ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY MEETING
July 18, 2005
In Attendance:
Carol Beightol, Joan Brown, Meta Cadugan, Sara Cardinale, Rob Parker, Canon Shallcross, Jenny Wager, Andy Werner, Sally West – Patti Pyle, Jamie Doran
Opening Devotions:
Sara Cardinale led the prayer of St. Francis.
Minutes of the last meeting were corrected to show Sally West in attendance and accepted.
Correspondence:
A letter was received from Faith Presbyterian asking for interest from Emmaus churches in meeting with Habitat for Humanity hoping to do a joint build of a house.
Financial Report for June 2005
See Information Kiosk in Parish Hall
Old Business:
Audit
The 2004 records are ready for audit. Audit will not be completed to meet the Diocesan requirement of all parish audits to be completed by September 2005. The external audit will range from $3,000-$5,000 depending on the number of audited accounts according to estimates received. Information is being sent to outside auditor for total cost. Separate accounts (Altar Guild, ECW, etc) must have their 2004 statements ready for external audit by September.
Safeguarding Children
Clergy completed Diocesan training. The video “Safe Guarding Children Program” kit has been ordered. The first parish members to be trained are the members of the Vestry and the Board of St. Margaret’s Nursery School.
Selling Van
A check for $12,000 was received for the church van from The Scranton Counseling Center, a non-profit agency in Scranton. Expenses were $59.00 for advertising the sale and $45.00 for the van inspection. Special thanks to Mack West for the contact of the Scranton Counseling Center.
Delegates for 2005 Convention
Joan Brown has accepted to be the alternate for the 2005 Diocesan Convention, accompanying delegates Sue Schaffner and Tom Beightol.
Mutual Ministries Review Committee Report
Patti Pyle and Jamie Doran were present to discuss the results of the MMRC survey. Analysis of responses by age groups will be conducted by the MMRC committee to learn which age group had the least responses and if another form of communication to reach that age group will be needed. Discussions were held concerning St. Margaret’s diversity, forming a safe atmosphere for parishioners to express views, and the need for parishioners to feel nurtured. The MMRC will continue its ministry of information gathering.
Aspirants: Tom Beightol and Christina Nord
The letter from Jenny Wager, Andy Werner and Canon Shallcross detailing their work with Tom Beightol in discernment was sent to Bishop Paul by the Vestry. Christina is ready for parish discernment fellowship, graduating from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Christina has moved to Emmaus and will be a resident in Advanced Clinic Pastoral Education at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Addressing Vestry Plans
Ongoing Vestry plans are focusing on increasing membership, to improve communication, and prepare a long range strategic plan. Vestry is working to be a strong, energetic and positive thinking Vestry, and ask that all parishioners prayerfully consider increasing their pledge.
New Furnace
Two written and one verbal estimate have been received to replace one furnace: the written estimates - $5100 from Dual Temp, $5500 from Altemos Oil and Heating, and the verbal estimate from True Comfort to be followed by a written estimate. If the True Comfort estimate is comparable, it was motioned by Sally West and seconded by Carol Beightol to accept the Dual Temp estimate for the replacement of the furnace.
New Business:
No new business to report.
Reports on Standing Committees:
Altar Guild – No report
Building and Grounds –See New Furnace – Old Business
Christian Education – Continue with ideas for Sunday school.
Communication – Emphasized the August 15 deadline for the September newsletter very crucial for fall and winter events. Meeting rescheduled.
ECW – Next meeting August 7th after coffee hour to discuss fall, Christmas and winter plans
Episco “Pals” – Date of picnic was July 16th with 20-25 people attending.
Fund-Raising – Peach Festival to be held August 20 with 8 out of 16 tables reserved. Advertising has been placed in East Penn Express and East Penn Chronicle. Parish dinners later in year a possibility.
In Reach – Reception for Winn memorial
Membership Incubator– Top priorities for committee: Guest Book Procedure, revise and update brochure, host a wine & cheese for all ministries to discuss their plans for the coming year.
Memorials– No Report
Outreach – No Report
R & E – Looking forward to Heritage Days’ Root Beer Float stand on July 23.
SMNS – Interviewing and hiring for several new positions
Stewardship - Rector attended national stewardship conference for diocese in North Carolina on June 23-June 26th. Still working towards Consecration Sunday which is planned for the fall of 2005.
Youth – No Report
Worship Committee –No Report
Next Vestry Meeting: Tuesday, August 16th at 7:00 PM Chaplain: Sara Cardinale
Meeting Closed with Prayer.
Respectfully submitted
Joan E. Brown
