Vestry Minutes: Annual Meeting, January 31, 2021

by | Mar 22, 2021 | Vestry Updates

ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS ANNUAL MEETING

January 31, 2021

The Annual Meeting of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held on January 31, 2021 virtually via Zoom meeting.

Call to Order

The Very Rev. Ron Pogue, Interim Rector, called the meeting to order and prayer by Deacon Ayo Omoniyi.

The Diocesan canon requires a quorum of at least 10% attendance by all confirmed communicants of good standing, we have a quorum.

Meeting Secretary/Clerk

Per Article 6.4 of the Bylaws of the St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Kristy Pemberton, the current Vestry Clerk, will record today’s meeting.

Identification of Present Vestry Members

The Interim Rector introduced the current Vestry members. Those whose terms end in 2022 are Bob Bess, DJ Mitchell, Chris Mullaney, and Julie Sutton. Those whose terms end today are Christopher De Clerk, Kristy Pemberton, Ben Taylor, and Becky Snell. These members were recognized and encouraged to wave on the Zoom call. Father Ron thanked the vestry for the hard work during the 2020 calendar year.

Introduction of Nominees for Vestry

Those nominated for the 2023-2024 Vestry were Amanda Alvarez, Mary Anderson, Melissa Kurkul, Jim McManic, Joe Stark, and Elke Tessnow.

Introduction of Nominees for 2020 Diocesan Convention

Those nominated as Delegates to the 2021 Convention were Mary Beth Butler, Christopher De Clerk, Bob Garrity, Keen Haynes, Ed McGlaston, Mark Pulliam, and Dan Wagner.

A few notes and instructions for voting for the vestry and the delegates are:

For the Vestry:

We need one person to fill vacancy for the class of 2023, this person is eligible for a full three-year term after serving the remainder of the year of the vacancy.

We need to elect four people for the 2024 term, which will be a full three-year term.

There are 6 nominees, the four with the highest votes will serve for the class of 2024 and the person with the next highest vote will serve for the 2023 term.

When casting votes, five must be voted for.

For the Diocesan Convention:

St. Martins is entitled by Diocesan cannon to have five lay delegates for the Diocesan Convention.  We have seven nominees, so there for five must be voted for.

Preparations for Balloting

The votes were done electronically via Election Runner. The ballot counters were Becky Snell, Christopher De Clerk, and Kristy Pemberton. They worked with Anika Rinker, Parish Administrator, to ensure that all ballots are correctly counted and the results would be reported directly to The Very Rev. Ron Pogue.

Vestry Election

Members were instructed to begin voting online.

Report on the Rector Search

Sue Mitchell and Rex Angel reported on the rector search committee. Page 12 of the annual report lays out the extensive report on all the steps taken to accomplish the goal of calling a new Rector for St. Martins.  Initial meetings with Bishop Scott and Canon Waggoner, they told us it would take 12-18 months for this process to complete this process, and it has taken 12 months indeed.

The Profile has been approved by the Bishop and will be posted to the church and OTM websites soon. After it is posted the committee will have the ability to view possible Rectors that are looking for a new church as well.

It will be the end of March before we are able to accumulate all of the applicants. While we wait for that the applicants to respond the committee will begin setting up the interview processes. The interviews will be held via Zoom due to the pandemic.

Sue would like to thank the committee for all of their hard work and dedication to this process. Sue also mentioned that as soon as details are allowed to be communicated on the search, they will be announced, until then please keep the committee in prayer.

Father Ron instructed all to visit the St. Martins website and click on Rector Search and it will take them to the website showing the parish profile and updates as they are available. It can be downloaded as a PDF or read it like a book on the website. Father Ron also thanked the committee and their families for the level of commitment it has taken.

Other Reports

The Rector commended to the Parish the printed 2020 Annual Parish Report, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Reports from ministries are found within the report.

Junior Wardens’ Report

Chris Mullaney and Bob Bess, co-Junior Wardens. Bob Bess thanked everyone in the Parish and Chris Mullaney for all the hard work that happened in 2020. Due to the pandemic several projects were able to be taken care of due to the simple fact that we had an empty building.

The biggest project was a new roof, we are thankful for that repair. Xander, who serves the church in a cleaning capacity has really stepped in to help with the repairs. With Xander’s help, new lights, ceiling tiles and new wiring have been installed. Chris Mullaney thanked Dick and Linda Seeber for all the hard work helping us keep the building going during the Pandemic. Chris would also thanked the Holy Mowers for helping keep the grounds green and clean. New sprinklers have been installed so this will give us a good start for the spring.

Senior Warden’s Report

Keen Haynes started by thanking everyone for the continued prayers for his family. Keen read from his report that is attached to the minutes.

Click HERE for the Annual Report

Interim Rector’s Report

The Very Rev. Ron Pogue shared his written report. Father Ron recapped the last 17 months of his service, encouraging us in our future and reminding us to continue to run the race with peace and patience.

A special thanks was given to Chuck Ambrose for all of the hard for and commitment in helping with the live streaming services, the new wiring that was necessary for us to continue during the pandemic.

Father Ron believes we will have our new Rector sometime this summer and that he and Gay will be with us until then.

