Vestry minutes – August 19, 2012 meeting

by Anika Rinker | Sep 26, 2012 | Vestry Updates

Festival-in-the-Fields
Dick Seeber, committee chair, reported on the progress of plans for the event September 29. His chart of responsibilities and activities is attached and made a part of these minutes. He asked for and the Jr Warden agreed that treatment for fire ants will be done on the property at the appropriate time to ensure they will not be a problem. He asked for and the Rector granted him permission to speak to all 3 church services telling of plans and opportunities to participate and serve. He is preparing a “continuity notebook” for use in the future if the Festival becomes a regularly scheduled event. In the notebook are included all ideas presented during discussions by the committee.
Stewardship Committee

Blessing of Relationship: The Rector announced that on September 22 at 1:30 PM Kariann Erickson and Anne Connaghan will have a blessing of their relationship using the rite approved by the General Convention.
Nursery Procedures: The Rector reviewed the Policies and Procedures for Childcare and Childcare Workers with revisions he has made to the document. There were some suggested revisions proposed by the Vestry. Bob Bess moved the revised Policies be accepted with the changes as discussed. The motion was seconded and carried. The Rector reminded everyone that anyone with concerns regarding the Nursery is to bring them to him.
Executive Council Meeting: The Executive Council of the Diocese of Fort Worth will meet at St-Martin-in-the-Fields September 15, 10 AM to 2 PM. Steve Anderson will coordinate the hosting for the day. All Vestry are requested to serve in one of the 3 times people will be needed. Those helping with set up need to arrive at 9 AM, midday hosts at 11:45 and tear down people at approximately 3 PM.
 

On her work on a diocesan level: She is organizing a mission trip for adults and older youth. Registration opens Monday for Diocesan Convention in Stephenville November 2 and 3. The Holiday Inn Express is the best location for lodging for the convention. Individuals will need to make their own reservations using a credit card. St-Martin-in-the-Fields will handle all aspects of the ordination of Henry Penner on November 2. She wants the youth who go for the ordination to form the core group for the youth lock-in at convention that night. By the time of convention we should know who will be our next Provisional Bishop. Various plans are being considered for partnering churches with buildings with those who have no buildings. No decision has been made at this time.
She will be attending the Diocese of Texas Clergy Conference October 22-24. Diocese of Texas will cover her expenses, and Bishop Ohl has approved her going.
The Diocese is changing the background checks; the company that previously did them at no charge has gone out of business. There are three levels of checks available. The cost for volunteers is $15 per person; Vestry, Treasurer and money counters, and Altar Guild $38 per person; all employees $80 per person. Knowing that most congregations will find it a hardship to pay for every person in each category, she has proposed the following be checked: all employees, Senior Warden, Jr Warden, and head of the Altar Guild. 1 adult of each Sunday School or youth grouping. The stated levels of background checks are guidelines only, not requirements at this time.
 
Senior Warden’s Report
The Senior Warden reported that he hopes to have the letter of agreement ready to bring to the September Vestry meeting. DJ Mitchell is close to finalizing the letter. Once that is done the Senior Warden will meet with the Rector and the Bishop to see if it meets with their approval. The Senior Warden stated that the Finance Committee will work toward a 3 year budget when it plans the budget for next year.
 
Junior Warden’s Report
The Jr Warden announced that the floors in the Parish Hall have been done. The man who has done the floors for several years stated that he finds it hard to justify the cost of his work because the floors are always in such good shape when he is called in to do them.
Monday the installation of the Memorial Garden fence begins, work to be completed by Labor Day.
The placement of park benches and a cross to form an outdoor worship space is the Eagle Scout Project of Devin Raymer. A total of 4 active Scout Projects are being done at this time. The Jr Warden thanked the Senior Warden for all his help during the past year.
The meeting adjourned at 2:37 PM with prayer by Pat Hollifield.
 
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk

Vestry minutes – July 29, 2012 meeting

by Anika Rinker | Aug 30, 2012 | Vestry Updates

ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING MINUTES
July 29, 2012
Present: Jack Bailey, Bob Bess, Gary Grant, Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, Joy Malmgren, Joe Panther, Becky Snell; Jim Reynolds, Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk,
Absence notified:     Steve Anderson, Linda Seeber, Brian West.
Absent:          Jami Taylor
A called meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, July 29. 2012 at 10 AM in St. Martin’s Chapel. The meeting was called for the purpose of Vestry members signing the official Congregational Certification for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth to support the ordination of Jordan Melissa Haynie to the transitional deaconate in accordance with Canon III 8 (c) (2). The meeting was opened in due form by the Rector at 10 AM.
 
