Vestry highlights – June 22, 2014 meeting

Vestry Highlights June 22, 2014
As clerk of the vestry I have been authorized by the interim rector and the senior warden to provide the following report of the 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 vestry approved the proposed change from part to full time employment for Children and Youth Minister/School Chaplain Corrie Cabes. The change in status will be effective July 15. Other staff changes were announced. Jan Rees has accepted the position of Financial Manager. Her hours will generally be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 AM to 3 PM. Heather Ripple is expecting her second child and wants to be able to devote more time to her family. She is resigning as Nursery Director effective July 31. Rachel Stehlik has resigned as assistant to the nursery director. Mayra Carballo will be taking over as Nursery Director. Talks are in progress with an individual to serve as her assistant.
With the posting of the parish profile on the national registry, the rector search is beginning. Online applications and names from the Canon to the Ordinary, Bishop and parish members will be coming to the search committee. The committee is being trained in search committee interviewing. Periodic updates will be given on the search process, but most of the process will not be transparent and will take place behind the scenes. All are encouraged to contact any member of the search committee with questions as the process proceeds.
The shortfall on pledge receipts continues, although the trend seems to be improving slightly. The stewardship minutes during services are being well received. The interim rector stated that the short talks need not be limited to stewardship committee members. Anyone who wants to participate with their own story is encouraged to contact him.
Senior Warden Bob Bess shared with vestry members communications received from Catherine Stehlik, previous director of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Preschool and Academy making demands and accusations against St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and Interim Rector Mike Wallens. Since both the church and interim rector are covered under the same policies, the matter will be referred to the insurer.
The painting of a labyrinth on the floor of the east parish hall is on hold at present. The company from which prices and preliminary information were received has not been forthcoming with more details. Labyrinth committee chair Ron Hitchcock and the interim rector are currently exploring other options.
The vestry approved proposed updates to both the building use policies and the nursery policies.
The vestry approved a new logo for St. Martin – St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church & School – to be used in all branding and communications. With an eye to the future the preference of the vestry is that the name of the school be changed from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Preschool & Academy to St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal School.
The following persons will serve as the Audit Committee for 2014 which will audit the 2013 financial records of the parish and school: Jack Bailey, chair, Dawn Childers, Paula Jefferson, Courtney Mullaney, Lee Norwood, Jane Smith and Doug Watson. The committee plans to meet August 25. Once complete the audit must be officially accepted by the vestry before it is forwarded to the diocese.
Senior Warden Bess will be out of the state the entire month of July. Any matters that need attention during his absence should be referred to Interim Rector Mike Wallens or Jr Warden Joe Panther.
As has been its usual practice in the past, the vestry will not have a regular meeting during July. The next regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields will be August 17, 2014, 12:30 PM.
The vestry will meet in retreat Saturday, September 20, 2014, 10 AM to 4 PM in the home of Gil and Susan Kleinwechter. The main focus of the retreat will be studying what makes up a healthy mission-focused church and determining ways to begin the process of taking St. Martin-in-the-Fields further along that path.