St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting December 22, 2024

Present: Alan Bentrup – Rector, Mary Beth Butler – Senior Warden via Zoom, Rick Schulz – Jr. Warden, Dick Seeber – Jr. Warden, DJ Mitchell – Treasurer, Bob Bess, Carlie Briggs, Shawn Casey, Bob Garrity, Rebecca Haynes, Bryan Hedrick, Glenda Morehead – Clerk, Gary Wilkinson – Finance Committee Chair.

Also Present:  Linda Seeber.

Not Present:  The Rev. Gavin Tomlin, – Curate, Eloise Frye, Elizabeth Jordan.

A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday December 22, 2024 in the West Parish Hall. 

By general consent the meeting opened at 11:50 AM with prayer by the Rector who chaired the meeting.

Consideration of the Minutes

DJ Mitchell moved the minutes of the November 24, 2024, vestry meeting be approved as distributed. Bob Bess seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Finance Committee Report and Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report

Establishment of a New Temporarily Restricted Fund: Gary Wilkinson reported that the committee recommends the establishment of an Insurance Claims Proceeds and Expenditures Temporarily Restricted Fund to hold the funds received for recent damages to property and from which the funds would be disbursed. This would avoid the funds going into the General Fund and being used for general purposes. DJ Mitchell moved the establishment of the fund as described. Bob Bess seconded and the motion carried.

Investment Policy to Be Written: Bryan Hedrick, chair of the Endowment Committee, announced that the committee will be writing an Investment Policy Statement which will be brought to the vestry for approval.  Other committee members are DJ Mitchell, Michael Yackira and the Rector.

Treasurer’s Report Accepted: Dick Seeber moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Rick Schutz seconded the motion and the report was accepted.

COLA Approved for All Staff: The final vote on the budget for 2025 will not occur until the January 19 2025 vestry meeting. Rick Schutz moved that today the vestry approve a 2.50% cost of living increase in their wages for 2025. DJ Mitchell seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Clergy Housing Allowances Adopted

DJ Mitchell moved the vestry adopt the following resolutions regarding clergy housing allowances:

Resolved that the sum of $42,000.00 to be paid to the Reverend Alan D. Bentrup as a minister of the gospel at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Keller, Texas, January 1 – December 31, 2025, out of his compensation for that period, be designated as a housing allowance excludable from gross income to the extent permitted by Section 107, Internal Revenue code and Income Tax Regulation thereunder.

and

Resolved that the sum of $2,500.00 to be paid to the Reverend Gavin Tomlin as a minister of the gospel at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Keller, Texas, January 1 – December 31, 2025, out of his compensation for that period, be designated as a housing allowance excludable from gross income to the extent permitted by Section 107, Internal Revenue code and Income Tax Regulation thereunder. 

Bob Bess seconded the motion and the resolutions were adopted.

Junior Wardens’ Reports

The reports prepared by the Jr. Wardens are attached to and made a part of these minutes. The Jr. Wardens received a hearty round of applause for all their work this year. Schutz has met with HVAC and roofing contractors and received verbal bids only. He will inform them he must have firm bids in writing before January 19, 2025.

Senior Warden’s Report

The written report of Senior Warden Mary Beth Butler is attached to and made a part of these minutes

Curate Report

The Rector reminded vestry members that January 5, 2025 the day on which we celebrate the Epiphany will be the Rev Gavin Tomlin’s last Sunday at St. Martin’s. A reception following the service will give everyone a chance to say farewell to Tomlin as he moves on to serve as Associate Rector at St Paul’s, Waco. His first Sunday at St. Paul’s will be February 2. 

Rector’s Report

The Rector’s written report is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Vestry Meeting Schedule: The following are the dates of 2025 regular vestry meetings:

January 19

February 23

March 23

April 21 Monday via Zoom 7 PM

May 18

June 23 Monday via Zoom 7 PM

July – no meeting

August 24

September 21

October 19

November 23

December 21

January 19, 2026

Mission, Vision, Values Update: The implementation of the plan that was approved by the Vestry at the November meeting will require intense work. Michael Yackira has volunteered to assist the Rector to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Children’s Choir to Perform Monthly: The children’s choir will perform as a part of the 10:30 service every month. Both they and Mr. Bob enjoyed their preparation for and participation in Christmas and Epiphany services.

