Vestry Minutes for Annual Meeting, January 28, 2018

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church Annual Meeting 2017
January 28, 2018
The Annual Meeting of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held January 28, 2018, in the East Parish Hall. The Rector announced there was a quorum present, then opened the meeting with prayer at 12:25 PM.
Election of the Secretary
Courtney Mullaney moved Glenda Morehead be elected secretary to record the minutes of the meeting. Kathy Wilkinson seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Introduction of Current Vestry
The rector introduced the current vestry members, and they were acknowledged by a round of applause. Those whose terms end in 2020 are Norma Barbier, Jim Bedell, MaryBeth Butler and Linda Seeber. Those whose terms end in 2019 are Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Nancy Wieden and Kathy Wilkinson. He then introduced those whose terms end today. They are Jack Bolerjack, Charles Busey, Courtney Mullaney and Ike Ogbue. He presented each with a St. Martin card. Jack Bolerjack was not present due to illness, and his token of appreciation will be delivered to him by his mother, Becky Snell.
The rector expressed thanks on behalf of himself and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church to Linda Snow who has served as senior warden for the past year. He announced that she has agreed to serve as senior warden again for 2018.
Ballot Counters Announced
The rector announced the vestry members who will serve as the committee to count the ballots for this meeting: Charles Busey, chair, Norma Barbier, MaryBeth Butler, Linda Seeber and Joel Walker.
2018 Vestry Election
The rector announced the 8 candidates nominated for the vestry prior to today’s meeting: Christopher DeClerk, Sharon Dudek, Keen Haynes, Ed McGlaston, Christopher Mullaney, Ike Ogbue (who was eligible for election to a full 3 year term), Becky Snell and Garrison Sutton. Christopher DeClerk was not present due to emergency surgery; Ed McGlaston was unavailable due to being out of town on business. The rector thanked all the nominees for their willingness to serve. There being no nominations from the floor, he declared the nominations closed. Balloting to fill the four vacant seats on the vestry continued throughout the meeting until the following were elected, each by a majority of qualified voters voting: Christopher DeClerk, Sharon Dudek, Ike Ogbue, and Becky Snell.
Introduction of Current Delegates
Those who served as St. Martin’s delegates to diocesan convention during the past year were thanked for their service with a round of applause. They were Christopher DeClerk, Susan Kleinwechter, Becky Snell, Linda Snow, and Joel Walker, and Nancy Wieden.
2018 Delegate Election
The rector announced that the following individuals have been nominated to serve as St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church delegates to diocesan convention for the coming year: Christopher DeClerk, Keen Haynes, Susan Kleinwechter, Ed McGlaston, Becky Snell, and Joel Walker. There being no nominations from the floor, Glenda Morehead moved the nominations be closed and the slate elected by acclamation. MaryBeth Butler seconded the motion, the motion carried, and the slate was elected
Election of Alternate Delegates
The rector asked for volunteers willing to serve as alternate delegates for 2018. The following persons volunteered: Ron Hitchcock, Ann Luttrell and Linda Snow. There being no more volunteers to come forward Linda Snow moved the slate of volunteers be elected as alternate delegates for 2018. Kathy Wilkinson seconded the motion, the motion carried, and the slate was elected.
Rector’s Report
The Rector announced that he had presented his report at every worship service this weekend, to ensure that even those not attending the meeting today would have the opportunity to receive it in person. After today’s meeting it will be available on the website to everyone not present at this meeting or at any of the weekend services.
He thanked all the volunteers, staff and clergy who serve the people of St. Martin’s.
Senior Warden’s Report
Senior Warden Linda Snow expressed her thanks to the Rector for the confidence he has shown in her by asking her to serve as senior warden for the past year and to continue in that position for 2018. She also thanked all the people of St. Martin’s who have helped in so many ways to make her job easier. She reviewed her report displayed on the screen, placing special emphasis on all the outreach programs St. Martin’s conducted in the past year and those planned for the future to care for those in need outside our own congregation.
Junior Wardens Report
Junior Warden Charles Busey highlighted portions of his report and thanked all those – professional and volunteer – who have participated in the repair and maintenance of our buildings and their contents and our surrounding grounds.
Financial Report
Treasurer DJ Mitchell provided copies of his report for all present and reviewed them. The report included pledge statistics, the combined statement of operating income and expenses for the church and school for 2017, the budget for same for 2018, the temporarily restricted fund activity and balances for 2017, and the 2017 cash carryover as of December 31, 2017. He answered all the questions asked regarding the documents and stated that he could be contacted following today’s meeting by anyone with further questions.
The Rector thanked DJ and Sue Mitchell for their willingness to provide their financial expertise in hours of work on behalf of St. Martin’s. The treasurer stated they couldn’t do their work without the volunteers who provide the information to them: vestry members who count the collection after services, the weekday counters and Marty Hitchcock who records the income in the church management program.
Announcements and Final Remarks
Reports and Minutes on the Website: Parishioners were referred to all Annual Meeting reports for today which are published on the church website. Annual Meeting minutes will be published on the website after their approval by the vestry at their meeting on February 18, 2018.
Vestry Meets: The vestry will meet in the church library immediately following this meeting.
50th Anniversary Committee Meeting: The first meeting of the committee that will create the Anniversary Book assembling the stories of St. Martin’s will be held February 1, 2018, at 2:30 PM in the library.
Next Annual Meeting: The next Annual Meeting of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church will be held on January 27, 2019.
Closing Prayer
The meeting closed with prayer by the Rector at 2:25 PM
Respectively submitted,
Glenda Morehead, Secretary

