by Anika Rinker | 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!
by Anika Rinker | 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.
by Anika Rinker | 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
by Anika Rinker | Mar 10, 2021 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
December 20, 2020
Present: Bob Bess, Bob Garrity, D.J. Mitchell, Kristy Pemberton, the Very Rev. Ron Pogue (Interim Rector), Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Keen Haynes, Christopher Mullaney, Julie Sutton
Absent: Ben Taylor, Christopher DeClerk
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, December 20, 2020 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 November 15, 2020 meeting were approved as distributed, one revisions, Snell asked that instead of saying that the church staff and pastoral care staff will be praying for all the needs of the congregation during Covid, that we make sure we mention that we will continue to reach out to those in need.
Treasurer’s Report:
All were given copies of the budget and treasures report.
- Revenue, pledges continue to be slightly ahead of plan as of this month.
- Expenses are all on track, a few areas are slightly above budget but others are below. There has been a pledge to help offset some of the increased costs of Covid related expenses.
- Still no news on the PPE loan
Finance Committee Report:
The committee met on December 19, 2020
- The budget is on its third revision and is just waiting on final YTD numbers to see where we can start for 2021. The January meeting will finalize the budget.
- There are still 22 pledges outstanding, so far $429k has been pledged and the budget is $454k. It is possible we will be voting on a 6-month budget to get us started like we did in 2020.
- Snell asked for clarification on what the impact is exactly for the PPE loan. Clarification was given.
- The thanksgiving offering brought in $6k and the Christmas offering has not come in yet.
- It was suggested that the vestry approve Christmas gifts for the staff. The amount would be $109.00 for 5 staff members including Zander, minus Father Ron. All approved. DJ and Sue Mitchell will arrange for the gifts and the distribution.
- All PDFs are being sent to the vestry to approve the housing resolutions. Mitchell moved to accept, Bess 2nd, all approved.
Financial and Treasurer’s Report Approved:
All approved the reports as presented.
Rector search committee:
Sue Mitchell reporting
- The final profile is coming soon and will be ready for the January Vestry meeting. They are still waiting on the drone video and commentary by Chuck Ambrose.
- The new website is still under construction. Snell asked that an organizational chart be added to the website for easy viewing. The staff is on the website, it was suggested that it be labeled clearly for new visitors to find.
- We are setting up an account on the Rector search website so we can post our need.
- The vestry will view and approve the final compensation package for the new rector before it is sent to the diocese for approval.
The vestry would like to thank all of the members for their time and prayers that have gone into this, we know countless hours have been spent and precious time away from family. You all are very much appreciated.
All acknowledge the receipt of the draft profile.
Senior Warden update:
Haynes reported.
- DJ Mitchell and Haynes submitted the clergy compensation plan to Canon Waggoner. Further compensation conversations will be had with the Bishop.
Junior Warden update:
Bess reported
- The roof is complete. After the shingles were removed substantial damage was found to the decking and it all had to be replaced. The bid was an additional $17k to replace and the insurance company approved the supplement and has already paid for the work to be completed. An additional vent was installed, and a new gutter system.
- The new Ring doorbells have been installed on the East and West doors and are now operational. Father Ron, Paula Jefferson and Sue Mitchell all have access to the app to assist Bess in monitoring.
- 4 out of the 5 TVs have been installed and are operational. All of the wires have been ran and organized for less chaos in the attic. The remaining TV will be installed in the choir loft but we need to get direction from Joe on where he wants it.
- Zander is helping with odd projects around the church and it has been so helpful. He has helped replace the damaged ceiling tiles and other floor tile issues.
- The Fever have donated a new sprinkler controller and have replaced the purple martin house. They will also install reflectors to help others see the bar ditch.
- Chuck Ambrose has gone above and beyond to help with all of the wiring as well as continued live streaming of the services. The DeClerk family has been such a blessing as well. Thank you all for the help you provide for us.
- May thanks to Gabriela Gordon for all of the hard work on the grounds. So much has been done for the labyrinth, the memorial garden and overall clean up around the church.
- Mullaney asked for help with rounding up help during the spring for the Holy Mowers and to help clean up the grounds. He is open to ideas on how to get folks plugged in to help. It can be a daunting task and we need help.