Master Plan Update

DJ Mitchell reported that he anticipates as many as three bids for work related to the office modifications to the small parish hall. He will have more complete information at the January 19 vestry meeting.

Bob Bess moved the meeting be adjourned, DJ Mitchell seconded the motion and the motion carried.

The meeting closed with prayer by the Rector at 12:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenda Morehead, Clerk

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting November 24, 2024

For a pdf of financials, please click here

Present: Alan Bentrup – Rector, Mary Beth Butler – Senior Warden, Rick Schulz – Jr. Warden, Dick Seeber – Jr. Warden, DJ Mitchell – Treasurer, Bob Bess, Carlie Briggs, Shawn Casey, Eloise Frye, Bob Garrity, Bryan Hedrick, Elizabeth Jordan, Glenda Morehead – Clerk, Gary Wilkinson – Finance Committee Chair.

Also Present: Kameron Abram– Eagle Scout candidate, Liza Goodner, Linda Seeber.

Not Present: Rebecca Haynes. 

A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday November 24, 2024 at 12 PM in the West Parish Hall. 

The meeting opened with prayer at 12:00 PM by the Rector who chaired the meeting. 

Eagle Scout Project Presentation – Kameron Abram

Abram’s Eagle Scout Project involves repair, renovation and improvement of the shed that houses the gardening equipment used to maintain St. Martin’s property. He plans to complete the project in April. He understands his work must meet Jr. Warden’s requirements. DJ Mitchell moved the project be approved as presented, Dick Seeber seconded the motion, and the motion carried. As the time for his work comes nearer, Abran will be invited by the Rector to speak during church services.

Consideration of the Minutes

Mary Beth Butler moved the minutes of the October 20, 2024, vestry meeting be approved as distributed. DJ Mitchell seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Finance Committee Report and Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report

Notes from the Committee Meeting: Gary Wilkinson reported that St. Martin’s cash position remains as was expected previously.

Budgeting Changes: DJ Mitchell reported that changes in the Curate position, the addition of the 4 Saints Food Pantry pledge, website reconstruction, additional youth program support and compensation for the Financial Manager and Chuck Ambrose will all be factored into the 2025 budget. Pledges continue to come in and the budget will be finalized at the January 19, 2025, Vestry meeting.

Treasurer’s Report Accepted: Rick Schutz moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Mary Beth Butler seconded the motion and the report was accepted.

Update on Stewardship Activities: The Rector stated that he sends a personal thank-you note to every pledger.  Vestry members are asked to participate in thanking pledgers. The note cards are provided in preaddressed stamped envelopes. Any vestry member who is not comfortable in helping thank pledgers is not required to participate.

Junior Wardens’ Reports

The reports prepared by the Jr. Wardens are attached to and made a part of these minutes. Rick Schutz reported that the leak referenced in his report has been fixed. The Jr. Wardens received a hearty round of applause for all their work this year. 

Senior Warden’s Report

The written report of Senior Warden Mary Beth Butler is attached to and made a part of these minutes

Curate’s Report

Gavin Tomlin remarked that he has mixed emotions at leaving St. Martin’s for his new position.

Rector’s Report

The Rector’s written report is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Mission, Vision, Values Approved: The proposed changes were provided in the vestry packet sent out by the Rector. DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry approve going forward with the plans as presented. Mary Beth Butler seconded the motion and the motion carried. The changes will be presented to the parish during January and February Rector’s Forums. 

Bylaws Committee Report

The report of the Bylaws Committee is attached to and made a part of these minutes. When the revised bylaws have been approved by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, the resulting document will be presented to the vestry for adoption. 

Master Plan Update

DJ Mitchell reported that he anticipates as many as three bids for work related to the office modifications to the small parish hall. Final design drawings will be complete after the holidays, sometime in January. 

It appears that pursuing a different type of contact has set the stage for a project within our budget limits. Actual bids will confirm this expectation or they will require us to modify our thinking.

Bob Bess moved the meeting be adjourned, DJ Mitchell seconded the motion and the motion carried.