Vestry Minutes January 21, 2018

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting
January 21, 2018
Present: Norma Barbier, Jim Bedell, Jack Bolerjack, Mary Beth Butler, Courtney Mullaney, Ike Ogbue, Linda Seeber, Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Nancy Wieden; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; DJ Mitchell, Treasurer.
Not present: Charles Busey, Kathy Wilkinson; Scot McComas, Rector
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, January 21, 2018 in the East Parish Hall. In the absence of the rector due to illness the meeting opened with prayer by Senior Warden Linda Snow at 12:20 PM.
Consideration of Minutes
Jim Bedell moved the vestry approve the minutes of the December 17, 2017 meeting as distributed. MaryBeth Butler seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Endorsement of Email Vote: The vestry endorsed the following email vote approved by majority vote on December 26, 2017:
Vote to Accept Contributions toward St. Martin’s Retirement Gift to Henry Penner
The vestry approves the establishment of a temporarily restricted fund for the purpose of receiving contributions to go toward the gift St. Martin’s will present to Henry Penner on his retirement as an active clergy serving St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church.
Treasurer’s Reports
The Treasurer reviewed the financials for December, 2017.
Vestry Acceptance Vote: Jack Bolerjack moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Jim Bedell seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Consideration of the 2018 Church Budget: Mitchell announced that the Budget Committee met Saturday, January 20, and 6 vestry members accepted the invitation to participate in the meeting. He reviewed the recommended budget for 2018. Joel Walker moved the adoption of the proposed 2018 budget, subject to the use of temporarily restricted funds to finance selected future operating costs as may be appropriate and necessary. Jack Bolerjack seconded the motion, the motion carried, and the budget for 2018 was adopted.
Stewardship Report
To date 119 pledges have been received for 2018. The total pledged stands at $358,418.00
St. Martin’s Episcopal School
Enrollment remains at 65 students. The school budget for 2018 shows an expected balance of $10.81 by the end of the calendar year.
Diocesan Information
Nothing new to report at this time. No report given.
Junior Warden’s Report
Due to his illness and absence from today’s meeting Junior Warden Charles Busey reported the following via email:
Crumbling Parish Hall Thresholds: The thresholds have been fixed.
Broken Pipe Fixed: A broken pipe in the parish hall has been fixed.
Senior Warden’s Report
Enhanced Vestry Duties for 2018: Senior Warden Linda Snow announced that in 2018 vestry members are to stand at the door with the rector following every service to welcome worshipers and to serve as representatives of the vestry of St. Martin’s. Vestry members are also being asked to host the “coffee hour” following the 10:30 service twice during the year rather than once as in previous years. The following vestry members have accepted the hosting responsibilities during February and the first half of March.
February 4   Linda Snow                    February 25  Jim Bedell
February 11  MaryBeth Butler           March 4         Nancy Wieden
February 18  Joel Walker                   March 18       Linda Seeber
Vestry Elections at the Annual Meeting: The following eight individuals are running for 3 year vestry terms: Christopher DeClerk, Sharon Dudek, Keen Haynes, Ed McGlaston, Christopher Mullaney, Ike Ogbue, Becky Snell and Garrison Sutton.
Counters for the elections are the following: Charles Busey, chair of the committee, Norma Barbier, MaryBeth Butler, Linda Seeber, and Joel Walker.
Vestry Retreat: The 2018 vestry retreat will be held at the church on March 24 in the East Parish Hall 10 AM – 1:30 PM.
Rector’s Report
Due to the illness of the rector no report was given.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer
The meeting adjourned at 2:18 PM with the prayer sent by Kathy Wilkinson and read by Glenda Morehead.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead, Clerk
Please note:  Next vestry meeting Sunday, january 28, 2018, immediately following the parish annual meeting. location to be announced.

