![Vestry minutes – June 22, 2014 meeting]()
by Alan Bentrup | Aug 18, 2014 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
June 22, 2014
Present: Bob Bess, Annette Duff, Aubrey Hardman, Gil Kleinwechter, Elizabeth Mason, DJ Mitchell, Cyndy Sulots, Joel Walker, Jim Wilson; the Rev Michael Wallens, Interim Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk.
Not present: Bob Blomstrom, Pat Hollifield, Joe Panther; Diana Panther, Treasurer.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, June 22, 2014, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer led by the Interim Rector.
Minutes of the May 18, 2014, meeting were approved as distributed.
Christian Education Change Proposed
The Interim Rector presented a proposal to change the status of Children and Youth Minister Corrie Cabes from part-time employment to full-time. ( See attached.) DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry accept the proposal as presented effective July 15, 2014. The motion was seconded and carried.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of Treasurer Diana Panther the monthly financial reports and her accompanying narrative were presented in writing only. (See attached.) DJ Mitchell moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
Communication Committee
Annette Duff presented a proposal from the committee to add additional logos to those currently in use by St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Preschool & Academy. (See attached.) DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry authorize the Communication Committee to change the logo for all branding to St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church & School as proposed. The motion was seconded and carried. With an eye to the future the preference of the vestry is that the name of the school be changed from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Preschool & Academy to St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal School.
Susan Kleinwechter will make sure the administrative assistant has the logos for all sizes needed so that all communications from church and school match.
Diocesan Information
Joel Walker reminded the Vestry that the Fort Worth East Deanery, our deanery, is in charge of the diocesan convention being held November 14 – 15 at the Jack Daniels Club at the ballpark in Arlington. Some of the proposed changes to diocesan constitution and canons have to do with Episcopal schools in the diocese.
Grow the Church Ministry
Elizabeth Mason, chair, gave an update on the ministry. . (See attached.) In response to her request that more Vestry members are needed to be a part of the ministry, Cyndy Sulots agreed to serve
Profile Committee
Jim Wilson, chair, stated that the profile is now available on the deployment website for use by interested clergy. On behalf of the Vestry and the parish the Senior Warden thanked Wilson and all his committee for their work.
Search Committee
The written report of Richard Cabes, chair, is attached to and made a part of these minutes.
Stewardship Committee
Aubrey Hardman, chair, explained how the committee continues to work on fine-tuning the use of the “7 habits of a highly effective steward.” (See attached.) Stewardship minutes are being given at all services. The Interim Rector stated that all who wish to participate in giving stewardship minutes are welcome. The program “Financial Peace University” for adults and youth will be presented in the fall.
Interim Rector’s Report
Labyrinth On Hold: The painting of a labyrinth on the floor of the east parish hall is on hold at present. The company from which prices and preliminary information were received has not been forthcoming with more details. Labyrinth committee chair Ron Hitchcock and the interim rector are currently exploring other options.
Building Use Policies: St. Martin’s building use policies are being updated. Vestry member provided suggestions on amendments to the policies. DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry approve the Building Use Policies as proposed with the recommended amendments. The motion was seconded and carried.
Diocesan Workshop: On Friday and Saturday the Interim Rector, Annette Duff, and Susan and Gil Kleinwechter attended the Steinke workshop. They found that there is a better understanding on the diocesan level of how damaged the diocese had been by the years of conflict.
Vestry Retreat: He distributed copies of the document “A Healthy Mission-Focused Church – Hope Inspired,” which will be used at the fall Vestry Retreat. Members were encouraged to begin now to identify ways in which St. Martin-in-the-Fields does and does not fit the profile. The retreat will be held Saturday, September 20, 2014, at the home of Gil and Susan Kleinwechter.
Nursery Staff Changes: Heather Ripple is expecting her second child and wants to be able to devote more time to her family. She is resigning as Nursery Director effective July 31. Rachel Stehlik has resigned as assistant to the nursery director. Mayra Carballo will be taking over as Nursery Director. Talks are in progress with an individual to serve as her assistant.
