by Anika Rinker | Mar 22, 2022 | Vestry Updates
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Minutes: March 20, 2022
Present: Alan Bentrup, Paula Jefferson, Jim McManic, Jen Duncan, Keen Haynes, Bob Garrity, Linda Seeber, Melissa Kurkel, Dj Mitchell, Mary Anderson, Amanda Alvarez, Rick Schulz,
Absent: Bob Bess, Joe Stark
The meeting was called to order at 12:15 by Rev. Alan Bentrup
Opening Prayer offered by Alan
Treasurer’s Report/Budget Committee Report – DJ Mitchell
- See the attached report
- DJ announced that a outside audit will probably take place next year if the diocese agrees. Will need to make allowances for the cost factor.
- Discuss the need for a capital needs list of improvements
- Mary Anderson made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Keen Haynes seconded
Senior Warden Report – Keen Haynes
Junior Warden Report
Paula Jefferson
- Reported a big response to Stephen’s ministry.
- Lenten Meditation is going well.
- Mention the Wednesday Lenten Series
- Spoke about Hillsboro and the 150th anniversary celebration that will happen at the end of the month.
Rector’s Report – Alan Bentrup
- Discussed the meeting with the architects and a handout was given to the vestry with information.
- He is still working with Fever and creating a long-term plan.
- Vestry Meeting was changed for April to the 10th
- Eagle Scout Project was discussed. Scout is interested in building a gaga ball court. Vestry members had questions and there was a discussion about the project.
- Vestry made a motion to accept the Vestry Stewardship Covenant that was created during the retreat.
- Keen Haynes made a motion to allow 4 Saints to email a letter to the parish members. Melissa Kurkul seconded. Vestry voted to approve.
- Easter offering will be designated for Christian Formation. A small portion will be designated to Stephen Ministries to offset costs.
- Announced that Bob Bess is spearheading the Communication Taskforce.
Closing Prayer and Blessing – Alan Bentrup
Adjourned at 1:30
Respectfully submitted
Mary Anderson – Vestry Clerk
by Anika Rinker | Feb 22, 2022 | Vestry Updates
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting – February 20, 2022
All Members Present except Amanda Alvarez
Meeting was called to order/Opening Prayer
A Motion was made by Bob Bess to approve the 3 sets of minutes that were presented. DJ Mitchell seconded.
All voted to approve the minutes.
DJ Mitchell – Treasurer’s Report
- See attached document for a detailed report
- The vestry discussed the deficit in the budget and DJ agreed to write a letter to the parishioners and ask if they would be able to increase their pledges for 2022-23.
- Keen Haynes made a motion and Joe Stark seconded it to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All voted and agreed.
Gary Wilkinson – Finance Committee
- Gary outlined the duties and responsibilities of the committee to the new members of the vestry.
- Announced – City of Southlake will be sending a check to SMITF for an easement. The Finance Committee recommended that the deposit be put into the Emergency Fund. Vestry voted and agreed.
- Committee was notified that a parishioner’s employer will be sending a matching contribution to SMITF. The Finance Committee also recommended that any such deposits be deposited into the same fund as the parishioner’s contribution. Vestry voted and agreed.
- Gary announced the next meeting will be held March 19, 2022.
- Rich Schulz made a motion and DJ seconded it to accept the finance report. All voted and agreed.
Senior Warden Update – Keen Haynes
- Discussed the Deanery Meeting and the changes of officers
- VPIC assignments were made
Jr Warden Update – Joe Stark
- Good News Garden wants to build more planting beds if money is available.
- Had a discussion about the choir loft and some ideas in the future for the choir placement.
Paula Jefferson
- Discussed the continued success of:
- Harry Potter series
- Human Flourishing on ZOOM
- Pastoral Care
- Announced the Lenten Series that will begin on ZOOM @ 7:00 pm
Alan Bentrup
- Discussed the upcoming vestry retreat
- Fever United Proposal is in the works to allow them to take over the lawn care for continued support of the teams and their ability to use the church fields for practice
- Announced
- we will be using wine again
- no masks required at 10:30 but masks will be required for 8:00.
- During Lent there will be no music at 8:00 and at the 10:30 – no words on the screen to the hymns.