Annual parish meeting on January 28, 2018

Annual parish meeting on January 28, 2018

The annual parish meeting of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was on January 28, 2018. In worship this weekend, Rector Scot McComas shared his report. At noon on Sunday, we shared a delicious, bountiful potluck and conversation at tables, elected diocesan Convention representatives and Vestry members, reviewed the budget, looked back on a year of service to God, and looked forward toward our future of worshiping and serving God together.

We thanked our outgoing Vestry members Jack Bolerjack, Charles Busey, Courtney Mullaney, and Ike Ogbue for their service and gave them a small token of appreciation.

Diocesan Convention delegate elections

We had six open positions for delegates to the November 9-10 Convention of our diocese to be held in Decatur. We had six nominees: Christopher DeClerk, Keen Haynes, Susan Kleinwechter, Ed McGlaston, Becky Snell, and Joel Walker. All six were elected by acclamation. For alternates, Ron Hitchcock, Ann Luttrell, and Linda Snow were nominated from the floor and elected by acclamation. Learn more about who can serve on a Vestry and as a Convention delegate here.

Vestry elections

We were truly blessed to have eight exceptionally-qualified nominees to the governing board of our church, the Vestry: Christopher DeClerk, Sharon Dudek, Keen Haynes, Ed McGlaston, Chris Mullaney, Ike Ogbue (who was eligible for re-election), Becky Snell, and Garrison Sutton. After many ballots, we elected four: Christopher DeClerk, Ike Ogbue, Becky Snell, and Sharon Dudek. They will serve three-year terms ending in January, 2021. Our Vestry works to ensure our parish ministry is carried out in accordance with our parish values, mission, goals, and priorities, and according to the
constitution and canons of our diocese.

Reports

We continued a mostly-paperless meeting to be good stewards of our resources. We provided a printed budget summary and agendas on each table. All were encouraged to download materials before they came, and links to information were included in our weekly eNews and and published on Facebook. The presentation materials from the rector’s report in church and from our meeting in the parish hall are included in the list below. View or download each PDF by clicking on its link:

Photos

Enjoy photos in this Flickr album; click on the photo below and swipe through the gallery.
IMG_7171-annual-meeting-20180128

