Second Draft minutes, vestry meeting Feb. 20, 2020

 

Called to order with prayer by Fr. Tom at 6:30 p.m.

 

Present: Dave Abernethy, Judy Allen, Joyce Cashin, Charlene Connolly, Dick Emerson, and  Yvon Hive. Not present: Don Anderson, Van Geoghegan and Lee Perry.

 

Fr. Tom introduced the topic of guest speaker Leon Wieber, who spent his career in money management as a banker and board member for several non-profit organizations. He is a life-long Episcopalian who has served his Ohio parish in multiple roles and for many years. He and his wife, Mary Ellen, joined St. Paul’s in 2001, and soon became active in the Society of St. Paul’s.

 

He titled his talk “Christian Stewardship of Financial Assets,” and stressed the need for everyone to have a valid will.  

 

Mr. Wieber implored the members of the vestry to become vocal in their support of planned giving, gifts to support the future ministry and security of the parish and its mission. These gifts can be current (i.e. given now) or deferred, such as via a will.

 

In response, Fr. Tom announced a team would be formed to plot out a campaign that would focus on planned giving. He then read from the Book of Common Prayer (Pg 445) the following rubric:

 

Fr. Tom handed out a book, People of the Way, for the vestry members to read this year.

 

Several items from the agenda, including the election of a junior warden, were deferred until a meeting where more members would be present.

 

Treasurer Dave Abernethy presented the financial report for January 2020, showing increases in plate and pledge offerings over January 2019 and expenses exceeding income by $556. (Attached)

 

Fr. Tom announced that his objective, stated at the annual meeting in January, of having an AED (automated external defibrillator) in the church is soon to be filled, thanks to the generosity of two unnamed benefactors. There will be two of these devices, one in the church hall and one in the church proper. The use of these devices is said to be simple, foolproof and safe; training will be offered.

Fr. Tom reported that good work was being done by a team of persons reading the book Invite, Welcome, Connect. Team members were recently given specific tasks in the areas of making St. Paul’s known to a wider audience, continuing the good work of welcoming newcomers and making lasting connections.

He also announced the Long Range Planning committee has met twice recently. Judy Allen and Charlene Connolly agreed to join that committee comprised now of Fr. Tom, Jerry Tysiak and Dick Breithaupt. Fr. Tom said another parishioner or two would be approached to add voice to the team. They will start by selecting four or five goals for 2020.

A discussion about personnel and salaries and benefits came to no conclusion, as more information was   requested.

A discussion about the responsibilities for cleanup and repair of St. Paul’s properties when used by other entities took place, without resolution, as more information was requested. Fr. Tom presented an undated price sheet for facilities usage and Dave Abernethy said he would make sure the figures reflected current conditions.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Attachment: January 2020 Financial Report

 

(Minutes recorded by Thomas Connolly)