Senior Warden’s Report
Model Plane Complaint: Complaints have been received from homes nearby about an individual on our property flying a large model plane over the homes. When police were called and the individual questioned, he claimed he had permission from St. Martin. If a property owner gives such permission, the police have no recourse. The Interim Rector will contact the police to advise them that no such permission has been given by the church.
Vacation Time: Bess announced he will be in Colorado the entire month of July.
NA Meeting Times
There is some confusion about the meeting times for the Narcotics Anonymous group that meets at St. Martin. The Interim Rector stated that they meet in the library Sunday through Friday at 7 PM and at 4 PM on Saturday.
Audit Committee Approved
The following have been appointed to serve as the 2014 Audit Committee for St. Martin: Jack Bailey, chair, Dawn Childers, Paula Jefferson, Courtney Mullaney, Lee Norwood, Jane Smith and Doug Watson. DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry affirm the committee as appointed. The motion was seconded and carried. The committee plans to meet August 25 to audit the 2013 financial records of the parish and school. Once complete the audit must be officially accepted by the vestry before it is forwarded to the diocese.
No July Meeting
As has been its usual practice in the past, the vestry decided there will be no regular meeting during July. If any pressing matter arises, a special meeting will be called. The next regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields will be August 17, 2014, 12:30 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 3:25 PM with prayer by Jim Wilson.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL
Proposed Additional Logos:
Grow the Church Ministry Report for Vestry Meeting June 22
Quick review: The reasons we are forming this ministry are to support our existing ministries and offer opportunities to develop and serve in new programs and services, and to offer members (new and old) opportunities to participate in the fruits of new ministries (fun, fellowship, new relationships, services to the community and spiritual growth).
The idea behind the Holy Currencies Is to cause a continuous cycle of blessings to flow through the development the 6 currencies of: Time and Place, Gracious Leadership, Relationships, Truth, Wellness, and Money.
The Ministry was introduced during the New Comers Luncheon event and we have the beginning committee from that introduction and we still need one or two vestry members to be part of this new ministry and to invite others in the church to join.
Ministry plan for next few months:
Father Mike has ordered 6 copies of book for new ministry members.
An Email has been sent to those who indicated they were interested about the book and to assign reading the first chapter (Introduction and the Time and Place chapter) before our first meeting.
We have set meeting for 9:30am July 6th .
First Meeting agenda is to review chapter one and Time and Place chapters, and review draft of survey monkey questions I am preparing for the Time and Place currency.
Plan is to have committee review revise and approve survey on Time and Place findings and to distribute results during a town hall meeting, email blasts and website.
We will then focus on a second currency and development of our understanding of it.
Next step would be to apply our growing understanding of how to use the currencies:
1. To support one of our existing ministries and
2. To launch a new program or service Ministry supported by our understanding of how to use the currencies to sustain and enhance the ministry.
Request – communications about the ministry and the July 6th meeting be put in weekly bulletin, put on the web and be sent out to email list.
Search Committee Report
The Rector Search is now LIVE as St. Martin’s profile for the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) has been posted to the national registry for TEC. We will begin receiving online applications as early as this month, and we will also receive names from the Canon to the Ordinary and the Bishop. The parish is also welcome to provide names for consideration.
We held a training session with the Canon Waggoner this past week, where we learned the STAR interviewing process geared toward Search Committees. We are meeting again soon to develop our interview questions and practice our interview skills.
Once we have narrowed applications we are interested in, will initiate a Skype call for the initial or secondary interviews. This will cover the majority of our interview process and elimination. When we have final candidates, we will then schedule on-site visits with the candidates to meet them in person and see them preach and celebrate in their current parish environment.