The meeting closed with prayer by the Rector at 12:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenda Morehead, Clerk

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting October 20, 2024

For a pdf of financials, please click here

Present: Alan Bentrup – Rector, Mary Beth Butler – Senior Warden, Rick Schulz – Jr. Warden, Dick Seeber – Jr. Warden, DJ Mitchell – Treasurer, Bob Bess, Carlie Briggs, Shawn Casey, Eloise Frye, Bob Garrity, Rebecca Haynes, Elizabeth Jordan, Tina Morehead – Clerk pro tem, Gary Wilkinson – Finance Committee Chair. 

Also Present:  Linda Seeber, Sue Mitchell

Not Present: Gavin Tomlin – Curate, Bryan Hedrick, Glenda Morehead – Clerk 

A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday October 20, 2024 at 12 PM in the West Parish Hall. 

The meeting opened with prayer at 12:00 PM by the Rector who chaired the meeting.

Consideration of the Minutes

DJ Mitchell moved the minutes of September 15, 2024, vestry meeting be approved as distributed. Dick Seeber seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Finance Committee Report and Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report

Notes from the Committee Meeting:  St Martin’s cash position remains as was expected previously, including expenses paid out with regards to replacement of roof on the Education Building.  The reimbursement from the insurance company is falling over a 2 month period as reflected on the reports.  Though statements show a slight loss that will be resolved on November financial report.  To date, insurance has paid $144,000 and of that $94,000 has been spent.  The Finance Committee see no issues coming up through year end that would cause problems with cash flow and are very comfortable with current standings.

Budget Discussions:  Budget discussions were started at the October meeting of the Finance committee.  They will have a better idea of where to begin with those talks after the next update on 2025 pledges.  Finance Committee should have preliminary numbers on 2025 budget to the Vestry for the November meeting.

New line item on budget for 2025, 4Saints – 4Saints has asked the 4 founding churches to make annual pledges to the food pantry beginning in 2025. This will assist them in budgeting and planning.  Per the Rector, 4Saints will be told that St Marin will give $6,000 for 2025 to be paid quarterly after each Red Envelope month.  4Saints will be given the amount raised with the Red Envelopes drive, which has been roughly $6000 the last 2 years.  Dick Seeber moved that this be done,  Carlie Briggs seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report Accepted:  Bob Bess moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Mary Beth Butler seconded the motion and the report was accepted.

Update on Stewardship Committee and 2025 pledges thus far:  Bennett Cepack chaired the committee this year. Update was given on 2025 pledges received thus far.  Formal ingathering will be November 10^th at the celebration of St. Martin’s feast day with the knowledge that pledges will continue to be made through year end.    

Junior Wardens’ Reports

The report prepared by Rick Schulz is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

On Saturday 10/19/24, a large leak was discovered in the soccer field by Fever United coach Constance.  She talked to Posey Plumbing, which has moved in next door on Pearson.  Posey quoted less than 1/3 of the quote received from our usual plumber.  Dick Seeber gave the job to Posey Plumbing and paid for it on his parish credit card as it was below his $1500 limit.  Work was completed in time for services to be held today.

Education Building Roof Replacement completed:  Roof has been replaced and all work completed.  The roofer is working through negotiating remainder of cost with insurance.  This includes replacing the 4 HVAC units for the building (youngest of which was installed in 2001)  St. Martin’s will have those replaced under insurance work if possible.

Repair of Baptismal Font:  Rick Shulz has resealed and refinished the Baptismal Font, which had warped and was leaking.   

Senior Warden’s Report

The written report of Senior Warden Mary Beth Butler is attached to and made a part of these minutes 

Rector’s Report

The Rector’s written report is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Mission, Vision, Values update:  Preliminary work on updated logo, mission and vision statements was distributed to the Vestry in the October packet.  This will be reviewed by the Vestry in the November meeting and presented to the parish during January and February Rector’s Forums. 

Master Plan Update:  DJ Mitchell reported on his latest meeting with the architect, during which he was given contact information for a different company that specializes in Interior Finishing. Our project should fall more under Interior Finishing since we are no longer looking at moving walls, etc.  Mitchell feels this will give us a good read on if the project should really cost $900,000 as previously quoted. He has asked for new drawings from the architect to show new ceiling tiles with integrated sprinkler system so those can go to the City of Southlake for approval.   He did get an estimate of $200,000 for demountable walls as discussed in September vestry meeting.  He will arrange a trip to the Steelcase showroom in Dallas for any vestry members wanting to go see the proposed solution. 