Vestry Minutes – November 19, 2017

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Minutes
November 19, 2017
Present: Jim Bedell, Jack Bolerjack, Charles Busey, Mary Beth Butler, Ike Ogbue, Courtney Mullaney, Linda Seeber, Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Nancy Wieden; Scot McComas, Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; DJ Mitchell, Treasurer.
Not present: Norma Barbier, Kathy Wilkinson.
Also present: Ron Hitchcock.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, November 19, 2017 in the West Parish Hall.  The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector at 12:38 PM.
Labyrinth Update
Ron Hitchcock reported the resignation of the previous company that had contracted to install the labyrinth on the slab that has been constructed for it. Hitchcock has found three more contractors who have expressed interest in completing the work, and hopes to receive firm bids from them in time for completion of the labyrinth by the end of the year.
Consideration of Minutes
Jim Bedell moved the vestry approve the minutes of the October 15, 2017 meeting as distributed. Ike Ogbue seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Reports
The Treasurer reviewed the October 2017 monthly financial reports and the preliminary 2018 budget.  (See attached.)
Vestry Acceptance Vote: Jim Bedell moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Courtney Mullaney seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote to Accept Contributions toward St. Martin’s Ordination Gift to Ayo Omoniyi
Jack Bolerjack moved the vestry vote to establish a temporarily restricted fund for the purpose of receiving contributions to go toward the gift St. Martin’s will present to Ayo Omoniyi on his ordination to the diaconate. MaryBeth Butler seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote to Accept Contributions to the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund for Usage of Ayo Omoniyi and Approve Any Changes to the Checking Account
Ike Ogbue moved the vestry vote to accept contributions to the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund for usage by Ayo Omoniyi, and if he is assigned to St. Martin’s, approve any changes to the related St. Martin’s checking account necessitated by such assignment. Jim Bedell seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote to Approve Staff Bonuses
Linda Seeber moved the vestry direct the usage of staff bonuses as found in the 2017 budget to provide Christmas bonuses to the staff of St. Martin’s church.  Jim Bedell seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Stewardship Report
Through the ingathering celebration 106 pledge cards were turned in. 101 of those were from people making pledges for 2018, 5 from those who will not be pledging for 2018. No information is available at this time on pledge cards received this weekend.
Ministry Liaison Reports
All vestry ministry liaison reports submitted have been distributed to the vestry and will be included in the minutes for this day in the permanent vestry minutes file.
St. Martin’s Episcopal School
The rector announced that currently 65 students are enrolled in the school. Teachers, students, parents and all attending the Thanksgiving Day Party enjoyed their time together. Parents continue to show good support to the school and its staff. Work has begun on the school budget for 2018. Courtney Mullaney will be looking into the various options for expanding to a full day to accommodate working parents. Several private schools in the area provide full day coverage.
Diocesan Information
Diocesan Convention: Several of those who attended the November 10 – 11 diocesan convention at the Cleburne Convention Center shared their experiences on the convention. Diocesan Convention 2018 will take place the second weekend in November in Decatur. On behalf of St. Martin’s the rector thanked all those who represented our parish to the convention.
General Convention: The 2018 General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held July 5-13 in Austin.
Information on Curates: Joel Walker provided copies of the manual Introduction to the Curacy Program to all vestry members. Walker currently has no responsibilities on the diocesan level.
Tiemann Eagle Scout Resolution
Jim Bedell moves the vestry adopt the following resolution:
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church wishes to thank Max Tiemann and his crew for the recent completion of his Eagle Scout Project on behalf of our church. His project constructed a walkway to our Labyrinth, providing access for users for many years to come.
Ike Ogbue seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Brick Contribution Resolution
MaryBeth Butler moved the vestry adopt the following resolution:
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church wishes to thank all those who helped make the brick walkway to the Labyrinth possible through their gifts. Some gave in thanksgiving, some in honor, some in memory, some gave simply to help provide a lasting entryway to our Labyrinth. We are grateful to them all.
Jim Bedell seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Junior Warden’s Report
Junior Warden Charles Busey reported the following:

  1. Fireproofing of the Narthex Closet: The work has been completed and looks good. The folding chairs previously stored in the closet have been moved out to the shed. Busey recommends moving some of the stacking chairs to that closet for use during large services.
  2. Door Painting: Both the red doors to the church and the doors at the school entrance have been repainted.
  3. Concrete Sign Painting: The painting of the monument sign on Pearson Lane will be completed soon.
  4. Parking Lot Lighting: Several of the lights on parking lot are out and a “cherry picker” will be needed to repair them. New bulbs and ballast will be installed as needed. Consideration will also be given to the relative costs of use of LEDs in those lights in place of the current bulbs.
  5. Leaving Flags up 24/7: If feasible while it’s on site the cherry picker will be used to install lights on the flagpole.
  6. Busey plans to continue his work on the matter of the water supply source.

Senior Warden’s Report
The questionnaire for long-time members, which will help to prepare the 50th Anniversary history, is being distributed. Additional information must be supplied to help participants submit their completed forms. Senior Warden Linda Snow will ensure that all necessary information is provided.
Rector’s Report
The rector announced the following:
Omoniyi Ordination: Kerry Angle and Paula Maddon have agreed to coordinate the reception following the ordination of Ayo Omoniyi on Monday, December 18. All vestry members were asked to help with providing refreshments. Please contact Angle or Maddon and let them know what you will be bringing.
Discernment Committee Appointed: He has appointed a parish discernment committee to assist an individual who wishes to become a candidate for ordination.
Candidates for Vestry Election: He reminded all that Ike Ogbue is currently serving a partial vestry term and is eligible for election to a full 3 year term at the January 28, 2018, Annual Parish Meeting.  Christopher DeClerk and Sharon Dudek have also agreed to run for vestry.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer
The meeting adjourned at 2:04 PM with prayer by MaryBeth Butler.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk

