Minutes—January 19, 2010

(approved 2/23/2010)

 

Present: Vestry members Bob McMath, Dale Green, Hershey Garner, Loyd Swope, Shea Weidner, Charlie Russell, Linda Eilers, John Berry. Vestry elect (or nominated, whatever): Greg Puckett. Staff Lowell Grisham, Suzanne Stoner Clerk Martha McNair

Absent: Don Marr, Ellen Hayward, Rolf Wilkin, Nicole Olmstead, Suzi Freeman.

 

Opening prayer: Fr. Grisham

 

NOTE: There being no printed agenda, the meeting proceeded with less precision that usual. I am imposing, after the fact, the usual agenda order in order to record the proceedings in the clearest way I can. If you have questions, email me.

 

Old Business:

·       Nag Committee Report: After a brief review by Loyd Swope and Charlie Russell of the work completed so far—meetings, projected attendance figures, and telephone surveys—the committee asked Bob Kelly, architect and member of St. Paul’s, to provide basic beginning views of two possibilities: an addition to the existing church and a new church on the existing property. The vestry viewed slides illustrating ways to add 100 seats in the nave and additional seats for choir members. Lowell asked for broad “ballpark” speculations about the cost of each options. Bob estimated that adding 9000 square feet to the building would be approximated 3.8 million and the building a new facility of 14, 500 square feet would by 4.5 to 4.6 million. These amounts do not include an underground parking area, which would be possible if the parish decides to build a new facility, or any furnishings. Nor would it include a new organ. These expenses could be expected to total more than two million dollars. Lowell asked the vestry’s permission to take printed copies of the possible changes on his trip to Georgia so that he could meet informally with Bob Gallagher in continuation of his August consultation. It was agreed that the copies, being in no way under actual consideration, should be kept in the possession of the clerk, and that any inquiry should be addressed by frankly explaining the matters under consideration.

 

·       Lowell reported that he has met with Casey Milford about the development of an online parish directory. The potential directory is very impressive, according to Lowell, and the two have agreed to meet every other Monday at 11:00 a.m.until the directory is complete, God willing.

 

·       Loyd reported that the plans for the Diocesan Convention are ongoing. Those in charge of the various tasks include:

              Food: John Berry

              Snacks and hospitality: Shea Weidner

              Reception, check in, coordinating the help from Springdale, Rogers, and               Bentonville,     etc.: Carole Swope and the “Tippy Committee”

              Video and audio: Dale Green

              Nametags: John Tolleson

              Exhibits: Rebecca Summerlin

              Assistance: Charlie Russell, Greg Puckett

 

New Business

·       Lowell reported that, under new regulations, St. Paul’s is able to send four delegates, rather than the previous limit of three, to the Diocesan Convention. The three delegates are Loyd Swope, Michele Halsell, and Mary Miller. John Berry nominated Linda Jones to be the fourth delegate. The vestry accepted the nomination and asked John to contact her.

 

·       Four alternates were then selected, as suggested or volunteered: Terry Chadick (who has attended in the past and who will begin serving on the vestry in February. Martha will ask her and report back), Elliott West (as volunteered by Suzanne), Suzi Freeman (usually in attendance anyway and useful), and Martha McNair (who lives nearby and who volunteered).

 

·       Lowell asked the vestry to approve the housing allowances (attached), having explained the nature of IRS code, budget timelines, and so forth. Hershey moved that the allowances be approved as presented, Loyd seconded, and the motion passed.

 

·       Three allowances for the use of beer and wine on the premises were approved: Burns Night (January 23), Unitarians Dinner (February 26), and the Diocesan Convention.

 

Rector’s Report:

·       The Servant Leadership class enrollment is 28—a reflection of the success of the class. Another class, slated to begin Thursday, has an enrollment of 5-8.

 

·       The Reb Zalman videoconference, co-sponsored by the Temple and the Sufi Center, will occur again this year on February 9.

 

·       Christine and Tim Klinger have donated  an icon of St. Paul by Mary Ellen Watson. Monday is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The icon will be dedicated  on Sunday, January 24, at the 8:45 service. It is in place, with a vigil candle beside it.

 

·       Suzanne reported on the success of the 6:00 a.m Baptism service on January 10. She expressed special thanks to Frank and Alex Sharp, who built the baptismal font. Lowell suggested that the clerk draft a resolution of appreciation from the vestry to be sent to the Sharps. The clerk cheerfully agreed to do so.

 

Senior Warden’s Report: none (I don’t think that any of the items discussed originated from the senior warden.)

 

Junior Warden’s Report: In the absence of the junior warden, Lowell reported that the signs asking people going to the courthouse not to use the church parking lot and ending with the phrase “God is Watching” were stolen. New signs, without the last admonition, have been ordered.

 

Administrator’s Report:

Lowell reported that Suzi’s surgery and recuperation thus far have been successful and that she is beginning to return to work. Her tasks, excluding all else for the time being, will be to close out the 2009  budget, complete the W-2 forms process, and meet with the finance committee to begin work on the 2010 budget.
 

Other Business:

·       Lowell expressed his appreciation to the four outgoing members of the vestry—Bob McMath, Hershey Garner, John Berry, and Don Marr—and thanked them for their hard work.

 

·       Charlie (Bob?) asked about the presentation of the budget at the annual meeting on January 31. After discussion it was moved (Dale) and seconded (Loyd) that the re be a general presentation from the finance committee with specific details of the budget to be worked out in February. The motion passed.

 

·       Loyd asked about the offering for Haiti for earthquake relief efforts. Lowell said that he would get the total from Mary and report.

 

·       Lowell presented two requests for donations—one from the Temple, one from Children’s House. Dale suggested that the vestry wait until budget discussions to consider them. The vestry agreed.

 

·       Loyd asked where to refer people who attend services when he is ushering and ask about St. Paul’s. Lowell responded that Suzanne holds introductory meetings, and the Let’s Get Acquainted Group meets each Sunday as well.

 

·       Linda voiced the concern of a parishioner that the money spent on poinsettias during the Christmas season could be better spent. Discussion and explanation of the uses of the poinsettias after the services followed.

 

·       Linda also reported that a parishioner who attended the 6:00 service in December fell on a piece of rebar. Lowell took note in order to respond to the situation.

 

·       Charlie voiced the concern of a parishioner that the church use paper coffee cups. Lowell noted that he would refer the concern to the Gaia Guild.

 

·       Fr. Walling’s return to his tasks was gratefully noted.

 

Consent Calendar: We forgot the consent calendar. The November minutes as well as the December minutes will be approved in February.

 

The next meeting, as regularly scheduled, will occur at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16. (We didn’t officially set this meeting, however, so there may be an email changing the schedule.)

 

There being no further business, Hershey moved for adjournment. The motion was approved, and Lowell ended the meeting with a prayer.