VESTRY MINUTESST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH BILLINGS, MONTANA

26 June 2008

PRESENT:  Sue Asbell, Bina Collins, Corinne Denegre, Zack Garretson, Doris Gerstner, Woody Hahn, Fr. Jacob Knee, Jamie Macartney, Jim Rawlings, Deb Smyle, Bill Speare, and Bill Thompson.

ABSENT:  Jill Branch

Father Jacob Knee opened the meeting with a prayer.

Woody Hahn delivered the June inspirational thought and meditation, which highlighted the opening weekend of the new baseball complex, Dehler Field.  Deb Smyle volunteered for the July 2008 meeting.

MINUTES of the last meeting: 

After a short discussion, Jamie Macartney moved the acceptance of the minutes of the last meeting as printed.  Jim Rawlings seconded.  The motion carried. 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Doris Gerstner presented her report which had been sent in advance to all vestry members.  She fielded a few questions about specific line items, in particular office expenses (line 39) and the rector’s pension (line 19). 

She reported that the transfer to the Youth Fund of the proceeds for the Italian Night amounted to $540.00.

Woody Hahn moved the acceptance of the treasurer’s report as printed.  Zack Garretson seconded.  The motion carried. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Doris reported that no additions needed to be made to the Accounts Payable.

Deb Smyle moved the acceptance of Accounts Payable as printed.  Bina Collins seconded.  The motion carried.

Doris concluded her report by distributing a handout entitled “Income/Assessment 2008” that explains the process she goes through to figure the Income/Assessments each month.

RECTOR’S REPORT:  Father Jacob reported the following:

1.  In August he will present a series of short talks regarding Jesus and Judaism.  He will teach for approximately one hour after the 9:00 AM service on August 10, 17, 24, and 31.

2.  Day Camp (August 18-22) is in need of volunteers form St. Stephen’s.  A sign-up sheet for volunteers will be posted with hours for morning and afternoon sessions.

3.  Dave Campbell will come October 11-12 instead of September 19-20.  The change has been made to avoid a conflict with the Beth Moore Conference that is scheduled at Metra for that September weekend.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

      Building and Grounds:  Bina Collins reported.  Each vestry member had received a copy of the committee report. 

Jim Rawlings explained the roof work in a bit more detail.  He will be receiving a bid which he will present later.

     Pastoral Care:  Zack Garretson reported.  The committee minutes had been sent to vestry members.

Additional discussions follow:

The ice cream social went well.

Fr. Jacob reported that Cynthia Seddon and Mary Wahl will begin a prayer ministry in the fall.  He elaborated that the ministry will take place in the narthex immediately following the 10:15 service; once the ministry is grounded with more volunteers, it will expand to the 8 AM service as well.

      Worship Committee:  Summer means that this committee has nothing new to report.

      Personnel Committee:  Bill Speare highlighted in greater detail some of the items included in the copy of committee minutes that had been sent to vestry members.

      Community Service:  Corinne Denegre reported that the committee is taking a bit of a break during the summer months.

      Membership and Evangelism:  Bill Thompson distributed a short report.  He added that, when he makes visitations, he will deliver copies of the monthly schedule of events.

      Communication:  Jamie Macartney had nothing new to report from this committee except that the display sign board is in place outside the back entrance.

          

      Adult Education:  Fr. Jacob had earlier reported on the classes he will present in August.

       Children and Youth:  Fr. Jacob reported that a weekly Wednesday evening youth group will begin in the fall.

Also a lock-in will be a once-a-month occurrence from October through December.

      Bishop Fox Company:  Bill Speare distributed the minutes of the June 3rd meeting of this committee.  He reported that the first service will be held 24 August in the Chapel at St. John’s Lutheran Home.  To conclude his report, he commented that the work that has been done by Rev. McCloud is impressive. 

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Doris Gerstner suggested that a credit card be made available for the convenient use of the office, in particular Fr. Jacob, Doris, and Betty.  Purchases will be budgeted items only, and the balance will be paid monthly.

Woody moved the approval of applying for a credit card that has no annual fee.  Corinne Denegre seconded.  The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Bishop has issued an edict that The St. Stephen’s Parish needs to leave The American Anglican Council.  Fr. Jacob will obey the edict.  A copy of the letter he sent to the AAC is attached with these minutes.

After discussion and clarification, Jamie Macartney moved the acceptance of the following resolution:

RESOLVED:  that in a pledge of our mutual support, the vestry of St. Stephen’s Parish hereby affirm that both those opposed and those supporting the actions of General Convention are welcome in our parish family and we pledge to defend parishioners’ right to be members of the Episcopal Diocese of Montana, the Episcopal Church, and the Worldwide Communion.

Woody Hahn seconded.  The motion carried.

Fr. Jacob explained that, in a general mailing, he will notify all parishioners of the following:

1.  the instruction that came from the Bishop

2.  an explanation of his compliance with the instruction

3.  an application for individual membership in the AAC to accommodate any who are interested in continued membership

4.  a copy of the resolution passed by the vestry

A copy of Fr. Jacob’s letter to parishioners will be included with the July minutes.

Because the microphone used by Cynthia is not working, Doris, Bina, and Cynthia will make arrangements to get the repairs necessary for both that mike as well as to the ear phones that are not working properly.

Committee chair persons were reminded to get a complete list of committee members to Betty as soon as possible.

Fr. Jacob requested permission to purchase an ink jet color printer ($120.00) for use in his office.  Jim Rawlings moved to approve the purchase with the money from funds allotted for equipment.  Zack Garretson seconded.  The motion carried.

Members of the Finance/Budget Committee were asked to remain after the vestry meeting to schedule the mid-year meeting.

Fr. Jacob closed the meeting with a prayer.

The next Vestry meeting will be Thursday, 24 July 2008 at 5:15 PM.

With no further business, the meeting closed.

Respectfully submitted,

Gerry Thompson, Vestry ClerkBill Speare, Senior Warden