All Vestry members present signed the Congregational Certification to support the ordination of Jordan Melissa Haynie (8 members, 2/3 of the entire Vestry.) (See attached copy.)
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 AM.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk

Vestry minutes – June 23, 2012 meeting

by Anika Rinker | Jul 27, 2012 | Vestry Updates

ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
June 23, 2012
Present: Steve Anderson, Jack Bailey, Bob Bess, Gary Grant, Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, Joy Malmgren, Joe Panther, Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Jami Taylor, Brian West; Jim Reynolds, Rector; Amy Haynie, Parochial Associate; Glenda Morehead, Clerk, Diana Panther, Treasurer.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, June 23, 2012, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector.
Minutes of the May 20, 2012, meeting were approved as distributed.
 
Christian Education Report
The Rector introduced Corrie Cabes, the new CE Director who is on board as of June 15. He stated that she has Montessori training and experience in previous teaching employment. Cabes reported the following:
VBS was an amazing success with 150 enrolled. 75% of the students were linked to the Academy. There were 25 youth assistants, 6 staff and clergy. 131 were present for the Saturday evening service celebrating VBS. 500 canned items were donated to the Community Storehouse, and these items were blessed at the Saturday service. She thanked the entire congregation for their support. Next year’s VBS will have a medieval theme. She is looking at the Sunday School curriculum for the next year with the goal of doing what’s best for our children.
 
Fun Festival-in the-Fields
Dick Seeber, chairman of the event, reported the following:
The Festival-in-the-Fields will be from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, September 29, 2012. The purpose of the Festival is to let people know who we are. A tent has been rented for 2 days, Saturday and Sunday at a cost of $1135 for the 2 days. Setup of the tent will be done on Friday. Ron Hitchcock is checking into what permits will be required and from whom, and those will be obtained. Linda Seeber is in charge of the Silent Auction. So far 13 people have agreed to donate items for the Silent Auction. Richard Cabes in charge of activities for the children. Entertainment is being arranged and a leader is needed for that. Brian West volunteered to help, but will not be in charge of it. Dawn Childers 1s in charge of ticket booths. Everything will be free except for hamburgers and hot dogs. Joel Walker will be providing the food and Joe Panther will head food service. Bill and Maeve Matulevich will be in charge of the vendor craft booths. The fee is $25 per table. All vendors must be approved by the Festival Committee. Ron Hitchcock and Joy Malmgren are in charge of advertising. The Masons and Jeffersons have volunteered to head parking for the event. The Parish Hall will be open only for use of the restrooms. Flo Lowrey will be in charge of welcoming and directing those who come into the buildings. The church building will be open to provide information and a look at our worship area. It was suggested that hiring of off-duty policemen would be a good idea to provide a secure presence. Seeber asked that all the Vestry plan to participate in the Festival in some way.
 
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reviewed the monthly financial reports. (See attached.) Bob Bess moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
 
Rector’s Report
Thank you for support: The Rector expressed his thanks for all the support shown him and his family on the death of his father. His mother’s house was put on the market and sold within 15 days for cash. On July 1 Jan, Linda and other family will be going to finish emptying the house.
Times off 2012: The Rector stated that this year he has been gone 22 days, taken as vacation only. He plans to take off an additional week in the Fall – 7-8 days – to return to Disney World.
Times out of the office Rector and Parochial Associate: The Rector and Parochial Associate leave tomorrow AM on the youth mission trip and will return June 29. They will be in town that Saturday and Sunday, and will be leaving on Tuesday to go to General Convention, returning on July 15. The Rev Lauren Gough will cover services July 7-8 and again July 14-15. Jordan Haynie will be preaching July 14-15. She will preach 3 times while she is home this summer. The Rector reviewed some of the subjects that will be considered at General Convention. Sometime after their return he, the Parochial Associate and Lisa Neilson will present a program on General Convention.
 
