Vestry Meeting Minutes
St. James’ Episcopal Church
(Preliminary -- to be approved at March meeting)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Present: Sr. Warden David Vanselow, Jr. Warden Bob Rennels, Treasurer Kevin Crosson, Suzanne Tourtelot, Kay Wayman, Mary Springer, the Rev. Edie Bird and the Rev. John Burton.

David Vanselow called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm. The Rev. Edie Bird opened the meeting with a prayer.

Suzanne Tourtelot moved to accept the January minutes as presented; the motion was seconded and all voted aye.

After review of the treasurer’s report, Bob Rennels moved they be approved, with the motion seconded and all voted aye.

Old Business:

1.    It was reported that $200.00 was earned by Vestry members at the Bank of Eureka Springs parking lots on Saturday, Feb. 16. The money has been deposited into the church’s Outreach Account.

2.    Rev. Bird announced that she was to meet later in the evening with electrician Don Martin and Josh Peden concerning the installation of a dedicated electrical circuit for the new organ. No revisions in targeted completion dates were given.

New Business:

1.    Rev. Bird announced the appointment of Bill Pugh as Junior Warden to replace Bob Rennels. Since Pugh does not expect to return from Texas until April, Rennels agreed to continue to serve until his return.

2.    An extensive discussion was held concerning a proposed “Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love” proposal by Rev. Bird. She said the church choir members, choir Director, and organist adopted the proposal. Mary Springer moved it be adopted by the Vestry; the motion was seconded and all voted aye.

3.    Kevin Crosson said that according to Diocese rules, the same people should not be money counters and check signers. Following discussion, it was decided that check signers would be Kay Wayman, Kevin Crosson and Bob Rennels (all who are presently signers on the bank’s records). It was further decided that David Vanselow would replace Jane Acord as one of two members approved to have access to the church’s Safety Deposit Box. The other will continue to be Bob Rennels.

4.    Members read the Letter of Agreement between the Church and Rev. Elizabeth Porter. As the required persons had signed the agreement, no further action was required.

5.    Members reviewed the 2007 Parochial Reports prepared by Rev. Bird prior to them being mailed to the Diocese.

6.    Rev. Bird presented a proposal that the Vestry apply as a potential recipient of funds from an auction at this year’s Chainsaw Carving Festival. She noted that two non-profit organizations would be chosen by the event’s organizers to receive proceeds from the auction. David Vanselow volunteered to submit the application and chair the project should the church be chosen as a recipient. Should we be chosen, we will have to provide six volunteers to man the event’s concession booth during two days of the festival. Any funds awarded would be placed in the church’s Outreach Fund.

The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday, March 18 at 4:30 pm.
There being no further business, an adjournment motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved.

Submitted by Bob Rennels

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