St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Minutes
July 15, 2018
Present:Jim Bedell, Mary Beth Butler, Christopher DeClerk, Sharon Dudek, Keen Haynes, Ike Ogbue, Becky Snell, Linda Seeber, Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Nancy Wieden, Kathy Wilkinson; Scot McComas, Rector; Christopher Thomas, Assisting Priest; Albert Alvarez, Financial Manager. Not present: D.J. Mitchell, Treasurer. Glenda Morehead, Clerk.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, July 15, 2018 in the West Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector at 12:10 PM. He then led the vestry in a bible study using Ephesians 1:3-10, followed by a discussion of Chapters 4 and 5 of “The Vestry Resource Guide.” He spoke about his service as a deputy to General Convention, held the prior two weeks in Austin.
Rector’s Report
- Request from Rev. Ayo Omoniyi for 4 Saints Food Pantry Omoniyi indicated that the needs of the community served by 4 Saints are very great, and asked if the church could consider increasing its financial support. Linda Snow moved to renew the “17 cents buys a pound of food” drive on a quarterly basis, running it for approximately 1 month each time. The motion was seconded and carried.
- Presentation by Susan Kleinwechter of Communications Committee proposal Susan Kleinwechter, director of communications, presented a proposal by the committee to establish one wall in the church administration building as a working “History Wall” to allow members to add to timeline, pictures, etc. toward creation of the 50th anniversary book. Another wall in the building would be a “Culture Wall” visually demonstrating the current culture of the parish. Target audience is people who come to the parish for reasons other than Sunday worship – NA and AA groups, school parents, etc. Susan also presented proposed signage to show worship times and direct visitors to the Labyrinth. Jim Bedell moved to approve these concepts pending confirmation of funding. The motion carried with one abstaining.
- Audit Committee appointed The Audit Committee, headed by Paula Jefferson, will meet on August 4 at 8 am.
- Vestry Clerk Rector asked the Vestry to prayerfully consider whether they were called to service as the new Clerk of Vestry.
Consideration of Minutes
Minutes of the June 10, 2018 meeting were approved as distributed.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of DJ Mitchell, Treasurer, Financial Manager Albert Alvarez presented the financial report. He asked for approval of the May financials, which were not complete at the previous meeting, and the June financials. Linda Snow moved acceptance and the motion carried.
Discussion ensued of when and how to inform the congregation of the shortfall in pledge and non-pledge income. Joel Walker moved that VPIC’s read a Vestry statement at each service during the weekends of July 21-22 and 28-29. Keen Haynes offered to draft a statement for Vestry review and use. The motion carried.
Union Gospel Mission Funding Request
Joel Walker moved that $1000 of the $1700 currently budgeted for Union Gospel Mission be distributed. The motion carried.
Stewardship
Mary Beth Butler reported that the Stewardship Committee was exploring external mechanisms for receiving pledges and other payments. The theme of the campaign will be Abundant Giving. Launch date will be Saturday, October 6, running for four weeks and finishing with ingathering and a luncheon on Sunday, November 4.
Welcoming
Mary Beth Butler reported that the Welcoming group is looking at ways to welcome and engage visitors and newcomers.
Vestry Vote to approve Buy-Back of Columbarium Niche
Keen Haynes moved that the church buy back the niche currently owned by LC Crowley and Jim Wilson and sell it to the family of Marie Tice. The motion carried.
Becky Snell reported on the offer recently extended to inter unclaimed remains of indigent persons. They prefer to bury intact remains rather than cremate.
Diocesan Convention Information
Joel Walker reported that Diocesan Convention will be held November 9-10, 2018, in Decatur. September 10 is the deadline for resolutions and nominations. On October 15, St. Martin’s will host the East Deanery meeting at 7:00 pm in the East Parish Hall.
Junior Warden Report
Linda Seeber remarked on her written report, presented prior to the meeting. The report is attached to and made a part of these minutes. She suggested that the Parish Hall dishwasher is not used and if it were removed, kitchen space could be gained. She agreed to ask Union Gospel Mission if there might be use for it in the new building.
Irrigation for the Labyrinth is estimated at $1100. The issue was tabled until September, when the weather is more conducive to new planting.
The first Sunday in August (8/5) will be a “Grubby Sunday” with parishioners invited to come in work clothes and stay afterward for a clean-up day.
Mary Beth Butler reported on installation of caution items in the parking lot. She is checking with the city on the possibility of a School Zone on Pearson Lane and caution signs in the parking lot.
Senior Warden Report
No report was given.
Other Topics for Discussion
Joy Malmgren is working on grant proposals for the Diocesan outreach grant. It was suggested that she explore funding for the 4 Saints Food Pantry.
July 29 Pool Party at Goodner Home (RSVP requested)
August 5 Grubby Sunday Workday following 10:30 service
August 19 Vestry Meeting 12:15 PM
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM with prayer by Becky Snell.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Butler, Clerk pro tem
Please note: Next regular vestry meeting Sunday, AUGUST 19, EAST Parish hall.