Click HERE for the Annual Report

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer DJ Mitchell gave a report, with printed materials included in the Parish Report. The report contained a narrative of the state of the finances from the Finance Committee, a 2020 Income and Expense Graphic Statement, and a 2020 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Fund Balances.

The 2021 budget was included in the report.

DJ commended the church on the faithfulness to every member, considering we did not meet face to face for most of the 2020 calendar year. DJ also thanks the vestry for watching every penny for the church.

The budget looks good for the 2021 fiscal year, which includes a salary for the new Rector and a full time Curate.

The zoom meeting was unmuted for questions.

Endowment Report

DJ Mitchell, Jen Duncan and Kristy Pemberton reporting. The Charter for our Legacy Society, St. Martins Cloak, was unanimously adopted. The Charter is included in the annual report.

The Zoom meeting was unmuted for questions.

Mary Beth Butler asked the best way to give to the endowment fund. Father Ron and Jen Duncan said they are typically given in a will and directed to the church, the wishes of the giver. An accountant and a lawyer can assist you in this.

A committee will need to be established in the future to manage this fund in conjunction with the outside financial management team.

Father Ron asked that members vote online to approve this charter. It was approved.

Final thoughts by Father Ron

Father Ron encouraged all members to read and reflect on page 31 of the annual report to see what is happening in the church.  It is alive and well even with the doors closed.

COVID is no match for SMITF!

Results of the Vestry and Diocesan elections

Vestry:

Amanda Alvarez, Mary Anderson, Melissa Kurkul, Jim McManic, and Joe Stark.

Delegates:

Mary Beth Butler, Christopher De Clerk, Keen Haynes, Ed McGlaston, Mark Pulliam. Dan Wagner and Bob Garrity will be alternates.

The Vestry and Delegates were commissioned by our curate Paula Jefferson.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristy Pemberton Clerk/Secretary of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

by | Mar 19, 2021 | Uncategorized

Maundy Thursday, April 2

Maundy Thursday takes its name from the Latin Mandatum, a reference to the “New Commandment” Jesus gave us to “Love one another.” On Maundy Thursday, Christians remember Jesus putting on the garment of a servant and washing the feet of his friends. Maundy Thursday also recalls the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion in the Upper Room at the Last Supper.

All Night Vigil

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus was troubled when supper was over. He and the disciples went to a garden to pray. The disciples slept as Jesus struggled in prayer. We come to the Chapel at St. Martin’s to sit, pray, and remember Jesus choosing the Way of the Cross.

Will you watch with Jesus? Spend some time in thoughtful prayer through the night at St. Martin’s Overnight Vigil in the Chapel at the Altar of Repose following the Maundy Thursday service on April 2. Our Maundy Thursday observance doesn’t end with the service … it continues throughout the night into Good Friday morning. For these powerful hours, we are invited to watch and wait with our Lord through his painful struggle and then stand with Him outside the gates of Pontius Pilate’s palace, again watching and waiting. In this quiet time, reflect on Jesus’ path, feel his lonely struggle to accept the will of God, the danger he faced and the terrifying events of his ultimate act of love and redemption.

Please use the form below to sign up for a one hour (or more) time slot. 

Easter Sunday: Photos & Flowering of the Cross

Easter Sunday: Photos & Flowering of the Cross

by | Mar 11, 2021 | Events, News

All are welcome!

Please join us on Easter Sunday, April 4, as we celebrate Jesus’ birth! Festivities will take place on the front lawn, in front of the sanctuary, starting at 9:30 am before the Drive-in Worship Service. 

Family Photos

If you would like an Easter family photo, please use the form below to RSVP. Photos will be taken under a decorated arbor on the front lawn and will be emailed to you later that day or early in the week.

Please park in our parking lot by 9:30 am and wait in your car. We will text you when it is your turn for a photo. Please wear masks until you are instructed to take them off. 

Flowering of the Cross

After taking pictures, please proceed to the cross on the lawn. Sunday school teachers will greet children with flowers which they can then place on the cross! 

See you Easter morning!

RSVP for Easter Photo

Baptism

Baptism

by | Mar 11, 2021 | News

In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which can be performed through pouring of water or immersion in it, marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own for ever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

 

All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

-episcopalchurch.org

 

We will baptize children and adults on the following feast days throughout the year: Easter Vigil, The Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after the Epiphany.) If you would like to request a baptism on any other day, let us know in the form and we will do our best to accommodate you. The decision is at the rector’s discretion.

Request for Baptism under age 16

Request for Baptism over age 16

If you have any questions, please contact our parish administrator Anika Rinker at stmartin@stmartininthefields.org or Fr. Alan Bentrup at alan.bentrup@stmartininthefields.org.

Vestry Minutes: January 17, 2021

by | Mar 11, 2021 | News, Vestry Updates

ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING

January 17, 2021

Present:  Bob Bess, Bob Garrity, D.J. Mitchell, Kristy Pemberton, the Very Rev. Ron Pogue (Interim Rector), Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Julie Sutton, Christopher DeClerk

Absent:  Ben Taylor, Christopher Mullaney, Keen Haynes

Also Present:  Paula Jefferson, Sue Mitchell, and Gary Wilkinson

This special meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church was held Sunday, January 17, 2021 virtually via zoom meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Very Rev. Ron Pogue at 12:30 p.m.

