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

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 4:30 PM

Present: Jr. Warden, Larry Johnson; Vestry Members Carol Belt, Al Lacock, and Larry Shoffner; Treasurer Jerry Wayman; Clerk Susan Walter; Priests Ben Helmer and Betsy Porter; and guest, Cheri Lacock.

Father Ben opened the meeting with prayer for the sick in our Parish, the Gulf oil spill, and those involved in the Albert Pike Campground Flood. He then called the meeting to order at 4:35 PM.

April Minutes: Larry Shoffner moved that the April minutes be accepted. Larry Johnson seconded and all voted aye. (There was no May meeting and therefore, no May minutes to approve.)

Treasurer's Reports: The April financial reports were approved by majority email vote prior to today’s meeting. Jerry Wayman presented the May treasurer’s reports, noting that our CD was renewed at Cornerstone Bank for one year at 1.4%. He also mentioned we are doing well with pledge payments to date, due in part to the 13th month campaign and a few yearly prepaid pledges. Carol moved to accept the May reports; Al seconded and all voted aye.

Old Business:
    1. Update on Columbarium Al Lacock reported that the delivery of the Columbarium is on schedule and will be delivered in the next week or two.  He expects to get a call later this week on the exact date and the method of delivery.
    2. Potential Organist – Ben talked to John Wiley, a local person and trained organist who currently plays part-time at the Methodist Church. John is available to play on a trial basis at St. James’ beginning in August. Ben and Gloria Rennels will meet with John soon for further discussions and to hear him play.  Many thanks to Carol Belt, Laura Shoffner, Lauren Archibald and choir members for their special music on the Sunday mornings we have been without organ accompaniment since Carroll Heath resigned.
    3. Election of Vestry Member to fill Heather Quinney’s term – Karen and Heather have spoken to one person and are considering other names to determine who might fill the opening on the Vestry.

New Business:
    1. Request from Altar Guild for Memorial Funds – Cheri Lacock requested approximately $576 to purchase a green chasuble and stole for the priests.  She also mentioned that the church needed a new Fair Linen set at some point, estimating the cost to be around $600.  After discussion, Carol Belt moved and Larry Johnson seconded to authorize Cheri to proceed with the purchase of the chasuble and stole.  After further discussion, Carol amended her motion, with approval from Larry, to authorize Cheri to purchase both the chasuble and the Fair Linen set, using undesignated Memorial Funds, capping the cost at $1,200.  All voted aye and the motion was approved.
    2. St. James’ House roof – Larry Johnson shared photos of the St. James’ House roof which show portions of the attic open to weather and other areas needing repair, the cause of recent leaks and entry by various critters.  Larry met with the new owner of A-1 Construction of Harrison, AR, the company who did the original work.  He quoted $1,700 to fix the existing problems plus recommended a gutter helmet on a back portion of the roof requiring another $300.   After discussion, Carol moved to authorize the repairs, using money from the building and capital funds.  Larry Shoffner seconded and all voted aye.  We acknowledge and send huge thanks to Steve Judge who cleaned the gutters and took the pictures.
    3. Calendar development for 2010-11 – Ben is working on a calendar for the coming year.  As part of future plans, he suggested we celebrate the four 5th Sundays in some unique way.  The tentative date for Bishop Benfield’s visit is October 10.
    4. Proposed date for Church Picnic – Dan and Cheri Mumaugh have once again offered to host the St. James’ Picnic at their home on Sunday, September 19 or 26.
    5. Conditional Use Permit – the new owners of the Veranda Inn next to the church have requested a conditional use permit to hold weddings.  We have the opportunity to voice any concerns.  Karen and Ben will draft a letter mentioning parking problems and the need of quiet on Sunday mornings.
Next meeting date – Monday, July 19, at 4:30 PM

With no further business, Betsy offered prayer and Ben adjourned the meeting at 5:45 PM.

Submitted by Susan Walter, Clerk of the Vestry


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