Closing Prayer
Respectfully Submitted – Mary Anderson, Vestry Clerk
by Glenda Morehead | Mar 23, 2015 | Vestry Updates
Vestry Highlights 3-15-2015
As clerk of the vestry I have been authorized by the rector and the senior warden to provide the following report of the most recent vestry meeting. Full minutes of the meeting will be posted after their approval at the next regular vestry meeting. In the meantime if you have questions or want more information, contact any vestry member.
The March Vestry meeting continued the process of everyone getting acquainted with one another, as well as with their duties and responsibilities as the leaders of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Many things are different – not only are there new members on the Vestry, but a new Rector is in place after the interim time during which we had no permanent Rector. Although canons specify a Rector is the president of both the church and the Vestry, Fr Scot has asked Senior Warden Bob Bess to continue to chair Vestry meetings, giving him a chance to observe and ask questions like the other newcomers.
Flo Lowrey came to give information on the party planned for Newcomers on March 21 following the 5:00 service. The party will be quite large, and was made even larger with the addition of the 2 new members of the Mason household. As always, Flo has planned activities that will make all the new people feel welcomed and cared for. They will also be given help to decide in what way they can offer their talents and gifts to their church. Kathy Watson and her committee of practically perfect party preparation people will be in charge of what promises to be a sumptuous meal. Flo helped all Vestry members understand that one of their duties as leaders is to welcome all who come through the doors.
An AEDU (Automated External Defibrillation Unit) has been donated to St. Martin’s. Arrangements will be made to ensure all Vestry members are trained in its use. Since a Vestry Person in Charge is present at every service, that person is the logical person to call on when use of the unit is needed.
Jack Bolerjack and DJ Mitchell provided a quick lesson in the many steps required in completion of an Eagle Scout Project. Nicholas Chasteler is nearing the end of his Eagle Scout Project for St. Martin’s, and DJ will help him to ensure his final paperwork is all in order for him to receive the award.
The professional style stove in the parish hall kitchen is very difficult to operate. Jr Warden Charles Busey will bring a proposal for replacement of the unit to the next Vestry meeting.
There continues to be damage to the fields and grounds. In partnership with Fever United St. Martin’s will decide the most feasible way to solve the problem. Interest is increasing in better monitoring of the exterior. Gil Kleinwechter will analyze the options and return to the Vestry with a recommendation.
The Vestry went on record recognizing the name of our school as St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal School with the usage of St. Martin’s Episcopal School permissible in some instances.
VBS will be held in the evenings this summer for the first time in order to partner with Fever United Futbol. It is hoped that the new hours will attract more working families, more working volunteers and higher participation among older children.
The Rector is continuing the appointment of committees heads and members for the coming year: He will chair the Worship Committee, he and Gil Kleinwechter will head Stewardship, Annette Duff and Courtney Mullaney will co-chair the Communications Committee, Elizabeth Mason the Grow the Church Ministry, Gregory Anderson the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Linda Snow the Order of Daughters of the King. Other committee chairs and members will be announced later with a full listing of chairs to be included in the Directory of Ministries.
2015 Vestry members: the Rev. Scot McComas (Rector); Gregory Anderson, Bob Bess (Senior Warden), Jack Bolerjack, Charles Busey (Jr. Warden), Annette Duff, Pat Hollifield, Gil Kleinwechter, Elizabeth Mason, DJ Mitchell, Courtney Mullaney, Cyndy Sulots, Jim Wilson; Glenda Morehead (Clerk); Doug Watson (Treasurer).
by Anika Rinker | Jan 12, 2014 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
November 17, 2013
Present: Steve Anderson, Bob Bess, Annette Duff, DJ Mitchell, Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Joel Walker, Jim Wilson; the Rev Michael Wallens, Interim Rector; the Rev Amy Haynie, Associate Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; the Rt Rev Rayford High, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Guest.
Not present: Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, Joe Panther; Diana Panther, Treasurer
Absent: Gary Grant.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Bishop.
Conversation with the Bishop
The Bishop stated that he and Canon Janet Waggoner will be available to help the Vestry of St-Martin-in-the-Fields during the search process. He reaffirmed his belief that St. Martin is a great place with great potential – a parish in which it would be a pleasure to serve. He thanked all present for their service for the parish. He recommended the online publications Vestry Papers, found at ecfvp.org, as good sources regarding Vestry matters in any parish. He was asked to list some of the “best practices” to grow a parish in a highly populated area. He responded that the first contact with any church comes in the worship service. The worship service should be the best it can be with each person participating doing the best job possible; music should be good and singable; efforts should be made to make the service go smoothly. He will ponder the question and get back to us. He thanked everyone for the hospitality shown today and is looking forward to returning for Spring confirmations.