The November and December Vestry Meetings are being moved to the 4^th Sunday this year, so that Finance Committee will have met before the Vestry meets.   

The meeting was closed in prayer by the Rector at 1:21 P.M.

Bob Bess moved the meeting be adjourned, DJ Mitchell seconded and the motion passed. 

Respectfully submitted, Tina Morehead

Clerk Pro Tem

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting September 15, 2024

For a pdf of financials, please click here

Present: Alan Bentrup – Rector, Mary Beth Butler – Senior Warden, Rick Schulz – Jr. Warden, Dick Seeber – Jr. Warden, DJ Mitchell – Treasurer, Bob Bess, Carlie Briggs, Shawn Casey, Eloise Frye, Bob Garrity, Rebecca Haynes, Elizabeth Jordan via Zoom,  Tina Morehead – Clerk pro tem, Gary Wilkinson – Finance Committee Chair.

Also Present:  Linda Seeber, Sue Mitchell, Liza Goodner, Max Poveda – Eagle Scout Candidate, Larissa Poveda

Not Present: Gavin Tomlin – Curate, Bryan Hedrick, Glenda Morehead – Clerk

A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday September 15, 2024 at 12 PM in the West Parish Hall.

The meeting opened with prayer at 12:01 PM by the Rector who chaired the meeting. 

Presentation of Eagle Scout Project Request

Max Poveda, Scout Troup 937, shared his proposal to provide upkeep in the Memorial Garden including planning and installation of a paved walkway to provide access to the columbarium, benches and other features already in place in the garden.  Time frame for work is November or December of this year. Liza Goodner will connect Max with members of the Memorial Garden Committee to coordinate his work with their expertise of the existing installations.  He will revise his plan to include that the garden is an active cemetery, and will revise it accordingly before turning in to his Scout troop for approval.

DJ Mitchell moved that Max’s proposal be approved by the Vestry. Bob Bess seconded and the motion carried.

Consideration of the Minutes

DJ Mitchell moved the minutes of August 18, 2024, vestry meeting be approved as corrected. Dick Seeber seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Finance Committee Report and Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report

Notes from the Committee Meeting:  St Martin’s cash position remains consistent as expected.  Though non-pledge income is a bit behind budget year to date, that is to be expected and committee is confident will resolve itself before year end.

Update on the Annual Financial Review: Wilkinson reported that the Annual Review documents were sent to the Diocese prior to September 1^st deadline.  As of September 14, 2024 we have not received any feedback from the Diocese.

Treasurer’s Report Accepted:  DJ Mitchell moved the Treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Dick Seeber seconded the motion and the report was accepted.

Junior Wardens’ Reports

The report prepared by Rick Schulz is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Update on water leaks in education building:  Dick Seeber reported that all water leaks have been repaired.  A list of damaged ceiling tiles needing to be replaced will be sent to roof contractor to be added to scope of work for roof replacement. 

Ceiling and roof repairs in Parish Hall: Contractor chosen to do work on roof replacement, Dave Poppennsee, has been working with insurance company to ensure all items needing repair are included in claim.  Materials to replace the roof are to arrive on Thursday September 19, 2024.  The natural gas line entrance has to be corrected to meet current code, including the natural gas pipe being be painted yellow instead of the red that was required when building was initially built.  HVAC units that are located on the roof of the building must be removed before roof can be replaced.  4 of the 6 are not working and need to be replaced now.  Rick Schulz was instructed to get bids on the 2 new AC units after insurance company agrees to pay for 4 damaged units.  The Rector and Wardens will review bids and execute contract for new units.  Per the Rector, Vestry has previously voted to replace all  AC units so no further vote is required.  The ceiling tiles and grids will need to be updated to current 2 foot x 2 foot standard for new construction in building (we currently have old 2 foot x 4 foot standard). Contractor will see if part of that expense will be covered by insurance claim on roof.

