Calvary Episcopal Church
Vestry Minutes
April 20, 2004
Participants
Present: Nick Baker, Jim Barnes, Laina Brown, Sandra Cherry, Art
Dietz, Elyse Hensley, Jerry Lyndrup, Andrea Morris, Sally Reisz, Gail
Richardson, Meg Scharre; The Rev. Richard Humke.
Absent:
Ginger Grizzle, Ruth Robins, Jeff Webb.
Opening Prayer
Art Dietz called the meeting to
order at 5:20 p.m. and Fr. Humke offered an opening prayer.
Appointment of Secretary Pro
Tempore
In the absence of the Secretary,
Jim Barnes was appointed Secretary Pro Tempore.
Minutes of the March 16 meeting
Jerry Lyndrup moved that the
minutes of March 16, 2004 be accepted as written, seconded by Andrea
Morris. Motion carried.
Committee Reports:
Finance: Due to a computer glitch, the
financial statements and report for March was unavailable and will be received
at the May meeting of the vestry.
Stewardship: No report at this time. Fr. Humke
will announce the Stewardship chair for the 2005 campaign at the next meeting
of the vestry.
Liturgy/Music: Fr. Humke referred the vestry to the staff report on
Outreach, Music and Communications. Fr. Humke asked the vestry to approve the
nomination of Willem Wiese for consideration to receive the St. George Award of
the Episcopal Church which is a national recognition acknowledging
distinguished service by adults in the spiritual, physical, mental and moral
development of youth through service to the Church and through national youth
agency programs. Nick Baker moved that Willem Wiese be so nominated by this
vestry, seconded by Sandra Cherry. The motion carried. Fr. Humke also invited
questions and discussion regarding the latest issue of “The Parish Paper”
featuring the topic of parish committees.
For
the Good of the Parish:
Visitation for Anne Marie deZeeuw’s father, Donald deZeeuw,
is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, from 4-8 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville
Rd., with burial in Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing, MI. A memorial service will
be held in Michigan at a later date. Memorial gifts may go to the University of
Louisville School of Music.
In
hospital: Millie Cary, Ginger Grizzle
Worship: Jim Barnes reported that Ned Reiter has resigned as program
head of the chalice bearers for personal reasons. Jim will be heading up this
program. The Secretary will send a note to Ned accepting the resignation and
expressing the vestry’s thanks for his work as this program head. The Secretary
will also send a note of thanks to Mike and Wilma Wilson for their efficient
coordination of the flower and bread deliveries on Easter Sunday.
Christian Formation: The vestry was referred to the staff report on
Education with particular emphasis on the Easter Egg Hunt held on the Calvary
lawn by the children of Calvary for the children at the Center for Women and
Children. The vestry’s attention was also called to the upcoming Awards Day on
May 16 and the participation of the children’s choir and the youth string
ensemble during the principal Sunday service on May 9, the day of the Bishop’s
visit. The children will be planting flowers on Sunday, April 25, in
recognition of Earth Day. It was suggested that this be accomplished by using
pots instead of planting in the ground in order to make watering easier.
Building, House and Grounds:
Jerry Lyndrup
presented a written report containing lists of activities completed March-April
to date, activities that are pending, and long-range major projects. Of
particular emphasis was the “Spring Clean Up Day” on March 27.
Outreach: Jim Barnes referred members to the Outreach section in
Margaret’s written staff report with particular emphasis on the number of
clients served last month with food and clothes. Carita and Clyde Warner will
head up the Alice James Literacy Program.
Communication: Meg Scharre asked that the communications item within
Margaret Dickinson’s written staff report be read especially noting the
Connection deadline of May 16. Meg further reported that a Marketing Committee
held its first meeting and discussed: contacting persons who have not been in
regular attendance for some time; updating all printed material for a visitors
packet; updating graphics for letterheads, printed material, business cards,
etc.; looking at costs for advertising; improving public relations and
awareness through press releases; and creating a docents program for tours
(John Hale has agreed to write the script). The vestry was asked to bring
materials back from other churches visited while on vacation and on business
trips for the committee to review.
Parish Life: Sandra Cherry reported that softball games for “The Chosen”
(Calvary’s team) begin April 25 and continue through June 27. Each team in the
league plays two 50-minute games per Sunday, one at 2:45 and one at 3:45. The
league is a member of the United States Specialty Sports Association softball
program and play by the rules for Church Co-Ed Recreational Teams. Sandra also
reported that the Foyer Groups schedule has been completed and she presented
the schedule for the vestry’s review. The process is scheduled to begin in
latter May with rotation of group membership every 4-6 weeks over the next 6
months at which time the project will be evaluated. Sandra and Laina also
requested that a budget line item be established for the use of the programs
under the Parish Life umbrella. Sally Reisz moved that line item 5535,
Hospitality, be re-titled Parish Life Programs, or some such title, for the
purposes expressed by Sandra and Laina. Andrea Morris seconded the motion and
it carried.