The Search Chair, Richard Cabes, will give periodic updates to the parish and the vestry as we have news to share, but the majority of the process will not be transparent, and will occur behind the scenes. Please reach out the Search Chair for any questions throughout the Search period. I also encourage every vestry member to view our Parish Profile, created by the Profile Committee, posted on our church website. There is also a section for the Rector Search on our website for the latest news.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Cabes
Search Chair
St. Martin-in-the-Fields
by Alan Bentrup | Jun 30, 2014 | Vestry Updates
Vestry Highlights June 22, 2014
As clerk of the vestry I have been authorized by the interim rector and the senior warden to provide the following report of the recent vestry meeting. Full minutes of the meeting will be posted after their approval at the next regular vestry meeting. In the meantime if you have questions or want more information, contact any vestry member.
The vestry approved the proposed change from part to full time employment for Children and Youth Minister/School Chaplain Corrie Cabes. The change in status will be effective July 15. Other staff changes were announced. Jan Rees has accepted the position of Financial Manager. Her hours will generally be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 AM to 3 PM. Heather Ripple is expecting her second child and wants to be able to devote more time to her family. She is resigning as Nursery Director effective July 31. Rachel Stehlik has resigned as assistant to the nursery director. Mayra Carballo will be taking over as Nursery Director. Talks are in progress with an individual to serve as her assistant.
With the posting of the parish profile on the national registry, the rector search is beginning. Online applications and names from the Canon to the Ordinary, Bishop and parish members will be coming to the search committee. The committee is being trained in search committee interviewing. Periodic updates will be given on the search process, but most of the process will not be transparent and will take place behind the scenes. All are encouraged to contact any member of the search committee with questions as the process proceeds.
The shortfall on pledge receipts continues, although the trend seems to be improving slightly. The stewardship minutes during services are being well received. The interim rector stated that the short talks need not be limited to stewardship committee members. Anyone who wants to participate with their own story is encouraged to contact him.
Senior Warden Bob Bess shared with vestry members communications received from Catherine Stehlik, previous director of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Preschool and Academy making demands and accusations against St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and Interim Rector Mike Wallens. Since both the church and interim rector are covered under the same policies, the matter will be referred to the insurer.
The painting of a labyrinth on the floor of the east parish hall is on hold at present. The company from which prices and preliminary information were received has not been forthcoming with more details. Labyrinth committee chair Ron Hitchcock and the interim rector are currently exploring other options.
The vestry approved proposed updates to both the building use policies and the nursery policies.
The vestry approved a new logo for St. Martin – St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church & School – to be used in all branding and communications. With an eye to the future the preference of the vestry is that the name of the school be changed from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Preschool & Academy to St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal School.
The following persons will serve as the Audit Committee for 2014 which will audit the 2013 financial records of the parish and school: Jack Bailey, chair, Dawn Childers, Paula Jefferson, Courtney Mullaney, Lee Norwood, Jane Smith and Doug Watson. The committee plans to meet August 25. Once complete the audit must be officially accepted by the vestry before it is forwarded to the diocese.
Senior Warden Bess will be out of the state the entire month of July. Any matters that need attention during his absence should be referred to Interim Rector Mike Wallens or Jr Warden Joe Panther.
As has been its usual practice in the past, the vestry will not have a regular meeting during July. The next regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields will be August 17, 2014, 12:30 PM.
The vestry will meet in retreat Saturday, September 20, 2014, 10 AM to 4 PM in the home of Gil and Susan Kleinwechter. The main focus of the retreat will be studying what makes up a healthy mission-focused church and determining ways to begin the process of taking St. Martin-in-the-Fields further along that path.
by Alan Bentrup | Jun 30, 2014 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
May 18, 2014
Present: Bob Bess, Bob Blomstrom, Annette Duff, Pat Hollifield, Gil Kleinwechter, DJ Mitchell, Joe Panther, Elizabeth Mason, Cyndy Sulots, Joel Walker, Jim Wilson; the Rev Michael Wallens, Interim Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; Diana Panther, Treasurer.
