by Anika Rinker | Sep 24, 2021 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING, March 21, 2021
Present: All Present: Chris Mullaney, Bob Bess, Mary Anderson, Linda Seeber, Jim McManic, Amanda Alvarez, Melissa Kurkul, Joe Stark, Julie Sutton, Keen Haynes, Bob Garrity
Absent: DJ Mitchell
Also Present: Paula Jefferson, Sue Mitchell, Liza Goodner and Gary Wilkinson
Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church was held Sunday, March 21, 2021 virtually via zoom meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Very Rev. Ron Pogue at 12:35 p.m.
Keen Haynes made a motion to approve the Annual Meeting Minutes
Bob Bess second: Vestry voted to approve.
Minutes from the February, 2021 meeting were approved as distributed, no revisions.
Lisa Goodner: Scout Update
- Reported that there are three potential scout projects – sidewalk to the flag pole, benches to be replaced and a possible outdoor movie screen.
- Liza requested a fundraiser for the projects. Discussion
- Bob Bess made a motion to approve a fundraiser and Chris Mullaney seconded.
- Vestry voted to approve a fundraiser.
Treasurer’s Report: Gary Wilkinson for DJ Mitchell
Treasurer’s Report Approved:
- Gary said the church is doing well and will continue to monitor the expenses.
- Monthly Spending was approximately $5,900
- Ahead on pledges
Finance Committee Report: Gary Wilkinson
- Committee reviewed all reports and the scouting report for projects
- Reported that the electric company will help with outside lighting
- Bob Bess made a motion to receive the reports and Bob Garrity seconded.
- Vestry voted to accept the treasurer’s and finance committee reports.
Rector search committee: Sue Mitchell
- Monday March 15th was the deadline for applicants.
- Multiple candidates, ½ have passed red flag check
- Will conduct introduction interview with a 2nd interview being more in depth.
- Mock interviews are being set p with Canon Waggoner.
- Sue reported that the committee feels very positive about the process
Endowment – St Martin’s Cloak – update:
- Discussed setting up endowment committee and a team to serve as a governing board
- Team will be/should be comfortable speaking with people about estate planning and be able to work with the group that currently manages our funds.
Senior Warden: Keen Haynes
- Vestry members need to complete background checks
- Executive Council Report:
- Discussed legal challenge and need to vacate by April 9th.
- Name change for dioceses
- Food Pantry and Offices will move with St. Luke’s
Junior Warden: Bob Bess and Chris Mulaney
- Locks on church and offices changed to keypads. Looking to change one door to the parish hall to a keypad.
- Parking lot lighting replaced. Continue working on all lighting
- Announced a church workday – April 11th. 12:30 – 3:30 (tentative end time)
- Bob announced the 8 channel mixer is being replaced with a 16 channel.
- Asked for approval to donate the 8 channel mixer to Chuck Taylor for all his time he has spent helping at church.
- Julie Sutton made a motion and Linda Seeber seconded the request
- Vestry voted and approved.
Chris Mulaney:
- Chris will publish the Holy Mowers Schedule this week.
Father Pogue:
- Reminders about Vestry Person in Charge and Lunch/Closing Prayer Schedule.
- Easter and Holy Week schedule is out. No Easter Vigil
- Baptism Easter morning – new family with 2 children.
- Announced Discovery Weekend on Zoom for April 16-18th.
- Announced Stage 1 opening – 10:30 will open with app 15% occupancy with reservations and will open the parish hall to live stream.
- Stage II – 8:00 am service and Christian Formation for all 9:15-10:15
Curate’s Report: Paula Jefferson
- Shared about her experience at the Hillsboro church and their spirit. April they hope to be in a new space.
- Discussion about restarting a new group of Human Flourishing in the fall and using the same books.
- Next Book – Speaking of Sin by Barbara B. Taylor
Adjournment and Closing Prayer at 1:45
NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, APRIL 18TH AT 12:30 PM
by Anika Rinker | Sep 24, 2021 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING, February 21, 2021
Present: All Present
Absent: None
Also Present: Paula Jefferson, Sue Mitchell and Gary Wilkinson
Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church was held Sunday, February 21, 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 January, 2021 meeting were approved as distributed, no revisions.
Treasurer’s Report: DJ Mitchell
All were sent copies of the drafted 2021 budget and treasures report prior to the meeting.
- We ended 2020 on a positive note with $45,000 to carry over for 2021.
- Expenses were low due to the offices closed etc.
Treasurer’s Report Approved:
All approved the reports as presented.
Finance Committee Report: Gary Wilkinson
- Equipment purchase – laptop for Administrative Assistant.
- Discussed the idea of an outside audit at some time.
- Discussion regarding the yearly in house audit and when it will be completed
Financial Report Approved
Rector search committee: Sue Mitchell
- The profile for a new rector has been released and has been put on the websites
- 2 applicants so far – Diocese needs to screen them first
- Discussion regarding interviewing schedule for the vestry
- Sue reported that the committee feels very positive about the response so far.
