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

Monday, March 22, 2010, 5:30 PM

Present: Sr. Warden, Karen Pryor; Jr. Warden, Larry Johnson; Vestry  Members Carol Belt, Kath Cantele, Al Lacock, and Heather Quinney, Treasurer Jerry Wayman, Clerk Susan Walter, Priests Ben Helmer and Betsy Porter; and guest Carroll Heath.

Father Ben opened the meeting with prayer and the reading of the Collect from Sunday and led the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

Sr. Warden Karen Pryor called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM

Acceptance of minutes: Heather moved to accept the February minutes. Carol seconded and all voted aye.

Treasurer's Reports: Jerry Wayman presented the treasurer’s reports.  He also reported that we are doing well on “paying back” the memorial fund monies that were used to pay the balance of the columbarium and the stair chair. Larry Johnson moved we accept the reports. All voted aye.

Order of business: Heather then moved that we change the order of business to let Carroll Heath present his request.  Carol seconded and all voted aye.

New Business:

1. Carroll Heath requested permission to clean up some areas of the organ console.  He said that the console is a mess and we need to fill gaps, cover holes, and stain wood.  Kath Cantele suggested stenciling as an option rather than staining.  She will present drawings of her ideas at the next meeting.

Old Business:

1. Parking Lot, Saturday, May 1, need chair - Heather volunteered to chair this event and find people to staff the positions.
2.  Action plans from the retreat –

a. Bridging the gap between 8 & 10 AM services – To give the congregation a chance to know the vestry members better, pictures of vestry members will be posted on the bulletin board, a vestry member will be present at 8 AM and 10 AM services to answer questions and welcome newcomers, and business cards will be prepared for the vestry members to give out.  Also, a Newcomers’ Dinner is scheduled for Sunday April 25.
b. St. James’ Adult Study – Mary Springer is choosing books for the study.
c. Feeding the Hungry in our community – Betsy will write an article for the April newsletter suggesting participants bring a can of food to breakfast each week.
d. Involve more people in church activities – Kay Wayman has developed a yes/no questionnaire for members to determine who we can call to help or participate in our various activities.

3. Stair Chair update – the stair chair has arrived and will be installed soon by Al Lacock and Larry Johnson with help from willing others.
4. Columbarium update – the columbarium has been ordered and should arrive mid June

New Business: (continued)

2. Parishioner Columbarium Request – Jerry Wayman asked on behalf of Suzanne Tourtelot for permission to inurn her husband Harry Tourtelot’s ashes in the columbarium at St. James’. Following discussion, Carol moved and Heather seconded to approve this request as long as Suzanne is inurned here as well. All voted aye and the Vicar gave his verbal assent.
3. Winter Weather Policy – Ben proposed a policy to follow when a winter storm watch or warning is posted for Eureka Springs covering the time of Sunday morning services. Discussion followed with suggestions to remove the portion of wording that refers to winter weather “advisory” and to add call letters for radio station KESA and TV channel 40/29. Al moved to adopt the policy and all voted aye. The policy is attached to these minutes.
4. Items from Vicar –

a. Bill & Clare Johnston donated an upright freezer to St. James’. The old chest freezer will be moved out and, on the same day, the old inefficient refrigerator at the St. James’ House will be moved out and replaced by a small refrigerator donated by Suzanne Tourtelot.
b. There will be a 3-session class, “Planning for Eternal Life” on Monday evenings, April 12, 19, and 26 at 7 PM. Sessions will include information from a lawyer, retired funeral director, and hospice care coordinator.
c. Beginning the Sunday after Easter, people will be invited the altar for healing by anointing of oil after the service.
d. There will not be an Easter Vigil at St. James’ this year but our congregation has been invited to participate in the Vigil at St. Thomas in Springdale.
e. At Beverly Silloway’s request, Ben will officiate May 20th at Arlington Cemetery for the interment of Dick Silloway’s remains.

5. Personnel contracts – Contracts for employees Carroll Heath, Susan Walter, and Sharon Bryant were approved. Copies are on file at the St. James’ House.

Approved by email vote March 4, 2010

1. Approval by majority vote for McConaughy Lawn Care to continue the 2010 season at same rates as last season ($19.58/visit).

Meeting dates for April and June – (no meeting scheduled in May)

Wednesday, April 21, at 4:30 PM and Wednesday, June 9 at 4:30 PM

Betsy closed the meeting with prayer and Karen adjourned the meeting at 7:10 PM.

Submitted by Susan Walter, Clerk

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