Vestry highlights – August 17, 2014 meeting

Vestry Highlights August 17, 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 enthusiastic chair for the Festival, Dick Seeber, reported that plans for the October 25 event are really going well. The Chili Cook-Off, a new addition, the associated food services and the Silent Auction are being headed by enthusiastic planners. Every Vestry member needs to plan to take part in the day. Proceeds from the Festival are expected to go into the newly created Playground Fund, approved by the Vestry at this meeting.
Wednesday night programs for all ages will be held September 10 through November 5. The programs are based on the Dave Ramsey series and include the Financial Peace University for adults and older youth, Generation Change for 6th through 12th grade and Junior’s Adventure Bible Study for children entering Kindergarten age (5 years) through 5th grade that teaches about money, giving and living a generous life. The classes all teach Bible principles of generosity, the value of a dollar and living a God-centered life. A nursery will be available.
The vestry voted to accept the anonymous gift of a new refrigerator for the staff kitchen.
After study and discussion of the proposed bylaws for St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal School the Vestry approved the bylaws with some changes. The bylaws will be referred back to the School Board for approval at its September meeting. The Vestry also approved installation on the education building of a 5 foot circular sign for the school that will be visible from Pearson. The sign will be installed in place of the current “Christian Education Building” lettering which will be relocated above the glass double doors along the south side of the building.
City of Southlake has approved the placement of temporary signs advertising St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church at the corners of 1709 and Pearson. The signs can be in place on Saturdays and Sundays, and must be removed before Monday.
The shortfall on pledge receipts continues, and the trend deepened sharply during July. The Vestry will recommend to the Finance Committee that a “Helping Hands” campaign be held during September to request additional donations to cover the shortfall. Parishioners who are behind in their pledges will also be contact and asked to bring their pledges up to date.
All leaders and those aspiring to be leaders of St. Martin-in-the-Fields are encouraged to attend the upcoming diocesan convention. Registration is now available on the diocesan website. Several helpful workshops will be held.
Meetings will be held August 31 after both services providing information on Holy Habits to ministry heads and all parishioners. After hearing about the Holy Habits during services the past weeks, all will receive information on how to implement them into their own lives and areas of ministry.
A Town Hall Meeting and Pot Luck meal will be held September 28 to provide an introduction to Holy Currencies and explore the Currency of Relationship. Childcare will be provided.