Vestry Minutes – December 17, 2017

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting
December 17, 2017
Present: Norma Barbier, Jim Bedell, Jack Bolerjack, Charles Busey, Ike Ogbue, Courtney Mullaney, Linda Seeber, Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Nancy Wieden, Kathy Wilkinson; Scot McComas, Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; DJ Mitchell, Treasurer.
Not present: Mary Beth Butler.
Also present: Ron Hitchcock.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, December 17, 2017 in the East Parish Hall.  The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector at 12:55 PM.
Labyrinth Completion Approved
Ron Hitchcock gave background on the labyrinth design and reviewed the 3 proposals received for completion of the labyrinth as previously approved. Joel Walker moved the vestry approve completion of the project by accepting the proposal of Lone Star Power Wash & Concrete Floors, Inc., as presented. (See attached.) Jack Bolerjack seconded the motion and the motion carried. Maintenance costs for the labyrinth will be built into the Multi Year Budget.
Consideration of Minutes
Jim Bedell moved the vestry approve the minutes of the November 19, 2017 meeting as distributed. Kathy Wilkinson seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Reports
The Treasurer remarked that the November financials were not sent out electronically prior to the vestry meeting, and the same will hold true for the December financials. He reviewed the November financials. (See attached.)
Vestry Acceptance Vote: Linda Snow moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Kathy Wilkinson seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Vote on Rector’s Housing Allowance for 2018
Joel Walker moved the vestry adopt the following resolution:
Whereas the Reverend Scot McComas, an ordained minister, is employed to serve St.-Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church as Rector; and
Whereas St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church does not provide a residence for its appointed ministers:
It is hereby resolved that the compensation to be paid to the Rev. Scot McComas for the calendar year 2018, and subsequent years unless amended, shall include an annual payment of $35,000.00, which is designated as housing allowance, within the meaning of the term as used in Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Charles Busey seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote on Assistant Clergy’s Housing Allowance for 2018
Kathy Wilkinson moved the vestry adopt the following resolution:
Whereas the Reverend Susan Slaughter, an ordained minister, is employed to serve St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church as an Assistant Clergy; and
Whereas St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church does not provide a residence for its appointed ministers:
It is hereby resolved that the compensation to be paid to the Rev. Susan Slaughter for the calendar year 2018, and subsequent years unless amended, shall include an annual payment of $15,000.00, which is designated as housing allowance, within the meaning of the term as used in Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Ike Ogbue seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Stewardship Report
Nine of the people who pledged for 2017 but have not pledged for 2018 will be called by vestry members. As of today 115 pledge cards have been received, a total of $348,138.00 has been pledged. There are nine families that have moved away.
St. Martin’s Episcopal School
The rector announced that currently 65 students are enrolled in the school. School will resume on January 4, 2018. He thanked Gary Wilkinson for his chairmanship of the school board this year.
Diocesan Information
Our rector continues to serve on the Executive Council through the end of 2017 representing our Deanery.
Junior Warden’s Report
Junior Warden Charles Busey reported the following:
Painting of the Monument Sign: The work has been completed and looks good.
Irrigation System Update: Busey has learned that the cost of digging a water well would fall on the church alone, and the cost of the installation and continued maintenance of a well would be prohibitive. Fever United has offered to pay for the installation of a meter and changes to the sprinkler system required for them to assume full financial responsibility to maintain the fields. St. Martin’s would bear the costs of installation of the meters and water lines to maintain the water to the buildings and to the rest of the land. No final decision has been made on the matter at this time. Until a change is made, the church and Fever will continue to split the bills as is done at present. Busey will continue to work on correcting the irrigation system in the Memorial Garden and the labyrinth even after he retires as junior warden
Crumbling Parish Hall Thresholds: Busey plans to confer with Neil Rinker on the best way to correct the thresholds. It may be that doing the work in-house is the best approach.
Maintenance Shed: The maintenance shed has been cleared out and all unusable items discarded. The blank bricks for the labyrinth are currently being stored in the shed until they can be put in place for the labyrinth.
New Hot Water Heater: A new hot water heater has been installed in the closet next to the men’s bathroom in the church building.
Senior Warden’s Report
Distribution of Names for Calling: The names of the nine 2017 pledgers who have not yet pledged for 2018 were distributed among vestry members willing to make the calls.
Reception Refreshments: Senior Warden Snow reminded vestry members of the items they plan to bring for the Reception for Ayo Omoniyi’s ordination tomorrow night.
Rector’s Report
The rector announced the following:
Penner Retirement: Deacon Henry Penner is retiring and the weekend of January 13-14 will be his last day in the pulpit at St. Martin’s. He will continue to serve as a chaplain at Baylor-Grapevine Hospital. A reception honoring Penner will be held following the 10:30 service on January 14.
Organist/Choir Director Update: Jim Bedell is playing the robo-organ for both the 5 PM Saturday service and 8:30 AM Sunday service. A prelude is played before each of these services. The Vestry Person in Charge at those 2 services is instructed to make the announcements following the prelude. A search committee is being formed to search for an organist/choir director. Marianna Folger has graciously agreed to serve in that capacity at the 10:30 service in the interim.
Candidates for Vestry Election: The following eight individuals are running for 3 year vestry terms: Christopher DeClerk, Sharon Dudek, Keen Haynes, Ed McGlaston, Christopher Mullaney, Ike Ogbue, Becky Snell and Garrison Sutton. Elections will be held at the Parish Annual Meeting, January 28, 2018.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer
The meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM with prayer by Linda Seeber
 
