St. Francis Episcopal Church

Vestry Meeting – Tuesday, May 13, 2008

7:00 p.m. – Parish Hall

 

Present:  Greg Suhr, Darcy Haslam, Joyce Walsh, Don Eigenberg, Brad Bode, Don Kepler, Kelsey Hogue, Karen Anderson, Bob Manasek

Absent: Terry Haney, Al Williams, Pati McLellan, Sheryl Spath, Julie Fancher, Gina Shedd, Kathy Yates, Jane Sayre

 

Meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Fr. Kelsey with prayer.  Minutes and financials were accepted as presented.  The Platte Valley CD is now $212,000 as two CD’s were rolled over into one Flex CD.  Profit and loss show church maintenance reflecting expenditures for the roof, two new vacuums and stucco repair (insurance check was received earlier)..  Social Security Taxes and Medicare are reflected in payroll expenses-other.  Foundation committee met to review.  Investments are over $1 million. 40% of investments are common stock and 60% in cash, bonds and CD’s.  CD’s that are coming due are renewing at a lower rate. 

 

Vancouver Group and Natural Church Development – Fr. Kelsey and Deacon Bob Brown attended the deanery meeting in Chadron.  Fr. Don Huber made a presentation on Natural Church Development.  There are eight key areas: Empowering Leadership, Gift Based Ministry, Passionate Spirituality, Effective Structures, Inspiring Worship Services, Holistic Small Groups, Need-oriented Evangelism, and Loving Relationships.  As assessment tool includes picking thirty active people for a survey to determine our strengths and weaknesses in these eight areas.   This survey will be a nice tie in with the Vancouver Group efforts.  Vancouver participants are meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. to establish timelines and strategy to proceed.  This would be a great tool to utilize in June.  The Deanery requested Alleluia funds for a laptop and projector.  Fr. Kelsey received word that the requested was approved for two laptops and two projectors.  One will be housed in Alliance and one at St Francis. 

 

Building, Land Improvements – Well – Clarkson Foundation gave approval to proceed with the well.  Greg will visit with Terry and start the well bid process.  Motion by Suhr/Walsh to do so. Results of the bid will be sent electronically to Vestry once they are received.   Motion carried Sign - .Mike Ferguson will be approached when we decided on a sign and where and what design we desire.  Sidewalk Repair – The front sidewalk is breaking up as well as by the back gate – approximately a 4 x 5 area.  Don will check with the City to see if a grate is possible in the front.  He will access a plan to proceed and goal is to complete before winter. Roofing – repair is complete and paid. Don will compose a “to do list” of projects that need to be done.  i.e. chapel wall, ceiling tiles, etc.  A sign up sheet will be published once the list is established to spread out the chores to all members.

 

Newsletter editor and communications – Rae Whitney, Rosemary, and Fr. Kelsey met and have laid out a three page newsletter format.  Communication is important for those on the outer fringes that don’t attend regularly.  We will mail to those who don’t have email and first publication should be in June.  Sandy Shedd will write news releases as well as interview people for articles in the newsletter. 

 

Update on Idaho Bishop Search – Fr. Kelsey is one of four finalists.  The walk about is scheduled for June 1st and the vote is June 28th.  There needs to be a majority vote from Clergy and from Lay representatives. 

Habitat for Humanity – There is an opening for the Volunteer coordinator position formerly held by Dan Ramsey.  It pays $100 per month during construction.  If you know of anyone interested, please let Fr. Kelsey know. 

 

Summer schedule – Wednesday night’s services will not be held during the summer months.  Prairie Treasures (E-Bay) will also not meet during the summer. They made over $4,000 this past year!  In the fall we will look at restructuring Wednesday nights to include “church night”.  Possibly hold a soup/salad supper followed by choir practice, youth group, bible study, etc. 

 

Other – Bob Fancher’s funeral will be Thursday, May 15th at 11 a.m. at the Gering Memorial Chapel.  Website – Bob Manasek brought input from Megan Notchee (22 year old who has a degree in media design – she did Northfield School’s website – review on Gering School’s website).  Bob M. and Bob B. will visit with her about possibilities.  She charges $25 per hour.  Vancouver group will share the list of do’s and don’ts for websites. 

 

There being no further business, meeting adjourned with prayer from Bob Manasek.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Karen S. Anderson

Acting Secretary