- Suggestions were made to re-hire the company that used to keep the playground clean and weed free. Father Ron suggested that we re-institute the building and grounds committee. It was also recommended that we ask for people to volunteer for specific time slots, like 6 months instead of an open-ended term. We may get more volunteers this way.
- Mullaney will write up detail instructions on how the Holy Mowers handle the grounds to assist in our volunteer efforts.
The vestry extends our gratitude for all the hard work given to St. Martin, this is truly Gods work being done, and we notice.
Curate Report:
Paula Jefferson reporting.
- 2 funerals have been held in the past month.
- We are adding a blue advent service on Wednesdays.
- The Eucharist visitor program is going great, more sign up sheets are being added.
- Pastoral care committee, the offices will be open Christmas week to pick up communion kits. The days for this will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only and will be staffed by the Pastoral Care team.
- Suggested zoom meeting with The Fever so we can join together for common projects.
- Father Ron advised the vestry that Zander worked really hard to put together an office for Paula, we are so thankful.
- The new book for the Human Flourish ministry will be Love is the Way by Bishop Curry.
Interim Rector’s Report:
- The space in the school areas are being utilized again, including the prayer shawl ministry. Shelving has been moved around to accommodate everyone.
- The final drafts of the Charters are ready and will be added to the website soon.
- VPICs for February are scheduled.
- Father Ron asked for the Vestry to approve the final Endowment document, Mullaney moved to accept, DJ Mitchell seconded, all approved and recommended to be published for the January Annual Church meeting.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer:
The Meeting was adjourned with prayer by Father Ron
NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2021 AT 12:30 PM VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristy Pemberton
Clerk
by Anika Rinker | Mar 10, 2021 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
November 15, 2020
Present: Bob Bess, Bob Garrity, D.J. Mitchell, Kristy Pemberton, the Very Rev. Ron Pogue (Interim Rector), Linda Seeber, Christopher DeClerk, Becky Snell, Keen Haynes, Christopher Mullaney, Julie Sutton
This special meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church was held Sunday, November 15, 2020 virtually via zoom meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Very Rev. Ron Pogue at 12:30 p.m.
Absent: Ben Taylor
Also Present: Paula Jefferson, Sue Mitchell and Gary Wilkinson
Congregational guests: Linda Snow, Jennifer Varley
Consideration of Vestry Minutes from previous meetings:
Minutes from the October 18, 2020 meeting were approved as distributed, one abstention, Snell who had not read them.
Treasurer’s Report:
All were given copies of the budget and treasures report.
- Revenue, pledges are actually ahead of plan as of this month.
- Expenses are all under budget except for the music department, the increase is due to extra covid supplies. Even with the AC expenses building and grounds is still under budget, utilities are still down to slower building usage.
- Still no news on the PPE loan
Finance Committee Report:
The committee met on November 14, 2020
- Beginning processes of the 2021 budget including:
- How the new rector salary and compensation package will fit in.
- Inspecting all expenses to see where savings may be.
- The Vestry approved Thanksgiving offering package went out as planned.
- The Christmas package will go out in December as well as information on the Angel Tree ministry.
Financial and Treasurer’s Report Approved:
All approved the reports as presented.
Stewardship Report:
- 88 pledges are in so far over the 66 reported last month. 29 families that pledged in 2020 have not pledged in 2021.
- Father Ron and DJ suggested that we pass the word that if any families are struggling right now to please reach out to us so we can pray for the needs.
All accepted the report as presented.
Rector search committee:
Sue Mitchell reporting
- The new draft of the profile was emailed yesterday to all vestry members.
- Mitchell would like all recommendations to be emailed directly to her and not to copy all on the email distribution list. There are emails kicking back when too many are copied and she feels this alleviate the problem.
- Chuck Ambrose will narrate the drone video.
- The new website is under construction now.
- The final draft of the profile will be ready for the December vestry meeting
The vestry would like to thank all of the members for their time and prayers that have gone into this, we know countless hours have been spent and precious time away from family. You all are very much appreciated.
All acknowledge the receipt of the draft profile.
Endowment fund update:
- The new guidelines will be distributed in the December vestry meeting, DJ Mitchell is asking for all edits to be sent directly to him.
Junior Warden update:
Bess reported
- The insurance company has paid out our claim on the roof, $30,000 which includes the church building and offices.
