Vestry Meeting Minutes
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Regular Meeting of May 12, 2008
The Regular Meeting of the Vestry was called to order with prayer by Father Andrew J. Sherman (“The Rector”) at 7:04 p.m. In attendance were The Rector, Sandra Laman (“SL”), Joyce Dawson (“JD”), Mark Angstrom (“The Junior Warden”), Robert I. MacLaren, II (“RIM”), (excused late arrival due to conflict with an earlier professional appointment) Robert Hageman (“RH”), Bertram Unger (“The Treasurer”), George Giosmas (“GG”), and Roberta Stanley Welzien (“The Senior Warden”). Also in attendance were Deacon Anita Thorstad (“The Deacon”) and Cullen Gallway.
I. Bible Study
The Bible Reading for May 18, 2008, Trinity Sunday, from Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, and Matthew 28:16-20 were read and discussed.
II. Approval of the Minutes
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Vestry of March 10, 2008 and April 14, 2008 were approved as presented.
III. Senior Warden’s Report
The Senior Warden’s Report was given by The Senior Warden who indicated that another Town Meeting will occur in June. Town Meetings should be continued but not for the purposes of making decisions that are the responsibility of the Vestry, but rather as a forum for the congregation to have an opportunity to ask questions and to, inter alia, be informed as to new subjects within the Parish. Potential topics for discussion are: demolishing the current rectory and replacing it with a parking lot or playground; the current budget problems; ministries and the development of those ministries; highlight different ministries, as well as discussing other major decisions. It shall be a forum where the Vestry may offer information and gain insights into the views of the Parish prior to making final decisions. The Town Meetings will take place four times a year. The first meeting will be the annual meeting which takes place in January, the second in April, the third in June, and the last in October.
IV. Junior Warden’s Report
The Junior Warden’s Report was as submitted, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.
The Junior Warden reported that David Gury had begun preliminary investigation relative to the cost of demolition of the 260 Residence and potential uses thereafter. The Rector directed that greater detail be developed in regard to the cost associated with properly effectuating each proposed use, the regulatory requirements relative to each such use, if any, and the development of conceptual site plans for each proposed use. It was noted that The Rector and his family will continue to reside in the 260 Residence until completion of the New Rectory, which will not be prior to Fall 2008, therefore, this assignment can be undertaken at a measured pace.
The Junior Warden reviewed the Report of the Property Committee, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “B”.
The Senior Warden noted that the Parish is responsible for providing a safe home for the clergy.
Pursuant to the recommendation of The Junior Warden, The Senior Warden made a motion, which was seconded by The Treasurer, that the Property Committee be renamed “The Home Improvement Committee”. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
The Senior Warden made a motion, which was seconded by The Rector, that the 298 Residence be the initial focus of the efforts of the Home Improvement Committee. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
The Rector then directed The Junior Warden, as Chairman of the Home Improvement Committee to develop a recommendation reflecting priorities in actions to be taken relative to the 298 Residence and the estimated cost of each such action. The recommendation is to be available for review and consideration by the Finance Committee at its morning meeting of May 19, 2008. It was noted that in light of the June 1, 2008 initial occupancy date by the Turmo family, the Vestry would act upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee as soon thereafter as reasonably possible with discussion and any voting to be conducted by electronic means.
The Senior Warden strongly suggested to the Home Improvement Committee that all providers to The Rectory be given the opportunity to donate or provide discounts relative to any items or services for the 298 Residence.
The Junior Warden reviewed the information received from the City of Boca Raton in regard to the Vacant Lot and the estimate of $2,391.00 that had been received in order to completely sod the Vacant Lot. The estimate did not include installation as it is contemplated that The Brother’s of St. Gregory’s will perform this service.
The Senior Warden made a motion, which was seconded by SL, that funds be expended to purchase the sod for the Vacant Lot substantially consistent with the estimate that had been received and reviewed. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Following a break that began at 8:21 p.m., the Meeting reconvened at 8:24 p.m.
AT THIS POINT THERE WAS A DEVIATION FROM THE REGULAR AGENDA AND THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS CONSIDERED.
VII. Space for Grace
Vestry members were given the opportunity to request prayers and to give thanks.
THE MEETING THEN RETURNED TO THE REGULAR AGENDA
V. Treasurer’s Report
As the Financial Statements had not yet been distributed and reviewed, The Treasurer’s Report will be provided in the near future. The Treasurer reported that receipts appeared to be consistent with the Revised Budget adopted at the Regular Meeting of the Vestry of April 14, 2008.
VI. Rector’s Report.
Much preparation and effort has been devoted to insure that all is in order for the arrival of the Turmo family on June 1, 2008. Deacon Turmo will accompany the Youth Group on the trip to Camp Kanuga, North Carolina. The Rector will also accompany the Youth Group on this trip.
Brian W. Davey, Organist and Choirmaster, appears to have recovered very well from the heart condition that he recently experienced and has returned to his ministry.
The Rector will complete his third (3rd) year at The Church in August of 2008. To date, there has been no formal review of The Rector by The Church. The Rector will meet with The Senior Warden in order to develop a proposed procedure for a formal review of The Rector. The proposed procedure will be presented to the Vestry at the June 2008 Regular Meeting for consideration.
