St. Matthew’s Church

Annual Meeting Minutes

February 13, 2005

Present: Rev. Elizabeth Miller, Roger Stiles, David Carey, Susan Carey, Joanne Hajduk, Don Hastings, Ann Wehrwein, Cindi Cunningham, Virginia Callahan, June Jones, Mary Bourque, Donald Clement, Gloria Anderson, Shirley Roy, Elaine Fuller, Melissa Mercier, Tim Sivret, Greg Wehrwein, David Shepherd, and Adam Fisher

Meeting opened at 11:45 PM with a prayer led by Rev. Miller.

Rev. Miller thanked Elaine Fuller for assisting in getting the annual report printed. The copier was not working properly and Elaine stepped in at the last minute to assist.

Meeting minutes for the 2004 annual meeting were not available. Rev. Miller encouraged individuals to search for copies of the meeting minutes and bring them in.

First item in the annual report was the warrant for the Annual Meeting.

Rector’s Report – Rev. Miller

Rev. Miller outlined highlights from her report, including service records, recognition of the parishioners who have assisted in Sunday services, and a listing of other meetings, trainings and services she has participated in over the past year. Rev. Miller noted that the past year has been very rewarding to her and that she has enjoyed working with the St. Matthew’s family as the parish makes the transition to a new priest.

Sr. Warden’s Report – Roger Stiles

Report is an overview of the year. Considering everything we have been through with the transition from a beloved long-term priest to having a wonderful interim, we have done very well. We have spent a lot of money – on a new rectory – but our finances are strong. We are spiritually a very healthy group and we have a lot to be proud of in our little church.

Mary Bourque thanked Roger for his service. She noted he was very approachable and a quiet leader.

Jr. Warden Report – Greg Wehrwein

Report is self explanatory. A lot has happened over the past year. Thank you to Jon Nelson for all his work – on the bathroom and other projects – and to the Vestry for all their support and guidance.

Treasurer’s Report – David Shepherd

St. Matthew’s had a good year. Spent money, but it was well spent. Endowment seems to be coming back pretty well. The shared arrangement of Rev. Miller’s services with St. Mark’s has led to savings in insurance and mileage costs. The parish has had increased expenses in fuel costs and salary. One of the greatest unknowns is the cost of hiring a new priest. The Vestry has allocated $7,500 in the budget for that process. Designated investment income was not good last year – there was a final settlement on the Hinckley fund brought in $10,000 last year but interest was only about $6,000.

Motion was made and accepted to accept the report as written.

Nomination of New Vestry Members

Rev. Miller read the slate of officers for consideration

• Junior Warden – Tim Sivret
• Clerk – Adam Fisher
• Vestry (2 year term) – Alicia Kellog
• Vestry (3 year term) – Cindy Cunningham, Don Clement, Patti Welsh

Rev. Miller thanked the vestry for their work over the last year.

Motion was made and accepted to elect the slate with the Senior Warden casting one ballot for the congregation.

Altar Guild Report – Virginia Callahan

Report was read and it was noted that St. Matthew’s men were welcome to join the guild.

ECW – Gloria Anderson

The ECW held six meetings over the past year. They accomplished a lot over the year and had fun working together. New members are always welcome.

Delegates for Diocesan Convention

St. Matthew’s needs delegates for the annual convention on October 21-22. Delegates are apportioned based on the size of the parish and St. Matthew’s have two this year. Alicia Kellogg expressed interest in attending. Tim Sivret also offered to attend. Gloria Anderson and Susan Carey agreed to be alternates.

Motion was made and accepted to send those individuals to the annual convention.

Choir Report – Elaine Fuller

St. Matthew’s can always use new members in the Choir. Men are welcome and members don’t need to know how to read music. The group has a lot of fun at practices and enjoys regular outings to Pat’s Pizza. Shirley Roy was recognized for over 50 years of service in the choir.

Memorial Flowers – Susan Carey

Report was read. Susan Carey noted that only the interest from the endowment is used for flowers. This year that was $128. The Paschal candle is missing – a new oil candle will cost $250. A number of individuals have searched the church and a new wax one was purchased.

It was noted that supplies cost more because the church does not have a credit card. Rev. Miller suggested the Vestry take up the issue at a future meeting.

Discernment/Search Committee – Shirley Roy

Shirley Roy noted that the first part of the discernment process was completed with the development of the profile. Rev. Studdiford is beginning to send us names and they are looking forward to moving into the next stage. Things will start moving along quicker now. The profile took a long time to complete, but everyone seems pleased with it.

Rev. Miller thanked the Search Committee for their work over the past year. The group has met almost every week for over an hour with even more work on the side on development of the profile. Next steps will be reviewing résumés and getting to know candidates. There is no way to be sure on timing, but the committee has worked hard and kept to their intended purpose and we will know in due time.

Other Items

Public Suppers:

• Public suppers were very successful in drawing folks in and the senior citizens of the parish really enjoyed it. The suppers have also raised a lot of money for the parish – Susan Carey recently turned-in a check for over $1,200 from suppers and the quilt.

Assistant Treasurer:

• Shirley Roy reminded the Vestry that the Assistant Treasurer needs to be elected next year. Please don’t forget her.

Coffee Hour

• Gloria Anderson made a list of individuals who are hosting coffee hour. That will be posted in a future newsletter.

Audits:

• Rev. Miller noted that all funds will need to be audited before a new rector can be hired. Individuals were encouraged keep their books up to date.

Sunday School:

• Mary Bourque called for volunteers for the Sunday School. Three people have been doing most of the work on a rotating basis.
• Middle school students have been very active. They have been going to diocesan events and participated in the fair. They don’t meet weekly, but sometimes get together after church.
• Rev Miller noted the importance of a strong youth ministry and praised the work of the volunteers.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Attendees closed the meeting by singing the doxology.

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