Vestry highlights – October 19, 2014 meeting

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.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal School continues to improve in enthusiasm from both staff and parents, and in support from parishioners. Cindy James has been certified by the licensing board as Interim Director of the school and will be officially sworn in at the board office. A wooden cross made especially for the school by Bill Matulevich has been blessed and is being used in chapel. The school has received a grant from the diocese for the playground and work will begin soon. DJ Mitchell will prepare a draft of playground usage policy to be voted on at the regular November Vestry meeting. Playground usage on Sundays must be closely monitored to ensure that older children do not use equipment made for younger children.
The current chair of the diocesan commission on ministry is retiring as of the convention in November, and Deacon Henry Penner will begin serving as chair of the committee.
Complying with recommendations of the audit committee the Vestry voted to close various dormant special funds and move all moneys to the general fund.
Interim Rector Mike Wallens announced that including November 1, 2, 8 and 9 between 7 and 10 baptisms are currently scheduled, with 9 persons to be confirmed or received at the visit of the bishop on November 9.
The Rev Wallens emphasized that it is important that the Vestry understand that our parish is much stronger due to its leadership during this interim period. He has appreciated the support of the Vestry during his time with us.
He has begun to appoint a committee to guide Ayo Omoniyi in his ordination journey.
Senior Warden Bob Bess has begun selecting members for the Transition Committee which he will chair. The work of the committee will last about a year.
Bob Bess, Joe Panther, Aubrey Hardman and Joel Walker will serve as the core of the Nominating Committee and begin soliciting candidates for Vestry and delegates to convention. They are asked to be ready to announce their nominees no later than the December Vestry meeting. The nominees will be voted upon at the January 25, 2015 annual meeting.
The costs for the search for a new rector are not included in the 2014 budget. To date the committee has spent around $3,500.00. It is expected that at least $1000.00 in additional expenses will be incurred before the search ends.
The Search Committee is nearing the end of its work. They have narrowed the field to the final few candidates. When they make their final selection, only one name will be presented for Vestry vote, and the presentation and vote will be done in executive session with no visitors or observers. The committee continues to request the patience, support and prayers of the congregation.