Minutes—December 13, 2009
Present: Vestry members Bob McMath, Rolf Wilkin, Nicole Olmstead, Dale Green,
Hershey Garner, Loyd Swope, Shea Weidner, Charlie Russell, Linda Eilers, John Berry.
Vestry
elect (or nominated, whatever): Greg Puckett. Staff Lowell Grisham, Suzi Freeman. Vestry clerk Martha McNair
Absent:
Don Marr, Ellen Hayward
Opening prayer: Fr. Grisham
Old
Business:
1. Lowell announced that the first ballot of the vestry election resulted in
three nominations: Greg Puckett, Christine Klinger, and Terri Chadick. Those names will be presented to the parish at the
annual meeting. In addition, the second ballot did not result in a majority election. It having been determined that the second
ballot could not have done so, the decision was made—after some discussion and consideration—to have a third ballot
on which the names of the top two nominees would be included, thereby insuring a majority election. Charlie moved that the
third ballot be conducted as decided; Loyd seconded. On December 20 there will be a vote between Martha McNair and Sarah Milford
to determine the fourth vestry nominee and vestry clerk. The current clerk’s repeated pleas to serve a second year in
that capacity, thus forgoing the need for a third ballot, fell on deaf ears.
2. Stewardship.
Suzi presented the following information:
As of December 8, there have been 377 pledges totaling $936,320.80. Ninety-six
of those are new pledges totaling 75, 266.00, with 103 increases totaling 42,
954.00. There have been 70 decreased pledges totaling $57,100. 108 pledges
remain the same.
3. Loyd asked about the plan for a church directory, and Lowell agreed
to follow up with Suzanne, Hershey, and whoever else has been involved. There will be a report at the January meeting.
4.
Lowell reported that the “Nag” committee looked at sketches of St. Paul’s which
would add seating for approximately 100 additional worshippers as well as more room for the choir and ministers during services.
The discussion arose that creating new space is much more efficient and less expensive; therefore, in the interest of looking
at all possibilities, the committee asked for more sketches, this time for completely new space where the parking lot now
is. The committee will report on those sketches next month.
Lowell added a report on Bob Gallagher’s
diagnosis of esophageal cancer and asked the vestry to keep him in their prayers.
New
Business
1. Dale Green suggested the possibility of using the money which
Angel Food had received for the purpose of purchasing a screen for the parish hall. He suggested that the vestry consult with
Gary Weidner about determining what is needed. Other sources of funding for the screen were considered, with the idea that
the Angel Food money be directed specifically toward feeding those in need. Linda volunteered to approach the UofA Department
of Education about screens being removed from Peabody Hall and to report next month.
Rector’s
Report:
Lowell informed the vestry about his work with the Chicago Consultation, ongoing
since the General Convention.
Senior Warden’s Report: Bob gave an eloquent account of the efforts
of the vestry under his wardenship to continue the emphasis on longterm planning advocated by John Lewis. He urged the vestry
to continue its methodical work on planning so that all the parish membership is involved as much as possible. He also stated
that any building should be considered in terms of its ministry which is supported and created by the parish. He expressed
his pride in the fact that St. Paul’s encourages an environment for encouraging people to think expansively and creatively
in terms of ministry.
Junior Warden’s Report:
1.Rolf
reported that the film inventory of the church offices, worship spaces, and storage will begin on Tuesday, January 19, at
10:00 a.m., with Suzi making sure that nothing is missed.
2. Rolf and Nicole met with the Gaia
Guild.
3. Rolf urged that the parking problem be addressed in a more stringent way. Some members
objected to the current signs. Various options were considered, with Lowell directing a thumbs up, thumbs down, thumbs sideways
response from members. The results were as follows: no to the idea of towing, yes to the idea of making
less offensive but somehow more effective signs—an enthusiastic response to “God is Watching.”
Administrator’s Report:
Suzi announced that the monthly
financial reports will be sent electronically as soon as is practicable.
Other Business:
Loyd reported that meetings and other plans for the diocesan convention are ongoing. John Berry, Shea Weidner, and
Dale Green are among the chairpersons. Lots of volunteers will be recruited.
Consent
Calendar
The minutes from the November meeting were approved as corrected.
The January meeting was set for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19.
There being
no further business, Linda moved for adjournment. The motion was approved, and Lowell ended the meeting with a prayer.
