! “Well done and great thanks!” (more…)

AUTUMN PARISH MEETING - 2007
October 7, 2007

Fr. George opened the meeting with prayer and expressed appreciation for the quietness of the new acoustic material. Fifty plus people were in attendance. According to the bylaws, article 2, section 3 the meeting was held to select new vestry and present coming programs, which can be checked on the website, stpetersparish.org. (more…)