St. Peter's By The Sea

February 2008 - Vestry Notes

• New vestry candidates for 2008 were identified by the nominating committee headed up by Becky Johnson. Other members were Dick Vincent, Dorothy Latham, and Andrea Wilson. The candidates were presented and elected at the February Annual Meeting. This committee utilized an additional tool of nomination cards in the pews to further open the availability of candidates. Get to know your Vestry members and never hesitate to ask them on any question concerning the operation of St. Peter’s. The new Vestry members are Barbara Bergen and Rob Kerr for 3-year terms, Anne Todd for 2 years and Ruth Toolan and Randy Wilson for one year. Continuing members are Leo Carroll, Sr. Warden; Beth DiPanni, Jr. Warden; Ann Rheault, Treasurer; Gerry Reynolds, Clerk and Patti Risica, member at large. Rev. Richard Shippee provides our spiritual direction.
• Thinking about candidates and the fact that the Self Study committee (special thanks to Beth DiPanni and her committee members) has essentially finished the task of writing a well documented profile, it is now critical to identify parishioners willing to serve and allow a significant time commitment to interrupt their life style and identify a new Rector through the calling process. Everyone in the Parish should seriously consider this mission as it is crucial for St. Peter’s future.
• The Vestry would also like everyone to review and take a close look at the 2008 annual budget as was presented by Ann Rheault, treasurer. It is anticipated that a tough economic year is in store for both our parishioners and St. Peter’s. The Vestry has looked at ways to reduce landscape costs as well as reducing some of our brass band services. We also have been very fortunate to have several parishioners step up and offer to cover some or all of our utility expenses. Another expense that we are sure to incur but is hard to specify is the travel and interview expenses associated with the calling of the new Rector.
• After experiencing many conflicting dates, the Vestry decided to reschedule our service with Congregation Beth David to the fall. We will now concentrate our efforts to obtain St. Peters’ full participation at their service in their synagogue on May 23.
• A special trip to the newly decorated conference room (old Rector’s office) is well worth taking. Jeanne Carroll was responsible for coordinating this task. She utilized the services of McKay’s Furniture and their decorating representative. A job well done. Take a good look. Also a couple of parishioners were especially helpful in that they made major donations for this room and will be recognized later in an appropriate manner.
• A Diocesan approved Youth program is being proposed by Jill Fallon, one of our Sunday school teachers. This program is called J2A (Journey to Adult). Informational sessions will be scheduled. The Vestry is enthusiastic about implementing this program.
• A very large note of thanks to some parishioners who have fulfilled major Vestry responsibilities.
  a. Wheaton Vaughn has served on the Vestry for (4) years and as Stewardship Chair for (3) years. A very tough assignment that was performed very well.
  b. Fred Morrison served as Jr. Warden for (3) years and we can point to the completion of Ruffino hall as an example of his fine effort.
  c. Jeanne Carroll provided much support in Vestry matters, but many times she was also behind the scenes in kitchen, clean up and organizing our social events.
  d. Gerry Giacobbi stepped in and completed an unexpired term of office. His past experience as Sr. Warden proved invaluable for this Vestry
  e. Allison Toupin served (2) years and her input and was always appreciated.

Posted on: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 1:13 pm
Category: Vestry Meeting Minutes