Not present: Aubrey Hardman; the Rev Amy Haynie, Associate Rector.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, May 18, 2014, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with worship led by the Interim Rector.
Minutes of the April 27, 2014, meeting were approved as distributed.
Newcomers Party
Flo Lowery, chair of the event, stated that Pentecost Sunday, June 8 was chosen as the perfect day to hold the Newcomers Celebration. Newcomers will be recognized and their presence among us blessed during the 10:30 service. Lunch will follow the service. Barbeque and all the trimmings will be provided, bread bakers will provide desserts and the bread deliverers salads. Joe Panther will head set-up, Kathy Wilson will be in charge of food, Mary Anderson decorations and Chris Mullaney clean-up. Senior Warden Bob Bess will introduce Vestry members, who with their spouses will each host a table. Newcomers will be assigned to tables. Over 100 attendees are expected. Elizabeth Mason, chair of the Grow the Church Ministry will ensure that brochures introducing the ministry are available at the event. Newcomers will be encouraged to choose a ministry in which to volunteer. Childcare will be provided.
Children and Youth Ministry
The Interim Rector reported the following regarding summer plans:
One Sunday per month the 10:30 service will be designated a Family Service with children present in the service with their parents and more youth participation in the service as lectors, ushers, greeters, etc. The other Sundays every month Children’s Chapel will be held. VBS, one of our most successful outreach programs will take place June 16 – 20, 9 AM to 12 PM.
At the Saturday service during the summer he and the Children and Youth Minister will experiment with doing a child-friendly service once a month, possibly followed by a pot luck supper and child-appropriate movie.
Communications Committee
The new preschool website went live on Friday at www.stmartinacademy.com. Previously the email address for the academy was the name of the former director. The new email address is academy@stmartininthefields.org, and it is pulling all email from the old address. The committee has been kept busy with a variety of communication tasks.
Diocesan Information
Joel Walker, member of the Commission on Ministry stated that the next meeting of the COM is a week away, and once again they probably will be dealing with matters of a confidential nature. If that is the case, he will have no report next month.
Stewardship Report
In the absence of chair Aubrey Hardman, the Senior Warden reported that he has gone over the report which details giving by parishioners to date in 2014. He will contact the Interim Rector with the names of those he believes would benefit from a personal contact. The Interim Rector will continue stewardship moment announcements in services prior to the offertory.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reviewed the monthly financial reports. (See attached.) The income shortfall continues and doesn’t seem to be improving yet. DJ Mitchell moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
St. Martin Preschool and Academy
The vestry received updates on events at St. Martin’s Preschool and Academy since the departure of Catherine Stehlik, long-time director. Cindy James has agreed to serve as interim director. She and the teachers are busy planning for the final days of this school year and enthusiastically planning for next year. Linda Seeber will ensure that in the final week of school all the teachers receive flowers, meals and gifts to show our gratitude for their dedication to the education and wellbeing of their students. The vestry reiterated the support of St-Martin-in-the-Fields for our school and its future.
Financial Manager
The Interim Rector announced that an individual has accepted the position of Financial Manager and is due to start June 16.
Senior Warden’s Report
Senior Warden Bob Bess remarked that one unexpected fact coming out of the parish-wide survey was that many people find it much more difficult to become a part of the various ministries of St. Martin than we like to think it is.
Junior Warden’s Report
Buildings, Grounds and Equipment: The Jr Warden reported the following regarding buildings, equipment and grounds: The office now has a new copy machine. The office refrigerator has not been replaced yet. The phone system is currently being upgraded, and the phone for the school is tied into the church system. The playground equipment poles that had been bent from severe weather have been straightened.
Operations Manual Needed: An up to date operations manual is needed for St. Martin, listing pertinent information on all equipment, including location of original contracts, serial numbers, date of purchase, resource number for repairs, etc. An effort to create such a manual will be undertaken in the near future.