- There is a current shingle shortage and as soon as the contractor can locate materials the repairs will begin and should take 4 weeks to complete.
- A motion was given by Bess to enter into contract with the roofing contractor, seconded by DJ Mitchell, all approved.
- As expected, the water bill increased due to extra watering on the soccer fields Fever has agreed to pay for the excess.
- A few sprinkler heads are broken, Bess/Mullaney will look at them and repair what is needed next week.
- The new sign at Union Road and Davis is up and under budget, total cost was $200.00. A special thanks to Ron Hitchcock for all his work on this.
Senior Warden update:
Haynes reported.
- There is still one slot open for delegates, please let Haynes know if anyone is interested.
- The Vestry recommendations are in there will be five slots to fill.
Curate Report:
Paula Jefferson reported on pastoral care, ministries are still under way and going great.
- Lectionary series, Forward Looking continuing, 9 attended last week.
- EYC, Movie night was a huge success, the kids were very happy to be together even though socially distanced.
- Morning prayer is going well, 9 people attended last week.
- Jefferson has written a Thanksgiving prayer and will occur in the Christmas service as well.
Interim Rector’s Report:
- All VPIC assignment are complete through the annual meeting in January.
- The space in the school areas are being utilized again, including the prayer shawl ministry.
- We need to make sure we are very careful as outside groups begin to utilize the space again. Sanitizing will need to be implemented. More on this as this time approaches.
- The charters are still in editing phase, contact info is being added on those that are in each ministry. Father Ron asked that all new charters be turned in ahead of the December Vestry Meeting.
The Vestry then entered executive session to discuss the compensation package for the new Rector.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer:
The Meeting was adjourned with prayer by Haynes.
NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH, 2020 AT 12:30 PM VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristy Pemberton, Clerk
by Anika Rinker | Mar 5, 2021 | News
Thanks to many helping hands, the prayer shawl ministry has created a new storage room for all their yarn and completed projects waiting for a home.
They are now open for donations of more yarn! If you would like to donate yarn, please contact Kathy Wilkinson at laughkath@gmail.com.
The new storage room is located in the small parish hall, in what was once the computer lab.
Learn more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry
by Anika Rinker | Feb 5, 2021 | News
Thanks to all who participated in last Sunday’s Annual Parish Meeting and to all who contributed reports.
In addition to the written and verbal reports, there were several highlights of the meeting.
The Rector Search Committee reported on their progress, including the release of the Parish Profile, which will assist in attracting applicants for the position of Rector.
Treasurer’s Report – DJ Mitchell, Parish Treasurer, reported that the parish is financially stable and expressed gratitude for the remarkable generosity demonstrated by members. Over 98% of the budgeted amount pledged was fulfilled. The 2021 Budget, adopted by the Vestry on January 17, is balanced with a small positive balance.
A Charter for a legacy society to advance the endowment for St. Martin-in-the-Fields was unanimously adopted at the meeting. The name is a reference to the cloak St. Martin of Tours cut in half to share with a cold beggar beside the road. After that act of compassion, St. Martin had a dream in which Jesus said he had shared the cloak with him. Those who inform us that St. Martin’s is included in their estate plans or make a direct contribution to the endowment will be included as members of St. Martin’s Cloak.
Mission & Governance – Members were invited to consider finding a place of ministry in the parish. A document has been published on the parish website to explain how we are organized for mission and governance and the roles of most of our ministries.
Elections – Outgoing Vestry members were thanked for their service. New Vestry Members and Delegates to Diocesan Convention were elected and were installed along with the Wardens.
Elected to the Vestry
- Amanda Alvarez – Class of 2024
- Mary Anderson – Class of 2024
- Melissa Kurkul – Class of 2024
- Jim McManic – Class of 2023
- Joe Stark – Class of 2024
Wardens Appointed
- Keen Haynes – Senior Warden
- Bob Bess – Junior Warden
- Christopher Mullaney – Junior Warden
Elected as Delegates to Diocesan Convention
- Mary Beth Butler
- Christopher DeClerk
- Ed McGlaston
- Keen Haynes
- Mark Pulliam
- Dan Wagner – Alternate
- Bob Garrity – Alternate
Other Officers
The new Vestry met following the Annual Parish Meeting and elected the following officers:
- Mary Anderson – Clerk of the Parish
- DJ Mitchell – Parish Treasurer
A Prayer for Our Elected Leaders
O Eternal God, the foundation of all wisdom and the source of all courage: Enlighten with your grace the Vestry, Wardens, and Convention Delegates of this Parish, and so rule their minds, and guide their counsels, that in all things they may seek your glory and promote the mission of your Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
by Anika Rinker | Jan 28, 2021 | News, The Search for a Rector
The Parish Profile is a tool to help aid us in our search for a new rector.