Parochial Associate’s Report
The Parochial Associate announced that the Rev David Madison of Diocese of Fort Worth is on the Budget Committee of General Convention. The budget is one of the subjects that will be controversial. Diocese of Fort Worth is 1 of the 4 dioceses that is meeting or exceeding their 19% asking to support the Episcopal Church.
She thanked everyone for their understanding and support while the Rector and Parish Administrator were out.
She reported that the kids going on the mission trip asked specifically that the Rector and Bob Neilson provide the male adult presence on the trip. She and Becky Snell will be the female presence. 10 people are going – 6 kids and 4 adults.
Her first day back in the office in July will be July 31. She will be making her annual trip to Navajoland right after returning from General Convention.
Starting in August she will start conversations about working to help in Title 1 schools.
 
Senior Warden’s Report
The Senior Warden passed a note from Michele King thanking the Vestry for their help and support, spiritually and financially, during her time recovering from surgery.
Delegates to Diocesan Convention: Although there is no money budgeted for it at this time, the budget originally included $800 for delegate expenses. The consensus of the Vestry is that St. Martin’s delegates’ registration be paid for all and reimbursement provided for those who need it.
2011 Audit of St-Martin-in-the-Fields: Paula Jefferson, chair of the Auditing Committee plans to complete the audit in July.
Letter of Agreement with the Rector: The Senior Warden reported that there is no Letter of Agreement between St-Martin-in-the-Fields and the Rector. A thorough search of all church official documents has yielded no contract or Letter of Agreement. The Senior Warden will work with the Bishop, the Rector and DJ Mitchell, Senior Warden at the time of calling of the Rector, to prepare a Letter of Agreement, which will be taken to the Finance Committee for their recommendation before being brought to the Vestry at the September meeting.
Summer program for elementary age children: There is no activity available for children ages 4-10 during the summer. 2 adults are needed to watch these children every Sunday.
Nursery policies: Nursery policies need some changes. The Rector will sit down with the Nursery Director and all childcare givers to go over the policies. Anyone having concerns about the nursery is to go first to the Nursery Director, then to the Rector.
 
Junior Warden’s Report
AC unit replaced: The Jr Warden reported the big air conditioner unit went out and has been replaced at a cost of under $3600, which includes a 5 year warranty. He once again requested that thermostats never be turned off. Reaching a reasonable temperature after the units have been completely turned off is too hard on the air conditioners and shortens their life.
Playground: July 13 from 4-8 PM Richard Cabes is having a work evening with his work group for specific actions in the playground. No volunteers are needed for that evening. Unlocking and locking the playground on Sundays will be added to the list of VPIC duties.
Memorial Garden fencing: The Jr Warden is researching various fencing types for the Memorial Garden. Fencing of the MemorialGarden will coordinate with the planned scout project. He plans to fence the entire area that is currently irrigated. All the work should be done by the start of school.
Carpet estimate: The estimate to carpet Michele and Amy’s offices and outside the Rector’s office is $2000.
The education building floors will be waxed before school starts.
 
Weekday Nursery
As was reported at the last Vestry meeting the space currently being used for a weekday nursery is being lost. That room is needed for use by the Academy as a classroom. The Rector has decided that the bookstore space in the West Parish Hall could be better used as a nursery during the week. Patricia Pannell, bookstore manager, was consulted and agrees with the Rector. He has also been in discussion with some of those concerned about having a dedicated space for a weekday nursery, and all agree the bookstore space would be perfect for that use. No one on the Vestry objects to the bookstore closure. The Parochial Associate and Becky Snell will work with Patricia Pannell to liquidate the bookstore stock and will head the volunteers who will ready the room for use as a nursery. The work will be finished by September 8.
 
Recycling Program
Linda Seeber stated that Styrofoam cups are being put into the recycling containers. She would like to go to paper cups and plates in an effort toward conservation. The Vestry agreed to adopt the use of recyclables for church events, moving away from Styrofoam and toward paper and plastic. Recycling bins will be placed in various areas throughout the church facilities, Seeber to determine placement of the bins. In future budgets funds will need to be budgeted for purchase of the paper and plastic goods.
The meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM with prayer by Aubrey Hardman.
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk

Vestry minutes – May 20, 2012 meeting

by Anika Rinker | Jun 24, 2012 | Vestry Updates

 
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reviewed the monthly financial reports. (See attached.) Bob Bess moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried. Bess and Jami Taylor will be doing the weekly bulletin updates on finances.
 
St. Martin Academy
Richard Cabes reported that when an outside group was using church facilities recently, some of their children broke some of the playground equipment, leaving broken plastic with sharp edges. The broken plastic has been removed, but playground repairs and maintenance are needed. A maintenance list will be provided to the Jr Warden, so needed work can be done before VBS. The Senior Warden asked that Vestry members take part in a walk-through of the playground at the close of this meeting.
 