Long Range Planning: No report at this time.
By-Laws: No report at this time.
Junior Warden: Sally Reisz presented a written report from the Search
Committee that has held telephone interviews with prospective candidates and is
currently in the process of completing visits to the candidates’ home churches.
When candidates are invited to Calvary for further consideration, Downey Gray
has offered his home for an evening dinner and social gathering for vestry and
search committee members. The Search Committee would then conduct its formal
interview the next day. Jerry Lyndrup requested that, since only the Search
Committee is familiar with each candidate, a summary resume or some such
general information be provided to the vestry prior to the dinner meeting so
that the vestry may be better informed as to what to expect. Sally indicated
that this was a good idea and that such would be done.
Sally
next presented an updated vestry committee/program head list and indicated that
Time and Talent would be headed by Deborah Stewart, the Planned Giving
Committee would be headed by Downey Gray, the Audit Committee would jointly be
headed by Marshall Hardy and Clyde Warner, and that Diocesan Relations would be
headed by Ned Reiter. Ned has also been nominated for membership on the
Diocesan Commission on Ministry charged with implementation of resolution #14
approved at convention [“clearly defining how this diocese will interpret
‘wholesome example’ (found in BCP ordination examinations) in order that clear
moral guidance be given to the faithful”].
Senior Warden: Art Dietz explained that a balloon payment of $198,498,59 on
the Parker Hall note is due on July 1. The Executive Committee/Investments
Advisory Committee recommends that the full amount of the payment be taken from
the Parker Fund, which has a balance of $547,069.76, and the note be paid off
in full. Meg Scharre moved that the recommendation be approved; seconded by
Sandra Cherry. The motion carried.
Art
also presented an Executive/Investments Advisory Committee recommendation that
a schedule of repayment of the $508,929.35 taken from the Endowment Funds for
construction and maintenance be established. Jerry Lyndrup moved that these
funds be repaid per the 30-year, 2% amortization schedule. Payments of $1880.10
per month would begin June 1, 2004 and taken from the interest earned on the
Endowment Fund. Each successive vestry could determine whether, depending upon
circumstances at the time, a payment or payments would continue. The motion was
seconded by Nick Baker. The motion carried with one abstention.
Old Business
Art Dietz led a discussion
regarding the fiduciary responsibility for the Endowment Funds—whether vestry
or “trustees”. Also, whether or not a trust was, in fact, created for the
Endowment Funds. The “trustees” have requested an opinion from Stites and
Harbison and will seek further clarification. Meg Scharre pointed out that
before this vestry can make an informed decision, the following questions must
be answered: who does the vestry want to have fiduciary responsibility for the
funds, who do we think currently has such responsibility, what effect do the By
Laws have on the answer to this question, what are the implications and
consequences of any change in this responsibility, and are there any statutory
or Canonical guidelines for this situation? The Executive Committee and
Investment Advisory Committee will continue to research the issue including
getting the advice of Ron Beard from the diocese and any other source as
needed.
Art also led a discussion
regarding dealing with the transient homeless and others who use the church
property and/or disrupt church activities. After much discussion it was decided
that Jerry Lyndrup would gather some information on the issue from the police,
the Coalition for the Homeless and anyone else with knowledge on the subject
before any formal policy would be established. In the meantime, an announcement
in the Sunday bulletins and in the Connection would ask parishioners not to
give money to persons soliciting same and to refer them to the Help Ministries
offices. Also, that anyone seeing persons “camping out” on church property
and/or misusing church property or feeling threatened by such persons, or by
the behavior of anyone else, should call the police.
New Business
The
resignation from the vestry of Michele Wogaman was received and accepted. The
vestry elected Jonathan Smith to fill the unexpired term of office with the
provision that he will be eligible for election to his own term of office at
the end of this unexpired term. The Secretary will send a letter to Michele
acknowledging receipt and acceptance of resignation. The Secretary will contact
Jonathan and provide copies of previous minutes.
The
summer schedule of Sunday services will be 8:00 and 10:30 beginning June 6 and
lasting through Labor Day weekend (Sunday, September 5).
The next
meeting of the vestry is May 18, 2004, at 5:15 p.m. at Calvary Church.
There
being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. with closing
prayer by Fr. Humke.
Respectfully
submitted,
James M.
Barnes
Secretary
Pro Tempore
STAFF REPORTS
2004 OUTREACH, MUSIC, and COMMUNICATIONS – April
Meeting
Outreach:
1. Food
Donations: This report covers the period from March 16
through April 19. The value of food donations during this period is $3,088. One
large donation of bread and chickens came from Sysco, courtesy of Walt Morris.
Kentucky Harvest is reportedly redirecting much of its gathered food to Dare to
Care, so we may be receiving less from Kentucky Harvest.
2. Food
Distribution: During March, we gave out 130 food bags that fed
231 people.