Using information gathered from our 2020 parish survey and Holy Conversations with members, as well as with the input of clergy, Vestry, Canon to the Ordinary, and Bishop, St. Martin’s Rector Search Committee has developed our Parish Profile for 2021.
by Anika Rinker | Jan 28, 2021 | News
Here is the full report of the 2020 Annual Meeting, January 31, 2021.
In it are Vestry & Delegate nominee info, reports from the clergy, vestry wardens, and lay ministry leaders. Also included are church statistics and financial records for the year 2020.
by Anika Rinker | Nov 9, 2020 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING: September 20, 2020
Present: Bob Bess, Bob Garrity, D.J. Mitchell, Kristy Pemberton, the Very Rev. Ron Pogue (Interim Rector), Linda Seeber, Christopher DeClerk, Becky Snell, Christopher Mullaney, Keen Haynes
This special meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church was held Sunday, September 20, 2020 virtually via zoom meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Very Rev. Ron Pogue at 12:30 p.m.
Absent: Ben Taylor and Julie Sutton
Also Present: Paula Jefferson, Sue Mitchell and Gary Wilkinson
Congregational guests: Linda Snow, Elke Tessnow, Jennifer Varley
Consideration of Vestry Minutes from previous meetings:
Minutes from the August 16, 2020 meeting were approved as distributed, with the minor change to add Keen Haynes, who was left off as attending.
Father Ron asked that all vestry members confirm email receipt of the piano gift and moving expense update. All confirmed.
Treasurer’s Report
All were given copies of the budget and treasures report. The focus was trueing up expenses and making sure they were in the right month.
Revenue, pledges are ahead of plan. Expenses have increased and without the PPE loan, the conversation could be different. The PPE loan continues to be in the budget as a liability and will stay there until the government decides if it will need to be repaid.
Finance Committee Report:
The committee met on September 19, 2020, the next meeting will be October 17th.
- The audit was accepted by the diocese. The only recommendation from the diocese was that we have an outside audit vs a committee audit. Snell mentioned that the external audit could be in the neighborhood of $8,000.00 and we need to be mindful of that in future budgets.
- The cleaning contract has been reviewed and confirmed the 2021 budget will cover the rest of the years expenses. We need to be careful we do not ask the cleaning contractor to do anything above what is lined out in the contract so we can stay on budget.
- Mullaney asked how much income has been generated from Amazon smile, YTD is $184.00.
- Endowment fund update, the committee had been formed but due to COVID has caused this to be on hold. It was decided that we would wait until after consecration Sunday to reconvene on this. It was brought to our attention that at least one member of the finance committee must be on the team.
Financial and Treasurer’s Report Approved:
Haynes motioned to approve the financial report and treasures report as presented, Pemberton seconded, all approved as distributed.
School update:
The only item to report was that Serin’s last day was August 31st and that there has been minor cleanup in the rooms.
Rector search committee
Sue Mitchell reported that during the Thursday night meeting, the survey results were released to the public and the power point presentation was shown.
- Website review is still underway and more changes are expected soon. They have over ten pages of proposed changes, some are minor.
- The drone flyover was completed a few weeks ago and the footage showing the grounds is very impressive.
- The profile is in draft form, edits still need to be made and the final draft should be available by the next vestry meeting.
All acknowledge the receipt of the rector search report.
Scout update
- DeClerk reported that over 12,000 pounds of material to complete the labyrinth project. All agreed it looks beautiful and we appreciate the efforts that went into that task.
- A new scout project has been proposed, Nathan Lane would like to refinish the outdoor benches. We all agreed this will be a good project and DeClerk will get with Father Ron further on this. It is proposed that the benches be taken apart, sanded and refinished.