Minutes of the October 20, 2013, meeting were approved as distributed.
Christian Education Report
The written report of Corrie Cabes, CE director, is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Communication Report
Annette Duff reported that the changeover of email went smoothly. There needs to be better coordination of communication. The Rector asked that a representative of the Communication Committee attend the weekly staff meeting at 1 PM on Wednesdays. Better communication among groups is needed in particular to lessen calendar conflicts (the “double-booking” of space, leaders being expected to take part in multiple gatherings taking place at the same time, etc).
Diocesan Information
Joel Walker announced that St. Martin will have 4 members on the Commission on Ministry – Richard Cabes and Joel Walker are continuing, the Rev Henry Penner and Joe Malmgren are new members on the commission. The COM has an interview in December with an individual who is starting the 3 – 3 ½ year journey to ordination.
Stewardship
Bob Bess stated the stewardship follow-up process will start as soon as he analyzes the comparison between those who pledged in 2013 and those who have not yet pledged for 2014.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer’s report was given in written form only. DJ Mitchell moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
Nominating Committee
Steve Anderson, chair of the committee, announced the committee has nothing to report at this time.
Interim Rector’s Report
Building Use Policy: The Interim Rector is working on compiling a current building use policy with one of the goals being to help avoid scheduling conflicts. Joel Walker has found a copy of a previous building use policy which he will provide to the Interim Rector.
Parish Council Meeting: He reviewed some recommendations that came out of the recent meeting with heads of guilds and organizations. A Vestry member needs to be working with each parish organization; this individual would report back to the Vestry on the organization’s activities. The Mission and Outreach Committee needs to include Evangelism. The organizational chart that came out of the meeting includes all parish organizations with the exception of the Transition Committee. The Transition Committee will be a long term group which will discuss what’s going on now and be available for the new Rector, who will determine when their service is no longer needed. The Interim Rector will appoint the Transition Committee as well as the Profile and Search Committees.
Vestry Retreat: He has a friend in Maryland who is very experienced in advising vestries. The individual will be attending a meeting in Albuquerque in April, and a retreat with St. Martin’s Vestry is scheduled to take place while he is in the area.
Fever Soccer Football Club: Constance Smith, director and founder of the Fever, the soccer club that uses our fields, has a goal of getting the club’s members and their families to come to St. Martin. The club is made up mainly of African American, Hispanic and Asian members. They have already done a number of service projects for St. Martin and hope to do more in a long term relationship with the parish.
Upcoming Conferences: He asked that all parish members who are available attend the Changed Conference Workshop in Frisco February 9 – 11 and the THE Conference on Evangelism, Stewardship and Formation May 2 – 4 at Camp Allen in Diocese of Texas.
St. Martin Preschool and Academy Planning Meeting: There was a gathering on November 5 to begin the process of formation of a School Board. The (Interim) Rector, Senior Warden and School Director are ex officio members of the School Board. Participants at the meeting reviewed the requirements for School Board membership and suggested names for the board members who are appointed by the Rector. The following have agreed to serve on the St. Martin School Board and have been appointed by the Interim Rector: Brian Long, Karrie Marling, Annette Duff and Linda Seeber. He is contacting one other person. The Board will meet December 3 at 7 PM. The Interim Rector plans to attend the School staff meetings on Wednesday mornings.
Associate Rector’s Report
Diocesan Activities: The Associate Rector announced that she and the Bishop have agreed that as of the recent court hearing, her diocesan inreach job is finished. She is on the wrap-up committee for the recent 2013 convention. Our deanery is in charge of all diocesan convention 2014, and she will bring to our deanery the information she learns at the wrap-up meeting.
St. Martin Information for the Fever Games: She has some plastic real estate boxes that will be attached to the backs of the soccer signs, giving information on the services and activities of St-Martin-in-the-Fields to all who come for the soccer games.
