The Actions of the Vestry
for April 2008
By Cindy
Trowbridge, Jr. Warden
The Vestry adopted a “Discussion Template” with the goal of
facilitating examination of significant issues in a shorter,
more productive time span at the monthly meetings.
Both
Vestry Task Forces, Relational, as well as the Additional
Service, met briefly and updated their progress:
Four
large, all parish gatherings, are being planned by the
Relational Task Force for the next 12 months. A core
committee will coordinate the events with other cogent St. James
committees and interested members.
The
Additional Service Task Force will continue researching our
target demographic— adults 25+, as well as the optimum time, day
and venue for an alternative worship service, that will appeal
to all parishioners.
The
budget deficit was discussed extensively Methods of reducing
the deficit will be presented at the May Vestry meeting by
Finance Committee liaison, Howard Young.
As all
Vestry members are on the Stewardship Committee, in addition to
Wade Harris and Monty Hughes, planning and training will begin
in May.
Youth
and Family Pastor Chris Bernard distributed and discussed a
handout detailing the accomplishments and goals of his
ministry. Significant organic growth has been experienced in
the first 90 days of Chris' service. The need for fundraising
and more Vestry involvement was reviewed. Chris asked to be
able to attend future Vestry meetings and was assured his
presence would be welcomed.
Amanda
Davis, Pastor of Children's Ministries, reported on their recent
successes, including the video for the Presiding Bishop's visit,
the Easter Egg hunt, and the Father Waddy Fund's first Bible
Drama Reading Contest. Goals for the next 6 months include
improving volunteer involvement; more special events for
children; and increasing the children's awareness of what it
means to be an Episcopalian.
Following a detailed discussion of funding sources for the
restroom construction, Capital Campaign Funds, the Steinert
Fund, and additional gifts, the Vestry authorized the Building
Committee to solicit firm bids from interested contractors.
Per
the recommendation of The St. James Hall Task Force (comprised
of Chris Christopher; Gretchen Glazener; the Rev. Canon Stephen
Wendfeldt, Canon for the Ordinary for Mission Development,
Diocese of San Diego; Garth Howe; Lisa Gordon; Chris Bernard;
the following charge was approved: "How can the church's
property at 7776 Eads Avenue, currently housing St. James Hall,
be best utilized to help fulfill the ministry of St. James
by-the-Sea over the next two decades?"
In
addition to the 400 acknowledgment certificates sent to
parishioners who contributed to the success of the Presiding
Bishop's visit, the Vestry authorized special letters of thanks
to Sue Adams, Eleanor Ellsworth and Greg Spire.
"Safeguarding God's People" materials were distributed to every
Vestry member. The materials must be read, signed, and returned
to Chancellor Ian Williamson by the May Vestry meeting.
The Vestry congratulated Garth Howe on his position as staff
liaison for the Vestry, as well as being Randal's Administrative
Assistant. Chris McCormick will now coordinate with Sunday
worship service participants.

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