3. Clothes Shops
for Women and Kids:
Thanks to clothing contributed exclusively by Calvary people, and thanks to the
intense interest given to this project by our weekday volunteers, the number of
people clothed at Calvary continues to increase. Since March 16, we have
clothed 67 people. Without volunteers Ned Reiter, Larry Brown, John Cunningham,
Joyce Tichenor, Bill Adams, and Lois O’Hara, this ministry would not be half as
successful.
4. Breads: Bill Garnar made bread for the Lenten lunch
series. The excess bread was sent as part of the Easter delivery to those with
lung problems who could not tolerate lilies. By the way, we owe a debt of
gratitude to Wilma and Mike Wilson for organizing the delivery. More people
than ever received lilies or bread.
5. Book Aid: David Webb is now in charge of the books, and has
made a nice basket in which to drop the books.
6. Crisis Care (Outreach of sorts!) Jean Dietz, assisted by Shirley Leach, has been
making calls to the church most Wednesdays and then following up on those who
are sick or in crisis. Their help has been greatly appreciated and very
encouraging. Lois O’Hara also continues to write welcoming notes to those who
sign the guest book.
7. The Refugees: Sherifis, Lasus, and Lil all doing well.
8. Literacy: We still need more tutors.
9. Hosting: This week, the Glassworks is bringing another
group to tour Calvary for the windows. This group is from St. Francis! The Bach
Society children’s concert is Monday, May 3.
10. HABITAT: A
schedule of events is posted on the bulletin board.
MUSIC:
1.
The
Stovall Memorial Lenten Series concluded on March 31. This was a most
successful series, with attendance of over 300 and proceeds for our Food Closet
of over $1100.00 We most especially thank those many people who helped prepare
the meals, give the recitals, and helped in many other ways. This series is a
great community builder as well.
2.
As stated
above, May 3 is the Bach Society children’s concert, with over 600 children
expected to receive the educational genius of Dr. John Hale.
3.
We have
been delighted once again with the progress of our children’s choir and
orchestra. They will both be heard again on May 9, when our bishop comes to
visit.
Communications:
1. Publicity for the Stovall Memorial Lenten
Recitals and for our Holy Week and Easter services has been good, thanks to the
newly formed Marketing Committee and to my usual channels.
2. Holy Week-Easter edition was mailed before
Easter. The next deadline is May 16.
3. Webmaster Jim Barnes continues to do a fantastic
job of updating and adding to the Calvary website. It is especially comforting
to know that last minute additions and corrections can be noted on the website
– for instance, the bulletin was already printed when we found out that the
softball game for April 18 would not take place. Jim put that information on
the website right away! As of April 19, we have had a total of 5,521 visits to
our website!
Margaret Dickinson
Education Report to the Vestry
April, 2004
April has been a busy month. On Pentecost, the youth baked Red Chapel
Altar Bread and the children processed and sang at the 11:00 service. Easter Sunday the children resurrected the
Alleluia Banner and flowered the Pashcal Candle. Holy Saturday was a rewarding and meaningful day of events. For the first time, we had an Easter Egg
hunt on that day and invited Calvary’s children, friends, and families from the
Center for Women and Children. At least
30 people attended. In addition to the
hunt, there were craft activities, a Godly Play story was told, and lunch was
even served. Thank you to those who
participated, and especially to those who helped: Laina Brown, Katherine Gruneisen, and Gail Richardson.
Also this month, the youth served
dinner at Kids Café. Next month we will
be there on Thursday, May 13, and welcome any additional volunteers. This is a truly meaningful experience,
especially when the children begin to recognize you! During the summer they need volunteers to read to the children,
and/or help serve breakfast or lunch.
Tessa Long has been a wonderful help with this outreach activity.
I would like to be sure that the
vestry is aware that Lilly Cary has been helping me in the office over the past
few weeks and her help has been greatly appreciated! She is very bright and creative and it is a pleasure to work
together.
This Sunday the children and youth
will be honoring Earth Day by planting flowers by the North entrance.
Next month we will be honoring
students, teachers, and volunteers on Awards Day, May 16, during the 10:00
hour. I hope as many of you as possible
will be able to attend and show your support for our younger members’
participation. Also during May, the
children will be singing at the 11:00 service and the Youth String Ensemble
will play the day Bishop Gulick is visiting, May 9. I have also asked Bishop Gulick to spend some time with Calvary’s
youth in order to discuss current issues regarding the election of Bishop
Robinson, including the churches who prefer to take different stands, and also
issues such as the current trend regarding gay marriage in the Episcopal
church.
As part of the Children’s Ministry
Team for the Diocese, I continue to organize the Lunch Bunch, lunch-time
gatherings for teachers, youth leaders, and Directors to share ideas,
questions, etc. Tomorrow we will be
hosted by Our Merciful Savior. Next
month we meet at St. Matthew’s.
Callie A. Hausman
callie.hausman@louisville.edu
