Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - November 17, 2014

Formation

Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.

Attendance
All were present at the meeting: the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis.

Stewardship

Minutes
Gale Michael moved to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Nichole Dailor seconded, and the motion was passed.

Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett had no additions to the information and report that she sent out by e-mail. In response to a question, Debbi explained that the increase in the Building Maintenance Fund was a correction of funds that had been misclassified. A small math error also was noted. Funds will need to be moved from Money Market investments to the checking account in order to cover approximately $46,000 in lift costs. Bill Bestow moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report pending corrections, and Bob DeOliveira seconded. The motion was approved.

Information

Rector’s Report
--Professional painting for the lift project was estimated at $8,000. So far, in doing the project ourselves, we have spent $200 for paint and will have to spend just a little more for additional paint. We will be hiring a professional to stain the doors on all three levels. The rector has one recommendation for a bid and needs at least one more.
--The Village of Flossmoor is newly strict about fire inspections. In a recent check of the church, three problems stood out: ceiling tile damage, the need for a functioning emergency sign, and a fire alarm system test.
--The church website is up and running and has garnered positive feedback. Pastor Orr passed around a card for vestry members to sign to thank Jordan Ramsland for setting up the website.
--Thanks to Loaves and Fishes volunteers for the recent, labor-intensive, turkey pot luck.
--Pastor Orr will take some time off to make up for the many Tuesdays that she has been at church during the duration of the lift project.
--Replacement of church lighting is continuing.

Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
--Bill Bestow asked if the community garden project would be continued next year. Pastor Orr said she expects that it will and that she was pleased with the results. Produce went to the Rich Township food pantry and to the food pantry at St. Clement’s in Harvey.
--Diane Walsh-Madden expressed thanks to the rector for being here and working on the lift project.

Upcoming Events
--Diocesan Convention on November 21st and 22nd
--Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on November 26th at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church
--St. John’s Thanksgiving service on November 27th at 10:00 AM
--Advent wreath making on November 30th from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM
--Cookie Walk on November 6th from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM

Discussions and Decisions

--The machinery parts have been delivered, and the lift company will do the installation.
--Steve Hofer researched outdoor handicapped access signage and reported that we can purchase two window signs and a sign on a stake for less than $30.
--Ted Stone noted that there were some items and labor charges included in the proposal that were not needed, and some of the work that has been done needs some fine-tuning. He also wondered if the doorway downstairs that goes into the lift area is large enough for a wheelchair. Jim Whitfield commented that the lift company specs and listed materials were wrong, causing us to pay for an extra day’s labor. Pastor Orr replied that the contractors are aware of the problems. She thanked Ted and Jim and asked for their help in taking note of these things on a final walk-through.

--Bill Bestow thanked Jim Whitfield for keeping the project going and on schedule.

Pledge Drive
Pastor Orr thanked those who spoke in church and all who submitted written comments regarding pledging.

Nominating Committee
A committee was chosen to nominate wardens and vestry members for the year 2015. As always, the committee consists of the wardens and one vestry member from each year’s group, chosen by drawing straws. The committee this year will consist of Bill Bestow, Diane Walsh-Madden, Gale Michael, Jim Whitfield, and Ted Stone. The rector will be an ex-officio member.

The Feast
Each year, on the first Saturday of January, the vestry presents a feast for parish members and friends to celebrate the feast of St. John the Evangelist. It is a high priority for vestry participation. This year, we will dedicate the lift, and the overall theme will be “Lift Up Your Hearts.” Gale Michael, Nichole Dailor, Debbi Huggett, and Susan Marquis volunteered to do the initial event planning.

Closing

Following prayer, the meeting closed at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry

Approved:  December 15, 2014