Associate Rector Benevolence Fund
Jim Wilson moved the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Diana Panther has been elected by the Vestry of St-Martin-in-the-Fields to serve as treasurer, and as such she oversees all financial accounts of St-Martin-in-the-Fields,
She is hereby authorized to close Liberty Bank account 104-542-6 – the account for the Haynie Benevolence Fund account and distribute the funds therefrom between the Rector’s Benevolence Fund and the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund.
The motion was seconded, and the resolution was adopted.
Status of Annette Mayer
Annette Mayer who is currently engaged in supervised pastoral training at St. Alban’s, Arlington, feels called to remain in that ministry for another year. She remains a St-Martin-in-the-Fields seminarian and a member of our parish.
Additional Funds Requested for Lisa Neilson
The Senior Warden shared with Vestry members a communication he has received from Canon to the Ordinary Janet Waggoner asking that St-Martin-in-the-Fields provide $1000.00 per semester to Lisa Neilson for her seminary training for fall semester 2014 and spring semester 2015. The Vestry endorsed the Senior Warden’s reply reiterating St-Martin-in-the-Fields’ long history of supporting its seminarians equally each year from parishioners’ gifts, and its commitment to continue that support to Mayer and Neilson.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM with prayer by Cyndy Sulots.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL.
by Alan Bentrup | May 22, 2014 | Vestry Updates
As clerk of the vestry I have been authorized by the interim rector and the senior warden to provide the following report of the recent vestry meeting. Full minutes of the meeting will be posted after their approval at the next regular vestry meeting. In the meantime if you have questions or want more information, contact any vestry member.
Flo Lowery, chair of the event, reported on plans for the Newcomers Celebration on June 8, Pentecost Sunday. Newcomers will be recognized and their presence among us blessed during the 10:30 service. Lunch will follow the service. Barbeque and all the trimmings will be provided, bread bakers will provide desserts and the bread deliverers salads. Over 100 attendees are expected. Vestry members will each host a table, and newcomers will be assigned to tables. Brochures about the Grow the Church Ministry will be available at the event. Newcomers will be encouraged to choose a ministry that seems to call them.
The vestry received updates on events at St. Martin’s Preschool and Academy since the departure of Catherine Stehlik, long-time director. Cindy James has agreed to serve as interim director. She and the teachers are busily planning for the final days of this school year and enthusiastically planning for next year. Linda Seeber is in charge of showering all the teachers with flowers, meals and gifts to show our gratitude for their dedication to the education and wellbeing of their students. The vestry reiterated the support of St-Martin-in-the-Fields for our school and its future. The communications committee reported that the new website for the school is now online at www.stmartinacademy.com.
The shortfall on pledge receipts continues and doesn’t seem to be improving. The interim rector said that starting with today’s services stewardship minute announcements will be made at all services prior to the collection.
As announced at the last meeting Jarvis Savage, who had accepted the position of financial manager, has cancer and had to resign. An individual has agreed to fill the position starting June 16.
The office now has a new copy machine. The office refrigerator has not been replaced yet. The phone system is currently being upgraded, and the phone for the school is tied into the church system.
Senior Warden Bob Bess remarked that one unexpected fact coming out of the parish-wide survey was that many people find it much more difficult to become a part of the various ministries of St. Martin than we like to think it is.
The playground equipment poles that had been bent from severe weather have been straightened.
Annette Mayer who is currently engaged in supervised pastoral training at St. Alban’s, Arlington, feels called to remain in that ministry for another year. She remains a St-Martin-in-the-Fields seminarian and a member of our parish. St. Martin has a long history of supporting our seminarians in their journey toward ordination. The vestry firmly intends to continue that same support to Mayer and to Lisa Neilson, our other current seminarian.
