St. Matthew’s Church

Vestry Meeting Minutes

December 1, 2004

 

Present:  Rev. Elizabeth Miller, Roger Stiles, Bonnie Fuller, David Shepherd, Greg Wehrwein, Kay O’Brien, Jon Nelson, Tim Sivret, Gloria Anderson, and Adam Fisher

 

Meeting opened at 7:05 P.M. with a prayer led by Rev. Miller.

 

Rev. Miller began the meeting with a check-in with members to discuss thoughts on how the new service schedule is working out.  She shared her thoughts on her plans following the completion of our search process.  It is likely that she will remain on with St. Mark’s for a period of time as they begin their search.  St. Mark’s has not begun the discernment process and will not be ready to do so for a time.

 

Elizabeth has found a place in Hallowell where she can stay overnight during the winter months and at times when her schedule is especially busy.

 

Vestry reviewed the new letter of agreement regarding Rev. Miller’s compensation package.  Now that St. Mark’s is also employing Rev. Miller’s services, there may be some minor cost savings.  Under the new arrangement, we are still keeping her half time and paying the following costs:

  • one-half of insurance;
  • one-half of social security;
  • one-half of housing benefits;
  • one-half of pension benefits;
  • travel costs; and
  • continuing education benefit (classes)

 

Savings would be incurred in the area of insurance, where we currently pay two-thirds of the benefit, and in travel.  Now that she is residing in the area and her travel serves both parishes, our travel costs will be reduced. 

 

The vestry agreed to follow-up and review the letter of agreement in six months (June) in the event that we have not called someone new at that point to become our rector.

 

Rev. Miller wanted to discuss the source/amount of the discretionary fund and wanted to follow-up on the issue at another time. 

 

At the regular November meeting, the group discussed bylaws.  Given time restraints at this evening’s meeting, Rev. Miller suggested that the bylaws be completed at the next vestry meeting.

Rev. Miller discussed what was ahead for St. Matthew’s during the next phase of the search process leading into the selection of a candidate.

 

Vestry minutes read and approved with minor changes.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer’s report was read and approved.  Expenses are coming in slightly under the amount budgeted and revenues are close to what they should be for this time of year.  Investment income is off because of weakness in the financial markets.  All pledge cards are in right now to the credit of a few persistent members who tracked folks down.

 

Junior Warden Report

Junior Warden’s report was presented and accepted.  Choate will be doing the plowing again this year at a cost of $40.00 per storm.  Members will be responsible again this year for doing the light shoveling around the front walk and back stoop.

 

Church received nearly $2,600 in insurance money for the water damage to the rectory from last winter.  It wasn’t the full amount that we expected, but there was trouble getting the correct information from the plumber.

 

Water pipe to sacristy needs to be replumbed because it is tied into the bathrooms.  It was also noted that the toilets flush exceptionally slow.

 

Other items on the dance card in the upcoming month are repairs to the dishwasher and floor tiles.

 

Rector’s Report

This month was filled with many meetings but fewer pastoral visits.  Confirmation classes are under way.  She took part in the clergy fall retreat, met with search committee twice last month, and had a couple of breakfast meetings with members.

 

ECW

The group is getting ready for the cookie walk and they are hoping for plenty of cookie donations to fill the many tins that are already prepared.  Gloria indicated that a card ministry is planned this month.  Five baskets are being prepared for families.  Fuller’s market will be putting them together.  We have two families this year and the others will be given to Hallowell City Hall.

 

Next Work Module

Continuation of the work of the nominating committee.

 

Meeting adjourned with prayer by Rev. Miller at 8:55 P.M. Next meeting 1/11/05.

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