Endowment – St Martin’s Cloak – update:
- Discussed setting up endowment committee and a team to serve as a governing board
Senior Warden: Keen Haynes
- Election of new officers at the Deanery meeting
Junior Warden: Bob Bess and Chris Mulaney
- Reported that he walked through the building checking pipes etc after cold snap. Everything seems to be in good condition.
- Working with Zander, the custodian, on replacing lighting
- Replacing exterior doors locks with a keypad to the office and parish hall. Looking at pricing.
- Parking lot lighting need to be replaced.
Chris Mulaney:
- reported the need for a Grounds Committee with all the people currently connected to the grounds (Scouts, Labyrinth, Holy Mowers etc)
- Discussed an outreach in the future to help people during an emergency in the community with and making plans with the current outreach ministry leader. Using our facilities if necessary to house people, etc.
- Julie Sutton, Chris Mulaney, and Mary Anderson will be on a committee to look at the need in the future.
Father Pogue:
- Discussed the litigation and Supreme Court ruling
- A meeting is planned on February 19th regarding the ruling and he will report at the next meeting what was discussed.
- Announced Kesa Clingman will head the environmental team.
- Parochial Report was discussed referring specifically to Statement #10 regarding racial injustice and reconciliation and how it would be implemented. He will ask Christian Formation whether we could make it a priority.
Curate’s Report: Paula Jefferson
- Shared success of Human Flourishing and plans to continue
Adjournment and Closing Prayer at 1:45
The Meeting was adjourned with prayer by Chris Mulaney.
NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, MARCH 21st AT 12:30 PM
by Anika Rinker | Sep 22, 2021 | Better Together, News
Sisters of the Spirit will begin discussing Lone Star Spooks by Nate Riddle on Monday, October 11.
Take a ghostly tour of Texas and discover what creepy tales lay hidden in its old buildings and gloomy corners. – amazon.com
This quick read will conclude on October 18. Our next discussion begins on October 25 about Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah.
Sisters of the Spirit (SOS) is a group for women who are interested in exploring their faith through book discussion and the shared experience of friendship. SOS meets weekly at 1 pm Mondays in the small parish hall or by Zoom to discuss books from many genres, and all women are invited.
Contact Kerry Angle, kkangle@prodigy.net for more information and to get on the email list to find out about books, events, and more, or to join the conversation by Zoom.
by Anika Rinker | Sep 15, 2021 | News
Get ready to clean out your closets or shop the sales and bring in your gently used or new shoes and new socks!
From October 1 – 31, we’ll collect shoes and new socks for the men, women and children served by Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County (UGM).
Please bring gently used or new shoes and new socks and place them in the box in the back of the church.
All sizes, types, colors, including athletic, dress, boots, etc. are appreciated and will be distributed to those in need at UGM.
We thank you for your generosity and please know that you are doing something really good for the homeless population of Fort Worth. Also, by giving away all of your old shoes you now have room for some new ones!
Questions? Please contact Linda Seeber at lrseeber@sbcglobal.net.
You can shop on smile.amazon.com and support St. Martin’s at the same time! A portion of your purchase will be donated back to the church.
Want to deliver items to the church directly?
Ship to:
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
223 South Pearson Lane
Keller, TX 76248
by Anika Rinker | Aug 16, 2021 | Christian Formation, News
St. Martin’s provides a truly wonderful place for young children to begin a life-long faith journey. The nursery invites all children from birth to 3 years of age to come join the fun each Sunday, during 9:15 am Christian Formation hour, the 10:30 am worship service, Christmas Eve, and other special services. The nursery room is located in the Christian education building.
Children are taught that they are precious gifts from God. They will also learn that God loves them very much! Children can sing songs, learn short prayers and make beautiful art work. The nursery follows the lectionary and curriculum, just like children and youth Christian Formation. Nursery staff will bring children to join their families for the Eucharist during the 10:30 am worship service.
When you drop off your child for the first time, we’ll ask you to fill out an intake form. Or you can do it now!
Our Nursery Staff
Nursery Directors Rose Ackley and Katy Gott are dedicated and experienced early childhood caregivers who adore each child that walks through the nursery door. Parents can rest at ease knowing that their children are not only being cared for, but nurtured and guided to know the love of Jesus. Want to know more about the nursery? Contact the Director of Family Ministries at liza.goodner@stmartininthefields.org or stop by on Sunday in the education building and check it out with your child.
by Anika Rinker | Aug 4, 2021 | News
Backpack Blessings on August 13
All students, teachers, school volunteers, whether you’re in preschool, public school, private school, Sunday School, college, or graduate school: you’re invited to receive a special blessing and backpack tag!
Please bring your backpacks to church when you come to worship on Sunday, August 13 at 9:15 am and we will pray for the excitement of learning, growth, and fun as we begin a new school year.
After church, join us for a potluck brunch in the large parish hall!. Cupcakes & snow cones will be provided.
Please bring brunchy potluck items to the kitchen before the 9:15 am service.
by Anika Rinker | Jul 29, 2021 | Christian Formation
At St. Martin’s, children are ALWAYS welcome in worship – wiggles and all!
For those families who desire it, children and youth will also be welcome (but not required!) to participate in a time of Scripture reading, reflection, and prayer designed specifically for them.
