Vestry minutes – February 16, 2014 meeting

ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS VESTRY MEETING
February 16, 2014
Present: Bob Bess, Bob Blomstrom, Annette Duff, Aubrey Hardman, Pat Hollifield, Gil Kleinwechter, DJ Mitchell, Joe Panther, Elizabeth Mason, Cyndy Sulots, Jim Wilson; the Rev Michael Wallens, Interim Rector; the Rev Amy Haynie, Associate Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk.
Not present: Joel Walker; Diana Panther, Treasurer.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, February 16, 2014, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Interim Rector.
Minutes of the December 15, 2013, January 16,2014, and January 26, 2014, meetings were approved as distributed. There being no regular meeting in January the minutes of all 3 meetings could not be considered until this meeting.
Christian Education
The regular monthly report of CE Director Corrie Cabes is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Sunday School Discussion: There was discussion of what Vestry members have learned about parishioners’ concerns regarding the Sunday morning schedule – both within and outside of the Town Hall Meetings today. Bob Blomstrom moved the Vestry recommend a return to the previous schedule (Sunday School for children during the 10:30 service) with first Sunday each month designated Family Worship Sunday (no Sunday School that day). The motion was seconded and carried. DJ Mitchell moved the Vestry recommend the 8 AM service be moved to 8:30. The motion was seconded and carried. The Interim Rector announced that the staff has agreed that the schedule changes outlined will begin the first Sunday in Lent, March 9.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of the Treasurer the Senior Warden distributed the Treasurer’s written report and the financial report for January. (See attached.) Jim Wilson moved the treasurer’s reports be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.
Communications
Annette Duff has presented the proposed revised School website to the St. Martin School Board and it was well received by the board. Susan Kleinwechter announced that articles and videos of the visit of the Presiding Bishop to St-Martin-in-the-Fields are on the parish website. She is writing a style guide to be used for materials to be published on the website and in emails. (See attached.)
Deanery Information
The Associate Rector reported that in the changes made to deaneries St Luke’s in the Meadow has been added to our deanery. The deanery has elected Executive Council alternates, both lay and clergy. Our deanery is hosting the November diocesan convention to be held in Arlington. She is currently getting volunteers to head the various committees needed.
Associate Rector’s Report
Episcopal Youth Event: St-Martin-in-the-Fields has at least 4 teens, possibly 5, going to the event at Villanova in July. The cost per teen is $800. Each congregation is to provide $400 for each teen going. Fundraising is being planned for our youth attending.
Praying in Color Workshop: She will be leading this workshop on March 8, the first Saturday in Lent. The workshop is designed to provide a low tech guide for spiritual centering and intercessory prayer.
Soccer Signs: She plans to put containers on the backs of the Fever Soccer League signs to hold information about St-Martin-in-the-Fields sometime in the next week.
She will be out of town the week of Spring Break, March 10-16.
Interim Rector’s Report
The Interim Rector thanked Vestry members for their presence at the town hall meetings today, for their listening and compassionate hearts as they heard all parishioners had to say.
Growing in Faith Together: He presented information on the diocesan workshop on how a congregation works, how to keep it healthy and ways to grow. Part 1 will be held April 4 & 5 at Trinity Lutheran Fort Worth. The cost is $25 per person. Details are online at http://bit/ly/Grow0414 Part II will be held June 20 & 21. He asked all Vestry members to plan to attend if possible.
Vestry Retreat : He stated that the planned clergy-led Vestry retreat will take place sometime after the first part of the diocesan workshop.
Parochial Report: He has most of the information needed for the Annual Parochial Report. Once completed, the report must be approved by the Vestry before submission to the diocese. A vote by Vestry members via email will be taken as soon as the report is complete. Canons state the report is to be submitted to the diocese by March 1.
Senior Warden’s Report
Michele King’s Resignation: Michele King, administrative assistant, has resigned as of February 21 but with the permission of the Senior Warden has already left the office. She begins a job in the diocesan office March 1. Steps will be taken to replace her as soon as possible. Until a new person is hired office duties will be covered by volunteers. A volunteer coordinator is needed to direct the office volunteers.
Search Committee: The names of more nominees must be submitted before the Vestry can elect a Search Committee. Consideration and election of the Search Committee will be held at the March meeting in executive (closed) session with no visitors or observers present.
Junior Warden’s Report
The Jr Warden reported the following regarding equipment: It appears the weedeater can be repaired, and replacement is not necessary; the refrigerator used by the Flower Guild is not working well; the refrigerator in the small kitchen needs repair; the big copy machine has more than 1,000,000 copies on it, and will need to be replaced soon. The church owns the machine.
Phone System Update
Jim Wilson reported he is researching small business phone service through Verizon with purchased equipment at a cost of around $2600. The Interim Rector will call Verizon to advise them we no longer need email through their service.
Mission Statement Adopted
Elizabeth Mason moved the Vestry adopt the following as the Mission Statement for St-Martin-in-the-Fields “Our mission is to be Jesus Christ’s heart, hands and feet to our neighbors no matter where they are on their journey of faith.” The motion was seconded and carried.
The meeting adjourned at 2:50 PM with prayer by Aubrey Hardman.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT REGULAR VESTRY MEETING SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 12:30 PM, EAST PARISH HALL.