Vestry Minutes
March 19, 2007 – 6:00 p.m.
Present: Father Gary Gilbertson; Sara Welch, Sr. Warden; Jack Britton, Jr. Warden; Cal Cormack; Debbie Hall; Todd Jacobs; Bev Wharton; David Laverick; Jim O’Hara; Dan Bednarczyk; Dave MacKay; Swede Beckstrom, Treasurer; Ann Bingham, Clerk
Absent: Brian Gloe, Gaile Varnum, Lindsay Mohn
Father Gary Gilbertson, Interim Rector, called the meeting to order with a reading of the Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Lent.
The five tasks of transition, suggestions for working toward consensus, and discernment listening guidelines were included in Vestry members’ agenda packets for review.
The minutes of the January meeting were approved as printed. The minutes of the February meeting were approved as corrected.
David Wiggins, Vestry liaison to the Search Committee, was absent. Father Gary reported on some of his e-mail exchanges with Fritz Edmunds, chairman of the Search Committee. The mission statement and goals of the parish will be discussed at the Vestry/Search Committee retreat. The Search Committee plans to hold an all-parish forum on April 29 to further discuss these issues. The completed profile will then be presented for approval to the Vestry.
Discussion followed regarding the Vestry/Search Committee retreat, which will be held at St. Michael’s on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and hopefully ending by 2:00 p.m. A continental breakfast will be served. Each attendee is asked to pay for his/her own lunch. Arrangements will be handled by the church office. Father Gary will arrange for an “ice breaker” or warm up activity, and the Search Committee will make the presentation.
TREASURER’S REPORT/FINANCE COMMITTEE: Swede Beckstrom, Treasurer, reported that $60,000 has been received from the St. Michael’s Foundation. The amount for anticipated pledges is still below the budgeted amount, and the total income is still approximately $29,000 below the budgeted amount for the year. It is possible that the Finance Committee will need to re-address the budget and make some recommendations for adjustments at either the April or May Vestry meeting.
The church audit will be with the same firm that was hired last year. Bids for future audits will be put out for next year.
The Finance Committee will be reviewing the gifts acceptance policies of the church. Building and services fees and usage will also be reviewed.
Cal Cormack gave information regarding the Welcome and New Member Commission. This dedicated group of volunteers is attempting to create an open, loving, supportive environment at St. Michael’s. Those currently serving on the committee are Jodie Johnson, Jeanne Broadhurst, Marty Pyle, Lee Legler, Larry & Mary Wiggins, Ron Nyght, and Sharon & Cal Cormack. There are also many volunteer helpers to this committee. There is always room for more volunteers and ideas as to how to incorporate new members into the life of St. Michael’s.
Father Gary presented his observations on his six months of service at the church. These would have implications for the next call for rector of St. Michael’s. There are three principle areas where improvement is needed: (1) Stewardship – currently limited congregational involvement, which means a limited budget. There are also unlimited and unmanaged appeals for funding. (2) Corporate knowledge and data base management – this is sorely out of date and in need of attention. (3) Intentionality in planning and programming; no strategy in parish growth, worship ministries training or retraining, adult formation, staff training, newsletter content, parish notifications about security.
Following discussion, a letter and a printed presentation from two parishioners were reviewed. Appreciation and acknowledgement were expressed for their concerns.
Debbie Hall reported that the Family Life Commission sponsored family roller skating party was a grand success. There are needs for intentionally reaching out to families who are currently members of the parish.
SENIOR WARDEN REPORT: Sara Welch, Senior Warden, reported that she, Jack Britton, Jim Albrecht, Swede Beckstrom, and Gaile Varnum had attended a leadership workshop sponsored by the Diocese in March.
By consensus, it was determined that the Vestry will give a Plaza gift certificate to retiring Parish Administrator, Dick Norman, along with an etched glass framed photo from the Parish.
JUNIOR WARDEN REPORT: Jack Britton, Junior Warden, has secured former parish member, Steve Burbridge, as the heating and air conditioning contractor for the church.
The lawn service company is no longer able to donate their services at no cost to the church as they have for the past three years. Jack has made arrangements for this service to be provided at a cost of approximately $6,000 per year.
Jim O’Hara moved that investigation begin immediately to fund and plan for a unisex handicapped restroom to be installed that would permit a person in a wheel chair easy access. Motion seconded and passed.
INTERIM RECTOR COMMENTS: Father Gary is conducting weekly, short meetings with the staff on Monday’s to review past activities, needs and priorities for the coming week. He has met with the Communications Commission and continues to work on the Web Page. Wednesday night Lenten programs are going well, and plans are complete for Holy Week and Easter. The Rector’s Discretionary fund provides for food and fuel via HyVee gift cards, but is not available for rent assistance or payment of utility bills.
Meeting was closed with a prayer. Next regular meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. on April 16.
Ann Bingham
Vestry Clerk