Senior Warden’s Report

The written report of Senior Warden Mary Beth Butler is attached to and made a part of these minutes

Rector’s Report

The Rector’s written report is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Stewardship Campaign:  The packet with Stewardship materials for this year is being assembled and will be mailed to the congregation the last week of September.  Ingathering will once more be during The Feast of St. Martin on November 10, 2024.

Master Plan Update:  DJ Mitchell shared his findings from visiting SteelCase showroom in Dallas.  They provide “de-mountable” walls and modular office space.  Changing to that method will not require moving of plumbing or walls and work could be done and completed over a long weekend.  SteelCase is working on a bid to meet our needs for office spaces and classroom space.  Current children’s bathrooms will be incorporated into Nursery area and only accessible from the Nursery.

One change to Master Plan is that after renovations the hall with offices and childcare will be locked down on weekends.  Unless parishioners have children in childcare or work in childcare, they will not have access to that hallway as an update to security processes.  Also, a review will be made of SafeGuarding training certificates on hand.  Unless one has a valid and current SafeGuarding certificate on file as issued by Diocese of Texas, they cannot work with children in our parish.

The Rector announced that part of Gavin Tomlin’s training as a Curate includes leading a Vestry meeting.  This will take place before year end.

The meeting was closed in prayer by the Rector at 1:21 P.M.

Bob Bess moved the meeting be adjourned, DJ Mitchell seconded and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted, Tina Morehead

Clerk Pro Tem

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting August 18, 2024

For a pdf of financials, please click here

Present: Alan Bentrup – Rector, Gavin Tomlin – Curate, Mary Beth Butler – Senior Warden, Rick Schulz – Jr. Warden, Dick Seeber – Jr. Warden, DJ Mitchell – Treasurer, Bob Bess, Shawn Casey, Eloise Frye, Bob Garrity, Rebecca Haynes, Bryan Hedrick (via Zoom), Glenda  Morehead – Clerk, Gary Wilkinson – Finance Committee Chair.

Also Present: Deborah Diehl, Sue Mitchell, Tina Morehead, Linda Seeber.

Not Present: Carlie Briggs, Eizabeth Jordan.

A meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, August 18, 2024, in the West Parish Hall.

The meeting opened with prayer at 12:00 PM by the Rector who chaired the meeting.

Mutual Ministry Review Plans

The Rector introduced St. Martin’s Stephen Ministry Director Deborah Diehl, who told of her more than 30 years’ experience in Human Resources for numerous companies and organizations throughout the United States. The study she will be leading will be a 360 ⁰ look at St. Martin’s at this point in the Rector’s leadership of the church – where there have been successes and where there have been failures – with the goal to be setting out plans for the future. Diehl will be working closely with Senior Warden Mary Beth Butler. There will be small group sessions – safe spaces where those attending will be respectful of one another, with the firm times of beginning and ending established ahead of time. Reports of comments made will be completely anonymous. She plans to have all the meetings done by December with the analysis and results of data ready for presentation to the vestry by the January 19, 2025 meeting and shared with the entire congregation at the Annual Meeting January 26, 2025. 

Consideration of the Minutes

DJ Mitchell moved the minutes of the June 17, 2024 vestry meeting be approved as distributed. Dick Seeber seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Finance Committee Report and Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report

Notes from the Committee Meeting: Gary Wilkinson, chair, stated that the Finance Committee voted to support all the proposals that will be presented at today’s Vestry meeting. The cash on hand has gone down during the summer months as expected, but more important is the fact that net income has been positive in 5 out of 7 months, whereas the 2024 budget projected a positive net income in only 3 out of 7 months. Year to date net income of $59,460 remains above plan by $20,081 – the highest it has been in any year in his experience with the committee.

Annual Financial Review: Wilkinson reported that Audit Committee has finished its work and that the results show that as of December, 2023 St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church has a sound and reliable financial reporting system supported by good internal control. No corrections are needed. DJ Mitchell moved the vestry accept the Audit Committee Report for forwarding to EDOT. Bob Bess seconded the motion and the motion carried. The report must be forwarded to EDOT by September 1.

Treasurer’s Report Accepted: Bob Bess moved the Treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Bob Garrity seconded the motion and the report was accepted. 