Keller Holly Days: St Martin will have a St. Nicholas float in the Holiday Parade on Bear Creek Pkwy, Keller, December 6. The parade starts at 6 PM and St. Martin participants will gather at 4 PM. Participants are to wear red or green tops if they wish to walk alongside the float and hand out gold-foil wrapped candy in the shape of coins – the traditional gift of St. Nicholas. Those planning to participate are to contact her.
Senior Warden’s Report
The Senior Warden shared information regarding 2 proposed non-budgeted expenditures for the remainder of 2013. He postponed discussion and decision on the matters until the December meeting. Input is needed on the subjects from the Treasurer and the Finance Committee before a decision is made.
Junior Warden’s Report
Roof Repair Claim: At the recommendation of the insurance adjustor the Jr Warden will be turning in a bid received for replacement of the entire roof plus coverage of the damage to the interior and attic areas.
Watering of Soccer Fields: The Fever Soccer Club wants to take over responsibility for watering the soccer fields. To do so they want to tie in to our water meter system at the street and pay the cost (approximately $2000) resulting from the work. DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry authorize the Jr Warden to proceed with negotiations regarding the property with the goal of reaching a contract which would then be brought back to the Vestry for consideration at the December Vestry meeting. The motion was seconded and carried.
Outside Signage: There was discussion re changing the outside signage for St-Martin-in-the-Fields. DJ Mitchell moved the Senior Warden and Jr Warden be authorized to investigate the most reasonable approach to outside signage as soon as possible. The motion was seconded and carried.
Gift Policy Resolution
At the last Vestry meeting DJ Mitchell was tasked with preparing a possible Gift Policy for St-Martin-in-the-Fields. He presented the Gift Policy in resolution form. Joel Walker moved the Vestry adopt the Gift Policy resolution as presented. The motion was seconded and carried. The resolution is attached to and made a part of these minutes.
Columbarium Transfer
There are currently no firm policies in effect regarding transfer of columbarium spaces between individuals. DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry approve the transfer of a columbarium space from Paula Steves to Jim Wilson and LC Crowley as agreed between the parties. The motion was seconded and carried. Jim Wilson, as a party to the transfer, recused himself from the vote.
St-Martin-in-the-Fields Tee Shirts
The Associate Rector gave information on ordering St. Martin tee shirts to wear in the Holly Days parade. The design and cost will be provided on the manufacturer’s website.
The meeting adjourned at 3:31 PM with prayer by Joel Walker.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
Please note: Next regular vestry meeting Sunday, December 15, 12:30 PM, East parish Hall.
Christian Education Report
November 2013
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
Sunday School Update:
In November, Sunday school resumed age-specific curriculum (Godly Play, re:form and RefLectionary) for youth and children in the east parish hall at a new time between the 8:00am and 10:30am service from 9:30am-10:15am. Since the time change, Sunday school attendance for children and teens has dramatically decreased. I have called a meeting this month with all Sunday school volunteers and Fr. Mike to discuss the current Sunday school schedule.
Adult Education, led by Fr. Mike, is currently being held in the west parish hall from 9:30am-10:15am, with a morning gathering time starting at 9:15am with coffee and conversation and has drawn a great crowd each Sunday.
Wednesday Study: This group recently began a book study on Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Official Prayers by Anne Lamott.
Looking Towards December–
Advent Fest 2013: Plans are in full swing for St. Martin’s Advent Festival to be held during coffee hour in the east parish hall on December 1st. All are welcome! Make an advent wreath, grab a cookie and hot chocolate and learn about this blessed season. Vestry member Linda Seeber will be offering a children’s Christmas store where children can shop for family and friends during this event!
St. Nicholas Visit: St. Nicholas will visit St. Martin’s Preschool and Academy on Dec. 4th and 5th to spread God’s love and his message of the importance of giving. All are welcome to attend this special chapel service in the sanctuary at 9:25-9:50am.
Elves Feast: A couple of sneaky elves are planning a feast to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve in the east parish hall. After the 5pm family service, join in the merriment with special Christmas goodies in the east parish hall! I will be looking for bakers and those willing to bring some treats to make this event a success!
