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

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 5:00 pm

Present: Senior Warden, David Vanselow; Junior Warden, Larry Johnson; Vestry members Al Lacock, Larry Shoffner, Mary Springer, and Kay Wayman; Treasurer Jerry Wayman, Clerk Susan Walter, Priests Ben Helmer and Betsy Porter; and guests Kath Cantele and Cheri Lacock.
 
Ben opened the meeting with prayer.
 
David Vanselow called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
 
Special Reports

1.      Magnetic Church Conference Report – Ben and Jane Helmer, Betsy Porter, and Carol Belt attended the Magnetic Church Conference in Little Rock over the past weekend and each gave a report on one area including Marketing, Greeting, Communication, and Managing Growth.  The emphasis of the conference was how to get people to walk in our doors and, once in, how to keep them.  Forms and printouts from the conference are available in the church office.  Resources can also be downloaded.
2.      Kath Cantele talked about the Mother-Infant program at the Hospitalito in Santiago Atitlàn, Guatemala, and recommended continuing support. The cost is $25 per month or $300 per year to support one mother and infant.
3.      Cheri Lacock talked about the need for support, both startup and ongoing, at “Jackie’s Crèche Project”, a pre-school being set up for the very poor at a Christian Ashram in India by Jackie Grimmett, a former St. James’ member.

Old Business:

1.      Columbarium Project: Al Lacock reported the committee is planning to visit columbarium in various churches in Northwest Arkansas. The system they are considering is “Armento”. Committee members are: Jane Acord, Larry Wagner, Mary Springer, and Cheri Lacock.
2.      Volunteers for Parking Lot Fundraiser, Saturday, October 3 are still needed.
3.      Organ chimes: Ben will decide when we should move forward on installing chimes.  He thinks it’s best to work out any kinks on the organ first.

New Business:

1.      Bishop’s Visit, Sunday, October 4 – Mary Springer reported that ECW will serve brunch after the 10 a.m. service. Continental breakfast will be offered between services rather than a full breakfast.
2.      Policy for presentations from outside groups: Ben thanked those present for their input on this matter.  For the time being, there will be no official policy but we will limit future visits.
3.      Work Day, Saturday, November 7 – The second annual Chili Cook Off will take place after the work day.  Larry Johnson has a list of work projects for the morning.
4.      Funding for Mother/Infant project – Mary moved we use $600 of MDG funds to support 2 mothers and infants in Santiago.  The motion was seconded and all voted aye.
5.      Funding for Jackie’s Crèche Project - Larry Shoffner moved we authorize congregants to make contributions to Jackie’s project and use the church as a clearing house.  The motion was seconded and all voted aye.

Minutes: After reviewing the August minutes, Larry Shoffner moved the corrected minutes be accepted as written. All voted aye.
 
Treasurer’s Reports:

1.      Al moved the treasurer’s reports be received.  All voted aye.
2.      Jerry Wayman presented a resolution concerning transfer of funds, authorizing the treasurer to transfer funds from savings to the operating account as needed.  Mary moved we adopt the resolution. All agreed.  A copy is attached to the minutes.
3.      FYI – 2008 Audit should be ready by the end of the month for Vestry’s review.

The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday, October 20 at 5:00 pm.  Please let Dave Vanselow or Susan Walter know if you cannot attend.
 
Betsy closed the meeting with prayer and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:50 p.m.

Submitted by Clerk Susan Walter

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