At the 10:30 service, families will begin in worship together. After the Gospel reading, children will follow the cross out to the children’s chapel. Teens are welcome to join in to learn and help with younger children. Parents are also welcome to accompany their child.
We will all regather for the Eucharist, as we come together around God’s table as God’s family.
Children and Youth participate in a Family Worship Service on first Sundays at 10:30 am. The Children’s Choir performs, and children and youth read scripture from the Old Testament, New Testament and recite the Prayers of the People.
The choir practices in Chapel on 4th and 1st Sundays. Walk-ins are also always welcome, as the music instruction is tailored for children who attend for the first time!
by Anika Rinker | Jul 29, 2021 | Christian Formation, Sunday School for Kids
Created by Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, the Godly Play® method is a curriculum of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God’s presence in our lives. The Godly Play curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into—and pursuing us in the midst of—Scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play® practice teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our lives.
Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance.
Godly Play has a Montessori foundation with 40+ years of research and practice.
Godly Play values process, openness, discovery, community and relationships.
Godly Play models the worship life, stories, symbols and rituals of Christian congregations.
Godly Play allows practitioners to make relevant and personal theological meaning.
Godly Play nurtures participants to larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play.
For online videos and instruction from the Godly Play Foundation website click here.
Godly Play: ages 3 – 5th grade
Please join us for Godly Play on Sundays at 9:30 am in the Godly Play room in the big parish hall.
A doorkeeper will greet each child as they enter the Godly Play room adorned with a bright red circular rug and plenty of bible stories. A trained storyteller brings Bible stories out of the pages by retelling them using props and accessories. Children are invited to ask questions about the story during a “wondering time.” At the end, children can respond to the story in art form, by painting, drawing, or using other art media we have on hand. Older children help younger children, and it is a wonderful way to learn about the stories of the Bible and grow faith.
by Anika Rinker | Jul 29, 2021 | Group
Vocal Workshop
Monday, July 8 at 7:30 pm
Even if you are not already in the choir, we invite anyone high school age and up to attend our Vocal Workshop. We’ll meet promptly at 7:30 pm in the Choir Loft.
We may sing some hymns, but the emphasis will be on singing technique. Everyone will push the boundaries of their ability in a fun atmosphere!
Get Involved!
Bob Duquesnel, our choir director, and the current members of the choir would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to sing with us in the loft on Sundays at the 10:30 am service. We’ve made room for about 20 singers to supplement the joyful music the congregation makes, singing of our Salvation and giving glory in gratitude to God!
We meet at 9:30 am each Sunday and review that day’s music as well as things we’ll sing on future Sundays. No other rehearsal night is planned but we will have some optional after service workshops for whatever needs arise. These will vary depending on the parish calendar and are intended to help you if you desire to develop your talents.
Please don’t feel obligated if your life only allows intermittent attendance. Just know that in all our parish’s music we experience divine intervention at the intersection of heaven and earth!
For more information, please contact bob.duquesnel@stmartininthefields.org.
Registration isn’t required, but it sure helps us keep track of everyone!
by Anika Rinker | Jul 1, 2021 | News, The Search for a Rector
Dear Parish Family,
It is with great pleasure that I announce that the Vestry has elected the candidate recommended by the Search Committee, The Rev. Canon Alan D. Bentrup, as the new Rector of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church.
Father Alan is a native Texan who grew up in west Fort Worth and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. After a ten-year career as a marketing consultant in Dallas and Houston, Alan and his family moved to Alexandria, Va., where he attended Virginia Theological Seminary.
Following graduation from seminary, Alan served as Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Cypress, Texas, and in 2018 was called to serve as Canon for Evangelism and Mission in the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. He serves in numerous leadership positions across the Episcopal Church, including the Voorhees College Board of Trustees and Episcopal Relief & Development’s Council of Advice.
Alan has two young sons, Walker (11) and Ford (13), and has discerned that they belong back in North Texas.
We are so fortunate that he has agreed to share his leadership skills and experience with us at St. Martin’s and in the Episcopal Church in North Texas.
We will welcome the family in late July. Please watch for details as soon as the appropriate arrangements can be made. You can send a welcome greeting to the Bentrups by clicking HERE.
In the meantime, let us offer this prayer each day:
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: We give you thanks for Alan, chosen Rector of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, for his family, Elizabeth, Ford, and Walker, and for those whose faithful service and prayerful discernment led to his call to come to us. Watch over Alan, his family, and those they leave behind in this transition. Give Alan grace to lead us as a pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us to unite us as Rector and People that we may truly, devoutly, and generously serve you and our neighbor; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
I would like to take a moment to thank the Search Committee for their hard work and tireless effort. They did a wonderful job of finding a new Rector to lead St. Martin-in-the-Fields on the next road of our journey! I would be remiss if I did not say thank you to the members of the congregation for your patience, support and prayers throughout the Search Process. Now let me be among the first to welcome Fr. Alan and his family to St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Fr. Alan sends his greetings in the video below.
Yours in Christ,
Keen Haynes
Senior Warden