- Snell recommended they walk the property and access each bench, especially the one around the labyrinth. Mullaney asked it the benches had rotting wood that it be replaced.
- The are still looking for one more cub to complete the pack and recruiting is underway.
- The scouts had a socially distanced kayaking trip and it was very successful. The scouts would also like to sell popcorn, is the possible with the social distancing and services are limited. DeClerk also would like to get the word out that donations are accepted and appreciated.
All agreed that during the November 1st service flyers will be handed out.
Stewardship Report
The last meeting was held September 17th and consecration Sunday is still scheduled for October 4th. Weekly updates will be given on pledge cards and so far over fifty families have confirmed for attendance and the meal. Calls will be made for those families who have not responded yet.
The grow one step presentation given by DJ Mitchell will be given on September 27th.
Endowment committee
Father Ron met with the Episcopal Foundation and templates were provided for our use. We need to set up a legacy society for those that want to include SMIF in their wills. Father Ron noted that the verbiage calling this the “legacy” society could be viewed and exclusive and that the committee could choose to rename that at any given time.
Snell asked when the last policy for the endowment was reviewed and it is believed it was in 2015 but Father Ron will check. We need to be prepared for this to be presented at the annual meeting.
Snell brought up VPIC assignments needed for October. One Sunday was still needed, Pemberton agreed to fill that spot. We will address this in next vestry meeting and get November taken care of.
Sue Mitchell also wanted to say thank you for all who work in the church office, the hard work is appreciated.
We all agreed that Chuck Ambrose has been amazing during the pandemic getting everything ready for services to be streamed, including running of necessary wires and cables. The vestry extends our deepest appreciation to you Chuck.
Junior Warden update:
- The roof was inspected and we need to get our insurance involved, both roofs need to be replaced.
- We need to, replace the sign at the corner of Davis and Union Church road. Ron Hitchcock will assist with post replacement and standard. The expense could be around $600.00.
- It was asked if we could place a sign at the corner of 1709 and Pearson but the city of Keller will not allow that and it has already been denied.
- Bess would like to donate a new tree between the memorial garden and the labyrinth, all approved.
- Holy mowers, a new riding lawn mower is needed. The current mower is out of commission and the grounds are too extensive to be push mowed. We need a donation or a budget item for this before the spring. Mullaney will be recruiting for helpers, COVID has put a damper on normal recruiting efforts.
- We need to check on the outdoor Wi-Fi antenna to make sure it is operating properly.
- A new plug for the security cameras should be a simple fix. Father Ron asked why we couldn’t just look in the attic above the rectors office and add a junction box there.
- Step one in getting the old security cameras up and running will happen this next week. People feel vulnerable when they are at the church alone. We all agreed this needs to happen for not only comfort of our staff and congregants but also to watch for property concerns. Step two will be a better system with a camera for recording and web/app access.
Senior Warden update:
Haynes reported that the executive council meeting reported an updated on the legal situation. An appeal must happen before October 19th to see if the supreme court will hear the case.
Other notes from executive council:
- The convention has been set for November 13, 2020
- Delegates discussed
- Church assessments based on parochial reports. Next year we could see an impact of the PPE loan, but will more than likely impact us during 2022.
Curate Report
Paula Jefferson reported on pastoral care, ministries are still under way and going great.
Other items of discussion:
- Morning prayer going well and with new liturgy
- Christian formation, considering guest lectures in the future
- Lectionary series, Forward Looking starts this evening
- EYC, DeClerk and Liza are planning an outdoor movie night to increase attendance. More info to come on this.
- Light Fragility will begin after October 4th and the first lecture will be recorded. If anyone wants to attend please email Paula.
Interim Rector’s Report
- Father Ron asked the vestry to confirm congregational support of Paula Jefferson’s ordination to the priesthood, all confirmed.
- Organizational charters are being looked at, one is missing and will be presented at future vestry meetings for approval.
- Optional uses for school room spaces, include prayer shawl ministry and music room. We all agreed we need to put them to use.
In closing Mullaney asked about vestry member recruitment, we have a few names for consideration. A meeting will be planned soon.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer:
The Meeting was adjourned with prayer by Haynes. Additional prayers for Gay Pogue for hip replacement surgery and continued prayers for Linda Seeber’s brother and the entire family.
NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, October 18th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristy Pemberton
Clerk
