Vestry Meeting Minutes                     St. Francis Church                            August 12, 2008

The August 12, 2008 Vestry Meeting was held at St. Francis’ Parish Hall and called to order at 7:00 p.m., with Fr. Kelsey Hogue providing the opening prayer, and presiding in absence of Brad Bode, Sr. Warden.  Also present: Terry Haney, Al Williams, Darcy Haslam, Julie Fancher, Gina Shedd, Joyce Walsh, Jr. Warden - Don Eigenberg,  guests:  Karen Anderson, Bob Manasek, Bob Brown, Treasurer Don Kepler, and Jane Sayre as secretary.  Excused Absent: Brad Bode, Sheryl Spath.  Absent: Greg Suhr, Pati McLellan, Kathy Yates.

Minutes of the July 8, 2008 meeting were approved with Motion made by Al, seconded by Don. 

• Financial Report was presented by Don Kepler, showing cash heavy currently, as the Vanguard account has not yet been purchased.  P/L report is showing a little behind on pledges for the month, $4,260.  Fr. Kelsey will put a reminder in the bulletin for those that have fallen behind. After discussion, Motion to accept the financial report was made by Don E., seconded by Darcy, and approved.
• Jr. Warden’s Report was prefaced with Fr. Kelsey extending heartfelt gratitude to Don E., Bob B., and Al W. for replacing 60 ceiling tiles in the Parish Hall and church.  Discussion followed regarding placement of the well on the vacant property, the agreement being it needs to be on the highest spot for better efficiency.  Terry will contact Dale Smock to get the well drilling project moving forward, at an approximate cost of $1700 - $2000.  Plans for next year’s community garden were discussed. Fr. Kelsey volunteered to go to the Gering Community Garden to check out what the needs will be.  Don noted that he will spray the weeds in the parking lot this week.  Joyce offered to loan the sprayer.  Helpers will be recruited to assist Gina & Michael with painting of the east wall of the Parish Hall on August 23^rd, 9:00 a.m.  Bob & Sam Brown cleaned out and organized the room for a Choir Room.
• Appointment of Council Representatives was discussed for the November 8, 2008 Annual Council.  There will be plenty of opportunities for congregational participation.  Motion to appoint Vic Brenizer as Deputy, representatives: Julie Fancher and Brad Bode, alternates: Joyce Walsh, and pending: Sam Brown, Debbie Hogue, and Barb Manasek, was made by Gina, seconded by Joyce, and approved.                                                                   

Motion to nominate Debbie Hogue for position on the Standing Committee was made by Don, seconded by Al, and approved.

• Plans for fall focused on mainly three areas:

a.      Fr. Kelsey met with Roberta & Gail, they agreed to turn selection of service music to him, enabling him to better plan the liturgy/music Sunday to Sunday.  He has also researched several resources for a broader variety of music, without having to purchase new hymnal books.  Gail & Roberta also agreed to be proactive in acquiring local musicians to provide more special music presentations.  Roberta’s salary has been increased to reflect the extra time required for rehearsing, and recruiting guest musicians.
b.      Children’s Chapel and changing the children’s Sunday School activities was discussed.  Fr. Kelsey has met with Peggy, and a group has formed to develop a program that will be more interactive and fun for the children, as well as more inviting to parents, guests, and friends.
c.       Wednesday church nights, for recapturing of bringing the congregation together for a casual meal at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, a “Don’t have to cook night”.  Four teams will be created to do the cooking & preparation.  Leftovers will be donated to the Chuck Wagon Church and Lakota Luthern Center.  Fr. Kelsey will call and make arrangements for them to make the pick-ups. Discussion followed with Fr. Kelsey inquiring if we need both of the refrigerators presently in the kitchen, and would it be better to replace one of them with a freezer.  Gina offered to give the church a large chest freezer.  Fr. Kelsey will discuss the matter with the Ladies Guild and get more input before a decision is made.

• Golf tournament proceeds totaled $450 this year.  After discussion, Motion to designate one-half to start up the Wednesday Church Night meals, and one-half to the Children’s Program, was made by Al, seconded by Terry, and approved.  Al added that the Prairied Treasure project is gearing up for two groups to participate, needing 4 – 6 people per auction.  Fr. Kelsey will put a note in the newsletter coming out Monday, with an appeal for more people who would like to help out with the project.
• Memorial gift from Ethel Edwards was received, and designated to go into the new building fund, per her wishes.  Fr. Kelsey, in consideration of Ethel’s “fierce patriotism” suggested that a small portion of the funds go to replacing the flags in the Parish Hall, and the staffs for the Sanctuary flags.  All agreed.
• Stewardship Training will be conducted by Canon Tim Anderson, on August 20^th, at 7:00 p.m.  Interested members are encouraged to attend.

 With no further business, the meeting was closed at 8:20 p.m., with Bob Brown giving the closing prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane Sayre

Secretary to the Vestry