In His Service,
Corrie Cabes
Director of Christian Education
Gift Policy Resolution
WHEREAS, St. Martin in the Field appreciates and welcomes the spirit of giving inherent in each donor’s prospective gift or donation (herein after referred to as “Gift” or “Gifts”) and thanks each donor for their thoughts and intentions;
WHEREAS, St. Martin in the Field must affirmatively vote to accept all Gifts offered to it, subject to the strictures of law and the Tax Codes of the United States of America and of the State of Texas and may decline acceptance of any Gift if such Gift detracts from the purpose, goals, character, integrity or independence of our church;
WHEREAS, St. Martin in the Field will make all Gifts available to aid in carrying out the mission of our church, subject to the affirmative vote of its Vestry, and consistent with the laws of the United States of America and the State of Texas;
WHEREAS, The Vestry of St. Martin in the Field (herein after referred to as “the Vestry”) recognizes its responsibility to be a good steward of the Gifts entrusted to it;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VESTRY:
1. Unrestricted cash Gifts will be accepted and recorded by the Treasurer of St. Martin in the Field (herein after referred to as “the Treasurer”) at the direction of an affirmative vote of the Vestry;
2. Restricted Gifts or Gifts designated for a particular use will be accepted and recorded by the Treasurer at the direction of and after an affirmative vote of the Vestry only if the Vestry has previously established a fund (herein after referred to as “Fund” or “Funds”) into which the restricted or designated Gift may be placed in a way consistent with the wishes of the donor;
3. Funds established by the Vestry will include the General Fund, the Restricted Capital Fund, the Unrestricted Capital Fund, the Memorial Garden Fund or other Funds as my be established from time to time by an affirmative vote of the Vestry;
4. If the restrictions or designations placed on a particular Gift are not consistent with the limitations and purposes of a particular Fund, a member of the Vestry, as directed by the Senior Warden of the Vestry, will inform the donor, and if agreement cannot be reached as to what Fund the Gift can be directed, the Gift will be returned to the donor;
5. At the time the Vestry receives notice of a non-cash Gift (e.g., stock, various kinds of securities, insurance products, automobiles, furniture, animals, jewelry and real estate), such Gift cannot be encumbered in any way and will be subject to verification of ownership by the donor and an affirmative vote of acceptance the Vestry;
6. All non-cash Gifts shall, under the direction and guidance of the Vestry and as quickly as reasonable possible, be liquidated and the receipt of cash from such act of liquidation shall be given to the Treasurer for deposit into an established Fund, as designated by the donor and accepted by the Vestry; thus establishing the non-cash Gift’s fair market value for both St. Martin in the Field and the donor;
7. All costs related to the liquidation of a non-cash Gift will be deducted from the cash derived from the liquidation of the non-cash Gift;
8. Acceptance of all Gifts will be acknowledged by the Treasurer in a written letter to the donor and will state, among other things, the value of the cash Gift or, in the case of a non-cash Gift, the value of said Gift as established through the process of its liquidation; and,
9. The Vestry will at all times safeguard a donor’s privacy and other confidential information related to his or her donation and will make public the donation only with the express written approval of the donor.
by Anika Rinker | Apr 25, 2013 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
March 17, 2013
Present: Steve Anderson, Bob Bess, Annette Duff, Gary Grant, Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, DJ Mitchell, Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Joel Walker, Jim Wilson; Jim Reynolds, Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk.
Not present: Amy Haynie, Parochial Associate; Joe Panther; Diana Panther, Treasurer.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, May 22, 2011, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector.
Minutes of the February 17, 2013, meeting were approved as distributed.
Christian Education Report
The written report of Corrie Cabes, director, is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of the Treasurer the financials and her written report are attached and made a part of these minutes. DJ Mitchell moved the Treasurer’s Report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
Parochial Associate’s Report
In the absence of the Parochial Associate, her written report is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Rector’s Report
The Rector passed a congregational certification for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth for Vestry members to sign supporting the ordination of Jordan Haynie to the priesthood. The signatures of the 11 Vestry members present were attested to by the Clerk. The completed certification and an accompanying letter will be sent to the Bishop and Standing Committee. (See attached copy.)
He announced that since St Stephen’s, Hurst, must rent a facility for services, they will be having no Holy Week weekday services. Members of St Stephen’s will be attending some of the Holy Week services at St Martin. The Rector of Trinity has announced that they will have no Easter Vigil service. She has charged members of her congregation with attending the Vigil at other Episcopal churches. They are to return with ideas of what Vigil practices they want to have in the future at Trinity.
Senior Warden’s Report
The Senior Warden shared details of his recent meeting with Bishop High. (See attached.)
