ST. MARK’S VESTRY MINUTES

September 6, 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
*denotes absence

The Rev. Dean Taylor opened the meeting with prayers for healing and pastoral concerns.

For the Rector’s Report, Dean announced the Diocesan Council will be held November 9th and 10th and requested names of possible delegates be submitted to him.

VESTRY REPORTS
Stewardship and Finance: Bob Haverland
Bob announced the Stewardship Commission met to plan the 2008 Stewardship Drive. A series of sermons presented by Dean and Elizabeth each Sunday in October will cover the theme: “Responding to God’s Gifts: We are Grateful; We are Responsible; We are Generous; We are Empowered to do God’s Ministry.” He requested vestry members to return their pledge cards by October 21st and discussed how follow-up for unreturned pledge cards will be handled. The Newcomer’s Packet being prepared will have stewardship information included.

The August 31, 2007 Budget Report shows plate receipts at 81.18% ($36,379.19) of total projection for the fiscal year. Pledge receipts are at 54.34% of the total budget ($43,1 7148 in arrears). This puts the total operating fund in arrears $37,604.29. Fiscal information is being included monthly in The Banner newsletter.

Pastoral Care: Cindy Sarratt
Cindy has had requests to print names of parishioners who are in the hospital or a nursing home in the Sunday service bulletin. Permission will be obtained from each person affected before this information is released for print.

Outreach: Thierry Urbain
St Mark's is providing dinner for Carter Hope Center on Tuesday evenings and sign-up sheets are in the reception area. Thierry distributed an information sheet concerning the Carter Hope Center 5K Run/Walk Benefit on September 29, 2007 in downtown Dalton. St Mark’s is among the sponsors for this event and Thierry encouraged vestry members to lend their support.

The DEO Clinic is projecting the fall start-up date for September 13th at the new location on North Hamilton St. Thierry will be meeting with Dr. Rod Rodriguez and David Blaylock to finalize plans and volunteers are needed to help staff the clinic on Thursdays from around 5:00 — 6:30 p.m.

The Food Bank has become a much needed community resource and September Sundays have been designated as “Bring a Bag of Groceries” (preferably in paper bags). A suggested food list is in the newsletter, but other nonperishable food items will be gratefully received.

The Youth Groups are in the planning stages of possibly building raised beds for food gardens as part of the National Episcopal Church goal to eradicate hunger.

Adult Education: Rev. Dean Taylor (for Caroline Hall)
Dean distributed an “Educational Opportunities for Fall, 2007” brochure and reviewed the various program offerings. An overview was presented for “God Talk", a new class for young adults, based on the Nooma video series. Participants for the Wednesday night series on the “Global Village” were thanked for their informative presentations.

Newcomers: Ty Ross
Ty distributed a draft of a brochure of St. Mark’s ministry opportunities being developed for newcomers and led a general discussion on the project He stated Amy Parks will handle initial contact with newcomers.

Grounds: Chris Stearns
A contract has been signed for the new Preschool Playground. On October 12th, the old playground equipment will be disassembled and construction for the new playground is planned for October 13. Volunteers are being recruited to help with labor and total cost is approximately $34,000.00. $28,000.00 has been acquired to date through donations. A suggestion was made for a dedication service following completion of the facility.

Parish Life: Rose Renfroe
The Second Sunday Potluck lunch will be held this Sunday, September 9th.

Worship: Rick Powell
Rick showed a copy of the new laminated service leaflet being used at 11:00 a.m. services. The weekly bulletin is inserted inside the permanent leaflet which remains in the church.

A discussion was held on the need for a Christian Education director as a paid position which will be taken under consideration when forming the 2008 budget.

Administration: Jim Halverson
Jim announced that Rev. Elizabeth Roles will be conducting training sessions for “Safeguarding God’s Children” on September 15th (9:00 a.m.), 17th (9:30 a.m.), and 27th (6:30 p.m.). This course is a diocesan requirement for anyone who works directly with children in any capacity within the church setting, ex. Sunday School and preschool teachers, nursery workers, youth leaders, etc.

A suggestion was made for office staff to update various mailing lists.

Other
Dean reported the following vestry members’ terms expire in December: Caroline Hall, Rick Powell, Rose Renfroe, and Thierry Urbain. He urged the vestry to approach parishioners willing to submit their names for nomination at the November Annual Parish Meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November l at 5:30 p.m. prior to the All Saints' Evensong Service.

Dean adjourned the meeting with the Benediction.