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
 

Vestry Minutes – October 15, 2017

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Meeting

October 15, 2017
Present: Norma Barbier, Jim Bedell, Jack Bolerjack, Mary Beth Butler, Courtney Mullaney, Linda Seeber, Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Kathy Wilkinson; Scot McComas, Rector; DJ Mitchell, Treasurer.
Not present: Charles Busey, Ike Ogbue, Nancy Wieden, Glenda Morehead, Clerk.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, October 15, 2017 in the East Parish Hall.  The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector at 12:15 PM.
Consideration of Minutes
Jim Bedell moved the vestry approve the minutes of the September 24, 2017 meeting as distributed. Kathy Wilkinson seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Reports
The Treasurer reviewed the August monthly financial reports.  (See attached.)
Vestry Acceptance Vote: Joel Walker moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Jim Bedell seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Consideration of Trunk or Treat Fundraiser for Youth Ministry
Kathy Wilkinson moved that the vestry accept the proceeds of the Trunk or Treat fundraiser (scheduled for October 29) for youth ministry. Courtney Mullaney seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Stewardship Report
The rector will pick up a large pledge return progress chart this week to display in the narthex starting October 21. He encouraged all vestry members to return their pledge cards as soon as possible.
It was suggested and agreed for the sake of security that pledge cards received in the offering should be placed in the safe, and not in the Clerk’s box (as previously instructed).
Ministry Liaison Reports
Due to late submissions of reports and the absence of the Clerk, reports will be considered at the November meeting.
St. Martin’s Episcopal School
The rector announced that currently 64 students are enrolled in the school. He noted a trend in public education to offer kindergarten and pre-K, which may affect the future of St. Martin’s School. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), private school enrollment is down 41% across the U.S.
Diocesan Information
Diocesan Convention: Diocesan Convention 2017 will be held November 10 – 11 at the Cleburne Convention Center. November 10 schedule is 1 pm to 9 pm. November 11 schedule is 8:30 am to approximately 4 pm.
Omoniyi Ordination: A date has been set for Ayo Omoniyi’s Ordination to the Vocational Diaconate. It will be Monday, December 18 at 7:00 pm at St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Junior Warden’s Report
Delivered by Rev. Scot McComas on behalf of Charles Busey.

  1. Tree Trimming: Trees were trimmed and a large tree that had rotted was removed for safety reasons.
  2. Fire Inspection Report: Fire inspector has agreed that sheetrocking over the open areas in the closet in the nave (where chairs are currently stored) will satisfy the safety finding from the inspection. This will cost about $100 and will be handled by Neil Rinker.
  3. Concrete Sign Painting: Neil Rinker will handle the repainting of the monument sign on Pearson Lane.
  4. Leaving Flags up 24/7: This question was raised again. Charles Busey is investigating cost of lighting.

Senior Warden’s Report
The questionnaire for long-time members, which will help to prepare the 50th Anniversary history, is nearly complete. It will be distributed before and during the pledge ingathering event on November 12.
Rector’s Report
Please note and participate in the upcoming events:
Trunk or Treat Fundraiser & Chili Cookoff, October 29
Stewardship Ingathering & Celebration, St. Martin’s Day, November 12
Adjournment and Closing Prayer
The meeting adjourned at 1:08 PM with prayer by Linda Snow.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Butler
Substitute Clerk