The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. after we shared dinner, God Moments and an opening prayer. The minutes from the March 10th Vestry Meeting were approved.
Lynn gave a summary of the financial report which includes a reimbursement from the insurance company for the water line breakage. There are no other notable items, everything is as expected; the reports were accepted. Lori has completed the grant for a sabbatical which would fund a supply rector for the duration of Rev. Lori’s sabbatical which would mean that the funds set aside for this in the budget could be diverted to another use.
We talked about replacing the freezer for the kitchen as it is leaking. Dave Nelsen had already done research which is included in the vestry packet. There was a discussion about capacity and commercial versus home. It was decided for Vivienne to research purchasing a commercial freezer through a restaurant supply store. There was a discussion about the source of the funds. This item will be on the agenda in May.
Lori reported about the Cub Scout Earth day project of spreading the bark. The Hoffman’s are donating the bark.
Meg recorded the email vote about the updated Facility Use Agreement on March 24th in the minutes. Lori thanked Meg for all of her work on this project.
Lori announced that Meg Amouroux, John Butterfield and Janet Fischer will be attending the Center for Church Vitality program which had been previously approved by the Vestry.
St. James’ is celebrating Earth Day on Sunday 17th . The stewardship group is donating a tree to be blessed and planted next Sunday. There was a comment about the tree getting watered weekly until the tree is established.
Scott reported from the Executive Council Meeting that the diocese is promoting a capital campaign, Lori will be talking to the diocesan representative about the capital campaign before there is a presentation to the Vestry. Bishop Marc will be on sabbatical in 2017 from Easter for 4 to 5 months. Diobytes has a summary of the bishop’s trip to Haiti. There are workshops at St Paul’s in Burlingame on May 14th which several vestry members will be attending. Lori thanked Scott and Jim McConnell for representing St James’ on this Council.
Bruce reported that the microphones will stop working in the future as the band will be eliminated by the FCC. The new equipment will be between $10,000 and $15,000. Bruce suggests waiting until more is known as there is a 39 month lag time between the announcement by the FCC and the implementation. There was a discussion about this. Lori thanked Bruce for the information and research.
Lori informed the Vestry that the request to scatter ashes on the property has been withdrawn.
There was a discussion about bringing St. James’ into the Interfaith Council and United Religions Initiative, then the reports were accepted unanimously by the Vestry.
Vivienne reported that she has not made any progress on her project of a welcome team.
John and Meg are working on the New Member Packets which is different from a Visitor packet. They need the Charter document to finish the packet. Some of the forms need to be updated but most are OK to stay in the packet. The goal is to have it by June.
Bruce reported on the Charter Document that he has completed the packet which originally was thought to be a trifold but now needs to be a packet. Bruce cut down many of the charters. The end result is going to be short descriptions of what we do and to make it cohesive.
Charles and Elaine are responsible for the Newcomer Events and decided to model this year on last years. June 18th is the date of the first newcomer brunch. Lori commented that the welcome team work needs to be done to help identify the newcomers for the brunch.
Evelyn reported that Volunteer Appreciation Day will be advertised in the Window and the bulletin.
Penny is working on St. James’ Day, pop-ups will be requested ahead and advertised in the window. The Philippine Independent Church is contacted regarding the celebration. Vestry members will be asked to help. Penny wants to add more activities for the kids. It is July 24th.
Scott is doing an endowment presentation at the next meeting on the 28th April and will discuss about when top put on an endowment event.
Karen and Nancy want to make 2 items for visitors, a magnet for the refrigerator with the name and address on it. They have 3 meetings scheduled already for the pamphlet. Lori follows up with an email if the visitors sign up and then she goes back through to see who has not come back and asks them for feedback as to why.