The Rector noted that in keeping with the Seasonal Tradition of South Florida, the September to May period is considered the “active year”. The following are highlights and successes experienced during this active year:
The conducting of the Capital Campaign and its successful conclusion, particularly in light of certain significant collateral events that distracted focus from this matter.
The Christian Education of our Youth/Sunday School maintained continuity with the continuing presence of Vickie Klenkie and Sandy Laman as the Coordinators.
The Youth Leadership Team of Priscilla Miller, Lynn Tella, and Tommie Thompson, gave excellent support to maintaining the Youth Group and insuring the continuation of this program notwithstanding the absence of the Youth Minister.
The establishment of the Wednesday Fellowship Dinner this past activity year. The average attendance for this program has been between twenty (20) to thirty (30) people each Wednesday.
The continuation of the Community Lecture Series for the Second Year. This has very much taken root as part of the programming life of The Church.
The continuation of the Lenten Luncheon Program.
Progress made on the Parish Home. It appears the completion date may be accelerated as a result of the extreme availability of subcontractors on a timely basis.
After many years of arduous service by Kathy Krep, as a result of her bifurcated residency status, she has concluded her presidency of the Episcopal Church Women. Lauren Giosmas has assumed the presidency of the Episcopal Church Women.
It was noted that increased attention and effort is to be devoted to developing the appropriate procedures and practice to most effectively integrate and cause a visitor to The Church to become an active engaged member of the Parish and thereafter to fully implement these procedures and practices.
It was announced that several lots have been acquired in the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Mizner Boulevard and Third (3rd) Street for the establishment of a Jewish Synagogue.
Former Mayor Steven Abrams has contacted The Rector to review and discuss this subject. An invitation has been received to attend a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., to learn of the proposed project. GG will attend as a representative of The Church. Jack Dawson will attend if his schedule permits. The Rector will attempt to attend following the completion of the Wednesday Night Bible Study.
RIM made a motion, which was seconded by The Treasurer, that The Church support the establishment of the Synagogue at the proposed location and support the approval of any Development Orders that may be required to achieve this goal, subject to compliance with applicable land planning and design criteria. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Ministry Reports
Youth Report
The Rector reported that the significant activities are the Kanuga Trip and the arrival of the Turmo family.
Vestry Retreat Planning
The Rector reported that, after consultation with The Senior Warden, the weekend of September 12, 2008 had been selected for this function. As this date immediately precedes Tennessee Week, it appeared all are currently available. It will be led by Brian Hobbs, held at The Church, commence Friday evening, and conclude at noon on Saturday. The focus will be upon the development of the procedures and practices to achieve “newcomer incorporation” into the Parish.
IX. New Business
Seminarian Support
The Rector announced that a Standing Committee was needed in regard to the Von Kroiter Fund. It was explained that the Von Kroiter Fund was established by a Parishioner of The Church to aid and support Seminarians in their educational undertakings. The first priority is for any member of The Church and next, for members of the Diocese of Southeast Florida. As a first priority, last year Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 ($12,500.00) U.S. Dollars was provided to Valerie Miller and Two Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 ($2,500.00) U.S. Dollars each to four (4) individuals recommended by the Diocese of Southeast Florida. The Rector appointed JD and RH to this committee with JD to serve as Chairman.
Turmo Contract
The Rector directed The Senior Warden to review the proposed contract by and between Joel Turmo and St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Inc., a Florida corporation not-for- profit, and provide the Vestry with a recommendation as soon as reasonably possible.
X. Open Forum
The Deacon reported that she traveled to Haiti with Peré Lazard, upon his return last month, in order to establish the Emergency Feeding Program. The Emergency Feeding Program has now begun. Each child brings a bowl to school for his or her own use. Three (3) cooks have been hired for a total cost of One Hundred and 00/100 ($100.00) U.S. Dollars per month. The cooks prepare a daily menu of rice and beans. The total cost of the food is Three Hundred and 00/100 ($300.00) U.S. Dollars per month. It is hoped that Peré Lazard will continue the program during the summer even though school is not in session. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, Florida, is now a full partner with The Church in the Haiti Ministry. The Rector reported that a number of churches in the Diocese of Southeast Florida have contracted Episcopal Charities, Inc., to determine if there is any program in existence for the feeding of the hungry in Haiti. In each instance, Bonnie Weaver, Chairman of the Board, and Charlie Ring, the President, have advised those inquiring churches that St. Gregory’s has such a program and that they should contact St. Gregory’s.
The Rector reported that progress continues relative to the establishment of The Family Promise Program. In order to commence this program, eight (8) organizations must participate and support the program. To date, this required number of participating organizations has not been reached. On Wednesday, May 14, 2008, discussions will take place with representations of B_nai Torah with the hope that it will join. In addition, discussions are to take place with Temple Beth El in the near future. The Day Center has been identified and it will be located at St. Vincent Ferrar’s Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
It was noted that Rabbi Sam Silver passed away on Friday, May 9, 2008, and that the Sun Sentinel ran a picture of his Seder presentation last year to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church.
The May Regular Meeting of the Vestry was adjourned with prayer at approximately 9:03 p.m.
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