Vestry Meeting
Minutes St.
Francis Church
November 11, 2008
The November 11, 2008
Vestry Meeting was held at St. Francis’ Parish Hall and called to order at 7:00
p.m., with Deacon Bob Brown providing the opening prayer. Present: Sr. Warden:
Brad Bode, presiding, Jr. Warden: Don Eigenberg, Vestry members: Terry Haney, Al
Williams, Julie Fancher, Joyce Walsh, Sheryl Spath, and Darcy Haslam Guests:
Priests Karen Anderson and Bob Manasek, Deacon Robert Brown, co-treasurers Don
Kepler and Kathy Yates, and Jane Sayre as secretary. Absent: Gina Shedd, Greg
Suhr, and Pati McLellan.
Motion to accept Minutes
of October 14, 2008, with one
correction, was made by Al, seconded by Joyce, and approved.
- Financial Reports
were presented by Don Kepler,
reflecting the transfer of funds from a $100,000 CD, to Vanguard Brokerage
Account. Pledges are lagging about $8,000 at present. The expenses for the
Wednesday night suppers have been entered into the “Fellowship & Kitchen
Supplies” account. After discussion, Motion to accept the financial
report was made by Darcy, seconded by Al, and approved.
- Discussions regarding
Congregation’s feedback on how
things are going, opened up with Kathy expressing she is hearing great things
about the Wednesday night suppers, being a great opportunity to get to
know people. Bob noted an improvement in the coffee hour as
well, with people making a point to visit with people they don’t recognize,
and suggested an invitation to join the coffee hour be extended during the
Sunday church services. Kathy noted that the coffee hour following the 8
o’clock service has also been good. Bob Manasek stated that he feels we
have a need for a contemporary service, possibly on Saturday nights, to
appeal to youth, and young families. All agreed the Children’s Chapel
is going well also. Darcy asked if we had a nursery yet, and Joyce
explained that Monica is available if & when she is needed. Bob Brown said we
have been getting about 1800 hits on the website, and that Charles Hart
has been helping him with that. Brad added that the United Way, this year, is
working on projects to focus on public transportation for the disabled
on Sundays. Karen expressed that we need to do a better job reaching out to
those in assisted living, and hospital visits. Being hampered somewhat
with the HIPA rules, sometimes the clergy has no way to know if someone is in
need of a visit. Bob B. volunteered to check into having some directional
signs for the church made, to guide newcomers to restrooms, etc. Karen
reminded members that we still need a pictorial directory, to help
everyone connect names to faces, possibly involving the youth to help put it
together. Brad agreed, and said it should be a goal for the first of the new
year. He also asked what had become of the project with the Rector’s
portraits. After discussion, Brad & Julie volunteered to take on the
project & get it done. Don E. said the concrete work got replaced very
economically due to connection with Habitat for Humanity volunteers. Lastly,
Terry reported that the well on the vacant property is still on hold,
with no bid received as of yet.
- New Vestry members
for 2009, ’10, & ’11 were
discussed. Among possible candidates are Chris Kelly, Don Gable, Richard
Schaneman, and Terry is working on one of his students to see if he’d be
interested.
- Fr. Kelsey’s 2009
compensation committee will be
Kathy Yates and Jane Wisniewski. They will put a plan together and have it
before December 15th.
- 2009 Wednesday night
dinners will be prepared by the
ladies, beginning in January. Discussion followed regarding the need for a
coordinator, programs, and expenses reflected in budget. The ladies of the
vestry and clergy will get together to come up with a coordinator.
- Thoughts on Annual
Council were shared, with all who
attended agreeing that the crowd loved the Friday night Jazz Vespers, the
stunning Sunday service music, and various presentations. Karen suggested
that next year they need to offer the Saturday night meal as a separate price,
so more will attend. Karen also noted that she has been elected to the
Standing Committee, as well as Debbie Hogue. The sweatshirts she bought &
sold at council are for the Sower’s Fund, and needs to sell the remainder at
cost. She will bring them Sunday for the congregation, as well as Pati &
Susan’s bead work. Al discussed the great potential with using the power point
program & laptop equipment provided to the Deanery. He also commented that
the Ebay business is very slow right now.
With no further business,
the meeting was closed, with Karen leading the Lord’s Prayer, at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Sayre
Secretary to the Vestry