An up to date operations manual is needed for St. Martin, listing pertinent information on all equipment, including location of original contracts, serial numbers, date of purchase, resource number for repairs, etc. An effort to create such a manual will be undertaken in the near future.
by Alan Bentrup | May 19, 2014 | Vestry Updates
ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
April 27, 2014
Present: Bob Bess, Bob Blomstrom, Annette Duff, Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, Gil Kleinwechter, DJ Mitchell, Joe Panther, Elizabeth Mason, Cyndy Sulots, Joel Walker, Jim Wilson; the Rev Michael Wallens, Interim Rector; the Rev Amy Haynie, Associate Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; Diana Panther, Treasurer.
Guest: The Very Rev Raymond High, Jr.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 12:30 PM in the West Parish Hall.
The meeting opened with prayer by the Bishop. He was very pleased with the number of persons confirmed, and when he learned of some who were unavailable to be confirmed today, offered to come back “any time, any day of the week.” He has already been contacted by people who have recommendations for rector of St. Martin. The diocese is ready to give the Search Committee some names when they are ready to begin their work. He emphasized that if parishioners have names to recommend, he needs to see them. Canon Waggoner will be working with the Search Committee.
Minutes of the March 16, 2014, meeting were approved as distributed.
Christian Education Reports
Children and Youth Minister: The report of Corrie Cabes, CYM, is attached. The Associate Rector added that the confirmation retreat for youth was a very good learning opportunity for young confirmands. 6 kids attended, 4 of whom were confirmed today. 2 will be moving to CA and will be confirmed in their new church there.
Clergy Report: The Interim Rector stated that adult classes are in the discussion stage. People interested are looking at the possibilities for time for the classes.
Communications Committee
Gil Kleinwechter reported that Susan is attending an Episcopal communicators conference with Katie Sherrod.
Annette Duff reported that the St Martin School Facebook page got out to parents, and there has been a very positive response from them.
Profile Committee
Jim Wilson, committee chair, announced that so far the Profile Committee has received 83 surveys from parishioners. The surveys will be used to prepare the parish profile that will be given to candidates for rector. Wilson will get the draft profile to Canon Waggoner by Thursday for her to share at the conference of deployment officers in May. Statistically speaking enough surveys have been returned to provide an accurate sampling. He is pleased with the range of ages and services attended, although more responses are needed from those under 18. The cost to use Survey Monkey to create the survey was approximately $200.
Diocesan Information
Joel Walker reported that the Commission on Ministry met yesterday. Their only action regarded a confidential matter, so he could give no further information on the meeting.
St Martin Preschool and Academy
Karrie Marling, chair of the board reported that several members of the board attended the conference of the Association of Episcopal Schools on April 5. They had the opportunity to hear about some of the successful programs in other Episcopal schools. Most thriving schools credited their success to a good relationship between the school and church and a 5 day-a-week program which included before and after school day care. Marling said the response to the recent request to parish members for their help for the school was wonderful. Many volunteered to help; two people with special skills volunteered to teach classes in their fields on a regular basis. Although there may be some difficulties ahead for the school’s future, the board remains firmly dedicated to the future and success of the school. Vestry members expressed their firm support of the board’s plans and the school’s future.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reviewed the monthly financial reports. (See attached.) DJ Mitchell moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried. First quarter contribution statements have been mailed out.
Interim Rector’s Report
Staff: The Interim Rector reported that Anika Barbarito, the new administrative assistant, is a very cheerful addition to the staff, and was undaunted by the multitude of requirements for Holy Week, Easter and the Bishop’s visit. Jarvis Savage, who had accepted the position of financial manager, has developed cancer, will be having surgery and has had to resign. Talks are taking place with another person to fill that position.
Easter attendance: Over 500 people attended the Easter services last weekend.
Associate Rector’s Report
Arkansas Youth: About 12 college age persons from the Diocese of Arkansas slept in the parish hall on their way to an event. They really loved our hospitality.
Episcopal Youth Event: 2 youth from St. Martin will be going to the summer EYE. $800 was collected in the envelopes to assist with their expenses.
St. Francis Garden: The area set aside for the cremains of pets is almost complete. It is located outside the Memorial Garden.
CREDO: From May 13-19 she will be going to a CREDO gathering in Alabama for the recently ordained.