Consideration of Vestry Minutes from previous meetings:

Minutes from the December 20, 2020 meeting were approved as distributed, no revisions. 

Treasurer’s Report:

All were given copies of the drafted 2021 budget and treasures report prior to the meeting.

  • Thankfully, we ended 2021 on a positive note, $52k ahead. If we had not received the PPE loan we would have ran out of money in November.
  • Expenses were under budget overall, the only are that was above budget was in the worship ministry, up $6k and that was 100% due to an increase is costs during the pandemic as previously as reported from all of 2020.
  • The Christmas offering was almost $7k
  • Snell asked the question about maintenance costs in 2021. What is the plan going forward when the church re-opens?  Bess confirmed that we will be able to stay within the budget as planned and that 2020 was a good opportunity to catch up on much needed projects including changing out the light fixtures.  The light project will be an ongoing effort in 2021.  Bess also noted that Zander is doing a great job of assisting with the lights, this is helping our costs as well. 

Treasurer’s Report Approved:

  • All approved the reports as presented. 

Finance Committee Report:

The committee met on January 16, 2021

  • Gary Wilkinson personally thanked the Vestry for watching every penny in 2020 and expressed how important the donations were to get us through a tough year. The Vestry agrees, we are all so thankful for everyone!
  • Copies of the budget were presented to the Vestry.
    • So far the pledged budget for revenue is $475k and the budget is $472k, we will also be carrying over the surplus from the 2020 budget. The pledge revenue includes $344k pledges and $64k in other pledge income. The other income is based off several years average for this revenue stream.
    • It is important to note that there is no money in the budget for a youth minister or a financial manager. We currently have a volunteer financial manager and for that we are thankful.
    • Gary Wilkinson also noted that our 2020 financials are un-audited at this time. The final budget will be ready by the annual meeting January 31st.
    • Julie Sutton asked if the surplus school items can be sold, like furniture that is no longer needed and books that other schools may be able to use. We all agreed that items that can be filtered into the children’s ministry should be and then anything else that is needed can be sold. The money earned from this sale will be used for 2021 Children’s ministry only.

Financial Report Approved:

All approved the reports as presented. The budget was approved, motioned by Linda Seeber, seconded by Becky Snell. All approved. 

Rector search committee:

Sue Mitchell reporting

  • The final profile was submitted to the Bishop on Tuesday January 12th and is awaiting his review and subsequent approval. Canon Waggoner confirmed receipt via email. Sue Mitchell shared our eagerness to see this approved so we can move to the next step.

Endowment update:

  • A committee will need to be established now that the paperwork and processes are in place. Some gifts come with very specific requirements for usage and we need a team to decide ahead of time if the gifts and requests line up with the guidelines of the fund.

DJ Mitched moved to accept this recommendation, Bob Bess seconded and all approved.

Senior Warden update:

Keen Haynes had excused absence, no report given.

Father Ron said the only thing he would add here is that the litigation is under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court and we will report any updates as they are given.

Junior Warden update:

Bob Bess reported

  • The roof is complete and the ring doorbells are still working great.
  • The Fever Soccer League added markers on the side of the driveways hoping to deter people from driving into the ditches.
  • The buildings and grounds committee still needs to be organized.

Curate Report:

Paula Jefferson reporting.

  • Human Flourishing adult class is going really well. They finished the book and have entered into a two-week lecture regarding homosexuality which was spurred on by Bishop Curry’s book. Some attendees are not affiliated with St. Martins and that is exciting.
    • The next book will be Not in God’s Name and will be facilitated by DJ Mitchell.
  • The visiting Eucharistic Visitor is thriving. At Christmas over 130 people were served.
  • Calls to our community are continuing and Morning Prayer is going great.
  • Jefferson asked that during lent that all vestry members write a Lentin reflection to be shared with all. A schedule was set for the members to help. Rev. Jefferson asked that all submissions be to her by the end of January.
  • Linda Seeber suggested a drive through pancake meal this year since Covid limits our getting together. There were no objections from the vestry, we just need to figure out the logistics. 

Interim Rector’s Report:

  • Stations of the cross will be virtual this year and planning is still in the works for ashes for Holy week.
  • Annual Parish Meeting discussions:
    • It will be via zoom this year and each qualified member will be sent a link on the day of the meeting and can be voted online.
    • The vote counting committee, Leslie Pemberton, Becky Snell, and Christopher DeClerk will verify and monitor the voting and Anika Rinker will report results back to Father Ron before the meeting adjourns.
    • Father Ron asked that all vestry members stay online after the meeting to elect new officers for the 2021 year and set up all the meetings as well.
    • A new clerk will need to be elected, please keep in mind it does not have to be a member of the vestry, but can be. 

Adjournment and Closing Prayer:

The Meeting was adjourned with prayer by Linda Seeber. 

NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 AT 12:30 PM VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristy Pemberton

Clerk