ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
November 17, 2019
Present: Bob Bess, Mary Beth Butler, Sharon Dudek, Keen Haynes, Brandy Heckel, D.J. Mitchell, Kristy Pemberton, the Very Rev. Ron Pogue (Interim Rector), Linda Seeber, Becky Snell, Ben Taylor.
Absent: Christopher Mullaney, Julie Sutton.
Also Present: The Rev. Jim Hazel and Mike Adams from Baird Private Wealth Management; Linda Snow, Historian; Deacon Ayo Omoniyi; Liza Goodner, Children’s Minister; Rebecca Haynes.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, November 17, 2019, in the East Parish Hall. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Very Rev. Ron Pogue at 12:30 pm.
Consideration of Vestry Minutes from October 20, 2019
Minutes from the October 20 meeting were approved as distributed.
Baird Private Wealth Management Briefing
Jim Hazel provided a report on the status of the investment accounts Baird manages for St. Martin’s. He also introduced Mike Adams, who along with George Gamez will be managing these accounts upon Hazel’s retirement at end of year. The printed report is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Senior Warden Haynes and Clerk Butler signed the legal documents required to authorize the creation of an endowment account and an account to receive donations of stock. Baird provided a document titled “Client Account Application and Client Relationship Agreement” which is attached to and made a part of these minutes. The original is stored in the Vestry Minutes binder in the church office.
Treasurer’s Report
Thanksgiving Offering: A Thanksgiving offering will be taken. Letters have already been sent out. Envelopes will be placed in the pews for this purpose.
Benevolence Fund Change: Snell moved the adoption of the following resolution.
“Be it resolved that the Interim Rector of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, The Very Reverend Ronald D. Pogue, be added as an authorized signer on the Account at Veritex Bank designated as the Rector’s Benevolence Fund for as long as he shall remain the Interim Rector.
Be it also resolved, that the Treasurer, DJ Mitchell II, remain as a second signer on the Rector’s Benevolence Account. Only one signature shall be required by the Church on checks issued from this account.”
The motion was seconded by Bess and approved by a majority of the Members of the Vestry in attendance at a regularly scheduled Meeting of the Vestry of the Church on November 17, 2019.
Treasurer’s Report Approved: The October Treasurer’s Report was presented by Mitchell. Bess moved acceptance and Heckel seconded. The report was accepted.
Finance Committee Report
No report presented.
School Report
No report presented.
Stewardship Committee Report
Snell reported that as of November 11, 96 pledges had been received. The net change in 2020 giving to date is ~$80,000. 38 pledge units have not responded. In addition, six new pledge cards have arrived this weekend. Hand-written notes have been sent out (or will be) by Vestry members to each pledging unit.
Report of the Candidate Qualifications Review Committee
This committee will meet next week to finalize the questionnaires to be completed by candidates for Vestry and Convention Delegate candidates.
Update on Godly Play Room
Snell invited guest Liza Goodner to report on this. She said that Rev. Dr. Suzi Robertson from Good Shepherd, Granbury held a basic Godly Play training on November 16 and helped reorganize the room. Goodner, Butler, Rebecca Haynes, and Amy Casas attended and are preparing to expand Godly Play offerings soon.
Memorial Garden
Current Report of Expenses: Snell reported that she had picked up concrete niches costing $1150. $5640 is owed to Fred Cheek monuments for bronze frames. The total cost for basic supplies for an inurnment is just over $1500, which does not include any funds for perpetual care.
Memorial Garden Task Force Created: The Interim Rector appointed Snell to chair a Memorial Garden Task Force, to be charged with market research to determine typical charges for similar inurnments in this area and establish a charge for inurnment at St. Martin’s Memorial Garden for the future. Current plans are to include Cathy Tolliver and Brandy Heckel to serve on the task force.
Announcements and Upcoming Events
December 1 Advent 1 – Family Worship
December 8 Advent Fest with potluck
December 15 Advent Lessons and Carols
Junior Wardens’ Report
Bess said that an electrician will be hired to handle items such as replacing ballasts, fixing the parking lot lights and the Parish Hall porch lights. Thanks was extended to Dick Seeber for fixing the door closer at the church entrance.
Senior Warden’s Report
Firearms Policy Changed: Haynes presented the resolution adopted at the recent diocesan convention regarding carrying of firearms in churches. After discussion and agreement to modify the verbiage to fit St. Martin’s, Bess moved that St. Martin’s replace its existing policy with the following:
“Whereas under Texas SB 535, which goes into effect on September 1, 2019, firearms can be carried legally at any church, synagogue, or other established place of worship in Texas;
Whereas the 77th General Convention in resolution 2012-D003 requested every parish and every diocesan place of work to declare their establishments as Gun Free Zones;
Whereas the members, parishioners, and visitors to the facilities owned or controlled by the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth have a legitimate need and interest to be reasonably protected while in those facilities;
Be it resolved, by the 37th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, that the following policy shall be adopted:
- It is not permissible for any person, except those specifically included in (3), to carry a firearm on the property of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church and School.
- This policy includes clergy, staff, students, volunteers and visitors, except those specifically excluded in (3) below.
- This policy does not apply to the following persons:
- A person with a valid and current Security Officer Commission as defined by the Texas Occupation Code Chapter 1702 and issued by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas;
- A peace officer who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under Texas Occupation Code Chapter 1701; or
- A ranger or officer commissioned by the Texas Public Safety Commission and the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.”
Mitchell seconded and the motion carried. Haynes also shared a communication from the Diocese about active shooter trainer training. Pogue asked the Junior Wardens to explore alternate options with the Southlake Police Department.
Interim Rector’s Report
Organization for Mission and Governance Chart: The Very Rev. Pogue asked for comments on this document, which is a work in progress. It was agreed that St. Martin’s School will be included under the Administrative heading. He asked Vestry members to consider names of parishioners who may be a good fit for work on the various commissions. A copy of the chart is attached to and made a part of these minutes.
Thank You from the Rev. Christopher Thomas: Pogue read a card from Rev. Thomas expressing gratitude for care provided by the congregation following the illness of his friend Randolph Lacy.
Christmas Eve Services: Christmas Eve services will be held at 3:00, 5:00, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Exact format of the first two services, which are intended for children and families, is being determined.
Executive Session
The Vestry entered Executive Session at 1:41 pm and exited the session at 2:08 pm.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer:
The Meeting was adjourned with prayer by D.J. Mitchell.
NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 12:30 PM.
MEAL AND FINAL PRAYER TO BE PROVIDED BY JULIE SUTTON.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Butler, Clerk