Ministry at St. Martin Ending: She announced that she will be leaving St. Martin when her current letter of agreement ends. Her last Sunday with us will be June 1. She is looking at 4 different opportunities at this time, 2 within this diocese. Since the transition to her new position will probably not be immediate, she looks forward to the opportunity to spend time during the summer with her two boys. A letter announcing her plans to the parish as a whole will go out no later than Friday as will an email announcement. She is grateful for the support and personal growth she has experienced at St. Martin.
Senior Warden’s Report
The Senior Warden stated that progress is being made in the process toward a new rector. The profile and search committees are doing their work at the level that is best for those volunteers involved.
In response to a question regarding moving vestry meetings to evenings, he said that past experience has shown that Sundays following the 10:30 service works best for most vestry members, but a possible change could be considered if needed.
Junior Warden’s Report
The Jr Warden reported that there seems to be a problem with the AC units in the church. He will see that they get checked. The staff is looking into options for replacement of the rapidly deteriorating copy machine. No refrigerator has been donated for the office kitchen, so he is looking into the cost of replacing the unit with a new, more energy efficient model.
Communication Card
The Senior Warden reviewed the procedure for dealing with the communication cards for the benefit for new vestry members.
Newcomer Celebration June 8
There will be a meal to welcome all newcomers following the 10:30 service on June 8. Meat for the meal will be provided. Parishioners (with the exception of newcomers) will be asked to bring a covered dish. Something to honor the newcomers will be done during the 10:30 service.
Labyrinth
Ron Hitchcock outlined a proposal for a labyrinth on the floor of the East Parish Hall (See his attached report.) Cyndy Sulots moved the Vestry approve the creation of a labyrinth in the East Parish Hall as proposed by Ron Hitchcock and his committee, funding for materials of up to $5000 to come from the Memorial Fund. The motion was seconded and carried.
Grow the Church Ministry
Elizabeth Mason reported that she and the Interim Rector had met and made preliminary plans for implementing this new ministry. The book, Holy Currencies, will be used as a reference for the committee’s work. Aubrey Hardman, chair of stewardship, agreed to co-chair the committee with Mason. The plan is to get representatives from all current ministries – programs that will attract outsiders – and those interested in other possible outreach ministries.
On May 18 there will be Town Hall meetings about the parish profile. If possible, the Grow the Church Ministry will be highlighted at the Town Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 3:05 PM with prayer by Elizabeth Mason.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
Please note: Next regular vestry meeting Sunday, May 18, 2014, 12:30 PM, East parish Hall.
Children and Youth Ministry Report
I am thrilled to be reporting on new things in children and youth ministry! Serving the young people of this parish is my absolute love and I am happy to report that things are going swimmingly!
Highlights:
Good Friday Children’s Service
On Good Friday, the youth led a service for young children and their families. The teens became characters such as Peter, Mary Magdalene and the boy with the loaves and fishes. This interactive service had children thinking and responding about the amazing love of Jesus. To top off this service, children shared bits of hot cross buns and families lingered in the pews afterwards.
EYC Weekly Meetings
The EYC have been gathering each week for fellowship, fun and faith formation. Lately, we have enjoyed games in the fields, brainstormed outreach plans and looked for hidden Stations of the Cross in a scavenger hunt. We look forward to a summer packed with home communion, hitting the pool and doing some “serious good” in the community with outreach!
St. Martin’s Academy Chapel Program
On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, you will find me leading a rock concert in the church. Just kidding! I am leading 60 students and teachers in praise, worship, music and dancing. I teach a children’s creed, the Lord’s Prayer and I follow the liturgical calendar in a simple fashion. These students leave St. Martin’s packed with prayers that will stay with them even in tough times. They will know that the Episcopal Church is a warm and welcoming place where they began a life of faith. I invite the Vestry to attend the end of the year performance where the students will perform a VBS song with me on May 29. Look for a reminder email.