The diocese has a list of those who are trained to serve as Interim Rectors. The Vestry will elect an Interim Rector from that list.
The Rev Jim Reynolds’ final service at St-Martin has been moved from June 30 to June 9. The Bishop will be present. There will be one service that day at 9:30 AM – a special service that ends the relationship that began when the priest was installed as Rector in the parish.
The Bishop will meet with the Vestry when he is at St Martin for confirmations on May 5. He will be discussing the calling process. The Vestry will not serve as the Calling Committee. The Vestry will be represented on the Calling Committee, however. The Senior Warden plans to work with the Calling Committee. He intends that all areas of church life will be represented on the Calling Committee which will be elected by the Vestry. The Bishop has stated that past experience has shown that the bigger the committee, the slower the calling process, the smaller the committee the faster the process.
The Vestry agreed with the Senior Warden’s proposal to move the June meeting to Tuesday, June 18, 7:30 PM.
Junior Warden’s Report
The Jr Warden thanked Vestry members for all their prayers and support during the final illness of his brother. He reported there was a good turnout for Grubby Sunday, and thanks have gone out to the parish. There is a Girl Scout project going on at present in the Memorial Garden.
Green Teams are gearing up to begin their work. A determination must be made if teens can be used on Green Teams if a parent is not present.
Mission and Outreach
Joy Malmgren stated that the committee is making plans.
Building Security System
Pat Hollifield distributed written information sheets on the hardware he has researched to date and a questionnaire detailing decisions that must be made in order to choose the correct type system. Hollifield was charged with getting firm-price proposals as soon as possible from several professional sources for the equipment they recommend and the installation costs involved to secure both buildings. Vestry members agreed they would be willing to vote via email when they have the information in hand. Linda Seeber will check into the price of a “gun safe” for use to store the valuable items used for services.
The meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM with prayer by Gary Grant.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, APRIL 21 2013 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL. CLOSING PRAYER – STEVE ANDERSON. LUNCH – LINDA SEEBER.
Christian Education Report
March 2013
LENTEN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Soup, Study and Stations-This program wraps up on Friday, March 22nd. Mother Amy Haynie has led a wonderful discussion and helped families connect childhood memories and faith traditions, bringing meaningful holy time now to their own family.
Children and Youth have brought the Bible to life, brick by brick with Legos. They will walk from the manger to the cross and beyond with our Lord.
I am happy to say that the Vestry has been well-represented during this series!
Special thanks to these Vestry Members:
ANNETTE DUFF, for your family’s participation and support of this program. STEVE ANDERSON, for checking in on the program, coordinating the cleaning crew and being available during set-up time.
JOEL WALKER, for his generous donation of soup that has spanned the entire program length and paper/plastic products. His adoption and support of this program has been invaluable!
SSJE– The Society of St. John the Evangelist—each day, this wonderful group of learned scholars and monks has brought a refreshing approach to the Lenten Journey with video clips on the St. Martin’s Facebook page and blog.
AWAKE MY SOUL– St. Martin’s and St. Elisabeth’s have come together to support a family in need. Donations ranging from canned goods to self-care items have poured in from the generous hearts of these two parish families.
Holy Week Worship Opportunities for Youth– Mother Amy and I are combining to bring our children and youth a meaningful worship experience on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Children will begin in the Sanctuary and process out to the East Parish Hall in the Education Building for a special liturgy for youth. There will be interactive stations of the cross and a standing wooden cross that will be bare during Holy Week yet will transform on Easter as a living symbol of Christ’s defeat of death.
Easter Sunday Events– An egg hunt will be held in between the 8:30am and 10:30am services at 9:45am. Children are encouraged to arrive at 9:30am in the East Parish Hall to be put into “crews” before they hunt for eggs. Look for a beautiful flowering cross that children will decorate with flowers from home or those provided by the church. Photo opportunities will abound on this blessed day!
SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
Living the Questions– A new Adult Sunday Morning Christian Education offering begins between the Sunday services starting April 7th in the West Parish Hall .
Diocesan Fine Art Gallery-What was once a beautiful Lenten journey for many artists is expanding to invite the entire Fort Worth Diocese to reflect on the liturgical calendar. Artists may choose a season, such as Epiphany and reflect with art or music. The Bishop’s calendar is marked to attend the Fine Art’s Gallery on May 18th from 5-7pm. You are cordially invited to attend and mingle with some of the most talented artists and musicians in North Texas! Participants may download registration forms from the St. Martin’s webpage or the Fort Worth diocese webpage. May 1st is the deadline to participate!
