Vestry
The Vestry 2012
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In the Episcopal Church the laity have a crucial leading role in the governance and decision-making of the church. This ministry is formally exercised through a “Vestry,” whose members are elected by the parish. Vestry members serve three-year terms of office. Their basic responsibilities are to manage the financial affairs of the parish; to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, and to ensure effective organization and planning. The rector is the presiding officer of the Vestry and selects a “Senior Warden” from the elected members. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the rector. A “Junior Warden” is elected by the members of the Vestry to be the primary eyes, ears, and voice of the congregation in parish leadership.
| Joe Loge Senior Warden | Mike Grimes Junior Warden | ||
| Bill Spice | Kate Ray | ||
| Todd Howard | Fred Mulfinger | ||
| Maury Leinenbach | Thea Bibbs | ||
| Sharon Graham | Bob Ewing | ||
| Ginnie Parkinson | Sidney Hardgrave |
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ST PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
March 8, 2012
Members Present: Ginnie Parkinson, Mike Grimes, Joe Loge, Fred Mulfinger, Sharon Graham, Sidney Hardgrave, Thea Bibbs, and Father Richard Godbold.
Apologies: Bob Ewing, Bill Spice, Maury Leinenbach, Todd Howard
Absent: Kate Ray (joined meeting at 6:30)
I. Fr. Richard began the meeting in Viele Chapel with the Word, then called the meeting to order and gave members an opportunity to share prayer requests or events in their lives. Senior Warden Joe Loge began circulation of the Parochial Report for 2011.
II. Consent Items
A. Minutes from February were approved following a motion by Fred Mulfinger and second by Thea Bibbs.
B. A Financial Executive Summary was sent by Diane Emig. Comments were that it was refreshing. Great. Encouraging. YTD Faith Receipts are $42,880 and YTD Operating Expenses are $44,500. Expenses are down and faith receipts are 1.5% ahead of this time last year. The youth raised just under $1,000 for Heifer International on Water Buffalo Sunday. Motion by Fred that we receive the report.
C. Ministry CommissionReports
1. Buildings & Grounds. Mike Grimes reported for the committee. They hope to have a congregational meeting the last Sunday in March to update on Capital Campaign plans. There is not yet a final quote on double doors to chapel. The Steeple light looks like a significant expenditure. The sign at the front of the church is being improved at a cost of about $300. Inserts will need to be added. They are dealing with an issue of shingles off on the East side of the Parish House.
2. Christian Education. Geranium sales begin this Sunday. Confirmation is April 21 at 11 a.m., probably in Vincennes. A project is being planned for the youth to help shut-ins with spring projects. The Deanery Clergy is talking about a deanery wide youth activity, maybe for 10-12 year olds.
3. Good feedback about the Fellowship activities we have had recently.
4. Fr. Richard reported a lot of parishioners with high level needs. Pastoral Care is spread thin.
5. Junior Warden Mike Grimes reported impressive congregational meetings after each service on February 19th.
III. Update on Continuing Items
A. Treasurer/Bookkeeping Task
1. No update
B. Ministry Commission Liaison Assignments
1. Incomplete. Assignments will be e-mailed.
C. Opening and Closing Assignments
1. Sidney took August to close and Joe Loge will do December.
2. Ginnie Parkinson questioned about John Hamsley helping open. Fr. Richard said
ask him to call him.
3. Joe Loge asked Jane to add the responsible person to the agenda each month.
D. Chair for Fellowship and Scheduler for Ushers and Greeters
1. Sharon is willing to continue with Fellowship but needs lots of helpers.
2. Fr. Richard will talk to Jim Johnson about scheduling Ushers & Greeters and Mike
Grimes will contact Gary Rigley about training people. Fr. Richard will help with
the training.
IV. New Business
A. Ordering New Vestments
A motion was submitted from Worship Commission to purchase new Green vestments and linens for the altar. The frontals, chasuble and stoles will cost about $1500 and the smaller items will cost about $1600. Vestry approved the purchase, not to exceed $4000, from funds given for that purpose in a bequest from Ester Romine.
B. Parochial Report
Motion by Fred Mulfinger and second by Thea Bibbs to approve the Parochial Report to be sent to the National Church and the Diocese of Indianapolis. Approved.
C. Fred mentioned he had looked for the Mission Statement. It looked wordy. Would anyone want to help him reword it? Thea Bibbs volunteered.
D. Kate Ray brought up the General Convention on July 5th. She expressed concern about the project we have and that it is a big job and we need to be working on it. Various ideas were shared for people who might could consult on the project: Parri Black, Sidney Hardgrave, Bob Jeffers (and students), and Sam Vowells. Fr. Richard will talk to Sam about being the organizer. Kate will also announce the project in the 10:30 service on Sunday.
V. Discussion
A. Vestry Essentials Worship.
Members felt some great ideas. Well done. Encourage us to market/sell ourselves.
Be open to community. Fred mentioned the advertising they suggested and
questioned where we could get the money.
B. Strategy and timeline for Congregational Conversations
An idea was suggested to have little coffees in several locations and let people talk in a comfortable setting. These groups would be for the purpose of talking about the future of the church. Fred and Sharon will check on these meeting places and dates. There would be a broad outline for from the congregational meeting that would be used. Kate Ray suggested a survey card in the pew or an email.
VI. Sharing of Communion
VII. Adjournment
VIII. Work Responsibilities
- Jane: Talk to Diane to add Operating Fund balance to report (done 3-9-12)
- Jane: Send Vestry minutes to Bill Keeney for web site (done 3-9-12)
- Jane: Add closure information to agenda/minutes each month (done 3-9-12)
- Jane: Prepare pew survey cards
- Mike Grimes: Talk to Gary Rigley regarding training of Ushers & Greeters
- Fred and Thea: Work on mission statement
- Kate Ray: Announce General Convention Shoe Project at 10:30 service (and send information to Thea for 8:00 service). Perhaps prepare something for next Epistle.
- Fr. Richard: Talk to Sam Vowells about organizing Shoe Project; Jim Johnson about working with Ushers & Greeters.
- Fr. Richard and wardens: provide summaries from Congregational meeting to Vestry. Possibly have something in Epistle.
- Fred Mulfinger and Sharon Graham: Make small group plans for discussions.
Next meeting date: Thursday, April 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April Closing: Fred Mulfinger
Jane Swain, secretary
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Vestry Minutes Archive
Click and follow the direction to obtain a .pdf file of the minutes. .
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