Fun Faith Field Day
Sunday School for children will wrap up with Fun Faith Field day on Sunday, May 18. We will spend some time in the fields with preview VBS games and lots of surprises!
Summer Chapel
On the first Sunday of the month, we will continue to have family worship Sunday with a focus on youth and families. On the other Sundays, the children will head off to chapel with me and my merry band of teen chaplains for our own prayers, creeds, bible stories and more!
VBS
VBS will be held on June 16-20 at St. Martin’s. I have invited Episcopalians from across the diocese to be a part of what makes us so special at St. Martin’s. VBS is an amazing outreach program that will touch the lives of over 100 children. In addition to VBS, we will add an outreach component that will help us share God’s love to the community.
I’m keeping this report short because I am in the midst of a Confirmation retreat, planning VBS and finishing up Sunday school. I appreciate your support and covet your prayers as I continue to work to serve the children and families at St. Martin’s.
Blessings,
Corrie Cabes
Children and Youth Minister
by Alan Bentrup | May 4, 2014 | Vestry Updates
As clerk of the vestry I have been authorized by the interim rector and the senior warden to provide the following report of the recent vestry meeting. Full minutes of the meeting will be posted after their approval at the next regular vestry meeting. In the meantime if you have questions or want more information, contact any vestry member.
Bishop High met with the Vestry as is his custom any time he is at a church in the diocese. He was very pleased with the number of persons confirmed and when he learned of some who were unavailable to be confirmed today, offered to come back “any time, any day of the week.” He has already been contacted by people who have recommendations for rector of St. Martin. He emphasized that if parishioners have names to recommend, he needs to see them. Canon Waggoner will be working with the Search Committee.
So far the Profile Committee has received 83 surveys from parishioners. The surveys will be used to prepare the parish profile that will be given to candidates for rector. Jim Wilson, committee chair, will get the draft profile to Canon Waggoner by Thursday for her to share at the conference of deployment officers in May. Statistically speaking enough surveys have been returned to provide an accurate sampling. He is pleased with the range of ages and services attended, although more responses are needed from those under 18.
Karrie Marling, chair of the school board of St. Martin Preschool and Academy, reported that several members of the board attended the conference of the Association of Episcopal Schools on April 5. They had the opportunity to hear about some of the successful programs in other Episcopal schools and returned excited about new ideas. Marling said the response to the recent request to parish members for their help for the school was wonderful. Many volunteered to help; two people with special skills even volunteered to teach classes in their fields on a regular basis. The board remains firmly dedicated to the future and success of the school, as does the vestry.
Anika Barbarito, St. Martin’s new administrative assistant, is tackling her position with great enthusiasm. Jarvis Savage, who had accepted the position of financial manager, has developed cancer, will be having surgery and has had to resign. Talks are taking place with another person to fill that position.
A celebration for newcomers is planned for June 8. Something would be done during the 10:30 service to honor them with a potluck lunch to follow.
Ron Hitchcock and his labyrinth committee were authorized to create a labyrinth on the floor of the east parish hall.
The staff is looking into options for replacement of the rapidly deteriorating copy machine. No refrigerator has been donated for the office kitchen, so the junior warden is looking into the cost of replacing the unit with a new more energy efficient model.
Elizabeth Mason, chair of the Grow the Church Ministry, reported on plans for implementing this new ministry to attract outsiders. Aubrey Hardman, stewardship chair, has agreed to serve as co-chair of the ministry. Representation from every ministry of St. Martin will be sought.
Associate Rector Amy Haynie announced to the vestry that she will be leaving St. Martin when her current letter of agreement ends. Her last Sunday with us will be June 1. She is looking at 4 different opportunities at this time, 2 within this diocese. Since the transition to her new position will probably not be immediate, she looks forward to the opportunity to spend time during the summer with her two boys. A letter announcing her plans to the parish as a whole will go out no later than Friday as will an email announcement. She is grateful for the support and personal growth she has experienced at St. Martin.
