Vestry Meeting
November 16, 2009 Minutes
PRESENT
Rector Michael Phillips
Warden Franny Eberhart, Jean Geater, Jim Iredell, Steve Knight, Liz Poole, Jackie Price, Alden Prouty, Jim Synk, Warden Bea Tompkins, Susan Valdes-Dapena
Treasurer Rob Morton
ABSENT
Jeff Babson, Jean Geater, Bill Minifie
Rector Michael Phillips called the meeting to order and led the Vestry in prayer. As a spiritual reflection, the Vestry then discussed the article Steve Knight had emailed about changing views of religion and spirituality. Warden Franny Eberhart volunteered to give the reflection for the December Vestry meeting.
Minutes of the October Vestry Meeting
MOTION made and PASSED to approve the Minutes as revised.
Discussion of Keutcher Book
Warden Bea Tompkins summarized Chapter 5, which covered the benefits and drawbacks of renting out space. It emphasized having realistic expectations and being very clear about why you’re doing the rentals.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Rob Morton reported that the Budget Committee will meet again before the December Vestry meeting and we will see a preliminary 2010 budget at the December meeting, followed by a final budget at the February meeting. This year looks about as forecast based on savings on fuel costs and good pledge income. The Vestry asked for a budget report similar in content to what parish book-keeper Annie Reed prepared for the recent Diocesan budget meeting. Rector Michael Phillips pointed out all the income from building rentals, movies and TV that is a result of Erlinda’s efforts. The Vestry commended her work in this area.
MOTION made and PASSED to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.
Reports
Property
Jim Iredell told the Vestry that old water damage and a worsening roof leak in the 87th St. apartment building need to be repaired. New cabinet handles have been ordered for the upstairs kitchen.
Newcomers
Jim Synk reported that the newcomers’ brunch on November 15 was very well attended, with 14 adult newcomers and their children. Many people who fill out newcomer cards are interested in volunteering at the Neighborhood Supper or for our Thanksgiving project. Michael suggested connecting newcomers with Neighborhood Supper Team Leaders. A Vestry member could be the host for any newcomers who are checking out the Neighborhood Supper and/or volunteering for the first time. Franny volunteered to do this next Saturday.
Neighborhood Ministries
On November 8 Michael provided training in food-handling safety for the Neighborhood Supper Team Leaders. The Thanksgiving project is in the planning stages and lots of volunteers are needed. We have requests for 450 dinners — 100 more than last year. A sign-up sheet was passed around at the Vestry meeting and was available after Sunday services. Michael has asked for volunteers during the announcements as well. The Senior Lunch is back downstairs. This arrangement works unless there is a half-day at school, in which case the after-school program starts early.
Pledge Campaign
Franny announced that so far, 30 parishioners have pledged $105,000. Bea has thanked all of the pledgers to date. Jim Synk will make his “Top 10 Things” presentation at the lunch on November 22.
Adult Christian Ed (ACE)
Steve Knight said plans have been made for ACE through Lent. Sundays in December will cover the theology of the Advent collects. On Wednesday, December 9, ACE will be hosted by the Peace & Restorative Justice Community with content based on International Human Rights Day, which is December 10. There will be a film shown about a Palestinian town affected by the separation wall.
ACE will also host a discussion after some Triangle Theatre productions (the Triangle Theatre Board has already agreed to this). In Epiphany there will be a series on the seven deadly sins on Sundays and an interfaith dialog on Wednesday evenings. For Lent, there are tentative plans to highlight the content of the CREDO retreat, which is usually attended by clergy every five years. The programs will cover similar topics for lay people.
Communications
Michael reported on a meeting with the Reverend K. Jeanne Person and parishioner Phil Gammage, among others, to evaluate all Holy Trinity communications. They considered “how much is enough” and the role of various media and will continue working on all aspects of our communications. The Carillon will be used to cover in-depth presentations on selected topics, with Michael Griffin serving as editor.
Carpenter’s Kids
Susan is going to contact the few remaining people who have agreed to sponsor a child but haven’t paid yet, to see how they want to proceed. In January she’ll begin work on a new effort to get pledges, since our payment is due in April.
Children/Youth
Michael said there are 27 children in the Christmas pageant this year and 21 or 22 in the after-school program. There are 31 children in Sunday School. The program for youth needs attention; there may be a pilgrimage in June to an Episcopal church in Sullivan County. Michael will meet with the parents of young children about having a quiet place for children — the chapel — where they and their parents can still hear the sermon, the music, etc.
Real Estate
We are fully booked and everyone is paying.
Hospitality
The International Lunch on Sunday will be put on by Franny, Bea, Erlinda, and Helen Palmer. They could use help with cleanup.
Nominating Committee
Jackie will organize this with Michael.
Rector’s Report
New Neighborhood Supper Team Leader — We still need a leader for the second Saturday. The Deacon-in-formation who is coming to Holy Trinity in January will work on HTNC-related organization, volunteer co-ordination and similar efforts.
Michael went to an event at an Episcopal church in White Plains, where the worship space was configured very differently than ours. The high altar wasn’t being used; more went on in the nave and in front of pews that were angled to create an open space in the center of the church. The priest there said it had a major effect on the congregation. Michael asked the Vestry to think about the potential for renting our space with pews removed or having various liturgical events with reconfigured pews. We will discuss it at the next Vestry meeting.
The Diocesan Convention is this Saturday, November 21, and will be attended by Virginia Borland and Dudley Stone.
Michael asked the Vestry to please attend ACE and other parish events.
Decisions
The following Vestry members will welcome guests to these events.
Triangle Theater — The Cherry Orchard:
Nov. 20 — Bea; Nov. 21 — Steve
Music at Holy Trinity — Guild Singers Christmas:
Dec. 6 — Michael or a member of the Vestry
Miscellaneous
The Greening of the Church will be on Wednesday, December 16.
Next Regular Vestry Meeting — Monday, December 14, at 7pm in the Choir Room. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE. Also, please read Chapter 6 in the Keutcher book for discussion. (There was no volunteer to review Chapter 6.)
There being no further business to come before the Vestry, MOTION made and PASSED to adjourn. Michael closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Liz Poole
Clerk