Parochial Associate’s Report
The Parochial Associate asked that Vestry members use her cell phone number 214-695-2627 when needing to contact her. She reported that Michele King will be returning to the parish office June 4 and the Rector will return June 7. She and CE Director Valerie Reinke are working on things to close out the year.
 
Christian Education Director and EYC Plans: Corrie Cabes has accepted the position of CE Director. The Parochial Associate and CE Director will work together on the ministry to youth. Cabes will focus mainly on middle school students, and Haynie on the high school students. The two of them will “tag team” EYC next year. The Nets for Life drive brought in $860 from St-Martin-in-the-Fields, $660 of it from the cake sale, $200 from Mission and Outreach for this ERD program.
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon: The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon will be held after the 9 AM service next Sunday. She asked about putting out a basket at the luncheon for use by those who wish to contribute to the hospice that cared for the Rector’s father in his final days. The Vestry consensus was that such was appropriate.
 
Senior Warden’s Report
Finance Committee: The Senior Warden announced the Rector has appointed the following Finance Committee: Lisa Neilson – chair, Jack Bailey, Bob Bess, Paula Jefferson, and Diana Panther.
Audit Committee: The following have volunteered to serve as the Audit Committee: PaOKula Jefferson – chair, Kerry Angle, Neil Hahn, and Doug Watson. Bob Bess moved the Vestry approve the Audit Committee as listed. The motion was seconded and carried. The audit is due to the diocese annually by September 1. The Vestry must accept the audit before it is sent to the diocese.
 
Episcopal Connection Resolution: The Diocese has sent a resolution to be adopted by St-Martin-in-the-Fields to reaffirm its continuing connection to the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and The Episcopal Church. The resolution was adopted and will be forwarded to the Diocese. A copy of the resolution is attached and made a part of these minutes. Christian Education Director Overlap: The Rector has requested funding at a cost of $1049 for a 2 week overlap for Reinke and Cabes to allow for training the new Director. Aubrey Hardman moved the overlap funding be approved as requested. The motion was seconded and carried.
 
Junior Warden’s Report
Concrete Work: The Jr Warden announced that the concrete work will not be done before VBS. He stated that the sloped sidewalk to the East Parish Hall and correction of the front sidewalk to the church are the priorities for concrete work for the $5000 approved by the Vestry. The Senior Warden plans to get one more bid for the concrete work. Memorial Garden: A $20,000 memorial gift has been received. $1000 is designated to the choir and $19000 to the MemorialGarden. He will be getting bids for fencing the MemorialGarden, either the entire designated area or only the current garden area. There was discussion about setting aside an area for the cremains of pets – not in individual plots and not in the MemorialGarden itself.
Playground Maintenance Committee: The following volunteered to serve on a committee to maintain the current playground, subject to appointment by the Rector: the Jr Warden, Richard Cabes, Aubrey Hardman and Becky Snell.
 
Additional Funding for Assistant Clergy
 
The Rev Lauren Gough (ret) is currently being compensated $100 per month for her work at St-Martin-in-the-Fields. Steve Anderson moved the Vestry set the compensation to the Rev Lauren Gough at $400 per month for her services to St-Martin-in-the-Fields, for the balance of 2012, effective June 1. The motion was seconded and carried with Joe Panther abstaining.
 
Additional Academy Matters
 
The Senior Warden announced the school needs to use an additional room. Discussion of the matter was postponed until the Rector returns.
The meeting adjourned at 2:40 PM with prayer by the Parochial Associate.
 
