Vestry Meeting Minutes for August
St. James’ Episcopal Church
(To be approved at September meeting)

Wednesday, August 22, 4:30 pm

Present: Senior Warden Bob Omundson, Junior Warden Bob Rennels, Jane Acord, Treasurer Kevin Crosson, Suzanne Tourtelot, David Vanselow, the Rev. Edie Bird, the Rev. Betsy Porter, Clerk Susan Walter, and guests Gloria Rennels and Carroll Heath.

Call to order - Don Omundson called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm.

Approval of July minutes - David Vanselow moved to accept the July minutes as written: the motion was seconded and all voted aye.

Approval of Treasurer's Report - Suzanne Tourtelot moved to accept the treasurer’s reports; the motion was seconded and all voted aye.
 
Old Business

1. Final report on the Yard Sale - Betsy reported that the Yard Sale was a great success and $2651.85 was collected for outreach.

2. Restart Open Door – Gloria Rennels reported that Open Door would begin serving meals once more beginning Sunday evening, September 16. She requested $400 startup funds. Kevin moved to grant this request and to take the funds from outreach. The motion was seconded and all but Bob (who abstained) voted aye.

3. Bob moved to follow the tradition to send the loose plate cash collected during the Bishop’s visit to the Diocese for the Bishop’s Purse. ($165 was collected on August 12)

4. 120th Anniversary Committee – Bob & Suzanne reported that Mary Hill and Carolyn Pugh have also agreed to be on the committee. Edie shared that Paul O’Neill is painting a picture of St. James’ that will be put on canvas bags and these will be for sale during the anniversary year. The committee is also looking into commemorative mugs and creating a memorial of some kind in the garden.

5. Stewardship campaign plans – Edie asked Vestry members to sign up to give announcements, distribute invitations and tithing charts, and gather pledge cards during the Sundays leading to Celebration Sunday on October 21. Susan is working with Myrtie Mae’s as a source to cater the Celebration Luncheon.

6. Discussion of Organ Renovation – Bob & Carroll reported that Josh would begin installing the organ at the end of this month. After discussion, Kevin moved to pay all but 10% of the contract. The motion was seconded and all voted aye. Once the organ is completely installed, the final $4250 will be paid. The current payment of $22,550 will be taken from the organ fund ($6512.71) and $16037.29 from proceeds of the 3 month CD.

7. Christian Ed for children resumes August 28 with 5 classes (2 Godly Play, 1 ECC, 1 Church music, 1 SHIFT) Mondays through Fridays. – In addition to our religious education classes, there are other classes for children on Monday and Thursday mornings in the basement of SJH. Contact -Edie

8. Our new 5 pm Sunday evening service begins September 16. Edie explained that this service is geared towards children and families and open to anyone who wants to worship. The service will be chanted throughout.

New Business

1. We will have visitors from the Camp Mitchell Board at the next meeting. The Vestry set the meeting date for Wednesday, September 19, at 4:30 pm.

2. Finishing the Organ Project - Bob & Carroll opened discussion on things remaining to be done. Bob said he would fix and refinishing the pine floor where the current organ sat. He showed a drawing of the cabinet to enclose organ pipes. Nigel Hartey who has an eBay site is looking into selling the old console.

3. Moving the choir area – Bob opened discussion on moving pews and putting the choir area across the aisle. Pews would go back into the area the choir is currently in and there should be a possible gain in seating rather than a loss. Lighting would be needed for the choir and he is looking into track lighting.

Next Meeting Date & Time: Wednesday, September 19 at 4:30 pm
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.

Submitted by Susan Walter

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