ST THOMAS PARISH

VESTRY MINUTES

AUGUST 21, 2011

Members Present Other

Fr. Paul Gennett                      John Killingsworth                  Karen Krauss

Bernadette Blair                      Karl Krauss                             Roby Roberson

Teresa Coons                         Annette Rickolt                      Jean Runge

Kate Donnelly                         Alice Ryan

Mike Grabowski*                     Kelly Tompkins

Treasurer – Stover Babcock

Members Absent *Rector’s Warden

Sylvia Berta                                        **People’s Warden

Teri Quinn Gray**

Mutual Invitation John Killingsworth led the Mutual Invitation for the vestry based on Isaiah 30:18-21.

Opening Prayer Mike Grabowski called the vestry to order at 12:45 pm and led the opening prayer.

Wine tasting fun(d)raiser Karen Krauss presented an idea for a fund raising opportunity for the parish at a business in Deerfield in the form of a wine tasting event.  Finger foods and non alcoholic beverages would also be available.  The parish would receive a portion of the total wine sales of the evening.  Parishioners could drop in any time during a four hour period on whatever date is selected.  The parish could have a basket raffle if desired.  Karen Krauss will look into possible dates and report back to the vestry.

Minutes of June 4, 2011

Kelly Tompkins moved that the Minutes of June 4, 2011 be accepted as presented.  Karl Krauss seconded the motion.  Motion approved.

Minutes of June 12, 2011

Bernadette Blair moved that the Minutes of June 12, 2011, be accepted as presented.  Annette Rickolt seconded the motion.  Motion approved.

Rector’s Report

1.  Fr. Paul announced that he had asked Gregg Eynon and Tom Fairchild, co-leaders of the Forward in Faith team, to give the vestry an update on their meeting with the Trustees of the Diocese on September 8, 2011.  They will present the material developed by Strategic Planning I and II so that the Diocese will understand the thoughts and feelings of the parish toward the possible use and purchase of the Grove.

2.  Fr. Paul asked the vestry to prayerfully consider their thoughts/feelings regarding the new law affirming civil unions with same sex partnered couples that becomes law 1/1/12.  Bishop Wright and other diocesan leaders are preparing plans and meetings for parishes to discuss and discern what can be helpful to each parish to decide its position sometime this fall.

3.  Parish Life Day will be held November 19^th from 8:30am until 3:15pm at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown.  All in the parish are encouraged to participate and have the opportunity to meet others from other parishes.

4.  Fr. Paul has sent a letter to the Diocese that St. Thomas is not in a position to support the Cathedral.

5. Fr. Paul will be the Chaplain at Memorial House in Rehoboth Beach from August 26^th to September 2^nd.

6.  Fr Paul will be away from September 18-24 for continuing education.  Vestry meeting will be held September 18^th led by the wardens.

Episcopal Campus Ministry

1.  The dinner for the 20-30s group was well attended.  There are a number of graduate students so Deacon Cecily is considering a separate program for them from the younger undergraduates.

2.  Deacon Cecily and three students discussed a joint service program and fellowship with the Lutherans.

3.  A meeting with the principal of West Park elementary School was held on August 18 to discuss the ECM adopting the school doing two or three service projects.

4.  All the incoming freshmen have been contacted at least three times to acquaint them with ECM program and to make them aware of St. Thomas and welcome.

5.  Parking space rental program is progressing well.  All spaces have been rented.  The income will be used for expenses, outreach projects, and the stipend for Cami Seward for administration, and ECM.

Property

1.  The Air Handler in the Great Hall has been painted to match the walls.

2.  Black Dog Construction has completed the installation and repair of the windows at the rear of the church.

3.  The final repair and restoration of the Narthex Ceiling should be completed on Monday.  There are new tiles and lighting.

4.  Teri Quinn Gray is looking into the repair of a portion of the back roof at Aidan House.

5.  The City of Newark notified the church that a modification to the handicap portion of the driveway is needed to comply with the code.

Finance

The June report which covers six months shows finances are in pretty good shape.  The balance is down 49K due to the sale of Kells Ave. property and using part of the proceeds to pay off the Worship Enhancement Fund.  The savings account has been transferred to ING to take advantage of a better interest rate.  There is phone line access to the account enabling money to be moved immediately.  An excess of 50 Thousand Dollars and future excesses will probably be added to the account rather than leave it in checking.  The Millie Link Memorial Fund has been transferred to Master Plan A

The Profit and Loss comparison shows minor variances in terms of revenue.  The pledges from the congregation are about 9 thousand dollars ahead although the plate revenue is down 2-3 thousand.   Diocesan Investment is down over last year but is not really consistent.  Property and the rent of facilities use is on track.  On the expense side stewardship and services have used more of their budget than last year.  Finances are good.  ECM has $7500 based on a $15,000 budget.

The Finance committee is working to develop job descriptions, controls, and policies as well as looking at the By Law requirements.

SWEEP goals for 2011-2012

Stewardship – John Killingsworth stated that the names of the pledging units have been divided so each vestry member will have about 17 names to contact.  There will be a brochure in the packets and an introductory breakfast at the end of September.  The committee is also displaying posters that Bob Gilley designed.  Each vestry member is asked to pray for his or her list.

The outreach members have noted that polls indicate expansion is desired in the parish for both outreach and in house programs for youth.  The money needs to be put where our hearts are.  They are working on budget assignments for next year and primarily the three middle family programs printed in red on the handout.  The committee is seeking commitment first and then developing the programs for after school activities and community participation.

Education

Ronnie Wilbur and Jim Hiebert are leading the adult education program this year.

Worship – Hospitality

The complete report for this ministry will be given in September when Sylvia Berta returns from her trip.  Bernadette noted that hospitality would like to have a sufficient amount allocated to them in the budget to cover unexpected expenses that just crop up.

Pastoral Care

The ministry plans to have 2 baby blankets and 4 prayer shawls prepared and ready to be distributed.  One more LEV is needed so that two people are called on once a month to take communion to the shut-ins and Millcroft.  Cards are sent to the parishioners who cannot attend the services at Easter and Christmas.  Other cards are sent for birthdays, anniversaries, illness or death of loved ones as needed.

Evangelism - A newcomer’s dinner is being considered with other dinners in the future.  Bill and Cindy Dec hope to form a ministry to greet people and welcome them to the church.

Old Business – None

New Business

Kelly Tompkins will work with Deacon Cecily to plan for Newark Community Days if St. Thomas plans to participate this year.  The date is September 18^th.

Closing Prayer – Bernadette Blair offered the closing prayer.

Adjournment  – 2:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Runge

Clerk

Motions:

1.  Kelly Tompkins moved that the Minutes of June 4, 2011 be accepted as presented.  Karl Krauss seconded the motion.  Motion approved.

2.  Bernadette Blair moved that the Minutes of June 12, 2011, be accepted as presented.  Annette Rickolt seconded the motion.  Motion approved.

Corrected September 18, 2011