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk

Vestry minutes – April 15, 2012 meeting

by Anika Rinker | May 31, 2012 | Vestry Updates

ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING MINUTES
April 15, 2012
Present: Jack Bailey, Bob Bess, Gary Grant, Joy Malmgren, Joe Panther, Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Jami Taylor, Brian West; Jim Reynolds, Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk: Diana Panther, Treasurer.
Absence notified: Steve Anderson, Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, Amy Haynie, Parochial Associate.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, April 15, 2012, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector.
Christian Education
Valerie Reinke, CE director, reported the following:
She is trying to bring the 10:30 coffee hour into the East Hall, so that parishioners have a chance to see the Lenten Art Work. The show was a great success. The projects will remain on display throughout April. Next Sunday we will celebrate Earth Day. Everyone is asked to wear green. Sisters of the Spirit will do a green coffee hour. Earth Day will be the subject for the Parochial Associate’s sermon. We will go paperless for services with no bulletins. April 18 will be the last time for Wednesday Night Live this year. All are invited to come try any class on a one time basis. VBS will take place June 11 – 15. The theme is “Sky.” The kick off meeting will be April 29; online sign-up will be available in May. Reinke will invite participation from St Stephen’s and will send information to the diocese for inclusion on the website.
Proposed Joint Scout Project
Jack Bolerjack, Tom Bolerjack and Sarah Kleinwechter provided an update on their plan for a joint outdoor living space project. (See attached drawings and October 23, 2011 minutes.) They plan to have it completed by the end of summer. They need approval of the Vestry for their plans so far in order to take the proposal to their Councils for approval – which is needed before they can seek funding. St. Martin would be responsible for movement of the playground fence to accommodate the scout project as planned. Joy Malmgren moved approval of the scout project as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
Diocesan Information
Joel Walker reported that prayer visitors are still needed for some parishes. Currently 17 of 33 parishes are covered. He reviewed the requirements for those who agree to participate. (See February 19, 2012 minutes.)
He announced that on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10 AM at TrinityChurch two people will be ordained and serve as transitional deacons.
 
Mission and Outreach
Joy Malmgren reported the following:
On Holy Saturday she delivered to the Presbyterian Night Shelter the items that had been given. The next project she plans is to ask for donations for care packages for the troops in Afghanistan. She has received a request from a group who wants to come do stroke detection. She would coordinate that group with the Blood Drive. Mission and Outreach has made 83 loans to Kiva.
Radical Hospitality
Joy Malmgren announced that the group has proposed a Fun Festival – in the Fields to be held Saturday, September 29, 10 AM – 3 PM. (See attached proposal.) A variety of activities will take place and those living in surrounding areas will be invited to take part. All members of St-Martin-in-the-Fields will be asked to volunteer. Nominal charges for activities, food and beverages and an auction are planned to defray costs. A tent will be rented for the weekend – for use for the festival, then for the Saturday and Sunday services. RH plans that the cost of tent rental will be covered by income from the festival. If not, the members of RH will cover the cost. They ask that the Vestry authorize the cutting of a check to rent the tent before the event, repayment for the rental to be done as outlined. Jami Taylor moved the Vestry authorize fronting RH the cost of rental of a tent as outlined, with the understanding they will contact the city and obtain all proper permits first. The motion was seconded and carried.
Communications Committee
Gil Kleinwechter reported that the committee is small – Will Duff, Aubrey Hardman and Gil and Susan Kleinwechter – to ensure that everyone is aware how communication is to flow. Currently the Fielder and bulletin are the primary sources of information for within the parish. We need to reach outside the membership of St-Martin-in-the-Fields, and the website can be the best vehicle for that. The website will be redone. The start-up cost to redo the website will be $3,000 – 5,000 with an annual cost of under $150. The committee will be making regular reports to the Vestry of their plans and progress. Susan Kleinwechter explained the possibilities of usage with a blog, and stated that the Lenten Reflections were St. Martin’s first foray into use of a blog. The opening rate for the Reflections averaged around 30%, an excellent rate.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reviewed the monthly financial reports. (See attached.) Bob Bess moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried. There was discussion of the current shortfall in receipts – $9000 year to date. Vestry consensus was that parishioners need to be aware of the shortfall, and the best vehicle would be the weekly enewsletter. Bob Bess and Jami Taylor will compose the wording for the notification.
Parochial Associate Report
In the absence of the Parochial Associate her written report is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Rector’s Report
Vestry members signed a letter of support for Annette Mayer as a candidate for ordination. 3 of the 4 candidates from St-Martin-in-the-Fields are in the process toward ordination.
The Rector reiterated that St. Martin will be going paperless next weekend as our contribution to Earth Day. He announced that Michele King, the Administrative Assistant, will be out 4 – 6 weeks recuperating from her surgery. Volunteers are being recruited to answer phones during her absence. The Parochial Associate will be the person in charge of organizing the front office during King’s absence. The Rector would like to pay King her regular salary during her recuperation. Recent practice at St. Martin has been to pay staff members’ regular salaries when they are absent due to illness, but there is no written policy. Bob Bess moved that the Vestry agree to pay Michele King during her recuperation up to 6 weeks – the first week to be taken as sick leave and up to 5 weeks as regular salary. The motion was seconded and carried, 7 in favor, 1 opposed. The Rector appointed Gary Grant, Diana Panther and Jami
Taylor as the Leave Policy Committee to create a written leave policy for St-Martin-in-the-Fields, and to return with a report at the next meeting. Panther will chair the committee.
 