Junior Wardens’ Reports

The report prepared by Dick Seeber is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Chapel Fan Maintenance: Seeber added that it had been brought to his attention that the ceiling fans in the chapel needed attention. There has never been any air conditioning in the chapel. The fans are the only source of cooling. Groups needing the door shut for privacy depend on the fans. Investigation showed the light globe on one was loose and there was debris on the fan blades of another. The fans are now functioning as they should.

Wiring in the Church: Len Neill has accepted the responsibility for hiding the wiring going to the video components in church. He will be doing the work in September.

Repairs Done Today: Rick Schulz reported that today he had repaired the urinal in one bathroom in the church building and rehung the door that was off its hinges in the other. He remarked that the decorations in both bathrooms need to be changed to reflect that they’re now unisex.

Update on Leaking Roofs: The Church Insurance Corporation will be paying on our claims for wind and hail damage. On our claim of a loss of $179,623.84 with a deductible of $1,000.00, and $39,601.97 depreciation the Company will be reimbursing St. Martin’s around $139,021.87. The number is subject to change once a contract is signed for the work to be done. Rick Schutz will be contacting the roofers to solicit bids.

Senior Warden’s Report

The written report of Senior Warden Mary Beth Butler is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Curate’s Report

Gavin Tomlin stated that he really enjoys being a part of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church then left the meeting for a phone call. 

Change in Curate’s Stipend

The Rector announced that in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas curates are eligible for an 8% raise at the end of their first year at their assigned church and churches within the diocese are strongly encouraged to follow the practice. In the case of Curate GavinTomlin the increase would be under $550.00 per month which includes benefits. Bob Bess moved the vestry approve the increase retroactive to July 1, 2024, Dick Seeber seconded the motion and the motion carried.

The Rector reminded the vestry that St. Martin’s contract with EDOT for financial assistance is up in 2025 which will have an impact on the 2025 budget. The Finance Committee is aware of the fact, and will increase the 2025 budget as needed.

Rector’s Report

The Rector’s written report is attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Vestry Nomination Plans: The Rector announced that nominations for Vestry open September 1. He stated that the policy since his arrival is to present only enough nominees to fill the positions being vacated. The Nominating Committee will be him and the Senior Warden and the outgoing vestry members. He has already been in contact with 3 qualified parishioners who are interested in serving.

Stewardship Plans:  Bentrup will be working with Bennett Cepak on the pledge campaign for calendar year 2025. The campaign will start October 1, 2024 and the ingathering will take place at the celebration day for our patron saint – St. Martin on November 10, 2024.

Endowment Plans: Bryan Hedrick and his committee will begin the campaign shortly to encourage parishioners to include St. Martin’s in their wills.

Outreach Funding for Nearby Schools: Texas schools are cutting programs due to funding cuts made by the state. Schools all over the state are asking for help. Several of the youth of St. Martin’s participate in Arts programs: choir, marching band, orchestra and the like. When our youth come to him with requests from their schools some Outreach money will be used to assist them. This is in no way intended to impact our long-standing help to Union Gospel Mission, 4 Saints Food Bank and others.

How St. Martin’s Addresses Social Justice Concerns: The Rector asked DJ Mitchell to answer the question raised by Eloise Frye. Mitchell leads the Zoom meetings of the Tuesday Book Group which meets weekly at 7 PM. Mitchell stated that the meeting is attended by a wide variety of individuals – not only members of the congregation but outside – literally people from all around the country. All who are interested in studying such serious matters are encouraged to attend. He described some of the books they’ve used in the past and some that they will be using when classes resume shortly. Both he and the Rector emphasized that the conversations are in depth, often difficult but always respectful of the views of others. The Rector will confer with the Curate about additional ways to incorporate teaching of the Episcopal Church’s role in social justice work throughout the formation offerings of St. Martin’s..

Master Plan Update

DJ Mitchell announced that changes are being made in the planned reconstruction that should greatly reduce the cost. While the load bearing walls will stay in place, the interior changes would be done by the use of modules that would be dropped into place. He and the Rector will be meeting with Business Solutions, a highly rated company who specializes in such work. Contracts will not be signed with any companies until they finish their research. 

DJ Mitchell moved the meeting be adjourned, Bob Bess seconded the motion and the motion carried. The meeting closed with prayer by the Rev. Alan Bentrup at 1:08 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Glenda Morehead

Clerk