ST. MARK’S VESTRY MINUTES

April 26,2007

*Caroline Hall   Jim Halverson   Bob Haverland   Sally Little

Rick Powell   *Jonathan Renfroe   Rose Renfroe     Ty Ross

Cindy Sarratt   Chris Stearns   Thierry Urbain   Erin Witt

Others: Rev. Dean Taylor, Rector   Rev. Elizabeth Roles, Assistant Rector

Barbara Yarbrough, Clerk   Woody Mader, Chairperson for Liily Gran Proposal Committee
*denotes absence

The Rev. Dean Taylor opened the meeting with prayers for the family of John Robertson, the soul of John Robertson, for Carolyn Moses in her illness, and in thanksgiving for the births of Charles Phillip and James Collier Andersen.

Planning: Vestry Picnic (aka Blue Jean Sunday, May 20)
Cinco de Mayo will take place on Saturday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Rose asked for volunteers to assist with the Blue Jean Sunday Vestry cook-out on May 20, after the 10:00 service. Rick, Chris, Bob, and Jim will provide grills and assist with cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. Jonathan will provide drinks and ice. Areas will be sectioned off in the parking lot to designate where children’s inflatable activities and parking will be. There will be no second Sunday potluck as this will serve as the Parish Life activity for May.

 Lilly Grant Proposal Revisited:
Woody Mader, Chairperson, Lilly Proposal Committee Woody distributed copies of a proposal for the Lilly Grant. He reminded the Vestry members that Dean had talked about pursuing this last year, but due to some “life events”, this idea had to be postponed. The committee would like to apply for the Lilly Endowment this year (deadline for application is May 15). Dean will be notified in October, 2007, and if accepted will receive $45,000. Of that amount, $15,000 will be used by St. Mark’s parish to fluid some very significant and enriching programs during Dean’s absence. The sabbatical will give Dean the opportunity to read, write and reflect on the role of story in his family tradition, Biblical tradition, and in the traditions of the family of all humans. Motion was made and the vote was unanimous to apply for the Lilly Endowment.

VESTRY REPORTS
ADULT EDUCATION — Caroline Hall
The Wednesday night series, “Raising Moral Children” will continue on May 9 and 16. Tom Bartley and Cindy Michaels are leading this discussion.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH-Sally Little
The last day of Sunday School - Sunday, May 12. Graduating seniors and Sunday School teachers will be recognized at the 10:00 service on May 20., The Middle/High School Youth will have a camp out at Carter’s Lake on Friday, May 18. The Youth are selling casseroles to raise money for mission projects. The following events are planned for this summer: Vacation Bible School (June 11-14 and graduation on Sun., June 17). Sr. High School Mission trip-working with immigrants in Atlanta (June 17-21) Middle/High School Mission trip (July 22-27)-Heifer Ranch, Arkansas.

BUILDINGS: Jonathan Renfroe
There is a leak in the men’s bathroom (behind Dean’s office). Tile will be removed (men’s room); replaced (women’s room) and commodes will be replaced in both restrooms. Estimated cost of this project is $1,600. Still working with Justin Witt and J&J Contractors regarding installation of an elevator. Otis Elevator Co. and Adman Electrical Service gave quotes. We have shaft in place, but actual elevator installation will cost an estimated $70-$80,000.

GROUNDS: Chris Stearns
Walker Gallman will be doing his Eagle project which will include improving the grounds. Bradford pears will be removed in the fall. The unsightly dumpster in the parking lot will also be removed in the near future.

ADMINISTRATION: Jim Halverson
We need to be in line with the Diocesan policy stating that all staff who work directly with children must go through a 3 hour training session. Elizabeth will provide training. All Vestry members to sign off on “Model Policies for Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse. Rick Powell will sign off as the Sr. Warden.
Staff evaluations will be done by Vestry. These will be placed in Vestry boxes in the next few weeks.

OUTREACH: Thierry Urbain
Thierry thanked the Vestry for the vote of confidence in temporarily hosting DEO in the Parish Hall. Plans are to pursue obtaining the building across from the Filling Station on Hamilton St. This will be shared with Carter Hope. He and Elizabeth recently attended a meeting of Interfaith Hospitality Network, which assists families with relocation. They were very impressed with this organization and would like St. Mark’s to look into this as a possible Outreach project.

WORSHIP: Rick Powell
Rick stated that the Bishop’s visit went well. 14 parishioners were confirmed.

PASTORAL CARE: Cindy Sarratt
Cindy is reviewing the Stephen’s ministries and will provide Vestry with information at a later date.

FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP: Bob Haverland
Copies of the YTD Budget and a breakdown of revenues/expenses for 2006 were distributed. As an effort to keep parishioners informed of monies coming in and going out, a short information section will be published in the Banner.

The next vestry meeting will be Thursday, May 17 @ 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

Dean adjourned the meeting with the Benediction.

Respectfully submitted,
Sally Little, Vestry member for Children and Youth