Senior Warden’s Report
Concrete Work: The Senior Warden reported for the Jr Warden that the window for the placement of concrete for the redo of the front sidewalk and changing the steps up to the East Parish Hall to a ramp is between May 14, close of the Academy, and the beginning of VBS, June 11. The cost of concrete needed for the slanted sidewalk was not specified in the previous amount approved. Joy Malmgren moved the Vestry approve addition of the concrete for the slanted sidewalk, the total for the whole project not to exceed the $5000 previously approved. The motion was seconded and carried.
Playground Update: The Senior Warden announced that he has learned there are 76 children between the ages of 4 and 10 in Sunday School. Currently there is no playground for children between the ages of 5 and 12. He proposed using some of the oil lease income to cover the cost of a playground to accommodate the 5-12 age group. He is getting bids for the work, which would be coordinated with the scout project. He asked the Vestry to look at other churches in the area to see what they have for children at the elementary school level. Becky Snell stated that she will do a survey of the congregation on a new playground and bring the survey results to the next Vestry meeting.
Announcements
Joe Panther announced that the VPIC needs to be sure the ropes are wrapped around the pole securely when the flags are taken down
 
The meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM with prayer by Jami Taylor.
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, MAY 20, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
 
Report to the Vestry – April 2012
I will be at the Episcopal Church Building Fund 2012 Symposium this weekend, so I will be unable to attend the Vestry Meeting at SMitF.
Youth Work:
 

• April 26-29 – I will be at the Province VII youth workers meeting at All Saint’s Camp, LakeTexoma. Sadly, the date of this conflicts with Texas TAKS test dates so I will be unable to take youth reps with me.
• May 5 – EYC will have an ActOut day. ActOut is a new program that TEC has rolled out this year to provide Episcopal Relief and Development a way to interact with youth in the same way that WorldVision has with 30 Hour Famine. We will be focusing on Malaria as one of the Millennium Development Goals. Part of the work of the day will be to put together the sermon for that weekend – and then present it at all three services. There is not an overnight component to this one. There will be a fund-raising component to this; ERD is matching funds raised for mosquito nets through May 25 (details here: http://www.er-d.org/NetsforLife-Inspiration-Fund-Matching-Gift/). Any $$ we raise will be doubled so it is well worth our energy.
• May 18-20 – Diocesan Youth Leadership Project at SMitF. This is a retreat for all middle school and high school youth in the diocese. The purpose is to get the youth involved in the planning of further diocesan youth activities. We will stay overnight at SMitF on Saturday.
• June 24-29 – Bastrop Blessings High School Mission Trip – Adults will be me, Becky Snell, Fr Jim, and Bob Nielson. I am predicting that we will have about 12 youth going. This is for youth going into 9^th grade to those who have just graduated from high school. We will stay at an abandoned camp in Smithville that the Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopal churches in the area have set up to feed and house volunteers. The organizers will assign our work there. I have made contact with the Episcopal priest in Bastrop, so she is also looking for some work around the church or for church members. The cost to the youth will be $200 per person, with a $50 deposit due March 25. I have money in my benevolence fund to scholarship any youth who need it. As of 4-13-12, I have six youths registered to go, but I know there is more interest.

Other Work:
I am working with Kathleen Wells to update the policies and procedures concerning youth work in the diocese.

• I have now completed my first solo funeral (3-30-12).  Thanks be to God that all went well.
• From the funeral through Easter, I preached 9 times, celebrated 7 times, and participated in 13 services. Thank you all for your words and deeds of support throughout.
• I have been contacted by a young couple to counsel them before performing their marriage in late September. I am looking forward to it.
• April 22 – the diocesan chapter of Integrity has asked me to celebrate a Eucharist for them here at SMitF. I will ask the Bishop’s permission to use an inclusive language Eucharistic prayer from Enriching Our Worship. I predict it will be OK with him. The group will arrive on campus at 330 pm and begin to make individual videos for the It Gets Better Project on YouTube. After the Eucharist at 5pm, there will be a potluck and more videos made.