Youth Confirmation Retreat– A retreat for Youth Confirmands will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on May 3rd and 4th. Please pray for our youth as they continue the path set before them at their baptism. Bishop High will confirm candidates who have completed this weekend retreat.
EFM-Education for Ministry, a program through the University of the South, equips lay-persons to be informed and knowledgeable in their daily ministry. Look for an inquirer’s meeting in May.
Labyrinth-It is my pleasure to team up with Ron Hitchcock and a Labyrinth committee to start the plans for an outdoor worship space and labyrinth on the campus of St. Martin’s. A “Path of Prayer” will be the theme of this project and it will come to clear focus as a Lenten Project for 2014.
VBS– Many hands will make God’s work come alive to children and their families this June 24th-28th from 9:30am-12:00pm.
Last Note-
I was deeply saddened by the recent crime resulting in a broken window to my office and the theft of our penny jar for the Lenten project. I want to thank Father Jim Reynolds and Mother Amy Haynie for their quick and cool-headed response, working with the police and crime investigators and their assistance in cleaning up the rather large mess of shattered glass in my office. In addition, I want to thank Jim Wilson for his kindness towards me. He did an additional deep cleaning on Grubby Sunday and I was very touched by this.
As a result, I have met with Father Jim Reynolds and Mother Amy Haynie to consult them about the security of the church. It is my greatest mission to provide a safe and secure environment for the children and adults that God has entrusted me to educate and care for at St. Martin’s. We have put a trusted parishioner, Bill Matulevich, in charge of the Awake My Soul fund and he will empty and deposit the funds weekly.
I am very grateful to hear that the Vestry has a security plan in the works. I have been told by Father Jim that the flat screen television that I plan to use for the Spring Adult Christian education program cannot be remounted in the West Parish Hall for use until the security plan is put in place. It is my prayer that I will be able to move forward with this exciting new offering for our adults beginning on April 7th.
In His Service,
Corrie Cabes
Director of Christian Education
Parochial Associate’s Report
March 2013
Hi Friends,
Corrie and I are chaperoning the EYC to Main Event this week for one last Spring break party.
The Holy Week schedule is the same times as in past years. Corrie and I are working together to introduce a new Children’s worship time within Maundy Thursday and Good Friday evening services so that families may feel comfortable bringing children. It is important to all of us that we walk through all the days of Holy Week so that we truly understand the joy of Easter. Corrie and I felt that the children might need an age-appropriate way to participate in the story.
Easter Vigil has one baptism, and the 10:30 Easter service has one baptism. SMiTF is blessed to have so many families with babies and young children. Thanks be to God and to the vestry who supports a Christian formation director so well.
Corrie and I are also gearing up for the Youth Confirmation Retreat May 3-4. The entire Confirmation class will take 26 hours – six sessions – over two days with a closing worship. We are hopeful that this format will fit busy family schedules better than six classes spread over six weeks. April 1 is the deadline to register so that we can get t-shirts ordered and know whom to expect. On April 19th, Corrie and I will spend the day in preparation and prayer for our confirmands and chaperones. Bishop High will be at SMiTF on May 5th for confirmation. It will be a big weekend for all of us – please keep us in your prayers.
The provincial Youth Event is being advertised throughout Province VII. I may have two teens from Stephenville joining us, as well as a college senior willing to be a chaperone! It will be exciting to have more youth from the diocese involved if possible. SMiTF has done a great job of representing the diocese for the last three years through our teens, and I expect that will continue at the PYE.
There is still a middle school summer Youth Event being talked about. Some of the clergy have planning it are slow to respond, but I am hopeful it will still happen. Once I have the dates, I will publicize. It would be an event within the diocese, staying at a local Episcopal church (maybe even SMiTF). I am working really hard to not be the only person planning youth events for the diocese, so I am anxiously waiting to see how this plays out.
I will be out of town April 8-10 to attend the Episcopal Church Building Fund Symposium. This will be my third year to attend on behalf of the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth. If you need me those days, I will have my cell phone with me and will respond, as I am able. We will be meeting in Albuquerque, NM.
