St. Martin-in-the-Fields Vestry Minutes
November 19, 2017
Present: Jim Bedell, Jack Bolerjack, Charles Busey, Mary Beth Butler, Ike Ogbue, Courtney Mullaney, Linda Seeber, Linda Snow, Joel Walker, Nancy Wieden; Scot McComas, Rector; Glenda Morehead, Clerk; DJ Mitchell, Treasurer.
Not present: Norma Barbier, Kathy Wilkinson.
Also present: Ron Hitchcock.
A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, November 19, 2017 in the West Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Rector at 12:38 PM.
Labyrinth Update
Ron Hitchcock reported the resignation of the previous company that had contracted to install the labyrinth on the slab that has been constructed for it. Hitchcock has found three more contractors who have expressed interest in completing the work, and hopes to receive firm bids from them in time for completion of the labyrinth by the end of the year.
Consideration of Minutes
Jim Bedell moved the vestry approve the minutes of the October 15, 2017 meeting as distributed. Ike Ogbue seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Reports
The Treasurer reviewed the October 2017 monthly financial reports and the preliminary 2018 budget. (See attached.)
Vestry Acceptance Vote: Jim Bedell moved the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. Courtney Mullaney seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote to Accept Contributions toward St. Martin’s Ordination Gift to Ayo Omoniyi
Jack Bolerjack moved the vestry vote to establish a temporarily restricted fund for the purpose of receiving contributions to go toward the gift St. Martin’s will present to Ayo Omoniyi on his ordination to the diaconate. MaryBeth Butler seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote to Accept Contributions to the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund for Usage of Ayo Omoniyi and Approve Any Changes to the Checking Account
Ike Ogbue moved the vestry vote to accept contributions to the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund for usage by Ayo Omoniyi, and if he is assigned to St. Martin’s, approve any changes to the related St. Martin’s checking account necessitated by such assignment. Jim Bedell seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Vote to Approve Staff Bonuses
Linda Seeber moved the vestry direct the usage of staff bonuses as found in the 2017 budget to provide Christmas bonuses to the staff of St. Martin’s church. Jim Bedell seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Stewardship Report
Through the ingathering celebration 106 pledge cards were turned in. 101 of those were from people making pledges for 2018, 5 from those who will not be pledging for 2018. No information is available at this time on pledge cards received this weekend.
Ministry Liaison Reports
All vestry ministry liaison reports submitted have been distributed to the vestry and will be included in the minutes for this day in the permanent vestry minutes file.
St. Martin’s Episcopal School
The rector announced that currently 65 students are enrolled in the school. Teachers, students, parents and all attending the Thanksgiving Day Party enjoyed their time together. Parents continue to show good support to the school and its staff. Work has begun on the school budget for 2018. Courtney Mullaney will be looking into the various options for expanding to a full day to accommodate working parents. Several private schools in the area provide full day coverage.
Diocesan Information
Diocesan Convention: Several of those who attended the November 10 – 11 diocesan convention at the Cleburne Convention Center shared their experiences on the convention. Diocesan Convention 2018 will take place the second weekend in November in Decatur. On behalf of St. Martin’s the rector thanked all those who represented our parish to the convention.
General Convention: The 2018 General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held July 5-13 in Austin.
Information on Curates: Joel Walker provided copies of the manual Introduction to the Curacy Program to all vestry members. Walker currently has no responsibilities on the diocesan level.
Tiemann Eagle Scout Resolution
Jim Bedell moves the vestry adopt the following resolution:
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church wishes to thank Max Tiemann and his crew for the recent completion of his Eagle Scout Project on behalf of our church. His project constructed a walkway to our Labyrinth, providing access for users for many years to come.
Ike Ogbue seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Brick Contribution Resolution
MaryBeth Butler moved the vestry adopt the following resolution:
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church wishes to thank all those who helped make the brick walkway to the Labyrinth possible through their gifts. Some gave in thanksgiving, some in honor, some in memory, some gave simply to help provide a lasting entryway to our Labyrinth. We are grateful to them all.
Jim Bedell seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Junior Warden’s Report
Junior Warden Charles Busey reported the following:
- Fireproofing of the Narthex Closet: The work has been completed and looks good. The folding chairs previously stored in the closet have been moved out to the shed. Busey recommends moving some of the stacking chairs to that closet for use during large services.
- Door Painting: Both the red doors to the church and the doors at the school entrance have been repainted.
- Concrete Sign Painting: The painting of the monument sign on Pearson Lane will be completed soon.
- Parking Lot Lighting: Several of the lights on parking lot are out and a “cherry picker” will be needed to repair them. New bulbs and ballast will be installed as needed. Consideration will also be given to the relative costs of use of LEDs in those lights in place of the current bulbs.
- Leaving Flags up 24/7: If feasible while it’s on site the cherry picker will be used to install lights on the flagpole.
- Busey plans to continue his work on the matter of the water supply source.
Senior Warden’s Report
The questionnaire for long-time members, which will help to prepare the 50th Anniversary history, is being distributed. Additional information must be supplied to help participants submit their completed forms. Senior Warden Linda Snow will ensure that all necessary information is provided.
Rector’s Report
The rector announced the following:
Omoniyi Ordination: Kerry Angle and Paula Maddon have agreed to coordinate the reception following the ordination of Ayo Omoniyi on Monday, December 18. All vestry members were asked to help with providing refreshments. Please contact Angle or Maddon and let them know what you will be bringing.
Discernment Committee Appointed: He has appointed a parish discernment committee to assist an individual who wishes to become a candidate for ordination.
Candidates for Vestry Election: He reminded all that Ike Ogbue is currently serving a partial vestry term and is eligible for election to a full 3 year term at the January 28, 2018, Annual Parish Meeting. Christopher DeClerk and Sharon Dudek have also agreed to run for vestry.
Adjournment and Closing Prayer
The meeting adjourned at 2:04 PM with prayer by MaryBeth Butler.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Morehead
Clerk