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

Present: Senior Warden, Dave Vanselow, Junior Warden, Larry Johnson; Vestry members Al Lacock, Larry Shoffner, Mary Springer, Suzanne Tourtelot, and Kay Wayman; Treasurer Jerry Wayman, Clerk Susan Walter, Priests Ben Helmer and Betsy Porter.

Ben opened the meeting with prayer.

Dave called the meeting to order at 5 PM.

The October minutes were reviewed; Larry S moved they be accepted; Kay seconded and all voted aye.

Treasurer's Reports & Comments

1.  Suzanne moved to accept the treasurer's reports; Mary seconded and all voted aye.

2.  We've received 42 pledges so far, totaling $81,764 and a verbal commitment for $6,000.  The Budget committee meets Wednesday, November 18, 2009.

3.  Jackie’s Crèche – Since Jackie Grimmett is working to obtain nonprofit status.  The vestry agreed to release the $2445 being held in our accounts for this project in India.

Old Business:

1.  Vestry nominations – Heather Quinney, Kath Cantele, and Carol Belt have agreed to have their names placedin nomination for Vestry members as the terms for Dave Vanselow, Kay Wayman, and Suzanne Tourtelot expire in 2010.

2.  Work Day Report – Twenty three people came to help with Work Day on November 7, completed a list of projects, and had fun with the chili cook off.  During the work day, Jr. Warden Larry Johnson noted the gutters on the church are packed full and need to be cleaned professionally.  Kay moved we authorize Larry to get the gutters cleaned.  Mary seconded and all voted aye.

3.  Stewardship Campaign – The campaign resulted in 43 pledges and commitments and as noted above.  With just this amount pledged, St. James’ will have a deficit budget this year.  There was concern that the congregation isn't aware of or doesn't realize the impact of a deficit budget.  A suggestion was made to report quarterly in church to let folks know where we stand financially.

4.  Columbarium Project - Al shared a drawing prepared by Armento showing 40 niches in the proposed columbarium location. He also presented the updated quote of $10,400.  After discussion, Mary moved and Suzanne seconded that the committee should keep moving forward.  All voted aye.  So far, to cover costs, we've received a donation of $2500. To assess congregational interest, the committee will hand out information at the annual meeting.  The committee will then weigh the congregational interest against the number of niches and how this might affect the cost.

New Business:

1.    January 24, 2010 is the date scheduled for Annual Meeting.  As in the past, there will be just one service that day followed by the meeting followed by a pot luck meal.

2.    Kay asked permission on behalf of ECW to put up shelves in the lower level at the St. James’ House to store Silver Tea items. Vestry approved unanimously.

Betsy closed the meeting with prayer.  The meeting was adjourned at 6 PM.

The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday, December 15 at 5 PM.
Please let Dave Vanselow or Susan Walter know if you cannot attend.

Submitted by Susan Walter
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